Tag: Azu Ishiekwene
-
Why Trump’s trial doesn’t make America special – By Azu Ishiekwene
Donald Trump consolidated his record in demagoguery when he became the first former US president ever to be criminally indicted and arraigned in a Manhattan court on April 4.
-
A British example in our rascally times – By Azu Ishiekwene
When King Charles, the head of the Church of England, is crowned on May 6, there would be two very unusual non-Protestant special guests at the ceremony, among others: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who is Hindu; and the Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and next First Minister of Scotland, Humza Haroon Yousaf,…
-
Africa: Why does Burna Boy rock more than Nigeria’s elections – By Azu Ishiekwene
From Accra to Cape Town images of Nollywood, Nigeria’s popular movie footprint, are a common staple in homes across the continent as are the sights and sounds of its pop icons who are also amongst Africa’s biggest.
-
Louis Odion: The matter of ‘Capacity’ – By Azu Ishiekwene
Sometimes it feels like we have been childhood friends. That we have known each other forever. For over 30 years since our paths crossed, I can’t remember how many times I’ve called him “Louis,” much less “Louis Osaretin Odion.” Even now, it feels awkward to write it. I call him by the name that the…
-
INEC server and other election day stories – By Azu Ishiekwene
For the third time since 1999, I voted at a general election on February 25 and did so without much hassle. I knew my candidates would lose at the unit where I voted, but that didn’t matter. Voting mattered more. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) processed me so quickly it was almost like magic.
-
Osinbajo: A leader for all seasons – By Azu Ishiekwene
Trying to fit him into a mold can be sometimes problematic. I have always thought of him as a teacher and mentor. And later, only much later, as a friend. For over three decades he has been more than enough in each of these roles. My path with Dr. Yemi Osinbajo, as he then was,…
-
Looking back, facing forward as Nigeria decides – By Azu Ishiekwene
It’s hard to imagine that it’s nearly eight years since. This time in 2015, I was over the moon with the prospects of a general election that was certain to end the government of President Goodluck Jonathan, which had lost its way.
-
Musings after 48 hours with Raila Odinga – By Azu Ishiekwene
At first, he appeared to be the most unlikely candidate for the task. After his fifth attempt at running for Kenya’s presidency, surely Raila Odinga is finished, done. The only thing left perhaps was how to update his memoirs. But who needs nuggets from a loser who couldn’t put them to use himself?
-
A leader like Jacinda Ardern – By Azu Ishiekwene
A leader like Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand doesn’t come in tens. Not even in twos. And so, it was such a bright day on October 26, 2017, when she took office as New Zealand’s Prime Minister.
-
Why we love expensive rituals – By Azu Ishiekwene
In over two decades since Nigeria’s return to constitutional democracy, this is the longest politicians have had to campaign before a general election. And that is a good and bad thing.