2015 has been an interesting year; Nigerians have witnessed a lot of political drama. This year has been one of the most eventful in Nigeria’s political history. Nigerian Bulletin recalls the foremost newsmakers who have dominated media headlines in the outgoing year.
Muhammadu Buhari :
After three failed attempts, Muhammadu Buhari finally became President of Nigeria this year. Buhari’s inaugural speech, “I belong to nobody, and I belong to everybody” was epic and won’t be forgotten in a long time.
He also got to thrill Nigerians with his public anti-corruption war and for the first time in over 20years publicly wore a suit.
Goodluck Jonathan :
This year, Goodluck Jonathan became Nigeria’s first incumbent president to lose a rerun election. His singular humble act of conceding defeat even in incumbency after the election attracted applause worldwide and even got him nominated for the noble peace prize.
Revered Father Mbaka :
He may not call himself a politician but he earned the tag this year. This ‘Man of God’ became one of the loudest voices during the last Presidential election. Without fear, he fought a sitting President. Rev Mbaka, who is known to be Founder of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, and a supporter of the former president, flayed and floored his former ally’s leadership during his new year sermon titled: “From Good luck to Bad luck’’.
Femi Fani-Kayode :
‘’When you beat a child, you can’t tell him not to cry ‘’- if you understand that African proverb then you totally understand Femi Fani-Kayode. He’s King of the Wailing Wailers; no Newsweek ends without Fani-Kayode in the headline.
Lai Mohammed :
Many Nigerians prefer to call him ‘Lie’ Mohammed. APC Spokesperson turned Minister of Information and tourism. This man spent the first part of 2015 trumpeting APC’s campaign promises and the last part of the year denying them.
Diezani Alison-Madueke :
Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources was one of the few Nigerian women who rocked the headlines this year. The headlines were filled with corruption allegations leveled against again and her battle with cancer. We even saw a headline declaring her dead.
Rotimi Amaechi :
Former Governor of Rivers state currently Minister of Transport fought the biggest political battles of his life this year. He fought hard and conquered.
Bukola Saraki :
Bukola Saraki is the leader of Nigeria’s National assembly, the third most powerful man in the country. He became Senate President despite his party’s opposition and has spent most of the year fighting for his life.
Ben Murray-Bruce :
Ben Murray-Bruce is Nigeria’s leading common sense Ambassador. He’s leader of Nigeria’s parliament on Social Network. His loud voice on Social network makes his silence in the Senate Chambers even louder.
Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala :
She may have left office but her scent lingers on. Her name is stuck on the headlines like palm oil on a white cotton cloth. She has been fingered in massive misappropriation of public funds and is currently awaiting questioning by relevant authorities.
Ayo Fayose :
Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose is currently one of the loudest voices in Nigeria’s dying opposition party. He took election campaigning to a new level this year and since then has done his best in always reminding the media that his party is alive.
