AFRICA Rising – That is the headline of last week’s cover of Time Magazine. It is for me an appropriate place to start my discussion on the theme “Governance, Security and Peace in Africa”; and if I might say so at the onset, it is a somewhat misleading if not patronizing headline.

THE crisis of underdevelopment of the Niger-Delta amidst a huge resource contribution came into razor-sharp focus, last week, in Warri, Delta State, where Professor of Comparative Politics and Public Policy, University of Benin, Professor Augustine Ikelegbe, declared that poverty, which is at the bottom of the grievances/ marginality of the youth/citizens of the region, has not been alleviated.

The North may be having a bad run; for now, that is. What goes around comes around. Whether its fortunes would migrate sooner than later to a better platform can only remain in the realm of conjecture. The prognosis to this may be stark for some and shrouded for others. One thing that is clear is that the North is having a bad run and its leaders, interestingly, know this; but there are still a few who are unwilling to admit.

As early as 7am last Sunday, the rough and dusty road of Kabba became very busy with vehicles from all walks of life particularly from Lokoja, the Kogi State capital plying the route through Okoro Gbede, Aiyetoro Gbede, among others.

The large presence of women in President Jonathan’s government cannot be attributed to moves to meeting the Beijing’s women declaration in China which sought 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive positions.

No doubt, some of the women ministers flaunt impeccable credentials and have distinguished themselves in their chosen career. They had brought their long years of professional competence to bear on governance, though, not without some brushes with their male counterparts and”authority that be.”

Women’s participation both in politics and governance, predates the Beijing’s Conference. In the developed nations, women President and Ministers have emerged. But in Africa, traditional and religious barriers still stand as bulwark in the realisation of the 35% affirmative action in both elective and appointive positions in Nigeria and by extension Africa. CHARLES ADINGUPU attempts a review of women ministers in President Jonathan’s cabinet.

HE had once posited: “Here in Northern Nigeria we have people of many different races, tribes and religions who are knitted together to common history, common interest and common ideas, the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us. I always remind people of our firmly rooted policy of religious tolerance.

THE remarkable thing about the late Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello, one can say at the outset is the fact that generations of Nigerians have been direct or indirect beneficiaries of his vision and mission in life.

A FEW constitutional amendments would also be useful. There should be provision for independent candidates. Some outstanding independent candidates will get elected and help to improve the calibre of members in the legislatures. Consideration should be given to increasing the membership of the State Assemblies to make it more difficult for state governors to direct and manipulate the State Assemblies.