Viewpoint

Obi, Makinde and hurdles against opposition coalition

Obi, Makinde and hurdles against opposition coalition

By TUNDE RAHMAN  A fresh thaw in relations between National Democratic Congress presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Mr Seyi Makinde is fueling renewed talk of a possible opposition coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The two leaders, who were on opposite sides during the 2023 election cycle, were seen […]
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Hand over or took over power

Hand over or took over power

TIME passes so swiftly. On Friday January 15, it will be fifty years that the Military took over power or were handed over power—depending on one’s interpretation— in this country. During the encounter there were casualties on that day.

When IMF visits, tears follow

When IMF visits, tears follow

INTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director, Madam Christine Lagarde was on a four-day visit to Nigeria from January 4. She claimed it was a friendly visit: “I’m not in Nigeria to negotiate for IMF loans but to promote fiscal discipline and favourable monetary policies”

Jeremy Corbyn’s punch not as hard as ISIS’ youngest actor

Jeremy Corbyn’s punch not as hard as ISIS’ youngest actor

After Jeremy Corbyn, the United Kingdom Labour Party leader, was dealt a below the belt punch by his party faithfuls during the debate on whether UK should get involved in the air bombardment of terrorists’ targets in Syria or not, it seemed he was not ruffled. His appearance looked cool but to political observers it was obvious the punch had landed in an awkward place on his leadership. As a result everybody expected after effect of this “wrong turn” by loyalists.

Okotie: Now a red card for bounty hunters

Okotie: Now a red card for bounty hunters

Rev. Chris Okotie’s recent commentary on the ongoing war against corruption, and the role ‘statesmen’ should play in ensuring its success stirred the hornets’ nest: “It will be recalled that in his Independence Day speech, President Muhammadu Buhari came out clearly to reaffirm his honour and integrity in prosecuting the battle against Nigeria’s enemy No. 1, and his avowed commitment not to be selective or vindictive as being widely speculated.

Buhari must adjust economic policies to give Nigerians succour

Buhari must adjust economic policies to give Nigerians succour

I am aware that President Buhari’s gov­ ernment is making tough choices in exchange control re­ strictions, altering the absurd recurrent to capital expenditure ratio, reducing the deficit and reducing the overall size of governance.

Uncommon governance, uncommon critics: The story of Akwa Ibom

Uncommon governance, uncommon critics: The story of Akwa Ibom

Anyone who read last column of a former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Tonnie Iredia, in Sunday Vanguard, entitled: “Uncommon governance: The bane of Akwa Ibom State”, would be left with more questions than answers.

Punching the Appeal Court ruling on Taraba guber

Punching the Appeal Court ruling on Taraba guber

Since Thursday 31st December, when the Appeal Court seating in Abuja led by Justice Abdul Aboki delivered judgement on Taraba Gubernatorial Election petition, legal luminaries and political analysts have taken turns to x-ray the ruling and point out the absurdities and contradictions inherent in same.

Golden garlands  for Tambuwal at 50

Golden garlands for Tambuwal at 50

That particular day was January 10, Tambuwal’s birthday. I recall vividly asking him why he had to spend 10 hours on his birthday reading books about leadership and development. And his answer was succinct: “We were elected to lead. Every day, birthdays inclusive, we will lead. I subscribe to Albert Pike’s assertion that ‘what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.’”

An election odyssey

An election odyssey

I RAN into a group of youth corper members who were engaged in the last election exercise. What follows is their story unedited. This is not meant to undermine the legitimacy of Muhammed Buhari’s presidency. I believe that if the election had been free and fair he would have won. President Goodluck Jonathan was a tired man in 2014. In my estimation, Mr. Jonathan abdicated. After an abdication, the most worthy heir or person with the best claim, usually succeeded. So, Buhari obviously had a better claim and succeeded.

Open Letter to presidential Spokesperson Femi Adesina

Open Letter to presidential Spokesperson Femi Adesina

SINCE I am a victim of association to one of the most vilified and scandalised Nigerians through media trial, this Open Letter is the best opportunity for me to put some issues in proper perspective following some of your public remarks about your old friend.

Where is our 2016 Budget?

Where is our 2016 Budget?

How can a President present a country’s budget and take it back? I remember when a dear sister was so happy and optimistic that the 2016 budget was already out before the year started and said “even with ‘world class economist’ the budget usually come long after the year had started”.