Peter Palmer Ekeh

Dr Joe Abah: Two Experts, Two Bureaucrats

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:January 17, 2017
Post category:Corruption Governance Social Relations
Post comments:3 Comments
Reading time:4 mins read

Dr Joe Abah: Two Experts, Two Bureaucrats

Dr Joe Abah, is the Director General of Bureau of Public Service Reforms and academic. In very casual style unwittingly or knowingly, re-triggered a limited exchange on one of the most contentious controversies in modern intellectual history; what is the role the intellectual in society? The triggering sardonic comment by Dr Abah (@DrJoeAbah) on Twitter yesterday said “How to become an “expert” [1] in Nigeria: Be jobless; go around TV stations & beg to appear on ANY programme; criticise all Govt actions. Done!” Of the many replies he got [most of them friendly] one by Mark Spencer (@Ack_Spencer). It was just as sardonic. “How to become an expert, sign up as media influencer visit all radio &TV station[s] hailing Govt inefficiencies and cluelessness”. This is the flash point of the controversy. However, the contention Dr Abah triggered is one many avoid because of the unexpected possibilities it can generate. (more…)

James Ibori’s Guaranteed Innocence and the Blessing of Tribalism in Nigeria

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:December 27, 2016
Post category:Corruption Governance Institutions Social Relations
Post comments:1 Comment
Reading time:6 mins read

When I read the article titled ‘The Welcome Party for Ibori’ by Simon Kolawole, it was thought-provoking journalism considering the context of Delta State’s ex-Governor, James Ibori’s much-celebrated release from Belmarsh Prison, London, England. Many Nigerians mostly see Ibori’s celebrated release by mostly people from his home state of Delta as a national disgrace and most rightly so. However, when you consider Nigeria’s history of convictions for corruption, many who complain about Ibori’s smug prison release may simply be tribalists who would do the same if “their man” was convicted and eventually released. The real crushing national disgrace for Nigeria is that it still cannot convict her Big Thieves in her courts and rely on foreign governments to convict “selected” offenders. Yet, Nigeria celebrates Independence. (more…)

Learning Applied Science in Schools

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:August 28, 2016
Post category:Institutions Social Relations
Post comments:0 Comments
Reading time:9 mins read

Institutions, Habits and Learning Applied Science in Schools By Grimot Nane Written for Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association UK Annual Dinner, Paddington Hilton, London on the 27th August…

The Lion and The Jewel: Soyinka’s Most Enduring Work?

Post author:Grimot Nane Zine
Post published:July 13, 2014
Post category:Corruption Governance Institutions
Post comments:0 Comments
Reading time:9 mins read

The Lion and The Jewel: Soyinka’s Most Enduring Work?

Today is the 80th birthday of Wole Soyinka. I may not be a fan of his but his work and achievements have their own stories.

Written in 1962, the play The Lion and The Jewel is probably Soyinka’s simplest and least-known work but it will perhaps turn out to be his most enduring due to its evolving contemporary relevance. It is also one of the outstanding works from post-colonial literature to come out of Nigeria, if not the entire Commonwealth. (more…)