Trouble in the Nigerian House of Othman Dan Bello Sunday Musings Although Nigerian Muslims are largely of the Sunni persuasion, a radical set of fundamentalist movements has been developing over the years to confront the more conservative Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) which are viewed as mere
vehicles of state Islam. These include:...... By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD October 2001
October 1, 2001:Opportunity for Reflection, Not Merriment After reflection, I came to the conclusion that Nigeria of today was not what I voted for in 1959 or what the successor to the founders of Nigeria bargained for. I would want to make this distinction between the founding fathers of Nigeria who were three, Lord Harcourt, Lord Lugard and Sir James Robertson and not the so-called Nigerian politicians........ By Prof. Omo Omoruyi October 2001
Leave Me With My Dreams, What Is There To Hope For? How did I end up this way? If I tell Prof. Peter Ekeh that the whole of the Rio del Rey and Bakassai Peninsula extending into a large chunk of the present Camerouns was under the control of my great grand father, which means I have the sole right to the mineral deposits of that region. He probably would say. Orok, you unlettered bum, laying claim to an oil region!....... By Orok Edem October 2001
Optimism as Nigerians in South Central Pennsylvania celebrate Nigerian Independence Special Report - Nigerians in the Diaspora In her opening remarks, the president of the Nigerian Society of South Central Pennsylvania, Mrs. Gbemi Bakare stated that the Society is an association of Nigerian-born immigrants in South Central Pennsylvania, dedicated to fostering social interaction among members and the promotion of cultural awareness in Central Pennsylvania community...... By Alfred Uzokwe, PE October 2001
Of Oputa, Diya, al-Mustapha and Abdusalami
Abubakar Monday Quarterbacking I have, like everybody else and his Nigerian mother, been following the Oputa Panel proceedings very closely, reading every bit of them that I can lay my hands on. I can't wait till that time when the full proceedings will be published, including the edited video of the sessions..... By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD August 2001
Obligations of the citizenry under our new democratic dispensation To sustain our nascent democracy, we must nurture it, treat it like a new bride, handle it like a basket of eggs and we must play by the rules envisioned by the forerunners of this noble ideology..... By Alfred Uzokwe, PE August 2001
The Land is Dead Under the rubric of co-called `free-trade' Shell and other oil companies are being given carte blanche to expand petroleum exploration and production activities in Nigeria and elsewhere with ever-decreasing provision for ecological and social accountability..... Fowarded By NigerDelta Congress Webmaster August 2001
Press Release Nigeria National Democratic Forum Meets In Washington DC The organization, which was inaugurated in June 2001 and made of Nigerian professionals from all corners of the globe has launched a new offensive against inept leadership and insensitive government in Nigeria...... Forwarded By Bamidele Ojo August 2001
The Niger Delta Region is Sinking Just last week, manager of the region's 88-year old Port Harcourt Port complex alerted the Federal Government that the multi-billion naira structure may sink if it does not take urgent remedial measures..... Fowarded By NigerDelta Congress Webmaster August 2001
Organized Campaign In Defence of Bala Usman and the Breakdown in Nigeria's National Consensus
In several pockets of human history, groups and individuals who assume the status of aristocrats have claimed the significant privilege of insulting others. They are so used to the exercise of this privilege that they get agitated when their targets of insults reply. By Peter P Ekeh June 2001
Staggering Our Electoral Process Monday Quarterbacking
For any country, that situation is a tall political order, and an administrative nightmare to have so many elected officials engaged actively in political campaigns all at the same time. Governance will virtually be at a stand-still as all of them go from one campaign site to another, and as their opponents try to take their jobs from them. By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD June 2001
Salvaging Our Nation: A Task that Must Be Done An Open Letter To Fellow Nigerians
At this point in time, we have an opportunity to take advantage of the new political environment and help to arrest this endless dance of death toward the abyss by our nation. By Bamidele Ojo June 2001
Arochukwu goes global
About three weeks ago, the Eze of Arochukwu, Mazi Vincent Ogbonna Okoro, was hosted by the Arochukwu community in New York and New Jersey, in the second phase of his visit to the Americas. Earlier, or in the last week of May, he was in Washington for his first visit with a cross-section of the Aros.
By Ignatius Ukwu Nnaekpe June 2001
Bush Meat Traders Jailed in Britain, but not given maximum sentence
NgEX Special Report
LONDON_ A Nigerian couple that made a profitable living selling bush meat in Europe was hauled off to an English jail on Friday for trafficking in endangered species and driving them further to extinction. By Frankie Edozien June 2001
The Black (Parallel) Exchange Market Should Be Banned in Africa Monday Quarterbacking
Without much further haggling, the Mallam ran into this non-descript White house just beyond the open yard, and came back with a bundle of Naira under his Babanriga, and handed the bundle to my host, who counted quickly and saw that it was N118. He handed all the money back, and we made to leave, but the Mallam quickly said, "Ah, oga" - and brought the rest of the money out to give my host.
By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD June 2001
Re-visiting a Canadian Experience A speech by Wole Soyinka Well, the fact is that Political Correctness is not, alas, confined only to the grotesque or the banal, but extends the lethal. But first the news, as the radio or TV anchorperson - note, I gemuflect before the Beast - as the anchorperson would say - first, the news. Forwarded By Oluropo Rufus Ayodele June 2001
RE-VISITING JUNE 12 1993 NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION RESULTS
From The Archives
The first myth is that Abiola could have won without including the SouthWest votes, a claim often made by his supporters to enhance their claim of Abiola's national appeal away from his home-base. Now, if we take the Southwest votes away from Abiola alone, Tofa wins. By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD June 2001
Nigerians Abroad Meet On Making A Difference In Nigeria Press Release
In response to the call for Nigerians to come together to effectively participate in making a difference for the better in their motherland, Nigerians from across the world converged on Teaneck, New Jersey, in the United States on Saturday June 2nd, 2001 to inaugurate the Nigeria
National Democratic Forum. Forwarded by Bamidele Ojo June 2001
Nigerians sentenced to 7 years in jail for Bush Meat An Appeal to all Nigerians
Recently, Friday 25 May 2001, a Nigerian couple who run a foodstuff store in Dalston, East London, were jailed 7 years each for dealing in bushmeat - which the authorities in the UK called endangered species... Forwarded by Joseph May 2001
Ndito Akwa Ibom In Diaspora write An Open Letter
For the second time in the annals of our oppressed history, our leaders, our government, and our youths have spoken with one voice against years of institutional oppression and injustice.
Forwarded by NigerDelta Congress Webmaster May 2001
Obasanjo's Missed Opportunity
NgEX! Special Report
Obasanjo should have checked his enormous ego at the door and gotten on his knees if necessary and begged because in his own backyard, AIDS rages on silently.
By Frankie Edozien May 2001
About Nigeria's External Debt
Sunday Musings
The bulk of our debts from new loans was incurred in the period 1978 (during the first Obasanjo regime) through the Shagari regime (when most of it was really incurred in an outrageous manner) to the Buhari regime that ended in December 1983. By Mobolaji Aluko, PhD May 2001
A Promise to Serve & My Pledge to "Do The Right Thing"
Nigeria 2003
"Fellow Ijesas, Nigerians & Friends of Nigeria:...I come to you today with a simple request: I need your support to put in place my vision to make Nigeria a better country.
By Dr. Toks Owoeye, MD May 2001
CEDDERT and the Misrepresentation of Facts
An Ibibio chieftain replies Bala Usman
The easiest way to sell a blatant lie is to bundle it with truths and half- truths. Quite like when a tablet of bitter medicine is inserted in a ball of garri and swallowed with the meal, except the medicine is good for one and the lie not. Bala Usman has proven to be adept at this subterfuge. However, we are not fooled. We know the reasons behind his "scholarly defense" of a united "democratic" Nigeria.
By N.H. Ibanga May 2001
The Mischief of History:
Bala Usman's Unmaking of Nigerian History
History can be a tool for intellectual mischief-making. Indeed, it has been so for most of the years in which imperial history has been written. Imperial history belittles all previous historical experiences in order, quite deliberately, to enhance its own presence. By Peter Ekeh April 2001
Campaign to recover Abacha's loot A worldwide call for action "As long as Western banks make profits out of large-scale corruption, large-scale corruption in developing countries is here to stay.".... Forwarded by Orevaoghene C. Obaro April 2001
Democracy and State Integration in Nigeria - Steps Towards Its Consolidation Friday Essay The journey started in a rather strange way: the Constitution under which all the officials were elected and are currently operating was not revealed until a day or two before May 29, so some would argue that the governments are illegimate, if not downright illegal.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. April 2001
Easter Greetings from the Coalition of Niger Delta Organizations in the Diaspora to the people of the Niger Delta An Open Letter First, we want to assure you that your brothers and sisters who are away overseas all over the world -- in Europe, North and South America, Asia, and other regions of Africa -- have not forgotten the dangers that now threaten our futures and the very survival of our ancestral heritage in the Niger Delta. .... Forwarded by NigerDeltaCongress Webmaster April 2001
On One-Term Obasanjo Presidency and Rotatory Succession Monday Quarterbacking Back in late-January 2001, Chief Sunny Odogwu, Kaduna-based multi-millionaire businessman, the Ojise of Asaba (not to be confused with Chief Sonny Okogwu, the Ide Ihaba of Asaba), and brother-in-law to General Ibrahim Babangida dropped a bombshell which has set political tongues in Nigeria and abroad wagging.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. April 2001
Orji Kalu Is In The News Again I have not encountered Governor Orji Kalu of Abia State in any way. I never heard anything about him until he was elected governor. I did not care much about him, either, until I read a little piece in a series of tabloids regarding his scandals.... By Ambrose Ehirim April 2001
Nigeria 2003:
To Make A Difference Get Involved Should we stand by and let them continue to make our stay abroad so permanent, that even our children and grandchildren, may not even know, talk less of appreciate their roots? By Bamidele Ojo, PhD April 2001
The Plight of Odirri
One Mr. Odirri, a lawyer in Lagos was engaged in a war of words with the Governor of Delta state and he said something (which I don't remember now) but whatever he said does not justify what is happening now. The governor did not take kindly to what he said... Chuck O. Egbune, Esq. March 2001
Why President Obasanjo Should Be Retired In 2003
As is the case with enemies, the President is now working hard on the tactic to divide and rule Ndigbo. Since he controls the oil industry, he can afford to make anybody rich. And given Nigerians’ love for money, to whom he beckons among them, with the crude oil money, he is Oba indeed By Ignatius Nnaekpe March, 2001
The Littoral States and Onshore/ Offshore Resource Control in Nigeria Saturday Essay As the political battle for restructuring of Nigeria continues to rage, one aspect of it that has recently commanded attention has been the issue of resource control in general, and in particular the dichotomy made by the Federal government about onshore/offshore oil resources. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. March 2001
Petition For A Better Nigeria It's becoming increasing clear to us now that the Nigerian military pulled a fast one on us. They are still in power. When Abiola, a civilian won, they refused to hand over to him. They annuled his victory and clung on to power. The insincerity of their various, elongated transition programs were apparent.
Forwarded by Bamidele Ojo March 2001
What We Learned From Our Masters And What Went Wrong "Are we better of today?" "Being our own worst enemies?" But the fact of the matter is, after all these years, it is still frightening that we haven't learned a bit what these "people" did to us. "They taught us many bad things: From mass killing to looting of our own treasury; and from hate to tribalism." "But we did not realize how their gruesome acts were." By Ambrose Ehirim February 2001
"Donation" A word used in Nigeria when misusing the people's money... I read a story in one of the Nigerian newspapers about the recent launching of Shagari's book, which caught my attention (again) on how we misuse the word donation in Nigeria. That Alhaji Shehu Shagari wrote a book is a good thing, but why do state governments have to make "donations" of the people's money to this private venture? By Owont February 2001
From Federal to State/LG Police - A Proposal Monday Quarterbacking The hierarchy of power would be that the Federal government can use emergency powers to take over the state police powers (possibly drafting Federal police from nearby states) and the state government can use emergency powers to take over LG powers, if each higher level that those powers are being misused. Such powers should be granted by an act or edict of the appropriate legislative body By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. February 2001
Abubakar in Chicago - II Orji Uzor Kalu, We hardly knew ye. Honorable Chief and esteemed Governor of Abia State. I have always thought you were a loudmouth who often made sense. From your perch in Government house, Enugu, you have hammered away at the president, Olusegun Obasanjo for the sake of the Igbos. By Frankie Edozien February 2001
An Insult That Should Challenge Us NDLF PRESS RELEASE In total dismay and disbelief at the action of the Chicago State University regarding the Abdusalami lecture series and Babangida, the NDLF join other patriotic Nigerians and freedom loving people all over the world to condemn this insult. Forwarded by Bamidele Ojo February 2001
FAN on the Once-and-Future Diarchies of OBJ and IBB Sunday Musings I must confess that I was impressed with FAN's "analytical depth" in this one - if the cynical will not replace that with "inside knowledge" - and courage in expressing himself. The danger of ensuing "pseudo-military" diarchies are clearly there for every eye to behold, and to ask a question: whither our country? By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. February 2001
Abubakar in Chicago NigeriaExchange Special Report Last Friday, Nigerians living and working in the Chicago area took the time off from their work, schools, and whatever other situations that they might have, to yell and scream and demand that a former military head of State account for his actions in office. By Frankie Edozien February 2001
The Best of the US Presidents' Ability Monday Quarterbacking I may not always have loved the presidents - I loved Carter and Clinton, was always entertained by Reagan and was/am reasonably indifferent to the Bushes - but I am fascinated with the American presidency, the awesome power that it has, the feeling of power that the president must sense, and yet the ABSOLUTE confidence that he has some of the most competent people from all parts of the Earth to bear his awesome burden with him. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. February 2001
Of Sovereignty and Treason, of Federalism and State Police Friday Essay ....This is what we believe is self-serving, patronising and self-justifying. Mr. President is NOT the state. It is unacceptable. Put simply, if Mr. President sincerely believes in the sovereignty of the people, the people should be allowed to decide whether or not they want a conference." By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. February 2001
NIDO America - Hon. Joe Keshi, Consul General, Responds While we welcome the overwhelming positive responses to the formation of NIDO-America, we also do recognise the reservations, apprehensions and concerns expressed in some quarters. It is imperative to address some of the issues raised so that the noble intentions of the present administration could be better understood and appreciated.
Forwarded by Bamidele Ojo February 2001
On the Federal Government Suit Over Resource Control
Mid-Week Essay The announcement yesterday that the Federal government is suing all the 36 states of the federation before the Supreme Court to enable that apex court to give constitutional interpretation to the issue of resource control is both very welcome and very curious for many reasons... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. February 2001
Framework For Renewed Federalism in Nigeria What is the state of federalism in Nigeria? The argument in favour of the status quo in Nigeria is based primarily on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. This constitution, supposedly a federal constitution, is in reality a unitary document that structures the country into obsequious administrative units that are referred to as states. O. Igho Natufe February 2001
A Choice To Serve and a Platform To Stand No matter what political party one associates with, my firm belief is in putting nation before party without necessarily being disloyal to the party. This is for the simple reason that all the people belong to the nation but not all the people belong to the party. Sina Fagbenro-Byron February 2001
Between one Man’s Greed and a Nation’s Needs
Recently it was reported in the national media that Mohammed, (the detained son of the deceased tyrant, Sanni Abacha) who is being tried for various economic and political crimes, has petitioned the courts to halt his trial and order his immediate release. His reason? The Abacha family has after all, returned a total of about 72-billion Naira back to the government. 72-billion Naira!.......... By 'Damola Ifaturoti February 2001
Apologies, Reparations, and the Path to Healing As many Nigerians went to sleep on Friday, January 14, 1966, while some stayed up late partying and "pub-crawling," a group of young military officers organized themselves in what would be Nigeria's first military coup and a topple of its First Republic. Democracy in Nigeria, from then on, would be displaced and a new form of government would be in place--anarchy, pogrom, totalitarianism, despotism, and later a destructive civil war--to destroy all aspects of civil liberties. ......... By Ambrose Ehirim January 2001
A Quick Note to the Ndigbo Meeting of January 19, 2001 Sunday Musings On January 19, 2001, The Ndigbo from all nooks and crannies of the world are expected to meet in Enugu under the aegis of the Ohaneze to discuss their way forward in Nigeria.
There is likely to be a lot of talk of marginalization, both by the low and the high, among other weightier issues........ By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. January 2001
A Tribute to Ghana's Electoral Democracy Monday Quarterbacking As one Kwaku Sakyi-Addo writing from Accra wrote on BBC's website, "Almost exactly to the day 19 years ago, when Jerry John Rawlings overthrew an elected government on New Year's Eve, his government has been removed by unarmed folks using their thumbprint....... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. January 2001
The Un-Federal Nature of Nigeria's Fiscal Federalism Sunday Musings ..."Thus, of the N1,000 revenue of the one federal government, it keeps N805 (or 80.5%), under its control, giving a mere N109 (or 10.9%) to the 36 states (average of N3 per state) and N86 (8.6%) to the 774 local governments (average of 1 kobo per local government).
....... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D. January 2001
"Governing Nigeria" Perspectives on 2001 Perhaps one strange verdict Nigerians of every tribe and tongue are agreed upon is that, the government is failing the governed again. The promises and prospects which the democratic experiment once held in view for most have given way to depression and despair...... By Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi January 2001
Nigeria From 1000-1999 - An Update
Monday Quarterbacking Last year, at about this same time of the year, I compiled and published what I could glean from various sources about various key events in Nigeria over the past millennium. It was comprehensive, but by no means exhaustive......The information below is my best attempt at the update of One Thousand Years of Nigeria's history from 1000 to 1999. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD January 2001
Why I Left the Nigerian Army ....But then came another colonel named Abacha. He was training officer for the division, but he shook everybody up real bad. Although I never saw him face to face except at the army officers mess where he always was in good spirits having been in touch with the bottled spirits. His sojourn as training officer sent me back to training camp, this time for three months..... By Adewale Adewunmi January 2001
Pondering The Formation Of NIDO At first glance, the idea of an organization like NIDO is not only timely but seems an appropriate avenue for integrating all the positive energy been generated by Nigerians abroad, into one dominant and effective channel, for infusing into the Nigerian society an important resource for nation and state building. ... By Bamidele Ojo December 2000
Donaldson Oladipo Diya In keeping with the spirit of the Okputa panel, Diya was given an uncommonly wide berth to come clean on his part in the grand scheme of debauchery of the Nigerian nation, apologize for traumatizing Nigeria and Nigerians, and move on with the rest of his life. Diya would have none of it. ... By Alhaji Mi December 2000
SUNDAY MUSINGS: All About NUON, Lai Balogun, Obasanjo, Abacha, Afenifere & YCE ....In one such fruitless exercise, I happened on the following March 13, 1995 Newswatch magazine article, as well as another TheWeek article of the same ate. I wish I could say "Enjoy them!", but there is grief and sadness as they bring to mind this week's terrible assassination of Chief Layi Balogun, distinguished architect, well-known Nigerian and Yoruba son... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD December 2000
Open Letter to Amnesty International
Re: Detention of Chief Bassey Ekpo Bassey On behalf of the Niger Delta Congress, we wish to bring to your notice the continued arrest, detention, psychological torture and denial of bail to Chief Bassey Ekpo Bassey a member of our organization based in Calabar, Cross River State , Nigeria.
... Submitted by Orok Edem for Niger Delta Congress December 2000
US ELECTION 2000:
Florida and the Black Vote In any country, there are so-called "population" and/or economic minorities. The above accounts show how they have or might have or could be discriminated against in elections. Count all votes in Florida, Supreme Court! We wish you spoke up, Justice Clarence Thomas - or at all!.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD December 2000
Saturday Essay - Just Count the Votes, Florida! For that last certification, the Florida secretary of state Kathleen Harris had rejected the results of a hand recount submitted by Palm Beach County as being late and hence only a partial count. The incomplete results by Palm Beach County would have added a net gain of 180 votes for Gore. If those returns had been accepted by the secretary of state, Bush's overall lead would been cut to 357 votes.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD December 2000
Alliance For Progress ....any political party or candidate seeking election in the Southwest or any part of Nigeria for that matter must demonstrate that they have designed and have within their capacity the ability to implement, honest policies, strategies, programs and plans that have direct bearing on Human Development Indices. By Sina Fagbenro, Trustee - Moremi Initiative November 2000
Monday Quarterbacking On Ten Real Shifts - Again! If we are to begin to clean up the mess, we must determine what the real mess was which the military introduced by their usurpation of power, and which the civilian governments were either incapable or unwilling to clean up. It is only true shifts from mess to un-mess that we should consider. Thus, this is the aim of this essay, to remind us once again of ten such real shifts, with updates where necessary from back in October 1998 when it was first written, even before Obasanjo became a candidate.....By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD November 2000
Sunday Musings Gore Wins By One Vote - My Florida Friend's Vote :-) I have been watching with trepidation, because the fate of electoral democracy hangs in the balance. If America cannot go all the way to the Supreme court, then which weaker democracy can, without crumbling under the fear of a coup d'etat or some other form of instability? That will be an eternal excuse for rigging in the future in weaker democracies....By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD November 2000
STAR INFORMATION Frederick Fasehun Freed From Fictional Fetterdom A Compilation Hailing Fasehun's Freedom Those who thrive on calling Dr. Fasehun - or OPC for that matter - a bad name to hang him should now think twice after courts in the land, both in Lagos and Ilorin (and in Ibadan and Akure, in earlier judgements, with regard to OPC), have declared that he has no case to answer. One cannot fail to hail the courage of the judges who have taken a look at the charge sheets against Fasehun, and noticed the biased stink hanging out from them.....With commentary by Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD November 2000
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING Two Fighting Again! - Na'Abba vs Obasanjo
"N4 million has become a toxic waste in Abuja. No one is prepared to claim it. Since the money was dumped in the House last Tuesday, the two sides have stuck to their claims. While the pro-Na'abba insisted that the money belongs to the Presidency; Presidency spokesmen laboured to convince everyone that the President, like Ceasar's wife, is beyond all reproach in graft matters...." By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
SUNDAY MUSINGS -
Party Politics in Nigeria Reading The Tea Leaves Overall, the current messy party situation was a result of a rushed transition programme which threw up strange bedfellows as the mad rush to ensure that Obasanjo emerged as the presidential candidate by all means necessary was being initiated, and a counter-rush to ensure that Western Nigeria (perjoratively referred to as the South-West during the Abacha period, and unwittingly being adopted even by the Yoruba) was not railroaded in the process. . By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
Clarion Call For A Few Good Men & Women There is a need to articulate the purpose of Nigeria and what it should mean to an average citizen. Every country needs to ascertain its sense of being, if it is to survive. In a simple language, Nigeria should be seen as representing the interest of all. But the degree of success is dependent on the level of leadership's commitment to nurturing the Nigerian state as a vehicle for promoting the interest of all and for the benefit of all. And this should be recognized and felt by all Nigerians.... By Bamidele Ojo (NDLF)
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING Ilorin Irredentism and the Burden Of Internal Colonization The countries which did not come under the Fulani rule were the area now known as the Bornu Province, the Plateau Province (less Wase), the Jukon, Tiv and Idoma peoples south of the Benue, AND SMALL PARTS OF KABBA AND ILORIN PROVINCES [NOTE: capitals mine for emphasis.] Thus it extended far west of the present Nigerian borders (into modern Ghana) and deep into what is now the Cameroon Republic... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
FRIDAY ESSAY "Why Can A State Not Really Have Its Own Police Force?" Take a resident of Lagos, living in a house with a fence, a tall wall with razor sharp wires ringing its top. He has a "maiguard" minding his house, with a gun and a stick. If a thief makes a mistake of coming to the maiguard's master's house, the thief will be lucky to get the stick, and less fortunate to hear a gun boom on his temple. That would be the last sound that he hears on this side of eternity.. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
MID-WEEK COMMENT Let the Auditor-General Do His Job! ....This leads me to wonder: if the suspicion is of legislative corruption, why does not the Auditor-General of the Federation do his job and move in to do a THOROUGH AUDIT of both the House and the Senate once and for all, and let the chips fall where they may? Would that not be acting more thoroughly than the earlier two-day PROBE done that seemed to have triggered off the Senate probe?.. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
National Conference The Answer for a Worthy Independence Day and a Participative Democracy. Tribalism is still affecting decisions - be they public or private; and the deprivations heaped upon some Nigerians since the end of the civil war are continuing. Marginalization has become a household word because the leadership cabal’s invisible hands are feared to be controlling and benefiting to the exclusion of many Nigerians. By Ignatius Ukwu Nnaekpe
In response to "The Osoba Rantings" - A commentary by Hassan Sani Kontagora Every Nigerian, in fact the entire world, has come to know who the real enemies are in Nigeria. It will remain an effort in vain to continue trying to manipulate and maneuver facts in the name of false patriotism and ethnic chauvinism. Unfortunately Nigeria has bred quite a number of unrepentant ethnic chauvinists and warlords who believe albeit narrow-mindedly that they are being envied by the society. By Samuel Onipede
Forbacky Dances Glimpses at Nigeria's Destiny Forbacky, my first contribution to the lexicon of the English language is a combination and contraction of two antithetical words- "forward" and "backward." When a person dances forward and backward, expending lots of energy but ending at the exact spot from where he started, that is Forbacky dance! It is a dance with plenty of motions but little or no direction- a perfect depiction of the tragedy of movement without progress. By. Prof. Sola Adeyeye
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING On Obasanjo's "Sober Reflection" about Nigeria At Forty It appears that this dubious distinction of an Olympic-style gold medal for corruption must have shaken Obasanjo more than we know - unless of course he is a Hollywood actor! It must have now dawned on him that it is PERFORMANCE, not INTENT that is measured in international circles; performance is lauded if good and castigated if bad. When we understand that Obasanjo's international image matters to him a lot, probably far more than his national image, the dent on his self-esteem due to TI's rating of Nigeria can only be imagined. By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
SATURDAY ESSAY
On the Question of National IDs If at an election booth, 60 properly identified people vote, 20 for candidate A and 40 for candidate B, and it is announced as such on site, but the INEC insist that Candidate A won with 40 votes and candidate B with 20 votes, what use are ID cards? Let us think about that....By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
SATURDAY ESSAY
On Nigeria's Anti-Corruption Law First, President Obasanjo must be commended for finally inaugurating the Anti-Corruption Law Commission. Coming on the heels of our country being adjudged by Transparency International to be the most corrupt nation on Earth, it is a welcome development.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
Atlanta Presidential Dialogue A Postmortem It was quite an eye-opening experience for me because we were able to reach the same sets of goals despite all the "near-fight experience" . A little order here and a little patience there and a little leadership there, who knows, we might have been able to reach even better conclusions. Is this a microcosm of the Nigerian deliberative problem ? If it is then we know what the problem is -a lack of effective leadership, capable of channeling all our outstanding resource for the benefit of all. Dr. Bamidele Ojo, PhD
Reorganize the World Igbo Congress to be Igbo-Centric It is very disturbing that the great one himself, Chief Ojukwu, visited Dallas and addressed the few Igbos that conferred there, but a cross-section of the teeming Igbo population in the Americas never heard what he said. While it is indisputable that the founders of the WIC had the right to close their convention to people they didn’t want, the WIC is too big for such privacy now; moreso, since the founders invited an institution like Chief Ojukwu, it should have been clear to them that the Igbo-nation was invited. By Ignatius Nnaekpe
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING: From My Archives "The Content of Our Discontent... What kind of system of governance would I strive for? Many kinds have been tried over several centuries - feudalism, monarchism, fascism, communism, socialism, etc. I declare that what I personally favor is LIBERAL DEMOCRACY, that is the doctrine of individual freedom and popular sovereignty.... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
SUNDAY MUSINGS -
On Corruption in Nigeria "419 - The Game is Not Over!" Consequent upon these and after exhaustive consultations with the president, Olusegun Obasanjo, the following ministries/parastatal, agencies and office, which have been hitherto involved in the above mentioned malpractices have been prohibited, forthwith, from carry [SIC] out the function of vetting approvals and payment of contract claims or any other duties relating to the setlement [SIC] of our foreign debts... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
IMPORTANCE OF AFRICAN CONSTITUENCY A call for Action to Nigerians in America My fellow countrymen and women, we always complain that we don't have opportunity. Now, we are given opportunity. The value of this desk and our constituency is that Africa can get representation in a Gore government at a very senior level, that Africans can participate in board appointments, that we can request for America to treat Africa as real and serious economic trading partner and that fundamentally our voice can be heard in the government.....Petition Led by Prof. Bart Nnaji
President Obasanjo in Atlanta Recollections and Personal Observations of a Participant Mr. President how come you still have corrupt Nigerians in your cabinet?
What are your plans for the Ijaws who have been denied all of their lives ?
How come all of our oil revenues goes to the North?
What are your plans to stop Armed Robbery?
What about corrupt police officers ? are you going to fire them?
.....By Sunny Boy
MONDAY QUARTER-BACKING: Top Ten Questions That I Would Have Asked Mr. President Aremu Obasanjo in Atlanta For example, the one question that got the characteristically undiplomatic "Go to Hell!" response from President Obasanjo apparently was well-deserved, because what President Obasanjo was reported to have said about Ndiigbo in a PostExpress write-up was quite unbelievable and mischievous. (After an unbelievably crude "Ikere-Ekiti prostitutes-dog-sex" write-up in the Post-Express, I ain't believing much of PostExpress these days.)... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
SUNDAY MUSINGS Our Expensive Democracy, Our Corruptible Democracy Government manages wealth, and does not create it, and a society which rewards the most those who create the least wealth is an unjust one. Our society, by paying the highest set of salaries to its elected/political officials, does not promote the principle of government as service and sacrifice, and hence is one that is bound to promote both "sit-tightism" and rank corruption when elections come around... By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
A SUBMISSION TO THE SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
In contribution to the debate of the Idris Kuta Senate Contract Panel Report on Tuesday 5th September 2000.... "My wife's name is Mrs. Sileola Omowunmi Aluko who has no shares whatsoever, or owns INDEPENDENT STRATEGISTS LIMITED. There is no person called Mrs. Olufemi Shille Aluko as indicated in the report. The shareholders of INDEPENDENT STRATEGIST LIMITED as provided by the Corporate Affairs Commission to the Committee are Mr. Nasiru Ali-Ahmed and Mr. Olufemi S. Aluko..... Senator Daniel Gbenga Aluko.....Public Information
Sunday Musings: The Amazing Omission of MKO's Name by President Clinton Imagine mentioning SO MANY NAMES - including one or two dubious ones - and not mentioning MKO whose blood watered the ground of our present so-called "nascent democracy."! To mention Yar'Adua and not MKO Abiola gave it all away...By Dr. Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
Open Letter To President Clinton My intent in this letter is to attempt to acquaint you with the facts on the issues that are convoluting to destabilize Nigeria’s democracy. As a visiting American head of state, the only remaining superpower, what you will do or say to Nigerians will mean a lot. Even though I know that you do not need anybody telling you about what is ailing Nigeria, for the county’s dirty linens have been washed many times over on the world stage; yet, I suspect that a few things bordering on the Nigerian factor may not be apparent to you....By Ignatius Ukwu Nnaekpe
ESSAY: Crystal-Gazing President Clinton's Trip to Nigeria Presented at the Africa Fund/APIC Press Briefing for Members of the White House Press Corps, the Foreign Press and Other Interested Media Travelling with President Clinton to Nigeria.... by Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
Monday Quarter-backing:Critiquing The Idris kuta Senate Panel Report My emphasis here in this essay is to turn a spotlight on the Kuta Report ITSELF, and in the process, highlight some of the malicious injustice done to the reputation of my brother, Senator Gbenga Aluko of Ekiti South, whose situation has been the object of the most mean-spirited, snide and undeserved comments and vicious attacks not only on him but some members of my family and Ekiti-land... by Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD , Burtonsville, MD, USA
Senator Gbenga Aluko responds to the Kuta Panel Senate Corruption Report I must confess that I have been very excited and encouraged by this opportunity to put to rest, once and for all, all the mudsliding, accusations, finger-pointing and character assassination that have been going on for months on end in the Senate and the country as a whole regarding this issue of Senate contracts. When the facts are laid down and presented, as I intend to do in this report, the committee, Senate, nation and the press should be the wiser for it.... Public Information
Commentary: Pardoning & restituting the benefits of Nigeria's civil war veterans and moving the Nigerian military forward President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria must be congratulated for attempting to end the agony of the Nigerian civil war by pardoning and restituting the benefits of thousands of Nigerian soldiers who fought for Biafra. This act was overdue, after all, Gen Yakubu Gowon had declared "No vanquish, no victor" while accepting the official surrender of Biafra.....by Priye S. Torulagha (Ph.D., MHR)
Who is fooling who? The recent decision of the ruling party PDP to re-instate the just indicted senators, namely: Owie Roland, Gbenga Aluko and Florence Ita-Giwa amounts to self-shooting in the leg and the worst political blunder of the century....by Samuel F. Onipede
A Open Letter To Nigeria's Political Leaders The alleged corrupt acts leveled against Senator Chuba Okadigbo, Haruna Abubakar and certain elected members of the National Assembly are very grave. If proven, it will mark an inglorious return to a criminal political past. For now, we assume innocence of these officials until proven guilty. Nevertheless, the mere hint of impropriety, in the midst of widespread pauperisation of Nigerian citizens, can only be viewed as a mark of a callous and insensitive political leadership....Petition led by Dr. Nubi Achebo
Africans At The Table Unwittingly, through a coincidence of bad government, abominable governance and ultra-harsh economics in the mother land, Nigeria exiled and exported the creme de la creme of its youth to America. Translation: the noticeable absence of a thriving middle class in New Millennium Nigeria.....by Alhaji Mi
Before Clinton Comes....! We are already receiving visits by American security agents and the press as we prepare to mount the world's stage. However, all the expected dividend may amount to nought if the authorities do nothing about the 3 week old spectacle on Eko Bridge, beside NEPA's coal-fired power station. It is the body of a person crushed and plastered to the concrete, weathered by the elements, the stench and gory sight taken in by all and sundry on the way into the nation's commercial capital, former political capital and "Centre of Excellence". A brave observer once exclaimed "E be like say dem don commot the head O!"..... by Bolade Oyebolu
The Great Debate Yes, it is easy to state what the citizens of Nigeria need by way of infrastructure and other public goods. By God I need those things as well. But my view point is that we have not yet identified the best means of delivering said goods. ie. the best means of government - by government I mean the representative determination of the collective will of majority, which we have seldom had in Nigeria.....by P.J.
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