Repatriation First, Before Reparations. By  Abdullahi Usman

(GAMJI)

While we are waiting for this reparations effort to bear fruits, therefore, I am of the strong view that the African leaders pushing this agenda could help their respective economies by striving to repatriate the hundreds of billions of dollars that have been looted out of the continent over the years and are currently residing in individual foreign accounts abroad. Details

Sex & Gender Chauvinism In The Politics Of The Kingdom Of God In Nigeria. By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

Let us say, right from the outset, that we view the structure and raison d’être of all organised religions as mechanisms for the social control of compliant human beings, under subtle, or overt psychological, or physical pressure. Most importantly, Nigerians should learn, very quickly, about the tremendous damage that can be caused by organised dogma, in the name of religion. Details

Why is  Almajiri Aggression Unsolvable? By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI)

It is easy for a Lagos journalist to sit in the comfort of his office, safely ensconced in his air-conditioned milieu, to criticise the actions of the almajiri who puts his life and that of an entire citizenry in harms way for a mere mess of pottage. He can argue, and rightfully too, that aggression as perpetrated by mobs maiming and killing innocent citizens benefit no one. He can even go on to accuse the almajiri of being pawns in the hands of disgruntled politicians. Details

State of Our Nation. By Kevin Etta

(GAMJI)

The recent cancellation of the Miss World contest in Nigeria and the attendant loss of a colossal Kodak moment for Nigerian culture is regrettable. It has only served to reinforce the widespread belief in international circles that Nigeria is not a society conducive to investment and innovative entrepreneurial enterprise. It is also regrettable that in the aftermath of a provocative and condemnable article by a journalist, Christians and Muslims should fight each other. Miss World is neither a Christian nor a Muslim organization, and the contest in Nigeria is sponsored by neither group. Details

One Violence Too Many. By Bagudu Ibrahim

(GAMJI)

Ramadan, being probably the most important period in the lives of Muslims has finally been wrestles from the hands of Muslims, who allow themselves to be deviated from the teachings of the prophet (P.B.U.H.). The prophet would certainly not advocate for violence in such a holy month. This is where our weakness as people (affected by those products of bad governance) manifested and is saddening. Details

The Survival of Nigeria. By Victor E. Dike

(GAMJI)

The recent Kaduna and Abuja mayhem following the commentary written by Isioma Daniel in the ThisDay, in support of the Miss World Beauty Pageants, has again put a question mark on the survival of Nigeria as it is presently constituted. She noted in the piece that “Prophet Mohammad” would have liked to get married to one of the Pageants [waiyazubillah]. At the present state of things, Nigeria is uncertain where it is headed! For the nation to survive, the component parts must learn to live together harmoniously. Details

Nigeria is a Bus Without a Specific Destination. By Debo Awosika-Olumo MD, MS, MPH.

(GAMJI)

It is very disturbing and disgraceful that Nigeria, who has always been the pride of Africa and the black race as a whole, in the 21^st century is degenerating into an uncivilized community. When looking for an example of evils, cruelty, pains and sorrows humans have added to aggravate the calamity of humanity, Nigeria is a perfect example. Details

Liberalism, Tolerance and Religious Pluralism. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

Conservative Moslems had drawn a line in the sand by their advocacy of the introduction of sharia legal system in the north. The odious comment made by the ThisDay journalist Osioma Daniel and the staging of the Miss World pageant in Nigeria have given these conservatives another opportunity to consolidate their hold on the northern Moslem imagination and to reinforce to the rest of the country their determination to prosecute to the fullest their drive to Talibanize Nigeria. Details

A Government Without a Mandate: Opposed to the Majority. By  Habu Dauda Fika

(GAMJI)

It would have been an agreeable course of action if there were some benefits that will accrue to the masses of Nigeria by holding the miss world contest in Abuja, but one can find none. The singular pathetic reason for doing it is still to provide more avenues for government officials to steal from the treasury with impunity in the name of showcasing our nation on an international stage. Details

Of Abdicators, Murderers, Blackmailers, and Rat Chaser. By Kennedy Emetulu

(GAMJI)

Anyone listening to Gana and his boss accuse the international press of conspiracy blah, blah, blah would know it is typical of an abdicating administration, lost in the fog of its self-inflicted helplessness. Of course, the international press is a sensationalist delight any day, but it does not have anything to gain by Nigeria not hosting the over-hyped Miss World affair. Details 

Lawmakers and the Anti-Corruption Commission. By  Stephen Lampe

(GAMJI)

The Senate appears to have begun a vindictive assault on the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC). This development is typical of the emotional and unreflective manner in which the affairs of the country are handled. Corruption is at the root of our problems. Corruption threatens democracy. It is a primary cause of the country’s economic underdevelopment and the abject poverty of the majority of Nigerians. Details

Loss of life in Nigeria Was Fuelled By West's hatred for Islam. Posted by Taji Mustafa Fombo

[LONDON]

(GAMJI)

The relentless campaign by the Western media to vilify Islamic beliefs and practices has indirectly led to more than 200 people losing their lives in the Nigerian city of Kaduna. Given the strong feelings of Muslims towards the Miss World beauty contest, it was widely expected that the West would behave in a responsible manner and promote religious tolerance during its media coverage of the event. Instead the West chose once again to advocate religious hatred, consistent with its deep hatred of Islam. A central pillar of this vicious campaign was to attempt to turn the pageant into a protest vote against the Sharia death sentence passed on Amina Lawal who was 'convicted' of adultery. Details 

Still on THISDAY and Responsible Journalism: A Rejoinder to Kennedy Emetulu. By  Abdullahi Usman

(GAMJI)

As regards my feelings about ThisDay, I will say that I have since accepted their apologies and also believed their explanation that what happened was indeed nothing more than an unfortunate slip, which was not deliberate by any stretch of the imagination. My initial reaction of writing and telling them exactly how I felt over the issue and also advising them to guide against doing anything that will affect their enviable reputation (which was indeed well received by my friends in that organisation) was done in good faith and as a friend of the newspaper, I think that was the least I could do.

Details

The Road to Lebanon. By Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

Nigeria is big enough to accommodate the morally righteous, the sanctimonious as well as the materially hedonistic. And if one says no to the others, there would be undue friction as such would create a sense of jural inequality amongst the citizens under the Rule of Law. Details

Code of Violence. By Samuel Onipede, Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

When ‘Shariacracy’ was introduced, we were told that it would only apply to Muslims, now Isioma Daniel is a Christian, where does she figure in the scheme of this fatwa, Isioma Daniel did not commit the alleged blasphemy in Zamfara, which makes me more suspicious or even better convinced that this Sharia bears every hallmark of external sponsorship. Details

Blasphemy: A Crime Punishable by Man? By Abdulsalam Olatubosun Ajetunmobi

(GAMJI)

Of course, I believe like every high-minded person that the publication of the stupid remarks in the ThisDay newspaper is both evil and immoral. Without doubt, morality is a vital ingredient for Islam. It is the cement between bricks in the religion and every Muslim has the right to safeguard its existence. However, in today's highly sexualised society, with its demand for self-fulfilment and immediate gratification, morality does not reflect the habits and culture of the people any longer. Details

2003 Voters' Agenda. By Abubakar Jika

(GAMJI WRITER)

The northwest governors need to know the change in the configuration of voters from 1999 and 2003. Youths who were 14 - 17 years in 1999 are now injected into the voting system. Most of them have finished secondary schools but cannot proceed to higher institutions because of poverty. They are relatively enlightened but unemployed and doing menial jobs like selling fuel. These youths hold Obasanjo responsible for their plight. They thought Sharia implementation could sort them out. So far no dice. Details

The 2003 Elections? I'll Take A Revolution instead. By Ike Naijaman

(GAMJI)

The 2003 Elections are a waste of money.  Quite frankly, there is no reason the people of Nigeria should want to fork over millions of dollars, billions of naira, to fund such a waste of energy.  What choice is it we are expected to make?  In each 2003 race, we are presented with a slate of undeserving candidates.  Once we are done doing that, INEC and the SIECs will then ratify whomever their paymasters ask them to ratify.  Look at them as they struggle to control states and LGAs and states as if these were private possessions! Details

This Day, Miss World and Kaduna Mayhem. By Steve Nwabuzor

(GAMJI)

Finally, the government of Nigeria and apostles of mutual cohabitation must be told unequivocally that This Day has not transgressed journalistic ethos and as such the clamor for prosecution of the Editor and Publisher is misplaced, sectarian and an affront on the journalistic precepts which have set Nigeria apart in Africa as a bastion of free press. Details

THISDAY And Responsible Journalism. By Kennedy Emetulu

(GAMJI)

Nigeria does not belong to the Christians or Muslims alone, neither is it to be governed by the sensibilities of the supposedly religious mob and itinerant bloodsuckers. For every life they claim, they put a stop to one great work of Allah's/God's creation. Details

Amnesty International or Arm-Twisting International? By Misbahu Abdullahi

(GAMJI)

From the excerpts above it is clear that the Amnesty International described the religion of Islam, as cruel, inhuman, degrading and full of torture.  This is the most reckless statement ever made against Islam in recent times.  It is a deliberate insult to over one billion Muslims living on this planet.  Could this be sheer arrogance or prejudice against Islam, whatever is the reason, it is to say the least crude. Details

We Are On Our Own! By  Umaru Muhammad Ba

(GAMJI)

This government, I mean Obasanjo, should be held fully responsible for everything that happened for two simple reasons: one, the hosting of Miss World was roundly condemned by both Muslims and Christians but he went ahead to host it. Two, it took five days after the evil publication before the riots started, the government did not say anything or has it not seen the publication? Details

The London Roundtable Conference on Edo Nation. By Profession Omo Omoruyi

(GAMJI)

As part of our continuing search for a strong platform on which, the entire Edo people, without the burden of partisan political considerations, can unite for development and progress, Edo Okpamakhin in collaboration with Edo Community Association UK, held a round table conference on Edo Nation. Details

A Nation Divided. By  Gregory Omenkeukwu

(GAMJI)

May be I am taking this too personally, but I really think Obasanjo should, with immediate effect, commission a Sovereign National Conference to define for us who we are and construct a path clearer and more reasonable than the one we are currently following. Details

The True Hippocratic and Hate Crime of Isioma to the Muslims through freedom of speech. By Ibrahim Ahmed

(GAMJI)

What Isioma did may we call it crime ? May be hate crime. However, hate involves more than bad feelings. Hate can lead to violence, and sometimes steps in, as long as someone attacks others belief, place of birth, or worship choices, no one will really be free. Details

National Rebirth. By Uwem Inyang

(GAMJI)

It is imperative that the positive effects of good governance must be disseminated while the ugly and evil repercussions of lack of it must be highlighted to all and sundry be they the citizens of our plural society or the individuals who currently hold the commanding heights of governance.  The avowed objective is to ensure that in the interest of  a virile and upbeat future Nigeria, we set in train a process expected to ensure responsible and answerable leadership in all the echelons of governance. Details

Given African's Long History of 'Independence', Is It Relevance to Attribute Post-Colonial African Political and Economic Instability Primarily on Colonial Heritage? By Abubakar Adamu, M.Sc., MILT

(GAMJI)

Today Africa is still struggling to come to terms with its colonial legacy, and in order to take a step forward it must find ways of resolving its present predicaments. The contemporary problems of Africa are many including ethnic divisions, low literacy, density of population, hostile climate, lack of technological transformation, and frequent military interventions in the political development of the Continent. Details

Death of Constitutionality. By Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho

(GAMJI)

We all know that Islam has been in Nigeria for ages. Under all the regimes that have misruled Nigeria before now be they illegimate or legitimate, be they from north or south, be they Muslims or Christians, Beauty Contests had always been held every year in Nigeria. It is the same 'parade of nudity'. Do these Zamfara-type Muslims think the nudity of a Nigerian woman is different from the nudity of the contestants from other countries? Details

Responsibility My Foot! Nigerian 'Journalist' Have Never Heard the Word. By Aasiyah Bilal

(GAMJI)

Anybody who has a shred of decency or morality or respect for the dignity of women does not support the Miss World contest. I am sure that even the average Christian in Nigeria would agree with me whole-heartedly. The fact that the contestants themselves support it and participate on their on accord has no bearing. There are women who endorse prostitution. Need I say more? Details

A Response to Abubakar Adamu's "In Defence of IBB". By Gregory Omenkeukwu

(GAMJI)

First, your words “IBB was once a Nigeria President. You do not have to address him as a President, if you do not want to but protocol bestowed him that salutation.” Really? Who elected him? So what it takes to be called a Nigerian president is for one to storm the presidential villa and declare himself a president. That might be the case in a Banana Republic, but we are talking about Nigeria, home to about one hundred twenty million reasonable human beings. Details

Isioma Daniel: A Fiendish Satanologist. By Mohammed Bala

(GAMJI)

Now that "Isioma" has come and gone, the chances and options it may offer by way of reconciliation between Christians and Muslims of Nigeria should be looked into. It should hopefully serve as a spring board or a catalyst, whereby the two great religions should look at issues at stake and strike a truce in the interest of the nation. Citizens must start to look at, and especially with the zeal of patriotism and dedication to our fatherland, begin to accept one another the way God the Almighty made us, and not how we want to see each other. Details

Extremism and Irresponsibility Versus Isioma Daniel. By Samuel Onipede, Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

Isioma Daniel expressed herself the best way she knew and should not be crossed on what she thought is her right. I like any right thinking human being am sure she did not deliberately meant to be blasphemous, in fact she would not have contemplated the heat being currently generated by her seemingly innocent article. We should rather all learn to be tolerant and peace loving. Details

The Curses of a Beauty Pageant. By  Abdullahi Bego

(GAMJI)

As the annals of Nigerian cultural history are written, this morally corrupt show of nudity will occupy a prominent place as an event which had brought further and unnecessary tension and distrust among Nigerians. The Obasanjo government can quickly intervene to de-escalate the situation by cancelling the event before it took off or risk having its name dragged along this abyss of cultural history. Details

Anenih Misunderstood. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI)

The bottom-line is that Anenih is a usurious man who cannot compete and win any fair contest. He has very low self esteem and too many personal limitations and he knows it. He survives on other people's misfortune, which is why his loyalty is always on the shelves. He usually shifts swiftly in reaction to crises, and easily jumps ship. Where there is no crisis he creates one to remain relevant, because he gets paid for having "fixed it." Details

A Dirge for ThisDay. By Abba Gana Shettima

(GAMJI)

Thus, unfortunately, Muslim concerns and cries were shouted down in the wilderness.  The idol of the market place had its way and so the women were invited to come and commence the preliminary activities leading to the contest proper.  ‘Let fire and brimstone rain’, the organizers seemed to have murmured to themselves, and fire and brimstone did pour in torrents, not from some Muslim clouds, but on the pages of ThisDay newspaper.  ThisDay newspaper decided to throw a dirty challenge to the Muslims by blaspheming the person of the noble prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the leader and seal of the prophets (peace be upon them all).  By so doing, ThisDay has stirred up a real hornet’s nest; entered into a contest it has already lost, and declared endless brawls from which it will emerge wounded and dirty. Details

I Shake My Head and Wonder Why. By Ike Naijaman

(GAMJI)

Here we are in Nigeria.  As poverty has risen, so too has the fervor of religious faith.  In churches and mosques across the country, people are looking toward the Divine Creator to save our country.  In the middle of this, some idiot gets the idea in their head that Nigeria should host Miss World!  What a stupidity!  As if that is not bad enough, a supposedly educated writer in an allegedly professional newspaper proceeds to write the most incendiary, insulting, blasphemous essay conceivable.  Which a stupid editor allowed it to be printed? Details

Bring Boni Back: What For? To Finish Us? By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo

(GAMJI)

On Sunday November 3^rd, 2002, a carnival of sorts took place at the Congress Hall of the NICON HILTON Hotel Abuja.  Tagged “ Bring Boni Back (BBB) “, it was meant to be a fund raiser and the launching of Governor Boni Haruna’s bid for second term as Governor of the long suffering people of Adamawa State.  It was a gathering of the nouveau riche and political friends, godfathers and acolytes of Boni who gathered to humour (honour?) the lanky looking fellow who seems to have aged far beyond his age in the past three and a half years. Details

“Isioma Daniel Should Be Hanged". By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI)

What is crucial in the posture of the Sultan of Sokoto is the advice that adherents of Islam must not allow the purveyors of rife to use the sacred month of Ramadan to ferment trouble; peace must be the essence of this period. At his intervention, he inferred that it is “a great transgression” to meet the indiscretion of ThisDay Newspaper with an unholy response. Details

THISDAY and Responsible Journalism. By Abdullahi Usman

(GAMJI)

To say that Isioma’s singular statement regarding the holy Prophet has insulted the sensibilities of everyone that professes Islam as his religion would indeed be a gross understatement and one does not have to be a Muslim to appreciate that! As rightly noted by the Earl of Chesterfield way back in 1746: “An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult”.  It is bad enough that a statement like that was ever made at all but its timing, having been made during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, shows a clear lack of consideration and respect for a significant part of the paper’s reading public and one would expect Thisday to have weighed its possible interpretation before it rushed to press. Details

Nigerian Government and Miss World 2002 Pageant Riots. By Emeka Njoku

(GAMJI)

In the first place, the Nigerian government is responsible for the riots and the loss of many innocent lives. For months, Muslims begged the government to cancel the beauty contest and warned it that the would be war if the pageant is held in Nigerian. The Nigeria government assured everyone that there would be no problem and that it has made enough security arrangements to prevent any problems. Yet this government is trying to blame journalists or a newspaper for the problems. Details

Nigeria: A Nation for All Nigerians, Let Us Keep Nigeria Alive and Strong. By Michael O. Folorunso

(GAMJI)

In less than two months there will be a New Year. It will be year 2003 and there is so much at stake for Nigeria. Every Nigerian who is conscious enough and who takes voting seriously will go out and vote for the candidate of their choice. The danger here is that their votes may not even count. There is definitely a long history of election manipulations in Nigeria, they call it rigging. Details

Lawmakers and Lawbreakers. By Victor E. Dike

(GAMJI)

Sadly, in Nigeria the people are always kept in the dark, and the dividends of democracy they are aware of are the flagrant distortion of information they hear on the radio, watch on TV or read in the newspapers. People like the smooth-talking Prof. Jerry Gana and other praise-singers of the administration are peddling the deceptions. But on the ground the story is different: the roads are filled with gullies, thrash-littered streets, schools without funds and workers without salaries. And the hospitals are no better than clinics, thereby causing Nigerians to die at an alarming rate from minor aliments. Details

Anioma: A call to service. By Sunny Ofili

(GAMJI)

The Anioma nation woke up from deep slumber last week. Anioma traditional rulers, politicians, students, market women and ordinary citizens converged to deliberate on their fate in Nigeria. In the words of the Obi of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, “We are meeting with malice towards none, but with a common desire to find a rightful place for Anioma Nation in the Nigeria polity.”  Well, it’s about time. Better late than never. Details

Deconstructing Enugu Gubernatorial Race. By M. O. ENÉ

(GAMJI)

Seriously speaking, the people of Enugu West present compelling arguments beyond the unwritten and undemocratic turn-by-turn arrangement. There is a perceived lopsidedness in development and, truth be told, it didn’t start with Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. Details

Ethics and Responsibility in Journalism - Re: Miss World 2002: The World at Their Feet. By Abdulsalam Ajetunmobi

(GAMJI)

Following last Saturday ugly news, the management of Thisday newspaper in a reported statement titled "An Apology to All Muslims" was able to recapitulate the names of Muslim members of its staff. The statement reads in part: "At Thisday we have no reason to denigrate Muslims or the Holy Prophet. Why should we? Key members of our management are devoted Muslims, including our group executive director, Alhaji Deji Mustapha, who also runs the Friday page on Islam; our deputy editor, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu; our Editor at large, Waziri Adio; our development editor, Bolaji Abdullahi, our Associate Editor, Ali M. Ali and our Associate Director, Alhaji Nuhu Musa Kazaure among others." Details

My Fateful Journey to Nigeria. By Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan

[PAKISTAN]

(GAMJI)

The story begins with a pleasant idea of partnership with a Nigerian Muslim who wrote a letter to me on December 24, 1995 , asking me to participate in a joint venture to be established in Pakistan with a capital of US$ 30.5 Million...A fax message was received on 24-2-1996 , thanking me for accepting their proposal and I was asked to send US$ 10.000 (Ten Thousand US dollars) to cover the expenses of Telegraphic Transfer, Auditors’ Fees and Attorney’s Fee. Details

The Urhobo Declaration: A Response from an Anioma Son. By Sunny Ofili

(GAMJI)

After reading what amounted to a declaration of hostilities on the peace-loving people of Anioma Nation by the Urhobo Cultural Society (UHS) and the apt rejoinder from Professor Steve Nwabuzor, I feel compelled to add my voice to the discourse as an Anioma.  A painstaking digest of what I have christened the “Urhobo Declaration,” made up of six pages and 3,519 words characters, would lead to the conclusion that nothing short of the relocation of the Delta state capital from Asaba to Warri will appease members of UHS. Details

Parks and Urban Life. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

Should we be concerned about the shrinking of public spaces in our cities? I have heard it said that those who wish to see trees or the natural environment could go to our rural areas, where nature is in good supply. Complaints about the absence of parks is sometimes met with the response that one is becoming like the Oyibos who care more about the environment than the people who live in it. Why waste prime land on trees and gardens when we can build houses on them? Details

Miss world 2002: The World at their Feet...By By Isioma Daniel (THISDAY NEWPAPER) [WARNING: THIS ARTICLE IS BLASPHEMOUS TO MUSLIMS]

As the idea [of hosting Miss World Competition in Nigeria] became a reality, it also aroused dissent from many groups of people. The Muslims thought it was immoral to bring ninety-two women to Nigeria and ask them to revel in vanity. What would Mohammed think? In all honesty, he would probably have chosen a wife from one of them [Subhanallah]. The irony is that Algeria, an Islamic country, is one of the countries participating in the contest. (THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN WITH DRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER) Detail

The World at Their Feet. By Abubakar Ahmed

(GAMJI)

I have never experienced such blatant abuse professional ethics as with this article by Isioma, published in "Thisday" Newspaper of the 16th of November. It is true that each individual have a right to free speech and expression, as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of other individuals. But there are people who use the media to defame, and settle personal vices. This happened to be the case with Isioma who wrote the story: "THE WORLD AT THEIR FEET" In which she blatantly insinuated that the prophet Muhammad (May peace be upon him) would have chosen a wife among the array of nude exhibitors contesting for "miss world" !!! Details

The Pin Down Spots Again! By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

For the second time in less than a month I am compelled to write on the issue of security in Nigeria.  For anybody that has been around since the inception of the Obasanjo administration in May 29, 1999, it will not be much of a surprise if the entire tenure of the administration is devoted to discussion on security because our highways have not been secured, our homes are as vulnerable as market places and places of worships.  Criminals can visit at any time of the day. Details

America: A nation in the quest for total world domination. By Michael O. Folorunso

(GAMJI)

The evil that face Nigeria is not the differences in ethnic groupings (i.e Hausas, Igbo, Yoruba) our differences are in fact our strength if harnessed properly and managed efficiently. We (Nigerians) must learn from history. While trying to be friendly with all these nations, we must also recognize without any pretences on our part those who want to destroy us. Details

Race to Kano Government House: Who the Cap Fit? By Ado Bello

(GAMJI)

When I look at daily increasing list of  all those that shows their interest to occupy the coveted seat as number one citizen of Kano State, I am amused and sometime jittery, but in politics nothing is impossible. I therefore classified all the contestants into five groups,...Details

The Impeachment Myth Versus the Nigerian Reality. By  Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

One cannot deny the attainment of the political objectives of the “pro-impeachment signatories” as they actually succeeded in drawing attention to themselves and indeed, unduly overheated the system and, possibly,  “changed” the President. In no time, it would be business as usual, and the erstwhile combatants, all winners at last, would face a bemused national audience and take a proud bow, chorusing:  “Our nascent democracy”, though ruthlessly debased and vandalised, has “emerged stronger”. And life goes on as all eyes are now fixed on 2003. Details

Hurray! General (Chief) Olusegun Obasanjo Will Not Contest The 2003 Presidential Elections. By  Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria]

(GAMJI)

If what General Obasanjo’s incompetent Minister of Works and Housing is doing is not blatantly megalomaniac, then grandmothers could be virgins. Yet, they hail him, lick his bum-bum, and call him “Leader”. His wife is their “Women’s Leader”. Chief Tony Anenih (JP) makes a total nonsense of party hierarchy in the PDP, where there is supposed to be a “Chairman”, to whom he should be subordinate. Yet, he is their “Leader”. Details

Arthur Nzeribe: Senator Have You No Decency? By Dozie Ikem Ezeife, Esq.

(GAMJI)

Senator Nzeribe is so daft and his brain is so dense he cannot even proffer a simple logical accusation against his nemesis in the Senate. All he can come up with are some lame and absurd sound bites. Senator Nzeribe is throwing allegations around and laying claims to concrete evidence to prove his allegations, yet up to now he is unable to produce any proof. Details

Be Afraid, Be very Afraid. By Ikenna E. Anokute

(GAMJI)

Be afraid that barely three years into its current experiment with civilian government , Nigeria is back squarely facing the age - old question of its existence: Can the center hold?. The Obasanjo administration , has failed , in my view to address the economic , ethnic and religious stresses that threaten to tear Nigeria apart. Details

Replace Obasanjo Just to Save the Yoruba Race. By Segun Michael

(GAMJI)

There is a need for Yoruba elders to sit down and look for a replacement since it is said that Obasanjo is a product of the so called rotational presidency. This has to be done fast to save the Yoruba race. The general feelings among other tribes is that this government is a Yoruba government. Details

Federal Capital Territory, Abuja: A reflection Into its Past, Twenty Six Years After Creation.  By I. Baba  

[UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA]

(GAMJI)

Today, both the Heads of State that commissioned the creation of the FCT and its Chairman including some members in the commission are not alive to see what their dream of creating a territory for all Nigerians has caused the inhabitants. They have become stateless, neutralised and subjected to compete virtually for everything including contesting for local political/offices to elect their own representatives with fellow Nigerians from other parts of the Federation. Details

Miss World Contest: "Scarcity in the Midst of "Plenty". By Mohammed Bala

(GAMJI)

Whoever participates and gained in whatever way, the parade of these misguided other people's daughters, will earn the curse and bear the cross of burden of all the suffering masses of Nigeria, and of course the wrath of the almighty God. We condemn in toto, the use of our NTA which was built and formed using the funds of the State that belongs to the people. Certainly we stand to gain nothing by gazing at lusciously naked lanky inglorious nudes! Where are the Pastors and Imams? Details

MID-WEEK ESSAY:  On the Issue of One-Term, Constitutionally-Rotated Nigerian Presidency. By  Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.

[MARYLAND, U.S.A.]

(GAMJI WRITER)

The high pitch for presidential rotation is also considered by many, particular the Yoruba, as a ploy to ensure that the presidency definitely rotates AWAY from the South-West after the shortest possible time, that is after four years.  Obviously, the beneficiary of such an arrangement would most probably to the South-South or South-East since conventional wisdom is the North is not too keen to “get the presidency back” after such a short time as four years, never mind the political posturing of the Rimis and Buharis.  Details

The Imperative of Tomlinson’s Revelations. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

Most times when representatives of international agencies or foreign envoys speak on Nigeria and its policies the tendency is for our government and some self-acclaimed patriots or experts close to the corridors of power to dismiss such remarks as acts of mischief, sabotage or undue interference.  I am sure the World Bank Country Director, Mr. Mark D. Tomlinson’s recent observation on the over bloated expenditure of running government in Nigeria will receive the same cold response. Details

Nzeribe Belongs in the Dock, Not Aso Rock. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI)

For me, I can only say poor Arthur. Nzeribe is a leper even to his collaborators. His phones have stopped ringing. His parking spaces have thinned out. His contacts have frozen. Most of his accomplices now visit spin doctors and marabouts to ensure that he does not remember them or that his travails do not go beyond this point. He has wreaked enough damage mostly to himself, which leaves the coast clear for them to start wagging their tails again, after all, Nigerians will soon forget that a Nzeribe ever went to the senate, shared money and hung himself out in a storm. Details

The Blight of Ethnic and Regional Politics. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

Our politics do not have to be dominated by issues of ethnicity and regionalism. Protection of our diverse cultural interests does not require reducing all political discussions to issues of ethnicity. Neither does protecting our economic interests require that we fractionalize ourselves into regional groups. The sooner we learn to forge alliances that promote the varieties of individualized interests we have as Nigerians and as human beings, the sooner we would be able to rise above our ethnic and regional affiliations and address our pressing problems. Details

IBB, Please Let's Support Buhari. By Paul Mamza

(GAMJI WRITER)

A genuine approach to rescue the nation from the total brinks of collapse will need the combination of IBB’s leadership model of political wizardly and the essential components of Buhari’s leadership qualities as exemplified by prudence, discipline and accountability. But at this period, the quest for economic empowerment through judicial management of both human and national resources far supercedes the zeal for political engineering. Details

Constitution Amendment or a Legislator's Coup. By Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

Except those who want to delude themselves, it is common knowledge that majority of Nigerians do not accept the legitimacy of the present constitution. They see it as a military document with overbearing military peculiarities. It remains an imposition, which was undemocratically contrived by an un-elected military junta that was itself devoid of any juridical nexus with the People, nor possessed any legitimate political or moral authority to determine a credible normative paradigm for the governance of Nigeria. Details

The Authur Nzeribe Saga: A Task for Nigerian Journalists. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

Anyone familiar with the political tricks of Chief Nzeribe will find Amanze’s suggestion puzzling.  Here was a man who has devoted his entire life to making money in a crooked manner.  Remember his alleged sponsoring of a coup in Ghana in the 70s, and consider also his infamous role in the crisis that precipitated the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Details

The Case Against Babangida. By  Ikenna E. Anokute

(GAMJI)

With the recent revelations of what the military wrought on that Nation, especially his administration and that of his immediate successor, Mr. Sani Abacha. Even the tolerance or the suggestion that he plans to run for the Presidency could make a healthy man  sick. Well, that tells you much about a people called Nigerians. They match forward,  but actually going nowhere. Details

The Africa Union and the Challenge of Continental Peace. By Tokunbo Awoshakin

(GAMJI)

The pertinent question of this article is whether the African Union has the prospect of being celebrated as the organization that will put an end to the series of structural and direct violence in the African continent. Details

MID-WEEK ESSAY:  The Jocular Circumstances of Nigerian Politics.

By  Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.

[MARYLAND, U.S.A.]

(GAMJI WRITER)

Quite frankly, I am besides myself as to how we can sweep all of these people away, how to prevent them from using our own money, ill-gotten by them, to re-impose themselves on us.  We must invent a non-military way between now and 2003, because this charade can simply not continue. If it means postponing 2003 elections so that we can figure out how these same kind of people do not return to rule over  us again, let us do it. I am that desperate.   Details

Armchair Paranoia. By  Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria]

(GAMJI)

Why is the Nigerian polity so over-heated, and yet, it is apparently resilient? Could the Nigerian condition make a quantum transition to a worse condition, or maybe to a better reality, or could Nigeria simply stagnate ad infinitum? Is there any need to change the status quo in contemporary Nigerian politics? Are the rules of engagement in Nigerian politics overdue for drastic changes? How do we minimise the resultant entropy in the Nigerian political system? What are the most optimal and workable short-term solutions that can assure long-term resolution of Nigeria’s political dysfunction? Details

Re-Visiting the Shari'a Debate. By Abdul-rahman Hassan-Tom

(GAMJI)

When democracy was enthroned in 1999 and the wind of freedom once again blew in our dear country, we all thought it was time for us to begin to express our minds and seek for our rights within the ambits of the constitution. We all thought here comes the long awaited freedom that will bring about with it the right to live, the right to worship, to earn a decent living, to excel and be what we want to be. What most of us did not know was that our   enthusiasm and high hopes will only expose our vulnerability and ease the way for some of our elected leaders to exploit and make non-sense of our ‘rights’ and ‘choices’ under this democratic dispensation. Details

A Reflection on Community Sovereign Conference: An Open Letter to Fellow Nigerians V. By Sam Abbd Israel

(GAMJI)

We thank God the cocks are starting to crow at dawn again. A section of the Arewa Consultative Forum led by General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Chairman of the Board of Patrons of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has seen the sense in a national sovereign conference. In addition, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi, of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) seems to share the same opinion as reported by The Guardian newspaper. This is a sign of bad omen not of good news. Why this sudden change and what particular reason can we attribute for this type of Saul’s Damascus change of view? Details

Bakassi: Allow the Bakassis to Decided... By Mohammed Bala

(GAMJI)

That the International Court of Justice has awarded the Bakassi peninsula to the republic of Cameroun is no news, and that the President of the Court is French, is also no longer news. That Cameroun was colonized by France and therefore a territory of France by extension, is also no longer any news. The general belief in Nigeria is that the ICJ in the Hague has bent all known facts and procedural details to award the peninsula to Cameroun, in total disregard to the wish of the Bakassi people. It is like saying that Cameroun should have the "land" while the people on the land, should go to hell! Details

On Politics of Conspiracy: An Open Letter to the Honorable Vice-President, Abubakar Atiku. By Odindu Odunze Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

It seems odd to me that you are talking about how the north will regain power when you already have all powers. I believe that the Obasanjo/Atiku ticket is the west/north axis of power, which in the light of the combined west/north population will present insurmountable obstacle to the Igbo presidential aspiration in 2003. That is power Mr. Vice president. Details

A Letter to President Obasanjo: Political Option to Persecute Justice M.D. Saleh. By Ibrahim Hassan

(GAMJI)

President Olusegun Kikiola Aremu Obasanjo stirred the honest nest when he sent his prayer to the senate to grant him the wish to off-load the chief judge of the FCT, Justice Muhammed Dahiru Saleh. The president hinged his action on the justice Kayode Eso panel report which indicted Justice Saleh. Mr. President in your submission to senate you did not hesitate to ponder over the authenticity of the allegations against the amiable chief judge, you did not question if due process of law were adhered to in the conduct of the panel’s proceedings as it was a baby of dictatorship. Mr. President, you did not also think it politically suicidal to deny a state that gave you 100% support in your election, one of the very few lucrative positions in your government. Details

Gbenga Aluko: An Ignonoramus for a Senator. By Michael O. Folorunso

(GAMJI)

I thought I have heard it all from the subtle to the not- so- subtle, but this one topped them all. Gbenga Aluko was alleged to have said the he is not a Yoruba Senator, and that he is not with the Yoruba Agenda. Ordinarily, I would have brushed such a statement off. The problem here is, Gbenga Aluko is not Alao Arishekola, Gbenga Aluko, comes from a family that is supposed to be better informed than most Nigerians. He is the son of Prof. Sam Aluko. Is this the same story as Eli, the man who was favored of God, but left the vital things of living unattended. Details

Mohammadu Buhari: An Inscrutable Leader. By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI)

The Nigerian project and the death of Innocence. By Ibiyinka Solarin

(GAMJI)

To that extent, Nigeria  as presently governed has failed. The best thing people like Dikko and Obasanjo can do, is assist the Nigerian people regain their sovereignty, by contributing ideas on how our polity can be redesigned for optimum  administrative and socio-economic efficiency. Nigeria as presently structured does not recommend itself to her peoples. Preaching about patriotism, unity, is an insult to all who live the dismal reality on the ground. Details

The "New" Atiku. By Abubakar Jika

(GAMJI WRITER)

In my "Atiku should Run" I presented unimpeachable facts and reasons why the Vice-President Atiku Abubakar should jump the sinking Obasanjo political ship. I said the Turaki of my Adamawa has no valid reason to hang his political fortunes on President Obasanjo. After toiling three and a half years and ruining his political standing in the North on account of defending his boss mercurial policies, Atiku's pay off was the elevation of a cabinet Minister - Anenih - to a virtual status of second- in- command. Details

Cultivating Development. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

In Nigeria, the Igbos used to be mocked as misers. The implication of this mockery was that thrift was bad. Why save your money when you can spend it on a street bash, with your pictures appearing on the society pages of newspapers? But it was the thriftiness of Igbos that allowed them to invest extensively in small businesses. After the civil war, most Igbos had little capital. Banks were understandably reluctant to make loans to them because of their lack of collateral. Yet they were able to rebound owing to their thrift and industry. Regrettably, the new generation sees little value in saving.  To belong, one has to spend, and often spend more than one earns. Detail

Bakassi at the Bar of Politics. By Solomon Ukhuegbe

(GAMJI)

The explanation offered by Nigeria’s statement is something like this (though not in as many words): Cameroon got the assurances of their patrons in Paris that they would see to it that their “boy” at the ICJ manipulates the law in favour of Cameroon. The “French President of the Court,” aided by his co-conspirators, the German and British judges of the Court, duped the other judges into accepting a vacuous judgment. It is not clear how seriously the statement is intended to be taken, or how much reflection went into each of the issues raised therein. Apparently, going by the text, it is principally with respect to the Bakassi question (i.e. 16 pages of the 150-page judgment) that the 10 October 2002 decision of the ICJ is corrupt, opposed to “all laws and conventions,” and contrary to elementary justice. Details

At Long Last The Assembly Speaks by Dr. Abubarkar A. Muhammad: An Observation. By Timothy Otunde

(GAMJI)

If you want to know the reason why this nation is a beggar nation, maybe you need to read the posting of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi just below yours. Note also that the globe trotting as some would like to call it, whether you like it or not, is essential to put the nation back where it belongs in the community of Nations. The trips were also meant to bring in foreign investments to the country, which would help reduce unemployment, which in turn would help reduce the need to beg. It sounds complicated by it is simple logic. Details

FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE

The Patriots and the Fallacy of Rotational Presidency

[GAMJI WRITER]

But there are sufficient indications to prove that the southwest too has changed its mind about 2003. They have dumped Obasanjo after knowing that there is no way he can win the election this time. The most recent indication of this shift is the call by The Patriots, a conglomeration of ethnic intellectuals and politicians largely from the south. Last week they called on Obasanjo to retreat from his 2003 battlefront. Details

Must We Follow the Ulama? By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

Sometimes I get upset when I see some elderly and young women joining the ranks of beggars.  I often ask myself: Don’t these people have relations who can fend for them?  I am sure they have relations.  But they too are victims of the Ulama’s preachments.  They see the condition of their kith and kin as God-ordained, so they need not intervene!  Must we follow the elite this way and perish as a people, since our material condition is a determining factor of how we serve our God and how our hearts receive God’s commands? Details

Celebrating Obasanjo’s Achievements: A Rejoinder to Mr. Timothy Otunde. By Lawal Karmanje

(GAMJI)

The tragedy of President Obasanjo’s administration is that is confounded at every turn by the hangover of old political habits, old politicians that are visionary-myopic and outlive their political usefulness in an outworn party, but is no longer nourished by the ancient faith on which the first republic was founded. Obasanjo’s government clings to the bad things and casts away the good and the permanent. Obasanjo’s government professes belief but does not believe. Details

The Politics of Lagos: Indigenes Vs. Non-Indigenes. By  Dozie Ike Ezeife

(GAMJI)

The question of who occupies what position in Lagos or any other city in Nigeria is not hinged on whether or not the indigenes of that city approve of a candidate.  It is an issue of who has the necessary votes to win.  No amount of threats and childish tantrum from Oyeyemi and the OPC can prevent an Igboman or Bini man from being elected the Governor of Lagos state if he has the votes to scale through. Details

Can PDP Retain Katsina State in 2003? By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

Lest I forget the emergence of ‘Yar Adua as the governor of Katsina was not attributed to any personality or group in the State.  It was an act of providence and the fact that the electorates sympathize with the death of his senior brother, the late Shehu ‘Yar Adua, and thus decided to compensate him in the spirit of hospitality for which the people of the State are known.  Only those who do not know Governor Umaru’s political antecedent will attribute his victory to any individual or group. Details

The Importance of Language. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

I recall that back in high school, many of those who attended federal government schools prided themselves on their ability to speak only English. It was a badge of honor - a sign of accomplishment – to speak English to the exclusion of any Nigerian language. Details

My Unjust Indictment By Kayode Eso Panel. By Justice M.D. Saleh (Chief Judge, Federal Capital Territory)

(GAMJI)

The Esho panel by ignoring this major principle of fair hearing either by omission or commission cannot be seen to be fair in its recommendation. Unless there is an objective review of the Esho Panel’s report as regards my case. The result of a judicial report where I was neither invited to be heard nor given an opportunity to defend myself against any allegation, can only be a nullity, denial of my human rights to fair hearting or a mockery of justice. Details

Budgets As the Fundamental Responsibility of All Nigerians. By Amina Salihu

(GAMJI)

We have come to realise that, the challenge for CSOs working in budgeting in Nigeria is really that of engendering a popular budgeting process in Nigeria. The process so far, has been characterized by a minority few, thinking for rather than thinking with the majority. The budget making process has tended to assume that the visible few knows the public good and can get it for the invisible many. Details

Nigeria House of Shame in New York. By Yinka Adeyemi

(GAMJI)

The $40 million Nigeria House which is widely regarded with pride and disbelief by all Africans here, is fast becoming a citadel of shame and disgrace, according to an investigation by the DAILY TIMES ON SATURDAY. And the rot starts from the mundane to the life-threatening : from a defaced little national flag to the pathological tendency to owe and refuse to pay. Details

The Return of the Retired Generals in Nigerian Politics. By Ritchie Ejiofor

(GAMJI)

There has been the clamor for rtd General Buhari and Babaginda to contest for president in the next election and I watch as our shameless political class scramble to endorse both candidates over their civilian counterparts. If we admit that the choice of uncle Shege was a political incorrect judgment, why then is the frenzy to “drag” IBB into the race like he was the biblical Moses who went up the mountain to seek solution to our political- economic problems. Details

Senator Francis Arthur Nzeribe--End the Road for the Ubiquitous and Loquacious Gadfly. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife

(GAMJI)

Chief Francis Arthur Nzeribe, Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been variously described as controversial, a loose cannon and a double-edged sword.  He covets being called a maverick and prides himself as an astute politician and a relevant Nigerian.  Recently the bubble burst and the coward showed his true stripes.  By taking on his colleagues in the Senate, he bit more than he could chew.  He apparently decided to bail out of a jet at 35,000 feet above the earth without first arming himself with a parachute.  The result of that senseless folly obviously was sure political demise. Details

Igbos and the Issues of Leadership: The Search Begins. By Ritchie Ejiofor

(GAMJI)

No aspiring candidature for presidency has seen more negativity than Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu declaration, there was so much editorials and Igbos were used to rubbish his chances. One prominent excuse has been his civil war role, an episode that happened nearly four decades ago, why have Nigerians not asked those who fought on the federal side with much hatred and venom against the eastern if they have changed their views and anyamiri perspectives? Shamefully, it is the Igbos that is used to ruin the chances of their fellow Igbos.

Details

The Frequently Asked Question In The West Is Why Pakistan And India Cannot Live As Good Neighbors? By Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Khan

[PAKISTAN]

(GAMJI)

The right answer is that the British Government left an un-finished agenda at the time of partition of this continent.

The areas with predominant population of Muslims were to be given to Pakistan and  the areas with NON-MUSLIMS were to be merged with India. Thus areas with Muslim majority in Bengal were given to Muslims as EAST PAKISTAN and areas with overwhelming population of Muslims in Punjab, Frontier Province, Baluchistan and Sindh became West Pakistan. The two wings of Pakistan were separated by the vast stretch of India.  Details

FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE

The Wisdom of One-Term Tenure

[GAMJI WRITER]

Now let us examine the facts. Gowon ruled Nigeria for 9 years; Obasanjo, 8 years, by 2003; Babangida, 8 years; Abdulsalami, 1 year; Ironsi, six months; and Shonekan, five months; These leaders were all from the zones that The Patriots claim to represent. Their cumulative tenure will be 27 years, by 2003. On the other hand, from “The non-Patriots” zones, Balewa ruled for 5 years; Abacha, 5 years; Shagari, 4 years; Buhari, say, 2 years; and Murtala, six months. They had a total of only 16 years. Ethnically speaking, the Yoruba or people of Yoruba origin have ruled this country for at least 17 years; minorities, 14 years; Fulani, 6 years; Kanuri, 5 years; and Igbo six months. The Hausa had nothing so far. The statistics will be more revealing if we go further to analyse the ethnic composition of various Supreme Military Councils, the Armed Forces Ruling Councils and Federal Cabinets. We will leave that until a later date. The patriots have spoken about language. The Hausa here, in our opinion, should protest more than any other person. His language is most widely spoken but the leadership of the country is yet to rotate to him. Had he known his right he would have fought for it. Details

Still on Wada Nas’ Letter: A Rejoinder to Timothy Otunde. By Lawal Murabi

(GAMJI)

As for the area of telecommunication you mentioned, we are too informed to be deceived by liars. This could have been achieved with or without Obasanjo because it was part of General Abacha’s Vision 2010 blueprint. Ask Chief Shonekan for confirmation. So Obasanjo has done nothing to warrant praise in this regard. Similarly, the coal mining glories you cited are not Obasanjo’s effort. It was again General Abacha (the most hated) who established the Ministry for Solid Minerals Development. Details

At Long Last, the People's Assembly Speaks. By Dr. Abubakar A. Muhammad

(GAMJI)

I do not want to hear it. I do not care which way you are thinking. For me it has been long overdue. At long last the People’s National Assembly has the audacity to agree to perform one of its most sacred constitutional duties, the impeachment of a president. And yes, the sycophants, the tribal lords, the trouble shooters, the looters of our treasury, the good for nothing politicians and even some of our respected traditional Chiefs and Obas would like to plunge into this impeachment controversy and deny the masses their right to boot out an ailing, incompetent, visionless and seemingly inept President. Details

The Ulama and Mobilisation for Economic Empowerment. By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

(GAMJI WRITER)

From Lagos to Maiduguri, Sokoto to Port- Harcourt our streets and pavements are lined with men and boys, girls and women, sometimes with a bowl in hand, begging passersby for money to buy food. The vast majority of these beggars, known in Hausa as almajirai, are northerners and Muslim. This spectacle, shameful as it is, is only half of the story. There are thousands more of the kinsmen of these street beggars, moving from house to house and office to office, begging for some contract, or commission, or just cash and easy money. It is the sad story of a people that has lost its bearing, a nation or community that has failed its members, a great civilization that has been laid waste. Details

The Global Economy and Poverty in Nigeria. By Victor E. Dike

(GAMJI)

In spite of Nigeria’s oil wealth (the nation is the 6^th oil producing nation in the world), the poor constitute about 70% of the Nigerian population. And recent report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) shows Nigeria as the 26^th poorest nation in the world (The Guardian, July 26, 2002; also see Dike, October 6, 2002). With the vast mineral, oil, water, land and human resources, many Nigerians live on less than $1.00 (one U.S. dollar) a day. Is this statistics not bad enough to wake the nations political leaders from slumber? Who are the poor in Nigeria? Details

The Senate: A World Of Dog Eat Dog. By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI)

It is reported that Aluko went on to say: "Distinguished Senators, we are about six months to go. There is need for us to leave the Senate at least the way we came, preferably better. We all would have come here without any criminal record or even an indictment of any magnitude whatsoever…”With respect, Distinguished Senators, it would be unfair to condemn certain Senators to perpetual indictment, as no set of Senators after us, would be in any better position to revisit the matter. Details

Forty Two Years On:..Political Disorder is The Order. By Atari Anajaku

(GAMJI)

For President Olusegun Obasanjo,  second executive civilian president of Nigeria, retired four-star general and former member of the Eminent Persons’ Group, these are not the best of times. Whatever the impression management and the spin, it is clear from the body language that even a man with his profound appetite for impossible challenges must have come to the private conclusions that this time around, he has bitten more than he can chew. Details

The Inevitable. By  Paul Mamza

(GAMJI WRITER)

Similarly, the continued detention of General Ishaya Bamaiyi and co. with Alhaji Mohammed Abacha’s harsh treatment even after being cleared by the Supreme Court is a justification of high-handedness of government in its pursuit of a deliberate act of political parricide.  Political modesty demands that both the electorates and the elected have a stake in this drastic degeneration of democratic values and that is why it is a collective responsibility of all Nigerians to ensure that the sanitization exercise at the political scene is made a reality.Details

Beyond “You Chop, I Chop”: Welcome to the Dawn of Deceptive Geriatric Politics. By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[PORT HARCOURT]

(GAMJI)

Further to Álábó Bill Clinton’s lecture, we might as well add that Nigeria’s challenge is how best to accept the not-so-obvious fact that democracy can never be meaningfully actualised by any living former head of a military junta in Nigeria. The glaring high cost of General Obasanjo’s cock-eyed version of “nascent” democracy, with all its layers upon layers of parasitic, and/or predatory autocrats, operatives, hangers-on, and patronage-addicted politicians, is a threat to the survival of democracy in Nigeria. Details

Politics and the Poster Menace. By Abba Gana Shettima

(GAMJI)

In Nigeria, the posters are the voters.  Were you to stand still, just for five minutes, you may find a politician pasting a poster on you, mistaking you, perhaps, for a statue!  Everyday, politicians are also removing the ugly posters of their opponents.  For every ugly political face removed, however, ten more beautiful ones are born.  Political posters in Nigeria behave like the mythical Greek hydra. Details

We Need Medical Ph.D.s. By Melvin Mberi

(GAMJI)

We owe it as an ethical responsibility to our country to encourage scientific research through a development of the manpower core that specializes in this aspect of medical care. It is therefore important to recognize the role of tenure track research faculty in our institutions and provide appropriate pathways for their development alongside their clinical colleagues. Details

Election 2003: The Art of Rigging Electoral Votes. By Clement Ikpatt

(GAMJI)

Oga may be the Governor or lawmaker representing you. Several of our current leaders and lawmakers have rigged elections for themselves or colleagues. Some are planning to rig forthcoming Election 2003 even as you read. Rigging of electoral votes has become one of Nigeria’s most ugly cultures of corruption. Only you can say NO to rigging: secure and make sure your vote is accounted for. There are only few things you must know and do that are given below. Details 

Mr. Lawal Karmanje's Rejoinder. By Timothy Otunde

(GAMJI)

IBB has the resources to mobilize the entire nation against Chief Obasanjo; I wonder what he did to accumulate those resources? This is just a question begging for an answer. I am sure if the nation really wants to answer the question, it will not be hard to do. We know how much a General in the Nigerian army, even a Head of State earned while he was in office. I am also sure that there are enough qualified quantity surveyors in the country to quantify the amount of funds it would require to build the Aso Rock like Villa, you referred to, in Minna that IBB now calls home. Details

Globalization and Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria. By Murtala S. Sagagi

(GAMJI)

It is very amazing how Nigeria operates; the leadership is very adventurous; roaming around from one continent to another in search of miracles. The citizens are preoccupied with media and physical cross fire; it is always the North, the South, the East or the Middle responsible for the country’s misfortunes. Many in the academia are busy complaining about hegemony and Western dominations. Often, we are antagonistic towards our fellow country men, mostly for failure to accommodate each others uniqueness:...Details

Immigration to the United States: 2004 Green Card Lottery Program. By Johnson Babalola LL.B

(GAMJI)

Every year, the United States makes about 50,000 visas (permanent residence) available to eligible applicants from a number of countries that have been determined to have low rates of immigrant contribution to the country via the green card or diversity lottery program. The program is also known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. Readers may find the following information useful. Details

FGN ‘Response’  to the Bakassi Verdict: Matters Arising. By Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

Apparently after recovering form the initial shock of the adverse decision it got from the case with Cameroon over the Bakassi Peninsula, to the effect that the disputed territory is now lawfully within Cameroon’s territorial sovereignty, the Federal Government of Nigeria finally gave the much awaited official response last week. As a political statement, it could be a successful piece, to the extent that it is able to fool some people into hoping that the government was not going to let go an inch of the territory of Nigeria to another nation, be it Cameroon or whoever. But if it was meant to be a legal response to that final judgment of the ICJ, per se, then, I am afraid, nothing intelligibly of record was said. Details

An Open Letter to Mr. Wada Nas: A Rejoinder. By Lawal Karmanje

[CALIFORNIA, U.S.A.]

(GAMJI)

Sir Otunde, it's very unfortunate and terrible experience regarding what's happening currently in Obasanjo's government and His Excellency’s achievements of failure, what a failing Regime! I, for once, never blamed Mr. President for all the problems; however, my expectation was that Obasanjo could be able to solve our myriad problems amicably. Alas, it doesn't seem solutions are forthcoming Details

Second Term? Obasanjo Forget It. By Kunle I Sowunmi

[DALLAS TEXAS]

(GAMJI)

Obasanjo wanted second term not because he loved Nigeria but  to be the longest serving president or Head of State. He is being hunted by the record of Babangida, and Gowon that he has to "Dobale" through the South African President to plead with Babangida to help him out. This Presidency is not only weak but also lacked meaningful goals. Details

Open Letter to Mr. Wada-Nas. By Timothy Otunde

(GAMJI)

Wada, this is an insult to all patriotic Nigerians. In the first place, you would repeatedly address a military dictator "Your Excellency" and repeatedly refer to an elected sitting President "Obasanjo... this man..." etc. Forget who he is, it is The Office that deserves respect, and note that Babangida is not a President, and was never a President. He would like to be, but decreeing that you are now a President does not make you a President.  If you feel that President Olusegun Obasanjo has not done anything in he last "almost four years" what did Gbadamosi Babangida do in 8 years of miss-rule? Details

Patriots' Counsel: Epitome of Political Myopia. By Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.

(GAMJI)

If the “Patriots” are really patriotic citizens seeking the ways and means of moving our democracy forward, why don’t they deploy their energy and resources in initiating the process for a constitutional amendment necessary to bring about their wish? These privileged Nigerians appear to be more concerned about grandstanding than demonstration of leadership which is expected of persons of their stature. It is naïve for anyone to believe that one single gesture from an incumbent Head of State is all that Nigeria needs now to resolve the current political impasse between the executive and legislative arms of government. Details

Na'Abba and Obasanjo Face-off: Lessons in the Dynamics of Power. By Abdulrahman Muhammed

[LAGOS]

(GAMJI)

Speaker Na’abba and President Obasanjo are both products of providence. Neither of them actually planned, much less worked, for the respective offices they presently occupy. President Obasanjo we all know moved from “Prison to Palace” in such a manner that not a few would be tempted to believe that God must have a divine purpose for saving the retired general from the Abacha regime. Likewise Na’abba, few would remember now, it seems such a long time, that Na’abba was a humble appropriation committee chairman when Buhari held forth at the house. Details

FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE

The Information Challenge

(GAMJI WRITER)

If you want to know the extent of our intellectual decay, ask ten of your friends when last any of them walked into a bookshop to buy the latest book about their profession or area of specialty. Ask them when last did they visit a library, borrow a book or donate one to the public. Visit the library and count the percentage of new books there. You will be shocked to learn that the majority of us has never, since graduating from the university, visited any library or bought any new book. We have forgotten what we learnt and failed to acquire another. Details

Towards Correcting ‘Wrongs’ in the ‘Nigerian Project’. By  Abdullahi  Bego

(GAMJI)

If General Abacha had squandered Nigeria’s wealth, if Babangida had annulled the June 12,1993 elections clearly won by the late Mashood Abiola, if people in the Niger Delta were denied benefits accruable to Nigeria from the sale of crude oil extracted from their soil, if the Nigerian economy has failed to pick up despite desperate foreign Presidential trips to woo investors, if material and ideational poverty still ravage the political economy, if anything negative happens at all, it is the ‘north’ and ‘northerners’ that are responsible. History, indeed, has never seen such a totalistic and closed-ended operationalisation of national problems. Details

Re- Law, Sentiments and Abacha:  Let Us Leave Judgement to God. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

The best we can do is for those close to the Abacha family to advise that they return what is not theirs for the fear of God and his retribution in this world and the hereafter.  Other than this, they can keep their loot, enjoy their life as others are doing, and await God’s reward for what they did.  This also applies to most holders of public office, past and present, not just the Abacha family.  If they fear God let them return what is not theirs, otherwise let us leave the Abacha family alone with their conscience.  Details

Obasanjo's Dirty Tricks Campaign. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo

(GAMJI)

The Obasanjo administration must be quite a study in intrigues, blackmail and voodoo democracy for political scientists to unravel when the political history of Nigeria is to be written.  The characters populating the government are quite disparate in their level of desperation to cling to power at whatever cost to the nation.  The government appears to draw its energy and oxygen from promoting disenchantment in a populace already disenchanted by successive governments since August 1985. Details

Bakassi Island. By Akin Falegan

(GAMJI)

A very kin observer of the application of international laws and foreign policies of the West will come to realize that fairness and justice is a factor of interpretation, there are no hard and fast rules about it. It is a know fact, that whatever conflicts with or contradicts Americans ideal (so to say) or economic interest are given no relevance in their decision making process when it comes to application of international law. America interest takes pre-eminence in all foreign policy issues and decisions. Why should Nigeria be any different? Unless we are dull of understanding of the ways of application of international law. I am simply saying that international law is vague to say the least, all that matter is national interest period. Details

Unresolved Issues in Privatization. By Ibrahim Dan-Halilu

(GAMJI)

I was struck to my spine by the positions of the two writers because while I expected to read superior arguments about the privatization programme both Njiddah and Igyuse seemed to have some interests to protect in taking parallel extreme positions on the privatization exercise.  For while Njiddah had eulogized the privatization exercise and El Rufa’i’s team “for doing a good job”, Igyuse on the other hand, dismissed the entire process as untidy and suspicious.  Their underlining interests rather compounded the fears and suspicions about the privatization exercise than mitigate them. Details

Stakeholders' Coverege: A task that must be accomplished. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife, Esq. Details

(GAMJI)

A national conference (by whatever Nome de plume) is an idea whose time is long overdue. Critics of this call have argued that the National Assembly is well-suited to discuss and handle any matter any section of the country feel needs to be taken up. I disagree. Election to the National Assembly does not ipso facto elevate a politician to the status of a community leader. Details

2002: National Year of Sovereign Conferences--Third Quarter Review. By Sam Abbd Israel

(GAMJI)

Let us remind our eminent personalities in the political arena who are presently braying for the blood of their political opponents that there is nothing in life worth losing a soul for. Neither Nigeria nor political positions nor fame nor fortune is worth the price of a soul. When you keep telling Nigerians that the evil you are engaged in is for our sake, for the unity of Nigeria, for the progress of Nigeria, we are now more than aware that you are just a filthy liar. We can now say to you, ‘Tell that cock and bull tales to the Marines’. Details

Spoilers in the Circus. By Ahmed Tafida Jalingo

(GAMJI)

Our local industries capacity utilisation is now on the decline, many have closed many more may be as I write this piece, leaving only black marketers in the scene, serious investors are strangulated by deliberate statutory policies, the most vital of inputs are politicised making the genuine entrepreneur hapless, job creation impossible and general growth only statistical and not real. Details

Will Nigeria Survive the 2003 Election? By Professor Omo Omoruyi

(GAMJI)

Nigeria must avoid the human toll on Nigerian citizens in 2003 from the experience of 1964 and in 1983.   The aftermath of the 1964 election was the 30-month civil war whose scar still remains and the aftermath of the 1983 election led to the denial of democratic rights of the Nigerian people, the extra-judicial execution and the denial of human dignity and many unresolved or lingering political problems today. As Nigeria moves to 2003 election, these unresolved or lingering political problems are complicated by the “politicization of religion”, the “crisis of governance” and “some discovered political pathologies”. Details

Nigeria at 42: The Necessity of Revolution. By Ike Naijaman

(GAMJI)

It is high-time that the people of Nigeria pull together and stop allowing ourselves to be used as pawns and cannon-fodder by people who derive wealth from our suffering.  In short, we need a revolution.  If we want to put an end to the endless cycle of mediocrity, it is within our power to do so. Details

Yar'Adua Vs. Jikamshi: A Rejoinder. By Abdullahi Abubakar

(GAMJI)

The public is being inundated recently with the Yar'adua and Jikamshi palaver.  My candid view is that either we want to pretend not to acknowledge what actually happened or we are not interested in true reconciliation between them.  Comparing Yar'adua and Jikamshi is like comparing General Buhari (Rtd) and General Babangida (Rtd).  Period.  While Yar'adua is constantly conscious of the enormous responsibility on his shoulder and alive to the concept of accountability before his Lord on the reckoning day our Jikamshi has failed to live with this reality.  Details

Politics, Poverty and Nigeria’s Petrodollars: Dutch Disease Revisited. By Murtala S. Sagagi

(GAMJI)

It is the author’s belief that Vision Deficiency Syndrome (VDS) is the Nigeria’s true predicament.  Since the first Republic, the country has not been fortunate to be led by leaders with clear vision to steer the country to prosperity. The issue of poverty alleviation is often considered a by-the-way issue, usually falling into the domain of First Ladies. Details

Elitism or Just Plain Culture Loss. By Ayo Abdullah

(GAMJI)

I have watched with a rising sense of alarm at a rather odd development most noticeable amongst many Nigerians of southern origins. A palpably large section of this group of Nigerians seem to believe that for their offspring to speak any language besides the English language is an abomination. It has become fashionable to see parents ensuring (and enforcing) that their children speak only in English almost from birth. The children are actively shielded from acquiring their parents’ first language, which more often that not, is a Nigerian language. Details

Open Letter to Obasanjo on Oputa Commission's Report. By Sonny Onyegbula

(GAMJI)

Because of the fact that the hearings were publicly televised, Nigerians from every walk of life were unable to escape the clear evidence of rampant human rights abuse in the past. For the first time in Nigeria history, no one could deny that terrible things happened. Unfortunately and contrary to the expectations of Nigerians the report of the Commission as well as the recommendations which were submitted to you since 28 May 2002 have not been made public. Details

Nigerians: Welcome to Argentina. By Ahmed Tafida Jalingo

(GAMJI)

Name it today in Nigeria, every one in virtually every industry is in distress, whether the person is in business or not and whatever sector he or she deals in be it transport, commerce, banking, construction and of recent even in politics, there is no money anywhere in the economy, producers don't have buyers and the willing buyers don't have the money,  today in Nigeria even pick pockets complain that there is no market, things are just bad. Details

“Impeachment" Or "Harassment" of President (2). By  Professor Omo Omoruyi

(GAMJI)

I come to the foregoing conclusion that what has been happening since August 2002 has nothing to do with what is provided for in Section 143 of the Constitution dealing with the removal of the President and Vice President.    It is disturbing that nothing in the action taken so far by the PDP members of the National Assembly can be defended on constitutional grounds.   This is why I decided to take readers through the steps taken so far by the PDP leadership in the National Assembly to harass the President instead of removing him in accordance with Section 143 of the Constitution. Details

Mohammed Haruna and the Mystery of Abacha' s Billions. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo

(GAMJI)

It is also my contention that the Obasanjo regime is the wrong administration to be defended on the issue of corruption, as the scourge seems to be an article of faith in this dispensation.  Mohammed Abacha is going through what he is going through for simply using his father’s office to loot the Nigerian treasury blind.  Today we are all aware that Obasanjo’s siblings are doing worse. Details

How Do You Want to Be Remembered. By Kunle I Sowunmi

(GAMJI)

Finally, from the Dallas Museum of Arts in Texas USA the Yorubas are described as follows " The greatest African tribe in the world with 40 million population at home and influence on over 76 million other black race, with their religion and culture spread to North and South America. A race rich in manners and self respect most likely the hope of black race" Details

Politics and Motor Park Thuggery. By Abba Gana Shettima

[MAIDUGURI]

(GAMJI)

Once upon a time, I hated travelling and my hatred usually began at the motor park.  No sooner than you had arrived at the park, a swarm of touts, thugs and thieves would surround you and attempt to pull you in different directions.  ‘Kano, one passenger left’. ‘Come this way, come that way’.  ‘This car, please’.  ‘No, that one is better’.   ‘Bring your bag, master’.  ‘Here… there... this way…that way…’ The passenger was literally torn into pieces and feasted upon by the touting sharks and crocodiles. Details

Memo To The National Assembly Of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. By  Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[Port Harcourt, Nigeria]

(GAMJI)

Since General Olusegun Obasanjo came to power, you, the members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria have failed Nigerians, as their elected representatives, in the duties that you all swore to serve, and to the Constitution you all swore to uphold. Time after time, you have condoned frivolity, passed a farrago of meaningless laws, and indulged yourselves in trivial pursuits. Almost all your deliberations are deeply rooted in subverting the very interests of the 127 million wretched Nigerians that you claim to represent. Details

Obasanjo: The Voices of Men and God. By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI) 

When distinguished Nigerians as in the Patriots have to seek the public space to advise their own president, it begs the question, did the obduracy of the president to yield to subtle diplomacy fail or his electoral defeat by stealth has started? Therefore, why have these men of valour and wisdom sought to advise Obasanjo in the public arena? Particularly, when he is embroiled in difficulties with the legislature. Details

Misplaced Patriotism. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

The Patriots deserve praise for their passionate interest in devising solutions to our national problems. It is comforting to know that a group made up of such sound and well-accomplished individuals meets to discuss our urgent national problems. We mean no disrespect in pointing out what we think are their analytical and philosophical errors. We wish instead to encourage them not to allow their sentiments to prevent the exercise of their brilliant minds. Details

Resource Control: A Bad Idea that Failed. By I.B  Gashinbaki

(GAMJI)

No one want to ask the question, but every one knows the answer that perhaps, ignoring the resource control issue is like ignoring a time bomb, it’s like seating on a box of dynamites or playing with high caliber explosives. What are these warnings and danger signals all about? Yes it is all about the precious souls of the Nigerian Oil wells. It’s about who owns and who doesn’t? It’s about who controls and who doesn’t? It’s about who enjoys and who doesn’t? Details

Let the Truth set your Mind Free. An examination of what the Government of Nigeria can do concerning Mohammed Abacha. By Michael O. Folorunso

(GAMJI)

I say without any contradictions, that murder trials and complicity or appearance there of, of looting the wealth belonging to the peoples of Nigeria are not one and the same thing. I want to respond to Haji Nas's essay without offending his sensibilities and I do care very much about not allowing some people with a very shallow mind set to blur out the objective and the goal of my article. Details

A Reply to Oyeyemi's "Ethnic Journalism et al." By Osita Chiagorom

(GAMJI)

Inasmuch as that it is no longer a secret that many Nigerian writers base their judgment on tribal basis, it is very evident that majority of them are from the Southwestern part of Nigeria. My brother, it is very mischievous of you to accuse the North or Southeast of ethnic journalism when it is undisputable that both ethnic politics and journalism originated from the Southwest. Details

Adamawa and Boni's Burden. By Ibrahim Modibbo

(GAMJI)

As some concerned citizens of Adamawa met last week in Abuja to review the performance of the government in Dougirei, Yola, the Boni administration came under intense pressure as the group rose up from the meeting with a resolve that come 2003, Governor Boni Haruna must go. Details

Law, Sentiments and Abacha. By Wada Nas

(GAMJI WRITER)

It is trite for any one to insinuate that it is the Obasanjo administration that freed Mohammed Abacha. The truth is that his freedom came through the courts of the land at the end of which he was denied such freedom by the Federal Government. The conditions of his release, on bail, were clearly spelt out by the courts. Obasanjo refused to accept these conditionalities, instituted himself into a superior court and imposed his own terms clearly outside those of the courts, therefore effectively putting Mohammed Abacha under house arrest. It is not the business of any authority to impose extra judicial conditions on a case that has been decided by the court and in the case of young Abacha three courts! What is more disrespectful for the rule of law than this? Details

How About a Bakassi Peninsula Republic? : (Exactly how do you say that in French?). By Michael O. Folorunso

(GAMJI)

Bakassi people are the ones who will really have the last dance, the last laugh and everything will come out to (people who call Bakassi home) your advantage. This is only, if, they can grasp and appreciate the unique position in which ICJ has put them. If I were to offer your Highness the Obong some advice. I will commence by asking you to look towards Monaco for your modality. Details

The South East PDP Governors and the Federal Government Ministers from the Zone. By  Vincent Onyenowe Erondu 

(GAMJI)

It is a wonderment that the Governors of the zone left out major issues and concerns of the zone, such as security, debt reduction, non payment of workers salaries, corruption, accountability and the political and administrative chaos that have befallen the zone since the ascendancy of these Governors. Details

The Gospel According to St. Michael. By Michael Okoye

(GAMJI)

From now till the end of the century, Fulanis should never for any reason be allowed to contest the Presidency in the next one century. And any of them that must be considered must sign documents, protecting the interest of every hamlet in southern Nigeria. Never shall this Northern illegality be allowed to see the light of the day again.

Details

It’s About Time for a Nigerian President of Igbo Extraction. By Akin Falegan

(GAMJI)

The next president of Nigeria must be of Igbo extraction but not in 2003. Why? If we vote in an Igbo President in 2003 the south will be short changed. How? For equity and justice sake, until year 2015 there cannot and should not be power shift back to the north. Though some people believe that Yoruba people are been short changed now since Obasanjo is not Yoruba’s choice of candidate from their extraction but he was the choice of Nigerians which is definitely what is required of a Nigerian president. Details

Making Sense Out of Quest for Igbo President. By Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.

(GAMJI)

There is no unanimity amongst the Igbo political class and intelligentsia about the desirability and possibility of electing an Igbo to take over from President Obasanjo after the 2003 general elections. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, a loose caucus of distinguished Igbo leaders with diverse partisan leanings and ideological orientations, are spearheading the campaign for an Igbo president by 2003. Within the ranks of this apex Igbo sociocultural body are individuals who are overtly or covertly working for the re-election ticket of incumbent Head of State and Vice-President Atiku. Details

“Impeachment" or “Harassment” of President (1). By  Professor Omo Omoruyi

(GAMJI)

It is now obvious that the face-off has root in the 1999 Pact between Chief Obasanjo and the “Northern elders” before Obasanjo became President in 1999.   Chief Obasanjo and other political leaders from the south betrayed their people and they should be ashamed.    Is this an impeachable offence?   The same elders should call him to Agura Hotel, Abuja and tell him that the elders would impose sanction on him for the breach.   This is and should be outside the Constitution as we know it.   Of course, this would certainly be outside the media as they did it in 1999.  Details

Queen's College and Civil Responsibility. By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI)

What is it about Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos (QC) these days? It has a preternatural tendency to obscure its fecund image. It is in the glare of publicity like an imprecated bete-noir and all for the wrong reasons. Is this the same school that recently celebrated 75^th anniversary of educating girls to become ladies and women to become mothers? Is this the same school that has imparted grace to girls that lacked finesse? Details