The beginning of an autocracy When Muhammadu Buhari won the 2015 presidential elections, the country was deeply divided between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). As I remarked then, the results of the elections showed that Buhari was not the will of all Nigerians. Give or take a couple of … Continue reading
Last week, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria opined that social injustices and a disregard for the rule of law were much more damaging issues in Nigeria than the theft of public funds. Although this statement made headlines, this thinking is not novel. For example, back in the late 1980s, Dele Giwa once described Shehu … Continue reading
One thing can be said about the Buhari administration: it does not shy away from explaining why the social and economic challenges of ordinary citizens are not its problem. Back in April 2016, Femi Adesina – the presidential spokesperson – glibly remarked that Nigerians who had been experiencing power failure should direct their complaints to … Continue reading
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
The colonists designed Nigeria to be RULED with military help. The army perfected this idea. Anyone can rule Nigeria, no one can govern it. — AYO SOGUNRO (@ayosogunro) September 7, 2017 Seeking a 'good' president for Nigeria is like seeking a peace-loving 'Don' to head a violent gang. The system just isn't designed for … Continue reading
Part A: Background In 2007, Wole Soyinka wrote the very scathing essay: “The Crimes of Buhari”. In the essay, Soyinka reviewed General Buhari’s 1985 regime, and highlighted the features of that era: Buhari’s imperial attitude; repression of free speech, selective enforcement of decrees, and partisanship towards the core political elite. The most damaging accusation against … Continue reading
I received with regret news that the Air Force,working to mop up BH insurgents, accidentally bombed a civilian community in Rann,Borno State — Muhammadu Buhari (@MBuhari) January 17, 2017 I may have lost my sanity at some point this week. This is one explanation for why I think the “accidental” bombing of Nigerian citizens … Continue reading
