15 Years of Boosting the Economy With Local Content
April 22, 2010 is a notable milestone in the annals of the Nigerian oil and gas sector. On that day, 15 years ago, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan signed the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Bill into law. Based on the impact made in the implementation of the Continue Reading
Interrogating the contemporary relevance of local government councils
Today, I am still interrogating the issue of grassroots development via the local government system as structured in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended). This tier of government has been my pre-occupation in the past many years due to its significance to good governance and Continue Reading
Implications of Aliyu-Bafarawa realignment for Sokoto
The realignment of forces between Governor Ahmed Aliyu and former Governor Attahiru Bafarawa in Sokoto State marks a significant shift in the state’s political landscape. It comes with far-reaching implications for political development and peace in the state. This reconciliation, evidenced by Bafarawa’s public commendation of Aliyu’s leadership style and Continue Reading
Algeria’s hidden war: mines continue to kill decades after independence
During the War of Independence, France laid 11 million anti-personnel mines along Algeria’s borders. More than 60 years later, these mines continue to kill and maim civilians. Despite demining efforts, the threat remains – hundreds of people are affected every year. France still refuses to acknowledge responsibility and has not Continue Reading
Alas, the ‘green’ Pope is gone!
Today, the world mourns. He left our earth just a day shy of World Earth Day (April 22). The whole creation felt his impact because he was no ordinary clergy. It was as if Mother Earth sent him on a mission to this planet at a time when such a Continue Reading
Adieu, Pope of Peace
In A world ravaged by wars and agitations, Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis who died on Easter Monday did his best to defuse tensions. He was a man of peace who sought peace in every part of the world. He did not only speak for peace, he worked and walked for Continue Reading
How the BBC misled me about British English
Growing up in my hometown, Nnewi, in Anambra State, the BBC radio was the premium news channel to listen to. The shortwave signals were strong only early in the morning and late at night. Those who tuned in to the BBC were globally informed. They usually knew something about anything Continue Reading
Humphrey Nwosu: Electoral umpire who must be honoured
Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, 83, the electoral umpire who organised and conducted the most transparent and credible election in the history of our country has been interred amidst encomiums at his Ajali country home, Anambra State. The funeral attracted the crème de la crème of politicians from the southeast and President Continue Reading
The judiciary as the final arbiter of electoral outcomes: Aberrations and judgments without justice (6)
Judicial interference in resolving electoral disputes generates detrimental consequences for democracy and electoral legitimacy, undermining the Judiciary’s role, endangering democratic governance, and suppressing popular sovereignty as the basis of legitimate government. To address this issue, there is an urgent need to recalibrate the Judiciary’s role in election oversight, confining its Continue Reading
Farewell to the People’s Pope
The progressive signature of Pope Francis on the Vatican was unmistakable from the beginning of his papacy. Since the Catholic pontiff died on Easter Monday the remarkable positions taken by the Bishop of Rome on many socio-economic and political issues have been amply acknowledged in tributes from diverse quarters. The Continue Reading