The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Parliament

  • Ukraine parliament ratifies EU pact

    •Rebels granted status, amnesty
    • MP tossed in trash bin

    Ukraine’s parliament ratified an agreement to deepen economic and political ties with the European Union yesterday, and passed legislation to grant autonomy to the rebellious east as part of a peace deal.The ratification vote, draws a line under the issue that last year sparked Ukraine’s crisis, which resulted in the ousting of the president, the annexation of Crimea by Russia and a war with the Russia-backed separatists that has killed more than 3,000 people.

    The ratification vote in Kiev, synchronized with the European parliament by video chat, was met with a standing ovation, and members of parliament leapt to their feet to sing the Ukrainian national anthem. In a speech to legislators, President Petro Poroshenko called the vote a “first but very decisive step” toward bringing Ukraine fully into the European Union.Poroshenko also said that those who died during the protests and during fighting in the east “gave up their lives so that we could take a dignified place among the European family.”In Brussels, EU lawmakers overwhelmingly ratified the agreement.One bill calls for three years of self-rule in parts of the war-torn east and calls for local elections in November.

    The two bills are part of a peace agreement that called for the implementation of a cease-fire in the region on Sept. 5. But the legislators’ decision to hold a closed-door session – an anomaly in Ukrainian parliament – underscores the political challenges of allowing greater autonomy for the east. Many in Ukraine fear that Russia will use decentralization to bolster its influence in the region and further destabilize Ukraine.Rebel commander Alexander Zakharchenko told Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency that the separatist leadership would study the measures, an unusually conciliatory statement compared to the rebels’ previous claims that they aim for complete independence from Ukraine.Russia strongly opposed Ukraine’s tilt toward the EU, hoping to bring the country into a Moscow-led trade bloc that would balance or compete with the EU. Ukrainians who sought closer ties with the Western bloc denounced the Russia-led trade bloc as an attempt to reconstitute the Soviet Union.Moscow also feared that closer ties with the EU and the reduction of tariffs on Western goods would undermine Ukraine’s demand for Russian goods and could allow the re-export to Russia of EU goods at lower prices. In a significant concession to Russia, Ukraine and the EU agreed last week to delay the full reciprocal implementation of a reduced-tariff regime that is part of the agreement until at least 2016.

    Meanwhile,  the  MPs have granted self-rule to parts of two eastern regions, and an amnesty to pro-Russian rebels there.

    The law affecting Donetsk and Luhansk regions – which is in line with the 5 September ceasefire – was condemned by some MPs as “capitulation”.

    Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of backing the separatists with soldiers and heavy weapons. The Kremlin denies doing so.

    At least 3,000 people have been killed in the conflict and more than 310,000 internally displaced in Ukraine,  according to the UN.

    Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko stressed that the legislation giving the special status to parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions for three-years would guarantee the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence” of Ukraine, while paving the way for decentralisation.

    The amnesty affects the rebels, but does not cover the shooting down of the MH17 passenger plane in July.

    Western leaders believe rebels shot down the Malaysia Airlines jet with a Russian missile – a charge the rebels and the Kremlin deny.

  • A consumer parliament without its soul

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) introduced the Telecoms Consumer Parliament in partial fulfillment of its mandate. But at the parliament’s last sitting in Lagos, NCC changed the rule of the game. It restricted the number of participants to “important stakeholders” in the industry, reports LUCAS AJANAKU.

    For regular participants at the monthly Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP), the 75th edition at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos must have come as a shock. For one, the consumers for which the forum was created to provide succour were nowhere to be found. For another, the venue was elitist and would definitely not be attractive to consumers were they invited.

    Some people explained that the decision of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to hold the event at the venue was to save cost because earlier on, it had launched the Code of Corporate Governance for the Telecommunications Industry.

    In his opening remarks the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said the feedbacks from TCP had enhanced the regulatory activities of the Commission, adding that Enforcement Regulation and Quality of Service (QoS) Regulation of 2012 were some of the gains of the parliament.

    He said the forum has been repackaged to limit participation to major stakeholders to enhance robust discussion and rich discussion.

    He lamented that in spite of all that had been done in the industry by the regulator, the vexed issue of poor QoS remained with the industry, adding that issues, such as misleading adverts by operators, poor data services, unsolicited text messages, payment for services not rendered and others were still part of the experience of subscribers. Juwah said the forum would find solutions to all these problems.

    While all the telecoms operators in the country were adequately represented with the Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Adolphus Joe Ekpe, an important stakeholder, such as Consumer Protection Council (CPC) was not represented at all. Similarly, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) was not represented. Analysts say the refusal of the NCC to extend invitation to the group’s President, Deolu Ogunbanjo may not be unconnected with the fact that the group has dragged the operators and the regulator to court praying for relieves for the subscribers.

    Only two self-proclaimed bulwarks of consumer rights movement, Leadership Watch led by Dr Marthins Iwuayanwu and Consumer Empowerment Organisation of Nigeria, led by Adedeji Abiodun were on the occasion to represent the interest of over 130 million subscribers in the country.

    NCC’s Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs Maryam Bayi  said the decision of the regulator was to give a new direction to the idea of the TCP, adding that it has stopped being a forum for consumers to complain about the various fraudulent practices of their service providers. She said such issues will no longer be addressed at the Consumer Parliament but at other fora put in place by the regulator such as Consumer Outreach Programme and Town Hall Meetings.

    She identified eight items to be addressed by the elite gathering. The items are: unsolicited text messages/telemarketing; disappearance of air time/dropped balance; drop calls; customer care centre monitoring; inaccessibility of customer care help lines; unlawful deduction of ‘credit’ for value added services (VAS) not subscribed to; poor network service/unavailability of service; and advertisement of unapproved promos.

    She advised customers who were disenfranchised from the forum to complain to the Bureau, adding that the first step they should take will be to complain and get a ticket then follow it up by reporting to Bureau through its contact centre should they fail to get redress to their problem.

    According to her, consumers don’t usually get opportunity to opt out of some the VAS once they find themselves engaged either by deception or fraudulently by subscribing them to the service. Bayi lamented that when the consumers even get an opportunity to opt out, they are automatically renewed at the end of the month. “We are all fustrtaed,” she said.

    Bayi said the network of the operators have become epileptic in some parts of country. according to her, the Bureau received complaints from the Samaru and Congo Campuses of of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria over the poor services of MTN, warning that the industry cannot be sustained without subscribers.

    She complained that even when operators were called upon to stop running their deceptive and misleading promos, they usually turned deaf ears to the NCC. She drew their attention to the the requirement that they give the regulator seven days notification before running any promo.

    Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat, Ibrahim Dikko said spam message form the bulk of unsolicited text messages that run on the networks of the telcos but agreed that more needed to be done in the area of giving consumers opportunity to opt in an opt out of vexatious VAS.

    He warned subscribers to be wary subscribing to services on their mobile phones without taking a second look, adding that this is partly responsible for the disappearance of consumers’ air time.

    Corporate Service Executive at MTN Akinwale Goodluck agreed with Dikko. According to him, a lot of the text messages that broke the sleep of customers were beyond the control of the telcos because they are internet-generated.

    According to him, gathering peoples’ data has become big time business as merchants pay desk attendants at functions to sell data collated about guests to them. He said this data are therefore used by all manner of people offering all manners of services to send bulk messages to people.

    He said another frightening dimension to the problem is that people buy bulk short message service (SMS) from Russia, Uzbekistan and others and dump them on the network of the telcos. He said the operators are complying with the strict regulation concerning bulk SMS.

    Dikko said the problem of drop calls is a combination of several factors. He cited a 15-storey building that suddenly emerged in a neighbourhood very close Etisalat’s BTS. He said the building led to network issues and forced the telco to relocate the BTS so that customers’ experience will not be degraded. He said people stroll with impunity to decommission and seal BTS, preventing access to the sites by people employed to keep it running.

    Goodluck lamented that artificial constraints were still being put on the way of roll out of infrastructure in the country. According to him, operators were still being prevented from laying optic fibre cables in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He lamented that, three of the four telcos have the BTS switched off in Enugu State, adding that nobody dared walk into the facility of a power plant and vandalise it willfully yet, telecoms infrastructure is as critical and central to modern economic development as power infrastructure.

    Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Airtel Osondu Nwokoro said only advocacy can help address the problem.

    Participants at the even,t however, lamented the absence of consumers at a parliament described as consumers.

    “It is curious why the regulator decided to shut its doors against the consumers that are direct victims of the inadequacies of the operators. The outreach programme and town hall meetings Mrs Bayi is talking about is not as popular as the TCP. For instance, as educated as I am, I have never attended any of these two programmes. It is not because I don’t want to attend, it is because I have never heard information about when they will be held. I only get to see reports in the newspaper about the programmes after they must have been held. You will have noticed that the event was so dry, stale and colourless. It was so because the aggrieved subscribers that used to bring live into the proceedings were shut out,” one of the participants said.

  • A consumer parliament without consumers

    When the monthly Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP) was conceived by the founding fathers of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), it was in partial fulfillment of its role of protecting the consumers. But last week, the regulator suddenly made a detour, preferring to restrict the number of participants at the TCP to ‘important stakeholders’ in the industry. LUCAS AJANAKU reports that shutting the doors against the consumers may do more harm than good.

    For regular attendees at the monthly Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP), the 75th edition of the forum held last week at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos must have come as a shock.  For one, the consumers for which the forum was created to provide succour were nowhere to be found. For another, the venue was elitist and would definitely not be attractive to consumers were they invited.

    Some people explained that the decision of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to hold the event at the venue was to save cost because earlier on, it had launched the Code of Corporate Governance for the Telecommunications Industry.

    In his opening remarks the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Eugene Juwah, said the feedbacks from TCP had enhanced the regulatory activities of the Commission, adding that Enforcement Regulation and Quality of Service (QoS) Regulation of 2012 were some of the gains of the parliament.

    He said the forum has been repackaged to limit participation to major stakeholders to enhance robust discussion and rich discussion.

    He lamented that in spite of all that had been done in the industry by the regulator, the vexed issue of poor QoS remained with the industry, adding that issues, such as misleading adverts by operators, poor data services, unsolicited text messages, payment for services not rendered and others were still part of the experience of subscribers. Juwah said the forum would find solutions to all these problems.

    While all the telecoms operators in the country were adequately represented with the Director-General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Adolphus Joe Ekpe, an important stakeholder, such as Consumer Protection Council (CPC) was not represented at all. Similarly, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) was not represented. Analysts say the refusal of the NCC to extend invitation to the group’s President, Deolu Ogunbanjo may not be unconnected with the fact that the group has dragged the operators and the regulator to court praying for relieves for the subscribers.

    Only two self-proclaimed bulwarks of consumer rights movement, Leadership Watch led by Dr Marthins Iwuayanwu and Consumer Empowerment Organisation of Nigeria, led by Adedeji Abiodun were on the occasion to represent the interest of over 130 million subscribers in the country.

    NCC’s Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs Maryam Bayi  said the decision of the regulator was to give a new direction to the idea of the TCP, adding that it has stopped being a forum for consumers to complain about the various fraudulent practices of their service providers. She said such issues will no longer be addressed at the Consumer Parliament but at other fora put in place by the regulator such as Consumer Outreach Programme and Town Hall Meetings.

    She identified eight items to be addressed by the elite gathering. The items are: unsolicited text messages/telemarketing; disappearance of air time/dropped balance; drop calls; customer care centre monitoring; inaccessibility of customer care help lines; unlawful deduction of ‘credit’ for value added services (VAS) not subscribed to; poor network service/unavailability of service; and advertisement of unapproved promos.

    She advised customers who were disenfranchised from the forum to complain to the Bureau, adding that the first step they should take will be to complain and get a ticket then follow it up by reporting to Bureau through its contact centre should they fail to get redress to their problem.

    According to her, consumers don’t usually get opportunity to opt out of some the VAS once they find themselves engaged either by deception or fraudulently by subscribing them to the service. Bayi lamented that when the consumers even get an opportunity to opt out, they are automatically renewed at the end of the month. “We are all fustrtaed,” she said.

    Bayi said the network of the operators have become epileptic in some parts of country. according to her, the Bureau received complaints from the Samaru and Congo Campuses of of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria over the poor services of MTN, warning that the industry cannot be sustained without subscribers.

    She complained that even when operators were called upon to stop running their deceptive and misleading promos, they usually turned deaf ears to the NCC. She drew their attention to the the requirement that they give the regulator seven days notification before running any promo.

    Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat, Ibrahim Dikko said spam message form the bulk of unsolicited text messages that run on the networks of the telcos but agreed that more needed to be done in the area of giving consumers opportunity to opt in an opt out of vexatious VAS.

    He warned subscribers to be wary subscribing to services on their mobile phones without taking a second look, adding that this is partly responsible for the disappearance of consumers’ air time.

    Corporate Service Executive at MTN Akinwale Goodluck agreed with Dikko. According to him, a lot of the text messages that broke the sleep of customers were beyond the control of the telcos because they are internet-generated.

    According to him, gathering peoples’ data has become big time business as merchants pay desk attendants at functions to sell data collated about guests to them. He said this data are therefore used by all manner of people offering all manners of services to send bulk messages to people.

    He said another frightening dimension to the problem is that people buy bulk short message service (SMS) from Russia, Uzbekistan and others and dump them on the network of the telcos. He said the operators are complying with the strict regulation concerning bulk SMS.

    Dikko said the problem of drop calls is a combination of several factors. He cited a 15-storey building that suddenly emerged in a neighbourhood very close Etisalat’s BTS. He said the building led to network issues and forced the telco to relocate the BTS so that customers’ experience will not be degraded. He said people stroll with impunity to decommission and seal BTS, preventing access to the sites by people employed to keep it running.

    Goodluck lamented that artificial constraints were still being put on the way of roll out of infrastructure in the country. According to him, operators were still being prevented from laying optic fibre cables in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. He lamented that, three of the four telcos have the BTS switched off in Enugu State, adding that nobody dared walk into the facility of a power plant and vandalise it willfully yet, telecoms infrastructure is as critical and central to modern economic development as power infrastructure.

    Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Airtel Osondu Nwokoro said only advocacy can help address the problem.

    Participants at the even,t however, lamented the absence of consumers at a parliament described as consumers.

    “It is curious why the regulator decided to shut its doors against the consumers that are direct victims of the inadequacies of the operators. The outreach programme and town hall meetings Mrs Bayi is talking about is not as popular as the TCP. For instance, as educated as I am, I have never attended any of these two programmes. It is not because I don’t want to attend, it is because I have never heard information about when they will be held. I only get to see reports in the newspaper about the programmes after they must have been held. You will have noticed that the event was so dry, stale and colourless. It was so because the aggrieved subscribers that used to bring live into the proceedings were shut out,” one of the participants said.

  • Imo, Bethel Amadi and Pan African Parliament

    With the recent granting of legislative powers to the Pan African Parliament (PAP) by the General Assembly of the Africa Union (AU), the stage is set for the body to play the expected role of accelerating the economic development of the continent and galvanise the peoples of Africa toward good governance and true democratic culture. This development is the result of years of effort by the PAP, led by Nigerian born Bethel Amadi, to reposition the parliament. Down home in Imo State where Amadi comes from, there is a growing euphoria over the strategic role this son of the soil is playing at the continental level. Many indigenes of the state believe that the experience being garnered by Amadi, who is a foremost governorship aspirant in the state, will be handy in repositioning the state for a comprehensive political, economic and social transformation.
    Right now, the people are battling over whom, among the several governorship aspirants, can foot the bill. As a matter of fact, at no time in its history has the state witnessed such a calibre of governorship aspirants: ranking legislators, erudite scholars, brilliant lawyers, top flight professionals, etc.
    Collectively, Barr. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi, like other aspirants, savour in this salutary perception but chief among the things that really set him aside is the Pan African Presidency exposure. It is tempting to argue that the presidency of a Pan African Parliament, sitting in far away South Africa, has no immediate bearing with the welfare and aspirations of the people down here. But that is at once erroneous and fallacious. Such a notion might simply have arisen because Hon. Amadi, in his characteristic modesty and self effacing mien, has not deemed it fit to flaunt the PAP credentials. But as noted above, that amounts to, knowingly and unknowingly, concealing vital information from his own people, who are desirous of parameters that go beyond what they are used to for years, in the search for who presides over their affairs as political chief executive come May 29th 2015.
    Out there, the polity is almost saturated with allusions to the fact that the Imo electorate does not always go for the loudest campaigner in choosing their governor. They do not also like those who delight in flaunting opulence as a way of demonstrating that they are already too wealthy to succumb to the temptation of pilfering public funds. If these are just what the people are after, then Hon. Amadi, in the eyes of many, is one of the very few that are worthy of asking for the peoples’ mandate. But the truth is that the highly discerning and sophisticated Imo electorate is going beyond the ordinary this time around. Within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for example, there are those who are advocating the “thief-to-catch-the-thief” theory.
    Another version is that it would take a fellow who can match the incumbent governor- thug for thug and violence for violence. Apart from the fact that this argument falls flat on the face of the experience in the state as already seen above, the highly discerning and sophisticated people of Imo State are very much conscious of the fact that the world is moving away from political hooliganism. If anything, there are strong indications that what the people will be looking out for are those with exposure that will make governance in the state not business as usual. This is where Hon. Amadi comes in. There is an Igbo adage to the effect that a breast owner should not suck the bare skin (Madu Anaghi Enwe Ara Na Anu Akpu). This aphorism may well illustrate the situation in Imo if the people are not made to take full advantage of the exposure of the likes of Bethel Amadi in the next dispensation.
    Amadi was elected president of the Pan African Parliament in September 2012 after a year’s stint as Vice President and after more than two years as a member of that Parliament. His ascendancy to that pre-eminent position came at a time when the parliament was going through a transformation process as a legislative organ of the African Union (AU).
    His presidency took this transformation very seriously because he believes that a Pan African Parliament, with legislative powers will strengthen African’s democratic institutions, promote continental integration and boost intra-African trade. In the last couple of years, the PAP under Amadi’s leadership has established a framework for deepening democratic governance as well as promoting peace and security. Under him, PAP has established relationships with regional and continental bodies. Among the benefits garnered from such interface is the recent strategic partnership between PAP and the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) for the advancement of sustainable responses to the scourge in the continent. Also to the benefit of the continent is the strategic partnership with the UN for addressing the human rights challenges in Africa. His administration has also come up with programmes for integrating the African continent with regional and national parliaments.
    One key evidence of this is the emergence of the annual conference of Speakers of African National Parliaments. Through this conference, regional and national parliaments are sensitized on existing African Union legal instruments, the need to achieve speedy ratification and how to apply the legal instruments in the enforcement of basic human and legal rights across the African continent. Another area the PAP has made huge impact under Hon. Amadi is on the promotion of gender equality and affirmative action for women in the continent. This interest arises from Hon. Amadi’s personal belief that this vulnerable segment of the global community, which represents half of the global population, should be constructively engaged in Africa’s development agenda. To this end, PAP under Amadi established the Pan African Parliament and Women Conference during which issues on gender imbalances are highlighted.
    So, how will all this affect the lives of the common man on the streets of Owerri when Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Amadi becomes the governor of Imo state? Here is how: Amadi’s job as PAP President has so exposed him that some describe him as the most exposed politician or public office holder in Nigeria today.
    As has been seen above, PAP has in the last couple of years under Amadi taken concrete steps towards inculcating the ideals of good governance and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The two are the bane of democracy in Nigeria.
    As governor, Amadi will be the cynosure of his contemporaries across the continent, nay all over the world, who will definitely be interested in seeing how he would apply his experiences to the benefit of his own people. Even for the worst pessimist, a stint as governor would offer an opportunity to practicalise what he had advocated for years.
    Apart from the benefits of a mere robust and democratic framework that would naturally trail a gubernatorial outing by Hon. Amadi, his wealth of contacts and networks across the continent and beyond will come handy in pursuing a sustainable development agenda for the state.
    In Nigeria, the federal and state governments have faced the perennial problem of inability to access funds and resources from international agencies due to lack of technical knowhow and correct contacts. That will no longer be the fate of a place like Imo under the leadership of a fellow like Bethel Amadi. Under him, Imo will cease to be among the states where governors have no contacts abroad and yet make a song and dance of bringing foreign investors to their states.
    Under Amadi, the state will save resources that were hitherto spent on foreign trips because most of the agencies, based on their established relationship with him, will come here on their own or at least on minimal expenses by the state.
    The narrowing down of the world into a “global village” came with stupendous benefits which have eluded the people of Africa, including Nigerians.
    Therefore, involving key players in the international corporate arena like Hon. Bethel Amadi will do Nigeria a lot of good. Needless to say, highly sophisticated people like Ndi Imo should develop a way of keying into the process by leveraging on the rare privilege of having amongst them a fellow like Amadi who is already there.
    —— Nwachukwu wrote in from Owerri, Imo State

  • Speakers of W’African parliament seek common front against terrorism

    Speakers of W’African parliament seek common front against terrorism

    The issue of terrorism dominated discussion at the ongoing Conference of Speakers of West African Parliaments (CSWAP).

    The conference is pushing for a common front to tackle the challenges of terrorism and small arms proliferation.

    Besides, the conference is also seeking more powers to be able to contribute meaningfully to the overall socio-economic integration process in the sub-region.

    Senate President, David Mark, who addressed the conference, set the tone as he pointed out that the region is confronted with home-grown terrorism and insurgency of immense proportion.

    He stressed that “these dastardly acts are committed right on our soil and by our own citizens; our own brothers and sisters. The nature of terrorism is such that it is difficult for us to point out where it originates and where it terminates. Put differently, terrorists and insurgents know no borders. They move in and out of countries at will. Their main consideration is to get the right environment to operate and their common enemies are the people of goodwill.”

    Mark said it was necessary for the parliament in the sub region to collaborate and find a common front in addressing terrorism and other vices, which have taken our societies backwards by several centuries.

    While commending the efforts of the executive in establishing such multi-lateral structures, both within our sub-region and beyond, he said legislature must not be left out.

    “I truly believe that our support is critical in getting the ECOWAS decision makers understand the need to follow the path of current global best practices in getting our sub-regional parliament attain law making status,” he advocated.

    He also urged the group to address three other critical issues of high turnover of legislators as well as the quality of legislations; the quality of supporting legislative aides and staff; and the financial autonomy of parliament.

    “These, if tackled expediently, I believe will improve the standard of our Parliaments and therefore strengthen our democracies.”

    Speaker of the ECOWAS parliament, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, was particular about enhancement of the powers of the parliament, so as to be able to contribute effectively to the numerous challenges facing the region.

    He also stressed the need for coordinated policies to fight terrorism.

    “Our national parliaments must synergise to initiate, facilitate, and coordinate policies and legal regimes that fight insecurity, terrorism, separatism, bad governance, poverty, underdevelopment, and other ills that blight our international rating.

    “On insecurity in particular, I continue to emphasise that the insecurity of the part is the insecurity of the whole. We must be united, determined, and spirited in our stand and fight against terrorism and violent crimes. Our stand here must be total and defy all socio-political and religious affiliations. Terrorism must not find any foothold anywhere in the sub-region because it is anti-peace, anti-development, disreputable, and cancerous.

    “The transmutation of the ECOWAS Parliament from an advisory institution to a full legislative institution is very central to its ability to contribute meaningfully to the overall socio-economic integration process in the sub-region.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Readers’ parliament The end 1 and 2

    Sir Ololade, the picture you paint in your “The End 1” is too scary but true. Like a movie, you recreated the dreadful pictures of the civil war and the horrors that television brought into our living rooms from other lands. Shall we be allowed to see 2015? And will they allow us elect the ones you envisaged? I am waiting for the second part! From E.U. Ukairo. FSTC Uromi, Edo state. 07032345312.

    Only pain! Only misery! Only five years of hell as a graduate in Nigeria. Only hope and prayer that this prophecy is averted because it will be bloody. But that’s what satan their master want from us. Maybe it’s a necessary evil. From Phillip. 08033817094.

     Mr. Ololade, are you a prophet because I can see you are seeing a vision in “The End (1).” Do we need to sit down and watch those things happen? From Chinedu Osumili. 08130239474. UNN.

     Hi, Olatunji, just read your article: “The End 1” and it is a terrific read. I look forward to your articles. Very firebrand and passionate. Thumbs up. 08180661079.

     Re: The End (2); fine piece. It frightens me that I am not the only one thinking along these lines. From Akinyode. 08033705338.

     Behold Nigeria’s Nostradamus! You sound between a prophet and a perfect prognosticator. I have been keenly following your lamentation right from “The End 1.” Do we need to go to the planets to verify the authenticity of the truths that are tormenting you to explosion? You are speaking of what even our western neighbours know as the inevitable truth. But you err by aiming straightforward for the truth. Winston Churchill said you don’t do that. I however encourage you to keep on telling the truth. From Soji Ojediran. Ibadan. 08063939858.

      Did Jonathan read the piece titled: “Farewell Umaru, Jonathan has come to us at last” of May 14, 2010? The answer is “no!” I think the Egyptians are more politically conscious than the oppressed Nigerians. PDP and Jonathan are one ideologically. Thank you. From Amos Ejimonye. Kaduna. 08039727512.

     Sir, I am a passionate reader of your “Reality Bites” indeed. And I must commend your journalism prowess and equally pray for you not to be lured by better pay to the presidency like some people we know. 07067416008.

     I love your “Reality Bites” column. No doubt that a thoughtful and committed group of people can re-strategize Nigeria and give voice to the silenced. 08062704585.

    We are very bad people (1)

    Your analysis is correct. Some parents are boastful of their ability to purchase seats for their wards to cheat at JAMB and SSCE centres. It is sad to see what our country has degenerated to. God will help us. 08023137600.

     I wish you continue with this line of write-up. You strike a definite chord in our psychology and sociology with the message. I wake everyday with these foreboding realities of the basic Nigerian psyche. I fear for the future of this race and generation…I totally agree with your thesis. 08054967602.

     Excellent piece of writing. I agree with you 100 per cent. We need to change ourselves because we are indeed very bad people. 08079890367.

     Thanks a lot dear. You did very well in your piece. May God bless you with more knowledge and wisdom. Amen. 08063675643.

     Olatunji, what you are saying cannot be disputed. What has eluded us is the way out of the quagmire. From Cyril Chinweike Eze. 08037907122.

     I have never read a more honest description of you and me. We are very horrible people. From Ehimare Ehoho. 08081322995.

     You said it all. We are indeed very bad people. None could be worse. From Barrister Obi Anierobi. 08031157593.

     Olatunji, I like your write-up. Let us be accountable for all our actions, let us stop blaming our leaders. An average Nigerian man is a criminal. From Zuby Port Harcourt. 08051603828.

     Your article is a very good one. Unfortunately you are talking to people who have long chosen the path of amorality. The assertion that the followership is as bad as the leadership is true. But in all climes, it is the leadership that sets the pace either for moral degeneracy or righteous living. The theory of the vital few cannot be wished away. The elites, opinion moulders and policy formulators who develop the framework for policy implementation and are supposed to enforce compliance are the first culprits. No society has only good people; what deters people from wrongdoing is the arm of the law which is supposed to be enforced by the leaders. That’s why foreigners come to Nigeria and beat traffic lights. Let’s get good leaders and things will fall in place. From Etokowoh Owoh Uyo. AKS. 08037975031.

     Your ability to put reality in pure perspective is outstanding. Until Nigerians move away from pretence, egoism, deceit, avarice, hate, etc, I wonder where our religious disposition will take us. From Paul Vingil. Abuja. 08035880838.

     Mr. Olatunji Ololade, your write up, ‘We are very bad people (1),’ I must confess, is the best write-up ever in this morally bankrupt and unholy entity called Nigeria. More of it, please, my brother. They will surely meet the people’s justice in 2015. May God keep more of your type for the battle ahead. From Henry Oputa esq, Port Harcourt. 08033125515.

     We are very bad people (1) says it all. Keep telling the truth. You are superb. From Kehinde Olalemi. 07063504030.

     Tunji my brother, I totally agree with you. I fully understand your angst. Our society is largely populated by monkeys and baboons in human garb, primitive in thinking and bestial in deeds. I have never seen or heard of a society so depraved as ours. Until we, as a people, embrace those things that are truly important in life and jettison the mindless and blind accumulation of vanities, we are eternally doomed as a people spiritually and naturally. From Gerard Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo. Onitsha. 08023656124.

     What do you have to say about the south-east of the country where people are kidnapping fellow human beings including new born babies in the name of money? And all of us claim to be Christians. 08160149957.

     Olatunji Ololade, since I was born in this feeble but very wicked and perverse country that is called Nigeria in 1953, I have never discerned anybody’s heart like I’ve just did yours…having gone through your humble and earnest dispositional topic, I thought I were you but of course, I’m not. This is to erase the unscrupulous position of the doubting Thomases that will oppose your write-up in anyway because Nigeria is just simply negative to the core. I’m in this position because some agents of negativity will want to counter the message of good people to this. They will want to smother this great message by which you teach all of us about how bad and wicked we are in this hopeless and worthless country we live in that is called Nigeria…A people that hails criminality are very bad people. A people that condones wicked preachers that pray for government officials who steal public money are very bad people. A people who allow their previous leaders to walk the streets with their loots, even after these leaders have lost immunity are very bad people.  A people that have made their generation a thieving one are very bad people. 08036925729.

  • The shape of the new Parliament

    The inauguration was not just for President John Mahama. The 5th Parliament of the Fourth Republic was dissolved midnight on January 6 and members of the 6th Parliament were sworn in yesterday by the Speaker, Mr. Edward Doe Adjaho, who was elected earlier in the day.

    Adjaho is Speaker of the 6th Parliament of the fourth republic. He was sworn in by Chief Justice Georgina Theodora Wood.

    He was proposed by the Majority Leader, Dr Benjamin Kumbuor and seconded by the Minority Leader, Osei Kyie Mensah-Bonsu. He was thereafter unanimously accepted by his colleagues.

    Until yesterday, he was the first Deputy Speaker in the 5th Parliament.

    He urged his colleagues to renew their sense of patriotism, nationalism and devotion in the discharge of their responsibilities so as to deepen parliamentary democracy.

    “We should strive to uphold the sanctity of parliament,” he said.

    The Member of Parliament representing Cape Coast North, Mr. Ebo Barton-Odro, was elected First Deputy Speaker. The Esikadu/Ketan lawmaker, Joe Ghartey, was elected Second Deputy Speaker.

    One hundred and forty-eight lawmakers from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) were inaugurated and 122 of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) were also sworn in. The parliament has 275 seats. One lawmaker from the People’s National Convention (PNC) was sworn in and four independent parliamentarians were also inaugurated.

    About 177 members of the dissolved Parliament returned and no fewer than 97 of the 6th Parliament are new members.

    The 5th Parliament had 230 members, comprising 116 seats for the NDC, 106 seats for the NPP, two seats for the PNC, one seat for the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and three independent seats.

    Nineteen members of the dissolved House were women – with 13 of them from the NPP, five from the NDC and one from the CPP.

    Six of the members died in the course of the 5th Parliament, with the recent being the lawmaker representing Buem, Henry Ford Kamel, who died on Christmas Day.

    A by-election is expected to be organised within the next 60 days to elect a replacement for the Buem Constituency.

     

  • Readers’ Parliament

    Readers’ Parliament

    • Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (Man in the mirror 1) 

    You are a terrorist too. 08024613695. Ololade, you yourself can kill 300 people. You are a terrorist agent. FBI should add you to their list of wannabe terrorists. 07036268176.
    Tunji, please try to syndicate your column and have it published in all major newspapers. I believe it’s the kind of stuff Nigerians need to spur them to a greater positive mass political action. Your confinement to The Nation is a great disservice to the Nigerian nation and the youth in particular. May God continue to watch over you and strengthen your hand as our dear country inches steadily toward the zero hour. Wishing the best of every good thing this year…Shalom! 08025347716.
    Tell Farouk Mutallab that there is nothing like 70 virgins for any murderer of any kind. He is lucky, let him repent and accept Jesus for life. This may be his last chance. 08060428267.
    Your write-up makes very little sense. At a time the young generation should be involved in objective analysis, I am surprised by your myopic and suspicious analysis. You vitiate my hope in the ability of the youths to make this world a better place for humanity. 08033937531.
    My brother, I really enjoy your write-ups, please ride on. 08062219551.
    Tunji, you are shying from the truth or being too careful, isn’t the dictate of Islam to kill perceived anti-Islamists and that Allah accepts that? Sincerely Tunji, Israel’s God is not Islam’s Allah. Former ordered Abraham to sacrifice Isaac while the latter asked Abraham to sacrifice Ishmael. God isn’t a liar. Then one religion is premised on falsehood and inactions. From Mr Ajayi, Ibadan. 08051002762.
    The type of coverage given criminal acts like Abdulmutallab’s by the international media is uncalled for. It does not deter a lot of depressed and evil-minded people. The fight against terrorism should be executed with utmost secrecy while information should be made public after culprits have been apprehended. I don’t think Abdulmutallab got the help he needed while he was going through some internal conflicts. Parents should do more to protect their wards against undue peer influence. The pursuit of wealth and ambition should not make parents neglect their primary responsibility to their children. Spare the rod… 08035157850.
    Nice article, Mr Olatunji. I admire your objective take on the effects of religion on our psyche. Looking forward to the concluding piece. From Barrister Amiesimaka Tamuno. 08064884718.
    Your discourse on Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (Man in the mirror 1) is simply thought-provoking, elegantly poetic and vivid in its images. Kudos!  From Ayo (Esq) Calabar. 08038270988.
    Nigeria is always known for vices like money-laundering, advance-fee fraud, Farouk has decided to add terrorism to that list. He is a shame. 07036268176.
    Mutallab is a wasted material. His type is seriously needed to send a message to our leaders. From Olobi (Esq.) 08030707182.
    I read your piece, ‘Man in the mirror 1’and it’s really wonderful. How I wish all writers will be as objective as you are. We look forward to the second part. More grease to your elbows. Musab, Abuja. 08032953432.
    Every year, scores of people are senselessly murdered in the name of religion. Our politicians sweep it under the rug and carry on. Now they have carried it beyond our shores. Some homes in Lagos have parents with two different faiths and they live in peace, why is the north different? Bauchi alone had four religious massacres last year, why wasn’t it the same in Imo, Lagos, Delta, why? 08039293271
    Mr Olatunji, your piece on Umar is a classic and I must congratulate you for having the courage and conviction to write it. You spoke the mind of millions. 08038131304.
    Good talk but let’s call a spade a spade, USA is the terror to all. It trained them on the use of arms, produces and sells weapons to them. 08032155018.
    Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab (Man in the mirror 2)
    I tried to stop him when this action was deliberated upon and he told me of his moves…but too late. Let’s save others. 07033065434.
    If you truly admire Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, then encourage your children to do the same otherwise you are insincere. FromC.O. Kad. 08034526106.
    Please don’t ever have the impression that Jesus is a mere mortal. He is god. Good piece though. 08034416174.
    The controversy continues. Anyway, isn’t religion meant to be a subjective thing? 08033915632.
    Read your article and I must say, I am most impressed; such eloquence. I marvel at your writing perspective. Mind me asking if you schooled in Nigeria? 07032750275.
    Olatunji, believe it, you are great if not for other things but for today’s (Man in the mirror 2). May your brain and ink never get dry. I really love journalists like you. 08033264122.
    Mr Olatunji, your piece is superb and nothing but the bitter truth. I only wish our so-called clerics and leaders will stop being hypocritical and accept this truth (Reality Bites). Your column name fits perfectly. I look forward to more of these truths. Keep up the good work. 08136392193.
    Please don’t rationalize terrorism, condemn it in clear term. Farouk’s action was satanic. 07058845253.
    Indeed shame on you for hiding behind pun and unfortunate event to vent your probably long-held hatred for Christ and his followers. Damn masked fundamentalist! Shame! 07038278128.
    Dear Olatunji, compliments of the season. Your piece brought me close to tears. You said it all, we are to be blamed. Thank you. From Barrister Williams. 07025100415.
    You are too much! Kudos! And where the hell did you school? Who mentored and tutored you? 08062264032.
    For once, I read a piece that’s void of politics and elitist propaganda on serious issues. Tunji, I read your piece and the truth in it stole my heart. 08037011775.
    You are a fantastic writer even though I disagree with some of your premises and conclusions. You are a radical, I presume. From Kehinde. Akure. 08033899787.
    Since you are sympathising with Muslim fanatics instead of sanctioning their actions, why don’t you convert to Islam and blow up a church so you can make paradise? 08036327488.
    Your article was apt and on point. We lack depth. We are such simpletons that we have lost the art of deep reflection. Reality Bites just got a new convert. Let’s go deeper.  From S.M. Dikwa. Jos. 08034515362.
    End of the working class heroes…
    I have been reading your editorials for a very long time now. I must admit that you are a fearless writer in a country where yellow is orange and where people always have reasons to fear. To say that 80 per cent of Nigerians are cowards is an understatement. Sad thing is how many have access to your column? Sadder still; how many are aware of events about the Arab spring. They need electricity to be connected to the outside world via CNN or more. When the negligible light is available, they will rather watch African Magic on DSTV. So how the hell can they be able to borrow a leaf from the Arab spring? Mark my word, fuel subsidy will be removed and nothing will happen as usual. Nigerians will only blow hot air. After one week of strike action, the outcry will fizzle out… 08064286736.