The convention in the past was for the INEC Chairman to come from a region other than that of the incumbent president. With Yakubu and a close relation of the President, Zakari, calling the shots within the Commission, the independence of INEC under the Buhari dispensation came into serious question.

The Nigerian Army’s brief siege to the premises of the Media Trust Newspapers in Abuja and Maiduguri on Sunday January 6, 2019, was another worrisome show of increased martial visibility in the nation’s normal daily lives in a democratic environment.

THE states of the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones are among the poorest in the Federation, with the lowest profiles in education and human development indices. The 2018 National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, indicates that eight out of the top ten poorest states are from there: Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Adamawa, Jigawa, Gombe and Bauchi States.

AFTER 93 years of a life marked by remarkable historical moments, President of Nigeria in the Second Republic, Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, died on Friday December 28, 2018. But, not even death can diminish his relevance as an esteemed member of the pantheon of Nigerian leaders who left indelible marks on the canvas of Nigeria’s evolving nationhood.

Newly-elected President Muhammadu Buhari, riding on the crest of promises to eradicate Boko Haram within months, launched a major offensive in May 2015. By December that year, the regime was already boasting of having “technically defeated” the terrorists, asserting that they no longer occupied “an inch” of Nigeria’s territory.

THE health of our 2019 economy looks fragile, like one convalescing from a protracted health challenge. Though we exited recession over a year ago, all macroeconomic performance indicators are still either in the negative or in sluggish recovery. But what are the key challenges as we brace up for 2019?

IN an unprecedented move, the Nigerian Army will put the nation on military lockdown between now and February 28, 2019 in a manoeuvre termed “Exercise Egwu Eke” or Operation Python Dance III.

THE gruesome murder of former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh by gunmen on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, was a sad reminder of the perilous times we live in, here in Nigeria.

THE much-awaited 2019 is here. May we congratulate all Nigerians who were privileged to cross over into this onerous Election Year.

There are dozens of other parties jostling for various posts, including the Presidency. Some of their candidates hold some promise. However, these parties are like toddlers who need time to grow, and time is not what the country has because a decision has to be   made early in the year to guarantee an orderly electoral process on which the country’s democracy rests