The Nation Newspaper

Category: Opinion

  • Maya Angelou: A life lived for others

    When the media broke the news of the death of Maya Angelou, I felt a deep sense of loss.

    I was grieved in my spirit because she was a legend, who greatly inspired me through her memoirs and poetry.

    While I was growing up, her books and songs were spiritually and intellectually inspiring. In the last one year, I had been hatching plans to eventually meet her physically and was almost on the verge of achieving that before the news of her death broke.

    Death played a fast one on me this time but I have learnt a lesson from this– Never procrastinate.

    All my heroes, who are still alive and whom I have been yearning to meet physically are in for a hard time from me. I will push until they grant me audience.

    The late Maya Angelou was born in 1928 at a time when blacks and other minorities had limited rights and were voiceless, especially in the United States of America and other Western countries. She was born into hardship; she was raped when she was eight; shunned by the society and surrounded by acute racism-induced hatred; she, along with many other minority children went through enormous deprivation and lack.

    Maya Angelou was not deterred by her circumstances: rather, she knew the place of good education and put herself through school. It was through education that she became empowered enough to break the shackles of oppression and racism that held down many minority persons.

    When she hit the literary scene in 1969 with her book: I know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the world was forced to notice her. That book was the beginning of what she had for humanity as she went on to traverse many vistas. However, in all she did, she excelled as she zealously saw every step as an opportunity for further success.

    She received over 30 honorary doctorate degrees and many international awards for her great performance on and off the stage. She was first among equals- a pacesetter in an era when she was supposed to be seen and not heard. She was indeed a trailblazer and a pathfinder as she trod where many others of her race and gender never did and led the way for others to follow.

    I cannot forget her contributions to the numerous struggles for the emancipation of the minorities and the downtrodden in the United States through the liberation movement championed by the Civil Rights Movement.

    It was not only her great writings that inspired people. She was actively present on the streets, the picket lines, and the numerous protests and rallies that were organised to liberate blacks, Hispanics and the entire American people from the gyres of ignorance which had driven them into the evil of segregation and racism.

    Her commitment to that struggle was anchored on her strong belief that once the mind is free, man is free. It was therefore not surprising when she took up residency in Ghana to oversee the Ghana School of Music, through which she sought to affect and mould young Ghanaian minds and the black race through music. Her accomplishments in that school are still there for all to see today.

    Despite all the accolades she received, she said her greatest reward and joy was seeing the hitherto downtrodden minorities in America rise to occupy the pinnacle of power in the American society. Maya Angelou said that was a culmination of all the years of struggle and the pains and anguish that the people collectively experienced. According to her, it was a fitting reward that washed away the tears that were shed and the lonely cold nights endured so that the people- both blacks and white would see the light and sit together as one to build a strong and united country.

    Her life was remarkable because it was completely spent giving joy and happiness to others: she made freedom possible for people. Angelou lived a selfless life devoted to her people and country.

    She saw the victory of the minorities not from the parochial prism of “we have done it” but from the standpoint that the American society had once again conquered one of the many shibboleths that threatened its existence and blighted all its achievements as the summit of human civilisation at that point.

    Maya Angelou lived a life that was full of zest and verve. Hers was a life lived many times over because she was a woman of many parts. Her accomplishments would take other equally great men and women many lifetimes to attain.

    Death ought to be terminal. But in Angelou, death is but the beginning of a new chapter. While she was alive, she triumphed over death: transcending all the thresholds and breaking all the chains, limitations and finality which death had brought over others. She has become immortal. One of the greatest of the last millennium! She will forever live in our hearts.

    Are there lessons to be learnt from the way Maya lived her life?

    Yes, there are numerous lessons. Her determination and courage in the face of daunting challenges should be a source of encouragement to all Nigerians today, given the many challenges confronting us, especially the youth. Maya’s character is proof that we should not allow ourselves to be held down by anything. We all possess the innate ability to rise from the ashes and emancipate ourselves as well as the entire Nigerian nation.

    Her life should speak hope to many struggling and oppressed souls all over the world: do not give up. Oftentimes, the choice is ours – whether to say NO and arise or to say YES and remain in servitude. As a nation, we can break the bonds of backwardness and stagnation through our commitment to the Nigerian project.

    It means we cannot sit in our houses and expect others to fight for us; the civic responsibility is in our hands. We must arise and make a difference through the ballot or through cooperation with other like minds.

    Maya Angelou’s life speaks to us all to rise up as responsible citizens of a nation and refuse to be cowed by the misdeeds or terror, which some few individuals have decided to mete out to us.

    Maya marched, we can march; she wrote, we can write; she sang, we can sing; she acted, we can act. It is our call. Who says we cannot surmount our country’s security challenges if we all decide to take the right step today?

    Maya Angelou gave herself and her resources; she never sought personal glory or benefits. Her focus was entirely on ensuring the rights of her people were respected, protected and enforced.

    Our motivation should therefore be the liberation that could be enjoyed by the masses and the various peoples of Nigeria: by the good that we can truly make possible for Nigeria and Nigerians. This is the source of everlasting joy that we must all seek so that we can outlive our times, just like Maya.

    She neither held any political office nor was she one of the richest persons in the USA. However, she was one of the very few who received America’s highest award possible for civilians – the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was regarded by the United States as one of the best the country ever produced.

    A life lived for others and the society is eternal, it remains the source of perpetuity and not the quantum of resources that an individual is able to amass to the detriment of the society. Anyone who aspires to make a name must first help Nigerians to live their dreams; it is through this that we can achieve immortality. That was Angelou’s niche.

    She was a gift to the world and not just the black race; she blessed humanity through her musical talent, oratorical and acting prowess.

    Her memory will remain evergreen. In her music, we see her passion; in her literary works, we see her zeal and commitment and in her public speeches and statements, we beheld her courage and drive. These virtues never die for they are immortal.

     

    • Rt. Hon. Ikuforiji, is Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.

  • Akunyili, an icon exits

    The shocking and painful death of Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Minister of information and Communication on Saturday, June 7, is a personal loss to me. She was a friend and a sister; but most importantly, a true national reputation icon, who through her national service enhanced significantly the image of our country inside and outside. She was immensely passionate and honest in everything she did.  Oh, death is so cruel!

    One day in July 2004, I dedicated my column in BusinessDay to analyze the personality of Dora, at that time Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). It was titled: “Dora Akunyili: A Public Relations Case Study.” That same day, my telephone rang, and behold, it was Akunyili on the other end. I didn’t know how she got my telephone number since we didn’t have any personal relationship.

    “Is that Jossy?” she asked in a soft voice. “Yes, who am I speaking with?” I asked. “My name is Dora Akunyili. I am calling to thank you immensely for your article today. You have lifted my spirit today with every word you penned in that article. Daalu nwannem, daalu (thank you my brother, thank you!”) I was deeply touched by such action of a public officer who took out time to appreciate a kind word.

    As part of my heartfelt tribute to this unforgettable woman of our time, I wish to recall hereunder an excerpt from that article I wrote 10 years ago:

    “We have said several times that Public Relations is not about telling lies to present a bad person, government, organisation, product or service in good light. Telling people that black is white; deceiving people into believing that something is good when actually it is not.

    “Public Relations helps governments, organisations and individuals to build a good image and reputation through good character, good behaviour, people-oriented policies and programmes, excellent products and services, sincerity of purpose, honesty, integrity and transparency.

    “Today, let’s use Dr. (Mrs) Dora Nkem Akunyili, the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC) as a case study in Public Relations.  On Wednesday, July 14, 2004, she clocked 50 and the birthday anniversary was more of a national celebration and a time to pray for a woman who has shown in more ways than one that things can actually work in Nigeria.

    “She has shown that people who are sincerely committed to national service can actually make a difference in public life. And everyone sees what she is doing. Without fear or favour, without sentiment of tribe or religion, and without pandering to the sweet smell of money, she has done her job creditably.

    In Nigeria today, the fear of NAFDAC is the beginning of wisdom for producers of drugs, cosmetics, beverages, canned foods and even “Pure Water”. Does that medicine have a NAFDAC Number? What is the expiry date? Is that product fake or genuine? Almost all Nigerians now ask these questions before they buy or consume any of the products regulated by NAFDAC. Even the poor, thirsty man on the street would not buy a sachet of pure water unless he is sure it has NAFDAC certification.

    “Before the Iron Lady came on board, NAFDAC was almost moribund. Producers and importers of fake, adulterated or substandard drugs and food items had a field day – killing millions of innocent Nigerians and smiling daily to their blood money. Nobody dared the barons because they were regarded as deadly and untouchable.

    “But when Akunyili came, she dared the dangerous lions in their dens. Several times, they tried to kill her but the collective prayers of Nigerians saved her life. I have not seen any other Nigerian who is so genuinely loved by the public as Dr. Mrs Akunyili. I wonder how Nigeria would be if there were 50 other persons in executive positions in government who are like Dora Akunyili.

    “Some other person in NAFDAC could have just sat back to become a multi-billionaire by conniving with criminals at the expense of 140 million Nigerians. Such a person could buy pages of newspapers or airtime on radio and television to tell us that he is our messiah. He or she would pay for chieftaincy titles to glorify himself or herself. It is not so with our dear Dora!

    A Public Relations delight

    “You may be wondering where Public Relations comes in here. Oh, everything! Dr. Mrs Akunyili is a PR delight. Marketers of the old school say that a good product sells itself. This is quite true of our NAFDAC boss. She does not need anyone to lie that she is doing something positive. What she is doing is there for all to see! What she has achieved so far is not hidden. No gimmicks. No white-washing. No magic. No abracadabra!

    “As an analyst, I can place Akunyili’s success story on seven pillars: firstly, Dr. Mrs Akunyili, a consultant pharmacologist at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka was quite qualified for the job she was given. So it was not just a case of man-know-man. Secondly, she came to NAFDAC with a clear vision of what she wanted to do. With her experience as a pharmacologist, she knew what to do right from day one.

    Thirdly, she set a goal for herself and has been working assiduously to achieve that goal. Fourthly, she seems to be a team player, the manager who carries his subordinates along; who gives them a sense of belonging; who gives them their own tasks to perform and follows them up with supervision; who motivates staff, rewards excellence and honesty and disciplines erring staff.

    “Fifthly, she seems to be one who leads by example. No double standards. When she says “don’t take bribe,” she too abides by it. She does not recognize sacred cows. She is not corrupt. She is diligent and hardworking. Although she is cheerful, she is firm and decisive in her actions. She is sincere in her dealings. She is a no-nonsense personality.

    “Sixthly, she seems to be a good family woman – a wife and mother.

    Seventy, and most importantly, she is godly. This is important for genuine success (The Bible calls it good success!) and divine protection. She does not need to pay the so-called prayer warriors and powerful men-of-God to receive divine protection.

    “I don’t think Mrs Akunyili is a saint, though. As a mortal, she cannot be perfect. In fact, she has never claimed to be perfect but if we put her and others on a scale, we can say without fear of contradiction that she is, indeed, good!

    Her tract record, her character and her achievements have earned her good image. Today, she has a good reputation she worked for. Criminals dread her. The godly honour her. Everyone respects her. Happy belated birthday, madam!”

    In the same vein, may I humbly say, adieu adorable Dora. May your very gentle soul rest in perfect peace, amen!

     

    • Dr Nkwocha, is head, Corporate Communications Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited (IEPL), Port Harcourt.

  • Ahmed: Celebrating excellence

    Despite the gloom that evil men have tried to cast over the nation by their acts of wickedness, the last few days have been one of excitement and rejoicing in Kwara State. Prior to the annual celebrations to mark the Children Day on May 27 and the anniversary of Nigeria’s current democracy two days later, the nation had been thrown into unimaginable confusion by the wicked kidnap of over 200 school girls from Chibok, in Borno State.

    This year’s anniversary marked the third edition of Democracy Day that the administration of Governor AbdulFattah Ahnmed would witness and but for the act of the insurgents, it would have necessitated the rolling out of the drums to celebrate a dream and a philosophy; the understanding that current administration can conveniently and comfortably  continue from its predecessor without the loss of progress that characterises succession in many parts of black Africa.

    But the dastardly act of the insurgents ensured that the usually boisterous Children Day celebrations was reduced to sessions of prayers and intercession by the youngsters and the banners some of them carried in support of the #bringbackourgirls protest only testified to the fact that these are not normal times for Nigeria.

    Few days before then, mothers in the state had gathered, under the leadership of Omolewa Ahmed, the humble and humane wife of the state governor, to send our heartfelt cries to heaven to intervene in the matters of the abducted girls.

    Yet despite the gloom, the people of Kwara still had reasons to celebrate. For the sake of moderation, the events lined up for the third year anniversary were significantly toned down. But it was the outward celebrations that were toned down, because as for the reality of progress on ground in terms of infrastructure and social amenities that the Maigida administration has added to the face of Kwara in three years, there was no way anyone could tone down those ones.

    There was no way, for instance, even the intellectually deficient  and jaundiced criticism of the opposition can tone down the reality of the 10,200 people the administration employed in the formal sector in the last three years. Indeed, 5200 of them collected their letters of employment on Democracy Day under the government’s Quickwin programme, a project designed take as many Kwarans as possible out dire unemployment.

    Or how could one tone down the reality of the two 2.5MVA, 33KVA/11kV Injection sub-station at Agunjin/Abayan community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state. That project, which cost a sum of N42.8 million, will provide electricity to some 36 communities. There is no way to tone down the quantum leap in sociability and comfort as well as the development that such a project would add to the people of the rural areas.

    And there was no way to reduce the intensity of joy among residents over the reality of the rehabilitated waterworks at Obbo-Aiyegunle in Ekiti Local Government Area. The project was first commissioned in 1977 and served the community for years before it broke down and was abandoned. But the Ahmed administration, with a policy of ensuring no resident lives beyond 500 metres of access to water, took up the rehabilitation.

    Again, except you would ask them to vanish into the thin air, there was no way to tone down the reality of the General Hospitals in Offa, Omu-Aran, Kaima, Share and Ilorin or the roads in Ijara-Isin-Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area as well as the rehabilitated Oro-Ijomu-Oro Road in Irepodun council area all of which are products of the three years of Maigida’s leadership.

    The various projects commissioned during the week and others before then are all proof of a promise fulfilled. As noted by both Ahmed and the Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kishra while commissioning some of projects, they all represent the fulfilment of a promise made by the administration at inception.

    For instance, the provision of water was a promise Ahmed made on May 29, 2011 when he took over from the administration of Senator Bukola Saraki. Kishra was proud of this in his speech at Obbo-Aiyegunle: “when we assumed office three years ago, we made provision of potable water one of our core priorities. This decision was borne out of the conviction that water is life, it has no enemy and its availability and accessibility enhance good living. We pursued water supply programmes in all nooks and crannies of Kwara State and most of such projects have been delivered for the use of the people”.

    According to the Deputy Governor, government has in the last few years been able to achieve a radical improvement in water supply situation in the state such that today, the water accessibility gap has reduced to 700m in 2011 down from 3,500m across the state. “The present administration”, he pointed out, “has continued sustained effort in this direction since inception. In 2012 government unveiled a programme to rehabilitate not less than 34 of the existing 94 water works spread across the state. While the scope of works in some of the waterworks was to upgrade them to their designed capabilities, works in others were actually to expand their capacities. The first phase of the programme, comprising 14 water works has been completed.” There is no way to tone down the reality of such achievements.

    Nor can any one  tone down the Joy of Mr and Mrs Abdullahi Yushau of Kuntu in Ilorin who had the first baby at the remodelled Ilorin General Hospital and got automatic employment from the state government in addition to the N200, 000 support for the family from Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

    And as the governor himself pointed out, the achievements of this administration are not on paper but on ground; they are not lip service political sloganeering but projects that anyone can verify. As he has done in the area of rural road and electrification, so has he done in the area of health and human capital development.

    Hear him: “While we have left no one in doubt as to our determination to build our people’s human capital through functional education and entrepreneurship, we are equally resolved to complement that drive with access to quality healthcare. This is because there can be no development without a healthy population which is the most critical factor of production”.

    How can one tone down the joy of the people of Offa who thronged out en masse to celebrate the commissioning of their rehabilitated, modernised and equipped general hospital? The words of Hon. Justice E. A. Adegbite, speaking on behalf of Offa community, that “we are overwhelmed. We are grateful that our perceived political difference has not influenced the Governor Abdulfatah’s administration distribution and spread of infrastructure and other dividend of democracy” cannot be vague.

    Ahmed insists “ with all sense of pride” his administration’s reform and promises are not mere lips service, but are visible and concrete all over the state.

    The concrete evidence surely include the State-of-Art Kwara Advanced Medical Diagnostic Centre, Ilorin, recruitment, training and re-training of health personnel and expansion of Community Health Insurance Scheme across the three senatorial districts among others. At all the occasions, during the week, he promised to do more.

    And when you realise that the current successes have come within a very constrained funding allocation, then one would surely rise up to salute the financial wizardry of Maigida. And as the saying goes, Kwarans can take the governor’s promise “to sustaining the current upgrading of infrastructure across all sectors” to the bank and come back next year to reap the yield.

    Surely, in Kwara, it is good here.

    • Oba is the Chief Press Secretary to the Kwara State Governor

  • Still on Akpabio’s pensions law

    The popular aphorism for the media is that”they are the watchdogs of the society.” The moral of this saying is that the media, being “guard dogs” with strong territorial instincts to protect the society, ensure that societal values are kept. The Nigerian media flourished in this regard in its crusading agitation, which led to Nigeria’s independence.

    Commenting on this, the late Dr.NnamdiAzikiwe, founder of the West African Pilot Newspaper and first indigenous president of Nigeria, in his reaction to the coup by the five majors, which ended the first republic said: “Violence has never been an instrument used by us, as founding fathers of the Nigerian Republic, to solve political problems. In the British tradition, we talked the Colonial Office into accepting our challenges for the demerits and merits of our case for self-government. After six constitutional conferences in 1953, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960, Great Britain conceded to us the right to assert our political independence as from October 1, 1960. None of the Nigerian political parties ever adopted violent means to gain our political freedom and we are happy to claim that not a drop of British or Nigerian blood was shed in the course of our national struggle for our place in the sun.”

    The vehicle, which drove Nigeria’s aspiration for independence, was the press. All the nationalists and founding fathers of our nation were involved in a crusading media campaign for Nigeria’s independence. They were the true watchdogs of our society.

    Again when Nigeria was plunged into the darkest period of its history (excluding the Civil War) under the late General Sani Abacha dictatorship, the press again rose up as a veritable watchdog of society and battled the Abacha dictatorship admirably until God in His infinite mercies “numbered Abacha’s days” and took the man many described as “a thoroughly nasty piece of work” away. Here again the press proved to be true watchdogs.

    Unfortunately, after 15 years of democracy, the media appears to be in its worst state of depravity. Nothing betrayed the sordid state of the media in this respect than the case of the Governors and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law in Akwa Ibom State. The part of the law which came under the severest attack was the amendment in the 16 year old law, which put a cap of N100 million on what the state could spend on the treatment of a former governor and his wife and a cap of N50million on what the state should spend on a former deputy governor and his wife in a year. The law clearly states that this money was not a pay-out and should only be paid to health institutions which treated the senior citizens. It was not categorized like an allowance nor was there any part in the law which stated that a former governor or deputy governor was entitled to be paid this money in part or in whole, if he were not ill. A call to the Akwa Ibom State Attorney General, Bar EkpenyongNtekim would have cleared the matter and enlightened any journalist who is thorough and profound in his practice. But this is the era when journalists do not allow the facts to interfere with their conclusions.

    In some of the editorials, the writers in lamentable ignorance claimed that the law meant that every former governor would walk away every year with N100 million and every former deputy governor with N50 million every year – whether they were sick or not. This was in spite of explanations given by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Sam Ikon, that this was more like a health insurance scheme and would not be paid out to these persons – but to health institutions if they were sick. But such facts did not fit in with the preconceived conspiracy theory of the biased and compromised media, and they conveniently and shamelessly ignored it.

    The real loser as Governor Akpabio has asked for amendment to be expunged from the law is the Akwa Ibom tax payer. It was courageous and bold for Akpabio to take such an action. But sane analysts would have noticed that for him to do such a quick turnaround is indicative that he acted in good conscience and had nothing to hide or protect. When the law was proposed initially, labour first indicated its readiness to embark on an industrial action. But when they were made to understand that because the law on the free health treatment of former governors and deputy governors had no ceiling, the state government was spending over N300 million on health refunds yearly, they backed down and accepted the justification for the law.

    Take the case of the late Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel Sharon. He was on life support for eight years before his death. If he were a former governor of Akwa Ibom State (God forbid!), that would have cost the state billions of naira because there is no limit to how much of the tax payers money can be spent on medical treatment for former governors. Records show that sometimes because of this open-ended law some former governors hired air ambulances for their comfort and passed the bill to the Akwa Ibom State government.

    Perhaps the most serious omission was that the media failed to remember that man thinks in comparative terms. They should have compared the Akwa Ibom former Governors and former Deputy Governor’s Pension Law to what is obtained in other states of the federation.

    Unlike Akwa Ibom, which has a provision for one house for a former governor in Abuja or Uyo, in Lagos State the law provides for two houses for each former governor in both Lagos and Abuja. In Lagos State, the law provides for six brand new cars for the each former governor every three years. In Rivers State the same law provides for three brand new cars every four years for each former governor. In Akwa Ibom, the Law provides for only one brand new car every four years for a former governor. In Lagos and Rivers States this law provides for free medical treatment for all former governors and deputy governors and members of their immediate families, whereas in Akwa Ibom it only provides for the former governor and deputy governor and their spouses with a ceiling of N100 million and N50 million respectively.

    Additionally, in Lagos the law provides for two SSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four for house and four for personal security) for each former governor. In Akwa Ibom State the law only provides for adequate security for the former governor. In Borno State the same law provides for an annual vacation in any country of his choice for a former governor and his immediate family.

    That Governor Akpabio has decided to ask for these sections to be expunged from the amended law and revert to the open-ended nature because of pressure of the press signals the death of common-sense – not the victory of the press. The losers here are the Akwa Ibom taxpayers and posterity. No thanks to the press.

    • Thompson is of Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Education.

  • Akpabio pension law

    Wonders shall never end in Nigeria.  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, recently signed into law an outrageous Amended Pension Bill, that would have  been effective June 1, but for public uproar. It is not as if this law is new.  We were told it was made in 2001 and amended in 2006 with the third amendment now signed into law before Akpabio’s decision to reverse himself.  The breakdown of this new pension package is as follows: N100m annual medical bill to be paid to former governors, and N50m to their deputies, for life! Even though some are known to have acquired mansions with public funds in juicy cities in Nigeria and abroad, former governors would still be provided with “a befitting house” not below a five-bedroom maisonette in Abuja or the state, furnished with an allowance of 300% of annual basic salary in every four years. For mobility, the ex-governor gets a new official car and a utility vehicle also in every four years. Because he should not spend a kobo of his own on fuelling and maintenance of the two vehicles, he gets a yearly allowance of 300% of his annual basic salary. He is also entitled to entertain his friends and well wishers with 100% of his annual basic salary.

    Because he is leaving power and opulence behind, he is awarded a severance gratuity of 300% of his annual basic salary. Included are also provisions of funds to employ a cook, chauffeurs and security guards at a sum of N5m per annum and N2m for their deputies.

    The bill is not done yet. Even after the death of the governor, the allowances continue. Widows of ex-governors would receive a minimum of N1 million a year for medical expenses, while those of ex-deputy governors would receive N500,000, for life!  Because his death is special like no other, the state shall bear full cost of his burial and pay a “condolence allowance” (whatever that means) equivalent of his annual basic salary to his next- of-kin.

    While we focus on the governor of Akwa Ibom State and the legislators for their extreme greed, naïve and insensitive pension scheme, the fact of the matter is that the same scheme is replicated in other states of the federation and, indeed, the presidency.  Imagine how much of public funds would be wasted on a former governor if he lives for 25 years or more on these outrageous allowances after the end of his tenure!  Why should a retiree who had worked for 35 years be subjected to excruciating verification exercises for a paltry sum of pension that cannot even take care of his medical bills, feeding and transportation for him and his family while a former governor who served for only four or eight years goes scot free with all the scandalous medical and other pension allowances awarded to himself?  It is simply abominable.

    That we have this kind of situation in Nigeria is not surprising. Although we say that democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, we cannot say that our democracy follows this noble path for, at best, our own brand of democracy has been twisted to mean a government of the people hijacked by roguish elites, and for the roguish elites! This, in essence, shows that the problem we face in Nigeria is that of democracy. Surely, if we have a true democracy, there can be no way a governor like Akpabio would act like a monarch, and the president like an emperor. While we appreciate the positive contribution of Akpabio to the development of his state, we say emphatically that whatever contribution he has made to the state should not be a license for him to empty the treasury in order to take care of himself and his family for life, after leaving office. This makes Nigeria different from the rest of the world as a country where people take up elective or appointive positions for no other reason than to amass wealth.

    The allowances in the governor’s pension package are obscene and sinful when you consider them along with the general poverty in the country, the massive youth unemployment, the agonising cries of workers and pensioners whose meagre salaries are usually not paid in time or, in the case of pensioners, sometimes not paid at all. Yet this is a governor who does not lack anything in life, and can take care of himself and his family, for the rest of his life and for his next generations. His case and those of others who may be planning to follow suit are that of pathological greed, and a sin against the poor citizens of the state.

    The governor is however not the only person who has sinned against the people who elected him to serve, and not to cheat them. In this connection, we strongly condemn the indecent haste with which the Akwa Ibom legislators passed the outrageous executive bill. With such an act like that of the governor and the legislators, we can see that the expectations of such rewards in politics explain why politicians kill themselves by making elections a do-or-die business, like going to war.

    Above all, it is an unpardonable sin against humanity and especially the good people of Akwa Ibom State.   And when all is said, Governor Akpabio’s pension scheme for ex-governors and their deputies shows clearly PDP’s warped conception of democratic governance. It is welcome news that the governor is reported to have taken steps to repeal it. Kudos to the people of the state and Nigerians in general whose vociferous criticism of the law forced the governor to promise to repeal it. But it was a law that ought not to have been made in the first place.

     

    • Prof Makinde, FNAL is DG/CEO Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo, Osun State.

  • Nigeria: The flip side

    Explosions. Mass kidnappings. Nigeria is no stranger to international news these days, making the region seem like a train wreck that the world can’t help but gawk at. Most recently we’ve landed in the spotlight for the two bomb blasts in my own hometown, Jos.

    From the kidnappings of over 200 young girls to this most recent act of terror, it’s easy to look at Nigeria and imagine a country descending into violent chaos. Don’t misunderstand. Nigeria faces many challenges, ranging from violent extremism to corruption and poverty, and it is crucial for the media to share these stories with the rest of the world. But this is only one side of the picture.

    What’s not reaching the air waves is the extraordinary resilience of the people. Every day, Nigerians come together across tribal and religious lines to build peace in their country. In fact, the bombings in Jos have brazenly interrupted the relative peace enjoyed in the area for the past two years. This and other acts violence will not deter the ongoing efforts to promote peace in Plateau State and throughout Nigeria. While we mourn the tragedies that have taken place in Nigeria, we must also support and amplify the good work that so many Nigerians are doing to prevent such violence in the future.

    First, let’s address the bombings in the city of Jos. The first car bomb exploded around 3:00 p.m. at the busy Terminus market. The same market where my family and I have purchased our food and goods for generations. A second bomb exploded 20 minutes later. Estimates put the death toll at 118 people, with countless other injuries. Bombings of civilians in public spaces are clearly designed to terrorize the population. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, the pattern of the blasts is similar to those carried out by the terrorist group Boko Haram. The same group currently holding over 200 school girls as hostages, detonated two bombs last month in Kano, killing dozens of Nigerians.

    Jos remains a target of Boko Haram attacks because it has historically been at the centre of tension between Muslim and Christian communities in Northern Nigeria. The blasts in the market have the potential to reignite tension and refuel animosity between the different religious and ethnic groups in the city at a time when so much cooperation between the people has been achieved. A security official reported that on Tuesday evening, some youth attacked motorists and traders after the blasts. This is exactly what the bombers want. However, in the aftermath of these bombs, we have also seen the police and security forces working to reduce tensions and prevent agitation that could result in further violence. Muslim and Christian Nigerians have also come together following these attacks to show support and solidarity. People across Nigeria and the world have shown that they want peace, not violence.

    To be sure, Nigeria has work to do. As my colleague Lantana Abdullahi recently noted in her testimony in front of the U.S. Senate, we must work to consolidate the gains in peace-building in Nigeria, improve human security, monitor human rights abuses, work to reduce poverty and corruption that drive extremism, and support a regional effort to prevent Boko Haram from growing.

    Despite these horrific events, this attack will not divide us. Rather, it must serve to strengthen our resolve to live together in peace. At Search for Common Ground, we work with inspiring Nigerians every day who are coming together to push for peace, including community, traditional, religious, women, and youth leaders, as well as state and local government officials. We are highlighting their voices through a participatory Early Warning System that collects information on tensions, rumours, and violent incidents and shares reports with security and civil society groups. We also run two radio programs that promote Nigerian messages of peace: “Voices of Peace” airs messages twice daily from government and security authorities calling for calm, and “Our Children Are Talking” allows children and youth to discuss the ways that they are impacted by conflict. These people are the future of Nigeria, not violent extremists.

    So while we send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by violence in Nigeria, let us also celebrate the Nigerians who have already come together to show support in the aftermath of these attacks and who are working to build peace in their country. We invite all Nigerians and the global community to show their solidarity and with the people of Jos and faith in a brighter future on social media using the hashtag #plateauwillarise!. We at Search will continue to highlight voices for peace, because we know that these bombings and acts of violence will not deter the work that so many Nigerians are doing to make their country a better place with a brighter future.

    • Bagu is Country Director for Search for Common Ground Nigeria.

  • Monsignor Adeigbo – A Tribute

    When an old friend called to inform me that Monsignor Adeigbo had passed on, I wasn’t sure I heard her right. But she repeated herself, this time more loudly. I felt the ground shift under my feet. Told that his illness was sudden, I was sure someone was negligent. Talking to no one in particular, I said that this was not fair; he was a good man; why didn’t he come home sooner from Port Harcourt to be cared for by us – his spiritual children? I was angry blaming everyone and everything. I felt a great personal loss.

    A prince of Ibowon, Felix Adedoyin Adeigbo very early on in life opted for the royal priesthood. He lived simple and poor. His well-worn shoes and 30-year old Volvo car were often matters of frustration for his staff. Everyone who came across him had a personal tale to tell – donating his rare blood type to a sick parishioner, settling conflicts within families, converting non-catholic spouses but not forcing unwilling ones, saying private masses for family celebrations when requested for and so on. I am left with the painful feeling that he was in hardship before our eyes but we thought he needed nothing. In fact, the little he had parishioners took from him.

    As the Archdiocesan Education Coordinator, he was insistent that the children of cooks, stewards and gardeners should benefit from the high standard of education that the Mary Hill Convent School Ibadan offered. He therefore told us at the Board to find ways of ensuring that the then impending increase in school fees did not affect those children be they already enrolled or incoming. Such was his concern for the needy.

    Professor Felix Adeigbo, an accomplished scholar, taught socio-political philosophy and theology at the University of Ibadan. He was at various times, formator of young men aspiring to the priesthood at the Minor Seminary Oke Are, Lecturer at the SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary, Head of Dept. of Philosophy, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and stood in for the Vice Chancellor on many occasions in and out of the university. A brilliant mind, he challenged his students of theology and philosophy to rigorous study, to think anew and discard presuppositions and unexamined ways of thinking, and those of ethics he taught that for good governance to be enthroned, politics must go hand in hand with ethics. He was a priest, a philosopher, an eminent ecclesiastic and an accomplished academic. For over 25 years he was the Parish priest at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church University of Ibadan – the first African to be so appointed.

    Delivering an inspiring homily at the Vigil Mass, the Dominican Preacher – Father (Prof.) Anthony Akinwale himself a former student of Msgr. Adeigbo said: “In a society where the separation of religion and reason, of faith and scholarship, has occasioned the degeneration of religion into public nuisance and the descent of piety into insecurity, the life of Adeigbo has something to teach us. Indeed, with admirable eloquence has he taught us about a moral obligation we must assume. And this is the obligation: that we must, of urgent necessity, for our own good and for the good of generations yet unborn, cease being schizophrenics, men and women whose religious devotion and professional competence walk on either side of the street without ever exchanging glances”.

    When on January 7, 2007, he was appointed Rector of the Catholic Institute of West Africa ( CIWA), Port Harcourt, a lot of us were quite unhappy because we knew it would be a daunting task, an extremely demanding position. And for someone who put his all into his job, it would be quite exhausting. But as usual, animated by child-like simplicity, he smiled and told us to pray for him. Anyway he was soon coming back or so we thought. But our wish was not the will of the Almighty. Yes, he came back but very ill.

    His earthly pilgrimages were almost always to Lourdes at the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. He passed on on May 13, the day of the anniversary of that catholic observance. How fitting.

    He was ever gracious to me and my family – having one of my sons, Akinyemi as a mass server; coming all the way from Port Harcourt to preside over the wedding of another, Kolawole. He was tireless in the service of God and humanity. He was my counsel and confidant. The wonderful memories of this kind man and all that he did in the life of my family help me to take solace in the Book of Wisdom “ In the eyes of the unwise, the virtuous did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace”.

    Monsignor, rest in peace.

     

    • Lawani writes from Ibadan.
  • Fighting terrorism with Amnesty

    Fighting terrorism with Amnesty

    Never mind the barefaced denial from Dr. Reuben Abati, Presidential Spokesman that the Commander-In-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan, did not offer the Islamist group, Boko Haram, amnesty.

    On democracy day, we heard the speech of the Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, loud and clear, and should anyone be in doubt, here are his words, verbatim: “President Goodluck Jonathan has declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.”

    The minister added that, “Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.”

    Reiterating his earlier declaration, he emphasised: “Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme.”

    To all intent and purpose, every line of that statement by the minister on behalf of the federal government was denied by Reuben Abati.

    How low can an administration sink when it thrives on falsehood and deceit? How can a government continue to speak with discordant tune on a critical issue like national security that requires a clear and emphatic position? Who is fooling who? When will this government show some responsibility, sincerity of purpose, courage, seriousness and true leadership to begin to actually lead? How is the citizenry expected to support the fight against terrorism when the government does not even know what it wants? We know that should Abubakar Shekau (Boko Haram leader) contact Mr. President this very moment requesting for amnesty, this administration will grant it.

    What is the implication of this for the ongoing fight against the insurgents? Is this how we will immortalise our armed forces for the sacrifice and ultimate price they are paying in Nigeria’s north east? Is this how we will honour the many innocent men, women and children Boko Haram has visited with untimely death?

    Government deliberately made plans for such declaration not to come from Mr. President to create the impression that he remains ruthless in his stand against the religious extremists.

    The greatest disservice we can do to the lives that are being lost to the Haramite’smachetes, guns and bombs, is to, in one fell swoop, blot away their atrocities and reward them with billions, turning Shekau and his Amirs – as he calls his generals – to the latest Tompolos, Boyloafs, Ateke Toms and Asari-Dokubos in town who now waltz the corridors of power.

    The proclamation of amnesty is nothing new. For as much as we know, since last year, the government’s amnesty offer has been on the table. Any attempt to declare amnesty for the vicious group now or in the nearest future will throw up more questions than answers like: When did Boko Haram request for amnesty? Why is the President offering what wasn’t requested even in the face of escalating bloodshed? Does he want to feign ignorance that the Islamist sect bluntly rejected his first amnesty offer? What makes him think they have changed their stance? Has the Commander-In-Chief lost confidence in the ability of the Nigerian security operatives to effectively wipe out the fundamentalists? Who are the sponsors of this terror groups in Nigeria? Why is it taking so long for the government toexpose them? Or are they bigger than the country?

    The emptiness and indiscretion of that pronouncement by Mr. Haruna was laid bare as the government had hitherto made an offer of amnesty to the terrorists through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Conflict in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. Their offer of amnesty is still on the table. So why declare amnesty again for Boko Haram when they spat on the face of the government by stating unequivocally and categorically that they don’t need amnesty but the government should instead, plead for amnesty from them. The government still doesn’t get it that these terrorists don’t flinch at the thought of getting billions from government as amnesty package.

    In a desperate and clumsy bid to bring the terrorists to the negotiation table, the government is offering amnesty to faceless people – ghosts. Such ignominious gesture is tantamount to ‘radicalising’ the youths across the country to think that the way to get government’s attention is to pick up arms against the state. We say no, to all forms of bestiality of our youths, which this amnesty charade is all about. It defies every logic and rationale that the FG even contemplated amnesty to faceless terrorists, mindless killers and maniacs that have sent over 15,000 Nigerians to their graves since their Jihad began. More than 4,000 of that figure have being killed this year alone.

    It is foolhardy to think amnesty can de-radicalise a terrorist. To the Jihadists, terrorism is a way of life they’ve come to know, a new religion and message that they are ready to die for while forcefully propagating. Granting amnesty to Boko Haram is yet another indication that the Jonathan government is at crossroads. Besides, there is more politics in this amnesty charade than meets the eye. The religious radicals have a warped ideology that everything about Western Education is forbidden. How then, can government, in the name of amnesty, send Shekau for instance, to study Aeronautic Engineering in United Kingdom or Medical Science in Australiain the guise of rehabilitation for integration? I don’t think the FG has thought this through. Amnesty or any such thing can never completely dissect this tumor out of the northern community.

    Moreover, calling on Boko Haram members to unconditionally renounce their evil acts and embrace peace and days later denying that such a call was never made must have heightened the curiosity and skepticism of the Islamist group over the (in)sincerity of the government to any peace deal.

    Dr. Jonathan, it appears, wants to exploit the window that the prisoners swap for abducted Chibok schoolgirls present to negotiate an armistice with the dreaded sect. Their demand over the Chibok girls should not be misconstrued as amnesty.

    Sadly and expectedly, the present administration has failed to take responsibility for the welfare of soldiers who daily put their lives in harm’s way in the war against terror. Nothing has been done to rehabilitate the victims of Boko Haram bombings, no one talks about taking responsibility for the bereaved families of our gallant fallen heroes in the frontlines, and no one ensures that owners of properties destroyed are adequately compensated.

    Before now, the government’s position was to crush the marauders with military might but the war is now beyond the capability and capacity of the Nigerian security operatives. Though, the posture of FG signifies the carrot and stick approach as its strategy, it is now glaring to every discerning observer that only the ‘carrot’ approach is now the Jonathan administration’s best bet.

    That the President has buckled yet again shows the FG lacks courage, political will, 21st century military equipment, personnel and intelligence to challenge and discomfit the salafist sect headlong. Begging terrorists cap in hand is tantamount to resigning to fate and handing the initiative of the terror war to the monsters. They’re now in a position of strength. This is indeed, the impetus they need to overrun the troubled states. God forbid.

    Apparently, we lived in self-denial that our security operatives were up to the task, or underestimated the capacity of the enemies to wage a potent, sustained campaign against the state.

    Rewarding terrorism, militancy and all forms of hooliganism, cultism and brigandage are sure fire highways to an irrevocable descent to a failed nation. There are handwritings on the wall that Nigeria is on the road to Yugoslavia, Somalia or Syria.

    Victims of the insurgency will not be impressed. And such victims are many: immediate and long-term victims, direct and indirect victims, individual and co-operate victims. Even the terrorists are not impressed; they want a war with the Nigerian military. They cherish a quick pathway to meet ‘Allah’ should they be killed in such duels.

    Amnesty to the Haramites is the greatest disservice to the lives lost to the insurgency, while it takes the assault on the collective psyche of Nigerians to dizzying heights.

    Ilevbare can be followed via twitter @tilevbare.

  • Challenge of Polio eradication in Nigeria

    As an international community, we have few opportunities to do something that is unquestionably good for every country and every child, in perpetuity. Polio eradication is one of these opportunities. Therefore, I am putting the full operational power of the World Health Organisation into the job of finishing polio eradication. I am making polio eradication our organisation’s top priority on a most urgent, if not an emergency, basis.”

    If ever there is time the above quote from Dr. Margaret Chan, Director General World Health Organisation is relevant in Nigeria’s context, it is now. We have to put our life on the line to ensure we finish the task of polio eradication in Nigeria. Included in this task is aggressive campaign. The word perpetuity should be stressed until the battle is won. Some may wonder why discussing polio again after much activity was invested in 2013 and we have just had our first and second rounds of National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) in this year. I guess somebody may also be saying, “…but we have had just three cases of polio this year. Have we not tried enough for these children?

    Let’s stop at this juncture to ask some salient questions. If the two children that were affected were your only children, what will you do? What if one of them is your only boy? What will you do if one of the affected children is your most adorable baby girl? I want to assume that you will not throw a big party and say, come and rejoice with me because of what polio virus has done to my family. Never! No one will do such an ignoble and obnoxious thing. You will wail and cry with great lamentation and curse the day polio virus entered the shore of this country. That is what every one of us should do even now that we have three cases.

    Why do we talk so much about corruption in Nigeria? Corruption is still with us as a cankerworm; attacking and destroying our sense of values. Why on earth don’t we cease to make debate on electricity and power a national issue? It is simply because we grope under the burden of the failure of power and electricity in our homes and offices every day. These are topical discussions on daily basis because of the devastating effects on our socio-economic life.

    Poliomyelitis or polio, in the same vein has destructive tendency on our present and has the capacity to also ruin our future if we do not take calculated steps to curtail its evil work by stopping it NOW. I think we all know that the greatest asset any country possesses lies in the ability of her young people. But polio robs us of our ability. Food for thought!

    In 2013, so much noise was made in this direction and I was so delighted. The media blew the trumpet so loudly that even the deaf heard it and the blind saw the signals everywhere. It was a massive campaign. The conglomeration of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with Dangote Foundation aroused global interest and sparked off conflagrations that would have incinerated the last polio virus here in Nigeria. But unfortunately the fire died out because it was not fuelled with consistent publicity and relevant campaign strategies. The resultant effect is that wild polio virus is still with us till today.

    Because polio is still with us in its rage against our children, we need to continue our fight and be more violent against its existence in our society now than ever. I am very sure that if we deplore all the weapons in our arsenal, it will not be long; we will sing the victor’s song. And when that time comes we will then re-strategize on how to maintain a polio-free state. We will beef up our campaigns against resurgence of polio cases after declaration of a polio-free status. Meanwhile, our primary responsibility now is exiting the endemic status.

    We have recorded two cases as at the time of writing this article. This threatens our target of 2015. We can only be declared free in 2015 if and only if we do not have any cases in 12 months or so. Now, I am afraid that if we do not raise the bar of our campaign to an unprecedented level, next year, 2015, the federal government target for exiting the endemic club may be another mirage.

    The question now is – how do we raise the bar? I may have to bring our memory back to 2013 as I draw my answer from the statement of Mr. Babatunde R. Fashola SAN, the governor of Lagos when Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote paid him a courtesy visit in his Lagos House office, Alausa Ikeja on November 12, 2013. In his address, the governor said, “…that is one thing that I wish to work with and with Dangote Foundation to look at how many survivors that are here and let them lead the campaign as a physical demonstration of what can and what could have been, in addition, of course to doing all of the things we really need to do”.

    This excerpt from Governor Fashola cannot be discountenanced. In my own estimation, this is the next level of aggressive campaign that we have not explored. This is the new ground that we have to break if we must be free in 2015 and afterwards maintain that level of freedom.

    Placing polio survivors to lead the campaign does not mean leadership abdicating its role. He said, “…in addition, of course to doing all of the things we really need to do. This is the most critical stage in this crusade and the way we handle it will determine the eventual outcome. If we do it right, never again shall we lose the strength of our young ones and our dear country to the cruel grip of polio”.

    • Olugbenga, a polio survivor and Lagos Polio Ambassador writes from Lagos.

  • Fashola and Spirit of Lagos

    I Buy into the Spirit of Lagos initiative because I believe life is about people. The Spirit of Lagos states that Lagos is a beautiful place filled with beautiful people who live life to the fullest at work and at play. The challenge is how best can we burnish and evolve the Spirit of Lagos? Should it be allowed to go in its natural tributaries or are the peoples, nation, and creation best served by a Lagos whose Spirit is articulated and propelled in the right direction? In today’s ultra-competitive globe, is there room for a Lagos (or indeed any other city) stunted in the throes of grappling with its own diffused clarity, contradictions and subsequent sub- optimal competitiveness in the global economy?

    The Spirit of Lagos posits four cardinal dimensions: social justice, citizenship, good neighbourliness and civic responsibility. The social justice platform says everyone deserves the same set of rules and fairness: rich or poor, educated or literate, adult or child. Citizenship speaks to the need for everyone to play by the rules, obey the laws and carry his responsibilities to self, others and the entire community. Good neighbourliness? We are our brothers’ keepers. Family is where we live and work.

    Take care of the neighbour and his family, he will take care of you and your family. In other words, taking care of your neighbour is ultimately taking care of yourself. Civic responsibility is a way of life. Get involved in the community, volunteer, get involved, drive your areas of interest and make a change.   Roads and lights are good but people make the difference: how they live, where they live, what they live for, and what they die for. Where the people respect themselves, love each other, obey the laws, contribute to the community that gives them breathe and bread, there you find a great people and great progress.

    How did Winston Churchill inspire the English people while they were under frequent air bombardments from the mighty German forces? What magic did the legendary J. F. Kennedy utilize to produce the quantum leap that got the Americans into space within a short time after the Russians outshone them? How did Lee Kuan Yew get land-locked, tiny, uncelebrated Singapore from Third to First World? What is the secret of the Japanese and the Chinese in leapfrogging the generations-old economic stranglehold of Europe and the Americas while retaining and indeed utilizing the quintessential aspects of their culture and attitude? How did the ANC and Nelson Mandela overcome the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Apartheid regime?

    It is the people. Infrastructural development is needful. The economy is vital but it is about the people. Get the people thinking, relating and working right, and the rest will be easier done than said. I speak as a Lagosian. I must confess: First, I do not know Governor Babatunde Fashola beyond the average Lagosian. The closest I have seen him was at my son’s primary school prize-giving day ceremony during his first term in office – he apparently attended the same school. He came in unannounced, without fanfare and devoid of any sirens, and that struck me as a mark of a man who defines the office rather than the opposite. Second, I am of Igbo extractions and have lived in Lagos since 1972. My father was here, my son is here. My parents thought I had become so much of a Lagos boy, they ‘conspired’ to bundle me to the East to be better acquainted with my roots. God bless their kind souls. Third, I am convinced that Fashola is probably the most intelligent, visionary and hardworking governor Nigeria has ever produced. Why do I believe this?

    The first evidence is the amount of grey hairs he has developed since he took office. Sometime ago, an international news magazine did a study to show how the best leaders age beyond their years while in office. The second is the almost strange fact that he has not added any weight since assuming office seven whole years ago. I term this strange because in these climes, the leanest political aspirant balloons in weight as soon as he gets into office. His wives and children seem to yearn for the “most obese in the land” title.                                        If in doubt, just compare the photographs of the various governors and elected officials when they were seeking for office, a few months into office, and a few years afterwards. It is the same all over the world: those who truly serve the people do not only fail to gain weight, they actually lose. The converse is also true: those who serve themselves on the office develop multiple chins and ‘pregnant’ stomachs for obvious reasons. Pray, if a man is busy day and night; burning the midnight oil; carrying millions of peoples’ burdens; how does he put on weight?

    My admiration of, and respect for, Fashola jumped notches during the televised debate among the governorship candidates in the 2007 elections. Not only did he speak most eloquently and clearly about his vision, he blew me away with his detailed knowledge of the numerous streets in Aguda, Surulere, where I live. In describing how each street was being linked to the other, my wife and I marvelled at the man’s brilliance. By the way, I have lived in Surulere, Lagos, virtually all of my almost 50 years, yet, I was astonished at his enormous knowledge.

    Stories abound from various individuals of how he traverses Lagos at night incognito inspecting on-going projects; how he visits General Hospitals and other government facilities without warning to see things for himself; and how he still hangs out with his childhood friends after work. Have you noticed how his wife has remained in the background without the farce that has enveloped the so-called “First Lady” charade? What about their children? Am yet to sight them at any event or on the pages of newspapers. I am yet to be assaulted with the now traditional colossal propaganda racket of wasteful publicity to ‘celebrate’ work for which a man was elected to do in the first place?

    In doing away with many of the unnecessary, myopic, archaic, pedestrian and unenlightened behaviour of most of our political leaders, Fashola has shown that the black man is not a dim-wit. He has shown that with will and wisdom, it is possible to make Lagos – and indeed any part of Africa – a global model for positive things and Lagosians proud of their habitat. Lagos has always been a centre of excellence. Its peoples from diverse backgrounds are drawn into its melting pot of success, wealth, fame and fulfilment in droves.

    In ruminating on the Spirit of Lagos, I find myself asking: where are the models for this spirit. Fashola is an excellent one. And then a deluge of names, men and women in various walks of life who exemplify the can-do spirit, the spirit of excellence, the spirit of civic responsibility, spirit of gratitude to a land that has provided terra firma and needs be taken care of for the coming generations.

    What sort of Lagos will we bequeath to our children? A Lagos akin to the 40s, 50s, 60s or a Lagos more of the roughshod decades or indeed a Lagos that can compete with the world’s best? The challenge is shall we stand up and stand together for Lagos? Evil, they see, thrives where good people keep quiet. Will the good people of Lagos stand up and drive the community on the four cardinal points of citizenship, civic responsibility, social justice and good neighbourliness? As we appreciate God and the men and women who have struck the light anew; as we all hopefully stand to ensure – not leave it to the politicians alone – whoever governs Lagos next will do better than Fashola; may God grant us the grace to stand up and make the difference in our little corners but more importantly as a collective. That is the Spirit of Lagos I have known, lived in and love.

    • Rev. Ajero lives in Lagos.