According to Pythagoras, "all things are numbers." This does not make any logical sense given the fact that there are a lot of things in life that do not have anything to do with numbers. However, the spate of air travel related accidents involving commercial airliners within the past 12 months (3 to be precise) in Nigeria seem to suggest that Pythagoras may not be totally illogical. The air safety record of the aviation industry in Nigeria is once again called to question and the reality is that over a hundred families are saddled with the sad burden of burying loved ones who met their untimely deaths a la the Nigerian airspace. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine on them. May they rest in peace.

Inasmuch as it will be premature to blame this accident on the safety record of the airline involved (ADC) or some other reason and pending the preliminary results of the investigation of the crash, it does look like we have a situation with managing the safety of air travel in Nigeria. With democracy finally taking root, the injection of foreign investment into our petro-based economy is a conditio sine qua non for the growth, development and sustenance of our economy. Bad safety records, especially air safety will not provide an enabling environment for the much needed foreign investment.

While on the issue of economic growth and development, it is important to take a look at the on-going crisis in the delta region of Nigeria. News of clashes between government forces and the militia is on the tubes on a daily basis. Foreign oil workers are being kidnapped randomly by the militia and the government of Nigeria apparently cannot ensure their safety. This point ties into the problem with air safety and feeds the spooky air about working in Nigeria. The instability in the delta region definitely would scare away foreign investors who would otherwise have loved to engage in capital intensive projects in Nigeria.

Another destabilizing issue that does not encourage foreign investment is the state of our volatile political structures. Several state governors are facing the threat of impeachment (I'm not suggesting that they should not be impeached if they are truly guilty of the offence they are being accused of and if the offence qualifies as an impeachable offence) and some of the legislators that are initiating the process lack basic understanding of it and the qualifying events that necessitates invoking this constitutional process. They therefore sometimes start the impeachment process but then bungle its execution because of lack of proper application. The ineptitude of some of our politicians is a pointer to why the voting public needs to elect politicians who understand the political terrain and process. They should also be individuals with integrity and a track record for success and achievement. The OBJ/Atiku finger pointing show continues and from a lay man's view, it looks like they both had their hands in the candy jar.

While on the issue of integrity, it is necessary to comment of the "Ekiti debacle"and the star and various actors involved in the Ekiti soap. The former governor of Ekiti State(he claims he is still the governor) shamelessly plundered the resources of the state to the tune of over 1 billion naira. In spite of the pyramid of evidence against him and his thieving ways, he is out there claiming to be innocent and he has been quoted as saying he will rule Ekiti again because God has ordained it as such. Ayodele Fayose is a disgrace to the very well educated and industrious people of Ekiti. The deputy governor is no better. She is a kleptocrat and should be punished according to the dictates of the law. Some state legislators that have been implicated in this scandal should face the people too and account for their despicable actions. This should serve as a lesson to all other states governors and public office holders. You will be caught and disgraced if you decide to line your pocket with public funds. Pythagoras may be right and infact, logical afterall.