Publisher’s Corner

By Casmir Igbokwe The similarity in the recent coup narrative by Nigeria and Jordan is striking. Both countries alleged subliminal plots by unnamed disgruntled elements and their foreign collaborators to overthrow their governments. The way the two nations plotted their stories tends to suggest that part of the tactics of security agents is to create imaginary violence or coup either ...

Casmir Igbokwe The young man stretched his hand to give me liquid soap. His colleague was on standby with some rolls of toilet paper. They appeared happy with the job as they beamed and addressed me as “My oga.” I thanked them, washed my hands but politely rejected the toilet paper and walked away. As I sat down to wait ...

By Casmir Igbokwe Trauma is the least word one can use to describe the current state of affairs in Nigeria. This past one week has been particularly more traumatic. It gets worse every passing day. And concerned stakeholders are wondering if Nigeria will survive this trying period. The scenario is frightening. In Kaduna State, some criminals reportedly abducted no fewer than ...

By Casmir Igbokwe A lion (Agu in Igbo) is known for its strength and bravery. It fears nothing and is seen as the king of the jungle. Its roar alone sends other animals scampering for safety. And because it is revered in Igboland, the South-East Governors’ Forum, perhaps, decided to name its newly formed security outfit, Ebube Agu (lion’s aura). ...

By Casmir Igbokwe Since October last year, the Nigerian police have been going through excruciating pains. First, protesters demanded an end to police brutality and the disbandment of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). Over 60 policemen lost their lives to the #EndSARS protests. Over 200 police stations were burnt. It got to a point, some police formations in Lagos ...

By Casmir Igbokwe This past week has been very traumatic for me and many other indigenes of Isuofia. We are still at a loss why some gunmen viciously assaulted the peaceful community, which is in Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State. The police have told us that they have caught some of the attackers. Since they are currently investigating ...

By Casmir Igbokwe The Federal Government of Nigeria is very good at fruitless investigations after every serious crime. The recent failed attempt to assassinate Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State appears to be following that trend. After that incident, President Muhammadu Buhari, as expected, condemned the act and ordered open and transparent investigation. He said whoever was linked with the attack ...

By Casmir Igbokwe On a recent visit to my state, Anambra, I tuned in to a local radio station. A pastor was on air. The crux of his message or advert, if you like, was that those afflicted by mermaid spirit or witches and wizards should visit his church for total deliverance. The ‘man of God’ also advised dreamers who ...

Casmir Igbokwe Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has been prancing about telling whoever cares to listen that he desires to be the next President of Nigeria in 2023. To show us that he is serious, and to de-emphasise the clamour for a president of Igbo extraction, he said there was nothing like zoning arrangement in the ruling All Progressives ...

By Casmir Igbokwe As the saying goes, goldfish have no hiding place. They are usually kept as pets in a glass bowl. In Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is a goldfish. But rather than be admired in a glass bowl, this subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell has found itself in a turbulent sea. No matter how ...