Category: OP-ED

The recent harassment or detention of human rights activist, Dr. Chido Onumah, by state agents is not only a sign that Nigeria is drifting towards full-blown dictatorship, the incident also goes to expose the hypocrisy of Nigerian leaders. Onumah’s crime, according to the state agents, is that he was wearing a t-shirt with the inscription: “WE ARE ALL BIAFRANS”, being… Read More

I attended the birthday party of the matriarch of a Nigerian friend’s family in Edmonton a few weeks ago. It was mama’s 82nd birthday. Her children and grandchildren decided to give her a truly memorable birthday party. The invitation card was tastefully done and regular reminders meticulously delivered.  There was the ubiquitous “Adults only” warning on the card. That was… Read More

Mr Agba Jalingo, a journalist and human rights activist, is presently undergoing trial for criticising the administration of Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State. He was arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos on August 22, 2019 and subsequently moved to Calabar where he was charged to court on September 25 on a four-count charge of… Read More

With limbs half limp and a vacant gaze She plods through the months and hazy days Some hail her as Africa’s Giant But she bears herself like a hapless ant Blessed with sunshine and abundant rain She blights her people with needless pain Their boundless strength she converts to curse Their bus to bliss becomes a hearse While others make,… Read More

Anyone who followed the national new minimum wage negotiations between the organised Labour and the Federal Government at the peak in November 2018 would have known, as they say in Nigerian street lingo, that it would “end in tears”. While receiving the report of the Tripartite Committee on New Minimum Wage from the Chairman, Amal Pepple, on November 7, 2018,… Read More

At every given opportunity, President Muhammadu Buhari not only proudly re-affirms his administration’s commitment to mount a vigorous fight against corruption, he also as best as he can often ticks off some of the initiatives laid out for that purpose and the achievements so far. Here is the reason: waging war against corruption was one in the triumvirate of key… Read More

It is 9:10am and former President Goodluck Jonathan arrives at the mouth of the aircraft at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. His hat gives him away too soon as he saunters into the waiting metal bird. I cast a piercing glimpse at him, and said to myself, “that was once the most powerful man in Africa, and perhaps, the most… Read More

The cardinal aim of every academic pursuit, according to the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “is to develop the power to think – clearly, correctly, and scientifically.” Nothing could be further from this truth! More often than not, people that obtain sound education are analytical and able to proffer solutions to complex problems. This explains the huge resources some countries devote… Read More

The old man was dressed in an elaborate outfit he had obviouslyoutgrown. It must have been a relic from the past, a reminder of thestatus he once possessed. He was pleased with himself all the same andseemed oblivious to his ill-fitting, riotously coloured regalia. Thiswas his birthday, 59 no less and part of his annual ritual was todress for the… Read More

I will begin this treatise with the words of the current Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad: “The rule of law must be obeyed in all our dealings and we must impress it on the government at all levels to actively toe the path. “The right of every citizen against any form of oppression and impunity must be jealously guarded and… Read More