THERE was widespread anxiety about the fate of the Amnesty programme for former militants of the Niger Delta when Muhammadu Buhari emerged as the President of Nigeria. Given the dynamics of the election, and the fact that the programme was established by the former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) federal government under late President Umar Musa Yar’ Adua and sustained by the regime of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, people were not sure what Buhari would do with it.

EMBATTLED Governor Kassim Shettima of Borno State told newsmen that the appointment of two top defence functionaries from the state is a sign that the war against the Boko Haram terrorists will soon enter the end-game stage. The new National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Major General Babagana Monguno, and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai, are from the State.

MANY Nigerians once again demonstrated their usual disdain for deadline in respect of the ongoing Bank Verification Number,(BVN), registration. During its launch on February 14, 2014 by the then Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the apex bank had fixed July 2014 as the commencement date for the BVN registration and December 31, 2014 as the deadline for all bank customers to have their BVNs.

ON Wednesday, 15th July 2015, Nigeria hopefully took a major step towards the repair of its tattered football when Mr. Sunday Oliseh was unveiled as the new Chief Coach of the Super Eagles following the sack of former coach, Mr. Stephen Keshi.

THE Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) is an independent union voluntarily formed by the leaders of the nation’s two recognised religious faiths – Christianity and Islam. It is composed of 50 members, made up of 25 Christian and 25 Muslim leaders and co-chaired by the Sultan of Sokoto, the leader of the Muslims in Nigeria and his counterpart, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

FOR years, it was more of a rumour. But now, it is no longer a secret. No one can keep that kind of secret for long in these days of highly inquisitive and vibrant social media. It is official: iconic reggae star, Majekodunmi Fasheke, better known as “Majek Fashek the Rainmaker”, is a drug wreck.

THIS was the first time that the posting of prisoners from one part of the country to another by the Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) was causing such a fluster among a cross-section of Nigerians.

THE United States Supreme Court crossed the Rubicon when it ruled recently that same-sex couples are legally permitted to marry. It was a judgement that sent homosexuals, lesbians, and transgender people in America and elsewhere cheering, while leaving opponents of such queer marital unions in shock.

THE rains are back with heavy flooding also staging a come-back. Nigeria over the years has battled flooding disasters across the states. Recently, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA ) identified states and local government areas prone to flooding in Nigeria, cautioning against environmental habits that compound the disaster. These include Niger, Kogi, Benue, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa states.

THE Presidency has emphasised its resolve to embrace dialogue with Boko Haram Islamist terrorist fighters if they agree to negotiate. However, according to presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari will bargain with the jihadists “from the position of strength”.