THE GATHERER

Motor accidents killed 103 children and 1,363 adults in Nigeria within the first three months of this year. That ’s according to Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) . Total motor deaths in 2016 were 5,053 from over eleven thousand road accidents. But no one seems to be suggesting we ban cars to militate against road accidents. Perhaps we understand that a present danger with transporting ourselves in automobiles quicker, efficiently and comfortably is an accident. Likewise, when we use other machines, say, operate forklifts, or fly in airplanes, we are aware of the associated risks but understand the benefits outweigh the risks. It’s the same with freedom of speech and its potential abuse: hate speech. It’s price we pay to live in a free society of equals where no one or idea is beyond criticism and reproach, even when done ignorantly. Indeed, no society is democratic where such freedom of thought, speech, and association are restricted. A quick survey of the world around us may e...

On an October evening in 2011, what many Lagosians had long suspected was confirmed. That besides their acting and musical careers, Yoruba entertainers smuggle narcotics out of Nigeria. It’s said that's majorly how they financed their lifestyles; singing or acting was a cover up. The artiste in the spotlight was multi-award winning Tunde Omidina, who plays vituperative character: Baba Suwe. He was detained at Murtitala Muhammad Airport (MMA) in Lagos enroute Paris. The news broke on Nigeria's Twittersphere to unsurprised comments — “we knew”. The Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) paraded the actor in his white-brocade kaftan, looking disorientated. The agency claimed their scanner detected wrapped morsels in his bloated stomach. Mr. Omidina was led like a felon to a holding cell to do under observation the bowel movement we all do in private. Alas, narcotics he was supposed to have swallowed wasn’t there. Backtracking false claims is embarrassing and...

Another “bailout” released from central government to governors of the federating states of Nigeria: US$663m, or whatever N244bn balance of Paris-club refund translates to in USD today. This follows  N516bn (US$2.2bn at that time) earlier shared, which had followed a  treble of  “intervention funds”:  US$4bn in debt restructuring, and N90bn and N300bn .   Today, Nigeria’s debt stands at US$57bn. And it is set to increase by US$124m per week in more borrowing ( N2.35 trillion ) to fund the central government’s 2017 budget. Despite our mind-staggering debt figures, Nigeria ’ s states ’ and central government fall behind on basic salary obligation, let alone deliver much needed public services: water, housing, electricity, schools, hospitals, roads, hi-speed internet, hi-speed railways and security.  A government is driven by priorities of persons elected to lead the orchestra, who produce melody soothing ears of the voting public in hope that ...