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May 2013

 Amnesty for Boko Haram: The Conundrum of Northern Political Leaders and a Lesson for Nigeria.
by Prof. Ayodele Mobolurin
 May 15, 2013
The current call by segments of the Northern Leadership, including the organization Ja’amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) that amnesty be granted to Boko Haram demands dispassionate analysis of the issues.Boko Haram is organization that is leading an insurgency against the government of Nigeria NigerianNews Guest Column

AN OPEN LETTER TO GEN. MUHAMMADU BUHARI
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 May 09, 2013
Sir, I salute your commitment, steadfastness and resilience in your efforts spanning over 30 years to bring about good leadership and by implication a desirable change in Nigeria. It could be said without any reservations that you are the shining star of Nigeria’s latest adventure as a democracy since 1999. My dear general, you stood out as the last man standing against corruption in Nigeria. Indeed you are an inspiration to me and all progressive youths in this great country Nigeria. NigerianNews Guest Column

April 2013

 CAN PRESIDENT JONATHAN GENUINELY IMPLEMENT AN AMNESTY FOR BOKO HARAM?
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 April 15, 2013
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alh. Muhammad Saad Abubakar (111) made his timing perfectly. It was on Tuesday 5th March at the central council meeting of the Jamaatul Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna that the Amir-ul-Momineen called for an amnesty (pardon) to be granted to the members of the Jamatul Ahlul Sunnah Liddaawati Wal Jihad a.k.a Boko haram.  The call by his Eminence came less than 48 hours before President Jonathan was due to visit Maiduguri on Thursday 8th March 2013. It is incontrovertible that the Amir – ul Momineen made the call for amnesty in his capacity as a father of the nation and one who truly and passionately believes in one corporate and indivisible Nigeria.. NigerianNews Guest Column

March 2013

BABANGIDA ALIYU: MISSING THE CORE ELEMENT OF A SERVANT-LEADER
by Kali Gwegwe
 March 06 2013
In all ideal societies world over, political leaders function as servant-leaders so that they can effectively serve the sacred interests of the electorates. Genuine servant-leaders in the corridors of power are easily identified through the quality of their thoughts and actions. A true servant-leader is one that would always put common interest above personal and sectional concerns. Studies have shown that in most multi-tribal societies like Nigeria, only God-fearing leaders have been able to summon the rare courage of placing the common interests of society ahead of sectional inclinations.  NigerianNews Guest Column

February 2013

APC and 2015: The triumph of reason
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 February 12, 2013
The declaration by the Grand coalition of progressive opposition political parties that they have floated a new political party, the All progressive congress (APC) has set the stage for the final battle to rescue Nigeria from the peoples democratic party (PDP). The 13 years of misrule under the PDP has brought a debilitating and crippling poverty amongst Nigerians, corruption without borders, alarming state of insecurity, hardship, despair and hopelessness. Indeed the PDP misrule is threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria more than even the threat of the civil war in 1966 – 1967. NigerianNews Guest Column

January 2013

2015, the opposition and Nigeria’s redemption
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 January 24, 2013
The year 2015 has been described variously with regard to politics and political activity in Nigeria. Taking into account all the descriptions, it is not out of place to tag the year as Nigeria’s year of redemption. The stakes are high in 2015 not just because the next general elections are to hold in that year but also because Nigerian’s taste for change is today at its maximum. NigerianNews Guest Column

 

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December 2012

SANUSI: OUT TO RUBBISH JONATHAN?
by Kali Gwegwe
 December 03 2012
I was not in any way surprised when I read reports suggesting that the governor of the Central Bank, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi had asked the federal government to reduce the size of her work force by half. Nigerians should expect more when events leading to the 2015 presidential elections get closer.  NigerianNews Guest Column

September 2012

HOW MANY CUBES OF SUGAR DOES SANUSI LICK A DAY?
by Kali Gwegwe
 September 09 2012
Nigerians are beginning to wonder the secret behind the ease with which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi Lamido gets the government to endorse some of his unpopular fiscal policies. These policies are quite good but deployed improperly. It can be likened to a man that put a cart ahead of his horse and except the former to do magic.  NigerianNews Guest Column

JONATHAN SHOULD BE CAREFUL OF SANUSI AND OKONJO-IWEALA
by Kali Gwegwe
 September 03 2012
I have raised several alarms concerning the dance steps of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi Lamido and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the National Economy. Those who have knowledge of the workings of western democracies would agree that most advanced economies are surviving on the ruins of developing countries, especially in Africa. A robust African economy is seen as a major threat to European and American economies. They have therefore hidden behind the World Bank and IMF to prescribe fiscal policies that will give them undue advantage over Africa. Some of these policies include subsidy removal, currency devaluation, and sabotage of critical sectors of the national economies of developing countries.  NigerianNews Guest Column

June 2012

IS SELF-DETERMINATION UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND ILLEGAL?
by Femi Aborisade
 August 16 2012
The continued peaceful co-existence of peoples and societies internationally lies in the continued collective defence of universally recognised human rights. No room should be given for tyranny to triumph under the pretext of protecting ‘national interest’. It is at the background of this principled position that I wish to contribute to the debate on the constitutionality or legality of some states of the Nigerian Federation that have adopted own flags, anthems, and so on. Some leaders of the civil society have declared that such phenomena as states adopting independent flags and anthems are unconstitutional and therefore illegal. I wish to differ on the following grounds. NigerianNews Guest Column

June 2012

BECOMING A RESPONSIBLE, CONFIDENT AND SAFE DRIVER
by Adewale T. Akande
 June 20, 2012
Driving is a serious responsibility with physical and mental abilities impacting on the driving activities of a driver. It is more than moving a vehicle and knowing how to use the accelerator, brake pedals and steering. Driving is at best when you have knowledge and required skills to drive competently in accordance with those rules and regulations guiding the public roads. A safe and responsible driver has responsibility which makes him a good citizen. Driving is a learned skill acquired with much practice. It is also more important to drive with due regards for safety and convenience of other road users. Driving entails concentration, calmness, and with consideration and respect for others. And at the same time, a driver should ensure proper and total control of his vehicle at all times. That means a driver must not allow anything to take their attention from the road, therefore good anticipation and concentration will help to prevent these usual incident becoming accidents on our roads. The safety of others depends on you when you are on the wheel. NigerianNews Guest Column

The Quality of a Good Politician in a Democratic
by Adewale T. Akande
 June 19, 2012
The first principle of unalienable rights recognises that everyone is naturally endowed by their Creator with certain rights that cannot be infringed or given away. Amongst these rights are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. In order to secure or safeguard these vital rights, “...government are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from consent of the governed” as declared by Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence (1776), who was elected as the third President of the United States of America (1801-1809). Constitutions are also made for the purpose of securing, protecting, promoting good governance, accountability and welfare of all citizens-the governed. The government instituted among men is the elected representatives who are also known as the politicians. These politicians are required to implement social reforms and policy measures that contribute to the general welfare of the populace. NigerianNews Guest Column

OLUSEGUN MIMIKO: THE PHYSICIAN AS A PATIENT
 by 'Kunle Falowo
June 09, 2012
 The very first time I came across the word “leukemia” the patient was a Medical Doctor, now I am amazed at how derisive I was with my unspoken reaction. “Is he not supposed to be a physician? Knowing the symptoms and dealing with them before he becomes ill?” Reality of life most often do not follow logic, the advantage of medical training and pragmatic views aided by the experience of practice all succumb to any kind of illness if and when they come calling. Then the Doctor becomes the one in need, no longer the one to run to for help. One funny twist about that is: when the sickness is more of psychological, treatment is hard, as the patient must first admit he has the problem and surrenders himself for proper treatment. Who will take ‘pragmatic men of power’ down from their high horses to have the time and inclination of giving due cognizance to social morality? (if I may rephrase K. B. Clark’s statement). How do we bring the one living on the ivory tower back to the reality of their psychosocial state?. NigerianNews Guest Column

LETTER OF COMMENDATION TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN, BY THE ABIOLA FAMILY ON THE RECOGNITION AND HONOUR ACCORDED CHIEF M.K.O ABIOLA
 by George Kerley
June 02, 2012
 Your Excellency,
We wish to publicly offer our profound appreciation for your unprecedented recognition of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the ideals he lived by and the noble cause he died for. As you honoured him, we honour you. NigerianNews Guest Column

May 2012

Peace in the Niger Delta: How Jonathan Got It Right, Lessons for Dealing with and Crushing Boko Haram
 by George Kerley
May 22, 2012
 When in January 2011 President Goodluck Jonathan announced the appointment of Kingsley Kuku as his Special Adviser on Niger Delta, not a few knew that the President had delivered a master-stroke in dealing with the agitations in the Niger Delta. NigerianNews Guest Column

This Jonathan of Our Time.
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
May 17, 2012
 In our present day, our yesteryears, even when we have a lot to regret about them, have become glories years past. Our economy has continually remained in the doldrums with our able-bodied young men and women in search of jobs. Our vast agricultural resources lay waste, our rich “petrogas” resources is being stolen and mismanaged by an opportune criminal few. Our land has metamorphosed to a present day Afghanistan. Our own brand of Talibans who share no known agenda is born and has been maiming our people in our thousands. Our people have lost every sense of humanity; a criminally indoctrinated gang has taken over our leadership. From Lagos to Potiskum; from the remotest south-eastern village of Bonny to the northern city of Kaura-Namoda, our people’s hopes have been broken. No one seems to be in control. NigerianNews Guest Column

General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd): Between Reckless Rhetoric & A Sordid History (in Leadership)
by George Kerley
May 17, 2012
 Clearly, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) seems to have a penchant for violence unlike our President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan GCFR. Buhari wants a revolution in a democracy he once fought so hard to kill and then killed in 1983. That was not his first coup d’état. In 1975, a group of Colonels of the Nigerian Army namely, Col. Muhammadu Buhari, Col Abdullahi Mohammed (then Director DMI), Col Joseph Nanven Garba, Col Shehu Musa Yar'Adua & Col Ibrahim Taiwo conspired to overthrow General Yakubu Gowon after which they transfered power to General Murtala Muhammed as Head of State. NigerianNews Guest Column

Nigerians voted for President Jonathan and he is DELVERING!
by George Kerley
May 09, 2012
 Nigeria is currently being cleaned up. Nigerians are now talking freely, criticizing, complaining and showing concern for their country because they see that things have to be done in the right way and the President is listening. Transformation is in Progress! NigerianNews Guest Column

IF I WERE BUKOLA SARAKI
by Kali Gwegwe
 May 01 2012
Most persons that are fortunate to hold prominent public offices would not accord respect to the judiciary until they come down from their Olympian Height and are hunted by their own shadows. They would sack top ranking judicial officers without recourse to due process. In most cases, they even choose court orders to obey or ignore. Just as the elders would always say, “power and money put together, cannot buy the future.” This is the reason why even the rich sometimes cry, run, or hide.  NigerianNews Guest Column

April 2012

FAROUK LAWAN: TEACHING OKONJO-IWEALA AND SANUSI HOW TO FIGHT CORRUPTION
by Kali Gwegwe
 April 25 2012
There is no denying the fact that corruption has reached a pandemic state in Nigeria. Even unborn babies can feel the pains of corruption right inside the wombs of their mothers. The situation has become so bad that no one can take for granted minor issues like electricity, road, petrol, kerosene, water, sanitation, education, and health care services that even small and poor nations have conquered decades ago.  NigerianNews Guest Column

NASIR ELRUFA’I, NIGERIA AND 2015
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 April 24 2012
 Reports in the national dailies that Nasir ElRufa’i will contest the 2015 presidential elections have further established the fact that change is inevitable in Nigeria.  Although these reports indicated that Honourable ElRufa’i is yet to confirm or deny that he is contesting for the presidency in 2015, it is increasingly becoming clear that there is a concurrence of opinion among a vast network of Nigerians that ElRufa’i should not only contest the presidency come 2015, but should indeed start preparing for his relocation to Aso rock on 29th May 2015. Nigerians have concurred that 2015 is the year of change for Nigeria and  that golden year could well be the last opportunity for Nigeria to get it right. The year 2015 symbolises the defining moment where we collectively as Nigerians turn the page on the present culture of bad leadership in our body polity.  NigerianNews Guest Column

OKONJO-IWEALA AND THE WORLD BANK: TIME FOR DIVORCE
 by Kali Gwegwe
 April 19, 2012
 On the 15th of September, 2011; I posted a piece on my blog titled “Okonjo-Iweala: A Patriot Blinded by the West.” This piece was also published by some off and online media. I had attempted to highlight three major points. In the first place, I had wanted to drum home the point that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy has the passion and courage of a true patriot. The second point I wanted to establish was the fact that Okonjo-Iweala was an involuntary “apostle” of western democracies. Thirdly, I was of the opinion that western democracies can only use but never trust “apostles” like Okonjo-Iweala. The outcome of the election to select a replacement for the outgoing World Bank chief, Robert Zoellick has vindicated me. The withdrawal of Colombia’s former finance minister, Jose Antonio Ocampo from the World Bank presidential race was enough for Okonjo-Iweala to see the spirit of United States celebrating with bottles of champagne on the streets of Washington DC. Sentiment apart, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had a superior credential to occupy the World Bank presidency. NigerianNews Guest Column

VOTER APATHY AND THE 2011 ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: A RESEARCH REPORT  -
COMMISSIONED BY THE INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC) AND FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG (FES)
LEAD RESEARCHER: PROF. ADIGUN AGBAJE
PUBLISHER: INEC AND FRIEDRICH EBERT STIFTUNG
A REVIEW
by Femi Aborisade
 April 18, 2012
 INTRODUCTION
The publication is the report of a research on VOTER APATHY AND THE 2011 ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA. The research was commissioned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Friedrich Ebert STIFTUNG (FES). The motivation for commissioning the research, according to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, in his ‘Foreword’ to the Report, was the desire to understand the nature, causes and consequences of voter apathy so as to develop appropriate strategies for mobilising the electorate for popular and effective participation in future electoral processes in Nigeria NigerianNews Guest Column

February 2012

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN ACHIEVING NIGERIA’S VISION 20:2020 – THE CASE OF THE OIL SUBSIDY CONTROVERSY
by Femi Aborisade
 February 27 2012
 Introduction
Permit me to express profound gratitude for the opportunity extended to me to deliver a paper at the First Annual Lecture Series/Award of Academic Excellence. Your choice of topic shows that your Department fully appreciates that education must be tailored towards solving societal problems. As a philosopher puts it, the measure of all intellectual work is the emancipation or freedom of the people from political, social and economic subjugation. NigerianNews Guest Column

The Massacre Of Igbos: Okorocha’s Statement Very Unfortunate
by Uzoma Ahamefule
February 24, 2012
 Fellow concerned Nigerians, whose pain I share with visa-versa, I address you all under compulsion as a patriotic citizen of the federal Republic of Nigeria with agony of helplessness and deep sense of responsibility. The aches from my tears of sorrow are uncontrollably wetting my lips to tremble because the answers to my many questions about Nigeria seem very far to reach.  NigerianNews Guest Column

The Massacre Of Igbos: Okorocha’s Statement Very Unfortunate
by Uzoma Ahamefule
February 18, 2012
 Fellow concerned Nigerians, whose pain I share with visa-versa, I address you all under compulsion as a patriotic citizen of the federal Republic of Nigeria with agony of helplessness and deep sense of responsibility. The aches from my tears of sorrow are uncontrollably wetting my lips to tremble because the answers to my many questions about Nigeria seem very far to reach.  NigerianNews Guest Column

January 2012

JONATHAN: DEPLOYING WISDOM TO DISARM THE ENEMIES WITHIN
by Kali Gwegwe
 February 17 2012
 To many, President Goodluck Jonathan is simply seen as a very lucky man. But beyond this popular opinion, he is more of a firm believer in the potency of natural wisdom or common sense. This is the secret behind his rapid and steady rise from grace to higher grace. For many who don’t know him; Goodluck Jonathan can be easily mistaken for someone who does not have the head to carry the burden that Nigeria has painfully become. Right from his days as deputy governor in Bayelsa State, he has never believed in the vain and negative attitude of “I know it all.” For this reason, he devotes ample time to listen to a wide range of opinions. Jonathan is also known for trusting in the abilities of his aides. Unfortunately, this has in no small measure dented his vision as most of his lieutenants have abused the deep confidence reposed in them. It accounts for why some government officials pursue agendas clearly outside the vision of the president.  NigerianNews Guest Column

If I were to be the new Inspector-General of the Nigerian Police Force
by Adewale T. Akande
 January 28, 2012
First of all, I will thank the almighty God for helping me to reach the highest level of my career and also thank the Presidency and the entire Nigerians for giving me this opportunity to serve as the 16th Inspector-General of Police of the most populous black nation of the world since the appointment of the first indigenous Inspector-General of Police in 1964 in person of late Mr. Louis Orok Edet. I am aware of the task ahead of me to be the I-G of a nation which characterized by diversities and contradictions arising from population heterogeneity, urbanization, industrialization and conflicting ideologies on religion, socio-political and economic sectors. A country that is seriously and urgently in demand of the minimum elements of democratic policing which include accountability, efficiency, equality and justice NigerianNews Guest Column

Fuel Subsidy Removal Debate: The Way Forward
by Dr Bello Mukhtar
 January 13 2012
 In the last few weeks, there have been lots of discussions, claims & counter claims, threats & counter threats, etc, on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. This came to a peak last week with the government announcement that the deregulation has started and the immediate effect of this has been the removal of the subsidy on petrol.  First of all, there are many Nigerians who believe that there is no petrol subsidy in Nigeria instead it is even over priced at N65/litre. Prominent among them is the former oil minister, Prof. Tam David-West. NigerianNews Guest Column

President Jonathan and Boko Haram: A comparative analysis
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 January 10 2012
 The enthusiasm, doggedness and patriotism expressed by all Nigerians against the removal of fuel subsidy by President Jonathan are remarkable and a turning point in the annals of our dear country Nigeria. One hopes that the occupy Nigeria group that is an offshoot of the fuel subsidy riots will remain a fighting force in our liberation struggle against our leaders, against indigenous colonialism, against a brother’s inhumanity to his own brother. NigerianNews Guest Column

An Open Letter To All Nigerians Living Abroad
by Adewale T. Akande
 January 07, 2012
My dear countrymen and women, I am using this urgent and important open letter to congratulate all Nigerians from all ethnic and religious individuals, groups, associations, and communities living outside the shore of Nigeria for a Happy New Year, 2012. I pray that this new year will bring peace, love, unity, freedom, safety and sustainable development to the citizens of our fatherland that are no doubt in a critical and undeserved situation that calls for immediate action. NigerianNews Guest Column

President Jonathan, fuel subsidy and 2015
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 January 05 2012
 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. NigerianNews Guest Column

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December 2011

HOW TECHNOCRATS DESTROY POLITICAL LEADERS
by Kali Gwegwe
 December 31 2011
 Owing largely to the abysmal failure of democratic political culture to rapidly improve the welfare of man and society especially in Africa, many have come to hate or distrust politicians with passion. A larger part of the African society now frame politicians as unreliable. Citizens now see politicians as a bunch of unpatriotic, selfish, greedy, and corrupt people. It is mainly for this reason that political leaders who are desirous of writing their names in gold invite tested technocrats to help manage critical sectors of state machinery. Unfortunately however, these technocrats have most times ended up performing far worse than politicians do. One general excuse they usually give for their appalling failure is lack of free hands to operate.  NigerianNews Guest Column

Boko Haram: The Dilemma of Human Ignorance, Religious Fideism and Failure of Leadership
by Adewale T. Akande
 December 30 2011
Without mincing words, I am using this opportunity to console the souls of innocent citizens that lost their lives, commiserates with the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish those injured speedy recovery from the “absurd” (according to the White House)  and “senseless” bomb blasts by the islamist group called Boko Haram. It was the first bloody Christmas ever experienced by Nigerians since 1960.. NigerianNews Guest Column

THE FUEL SUBSIDY DEBATE: DOES PRESIDENT JONATHAN DESERVE TO CONTINUE TO RULE?
by Femi Aborisade
 December 29 2011
 The most fundamental question, which the discourse and widespread concerns within the poor strata of the Nigerian society over the issue of removal or non-removal of oil subsidy raises, is whether or not President Jonathan deserves to continue to rule? [In this paper, the expression, ‘President Jonathan’ is used as a symbol for both the parties and all public officers from the ruling parties who support removal of ‘petroleum subsidy’]. NigerianNews Guest Column

Excessive speed as a vital human factor in road traffic accident
by Adewale T. Akande
 December 27 2011
Driving is a means to achieve objectives associated with everyday life in our society. At the same time, driving requires a serious responsibility that determine the driver’s safety and that of the other road users within the vicinity. We drive to work, visit friends and relations, and travel to different places-short and long distances-for personal or public activities.  A person that cannot plan, organise and manage his precious time effectively and efficiently, he then result to doing all things in a hurry. As a result of this, many people drive faster without minding the speed limit and caution signs posted on the road. This reckless driving behaviour becomes an habit which is very dangerous for our live and the lives of other innocent roads users. This bad driving habit has its toll on the state economy because of the huge waste on public health. NigerianNews Guest Column

REFLECTIONS ON THE JONATHAN PRESIDENCY
by Abubakar Alkali Sokoto
 December 23 2011
 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 status quo of bad leadership OR even make it worse. The latter seem to be the case so far. NigerianNews Guest Column

November 2011

THE ART OF MISLEADING A PRESIDENT
by Kali Gwegwe
 November 30 2011
 While it is not criminal for a magistrate or judge to err in law, same cannot be said of a president when he or she errs in democracy. In law, an appellate court will simply correct the error which is also seen as “mistake of law.” In a presidential democracy, the electorates will correct an erring president by voting him out of office if he or she is seeking re-election. On the other hand, the electorates are easily persuaded to embrace the opposition if the erring president is not seeking re-election. This has happened several times in American presidential democracy.NigerianNews Guest Column

FUEL SUBSIDY IMPASSE: WHY THE PRESIDENT MUST SACK OKONJO-IWEALA NOW
 by Kali Gwegwe
November 07, 2011
 It has been very clear right from the onset that the federal government’s fiscal plan of withdrawing fuel subsidy next year is not the idea of President Goodluck Jonathan. Nevertheless, he will have to bear whatever consequences that may arise from it. This is the major reason why the president must ignore the minority clan of well-heeled elites and stand with the Nigerian masses like he promised during the campaign season.  NigerianNews Guest Column

October 2011

Nigeria at 51: Time to Re-organise a Dis-organised Society
by Adewale T. Akande
October 31, 2011
 This is the time to re-organise a blessed land with a repetitive leaders of selfish motives. It is undemocratic and detrimental for leaders to think more about themselves as individuals or about their small families, clans or tribes and do not think at all about the people they are representing. Humanism means proper regard and compassion for people.We just have to do something to bring the country back to its feet. We have all witnessed the remnants of the long fruitless military regimes that failed to lay good and solid foundations to the development of this great country.  NigerianNews Guest Column

GIVING FUEL SUBSIDY A BAD NAME
by Kali Gwegwe
October 14, 2011
 I have, over the last twenty-four months written severally on the need for government to maintain the current fuel subsidy regime. My main argument has been that Nigeria’s socio-economic framework is still too fragile to absorb whatever shock that may arise from further increases in the pump price of petroleum products. I am not unaware of the fact that the income and welfare of Nigerians have not improved for a long time.  NigerianNews Guest Column

“... Okocha’s, Kanu’s Big Boys Era Destroyed Eagles”
Samson Siasia Too Arrogant
by Uzoma Ahamefule
October 12, 2011
 Fellow Nigerians, lovers of football and followers of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, thanks for the prayers and the unquantifiable supports to the Sampson Siasia’s lead Super Eagles till now. This kind of support was last seen in 1993 en route to the winning of the “Nations Cup” in Tunisia in 1994 by the Super Eagles and their second round impressive performance against Roberto Baggio’s motivated“Azuris”of Italy at the “FIFA” world cup in USA the same year.  NigerianNews Guest Column

September 2011

CALLS FOR FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL: HOW NOT TO HELP THE PRESIDENT
by Kali Gwegwe
September 30, 2011
 Never in the history of Nigeria has any president or military ruler enjoyed the overwhelming support of the low and middle class as Goodluck Jonathan does. These two socio-economic classes make up over 80% of the Nigerian population. The interpretation of this analysis is that Goodluck Jonathan is Nigeria’s first “people’s president.” Several reasons are responsible for this political development. However, let me dwell on the fundamental factor.  NigerianNews Guest Column

Personal Hygiene for Eateries
by Sally Ekeng
September 28, 2011
 All employees in eateries be it restaurant, hotel, ‘food is ready’ etc should maintain good personal hygiene practices to ensure food safety.   NigerianNews Guest Column

THE DRESSING OF INFORMANTS AS DIPLOMATS
by Kali Gwegwe
September 09, 2011
 Every coin has three sides- not two as widely believed. It is only when you role a coin on a smooth surface that you will realize the hidden truth surrounding the third face of every coin. In the same vein, it took only the now infamous WikiLeaks for the world to know that most developed democracies dress informants in diplomats’ robes to deceive unsuspecting friendly countries for their own gains.   NigerianNews Guest Column

Okonjo-Iweala: A Patriot Blinded By The West
by Kali Gwegwe
September 06, 2011
 In one of my books, “Western Democrats in Glass parliament”, published in 2000, I have argued that western democracies will never tolerate Africa’s economic independence owing to the direction of their national ideologies. It is no secret that the economies of many western countries are energized by the inability of Africa’s political leaders to deploy sound fiscal policies aimed at stimulating rapid economic growth. This sad development has continued to keep Africa as an export- dependent economy despite the fact that the bulk of the raw materials used in the manufacture and production of finished goods imported by African countries are sourced from the continent.   NigerianNews Guest Column

What Does Boko Haram want?
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
September 05, 2011
 I have refused to say much on Boko Haram because it is a risky venture. I honestly do not have the whole facts of the matter. I do not know the immediate sponsors of Boko Haram, but I am 90% certain of its distance sponsors. However, the difficulty is that even the Nigerian state may lack the capabilities to unravel these distance sponsors, or as Wikileaks have proved to us, top members of the government of Nigeria may have been compromised into working in cohort with Boko Haram to achieve the determined aim. NigerianNews Guest Column

August 2011

[The Jonathan Project] Press Release: Bombing of the UN Building in Abuja
by George Kerley
August 28, 2011
Friday, 26th of August 2011, satanist elements of a hugely misguided Islamic sect in Northern Nigeria attacked and bombed the local offices of the United Nations in the Federal Capital  Territory, Abuja.NigerianNews Guest Column

How to Handle Emergencies Caused by Electrical/Fire Hazards
by Sally Ekeng
August 25, 2011
 These guidelines could help you save lives and property, but you must be sure you are safe and coordinated. If you are not confident or in a state of panic, do not make an attempt.   NigerianNews Guest Column

The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Road Traffic Accident
by Adewale T. Akande
August 11, 2011
 Driving is a very demanding activity that requires a serious responsibility, attitudes with physical and mental abilities for safety. The most important steps to be taken in order to stay out of trouble on the road are to; continously observe the roads around you, anticipate what may happen that could be a risk to you and other road users, and respond by taking appropriate quick step or action before the risk increases. Driver’s attitudes on the road determines his safety and others around. Alcohol and drugs are among the most causes of fatal road accident on our roads.  NigerianNews Guest Column

10 Important Areas Health & Safety Induction Must Cover
by Sally Ekeng
August 03, 2011
 Successful Health and Safety Induction Programs are designed to cover all aspects of the organization’s operations. All the Safety and Health basics that new workers and visitors need to know are included, and the management system ensures that every-one goes through induction - from the CEO to the new worker.   NigerianNews Guest Column

July 2011

The art of living above one's income
by Kali Gwegwe
July 22, 2011
 I grew in an environment surrounded by thick forest on all sides. Seeing snake skins was therefore not strange to me because there was never a week I did not stumble on one or more while playing in my dad’s then beautiful and serene landscaped compound. In my childhood innocence, snakes meant just one thing to me: a shy crawling creature that loves changing cloths always.   NigerianNews Guest Column

HOW TO ASSESS THE RISKS IN YOUR WORKPLACE
by Sally Ekeng
July 14, 2011

Reuben Abati: When Snakes Change Skin
by Kali Gwegwe
July 13, 2011
 I grew in an environment surrounded by thick forest on all sides. Seeing snake skins was therefore not strange to me because there was never a week I did not stumble on one or more while playing in my dad’s then beautiful and serene landscaped compound. In my childhood innocence, snakes meant just one thing to me: a shy crawling creature that loves changing cloths always.   NigerianNews Guest Column

COMMON SENSE AND SAFETY
by Sally Ekeng
July 06, 2011
 There are a number of safety problems common to almost all workplaces and job sites that can be solved with a little common sense (if there is any sense that is common). Planning and thinking ahead can help eliminate most of these hazards.   NigerianNews Guest Column

ANTI-GRAFT WAR: WHEN A NATION'S NO.1 LAW OFFICER BECOMES HELPLESS
by Kali Gwegwe
July 06, 2011
 A new but sad vista was added to the myriad of reasons why not much have been achieved in Nigeria’s much talked-about war against graft despite the huge amount of human and material resources invested in it. As a matter of fact, it was tales of helplessness and absence of zeal that were brought to the fore when the immediate past Attorney-General of the federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke volunteered answers during the screening exercise of ministerial nominees at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday, 30th June, 2011.  NigerianNews Guest Column

June 2011

An Open Letter to all newly elected Nigerian Representatives
by Adewale T. Akande
June 24, 2011
 Your excellency lawmakers, I am using this forum to congratulate you all for having opportunity to be among those political trustees elected to represent our opinions, perspectives and interests in leading us to a nation of our dreams. We have lived in the  worst political times. A change has just come and you are the change. That is why we entrusted you all with this position to make decisions that will benefit all Nigerians and solve those problems that come with today’s complex lifestyle.  NigerianNews Guest Column

The Boko Haram Question
by Kali Gwegwe
June 21, 2011
 It is not surprising that the Boko Haram question is fast gaining space in Nigeria. For a country that has almost been ruined by poor leadership in the political, cultural, economic, and religious sectors; the emergence of the Boko Haram sect is only a positive reminder that God loves Nigeria.  NigerianNews Guest Column

AGENDA FOR GEJ
by 'Bisi Ogunwale
June 13, 2011
 I set out to further understand how Moses dealt with his assignment of leading the skeptical, unbelieving and hungry Israelites on the joining to the promise land but I was taken aback with what I found. The Bible tells us that when the Israelites were leaving Sinai and the people were complaining about their hardship just as many do in Nigeria today.   NigerianNews Guest Column

Wake up Muslims, Wake up.
by Tajamul Hussain
June 02, 2011
 The biggest tragedy with Muslims is that people look upon us assuming that Islam is Muslims because we practice that religion. When a crazy Christian does something terrible, everyone knows it is the actions of a mad man because they have some knowledge of the core beliefs and ethics of Christianity.  NigerianNews Guest Column

May 2011

An Open Letter from Awo, Balewa and Zik to President G. E. A. Jonathan
by Adewale T. Akande
May 24, 2011
 On behalf of all Nigerians in heaven, we are using this forum to congratulate you for winning the recently concluded general elections that will usher you as an elected President of Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 29th of May. We are also congratulating those newly elected representatives and leaders to be part of the crew in making a new Nigeria a reality  NigerianNews Guest Column

The End of “Amala” Politics in Oyo State
by Adewale T. Akande
May 06, 2011
 History is the memory of mankind and philosophy of history is the analytical ability of man to distinguish correct from incorrect. Human beings have the ability to create ways to live better and even change the environment to suit their needs and wants. It is very true that the meaning we attach to our circumstances determines both our results and level of our fulfilment.  NigerianNews Guest Column

The Demands of the Buhari voters
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
May 03, 2011
 I am a proud Igbo man. As a young eleven years old, reading the account of the Nigeria civil war as given by Alexandra Madiebo, I paused to cry at several junctions. I cried for the wasted lives; I cried for the wasted opportunities; I cried for some of the observed mistakes by the Biafran army officers that prosecuted the war. In particular, I shed tears when I set my eyes on a photo of Major Ifeajuna, for he was a handsome young man then. NigerianNews Guest Column

Bakare: A cleric that will not wait to hear from God
by Kali Gwegwe
May 03, 2011
 Not minding the fact that men have openly attempted to take over the position of selecting political leaders from God, the point still remains that power belongs to Him. God gives and takes away political power from whoever He wishes and at any time He so desire. This is responsible for the many unpredictable developments in the polity of nations all over the world. Even at this, many have failed to see the hand of God in the selection of political leaders. The fact that many political leaders have failed to live up to expectations does not in any way cancel God’s role. NigerianNews Guest Column

April 2011

An Open letter to the people of Oyo State   ( Part 2)
by Adewale T. Akande
April 29, 2011
Health is wealth. The government should embark on project to have standard public health centres in all the cities in the State. The government should fund all the thirty-three local governments in the state to operate and manage mini public health centres within its authority compound or jurisdiction area. NigerianNews Guest Column

An Open letter to the people of Oyo State   ( Part 1)
by Adewale T. Akande
April 28, 2011
Good day and compliment of the season to all my beloved people of Oyo State. If you could remember vividly, the State was formed on 3rd of February in 1976 by General Murtala Mohammed led military government, when old Western State was divided into Ogun, Ondo and Oyo States respectively. There was also a split of Osun State from Oyo State in 1991. NigerianNews Guest Column

Hail the new Kings.
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
April 20, 2011
 Should I say congratulations to the new lords? I will not, because they represent evil. I will not because my struggle is for the soul of my father land. I will not because I will never concede as all heroes will surely do. I will not, because my true leader – Buhari – has chosen to remain in the struggle with us. I will not because I know tomorrow certainly belongs to us; it belong to all men of truth and justice. NigerianNews Guest Column

Now, we know GEJ: Which way Nigeria?
by Sesan Bello
April 14, 2011
 Hiring a town crier to Nigerian cities and villages to tell the people about who Mr President is or what to be expected from his full four-year term is now useless and needless. That had been sufficiently taken care of by last Saturday’s National Assembly elections results, as released to Nigerians by INEC.  NigerianNews Guest Column

Who is afraid of our votes?
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
April 08, 2011
 For the first time in the history of our country, a scheduled national election failed to hold. Also for the first time since 1922 – when the first election was held in our land, our youths have risen in support of a pair of leaders. We are doing this by going out to campaign for them. We are in it by our massive donations to their campaign fund.  We have matched PDP display of our stolen funds with our will. NigerianNews Guest Column

Time to Say Goodbye to Bad Leaders
by Adewale T. Akande
April 08, 2011
The  Nigerian most famous and respectable novelist, poet, professor and critic, Chinua Achebe rightly said in his book “The Trouble with Nigeria” that  “It is totally false to suggest, as we are apt to do, that Nigerians are fundamentally different from any other people in the world. NigerianNews Guest Column

March 2011

The New Dawn is here.
by Godwin Ndubuisi Aleke
March 29, 2011
 They claimed they will govern us for 60 years; that we will never be able to defeat them. Lately, they dreamt of 200 additional years of their continuous misrule. NigerianNews Guest Column

January 2011

Eligible Voters Set to Detoxify Nigeria
by Adewale T. Akande
January 31, 2011
 The word “toxin”was first used by a reputable organic chemist called Ludwig Brieger (1849-1919). According to my little “...Oxford Dictionary” the word signifies “poison especially of animal or vegetable origin; poison secreted by micro-organism and causing particular disease” To detoxify is to literally eliminate the poisonous substances- the toxins- from our lives. NigerianNews Guest Column

Time to Vote for a New Nigeria
by Adewale T. Akande
January 18, 2011
 Every journey starts with the first small step. There is no doubt that this year general elections will definitely change the course of history of Nigeria for a new nation. Nigerians have learnt their lessons in a very hard way. Nigerians have come to realise that they are the solution to their problems. Suffering is how we react to events that happen to us. Most Nigerian problems are self-created. and they now realise that their destiny is in their hands. NigerianNews Guest Column

OYO STATE IS NOT A BATTLE GROUND
by Adewale T. Akande
January 13, 2011
 The recent political imbroglio in Oyo State that caused the gruesome murder of the dismissed Chairman of the state National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Lateef Salako (aka Elewe-omo) and two other party men in a local government congress of the People Democratic Party calls for an urgent attention as the general elections draw nearer. NigerianNews Guest Column
 

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December 2010

Cross-Interests Patriotism: The consensus Nigeria needs
by Sesan Bello
December 02, 2010
 The rot within the political (elitist) class is now exposed more than ever before, and the need for total overhauling of the country's political leadership, in preparation for the emergence of a new Nigeria, has not only been put on the line but also calling for urgent action.. NigerianNews Guest Column

October 2010

Nigeria at 50: Independence Speech of Obafemi Awolowo (Part 2)
by Adewale T. Akande
October 08, 2010
 Fighting of corruption as the third solution to Nigeria problem. This will have to involve everybody because it affects every living souls in the country. It is a problem in which both the federal and state governments have to fight in all ramifications for the country to develop. NigerianNews Guest Column

Nigeria at 50: Independence Speech of Obafemi Awolowo (Part 1)
by Adewale T. Akande
October 07, 2010
 All protocol observed. “ Possible Solutions to Nigeria’s Problems”
Fellow Nigerians; Good day and happy golden independence anniversary celebrations to you all my fellow country men. Officially, three of us (Balewa, Zik and me ) were invited few months ago to grace this golden occasion of this great nation, but we decided not to come to express our grievances on the bad state of the country.  NigerianNews Guest Column

Why IBB cannot be trusted again
by Adewale T. Akande
October 02, 2010
 Good governance and accountability can only be enthroned in a democratic culture built upon communal social capital and trust. Trust is a common five-letter word we hear almost everyday.  According to The Little Oxford Dictionary, it means  “Firm belief that a person or thing may be relied upon; state of being relied upon; confident expectation; thing or person committed to one’s care; resulting obligation.” NigerianNews Guest Column

NIGERIA AT 50: A GIANT SO DWARF
by Chiso Obiandu
October 01, 2010
 An anniversary marking the golden age of fifty should ordinarily gesture a celebration. It should be a time to merry with friends, family, well-wishers and even friendly posing enemies alike. NigerianNews Guest Column

Nigeria at 50: imperativeness of a new Nigeria
by Sesan Bello
October 01, 2010
 In the beginning was the stage, and the stage was with wisdom. The “Wyth” man was the wisdom, and Nigeria was the stage.  And the wise man said: let there be peace, and there was peace. And the wise man saw the peace, that it was good. The wise man divided the peace with rules; east from the west; north from the rest.  NigerianNews Guest Column

September 2010

An Open letter to the people of Oyo - Part 2
by Adewale T. Akande
September 26, 2010
 Health is wealth. The government should embark on project to have standard public health centres in all the cities in the State. The government should fund all the thirty-three local governments in the state to operate and manage mini public health centres within its authority compound or jurisdiction area.  NigerianNews Guest Column

An Open letter to the people of Oyo - Part 1
by Adewale T. Akande
September 25, 2010
 Good day and compliment of the season to all my beloved people of Oyo State. If you could remember vividly, the State was formed on 3rd of February in 1976 by General Murtala Mohammed led military government, when the old Western State was divided into Ogun, Ondo and Oyo States respectively. There was also a split of Osun State from Oyo State in 1991.  NigerianNews Guest Column

What does IBB want again?
by Adewale T. Akande
September 19, 2010
 “The future will have no pity for those men who possessing the exceptional privilege of being able to speak words of truth to their oppressors, have taken refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mute indifference, and sometimes of cold complicity” so said Frantz Fanon. Edmund Burke in support of Fanon said “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” We have integrity when what people see is the same as who we say we are.  NigerianNews Guest Column

If I were the new I-G of Police
by Adewale T. Akande
September 13, 2010
 I will first thank the almighty God for making me to reach this highest level of my career and also thank the Presidency and the entire Nigerians for giving me this opportunity to serve as the 15th Inspector-General of Police of the most populous black nation of the world since the appointment of the first indigenous Inspector-General of Police in 1964 in person of late Mr.Louis Orok Edet.  NigerianNews Guest Column

August 2010

The Menace of Religious Fanaticism
by Disu Kamor
August 23, 2010
 "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and argue with them in the best way possible. Your Lord surely knows best who has gone astray from His way, and He knows best who are the rightly guided" (Qur'an 16:125)  NigerianNews Guest Column

Arise o compatriots: let's push a little more harder
by Sesan Bello
August 09, 2010
 The North should forget about  presidency, Jonathan must not contest, ACF will tear Nigeria apart,  South South will set the nation on fire, This is the song on the lips of many politically conscious Nigerians today, and even the politically unconscious too. It is however in old lyrics and old tune and from our old  music classes. As a politically conscious thinker myself,  NigerianNews Guest Column

July 2010

The Politics of Zoning Vs The Politics of Compensation
by George Kerley
July 16, 2010
 Was political power zoned to the South-West in 1999 or was the South-West compensated for the death of MKO Abiola who had won the presidential elections of 1993? NigerianNews Guest Column

THE DAMNING VERDICT.
by Uyi Edogamhe
July 13, 2010
 Nigeria’s big time fiasco and the very early ouster from the just concluded world cup, is one big damning verdict, that demands serious, passionate analysis. The aftermath of this big  mess is still playing out, in the soul searching, and blame game that is now going on: and don’t forget of course, the presidential flip flop on the banning. NigerianNews Guest Column

The Political Zoning Debate.
by Uyi Edogamhe
July 05, 2010
 Senator John  Shagaya’s granted interview as published in “This Day of 06/27/2010”, is very telling and revealing at the same time. The American historical context on which his analogy is premised, is faulty. The Senator it is glaring, has a warped, jaundiced and embarrassingly flawed understanding of American political history, as posited in the interview. NigerianNews Guest Column

June 2010

This is Our Moment
by Dr. David Ogula
June 16, 2010
 Nigerians have yearned, hoped and prayed for a better Nigeria. However, in this quest for a better Nigeria, there have been a few missed opportunities. Murutala Mohammed, Muhammadu Buhari and Tunde Idiagbon’s administrations, the second and “third” coming of Olusegun Obasanjo offered opportunities for a change in direction. If you are wondering about the reference to Obasanjo’s third coming, his influence is viewed by this author as a continuum, not merely for the maneuvers behind the scene that led to the current turn of events politically, but much more significantly, for it’s implications for political transformation. NigerianNews Guest Column

April 2010

The Evil Candidate: General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida
by Naiwu Osahon
April 15, 2010
 (Apart from Obasanjo, Babangida is the greatest evil ever to befall any country in the world)-All that Babangida, (nicknamed IBB), has to show for his over eight years in power in Nigeria, is private colossal wealth, and the edification of corruption in our body politics. Yes, he is richer than many African governments and can buy who ever he wants, but he ruined our lives to reach there.   The book, The Sink, by Jeffrey Robinson, an American writer, says it all about Babangida. “Of the $120 billion siphoned out of the Nigerian treasury into offshore accounts by dishonest politicians, $20 billion is allegedly traceable to IBB directly as president from 1985 to 1993.”  The World Bank and other international sources of information put his total loot from the Nigerian treasury at over $35 billion. NigerianNews Guest Column

March 2010

Yar’Adua’s case – lessons for the nation
by Sesan Bello
March 17, 2010
 The dust raised by the state of the nation recently is now settled. As usual, it has come and gone and no one seemed to see beyond all that happened; the political elites want to subdue our constitution for their selfish end again, let alone think about what lessons there are for us to learn. NigerianNews Guest Column

February 2010

Jos Crises: An Old Problem taking a New Dimension
by Dr. Yushau Balarabe
February 08, 2010
 Any sensible person that has anything to do with Nigeria must have been disturbed with high level of animalistic barbarism, and display of total hatred among the people that were hitherto living peacefully for hundreds of years. In particular, for those of us from Jos, and Plateau state in general, it has been a depressing, frustrating and confusing time. NigerianNews Guest Column