Perspectives

Babangida and the restless ghosts of his friends, by Dare Babarinsa

Despite his long absence from the epicentre of power, General Ibrahim Babangida remains a subject of constant fascinations. The attention commanded by his recently published autobiography, My Journey in Service, attests to his hold on the public imagination for good or evil. Love him or hate him, you dare not ignore him. Younger Nigerians may not understand the full import…

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How Umo Eno’s political inclusivity docked at Aso Rock, by Aniekan Umanah

In the grand theatre of Nigeria’s political landscape, few performances are as meticulously choreographed as a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa. For Akwa Ibom State, February signed off on a good note. On February 28, 2025, the stage was set for a 104-member delegation of Akwa Ibom stakeholders, led by Governor Umo Eno and Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to…

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With a heavy heart, I pity Sanwo-Olu, by Lasisi Olagunju

There is a royal family in Lagos called Oniru. In the earliest times when there was no Lagos and Eko knew its boundaries, that family owned all lands that house today’s Awolowo Road, the prime area called Falomo, Tafawa Balewa Square, the Independence Building, Island Club, Yoruba Tennis Club, et cetera, et cetera. Add Oyinkan Abayomi to that list, and,…

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Trump, Zelensky and the Oval Office fiasco, by Simbo Olorunfemi

“Politics follows personality”– Bill Maher There is no logic to the spin. There is simply no point to it. What played out at the Oval Office on Friday between the Ukrainian President Zelensky, American President Trump and Vice President JD Vance was an unprecedented and unmitigated disaster, with President Trump coming off much smaller than he has ever been. The…

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Protecting the Senate from political manipulation- By Peter Nwebonyi

Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki’s appeal for transparency and institutional protection is noted, but his attempt to draw a parallel between his own past case and the current false allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio is fundamentally flawed. The two situations are worlds apart in context, substance, and motivation. In Saraki’s case, the matter revolved around his official duties as Senate…

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A book that stirred a nation, by Femi Fani-Kayode

Much has been said and written since President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s book, titled ‘A Journey In Service: An Autobiography’ was launched. As to be expected, the reviews are interesting and the commentary has been in some cases good, in some bad and in some ugly. This is a healthy development because the worst that one can do to a book…

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Akpabio-Natasha: Let’s protect the institution, not individuals, by Bukola Saraki

I have watched from afar the recent development in the Senate between the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Senator from Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. It is a development that has made me sad because of its overall negative effect on the integrity, sanctity, image, and public perception of the institution. I believe that every person who has had anything…

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Akpoti-Akpabio and the alleged attempt at public relations, by Bamidele Johnson

“You dey enter my eye,” or its equivalent was said to Natasha Peperempe by Akpabio. It would have earned the man a Cantona-style kung-fu kick if I was within earshot. Those who know me well here know that I think she’s a Level 10 babe, one for whom I’d climb a PHCN pole in rollerskates. What ‘Tasha unveiled today, ladies…

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Zelensky vs Trump: The day diplomacy died in the oval office, by Babafemi Ojudu

I was startled when I saw the video clip that emerged from the Oval Office yesterday. It was a scene that should never have played out in any nation’s highest diplomatic chamber, let alone in the hallowed halls of the United States presidency. The Oval Office, a space traditionally reserved for measured statecraft and dignified engagement between nations, became the…

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Tales from public hearing on Tax Reform Bills, by Arabinrin Aderonke

If Nigerians genuinely seek economic growth and financial stability, we must recognize that taxation is not a choice. It is a necessity. When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu introduced the Tax Reform Bills in October 2024, it signified another move toward creating a more efficient, transparent, and equal tax system (similar to removing fuel subsidies). As with every big reform or…

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