Yesterday was the 5th December 2013 and the day we lost Mr Nelson Mandela. He died at the age of 95 after a long battle with a lung infection and increasingly frail health. He left this world quietly, peacefully and the world broke out in response. The world is mourning a great man, and generations to come forever will do so. Rest in peace Mandela.
There is a popular quote that says, ' when you were born you cried and the world rejoiced, live your life in such a way that the when you die the world will cry and you rejoice'. Beautiful. Nelson Mandela embodied this quote, probably moreso than any person in recent history. What has made his death more poignant for me at the moment was a birthday wish which I just saw printed in the Punch newspaper for Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida on the 17th August 2013, the page was taken our by Alhaji Arisekola Alao on the formers 72 year old birthday. The feliticitations started off saluting an icon, loved by everyone, firm and just, who had done soooo much for Nigeria. The most notable of these achievements as listed in the congratulatory address was the building of the Third Mainland Bridge, and I quote, 'who knows where Nigeria would have been if this bridge had not been built'. I was shocked. Essentially Alhaji Alao was trying to say that building a link bridge (yes it might be the longest in West Africa but that's not an achievement, considering all our neighbours are poorer and as corrupt as we are)entitled dear old Babangida to claim a place in the annals of history as one of the best leaders ever. Luckily, history isn't so kind to liars and thieves.
A bridge as a noteworthy contribution to a nation's development is simply absurd. I won't bore you with a history lesson but Babangida's time as a military dictator was the straw that shattered the camel's back into millions of unrecognisable pieces. He introduced a culture of nepotism, bribery and corruption which is so rooted in governance today. Our schools, hospitals, roads, values, security and well being were eroded under his watch. We had little debt before Babangida came on the scene, now our finances as a country are in free fall. I say this and I know it to be true, Babangida single handedly ruined this country and paved the way for his successors like Obasanjo and Jonathan to finish stripping off the carcass of the dying animal that is Nigeria. I would so love to talk about the money stolen under his dictatorship, the billions of dollars, but we have heard it all before. Eventually, the more we talk about it the more we forget and as has become the case, one more '0' in the $230000000 starts to lose its meaning.
Shortly after Mandela's death was announced, the foreign news reported that flags at the Royal residence, Downing street and the White House would fly at half mast today for Mandela. Undoubtedly he will be given a state funeral where 99% of the world leaders that count as well as 100% of those that don't count will be in attendance. Most likely, dull Jonathan and frumpy Patience will be there perhaps trying not to appear too intimidated by the dignitaries and the outpouring of love on that day. It will be hard not to look intimidated when a single one of the countries gathered (no guesses which that may be) can blow Nigeria off the map. I wonder how they will feel when they see how Mandela was respected and loved, knowing fully well that if they were both reborn 50 times over again they could never hope to get the same affection. I hope that day will be a sobering lesson.to some our African leaders. I know quite a few will be unable to understand what I am trying to say, if they haven't after all this time its probably too late. The question is what legacy will they leave behind? Dr Doyin Okupe might try and deceive himself that Jonathan is Nigeria's Mandela...well, this is not the first time he has come out with such a delusion so I needn't say any more. I know for Babangida, his only legitimate legacy is the Third Mainland Bridge, and as far as legacies goes that's a very irrelevant one indeed.
Mandela only ruled for 5 years before stepping down as agreed beforehand. Shockingly enough there are still some African leaders that have been ruling for the past 33 years. Our own dear Obasanjo once asked Mandela why he stepped down, to which he (Mandela) referred to his advanced years. The fact that Obasanjo had to ask that question, as if it was inconceivable for him to fathom why anyone would do that, shows the kind of leaders we have had so far. If Obasanjo was in that same position we know he would have ruled and only stepped aside when he absolutely had to. We all know how he tried to come back for a third term and when that was unsuccessful, how he hand-picked his successor Yar'ardua. This is wh6y when Obasanjo finally goes the way of his ancestors state media will devote some days of mourning, foreign media will devote a paragraph and world leaders of the most powerful nations will record one or two lines of condoling messages. You see,Mandela embodied a true son of God, compassionate, honest, just, fearless, courageous, loving and most of all forgiving. The leaders of Nigeria have all exemplified the opposite,liars, thieves, hateful creatures full of hatred and if you don't agree with them then expect a visit from hired assassins. They make contradictory policies which are totally immune to the sufferings of the masses. They6 steal our money and pay lip service to fighting corruption. They throw our differences against us and use it to divide us. Whatever they say must be taken with a pinch of maggi. They do not care about us at all.
This article is about the Nigerian problems and the South African hope. South Africa with decades of hatred and brutality has managed to pull itself out of the festering pit of social ills and produce a man whose legacy is enduring. Nigeria can do it too but we need to get rid of all the dead weights in our governance framework. It will require honesty, soul searching, unity and courage, for 2015 is coming and it will be our last chance for a while. The Jonathan's, Obasanjo's, Buhari's and the Tinubu's need to be checked and tested. Nigerians lets make sure we are not swayed by sentiment or desperation or poverty or fear, lets choose wisely, a man that is wholly for this country not half and half. We Nigerians should not be moved by handouts, amala politics, a bag of rice during election campaigns or the promise of N10,000 for votes. There is nothing sweeter than rewards gotten from hard work as opposed to handouts. The only free and good gifts come from God, any other gift is always conditional.
Do not be swayed by the evil ones, do not be lured by the promises of evil. There are some that will read this article and ignore, I am writing for those that will read and be moved. Take a stance and interest in Nigeria's governance for example, compile the list of local government, state government and federal government projects that you are aware of, or were launched in your area. With your first hand knowledge report on the goals of these projects, whether any work been done, how much was reportedly spent on the contracts, who are the contractors, take pictures and spread the word on sites like Nairaland. Our leaders should be held accountable and as we gradually hold them accountable then we will also gradually begin to see a difference. We should not sell our birthright as Nigerians for a plate of amala. May God help us as we take back what is rightfully ours. South Africa fought and although they are not perfect they are miles better than we are.
As the world continues to mourn Mandela and rejoices for a life well lived, we Nigerians are condemned to wait a little longer for our human saviour trusting that nothing last forever and a brighter tomorrow will come, so help us God. Amen.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Monday, 21 October 2013
2010 by Sound Sultan
Its been 3 years since I first heard the song 2010 by Sound Sultan. I loved it from the first verse, and when MI came on hook to rap I was hooked! The flow, the beat, the words, the tune! I was captivated hook, line and sinker! That's not what this post is about though, you see, the song had a purpose and a theme. The electricity supply in Nigeria. The National Electric Power Authority established in 1972 with the merging of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria and the Niger Dam Authority. It might have been good at inception, as most programmes conceived of in the 60s and 70s were wont to be. However, for as long as I can remember and growing up in the 90s it was a case of 'Never Expect Power Always'.
The only time I remember having light for a full day in my youth was during the Olympics '97 when Nigeria won. I'm sure we all have stories of doing something important, watching an interesting show, and NEPA striking! The worst was being half bitten to death because of mosquitoes in the dead of the night due to the heat, and the noisy hum of those lucky enough to have generators. Yes, NEPA made all our lives a misery, didn't matter how rich or poor you were, whether an ordinary white/blue collar worked or business owners. NEPA was hell. I recently learned that the only reason we don't drink fresh milk like they do in other developed nations is because it doesn't keep for long. I wonder why...hmmm
Three years down the line from the release of Sound Sultan's '2010', power supply in Nigeria remains epileptic. The moniker has changed however, NEPA has now become PHCN- Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria, the owners, well at least some, have changed. The workers have also changed, not a few of them pushed out by the new administration, with no pension or severance pay. Electricity supply in Nigeria remains hampered in a lot of places, exceptions are Aso Rock (figures) and Governor's lodges across the country.
Every single one of our leaders have promised improved power supply and every one of our leaders have lied. They lied about the probes to combat and improve the situation, they lied about the investigative committees and they keep on lying. The newest scandal is the N255 million bulletproof cars for the Aviation Minister. As more and more details about the kickbacks are released the Nigerian situation is even more painful. However, that's a post for another day.
In other personal news although we have had power for the past 4 hours. PHCN has just flexed their muscle, which is very unfortunate as I was just enjoying a bowl of piping hot efo. As the sweat runs down my face in rivulets and soaks my shirt I know I'll eventually get up to put on a cooler and lighter outfit. I also know that there is hope for Nigeria because its citizens like me, tired of suffering under the sweltering and man made heat will cast aside our 'soaked with suffering' garments and put on something more comfortable. An outfit that looks good and most importantly fits. That day I hope we are not merciful to the 'cast aside garments of bondage'. That day is coming soon.
You see, Sound Sultan didn't just write a song; he wrote a blueprint manifesto. God willing very soon we will use '2010' as a guide to see how far we have come. At the moment however, we still have a long way to go.
Friday, 11 October 2013
2015...The amnesic race
Its that time of the year again, the run up to the 2015 elections and the efforts of our leaders to ensure they are victors in the rat race to share the national cake have redoubled. The liars, thieves and pot bellied politicians are hell bent on winning a bigger slice. Some of the attempts include Jonathan's firing of some ministers, Ajimobi's sacking of his entire cabinet and don't forget the contesting billboard campaigns that they so fervently deny any knowledge of. Yes, the race is definitely on!
The most interesting thing however, is the attempts of our politicians to connect with the masses and young electorate. Its laughable really. They start early, 3 years to the election all sorts of 'paddy' tweets start springing up trying to give the impression that we are all 'one'. Who can remember Obasanjo's remark at the site of the Ikeja cantonment blast when he went to visit some days after and said, and I quote, 'am I supposed to be here' or Aviation minister Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi remark that 'plane crashes are an act of God' even when the supposed planes are cargo planes undergoing test flights. These comments show we sure as heck are not one! Take for instance former President Atiku's attempts to use twitter and facebook as a medium to reach out to the masses on suggested ways to improve education. Totally misguided, especially when he was quoted as saying he founded a school for the masses where the school fees is N 840, 000, mind you, most Nigerians live on less than a dollar a day. My personal best is the story of the man that had no shoes and his meteoric ride to the Presidency...6 years down the line most people still don't have shoes and education is at its worst level, case in point ASUU strike day 102.
In nation building terms the current flavour of the day is good governance and unlike the other fads of the day I think good governance ,along with the strong institutions and policies it promotes, will have a lasting flavour. Past Nigerian administrations have had no flavour, the few that have managed some semblance have quickly lost their taste. The Environmental Sanitation Policy which took off in 2005 is still being enforced today, but for what reason? Our roads are still as dirty as before, our gutters overflow during the rainy season, most places in Nigeria are dirty. The adage that nothing lasts forever is especially true of the Nigerian government. None of their policies ever last and yet our people are so quick to embrace these same politicians when elections come around. Adedibu's amala politics lives in enduring form, you give the people a little money or in the case of celebrities, a little attention and they lap it up like dogs. Don Jazzy's recent banter with Atiku was as humorous as it was sad. Why the jokes, why couldn't Don Jazzy challenge Atiku on his achievements during his brief time in government? Obasanjo is now a born again Christian, may be Atiku's is now reformed and deserves another chance at running this country? I very much doubt it.
Its nothing new in politics for politicians seeking support and votes to re -engage with the electorate and celebrities through varying, novel means like social media. Jay Z and Beyonce are a power couple that make no pretence of their support for Obama, so also Oprah Winfrey. They campaign for him, host dinners to raise funds for his campaign and speak out for him tirelessly. All because they believe in him and he aligns with their ideals for a better nation and a better America. Most of all because he delivers. At a time when America is experiencing home grown and outward terrorist threats, a collapsing global economy as well as numerous political upheavals in most parts of the world, he has provided strong and decisive leadership.
Where is our strong and decisive leadership in Nigeria? Whenever Boko Haram strikes it takes days for an official reaction, sometimes none at all and usually so second hand as to be worthless. Our roads are bad, our hospitals death traps, electricity non-existent, no water, educational sector in shambles, food prices rising, police rotten and government officials corrupt to the core all the way down to local government officials. The problems are much more than this, our inefficient legal system, or sub standard, adulterated products flooding the market, outdated laws, vandalism of pipelines and stealing of crude oil. I almost forgot the oga at the top- kidnapping. Nigeria's problems are many and although there are a few success stories here and there Aregbesola, Fashola, Amosun and Imoke. However, Nigeria is a federation, and a federation is only strong as a whole, not just component units.
The National Assembly will be organising a day of prayer to seek God's face on the problems plaguing the country. I laugh in Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo, Efik, Tiv and all the other Nigerian languages. Our leaders are arrogant fools and sometimes I wish the Holy Spirit would strike them down as Ananaias and Sapphira for mocking him. All, and I mean all our problems are due to bad leadership, bad governance, inefficient, corrupt and ineffective leadership. We don't need God to tell us that! So I laugh when I see the banter on facebook and twitter, the camaraderie between our leaders and the people. Hope is hope and I guess its irrelevant where its coming from, even when its coming from the same people that time and time have lied to us repeatedly.
Nigerians are a truly amnesic people, how we so easily forget.
The most interesting thing however, is the attempts of our politicians to connect with the masses and young electorate. Its laughable really. They start early, 3 years to the election all sorts of 'paddy' tweets start springing up trying to give the impression that we are all 'one'. Who can remember Obasanjo's remark at the site of the Ikeja cantonment blast when he went to visit some days after and said, and I quote, 'am I supposed to be here' or Aviation minister Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi remark that 'plane crashes are an act of God' even when the supposed planes are cargo planes undergoing test flights. These comments show we sure as heck are not one! Take for instance former President Atiku's attempts to use twitter and facebook as a medium to reach out to the masses on suggested ways to improve education. Totally misguided, especially when he was quoted as saying he founded a school for the masses where the school fees is N 840, 000, mind you, most Nigerians live on less than a dollar a day. My personal best is the story of the man that had no shoes and his meteoric ride to the Presidency...6 years down the line most people still don't have shoes and education is at its worst level, case in point ASUU strike day 102.
In nation building terms the current flavour of the day is good governance and unlike the other fads of the day I think good governance ,along with the strong institutions and policies it promotes, will have a lasting flavour. Past Nigerian administrations have had no flavour, the few that have managed some semblance have quickly lost their taste. The Environmental Sanitation Policy which took off in 2005 is still being enforced today, but for what reason? Our roads are still as dirty as before, our gutters overflow during the rainy season, most places in Nigeria are dirty. The adage that nothing lasts forever is especially true of the Nigerian government. None of their policies ever last and yet our people are so quick to embrace these same politicians when elections come around. Adedibu's amala politics lives in enduring form, you give the people a little money or in the case of celebrities, a little attention and they lap it up like dogs. Don Jazzy's recent banter with Atiku was as humorous as it was sad. Why the jokes, why couldn't Don Jazzy challenge Atiku on his achievements during his brief time in government? Obasanjo is now a born again Christian, may be Atiku's is now reformed and deserves another chance at running this country? I very much doubt it.
Its nothing new in politics for politicians seeking support and votes to re -engage with the electorate and celebrities through varying, novel means like social media. Jay Z and Beyonce are a power couple that make no pretence of their support for Obama, so also Oprah Winfrey. They campaign for him, host dinners to raise funds for his campaign and speak out for him tirelessly. All because they believe in him and he aligns with their ideals for a better nation and a better America. Most of all because he delivers. At a time when America is experiencing home grown and outward terrorist threats, a collapsing global economy as well as numerous political upheavals in most parts of the world, he has provided strong and decisive leadership.
Where is our strong and decisive leadership in Nigeria? Whenever Boko Haram strikes it takes days for an official reaction, sometimes none at all and usually so second hand as to be worthless. Our roads are bad, our hospitals death traps, electricity non-existent, no water, educational sector in shambles, food prices rising, police rotten and government officials corrupt to the core all the way down to local government officials. The problems are much more than this, our inefficient legal system, or sub standard, adulterated products flooding the market, outdated laws, vandalism of pipelines and stealing of crude oil. I almost forgot the oga at the top- kidnapping. Nigeria's problems are many and although there are a few success stories here and there Aregbesola, Fashola, Amosun and Imoke. However, Nigeria is a federation, and a federation is only strong as a whole, not just component units.
The National Assembly will be organising a day of prayer to seek God's face on the problems plaguing the country. I laugh in Yoruba, Hausa, Ibo, Efik, Tiv and all the other Nigerian languages. Our leaders are arrogant fools and sometimes I wish the Holy Spirit would strike them down as Ananaias and Sapphira for mocking him. All, and I mean all our problems are due to bad leadership, bad governance, inefficient, corrupt and ineffective leadership. We don't need God to tell us that! So I laugh when I see the banter on facebook and twitter, the camaraderie between our leaders and the people. Hope is hope and I guess its irrelevant where its coming from, even when its coming from the same people that time and time have lied to us repeatedly.
Nigerians are a truly amnesic people, how we so easily forget.
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
Passion
Wikipedia defines passion is defined as intense emotion, enthusiasm or desire (I know I could have gotten a more dictionary like definition but this one just spoke to me). I am passionate about a lot of things for instance, my relationship with Christ, my family, some of my friends. I am extremely passionate about my country Nigeria. I am passionate about the people, the concentration of power and most of all the potential. I am very interested in good governance, traditions, institutions and processes that influence how power is exercised, how we citizens have a say in how our country is being governed and how decisions are made on issues of public concern. After all, conclusive solutions to these questions will go a long way in improving indices of development. Truthfully, I don't intend for this blog to be a Nigeria bashing one about how corrupt our leaders are, how the country is going to the dogs etc. Instead, I intend to examine and explore instances of how institutions, structures and policies in other countries have had a positive impact on their government, governance strategy, standard of living, health, education, security and most importantly the reduction of poverty. I will be highlighting instances where these institutions, structures and policies have also been successfully transplanted/home-grown in Nigeria or its states. I hope to learn new things and impart these newly learned things so...
Quo Vadis Nigeria because I am coming for the ride!!!!
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Dunghills of the Savannah
Mr Reuben Abati used to be a tireless opponent of the government. He was like a conscience to the government, a little voice that wouldn't shut up. I loved him like that. Every day I'd log unto odili.net, hoping to read his newest article. I'd copy and save the really inspiring articles, well they were all inspiring but some of them were jaw breaking, dropping, awesomely inspiring. Once I'd read the article I'd call my dad to discuss the 'always valid' points Mr Abati made. He made me want to be a better person in my country. He was a human institution/icon in the good governance debate. His weekly columns lambasting the government were like manna from a righteous God feeding a mentally starving and degraded population. His columns could turn the weakest man into a political activitist.
Nothing lasts forever, something always gives and in true fashion he changed. He accepted a government position and it went downhill from there. The man that spoke the truth when other Nigerians were scared to did a 360,000 degree turnaround on us, we were totally blind sided and no one saw it coming. Now Mr Abati feeds us the lies from our government. He's good though, no doubt that's why they chose him. A parasitic relationship if I may say so myself, Abati-0, government-1. Someone in the relationship had foresight at least (even if it was the wrong party). It is always so funny when his past anti government articles appear on the internet to coincide with his current spin statements on behalf of the government. This is a classic case of putting your mouth where your money is (self- preservation technique). No one does it better than Mr Abati.
One of my favourite books is Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe. It tells the story of three best friends who go on to play important roles in their country. Sam becomes the dictatorial head of state, Chris, one of Sam's minsters and most trusted advisors. Lastly, there is Ikem, the editor of the national newspaper. He was a tireless opponent of the government, friendship notwithstanding. The book weaves the story of how their relationship evolved and changed within the confines of their roles. Now imagine, if Ikem had joined forces with the government, Achebe purposely, in describing their relationship alluded to the criticism of Ikem as keeping Sam in check, and the relationship between Sam and Chris as creating a monster.
It might just be too late for Abati. He was a Saviour with his writing and you either loved him or hated him. I, we loved him then. Now how can you love or even respect someone who has aligned himself with everything you despise? As the chief spin master of the government, Abati has desecrated the hallowed position he once occupied, the people's spokesman. His is now a dunghill on the savannah. Now occupying the hallowed position of Mr Abati in the minds and hearts of the Nigerian people is the Thursday Punch Columnist Abimbola Adelakun. This woman writes with fire and fevour. She is the sole reason to buy Thursday Punch with the exception of the front page headlines. Her writing fears and favours no one, which is how Nigerian politics should be. I wish her all the best and pray that she continues on her quest for truthfulness because I am sure I speak for quite a lot of people when I say Nigerians are tired of amala politics and amala writings.
Nothing lasts forever, something always gives and in true fashion he changed. He accepted a government position and it went downhill from there. The man that spoke the truth when other Nigerians were scared to did a 360,000 degree turnaround on us, we were totally blind sided and no one saw it coming. Now Mr Abati feeds us the lies from our government. He's good though, no doubt that's why they chose him. A parasitic relationship if I may say so myself, Abati-0, government-1. Someone in the relationship had foresight at least (even if it was the wrong party). It is always so funny when his past anti government articles appear on the internet to coincide with his current spin statements on behalf of the government. This is a classic case of putting your mouth where your money is (self- preservation technique). No one does it better than Mr Abati.
One of my favourite books is Anthills of the Savannah by Chinua Achebe. It tells the story of three best friends who go on to play important roles in their country. Sam becomes the dictatorial head of state, Chris, one of Sam's minsters and most trusted advisors. Lastly, there is Ikem, the editor of the national newspaper. He was a tireless opponent of the government, friendship notwithstanding. The book weaves the story of how their relationship evolved and changed within the confines of their roles. Now imagine, if Ikem had joined forces with the government, Achebe purposely, in describing their relationship alluded to the criticism of Ikem as keeping Sam in check, and the relationship between Sam and Chris as creating a monster.
It might just be too late for Abati. He was a Saviour with his writing and you either loved him or hated him. I, we loved him then. Now how can you love or even respect someone who has aligned himself with everything you despise? As the chief spin master of the government, Abati has desecrated the hallowed position he once occupied, the people's spokesman. His is now a dunghill on the savannah. Now occupying the hallowed position of Mr Abati in the minds and hearts of the Nigerian people is the Thursday Punch Columnist Abimbola Adelakun. This woman writes with fire and fevour. She is the sole reason to buy Thursday Punch with the exception of the front page headlines. Her writing fears and favours no one, which is how Nigerian politics should be. I wish her all the best and pray that she continues on her quest for truthfulness because I am sure I speak for quite a lot of people when I say Nigerians are tired of amala politics and amala writings.
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