Given the fact that petitions in this country have often been used as a form of blackmail by disenchanted folks, many of such petitions that come to the public domain are often dismissed.

It was shocking that the Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen who was named as Minister of the Year by a construction industry journal showed up for the award. Basking in the euphoria of the award given him, Onlemenmen was all smiles as he showed off his trophy to dignitaries. As is the custom, the dignitaries at the award ceremony were largely friends of the minister, contractors and such who came to felicitate with him on what he and his associates would have considered a well deserved award.

The loneliness of a man out of political power was conveyed to your correspondent some three years or so years ago at the sight of His Excellency, Victor Attah, the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State carrying a plate to serve himself in one of the restaurants of the Hilton Hotel in Abuja . Without the hangers on that just two or so years ago looked up to him like a god, His Excellency, was his cool self, natural and jovial as he exchanged banters with a few who recognised him.

It would have been tempting for some Nigerians who tuned in to the live telecast of last Thursday’s session of the House of Representatives to be enraged by the poor attendance that day.

I cannot forget the memorable lesson on public policy and service I took away from a meeting with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole earlier this month.