IS it strange that the strongest defences Nigerians deploy against allegations of corruption is that past suspects, even offenders, were not punished? Impunity creates continuity in how we view suggestions that corruption should be punished.

THE inconclusive journey of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, began in 2000 when concerns about more transparent management of the oil and gas sector resulted in the bill. It has remained controversial since then.

THE tributes are endless. They all agree that a great man has gone at 95. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was extraordinary in his selflessness, generosity of spirit. The perspective, perception, and perspicacity he brought to all issues marked him out – they account for the endless panegyrics that have attended his transition.

ILLEGALITIES are gradually creeping into the conduct of the nation’s legislative affairs. It is worse that illegalities are becoming part of Nigeria’s legislative processes.

DECEMBER 10 has been World Human Rights Day since 1948. The pursuit of human rights was one of the tasks the United Nations gave itself when it was founded three years earlier, on a mission to save the world from wars and their brutalities.

KANO-BASED politician and commentator, Dr Junaidu Mohammed has declared that blood would flow if President Goodluck Jonathan runs for a second term. This is the latest in a series of incendiary comments from Mohammed, who should otherwise stand as one of our elder statesmen.

YET again, the vexed issue of a single term for presidents and vice presidents, as well as governors and deputies, has reared its ugly head. Also being proposed along with it is that the tenure of the current crop of elected officials should be allowed to run beyond 2015 after which the single tenure will start taking effect.

THE Edo widow controversy is a poignant illustration of the power of the media in a democracy. The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had gone out on a routine inspection and stumbled upon a woman who was selling her articles of trade on an unauthorised spot on the road, thus blocking the traffic.

WHEN the privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies was concluded recently, the Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, urged Nigerians to look forward to a new era of improved power supply.

Professor Attahiru Jega’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued to chalk up questionable competence in every election its has conducted in the country in its over three years of existence.