It would be comical – if not scary – to think that, barely 20 years after Nigeria transited from military rule, our attempt at practicing the tenets of constitutional liberal democracy seems to be unravelling. Democracies ought to grow stronger as time passes. However, in Nigeria, it seems we have forgotten the foundational and settled … Continue reading
Last week, the Nigerian government unveiled ‘Nigeria Air’, introducing our latest national vanity project to the world. Several commentators have raised concerns on the transparency, economic expediency, and sustainability of the project, but I am more troubled that the policy interests of our politicians do not necessarily align with those of a majority of Nigerians. … Continue reading
This week, as Nigeria observes “Democracy Day” and civil society honours the memory of victims of violence, we are once more compelled to reflect on the value of the Nigerian citizenship. Clearly, Nigeria is not getting better. In fact, it has worsened steadily since October 1, 1960. Thanks to modern technology, this fact is often … Continue reading
Sometime in 2016, a security officer at a Lagos immigration office spoke to me discreetly, suggesting that I advice a fellow visitor not to wear ‘that type of dress’ next time, or he may embarrass her. A few weeks later, at a bar in Lagos, a friend laughed nervously about the risks in leaving her … Continue reading
Sometime in January this year I was in my hometown Abeokuta. I was interested in seeing how governance had fared and a close friend had driven me around the town, showing me the modernisations. New flyovers decked major intersections, revamped roads gleamed under the sunlight, and pedestrian bridges brimmed everywhere. It was an impressive makeover. … Continue reading
Several days ago, on a trip from the Lagos mainland to the Lekki peninsula, I saw a sprawling heap of trash by the Obalende junction. It seems absurd to call garbage ‘unkempt,’ but this one did look neglected. It was even more surprising that the waste oozed, spilled and piled around and out of several … Continue reading
There are some 40 to 50 ‘third force’ parties in Nigeria. Choose one, vote wisely. But don’t expect any to affect the election of those who have been in control of the political economy since 1960s. Fixing Nigeria is not by elections, but by mass agitations for systemic reform. If elections were won by good … Continue reading
