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The Global Economic Meltdown: A Nigeria That Can Say No. By Iliyasu Ibrahim Gadu Mr. President, as the most populous black nation on earth, endowed with more human and material resource potential than Britain, France, Germany and Italy put together, Nigeria should aim to be among the key nations helping to shape the coming global order. We are justified to play this role not only on the strength our not puny size in population and resources, but more importantly on account of our divine ordination as the leader and spokesman of the world’s people of African descent wherever they may exist. No other nation in the world is more favourably positioned to play this role than Nigeria. Details
Global Recession : Its Implications On Nigeria Economy And The Way Forward. By Benjamin Ogbebulu Reports shows that one-third reduction in the budget releases of funds to state Governments and Federal ministries .The president, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua recently argued for pay cuts for all public servants including the Governors and there should be a brave attempt by the National Assembly to carry out their oversight functions in ensuring the implementation of the 2009 budget as it is not in the nation interest to continuing to encourage waste at this period of global economic downturn . Faster depreciation of Naira against the Dollar is affecting the economy and adding to the suffering of Nigeria people. Government should do more to address the issues of unemployment and poverty in the country as these could lead to more crime in the country. Details
Empowering Local Communities Through Carbon Credits. By Joachim Ezeji Gas flaring in Nigeria currently accounts for 20 per cent of the world total. Nigeria flares more gas than any other country in the world. Approximately 75 percent of total gas production in Nigeria is flared, and about 95 percent of the “associated gas” which is produced as a by-product of crude oil extraction from reservoirs in which oil and gas are mixed. Flaring in Nigeria contributes a measurable percentage of the world’s total emissions of greenhouse gases; due to the low efficiency of many of the flares much of the gas is released as methane (which has a high warming potential), rather than carbon dioxide. Details
As the Court Pleases! By Joachim Ezeji Regrettably, politics and elections in Nigeria have become a big industry. The allure of power and all its accoutrements now drives the unmitigated madness that is ever on reign for office seekers. While some visit and take oath in shrines; some make “arrangee deals” that gets lackeys of their benefactors into occupying sensitive offices; and others use sheer brute force to rig themselves in. etc. Details
Coping with Leadership Meltdown in Nigeria. By Maxwell James If today Nigeria is feeling or witnessing the impact of any global crisis, meltdown or crunch–it is simply leadership. The inability of successive governments to translate our huge oil revenue into meaningful use is the chief reason why Nigeria as a nation cannot survive a world that is spiritedly searching for alternative energy. The huge foreign reserve and soaring oil price this present administration inherited are meaningless to Nigerians as practical darkness, death traps as roads, labor unrest, lull in governance, insecurity, kidnappings in the Niger Delta, police brutality and outright hunger are common phenomena in our country . Details
State Of The Nation. By Imohimi Uduigwome Airenevboise Daily, factories are closing shop in Nigeria owing to the harsh operating environment. These closures obviously translate to job loss for millions of Nigerians. This picture is better depicted with the fact that a couple of years back over a 100 textile factories were operating in Nigeria, as at today those still in operation are less than five. The much talked about textile factories bail out has remained a mirage despite the huge benefits to be derived from the bail out. Details
The Agony Of An Industrialist. By Les Leba The failure of the Nigerian economy has often times been laid at the doorstep of the monocultural nature of our revenue source. Everyone agrees that the prospect of growth and development in this country would be enhanced if only we had a bourgeoning industrial landscape, generously spiced with the output of a fledging class of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Indeed, SMEs have often been appropriately described as the ‘goose that lays the golden eggs’ in thriving economies and are consequently carefully nurtured and supported so that the goose can be more prolific in its output. Details
Still On Rebranding And The New National Identity (2). By Segun Imohiosen The flag off of the rebranding campaign for Nigeria by the Dora Akunyili has drawn a lot of attention both locally and internationally. Particularly the online fora are laded with all kinds of opinions and reports negative and positive as the case may be. The beauty of it in spite of the unending criticism it has generated is that Nigerians are given yet another chance to have a hand in deciding on their destiny. Details
Law on Kidnapping: Matters Arising. By Ezugwu Benson Whyte Like it is always said that ‘when handshake has crossed the Niger it is no longer ordinary handshake,’ when kidnapping spread, first to Imo, and later to Anambra and gradually permeated the whole South East, People began to shout. It continued its ravaging journey to Akwa Ibom, Edo, Delta , Ondo, Lagos and even to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Only the core northern states have not really witnessed the evil menace of kidnapping. But from every indications the north may not be spared as long as the prime target of kidnappers remains money. Even as I am writing this piece there was a report that two kidnappers were arrested in far away Kebbi state. Although reports say they allegedly committed the offence in Lagos, but for the fact that they were arrested in Kebbi means that sooner than later it may spread to the north like wild fire. Details
Now that Kidnapping Has Assumed a New Dimension. By Sylva Nze Ifedigbo Before now, it was considered a Niger Delta problem. It started with the kidnap of white expatriate workers by so called Niger Delta activists, who we now know (from their activities), to be essentially criminals, then to traditional rulers and children of top government functionaries including infants as well as their aged parents. ... Perhaps taking a cue from the largely successful exploits of their brothers in the Niger Delta, the youths in the South East soon adopted the trade and it soon became common news to hear of the disappearance of business magnets and notable persons with the accompanying demand of some millions of Naira. The trade has even assumed a dimension in which one didn’t need to be white, or to be a politician or a business mogul to be a victim, just any body with a hostage value whose relatives can raise some money were kidnapped including priests and religious leaders. Details
Salary Cut Meaningless Without Seriousness. By Hakeem Babalola We can see from the above that the salaries being paid these political officers are not too much. The local government chairmen for example earn less than N80, 000 per month. It is clear that they don't actually live on their salary. As low as their wages, these political officers do not even deserve kobo judging from their performances in their various establishments. Most of these officers are incompetent; they lack enthusiasm to serve; they are ostentatious and greedy; they inflate contract without even doing the project. Perhaps we should leave this for another day. Details
RE-PHCN And National Assembly AND PHCN’S War Against IPP’S. By Bunduma Mohammed There is no real private interest in the Nigeria Power sector. Those struggling to take it over are only rent seekers who want to profit from their proximity to those in power. The lack of real private interest is due to poor infrastructure, inadequate tariff structure, inconsistency in government policy, insecurity, inadequate legal and regulatory framework and general poor investment climate (contract enforcement mechanism etc). Details
Nigeria: A Land of Politicians. By Michael Nwagbegbe We need to ponder deeply why we have more stakeholders, elders, leaders that wrought this failure of governance in all levels of government than we have true citizens who could pull this country to the path of sanity, prosperity and peace. We really need to ponder on the possibility of a greater Nigeria too. Reports are rife of some political movements in anticipation of 2011. Soon the whole atmosphere would be electrified with politicking, and all the basic issues which the present crop of politicians promised to address would be left unattended. We can still angle for politics and all the protection and security it affords. And yet, the appeal by Mrs Olowu needs to be taken seriously by all lovers of Nigeria. Our country indeed, needs healing. Details
Sir Bill Gates, Please Include Spinal-Bifida In The Polio Eradication. By Idris Umar Jibia Sir Bill Gates, in order for you to grasp the picture of deplorable health conditions in Nigeria kindly take part of your humanitarian gesture tour to visit some of our University Teaching Hospitals for you to see Consultants, Patients, equipment then you can ascertain the level of our helplessness; I’m trying to portray. I implore you sir to as a matter of humanitarian gesture put your inventiveness to save from shackle of diseases and death people who share your aspiration everyday by using MICROSOFT APPLICATION PACKAGES to perform personal, collective and organizational functions. Details
Nigerian Labour Movement: Something is Terribly Wrong. By Aliyu Aliyu The happenings in the labour movement in our dearest country Nigeria never cease to amaze me. Sometimes I feel it should be called drama movement instead, because they have proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt to be one of the principal actors in this tragic comedy called Nigeria. Details
Still on the Ban of Using Generators. By Shehu Mustapha Chaji President Yar’adua to be successful in fulfilling his campaign promises which provision of constant electricity is among should as a matter of national urgency issue directive for the ban of using electric generators in his office, residence, guest houses and wherever he attends public functions. The same directive should be extended to all federal ministries, agencies and parastatals all over the country and the residences of all Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Directors e.t.c. Details
Yar’Adua May Still Happen Again! By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye Now, why would somebody make fun of anyone because he or she is sick? Can the person accurately predict what the state of his or her own health would be tomorrow? I think what most people are trying to say is that there are too many sick persons in the country and Mr. Yar’Adua just happens to be one of them. What we owe all of them are our sincere sympathies, prayers, and help if we are in a position to offer any. But there is definitely no justification for turning anyone’s personal health challenges into a national burden. Details
The Media, National Security : The Inspector General Of Police, Etal. By Emeka Oraetoka On the occasion of the launch of Daar Communications Plc Direct-to- Home Digital satellite Pay TV, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua cautioned the media about reports that might endanger the security of the nation. From President Yar’Adua’s admonition, it appears presidency is aware of the subversive activities of some Nigeria media outfits, and other foreign based internet information dissemination outlets. The question here is what constitutes national interest and security? Will it be safe to conclude that a section of Nigeria print media is guilty of subversion of national interest and security, considering the misguided manner in which they have reported some issues, concerning the President and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, the Police and the person of the Inspector General of Police, as well as other public office holders in Nigeria? Details
Machiavelli Letters: A Letter To The President. By Uba Franklin Finally Mr. President, the third thing I wish to bring to your esteemed attention is this: It is not a wise thing to rule by proxy. The concept of servant-leadership in my personal opinion, entails you being down in the trenches and forging the foundation of a brand new egalitarian society for all of us. Platitudes alone can not change negative attitudes, neither will it deter political brigandage and economic sabotage. You must make a conscious effort to pick the right people yourself, not to delegate this responsibility to your party hierarchy and to your former colleagues and their protégées. This is because institutions are merely as credible as the man who oversees it. We saw that with NAFDAC and we are beginning to see that now with the invigorated Ministry of Information and Communication. Good people drive institutions and effective institutions achieve targeted results. We are 150 billion strong, you can not lack for quality materials. Details
‘Wear NYSC Uniforms During Crisis’: Is It a Solution? By Zayyad I. Muhammad Has the NYSC achieved the objectives for which it was set-up? Is the scheme relevant to the present realities in the Nigerian society and the world at large? If one is optimistic about the scheme, one has to know that, what we have, is it what ought to be. At the same time, those that are pessimistic about the future and the relevance of the scheme in the present day Nigeria, have to know there are considerably some rooms for the restructuring of the scheme. Details
The Jos Mayhem and the Rest of Us. By Kadir Ahmed Abdull-Azeez Since that gory macabre episode, many have lent their voice and pen to the genocidal acts of the perpetrators. The Nigerian media; especially the print, have proved how prone they are to be used to ignite ethno-religious unrest in this country. A section of the media in this country practiced what a former lecturer this writer aptly termed ‘mercenary journalism’. For the one week this writer spent in Akure, not for mobile phone ‘luxury’ of keeping in touch with family and friends in Jos, some of the dailies were so misleading in their reportage of the whole situation. Details
Religious Crises in the North: Which Way Out of this Quagmire? By Aliyu A. Ammani The motive for the manipulation of religion is a self centred one, a means through which selfish politicians seek to attain undue political leverage in an otherwise politically competitive level playing field. The reason for this is, in the words of the late Dr. Yusufu Bala Usman “to enable this class (the manipulators) to cover themselves with religious and ethnic disguises in order to further entrench division among our people (and) slow down their awakening at any cost.” This is because any single one of them (the manipulators) “cannot appear as what he really is in the political economy of Nigeria. He has to find a cover. He cannot claim political leadership openly on the grounds that he is, or wants to be, an exporter-importer, a contractor (etcetera)… he has to take cover as a Muslim or Christian … the manipulation of religion in Nigeria today is essentially a means of creating the context for this fancy-dress ball, for this charade of disguises.” (See Dr. Y. B. Usman’s The Manipulation of Religion in Nigeria 1977-1987). Details
Nigeria Political Office Holders- Over-Paid For Dosing On Duty. By Tony Ishiekwene Fairly recently the president of the Federal republic of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua drafted a memo/letter to the chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Hamman A. Tukur on the need to review downwards the bloated remuneration of political office holders in line with the global economic meltdown otherwise referred to as credit crunch. Nigeria was suffering already from the economic downturn as a result of the huge fall in oil prices in the world market- a country of non-thinkers and lousy politicians who have all along believed that so long as there is oil the money will flow and there is no need to do anything to diversify the revenue base from a mono-culture economy to one where we can produce and earn revenue from multi-sources. We must praise the president for this action as so much of Nigerian budget is spent on servicing the bloated bureaucracy leaving very little for infrastructural and capital expenditure for development. Details
Buhari and the Pitfalls Towards 2011. By Abdullah Musa When it suits Nigerian journalists they make sweeping remarks and they get away with it. When this columnist says the Southerners and Christians will still be uncomfortable…, the implication is that all Southerners are Christians or are only sympathetic to Christians. If one were to judge another’s outlook on religion by appearance, then nothing in Buhari’s appearance suggests religious zealotry. The columnist also described Buhari as pious; so in Nigeria being pious is a crime? What did the Muslims of Taraba State do with eight years of the rule of Reverend Father Jolly Nyame? Would they have said that they were going to leave Taraba because they feared the rule of an evangelist? Details
The Dog and Pony Show. By Kayode Tani-Olu The Hon. Foreign Minister makes frequent trips to DC and he expects H.E the Ambassador to follow him around in tow. For the Ambassador to follow The Hon. Foreign Minister around town whenever he come to DC, or to meet the Hon. Minister at the airport every time he flies into the US on any of his numerous visits is the most narcissistic thing I have ever heard. What then is the job of the Embassy’s protocol officer? If the Ambassador were visiting the State department or the White House, on official assignment, such will be at the invitation of the State Department, then, that is a different matter. Details
Benue State At 33: Retrospection With A Glimmer Of Hope. By Emma Odu Since this young man has started to perform like conductors of symphony orchestras, our people are beginning to have another glimmer of hope. We want him to also look at the area of youth empowerment and mechanized agriculture. The slogan of “the food basket of the nation will remain a polite insult if our people cannot afford a three square meals per day. Details
Kogi Debacle: The Unraveling Of A State. By Dr Felix S. Odaibo Historically, it was by way of a circuitous route. When in 1967,the Igalas joined their kith in Benue state, they were ab initio, happy, but pretty soon and having been lorded over by the Tivs, they quickly found their way to the present Kogi arrangement. Because the system had been in a sound working Provincial relationship, all parties were happy that the Igala’s had come back home! Whilst they were struggling alongside the Idoma’s in Benue to be seen and not heard, meanwhile, the Ebira had had a shot at the Governorship whilst in Kwara state, which at that time included the Borgu’s, Nupe, Igbomina’s, Okuns and the other smaller units such as the Ogori/Magongo, Ebira Koto, Oworo etc. Details
One thing that I found worrisome on Lamido-Onoja Talakawa development initiative and social security package are their lack of proper articulation, precision, frankness and exactness. I remember Modibbo Kawu, a columnist and editor with Daily Trust Newspaper telling us the need to be cautious with the entire process behind its conceptualization. Kawu highlighted all the key problem areas that touch on Talakawa’s welfare and social status and offered advice as appropriate. Details
Ondo State Must Hold Mimiko Accountable. By Dr. Wumi Akintide “Once beaten twice shy” is an old British adage that Ondo must not forget as we all celebrate the return of the stolen mandate of Mimiko. In 1983 after the stolen mandate of Pa Adekunle Ajasin was returned to him in similar circumstance, the need to hold Ajasin accountable for what he had promised was never as grave and as urgent as what we faced today with Mimiko as Governor. Why? Because we knew Papa Ajasin very well and we knew what he stood for as one of the foundation members of the old Action Group and the UPN and AD under whose platform the old man had run for Governor... Agagu and Mimiko were best of friends and birds of the same feather when their journey first began. Things only began to fall apart between them because of their own individual ambitions. It will be recalled that Mimiko was a one-time Secretary to the Agagu Administration before he chose to run against him That was point number one.Details
Understanding the Sambo – Makarfi Rift. By Kadir Ahmed Abdulazeez The rift is between the ‘boy’ who think they can pander to the whims and caprices of the top two politicians just to get their attention. Both Senator Makarfi and Governor Namadi have too much at stake to pander to the whims and caprices of those political “boys”. They are bidding their times, the loser in this supposedly rift are the ‘boys’ as Gimi said the politics in Kaduna even before 2011 is already interesting but like the former PDP chairman in the state Alh. Yaro Makama Rigachukwu rightly coined in his days everything is “Daram Dam Dam”. Details
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed: Tribute to an African Hero. By Aliyu A. Ammani This Friday, the 13th day of February 2009 is the 1722nd Friday and exactly 33 years from the very day some disgruntled elements within the Nigerian Armed Forces murdered, in cold blood, General Murtala Muhammed in an attempt to take over power. Never in the history of Nigeria was any Nigerian mourned by the totality of Nigerians as was General Murtala. His death was an intensely and intimately felt national loss. Though the coup plotters succeeded in snuffing out the flame, the coup was abortive. The rest is history. Details
Nigerian Economy at a Stoop. By Abbas A. Dikko Over the years, there were stiff popular calls from various quotas and segments of the country for the diversification of its ailing economy from single to multi-digits that by extension, from oil to non-oil sub-sectors of the economy but, successive governments and there leadership turn deaf ears over this clarion calls of national prominence. Details
Rebranding Nigeria For New National Identity. By Segun Imohiosen There is no doubt about the fact that Nigeria has come a long way. In spite of the repulsively repugnant and distasteful attitude of a number of western folks and others from the other side of the divide meted to them, especially at some of the immigration section and custom of a number of foreign countries, when they subject the people to different types of indecent, disgraceful, very demeaning and inhuman treatment. But then it is not sufficient to make the heads of Nigerians droop in frustration. Details
What Has Changed in Nigeria, Akunyili? By Adama Musa Akunyili is apparently prepared to deceive herself because of her current position. That Nigerians are perceived as the “most difficult people to lead or govern,” is Akunyili’s figment of imagination. Details
Tears For My Country. By Les Leba The Nigerian media last week widely reported the comment made by Senator Russ Feingold, Chairman of the U.S. Subcommittee on Africa that Nigeria was a failed state with hardly any forceful response to avert the consequences of the global recession. Senator Feingold’s observation may not have cut so deep if we were in a despotic or dictatorial dispensation as a nation. Details
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is the revenue agency of the government charged with the responsibility to assess, collect, account and enforce payment of taxes as may be due to the government or any of its agencies. The Service is expected, in collaboration with other ministries and agencies, to review the tax regimes and promote the application of tax revenues to stimulate economic activities and development in the country. Details
Epidemic Corruption in our Educational Systems and the Future of Nigeria (I). By Balarabe Yushau When people talk about corruption, usually they refer to public fund siphoned or misappropriated by civil servant, contractor, politician etc. Hardly do they think of the type of corruption that destroys the minds of our children and siphons the moral values of our society. I am talking about the monumental corruption that is taking place in our educational system. Details
A Despicable Form of Journalism. By Tochukwu Ezukanma Nigeria is an anomaly. She is an oil-rich country, but she has the social indexes of the poorest countries of the world. Despite the enormous oil revenue that accrued to her over the years, the generality of her people, 70 percent is trapped in desperate poverty – unemployed, underpaid, exploited, housed in a hovels situated in a festering, trash strewn neighborhood and buffeted by ready prevented and treated diseases. Details
Iyan Tama, Us And Kano Censorship Board. By Asabe Murtala In conclusion therefore the good people of Kano State get to understand that the filmmakers in the state are being misguided by both inside and outside forces. In his effort and zeal to mislead our society Aminu Sa’ad Beli, now joins another forum called Lawyers Without Border, so that he can mislead them and give them a wrong impression about how system works in this part of the country. I guess that Beli would one day come back to his normal senses and realize that what he is doing cannot take him anywhere. Details
Sentenced to Hang in Singapore: The Case of Chijioke Stephen Obioha. By Robert Martins While we should not excuse Nigerians (or anyone else for that matter) for committing crimes in whether at home or in foreign lands, we need to also examine the driving factors that lead to these things. It is becoming much too simplistic especially in view of clearly deliberate mismanagement of resources in Nigeria, to merely condemn the affected individuals without examining systemic factors. Details
Filming Violence: Like Gaza, Like Jos North. By Khicingwe W. Simji The Jos Crisis film is potentially a lethal poison in the veins of already bellicose communal relations in the North and one expects that the security agencies should have by now arrested and arraigned its producers and distributors for treason and dissemination of falsehood. For, indeed, the spread of falsehood and criminal discontent lie at the heart of the project with its hopelessly puerile film trickery and cheap forensic deception that are just too obvious to the trained eye. Details
NPF Microfinance Bank Abuja is a Huge Disappointment. By Moses Yohana When the Nigeria Police Force Micro Finance Bank got its operating license validated as a full fledged micro finance bank sometime ago, many of us heaved a sign of relief. As one of the leading Micro Finance Banks in the country, the celebration among her customers could be understood. However, happenings within and around the bank have not portrayed it as one that is ready to operate in this century. Banking activities are still being carried out on a daily basis as it were done before the Soludo consolidation. I will expatiate on this assertion. Details
Warnings Recur After Awolowo’s Prophesy On Oil Income. By Farouk Martins Aresa If Nigeria has not fallen on its face since 1981, Awolowo cannot be right, we “wisely” imagined. Diversification into agriculture and related industries have been on our radar for so long, a kid born then would be an adult by now and if he or she is well connected, probably a minister of money bags. We are being warned of calamity as foreigners depend and buy less of our oil. Details
Northern Nigeria: The Political Economy of Backwardness (1). By Samuel Zalanga Let us be honest and ask ourselves how our region has measured up to Seers simple yardstick for measuring development. Have you not got tired with people well dressed speaking behind camera or microphone promising the “talaka” one thing or another but the people are sinking deeper and deeper into a state of hopelessness? I hope that we will all feel bad about what is happening and get ourselves together, transcend petty provincialism and work towards bettering the lives of the people. Doing so is not inconsistent with Islamic or Christian social ethics. In the future I will examine the ambivalent role of Christianity in complicating our problems in Nigeria and Africa at large. Details
Kogi State After Idris. By Paul E. Attah Over the past couple of years, I have engaged a few Igala fellows in the Washington DC on this issue of the next governor of Kogi state and I am often surprised at the vehemence of their aversion to the possibility of non Igalas ever emerging as governor of Kogi state. I always point to the Igala experience in Benue state when it seemed decreed that only Tivs could ever be governors of the state. This scenario has not changed in Benue state. As a consequence, the Tivs are the most politically polarized group in Benue State today with a strong sub-group rivalry jockeying for the governorship position. Details
Dr. Muazu Babangida who now goes with the beautiful and humble acronym as ‘Chief Servant’, rather than the usual ‘His Excellency,’ the Governor, is well known for speaking out, some will say often, to express his stand on issues, and perhaps had done so in a way that had created some problems for him. I will not go into details. The ‘Chief Servant’ of Niger State should know though that even as a ‘Servant’ his words carry great weight and no less what some people will see as his insidious attack on the Sharee’ah legal system. Details
Increasing National Debt: NASS Beware! By Les Leba Indeed, the Debt Management Office (DMO) had indicated in earlier offers that the loan objective was to deepen or create a market for government long term borrowings, and also set a benchmark for other medium to long term loans in the capital market. Details
Nigeria Sports Privatization. By Murtala Bala Habu Every Nigeria government military or democracy regimes replicates or promotes 6 points, 7 points or 14 points agendas, vision 20/20 or blueprints and or whatever hypothesis deems fit. What these meant for the nation is not gauged by scientific measurements such as empirical findings as backup claims of meeting the agendas or visions, but instead economists; public and business administrators merely gauged those by theoretical means. The Trials of El-Rufai. By Bashir S. Garba It seems naïve of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai not to have anticipated his current persecutions. So far, his public defense of his trials by two separate Senate committees on his handling of affairs of the federal capital territory (FCT) when he was the minister portrayed him as inadequately prepared. But given his audacity of courage in the revolutionary decisions he took while in office, which adversely affected some very prominent personalities in this country, one would have thought El-Rufai should have prepared for retaliatory measures in whatever shadows they were sure to manifest. Details
As Obasanjo and Atiku Forgive One Another. By Musa Ilallah Nigerians from all walks of life have lent their voices for or against the duo’s re-unification. While some described it as godly, good and a welcome development in our fragile democracy, others describe it as fraudulent and aimed at scoring some selfish goals. No matter what, all are agreed that forgiving one another for wrongs done to one another. Details
Our Government: Our Plight. By Adediran Monsurah Atinuke Over the years, Nigeria civil servants have been downgraded and neglected in the scheme of things. The attitude of our government towards their demands is always not given uttermost priority. In respect to Nigeria’s Labour needs, one can easily deduce that the reward of the civil servant probably awaits him in heaven. This is not far fetched – issues such as salary increment for workers have been a futile subject of deliberation. It is no longer news that the salaries of our lawmakers were upwardly reviewed twice last year by 100% and yet nobody sounded alarm in that regard. Details
The Crook Game. By Hakeem Babalola Obasanjo wants to remain the first and the last to achieve the "feat" of being both military and civilian president. Unknown to Nigerians, this single ambition matters most to their former president. Obasanjo is aware of history but it seems he doesn't care much. This is because he knows that when the history of Nigeria is eventually written, his actions and deeds will top the crook list. This is perhaps the particular psychological disorder that defines his fake sumptuous living. He simply wants to live; he neither cares about life after death nor how he will be remembered. That is for Gani Fawehinmi of this world. Details
Why I Write About Nigeria. By Akintokunbo A Adejumo Have I fought for Nigeria? Have I represented Nigeria at international events to promote the country? Have I contributed to policies which will enhance development or progress? Apart from writing articles pointing out our ills and defects, do I always propose useful and practical alternatives? But then again, what chance have I been given, or have I created, to change things? Details
Who Are the I’s and Who Are the Nay’s? By Sylva Nze Ifedigbo Here in Nigeria, all the above can only be wishes. With none of our political parties having any clear cut ideology or manifesto and our representatives (who rigged their way to power in the first place) equally lacking in ideology, what we have is a “wheel barrow, carry go” legislator, where very vital decisions are reached by voice votes. Details
Challenging NITDA Towards ICT Development In Nigeria. By Segun Imohiosen Considering the move of the administration of Yar’ adua on the strategic platform of operation - the Seven Point Agenda, it is very avid in tandem via the various objectives of different ministries, agencies and departments of government to work in consonance with the realisation of the set goals. This is sufficed in the engagements of all the major stakeholders that are key players in the government to see that the points highlighted are achieved in details. Details
One Party Mindset: A Recipe for Disaster and Dictatorship in Nigeria. By Dr. Wumi Akintide I am often amazed and disappointed why many of our leaders in the so-called PDP, the ruling Party in Nigeria do not understand that having a strong and vibrant Opposition to serve as another government-in-waiting, is a very sound idea in a Democracy. Oshiomhole and the AC taking over from Osumbor and the PDP in Edo or Mimiko and his Labor Party taking over from Agagu and his PDP in Ondo State is good for both states because it offers an alternative to a bad Government. Details
Sustainable Nutritional Solution To The World Hidden Hunger. By Segun Imohiosen Although I have heard in recent advertisement with NAFDAC’s recommendations that people should only patronise iodised salt. This is totally a new development which is a far cry from what has used to being the norm. This is no other reason than the side effect that is present in the lack of iodisation. And it goes to show that the awareness is becoming keen by the day – may be due to research or some other chance experience so to say. Disappointedly though, the issue about nutrition particularly with iodine is that it is very unnoticeable, in fact totally insignificant as it appears but the damage is enormous due to the lack of it. Details
Much Ado about Atiku’s Visit to Obasanjo. By Lami H. Dauda Constitutionally, Obasanjo cannot seek to contest a Presidential election any more. Though, it is not the same for his deputy, Atiku Abubakar. I beg to differ from those that paint the principal logic behind his visit as mainly to garner support for his presidential aspiration. Political offices are decided by the entire voting population of a country and not just a group of people or one person. Nigerians will decide who run the affairs of this nation in 2011. Details
ECOWAS: The Challenges Of Regional Integration. By Abubakar M. Sambo The aim of the regional economic grouping among others is to promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in order to raise the living standards of the people in the sub-region while maintaining and enhancing economic stability and fostering relations among member states so as to achieve a meaningful human centered development in the sub-region in particular and the continent as a whole. Details
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