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.
Showing posts with label Poverty in Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Poverty in Africa. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia of Africa
Francophone Africa has been generally more stable and euro-compliant over the decades. France has been very accommodating and supportive of its historical satellites around the globe, especially in Africa. Visit these countries to marvel at the success of its "Assimilation Policy". Everything from foods to clothes to medicines to vehicles to education and telecoms, not to mention currency has the imprint of France. In fact, until the advent of Africa's Telecoms (say GSM first, Submarine Cables next) Revolution, their international calls went through Paris! This was one factor in the failure of total unity in Africa - there is the strong influence of our erstwhile colonial masters till this day, especially the French.
The Francophone "Establishment Class" see themselves more as so above their people that poverty and political brigandage can only be tackled with the tacit help of France, period! Past French leaders (especially before the full-blown EU of today) were comfy with the status quo. Well, until Nicholas Sarkozy! President Sarkozy wants democracy and development, peace and prosperity everywhere. Some African leaders are finding out, to their mighty chagrin, that things have changed. Add the Obama Factor and it is a sea-change on the way. Benchmark the new stance of the UN, AU, NEPAD and ECOWAS, and we have the pillars of the long-awaited African Renaissance taking firm root.
This is why we must grieve at the turn of events in both Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia: Two of Africa's economic success stories gone awry. By all accounts, an avoidable mess. We must then thank the French for fronting the international community in backing change in these countries through justice and equity, siding with The People. Real comfort.
Here is a message for African Leaders: See what President Bill Clinton did for the American economy in his maximum two-term and his global stature today! See how Prime Minister Gordon Brown bowed to British voters even though he could constitutionally lead a minority government to remain in office, at all costs! Watch out for Gordon, folks, watch out for Gordon - both home and abroad. In the end, sit-tight-ism hardly pays - indeed, it usually back-fires! The global village is not your local village. This global village is REAL. Very.
We thank all African leaders who stand with The People. We must beg those still unable or unwilling to - yes they live in the past, but we BEG them to change and give way to change.
The Francophone "Establishment Class" see themselves more as so above their people that poverty and political brigandage can only be tackled with the tacit help of France, period! Past French leaders (especially before the full-blown EU of today) were comfy with the status quo. Well, until Nicholas Sarkozy! President Sarkozy wants democracy and development, peace and prosperity everywhere. Some African leaders are finding out, to their mighty chagrin, that things have changed. Add the Obama Factor and it is a sea-change on the way. Benchmark the new stance of the UN, AU, NEPAD and ECOWAS, and we have the pillars of the long-awaited African Renaissance taking firm root.
This is why we must grieve at the turn of events in both Cote d'Ivoire and Tunisia: Two of Africa's economic success stories gone awry. By all accounts, an avoidable mess. We must then thank the French for fronting the international community in backing change in these countries through justice and equity, siding with The People. Real comfort.
Here is a message for African Leaders: See what President Bill Clinton did for the American economy in his maximum two-term and his global stature today! See how Prime Minister Gordon Brown bowed to British voters even though he could constitutionally lead a minority government to remain in office, at all costs! Watch out for Gordon, folks, watch out for Gordon - both home and abroad. In the end, sit-tight-ism hardly pays - indeed, it usually back-fires! The global village is not your local village. This global village is REAL. Very.
We thank all African leaders who stand with The People. We must beg those still unable or unwilling to - yes they live in the past, but we BEG them to change and give way to change.
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