Chukwudi Ukonne, Author at The Republic

Is the World Getting Smaller for Nigerians? International Airlines Threaten to Halt Operations in Nigeria

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 30, 2022

The constraints on airlines have certainly affected the lives of ordinary Nigerians, who already navigating tough economic conditions and stringent travel restrictions as a result of their nationality. Read more.

August/September 2022NewsNigeria

‘Obidience’ or Sacrifice Can Peter Obi Actually Lead Nigeria?

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 25, 2022

A former governor of one of Nigeria’s most electorally volatile states, Peter Obi, is no left-force tyro. Regardless, he faces almost impossible odds of winning the election. Read more

August/September 2022Nigeriavol6-no2

From Soft Life to Soft Power Reconsidering Nigeria’s Regional and Global Influence

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 8, 2022

Nigeria is currently experiencing a creative and cultural renaissance. According to a UNDP Imagine Nigeria report, Nigeria needs a new economic roadmap. One in which the creative economy is center stage. Read more

August/September 2022Nigeria

Power vs Ideology The Evolution of Party Politics in Nigeria

Chukwudi UkonneFebruary 23, 2022

More than 60 years since independence, little has changed in Nigeria’s political party system when it comes to articulating national objectives for the growth and development of the Nigerian polity. Read more.

February/March 2022Nigeriavol6-no1

The Civil Soldier The Political Legacy of Olusegun Obasanjo

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 4, 2021

Obasanjo’s legacy as a civil soldier is difficult to summarize. Though he made several advances as Nigeria’s longest-serving civilian leader, he missed several opportunities to build institutions that would have helped entrench true civility and democracy within Nigeria. Read more.

August/September 2021Editors Picks: Independence Day

On the National Red Line Negotiating Nigeria’s ‘Non-Negotiable’ Unity

Chukwudi UkonneJanuary 27, 2021

The Aburi conference held in Ghana in January 1967 was one of the few times that Nigeria’s unity was ever truly ‘negotiated. Read more.

Best of 2021: EssaysDecember 20/January 21Editors Picks: Independence Day

‘Writing Comes in Layers.’ Chukwudi Ukonne’s First Draft

Chukwudi UkonneSeptember 25, 2020

Author of ‘An Irony of History’, Chukwudi Ukonne, believes in minimalist writing. Read our interview.

August/September 2020First DraftInterviews

This photo is for our piece on 'The Controversial Legacy of Obafemi Awolowo

An Irony of History The Complicated Legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 31, 2020

Peer, predecessor or successor, Awolowo’s unequivocal articulation of a clear and consistent political ideology places him above anyone else in Nigeria’s political history. Read more.

August/September 2020Editors Picks: Independence Day

This photo is for our essay on 'The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations'

The Dynamic Evolution of Russo-African Relations Africa’s Struggle for Agency in a New Power Tussle

Chukwudi UkonneAugust 17, 2020

Russia is on a charm offensive in Africa and seeks to position itself as a strategic alternative to America’s global hegemony, China’s opaque economic diplomacy, and the dark legacies of Africa’s former colonizers. Read more.

August/September 2020vol4-no3

Nigerian Military Leadership Obasanjo 1977

Nigeria’s Arrested Development A History of Accidental Presidents

Chukwudi UkonneApril 17, 2020

While many are of the opinion that Nigeria started out on the right path politically and somehow derailed, there is a divergent school of thought suggesting that Nigeria always lacked progressive leadership from the get-go.

April/May 2020Editors Picks: Independence Day

Chukwudi Ukonne