OPINION: Invoking Constitutional Provision Against Defection

By Rotimi Ogunleye Defection in Nigeria’s political environment is as common as the human activity of changing clothes. While in the advanced democracies party affiliations are based on ideological persuasion and beliefs rooted in altruism and commitment to the national interests, the reverse is the case in this clime. In Nigeria, people are propelled from one party to another by selfish reasons. Hence, within a year, or couple of years, the nation produces more turncoats than partisans. By section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999…

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OPINION: Celebrating The Doing Good Senator

By Enitan Olukotun As Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, FCA, marks his 61st birthday, it is only fitting to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and impact he has built over the years. A man of profound vision and purpose, Senator Abiru has distinguished himself as a transformative force in public service, leaving an indelible mark on governance, economic empowerment, and human capital development. Before venturing into politics, he had a stellar career in banking, culminating in his tenure as the Managing Director of Polaris Bank. Under his leadership,…

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COLUMN: LIFE REFLECTIONS PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY

The Life-Changing Power of Integrity: Living with Truth and Purpose  By Oluwole Solanke (Phd, FCIB) “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” — C.S. Lewis In a world where shortcuts are often glorified and appearances sometimes overshadow substance, integrity remains a beacon of hope and strength. It is the quiet force that shapes our character, guides our decisions, and determines the legacy we leave behind. Yet, in the face of temptation and adversity, choosing integrity is not always easy. It requires courage, self-discipline, and an…

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OPINION: NO GREE FOR ANYBODY” AND The POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS IN IGBOGBO-BAIYEKU LCDA – Volume 2

By Abiodun AWOSANYA  In August, 2024, aspirants contesting at the grassroots were equipped on the importance of self-assessment prior to their power-seeking action to avoid toiling with the emotions of the electorates. In the article, a powerful message was also sent to the gladiators – the ruling minority, on why the possession of economic resources should be secondary to “competence” in the process of determining the party flag bearers. This is said to go a long way in shaping the perception, as well as actions of flag bearers when they…

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Between the Rule of Law and Self-Help

By Rotimi Ogunleye Unfolding events in the Nigerian landscape have seemingly blurred the sharp boundary hkl0pbetween adherence to the rule of law and embrace of self-help. The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended (hereinafter referred to as the Constitution) states in Section 1(2) that: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed nor shall any persons or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part except in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.” In subsequent provisions, the Constitution states…

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Perspectives on Local Government Autonomy: Constitutional Provisions and Case Law

By Rotimi Ogunleye  The ongoing face-off between the Edo State Government and the State’s 18 Local Government Councils has brought to the fore again the issue of autonomy and the relationship between the three tiers of government comprising the Federal, State and Local Governments. That was the issue before the Supreme Court in Attorney General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State and 35 ors. (2024) 7 S.C. (Part 1) page 1 of which judgement was delivered on the 11th day of July 2024 issue.  The Attorney General…

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Tribute to The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, on its 120th Anniversary

By Prince Oluwaseyi Adelabu Today, December 11, 2024, marks a monumental occasion as The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, celebrates 120 years of God’s unwavering faithfulness and grace. It is with immense joy and gratitude that I pen this tribute as a former Cathedral Secretary (2017 to 2023). Serving in this role for over 6 consecutive years remains one of the greatest privileges of my life, allowing me to contribute to the legacy of this iconic institution of faith. The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, is not just a building—it…

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OPINION: Commentary on the Proposed Lagos State Local Government (Amendment) Bill

By S. O. K. Shillings Esq Following the Supreme Court judgment declaring Local Governments as financially autonomous, there is need for adjustments. And Lagos State that started the ‘Local Council Development Area’ idea is blazing the trail once again. Let us refresh our minds on the status quo. Lagos State started the process of creating new Local Governments during the tenure of Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu as Governor. At the critical stage of adoption by the National Assembly, the exercise failed as it should. If Lagos was allowed to create…

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Asiwaju Basorun: A Blessed Blessing

By Dr Nurudeen Oshinlaja I honour our dearest father, leader, his eminence, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun on his 86th birthday celebration. His special day today is an opportunity to praise God for the incredible life Baba leads and for being divinely blessed. God’s blessing on Baba is not only to him but to all who have benefitted from baba’s blessing. Baba’s fountain of love and grace lift many a ‘hicthhiker’. Baba is the topmost leader that I know, bar none. I therefore join millions of well-wishers to celebrate Baba’s exemplary life,…

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When is Independence Day?

By S. O. K. Shillings On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green of independent Nigeria was hoisted. So, Nigeria joined some other countries as an independent nation and we have celebrated the anniversary the 64th. But how has it faired and are we truly an independent country? The Berlin Conference in 1885 it was whence the territory of Africa was demarcated and shared among European superpowers, to wit: Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal and Germany, for exploitation denoted by one-sided trade, slavery and imposition of culture…

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