Sycophantic Band of Sore Losers. By Kenneth Uhuangho

(GAMJI)

For our nascent democracy beset with whatever kind of logistical problems whether imagined or real, one would expect that those who were vying for the different electoral posts would be sportsmanly enough to have the most basic trait of all true democrats and those who believe in the tenets of democracy and that is the ability to accept electoral verdicts when such is delivered by the people as happened in the elections on Saturday. Details

Brain Drain: The Nigerian Experience (1). By Mike Chinedu Anekwe

(GAMJI)

This treatise is intended to draw the attention of individuals, institutions and governments to some of the problems associated with the movement of Nigerian skilled manpower to foreign countries and its concomitant effects. Experience shows that the problem of brain drain is not novel or unknown in academic literatures, since very often reference is made to this phenomena in discussing manpower problems facing developing countries. Details

Reflections And Suggestions On Nigeria's General Elections. By  Paul I. Adujie

(GAMJI)

Nigerians demonstrated a discipline of passions, emotions without panic, Nigerians allowed cool heads to prevail in obviously very tense moments, Nigerians maintained all rationality and all Nigerians must be proud of having conducted this monumental elections and fulfilled this momentous national assignment and civic obligations cum responsibility; The heated polity of the last twelve months and the Nigerian political passions and exuberance can overwhelm an outsider, but Nigerians all love peace and prosperity and that is what we will have as well deserved. Details

The People Have Spoken, and So Be It. By Akin Falegan

(GAMJI)

People have failed to realize that in all elections there can not be, never will be a unanimous voice or vote for one candidate especially in a nation of over 100 million people. Opinions and preferences are bound to differ in many respects, so will be the people’s judgment of who should rule them or not. Details

People and Politics. By Mohammed Haruna

(GAMJI)

The wise thing for ANPP to do is to focus its mind on how to make the states it controls models of good governance, keep the National Assembly from being a mere rubber stamp for the presidency, and organise to wrest power from the PDP in four years time when the two-term constitutional limit for the more contentious executive arm of government at all levels, will make the elections freer and fairer than they were last week-end. Details

'PDP Electoral Victory: Is it Pragmatic?' By Abdulsalam Ajetunmobi

(GAMJI)

The outcome of the election may be hugely comforting to those who preferred not to argue. And, though the eventual choice of Obasanjo, after all said and done, may well reflect the popular will of the people, but will it be in the interest of the public at large? Details

The Mysterious Power of the Numbers '9' and '3' on Nigeria: A Cause for Grave Concern. By Bisi Kalejaiye Jnr.

(GAMJI)

However, the PDP government and media sympathetic to it’s course, took advantage of the seemingly anti-Islamic sentiments in the Western World to narrow down the election to between ‘Obasanjo from the Christian South and Buhari from the Moslem North.’ The PDP hopes to galvanize support from the Western World in spite of the massive electoral fraud. Details

The Mechanics & Dynamics Of Fuel Scarcity In Nigeria (Part 2). By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA]

(GAMJI)

Today, Nigeria needs about 30 million litres of gasoline daily, up from about 22 million litres per day in 1996, through 25 million litres per day in 2001. Thus, the annual petrol consumption growth rate between 2001 and 2003 is about 10% per annum. Meanwhile, Nigerian refineries (KRPC, PHRC, and WRPC) all of them operating at very low efficiencies, are defective, or are frequently shutdown, and can hardly produce 60% of the fuels needed to keep Nigeria going strong, even if they were all brand new, and optimally operational, given the imposed feedstock constraint of 300,000 bbl/d. Details

The Nigerian Election Results. By Nura Yusuf

(GAMJI)

It has come and gone, and of course the one that's expected to win has won he didn't disappoint. All the methods he was expected to employ in winning  were used, blackmail, exchange of ballot boxes, falsification of results, etc. All the items, all the implements and all the arms that will see him through were used. Sometimes you ask yourself whether this happen in some other countries apart from Nigeria. Details

Enemies of Democracy at Work: A Replay of the 1964-65 Elections. By Yusuf Yariyok, Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

The dancing on the streets that we witnessed on New Year day of 1984 soon turn into misery as the Buhari regime ran out of ideas on how to revamp the economy.  To cover up for their inability to run and to deliver what they promised Buhari and his cohorts transformed the National Security Organization (NSO) into a terror machine that unleashed an unprecedented suffering on the Nigerian public. Details

Obasanjo and His Pyrrhic Victory. By Aonduna Tondu

(GAMJI)

Four years ago, Obasanjo was almost effortlessly elected by a majority of Nigerians to help heal the nation and re-position it on a new, improved democratic course. Unfortunately, that collective trust has been recklessly squandered by him and the motley gang of fellow opportunists and riders on the Nigerian gravy train. Today, Nigeria is the worse for it. Details

Dear Nigerian Politicians. By Sylvester I. Okoro

(GAMJI)

Please in the name of Allah, let none of you encourage lawlessness such that the military might use that as an excuse to stage a coup. All of you should be a statesmen. This is when you all have to show that quality. Doing otherwise in my humble submission would amounts to turning the hands of Nigerian clock backward. Details

The Fall of Kwankwaso. By Hannatu Mohammed

(GAMJI)

But Kwankwaso has a lot be pleased with in his life. He is one of only 5 people who are privileged to become Governors of Kano State. Ibrahim Shekarau will join this elite club to be number 6, in-sha-Allah on May 30^th. Kwankwaso was also a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. And as I said, don’t count him out yet. This rural guy has a lot more to offer to Kano State and its people in politics. So Ujudud and all those Kwankwaso foes, you havent see anything yet. Details

NIGERIAN ELECTIONS 2003 UPDATE # 13:  NDI Preliminary Report. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.

(GAMJI WRITER)

In referring to the prospect for a truly democratic election process, one prominent Nigerian civic leader said that, "the people of Nigeria are ahead of the political class in this country." Election day was largely peaceful in many parts of the country. While these elections may have brought to the fore systemic weaknesses in key sectors of governance in the country, Nigerians repeatedly shared with international observers their hopes and aspirations for the development of a democratic society. Details

An Epitaph for the Out-Going National Assembly. By Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

For those who have been lucky enough to be returned to the house a second time, it needs no telling that such fortunate adults cannot be permitted the liberty to be wrong twice and it is therefore the hope that they will resolve, this time around, never again to trod that shameful path of their predecessors-in-parliament that is abundantly littered with the footprints of legislative rascality, Details

Presidential Election: In Rigging We Trust. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u

(GAMJI)

Though PDP can not be said to be the only party that rigged the election, but the power of incumbency, and the support it receives from  those whose meaning of democracy is synonymous to  "contractocracy" has placed the party on an upper rigging pedestal. One only hopes that the rigging will not mean blowing the trumpet for the return of the military. Professor Ali Mazrui has placed Nigeria among the coup prone countries, who knows whether our politicians are prepared to prove our dear scholar wrong?  Details

What Change? By Olisa Adigwe

(GAMJI)

Change, I have not seen any.  Nigeria politicians have shown its inability to learn and change just like Nigerian leaders have not demonstrated that any serious lessons were learnt from the causes of the civil war. Details

The Mistake ASUU Must Never Commit. By Peter Akintunde

(GAMJI)

ASUU should never forget that they are very good in making promises which they do not intend to honour. They can never be bought by their words. Therefore, ASUU must not rely on Federal Government making believe "dialogue". Details

PDP’S Electoral Victories and Obasanjo Arrogance. By Francis Adewale

(GAMJI)

When the news report started trickling in, some of us could not believe it. Although there was the corroboration of what you’d been feeling and sensing, that your state, your much-loved country, and your ward’s political landscape will change. It is not just about change but much to do with the way and manner of this change. Details

Dinosaurs and Gerontocracy: The Routing of AD from Political Lexicon of Nigeria. By Mike Onwukwe

(GAMJI)

The routing of AD in the South West is a lesson to all of us. How can a party be self-conceited and revolve only on a handful of individuals, hoisting people they like on the party. Why is it that AD cannot rise above tribal politics and make inroads into other parts of the nation? Details

Remembering Malam Aminu Kano

By Ahmad Jibrin Suleiman

[1926-APRIL 17, 1983]

Although he was born into an aristocratic Fulani family, yet he simply resigned in 1958, on principle with the following words; "I resigned because I refused to believe that this country is by necessity a prisoner of Anglo-Fulani aristocracy. I resigned because the native authority is awfully hopeless in solving our urgent economic, political, social and even religious problems." Details

Government Magic and the New Realities of Burnt Alliances. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI

When the results initially started coming in, evidence that Nigerians are against Obasanjo's style of administration began to manifest. But the votes only represented the views of urban Nigerians. Even though the results pointed to a dislike for Obj's arrogance and his pathetic "jack (jerk) of all trades and master of none syndrome," the urban elite were not enough to send Obasanjo back to Ota or Atiku to try, if he can, to know his ward. Details

The Dishonourable Africans - Part V. By Sam Abbd Israel

(GAMJI

Every thinking African must be worried about the sincerity of our foreign friends with respect to this democracy crusade. We must begin to wonder for whose benefit is the advice that Africa should or must embrace the western model of democracy. Is it for the interest of Africans or for the interest of those exploiting the riches and wealth of Africa?   Details

STAR EXCHANGE: Oaasanjo Writes to Buhari; Buhari Responds. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.

(GAMJI WRITER)

Both Incumbent-President-cum-Candidate General Olusegun Obasanjo and Candidate General Muhammadu Buhari should keep their level heads on this matter.  Their words and their timings are unnecessarily turning these our civilian elections into a civil war, and their (ex-)military militician profiles are capable of unnecessarily calling in present and past military loyalties. Details

The Mechanics & Dynamics Of Fuel Scarcity In Nigeria (Part 1). By Dr. Kòmbò Mason Braide

[PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria]

(GAMJI)

Right now, Nigeria can only locally refine about 17% of what General Obasanjo needs to “really conquer scarcity” in the country, even though Nigerian refineries have the potential of meeting up to 80% of domestic demand for petroleum products in Nigeria. Evidently, Nigerian refineries have undergone significant depreciation due to old age, neglect, and idleness Details

Easter, Hajj, and Spiritual Awakening. By  Stephen Lampe

(GAMJI)

Easter and Hajj are perhaps the most important festivals of Christianity and Islam, respectively --- two world religions that have so much in common in their essence but which are at loggerheads in so many parts of the world. Details

ASUU Strike and the Blackmail Bandwagon  ( Paul I. Adujie). By  Peter G. Akintunde

(GAMJI)

Tell me what is wrong with what the Auditor General did? Is it wrong for Nigerians to know how their money was spent? If you believe in accountability, you will not just relate his action to political blackmail. In order for you to know the depth of insincerity of Federal Government of Nigeria concerning budget and finance, try and get central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Annual Report for 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. Details

As Nigerians Vote for the President. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo

(GAMJI)

As the people of the Niger Delta queue up to vote for the President they will do well to recall the onshore/offshore brouhaha; the permanent state of siege under which their lands have been subjected to since 1999.  They should therefore pause for a minute and say a silent prayer for the repose for the souls of those killed in Odi by troops of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  They should also say a silent prayer for their hero and mass mobiliser the late Dr. Harry Marshall, who was felled by the assassins’ bullets, presumably for his political activities on behalf of the Niger Delta people. Details

Election 2003 : What Manner of Election? By Kabeer M. Adamu

(GAMJI)

In my ward the election materials were not brought until around 12 noon and voting started around 12.30 pm and ended around 6.30pm.  Many of us stayed behind after casting our votes to witness the counting of the votes up till 11 p.m. that Saturday night and after confirming the votes cast some youths in our area insisted on escorting the ballot boxes to the collation centre to ensure that the results were not tampered with along the way. Details

Growing the Sport of Tennis in Nigeria. By Murtala Bala Habu, III

(GAMJI)

Tennis has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I like to think its added years to my life; I know its added years to tennis enthusiast like you as well. There simply is no other sport that offers the combination of benefits that you find in tennis Details

After Round One. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

From the results of last week’s National Assembly elections, it is clear that the ruling PDP is carrying the day.  It is not only maintaining its 1999 position but also breaking new grounds.  It has discovered the southwest and snatched a portion of the other regions from the previous occupants.  In a truly democratic and civilized society, the ideal thing would be for the losers to congratulate the winners, and wish them a fruitful tenure.  But that has not been the case here for the obvious reasons.  There have been cries of alleged massive rigging and election irregularities. Details

What is Democratic in Nigeria democracy? By  P.G. Akintunde

(GAMJI)

Last week, I wrote on how I and others in my Polling Centre were disfranchised in Calabar South Local Government. I though it was only my centre and few centres, it was on Sunday when I got to church that everybody started relaying their experience. The summation of the whole thing is that there was no election virtually in all-polling centres in Calabar South. Details

2003 and Beyond II: The Forthcoming Elections. By Kenneth  Muoghalu, MBBS, MPH

(GAMJI)

However, the era of injustice is over. Nigeria can no longer be governed by a group of people who claim to wish the jet of Nigeria take off while employing every devilish tactics in this world to maintain the same forces that have grounded that jet for so long. 2003 is the year. The jet of Nigeria has to take off one-way or the other. Details

I Agree With Professor Omo Omoruyi. By Ubanese Nwanganga

(GAMJI)

The endorsement of president Obasanjo and categorization of presidential candidates of Igbo extraction as spoilers by Prof. Omo Omoruyi, a Bini man, has, expectedly, drawn the anger of the Igbo intelligentsia. I am an Igbo man but I lay no claim to any intellectual achievements of the type of either Prof. Omoruyi or of the Igbo who have been enraged by the comments of the Bini man. Details

Mike Ikhariale: Yes I Be Original Gadu-Gadu Man! By Ikem Ezeife

(GAMJI)

In the Nigeria of our dreams it is imperative that “deserving” elected leaders be allowed to ask for a second term. But in the Nigeria that we do have today, the second term syndrome is more destructive and more distractive than it is useful. I will explain. Details

Al-Kanemi Before Danfodio's Court: Sultan Bello’s Response to Kyari Tijjani. By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

[LAGOS]

(GAMJI WRITER)

Professor Kyari Tijjani’s article, “George Bush before Al-Kanemi’s Court” (Daily Trust, Friday, April 11, 2003) should have borne the title “Dan Fodio before Al-Kanemi’s Court”, which more closely reflects its contents and true purpose. The learned professor, under the guise of stating the obvious injustice of the war by the US against Iraq, succeeded, tepid disclaimers notwithstanding, in rehashing an old and discredited thesis coming from Borno, questioning the legitimacy in Islamic law of the jihad of Dan Fodio in Hausaland Details