Ibori Won!

James Ibori is both Nigeria and a Nigerian in the most representative of terms. The Ibori Corruption Saga has much less implication for the ex-governor of Delta State himself; it is a signature of Nigeria as it, its forgettable past and possibly its uncertain future. Ibori’s triumphant entry into Nigeria is seriously superficial, his real welcome was a very deep reflection of the expectations and preferences of the ruling elite in Nigeria and their clients. Ibori’s return home to Nigeria is a test for all who have misgoverned and stolen big from Nigeria.

Nigeria has no time or space for impractical people. By nature or nurture, the Nigerian is thoroughly pragmatic, mostly about money and power, in all their ways. Money (and power) is the true God in Nigeria, not Jehovah, not Allah, not Mohamed, not Amadioha, not Olodumare and not Okunovu; why deceive yourself? Super pastors are in strong competition with each over the obscene claim of being the “richest pastor in Africa”. When neoclassical economists say every single thing human beings do is merely to increase their utility or profits, they are describing Nigeria perfectly. (more…)

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Biafra in the Mid-West: A Missing History?

Biafra in the Mid-West: A Missing History?

If one asks the everyday person from Edo or Delta States, which make up the now-defunct Mid-West region or Bendel State, or anyone from the rest of Nigeria who Albert Okonkwo was, probably much less than 1% would know the answer. Many would ask why they should know who Albert Okonkwo was in the first place. But why not? (more…)

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Getting Ready to Islamise Nigeria?

Getting Ready to Islamise Nigeria?

The recent pronouncements made by Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State, astonished many. He said he intends to “regulate” religion by banning the “unlicensed places of worship” of Christians in his state. This campaign has caused many Christians to take the threat of Islamisation more seriously than ever. The threat was further escalated to an ‘imminent level.’ This was the outcome of a recent forum meeting for the 19 Northern Nigerian State Governors. They unanimously decided in favour of regulating Christianity in their respective states. Is the “One Nigeria” doctrine again under the serious threat of failing for religion’s sake? (more…)

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Another Christmas: James Ibori and the “Invisible Man”

Christmas is here! This time last year many politicians from Delta State were queuing up in London, England to see ex-Governor and Gubernatocrat, Chief James Onanefe Ibori. They were far away from home and the main reason they wanted to see “the Man” was to secure their political futures in the wake of the 2015 general elections and perhaps do other things for themselves. After all, Ibori is founder of the dominant Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) based Ibori Dynasty that rules Delta State even when he is in the slammer in a foreign land! One may wonder what this Christmas holds for the Ibori Dynasty. (more…)

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Gubernatocracy in Nigeria is Taking Big Blows

It is the case that 15% (i.e. 16 out 109) of all senators are ex-governors. This is part of Nigeria’s gubernatocracy. Gubernatocracy, the rule of Nigeria at federal level by ex-governors who have stolen vast amounts of money from their states’ treasuries and therefore can buy lots of political power. The logic is simple: hold one or two tenures as governor of a state then buy a seat in the Senate if not buy the Senate itself. (more…)

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A Nation without Institutions: Elected Politician Orders the Beating of a Judge

When a governor-elect for one of the states in Nigeria can openly slap, then instruct his thugs beat up and chase a sitting judge out of court for comments rendered, the days when the citizens of Nigeria could hope to build the nation up are long gone. Govern-elect, Ayo Fayose, of Ekiti State in southwest Nigeria is the malefactor in this case and high court judge, Justice John Adeyeye, the victim and the entire justice system desecrated. Such misbehaviour is a wanton “attack on the state” and the state must exact justice, appropriately. (more…)

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