The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Independence; what’s there to celebrate?

    Independence; what’s there to celebrate?

    SIR: Independence in midst of pervasive corruption, injustice, greed and uncontrolled state of insecurity; could these scourges that have brought untold sufferings to our people while creating wealth and comfort for the wicked few worth celebrating?

    Truly, the real causes of the grinding poverty in Nigeria today is not the lack of investments and the ‘’brains’’ that will execute development programmes but corruption and grave acts of iniquity committed by our home-grown politicians.

    Corruption has become so rampant that government projects – many of which are not in existence – were ‘’milking boreholes’’ of our greedy and selfish politicians to the level that even the marginalized and downtrodden farmers and traders were not spared (they were robbed of loans granted them).

    How could we celebrate a day when we had little or no food to eat, when our certificates are ready without jobs, when our safety is not guaranteed, when our rights are not due us?

    There are urgent needs to address this menace. It requires sacrifice; it entails making selfish interests subservient to public welfare and sincere commitment to public service.

     

    • M. Usman Ebbo

    Federal Polytechnic, Bida,

    Niger State.

  • Igbo leaders should be realistic

    Igbo leaders should be realistic

    SIR: More often than not human beings are what they make themselves; vision and planning are indispensable for success. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo, was a foremost leader in Africa. In the First Republic, he agreed to be the ceremonial President, while Tafawa Balewa, a northerner, got the Prime Minister position, which was where the real power reposed. In the Second Republic, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, another Igbo, agreed to be the Vice President to Alhaji Shehu Shagari from the North.

    Where were the Ohanaeze Ndigbo (the Igbo leadership council), when Chief Obafemi Awolowo offered to support Azikiwe to become President in 1979, instead of Shagari? And why did the Igbo leaders abandon their Arewa friends when it mattered most in 2011? It was because Jonathan’s middle name is Azikiwe, and he made the Igbo leaders happy in several ways, including juicy appointments to Igbo citizens, women in particular.

    If the North-west were allowaed to serve its eight years, as the South-west was allowed to do, it would be naturally absurd for the North to aspire to be President again in2015. Reasonable Nigerians and the international community would have been at a loss why the North would want to cheat the South on the topmost leadership position. Is that not the reason no serious Yoruba has aspired to be President since General Olusegun Obasanjo spent eight straight years as Nigeria’s President? But the Igbo leaders chose to support their Azikiwe. Fine, eat your cake and have it.

    Igbo leaders should go for a systematic plan and sustainable political vision that would eliminate marginalization of any zone and ethnic nationality in Nigeria. Survival of the fittest, arbitrary seizing of power and opportunism cannot stabilize Nigeria; only a considerate resolution of power devolution can do that. Well-meaning Igbo leaders should team-up with the opposition political parties to enthrone General Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, to serve a single term. That will complete the second term of the North-west.

    After that, the coast will be clear for the South-east zone to produce the next President, since Jonathan (from the South-south) has spent eight straight years in the presidency, as Vice President/President (2007-2011), and as President (2011-2015).

    Jonathan represents the cabal that will never allow the petroleum refineries to function; are the Igbo and South-south leaders concerned about that? The Yoruba Council of Elders and the Arewa Consultative Forum are not concerned either. The bodies have compromised, but some opposition political parties have not compromised. So, support the latter, towards a genuine transformation of Nigeria, end to mass misery and insecurity.

    • Pius Oyeniran Abioje, Ph. D,

    University of Ilorin.

     

  • Fayemi; better by miles

    Fayemi; better by miles

    SIR: I have watched with keen interest the tension being caused by agitation for zoning of the governorship seat among the various factions of the Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    While one of the factions is insisting that it is the turn of Ekiti South senatorial district to produce the party’s governorship candidate, another faction is agitating for Ekiti Central which has produced two civilian governors in the recent past. Another faction is also maintaining that the party’s governorship ticket be thrown open among the three senatorial districts whether North, Central or South.

    But I see these agitations as needless because the PDP governments rigged into the Government House through the instrumentality of the federal might shamelessly failed the people.

    The PDP regimes left a huge mess of monumental looting of treasury, corruption, bloodletting, violence, state-sponsored terrorism, indebtedness, abandoned projects, mortgaging of our patrimony, policy somersaults, among others.

    The Alliance for Democracy (AD)-led government of Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo which was the last progressive-oriented government laid a foundation for the development of the state which the succeeding PDP regimes failed to build upon. It was this government that acquired and established revenue-yielding assets like the Oju Olobun property in Lagos, Ekiti House which still stands out as one of the best states liaison offices in Abuja, the Fountain Hotel which was converted to Governor’s Office by Fayose, the bottling of Ikogosi Warm Spring water, Ekiti Kete Mass Transit company etc.

    The present Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)-led government of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has in less than two years proved to the people of the state that good governance we have been deprived of in the past is possible in our dear state.

    Who would have believed that giving laptops to teachers and students in public schools could be a possibility in a state like Ekiti? Nobody expected that aged people above 65 years would be receiving monthly stipends of N5,000, the first of its kind anywhere in Nigeria. Major roads in Ado-Ekiti and other parts of the state which were abandoned by the PDP regimes are now wearing a new look.

    The long neglected Ikogosi Warm Spring has been developed into an international standard before our very eyes while moves are on to develop other tourist sites in the state. Fayemi, in less than two years, has restored the dignity of Ekiti person and has made Ekiti a reference point to other states of the federation through well thought-out and clearly defined policies.

    He has commissioned electrification projects of Ootunja, Ilemeso and Ijan within 15 months of his ascension to power while 120 transformers were procured and distributed to various communities in the state. Under Fayemi’s watch, over 30,000 youths have been taken off the streets under various job creation schemes while Free Health Mission and Free Health programmes have touched the lives of about 400,000 people.

    PDP should perish the thought of coming back to power in Ekiti. We don’t want a return to the bad old days of the PDP when Ekiti was known for everything bad under the sun.

     

    • Engr. Ola Mike (mnse),

    Ado-Ekiti

     

  • Anyim takes on Osun

    Anyim takes on Osun

    If anyone is in doubt just how zealously the federal government treasures its capacity to nurse malice, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, provides the perfect disillusionment. Late last week, when the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora paid him a visit, he betrayed his and, it seems, the government’s feelings on the supposedly rested but apparently still controversial issue of which takes grammatical and constitutional precedence over the other: the State of Osun or Osun State.

    A few months ago, it will be recalled, the country was set on edge by security reports suggesting that Osun was planning rebellion because it insisted that the state be henceforth called and regarded as the State of Osun, not Osun State, even as former documents remained valid. The security reports were too fantastic to be true, and so the matter came to an abrupt and comical end. Gingerly, Osun got to keep its newly adopted name, arguing that the constitution was silent on whether the name should be State of Osun or Osun State. Until the Anyim outburst, it was unknown to many that the federal government had merely gone underground with its malice and seethed dangerously like a volcano waiting to erupt.

    Finally, however, the dormant volcano spewed out its molten rock last week during the said visit. A member of the committee from Osun, Hon Ajiboye Famurewa (ACN), had introduced himself as the member from the State of Osun. This became a red rag to a bull. Hear Anyim: “That is unconstitutional. Let me also say, even though in a lighter mood, that the ‘State of Osun’ issue should be a serious matter. We should not trivialise issues regarding our nationhood. Particularly, where it could be misinterpreted and where it could affect the unity of the country. The constitutional name for each state should be upheld more particular by parliamentarians. Ordinary local politicians can try to politick with it, but not those of you who are to keep the country in shape and in firm stand. But, I think that there is nothing like the ‘State of Osun’ in the Constitution, we have Osun State, just like any other state. And we should honour our constitution that is the foundation of the basis of patriotism in the first place. We must have faith in our nation; we must have faith in our constitution. We must live it, we must preach it and we must act it. The ‘State of Osun’ is not in the constitution, it is Osun State.”

    First, State of Osun or Osun State is nothing but six of one and half a dozen of the other. The constitution, Osun argues, lists the names of state without saying whether ‘State of’ should come before or ‘state’ should come after. Why make a big issue out of it? Is it names of states that threaten national security or that recurring nightmare, Boko Haram, and its killing spree? Second, even though the federal government has the right to hanker after uniformity, it was deeply embarrassing to see Anyim speak down to the legislator, as if a colonial officer was reprimanding an ignorant native. It is unbelievable how legislators can sometimes be so tolerant.

    The federal government can pursue its nomenclatural games as fiercely as it wants, but the Anyim outburst reveals in all its ugliness just how perniciously that unseemly colonial mindset has permeated the thinking and perspectives of government officials. That kind of thinking makes nonsense of democracy and gives the unwholesome impression that the government is loth to relinquish its archaic privileges. But much worse, and this is not to denigrate Anyim’s learning, the outburst indicates that Nigerian leaders are still incapable, in spite of all their education, of deep reflection and proper understanding of the fact that leaders are in government to serve.

  • A good one from Senegal

    A good one from Senegal

    SIR: The news of the abolition of the Senegalese senate in order to help victims of recent floods that left 13 people dead and thousands homeless in the country is an inspiring story. Although some quarters view the move as a ploy to weaken opposition in the country, what we know is that $15million to be saved from the move is a whole lot to better the lives of the flood victims as well as set up measures to reduce the impact of such disasters in the future.

    Unfortunately, Nigeria, a country though rich yet poor has been experiencing massive flooding and erosion across its states. Yet little or nothing has been done to help victims of such disasters and also prevent losses resulting from such unannounced natural phenomenon. Rather government and policy makers have continually continued to pay lip service to germane issues that affect Nigerians.

    Why can’t we learn good lessons from our African brothers like Senegal-that government exists for the people, to guarantee and provide the fundamentals of life? When will our leaders understand that leadership and indeed governance comes with sacrifices and commitments towards a well-sustained society?

    Undoubtedly, development cannot be experienced until people, either leaders or followers, learn to be selfless, dedicated and responsible towards the noble cause of nation building.

    • Tayo Elegbede Jet

    Lagos

     

  • FROM THE CELL PHONE

    For Segun Gbadegesin

     

    I read your article National consciousness as camouflage. I was impressed. The major problem we have as a nation is that we all go to mosque or church for physical presence but, we do not worship God with sincerity. If we are truly serving God, be Christian or Muslim, we would not be killing ourselves the way we are doing in Nigeria. We would not be exploiting ourselves the way we are doing. The way out is to truly serve God. True service to God will enable one to love fellow human beings. Even if they are not one’s tribe. Anonymous

    Re: National consciousness as camouflage Ethnic politics and regional politics have disallowed development because we have buried merit. ‘It is our turn’ is another malaise that is burying Nigeria. There’s sufficient justification for your assertion which, by inference, is personal interest, self-interest and ethno-regional interest rather than state/national interest. To de-camouflage our national consciousness, serious re-orientation must embarked on. As at now, many proponents of national consciousness are fake. From Lanre Oseni

    It is misleading to say that Yoruba nation or any other nation exists in Nigeria when the truth is that, the ruling class is made up of Nigerians. The big problem is neo-colonialism and the vacillation of members of the bourgeois class who are making it difficult for the oppressed to understand what is happening in the world. From Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna

    Very scholarly article. It is very difficult to replicate Awo’s legacies in other regions or the nation at large. I am afraid the Southwest itself has lost the tempo. All that is left are rhetorics and lamentations. So, Prof, what next? Anonymous

    Is good for our leaders to emphasise on national consciousness to re-unite Nigerians for one Nigeria. From Salmanu Mohammed Gyallesu, Zaria Kaduna State

    I was not keen and never believed that removing fuel subsidy will improve the economy or our lives which are getting worse by the day. Fuel (PMS) is not available and if found it is sold at N140 instead of N97 per litre! Where are the promised refineries, or lower prices? Jonathan is a failure, and a big one at that! From Omah, Calabar.

     

     

    For Olatunji Dare

     

    Dear Dare, may the Almighty God continue to protect and assist you in all you do. Keep up the good work.On judgement day, the Almighty will tell them: Dare reminded you but you ignored him, taste therefore the fruit of your deeds. From Mukhtar, Abuja

    There was a time in the distant past when I bought the papers just to read your column. The leopard seems to have lost its spots with age. These days you no longer inspire as you only abuse our President. I do not want to believe someone is sponsoring that. Anonymous

    Prof, the President’s remarks about the January demonstrators given bottled water, expensive food and so on is a reflection of the thinking of our leaders that the masses do not deserve the good things of life, including good roads, hospitals, schools and others. From Barr. Moronkeji.

    Sir, The truth is the hardest missile one can be pelted with. Why should the President denounce and demonise harmless protesters? If a man goes into public service, he must be prepared for the consequences. Those who are intensely intolerant of others’ views should not be expected to make any difference in a state of chaotic frustration, massive corruption, deepening poverty, widening inequality and institutional decay. It is so sad. From Adegoke O. O. Ikhin, Edo state.

    Your write-up is a classic. My comment is that what do you expect of our so-called leaders whose plundering of our treasury is legendry? Whose consciense is dead? Jonathan has exposed himself that he is a shylock who does not want the poor to drink bottled water. Can you believe it, that this is the same Jonathan who said he was without shoes? Now that he has plenty of shoes, bread and pepper soup, to hell with the masses of Nigeria. From Pastor J. P. Gyang.

    Mr Jonathan, through his unguarded utterances, poor understanding of the dynamics of power and lack of appreciation of his responsibilities as a president, reminds Nigerians daily that his choice is an error of spectacular proportions! I want this President to know that many of us who were daily in Ojota, freely gave up our substances without any prompting whatsoever! No doubt, Mr Jonathan surely needs help to understand the country and her people who he claims to lead! I am struggling to be civil in my assessment of him and his manner of (mis)governance. From Dokun Adedeji, Ikeja Lagos.

    That is great stuff Prof. At least, we now know that we are being ruled by those who have more breeze than matter in their heads. So, Dr Tunji Braithwaite, whose book launch he attended in Lagos after his (President’s) police tear-gassed him during the protest, Prof Nwabueze, topmost lawyers, top menbers of professional bodies, including NBA and NMA, who participated in the protest, also cannot afford bottled water? And from all the nauseating facts that came out of the House probe, some warped minds are still talking of ‘manipulation’? Pity! Have a good day, Prof. From Olu

    Do not blame GEJ for either his actions or inactions because he is neither properly schooled, matured nor prepared politically to ascend to the throne that is not only intellectually demanding but requires high level of personal integrity, probity, sterness, seriousness and self discipline. Note that he is ever being propelled by goodluck. Lack of these essential ingredents of leadership is responsible for most of his unguarded public statements. If not, how could a President be so sentimental to say that the crowd at Gani Centre came there for food in the presence of a fomer Head of State . The implication is that his citizens are hungry and they are also beggers. Is he giving a good impression of the state of the nation to the visitor? From Muhammed Jamiu Shuaibu, Lokoja

    Our President said it all. The oil markers with their loots sponsored the protest. Is the present fuel scarcity not exposing the ‘evils’ of that January protest? Hope, you were not settled too? From Mda Abi

    If I were Jonathan, I would invest my Yoruba phobia into reading history but not the ancient monarchy history that catches his fancy. He would realise the exploits of the breeders of “rascals” even in the colonial days if the Abacha era is not convincing enough. From Mike Aiyemo, Abuja

    Re: In lieu of cassava bread and fish peppersoup An objectively informative piece. If Dr Jonathan believes in his polemical pontifications, let him take the fuel price back to N140 and we will all be sure of where we stand! Often times, people blame bad advisers for bad policies but, the truth is, only a sound mind attracts sound advisers and a sick mind attracts lunatics! I think the man’s cassava bread contains a contagious virus that eats up people’s brains! See how the President of a country of 160 million people reasons. I will never touch it and I advise Nigerians not to! From Kayode A., Abeokuta.

    l want to salute your courage on your write-up In lieu of cassava bread and fish peppersoup. We need more people like you. From E. O. Oladele, Ogbomoso

    Re: In lieu of cassava bread and fish pepper-soup. Your write-up will be a pointer and check on banters thrown at opponents by the concerned ruling governments either at LG, state or federal levels. We must listen to each other in order to move forward rather than throwing banters or quashing protesters subjectively. Till now, the transformation cassava bread is yet to be on display. Time is running out. Let us take objective criticisms and protest. From Lanre Oseni.

    Prof Dare, I am not suprised about the dismal performance of the shoe-less fellow from Otueke. He was promoted beyond his competence by some indviduals for selfish reason. My question is: Do we need to be goaded by anyone before we protest about his unpopular acts? or are we not directly affected by the fuel price increase? From Alh. Adeboye Lawal.

    Remove fuel subsidy and fuel will flow in. Stop deceiving the gullible masses. I agree with my President – hired crowd by the enemies of good governance. Please, stop future evil protests in this country. From Best Onwa

    Please, tell our President through your writings that he should undertake a personal undercover inquiry and investigate how people feel about him and his governance. He should not be afraid to know the truth about people’s perception and the true position, first hand. It will help him a lot in decision making. From Sesan, Otukpo

    Thank you, Mr Olatunji Dare, for that beautiful analysis of my President’s speech at the Independence lecture. Each time I listen to or read the President’s speech I feel sad that I lost my vote at his election. What a shame! From Segun

    Leaders of that January protest lack economic sense or what is the reward of the protest to Nigeria in the month of September? Anonymous

    Dare, I really enjoyed and appreciated your write-up in The Nation of September 25. We need prolific and fearless writers like you. Please, more of it. I will never miss your culumn till I die. From Ben B.

    Again, another excellent narrative from your stable, The Nation. But, can there be a performance (or attainment) without a dream? Jonathan had no dream (and still has none) for Nigeria. But he was ‘lucky’ to be supplanted upon the Nigerian dream, without shoes. Any surprise therefore? From Chegwe Asuai-Chegwe, Yola.

    It is unfortunate that President Jonathan does not know how disappointed Nigerians are. I always wonder who writes his speeches and whether he goes through such speeches before public presentation. God help us. From James Jared, Yola

    Advice for Mr. Presdent. That was a good piece. Great one, indeed. Jonathan should re-examine himself to rediscover himself, then tell himself the truth, that he was not qualified ab initio to be on that seat. Nigerians were not fooled by his school without sandals and New Breath Slogan, but only gave him the benefit of doubt. Until he realises and purges out the Banana Peels, Sycophants and AGIPS surounding him, he may be heading for a doom because they do not mean well for him. I, therefore, say to him, Vox Populi,Vox Dei. A word is reasonably enough for the wise. From Dr.Silba I.Uzochukwu, Enugu.

    I felt good when I read my reaction to your piece Ideas that live. You have been one of my mentors in The Nation Newspaper since 2009 and, with the help of this paper, I am now a mad and fast reader of any article with a current record of 170 pages of a book in two hours, 46 seconds per sitting. God bless you and your colleagues in The Nation as you continue the good works.Thanks. From Ahamefula Okpara, Ahoada, Rivers State.

     

    For Tunji Adegboyega

     

    Re: ‘Robbers and the tragedy of modernity’. Tunji, I give glory to Almighty God who made all things possible. If one of the robbers that raided Lagos of some N50m on 9/9/12 got that small amount (N100,000), then who took the lion’s share of the loot? Indeed, there are kingpins; the police should look for and arrest them for us to have peace. Independent anniversary without celebrations? Congratulations. From Ade Adesiyan, Warri.

    One question you should be asking is where were the Customs when these dangerous weapons were being imported into the country? It is the Customs that have actually put the police at a disadvantage against the armed robbers. Some Customs men will take bribes from any Joe Blogg to bring in anything into the country. The Immigration service is equally bad with regard to the supposed Boko Haram insurgents from across the borders. The spate of armed robberies is also the offshoot of corruption. Anonymous.

    Hmm, those thieves are just a patent problem of an egregious economic condition and growing unemployment. I am a graduate; and ever since I was laid off alongside others, my life has been subjected to untold hardship. My brother, what sort of citizens do you expect us to be while our leaders remain uncaring? Anonymous.

    Hope Lagos SARS team has a post-Abba Kyari plan in the event of promotion, ill-health or other eventualities? Ask the CP for us (Lagosians). From Femi Fadairo.

    My dear, I am just reading your write-up in The Nation newspaper captioned ‘Honoured today, dishonoured tomorrow’ and I don’t know if I should cry or laugh, but I just saw myself laughing now. My brother, very soon, Lawrence Anini, the notorious robber and his brother Monday Osunbor will soon be given post-humous awards. Anonymous.

    Re: Honoured today, dishonoured tomorrow’. The struggle continues as we continue to air our opinions/views on issues objectively. Honestly speaking, not more than 30 per cent of the recipients actually merited the awards. One only hopes that the CVs of all intending recipients will be vetted by honourable committee members in future to forestall ‘arrangee awards. From Lanre Oseni.

     

  • Nigerian federation: Gaining strength from a weak position

    Nigerian federation: Gaining strength from a weak position

    Text of Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s speech during the nation’s Independence Anniversary

     

    Today, we are celebrating the 52nd Independence Anniversary of our country, Nigeria. While every anniversary of a great nation like Nigeria is worth celebrating, it is an obvious fact that 52 is not a landmark figure. That probably is responsible for the low-key events marking the occasion across the country. Few days ago, as I was ruminating over the obvious declining enthusiasm which the celebration of the Independence Anniversary has witnessed in recent years, my mind flashed to the fact that in two years time, we will be celebrating the Centenary Anniversary of the creation of the territory called Nigeria, following the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by Lord Lugard in 1914.

    Thus, in 2014, there will be need to take a retrospective and introspective look into the last 100 years of the existence of the geographical entity called Nigeria and how well it has served the purpose of its founding fathers. We may also use the opportunity to do a prospective assessment of what we want to make of the future of our country.

    First, there are those who believe that the 98 year-old exercise which led to the creation of a large country out of the merger of seemingly different peoples from the Southern and Northern Protectorates was a mistake, an anomaly and the genesis of our problems as a country. The subscribers to this theory are those who continue to harp on the quote (often out of context) by one of our late nationalists that Nigeria is ‘a mere geographical expression’. However, I beg to disagree with the position that Nigeria is still anything but a country. Ours is a unique country with all potentials to neutralise the imperfections of its creation. In any case, from the experience of other federations, a federal structure is always a work-in-progress, a continuous negotiation among the federating units as well as the centre and the units. So, there is no cause for pessimism about Nigeria’s structural future. Let us look towards brighter days of the workings of the Nigerian federalism.

    It may be true that the colonialists merged two protectorates for administrative convenience and to create a viable, large and strong trade out-post for their companies, but God in His infinite mercies has given us all it takes to achieve greatness from a weak position, to rise from the debilitating design crafted by the colonial masters and to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. That is why this same God who made imperialism possible has also ensured that more and more wealth creating resources continued to be discovered in our country – Nigeria.

    From what is supposed to be a mistake and selfish, parochial agenda of the colonialists, today we have the most populated black African country, and by inference a large potential market for goods and services. Today, we have a diverse country which allows for plurality of ideas, culture, religion, resources, people and environmental factors. Today, we are one of the biggest world oil producing countries. We have some of Africa’s best managed banks. We have a Nobel laureate and one of the most vibrant arts and entertainment industries. The first television station in Africa and one of the first five in the world was established here in Nigeria. The manpower potentials of this nation are so enormous that we have produced world beaters in so many areas: science, sports, economy, arts, business, diplomacy and others.

    We have successfully pulled through a terrible civil war in which thousands of people died and the thread of unity of the country was strained up to the breaking point. On many occasions, the federating units were aggrieved over certain issues and many thought the country would disintegrate. Yet, on every occasion that our country got close to breaking point, we always find a way of pulling back from the precipice. What all these reflect is the tenacity and determination to survive as a country. It shows that Nigerians – or to put it more poignantly, the various federating units or ethnic groups, have decided to live together as a united nation to take all the advantages derivable from a large country with huge population, extensive land mass and variety of resources.

    From the above, it is therefore noticeable that what is needed at this point is for us to re-examine our federal system (since a federal arrangement is the best for a country with plurality of culture, language and ethnic nationalities) and create a strong arrangement which allows each of the federating units to plan its development in a way that is unique to its socio-cultural peculiarity. The question that should confront all of us as we move into the centenary celebration is: How do we make our federal system work for the benefit of the overwhelming majority of our people? This question is now more pertinent as our National Assembly is going into yet another round of constitutional review process.

    I am inclined to say that our present constitution itself is a bulwark against the emergence of a workable federal system. A constitution which in its exclusive list includes almost all items is definitely not promoting federalism. The present constitutional provisions on creation of local government areas make it impossible for more of these third tier-governments to be created while the present arrangement confers undue advantage on some states and skew the revenue sharing arrangement in favour of such states. This problem is already stoking the debate that creation of local government should be a wholly state affair and that it should be included in the residual list.

    Also, there is need to encourage fiscal federalism in our country. The revenue collection and allocation system needs to be reviewed to address the grievances of the states where revenue generation activities are concentrated. For example, states should be allowed to collect Value Added Tax on goods and services sold in their domains. Such states can then remit certain agreed percentage to the Federal Government. The present arrangement in which all mineral resources found in the states are under the control of the Federal Government does not augur well for the growth of federalism.

    In the same vein, a situation where Trunk A roads designated as federal roads and in various degrees of disrepair dot the landscape of our country will not aid development. Some of these roads have not witnessed any repair or maintenance in the past two decades. Truth is, no state government worth its salt will wait and watch while its residents suffer while using so-called federal roads. That is why in Ogun State our guiding philosophy about such federal roads located in our territory is that there are no federal residents or citizens, those citizens are localised in one state either by residence or origin. Thus, whatever intervention we have to make, we quickly do.

    Another example of the failure of our present federal arrangement becomes evident in the security situation. While governors are called chief security officers of their respective states, the Nigeria Police command structure, deployment of personnel and other operational modalities are centrally controlled by the Federal Government. Yet, state governments bear the burden of equipping the police and other security agencies as well as providing necessary financial support for their daily operations. That is why those canvassing the establishment of state police have a basis for their position. The reality on ground in the states have already forced their governments to have modified forms of state police with the various ‘Operation This and That’ being created and funded by the respective state governments.

    There are many other issues which we need to examine critically towards rejuvenating our federal system. For example, we should redirect our leadership evolutionary process so that it can be based on competition of ideas and quality of candidates, instead of where a person comes from. These are some of the basic issues that I believe we need to start discussing so as to build the much-needed consensus before 2014, the year of our centenary celebration. May God bless our great country – Nigeria.

    •Amosun, a chartered accountant, is Governor of Ogun State.

     

  • A sleeping giant at 52

    A sleeping giant at 52

    SIR: Can a man be a toddler at 52? This was the question that confronted Nigerians as the nation marked 52 years of independence on Monday. Though this is the longest run of civil rule since the enthronement of democratic rule in May 1999, many ills still bedevil the sleeping giant of Africa 13 years on.

    With an inept leadership, Nigeria, the seventh largest oil-producing nation in the world, massive corruption, insecurity, poor infrastructure, a dilapidating education and health system, have combined to leave Nigerians seeking redemption from their self-inflicted woes through several unorthodox means.

    Nigeria has seen over 30 years of military regimes and a total of 21 years of civilian administrations. And while a total of eight soldiers had ruled the country, civilian administrations had produced only six leaders. Interestingly, while the military rulers-General Aguiyi-Ironsi, Yakubu Gowon, Muritala Muhammad, Olusegun Obansanjo, Muhammad Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sanni Abacha and Abdul Salam Abubakar-were believed not have impacted much on the growth of the country, Nigerians have not ceased to bemoan the reality of their faring badly under democratic administrations. But for brief glimpses of hope demonstrated in the short-lived first republic manned mostly by nationalist figures, neither the administrations of Alhaji Shehu Shagari from 1979 to 1983, nor the eight years of Obasanjo as president brought progress and positive change to the country. The four years of President Umaru Yar’Adua was marked by its slow pace. The incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s one year plus in the saddle holds no promise of improvement, with Boko Haram in North causing untimely death to many Nigerians.

    It has been canvassed over time that the problem of the nation lies in bad leadership. With the exception of Nigeria’s first generation leaders in the class of the late Dr Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahamdu Bello and their band of independence fighters, nearly all that had subsequently held leadership positions, especially in the political realm, had been found wanting.

    There must be electoral reform in other to usher in stability in the polity. Economic development cannot be divorced from political stability. Nigerians must be allowed to choose their leaders. Nigerian leaders are being imposed on electorate. Government and National Assembly must have to partner to ensure that electoral reform works.

     

    • Ademola Orunbon

    suz.breeze@gmail.com

     

  • The leader Nigeria needs

    The leader Nigeria needs

    SIR: Fifty-two years of nationhood is a time for celebration. If for anything that the entity called Nigeria still stands, against the expectations of our detractors. Though this is a time to be merry, yet it is a time for sober reflection, a time for stock-taking, a time for introspection. We are 52, but we all know that we are nowhere close to where we should be as a nation. Many things have helped slow our progress, but the most significant is bad leadership. Nigeria has had a perennial lack of good leadership going forward.

    Our founding fathers made the sacrifices and won us independence, all along showing us the way of good leadership. But we lost the way. If Nigeria must take its rightful place in the comity of nations, then good leadership must be a cardinal aspiration.

    We must start early to sort out the wheat from the chaff. Nigerians must not be driven to vote by anything else but by what, how and when a person will deliver. A political office holder in Nigeria, with all the indices showing failure, still goes into office to complete a term, and even ready to get a second term, if not third term to “correct his mistakes”.

    Nigeria is no guinea pig for charlatans.

    Any politician who does not sit down to have an in-depth analysis of what he is going to face, and proffer solutions even beforehand is no better than the ordinary Nigerian and should not lead those who are perhaps smarter. Nigeria, like any nation is an on-going study. And only a studious and brilliant politician can succeed.

    Politicians should search themselves well before offering themselves to lead. Those with nothing to offer should steer clear, and cheer from behind. And those lucky should hit the ground running. Appointment to political offices should be solely on merit and not to please political godfathers, or any ethnic or religious interest. To a good leader, Nigeria comes first before his political party.

    In addition, manifestoes must be made clear before-hand, and not to foist any policy arbitrarily to blackmail Nigerians when the person has got into office. No matter how the issue of fuel subsidy may seem altruistic to those who understand it, President Goodluck Jonathan would not have gotten one vote if he had as much as hinted it. Any contraption has to go through a referendum. If Nigerians say no, or if Nigerians cannot be convinced or carried along, then so be it. Democracy is about the will of the people. A good leader must know that the more important constituency is his people.

    There cannot be any plausible excuse for non-performance, except ineptitude. Not even insecurity. In war times, flowers bloom and warring couples still have children. Even those that are fighting the government can be won over by good leadership.

    There are many potential great leaders with innovative ideas scattered all around Nigeria who will never get the chance to showcase it because they are not anointed by one godfather or the other or do not belong to a particular party, or affiliation and in the end the country is the loser. This is no way to achieve greatness.

    Sadly, there is hardly any sector of Nigeria that we can give a pass mark. Government in a shoddy manner allowed the former Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji to leave, and since then the little light we saw has disappeared. Just when you think the bombs have stopped exploding, they go off again, taking lives and property with them. Who can stop the killings?

    Youths, and graduates are roaming the streets in search of non available jobs, and in the absence of jobs some have resorted to all sorts of crimes. Who can change that? Nigerian roads have long remained death traps killing Nigerians along the way. Who can fix them? Many Nigerians who may have had dreams now do not believe in their country any more. Who can win them back? Only good leadership can change our fortunes.

    At 52, we must strive to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must put in power those who have been tested and trusted, irrespective of where they come from, or which party they belong. Leadership is about selflessness, compassion, passion, and vision. Till date, no Nigerian leader is iconic, as far as Africa is concerned. Nigeria deserves more.

    • Dr Cosmas Odoemena

    Lagos

     

  • The president misreads history again

    The president misreads history again

    Nobody is at liberty to interpret history anyhow. But on Sunday, President Goodluck Jonathan, in yet another of his delectable extemporaneous speeches, did just that. The occasion was the 52nd Independence Anniversary interdenominational church service in Abuja, and the theme of the service was: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal.” His interesting remarks, which were a mixture of historical lessons, political science and exegetics, took the congregation on a trip through the rebuilding of Jerusalem by the Jewish leader, Nehemiah, as recorded in the 16th book of the Bible. Nehemiah, who was probably a eunuch, occupied the privileged position of royal cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes. He was among those who superintended the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, and succeeded Zerubabel as governor of the great city.

    Only the President could tell why he was fascinated with the story of Nehemiah, especially considering that what is broken about Nigeria is not just the wall of Nigeria, that is, metaphorically speaking, nor were Nigerians ever carried away in captivity, except of course by their Nigerian rulers, again metaphorically speaking. The President knows that of all the criticisms meted out to him, the greatest is that he and his predecessors have inflicted misery and pain on the people. Anyway, the understanding is that in the general sense, the President draws a parallel between the current misery in Nigeria with the misery experienced by the returning Jewish exiles and the remnant left in the Holy City.

    But far more puzzling than the inapplicability of the Nehemiah story is his inaccurate reading of the demands human societies make on their leaders. The President had posited that he alone could not solve Nigeria’s problems. Consequently, he said, he would need the support of all Nigerians, perhaps such as Nehemiah and his fellow elders received in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. The President was right to ask for support, but he was wrong to assume one person could not change Nigeria. Let us hear the President first. According to him, “leadership at all levels is collective. One person cannot change a nation. Agreed the leader matters, but he cannot change things alone. All of us Nigerians must work together to rebuild our nation. Our men and women will change things in this country. There are so many Nehemiahs in the National Assembly, the Federal Executive Council, our judiciary, our teachers, businessmen and women and I believe God will use these Nehemiahs to rebuild the country.”

    This column will not advise Jonathan to be immodest, but it will ask him to remember the biblical story of Nebuchadnezzar who boasted, “…Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” If the President read history well, he would also remember other great leaders who changed their nations by the sheer force of their personalities and visions. Has he not heard of Vladimir Lenin, Mao Zedong, George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Marshall Tito, Genghis Khan, Suleiman the Magnificent, and Winston Churchill, among others? Has he not also heard of Askia Mohammed the Great, Mansa Musa, Samori Toure, Shaka the Zulu, Uthman dan Fodio? Changing a nation actually starts with one man; it is nothing more than superfluous to tell future generations the support such leaders received or how that support was evoked.

    The problem, it seems, is that Jonathan finds the task of “empire building” unpleasant and unbearably demanding. Since he often can’t see the wood for the trees, it is not surprising that he sees criticisms as distracting and destructive. This is why columnists like Hardball draw his ire. It is sheer escapism for Jonathan to hide behind the lack of popular support to explain his inability to proceed swiftly in “rebuilding the wall” of Nigeria. No one is interested in how he gets the people’s support. All Nigerians demand of their President is that he should quit himself like a strong man and courageously offer the visionary leadership the country deserves. How he mobilises the people is his business. If the vision he has for Nigeria burns with enough amperage within him, nobody will teach him to walk or dare alone if need be.