By BONIFACE UZOMA CHILAKA The Emotional Weight of Political Belonging IN Nigeria’s political landscape, loyalty is rarely neutral. It is often shaped by history, identity, and a sense of collective struggle. For many, defending a political leader from one’s region or ethnic group is seen as a form of solidarity. But what happens when that […]
A Season of Faith in Difficult Times ACROSS Nigeria, Christians marked Easter with prayers, worship, and reflection, but beneath the spiritual observance lay a sobering reality—economic hardship and insecurity have significantly reshaped how the season is celebrated. Traditionally characterised by feasting, travel, and family gatherings, this year’s Easter unfolded with a more restrained tone. For […]
When Leadership Meets Public Expectation THE fallout from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s brief visit to Plateau State has exposed a widening gap between official action and public expectation. Coming days after deadly attacks in Jos and surrounding communities, the visit was expected to signal solidarity and reassurance. Instead, its execution has sparked outrage, raising fundamental […]
By IKHIDE R IKHELOA Resurfacing Comparisons Between Military and Civilian Rule A fresh wave of public commentary comparing Nigeria’s military era with its current democratic experience has reignited debate about governance, corruption and accountability. Recent opinion pieces circulating online have drawn parallels between the late Sani Abacha, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most controversial […]
Merit Without Reward ON a cold morning along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, 29-year-old Gloria Agu ended a 24-hour shift as a security guard at a large church complex. Armed with a first-class degree in Computer Science from Auchi Polytechnic, she earns ₦50,000 monthly—far from the career she once envisioned. Like many top graduates, […]
Measuring Performance in Nigeria’s States GOVERNANCE at the subnational level in Nigeria presents a complex matrix of fiscal constraints, political pressures, security challenges, and public expectations. Despite these structural limitations, certain governors have drawn national attention for what analysts describe as measurable public impact across infrastructure, economic reform, and institutional governance. While performance assessment remains […]
“THE PROMISE OF EASY MONEY” A Message That Changed Everything “IT was just a message. One simple message.” That is how Kolawole Ariba (not his real name) still begins the story of how he lost nearly ₦600,000 to an online task-based job scam. The father of two remembers the date vividly—21 February 2025—the day realisation […]
Why Nigerians Are Pushing Back Against New Tax Laws NIGERIA’S new tax laws were officially slated to take effect on January 1, but rather than signalling a smooth reform process, their rollout has ignited intense resistance, scepticism and debate across economic, legal and civic spaces. From labour activists and civil society groups to economists and […]
The Long Road to 2027 How Nigeria’s Political Future Is Being Negotiated Quietly ELECTIONS in Nigeria do not begin with campaign posters or rallies. They begin much earlier, in silence. The absence of noise should not be mistaken for inactivity. On the contrary, the most consequential political manoeuvres often occur […]
By NJORIGE LYNUS ‘Architect of Modern Nigeria’ Comment Sparks Online Reckoning WHEN First Lady Oluremi Tinubu described President Bola Tinubu as “the architect of modern Nigeria,” many Nigerians responded not with applause but with biting commentary that reflected deep economic anxiety. Posted on her official Facebook page, the statement quickly gained traction, drawing thousands of […]