Death and Politics

Also published in Daily Trust

Though politics generally involves intrigue, it is particularly intrigue-ridden in Nigeria due to the virtual absence of the rule of law, which makes power struggle often desperate. Aspirants and candidates jostling for power go to any length to get it, and those who manage to get it become even more desperate in order to retain it for as long as possible and at any cost. And even when they have to relinquish it, they still want to be succeeded by their chosen candidates to ensure the continuation of business as usual.

The Worth of a Nigerian Passport

Also published in Daily Trust

“These are to request and require in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all those who it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford him or her every assistance and protection of which he or she may stand in need.” Adorned with such a beautifully worded presidential note, Nigerian passport is presumably a very valuable booklet that is supposed to facilitate its holder’s movement around the world in dignity and respect.

The Okada Ban

Also published in Daily Trust 

The dramatic escalation of assassinations, armed robberies and other serious crimes by some unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen is gradually overshadowing the conventional traffic safety concern associated with the use of motorcycle for commercial transportation purpose commonly known as akada or achaba.