Taxi Driver As President! By Mamman Nasarawa

I am old enough to remember the promises made by Nigerian politicians from the First Republic to date.  The promises and manner of presentation remained the same: “free education” which later changed to “qualitative education”; “free health-care”, which is now coming in a slightly more user- friendly mantra, “affordable health-care”; “tarred roads”, now repackage as “motorable roads”, etc.   

 

However, in some cases, the politicians don’t even bother coming up with a new slogan, even after failing to deliver the deliverables, like  “housing for all”; “full employment”; “subsidized loans”, among the Eldorado promised to Nigerian electorates... Details

 

Nation Building: NLC’s Most Daunting Task. By Abdullah Musa

So if Dr Goodluck is a Niger Deltan, not a Nigerian; and if Niger Deltans have no problem with subsidy removal; and if the oil is found in Niger Delta; and if David Cameron is considering the possibility of letting Scotland go out of United Kingdom; then who are we Nigerians, a colonial creation, to resist the excision of Niger Delta from Nigeria? Am I being utopian? I hope so. Details

 

Jonathan's Contaminated Fresh Air. By Sani Aliyu

Come to think about it, if this fuel product was hike during his growing years with all its ripple effect on all other essentials, one would but wonder if at all his parent could have ever afford to send him to school. An apparent messiah that turns out bizarre Details

 

Aso Rock Tenancy And The Madness Of Men. By Dr Olusegun Fakoya

Musa Yar’adua exposed one of the numerous follies of men. Out of insatiable lust for power at the expense of other things, a seriously sick man accepted a post that would ordinarily challenge the best of health. All in trying to protect established oligarchy and satisfy the whimsical fantasies of a narcissistic predecessor. Yar’adua thought he could enjoy the better of two worlds – take care of his health and at the same time enjoy the allures of power. He lost both and went the way of the cookies. President Umaru Musa Yar’adua crumbled in a bad way and with little honour benefitting someone who had ever occupied such a lofty position. Details

 

Prodding National Unity Along By Giving It Constitutional Backing. By Chidera Michaels

For a nation peopled by disparate and quasi-civilized tribes, a perfect mix for gratuitous distrusts and suspicions among the tribes, it is dumbfounding that the framers of Nigeria’s current constitution did not think it necessary to insert in the nation’s Constitution a unity-engendering clause, an equivalent of some kind to the “Privileges and Immunities Clause” in the United States of America’s Constitution. Details

 

Fuel Subsidy Has Been Removed Using Head Fake! By Ahmed Garba

One has to wonder, what is the legitimacy of a government that can flat out lie to its own people?  If this government can be deceitful about when a policy will go into effect, can it be trusted about anything else, including the stated plan for the so-called sovereign wealth fund?  This is the savings from subsidy removal that Ngozi has already earmarked to hand off to Goldman Sachs, after which we will find out from Wikileak that another $50 million has been kicked back to that brother of hers. Details

 

A Moment Of Truth To Power – Open Letter To President Goodluck Jonathan. By Dr Olusegun Fakoya

Mr President, in the midst of the social, economic and security upheavals Nigeria is going through, you seem to be totally disconnected. Despite the fact that the edifice called Nigeria appeared to be crumbling on all fronts, all you could still afford to gloat about is the manner of your victory at the Supreme Court. While Nigeria is burning, you and members of your household are holding court and baking cakes of dreams. While Nigerians are languishing in sorrow and sadness, you are prophesising on dreams of abundance and prosperity. Details

 

Now That Fuel Subsidy Is Gone. By Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi

Many people are now seeing the connection between December 31 2011, declaration of state of emergency in some of Nigeria’s most trouble spots, and this later day announcement of subsidy removal. As the state of emergency will help forestall any violent opposition that may come against the decision from these trouble locations. Nigerians, who are already paying the price of misrule and corrupt leadership, now have to bear with an inflationary 2012, that will wipe away all the salary increments that salary earners get in the year 2011 and 2010 Details

 

Making a Mockery of the State of Emergency Provision. By Nasiru Suwaid

In fact, to confirm the fear of anxious of Nigerians that the invocation of the state of emergency was a mere political gimmick, while Nigerian troops were patrolling the streets of Maiduguri, one Mr. Abu Qaha was giving a telephone press conference to Nigerian journalist, issuing and invoking a call on all the Nigerian Christians living in the north to move back to the south, while the Muslims living in the south should do the same vice versa. Details

 

President Jonathan, Fuel Subsidy  and 2015. By  Abubakar Alkali Sokoto

Nigerians work up on 1st January 2012 to receive a highly obnoxious new year present from their president. That present is the unilateral removal of the subsidy on fuel which brought with it, about 100% increase in the prices of goods and service. Based on his unilateral removal of the fuel subsidy, the president has lost the legitimacy and all moral grounds to contest the 2015 presidency under any party. Details

 

Peace in Nigeria: The Road not Taken. By  Ma’aruf Tijjani

The road to Nigeria’s peace is still afar because of the actions and inactions of the present generation of our leadership who consciously or unconsciously fail in realizing that nations generally perceive that human societies are bound together by common destinies and interests only if they are able to retain their dignity and sovereignty at an aggregated level of justice and fair play to both sides of religious beliefs, the absence of which could be seen in terms of great cost expressed in human and material losses. Details

 

Africans Selling Out Africans In Africa Again. By Farouk Martins Aresa

One would think since Nigeria has a highly home-educated President, his advisers would be biased towards indigenous solutions to our economic problems. No, he showed his complex by relying on a former Finance Minister that paid off odious loans and penalties from a poor African Country to the richest nations on earth. Mind you, American and British best brains do not work for these international bodies, unless they have been used, spent and retired. Indeed, some of their best brains were beaten in class by African students in their own countries. Details

 

Boko Haram, Security Budget and Security Contractors. By Obinna Akukwe

It has become a scramble for national cake in the name of security. A whopping $6 billion dollars was budgeted for a people numbering below five hundred thousand while the rest of 149.5 million Nigerians are left with the rest $24 billion dollars in the 2012 budget. As ridiculous as it seems, this is the greatest distraction to the war against Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria (i.e. excluding the more preferable social option). Details

 

An Opportunity For Citizens’ Unity. By Abdullah Musa

War has been declared by IMF and World Bank against Nigerian citizens and other hapless victims elsewhere. Many professionals have made analyses and found that IMF programs never improved peoples’ lives. Why then, you may be tempted to ask, do they require governments to implement them?

The government of Dr Goodluck has Ngozi  Iweala posted to it, in order to ‘coordinate’ its activities. Madam Ngozi is a valued asset to these two institutions. We are inclined to believe that Madam Ngozi, being a Nigerian citizen, would not do anything to hurt her country. We are naïve if we think so; because how many Nigerians had held positions of public trust which they abused? Details

 

Nigeria: How Can One Be Of Help? By Abdullah Musa

Much more than any tragedy, not even the life- sapping subsidy removal, the current insecurity pervading Northern Nigeria is one challenge that calls for the contribution of all Nigerians who desire that the nation continues as we inherited it from those who led our independence struggle. There was this saying that: the efforts of our heroes should not be in vain. Details

 

Time to Pay for a Breath of Fresh Air. By Maikudi Abubakar Zukogi

We all know how much we pay individually when we go to a Babalawo, a Marabout, or a Prayer Warrior in search of a dint of good luck. Why then won’t we pay twice as much or even more now that we have good luck in his magnificent presence in our ungrateful midst? Not that Good luck came alone unaccompanied and unassisted; the possibility of him coming alone into the vast consuming and seemingly unconquerable theatre of mainstream Nigerian politics is well-nigh impossible. Details

 

 

Boko Haram Republic; Why Not? By Obinna akukwe

If the Core North wants Sharia , let them have Sharia. If they want only Islamic education , let them have it. If they prefer mud houses to marble house, whats  your business. If they prefer carmels to vehicles , whats wrong with it. If they want to marry four wives and you are contented with one , let them be. This process of stifling peoples desires is enough in Nigeria...If federal Republic of Nigeria after a period of years continues to wallow in poverty, corruption, maladministration, insecurity and social injustice and Boko Haram Republic  were able to create a state of respect for rule of law, transparency, justice, prosperity and peace  I wouldn't mind applying for resident visa to live in Boko Haram republic... Details

 

A Nation At War With Itself : The Dawn Of The Nigerian Second Civil War. By Dr. Olusegun Fakoya

The signs are ominous and the message frightening. Nigeria is at war. The much dreaded Nigerian second civil war has commenced. A nation at war is a nation in turmoil; it is one reeling from one catastrophe to another. A nation at war is a nation that knows no peace, one in confusion. Such is the sad tale of present day Nigeria. Details

 

“We Are Living In The Midst Of Our Enemies”. By Abdullah Musa

Those in power in Nigeria may know where the Boko Haram saga is leading Nigeria to, and may be, are apparently happy with the direction. But many Nigerians may not know, and may not desire that end. In that case they should ponder and ask: who is benefitting from the carnage unleashed by the sect, and the damage to the name of Muslims and Islam? Certainly not the Muslims! Then who stands to benefit? The ruling class of America, that seeks to demonize both Islam and Muslims, is my guess. Details

 

Nigeria: A Government Of Inertia. By Omoba Oladele Osinuga Esq.

What next? Stop Christians from going to churches and Muslims from going to Mosques. The curfew which was absurd in the first place has not made Abuja safe and secure. The ineffectiveness of the measures is apparent because it has not stopped the barbaric bombing campaign of terror waged by the extremist brutes in the sect called Boko Haram. Details

 

2012 Budget: Fiscal Prudence, Subsidy Removal And Other Issues. By Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi

Despite the huge amount budgeted to tackle insecurity in the country, the major challenge to smooth implementation of 2012 budget will remain security, not only by the recent increase in threat from militant groups, but also from rising crimes, robbery, and ethno-religious crisis. Details

 

Ojukwu Was Right: Boko Haram. By Obinna Akukwe

Let government not rely solely on military approach to stop the Boko Haram insurgency. Let there be a proactive social interaction and argument with the core north and Muslims whom the group claims to be fighting for to determine empirically whether their demands represents the wishes of the Muslim north and if statistically proven then urgent steps should be taken to find a non-bloody solution to their demands. Details

 

Governors And Oil Subsidy Removal. By  Godwin Onyeacholem

If Nigerians ever want to know the true meaning of treachery, if for a second they have been unable to put a face to the duplicity, dishonesty and insincerity that currently defines public governance, then they would do well to look in the direction of the unconscionable support of the 36 state governors for the Jonathan administration’s ill-conceived removal of fuel subsidy. Details

 

Reflections On The Jonathan Presidency. By Abubakar Alkali Sokoto

The events of the last few months in Nigeria have confirmed the fears of most of us even before the April 2011 presidential elections that voting in Dr Goodluck Jonathan as president could turn out to be an exercise in futility as the best he could do was to maintain the existing statusquo of bad leadership OR even make it worse. The latter seem to be the case so far. Details

 

Expanding Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria. By Dr. Mohammed Dogo-Mohammad

The programme collapsed with the stoppage of the huge subsidy being granted by the Scheme. NHIS then embarked on full analysis of the factors that would facilitate sustainable Community Health Insurance in the country. This involved study tours to countries that have “gotten it right” and extensive desk research.  Series of consultations were also held with various interest groups and community leaders on factors that could facilitate its implementation in the country. Details

 

Removal Of Fuel Subsidy: Weighing Down Nigeria’s Democracy. By Jummai Musa

I don’t think the average Nigerian will agree with the removal of fuel subsidy, especially going by past records of our leaders misappropriating funds meant for the development of the nation. In an ideal democracy, the decision of the National Assembly is usually respected since it represents all Nigerians. With respect to our democracy, however, the National Assembly members are literally bought to endorse the subsidy withdrawal. Details

 

Hear The Poor & Voiceless Caught In Lekki Shakedown. By Farouk Martins Aresa

You have heard the voices of the educated demonstrating, the purchasing power of the rich that cannot be bordered but not the powerless voices of those poorer than the minimum wage earners whose take home pay cannot pay the toll. We were living here before Maroko became Lekki and some of us were brought here by Jakande as home owners for the first time in our life. Who do we call or beg for relief since we are lumped and stuck at home without toll tax. Details

 

Explaining the Civil War of 1967-70. By Anthony Akinola

The Civil War of 1967-70 can hardly be discussed in isolation. Understanding it entails an excursion into the history of our great nation. Its remote causes can therefore be summarised as emanating from the very nature of our colonial-imposed federalism as well as the colonial masters’ legacy of divide and rule. Suffice it to say that the creation of Nigeria was designed, first and foremost, to serve the interests of the colonial masters. Details

 

Oil subsidy removal: The President, His Tiny Faction and the Majority of Us. By Yaro Dangari

It appears also that the President and his supporters have not considered the lamentations of the majority of Nigerians about the crazy yearly increase of house rents across the country. They have not felt the pains we go through in the hands of overzealous transport owners as we try to travel daily to work, markets and schools. They have failed to comprehend that we are already tired of this long fruitless journeys of promises and failures. Details

 

Issues In Lekki Expressway Tolling. By Suraj Oyewale

At last the tolling commenced on Sunday, December 18, 2011 and I was unfortunate to be among the first set of Ajah-VI road users that needed to ply the route this first day. Much has been reported in the media about the excruciating pains the users of this road went through that Sunday but it takes first-hand experience to understand the plight better. Coming from Ajah and going to visit a brother on the Island, I legitimately tried to avoid toll (yes, why should I pay N120 after paying tax to Lagos state government?), by making a detour to the so-called alternative route  left of New Lekki Phase 2 roundabout, but it turned out to be from tolling frying pan to alternative route inferno! Details

 

Fashola True Face: Pricing Nigerians Out Of Market. By Farouk Martins Aresa

On the minimum wage of 18K, there is nothing left by the time we pay tolls at Lekki or fees at Lagos State University. Ouch, gas deregulation nko! Some of us just cannot understand why these have to be during the reign of a bona fide Lagosian. There are some fears in Lagos circles that a plague has been place on Fashola intentionally to undo and eclipse his goodwill or whatever he has done in Lagos. You can bet your last 100 naira that his backers today will come out in future disowning him, saying we warned him. Details

 

ACF and The Search For Peace And Unity. By  Dr. Sule Bello

The ACF need to further call on all Nigerians, members of the National Assembly as well as various independent organizations, to insist on proper democratization of the polity based on respect for the constitution, at all levels, by all and sundry. In particular it should call on the Federal Government to fully enforce, and work towards the political realization of, the provisions of the Constitution on the question of citizenship rights in the country. Details

 

MEND, MOSSOB, BOKO HARAM,  et. al.: Why Current Peace Efforts Will Fail. By Mustapha Mamudu

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) apparently responding to the blackmail that the Northern elite has remained silent in the face of the 'unstoppable ' Boko Haram attacks, held a peace conference last week. As expected, it was the very set of people that created our collective insecurity that came to speak. The real victims, the ordinary northerner and others that live in the north did not get to speak! And there lies the reason why no solutions would be found. Details

 

 

Wait For Papa And Grandma To Rescue Your Future. By Farouk Martins Aresa

Wait O! You hear. There was this rally in Nigeria to protest and some youths were disappointed that Wole Soyinka did not show up. Very soon, they will be waiting for Gani Fawehinmi and Tai Solari from the grave. These grandfathers and mothers were fighting since they were your age. Countless lost out on university education and are not remembered today, not to mention those that lost their lives in protests. Details

 

 

Open Memo To President Jonathan On Sokoto PDP Primary. By Max Gbanite

Sir, since you became the President, the ‘breadth-of-fresh Air’ has become quite ‘ordourciferous’. The Air is filled with particles of anti-democratic-syndrome, and the toxic-air is blowing on your own home state of Bayelsa; and the wind is gradually sending it towards the good and peaceful people of Sokoto State; separatist-ideological-movement backed with Terrorism; fuel subsidy removal; and other varying types of toxic air is what we, your subjects, have been breathing since you became our president; and since I am not one of your paid special advisers, allow me my citizen’s right to speak frankly to you through the print media. Details

 

ASUU Strike And Its Detrimental Effect On Our National Economy. By Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi

I vividly recall the devastating ASUU strikes of Obasanjo era the longest of which lasted for almost nine month, but despite the autocratic nature of Obasanjo he was brought to submission by those strikes especially toward 2003 election period. The education sector and from there the whole of the economy suffered because of Obasanjo insensitivity and ASUU greed. Details

 

Who Will Listen to ASUU? By Maikudi Abubakar Zukogi

If this is a question needing answer, I will venture to say nobody, at least from amongst the critical stakeholders of university education in Nigeria will. And if I can go further, I will say that if there is anybody among these stakeholders who will want the universities, and I mean public universities to be killed and buried for good, that body is the government, our own very government which promises to breathe fresh air into our distraught lives. Details

 

The Economics 101 of the Fuel Subsidy Debate in Nigeria. By Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye

The economic approach to discussing the fuel subsidy issue requires  a clear understanding of the concept of subsidy, an examination of the benefits and costs of  fuel subsidy, an evaluation of different options for addressing the issue, adopting the “economic way of thinking”, and choosing  an “optimal” option based on the maximization of an appropriate social welfare. Details

 

The Fallacy Of Oil Subsidy And Its Removal. By Madaki O. Ameh

But why do Nigerian leaders always research into ways of making life difficult for the citizens?  What is the benefit that Nigerians derive from being citizens of this country, and why do they have to go through all this pain from the government all the time, when they get nothing tangible in return? What does the government benefit from stirring up trouble when none should ordinarily exist? Details

 

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU): So Unique, So Great. By  A. I. Abdullahi

I was opportuned to see the 2011/2012 admission list of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; a first generation University like ABU. I downloaded the three page list for prospective Pharmacy students. The first and last names on the pages are Abel Samuel Oliver (16081360DE) and Michael Godsmight Ifechukwude (15845401AF), Mkpuluma Onyebuchi Martin (16192634IG) and Ozota Remigius Chijioke (16197958CC), and Raphael Jennifer Nwagu (15844095ED) and Williamson Ekemini Sunday (15337208DF) respectively. If you see an Abdul, a Muhammad or a Fatima please do not hesitate to draw my attention to it. Details

 

Homosexuality And The Registration Of The Nigerian Humanist Movement. By Okachikwu Dibia

I have a right to reject and argue against the evil called homosexuality in Nigeria. All nations of the earth must not be homosexuals to be able to think reasonably, scientifically and decently towards progressive social, economic and political development of humanity. Details

 

 

Boko Haram And America’s Offer Of “Military Cooperation” With Nigeria. By Tondu Aonduna

At the best of times, media reports attesting to the presence of foreign military units in a national jurisdiction ought to raise great concern and even dismay. The alleged recommendation of “military assistance” ( to the Jonathan regime ) about a week ago by  a committee of America’s House of Representatives , allegedly to help it fight the Boko Haram terrorist threat, should be scrutinized openly and not shrouded in secrecy. The reasons will soon be obvious here....This highly sensitive and troubling matter of alien hired  fighters  on our soil, whether through executive fiat or congressional legislative effort on the part of the Americans,  does once more raise serious questions about Jonathan’s sense of judgement and suitability for the position  he currently occupies. With their history of arrogance and disdain toward the mores as well as rights of local populations where they have operated, be it in Iraq or Afghanistan, for instance, America’s “ special forces” have left a grim trail of wanton barbarity and atrocities - gruesomely mutilated bodies,  the systematic destruction of homes , torture, harassment, degrading and inquisitory interrogations, etc . – which are cavalierly passed off by successive American regimes and their complacent friends in the media as “collateral damage”. Details

 

Securing The South East. By Max Gbanite

However the behavior of government at levels Federal, State and local have shown that they are yet to comprehend the full meaning of that part of the constitution. The spate of wanton killings all over the country by restless youth, religious bigots, tribal – phobic’s, and even uniformed (police) agents of the government, is worrisome. The issue of militancy, terrorism, and kidnapping is fast spreading across the nation and the state of readiness of the appropriate agency ( i.e the police) is neither here nor there; resulting in the deployment of military to our streets to perform internal security duties, a task they the military are not indoctrinated to do. Details

 

Almajiri Headaches: Emirs Declare War. By Haruna Manu Isah

The unemployment rate in the country has doubled from 12.5% in 2007 to 23.9% in 2011 with the highest being Yobe with 60.6%,, zamfara, 42.6% and Niger 39.4% and about 40% of those affected are 14 years and above. Equally, poverty is skyrocketing on a daily bases.  What has the NTRC done or plans to do about this twin evil of unemployment and poverty upon which almajiranci thrive? Details

 

When the Tail Wags the Dog. By Mahfuz Mundadu

More than a decade in to a civilian regime that ought to be a democracy with its promises of endless list of good fortune, Nigerian citizens are still living from hand to mouth. Many more are living from hand to nowhere as the hand does not have any morsel to take to the mouth. This is happening in spite of the fact that from 1999 to date the Nigerian government received more than 34 trillion naira as revenue mostly from the sales of crude oil. Details

 

Nigeria: This Political Arrangement Is Defective. By Abdullah Musa

If a question can be asked: what is being fought for in Plateau state? Is it still the Jos North local government election? Is it reprisal killing that will know no end? Is it a religious agenda that says that there can only be adherents of only one particular faith in Plateau state? One would have thought that Dr. Jonathan Goodluck would be interested in finding answers to these questions. But from the perception of the uninformed like me, Dr. Jonathan is more interested in settling his score with Sylva in Bayelsa state, than in the political stability of Nigeria Details

 

Electricity: A Pre Condition For Take-Off. By Abubakar Mohammed Sambo

I have discovered of recent that the growth and advancement of human beings achieved can not have been possible, and to maintain and sustain such achievements could not have been possible without electricity. I cannot read and write without electricity, I don’t learn faster, I don’t think faster and I don’t do my work faster without electricity. Details

 

Nigeria’s Journalists Not Yet Uhuru. By Adamu S. Ladan

Although it is a widely held belief that Nigeria’s press enjoys considerable freedom than many other African countries, the press in this country hitherto lacks the most potent tool to carry out their work; which is the freedom to have access to information without hindrance. Hence, the practitioners began the tortuous journey to fight for the freedom of information. This journey which lasted between 1999 and 2011 finally bears fruits when on 28th of May this year     President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Details

 

Celebrating Emeka Ojukwu’s Life and Moment with the Historic Ahiara Biafran Declaration Speech of 1969. By Patrick Iroegbu We have indeed come a long way. We were once Nigerians, today we are Biafrans. We are Biafrans because on May 30, 1967, we finally said 'no' to the evils and injustices in which Nigeria was steeped. Nigeria was made up of peoples and groups with very little in common. As everyone knows, Biafrans were in the forefront among those who tried to make Nigeria a nation. Details

 

Where Are Our Consciences? By Babayola M. Toungo

Today the average northern youth, particularly in Hausa land, starts taking care of his needs at the age of five.  This is the age at which these luckless kids are sent out to the streets to satisfy their culinary needs by whatever means.  They grow up in the streets from such a tender age to the age of maturity with neither scholarship nor trade learnt since they spend all their waking moments on the streets. Details

 

Time to Reclaim Nigeria 3: What is to be Done?  By Chido Onumah

it was reported that the CBN which Mr. Sanusi supervises spent almost N20 billion ($133 million) of taxpayers’ money for a piece of land (originally belonging to the federal government) in Abuja to build “a world class international conference centre”. The CBN, and its governor, have yet to offer any plausible reason for such wanton waste of public fund. And chances are that nothing will come out of a public enquiry, if at all any is held. Details

 

Whither Nigeria’s Educational System. By Muhammad Ajah

Hear a Nigeria’s education minister describe the educational system of the country, “These statistics are appalling. They reflect the failure of our development policies to address the educational needs of the people. It is sad that many years after the launching of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) scheme and various other educational programmes, Nigeria still has such a large army of children who are not in school. This is catastrophic in today’s knowledge world. There is, today, a minimum literacy benchmark for any country that wants to be counted among the developed nations. Nigeria has fallen far short of this standard.” Details

 

Democracy And The Fury Of The unlettered. By Abdullah Musa

Many commentators remind us, rather sadistically, that democracy is a game of numbers. Numbers in absolute terms, no qualification! The only requirement that I know for Nigerian democracy is that one should attain the age of eighteen to be able to vote. Others below eighteen are free to canvass for votes; to paste posters; to deface that of the opponents; and even to cause mayhem if so inclined, since apparently, the law is silent. Details

 

Northern Benevolent And The Future Of Nigerian State. By Bukhari Muhammed Bello Jega

There is no doubt; the north over the years has been on the receiving end of criticism, insults and intolerance, over her perceived dominance of political affairs in the country. Unfortunately, most of the criticisms were either out of envy or mere ignorance about the northern part of the country. Details

 

Leadership Recruitment For Nigeria. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

We cannot have good leadership in the political, business, religious, or social domains without people who dream the society, organization, morality, or ethics they think possible. Dreams make nations, but the lack of vision breeds waste and frustration. Does it mean Nigeria lacks dreamers? I think that Nigeria has many dreamers; we can see a glimpse of this from the many sound, practical, and visionary articles that are published daily in our newspapers. But I see three problems that frustrate the realization of those dreams for the nation. Details

 

Utomi’s Passionate Somersaults. By Suraj Oyewale

I have watched with keen interest Professor’s Utomi’s commentaries on Nigeria’s economy as well as his two shots at presidency in 2007 and 2011 and I wonder why Nigerians are not asking the Prof questions on his oft-flaunted messianic posture. Professor Utomi is a critic, to whom every policy - probably except his - is bad and will kill the economy.  Details

 

The National Award: An Elitist Shenanigan. By Tochukwu Ezukanma

Ordinarily, national honors are bestowed on the select few that excelled in their commitment to duty, devotion to the public good, sacrifice for national glory, selfless services to humanity etc. But in Nigeria, where standards and merit have been jettisoned from every human enterprise, what informs the conferment of the national awards? Details

 

In Praise Of Dictatorship: President Jonathan And The Rehabilitation Of Justice Belgore. By Chido Onumah

Two weeks ago, the Daily Sun newspaper carried a very disturbing story titled, “Belgore defends military rule”. Justice Salihu Modibo Alfa Belgore is the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN). It is not often that you find such highly placed judicial officer making statements that undermine the essence of the judicial system. But that was exactly what the learned chief justice did when he praised the Nigerian military for seizing power, saying their intervention was necessary. Details

 

The “New Political Reality” By Babayola M. Toungo

Critics of the Goodluck Jonathan administration are dismissed as those who fail to appreciate the “new political reality” unfolding in the country.  Every Jonathan apologists now uses this line of condemnation on anyone who disagrees with the way and manner the president is running the country.  It is an easy way out for them, or so they think.  No one has the right to hold contrary opinion to the all-knowing president and his team. Details

 

English: The Biggest Haram In Boko. By Attahiru Muazu Gusau

The historical exclusionist policies of colonialism, which undermined African indigenous languages in the scheme of things, had also set a precedence that made Africa a perpetual underdog and under achiever in her developmental drive and objectives. Details

 

The Exigency To Educate Nigerians. By Emakoji Ayikoye

For too long, we have blamed one another; we have accused one another; we have fought political, social, and economic battles together. Now is the time to collectively fight one more fight - the fight to offer every Nigerian citizen, the unequivocal right to quality education. Details

 

Buhari Goes To School. By Okachikwu Dibia

The third position of the debate is that Buhari should rather not contest for the presidential election in 2015 but should proceed immediately to study Political Science (the science of state leadership) in any good university so that in the next eight years he would have been well grounded and enriched in the ideals of civil political leadership. Also, during this period, he would have succeeded in guiding, nurturing, penetrating and maturing his party’s ideology in the minds of Nigerians. Details

 

Why Fuel Subsidy Must be Negotiated. By Salihu M. Lukman

Government says it is spending a significant percentage of its income on subsidising the cost of petroleum products imported and consumed in Nigeria.  However, a lot of misinformation surrounds not just the claims of subsidy, but the processes and actual costs involved. Some opponents argue that no subsidy exists and thus, there was no basis for its removal.   Details

 

The Need For Post -Election Forensics In Nigeria. By Aminu F. Hamajoda

It is amazing that only a single political entity (the CPC) is insisting that a pretentious electronic election project be taken to a logical conclusion in a nation that prior to 2011, has fervently clamoured and had expended over 132 billion Naira for clean elections. Nigerians must recall that INEC had promised e-voting system in 2011 and received funds for that before it defaulted due to poor ICT planning in the face of the challenges end-to-end biometric election portents. Details

 

The Hypocrisy of the Jonathan Government. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

Is Jonathan not going to create a mess trying to clean up a mess? Who are the people he is listening to? His government thinks up a solution without regard to the problems the solution will create. The government seems to lack sense of ordering its “Transformation Agenda”—For instance, what should be done first before removal of fuel subsidy? Is it necessary to announce restoration of toll gates on federal roads before building the roads to “international standard”? In governance, the people must be shown the profit before the pain is gradually introduced; it is wrong to administer an overdose of reforms, especially when they are painful, concurrently. Details

 

The Federal Civil Service and Failure of National Integration. By Abdullah Musa

Times without number Nigerians (Core North; South West; South East; South-South etc) have shown that they do not agree they are Nigerians. They are, simply put, nations within the Nigerian contraption. It might be this reason plus a host of others that inform the acceptance of the ‘spoils system in the operation of the federal civil service, and even at state levels. Since it has become the norm to plunder resources, or to divert them to personal use, it had been alleged so many times that Ministers employ ‘ethnic cleansing’ in dealing with Directors who are not their kinsmen or women. Details

 

Yet Another Provocation. By Bukhari Muhammed Bello Jega

Ironically, President Goodluck administration since his inauguration has never failed to amused Nigerians people, who rooted and voted for him, with the simply belief that, the doctrine of “Good luck” will set the country in the right direction. Not only is the government failing her perceived admirers, but, the policy and the leadership spectrum are already falling to the trap of the so called antagonist, who never believes the Man President Goodluck Jonathan has anything to offer the Nigerian state. Details

 

Buhari, Jonathan And Boko Haram. By Obinna Akukwe

Buhari is the most popular politician in the north. Had the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections been held according to minimum acceptable standards , Buhari would since have handed over to another President of Nigeria. You cannot claim to be searching for peace and security and ignore such a personality. Though there is pending electoral dispute in the courts, President Goodluck cannot afford to see Buhari as an enemy even if the ruling party thinks otherwise. President Goodluck for now is the Father of the Nation and will pay to reach out to anybody whose input can bring the much needed stability. If this government fails it is Goodluck Jonathan regime that history will record as failure, all these hangers on and sycophants will scamper to their respective villages to take cover. Details

 

That A New Nigeria May Come Forth. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

The Nigerian police and military have taken Nigerians hostage in their country. They stand on our roads with guns and rob us in broad day light with none to deliver. They extort from road users their hard-earned money at gun point at the numerous road check points that dot our badly damaged roads. Many times such check points are mounted at very terrible craters on the road. Worse still, huge branches of trees and used tyres are dangerously packed at those check points and even left there when those “robbers” have closed for the day. Unsuspecting drivers sometimes lose control of their vehicles when they suddenly stumble on those check points at such terrible spots; lives are lost in the process. Details

 

As Jonathan Plays the Oil Subsidy Game and Imperils the Nation. By Ogaga Ifowodo, et.al.

We have watched with incredulity the brazen attempt by President Goodluck Jonathan to take the pauperisation of the Nigerian people to even more unprecedented heights by way of a purported fuel subsidy withdrawal. We, as indeed all honest fellow citizens, believe that there is no subsidy on oil products. If, however, it does exist, then it was fabricated by and for those who allocate or own oil blocs and petroleum import licences. It does not subsidise living for the masses who groan daily from the penal servitude of surviving on less than N150 (or one dollar) a day to which their successive rulers have sentenced them. Details

 

Oil Subsidy and it's Discontents. By Mustapha Mamudu

I personally subscribe to removing uneconomic price fixing of any kind while taking care of those who cannot afford commercial rates. Even the almighty USA provides subsidies through tax incentives or food stamps but they have strict laws against fraudsters and their governments are reasonably accountable and can be changed reasonably freely and fairly. It is therefore my conclusion that as with payment of tax we should subscribe to the withdrawal of the subsidy but begin to be assertive on issues of accountability. Details

 

A Turncoat Voice Of The Masses. By Imohimi Airenevboise

I used to be an avid follower of Reuben Abati however he dropped a couple of notches in my ratings when during the strike by staff of ‘The Guardian” over poor remuneration he stated in his column that a cursory look at the car park of “The Guardian” would show that the staff had no basis to complain about poor pay if they could afford to purchase cars! Details

 

The Greedy Few and the Rest of Us. By Yaro Dangari

There has been various suggestions by different thoughtful minds on the need to eradicate a few living human species among us, particularly here in Nigeria where a few group of men and women among us have over the decades turned us into modern day slaves in our own country. These few segregated few among us have since and before independence forcefully inherited our collective national treasure. Details

 

Governors: Steal And Stay Pretty In Nigeria. By Farouk Martins Aresa

Poor Ibori, with all the money he has, he should have stay pretty in Nigeria and enjoy. Look at what the fool has to go through running away from himself. There was a time he stayed in mosquitoes infected swamp with rowdy militants when he could have been at some luxurious convalescence hospital giving orders to former heads of state. Details

 

Is Our Unity Worth The Insults? By Babayola M. Toungo

After the destruction of the commercial, industrial, financial and even that most feared northern asset - unity - by Obasanjo thereby reducing northerners to beggars in their own country – or so we all thought – we now have to contend with foul-mouthed commentators calling us names and insults like confetti.  Whatever the likes of Udibe may say or write about the north, I don’t blame them but our leadership that sold us for twelve shillings or less in the name of national unity. Details

 

An Open Letter to the Sultan By Muhammad Ajah

May Allah (SWT) continue to guide, protect and grant you more wisdom to do your best for Nigeria and the Muslim Ummah. Amen. While also wishing you good health as this message reaches you, I implore you to receive the words with the highest spirit of patriotism, broadmindedness and love for Nigeria and Muslim minorities of the Southeast. Details

 

The Mythology of Subsidy and Governance in Nigeria. By  Prof. Murtala. S. Sagagi

In conclusion, both historical facts and received wisdom point that 100% subsidy removal will not benefit the low-income households in the short, medium or long term. I’m certainly not aware of any country that does not have some kind of subsidy or functional social safety nets to mitigate certain effects. Therefore, the idea of immediate fuel subsidy removal should be stalled at the moment, until the government team worked out a credible formula for achieving double-digit growth. Details

 

The Nigerian Government And The Deficit Of Integrity. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

The efforts of the government of President Jonathan to convince Nigerians that savings from fuel subsidy would be used prudently and transparently for the good of the people are becoming laughable, to say the least. Nigerian governments before him have deceived the people every so often. No sane Nigerian (and I use the word advisedly) would trust his government to keep its promises. And I find this to be a tragedy. The most important capital in governance, as in every useful relationship, is trust. Nigerian governments, largely, lack in this. Details

 

Do They Mean Well For Jonathan On Subsidy? By  Na-Allah Mohammed Zagga

Past experiences of unfulfilled promises to make life better through the investment of subsidy withdrawal proceeds is the main reason Nigerians are reacting with valid concern to the latest temptation by Jonathan administration to withdraw petroleum subsidy, thereby throwing millions of ordinary Nigerians to the wolves of the market forces. Details

 

Honor Little People That Shoulder Nigeria’s Survival. By Farouk Martins Aresa

We need a national honorable list to bestow deserved accolades on the Little People of Nigeria. Too many of them just struggle and work hard throughout their lives and they die with no remembrance or citation to embolden and excite the younger generation of how to live a well deserved and exemplary future. Details

 

Time to Reclaim Nigeria 2. By Chido Onumah

Perhaps the most interesting – some would say most bizarre – story out of Nigeria this past week was that involving some of the country’s journalists in the capital city, Abuja. We have had tales of inducement of journalists, and its impact on their job in the past, so this aspect of the story was not particularly enthralling. Details

 

Fuel Subsidy Removal And Security Implications. By 0binna Akukwe

The vexed issue of fuel subsidy removal is one policy President Goodluck cannot afford for now. The nation is already at risk due to the intractable bombings by the Boko Haram from the North East, Mend from South South, kidnappers from South East, Jos crisis from North Central and political discontent in the South West occasioned by the political trial of Bola Tinubu. Details

 

Lagos Is Speaking, Who Is Listening? By Anthony A Kila

With its almost no dependence on revenue from crude oil, good governance, cosmopolitan composition and metropolitan structure, Lagos epitomises one of the dreamlands for experts of international development.  Details

 

Gender Dimensions of Population Growth. By  Ejiro Joyce Otive-Igbuzor, PhD

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa with a current population of over 158 million will maintain its first position with a projected population of at least 289 million by 2050. Nigeria is expected to overtake the population of the US by 2050 even though its total land area of 923,000 square kilometers is only one tenth of that occupied by the US. Details

 

A Breath Of Fresh Air Or An Acrid Odour? By Babayola M. Toungo

The latest instalment of the “breath of fresh air” from Goodluck Jonathan in fulfilment of his campaign promises will be unveiled to Nigerians in the new year in the form of the removal of subsidy on petroleum products.  That is for those who still believe there is any subsidy on the products.  These days the only topic of discussion among Nigerians wherever you find them is the government’s plan to hike the price of petroleum products and further pauperise Nigerians no matter the level of cacophony generated by the ordinary citizens who will ultimately bear the brunt of this latest callousness by a government that promised them a “breath of fresh air”. Details

 

Live Without Foreign Exchange Or Die Craving. By Farouk Martins Aresa

So 6% of Nigerians own 94% of banks deposits - Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation. It shows you who and who can afford foreign currencies. As long as our politicians enjoy unlimited access to foreign exchange, corruption will never stop in Nigeria. There is nothing else the filthy rich Nigerians do with their loot than purchase foreign currencies. Unfortunately, if foreign currencies are banned, you will be surprised at the amount of poor people coming out against it, even when it has no direct effect on them. Poor people cannot afford Nigerian goods not to mention foreign goods.  Details

 

Nigeria’s Unfinished Agenda at 51. By Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye

In spite of the daunting challenges Nigeria is still facing, I still have a dream that someday, perhaps very soon, we shall overcome these challenges. I have a dream that very soon, Nigeria, the sleeping African Giant; will free itself from the shackles that have held it captive since the past 51 years. I have dream that very soon Nigeria will join the club of India, China and other fast developing and fast transforming countries, thanks to the indomitable and yes-we-can spirit and efforts of Nigerians who care. May God Almighty make these dreams to come true. Details

 

Why Flood And Erosion Control Can’t Wait. By Haruna Manu Isah

The bottom line as I negotiate the sharp bend of conclusion is the public participation component in the design and execution of projects related to flood prevention and erosion control is at best at its nadir. The federal ministry of Environment and its sister agencies at the states level have not imbibed the spirit and letters of public involvement in flood and erosion control management. Details

 

Insecurity In The North East – Impunity Of Power? By Babayola M. Toungo

A situation that has been presented as defying all efforts to bring to end the wanton destruction of lives and property; a situation that began as a local fire fight that has taken a national dimension and is now used by those in the business of conjuring conspiracy theories where non exist, as a direct challenge to Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency by a section of the country.  Sadly, most of our politicians know where the problems lie and the solution staring them right in the face. Details

 

Jonathan’s Job Creation Agenda: Matters Arising. By Shafiu Ibrahim Abdullahi

The increasing crime rate and incidences of kidnappings are proves of government monumental failure to create jobs for the teaming youth roaming the streets, particularly unemployed graduates with nothing to do other than to revert to thieving alternatives. In an economy that is crippled by lack of electric power, bad roads, insecurity, high interest and exchange rates, and lack of foreign investment, it beat imagination to talk of creating jobs just out of the blue. Details

 

PTDF and Sustainability In Oil Producing Communities. By Haruna Manu Isah

A close look at the mandates of the Fund may suggest that its focal interest is sustainability of oil exploration and exploitation with obviously little or no reference to the environmental sustainability of the host communities. Can the Fund continue to take a passing interest in the environmental sustainability of the host communities and still remain relevant? Can the Fund continue to build the superstructure if the substructure is threateningly weak?  Is there no need for backward linkages between the Fund and the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta? Details

 

Why Nigerians Must Resist The Next “Fuel Subsidy” Withdrawal. By Tony Ishiekwene

Since 1986, there has been this lie, notched up a gear since the so-called democracy of Obasanjo and Papa deceive pickin (PDP) of 1999, that Petrol in Nigeria is heavily subsidised, and the "fuel subsidy" must be removed so government can free itself from subsidising motorists and use the money for, wait for it, "infrastructure development." Babangida started this argument in 1986, when he asserted that Petrol was too cheap at 23Kobo per litre- yes twenty three kobo, not Naira, a litre and that petrol should not be cheaper than a bottle of Fanta (Coke) which went up under his watch from 30K to 50K a bottle-for those of you too young to know how Nigeria has been sinking in the hands of vile and utterly evil leaders! Details

 

Fuel Subsidy In Care Of Nigerian Government. By Farouk Martins Aresa Looking at N1.5 trillion subsidies, we wonder if this is really fuel subsidy for Nigerians or for corporate bums called cabals. Politicians are fond of using the name of the people to line their pockets. Nigerians need fuel subsidy but not in their disguise. The argument for or against fuel subsidy has been completely hijacked since the oil producing states are not enjoying the benefit and the poor in whose interest it is propagated are not the beneficiary of N1.5 trillion subsidy. It is the reason these vagabonds prefer to import fuel, make sure our refineries are not working and build refineries outside the Country. Details

 

Our President Needs a Breather. By Maikudi Abubakar Zukogi

Truly, a number of issues have cropped up in the last hundred days that could be reduced to the barest minimum if and only if the principles of  a breath of fresh is applied to the latter. The best materials to use in demonstrating the President’s commitment to supply of a breath of fresh air should have been the eighteen thousand national minimum wage, ASUU and the recruitment of well informed and good spirited Nigerians to man positions in some of these institutions, agencies and parastatals. It is still not late to begin to do this. Details

 

Goodluck Jonathan: A True President Of Niger Delta? By Haruna Manu Isah Look, if the recent media reports are anything to go by, then, one can safely ask on whether Goodluck Jonathan is truly a president of Niger Delta or a president of Federal Republic of Nigeria?.  As reported in the Daily Trust of 10 October, 2011 that about 86% of Federal Government projects from March to August 2011, were allocated in spatial terms to the Niger Delta region, home to our duly elected president. Details

 

In Praise of Strong Leaders. By  Chido Onumah

The president set the tone with his speech at the ecumenical centre a week before the independence anniversary when he said he would not behave like an Army General or the Biblical Pharaoh to solve the nation’s problems, many of which need urgent attention. I am with the president on this. The last thing Nigerians need now is to be reminded of the era of army generals who oversaw the despoliation of the country. Details

 

Intelligence Gathering-- Bane of Nigeria Security Agencies. By Ahme Adoke Under corruption, the Nigeria security agencies have become so corrupt that they prefer the curative method of security than preventive. This is because it is under curative that more money is voted and it means more opportunity to make personal gains. In other words, most Nigeria security agencies, especially the police hates to hear the phrase "prevention is better than cure". In some instances the police stir problems in order to make money from it. Details

 

The Independence of the Prodigal Son. By  Tochukwu Ezukanma

Nigeria is an artificial sovereignty. She is a collection of nations, peoples and cultures cobbled together by the exigencies of British colonialism. Sadly, thus far, no Nigerian leader has been able to redefine the purpose of this colonial imposed union and give the diversified nationalities that make up Nigeria a unified sense of purpose. In order words, since independence, the Nigerian leadership has failed to forge a cohesive nation out of these various ethnic and cultural groups that constitute the country. Details

 

On Fuel Subsidy Removal: Facts And Falsehood. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba, PhD

The recent revelation of the avowed intention of the Nigerian federal government to remove fuel subsidy and devalue the national currency (the naira) in 2012 should not surprise Nigerians who have observed the conduct of government in Nigeria in the past twelve years. Rather, Nigerians should be concerned about the capacity of the social power zones in Nigeria to resist the policy intent until certain minimal conditions are satisfied. Details

 

On Nigeria’s Jobless Growth. By Sa’ad Jijji

Because of serious structural imbalances in Nigeria’s economy, the composition of its GDP ad its manner of growth, Nigeria’s GDP growth is unlikely to translate to any meaningful impact on the lives of Nigerians. Details

 

Beyond Mere Grumbling. By  Anthony Akinola

What has become rather customary whenever we commemorate our independence is for quite a number of writers to want to review the state of the nation. Expectedly, leadership is blamed for the litany of woes. While it can hardly be contradicted that leadership has failed in its responsibilities to Nigerians, the position one takes here is that we the followers have also failed ourselves in some respects. Details

 

Our Lecturers Have Gone Mad Again. By Maikudi Abubakar Zukogi

ASUU, the umbrella body of the university academics in Nigeria, is at it again. They have proved over and over again that the government is incapable of keeping a promise; any promise which involves a subordinate party. And because it is ever willing to demonstrate this fact for the upteenth time, it has decided to call its members to do what it knows best to do-strike- after waiting for two years to get it to honour its own side of the bargain but to no avail. Details

 

The Need for Nigeria to Redefine Her Foreign Policy at 51. By Adewale Stephen

The question that begs for answer is; despite what Nigeria did for the continent of Africa, what has she gained from such goodwill? Nothing! It was this that prompts me to write this column. At 51, the economic and development well-being of Nigeria should henceforth be the mainstay of our foreign policy.  Details

 

Goodluck Jonathan: Nigeria's last President? By Chido Onumah

For those looking for proof, you need look no further than the president’s first media outing a few weeks ago. If there was any hope of an early resolution of the lingering political and social crises in Nigeria, that hope was dashed by the president himself during his national media briefing. The president’s remarks were a bizarre mix of platitudes and a frightening lack of appreciation of history; a bitter foretaste of what to expect in the next four years. Details

 

Open Letter To CAN On Islamic Banking. By Max Gbanite

At least there is in existence, an unequivocal fundamental agreement, and belief listed in the Hebrew holy book of ‘Torah’;  in the Christian ‘Holy Bible’; and in Islam’s ‘Holy Koran’ that says that, ‘making profit on money’ or the act of ‘usury’ is against the teachings of almighty ‘Yahweh’ – ‘God’- ‘Allah’; depending on what terminology used by your religion...The urge to write this open letter to the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), is to douse their orchestrated effort to overheat the Nation; and cause disaffection between Christians and Muslims. I abhor the manner with which the current leadership of the organization under Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, is misinforming followers on the issue of ‘non-interest’ banking. Details