Politics & Security

The Accidental Man of the People

Yusuf OmotayoApril 1, 2024

Senator Ningi’s suspension by the Senate after he raised allegations of budget padding has made him a hero in the eyes of Nigerians. But it would be unwise to distance Ningi from the National Assembly establishment, a system he has been part of and helped cultivate since 1999.

April/May 2024Nigeria

‘Port Harcourt No Be Abuja’ The Insurmountable Tasks Nyesom Wike Faces

Yusuf OmotayoMarch 4, 2024

Nyesom Wike’s appointment as minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could be Wike’s biggest political task yet. As minister, he will have to govern a people who are majorly religiously and ethnically different from him while trying to retain power over his previous domain, Rivers State.

February/March 2024Nigeria

Geopolitical Projections in West Africa and the Wider Continent

Otobong IniekeFebruary 27, 2024

A new element in geopolitics across Africa is the growth of political consciousness and the willingness to organize against unfavourable status quos. Recent events in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso are representative of this new phase of relations between nations, governments and myriad interest groups.

February/March 2024Vol8-no1

Sink Or Swim? Fubara Fights for Survival in Wicked Rivers

Yusuf OmotayoNovember 4, 2023

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State is on the verge of a potential impeachment after reportedly falling out with his political godfather and predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The situation highlights Nigeria’s problematic political landscape where political office holders are expected to be more responsive to their benefactors rather than to the people who elected them.

NewsNigeriaOctober/November 2023

To Intervene or Not to Intervene in Niger? The Difficult Balancing Act of ECOWAS in Niger

Daan de KruijfOctober 15, 2023

Following the coup in Niger, ECOWAS has grappled with the dilemma of whether to intervene militarily. While it would not be the first of such interventions, the uniquely delicate situation of the Sahel means ECOWAS cannot easily justify intervening this time around.

NigerOctober/November 2023

Another Embarrassment for Nigeria, Thank You Tinubu Faces Controversy over His Attendance at the Chicago State University

Victoria AuduOctober 6, 2023

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu faces controversy for allegedly forging his university certificate from the Chicago State University. The news threatens to further jeopardize Nigeria’s already fragile global image and political credibility.

NigeriaOctober/November 2023

Nigeria Is Not Learning From History Why Independence Day is Losing Its Significance

Yusuf OmotayoSeptember 30, 2023

Nigeria's 63 years of independence and 60 years as a republic have been a paradox of existence. While there has been marked growth in democratic governance, the political system has continued to operate abysmally.

October/November 2023

Conflict in Sudan The Invisibility of the African Union

Catarina MilhazesSeptember 15, 2023

The African Union’s diplomatic efforts in Sudan are evidence of the difficulties faced by the continental organization with regard to its autonomy and credibility. But its efforts, despite not solving all the problems, are not completely insignificant.

August/September 2023Sudan

Another Military Takeover What We Know About the Coup in Gabon

Victoria AuduSeptember 3, 2023

Gabon follows Niger on the list of countries that have experienced coups in Africa after the military ‘cancelled’ the Gabon general election results. Without military intervention, Ali Bongo Ondimba would have resumed his third term in office continuing a 54-year family dynasty.

August/September 2023

Bribes and Other Crimes Diezani Alison-Madueke Joins the Ranks of Internationally Charged Nigerian Politicians

Victoria AuduAugust 27, 2023

Nigeria’s former oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, has been charged in the UK with bribery adding to the ranks of politicians enshrouded in corruption. As corruption soars and authorities embezzle resources, Nigerians continue to plummet into poverty forgotten by those who swore to protect them.

August/September 2023