Essays / The Pontifical Papers

HELLO PRESIDENT BUHARI, LISTEN TO THE JUDICIARY | by Ayo Sogunro

Last week, in his Independence anniversary speech, President Muhammadu Buhari threw a jab at the Nigerian judiciary. The president said: “In fighting corruption, however, the government would adhere strictly by the rule of law. Not for the first time I am appealing to the judiciary to join the fight against corruption”. These words not only … Continue reading

Essays / The Pontifical Papers

ON CLASSTHINK AND THE “OTHER” NIGERIA | by Ayo Sogunro

I have previously written on our “classthink” mentality in Nigeria. Classthink explains why those of us who are members of the educated middle class often overlook the circumstances of poor Nigerians when discussing government policy. We weigh government policy from the perspective of our immediate environments. If the policy works for us, then it is … Continue reading

Essays / The Pontifical Papers

A NOTE ON THE NIGERIAN LEGAL ORDER | by Ayo Sogunro

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, first Prime Minister of Nigeria, was not always a believer in the necessity of Nigeria’s continued union after independence was achieved. Somehow, however, he became a convert to the need for a “Nigerian” state. Why he changed his mind may not be clear, but what he said about British cooperation in his … Continue reading