Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Leaders Gone and Leaders Going plus Leaders Coming

Argentina.

Dateline: Transfer of Presidential Power.

Dateline: From Husband to Wife.

Proudly!

United States.

Can da same happen in "God's own country"? But with its own unique variant: A wife taking office as President two-terms after her husband?

How many spouses can be proud running on the records of their spouses? And proudly hope to succeed them?

Germany.

Is it likely that a Chancellor will be so outstanding that her husband may be "drafted" to run in succession?

Academics, weren't they both? Put nothing past professors and da cosmic realms!

Proudly.

Nobel Peace Prize: Al Gorenation of da IPCC!

Thanks to ICT advances, no one should miss watching the CNN special on this year's Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies.

Superbly anchored by Jonathan Mann, the laureates did justice to their "coronation outing"!

Get thee online for da taste, or...retaste!!

Deserved.

Subprime Signals

Make no mistakes about it, the world's financial system is in some real trouble. Big trouble. All we are told is not all, and much is being "hedged" or "hidden" by hope and hype.

Helped by surging oil prices and earnings, suppressed by surging "other" economies (read East, et al), the West is in some - at least banking - straits.

The USA's uncontrolled (perhaps uncontrollable) spendings on the so-called war on terror, led by huge costs in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as mind-boggling misspendings at home (read the GOA's reports), are subsumed under the historical toga of "da world's largest economy" to fuel mega-huge foreign borrowings.

Because of the unprecedented embarrassingly humongous foreign reserves of several sovereign states and corporates, the global system seems so elastic to accommodate the seeping scandals now masquerading as "write-offs" and "charge-taking".

Oh yes, heads are rolling alright, but what else do we know will roil...and roll? Plenty.

When da chickens start coming home to roost - as the sun sets on subsisting political careers - and the political batons prove to be poisoned chalices, more shocking things will happen, alas!

21 Months.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

MNCs: Bribes-for-Contracts Worldwide

Wilbros (USA) and Siemens (Germany) have been convicted at home for paying huge sums as bribes-for-contracts in Nigeria, among other places. Thanks to the judicial systems of the United States and Germany, we now have another reaffirmation of the corruptive power of Western multinationals.

When the history of bad governance at BOTH country and corporate levels shall be finally done, the world's conscience will be seared and scarred.

It is slush fund sucking blood money, galore!

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Democracy on my Mind

As we are now witnessing, democracy is under stress and test around the world. Leaders who came to power through elections are undermining the necessity and inviolability of the vote! Those who came to power promising early and free & fair elections are sitting tight in office! The world is being threatened by actual, pseudo and aspiring dictators. Human rights are now game, fair game, in the onslaught against da people.

We, in Nigeria, just escaped the sit-tight monster by whiskers! Thanks to progressive, patriotic and selfless forces in our Senate.

All parliaments around the world must deny their leaders such ambition. Democracy must be defended and rejuvenated by free and fair elections, in which people cast their votes and in which their votes count! Period.

The UN must speak up on this matter. No diplomatese, please.

Let each nation decide if it needs term limits (which I think is best!) or not. No problem. Once they do, this must be assured and enforced. Life presidencies and dictatorships be no longer fashion or currency. They must end.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Two Worlds: The GENERALS Head Apart!

And they came: Generals in civil cloaks
singing da song of freedom
waving banners of peace
and vowing democracy...
at last!

And they ruled: Generals in mixed suits
Now in mufti, then in jackboots
raising hope, sealing deals
and baiting da powers...
that-be!

And they sailed: Generals in golden guild
Courted abroad, loathed at home
creating the craters for free minds
and breeding da herds...
of hate!

And they smiled: Generals in smoke-screens
Fixing ballots, feigning freedom
They give hope-in-straits
and take back da scent...
of vote!

And they railed: Generals in utter rage
Smashing patriots and politicians
banning mullahs and monks
and sinking da grundnorm...
at last!

Now the generals in two lands are heading their different ways. Pakistan heading for chaos...! Myanmar coming from da cold!!

Paradox.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

UNFAIR World: California Fires and Nigeria's Niger Delta Disaster

As we condole and commiserate with the prosperous US state of California and its traumatised and distraught citizens, especially residents of the fire-ravaged counties, we must reflect on our times and our texture. The richest state in the richest nation on earth is suffering the wildest and harshest forest fires on record! The toll is mounting and the trauma is brimming. May God help California!

You know what? As CNN's legend, Larry King, reminded us starkly the other night - quoting JFK - "Life is unfair!". California and its humane governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, have been on the front lines of environmental protection and in the vanguard of getting America onto the climate change/global warming action train. Hollywood has been a key partner in the global crusade, and has promoted and spoken up for world peace, human rights and banishing poverty. California has been good to immigrants, and is at once pro-women, pro-culture and modernist! With these wildfires, how so unfair!!!

Brings us to another unfair share of a nation's black gold, and even more grisly share of human and environmental degradation. Where else than my native Nigeria, and its now-very notorious Niger Delta Region! Noted worldwide as volatile and violent these days, with many negative and some offensive "Travel Advisories" from benefiting nations, you are struck by the unfairness of both nature & nation, in the abject poverty and untold suffering so visited upon the oil-rich land!
After sacrificing so much for an ungrateful country, it hurts to be the butt of consumer-mockery and operators' oppression as the Niger Deltans now endure!

California and da Niger Delta give so much to both their nations and the world. They should not be this pained. Not by nature, not by nation, not by man. As Governor Schwarzenegger stated at his joint press conference with the US president, "follow-through" with promises is da key. If we all learn from the Tsunamis, the Earthquakes and Katrina, this point must resound!

Thank you to all the fire-fighters, security operatives, first responders and the media for all the good work done in California. Kudos to President Bush for his prompt actions and his emotional official visit to the zone. As for the governor, you can't have a better man. Well done Gov!

In closing, we must ask others to learn from the horrors and humanity of the California Fires; even as we challenge both the Nigerian authorities and the consuming world to promptly and humanely revisit, and remedy, the Niger Delta Question!

Life is truly...UNFAIR!!!

Up South Africa...on the Rugby World Cup!

Bravo to our brethren in South Africa for bringing us great honour by winning the Rugby World Cup so convincingly! Great for AFRICA!!

Coming so soon after Nigeria won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, things are looking up. Make no mistake about it, Africa is staking for its rights and rightful place in world sport.

Mark my words!

As our continent's leaders in both cricket and rugby, the rainbow nation should move quickly to fully integrate all races, especially blacks, into both its national teams and the grassroots spread. It should also vigorously promote the sports in other countries, especially Nigeria and DRCongo.

We countdown to 2010, brethren...

Keep it up!

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Nobel Peace Prize: So Fair for...Al Gore/IPCC!

We must ask a few questions, post a few posers:

Why do we take out insurance? Is it to die, crash da car, lose the house...or just in case we do??

We eat not just to stop hunger (which we must) but to live well, and longer!

We are so good at being wary and dubious about so many things, including investments, living and faith....that we hedge against them. Rightly.

Why do we have vaccines? To hopefully avoid plagues and debilitating health crises. Sensibly.

Why do people of faith pray? To be worthy of the now, and ...the hereafter! Who knows??

As for the environment, especially the huge debacle of GLOBAL WARMING, the Nobel Peace Prize has rightly gone the right way in 2007....

To Al Gore and the UN Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Hearty CONGRATULATIONS!

For 2008, I suspect, even predict, that Bill Clinton, Bill Gates/Gates Foundation, Bono and Bob Geldof will gain the prize...in a unique Coalition of Non-State Actors for Global Good!

So we can start scoring quality action, valuable wealth and value of giving.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Russia-US Tortuous Relations: Step Back, Folks!

The turbulent and worsening relations between the United States and Russia must worry us all. There are of course more areas of cooperation, including robust partnership on the International Space Station (thank goodness!) and the so-called war on terror to mitigate our fears. Yet, it is on this question of security (both national and global) that things are coming badly off!

Oh, never mind the photo ops: things are falling apart between Moscow and Washington. And we better call these folks to order before they fall totally apart. The build-up is not funny at all. A domineering USA and a resurging/reasserting Russia: typical clash of the titans? Tough.

The saddest part is that things are drifting dangerously towards the "ego zone" which can very quickly escalate into the "cold war realms"!!! God forbid.

Our greatest worry is that the world is rather so polarised these days that it will most readily shuffle and melt into opposing "camps", to the eternal dismay and regret of the non-aligned us. We better rise promptly to the challenge NOW.

As the statesmen they ought to be, Presidents Putin and Bush should rein in the forces, return to their friendship, prepare for their political transitions, cement their superpower cooperation and give the world true leadership.

We need both to solve the world's intractable problems, NOT become one!

Monday, October 08, 2007

Myanmar...on my Mind

We must wish Ambassador Ibrahim Gambari, UN envoy to Myanmar, unqualified success this time around. He's been there before! Tough job, alright; but he must NOT fail, again. Period.

The military leadership must be truly sad and sorry for what it has turned a people's peaceful march into: Gory sights and sounds of state-unleashed violence, tears and blood, including that of the revered monks and a Japanese journalist! Sad.

Let's not beat about the bush. Myanmar must move to full democracy NOW. There is no choice and there is no more delay permissible. The seed of such a sensible reality was sown many years ago when Aung San Suu Kyi won the elections reluctantly called by the military. She has been languishing under debilitating house-arrest for two decades. Denying her the dignity of paying her last respects to her late Oxford don husband, who died in England, was a cruel stab. That was in tandem with the military leaders' jitters when they equally refused her passage to receive the Nobel Peace Prize earlier. For both acts, the world was stunned and outraged.

This is no longer about one prisoner of conscience or political icon. It is the case of spiritual and legal convergence, with the diplomatic and moral commitment of all of humanity. ASEAN, the UN and both China and India must front for us, and work for the people of Myanmar. Japan and Russia need to back this new move in very creative ways, right away.

Professor Gambari is absolutely competent and capable of serving. But he should be the real peace-bearer this time, not pall-bearer...again! Enough be enough.

We must thank Thailand for its pain and perseverance in housing and helping refugees and da patriots fleeing Myanmar. Other neighbours need do da same - until da coast be clear, and is fully cleared.

Condolences and commiserations to all. May the departed souls rest in perfect peace.

And may our world leaders make that happen, SOOOON!

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Sudan: AU Should Keep Faith, Keep Troops

Despite the mindless unprovoked rebel-action that killed, wounded and abducted African Union peace-keepers in the troubled Darfur region of Sudan, we should not be provoked. No.

Condolences and commiserations to Nigeria and Senegal. Let's investigate fully and promptly.

But we must keep the African Faith with our brethren in the crises, by keeping our Troops in the region! We shall not be provoked. No.

Let the UN move faster on the peace plan. Let the rebels make the upcoming meeting in Libya a success. Let our prayers persist. All hands and minds must be on board, stay on board.

The end is in view! Surely.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Golden Eaglets rule da World!...FIFA World Cup

Congratulations to Nigeria's Under-17 Soccer Squad for bringing home the 2007 FIFA World Cup, making it the third time our cadets will be winning the Gold Diadem. Bravo!

In da interest of "full disclosure", let it be known that Nigeria actually won the maiden edition in China 1985, and again in Japan 1993. Painfully, we've had a 14-year drought before last week!

Appropriately named Golden Eaglets, they won the cup without dropping a single match during the tournament. They beat every great team, from France 2-1 to Haiti 4-1, to Colombia 2-1, to Japan 3-0, to Argentina 2-0, and then capped it with a gruelling 3-0 finale against the European champions, Spain. Oh, what a nail-biting final, which ended in penalty shoot-out!

Commiserations to Spain. Better chance next time!

Our own Macaulay Chrisanthus won the Golden Boot for highest goals (seven), and was declared the Second MVP of the 2007 FIFA Fiesta. Double Bravo, son...we're proud of you! We are very proud of the whole team, and are most grateful to Coach Yemi Tella and his competent crew!

The team will continue their victory lap nationwide - deservedly so. As we celebrate, it's time to distill the lessons in this excellent achievement...for national development.

Here is my bold & ambitious short list:
a) Keep and groom these boys both as persons and as a TEAM - towards the 2010 World Cup.
b) Let's now have a Nigerian Sports University with SIX geopolitical Mega Campuses - to cater for every branch of sports (i.e. Football Academy, Track & Field Academy, Indoors College, Water Sports College, Paralympics Academy, etc) to give our sportsmen and women the best all-round education and training.
c) Strategic and generous Sports Awards, Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships & Honours for all categories of players, actors and stakeholders.
d) National catalytic annual budget of US$I bn sunk into Sports over the next 25 years, to create sound asset-infrastructure and resource base for this vital sector.
e) All "eligible" clubs to be grant-aided at between Naira 50-250m biennially, in a very very creative format that will also enable them hire sound crew, buy great players & athletes, and produce superstars.
f) We must now "internationalise" our local leagues, create our own grand prix, our own derby, and an "African Circuit" with great world class prizes. We have the space, we have the stars, we have the weather, we have the dollars, we have the population!
g) Through a Nigerian Media Special Trust, let's totally transform our multimedia offerings to fully support viewership, readership, global marketing and quality interaction in sports. Thank God for our newly launched Communications Satellite!
h) Recruit and fan out our very best as coaches and handlers, training them in the best places on earth, with a 5/20-year succession matrix.

My point is that we must invest HEAVILY, BOLDLY and CREATIVELY in sports. It is good for the citizens and profitably for the country. Here should be the magnet and market for ECOWAS Talents and Stars. Why not?

Without putting too fine a point on it, if a fraction of all the resources looted by our so-called leaders and their cohorts were this-invested, we would be a World 20 economy by now!!!

Let's use this victory as the right and perfect excuse so to do.

Happy CELEBRATIONS, Nigeria, many more go come o!

Friday, September 14, 2007

Watching This Country, NIGERIA!

After 100 Days of the new dispensation, i.e. since the April Elections/selections, we must say to ourselves that "Da World is surely Watching". And, may they WATCH!

I have a very simple comment, nay, prediction: All who made hay while the fake sun of the fake powers lasted shall be sorry where they'll land, nay, roast. We watch.

Many installed-puppets are ranging their installer-puppeteers studiously, cautiously, cleverly, and even covetously.....for da FINAL roasting! We watch.

It will be feverish, it shall be flashy, even fetish. Pray wishful or washy or windy, it shall be fatal.
The books will never be da same, again! We watch.

Hints: Read up on the states and the deadly manoeuvres aboard, and afoot.

Hints: Soak up on the National Assembly, especially the mood and motions of the senators.

Key: Contemplate the presidency, and the actions plus non-actions of da incumbent.

The next 100 Days...are ominously ominous. Da game of fame changes. Da gate of shame opens.

Mark my words!

Thursday, September 06, 2007

Up Nigeria...on Youth FIFA World Cup!

Germany fell 3-1 to Nigeria this afternoon in the ongoing Under-17 FIFA World Cup, way way away in South Korea. Up Nigeria!

We narrowly missed an all-West African finals as Spain narrowly beat Ghana, our brothers, 2-1 yesterday. Up Spain!

Now, don't kid by ever doubting who I want to celebrate here on Sunday! Nigeria, of course!!

Well, as this business goes, we are also fair in our part of da world: Let the better side win!!!

Fair?

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

World Leaders...on Cost of Meetings

From Sydney comes the harsh reality: COST of HOSTING...World Leaders! Okay, more like World Leaders (whenever President George Bush is present)!! The Aussies are spending tons in cash, building unprecedented fences and other barriers, and deploying everything in their admirable security arsenal...for the APEC Summit, this week. Both Bush and his Iraq war are very unpopular in Australia (as where aren't they?).

It was always there: these protests started before Bush. All IMF and World Bank Meetings have been picketed in sorts. Will always be!! The G8 will not escape, either.

If the leaders ignore major issues or under-perform when needed most, they will keep getting booed, resented and harangued...wherever they assemble on the face of the Earth. The heat, like the Global Warming problem they're deflecting, will be on them! No hiding.

I was just wondering if the Americans are factoring this depressing phenomenon into the future of their worldview and global relations. America cannot go on like this!

We don't know how Mr Bush wants to be remembered. But the world seems dead set to rebuke him everywhere and anywhere! How is Secretary Rice coping with this quagmire?

No matter the cost, may World Leaders meet. May they, because of the cost however, make good things happen...from all them MEETINGS!

Pleeeeeze...

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

IRAQ: Messy War. Warring Mess!

This war of choice is a mess. Not new, right? Fine. Now the assessment frenzy is on. There are reports, and there will be REPORTS! Then.....the R_E_P_O_R_T!!

President Bush didn't go to Anbar Province (not Baghdad?) for nothing. Not for NOTHING!

The gates of the "messes" are creaking and squeaking open. After the much-awaited (you know whose!) REPORT, the "Warring Mess" and the splashing messes will merge.

Unfortunately, there will be no resolution as there are no good choices. Both sides of the divide, and all those in-between, must live with the MESS. Period.

As Barack Obama and many around the world keep saying, the time to ask da TOUGH questions was BEFORE da war!

The usually "diplomatic" British Generals have been speaking...splashing! Go read them....

Bashing Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki now is da same MESS: The time to set his TASKS was before he was used to replace/upstage his predecessors!

Now, someone else is warming up to takeover...in another upstage. Who? A former prime minister. Yes, a predecessor!!!

The MESS stays. Until the '08 Elections....

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Mandela now Lives in UK Parliament Square...FOREVER!

What a man, what a manner: The Legend and legacy of Nelson Mandela raises masses and passion. Now, on Wednesday 30 August 2007, it rises in grandeur in the Parliament Square, London. In a bronze statue. In conquest over all adversity: apartheid being chief. In majesty!

We hail thee, Madiba. You will live forever in hearts and minds. Your long walk from prison makes a milestone-stopover in the hallowed square of democracy, in da land that helped ya tormentors decades before!

But by twists and turns, and the hand of fate, your noble soul be unbroken, be not bitter, and now stands tall in the square of honour and nobility! Your bust is in da company of greats, for you be The Greatest of our Times! Bravo, father of peace, you have a special patch, in every sense plus...a prestigious and permanent perch, alas! All hail da legend!

Now, a word for the brave and blended: Thank you Oh London for so bravely dispensing with da brutal past, so nobly enthroning da brazen truth, and so sweetly casting a message of balance and bliss for all time! Bravo to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and all Britons of conscience and love. Thanks for the denouement, the fine humanity...

Oh Mandela, our Dearest Madiba, live now FOREVER!

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The White House: Getting Lonelier For GB!

They are all gone! Or are they? You must pity President Bush. All his Texas friends - many say, Texas crowd - are gone! Poor George...

The dramatic, though long-expected, departure of attorney general Alberto Gonzales has finally come. He leaves in September. Added to that of Carl Rove, the political genius or mastermind of the Bush presidency, the deck seems cleared! Of course there is the ultra-loyal secretary of state, Condoleesa Rice, sitting pretty. And the powerful vice president, Dick Cheney, hanging in there. But, pray GB, it's not da same way or da same game anymore!

The White House is depleted. The place is getting lonelier for the gregarious president. This must be tough, gritty tough. But is it good? I say yes.

No question.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

The Weather and Us

How can one "have a great day!" when, no matter where you turn, there are people and places hurting and mourning? The floods, heat, winds, fires, quakes, planes and just about anything on earth and in the firmament are heartlessly wreaking havoc WORLDWIDE!!!

We must sympathise and empathise, condole and commiserate, and we must...reflect very very deeply. Let's move aid and assistance fully and swiftly to all in need.

Then the real and final task: Our answer to this 4-year old girl's golden question: "Where is the government???"

The World Government is the United Nations. Just as we work together on "bird flu" and other plagues, let's tackle the Weather and its Fall-outs jointly....NOW!

A special session of world leaders should be convoked right away. And its only agenda is Action, Action, ACTION!

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Pray Zimbabwe, What Next?

Is it just me, or is it how we should all be?
All of us - of flesh and blood
I bleed for Zimbabwe - the food basket that holds no meals
I bleed
I bleed for my brethren - fellow Africans that find no fellowship
I bleed
I bleed for Zimbabwe - the land of liberation that lacks much freedom
I bleed, I bleed, I bleed!

Somehow, I still can't understand or decipher how South Africa and Nigeria didn't or couldn't make peace in this sister-nation. Why? Why?? Why???

Somehow, we must return to Zimbabwe. All of us AFRICANS. Led by our LEADERS.

Peace in Zimbabwe is a task that must be done. Fast.

Thursday, August 09, 2007

Mandela and The ELDERS Forum

You cannot but be grateful that Papa Nelson Mandela remains a huge blessing to our universe, and our times - spanning generations.

Leading a new global conclave of distinguished retired or ex-World Leaders, male and female, he has brought a unique halo to the fading-tradition and ancient custom of both peace-making and problem-solving: Da Wisdom of ELDERS!

Initiated by the conscience-driven British businessman, social entrepreneur and irrepressible world citizen, Richard Branson, and musician Peter Gabriel, it paraded "heavies" like Desmond Tutu, Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan and Mary Robinson. You know what that means!

As we await further details, there can be no shortage of global assignments for these greyheads!
They say they'll work quietly and mostly behind-the-scene: They are not in competition but in complementarity. Great stuff.

On the platform that day, the elders lined up to celebrate The Madiba @ 89. My eyes welled both for the moving mystique, flooding memories and ONE missing personality - Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo! God, it pains...

Well, happy birthday Papa. God be with you!

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Libya Plays Right

Releasing the Bulgarian nurses and Palestinian doctor accused, convicted and sentenced to death over HIV/AIDS-related charges was a smart diplomatic move by Libya. The "convicts" fully deny the charges till this day.

I appreciate Libyan President Qaddafi and French First Lady Madame Sarkozy for this. Kudos also to all other overt and faceless players around the globe. Well done!

No doubt, there were deals all the way! Now, the "prisoners" are back home, and free - after about 9 years out in the desert nation. Libya has also, consequently resumed full international engagement - ending the uneasy relations with the West over this issue. So should it all stay.

The brewing spats and controversies over pardons and arms deals, etc. are unnecessary and should be resolved positively. On all sides.

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Brown on the Bounce!

We welcome Prime Minister Gordon Brown to 10 Downing Street - UK's hottest seat of power! I personally applaud the transition/succession act of the Labour Party in this regard. Bravo folks, well done!

Has he started well? No question. What with his baptism of fire! The failed terror attack. The floods. Now, "food and mouth" disease.

Has he stood firm and tall? The polls say YES. And I agree.

Will he be further, even fuller tested? You bet.

But here is the swell one for me: His sombre, solid and rousing CALL for urgent and concerted ACTION on the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Deftly delivered at the instance of UN Sec-Gen Ban Ki-Moon, to a choice audience in UN headquarters, New York, Mr Brown has rightly taken on the world. Good strike!

Then the meeting at Camp David - the two GBs - President George Bush and Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Good start. And a healthy, if tentative, meeting of minds.

Welcome GB, and very best wishes! The world be now ya stage.

My Apologies

My absence was caused by problems at our ISP. I regret the inconvenience and blackout visited on all my readers and patrons.

Well, I am back!

I intend to do catch-up work in humble and token compensation.

Kindly bear with me.

God bless

Monday, March 26, 2007

EU is 50!

I wish I were in Germany these past days! Why not, the European Union is FIFTY! Why not, remember the infectious hospitality of the Germans during the FIFA World Cup? Why not, don't we recall that this continent has now been weaned from centuries of endless and senseless wars? Why not, from six founding members to twenty seven strong and counting!

Are there problems? Why, of course there are, and ought to be. Aren't there in individual states and nations? Pray, these are normal in evolving relations. I am not depressed. Things can only get better. The politicians and bureaucrats are getting the message! No question.

Let Europeans celebrate! Deserved.

Thanks to the EU, the world is more balanced and truly global. Thanks to its golden jubilee, the African Union (AU) has a pragmatic example if not worthy role model. Thanks to its plurality, our world can look forward to a true Global Village and rich unity-in-diversity!

The EU is 50...Hurray!!!

Ban Ki-Moon's Lucky Escape!

It was fortuitous. Or, the story will be different today. Thank God for the lucky escape. The UN Secretary General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, along with his Iraqi host, PM Nuri al Maliki, were merely metres away from a deadly mortar attack a few days ago. That was at a press conference in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad. Imagine that!

Bottom line? Nowhere, and no-one, is safe in Iraq!

What this recommends is simple: Get the Iraq War ended!!

Period.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Iraq...4 Years down!

Nothing can explain how Iraqis feel this day, and nothing can fully describe the frustration the Americans must be feeling in the quagmire they now find themselves. I pity both sides.

As we begin the fifth year of this sad and bad war, let reason NOW prevail in the White House. Things have changed. Now, President George Bush must pluck up the courage to CHANGE.

The last thing we need is that holier-than-thou hubris which got us all here in the first place. No, the White House must now listen - and ACT.

Talk with Iran and Syria NOW! Get the United Nations to take the front role NOW!

Finally, work with Congress with honesty and humility from now on!!

The American voters have spoken...HEED their concerns, HONOUR their wisdom - which, by the way, tally with most of the world's!!!

To Iraq we say, and pray: This nightmare shall surely pass away.

AMEN.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Zimbabwe...on my Mind

The news is bad. Yes, B...A...D. Has been bad for some years. But, this day, it is very very BAD!

I am concerned. Have been for some years. But, this day, I am very very CONCERNED!

African Elders and Leaders must now rise and arise to help solve and resolve the Zimbabwe Question, the Harare Quagmire. NOW!

I am worried that prominent voices are not being heard. I've been worried for some years. But, this day, I am very very WORRIED!

May I beg Presidents Mbeki, Obasanjo, Mandela and Kufuor to converge in Madiba's place with President Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai for a FINAL settlement of the crises, please!!!

Africa, let's save Zimbabwe!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Treating "Presidential Catarrh"...Abroad!

Nigeria's ruling People's Democratic Party, PDP, sent its presidential candidate in this April's election, Governor Umar Yar'Adua, to Germany for medical attention last week. First, it was claimed to be routine overdue "check up". Then, they said it was to treat "catarrh". And, finally, they admitted he was exhausted and stressed by the punishing or gruesome campaign hustings.
Whatever it was, there was soon a wild rumour that the man died! As it turned out, he did not die. He was alive, and soon joined the party's Obasanjo-led and dominated campaign train in Ado Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria, to the obvious delight of his partisans and the definite relief of all doubting or worried souls.

I leave the politics for now. Let's look at the "Health for All" question and "MDG Agenda" angle.

This man has been governor for eight years and his party has ruled at the centre for the same period, yet they couldn't provide medical facilities to cure "catarrh" or to do "check up"! They must fly abroad for such!!!

We are now telling the whole world that all our oil/gas money and limitless human and material endowments are a waste! All our teaching hospitals and general hospitals and those specialist facilities we allocate huge annual budgets to are a sham, right? All our medical schools and those consultants and professors are a joke, kwo? The National Hospital, where President Obasanjo went for his own "check up", and gleefully told Nigerians that no one need go abroad for such attention anymore, is an empty shell, abi?

In reading between the line, the world must be laughing us to scorn!

I join. Hahaha!!!

Monday, March 05, 2007

Obasanjo at 70

Seventy. Three scores and ten. As a christian, President Olusegun Obasanjo has made it to the biblical age. As an african, he has entered the elders grotto. As a soldier, he has made the brass and retired as an on-tired fully tried general.

Uniquely, this man has both been made by history even as he has made amazing history. He was military head of state, and became two-term civilian president in our nascent democracy. The only such nigerian ever! At 70, he leaves office in May 2007.

President Obasanjo is a passionate family man with a very large, very diverse family.

Happy birthday to a leader who, with all his pluses & minuses, is witty, courageous, cerebral, humourous, patriotic and truly fortunate.

As we wish him many happy returns, we wish him the wisdom and capacity to conduct a free and fair democratic transition in the April Elections.

70 Hearty Cheers!

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Selma: Did you see The Clintons & Obama?

Dateline: Selma, Alabama. In honour of Civil Rights Activists.

Here was the great moment for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. It was always going to be. And, hallo hallo, the rock-star of american politics and former president Bill Clinton - darling of all African-Americans - made it "The American Moment" by joining the traditional freedom march.

"Black Sunday" which commemorates the day, 42 years ago, when white supremacist police typically brutalised black civil rights activists (fighting for the vote), brought the two senators and presidential hopefuls head to head today in Selma. They spoke in black churches to black faithfuls in search, obviously, of black votes at the Democratic Primaries.

You know what? I am thrilled at the symbolism, the razzmatazz, and the huge potential that this event portends for CHANGE in the United States of America! By most accounts, polls et al, this is the new moment for America.

Did you watch the TV scenes? Did you see the nuance? And the beauty?

Watch, America, your grand moments be unfolding!

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Nigeria's Niger Delta Crises

Just a simple advice which may turn things around for all concerned. Let the parliamentarians and shareholders from the home countries of ALL companies operating in the Niger Delta send separate fact-finding teams to the region in July and August respectively. Such delegations should be very balanced and high-powered, so that their reports and recommendations may be promptly and sincerely actionable.

For effect, this step must be independent of our governments and the managements of such firms. They've had their day! The idea is to ensure that fresh, smart, creative and courageous interventions come on stream - in addition to any local actions or interventions.

When it's all said and done, the United Nations should be interested in the matter. The crises are affecting oil prices and energy costs worldwide. And compounding the plights of poor countries in very debilitating ways. This is a classic case of Private Wealth vs World Poverty. Composite and concerted ACTION is now absolutely due, and dire.

The same manner big business is stepping up to the plate on the global warming matter in the United States, despite White House opposition/inertia, is how the oil companies must respond to the Niger Delta Question - in spite of all official odds and hurdles. No excuses.

What a sensitive and sensible strategy for all concerned as we open a new chapter in Nigeria's democratic governance from May 2007!

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Gingerly Forward: The White House Is Shifting!

It is a cautious good news that the US will be joining a regional meeting of Iraq's neighbours, including Syria and Iran, along with the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to try sort out the Iraqi Question.

Following the earlier report of an impending rare visit by the DPRK nuclear negotiator to the US, there is clearly some shift in White House policies towards both countries now! Very welcome.

While awaiting more details, we must encourage all concerned to bite the bullet and seize the moment. The UN must not slip up on these openings, and may the Washington hawks find it in their capacity to buy in or stay grudgingly off. We will thank for either stance.

Let's give diplomacy, multilateralism and real peace a chance!

Monday, February 26, 2007

Save Britney Spears!

Over the years stars and superstars have come and gone. Some endure most burn out sooner than later. In pain, as we've seen, the younger they are the more vulnerable they become.

If there was a Coping Mechanism, organised by their industries, rooted in community and fully embraced by family, most will have a great run of career and life. For example, couldn't we have preserved the Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson mystique? How did we fare with Madonna and Whitney Houston? And Fela Anikulapo Kuti? And Bob Marley? And Muhammad Ali?

The tragedy of Anna Nicole Smith is too fresh in our minds. Let's save the prodigious Britney now before it be too late! All around her should step up to be counted.

This self-demystification and self-destruct bug has plagued many, is haunting more and will not be wished away without a fight. We see it in stars from music to sport to fashion to geeks and whiz kids everywhere. It is a pandemic of sorts. We must tame it, defeat it promptly!

We must protect our stars, superstars, icons and legends the way we defend our lands and our monuments. We must do all we can. We must do so now!!

Yes. And let's start with sweet Britney Spears.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Clinton-Obama: Stop It!

Let the campaign camps of Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama please step back from the senseless and tendentious infighting we witnessed last week. The media be now charged up, and agog! Needless.

Chairman Howard Dean and the Democratic Party Leadership should draw the dignity line for all candidates to toe. Desperation has to have its limits. The US Presidential Race should set worthy examples at home and abroad. Democracy is not about winning at all costs. Must not be.

Who needs a Pyhrric victory? A poisoned chalice? Or mutually assured destruction?

Not Clinton. Not Obama. Not the DNC. Not America!

The African Union...on Darfur

Why is the AU so helpless on its own continent? How much more misery and mystery must the Darfur story convey before there be peace for all?

What was that whole thing about "Peer Review Mechanism" flaunted by African Leaders as a veritable part of NEPAD?

The Arab League, what is their stand on Darfur and their standing in the AU? Lip service?

Is Darfur going to be a metaphor for Somalia, too?

God help Africa!

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Global Warming, Global Action...Today!

This is not a treatise. Bless Al Gore, the case is finally made. And, as Senator John McCain said emphatically recently, the debate is over!

Now to action. We must applaud the crusaders in America: business, mayors, civil society, et al.
The White House must now join the fold. Better late than never. We can sympathise with their track record in the matter - it isn't untypical of the hawks in the corridors of power. But, as is now so typical, they are on the isolationist fare again! Time to climb down with courage, folks, the world needs the US on this. And the New Congress is with the rest of the Globe!

The State of California deserves a special "Thank You" from us all. And, yes, so does Downing Street for the Stern Review (Sir Nicholas Stern was the former Chief Economist of the World Bank). We must thank the EU for its consistency and courage in the journey so far. Keep it up, dear comrades, you balance the world!

China, India, Russia and Brazil must take their rightful place in this business of saving our planet for both present and future generations. The evidence calls for urgent collaboration and genuine complementarity. But leadership must come from the largest polluters. No dilly dally.

Action Time is NOW!

Sunday, February 11, 2007

US vs Iran

We've been here before! Obstinacy. Isolationism. Superpower arrogance. Failed intelligence. Etc. The six party talks over North Korean nuclear impasse is ongoing and cautiously promising. The sticking point is about US-DPRK relations. The North Koreans don't want to be dictated to by America. The South Koreans do not agree with America's threat and bully diplomacy of the last six years. China and Russia are balancing things, while Japan is in muted and aware alliance with the US.

Despite all the past bad blood, the US and North Korea are now talking. What a relief! Keep it up, guys, it's the right steps to peace. With Ban Ki-Moon on board, the prospects are good.

Now we hear a lot of buzz around the world of some possible American military attack on Iran. Though this is furiously denied and serially refuted by both the Pentagon and the White House, no one seems to believe them, any where. Why? Credibility problem. And that is a pity for the world's superpower - leader of the free world! Sad.

The greatest pity however will be for President Bush and his neocons to, against all opposition, even in the US, attack Iran - under any pretext whatsoever. The Europeans have warned him, Tony Blair has demurred, and both Russia and China do not support this misguided project. His blaming Iran for the mess in Iraq is simply buck-passing and scape-goating.

As the Syrian President told Dianne Sawyer of ABC News, has America, with all its resources, been able to secure its borders? Why blame Iraq's neighbours for illegal entry of insurgents or jihadists in Baghdad? Surely, regional cooperation on this matter is better than regional conflagration!

Disbanding the Iraqi military and unleashing billions of dollars on the flux populace without any records or programmes - perhaps to buy "hearts and minds"! - was a sure fire guarantee of the sustainable resistance the coalition forces now confront. The recent US National Intelligence Estimate was quite instructive, and is corroborated and heightened by the latest Inspector General's Report, which indicted the Policy Unit in the Pentagon on the manipulation (or was it doctoring?) of pre-war intelligence. There are too many flaws in George Bushes war in Iraq! It is now time for humble pie and soul-searching. The American voters get it. Will their president?

If the US wants to succeed in Iraq, the White House better revisit the Baker-Hamilton report without dilly-dallying. America must talk with Syria and Iraq. Period.

Congress need to hold this White House to full accountability and multilateralism. The Middle East should not be the cradle of the Third World War, or unceasing fountain of blood! No more.

Putin vs Bush - Truth in Friendship?

We should all stay out of the fray in this Putin-Bush window of words. It is not the first, will not be the last. Their truth-in-public dialogue/diatribe goes way back!

Remember when they met in Russia for the G8? Bush called for real democracy in Russia, and Putin retorted that they certainly didn't want the type in Iraq! Poor Iraq!!

They are friends: George Bush looked Vladamir Putin in the eye and saw that the guy has a good soul, during their first-ever face-to-face meeting! And, in truth, they've worked largely along those lines. The guys can and do relate well.

We must encourage them to keep their relationship warm, firm, truthful and for world peace. In this mutuality lies the best national-security assurance for both great countries.

Let's strengthen the bridge, NOT breach it!

Technorati Profile

Saturday, February 10, 2007

America 2008 - Barack Obama

Yes, Americans will choose their own leaders. Yes, the elections are way way away. And, yes, the presidential field is pretty crowded - even for democrats let alone republicans.

But I've just listened to the most inspiring, animated and pragmatic call (some may think it's a speech!) today. An outing with many memorable quotes. And electric!

Yes, a Barack Obama, senator of the United States, going for the presidency. He says he's asking and leading Americans to claim back their country! He calls for a generational change - ready to lead the charge.

Hello Folks, you've got a matter in hand, and a gem in your hands!

Choose right, vote right.

Friday, February 02, 2007

BBC's Football Focus

2 am. I've just finished savouring the maiden broadcast of Football Focus, "FF", on BBC World. Interesting and highly focused. I liked the setting and the picks for this day. 30 minutes isn't a fair length, I don't think. You need 45 minutes minimum.

That way, we'll have some action clips and facility spices.

Didier Drogba of Chelsea was a delight in his interview: calm, humble and balanced. A Team Man, and a player to both celebrate and watch. No question.

The report from Ghana was good, what with Marcel Desailly and Abedi Pele; plus the news on the forthcoming Nigeria-Ghana international friendly!

Good marks on take-off, folks! And a vote for the Beautiful Game.

Obasanjo: The AU Farewell

He did it! President Olusegun Obasanjo made my day when he bade Africa farewell at the 8th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He reinforced the bye-byes in his address at the honorary doctorate awards ceremony of the Addis Ababa University, to an audience which included fellow honoree Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy.

True to his word, he has since led his party's presidential campaign roadshows, vigorously canvassing for his potential successor, Katsina Governor Umar Yar'Adua.

May the doubting Thomases give him a break!

Poor Iraq!

There is nothing that should console us about the blood-letting and sheer carnage that Iraq now advertises. Pray as we may that the new American strategy works, the prognosis is at best dire. But it is the extant reality that irks like hell.

Yes, no soul is insignificant, but unabatingly wasting women and children there must surely be the disgust of double hell. And it is. What goes on in Baghdad these days is deadening the human senses and damaging the real purpose of life...and living. Our combined tenancy on Planet Earth is cheapening sacred blood and burning the sanctity of reason - in a grand and gory betrayal of all FAITHS! It is at once a scandal and scandalising.

We must ALL repent.

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Legacy: Is Bair bound to Bush?

One of my favourite prime ministers is in a bind! Tony Blair must be wondering what led him to George Bush or, better still, why he over-stretched the Clinton-Blair coziness to the war led by President Bush. He must really wonder! The twists and turns this day are no sweet portends.

It's bad news all the way from Washington to London, and around the world, for both tough leaders. Iraq, accept or not, has failed. So has Afghanistan. There are some chances of positive possibilities, but only if the White House be willing to change course AND, especially, talking to Iran and Syria.

As Tony Blair and George Bush ponder their legacy and review their political past & fortune, things don't look good. We may have need to feel for them but we cannot make their legacy for them!

So, where are things heading or pointing for both men? Dreary, it seems. Why? Apart from the obvious issues in the public domain, to wit the wobbling war on terror, there is the small matter of Mr Blair lacking any leverage with Mr Bush - despite his seeming staunch, some say blind loyalty! Not on global warming. Not on debt relief. Not on the International Criminal Court or War Crimes Court. Not on the wider Middle East question. Not on UN Reforms. The list seems endless - according to their critics.

I do feel for them, though. Let's still wish them the bloom of the silver lining.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Emulate China...where it fits

Rather than wholesomely criticising China in its African endeavours, the West should reexamine itself and kindly pursue a more pragmatic relationship with our continent. For example, what has the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement (or its predecessor Lome Conventions, for that matter) so far done for Africa and Africans? This brilliant pact has remained a paper tiger for ages, bogged down by bureaucratic bottlenecks, political gerrymandering, and even outright deceit - in some cases! How can this partnership truly work when the private sector, civil society, experts and professionals are cleverly excluded from benefits, support and participation? Everything seems tied to governments - which is not the practice in Europe - against the logic of market forces, knowledge economy, specialisation and globalisation!! Personal, private and individual initiatives are either forbidden or stifled!!!

If the pact had been proactive and honestly implemented over the years, the level of poverty in the region would have been different. It suited the parties (mostly politicians and civil servants!) to keep and sustain the status quo, even when the truth is known. After all, the EU has several diplomatic missions, and its members also do, across the ACP. How then can they pretend not to know what is on ground in these countries viz a viz the Agreement? They do. The ACP powers also do. Between them both, plenty is amiss!

Reviews and so-called revamps of the pact have failed because the raison d'etre is undermined each time. The Agreement is too complicated and burdensome in structure, its wordings are not user-friendly and its mechanisms are bureaucracy-skewed. If the EU really wants to work with ACP, it must do so ACROSS the board of the polity, economy, geography and demography. Just as it does in Europe! Why should anyone require government licence or stamp (incorporation, for instance) to benefit from development assistance, when you have missions? Do you do that in Europe? That is a sure way to put crusaders, critics, researchers, professionals, writers and journalists in the pockets of repressive regimes or under censorship. Risk takers, as researchers, entrepreneurs and crusaders, are critical forces for change worldwide, they are same for ACP - thus, EU support should be unencumbered.

China's approach is "trade & development" oriented. Yes, there are grey areas, but the West has many issues with the PRC itself yet does trillions of dollars business there! Sensible. It is better to be constructively engaged than to isolate. China is doing same in Africa.

And, hey, Africans are no fools, you know. They will not permit recolonization, you bet! Friends
are better helpers and persuaders than antagonists, I would say. Constructive engagement!

Chancellor Angela Merkel should use the German presidency of the EU to refocus and rejig the ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement. It will not work profitably as it stands. Real stakeholders should be brought on board from both sides, and the resources should be disaggregated. There are too many EU institutions and too few ACP players to make it profitable! There are also too many meetings, too much paperwork, and lopsided access in the whole endeavour!! It certainly needs some fresh air and new spirit in line with present realities: Free up the funds and monitor same like hell! Cast the net wider and firmer!! Do for ACP what and how you will do for Europe!!!

The ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement needs to be dynamic, realistic, creative, programmatic and BOLDLY projectised.

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Farewell at ECOWAS

President Obasanjo finally? said his farewells to West African leaders at an ECOWAS summit recently. Bravo! But for his critics and persistent sceptics, it was "let's wait and see". Wicked!

I blame them not. It was an obscure press report on a press statement by the president's press secretary. It should have made headlines but it didn't. Pity.

Next time Aso Rock should arrange live telecast of such crucial presidential proclamations, to silence all doubters. Wait a minute, don't the same folks regale us with live coverage of many other less-important outings? Isn't there a State House Press Corps plus the usual state-run media crew? Why was it so low-keyed? Where are the headlines and bylines?

I give our president the 100-Day benefit of doubt. I choose to believe our own globe-trotting commander-in-chief. And I bear no grudge against those who choose not to. Yes. Not least on the score of "once Third Termited thrice shy"!

To the Nigerian Press: He leaves on May 29; so...vigil, vigil,vigil. Plus more vigil.

Peace.

Saturday, January 20, 2007

The Environment

If condolences and commiserations go to all those who have fallen victims of the extreme and destructive weather situations around the globe, condemnation and clarion calls must go to our leaders for failing us in the critical challenges of The Environment.

If we are in the dark about the secret experiments and clandestine tests by various interests and powers, we now see enough evidence and have more than enough reasons to act. Pray, we must now ACT.

The devastation we witness these days is horrendous. So, how can any body in leadership and policy position fail to be moved to act? Incredible!

What kind of business mission or plan profits unconscionably from the destruction of our joint planet and common habitat? Frightening!

Now is the time for citizens to rise to ACTION. It should now be an article of faith in elections: Let's use our VOTES to save the world by putting environment-friendly leaders in office, and removing agents of global warming from power...everywhere!

Pollutants beware!!!

Friday, January 12, 2007

Neither Bush nor Blair...

Poor George! His days are not only numbered in office but are increasingly clobbered by forces home and away!! What a president, what a war!

Poor Tony! His time ticks away in blighting blips and beeps!! What a prime minister, what an untidy war for the masters of diplomacy!

You know I like these two guys at the personal level. They are both down-to-earth and quite simple folks. But Iraq has changed it all, chained them both! Pity.

With a new plan and rejigged strategy, President Bush aims to win the war. Sadly, the whole package has run into a huge storm...home and abroad! Nothing Prime Minister Blair says today holds interest in the UK...as far as his compatriots are concerned! He should just go, they say!

To worsen matters, the so-called coalition of the willing (foreign forces in Iraq) has dwindled very very badly. It is essentially now bare-boned to a US-UK Team!

As things stand this moment, we must wait and see. More thoughts later.

Monday, January 01, 2007

He sang: "making my list, checking it twice....Ban Ki-Moon is coming to town". The new UN Chief has mounted the hot-seat! Bravo to the distinguished diplomat from South Korea.

From Tuesday 2 January however he must go: "I have my list, ready to sweat...Ban Ki-Moon has NOW come into town!"

I think the secretariat juke-box and karaoke buffs should take up the successor version of the song with quiet and nerve-testing refrain.

From me, it's: "welcome aboard, steady ya steps...Ban Ki-Moon is most welcome to town!"

Goodluck and go well.