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We Need More Natashas: The Courage to Redefine Nigerian Politics

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The Decay in Nigerian Politics In Nigerian politics today, sentiment, favoritism, and selfishness have replaced integrity, service, and patriotism. Many politicians have completely redefined politics from what we were taught in schools. They have also distorted the meaning of democracy , turning it from government of the people into a game of greed and self-interest. The very essence of public service to serve the people has been lost. Today, when someone is called a “politician,” Nigerians no longer expect character, ideas, or performance. Instead, the name now suggests lavish lifestyles , sudden wealth , luxury cars , and mansions built overnight . Politics has become a safe haven for ill-gotten wealth and a quick route to fame and fortune. Sadly, many politicians embarrass themselves and the nation through their greed and arrogance. The Natasha Akpoti Story A few months ago, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made headlines after alleging sexual harassment again...
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Governor Monday Okpebholo: Focus on the People, Not Politics

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As Edo State journeys through a new chapter of leadership, it is important that the Executive Governor, Monday Okpebholo, intensifies efforts to deliver people-oriented projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens. Edo people expect purposeful governance, not distractions, and the governor must rise above political intrigues within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the criticisms from the opposition. History reminds every occupant of Osadebe Avenue that power is transient. Governors come and go, but their legacies endure. One day, Governor Okpebholo will also leave the seat, and like his predecessors, he will face questions about his stewardship. Those questions must be answered not with political rhetoric but with visible results. The governor’s emergence itself is a remarkable story. In the buildup to the 2024 governorship election, he was not considered a frontrunner. After the APC primaries and the crisis that trailed them, his eventual rise was un...
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THE ERODING TRUST IN NIGERIA'S LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES: A CALL TO ACTION

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The State of Law Enforcement in Nigeria Every law enforcement agent was set up to serve one need or the other to protect the very interest of the citizens. The Nigeria Police Force and related forces were set up to help address some internal concerns while the Military are expected to address external threats. Those who have been enlisted in the Military or paramilitary forces are supposed to be seen as serving the Nation, hence ought to be respected for that. The Eroding Trust Over the decades, the expectation that these persons are supposed to be serving the citizens is rapidly dying down. It has become worrisome that over the years, many citizens have been made to believe that these persons in forces are serving the interest of a selected few at the expense of the majority. This and other factors have contributed highly to a decrease in the respect and regard for uniform personnel. The citizens no longer see the uniform as something that was earned, labored for with the passio...
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BEYOND LAMENTATIONS: EMPOWERING CHANGE IN NIGERIA'S POLITICAL LANDSCAPE

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For all of you still calling on Tinubu to do something and expecting him to take the lead in doing that are not ready. It took Tinubu over 10 years to hatch his plan of becoming the President of Nigeria. So, you have to do something different to push him in the direction you want Nigeria to go. You need a stronger force to counter the force he has gathered over the years. To get this done, some of you need to sever your bonds from your principals who are tied to his apron. You cannot be shouting on social media while your physical life is different. Tinubu got many Nigerians when he succeeded in using them in 2015 to do his bid, because of the benefits some persons are getting, they have not allowed the 2015 alliance to collapse. They are holding on to it and keeping Nigerians under siege by not wanting to talk about issues that would put Tinubu on the spot. Another reality is that those loyal to Tinubu are not only in APC; they are in other political parties, especially the PDP an...
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SENATOR OLUREMI TINUBU: THE "SWEET MOTHER" NORM IS A TRADITION OF RESPECT AND ADMIRATION .......A WAKE-UP CALL AS STUDENTS' REACTION HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR CHANGE

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Senator Oluremi Tinubu's recent visit to a school in Delta State took an unexpected turn, sparking concerns about her role as the First Lady of Nigeria. The drama unfolded when the MC welcomed her with a song, "Na Our Mama be dis" ("This is our mother"), but the students, mostly adult nurses-in-training, responded with "Na Your Mama be dis" ("This is your mother"), implying she was the MC's mother, not theirs.  When the MC mounted the stage, it's usually a norm for some women who are top personalities to be welcomed with a song, "Sweet Mother". This is a sign of respect and admiration for these women. However, some people have expressed the opinion that they can only call someone "Mother" if she is their biological mother or has played a motherly role in their lives. This sentiment was echoed in the unexpected response of the students during Senator Oluremi Tinubu's visit. This unexpected reaction raises questi...
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Senator Natasha's Recall: A Test of INEC's Integrity

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The ongoing recall process of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan presents a crucial test of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) integrity. INEC's integrity has been questioned in the past, and this recall process will be a significant milestone for Nigeria's democracy. The Recall Process Recalling a Senator or House of Representatives member in Nigeria involves a multi-step process: Step 1: Petition: More than half of the registered voters in the Senator's or House of Representatives member's constituency must sign a petition, alleging their loss of confidence in the member. Step 2: Submission to INEC: The petition is submitted to the Chairman of INEC. Step 3: Verification: INEC verifies the signatures on the petition to ensure they meet the required threshold. Step 4: Notification: If the petition is valid, INEC notifies the Senator or House of Representatives member. Step 5: Public Notice: INEC issues a public notice stating the date, time, and loc...
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Beyond the 35% Ceiling: Empowering Women to Claim Their Rightful Place in Nigerian Politics

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The 35% affirmation for Nigerian women in politics doesn't align with the Nigerian Constitution, which doesn't specify gender-based quotas for political positions. If ministerial appointments were based on states, it's unclear which state would be compelled to bring a woman to meet the 35% quota. Similarly, if commissioners were appointed based on local governments or constituencies, it's uncertain which local government or constituency would be required to nominate only females. The issue lies in the fact that these quotas can be seen as limitations rather than empowerment tools. Instead of relying on quotas, women should be able to compete and earn positions based on merit and ability. Assuming 100 seats are available, with 100 men and 100 women competing, the 35% quota would reserve 35 seats for women and 65 for men. This creates an uneven playing field, where 65 women would be competing for 35 seats, while 35 men would be competing for 65 seats. In reality, women...
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