Column Archives - Page 94 of 110

Oct

18

2024

Dr. Ikpeazu Reveals Why He Refused To Betray His Predecessor

Abia State, Column, News, Opinion, PoliticsAbia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, Opinion, Politics

…. I Am a Sinner, but I Choose the Sin I Commit About his tenure as governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu addressed the long-standing public sentiment regarding godfatherism in Nigerian politics. Many Abians had called for Ikpeazu to distance himself from the influence of political godfathers, but he firmly stood his ground, explaining his decision with a mixture of loyalty and personal conviction. Loyalty Over Betrayal “I am a sinner, but I choose the sin I commit,” Ikpeazu stated, emphasizing that while he acknowledges his flaws, betraying those who have helped him is not one of them. He said:…

Oct

16

2024

By Amos Oge Kalu

Ohanaze Issues Stern Warning to Former Gov. Ikedi Ohakim Over Tenure Elongation Plans

Column, News, Opinion, PoliticsOhanaeze Ndigbo, Opinion, Politics

PRESS RELEASE The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization representing the interests and aspirations of the Igbo people, finds it imperative to address a matter of profound concern that threatens the integrity and democratic foundations of our esteemed organization. With less than 90 days until the scheduled Ohanaeze Ndigbo General Election on January 10th-11th, 2025, we feel compelled to issue an unequivocal warning against the surreptitious schemes that are purportedly being orchestrated by two governors from the Southeast. Recent actions suggest that an unpatriotic Igbo organization has been mobilized to entice Chief Ikedi Ohakim, a respected former governor, into…

Oct

14

2024

By Amos Oge Kalu

Abia State’s LP Looming Electoral Crisis: A Replay of Wike vs Fubara?

Abia State, Column, News, Opinion, PoliticsAbia State, Labour Party, Next Level, Nigeria, Opinion, Politics

The Abia Local Government Area chairmanship election is on the verge of disaster, mirroring the contentious battle between Nyesom Wike and Sim Fubara in Rivers State. Governor Alex Otti's decision to handpick candidates, bypassing the Labour Party's democratically chosen nominees, has ignited a firestorm of dissent within the party. Labour Party Internal Party Conflict Discontented stakeholders, dismayed by Otti's rash choices, are now urging affected candidates to defect to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). This mass exodus threatens to debilitate the Labour Party's chances in the election. The question on everyone's mind is: will this election be a genuine contest…

Oct

12

2024

By Amos Oge Kalu

Forgotten protectors: The need for police pension reform

Column, Metro, News, OpinionAbiodun KOMOLAFE, Nigeria, Opinion, Police

By abiodun KOMOLAFE The social contract theory posits that individuals surrender certain rights to the state in exchange for protection and security. Yet, Nigeria’s police pension crisis raises a fundamental question about the reciprocity of this arrangement. Do we truly honour the sacrifices of those who safeguard our communities? Nigeria’s police pension system is disappointingly inadequate. After 35 years of service, officers reportedly receive meager gratuities: ASP-SP (below N2 million), CSP-AC: (below N3 million), and DCP-CP (below N4 million). Monthly pensions are equally paltry: ASP-SP (N20,000-N35,000), and CSP-DC (N35,000-N60,000). A retired Commissioner of Police (CP) gets N70,000 as monthly pension…

Oct

05

2024

By Amos Oge Kalu

Adegboyega Oyetola: Reflections on leadership and legacy

Column, News, Opinion, PoliticsAbiodun KOMOLAFE, Opinion, Politics

By abiodun KOMOLAFE “And reckon (people) by the number of years, so that they may understand.” (Quran 18:19). My first encounter with Adegboyega Oyetola, then Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, occurred in 2014 during the buildup to the Osun governorship election, where Aregbesola sought reelection on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket. Today, Oyetola serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. My second and most enduring encounter with Oyetola commenced in October 2016, when I was appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media by Aregbesola. I later continued to serve under Governor Oyetola in the same…