Making Politics a Hostage of Money in Anambra State. By Philip Odoemena

(GAMJI)

Rumor had it that Chief Chris Uba sponsored Governor Ngige's candidacy for the governorship of Anambra State. The rumor further hinted that a lot of campaign promises and gentleman's agreements were reached between Chris Ngige and Chris Uba. Now that Chris Ngige has ascended to the throne, Chris Uba is asking Chris Ngige. "Where is the beef"? It is pay back time Mr.  Governor. Details

Open Letter to the Traditional Rulers. By Mustapha Shehu

(GAMJI)

Your royal highnesses, most of you must have inherited your stools from either your fathers or uncles. If you may please reflect, you certainly will recollect that you are not half as “powerful” as your predecessors were. In their eras, they could imprison and execute their subjects judiciously or otherwise, take away their subjects’ wives and/or properties, send their subjects on exile etc, and no one dared challenge them. But with time, these “powers” whittled away to the present state where you can now only “tie” your horses. Details

Trial of Democracy: Police, People and Justice. By Ritchie Ejiofor

(GAMJI)

Finally, this whole episode should be an eye opener for the trial and triumph of our fragile democracy. It has highlighted clearly that politics made in Nigeria is not a service to people oriented, but an economic investment that players and their cronies get involved with solely to maket quick returns from their investment through corrupt practices. Details

Corporate Behaviour and The Future Of Nigerian Graduates. By  Ibraheem A. Waziri

(GAMJI)

As heterogeneous as Nigeria is today, there cannot be a fundamental claim that all social, economic and political institutions must draw from one single value system or imbibe from one code of conduct. Details

A Diet of Dishonesty. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI)

Be careful what you wish for. From their humble ambitions of controlling state apparatus to those of becoming flower pots at the corridors of power, the Anambra conspirators' wishes are now crazy horses. Details

PDP’S Swift Expulsion of the Anambra Coup Plotters:  A Decisive Action or an Ingenious Snow Job? By Dozie Ikem Ezeife

(GAMJI)

First the PDP and the Presidency categorized this assault on our nascent democratic dispensation as a PDP matter. In other words, a domestic quarrel amongst members of their “great” party that need not concern non-PDP members. I beg to differ. The coup against Dr. Ngige was a crime against Nigeria as a nation and Anambra people whose “mandate” the perpetrators attempted to derail. It is up to our judicial system to investigate, try and punish the culprits. Details

"IBB" The transition from the Commander-in-Chief to the Manipulator-in-Chief. By Dr. Wumi Akintide

It was IBB according to Professor Omoruyi that had encouraged M.K.O. and Alhaji Bashir Tofa to run for office even when it was crystal close to him he wasn’t going anywhere. The same IBB who had secretly promised Sani Abacha he was going to hand-over to him, had secretly gone behind Abacha’s back to start encouraging the duo of Dongoyaro and David Mark they were going to be his first choice for succession. Can you believe that? Professor Omoruyi on page 155, paragraph 4 had made a ridiculous statement and I quote" Details

Local Government Reform and Constitutional Review in Nigeria. By Otive Igbuzor

(GAMJI)

The present effort to single out the local government for reform with pre-determined terms of reference smacks of military hangover and may actually lead to democratic reversal in local governance. In order to consolidate the gains made in local governance over the years and reposition local government for greater performance, there is the need to reform local government along certain lines. Details

Anambra State: Parochial Interests Versus Nigerian National Interests? By Paul I. Adujie

(GAMJI)

The events of last week in Anambra state has prompted me to wonder and I have been asking the following questions, where is the World Igbo Congress? Ohaneze Ndigbo? MASSOB? Where are the juggernauts? Why the deafening decibels of silence? Details

Princes Adedoyin: Questions Jam Answers. By Sabella Abidde

(GAMJI)

According to the Daily Trust Newspaper of January 8, 2003, Princess Olufunke Adedoyin, from Kwara State, was “subjected to probing uncomfortable questions” concerning her “personal life” during the screening process for ministerial positions. The legislators over-stepped their bounds. It is none of their business whether she is married, divorced, or single; and it is not for them to judge her decision for having a child out of wedlock. Details

Asylum for Charles Taylor-Obasanjo is Crying More than the Bereaved. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife

(GAMJI)

The news making the International scene at the moment is the offer of Asylum by President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria to renegade accused war criminal, Charles Taylor of Liberia. This offer comes on the heels of “President” Taylor’s indictment for war crimes and gross human rights violations by the International Court. Nigeria is a signatory to the protocol that set up this World Criminal Court. Details

State Administration and True Federalism. By  Victor E. Dike

(GAMJI)

Where is Nigeria on the concept of true federalism? Given the domineering influence and dictatorial actions of the federal government and its inability to respond to needs of the people, one would argue that the practical application of federalism in Nigeria deviates significantly from the standard. Details

Who Will Save Nigeria From PDP's Imminent Implosion of Our Hard-Earned Democracy? By Francis Adewale

(GAMJI)

Are we gambling with our hard earned democracy? Are we really fiddling with our freedom, whilst marauders parade the corridors of Aso Rock? Where is this experimentation leading us? Did we fought to send the military to the barracks to enable the likes of Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, Chris Uba, Ooni of Ife, Sola Saraki withdraw state allocation from source for helping us install our state governors? Details

The African Union: Still an Exclusive Club. By Theodore T. Hodge

(GAMJI)

By my unscientific poll, ninety-five percent of Nigerians (on the World Wide Web) are vehemently against granting Taylor a safe-have in Nigeria. The reasons they proffered are without a doubt, compelling and reasonable and have basis in law, morality and common sense”. At least the Nigerians are not taking this lying down; they never do. Details

The Shari'a Debate and the Construction of a "Muslim" Identity in Northern Nigeria: A Critical Perspective . By Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

(GAMJI WRITER)

The true identity of the northern Muslim, and the northern Christian, and the Nigerian everywhere (if by such categories we refer to the masses of the people referenced by these terms) is an identity of alienation, a state of inhibition from realization of full potential. Deprived of education, gainful employment, adequate nutrition, healthcare and basic services, the majority of Nigerians have more in common with each other than with the elite minority that constantly manipulates them. Details

A 25-year-old woman who witnessed the police brutality told Amnesty International how, on her way to work on that Monday 7 morning, in Oshodi, a suburb of Lagos, she got caught up in the events which took place that day.  "I could see hundreds of people who were peacefully protesting in the street. They were chanting and shouting slogans.  Suddenly and without warning, the police charged at us, throwing teargas in our direction. In the confusion, people were running in all directions; some were falling down.  I lost consciousness for a while.  When I woke up, I noticed that the explosions had affected my voice." Details

Crises in Anambra State. By Olisa Adigwe

(GAMJI)

Even if we assume for argument sake that three billion was utilized for campaign purposes and other expenses to elect a governor then upon becoming the chief state executive should he then allow the state fund be used to defray such expenses?  Is this the Nigerian brand of democracy?  Is this peculiar to Anambra state?  I am afraid not.  Is Anambra a tip of the ice-berg?  Are other states in such a sorry mess - funding illegality. Details

Militarization of the East and Delta. By Obinna Okoro

(GAMJI)

The recent militarization is being justified by government apologists as necessary to ensure a hitch-free transition from civilian to civilian rule given the background of the call by some politicians for a mass action and civil disobedience to protest the outcome of the April- May 2003 general elections Details

Funke Adedoyin – An Odious Impertinence? By Banjo Odutola

(GAMJI)

The veiled attack on her personal life further indicates the level of hypocrisy and impertinence, which seem to know no bounds. Does her experience not amount to blatant sex discrimination in a country that is unashamedly patriarchal? Details

The Same old Nigeria Our Beloved Country. By Olajide Adelugba

(GAMJI)

It is simply lack of patriotism, penchant for selfish interests and materialism that keep Nigerian professionals abroad.  Whilst there is acute shortage, for example of doctors to work in the rural areas even in our teaching hospitals, many Nigerian doctors abroad have no intention of coming home to contribute their quotas to national development. Details

Why Is "The Tale of June 12" By Professor Omoruyi Not Getting More Reviews? By Dr. Wumi Akintide

(GAMJI)

IBB had known from the beginning, that he was in office to pave the way for a bloody southerner to succeed him. Never. So all the genuine advice Omoruyi, a Southerner was giving him about restoring the democratic rights of Nigerians was like talking to a brick wall. It was a gimmick because IBB had never believed in the thrash advice Omoruyi was giving him, if it was going to mean a Southerner taking over from him as President. Details

Becoming a Nigerian Ungovernable State Governor: Dr. Chris Ngige and Anambra State Political Terrorism. By Patrick Iroegbu

(GAMJI)

Let it be said loud and clear that under this hard felt, plantable and sustainable democracy in Nigeria, political godfathers should be defined with policy and procedure guidelines in future Nigerian elections and their level of intervention in day-to-day political affair governance. Details

Charles Taylor and the Issue of Safe-Haven. By Sabella Abidde

(GAMJI)

I am in the minority. I favor granting Taylor refuge in Nigeria. This, in spite of the fact I have always asserted criminals be brought to justice. On this matter however, I am of the opinion that there are times when it is necessary to allow misfits off the hook especially if such an act will serve a greater or common good. In the case of Charles Taylor, it will! Details

The End of Time. By Obadiah Oghoerore Alegbe

(GAMJI)

There could be a resonance at current crisis in our homeland, if some opposition groups capitalize on the present situation. The best form of preventing this resonance is for the Federal and State Governments to move away from ‘vedettismo politico’ and towards the wishes of the people. Details

Dirty Democracy and Fuel Strike in Nigeria. By  Umaru Dembo, mni

(GAMJI)

Unfortunately, the rumour carried by those that know Aso rock now is that somebody was given the responsibility of all the turn-a-round maintenance of the four refineries and he never got to carry the instructions correctly, nor was the money returned as in the case of NEPA, so there would be a lot of hush-hush business in the executive side on this indecent, inhuman and unjustifiable action of the PDP stalwarts. Details

The Yoruba Nation and the Rest of Us. By Chidi Peter Eze

(GAMJI)

It is a big mistake for any Yoruba man to think that Ndigbo will ever give in to black mail. It is a big mistake for any Yoruba man or woman to expect Ndigbo to knell down and prostrate. Prostration is not in Ndigbo culture. Ibo man does not worship any human being, but God Almighty. You can cheat and muzzle some people at some times, but not all people at all times. Details

Coping with Denial. By  D. S. Dauda, M.D.

(GAMJI)

On the night of the same day that the Inspector General was making his revelations, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by gunmen in Lagos . Since it was not the first time a governor’s entourage is attacked Details

Obasanjo or Buhari: Who is the Legitimate President of Nigeria? By Tunde Adenodi

(GAMJI)

From reactions seen from the various groups in Nigeria about Nigeria's elections over the years, this writer has been able to determine the apparent fairness and consequently the acceptability or otherwise of results of gubernatorial, as well as presidential elections in Nigeria. Call it voodoo science or whatever you like, it has worked for me for many years. And I intend to  continue to rely on it. Details

Between Obasanjo, Atiku and the Media. By Yushau Abdulhameed Shuaib

(GAMJI)

Even if Obasanjo and Atiku's camaraderie of regular convivial exchange of banters is a pretext before the cameras, they have never betrayed any emotion of hostility.  This is a clear distinction from the animosity that existed between some governors and their deputies over flimsies. Details

The Evil Prevails: Anambra State Opens Up What Remains Hidden in Other State. By Dr. Ovie Ughwanogho

(GAMJI)

What ever unthinkable thing happens in Nigeria these days does not surprise me any longer and I am convinced that my position is shared by not a few Nigerians. We have witnessed drama upon drama ever since the existence of the  European geographical concoction called Nigeria. While it will be time consuming to enumerate these drama, for the purpose of this article,  I will briefly refresh our memory on a recent few. Details

On the Second Involvement With Liberia. By Professor Omo Omoruyi

(GAMJI)

That there should be a fundamental  redefinition of the mission that would not be a continuation or a reenactment of the failed mission that eventually ended with the so-called rebel leader Charles Taylor who killed many Nigerians in the past and frustrated the goal of the Nigerian military intervention. Details

Bush and the US Battered Image. By  Ibrahim I. Bello

(GAMJI)

Even the current hike in petroleum products prices in Nigeria, that promise to unleash unprecedented suffering on the Nigerian masses is part of the IMF conditionalities, and yet Bush has the audacity to visit Nigeria.  As a result of this insistence on macro-enomic reforms that has never succeeded in African context, the economic fortune (or is it misfortune) of Africa continue to sink and sink down below, NEPAD, AGOA notwithstanding. Details

As El-Rufai Leaves BPE. By Saadu A Jijji

(GAMJI)

Whatever the reason for Nasiru’s re-deployment, there are several questions to be answered. What fate awaits the privatization program after El-Rufai’s departure? Will BPE ever be the same? The infectious zeal, drive and commitment associated with the privatization program, was that BPE or El-Rufai? Or have the two become synonymous? Is such a small man leaving behind a big shoe? Details

Another Open Letter To President Obasanjo: Consistency in Doing Right. By Reno Omokri

(GAMJI)

Uncle Sege, I love you, and voted for you in 1999, and though I  have been abroad these years, I campaigned for you for the last election because you were better than others who contested. I will however not support you blindly. I have God to give account to, and though He does not give out contracts and appointments, he gives eternal life,as well as damnation. I owe a greater duty to God, Nigeria, Nigerians, as such I tell you whom I love, change your ways while you still can. Details

Understanding Human Evolution: Transmitting the Way We are. By Patrick Iroegbu

(GAMJI)

Furthermore, men and women in Nigeria must toe the idioms of good life entrenched in ancestral wisdom to be drawn from the past and must also undergo two separate evolutionary processes. Details

The 2003 Election and Aftermath. By Paul Mamza

(GAMJI WRITER)

In a swift reaction during interview with CNN the President even admitted these irregularities: “I did not say the election like any election any where is absolutely devoid of irregularities”. The President’s statement to me has scored highly under-achievable point to douse tension of the already aggrieved populace.  The reasons are twofold; the first being that if irregularities occur in elections does not guarantee an open endorsement of irregularities and secondly, when irregularities had overwhelming influence on the entire process as experienced in the 2003 elections it cannot be tolerable. Details

QUO VADIM. By Olubunmi Aroyehun

(GAMJI)

I ask myself why suicide is not more rampant in Nigeria, the poverty, despair is all pervading, yet people never give up. Why?  The reason is simple, people believe in the turn by turn principle. Sooner or later their brother, sister, uncle or son will get a job or position or connection with govt that will bring home the promised land Details

Buhari is the Legitimate President-Elect of Nigeria. By  Kailani Muhammad

(GAMJI)

I think it will be needless for you to come to Nigeria as of now. It will take Nazi years for Nigerians to be convinced of OBASANJO's theory of making Nigeria a haven on his maiden broadcast to the nation in respect of his purported re-election as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Details

Mosquitoes: America And Nigeria Compared! By Paul I. Adujie

(GAMJI)

Seriously, mosquitoes in America are not just seen as a nuisance because of the noise mosquitoes make, or because of the nuisance of their bite/sting, mosquitoes in America are seen as a menace and a public health issue! Details

A letter to my American Friend. By Salisu Ahmed Koki

(GAMJI)

I am at home alone without a tone needless to mention the making of a phone call. We do everything with nothing and view anything with nothing in our intestines. Ours here in Nigeria is half home-half bush, to say the fact we lack unwavering power supply, as it is in the bush needles to switch-on a fan. When it comes to feeding, ours is 0:1:0, a ratio implying no breakfast, have lunch and no dinner. Dividends of democracy it seems? Details

Nigerian Dysfunctional Leadership and Intellectual Egotists. By Chidi Peter Eze

(GAMJI)

The so-called political class is nothing, but a bunch of political and economic parasites, ready to prey on the masses and their economic and natural resources at any given opportunity. One had thought that due to the imperialistic and despotic leadership which Mr. Obasanjo has personified, the legislative and judicial class would live up to their constitutional responsibilities by protecting the masses from such tyrannical leadership abuse. Details

Memorandum to the Honorable Minister of Petroleum Resources of Nigeria. By Aliyu Maigari Mamman

(GAMJI)

The 60% sales proceed of Nigeria’s 2 million barrels per day crude oil hitherto bought by the USA, will dry up in about 180 days from now. The world oil price will slide to between $15 - $20 per barrel and sir, sad enough you will not find the forex to purchase imported petroleum products again, against pressing and competing recurrent costs of salaries and overheads, national food, water, medical and state security exigencies. Capital spending sir, will grind to a gradual halt. Details

Welcome Home Dr. Rice! Secretary Powell!! Secretary Paige!!! By  Paul I. Adujie

(GAMJI)

African Americans know how America and American government operates more than anyone else! African Americans for better and mostly, for worse, have borne the full effects of American government policies for hundreds of years! African Americans therefore remain the experts and authority and best predictor/forecaster of American government policy nuances as regards peoples of African descent and Africans in the motherland! Details

Development and Democracy: An Ironic Twist. By Ritchie Ejiofor

(GAMJI)

Our goals and ideals for one nation is confused, albeit non existent. The hopelessness of the situation may have prompted some leaders to describe Nigeria as a mere geographical expression and a wasted generation. Details

Shall We Tell The President? An Open Letter to President Bush on His Visit to Nigeria. By Forwarded by  Kennedy Emetulu

(GAMJI)

It is a pity that you are coming at a time we've just lost a great man in our country, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, a world-renown professor of Medicine and a former Minister of Health - one of the few genuinely successful Ministers we've ever had. It was this man who singularly catapulted the AIDS issue into public discourse a few years ago, when, without prompting he announced to a mourning nation that his brother, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the legendary international musician and inventor of the Afrobeat sound, died of AIDS. Details

Dumb Manager Always Ignore Customer-A Nigeria Case Scenario-Debo. By Awosika-Olumo MD., MS., MPH

(GAMJI)

When you think that you’ve seen all the bad, the worse and the ugliness that could come out of Nigeria, thus, you are faced with another mind boggling issues that make any rational human being to wonder if there is any hope for the country called Nigeria. Details

Things Done Changed? By Chukwuemeka Uche Onuora

(GAMJI)

Our government’s continued insensitivity to the average Nigerian, reaffirms my belief that today in Nigeria, we have a colonial-era government run by Africans, for Africans, and of Africans; if such a thing is possible. Details

The Ministry of Science and Technology Has  Failed Us. By Engr. Obadiah Oghoerore Alegbe

(GAMJI)

In 1977, a team of Argentine Military officers visited Canada, all of them educated in Nuclear Engineering, during that visit, they stole the layout from the Canadians and brought it with them, they studied it and copied it. After thorough studies, they drew out the specifications and paid The Germans who build the first reactor for Argentina...Our Nigerian Professors came here on tourism believing that Argentines would transfer nuclear technology to them, it is a pity and money wasted. I latter told Prof. Oyovwairhe during his visit here to Argentina that technology can never be transferred, it must be stolen. Details

Murder in the Name of God. By Abdulsalam Olatubosun Ajetunmobi

(GAMJI)

We all know that Islam and Christianity are missionary religions. They both want to win the heart of the world. Can hearts be won by wars? No is the answer. Hearts are won in a different way. The struggle for the deliverance of spiritual message entails procedures which have no resemblance to worldly fights. Details

Al-Bint and the Vagaries of Men. By Suleiman Zailani

It is surprising how quick the NLC lost its appetite for the court, for due process and for the rule of law. I am confused on why we Nigerians think we have any moral locus to protest against Obasanjo. Is it not the same labour whose leadership supported his return despite his failure in the past four years? Why did not the union go on strike over the rigging that took place during the last election since choosing a purposeful president would have saved it the hundreds of strikes awaiting it in the next four years? Details