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Nigeria at 56: are we cursed or are we the cause?

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Apologies to Mr Peter Obi for using this catchy but thought provoking phrase that he used the very first time he contested for the Governorship of Anambra State. Apparently, that question he asked over ten years ago still hangs over not just his Anambra State but Nigeria as a whole. On a Night like this, 56 years ago, there was probably a sickening nostalgia all over the then British Colony which would later become the Country, Nigeria about the endless possibilities that accompany Independence, especially in a Country that is as endowed as ours. Well, Tomorrow will be exactly 56 years since Nigeria attained independent status from Great Britain. At Independence, our founding fathers such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo had such lofty goals and dreams for our progress, prosperity: they conceived a Nigeria that would maximize her enormous human capital resources: A Nigeria that would truly cater for the hopes and aspirations of her diverse peoples: A Nigeria that

Edo State Guber Polls: An Ever Present Need For A Third Force.

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I don't think that I've ever been divided within me about writing a piece as I am about this one. Should I write or should I not write? Anyways, I traverse! Barring any last minute "boju boju", the Edo State Governorship election will come up tomorrow, the 28th of September, 2016. And that is the source of my dilemma: I really don't know whom to support or if I should support any. Should I support The PDP candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize Iyamu who happens to be a UNIBEN Law graduate and who is immensely popular among some of my folks or should I support the APC Candidate, Godwin Obaseki who is the anointed of incumbent Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Really, I doubt my stakes in the election: I'm not even from Edo State but perhaps, it won't hurt to lend my voice. The PDP candidate I hear is thoroughly grounded in the Politics of Edo State and he has an in depth knowledge of the internal workings of Government, and to that end, would make a perfect fit for t

CHEERING ON THE NIGER DELTA AVENGERS; WAY TO GO?

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A few days back, I was walking through a beer parlour when I heard some of the men talking in an overly enthusiastic manner. From my experience, alcohol does not arouse such enthusiasm and excitement, especially with the shape of our economy. I took a pause to understand the reason for their excitement and to say the least, I was ashamed. I was ashamed that grown up Nigerian men were excited because of a blind piece of news that the notorious Niger Delta Avengers were killing Nigerian soldiers in the Niger Delta. I couldn't understand what special joy they derived, and really, at that moment, I couldn't help but question the possibilities of a once again strong and United Nigeria. These were Nigerians (I don't care whether they claim otherwise) who were rejoicing at the "exploits" of a band of economic saboteurs. The other day, a senior cousin ecstatically affirmed that the Nigerian army in all their might and firepower would never defeat the avengers. Now,

The Paradox of Change.

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In the build up to the 2015 Presidential Election of Nigeria, my younger brother, Jeff was perhaps the most passionate supporter of the then candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhhamadu Buhari, who is now addressed as President Muhammadu Buhari. It was not just him; every member of my immediate Family with the exception of my Mother was almost driven to the point of fanaticism in their support for Buhari; Jeff in particular took the pains of reading Buhari's biography and his committed support for Buhari was surprising to me, at least for his age. Well, it's almost 16 months since General Buhari became President Buhari and Jeff has become critical of him and his performance. Of course, that's the way it should be! When the Government is underperforming, it is only normal for us as citizens to complain and criticize. Without a doubt, the President has let a good number of us who supported him down! This is hard to admit but in all honesty, even the mos