Inside the Worlds Of Melaye, Dickson and Co., By Azu Ishiekwene
The odysseys of Melaye and Dickson are sad reminders of how far we still need to go. Yet, the distance is worth going to strengthen and preserve our institutions. Those who think they have won – or would win – by bending the system, would find a rich harvest of…
Why Bello Is Coming Back, And Bayelsa May Fall, By Azu Ishiekwene
Bello would win, not in spite of, but because of his flaws – flaws which have dogged his predecessors in the past two decades but have not left the voters any wiser. Bello is done on social media, finished off by his perceived arrogance, his imperial style, and his acrimonious…
[sc:"post loop ad"]
Politics of Ransom, By Dele Agekameh
Abuse of power is an unfortunate feature of Nigerian politics. Our politicians focus more on the force of power and authority and use it as a weapon to serve their interests. In the middle of the most tumultuous period in Nigerian politics since 2014/2015, the legislature, judiciary and the president…
Between the Despots in Power and the Despots In Waiting, By Chris Ngwodo
Nigerian politicians are unwilling to curb the excessive powers of the executive because they want to wield such powers themselves. In a sense, Nigerian politics is a contest between despots in power and despots in waiting. What Frantz Fanon once said of the native is also true of Nigerian elites:…
Is the Great Battle Between the Senate President and the Police Boss?, By Jibrin Ibrahim
The view of Senate President Bukola Saraki is that the alleged plot is part of the strategy of IGP Idris Ibrahim to settle scores over the declaration by the Senate that he is not qualified and competent to hold any public office, within and outside the country. Over the past…
Senate Versus IGP: A Dissection of the Law, By Inibehe Effiong
...we must never condone the destruction of our institutions. Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye will not be in the Senate forever. We should resist the temptation to play to the gallery by trivialising the offensive, unlawful and arrogant conduct of the IGP, Ibrahim Idris, simply because we…
Why Buhari and the Senate Should Sheathe their Swords, By Rafiq Raji
...to even suggest an impeachment of Mr. Buhari at this time would be foolish. Our democracy is hardly stable as it is. With myriad killings and altercations all about, a move to remove a president who is extremely popular in the most volatile part of the country is hardly wise.…
When Thugs Make Laws, By Dele Agekameh
Mr. Melaye’s instincts are not those of a dignified representative of the people, but those of a self-centred desperado, like most of the other elected “representatives of the people” in the National Assembly. Birds of a feather, they say, flock together. Conventional wisdom also supports the notion that like minds…
Nigeria’s Unscripted Politics, By Dele Agekameh
If our politicians cannot be trusted to reason clearly and sensibly on their own, then it raises questions about their qualification for the roles they hold on our behalf. In the developed world, politicians learn the value of decorum and adequate preparation very early on in their careers. In that…
2017: Unforgettable Moments of Bizarre Leadership, By Azu Ishiekwene
Perhaps the real disappointment for me is that in a year when the video of Bukar Abba Ibrahim having a threesome proved the prowess of the 67-year-old senator and former governor beyond a doubt, Okorocha appointed a commissioner with far less requisite experience for his new Happiness ministry. Isn’t there…
