SECONDLY, the promise of a free and fair election must be strongly backed by concrete and clearly-independent actions. The exercise of presidential powers, when influenced significantly by political godfathers, casts a dark shadow on promises, and can only heighten the degree of distrust by the electorate in particular, and by all Nigerians in general, of the Federal Government.

Orji and other South-East governors should be encouraged to step up the war against kidnapping and armed robbery, even as suggestions are made on further strategies that could be introduced. Heaping blames on the governors, especially as they were recently directed at Orji, is nothing short of misplaced aggression also suggesting that his accusers are myopic and a deliberate disregard to the governor’s numerous efforts at addressing and combating kidnapping in Abia State.

I was in the audience when the governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, delivered the 45th anniversary lecture of the Faculty of Arts, University of Lagos on June 29. It was on 2011 and how to deliver credible elections.

He built a prodigious reputation at home and abroad as an original scholar. In other words, he is an orator of a kind; he speaks with erudition and compassion to younger generations in important contributions. His character, attributes and scholarly contributions earned him the respect and honour of whoever he comes in contact with all over the world. Soyinka has greatness thrust upon him and has achieved greatness. He is eruobodo (in Yoruba meaning brave).

Although Christianity has the monopoly of the prince of peace, it does not possess the monopoly of peace. Soon the whole world would be celebrating in one form or the other; Christmas, Holidays, Hanukkah, Sallah, Kwanza, Winter, Solstice, etc, a season of goodwill, love and peace.

The smile on the face of President Goodluck Jonathan as he alighted from the presidential jet at the Ibom International Airport said it all: Democracy is working in Akwa Ibom.

We cannot solve our problems with short-gun approaches. If there had been vision in leadership
Nigeria would have been at peace with herself today because she is one of the richest nations in the world. It is gratifying that the condemnation of the present system is coming from as high as the Deputy Senate President.

As the political activist and revolutionary Spartan, Balarabe Musa, cogently argued, to easily brush aside zoning as the proponents of Jonathan for President are doing is an act of political charlatanism; it betrays a tendency to dishonor commitments. Without honor in politics, the nation-state ends up as a den of robbers.

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka could not have been more correct when he referred to Nigeria as being only “a nation space” – an entity yet to be transformed into true nationhood.

GOVERNOR Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole of Edo State has always given the impression that he is an electoral reformer. He pontificates and sermonises about credible elections as if he represents the quintessence of a drum major for such reform. Not long ago, he hosted the first “One-man-One Vote” rally in Benin City, which was, understandably boycotted by his political allies in the Action Congress (AC).

DR. OKWESELIEZE Nwodo, the new Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in an attempt to stymie the raging controversy on zoning, was quoted in almost all the national newspapers of July 8, 2010 as saying: “There is no zoning on the ground now, absolutely, there is no zoning”.

MANY years ago, in one of his albums, the late Reggae exponent, Peter Tosh asked this question: “Everybody is talking about crime, tell me, who are the criminals?” This becomes more relevant in our life as a country today.

MANY years ago, in one of his albums, the late Reggae exponent, Peter Tosh asked this question: “Everybody is talking about crime, tell me, who are the criminals?” This becomes more relevant in our life as a country today.

THE United States of America has the highest crime rate in the world. Its brand name is ‘‘God’s own State or In God We Trust.’’ Ah, US should have branded itself as Home of Crime and Criminality! Yes corruption is one of the obstacles to our development as a nation.

SINCE the Honourable Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili launched the National Re-branding Campaign at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja on February 9, 2009, so much has been written on the image initiative.