OPINION: In a Reversal, Nigeria Wants U.S. Africa Command Headquarters in Africa

By John Campbell, Guest Columnist and Blogger   On April 27, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, in a virtual meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, requested that the United States move the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa. The request marks a reversal of official Nigerian opposition—first made public twelve years ago—to AFRICOM plans to move to the continent. The shift likely reflects the conclusion that the security situation in West Africa and Nigeria is...

Thoughts on the politics of the Anambra Airport and Governor Obiano

“With this achievement,  governor Obiano has earned an enviable spot in the chronicles of Anambra times.” ―Ebuka Onyekwelu As expected, the Anambra International Airport, Umueri which test flight successfully landed and took off a few days ago has drawn several commentaries. One must however admit that the argument, fanfare on the part of government supporters, and dismissal on the part of most opposition of this project, are not altogether unforeseen considering that the expectations of...

OPINION: In Anambra Int’l Airport Project Obiano Symbolises the Indomitable Anambra Spirit

By Joe C. Anatune, Guest Columnist and Blogger   One thing we and many others concede to Governor Willie Obiano is his consistent personality before and in government. He has a bounce and style that is essentially Willie Obiano. He has not morphed into something different since I came across him in the early days of The League of Anambra Professionals when we used to converge and meet at Dr. Ndi Onuekwusi’s Ikoyi residence. Today,...

Unanswered Questions Swirl Following Burkina Faso Murders

By John Campbell, Guest Columnist and Blogger   Confirmed by the Spanish prime minister, Western media reports that two Spanish filmmakers and the Irish president of a conservation non-governmental organization (NGO) were murdered in Burkina Faso near the border with Benin on April 26. Roberto Fraile and David Beriain were in Burkina Faso working on a documentary about poaching. They were accompanied by Rory Young, a Zambia-born Irish citizen who headed Chengeta Wildlife, an NGO devoted to...

A Revelation of the Big Fall―Predictions from an Armchair Prophet

“Racism is terrorism. Period.” ―Don Okolo The American system of government is still on the move, going into its two hundred and fifty-fifth year as a nation. It has, undoubtedly, endured. The bulk and size of her polity, the one singularity that had woven the ligaments of her fabric into a tight, waterproof structure…the sole rationale for her longevity, the reason it has persevered inside both rigors of good and bad politics are because of...

OPINION: Nigerian Government Minister’s Jihadi Statements Cause Uproar

By John Campbell, Guest Columnist & Blogger   Isa Pantami is minister of communications and digital economy in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government. Some years ago, in sermons and other statements, he used rhetoric about Christians and the West that mimics that of al-Qaeda and the Taliban. He also fulsomely praised Osama bin Laden. Some years later, he apologized. Recently, however, those statements surfaced on social media. One Nigerian newspaper claimed that Pantami was on a U.S. government watch list for terrorists—a...

The Isa Pantami’s Saga: Reflections on Nigeria’s Dysfunctional Politics

“At what point did Pantami deny all those extremist ideologies, and under what circumstances? Then, should such a man have been appointed a minister in Nigeria? ” ―Ebuka Onyekwelu Nigeria’s Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Dr. Isa Pantami is facing a major accountability challenge. This would not be the first time a serving member of the Federal Executive Council would be facing such a serious test on the government’s strength to hold its members accountable....

OPINION: Nigeria Beefs Up Airport Security

By John Campbell, Guest Columnist and Blogger   According to Nigerian media, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to increase airport security. Specific reference is made to the airports at Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, and Maiduguri, with reports of an increased presence of Nigerian military personnel. (The Nigerian army has already assumed responsibility for security at the airports in northern Nigeria.) Of the airports cited, all but Lagos...

OPINION: The Unfolding Consequences of Idriss Déby’s Death

By Michelle Gavin The ripple effects emanating from the death of Chadian President Idriss Déby on April 20 are only beginning to be apparent. Most immediately, the future of Chad has been thrown into question. Déby reportedly died while on the frontlines fighting rebel forces, just days after cementing his continued grip on power through a staged election devoid of both integrity and suspense. On the one hand, dissolving the parliament and installing a military officer from Déby’s family at...

Watson’s assault case  might unravel a test of courtroom litigation competence

After a dramatic mayoral election meltdown, Attorney Tony Buzbee is facing another challenge ―this time in a district court. ― Dr. Anthony Obi Ogbo Rusty Hardin, an attorney, is not well-known to me, as my usual interest is in politicians and leaders or perhaps, politics and leadership. However, I do recall a few of his litigation endeavors. For instance, when the former Houston Oilers quarterback, Warren Moon, was acquitted by a Fort Bend County jury...

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