Nigeria's House of Reps has passed the Freedom of Information (FoI) Bill. Good news! It now goes to the Senate for concurrence. Happily, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is reported to be awaiting it for immediate assent.
There are of course a few areas of concern to civil society: exemption of military budgets and lack of express provisions for citizen-action and protection. These can and should be resolved at "conference" once the Senate is fully sensitized and engaged. Otherwise, the next parliament should take up appropriate amendments fro July 2011.
Let us thank the reps for their part, and encourage the senators to do full justice to this bill once and for all.
The war against corruption may now look really serious!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
KUDOS TO RADIO - Especially FRCN!
Recovering from a small accident that got arthritis attracted, I've been on a hybrid retreat. From my semi-rural and self-imposed outposts-domains, I chose radio as my main link to the world. The internet gave me the other part: news panorama.
Radio. I have always loved radio. But in recent years, like many Nigerians, the private media channels have caught my imagination, empathy and patronage. No less because the public media had become personalized by public officers! As the NBC admonished, and quite rightly constantly reiterated by the NUJ president and civil rights crusaders, government-owned media must be just and fair to ALL - especially the opposition. We still can’t say so of many public stations nationwide!
For months now I have been listening to FRCN National. I’m pleased. Very. The quality and variety of content and delivery make me proud. The 12 noon diet - Network Nigeria - brings me creativity and comic relief. Oh, and those news and programme anchors! Your kids would safely learn English from them. We certainly can’t say the same for many private (or even FRCN FM) stations nationwide!
Labaran Maku, expand the FRCN Training School, Ikeja. Ask Babatunde Fashola for a befitting land on Lekki Peninsula or Badagry Mega Highway, and upgrade it to a full University - like the NTA TV College, Jos. Bring back veterans to man the faculty with tenure and incentives. Before 29 May, 2011. It’s our local BBC!
BON should encourage, failing which compel, all broadcasters to go to FRCN for voice and phonetics training. Now, and periodically!
Radio. I have always loved radio. But in recent years, like many Nigerians, the private media channels have caught my imagination, empathy and patronage. No less because the public media had become personalized by public officers! As the NBC admonished, and quite rightly constantly reiterated by the NUJ president and civil rights crusaders, government-owned media must be just and fair to ALL - especially the opposition. We still can’t say so of many public stations nationwide!
For months now I have been listening to FRCN National. I’m pleased. Very. The quality and variety of content and delivery make me proud. The 12 noon diet - Network Nigeria - brings me creativity and comic relief. Oh, and those news and programme anchors! Your kids would safely learn English from them. We certainly can’t say the same for many private (or even FRCN FM) stations nationwide!
Labaran Maku, expand the FRCN Training School, Ikeja. Ask Babatunde Fashola for a befitting land on Lekki Peninsula or Badagry Mega Highway, and upgrade it to a full University - like the NTA TV College, Jos. Bring back veterans to man the faculty with tenure and incentives. Before 29 May, 2011. It’s our local BBC!
BON should encourage, failing which compel, all broadcasters to go to FRCN for voice and phonetics training. Now, and periodically!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
VOTER-REGISTRATION Progress
I am not losing sleep over the ongoing voter-registration exercise. It will be ultra-successful.
We should be grateful that it didn’t take-off smoothly. The hitches and hiccups were a salutary baptism of fire for us all. And I love it!
Lessons: INEC now knows better. Take nothing on face value; take nothing for granted. Nigerians now know better. We have a role, crucial role to play, in this democracy. Register. Vote. Protect your franchise. Defend your vote.
Forecast: We will be proud, very proud, of the NYSC Members deployed for this momentous and monumental project. We will applaud and reward their service, and their patriotism.
Interim Laugh: I wonder how The “Great” Iwu feels right now!
Last Line: This INEC and Nigerians will succeed this 2011. No matter the odds.
We should be grateful that it didn’t take-off smoothly. The hitches and hiccups were a salutary baptism of fire for us all. And I love it!
Lessons: INEC now knows better. Take nothing on face value; take nothing for granted. Nigerians now know better. We have a role, crucial role to play, in this democracy. Register. Vote. Protect your franchise. Defend your vote.
Forecast: We will be proud, very proud, of the NYSC Members deployed for this momentous and monumental project. We will applaud and reward their service, and their patriotism.
Interim Laugh: I wonder how The “Great” Iwu feels right now!
Last Line: This INEC and Nigerians will succeed this 2011. No matter the odds.
SIREN ABUSE: Note to the INSPECTOR GENERAL of Police
Dear IG
We’ve had enough! Absolutely. Siren-Abusers have done their worst. Now, we want you to do your best. Stop ‘em, IG, stop them oppressors!
This note is triggered by your recent order on the issue. Thank you for finally threatening arrests. Long overdue.
Key Question: Do Nigerians believe you or trust full compliance? Will the habitual abusers not ignore you and your strident order? Hmm…
Aiders & Abetters? Your officers and men - yes, the police!
Suggested Solution: Place this assignment under DIG Ivy Okoronkwo (Nigerians fear Iron Ladies!). Sign a written appeal/advert to Nigerians for Citizen-Action, by which they are requested to send in evidence of abuse/culprits through video, phone-camera, photographs, SMS/MMS, email and calls. Give us secure always-on “emergency” lines (3 digits).
Please, ensure regular well-publicized prosecution, starting from 1st February, 2011.
Goodluck!
We’ve had enough! Absolutely. Siren-Abusers have done their worst. Now, we want you to do your best. Stop ‘em, IG, stop them oppressors!
This note is triggered by your recent order on the issue. Thank you for finally threatening arrests. Long overdue.
Key Question: Do Nigerians believe you or trust full compliance? Will the habitual abusers not ignore you and your strident order? Hmm…
Aiders & Abetters? Your officers and men - yes, the police!
Suggested Solution: Place this assignment under DIG Ivy Okoronkwo (Nigerians fear Iron Ladies!). Sign a written appeal/advert to Nigerians for Citizen-Action, by which they are requested to send in evidence of abuse/culprits through video, phone-camera, photographs, SMS/MMS, email and calls. Give us secure always-on “emergency” lines (3 digits).
Please, ensure regular well-publicized prosecution, starting from 1st February, 2011.
Goodluck!
EFCC, THIS BE YOUR CHANCE!
Following upon both its pledge and threat to STOP corrupt and all them corrupted politicians, Farida Waziri and her tough cops have their chance at last: 2011 General Elections!
Okay, let’s clarify: No one is guilty until so pronounced by the courts. And no frivolous charges or arrangee trials will do. Most citizens and our foreign friends like the EFCC and can heartily say, Carry-Go!
Since the law does not bar you from investigating anyone, including the president, please proceed to announce what you’ve found so far against our rulers. For those who enjoy immunity, charge their accomplices right away! If their principals are clean, they’ll stay out of your way - and, please God, may rapidly cooperate! Some leaders are simply surrounded by wolves, and EFCC must help save them.
With the support of the president and the chief justice of Nigeria as well as speakers of state assemblies, let the national assembly amend the constitution this February. Create special courts for economic crimes and electoral offences. While at it, they should simply delete the immunity clause and pass the freedom of information bill, the petroleum industry bill and the antiterrorism bill.
Message: If you want our votes and you are NOT squeaky clean, step thee aside. Or go clear yourself!
Last Word: Why would anyone worry about EFCC when they all say they are clean and in the clear! Four years on, and they are panicky! BOTH sides must now prove their worth, their WORD - Farida vs Fake-rulers.
May God justify the just, amen.
Okay, let’s clarify: No one is guilty until so pronounced by the courts. And no frivolous charges or arrangee trials will do. Most citizens and our foreign friends like the EFCC and can heartily say, Carry-Go!
Since the law does not bar you from investigating anyone, including the president, please proceed to announce what you’ve found so far against our rulers. For those who enjoy immunity, charge their accomplices right away! If their principals are clean, they’ll stay out of your way - and, please God, may rapidly cooperate! Some leaders are simply surrounded by wolves, and EFCC must help save them.
With the support of the president and the chief justice of Nigeria as well as speakers of state assemblies, let the national assembly amend the constitution this February. Create special courts for economic crimes and electoral offences. While at it, they should simply delete the immunity clause and pass the freedom of information bill, the petroleum industry bill and the antiterrorism bill.
Message: If you want our votes and you are NOT squeaky clean, step thee aside. Or go clear yourself!
Last Word: Why would anyone worry about EFCC when they all say they are clean and in the clear! Four years on, and they are panicky! BOTH sides must now prove their worth, their WORD - Farida vs Fake-rulers.
May God justify the just, amen.
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.
Friday, January 21, 2011
BANKS and RUMOURS
Our people thrive on tales, tabloids, hearsay and rumours! Fabricated and lubricated the rumour mills spin luxuriant in the absence of full information or secrecy. For governance and public policy, it is double jeopardy if not tipple tragedy. Get the truth out and kill the rumour merchants, especially them mischief makers.
Yes, our banks are riding the rough patch right now as the rosy past - contrived and condoned - is, shall we say, past. They are trying hard to whether the self-induced storm plus stemming the tempests of the global economic crises/credit crunch. Investors’ confidence is low, customers’ enthusiasm is dampened, crime-busters are hovering, workers are being laid-off, corporate image is tumbling and the erstwhile swagger of bankers turning stagger! Tough.
Then, the regulators: CBN, NDIC and SEC are breathing down - no more voodoo banking and paper profits, no more life-chairmen or CEOs, no more bad credit and insider trading, no more capital market shenanigans! And the professions: CIBN,CIIN and NSE are cleaning up banking, insurance and stock broking practice as self-regulatory/certification bodies.
Oh, the media: what can we say? They are rightly beaming the biting and piercing searchlight on banks and banking. Constantly seeking scoops, and exultant from its recent salacious coverage of the monumental rot in the industry, they will follow any lead and sensationalize any break!
Being together in the Bankers Committee, the CIBN and the industry one would expect the banks to bond and brace for the turbulence at hand and the triumphs ahead. Instead, we are seeing untoward practices, impunity and criminal competitor-demarketing! It didn’t just start, it’s been a part of their weird survival tactics - pulling others down (PHD syndrome). Why?
The latest is some dirty rumours about three banks they claim are to be liquidated by the authorities! They advise depositors to withdraw their money before it is too late!! Why?
The CBN has rightly intervened by issuing a prompt rebuttal. But it must do more: fish out the culprits and prosecute them!
Yes, our banks are riding the rough patch right now as the rosy past - contrived and condoned - is, shall we say, past. They are trying hard to whether the self-induced storm plus stemming the tempests of the global economic crises/credit crunch. Investors’ confidence is low, customers’ enthusiasm is dampened, crime-busters are hovering, workers are being laid-off, corporate image is tumbling and the erstwhile swagger of bankers turning stagger! Tough.
Then, the regulators: CBN, NDIC and SEC are breathing down - no more voodoo banking and paper profits, no more life-chairmen or CEOs, no more bad credit and insider trading, no more capital market shenanigans! And the professions: CIBN,CIIN and NSE are cleaning up banking, insurance and stock broking practice as self-regulatory/certification bodies.
Oh, the media: what can we say? They are rightly beaming the biting and piercing searchlight on banks and banking. Constantly seeking scoops, and exultant from its recent salacious coverage of the monumental rot in the industry, they will follow any lead and sensationalize any break!
Being together in the Bankers Committee, the CIBN and the industry one would expect the banks to bond and brace for the turbulence at hand and the triumphs ahead. Instead, we are seeing untoward practices, impunity and criminal competitor-demarketing! It didn’t just start, it’s been a part of their weird survival tactics - pulling others down (PHD syndrome). Why?
The latest is some dirty rumours about three banks they claim are to be liquidated by the authorities! They advise depositors to withdraw their money before it is too late!! Why?
The CBN has rightly intervened by issuing a prompt rebuttal. But it must do more: fish out the culprits and prosecute them!
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Give WINGS to our BEST, please!
Never before did we need the kind of citizen-action that today’s world demands, and that is absolutely crucial to The NIGERIAN Project - creating and keeping the country of our dream. Before we can have a nation we must have nationals and vice versa. To ask for patriotism the country must provide the pillars - a platform worth running on, a flag worth flying, a land worth dying for. This is what the great nations we so admire are!
For anyone to succeed in helping Nigeria through private enterprise or scholarship is Herculean. You will hit your head against so many rocks and surmount forbidding government-erected obstacles! Numerous quality reports and recommendations have been presented and accepted over the years but the situation keeps getting worse. It is difficult for anyone (except our civil servants and their masters) to understand this.
If you enjoy and celebrate the contributions of Aliko Dangote(Dangote Group), Mike Adenuga(Globacom), Wale Tinubu(Oando), Femi Otedola(Zenon), Ms Opeke(Main One) as well as our Artistes in Music, Comedy, Arts, Fashion and Nollywood (Entertainment & Culture) to Nigeria’s development go find out what they have and still go through! Go ask Jimoh Ibrahim, the mercurial owner of Global Fleet, NICON Group and Air Nigeria, Stan Ekeh (Zinox) and Florence Seriki (Omatek). Just a few examples.
If you lament the failed businesses, both public and private, that have ruined so many lives and livelihoods, do some quick investigations: you will be depressed and disgusted. Take Ajaokuta Steel, Railways, Media (led by Daily Times), Shipping, Defence Industries, Textile Mills, Paper Mills, Airlines (led by Nigeria Airways), Local Contractors, Consultants & Suppliers, and Nigerian Farmers to mention a few. This country simply kills its own - whether public or private! It is scary and scandalous. Hard to believe.
Now that we are singing Vision 20-20-20, I hope the government people know what they’re getting themselves into - considering the outrageous cost of running our largely unproductive federal MDAs and various under-performing governments nationwide. As we speak, the vision document remains a mystery to most Nigerians - hoarded and guarded by the system!
If we are serious, it should be common place by now, including in schools, churches, mosques, libraries, the media, palaces, NGO offices, political parties, entertainment facilities, and diplomatic missions. We should be unable to avoid its ambush anywhere we turn, with its numerous translations.
The OAU failed because of hoarding public information and distrusting Africans as stakeholders and owners of Africa. NEPAD is in the same quagmire. ECOWAS has been tottering for the same reason. Nigeria is so painfully underdeveloped because of this same “Them vs Us” mentality. Clearest evidence: The Budget. People sit in Abuja and write whatever catches their fancy, and facilitates looting, without true stakeholders input or ownership! Same at state and LGA levels. In the end, they chop the bloated overheads 100% while the capital(i.e. development projects) votes remain underutilized, leaving The PEOPLE wondering where all the trillions went! It’s been happening for decades.
Solution: We must reduce both the size of government and the cost of governance by 50%. Downsize and rightsize vertically (Three Tiers) and horizontally (Three Arms). Only the Judiciary needs expansion as we all have since been advocating - to include specialization and strategic expansion, reduce the high cost of litigation, embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), deploy modern technology and guarantee speedy dispensation of justice. This should also cover the Police, Civil Defence and Prison Services for both federal and states - let’s amend the constitution and revenue allocation formula accordingly.
From this year, after the general elections, things MUST change. We all have a duty to put people in office who WILL serve Nigeria rather than starve Nigerians. Let’s give wings to our best and brightest TODAY! No more excuses.
First step? Dear Nigerians, go out and register. Your VOTE is Your POWER!
For anyone to succeed in helping Nigeria through private enterprise or scholarship is Herculean. You will hit your head against so many rocks and surmount forbidding government-erected obstacles! Numerous quality reports and recommendations have been presented and accepted over the years but the situation keeps getting worse. It is difficult for anyone (except our civil servants and their masters) to understand this.
If you enjoy and celebrate the contributions of Aliko Dangote(Dangote Group), Mike Adenuga(Globacom), Wale Tinubu(Oando), Femi Otedola(Zenon), Ms Opeke(Main One) as well as our Artistes in Music, Comedy, Arts, Fashion and Nollywood (Entertainment & Culture) to Nigeria’s development go find out what they have and still go through! Go ask Jimoh Ibrahim, the mercurial owner of Global Fleet, NICON Group and Air Nigeria, Stan Ekeh (Zinox) and Florence Seriki (Omatek). Just a few examples.
If you lament the failed businesses, both public and private, that have ruined so many lives and livelihoods, do some quick investigations: you will be depressed and disgusted. Take Ajaokuta Steel, Railways, Media (led by Daily Times), Shipping, Defence Industries, Textile Mills, Paper Mills, Airlines (led by Nigeria Airways), Local Contractors, Consultants & Suppliers, and Nigerian Farmers to mention a few. This country simply kills its own - whether public or private! It is scary and scandalous. Hard to believe.
Now that we are singing Vision 20-20-20, I hope the government people know what they’re getting themselves into - considering the outrageous cost of running our largely unproductive federal MDAs and various under-performing governments nationwide. As we speak, the vision document remains a mystery to most Nigerians - hoarded and guarded by the system!
If we are serious, it should be common place by now, including in schools, churches, mosques, libraries, the media, palaces, NGO offices, political parties, entertainment facilities, and diplomatic missions. We should be unable to avoid its ambush anywhere we turn, with its numerous translations.
The OAU failed because of hoarding public information and distrusting Africans as stakeholders and owners of Africa. NEPAD is in the same quagmire. ECOWAS has been tottering for the same reason. Nigeria is so painfully underdeveloped because of this same “Them vs Us” mentality. Clearest evidence: The Budget. People sit in Abuja and write whatever catches their fancy, and facilitates looting, without true stakeholders input or ownership! Same at state and LGA levels. In the end, they chop the bloated overheads 100% while the capital(i.e. development projects) votes remain underutilized, leaving The PEOPLE wondering where all the trillions went! It’s been happening for decades.
Solution: We must reduce both the size of government and the cost of governance by 50%. Downsize and rightsize vertically (Three Tiers) and horizontally (Three Arms). Only the Judiciary needs expansion as we all have since been advocating - to include specialization and strategic expansion, reduce the high cost of litigation, embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), deploy modern technology and guarantee speedy dispensation of justice. This should also cover the Police, Civil Defence and Prison Services for both federal and states - let’s amend the constitution and revenue allocation formula accordingly.
From this year, after the general elections, things MUST change. We all have a duty to put people in office who WILL serve Nigeria rather than starve Nigerians. Let’s give wings to our best and brightest TODAY! No more excuses.
First step? Dear Nigerians, go out and register. Your VOTE is Your POWER!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
This YULETIDE
Of course we must give thanks for the gift of life and the privilege of making it this far as individuals, as families, as communities and as nations. Glory to God!
We have to also reflect on our lives and our times. Today is a poor image of what our world should be, isn't it? Those who should know know. Those who should act don't. So we are ending the year 2010 with unfinished business almost willfully!
You may go round the globe in panoramic despair for all the examples you wish, and you will reap more. Not too long ago, we had long lists of hopes and expectations. Today, the lists are longer! And it is so in all nations.
World leaders, please do something!
We have to also reflect on our lives and our times. Today is a poor image of what our world should be, isn't it? Those who should know know. Those who should act don't. So we are ending the year 2010 with unfinished business almost willfully!
You may go round the globe in panoramic despair for all the examples you wish, and you will reap more. Not too long ago, we had long lists of hopes and expectations. Today, the lists are longer! And it is so in all nations.
World leaders, please do something!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
All Leaks - Wiki or Wanky
The great lesson from the current frenzy over the Wikileaks of US diplomatic cables is the simple fact of being true to one's conscience.
Speak and write the truth to self and employers! No sleepless nights will haunt you.
Use fine and refined language, embrace the code of conduct! No stray message will hurt you.
Give honest service to nation and nobodys! No leaks will harm you.
Inevitably we make mistakes. Just compare and repair.
Let no-one mock yet - it may be too early, and short-sighted!
All things give gains, and pains.
Beware.
Speak and write the truth to self and employers! No sleepless nights will haunt you.
Use fine and refined language, embrace the code of conduct! No stray message will hurt you.
Give honest service to nation and nobodys! No leaks will harm you.
Inevitably we make mistakes. Just compare and repair.
Let no-one mock yet - it may be too early, and short-sighted!
All things give gains, and pains.
Beware.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Europe's Freeze
The freezing weather across Europe and its human toll must teach us all to be responsive to Climate Change and its deleterious consequences. When it freezes, it harms and kills. When it's heat-waves, it hurts and kills! Both the people and their fellow global villagers are concerned. We do deeply feel for them.
Let the Cancun Summit deliver on its promise : a safer, healthier world for us and future generations! That's the barest minimum we would accept. No more excuses, please. We are harming our planet! Are world leaders listening? Do they not see?
Now to some concrete steps by the EU-Africa Cooperation/Council: Build Holiday Camps, Homes and Resorts in Africa! Spread/locate them across the continent. Do this right away so Europeans can come over for Winter Escape & Summer Rendezvous! Make it an ambitious 10-year Intervention. It is good health, it is life-saving, it is sound business, and it is futuristic governance!
As the governments mull and pull this agenda, let the private sector and civil society bodies roll out templates and pilots. Action is overdue - long overdue.
Let the Cancun Summit deliver on its promise : a safer, healthier world for us and future generations! That's the barest minimum we would accept. No more excuses, please. We are harming our planet! Are world leaders listening? Do they not see?
Now to some concrete steps by the EU-Africa Cooperation/Council: Build Holiday Camps, Homes and Resorts in Africa! Spread/locate them across the continent. Do this right away so Europeans can come over for Winter Escape & Summer Rendezvous! Make it an ambitious 10-year Intervention. It is good health, it is life-saving, it is sound business, and it is futuristic governance!
As the governments mull and pull this agenda, let the private sector and civil society bodies roll out templates and pilots. Action is overdue - long overdue.
Cote d'Ivoire, why this?
Over the years, I have been a fan of Ivory Coast (as it used to be called) for a variety of factors. The West African country had been quite stable and dependable in the past. Yes, it had a dictator in Houphet Boigney and poverty was palpable everywhere, the place was nothing near the utter chaos and brink-hugging catastrophe we now endure.
One of my most intriguing memories was the refusal of Pope John Paul II to go dedicate a huge Basilica built by the late dictator in Yamoussoukro. It mocks Christianity!, the pontiff declared. How could a nation sprawling with poverty in the midst of plenty live with such monstrous hypocrisy, demanded John Paul. It was a lesson African leaders - with the generous help of the Western (especially European) handlers/backers - have never really learnt. If anything, they are now carting the people’s patrimony to the East!
The political crises in Cote d’Ivoire are elite-generated, driven and sating. All sides have their faults. But democracy, built on a UN Peace Deal, supported by ECOWAS, AU and the international community, has spoken the people’s voice. It must be heard and obeyed.
President Laurent Gbagbo must hand over to President -elect Alassane Ouattara or be made to do so. The world and the long-suffering people of Cote d’Ivoire deserve to savour this victory! Let’s have a full UN-organized Presidential Inauguration, with the loser embracing the winner in true African brotherhood and the spirit and letter of the peace accord!
Long live Cote d’Ivoire! Thank you, the United Nations - well done!
One of my most intriguing memories was the refusal of Pope John Paul II to go dedicate a huge Basilica built by the late dictator in Yamoussoukro. It mocks Christianity!, the pontiff declared. How could a nation sprawling with poverty in the midst of plenty live with such monstrous hypocrisy, demanded John Paul. It was a lesson African leaders - with the generous help of the Western (especially European) handlers/backers - have never really learnt. If anything, they are now carting the people’s patrimony to the East!
The political crises in Cote d’Ivoire are elite-generated, driven and sating. All sides have their faults. But democracy, built on a UN Peace Deal, supported by ECOWAS, AU and the international community, has spoken the people’s voice. It must be heard and obeyed.
President Laurent Gbagbo must hand over to President -elect Alassane Ouattara or be made to do so. The world and the long-suffering people of Cote d’Ivoire deserve to savour this victory! Let’s have a full UN-organized Presidential Inauguration, with the loser embracing the winner in true African brotherhood and the spirit and letter of the peace accord!
Long live Cote d’Ivoire! Thank you, the United Nations - well done!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Don't Worry....Nigeria is SAFE
There are all sorts of scenario-building games going on about Nigeria. From friends to foes of our country to those neutral observers reading events here. Then, of course, our very own citizens home and abroad - very concerned citizens - who are worried and weary! Truth be told, there is enough worry to go round.
But wait a minute, haven't we confounded ourselves before? We always dance around the precipice, and very promptly retreat - returning to sanity. Okay, but must we constantly flirt with disaster, with disunity, with snares & flares - even disintegration? That's what more and more people are asking. My answer is NO! Our collective response must be NO!
If you don't mind, I propose that no motion for separation can pass in this land. It just will not happen. We are so interwoven and intrinsically united at the peoples-level than our so-called leaders recognize or admit. Let me also suggest that the reason most regimes have failed is their failure to imbibe this reality, rather than their divide-and-rule agenda. It is the same reason West Africans stay together despite the abysmal performance (or is it non-performance?) of ECOWAS - a fact its Authority has now acknowledged by launching an "ECOWAS of People not ECOWAS of States" initiative.
Nigeria is SAFE! She is agitated but stable at core.
Nigerians are together! We are depressed but optimistic for our country.
All the worrying and wearying shall pass. We will not crumble or disappear. And we will soon show it -as early as the 2011 General Elections!
Stand by us if you really care.
But wait a minute, haven't we confounded ourselves before? We always dance around the precipice, and very promptly retreat - returning to sanity. Okay, but must we constantly flirt with disaster, with disunity, with snares & flares - even disintegration? That's what more and more people are asking. My answer is NO! Our collective response must be NO!
If you don't mind, I propose that no motion for separation can pass in this land. It just will not happen. We are so interwoven and intrinsically united at the peoples-level than our so-called leaders recognize or admit. Let me also suggest that the reason most regimes have failed is their failure to imbibe this reality, rather than their divide-and-rule agenda. It is the same reason West Africans stay together despite the abysmal performance (or is it non-performance?) of ECOWAS - a fact its Authority has now acknowledged by launching an "ECOWAS of People not ECOWAS of States" initiative.
Nigeria is SAFE! She is agitated but stable at core.
Nigerians are together! We are depressed but optimistic for our country.
All the worrying and wearying shall pass. We will not crumble or disappear. And we will soon show it -as early as the 2011 General Elections!
Stand by us if you really care.
Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill
We must ask the Nigerian parliament to pass the FOI Bill into law soonest - as it has done with the electoral act and constitution amendment. We must regret that civil society, Labour, the Bar Association and Nigerian students have not taken on the politicians to stop their blatant disrespect for, and total insensitivity to, our collective call for the law in the last 12 years! Now, they must.
We ask the Save Nigeria Group to place this case on the front burner. This National Assembly must not expire without passing the bill into law, and President Jonathan needs to announce his eagerness to assent today!
Though this is not a media-only law, we must call on the Nigerian Press to rise to its full height and bring this matter to either an early resolution or an early confrontation. We cannot fight for democracy and its biggest beneficiaries treat the nation with such contempt. Not allowed.
FOI is now an election issue: Vote for it and you may return; vote against and you are gone! This is the message every medium, all media, must make a banner clip each and every day - as we countdown to Election Day 2011.
We ask the Save Nigeria Group to place this case on the front burner. This National Assembly must not expire without passing the bill into law, and President Jonathan needs to announce his eagerness to assent today!
Though this is not a media-only law, we must call on the Nigerian Press to rise to its full height and bring this matter to either an early resolution or an early confrontation. We cannot fight for democracy and its biggest beneficiaries treat the nation with such contempt. Not allowed.
FOI is now an election issue: Vote for it and you may return; vote against and you are gone! This is the message every medium, all media, must make a banner clip each and every day - as we countdown to Election Day 2011.
Friday, November 12, 2010
The CONVERGENCE
The CONVERGENCE is here!
There is a new dawn on the horizon. It will renew the world. In its wake, dear friends, many things – both known and unknown - will change, or be changed. It is knocking on all doors! I call it "The Convergence".
The new generation of world leaders will become barriers and burdens to the old generation, thus engendering self-searching and enforcing self-immolation! I call it "The Convergence".
Women will rise in a quantum leap from Africa to Asia, with such speed and much surprise that will upset and unsettle so much in governance and economic strangleholds. Then, the sea change! I call it "The Convergence".
The media is no longer just about journalists, though the press is powerful and here to stay, New Media is about citizens and nationalists with increasing consciousness of the "Think Global, Act Local" reality. I call it "The Convergence".
World corruption is the real corruption. There are forces on the run. There are new forces on the hunt. And both forces have no hiding place! I call it "The Convergence".
The final convergence is the Children. You undermine them, dear leaders, and they know! I call it "The Convergence". It is knocking on all doors!
There is a new dawn on the horizon. It will renew the world. In its wake, dear friends, many things – both known and unknown - will change, or be changed. It is knocking on all doors! I call it "The Convergence".
The new generation of world leaders will become barriers and burdens to the old generation, thus engendering self-searching and enforcing self-immolation! I call it "The Convergence".
Women will rise in a quantum leap from Africa to Asia, with such speed and much surprise that will upset and unsettle so much in governance and economic strangleholds. Then, the sea change! I call it "The Convergence".
The media is no longer just about journalists, though the press is powerful and here to stay, New Media is about citizens and nationalists with increasing consciousness of the "Think Global, Act Local" reality. I call it "The Convergence".
World corruption is the real corruption. There are forces on the run. There are new forces on the hunt. And both forces have no hiding place! I call it "The Convergence".
The final convergence is the Children. You undermine them, dear leaders, and they know! I call it "The Convergence". It is knocking on all doors!
BANKERS and OUR ECONOMIES
Somehow, I could not believe the way things went haywire with the world economy though I kind of knew it was coming. If anyone thinks we are out of the woods yet, let them beware!
All my training and instincts tell me that our bankers, home and abroad, have learnt precious little from their heist, and are chest thumping prematurely. Turning in profits so soon enough may be good enough, but turning a new leaf be the real relief the world needs and deserves. The business of banking is, in its proper setting, the business of humanity: safekeeping, economic productivity, backbone infrastructure, reasonable risks, currency and credits, among others. We cannot have banking profits in a banging or bankrupt economy. That is paper-profit!
Jobless growth is its political flipside: Where politicians reel out GDP and other macroeconomic data to celebrate their economic prowess while their citizens can't see or feel the bounty! For graphic examples, come to Africa, especially my very own Nigeria.
These bailed-out bankers must don new suits of humility and penitence. After the trillions of dollars their cataclysmic and unprofessional practices induced/compelled as bail-outs and stimulus packages across the globe, it would be utterly unthinkable not to see some turnaround in some national economies. If we worked out the return-on-investment of the financial cum political outlay can anyone justify the euphoria? If we crank up the opportunity cost, will we be anywhere this complacent?
Okay, let's be fair: Many of the key players have gone, most of them into infamy. So, we can allow some "well done" notes for their successors. But it should be a granddad's "grunt" not a teenager's "glee" as we now see!
All my training and instincts tell me that our bankers, home and abroad, have learnt precious little from their heist, and are chest thumping prematurely. Turning in profits so soon enough may be good enough, but turning a new leaf be the real relief the world needs and deserves. The business of banking is, in its proper setting, the business of humanity: safekeeping, economic productivity, backbone infrastructure, reasonable risks, currency and credits, among others. We cannot have banking profits in a banging or bankrupt economy. That is paper-profit!
Jobless growth is its political flipside: Where politicians reel out GDP and other macroeconomic data to celebrate their economic prowess while their citizens can't see or feel the bounty! For graphic examples, come to Africa, especially my very own Nigeria.
These bailed-out bankers must don new suits of humility and penitence. After the trillions of dollars their cataclysmic and unprofessional practices induced/compelled as bail-outs and stimulus packages across the globe, it would be utterly unthinkable not to see some turnaround in some national economies. If we worked out the return-on-investment of the financial cum political outlay can anyone justify the euphoria? If we crank up the opportunity cost, will we be anywhere this complacent?
Okay, let's be fair: Many of the key players have gone, most of them into infamy. So, we can allow some "well done" notes for their successors. But it should be a granddad's "grunt" not a teenager's "glee" as we now see!
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Anniversary Bomb Blast
I have only one appeal: The way to stop all violence is to stop all vanity. When we study the pains of mistrust, distrust and their effect on our distraught nation, we must promptly return to TRUST. And stoutly stay there!
Let the politicians and their foot soldiers stand for NIGERIA robustly. And patriotically. Bomb away discord and bond in one accord. What else? Hmm...
Well, this phase - like all mortality - will pass away. And NIGERIA will still be here.
History? Yes. Mystery? No.
Let the politicians and their foot soldiers stand for NIGERIA robustly. And patriotically. Bomb away discord and bond in one accord. What else? Hmm...
Well, this phase - like all mortality - will pass away. And NIGERIA will still be here.
History? Yes. Mystery? No.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Beauty and A Duty
Never before have I felt this upbeat about this land. Okay, I was "too small" in 1960 to really feel anything at Independence. Then I was upbeat anytime there was some transition to another administration or government. Well, we've been up and down. The story is well-known.
This feeling is different. It is coming in the wake of many realities about our incongruity and the untenable incongruities of our current reality. Put differently, things have changed! Those who do not see it will not have long to wait. Stay tuned.
Nigeria, this Jubilee, has berthed rough and roughened, tough and toughened, wise and wizened on its predetermined shores. We have borne what needs to be borne, we will pay what must be paid. We are a proud and pantheon-people. We are through our wilderness.
What we do and how we go be the bounden duty of all, for the God-given beauty for all. This is not a mere wish but an emerging reality. I see it, I sense it, I feel it. It is here!
My congratulations - hearty and heavy - to all Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria on this Golden Jubilee of our Sovereign Motherland.
This feeling is different. It is coming in the wake of many realities about our incongruity and the untenable incongruities of our current reality. Put differently, things have changed! Those who do not see it will not have long to wait. Stay tuned.
Nigeria, this Jubilee, has berthed rough and roughened, tough and toughened, wise and wizened on its predetermined shores. We have borne what needs to be borne, we will pay what must be paid. We are a proud and pantheon-people. We are through our wilderness.
What we do and how we go be the bounden duty of all, for the God-given beauty for all. This is not a mere wish but an emerging reality. I see it, I sense it, I feel it. It is here!
My congratulations - hearty and heavy - to all Nigerians and Friends of Nigeria on this Golden Jubilee of our Sovereign Motherland.
My Very SPECIAL APOLOGY To You - On The Blackout!
Anyone who knows Nigeria and Nigerians knows that we are very passionate about our dear nation, and go the extra mile to mull over her. We will not be put down or held down. Ask the colonialists, ask the military, ask the Third Termists! Read up on the Nigeria vs Niger Delta conundrum. Ask the so-called "cabal" that held our late President Yar'Adua and his regime by the jugular! Just to add a more current scent, ask our soccer (mis)representatives - the Super Eagles (?) – to the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa: For earning us such a poor grade, and not rising to the challenge of making Africa proud in the first-ever mundial on African soil, they are being roasted! This, despite our criminal and incriminating absence of focus, bad and improper coordination, the palpable fraud in sports administration - not unlike everywhere else - late and inadequate preparation, and an ageing squad!!
Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.
If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.
Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!
My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Jubilee Knocks!
Thank God from both big and small mercies! I am writing with great gratitude myself, as with my
dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary.
Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.
As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play a worthy part in the plans for the future. These are indeed challenging times, exciting times, momentous moments.
Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan be fulfilled for country and citizen in Jesus' Name. Amen.
dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary.
Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.
As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play a worthy part in the plans for the future. These are indeed challenging times, exciting times, momentous moments.
Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan be fulfilled for country and citizen in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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