Opinion

By Emem Benson The unfolding situation surrounding the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO) presents a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law, institutional coherence and policy credibility. What should have been a seamless and legally straightforward transition, from the defunct Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron,…

By Okechukwu Nwanguma In a recent intervention, former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, raised an alarm over the prohibitive cost of political party nomination forms in Nigeria. His concerns go beyond party politics. They speak to a deeper and more troubling reality: the deliberate monetisation of politics as a strategy…

By Okechukwu Nwanguma Executive Director, RULAAC The persistent underdevelopment of Nigeria’s rural communities is often blamed on inadequate funding. This explanation is convenient—but fundamentally misleading. The real problem lies not in the absence of resources, but in the failure of governance. Recent findings by civil society organisations, including the Citizens…

By Okechukwu Nwanguma Nigeria is once again at a familiar crossroads – confronted by deepening insecurity and searching, almost desperately, for solutions. Into this space comes the latest proposal by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, outlining a sweeping plan to decentralise policing through the creation of state police…

By Prof. Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr. The parts of this new series shall be very brief, but each very redemptive and extremely pungent. Someone MUST call out the Mad-folks out there. Someone MUST rescue our democracy. And if the Cosmic finds me worthy, so be it. The arrogance of Power…

By Jerome-Mario Utomi As the Tinubu administration inches towards its third anniversary in office, a peek into its achievements in the Niger Delta reveals that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done well for the region and its people. This is self-evident, especially when one takes a critical look at the…

You and your governor with Solomon Essiet Irrespective of the season or the political calendar, Governor Umo Eno continues to prioritize project delivery across Akwa Ibom State, even amidst intense party politics. This week, the Governor led government officials on project inspections and chaired a full-day project delivery meeting reviewing…

By Emmanuel Nicholas It is understandable, indeed legitimate that the people of Akwa Ibom are anxious to see the Ibom Deep-Sea Port become a reality. Such a demand for tangible development and broad-based employment is an honest agitation that no conscientious observer would condemn. What is lamentable, however, is the…

By Emmanuel Nicholas There’s an old saying that an enemy will never thank you for a gift; instead, he’ll look for a way to twist it into something ugly. That image fits the approach taken by some writers who have chosen to amplify criticism of Governor Umo Eno rather than…

By Emmanuel Nicholas Akwa Ibom State’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has risen dramatically over the past two decades, with especially strong growth since 2018. Reported annual IGR increased from about N1.86 billion in 2000 during Obong Victor Attah’s administration to roughly N80.745 billion in 2025 due to the impactful policies…