VISA processing and issuance procedures have become a major source of capital flight as Nigeria loses N3.6 billion through a web of criminal conspiracy between officials of government, embassy staff and consular officers of some embassies on one hand; desperate intending travellers and agents, their agents and proxies, making the West African country the most lucrative consular operating centre in the world.

In continuation of the budget defence by ministries, parastatals and agencies of government, the Senate, again, on Tuesday, suspended plenary to enable the 56 standing committees concentrate and carry out a thorough scrutiny of budget estimates.

Call it a month of unusual events, one definitely would not be mistaken. Liken it to an interesting football match that is characterized with boot-kicking and back stabbing; one would not be out of place. Until a few days ago, the month of January 2012 passes for a month that parades an array of activities which again, shot the country onto local and foreign scenes.

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha like any ordinary man that has access to power would definitely have a time he will taste both the good and the sour aspect of what is attached to his political office.

BESIDES the fact that global economies are now private sector driven, the inefficiency in Nigeria’s power sector, occasioned by actions and inactions of the Federal Government and civil servants, necessitated for the ongoing reforms in the sector. But whether the reforms would bring about the needed efficiency in the generation and distribution of electricity depends on how well some contentious issues regarding the liquidation of Power Holding Company,PHCN, are resolved. CHARLES KUMOLU reports.