Earlier today, a video went viral. A young woman—Asheahe, reportedly from Nasarawa Eggon—voiced outrage over a new clampdown on Keke riders plying the Eggon-Lafia route. Her frustration wasn’t just emotional—it was existential. She questioned why tricycle operators were being stopped mid-journey, with passengers kicked off along the perilous highway. Her protest cut deeper than just inconvenience—it was about respect, safety, and basic decency. Her demand was clear: if rules must be enforced, do it at proper points, not by ambushing people in transit. What she called for wasn’t rebellion—it was reason. In a country where economic hardship bites hard, Keke…
Author: Thomas Danjuma Abu
I was scrolling through the blue app—Facebook—when I stumbled on a story that hit me like a bolt of emotion. An Ethiopian housemaid spent 30 years working in Lebanon. Her mission? To give her son a shot at a better life. No luxury, no shortcuts—just grit and sacrifice. Now here’s the twist: on her final trip back home, she boarded a plane and discovered her son was the pilot flying her back to Ethiopia. Tears. Goosebumps. Pride. Grace. That’s the kind of story you don’t just scroll past. But the comment that made me pause even more came from El-Abari…
In Nigeria, truth is rarely evaluated on its own merit—it is judged by who says it and where they come from. Tribalism, religious bias, and political alignment have become the lenses through which we see everything, even injustice. A recent case involving a female senator proved this yet again. Her defenders came from across the country, united by perceived fairness. Her critics? Mostly drawn from regions loyal to certain power blocs—more concerned with allegiance than truth. And let’s be clear: most of these positions are political—either directly or indirectly. Today, there’s uproar over alleged lopsided appointments favouring the South. It…
The brilliance behind Senator Natasha’s seamless entry into Ihima—without violating Governor Ododo’s directives or the Kogi State Police Command’s restrictions—deserves high praise. This was a masterclass in federalism, skillfully navigating jurisdictional boundaries without breaking state authority. In a federal system, power is split among the federal, state, and local governments, each with distinct roles outlined in the Exclusive, Concurrent, and Residual lists. Airspace management, however, belongs exclusively to the Federal Government, beyond the reach of state control. By leveraging this constitutional reality, the architects of this strategy executed a flawless legal maneuver. No laws were broken, no state orders defied—yet…
So, Uncle Bob allegedly dropped a hot take on Facebook about Tuface’s marital choices, and the internet went wild. The gist? That Tuface downgraded because his new wife isn’t “prettier” than Annie. But hold up—who said marriage is a beauty contest? Let’s break it down! Here’s the thing: beauty catches the eye, but character catches the heart. A man doesn’t marry a woman just because she’s fine like wine—he marries for peace, for respect, for a partner who’s got his back when life throws curveballs. Like one Facebook commenter said, “Men go for peace of mind, not just pretty faces.”…
Nigerians are often united in lamentation—crying out against the failures of governance, cursing the ineptitude of leaders, and criticising the selfish elite who perpetuate suffering through corruption, bad policies, and outright neglect. Yet, when election season arrives, the same people who decry oppression rush to the polls to reinstate their tormentors. Why? Because ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments cloud their judgment. The hunger that fuels their outrage today is forgotten when tribal loyalty is invoked or a few wads of naira notes exchange hands. The very leaders they condemned yesterday suddenly become their champions, not because they have changed, but…
Politics, as Harold Lasswell defines it, is “who gets what, when, and how.” But in Nigerian politics, it often extends to who controls whom, for how long, and at what cost. The unfolding drama in Rivers State is a case study in political loyalty, strategy, and shifting alliances—one that former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, seemed to have foreseen. During Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s inauguration, Fayose, in his characteristic bluntness, warned him about the delicate nature of political godfatherism. He advised caution, patience, and an understanding of the intricate game at play. That warning appears to be unfolding before our eyes.…
It is obvious that Senator Natasha is taking the fight beyond Nigeria’s borders. A quick scan through major international media platforms—DW TV, CBS, BBC, ABC News, Al Jazeera, and BBC News Pidgin—shows that the issue has gained global traction. Her decision to take her case to the United Nations Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is not just bold but strategic. While it may not guarantee immediate results, it significantly amplifies the matter on a global scale, increasing pressure on both national and international institutions to take action. The IPU has a strong track record of supporting justice in parliamentary matters, and bringing…
The Nigerian Senate, famously known as the Red Chamber, is not Unity Fountain. It is not the protest ground where voices like Omoyele Sowore, Ayesha Yusif, Deji Adeyanju, and their passionate allies gather to chant slogans and demand change. This sharp reminder, originally shared by Hamidu Isa Allu on Facebook, couldn’t be more timely. Activism has its place. In fact, it plays a crucial role in raising awareness, challenging oppression, and pushing society toward progress. But the Senate is a different battlefield. It is a space of strategy, negotiation, and lawmaking—where influence is built through patience and persuasion, not placards…
Shadows sweep softly, subduing sincere speech. Systemic silences signal shifting seasons. Solemn spaces shelter subdued spirits. Sudden suspensions spark subtle speculations. Should structures shun scrutiny? Should standards suppress self-expression? Societies seek steady stewardship. Senate’s strength stems solely supporting shared standards. Specified statutes should stay simple, showing straightforward substance. Secrets stir skepticism. Solid systems share specifics, securing societal support. Suppressing speech shrinks societal synergy. Small silences spiral, sparking sustained stagnation. Steady speech strengthens social structures. Should stillness spread, shared spaces suffer. Somewhere, somehow, sincerity survives. Steadfast spirits steady storms. Someday, sunshine soothes somber skies. Stay serene. Seek sincerity. Support speech. Strengthen…
Ladies and gentlemen, grab your popcorn because our Legislative Institution has turned into a prime-time reality show! If governance were Nollywood, some of our lawmakers would be award-winning actors by now. Let’s start with this word—distinguished. It means someone worthy of respect, a person of high moral standing, an example of excellence. But let’s be honest—if we applied this definition strictly, some of our lawmakers wouldn’t even qualify as distinguished guests at a village meeting! Now, to the matter at hand. One Senator has made some serious allegations, claiming to have evidence. Instead of everyone saying, “Oya, bring the evidence,…
Politics in Nigeria is not just about governance; it is also about creativity. While other nations focus on policies, our politicians are busy inventing words and phrases that shape national discourse. If democracy were a business, then Nigerian politicians would be the CEOs of “Lexicon Limited.” They produce new political expressions faster than they pass budgets, and these phrases often carry more weight than manifestos. From “Stomach Infrastructure” to “Emilokan,” these political lexicons serve multiple purposes: they justify the unjustifiable, explain the unexplainable, and sometimes, win elections. Each election cycle, new phrases emerge like blockbuster movie titles, capturing the spirit…
Media portrayal can often be misleading, and the trending short video of Senator Natasha Akpoti’s exchange in the Senate chamber is a clear example. Unfortunately, the viral clip does not reflect the full context of what transpired. The incident stemmed from a routine seat reassignment by the Chief Whip of the Senate, a role tasked with allocating seats to senators when necessary. Following the recent defection of two senators from the opposition to the ruling party, the Chief Whip conducted a seat reshuffling, affecting multiple senators, including Mrs. Akpoti. While others complied, she refused to vacate her former seat, prompting…
Our societal institutions, which are meant to instill morality and ethical behavior, are failing—or at the very least, not doing enough. The increasing moral decadence, especially among younger generations, is proof of this failure. The way people think, speak, and act today reveals a disturbing shift in values, particularly when it comes to relationships and marriage. Last year, while traveling for a program, I boarded a commercial vehicle and struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger. We were discussing employment opportunities when she suddenly changed the narrative. She excitedly told me about a young lady who had recently married…
Parenting is not just about food, shelter, and school fees—it’s about shaping destinies. Every child is like a blank canvas, and parents are the artists whose words and actions paint the future. I recently watched a sermon by Rev. Dr. Don Odunze titled Father’s Blessings, and it hit me hard. He spoke about the power of parental blessings, reminding us that children carry untapped potential, and parents have the key to unlock it—not with money, but with words. Yet, instead of blessing their children, many parents do the exact opposite. Insults, comparisons, and curses replace words of affirmation, leaving emotional…
Yesterday, in my usual routine of reading and educating myself, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of wisdom—words from the legendary Bongos Ikwue at 81. It was a revelation, a voice of clarity in a generation drowning in noise. Bongos Ikwue, born in Otukpo, Benue State, is not just a Nigerian musical icon; he is a philosopher in his own right. With timeless songs like Mariana, Still Searching, What’s Gonna Be, Gonna Be, and Tell My Girl, his music has carried profound life lessons for decades. But beyond his melodies, his words in a March 2020 interview struck me deeply.…
They say, “You are what you eat,” but if that were entirely true, my skinny friends who eat like lions should be rolling around like beach balls by now! A close friend of mine strongly believes that people with larger body sizes are victims of their own eating habits—blaming every extra pound on junk food. But I beg to differ. From what I’ve observed, body weight isn’t just about food. I know people who eat like their stomachs are rented apartments—six heavy meals a day—yet they remain slim and agile. Meanwhile, others gain weight effortlessly, despite eating cautiously. Clearly, factors…
Sahara Reporters recently published a story on the arrest of a suspect, Maduabuchi, over the herdsmen killings in Ebonyi. But instead of focusing on justice, many in the comments section are twisting it into an ethnic issue. This is dangerous. Crime is not tribal. It is not religious. It is the act of an individual. When we generalize, we don’t solve the problem—we create new ones: division, hate, and misinformation. The truth is, criminals exist in every society, and justice must be served based on facts, not stereotypes. If we truly want a safer Nigeria, we must stop the blame…
On the night of January 30, 2025, around 9 PM, something unusual caught my attention at my junction. An okada rider (commercial motorcyclist) was in a heated argument with his passenger. Curious, I slowed down to listen. The rider insisted that the passenger open his bag before he would continue the journey. At that moment, it struck me—this was a direct consequence of what happened three weeks ago between Timileyin and the okada man, which ultimately led to Salome’s case being exposed in Papalada, Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State. That .incident has made people, especially okada riders, more security-conscious. But…
In 2007, I attended a seminar organized by the Political Science Department at Nasarawa State University, Keffi. The guest speaker was the late Senator (Dr.) Emmanuel Okpudu Okpede (of blessed memory), a man whose wisdom and humor left an impression that lingers with me to this day. During his lecture, he quoted a northern politician’s cheeky definition of politics as “a situation where people come together to choose who they will blame.” The room erupted in laughter, but there was truth in the humor—a truth about the complexities of governance and human nature. The seminar became even more engaging during…
Marriage isn’t just about two people falling in love. It’s about two families coming together, whether you like it or not. In our culture, family plays a huge role in shaping what your marriage will look like. The truth is, when you marry someone, their family becomes part of the package—and how they feel about you can make or break your experience. Let’s face it: if a man’s family doesn’t like you, it’s a tough road ahead. Marriage isn’t just about love and chemistry; it’s also about navigating the family dynamics that come with it. You might think it’s just…
Another fuel tanker explosion, this time in Enugu, has claimed lives and left others injured. These are not just numbers—these are parents, children, friends, and loved ones whose lives have been cut short in yet another preventable tragedy. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating to see these incidents happen over and over again, with no real solution in sight. The truth is, this isn’t the first, and sadly, it won’t be the last if nothing changes. Just in the last two weeks, we’ve had similar crashes in the Northwest, Southwest, and now the Southeast. These fuel tanker explosions are happening far too…
Some years ago, I was in Changsha, China, and had an experience that really opened my eyes. I was crossing the road near my hotel the way we often do in Nigeria—ignoring the zebra crossing. A policeman stopped me, not to arrest or scold me, but to educate me on the importance of using the designated crossing. I felt embarrassed, not because of how he approached me, but because it hit me that, back home, we don’t take traffic rules seriously. That small moment taught me a big lesson: following traffic rules is ultimately for our own good. This memory…
Ah, the age-old domestic debate that has echoed through kitchens and dining rooms across generations: “Honey, what should I cook today?” A seemingly innocent question, yet it has sparked countless discussions, chuckles, and, sometimes, sighs of frustration. Some husbands argue, “Why ask me? Just cook whatever comes to your mind!” Yet, even when we offer suggestions, our wives often find a way to circle back to their own choices. So, what’s the point? But let’s pause for a moment. Is this question really as trivial as it seems? Or is there a deeper layer—a subtle art of communication, love, and…
The brutal murder of Salome is a chilling reminder of how far some individuals can go when consumed by anger and entitlement. No one has the right to take another person’s life—no matter the circumstances. The suspect, Ayayi, claims he killed Salome because she was unfaithful, but this excuse is both empty and unacceptable. Cheating, as painful as it may be, does not justify murder. The violent and calculated nature of this crime raises serious concerns. Beheading Salome and attempting to hide parts of her body suggests that this was far more than a crime of passion. Why mutilate her…
I recently watched a Facebook clip featuring two comedians whose conversation carried profound wisdom about relationships and marriages. Their insights deserve more coverage and publicity, especially in a time when marriages are crumbling at an alarming rate. Indeed, the increasing divorce statistics, as any minister in the temple of justice will confirm, call for urgent reflection on the principles that sustain lasting unions. It was aptly noted that “Five years for our generation is equal to fifty years of our parents’ generation.” What our parents endured for decades, we struggle to tolerate for even a few years. This highlights the…
Today is December 19, 2024, and Nigeria is experiencing an unprecedented change in the fuel market. Unlike the typical frenzy of fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations that often define the Christmas season, this year feels refreshingly different. The deliberate act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove the fuel subsidy seems to be yielding surprising results, defying the odds and initial skepticism. A visit to filling stations across the country reveals a striking development—there are no long queues, no desperate scrambling for fuel. In fact, in some stations, there are fewer vehicles buying fuel than expected for…
Writing has always been more than just putting words together for me. It’s something I’m passionate about—a way to tell stories, share ideas, and connect with others. I’ve always wanted to refine my craft, so I decided to enroll at the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in Abuja. What I found there was more than just a learning institution. It was a hub of knowledge, mentorship, and practical learning led by some of the most experienced and insightful professionals in journalism, advertising, and public relations. Walking into the IIJ felt like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. The lecturers…
“Never solve problems by creating other problems; true solutions bring harmony, not chaos. Anything less is a failure of integrity and wisdom.” These words capture the heart of Nigeria’s struggles today. Our leaders make policies to stabilize the economy, but too often, these decisions pile on new layers of suffering for ordinary citizens. Not long ago, I wrote an article about Nigeria’s economic reality that was published on some online platforms. It resonated with many readers, but one response left me deeply unsettled. A man from an Abuja community reached out to me after getting my cell phone number from…
The news is everywhere—the Port Harcourt refinery is finally operational! After years of watching our crude oil exported for refining, Nigeria now has a chance to process its oil locally. This milestone could mark a pivotal shift for the nation’s energy sector. No more shipping crude abroad, no more costly imports of refined products. At last, we are in control of our own resources. The potential economic benefits are immense. Billions of naira previously spent on importation could now remain within the country. The grip of foreign refineries and middlemen on our economy could loosen, creating room for growth, investment,…
