The Nation Newspaper

Tag: discipline

  • Political parties, discipline and change 

    It  is interesting  indeed  that the President  of the Nigerian  senate  and some senators  have reportedly  attended in  the  US,  the  inauguration of  the   Strategy  for Africa session of the American  government. It  is a commendable  step in that it shows that  outside Aso  Rock  housing the  executive arm of government in Nigeria, the legislature too is very much interested  in Nigeria’s relations  with the leading democracy  in the world led  at this momentous  period  by  the leading catalyst  for disruptive  change in the world, US President  Donald Trump.

    Britain    also  weathered     the momentum  of change  this week as  the  British  PM  Theresa May  survived a No  Confidence  vote  of her party, the  Conservative  Party after  she had   wisely   postponed,  at the last  minute,  the  promised vote on Brexit  which she would predictably  have lost roundly  thereby   effectively  removing her  from office as PM . In   Germany  too  the wind    of  change  has literally  blown Chancellor Angela Merkel   aside  as she  has  been replaced  as her Party  leader by  another  lady who  is more  conservative  than  her  at least on the issue  of   same sex marriage  which  the new leader  has  outspokenly   said, on record, should be between a man  and a woman.

    Anyway,   it   is becoming apparent  in world  politics   today  that political  parties have  become  more dynamic in reacting to  socio political  changes  than ever  before. Since  Donald  Trump  emerged  as a political  neophyte  in the 2016  US presidential  elections in spite of   a   lack   of  support of  the  political  party leadership   of his  Republican  Party,   the  world  has not been  the same again . But  since Trump  got  to the White  House  his party  has  rallied  round  him.  Indeed  both           faith   and   party   loyalty      for him have  been    tested  especially  at the Senate  not  the least  by  the rancorous  Judge Kavernaugh Supreme  court  confirmation  hearings,    where the  Republican  Party  displayed  solid  party  solidarity and unflinching party  discipline  to  get  a narrow political  verdict  that reflected Republican  values  and virtues . It  is in that  light that  one can look at    the  visit  of  the Nigerian senators to the US to  watch  the launch of the US Africa  Strategy,  especially  with  the kind  of  bag  and baggage   the Nigerian  senators carried to the US in  terms  of party  discipline  and political  changes  taking place  in the Nigerian  political  establishment  and environment.

    Let  me confess  that  I have always thought  that  the problems of the Nigerian  political  system  stemmed   from our  abandonment of   parliamentary  system  of  government  handed down  to  us  by  Britain, our colonial  master  and the adoption of the  expensive  Presidential  system of  governance  under  a  military  government. The  debate  on Brexit in the British  Parliament that  I  watched  this  week  has certainly  changed all that. While  I was impressed  by  the quality of argument  for  a hard, soft,  bitter  or  no deal  Brexit   I was appalled     by  the  way  and  manner  that the  opposition MPs  and  the dissident Tories attacked  the deal  on the  floor of the House leading to an  MP  seizing  the mace on one occasion  before   it was  returned by another MP. Of  course  the Speaker  was helpless  and speechless momentarily,  before thanking the MP who  brought the mace back  and reprimanding the  naughty   MP.  Even  the venom in the Opposition leader  Jeremy  Corbyn’s speeches at  the debate showed  a fierce opposition to  the PM’s Brexit  Deal  that  was almost  a personal  attack.  British   Parliamentary   democracy   as    I was  taught  is    based  on the majority  having its way  while  the while   the minority    must    have  its say. The   Labor  Party  at  that  debate  was   not  only contented    with  having   its  say ,   expected   of the opposition   or minority, the  party   leader   wanted to bring down  the PM on the   Brexit   Parliamentary  debate     He  confirmed  his   anarchistic    disposition  by  calling the postponement of the vote  on Brexit   as  unacceptable  as  if  it  was illegal  when  it  was just  a survival  political   strategy   cleverly   executed  by the   embattled  PM.

    However the  only  silver  lining in the Brexit   debate  in  Parliament was  the persistence  and doggedness  of the British  PM in sticking to her guns  throughout  and not  losing composure  inspite of  taunts and provocative  jabs  at  her Brexit  deal  even  from   her  party  . On  that account  she  can  be tagged the’ Iron Lady ‘  like Margaret Thatcher  was once  admirably  described  and as  the German  Chancellor Angela  Merkel  was called  before  she allowed a floodgate of over a million migrants fleeing  war in the  Middle  East  into Germany in 2015. This  earned  Angela  Merkel  the eternal  enmity  of  both  conservatives in   her Christian  party  and opposition and coalition   partners  alike.  Even  though  Theresa  May  survived  the No  Confidence  vote  she  has offered not to present herself  for  any leadership role of her  party  in the next  election. But  she has shown  clearly   that  even  when party  discipline breaks  down,  a leader  must  be firm  and rally  the party  around  the decision  of  the electorate  thereby    guaranteeing  the integrity  of the electoral  process and democracy . Which  really  was   why  she has stood  so  firmly  and boldly against another    referendum  after  the British  people  have voted  to leave the EU  . In  the end  I think  history  and indeed  posterity  will  not  judge  her  very  harshly  as her opponents have  breezily   and   so  contemptuously  alleged.

    On  the visit  of the  Nigerian  Senate  President  to the US  it  is apparent  that the visit is a  window  dressing to  show  the US that  the Nigerian  senate  is up  and doing in terms of its legislative responsibilities  and  law  making. But  the senate  should be doing more  to promote a politics of principle  that  value  party  discipline  more  than habitual  defections which is the vogue nowadays.  That  is why  as at last  count it   was   difficult, according to observers  to know which  has  a majority  between  the two    leading parties in the  Nigerian  senate.  More awkwardly   the US embassy  in  Lagos    may  be asked  by  the State Department in Washington  to  confirm  the present parties  of  the visiting   senators  and  to  ensure  that  defections  did  not take place enroute  to  the Africa  Strategy  launch  of the Trump  Administration.  One   thing is very  clear   however   on the American  Africa Strategy. This   is that   US President   Donald  Trump    will  not interfere in African  affairs  like his predecessors.  This  is because     he said  at  the UN  General  Assembly  this year that if other  nations including  African  nations  put their nations first  like his America First  policy  then  there  would  be no  need to go cap in hand  begging for aid  from other  nations.  Which  is another way  of a developing nations to put their  houses in order in terms of  leadership,  morals and accountability. More  importantly   US Africa Strategy  under Trump  will  definitely  not  ask other  nations  especially  African nations like Nigeria who  have anti  gay  laws  to repeal  such laws if they want American economic aid,  like the  Obama  Administration  did,   ever   so  disrespectfully, during his  tenure.  Once  again  long live the  Federal  Republic  of  Nigeria.

  • Sanusi advises Flying Eagles on discipline, dedication

    General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi has challenged players of the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles to imbibe the virtues of discipline, dedication and commitment as they prepare for the upcoming WAFU U-20 Tournament in Lome and the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in the Niger Republic.

    Speaking when he visited the team at training in Abuja on Saturday morning, the NFF scribe also urged the players to be humble at all times in order to drink from the fountain of knowledge and wisdom of their coaches.

    “Discipline and dedication are very important values in whatever we do in life. For those of us who came from the academia, we know that the certificate that you are given on graduation tells you that you have been found worthy in character and in learning. It is not only learning that gets you the certificate.

    “Character is key in whatever we do, and character is developed through your discipline, dedication and commitment to the cause you have chosen. The founding father of modern Olympics, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, stated that the most important thing about the Olympics is not in winning, but in participating.”

    Sanusi charged the players to heed the words and teaching of their coaches and to eschew social vices as they seek an ethical route to fame and fortune.

    “As a teacher, a licensed coach and an administrator, I care more about your character more than your output on the field.

    At the end of the day, the player with good character is always very different and lasts much longer than the one that lacks good character. Be humble, disciplined and dedicated, and you would be surprised how easy you overcome all the hurdles before you.”

    The Flying Eagles, seven-time African champions are presently shaping up for the WAFU U-20 Cup Tournament taking place in Lome, Togo 6th – 16th December – a preparatory competition for the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations coming up in the Niger Republic 2nd – 17th February 2019.

  • PDP Chairmanship race: Discipline, integrity stands Adeniran out says Ciroma

    In what is unmistakably a huge  endorsement of the PDP chairmanship ambition of Prof. Tunde Adeniran, a founding  member of the Peoples Democratic Party  and elder statesman, Mallam Adamu  Ciroma has  described the former Minister of  Education as a man that can be trusted, judging by his pedigree, track-record of discipline, integrity and loyalty  to the  course of the party and Nigeria at  large.

    Speaking over the weekend when the  Adeniran’s campaign train paid him a  courtesy visit in his Abuja’s residence, Mallam Ciroma extolled Adeniran’s  leadership qualities, saying he had  followed with  keen interest the aspirant’s career  since his days as a lecturer at the University of Ibadan and also when he  served as Secretary of the Mass  Mobilisation for Self Reliance, Social  Justice and Economic Recovery  (MAMSER) era.

    In press release issued by the Director of Media and Publicity of the Tunde Adeniran Campaign Organisation (TACO), Taiwo Akeju, the former Governor of the  Central Bank of Nigeria was quoted to  have said: “I am happy to receive you  all in my house this afternoon. It is a privilege also for me to see all  these great Nigerians like Prof. Jerry Gana, former deputy Senate  President, Ibrahim Mantu, former  Ministers (Fidelia) Njeze, (Zainab) Maina,  (Tom Aguiyi) Ironsi, Senator UgochukwuUba,  the Director-General of  the campaign, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, and arrays of former  Senators, members of the House of Representatives and state assemblies,  commissioners and advisers from the various geo-political zones coming  together to work for a common goal of rescuing our great party after the 2015  electoral defeat. With what I see today, it is very clear that the dream  of the founding fathers of the PDP  is very much alive and that means there  is hope for our party and Nigeria  as a whole.”

    On the need to promote the unity and oneness of Nigeria, Mallam Ciroma charged  Prof. Adeniran and his team to remember  that the dream of Nigeria’s  founding fathers, which is built on the  principle of unity in diversity,  were the core values and principles on  which the PDP was formed. The elders statesman therefore urged all Nigerians to continue to promote the unity  and progress of the country in every  position they might find themselves. In  his words, “it is because we  see ourselves as one nation that gave me the  opportunity to obtain my degree at the  University of Ibadan. Today I do not  see myself as only a Hausa man. I see  myself as a Yoruba man, based on the  relationships that I built while in the university,” he said.

    Earlier, Prof. Gana had extolled the  leadership qualities of Prof. Adeniran. According to him, “when the time to contest for the party chairmanship came, many  of the leaders of the party, including all of us here carried out a detailed  study of the kind of  leadership the PDP needs at this  material time. We went round the country  to ask questions from the people so  that we can avoid the mistake of the  past. The result of the exercise shows  that the PDP needs a transparent,  disciplined, dedicated, experienced and  loyal leader. Also integrity was  considered. It was at this point that  we all came to the conclusion that for the party to regain her place in  Nigeria political space, Prof.  Adeniran is the man that possesses all the qualities that were listed.

    Therefore, we are here today to present the most favoured, qualified and trusted candidate for the job of the chairman of our great party to you for your blessing,” he said.

    It was all encomiums and praises for  Prof. Adeniran during the visit.

    Earlier in the week, the campaign train had visited the PDP caucus in the  National Assembly where the party’s lawmakers pledged their support for Prof. Adeniran because of his dedication,  loyalty and  contributions to the party since its  inception in 1998.

    They also described him as a man who  does not have any baggage that  the opposition  can latch on for negative propaganda, which is what the party direly

    requires now.

    The campaign train will be in the  Northeast this week in continuation of its zonal tour towards the December 9 National Convention.

     

     

  • ‘Gula’ teaches discipline

    A stage play inspired by the book ‘The Story of Baba Ali’ written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeks to encourage parents, families and governments on the need for conscientious upbringing of children and correction of juvenile delinquency.

    Titled Gula, the play was premiered last weekend before kids, families and notable individuals at Terra Kulture, VI, Lagos.

    According to the producers, the stage play will show on October 7 and 8 by 3pm and 7pm at the same venue.

    The play is a captivating true-life account of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s encounter with Gula aka Baba Ali – one of the most dreaded criminals in Northern Nigeria during his incarceration in Yola.

    It revealed how Gula, the son of a missionary became unruly and eventually becoming leader of a criminal gang after coming in contact with peers who influenced him negatively.

    The Executive Producer of Gula, Mr. Oduwole described the play as a story of courage, hope, taking responsibility and of second chances.

    He said; “while in incarceration, Obasanjo’s life was hanging in the balance but rather than allow fear, depression, self-pity, or loneliness to engulf him, Obasanjo in a display of rare human strength, took responsibility to understand why the prison was full of young people.

    “While in prison Obasanjo had encouraged Baba Ali that God could forgive him despite his past. Through persuasion, prayers, fasting Baba Ali repented and after serving his terms, sought and found Obasanjo, now the President of Nigeria– who sent him to a Baptist seminary.”

    Baba Ali is now an ordained Baptist Church minister in charge of a Baptist Church in Kaduna for the last 9 years.”

    Speaking about the Play, Obasanjo said: “There are so many lessons to draw from Gula!, For me what lessons can we learn individually, collectively and as a country.”

  • Engaging the demand of discipline for success!

    WE recognise from scriptures that every child of God is redeemed to be a success. Also, God has made a Master Plan of success for us in all aspects of life. This is why the Bible says: I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

    However, like any other scriptural promises, there are always conditions that enable us to inherit what God has provided for us in redemption. In order words, there is always what to do to get what we want. Jesus’ mother validated this during the wedding in Cana when she told the servants: …whatsoever he saith unto you, do it (John 2:5).

    As we all know, success always comes with a price. This is why we can never find a successful believer who did not pay the price for success. Let us recognise also that God’s success plan is not a promise, but a covenant; therefore, until our part is adequately played, God is not committed to deliver.

    Therefore, we must be conscious of our responsibility in the covenant of success. For instance, we understand from scriptures that when we diligently hearken to Biblical instructions and observe to do all that God commands, supernatural breakthrough is usually the outcome. When the covenant is broken, breakthrough becomes impossible (Deuteronomy 28:1-2). However, there are certain demands that qualify us for our birthright of success, and one of such is discipline.

    BUT, WHAT IS DISCIPLINE?

    Discipline is simply operating as demanded not as convenient. No one ever gets distinguished in any field of human endeavour without the virtue of discipline. In actual fact, it is discipline that begets distinction. If we must be distinguished, then we must be disciplined. We must recognise that discipline is not a gift, but a lifestyle of choice we design and submit to. This is because no one will ever be more distinguished in his pursuit, than he is disciplined. Moreover, nothing triggers the potential within us like self-discipline (Genesis 39:9, 41:15-44; Daniel 1:8, 17-20, 6:10-28; 1Corinthians 6:12, 10:23).

    Discipline is obviously a fundamental requirement for exploits and the following scriptural examples validate this claim:

    • Joseph: He was a highly disciplined man and he demonstrated this when he refused to yield to the demands of his master’s wife. He said: How can I do this wicked thing and sin against God? As a result, he became a distinguished man of exploits. For instance, he became the breadwinner of nations and the core preserver of Israel. There were no legitimate charges against him, thus he could be trusted with the entire estate of Potiphar, his master (Genesis 39:9, 21/41:15-16, 38-44).
    • Daniel: According to Bible history, Daniel determined not to defile himself with the sumptuous delicacies on the king’s table. Thus, he prospered in leadership for 65 years and he remained a revered consultant to every subsequent leader of that nation (Daniel 1:8).
    • Nehemiah: He was a man sold-out to his task and the well-being of the people of God. As an exemplary leader, he led a revolutionary army that embarked on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. As a result, he was promoted from a cupbearer to the governor of the nation. We must, therefore, note that our dignity is a function of our discipline (Nehemiah 1:1-10, 4:15-16, 23).
    • Paul the Apostle: He determined to subscribe to what was profitable. He said: All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12; see also 1 Corinthians 10:23). It was said of him, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men.” Even the demons affirmed, “Jesus, I know; Paul, I know!” He also wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Therefore, discipline enhances our productivity and it is the highway to distinction in the pursuit of any task (Acts 14:11, 19:14-15; 1Corinthians 9:24-26).

    Remember, it is our task that determines the kind of approach we put into it. For instance, Nehemiah and the people never took off their clothes except for washing. They were on duty as demanded by that task. Also, Daniel and his companions purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves with the king’s rich food. Therefore, we cannot make the most of any task that does not make specific demands on our lives (Nehemiah 4:23; Daniel 1:8).

    We need to understand that highly disciplined people are “sweatlessly” distinguished. Therefore, the more disciplined we are, the more distinguished we become. From these scriptural examples, it is abundantly clear that it takes discipline to pay the extra price for extraordinary accomplishments in the race of life and be distinguished.

    In conclusion, there is no aspect in life where indiscipline pays, whether in       ministry, industry or politics. This is because, without discipline, life slips off, opportunities are lost and destinies are destroyed. You shall not end as a victim.

    Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”  For further reading, please get my books: Understanding Vision and Understanding Divine Direction. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have five services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 9:10 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

  • Six practical steps that’ll make you scream – Thank God it’s Monday!

    Six practical steps that’ll make you scream – Thank God it’s Monday!

    By Moses Emorinken

    ‘Oh yes! Thank God it’s Monday!’ I’m almost certain that is not the mantra emanating from most people because recent survey reveals that about 87% of people hold jobs that they do not like, and work for companies they care little about.

    It is funny, but psychologists and counsellors have found out that Monday is the most important day in the week because it sets the tone (mind-set and concretised plans) for the rest of the week. Chances are that if you started your Monday on a rocky, shaky, and grouchy ground, you will have messed up the possibility for a productive and fulfilling week ahead.

    My friend, you see, time is worth more than money – it is actually your life broken down into tiny bits; so, until that dream job comes and you finally work in an organisation that you are overtly enthused about, let’s not become a cry-baby and waste valuable time (life) doing our jobs with sadness, end-to-end naggings, and getting depressed. Come-on, it’s time to get some motivation while we bridge the gap between our dream and our Job – a dream job!

    Chances are that if you cultivate the right attitude and frame of mind while working a not-so-exciting job, you will in a short time land that job you have always wanted. If you want your dreams to come through, then you’ve got to wake up!

    Here are my top six (6) tips (though not exhaustive) on how to stay motivated throughout the week:

    1. Have an Expectation:

    Truth be told, you can hardly get something good if you don’t expect it to come. Life is not a lottery; even in a lottery, participants expect to win even by the slightest flicker of luck and maybe serendipity.

    Life sometimes have a funny sense of humour: Haven’t you noticed that it is mostly bad things that usually happens when we do not expect it – more or less like weeds grow unexpectedly on a fertile land. However to cultivate good, we need to consciously expect it to happen. As you move out today, create a mental image of good things you expect to happen to you today and for the rest of the week. If possible have a list. The shortest pen is longer than the longest memory.

    1. Surround yourself with positive-minded people:

    Some people are so negative that if they entered a dark room, they would immediately develop; that is how negative they are. One of the fastest ways to be happy is to surround yourself with happy people. Surround yourself with passionate and enthusiastic people, and you will receive the baptism of passion; surround yourself with high-fliers and achievers, and you will soar higher than you expect. But a company of fools will be destroyed. No matter the amount of success you have achieved, if you constantly surround yourself with four failures (in a manner of speaking though), it is only a matter of time – you will become number five.

    1. See the Big Picture:

    Often times, it is very easy to get distracted by the ‘busyness’ of life and the loud and random noise in our hustled-environment, that we suffocated the yearnings and voice of our inner man. Regardless of the job you currently have – whether you’re the Managing Director or the doorman, General Manager or the Gate Man, always see the big picture. Keep that dream alive in your mind; never trade it for anything because in due season it will come alive. There’s a saying that ‘whatever you vividly imagine, honestly desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act on must inevitably come to pass’.

    1. Have a Plan:

    Nature by all standards abhors a vacuum. What that means is simple – the moment you do not consciously create a plan for your life, nature (life) will automatically give you one; most times what it gives is not always pleasant. The best way to predict the future is to create it. However, you cannot predict what you have not planned. There is an unseen power that comes to play when pen meets with paper. Write out your plans and break them down into deliverables (goals).

    1. Take Action:

    The best way to translate your dreams and aspirations from thin paper to thick action is simply by TAKING ACTION. All men dream but not equally; some dream at night in the dusty recesses of their minds only to find that it was only a dream. But some men dream during the day, these are the dangerous ones; for they dream with their eyes wide-open, and they can make their dreams come through.

    I do not care how magnificent and immaculate your plans are, if you do not take steps to walk your talk, then you will become like museum pieces under glass – stale, safe, easy to understand, and predictable. Get out of your comfort zone of plans and talks and begin to walk in the direction of your dreams today because life is not about standing still and becoming safe. Also, a comfort zone is not necessarily a comfortable situation, but an uncomfortable one that we have learnt to adapt to over time. Register for that course today, start the very first page of that book, hit the recording studio today, open an account to start saving for your proposed business, talk, walk, and look smart today.

    I once heard the lamentation of a man who said ‘spring time is past, summer is gone, and winter is here; but the song I meant to sing remain unsung; the books I meant to write remain unwritten. For I have spent my best hours stringing and unstringing my instrument; writing, rewriting and cancelling my articles. I was waiting for the right season, just the perfect time – but it never came’.

    1. Be Disciplined and Consistent:

    Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent alone cannot; the world is full of unsuccessful people with great talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Discipline and persistence alone are omnipotent.

    Choose today to find an area of interest, and decide to be consistent in its development – whether it is your talent, a project, or a course.

    I hope you will find this article useful motivation to tune, retune, and fine-tune your week and place in on a cruise control. Don’t wait until tomorrow…do it now. The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago, the next best time is TODAY. Thank God it’s Monday! Enjoy your week.

    Twitter: @memorinken

    Instagram: @memorinken

    Email: brandphase@yahoo.com

  • ‘There’s need for discipline in Edo APC’

    ‘There’s need for discipline in Edo APC’

    Chief Osaro Idah is the Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. In this interview with Osagie Otabor, he explains his decision to ratify the suspension of some party leaders for anti-party activities. Excerpts:
    What is your position on the APC crisis in Edo State?
    There is noo crisis whatsoever. The party is more organised and peaceful today. We are in a good mood, having won at the tribunal. We are more focused on how to move the state forward.
    Some party members are saying that Governor Obaseki must interfere in the crisis and the suspension of members….
    Those people are political jobbers. They do not know what they are saying. The party is autonomous and not tied to the government. If the founding fathers want the party to be under the government, they would have spelt it so in the party constitution. The constitution made it clear you can not hold double offices. That excludes the government from the party administration. The president is far removed from the party. In the case of the defunct UPN, its constitution made Chief Awolowo, who was the Presidential aspirant, the National Chairman of the party. It made late Prof. Ambrose Alli the leader of the party in the State. The NPN did not allow that in their constitution. The APC clearly states that anybody holding government offices can not be party officials. Anyone holding party office cannot hold government position. Those are people who are indiscipline party members making such insinuations that the governor should be the leader of the party and directs affairs of the party. What we have in the party constitution is the caucus, there is nothing like leader in the APC constitution. It is unserious minded for people to say that.
    You were accused of unilaterally ratifying the suspension of members….
    Whoever said that should have his head re-examined. The constitution is very clear. If the party at the Ward level made allegations, you are bound to respond to the allegations. The extant case is that of Hon Samson Osagie and other members. They were suspended by their local government executives and their Ward members. The local government was duly informed. They constituted an investigative panel but these fellows refused to appear. There was no written response to the accusation. We still kept cool thinking that they will subscribe to law and order. The party informed the local government executive. The local government executives set up a committee to look into the allegations but these members felt they were too superior to appear before the committees. We were merely informed. We directed the local government to give another invitation and instead of obeying to explain themselves, they wanted to deal with the State executives directly. And we don’t have that power. It got to a point, the man that is alleging now was not invited to the State Caucus meeting but he came. At the meeting, the party chairman reminded him that he was on suspension yet he did not go back to appear before the committee. When the Governor in his magnanimity asked the party from various levels to nominate people to be appointed, the party got the guidelines and sent same through the party hierarchy to the local government level. Osagie did not go through the party but he drew his own list of nominees and sent to the Governor directly. That is when we realized that the impunity was getting out of hand. It was at that stage we affirmed their suspension. He should go back to the party at the Ward level to go and restitui-te. Nobody is pursuing him.
    People from other local government, also protested the process of selecting the nominees…
    Have they appointed anybody? Did they see those appointed. Have they made any announcement. There are a huge population of liars in this political game. People just wake up and fabricate stories. If people at the local government level felt cheated, they should complain to the state. As we speak, no one person has been appointed. How did they know who to be appointed. Governor Obaseki constitute a panel headed by Professor Dennis Agbonlahor tô look at complains after receiving some protest letters against list presented. It is dirty individuals playing politics that makes it dirty.
    There are still complaints that certain individuals are hijacking the party due to the governor’s stand on not interfering in partisan politics…
    The party is not under the governor in any way. Are you saying the party at the National level is under President Buhari? The party runs itself. The governor is a member of the party. He subscribe to the party. The party produces the governor. It already existed before the governor. Are you saying that the governor should give directives on how the party is run. I am not a government appointee. I went to Congress and was elected. If the governor find me fit and proper to be appointed, I will resign my position. He who pays dictates the tune. The governor is a civilized man. He has no time for these gimmicks. These are people who yesterday screamed party supremacy. Now, they have been caught in their web of intrigues, they are now saying the governor should be in charge of the party. Why should we now erode the supremacy of the party?
    Hon. Osagie said the APC risk plunging into crisis over actions of some leaders.
    Maybe he has his own APC that will plunge into crisis not the one I belong to. The one I belong to does not tolerate indiscipline.
    Is there any move to recall the suspended members?
    We are not saying anybody should leave the party. It is not my business to suspend anybody. Mine is to affirm. Let those affected go to their constituencies and appear before the constituted authorities at that level. It is not the state or National APC that will absolved them of blame. They should go to their Ward executives and explain to them. By the time, they take a decision and you felt that the local executive is biased, we will look into any abnormalities. It is not a situation when the local executives will call them, they will say they are too small. In this party, we are all equals. They cannot use the social media to blackmail the APC. It is not for me to impose them on their people.
    Some have alleged that they were victims of the fallout of the party primaries. What is your view?
    That is a layman excuse. Did Barr. Ogie not attempt to contest the election. Did he not have supporters? Is he not the SSG today? General Charles Airhiavbere contested and he is a key player in the State. Odubu now attend state functions of the party. Other leaders of the party that supported Odubu are attending meetings. Are they the only once that supported Odubu? We have since moved beyond the primaries.

  • How not to discipline your child

    How not to discipline your child

    She comes back from work tired and fagged out from the hustling and bustling of Lagos. There was no light as usual and the heat was unbearable, she was sweating profusely as she enters her house so irritated and frustrated with how the day had panned out. As she stepped into her house, she hears the chattering of plates.

    “Who broke that plate!!!!” she shouted her face red with anger.

    “I said who broke that plate or are you all deaf!” she howled like a lion that has been deprived food for days.

    Her 9 year old daughter crept out visibly scared and shaken. She hated seeing her mother in that mood and knew what lay ahead. ‘’mummy ugomma was chasing me and I mistakenly pushed down the plate on the table she said quietly, her eyes filled with fear.

    “Ugomma was what?” Her mother shouted, how many times have I told you children to stop behaving like animals eh! How many times?” she yelled! Not waiting for answers to her questions she landed resounding slaps on the cheek of the 9year old. The girl screamed out of pain, she gripped her face and wailed loudly.

    Have you done your home work she asked her eyes glowing with so much anger?

    The daughter continued crying, still clutching her cheeks
    Oh! so you have not done your home work? wait for me!, she goes inside her room and comes out with a fat cane, dragging her daughter viciously by the hand she started flogging her.

    The little girl wailed and wailed but that did not deter the viciously angered mother, she kept flogging her, tearing her tender skin with each stroke. I will deal with you today, stubborn children, every day I will be talking about your homework, it’s only to play that you know how to do, nonsense!

    When she was done with her first child, she dragged the second child and started whipping her as well, the house girl stood by the side her eyes filled with tears, she could not do anything to stop her madam’s madness, she herself receives beating at the slightest provocation and she knew what would happen to her if she dares to interfere.

    After pouring her frustration on the children in the name of discipline, she storms inside her room, leaving her children in pain and not caring what happened to them. It was the house help that consoled them and cleaned up their torn skin.

    She later found out the next day that the beating had gone too far, the child’s sense of hearing have been damaged. She started panicking and took her to the hospital, the girl went through series of treatment, yet she didn’t fully regain her sense of hearing. Her hearing impairment constantly reminds her of the pain she inflicted on her child. It was not a pleasant feeling.

    Sadly many children in Nigeria go through this kind of traumatic experience from their parents or wards all in the name of discipline, most parents rely on the scriptural admonition,” spare the rod and spoil the child” to abuse their children. It is very important to note a clear difference between discipline and child abuse. Discipline is spanking a child lightly with your hand on the bottom without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm, whereas physical abuse is a corporal punishment which is extreme and is intended to cause harm.

    Each physical abuse meted on a child will not only leave visible physical scars but it can also potentially damage a child’s mental and emotional well being. The physical pain from whipping, slapping, cuts etc will heal but the emotional pain will still remain even after the visible wounds have healed. Physical abuse is number one cause of low self esteem in children and abused children are usually aggressive and tend to bully others. Parents who try to change their children’s behaviour through inflicting pain will raise children who will do the same to others, when they want to influence other people’s actions.

    There are so many ways to discipline a child without leaving a bruise or causing physical harm. Parents should use alternative method of discipline that yields the most positive results for the child. A child should be made to know the rules in the house and also the consequences for breaking the rules and there should be appropriate discipline for each broken rule. For example if a child spills water in the process of playing, that child must be made to clean it up, if a child fights, he can be denied watching TV for a day or two depending on the extent you wish to withdraw such privilege.

    Parents must learn to control their anger and frustration. Physical abuse tends to occur when the parent grows impatient with the child, when this happens parents should try to relieve stress by breathing deeply or counting backwards from ten to zero. This works for me when my children start to act up.

    A country that is committed to child welfare should have an agency that investigates reports of abuse and when it is ascertained that the child is going through physical abuse and neglect, there should be an alternate plan as quickly as possible. Nigerian Government as a matter of urgency needs to set up child protective services, whose responsibility would be to intervene in the family of children at risk of abuse.

    I must commend Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who has gone tough on child abuse by ratification of the first ever executive order establishing a safeguarding and child protection policy in the state. Governor Ambode pointed out that it was developed to prescribe management systems in place to create and maintain a safe environment for children, the policy in clear terms also articulates procedures to be adopted when disclosures of abuse were made. This is commendable, I hope the government would implement the policy and go really hard on defaulters of the law, as this would deter other people from abusing children.

    Njideka Obi, lawyer and a child safety advocate.
    08060424282. safersmarterchildren@gmail.com

  • Pupils learn discipline at military base

    Pupils learn discipline at military base

    The Royal Masters School (RMS) Agidingbi, Lagos, moved its classroom to the military base when its pupils embarked on an excursion to the Military Cantonment, Ikeja, to learn discipline.

    Captain Mamuda Husseni gathered the pupils in front of the camp’s  9 Brigade Garrison, where soldiers displayed a welcome routine for them.

    The pupils, who clapped enthusiastically after each routine, also enquired on grey areas.

    The idea of a cell seemed to intrigue them as they asked, to Sgt Adewale David’s negative response, “Can we see the suspects in the cells?”

    They moved to the 9 Brigade Supply and Transport department, where Lt Col Okorie and Oliseh showed them military vehicles and supplies.

    Finally, the 9 Brigade band entertained the pupils with musical notes and intriguing instruments.

    Year 4 pupil, Obinna Amaechi said: “I now understand how the soldiers need discipline to follow commands so that they won’t get in each other’s way.”

    Public Relations Officer of the school, Mrs Olabisi Adeosun, said the theme of this term is discipline; hence the choice of the military base.

    Adeosun who coordinated the excursion advised pupils to “take the lesson now, because it is easier to learn and make a part of you.”

    She continued: “It is more difficult to try to make over what you missed later in life. You can’t be successful in any area of life without being disciplined. You can’t make success in a place where you don’t fit in and fitting in takes discipline.”

    Cpt Husseni, who acted as their escort in the cantonment said: “I believe the experience is good for them, because I am sure they have learnt enough to make them see how discipline can facilitate their achievement of goals in school and later in life.”

  • Pupils learn discipline at military base

    Pupils learn discipline at military base

    The Royal Masters School (RMS) Agidingbi, Lagos, moved its classroom to the military base when its pupils embarked on an excursion to the Military Cantonment, Ikeja, to learn discipline.

    Captain Mamuda Husseni gathered the pupils in front of the camp’s  9 Brigade Garrison, where soldiers displayed a welcome routine for them.

    The pupils, who clapped enthusiastically after each routine, also enquired on grey areas.

    The idea of a cell seemed to intrigue them as they asked, to Sgt Adewale David’s negative response, “Can we see the suspects in the cells?”

    They moved to the 9 Brigade Supply and Transport department, where Lt Col Okorie and Oliseh showed them military vehicles and supplies.

    Finally, the 9 Brigade band entertained the pupils with musical notes and intriguing instruments.

    Year 4 pupil, Obinna Amaechi said: “I now understand how the soldiers need discipline to follow commands so that they won’t get in each other’s way.”

    Public Relations Officer of the school, Mrs Olabisi Adeosun, said the theme of this term is discipline; hence the choice of the military base.

    Adeosun who coordinated the excursion advised pupils to “take the lesson now, because it is easier to learn and make a part of you.”

    She continued: “It is more difficult to try to make over what you missed later in life. You can’t be successful in any area of life without being disciplined. You can’t make success in a place where you don’t fit in and fitting in takes discipline.”

    Cpt Husseni, who acted as their escort in the cantonment said: “I believe the experience is good for them, because I am sure they have learnt enough to make them see how discipline can facilitate their achievement of goals in school and later in life.”