Nigerians are increasingly frustrated at the growing disconnect between the political class and ordinary people.

[A poorly thought out and poorly timed monetary policy sends Nigeria into a tailspin.]

Conflicts in northwest Nigeria over access to minerals—especially gold—are heating up. Illicit mining also causes environmental damage, thus exacerbating land and water shortages that cause further conflict.

The Federal High court in Abuja has ordered the release from detention of Lamido Sanusi, the former emir of Kano deposed and exiled by the governor of the state of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje. The decision follows a suit filed by Sanusi in federal court. It remains to be seen whether the judge’s orders will be carried out; the rule of law can be weak in Nigeria, especially when it comes to high-profile political prisoners.

This is a guest post by Jacob Zenn, an analyst of African Affairs for the Washington D.C.-based think tank, The Jamestown Foundation, and a contributor to the West Point CTC Sentinel. This August, N…