By Onjefu Okidu

Millions across Nigeria get palpably entertained virtually every day by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike. His project commissioning-based methodical dance steps cutting through the treacherous Nigerian political pathways speak so much to the present predicaments of the nation. Much more than that, the sound of his astute live band with its sprawling, rich jibe tunes associated with project completion has constantly brought him forth as an enormously courageous man who has all it takes to pull the nation through the predicaments. Undoubtedly, the 57-year-old FCT Minister has made history as the most courageous man in modern Nigerian politics. His relentless focus on official performance, justice, fairness, and equity in recent times therefore deserves some kind attention. As the late American congressman, John Lewis had put it, “you can’t love getting into good trouble, necessary trouble to bring progress, equity and fairness to a people and not be celebrated loudly.” All people of good conscience would agree that the man’s excellently organized vocal intra-PDP protest via the famous G-5 has contributed immensely to securing the unity of Nigeria after the 2023 elections. Not minding partisan media hacks such as Arise TV, most fair minds savor the fact that the fragile Nigerian unity would have been shattered if a Northerner had taken the mantle of presidential leadership from another Northerner after the 2023 elections.

By Azu Ishiekwene

Ten years ago, this article appeared under a different title, “The Debt I Owe.” Professor Olatunji Dare was 70 at the time. Ten years later, on Dare’s 80th birthday on July 17, I’m republishing the article with minor changes.

By Steve Osuji

COGNITIVE BLOCKADE AND CRIPPLING INERTIA: Nigeria continues to slide. All economic indicators are red; some are blipping, indicating danger. Those who know are in deep worry. The populace is in a trance, zombified by a never-seen-before strange situation. But the Presidency, the fulcrum of government continues in its empty braggadocio – they doodle and paper over cracks as the ship of state takes more water and totter.

By Ikeddy Isiguzo

Senator Shehu Sani's contributions to national commentaries that gained more national traction during his four-year spell at the Senate would soon be shredded if the thrusts of his narratives keep tilting towards serving Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the North. We are told that he is not serving Tinubu - he is saving Nigeria. It is clear he is not saving us from Tinubu. In ancient times, navigators and travellers used the North Star as a way to determine their location and navigate the seas. The North Star survived the circumstances of those times. It is still a symbol of hope and direction, a moral compass, guiding people towards worthy causes.

By Bolanle Bolawole

What you are about to read was written by me and was published in The PUNCH edition of Monday, July 7, 1998; which is 26 years ago, the very day the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Basorun MKO Abiola, died in incarceration in Abuja. I must have scribbled the piece a day or two before Abiola’s death; it is titled “Abiola: Coming home empty-handed?” Enjoy it:

By Azu Ishiekwene

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak came to the job as an afterthought, yet his days in Number 10 were numbered before he received the ceremonial blessings of King Charles III.