The Nation Newspaper

Tag: democracy

  • ‘Democracy can’t thrive without press freedom’

    ‘Democracy can’t thrive without press freedom’

    Democracy cannot thrive where there is no press freedom, United States Consul General in Nigeria, Mr F. John Bray, has said.

    According to him, the media is key to holding the government accountable and in setting public agenda.

    “We strongly believe that media freedom is vital to a thriving democracy,” he said.

    Bray, a former journalist-turned diplomat, spoke in Lagos during a two-day workshop for media practitioners.

    Its theme was: Basic tools for investigative journalism in the digital age.

    It was organised by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate and was facilitated by a Senior Investigative Analyst Jeffrey Young and Digital Managing Editor Kathleen Struck, both of the Voice of America (VOA) .

    Bray said: “As a former journalist, I understand that your work as a reporter carried a tremendous amount of responsibility.

    “As reporters, you aren’t just gathering and issuing reports. You set the public agenda by what you publish and the frequency with which you put out stories of social importance.

    “World over, journalists have used their craft to call government and corporations to account for wrongdoing, secret practices, and even corruption, often leading to reform.

    “Good journalism shapes public knowledge about key social issues. Doing this job effectively, in a fast-paced, technology-driven world requires cutting edge skills.”

    Bray, who has a Master of Science degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, said the U.S. Mission has funded training programmes for journalists on topics such as investigation, election reporting, and media ethics.

    “The US government is committed to initiatives that build media capacity in Nigeria. These workshops and US-based training opportunities such as the International Visitor Leadership Programme and other programmes demonstrate our commitment to deep partnership that we have long enjoyed with Nigeria,” he said.

    Participants, drawn from broadcast and print media organsations, were exposed to online tools that aid investigative journalism. They were taught data driven-journalism, use of social media platforms in news distribution, video editing, among others.

     

  • Osun’s gospel of parliamentary democracy

    Barring any unforeseen circumstances, local government elections will hold in Osun State on January 27, 2018. At least, 332 councillorship slots will be up for grabs in an election scheduled to be the first of its kind in the life of the Rauf Aregbesola-led administration. Not only that, it will be the first in the history of the Fourth Republic that parliamentary practice will be given a shot at the local government level.

    While some professional doubters may wish to liken Osun to an administrative jungle where laws are brazenly breached and, constitutionalism, flagrantly abused, Section 22 of the Local Government (Administration) Law Cap 72A, Vol. 4, Laws of Osun State 2002 as amended states as follows: “There shall be for each local government a chairman and a vice chairman who shall be elected by the councillors of the Local Government Council from among themselves. The chairman and vice chairman shall only be elected among the councillors of the political party that has majority seat in the Local Government Council.” So, why parliamentary system in Osun?

    By the way, what does Aregbesola stand to gain by daring to walk with clear  conviction where  even  angels dare  to  tread and what roles does has the “inchoate” problem associated with local government creation in Nigeria {ref: Supreme Court’s judgement in AG Lagos v AG Federation (2004) 20 NSCQLR 99A} got to play in all of these?

    Without doubt, the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), Area Councils and Administrative Offices in Osun was a political masterstroke by this government and Aregbesola deserves commendation for giving Osun a sense of direction and purpose. Lest we forget, ‘Ogbeni’, as he is fondly called, was a prominent member of the Bola Tinubu-led team that midwifed the LCDA system  in  Lagos State. That he is again finding a new path to rehabilitate our democracy in line with the views and position of the people clearly attests to  his valued  intelligence,  unquestionable  optimism  and  endless hope for a better Nigeria.  One can only pray other leaders would tap into the sheer force of his personality and the power of his ideas.

    Again, why the introduction of parliamentary system in Osun and where do we go for succour, in case our cherished system becomes captivated by the culture of corruption and inefficient management system usually associated with our Nigerianness?

    By design, parliamentary democracy is meant to encourage quicker legislative action, primarily because the executive branch is a product of the support of the legislative branch which in turn “includes members of the legislature.” In an environment like ours where ethnic, racial, even religious and ideological animosity has been elevated into statecraft, parliamentary practice serves as an effective instrument for direct political participation and even distribution of power. Also, the likelihood of a drastic drop in the rush for; and friction at the centre under parliamentary practice is high. And, apart from its ability to carry along with it a spectacular increase in political activities across the state, Aregbesola’s innovative revolution is most likely to generate robust discussions on the way forward for a democratic Nigeria.

    Quite clearly, it is because we have failed to test our laws that dysfunctional political system has become commonplace scandal in Nigeria. Contrary to projections, parliamentary system runs the risk of becoming a mere fig leaf by which Nigerians seek good governance and socio-economic liberation unless the fine issues of its cumulative impact are clearly defined. In any case, this is where the involvement of critical stakeholders like the youth, traditional institutions and civil society groups in exploring all the opportunities that an election of this nature and timing presents comes in. Church and state must also collaborate in the overall interest of the electorate, exploring the strengths and inspirations that the exercise will be throwing open. Essentially, political parties must read the signs right by going into the contest with their best, votes-worthy candidates.

    Walter Bagehot famously describes ability to do “what the people say you cannot do” as “the greatest pleasure in life.”  Like a field of driven snow, Osun governorship election is less than a year away! Agreed! No two elections are the same. However, the tragedy of victory is that success at the January 2018 poll may not necessarily translate into victory on September 22, 2018 unless some purposeful political reengineering is done where necessary. On the other hand, the fact that All Progressives Congress (APC) got it wrong on July 8, does not mean that all hope is lost for the party. All the more reason the Aregbesola-led administration must pray towards turning the counsel of the Ahithophels to nought! Truth  be told:  Nigerians are hungry and their quality of life has become so unimpressive that, should the opportunity present itself again, one is not in doubt of President Muhammadu Buhari’s recalibrating  the illusion of ‘belonging to  nobody’ and “everybody”. Sad therefore that Osun is being treated as a case in isolation!

    At a time like this, clarifying extant confusions troubling Nigeria’s Israel may tend to suffer from conceptual impressions. Petty quarrels among brothers also have the capacity to snowball into politically-motivated eruptions of cataclysmic proportions if not accorded the honour of fragility it deserves. To this end, necessary steps must be taken to urgently address all ideological disputations that may want to pitch APC members in the tents of Us versus Us. Most importantly, the salary dislocation which has so far proved to be no respecter of party, racial or gender affiliations must be  courageously confronted in a way that will  ultimately  leave  all parties convinced that the country’s present pass truly has an expiry date.

    Let me by way of conclusion state that, on a good day, an election of this shape and size should afford members of the ruling party a rare opportunity of closing ranks for the purpose of retaining the state for the party in 2018. The hope is that events as they happened in Edo State on September 28, 2016 and Ondo State on November 26, 2016 would provide lessons sufficient enough for the ruling party to deactivate opposition’s fantasy that it is the party of choice in Osun.

     

    • Komolafe  writes from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.
  • Nigeria and NADECO’s absurd mouthing

    Nigeria and NADECO’s absurd mouthing

    Democracy in Nigeria is a precious gift to every Nigerian. That it has survived uninterrupted for over 17 years, since its return in 1999 is a big plus to the active players of the game and every other Nigerian. It is more a plus and applause to the Nigerian military under the current leadership for their absolute subordination to civil authority and faith in democracy.

    It is an apt expression of the determination of all stakeholders to uphold and defend democracy. Unarguably, democracy cannot flourish in an atmosphere of anarchy, violence and like vices. That it has survived this long is a mystery to die-hard rubble rousers and spoilers, who have become sleepless.

    The manifested angst now stems from the unexpected sustenance of democracy. So, they have risen to speak in negative tongues against the democratic leadership. And dreading shadows of their own demonic spirits, they hide under some funny excuses to attempt punching of this fledgling democracy.

    These are the same characters, who have etched their shadows as Nigerians uninterested in nurturing this democracy to attain full maturity. They masquerade variously to derail it. They have tried to wrestle it to the ground to no avail. Now new tricks are invented, which at best assault the sensibilities of the people. The perpetual power elite, the political gangs, the venomous cabals and the betrayals of democracy ethos have stepped up relevance from the absurd angle.

    Nigerians however know them as those who willfully thwart the electoral process, by deploying assorted devices against the civic expression of the masses; they abuse the vote; they frustrate accountability and transparency in public governance; they are the same Nigerians who sponsor assorted violence and crimes against the Nigerian state. They have foreign collaborators who pay them handsomely to ensure Nigeria knows no peace.

    The agitations, the restiveness’ in some parts of the country, the weird crimes, the terrorists’ atrocities and the militancy everywhere are all traceable to their satanic shadows. But in public, they pretend some saintliness and sound sanctimonious about national interest and defence of democracy.

    When the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) under President Muhammedu Buhari deflates these evil forces from crippling and crumbling Nigeria further, fresh groups reactivate to wage more wars. So, the National Democratic Coalition ( NADECO ), the pro-democracy activists of yester-years have sauntered on stage.

    Democracy is excited by divergent views, quite alright. But when such views are lubricated by malice, propelled by a mindset immersed in the desperation to be heard, more than the reason or crux the messages embody, it becomes a near intractable problem.

    The remnants of NADECO members met recently in Lagos and issued a widely publicized statement. Having been on sabbatical leave for a long time, news from the group ignited instant interest from the public. But perusing through it over and over again, the contents infinitely mocked the grandeur ideals of the founding fathers.

    Disappointingly, NADECO members are pleading the understanding of Nigerians to rejig the narrative of Nigerian military’s intervention in internal insurrections’ and the very destructive acts of terrorism which manacled Nigeria. NADECO was piqued and prophesied that the selfless and thankless job of taming these terrorists acts, and violent crimes, the Nigerian military has devoted time, energy and lives is signpost to the return of dictatorship.

    This is absolute gibberish! They can howl and scuff, but cannot convince any sane mind, simply by twisting facts, especially from Nigerians the military intervention has brought respite and peace.

    And singing the familiar song of revert to true federalism, which the likes of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar keeps singing  and someone,   suspected to have sponsored the resurrection of NADECO, it thought an impression has been ingrained on the psyche of Nigerians. Atiku feels his only and most worthwhile political asset is to preach restructuring to Southern Nigeria, as he restlessly eyes the Presidency of Nigeria in 2019 and beyond.

    It is bemusing what NADECO intends to imply by the assertion “Nigeria is back to dictatorship.” That, soldiers Operation Python Dance II in the Southeast has invaded communities, tortured civilians and scared the people and so, it is unconstitutional abuses logic. The explanation is as shallow as it sounds. Operation Python Dance II cannot be unconstitutional by such infantile reasoning. Soldiers on lawful deployment cannot be acting unlawfully by any stretch of imagination.

    But NADECO’s “conscionable” voice drained into the Ocean or  the Lagoon, when the Nnamdi Kanu’s  led Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) trampled on the rights and freedom of every Nigerian, most especially, Southeasterners’. When Kanu established a Biafran state, within Nigerian sovereignty, it was not NADECO’s business. When it formed security organizations’, which it armed and deployed to terrorizing law abiding citizens and security agents, NADECO’s wisdom never decoded it as threat to democracy and its liberties to the citizenry.

    To polish an obvious lie, NADECO faulted the FGN’s declaration of IPOB a terrorists organization, arguing lamely and insisting government has gone against the order of a Federal High Court. Did the court order restraining the FGN from declaring IPOB a terrorists organization came before the deviant and abrasive group was formally declared a terrorists sect by a Federal High Court in Abuja?

    If IPOB was ever dissatisfied with the verdict, does it not amount to abuse of court procedure for IPOB to approach a court of concurrent jurisdiction seeking to vacate a subsisting court verdict, instead of a higher court? This is the blind argument NADECO has condescended into endorsing in public domain. Are the grey hairs in NADECO members so ignorant to the extent of knowing that laws of Nigeria permits the President to invoke his execute powers to certain limits, when internal security is threatened, without recourse to the National Assembly (NASS)?

    Thoroughly washing itself in shamefulness, NADECO morphed into soothsayers by predicting the deployment of soldiers to the other two regions in Southern Nigeria. Some Nigerians you expect should exude honour are most times, prodded by the wrong instincts.  Actions of government are official. It is not a backyard discussion or a tete-a-tete with an “Iyabo” in the kitchen.

    So, utterances’ on government should not just hang in the air, but be based on incontrovertible facts, as against presumptions or anticipatory actions. It is quite strange that NADECO is arguing against deployment of soldiers in the Southeast in sympathy with Governors of the eastern states and at the same time, dubiously preferring to forget that the same Governors under the umbrella of Southeast Governors Forum (SGF), directly under the furnace of IPOB members, proscribed IPOB. The reasons for reaching such extreme conclusions cannot be diminished by NADECO’s stale blackmail of the FGN and the Nigerian military.

    Restructuring or true federalism sermons are not strange to Nigeria. Like President Buhari echoed sometime back, every region of Nigeria is capable of sustaining itself. That’s the extent God has blessed Nigeria. The resources are everywhere. But campaigners of true federalism usually prefer not to reflect on reasons Nigeria is astoundingly backward after 57 years of independence.

    Former President and elder statesman of international repute, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ) is insistent that restructuring is not the answer to Nigeria’s present travails. He was emphatic that the canvassers of restructuring should first, “restructure” their minds. Mindless plundering of national resources by the political elite has left the country, a giant on bended kneels.

    Those irked that President Buhari has abated the pleasurable rape of Nigeria, sound loudest about restructuring, so that they can keep squeezing the juice out of states where they have imposed themselves as mini-lords and demigods. But every nation strives to forge ahead, with new ideals and actions. If all NADECO members and the likes of Atiku can propose after their resurrection is a return to the 1963 Constitution only exposes their wretchedness in ideology. It implies that they are barren of ideas, lost track of the dynamics of the world and seek, albeit questionably to again sink Nigeria into the dark ages.

    NADECO and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar are free to nurse dreams. The problem however is the intention to sacrifice the Nigerian military on the podium of political greed and interests. Nigerian military has demonstrated in the last two years that they are not just guardians’ of Nigerian democracy , but more interested in laying the template to ensure democratic institutions thrive and blossom to unimaginable levels.

    President Buhari’s choice of the present clan of the hierarchy of the Nigerian military was not carelessly selected. It explains why the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has not only preached this sermon, but acted it in virtually all parts of Nigeria and excelling in every assignment with dignity. If world leaders take turns to salute their courage and resilience in demystifying and defeating Boko Harm terrorists in Nigeria, no amount of envy can obviate this acclaim.

    NADECO’s eyes are still dusty from the years of residence in the graveyard and cannot see beyond the veneer. Its belated bile campaigns against Nigerian military cannot fly and holding tenaciously to archaic ideas and using the military as a springboard is just in the middle of nowhere. If NADECO and its apostates are too haughty to appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian military in curbing acts of terrorism in Nigeria, it shall do its image some good by remaining silent.

    Okanga, a traditional warrior writes from Agila, Benue State.‎

  • ‘Media should defend democracy’

    ‘Media should defend democracy’

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has urged the media to be mindful of the  information they send to the public to safeguard peace, security and democracy.

    He gave the advice in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, at the executive session of the 13th annual All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC).

    The 13th ANEC organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has as its theme: ‘Nigerian Media: Balancing Professionalism, Advocacy and Business.’

    Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, the governor counseled the media to embrace responsible reportage and developmental journalism as their watchword.

    He said: “The media can be very destructive when wrongly used, especially for political vendetta or mischief by the opposition or crisis merchants.”

    The governor noted that the country was passing through serious security threats, noting that journalists have a duty to contribute in dousing the tensions.

    He said: “Journalists should use their pens to safeguard peace, security and democratic governance rather than being used to fan the embers of hate and fueling the fragile peace by what they write.”

    Lalong added: “In this era of global terrorism and insurgency, marauding herdsmen, ethnic militia and a viral Hurricane Maria-like social media, where killings, hate-speech and fake news take centre stage, with uncensored news flying at the speed of light, I urge the Nigerian Guild of Editors to urgently take deliberate steps to curb unbridled media impunity by sanctioning culprits, considering the dangerous implications of such unprofessional acts on the nation’s democracy, peace and security architecture.

    According to him, “imbalance, inaccurate, inadequate or fake information, couched in hate or hatred can before, during or after a conflict, make people desperate, restless and easy to manipulate, thereby culminating in crisis of inadvertent, incalculable and unimaginable monumental proportions.

  • ‘Media should defend democracy’

    ‘Media should defend democracy’

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong has urged the media to be mindful of the  information they send to the public to safeguard peace, security and democracy.

    He gave the advice in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, at the executive session of the 13th annual All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC).

    The 13th ANEC organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), which held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has as its theme: ‘Nigerian Media: Balancing Professionalism, Advocacy and Business.’

    Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mark Longyen, the governor counseled the media to embrace responsible reportage and developmental journalism as their watchword.

    He said: “The media can be very destructive when wrongly used, especially for political vendetta or mischief by the opposition or crisis merchants.”

    The governor noted that the country was passing through serious security threats, noting that journalists have a duty to contribute in dousing the tensions.

    He said: “Journalists should use their pens to safeguard peace, security and democratic governance rather than being used to fan the embers of hate and fueling the fragile peace by what they write.”

    Lalong added: “In this era of global terrorism and insurgency, marauding herdsmen, ethnic militia and a viral Hurricane Maria-like social media, where killings, hate-speech and fake news take centre stage, with uncensored news flying at the speed of light, I urge the Nigerian Guild of Editors to urgently take deliberate steps to curb unbridled media impunity by sanctioning culprits, considering the dangerous implications of such unprofessional acts on the nation’s democracy, peace and security architecture.

    According to him, “imbalance, inaccurate, inadequate or fake information, couched in hate or hatred can before, during or after a conflict, make people desperate, restless and easy to manipulate, thereby culminating in crisis of inadvertent, incalculable and unimaginable monumental proportions.

     

  • Dickson advises media to sustain democracy

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson says the media has critical roles to play in the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

    He spoke in his goodwill message at the opening of the 13th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday.

    Represented on the occasion by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jonathan Obuebite, the governor described the media as a critical stakeholder in nurturing the nation’s nascent democracy.

     The media, according to him, has the responsibility of calling on the government in power and the citizens to abide by the tenets of democracy, adding that this is the only way the nation’s democracy can thrive.

    According to him, we must put aside our religion, tribal and political differences and work, move together as one to build a virile society.

    ‘’I also want to re-emphasise the importance of the media in moving our democracy forward by stating that you must perform your duty of always watching what the government in power, and of course all tiers of government, are doing to move democracy forward. Our country is indeed in need of your contribution.’’

    Speaking on the clamour for restructuring, the governor said Nigeria is negotiable.

    He submitted that it is only when we negotiate our collective existence, that we can forge ahead as a true formidable nation where there will be love, peace and unity.

    ‘’For us from the Niger Delta and, of course Bayelsa State, that is the sustenance of our democracy where resources are got to move this country forward. We want to believe that it is only when we listen to the call of the minority, to the call of Bayelsans, and restructure this country and allow true federalism to thrive, that Nigeria will indeed move forward as a nation. I also want to underscore the fact that we believe in one Nigeria.’’

  • NGE, media and democracy

    It is often said that everyone is a leader until tried. Either correct or incorrect, events over the years have proved that the ability to lead, perhaps, a group, corporation or country, is not actually what matters, but the ability to act decisively and take the right steps in moments of challenges, whether  such decision hurts or not.

    Unfortunately, this is the most critical part, and not many have acquainted themselves creditably in this regard. This apparently explains why fingers are steadily pointed at leaders for failures in groups, professions and country, as the case may be.

    While nearly all professions – banking, journalism, medical or legal – and, society or country – whether developed or underdeveloped, have their low moments, what, however, distinguishes a profession or  a country on the right path, perhaps, is consistent self- rediscovery.

    The Nigerian media industry is currently in a bad shape; inability to pay staff salaries, low copy sales, crippling sycophancy, massive shutdown, poor welfare packages, among others have become the new normal. Yet challenging, as that might be, the input of the media in effective performance of any government or society is crucial. Put simply, the media plays strategic roles towards initiating, as well as, ensuring that there are some levels of sanity in the way the political class conduct itself.

    From ages past, the media, though incapable of throwing physical punches or making deadly and bloody impacts in governments, military or civil, in peace or trial times has, in many innumerable ways, toppled governments or changed the way government businesses are conducted by agenda-setting and critical analysis of government policies. More often than not, where the people feel helpless and failed in monitoring the government of the day, the media has always stepped up and helped in looking over its shoulder to ensure it is constantly on its toes and working in the interest of the larger majority and good of nation. That is how powerful the media is, and has been, and reason its place is sacred and enshrined in country’s statutes as the fourth estate of the realm.

    Interestingly, however, while a whole lot is changing in the world today, the media roles have remained constant, though methodologies have widened to include the steadily evolving social media force in addition to the traditional print media electronics. Today, away from being glued  to television screens or flipping through the pages of newspaper, internet based social communication networks such as Facebook, Instagram, twitter, Imo, WhatsApp and others, have since caught the fire, extracting information from a whole gamut of sources around the world and placing same on the world village table.

    No doubt, the advent of the social media has brought with it so much to chew in terms of way and manner information is sourced, and the measure of the value placed on media practitioners. In the last few years, so much has happened in the Nigerian media and, still, almost at the same time that it becomes a huge challenge trying to understand these developments without touching on their negative effects on society. From issues bothering on professionalism to unpaid salaries often running into several months and years; from poor working conditions to lack of training and re-training opportunities; from the near absence of visionary leadership in the newsroom to poor remuneration; from unlawful dismissal of members of staff to compromise of standards, the list goes on and on. But the  worst of all, is the increasing cases of media houses fuelling mediocrity in an attempt to reduce costs, and ultimately reducing the journalists to mere errand boys  and this has seemingly condemned them to survivalist sycophancies, like it or not.

    These, though largely economic, sum up journalism practice in Nigeria. But as always, rather than simply raining as they say, it once more poured hopelessly when recently, a major newspaper, a flagship media organisation, added salt to injury to an already beleaguered industry. The newspaper, seemingly following in the footsteps of other media houses whose relationship with members of staff had gone unchecked by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the umbrella body of all journalists, unilaterally disengaged its chunk of correspondents across the states.

    Typical of giving a hopeless situation a quick makeover, the newspaper offered those willing to continue reporting without serious obligations and commitment to it, the chance of freelancing. Interestingly, only a few years ago, journalists, most of whom had been with the company for years, were laid off in a similar shock. A circumstance that was followed by a lockdown with staff over what they considered the company’s warped labour policy.

    But it is not only the newspaper state correspondents that are going through the terrible state; many journalists today are in court over unpaid salaries and unfair dismissal – two recurring issues that have been consistent with the Nigerian media recently. This explains why it has become expedient to set an agenda, especially for Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) members peopled by editors as they look forward to a seminar focusing on balancing professionalism, advocacy and business, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State this week.

    One recalls that the birth of the NGE was lavishly celebrated in the belief that though it is an exclusive club of editors, the group would fill the apparent void left by NUJ as news room leaders, who, more than anything else, are primarily journalists. Today, years on, it remains to be seen how well the NGE has been able to give leadership direction in the Nigerian media beyond high profile meetings with politicians and government officials. But this seminar will potentially provide a moment for sober reflection on the crisis rocking the industry with a view to advancing effective ways through which its glory will be restored, particularly in areas such as minimum capital investment timeline, operational guidelines and enforcement procedures, minimum standard remuneration for journalists, monitoring, among others, so as to arrest the increasing cases of journalists being at the receiving end of the stick, perpetually.

    While it is understandable that a combination of the current economic crunch and the wild-fire influence of the new media have impacted heavily on the traditional media, it has become paramount as it is critical, for the purpose of rescuing the industry from imminent extinction, to dissect, as well as, review the causes of and solutions to the growing slave camps most media companies are fast becoming. But more than anything else, to salvage the speedily fading influence and dignity of the Nigerian journalist.

  • We’ll ensure dividend of democracy is evenly distributed, says Ambode

    We’ll ensure dividend of democracy is evenly distributed, says Ambode

    Governor celebrates Eid-El-Kabir with Ibeju Lekki community

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday joined Muslims  to celebrate the 2017 Eid-El-Kabir festival, pledgeing to ensure that the dividend of good governance is evenly  distributed.

    Speaking at Iberekodo Primary School in Ibeju Lekki, one of the 20 centres designated by the government to mark the festival, Ambode reiterated that no part of the state will be left behind in the scheme of things. He urged residents to continue to play their parts to bring about the desired transformation.

    He rejoiced with Muslims  in the state, the celebration ssaying at significed the triumph of faith and the assurance that Almighty Allah will always open a way for those who have absolute trust in his grace.

    “This is a day of sacrifice to commemorate Prophet Ibrahim’s faith in Allah. In this celebration, there is great lesson for all of us especially as we strive to achieve the Lagos of our collective dream.

    “We must remain hopeful and keep faith in the absolute power of Allah to turn our aspirations into reality. It is, however, very important for all of us to play our own part just as Prophet Ibrahim did,” Ambode said.

    The governor assured residents of  his commitment to their welfare irrespective of tribe, colour or creed.

    Explaining the rationale behind the simultaneous celebration of the festival across 20 centres in the state, Ambode said before now, residents flock the Lagos House to celebrate with the first family during any festive period, thereby subjecting them to travel long distance, but that the new method would ensure everyone is catered for as part of the commitment of his administration ensure inclusiveness.

    “Let me again use this opportunity to reassure all residents that we remain committed to the welfare and well being of all citizens irrespective of their location within the state without prejudice to ethnic, religious and socio economic background.

    “We will ensure that the dividend of good governance is evenly and fairly distributed in line with our pledge not to leave any part of the state behind,” he said.

    Besides, Ambode thanked Lagosians for showing absolute faith in the ability of the current administration to continue to deliver on the electoral mandate as demonstrated by the overwhelming vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the recent local government election in the state.

    Speaking with journalists, Ambode urged Nigerians to continue to spread love and uphold religious tolerance for the progress of the country.

    He said: “The whole essence of this celebration is to share love and to also touch people who are in need. We must continue to spread love and preach love. With religious tolerance, Nigeria will be better.

  • ‘Strong institutions to enhance democracy’

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called for strong institutions to protect Nigeria’s integrity.

    He spoke as a panellist at the Special Session for Governors during the Annual General Conference of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA-AGC) in Lagos.

    Wike, who was represented by his Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Emmanuel Aguma, said internal democracy within parties will strengthen and deepen democracy.

    He noted that the Judiciary, from the military era, always stood up as an independent arm, portraying a model of what qualifies as strong institution.

    Wike urged stakeholders, irrespective of party affiliation, to deal with insecurity in Nigeria.

    He noted that although governors were in reality chief logistics officers, rather than chief security officers, security in Rivers in the last two years had improved, as reflected by the report of National Bureau of Statistics.

    On how Rivers strengthened institutions and raise Internally Generated Revenue, Wike said after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, the appointment of a chief judge and the opening of courts earlier shutdown by his predecessor, in addition to the smooth transition in the  judiciary and its financial autonomy, stabilised the judiciary and gave litigants access to justice, and by so doing uphold the fabric of society.

    He informed participants, among who is the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, that the building of the National Industrial Court, Federal High Court and the renovation of the Court of Appeal by Rivers was to position the state as a regional litigation hub so those who live and do business in the state could be assured of justice and speedy resolutions of disputes.

    In addition, he said gains recorded in security brought back businesses that left, with the entry of new businesses.

    The event was attended by lawyers and was moderated by Kole A. Shettima, director of the Africa Office of the MacArthur Foundation.

    Other panellists were Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

    1. B. Mahmud, president of NBA, commended the panellists for their contributions on institution building and noted that it is necessary for nation building.

  • Is democracy overrated?

    SIR: Democracy  is  said  to be  the  best  system  of  government  that  any country can practice. It is the most, if not the only widely endorsed system of government. The United Nations emphasizes it’s supremacy over all other system of government. The countries of the western world readily spread its tenets at the slightest opportunity. It is not surprising that even nations of the third world are struggling very hard to build democratic systems similar to what is obtainable in many developed nations.

    Across the globe, it seems to be democracy or nothing else. Try an alternative and almost all the rest of the world will turn against you. According to ex-U.S President Barack Obama, Africa does not need strong men but strong institutions. This simply put, is an emphasis on the need for African states to embrace democracy.

    However, not withstanding how perfect democratic system has been said to be, the problem is that, while it appears to be functioning well in some nations particularly the first world nations, others seem to be struggling tooth and nail to keep the system alive and yielding.

    For instance considering the strong willed nature and stubbornness of people in the Middle East, it seems reasonable that a more iron-fisted regime would flourish better in such areas. The success of Gaddafi’s regime in Libya, and the aftermath of his forceful external fuelled dismissal, exemplifies this.

    Well to me, it does not seem to matter the system of government a nation state adopts, as long as to a reasonable extent, it brings about economic-development, social stability, security and all what nations desires. Historically, it has been shown that many prosperous kingdoms practised systems that were far from democracy.

    The authoritarian regime of Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore saw him assume power in a nation divided and in mess. In his 31 years in office, Lee transformed his country into one of the most prosperous societies, a major business and transportation hub boasting of a per capita GDP of $55,000. Contrary to what most would think of an authoritarian government, under Lee, Singapore became one of the most transparent countries in the world. In fact, Lee was so strict with corruption that one of his cabinet members accused of corruption committed suicide to avoid Lee’s wrath.

    Gaddafi was painted as a cruel, corrupt and ruthless tyrant for the world to see. He was referred to by Ronald Reagan as the mad-dog of the Middle East. But what they wouldn’t tell you is that, Gaddafi’s 41 years authoritarian rule arguably, witnessed more development than any democratic regime in Africa. Then in Libya, owning a home was considered a fundamental human right of all persons. Education and medical treatment were free, a citizen that ventured into farming was given free land, house, livestock and seed. Then, Gaddafi carried out the largest irrigation system in the world to provide water for all citizens. Bursaries of about $5000 were given to all new mothers and fresh graduates. Electricity was free for all, and Libya had zero foreign debt. All these, from an evil system of government as many would claim.

    The truth is that some things just have territorial limitation, no matter how hard we try to make it global. At times, what is good for the goose might not be good for the gander. Therefore nation-states must seek a political system that best works for them, irrespective of global trends.

    Contrary to the general perception of other forms of government outside democracy, they are working in some nations. And if they are working in some nations, while democracy is failing in others, then, maybe democracy is truly overrated.

     

    • Olotupa-Adetona Ayowole.,

    Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.