…the people of the state have now been able to appreciate and experience good leadership, good governance, transparency, accountability.

Even without reforming the electoral laws we have, the present laws can enable you to conduct elections that will be more than 70 percent acceptable

AS the 2011 election year draws near, political forces are beginning to realign positions and strategies in a bid of not only clinching their dream political positions, but also to continue to asserting their relevance before the voting electorate, and in all the political configurations.

DR. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, one time governor of Anambra State in this interviewwith Vanguard, bared his mind on burning national issues like the on-going constitution amendment exercise. He also threw more light on how the last gubernatorial election was peacefully conducted in Anambra State .

Chief Dan Osi Orbih is the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State. In this interview, he speaks on Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s attacks on Chief Tony Anenih and the happenings in Edo PDP.

It is no longer news that Nigeria with several battalions of its troops spread across the world especially in troubled spots like Darfur, Liberia, Sierra Leone, is the fourth largest troop contributing nation in the world.

The web of intrigues being woven around President Umaru Yar’Adua’s state of health are becoming rather complex. From his departure from the country November 23 last year, his actual whereabouts, his controversial broadcast to BBC, his odd return to the country February 24, to how he is faring, the actual picture remains hazy.

The widely reported visits by religious clerics to ailing President Umar Yar’Adua has generated a fresh round of controversy over the status of his health. The Islamic clerics who went first confirmed that they met the President and told the nation that even though he could not talk, he prayed with them. They assured the nation that Yar’Adua would soon resume duty.

WILL Dr. Goodluck Jonathan run the presidential election in 2011? Or put differently, should Goodluck Jonathan just quit in 2011? These issues of ethical and political realism confront the Peoples Democratic Party and the Acting President in a political environment where dynamics of political interaction is devoid of ideological imperatives and ethical compulsions.

It was the day set aside for the inauguration of the new ministers by the Acting President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The event attracted so many relatives, friends, supporters and other well-wishers who started thronging the State House as early as 9:00 am, for a occasion that was scheduled for 12: noon.

CHIEF Theodore Orji is the governor of Abia State. In this interview, he spoke on issues affecting the state, his battle with the opposition and 2011. Excerpts:

Executive Governor of Imo State Chief Ikedi Ohakim must be commended for his wise appointment of Barrister Enyinna Onuegbu as Sole Administrator of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area and Prince Collins Enwere as Coordinator for Ngor-Okpala South Local Government Development Area.

There is no doubt the sudden demise of the late Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, a renowned vocal northern political icon, and a former disciple of late Mallam Aminu Kano has created yet another irreplaceable vacuum in Kano politics and the nation at large.

Prof. Pat Utomi remains one of the best cerebral minds to emerge from this part of the world and his contributions to public discourse are always illuminating as can be seen in this interview with the Vanguard newspaper on issues ranging from Niger Delta crisis to power struggle in the presidency and poverty in Nigeria. Excerpts:

Governor Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State turns 57 today. In this interview with Sunday Vanguard conducted at his Iyanmu country home, also known as Camp David, he gives an insight into his upbringing and life, first as a labour leader, and now as politician. He also gives his views on the planned electoral reforms, the genesis of his crisis with the former chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, and other national issues. Excerpts: