By Ikeddy Isiguzo

Once President Bola Ahmed Tinubu addresses Nigerians, it is clear that his silence is actually golden, as it gives chances to guess what the President feels about ordinary Nigerians, the hungry, the poor, the weak, those excluded from Tinubu’s concerns because they are not rich.

By Mahmud Jega

For a man who doesn’t talk much, it is worth listening when he finally speaks out. Mai Mala Buni has been Governor of Yobe State for five and a half years, was previously a National Secretary of APC and for two years was in fact the ruling APC’s Caretaker National Chairman. In all those roles he was not known to be given to boasts and brags. His personal motto, apparently, is that action speaks louder than words and that it is empty drums that make the most noise.

By Hassan Gimba

There is no doubt that trust was the main determiner in making earlier citizens pay taxes willingly. There was trust in the leadership of the day and the knowledge that the taxes collected would not be misappropriated. Now, even the gate man in a motor park or market sees the tax he collects at the gate as his. Some have their tickets. When such collection points take the remaining proceeds to the next point, it gets “edited” until the process reaches its final pool, where a large number is collected and pilfered in large measure.

By Onjefu Okidu

If one were to pause abruptly amidst the ongoing turmoil within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and take a moment to reflect, a pressing question would likely arise: would it be fair for the PDP to sanction Nyesom Wike and restore the Rivers party structure to Governor Fubara? To answer this question accurately, one must peruse the history of the PDP. The history of the party, frankly, is a disheartening one. At its inception in 1998, under the leadership of Chief Alex Ekwueme, the party enjoyed widespread support, goodwill, and focus—qualities that positioned it as a blessing to Nigeria’s political landscape. Unfortunately, the PDP soon lost its autonomy, starting with Solomon Lar’s Jos impunity, a seed Chief Olusegun Obasanjo began to nurture upon assuming the presidency.

Since the era of Chief Solomon Lar, the party has been plagued by what can best be described as a "bigwigs-power-struggle syndrome." Decisions made by influential figures within the party, even when inconsistent with its constitution, often face little to no opposition. In 1998, under Chief Lar’s leadership, the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) passed a resolution mandating that all PDP aspirants seeking various positions in the 1999 elections must prove their eligibility by delivering their constituencies during the upcoming Local Government and Gubernatorial elections. Specifically, presidential aspirants were required to secure victories in their local governments, while gubernatorial candidates had to deliver their wards.

Ekwueme complied with the resolution, but his main opponent in the presidential race, Obasanjo, did not. Media reports at the time even noted that Obasanjo failed to deliver the polling booth in front of his house. While Ekwueme was within striking distance of winning the party primaries, Chief Solomon Lar—whether consciously or unconsciously—undermined the NEC resolution, sowing the seed of impunity and laying the foundation for the PDP's eventual decline. He unilaterally urged party members to allow Obasanjo into the presidential contest. The PDP proceeded as though nothing was amiss! From that moment onward, nearly all subsequent national chairmen, except Chief Audu Ogbeh, followed the precedent set by Solomon Lar. This mentality of impunity inevitably trickled down to the ward level, further eroding the party’s internal discipline and structure.

By Hassan Gimba

The North and its leaders seem happiest and satisfied when led by the nose. As in every election cycle, vote seekers would come and put a black liquid in a syrup bottle and, with fanfare, tell you they have gotten “crude oil” so we can re-elect them or that they should elect leaders based on tribe or religion.

By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief) @CelestineOkaf11

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a suspected online fraudster, Osang Usie Otukpa, for allegedly duping 139 Australians to the tune of $AUD8,000,000 (Eight Million Australian Dollars).

By Azu Ishiekwene

The news from Ghana was not how John Dramani Mahama’s opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), defeated Nana Akufo-Addo’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

By Bola Bolawole

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” - Matthew 5:9.

Dogs eating dogs and birds gnawing at each other's innards is one way to describe the war of words between the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Tunji Bello. Both are important members of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, occupying portfolios that impact on the day-to-day existence of Nigerians. For members of the upper and middle classes, Keyamo’s assignment is indispensable to their needs. With the state of insecurity in the country today, who wants to risk travelling by road, except those left with no other option?

* Nigeria’s not Lagos ...

By Steve Osuji

Voice of a statesman is also the voice of God: Yes, it’s not just the voice of the people that’s the voice of God, as that age-old aphorism suggests. And there’s no doubt that former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is the last true statesman standing today. Of course, the hallmark of statesmanship is the audacity to say things others only murmur about.

By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

Paul Anyebe was a judge of the High Court of Benue State in north-central Nigeria who had a young son with sticky fingers and a sense of adventure It was his role as a dad that endangered his job as a judge.

By Ikeddy Isiguzo

PUT nothing beyond Nigerians. Some of us lug the bragging rights to understanding Nigeria, that Nigeria cannot confuse them. I willingly concede knowledge of Nigeria to them.

By Bolanle Bolawole

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit (Proverbs 26: 4 - 5).