Mario Balotelli: Italy behind his rising popularity

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                                      Mario Balotelli

FLORENCE, Italy -- Italy and AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli says he owes his increased popularity in Italy to the national team.

Balotelli left Italy under a cloud in 2010 following a turbulent time at Inter Milan. However, he established himself as a key player in the national side during last summer's European Championship, notably by scoring both goals in the 2-1 semifinal victory over Germany.

Democracy Nigerian style

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Nigerian governor, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, admits rigging election on live TV

Who Wrote Things Fall Apart?

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By Pius Adesanmi

My teenage cousin called me from Nigeria last week. He had a long list of things he wanted me to buy for him, all cutting-edge models of modern gadgetry popular among netizens of his generation. Somehow, our conversation swayed to his education – he is now in SS1. I told him that we called that Form Four when I was in secondary school. Then he told me he has a flair for “arts subjects” and hopes to be like me when he grows up.

Perhaps it was the flattery, the sudden realization that the young boy considers me a role model or the bit about his flair for arts subjects. I felt this sudden urge to gauge his cultural capital and knowledge base. 

APC: The Game Changer?

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By Zainab Usman 

"This is a new dawn for our generation. This is unusual. It is gratifying that they are here to see and share with us," the middle aged man remarked with tears of joy when he saw the nine state governors trekking through the volatile Monday Market in Boko Haram hotspot, Maiduguri, shaking hands with fish mongers, vegetable sellers and taxi drivers. 

To this middle aged man, to the yam-seller who exclaimed “unbelievable” and to countless other ordinary Nigerians in that market, interacting with the governors up-close was far beyond what they had come to expect from the detached, conceited and unapproachable persona Nigerian politicians have cultivated over the years.

Gongs of war

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By Sonala Olumhense 

                                 Jonathan and Obasanjo

Four men were gathered around the table, each of them reeking of power, affluence and influence.

“Gentlemen, I thank you for coming to my meeting,” President Goodluck Jonathan said. “I know the notice was short, but Patience insisted that I should call you. And Oronto agreed with her.”