John Iduh Blog

Across continents, the political climate is shifting. What once appeared as a slow erosion of democratic norms has now become a visible global trend — the resurgence of authoritarianism cloaked in democratic language. From the United States to Israel, Nigeria, Russia, and parts of Asia and Latin America, a new political order is emerging — one where power is concentrated, dissent is silenced, and institutions are repurposed to serve the ambitions of a few. 1. The Rising Wave of Authoritarianism In recent years, strongmen politics has made a dramatic comeback. Leaders such as Donald Trump in the United States, Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, Vladimir Putin in Russia, and Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria represent distinct societies yet display strikingly similar governance patterns — centralization of authority, populist rhetoric, and a deep mistrust of opposition voices. This pattern is not confined to one region. In several Asian and Latin American countries, governments have adopted polici...

Friendship is part of it—but it’s mutual forward motion that truly transforms a group. A cohort isn’t just a gathering of like-minded people; it’s a shared journey built on trust, respect, and collective growth. When a group moves in sync, each member finds the courage to build something that matters—not just for themselves, but for the world. Fifteen years ago, said he hosted a three-day seminar in my office for twelve women. That small gathering became the FeMBA cohort—a living, breathing network of purpose and momentum.  "Last week, I attended their reunion. My role had been small; I simply lit the first spark. They carried the flame", he ssid Entrepreneurship isn’t only about building big companies or chasing profit. It’s about solving problems, creating leverage, and daring to build something larger than yourself. When people embrace this mindset together, possibility and optimism multiply. The internet gives us access to millions of people with a click—but often, that a...

Every best-selling product has a secret formula — it solves a real problem and connects emotionally with people. Successful products are simple to understand, offer visible value, and look trustworthy. They target a specific audience and communicate directly to their needs. Great packaging, honest branding, and powerful storytelling make people believe and buy. Social proof — like reviews and testimonials — builds trust and influences others to join in. Accessibility also matters: if it’s easy to find, pay for, and use, it sells faster. Smart marketing keeps the product visible, while continuous improvement keeps it relevant. In truth, products that sell the most are those people understand, need, and love to talk about. They combine function, feeling, and convenience into one irresistible experience — turning ordinary items into must-have essentials everyone wants to own.

A few days ago, a customer raised concerns about our online services and the pricing we quoted. While he was clearly dissatisfied, he wasn’t looking for a refund, a discount, or an argument. What he really wanted was a fair and flexible option that worked for him. Recognizing this, I suggested a three-installment payment plan. The moment I presented this solution, his tone shifted to relief and satisfaction—he felt heard, supported, and empowered. The takeaway: Customers are not always seeking the cheapest option or empty apologies. What they truly value is a partner who listens, understands their needs, and provides practical solutions that improve their lives.

The Double Delusion of Luck: One delusion is mistaking luck for skill. A string of fortunate outcomes can disguise poor decisions and inflate confidence, leaving us to believe that success was inevitable. This illusion is especially clear when someone rides early advantages in one field, then carries arrogance into another, mistaking past luck for permanent ability. The opposite delusion is just as dangerous: dismissing real effort and skill simply because luck hasn’t yet arrived. When persistence, learning, and craft are already in place, self-doubt can quietly erode progress. Luck is uneven, unfair, and unpredictable. That’s what makes it luck. The challenge is to see it clearly—without confusing it for skill, and without ignoring the skill that stands ready for its arrival.

Voltaire  as a political theory  embodies the principles of reason, freedom of thought, tolerance, and resistance to oppression.  Voltaire, an eighteenth century French Enlightenment thinker, strongly opposed absolute monarchy, religious intolerance, and censorship, while advocating for civil liberties and rational debate as the foundation of just societies. His ideas highlight the necessity of free expression and accountability as tools to challenge tyranny and promote social progress.  In African politics, Voltaire’s influence can be seen in the push for multiparty democracy in countries such as Ghana, where open debate and tolerance of diverse political voices have strengthened democratic institutions.  In Nigeria, activists who resist authoritarian tendencies and demand press freedom reflect Voltaire’s defense of free expression as a safeguard against abuse of power.  In South Africa, the protection of constitutional rights and freedom of speech after a...

Wyclifism was  an idea of John Wyclif, a fourteenth century English theologian who questioned the authority of the Catholic Church and emphasized the supremacy of scripture, moral leadership, and accountability. Beyond its religious roots, Wyclifism symbolizes the broader act of challenging corrupt authority and demanding that leaders place the welfare of the people above personal gain.  In African politics, this spirit can be seen in movements and struggles for transparency and justice.  For instance, campaigns against corruption in Nigeria echo Wyclif’s insistence on truth and integrity, while debates on governance reform in South Africa after apartheid reflect the demand for leaders to act in service of citizens rather than themselves.  In Kenya, calls for people centered governance also resonate with Wyclif’s principle of holding leaders accountable.  Wyclifism therefore remains relevant as an enduring reminder of reform, truth, and accountability in leaders...

An honest argument is a reasoning process where individuals or groups engage in truth, fairness, and respect rather than manipulation or deception. It goes beyond winning at all costs and focuses instead on reaching mutual understanding or discovering the best possible conclusion based on facts and logic.  An honest argument is characterized by truthfulness, where participants rely on accurate information and avoid lies or exaggerations; clarity, by presenting points in a straightforward way without misleading language; respect, by listening to opposing views without insults; openness, by being willing to accept when the other side presents a stronger case; and evidence-based reasoning, where claims are supported by facts, logic, or credible sources.  For example, in the United Kingdom, debates between the Conservative and Labour parties in Parliament often demonstrate honest arguments when leaders acknowledge valid points from opponents, even while disagreeing on solutions....

Marketing management creates tensions that influence the timing and character of demand.  The image below shows a promotional strategy where consumers are encouraged to “buy a bucket of four bottles at the price of three” within a specific time frame (5:00 pm – 9:00 pm) on selected dates in May. This clearly illustrates how marketing management influences both the timing and character of demand. By offering discounts during limited hours and dates, the brand stimulates demand when sales may otherwise be low, creating urgency and exclusivity. The promotion not only increases volume of purchase but also strengthens brand loyalty. This reflects how strategic marketing shapes consumer behavior and purchasing decisions effectively, with tension.

In the bustling city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where markets roar louder than sermons, a professor, a custodian of knowledge and supposed guardian of integrity, became the chief priest of vote buying. With the calmness of a lecturer marking scripts, he distributed wads of naira like examination handouts, teaching the people that democracy is a market where conscience is sold at wholesale price. In a country praying for progress, this academic sage reduced elections to a classroom experiment in corruption, proving that degrees cannot disinfect greed. Perhaps next semester, his course will be outlined with title: Democracy 101: Buying and Selling Votes Made Easy. Are we building community or destroying it?

 Binge drinking—defined as consuming large amounts of alcohol in short intervals—has long been viewed as a personal vice or youthful excess. However, an innovative perspective sees it as a societal signal—a reflection of cultural norms, mental health pressures, and unaddressed collective anxieties. Historically, periods of economic uncertainty and social unrest have often coincided with spikes in substance abuse, from 19th-century gin epidemics in Britain to modern campus parties in the United States and Nigeria. What if solutions went beyond bans and punishments? Reimagining social environments—through alcohol-free communal spaces, digital wellness apps, peer-led “sober clubs,” and redesigning nightlife around creativity rather than consumption—can transform how people relate to leisure and stress. Universities and city planners could embed behavioral nudges, gamified education, and mentorship into youth culture. By shifting the lens from control to innovation, binge drinking beco...

 Binge drinking is the excessive consumption of alcohol in a short period, typically defined as five or more drinks for men and four or more for women within two hours. It is a widespread phenomenon, particularly among young adults in college environments and urban centers across countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and increasingly, Nigeria. Historically, alcohol has played a social role, but modern patterns of overconsumption reflect deeper issues of stress, peer pressure, and cultural normalization of intoxication. For instance, university campuses often witness alcohol-fueled parties where binge drinking is seen as a rite of passage. This behavior contributes to accidents, violence, academic failure, and long-term health risks, including liver disease and addiction. Addressing binge drinking requires multi-level strategies—public health campaigns, campus education programs, stricter alcohol regulations, and community-based interventions. Framing it not merely a...

 The Chicano Movement was a civil rights campaign that emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, primarily among Mexican-Americans seeking social, political, and educational equality in the United States. Rooted in centuries of marginalization, this movement challenged systemic discrimination, land dispossession, and cultural erasure. It gained momentum in places like California, Texas, and New Mexico, where large Latino populations faced institutional neglect. One emblematic case was the East Los Angeles Walkouts of 1968, where thousands of Chicano students protested against inferior schools and demanded bilingual education and Chicano studies. Activists like César Chávez and Dolores Huerta also fought for farmworkers’ rights, linking labor justice to ethnic empowerment. While the movement fostered pride in Chicano identity and history, it also revealed deep tensions around race, class, and national belonging. Today, its legacy continues in contemporary struggles for immigrant rights and ed...

Ability grouping is an educational practice where students are divided into groups based on perceived intellectual or academic capabilities. This method, common in primary and secondary schools across countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Nigeria, is intended to tailor instruction to learners' proficiency levels. For instance, high-performing students may be placed in "advanced" groups, while others are assigned to "remedial" classes. While it aims to enhance learning efficiency, critics argue that it reinforces social inequalities, particularly where group placement reflects socio-economic or racial biases. In Nigeria, some elite schools group students into "A", "B", or "C" arms, often stigmatizing those in lower-ranked classes. To address this, educators and policymakers must adopt inclusive teaching models that emphasize differentiated instruction within mixed-ability classrooms. Research-backed alternative...

Clientelist democracy is a political system in which electoral support and political loyalty are exchanged for material benefits, state patronage, or personal favors. Unlike programmatic or issue-based democracies, where political competition is centered on ideology or policy platforms, clientelist systems thrive on informal networks of obligation between patrons (politicians or elites) and clients (voters or supporters). These reciprocal arrangements are sustained not by institutions of accountability or governance, but by personal loyalty and the promise of selective rewards. In the Nigerian context, clientelist democracy has deep historical roots, tracing back to the late colonial period and consolidating during the First Republic (1960–1966). The colonial policy of indirect rule, which empowered local traditional rulers as intermediaries, laid the groundwork for personalized political relations. Following independence, these patronage networks evolved into more complex systems of ...

The intellectual turn towards The Postmodern Marx , most notably advanced by political theorist and historian of political thought, Terrell Carver, represents a significant shift in the study of Marxist thought. Rather than viewing Marx as a deterministic thinker concerned solely with economic laws and historical inevitability, Carver emphasizes the interpretive, textual, and discursive nature of Marx’s writings. This approach aligns with postmodern theory, which challenges fixed meanings, essential categories, and universal explanations. Instead, it foregrounds ambiguity, context, and the constructed nature of political and social identities. In the Nigerian context, this re-reading of Marx is not only timely but essential. Traditional Marxist models—rooted in binaries such as bourgeoisie and proletariat—struggle to account for the country’s complex socio-political fabric. Since independence, Nigerian society has been shaped by colonial legacies, ethnic federalism, military ...

The concept of Postmodern Marx , as articulated by political theorist Terrell Carver, represents a significant departure from traditional, rigid interpretations of Karl Marx’s thought. Rather than reading Marx as a scientific economist or deterministic prophet of class struggle, postmodern scholars view his writings as open, interpretive texts shaped by language, ambiguity, and historical context. In this framework, Marx is not a singular authority but a thinker whose ideas must be continually re-read in light of changing cultural and political realities. This postmodern approach is particularly valuable when applied to Nigeria, a country whose complex postcolonial condition defies simplistic class models. Traditional Marxism often posits a binary between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. Yet, Nigeria’s political economy is characterized not just by capitalist exploitation, but by a hybrid system involving ethnic patronage, informal markets, religious networks, and state-dependent ...

 Affirmative action is a policy or set of measures designed to address historical and systemic inequalities by promoting the inclusion and representation of marginalized or disadvantaged groups—such as women, ethnic minorities, or people with disabilities—in areas like education, employment, and political participation. Its primary aim is to level the playing field by providing opportunities that help correct imbalances caused by past discrimination or structural barriers. In political contexts, affirmative action can involve mechanisms such as quotas, reserved seats, or targeted appointments to ensure fair representation and foster social equity in governance and decision-making processes.  Affirmative action in Nigerian politics is both a product of historical necessity and a reflection of the country’s complex ethnic, regional, and gender dynamics. Emerging from a colonial legacy that entrenched disparities among the North, West, and East, Nigeria’s post-independence politi...

Since the advent of civilian rule in 1979, the Tiv ethnic group has maintained an unbroken dominance over the most significant political offices in Benue State. This enduring control reflects a deliberate political culture in which the Tiv assert themselves not merely as a majority, but as custodians of the state’s leadership. While ethnic majoritarianism is not unique to Benue, the Tiv posture has often manifested as an implicit belief that no other ethnic group is entitled to the governorship or similarly influential offices. However, what complicates this political history is the conspicuous absence of transformative development tied to this long-standing rule. Despite decades of control, key socio-economic indicators remain stagnant or regressive. This has raised difficult questions about the utility of ethnic dominance when it is not matched by institutional progress or inclusive governance. Historians and political observers alike continue to interrogate this legacy of power wit...

 The eagle has descended from the northern firmament, and silence, profound and ancient, now lingers where once the voice of command resounded. Muhammadu Buhari—soldier, statesman, enigma—has taken his final bow from the grand stage of Nigeria’s turbulent history. His journey traced the arc of a man both cast in iron and carved by paradox: at once the stoic guardian of order and the inscrutable architect of silence. From khaki to civilian garb, his presence loomed like the harmattan—unyielding, austere, purifying to some, wounding to others. He returned to power not on the back of tanks but on the fragile wings of democracy, bearing promises of change and restoration. Yet with time, the broom that once swept through the hopes of millions seemed to falter, as dust gathered in corners untouched. His war against corruption became a riddle; his silence, louder than his proclamations. Legacy now stands, a two-faced Janus: one gazing toward discipline, the other toward disillusion. Still...