Category: Opinion

The implications of judicial politicization for opposition parties in Nigeria refer to the consequences that arise when the judiciary is perceived to be influenced by political interests rather than acting independently and impartially. In Nigeria, debates about judicial independence frequently emerge in relation to election petitions, party leadership disputes, and constitutional cases involving major political parties.   The long-term strength of democracy depends heavily on public confidence that courts apply the law fairly and impartially to both ruling and opposition parties. However, political actors often interpret the same court decision…

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all creation, and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and all his Companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, when calamities, tribulations, trials and tragedies strike, turning to prayer and Du’a (supplication) anchors the Muslim believer’s heart. It is the ultimate expression of humility, transforming feelings of helplessness into spiritual empowerment by bringing us directly to the One (Allah) who controls all destinies.…

As Ekiti State prepares to vote this Saturday, the upcoming governorship election is a simple test of what we all now call the “BAO Effect” rather than a fierce political battle. For Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji (BAO), this election is the perfect time to protect and continue the steady, peaceful progress he has brought to the Land of Honour during his first term.   In the past, governance in Ekiti was often filled with tension, bitter fights, and political division. Over the last four years, however, BAO has changed the…

The Arbiter This article was first published on the 4th of April, 2022. It is as relevant today as it was then. Only that it is now: No one is safe, not only nowhere. What with Generals being killed on the roads (read General Alkali), abducted from their fortified homes (read General Tsafe), or whisked on the highways (read General Rabe), and killed in the bushes, not in active service, or prisoner of war (POW), but as a shackled captive.   Will those in power today do something about the…

In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May the peace, blessings and salutations of Allah be upon our noble Messenger, Muhammad, and upon his family, his Companions and his true followers. Dear brothers and sisters! Wallahi, the bitter truth we don’t want to hear is that, systemic corruption in Nigeria is the root cause of widespread poverty and escalating insecurity. By diverting public funds meant for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, corruption cripples economic development. This deprivation…

It was the year 2000 or 2001. We were seated almost in a circumference. The venue was the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja. We awaited the arrival of President OIusegun Obasanjo. The event was the monthly Presidential Media Chat. It was a forum where the president took questions from select editors. This evening, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was programmed to beam it live to the world.   Cameras were readied for action. Their minders jealously fiddled with their objects to be sure nothing programmed to go right ever…

The tragic death of Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in bandits’ captivity is more than a painful incident; it is a disturbing reflection of the worsening insecurity confronting Nigeria. When a retired senior military officer, a man who dedicated decades to national service and contributed to counterinsurgency operations, could be abducted and eventually die in captivity, Nigerians are compelled to ask a serious question: if those with experience and military background are vulnerable, what hope remains for the ordinary citizen? The Katsina State Government described the incident as a…

When Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio assumed office as President of Nigeria’s 10th Senate in June 2023, expectations were understandably high. Nigeria was grappling with economic headwinds, persistent security challenges, and growing public demand for more responsive and effective democratic institutions. In such a climate, the National Assembly was expected not merely to make laws, but to provide leadership, strengthen oversight, and restore public confidence in governance. Three years into his tenure, the Senate under Akpabio has increasingly sought to position itself as a stable, proactive, and policy-driven legislative institution. Through…

With growing doubts about the efficacy of institutions in Nigeria, it is very important to use scenario-planning to forecast the reactions to unfolding events, particularly in the electoral arena. The off-cycle elections in Ekiti on June 20 and Osun on August 15 will herald the real test to come in the January 2027 general elections. They should really be taken like mock examinations.   Those who value democracy expect the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use stakeholders as proper sounding boards and partners for pilot tests. INEC has to…

As Nigeria marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, it is important to assess the role of one of the most critical pillars of democracy—the Legislature. Since the return to civil rule in 1999, the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have remained central to lawmaking, representation, and oversight of the executive arm of government.   While democracy in Nigeria has faced numerous challenges, the legislature has evolved significantly over the past twenty-seven years, recording notable achievements while also grappling with institutional and systemic shortcomings.   The Legislature and…