OWOLOWO

Politics of 'Ghosts' and Collateral Damage (2) By M.B.O Owolowo The first part of this article highlighted the local dynamics of terror groups operating in Nigeria and the challenges of tackling the menace. This aspect concentrates on international dynamics, anti-subsistence theories and our potential struggle for survival. We have undoubtedly established Boko Haram aren't ghosts, they do exist- the collateral damage is proof of that. I have been discussing with some locals in parts of these affected regions and there are not exactly happy with the government, neither are they excited about the insurgency. They are caught in-between the perceived insouciance of the supposed Commander-in-Chief coupled with the ineptitude of JTF (Joint Task Force) and the mayhem of Boko Haram. As some Jonathanians continue to praise the government's approach to fighting terrorism, including the ironic sending of troops to Mali- not to mention their alleged starvation, it may be inter

Politics of 'Ghosts' and Collateral Damage (1) By M.B.O Owolowo Following the recent tragic Kano bombing, I have been in a sombre and reflective mood. I have been wondering how such atrocious incidents have become commonplace in our environment, when did our polity become so accustomed to these peculiar tragedies. If one has a heart, one cannot but feel or imagine the pain of those who have been directly affected by these dastardly acts. Inadvertently, we shouldn't wait till we are directly affected before we are vociferous about the declining situation and possible engagement strategies. Some have resorted to prayers, though helpful, but I believe this calamity has gone beyond that. Some other people are comforted by the fact that the bombings have been concentrated in certain parts of the North. To a few of those who reason like this, they say 'these people' can continue to kill 'themselves' and damage 'their region', as long as it doesn't

Pardon Me: A Condonation, Condoning Criminality By M.B.O Owolowo And the President pardoned! On the latest list of those granted State Pardon is a name that has generated some expected furore from the concerned public- DSP Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of Bayelsa state. There's nothing new about such gestures from the presidency, at least we are aware of how the destiny of the nation was changed when a certain Otta farmer was granted such a privilege in 1999- how he blew the golden opportunity after returning to power is a topic for another day. So a President has the executive fiat to take such actions, but should such a privilege be abused and under what circumstances was it granted. By some legal interpretation, unless a pardon expressly states that it is issued because of a determination that the recipient of the pardon was innocent, a pardon does not imply innocence. However, it is generally assumed that acceptance of a pardon is an implicit acknowledgment of guilt,

LOVE, SUCCESS & FAILURE by M.B.O Owolowo Love, the consequence of success and the manifestation of failure. It is very difficult or nearly impossible to determine if the relationships you are involved in are real or fake. Let's take Mr X; he has always been extraordinary at what he does. Good student, posh education, good job. He gets people around to laugh even to the driest of jokes. People were always willing to do favours for him. He mentions his last name in some quarters and requests are met, he didn’t need to stress himself for anything. He meets a beautiful woman who professes love to him, and they later had an elaborate wedding. His new wife has all the money she can spend and he keeps her happy by meeting all her financial demands. She calls him ‘honey’, ‘sweetheart’, ‘baby-boo’ and all the lover monikers under the sun. He often boasts about how much his wife loves him to his friends and colleagues. Then there's Mr Y; he is wondering why his life