The Nation Newspaper

Category: Letters

  • Bank of Agriculture should look into our case

    SIR: I write in respect of the N150,000 loan taken from the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) in 2007. The loan was obtained at eight percent interest rate to plant cassava. The cassava project was unsuccessful

    due to late planting and low price at harvest. My creditor-the BOA branch at Ikare Akoko has taken me and others in my shoe to court with our indebtedness calculated at 17% interest rate. The branch claims it has power to vary/increare interest rate.

    Now, some of us want to pay back the loan but the bank is making this impossible by putting heavy load on our heads in insisting that repayment must not exceed 12 months with interest rate at 17% per year. I have emailed and called the BOA headquarters many times without response.

    As a poverty alleviation agency financed and regulated by the federal goverment, BOA should make loan repayment fair to poor Nigerians. The BOA Headqtarters should speak out so that Nigerians can know its loan repayment policy.

    • Osesanmi Tobi,

    Ikare Akoko, Ondo State.

  • Wike’s lasting burden

    Even a child in the primary school should not be told about who the Supervising Minister for Education, Nyesom Wike, is. The Nigerian populace knows him better as the arrow head of the crises that have been rocking Rivers State, than as the Minister for Education he was supposed to be. Supposedly, he is better known as a rabble-rouser than a diplomat.

    His incessant showcasing of affront in the politics of Rivers offends every sensibility. His recent remarks that Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State would go to jail in the event that President Goodluck Jonathan wins in the 2015 presidential elections put Wike’s reputation in question.

    Conversely, this statement shows that Wike has exhausted all the avenues he knew to remove Amaechi from office. Wike had leaned on the cases that Amaechi had with some opposition members concerning the 2007 and 2011 gubernatorial elections in the state to make his boast of removing Amaechi, but when he has seen that that did not work, he prolonged his boast to 2015; a tactic he has been using to hoodwink his unsuspecting marooned followership in some local government areas of the state.

    It is left for those who still take Wike seriously to continue to follow him. But the in-thing is that if there is anybody who may be heading to the gulag before or after 2015 for impropriation of office, that person is invariably not Amaechi, but Wike. No matter what Wike thinks, the government of Amaechi has been in the full swing of administration since its inception. But just a fraction of the Nigerian institutions, such as the Ministry for Education that Wike was appointed to man, has been in total ramshackle and the minister was busy chasing after grasshopper round Amaechi’s building, hoping to hear when Amaechi would say stop.

    Wike’s swagger that the Port Harcourt International Airport and all the land and sea boarders in Rivers State would be shut down immediately the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces the victory of President Jonathan in 2015 to prevent Governor Amaechi from escaping, is a vacant show-off. Nevertheless, the statement shows that the second term of Mr. President would have more to vendetta than work to alleviate the plight of the hundreds of millions of Nigerians the unenthusiastic brag such as Wike’s, has jeopardised their future.

    The issue is that Wike, instead of accepting with courage that he is afraid of the political sagacity and dexterity of Amaechi, is making statements to the contrary. Wike continues to expose himself to public ridicule by saying that Rivers State is PDP, instead of accepting the fact that the party he belongs to has been slammed into being an opposition.

    Against all odds, Wike least expected that he would be in the opposition political party in Rivers State, therefore he is making every unprintable comment against Amaechi, so that his ill-fated followership will continue to be misled. What Wike does not realise before sending Amaechi to his prison in 2015 is that the state apparatuses are not complaining; they are of the statement that Amaechi has been accounting for every bit of his stewardship, consequently he has no reason to be afraid of any probe.

    It is understandable that Wike has no account to render on his own education stewardship other than how he has been fighting hard in making sure that Amaechi was removed and sent direct to prison without any forms of trial by a court of competent jurisdiction.

    Education in Nigeria has really suffered under Wike’s watch the same way he wants Rivers State to suffer because he wants to be controlling the power in the state from Abuja. Results today are that Wike does not make coherent statements, except those of war, kill and bury.

    Aside being the LGA chairman, Wike fervently became noticed when he was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the governor and subsequently minister; the latter being the position he has turned to his guerrilla base, from where he takes off to bomb Amaechi with unedited words and hopeless political strategies aimed at ousting Amaechi.

     

    Odimegwu Onwumere,

    Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

     

  • Celebrating centenary without Lokoja

    The present government of President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to celebrate the one hundred years of amalgamation of both southern and northern parts of this country has been received by many a Nigerian with mixed feelings, hence the fragile foundation the country is now facing.

    Although the life of any nation to attain such period of years of existence called for celebration by any government and its people, the committee set up to organise the said centenary celebration has done a lot towards giving the country a befitting celebration, that would be remembered for a very long time to come in the anal of this country’s history.

    But the committee has failed to bring in some areas that played a significant role in the amalgamation of this country.

    The case of in point is Lokoja the headquarters of Kogi State which was neglected by the centenary celebration committee in ensuring the town played a greater role in the celebration.

    The people of Lokoja were not aware of any centenary celebration taking place, what we saw is just the beautification of some historical monuments by the state government. The state-owned radio station dished out some jingles to enlighten the populace, but how many people do listen to the radio station to have firsthand knowledge of what is happening?

    Lokoja town being the first state capital of Nigeria, where Lord Lugard settled and administered the country, it’s the same Lokoja, the confluence town, that led to the idea of unification of this country.

    Lokoja was opportune to play greater role of witnessing the lowering of Royal Niger Company and the hoisting of the Union Jack flag.

     

    Bala Nayashi

    Lokoja, Kogi State.

     

  • Animal rights versus human Life

    SIR: I would like to suggest that a law be enacted to make it a punishable offence to slaughter an animal without a licence  particularly in the presence of children. under the age of 18 years.

    The way and manner students were recently murdered in northen Nigeria  by the Boko Haram would suggest  that the cruelty  usually meted out to animals is being transfrered to humans.

    We have never really had an animal rights  movement in Nigeria. It”s high time concerned people rise up in defence of animals. Even insects need protection. We need to respect the fact that we cannot create life.

    “Stop stepping on insects.! Would you like to be stepped upon by a giant shoe?” – so the saying goes to children in the western world

    In this way a more humane society is gradually built up.

    • Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth,

    London, England

     

  • Amosun and his people         

    SIR: Many people have made different comments on the passion and  zeal with which Senator Amosun, Ogun state governor, has carried on the business of governing the state since he took over about three years ago.

    Some, including foreign visitors, have often wondered how the governor has been able to do so much in a short period. A  visitor once marvelled at the extent of love  and admiration extended to  the governor where ever  he went,  including those whose structures were  affected by  the ongoing rebuilding process.

    Governor Amosun loves the people who in turn  reciprocate  and give him their understanding and love.  He has  well thought-out plans for the people of the state. His electioneering campaign took him and his team to every nook and cranny of Ogun. In the process, he met the people in their natural environment, obtained first-hand information on their needs, which is now assisting him in planning and providing for  these needs.

    Before his foray into politics, Amosun had been a cheerful giver, and had  through many philanthropic activities raised the standard of living of many people. He readily identifies with the people across board.

    In his determination to provide the good people of Ogun state the best possible, the governor invited individuals of proven integrity from various walks of life to team up with him. The positive results of their efforts abound across the state. The transformation currently going on is the product of a good team work.

    Prudent financial management has contributed immensely to move the state forward as  resources  are being judiciously used for maximum effect.

    The wife of the governor, Olufunso Amosun,  also came up with a programme that affects mankind in all facets of life. Through the Uplift Programme, the needs of the  aged, children, unemployed, market women and men are being provided for on a regular basis. There is hardly an  aspect of humanity that has not benefited from the scheme. This is a further  testimony to the true love that the governor and his wife have for the people of Ogun state.              A leader loves his people, the people trust their leader.

     

    • Bola Adeyemi

    Oyero Town, Ifo Local Government.

     

  • Boko Haram and northern leaders’ responsibility

    SIR: Since the outbreak of violent attacks by the Boko Haram insurgents in 2009, the group’s mode of operation, style and pace have changed markedly.  Whereas, in the beginning, the attacks were wider in scope and directed mainly at government installations – which included the United Nations building and Police Headquarters in Abuja – they are now restricted to the fringes of the affected three States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, with vulnerable civilian populations, especially school children, as targets.

    Military experts interpret the change to soft targets as a sign that the insurgents are retreating and that the war is about to end.  However, the opposition and critics of the government claim that insofar as the casualty figures, in human and material terms, are still rising, the war against Boko Haram is far from over.  Irrespective of political persuasions, Nigerians should be worried about the current security situation.

    It is frightening that within the last one or two weeks alone, as many as 200 defenceless and innocent people, including school children, have been killed by members of the Boko Haram sect.   Of these, women and children are the worst-hit.

    It is true that the Boko Haram operations are now restricted mainly to the three affected states.  There can be no doubt that their activities have paralysed the economies in much of the North.  Indeed, the negative effects of their atrocities cut across the entire country.  For the national economy to thrive, there must be uninterrupted flow of investments within and from international investors.  That flow is not possible in an unstable social and political environment such as the one that now exists in the affected states.  Apart from the US and some European countries that have issued travel alert to their citizens against travelling to Nigeria’s northern states, foreign direct investments in the states have dropped significantly.  The three states are now regarded as a pariah zone by international investors.

    It is true that Nigeria had, before Boko Haram, experienced insurgency, militancy or religious fanaticism.  However, none of these past experiences was as senseless as the Boko Haram insurgency.  When someone tried the other day to compare Boko Haram with the Niger Delta militancy, his error was glaring: while the Niger Delta militants were identifiable youths – Tompolo, Atake Tom, Boyloaf, etc – who made clear their demands, the Boko Haram insurgents are faceless operators with an unspecified mission, except that they want to Islamize the entire nation and obliterate Western education!

    The truth about Boko Haram is that those who knew how it all started would agree that it was politically motivated.  Unfortunately, the terror sect has grown into a Frankenstein’s monster such that even those who created it now distance themselves from its destructive activities.

    Northern leaders owe the nation the duty of helping to salvage the situation by virtue of their status as leaders of the various communities that produced the insurgents.  To claim that the young men (and perhaps women too) have outgrown their communities is unacceptable.  Boko Haram members, no matter their degree of indoctrination, still belong to the normal Nigerian extended families; they are under family heads, ward leaders and chiefs, and the insurgents are still subject to kinship discipline.

    If the Northern leaders are looking for an example to learn from, it is readily provided by elders of the South-south zone who took charge when the unrest in the Niger Delta was at its peak.  Leaders such as E.K Clark, Tony Anenih and then Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, had to go into the hideouts of militants to preach the urgent need for peace in the region.  Based on their efforts, the militants accepted the amnesty deal and surrendered their weapon in 2009.   Northern leaders should take a cue.

    • John Udumebraye

    Port Harcourt.

     

  • On University of Ibadan’s toilets

    SIR: Many people have reacted, negatively or positively, to the photo-documentary on University of Ibadan’s “dirty toilets” by one of the institution’s alumni, Ibukun Babarinde which recently went viral on the internet. Sonala Olumhense’s elegant write-up in The Guardian of Sunday, February 16, on the matter is well noted. He contended rather forcefully that during his studentship in the university, the facilities were exquisitely maintained. “I do not recall toilet facilities, in any hall, library or faculty that you hesitate to walk into.” The situation has not significantly changed.

    Stakeholders in the UI Project deserve some explanations on this matter. We cannot pretend that we have five-star toilet facilities in our halls of residence. However, the logic of absolute generalization is always not exactly clever. Although, they are aging, it does not mean that the toilets are not clean or cleaned. As a public institution and pride of Nigerian academia, we cherish the culture of maintenance. We continue to strive for excellence in service delivery and in the provision of functional physical infrastructure. Any visitor to our university will be impressed with the clean environment, and part of the reasons for this is that the cleaning service is outsourced.

    In the last three years that Prof. Isaac Adewole has been the Vice-Chancellor, he has shown a lot of commitment to students’ welfare. Added to this is the management’s dedication to improvement in the university’s teaching and learning environment. Specifically, he has done everything possible to restore the dignity of studentship in the halls of residence, laboratories, lecture theatres, etc. This has been a period of consolidation, in terms of the development and revision of academic programmes, and in the maintenance of infrastructure.

    The issues of toilets and other allied matters are of serious concern to the university management. It should be noted that a huge amount of recurrent expenditure is devoted each month to cleaning services in the 13 halls of residence as well as other residential, academic and administrative zones of the campus. Despite this expenditure and the outsourcing of the cleaning of halls, the quality of service may still not be satisfactory. Lamentably, the idea of cost-recovery is not a popular item before our student body and their parents/guardians. For instance, whereas a UI undergraduate pays N14,000.00 per session for on-campus lodging, other undergraduates pay between N70,000.00 and N100,000.00 at private hostels located in neighbouring areas of Agbowo, Samonda,  Bodija and Ojo. This means that a huge subsidy is being injected into maintaining those facilities on which there is a lot of pressure owing to high student population.

    We view the criticism of these stakeholders in good faith. It is a wake-up call for more work in the proper management of our facilities. Indeed, there is evident correlation between a clean environment and conducive learning.

    Having said this, we charge our alumni to apply themselves to cooperating with us in addressing the challenges of underfunding for which the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) recently went on strike. The path to meaningful legacy in higher education is working together. Working to expand the frontiers of knowledge is the responsibility of all. Seeking for the cooperation of our alumni to assist their alma mater is an article of faith in other civilized parts of the world. Regrettably, it appears that some of our alumni have not got the message yet.

    • Olatunji Oladejo,

    Director of Public Communication, University of Ibadan

     

  • Law School scholarship: Appeal to KWSG

    SIR: It has become a tradition, not to mention a norm, for state governments to, as part of their educational policy, assist their indigenous law students in the payment of law school fees. This acceptable tradition becomes necessary due to the humongous fee demanded by the Nigerian Law School which is currently over N300, 000. It must be noted that this career-threatening fee has cut short the dreams of many would-be lawyers in the country, leaving them frustrated, bruised and disillusioned.

    Having realised this, the Kwara State government under the leadership of Governor Fatah Ahmed has bought into the laudable idea through scholarship intervention to prospective law students. And this explains the reason for the disbursement of about N32million in 2013 to the 2011/2012 set, with a promise by the government to extend the same gesture to the 2012/2013 set.

    It is however unfortunate, not to mention surprising, that for over three months after their call, the Kwara State government has not deemed it fit to pay the 2012/2013 set. This development has not in any way helped the image of the government. It would be recalled that on June 4, 2013, one Olateju and others led a procession of law students (then on court attachment) to the Government House in Ilorin in order to press home their demand. The students were received by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Alhaji Mohammed Lade, who on behalf of the governor re-affirmed that the 2012/2013 set would be paid, even before the conclusion of their law school programme. The 2012/2013 set have since concluded their programme and have in fact been called to the prestigious Nigerian Bar, but shockingly the state government has failed to live up to its promise! This is not fair at all. The 2012/2013 set are not asking for too much; they are simply asking that the Kwara State government fulfil its promise. Besides, it would amount to discrimination for the government to give scholarship to 2011/2012 set and then abandon the 2012/2013 set.

    Bearing in mind the time-worn saying that it is better late than never, the undersigned would like to appeal to the state government, especially Governor Ahmed to, as a matter of urgency, settle the 2012/2013 set in the interest of all.

    •Alatise Taofeeq, Iyanda Ismael and Bakari Idris

    Ilorin.

  • What manner of celebrations?

    SIR: Youths are the lights and hope of all nations. Any developing nation that aims for the moon or any developed nation for that matter that wants to sustain its development must ensure the security and growth of the youths.

    Parents want their children to be great men and women in future. This is why they strive to give them the best education since they know that it is only through education that their aspirations for their children can be achieved.

    Now, imagine the trauma suffered by parents when the life of the children they are looking forward to seeing their greatness is cut short by insurgents. Most unfortunate is that while the young promising Nigerians were having their throat slit, our leaders were celebrating the centenary. This is worse than the case of man chasing a rat when his house in on fire.

    The question is: what are the leaders celebrating? Centenary or insecurity?

    Forty-seven Nigerian students killed in a day, and 24 hours later,our leaders are celebrating? A former head of state whose administration had insecurity and impunity as its emblem was among the 100 Nigerians honoured during the celebration.

    The issue is not whether Nigeria’s centenary is worth celebrating or not. My stand is that, the celebrations should have been postponed or even cancelled at least, to show respect to the memory of the victims of the Boko Haram attack and to show their parents that they are not alone during this trying times.

    Going on with celebrations when school children are being slaughtered shows that our leaders are not worth their salt. Would they be celebrating if their biological children were among the victims? It is high time our leaders showed human feelings and love to ordinary Nigerians.

    • Jamiu Idowu Esho

    Eruwa, Oyo State

  • Ifeajuna deserves centenary recognition

    SIR: One of the highlights of the centenary celebrations was the choice of 100 distinguished honourees. However, it offends logic that the pioneering achievement of the nation’s first commonwealth champion, Major Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna, who brought the country’s first major honour in an international sporting competition in the 1954 Vancouver Commonwealth Games has always been conveniently ignored by those in position of authority. It is baffling that this record setting sporting hero in spite of his illustrious 2.03m golden leap that pushed Ugandan’s Patrick Etolu and Nigerian compatriot Osagie Nafsio to the second and third spot with a 1.99m jump has been consistently denied national honours befitting his sporting prowess by successive administrations even when lesser mortals have been adequately rewarded.

    If the sole reason for the unfair treatment for ignoring this conqueror of the British Empire (at least in High Jump) is his prime role in the January 1966 coup d’ etat, the proposition is not only laughable but smacks of double standards. It is an open secret that seasoned coupists and allied conspirators have been duly or unduly honoured with state and national awards and have national and state monuments dotting the entire landscape named and renamed after them and also well represented in the list of 100 distinguished Nigerians!

    Mohammed Ali’s refusal to honour a national call in the Vietnamese war has never diminished his legendary status, in fact he was specially honoured to light the Atlanta ’96 Centennial Olympic touch and also had his 1960 Rome Olympic Gold medal thrown away symbolically restored by the IOC. This centennial ought to have provided a perfect opportunity to correct the wrongs of the past. It will be ideal to name the nation’s noblest monument of sporting prowess – the Abuja National Stadium after this sporting icon, and that to me will be a perfect way to honour this departed champion at the diamond jubilee of that epochal Vancouver feat. It is better late than never!.

    The best way to stop the spread of injustice is to challenge it when it is done on someone else. Please name Abuja National Stadium after Emmanuel Arinze Ifeajuna!

     

    •Opeyemi Ajala (ACA)

    Lagos