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.

Talking of political payback and backlash, Nigeria is a timely, if intriguing case-study. So much is now happening, and a lot more is afoot, within the polity and astride the political terrain. Heads are beginning to roll in strange places, and the macabre dance has only just begun!

Prediction: November will numb us all. Watch.

Prediction: December will daze them all. Expect.

Prediction: January will jolt, jam and jettison the jaded last. Believe.

Prediction: The fearless and independent Nigerian Press will swing into its legendary element. Soon, and very soon. By stalling the Freedom of Information bill for all of eight years!, many senators will pay a stiff price.

Prediction: Students will "show dem pepper!" for turning our educational system into a cruel joke, and so heartlessly ruining their combined chances of a better tomorrow. Deep hurt.

As for the masses, electoral power returns with a vengeance...come April, 2007. Many a today gladiator will be on the run, not for office but into political oblivion. Thanks to emerging global cooperation, there will be no hiding place for the fraudsters and looters among them.

Great Part? This is being undertaken by an Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nigerian president and leader of the ruling/dominant political party, PDP! Kudos.

Final Deal: Confessions. Whistle Blowing. Comrade-outting. Mutual Betrayals. Scores-Settling. Some Penitence. Suicides(?). Plea Bargains. Rigged-Amnesty. Sqashed-Amnesty. Media Wars.

And votes....The VOTE....will count again, matter at last! Oh...