Sunday, August 16, 2026

Azu Ishiekwene

February 26, 2026

El-Rufai: What a good turn didn’t deserve

I’ve often joked that even if you beheaded El-Rufai and minced his skull, his tongue would still be wagging. Those who have been in his crosshairs might agree.

El-Rufai talking to Bola Tinubu
February 19, 2026

The road to a doctor’s Nigeria

Balewa was right. But in hindsight, did Achebe’s lamentation suggest that the prime minister was also naïve?

Balewa and Achebe
February 5, 2026

Can we quench the fire that might start in Mali?

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have just won the biggest diplomatic jackpot beyond their wildest imagination.

Col. Assimi Goita
January 29, 2026

Azu Ishiekwene: Yusuf’s red cap on Tinubu’s red carpet

After months of dallying and endless speculations, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf finally broke ranks with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, his in-law, mentor and political godfather.

Kano Governor Abba Yusuf
January 22, 2026

We owe Putin an unreserved apology

If the price for world peace is to award Trump a Nobel Peace Prize for ending eight wars, a delusion he firmly believes, then we should indulge his fantasy.

Trump with Putin
January 15, 2026

Azu Ishiekwene: A British war journalist’s account of how January 15 changed Nigeria

Frederick Forsyth’s account of the Nigerian Civil War, mainly from the Biafran lens, is perhaps one of the most riveting you would find.

Nigerian Civil War
January 8, 2026

What You Might Expect in 2026: A valedictory edition

This seventh edition of my special yearly forecast might be the last. I’ve enjoyed doing it, the hits and the misses, especially the big hits.

Trump, Tinubu, Atiku, Obi
December 25, 2025

Azu Ishiekwene: What’s the cost of a merry Christmas?

Atiku is like a lion wearing Santa Claus’s cap and offering a gift box wrapped in garlands, swag, and tinsel. Obi and his ambition would soon be lunch.

December 18, 2025

Ahmed’s fall, the Dangote challenge and a rentier system

The only proof that Ahmed was not removed to save the system is that he should be investigated so that he can either clear his name or face the consequences.

December 11, 2025
Sam Nda-Isaiah