On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
A week after 15 rescue workers died during an evacuation mission in Gaza, the U.N. said on Sunday that Israel had killed them and dumped most of the bodies in a mass grave — a rare accusation from the U.N.
, which is typically cautious about definitively assigning blame.
, which is typically cautious about definitively assigning blame.
An Israeli military spokesman said on Monday that nine of those killed were Palestinian militants, and that their vehicles had not received permission to be in the area.
But the U.N. and other aid groups said the dead were humanitarian workers, with clearly marked vehicles. Israeli forces bulldozed and crushed the ambulances, a fire truck and a U.N. vehicle, U.N. officials said.
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