When it comes to civil liberties in Africa, Western governments and institutions must put their monies where their mouths are. A marked disjuncture between the consolidation of democratic forms and the affirmation of civil liberties is one of the many paradoxes of Africa’s democratic evolution. On the whole, the sphere of individual liberty has shrunk in tandem with undeniable progress in formal institutionalization. The more regular elections have become, for instance, the less free the...
Whether he wins the presidency or not, Peter Obi has already changed the course of Nigerian politics for good. This time last year, Peter Obi was just one of several politicians gunning for the presidential ticket of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Personally, he was only hoping to go one step further than he had four years ago when he secured the same party’s nomination as running mate to Atiku Abubakar. All that changed...
As the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group expands its Africa footprint, questions remain about what “neutrality” really looks like for African governments. By Alexandra Dent, Guest Contributor On New Year’s Day, video emerged of a young Ivorian serving with the Wagner Group on the frontlines of Ukraine. While being interviewed by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally to Vladimir Putin and head of the Wagner Group, the fighter reveals that he lived in Moscow, and was released from prison...
“The greatest challenge of Nigeria’s democratic experiment is the country’s political parties, especially those that are already established”— Ebuka Onyekwelu The news of a Federal High Court judgment against Sen. Victor Umeh, erstwhile National Chairman of APGA and former candidate of Labour Party-LP, for Anambra Central Senatorial District in the fast approaching 2023 General Election, came to some as a shock. But to many, it is something to laugh about, perhaps, calling for celebration. Within...
“In Anambra, Seyi was completely at home, to the extent that he described Anambra as “second home.”— Ebuka Onyekwelu A few days ago, Chief Seyi Tinubu, the only surviving son of APC Presidential Candidate, Bola Tinubu, was in Anambra to meet and deliberate with some critical stakeholders in the State. The 37 years old Seyi, a law graduate, has in the past visited many other stakeholders across the country, inclusive of President Buhari in his...
I should have gone to Mass and stayed there until Benediction time. However, I did not. I stayed home instead, wallowing in that pit of absolute disdain, why humanity could not come together and live and let live. Then, it dawned on me that idyllic famous last words, Love thy Neighbor as thyself, as The Father Himself had proposed, was a sham God, The Father, knew that this His particular Wish would not fly. He...
“APGA as it now appears, has moved on without Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu.”— Ebuka Onyekwelu Why this analysis matters is because, Governor Soludo appears to be trying to clean APGA up from any semblance of regional rebellion, and opposition against the one Nigeria project, which often is represented in the eyes of non-Igbos, by mere mention of Biafra or association with symbols of Biafra- people or insignia. But politicians in Southeast, especially in Anambra State, starting...
“Figuratively, it can be interpreted to mean that Igbo intellectuals have no real stake or pride of place in the scheme of things.”— Ebuka Onyekwelu There is an age-long disconnect between the Southeast elites and the masses. The elites of Southeast and the masses appear to live in two divergent world that never meets. This, shape responses to socio-economic and political concerns. For instance, Dim ChukwuemekaOdumegwu-Ojukwu is a hero to millions because he led the...
“So far, many people are not impressed with the Governor’s performance, but they are still hopeful.”— Ebuka Onyekwelu In about two months, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo would mark his one year in office as Governor of Anambra State. From March this year, Prof. Soludo would be left with three years to complete his first tenure of four years, as governor of Anambra State. Interestingly, the first year appears to be a learning curve for the governor....
“Looking at the Soludo’s government, it is perceptible that there is a major problem with his team.”— Ebuka Onyekwelu In about two months, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo would mark his one year in office as Governor of Anambra State. From March this year, Prof. Soludo would be left with three years to complete his first tenure of four years, as governor of Anambra State. Interestingly, the first one year appears to be a learning curve for...
