Nigeria, Dec. 18 -- Two and a half emotional outbursts are likely to erupt anytime Farouk Bello Bunza is hurt. First, his voice will rise in protest. Second, his facial expression will experience a contortion. Third, which is in half, because it hardly happens: he may bang the table-just to make a point or emphasise a frustration. We all do!

The three reactions were on display the last time I met Mr Bunza-a former banker, ex-senator, and a practicing real estate developer. For someone with a trimmed physique topped with a face that resembles a healthy-looking bitter kola, Farouk was not the peaceful, smiling gentleman I used to know.

His worry is that someone, or a group, is deliberately manipulating a seemingly helpless government agen...