Monday, October 2, 2017 being the day of Governor Obiano’s commencement of his campaign for a second four-year term in office underscores a landmark in Anambra State’s politics. The kick-off at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka is remarkable in many ways that go far beyond politics. This is because it re-establishes the immense merit in clear focus in pro-people governance and re-corroborates the wisdom in the governor’s statement that he “came prepared” for the job.
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This is an important year for Nigeria, not only because the economy has just exited recession. The fight against terrorism has turned the corner with Boko Haram pushed to the fringes of the Lake Chad, restricted to hit-and-run strikes. In this fight, Nigeria is no longer standing alone. We are being supported by our neighbours and the international community.
While it must be emphasized that it was not every stakeholder in Yorubaland that attended the summit let alone agreed with the entire proposition, the question whether this makes the submission any less valid is a moot point. In the North, some of the region’s leaders including governors are also talking and demanding devolution of powers and other variants of restructuring. Also, the National Assembly, which had curiously dumped devolution of power as an item on its constitution review plan, is now having a rethink.
As is to be expected, many voices have been raised for and against this proposal. Separate rallies have also been held on the streets of Abakaliki by opponents and supporters of the loan proposal. While all stakeholders are passionate in their views, it is important that we do not lose sight of the salient points and necessary considerations before the state commits to yet another loan agreement.
We bring you fraternal greetings from the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC). The Congress salutes Nigerians on this special day of the 57th anniversary of our independence from colonial rule. Ordinarily it should not be out of place if we roll out our drums today to celebrate this feat, but we cannot, because like they say “you don’t participate in a dance competition when your house is on fire.” Nigeria is dancing at the market square naked to the full glare of the whole world when our roof is on fire.
As 2019 gets closer and the issues are debated, it is only normal for persons and groups to take positions on their preferred candidates. The issues that determine the choices of groups and persons are many and differ from strata to strata. I spoke to a career politician and a local government council chairmanship aspirant in one of the south-south states a few weeks ago and he made it clear at the meeting that why my preferred candidate for president in the 2019 election was same choice as his,
Then, one young lawyer, Ogaga Ifowodo, worked in the firm. It was those heady days of fervent pro-democracy activities when the term “hidden agenda” was a popular refrain ascribed to the transition rigmarole of the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida. I was then a Staff Writer at TELL magazine and had walked into Sagay’s office for an interview on the state of the nation.
Deciding to seek help was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do. Firstly, it involves admitting to yourself that there is something wrong. I have always been an outgoing, friendly and generally extroverted person. I am the kind of person who normally appears to have things under control, a very social person usually with a smile on my face. Therefore, this made it harder for me to accept that something was wrong, and subsequently reach out for help.
While public officers and their cronies obscenely amass ill-gotten gains at the expense of the masses, the growing army of unemployed youths are daily assailed by deepening frustration as they behold a future that seems to promise them little or nothing. Consequently, agitations of disillusionment and dissatisfaction are growing louder across the nation, especially in the last two years
That would not be necessary in this instance because Obafemi Awolowo, never died. His works thunder across the landscape of the Western Region in the architectural prominence of pioneer accomplishments. His words speak to the thought systems of mankind and echo to the future the paths lit yet uncharted. Awolowo engaged all the philosophers who contributed to modern knowledge in formulating the principles which guide his politics, culture and economics. Popular democracy from Plato. Dialectics from Hegel. Democratic socialism from Marx and Engels. Metaphysics from Aristotle and the theologians. Public finance from Maynard Keynes.
The murderous Operation Python Dance II that was unleashed on Igboland by the Federal Government of Nigeria has since become a subject of national interest. Many people have proclaimed that you have been killed, abducted and that many members of your family and movement – the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been wasted
As expressed in the policy, VAIDS, an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Finance in collaboration with federal and state tax authorities, was conceived to rectify almost all anomalies and issues of defective orientation to taxation in Nigeria. It also reflects the Federal Government’s desire to widen the tax net while offering certain benefits to tax defaulters, who voluntarily declare their assets and pay their tax liabilities.
In one way or another, we all have felt the sting of man’s capacity to wrong his fellow man. But we are also endowed with the God-given spirit to overcome adversity and to make of old enemies, new allies and even brothers. I stand before you as a faithful believer in sentiments such as these.
In today’s Nigeria, as we have seen in recent days, those who speak truth are persecuted and eventually that truth is driven underground and buried and society carries on as if nothing is amiss.
The feelers across Nigeria today are those of tension and unrest. More than ever in the history of this nation, the fortitude of our unity is not only being tested but also being questioned. These agitations is nothing short of the inability of the ruling All Progressives Congress to provide adequate and inclusive leadership across the country. Governance is a reflection of the society. So also is democracy a reflection of political party. Only a stable party with sound leadership can stir a heterogeneous country like Nigeria.
Less than one week into the year, it became apparent that the mistakes of 2016 would be repeated wholesale with the one month ultimatum issued by the Biafra National Guard, BNG, for the release of IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, failing which they will attack the government. It is inconceivable that one Ruben Okoro signed the statement issuing a threat to commit treason in his capacity as Public Relations Officer of BNG.
Leading the Military class was General Oluwole Rotimi the oldest surviving former Governor of the old Western state with another Governor of old Oyo state General Oladayo Popoola, War hero General Alani Akinrinade, and General Ola Oni. Chief Adebayo Alugbin and retired Commissioner of Police Olayinka Balogun led the Police presence while the highly respected Justice Mustapha Akanbi former President of the Federal Court of Appeal and pioneer Chairman of ICPC was the Chief Presenter in what was actually billed as Book Presentation. Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun state and former Chairman of ACN chaired
That Nigeria has been badly managed before now is no longer news. Every institution of state designed to protect the country looked the other way while non-state actors and gangs run riot.
From conception to establishment, UCH was destined to be the leader in the field of tertiary medical training, research and healthcare delivery in the West African sub region and among the best globally.
The university has become the only safe haven for the Nigerian youth. All over the land, the tale is the same. You graduate with smiles, hoping your degree will be a window to opportunities. But you’re disappointed down the line.