Peace in Nigeria

As we march in favour of democracy & development, let us not presume that the troubled peace in our country will self-resolve. Yet, this seems to be the general direction if not tendency we seem to be headed. Wrong, very wrong.

First off, we are not agreed on the root causes of the problem. Second, the forces of unity are at once rooted and floating! They want a big and bold country, bonded in egalitarian democracy but are not ready for full and fulfilling federalism. Third, we are disabling and dis-enabling our vibrant youth population, it's just mind-boggling and baffling. Fourth, we have ignored Nigerian women in nation building: can you beat that? Finally, the politicians are misusing both religion and ethnicity (two of our most cherished gems and core values) in blind pursuit of personal ambitions and unbridled brigandage. The result is the shame-soaked badge of worsening corruption and deepening poverty.

Tackle these at base and get on the firm path to democracy, development and peace - enduring peace.

Who will take us there? The political class, nudged by elders, battled by civil society, supported by the international community. The arrowhead? National Assembly.

Monitored and recorded by the Nigerian Media - fearlessly, robustly and patriotically.

Is ECOWAS for West Africans?

The whole idea of regional integration is so exciting that no one can fault, or should fault, the ECOWAS Dream. And there is good support for it.

Let's be fair. ECOWAS is working. Especially in the area of advancing stability, peace and security thus promoting and sustaining democracy within this dynamic sub-region of Africa. Kudos to our political leaders.

Let's be truthful. ECOWAS is not flying. Especially in economic advancement and community spirit thus defeating the lofty goals of regional integration. Knock for our political leaders.

Considering the origins and continued yearnings of our combined populations, we should be far ahead in the development game by now. Why aren't we? Aha, gotcha!

Politics. Politicians. Neo-colonialism. Bureaucracy. Corruption. NEPAD. Unhealthy Competition instead of Undiluted Complementarity. Lack of Strategic Connective Infrastructure. Security without Prosperity equals POVERTY. No Full-Time Parliament. Not Learning creatively from... the EU.

The most important? Absence of Citizen-Participation.

Got that? Ask your Government.

The APRIL of our LIFE!

I am an April Boy! Had my birthday on the 5th, after we couldn't vote on the 2nd. It gave me the chance to do much thinking. If at 57 I can't boast of this country, I wondered how Pa Anthony Enahoro felt on his way to the Land of Elders! This, after and despite his heroic roles in securing Nigeria's independence and procuring true democracy in our land. Will things change before I head same way? Absolutely, I resolved.

Why and how? The rescheduled election will hold, and succeed, and be a plus for the nation; and a justification for our struggles. I see the signs, you'll have the evidence in abundance on the 10th - the morning after.

This April 2011 is the April of our Life! We must make it the beginning of all good things electoral, all great things democratic. I see the seeds, we'll reap the fruits in abundance from 29 May this 2011 - the month after.

So, I celebrate my day to elevate my country to its just status, its manifest destiny. This April.

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.