Tafawa Balewa: Independence Day Speech, October 1st, 1960.
(GAMJI WRITER)
"TODAY is Independence Day. The First of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. At last our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation. Details
“One nation, one destiny”. By M. O. Ené
(GAMJI)
Shehu Shagari’s National Party of Nigeria, NPN, was a party of moneybags. When General Olusegun Obasanjo hastily handed over power to this political tribe, the party bigwigs were at home with the national treasury; many of them had been there before. With “One Nation, One Destiny” as its motto, the party went on a looting spree. Parties of phonies, powerbrokers, and financial frauds emerged. Details
President at All Cost. By Segun Mafe
(GAMJI)
From
the beginning Mr. President thought it was a joke that the national
assembly was carrying too far, but alas, the thing seems to be going on
and on. We just must not allow such jokes anymore.
The ”Sinnet” in Nigerian Politics. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
(GAMJI)
In the case of this baby called Nigeria, still crawling at 42, it is pertinent to look at the essential Nigeria and the Nigerian. The name Nigeria means different things to different people. Some interpretations are erudite and some not nearly so. For example, Awo describes the name as a mere geographical expression, while to the Sardauna it is the mistake of 1914. Details
Renewal of Nigerian Agriculture. By Prof. Ochapa Onazi
(GAMJI)
The Poverty Alleviation Programme of the present administration may be one way of addressing the poverty question, but it is not a suitable alternative to a whole scale approach to revamping Nigerian agriculture, which employs more than 75% of the nations work force. The Poverty Alleviation programme is a political initiative that serves a narrowly perceived objective and it’s to all intents and purposes a disincentive to investment in the real productive sector of the economy. Details
The Science and Art of "Nascent" Democracy. By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.
[Port Harcourt, Nigeria]
(GAMJI)
With the benefit of hindsight, we can safely assert that the Abubakar Constitution (1999) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is, at best, the last military decree promulgated by the dictatorship of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, just before handing over political power to a pre-determined retired fellow soldier, who had little or no democratic pretensions or antecedents. And so, we have arrived very hesitantly at the obvious conclusion that, although Nigerians are “the people”, yet “the people” referred to in that constitution, are not necessarily the Nigerian people. Details
Mohammed Abacha: A Malapropos Tragedy? By Banjo Odutola
(GAMJI)
Firstly, Mohammed has been absolved of a criminal charge. I rejoice with him. No man deserves to be punished where the prosecution fails to prove its case. As long as the courts remain the arbiter of our justice, the incrimination of Mohammed in the gruesome murder of Kudirat Abiola has been defeated and the search for justice for the conspirators of the murder is another evidence that as a nation, the acme of civilisation still eludes us. Details
Muslims Rage and 9/11: A Rejoinder to Olisa Adigwe. By Lawal Murabis
(GAMJI)
I also wish to refresh Olisa’s memory by making reference to the Inquisition in Europe and Latin America where all non-Christian were persecuted, prosecuted and burnt alive on the stalk. The barbarism and violence perpetrated by the churches is something the human race will never find an equal to. Details
Facing Up to Our Knowledge Deficit. By Abdulsalam Ajetunmobi
(GAMJI)
And whether a 'Amina Lawal' of Nigeria or someone else finally faces lapidation or not (I doubt if it will ever happen), it is too dangerous for us to leave the complex legacy of Islamic Jurisprudence in the hands of the less-informed Sheikhs, Grand Muftis 'incompetent judges, demagogues and populist politicians.' Indeed, Muslims desperately need reappraisal of knowledge of Shariah away from the current obsession with punishments! Details
(GAMJI)
In December 1983, while Iraq was losing the war, President Ronald Reagan sent an envoy to Baghdad to discuss assistance for Saddam Hussein in the war. That envoy was the present U.S. Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, who was then a private citizen. Mr. Rumsfeld is, of course, the one right now directly in charge of preparations for America’s second war against Iraq. How fate works! Details
Pitfalls of Odili. By Abubakar Jika
(GAMJI WRITER)
When Information Minister, Jerry Gana, led the Media Tour in search of democracy dividends and crowned Odili the best Governor, many wonder the political status of Odili in his Rivers State. The question begging for answer is: Is Odili’s support for Obasanjo emanating from the confidence of a political force on ground or the “mouthing” of a political desperado? The answer was not long in coming. Details
(GAMJI)
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun was in the press recently denying the allegation that the Nigeria Police Force of which he is the chief was back on the highways mounting roadblocks. According to his spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chris Olakpe, neither had the force headquarters ordered the return of the roadblocks nor was such a thing being mounted as alleged. In apparent reference to the recent call on the Force by the Governor of Lagos State, Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain why the road blocks were returning to his state, Mr. Olakpe stated that what people misconstrued for road blocks were pin down spots. Details
Stop
NNPC Sale. By
(GAMJI)
Unless
this government is halted, the damages it would inflict on our economic well
being as a country and individual Nigerians would be enormous and irreparable to
the extent that not only would the nation be bed ridden with criminals and
criminal activities everywhere, but the so called democracy would become
democrazy, and governance would be impossible.
A Response to Olisa Adigwe's 'Muslim Rage and 9/11'. By khadijat teeta
(GAMJI)
Olisa calls Islam a 'Religion of Intolerance', I want to suggest he read some facts about what happened to so called religious heretics in the history of Christianity, what happened to Joan of Arc, who held the Spanish Inquisitions. Jihad, jihad, jihad. When the Chinese fought Japanese occupation no-one said Jihad, in Vietnam to which America sent support, no-one shouted Jihad, when Iranians fought the Iraqis where was Jihad, when America supported Afghan fighters against the Soviets where was Jihad? Details
Obasanjo Should Call them to Order. By Hannatu Mohammed
(GAMJI)
I know that Obasanjo is up to his neck politically, and I agree with one of the writers who recently opined that he created most of the problems he is facing. The impeachment anbrigolio and accusations of non-performance as well as his tantrums are all his creation. Not only did President Obasanjo surround himself with political prostitutes, but also he ignores credible advise from well meaning Nigerians, who mean well to his government and the nation in general at this important time in Nigeria’s history. According reliable sources, of all his past and present ministers and advisors, only Alhaji Sani Zangon-Daura, the former agriculture minister has the guts and sincerity to oppose the president on some vital national issues. Details
The Calculus of Regime Change: Abuja and Bagdad Compared. By Mike Ikhariale
(GAMJI)
It may now be asked: How does Abuja feature in a regime change calculus in which Iraq is the subject matter? What is the connection between Saddam Hussein and President Obasanjo? How do we compare someone with purely domestic problems with another with an externally generated crisis? Details
OPEC…It’s Time To Say Goodbye… By Dr. Obi Nwasike
(GAMJI)
With Nigeria as one of the top ten producers in OPEC, this country’s position of influence in the world oil industry is significant for a variety of reasons. Firstly, as the world’s largest population of black people, and with its nascent democracy, Nigeria is seen as playing a stabilizing role in this organization that is highly influenced by the Arab-speaking world. Details
I Recommend Professor Omuruyi’s Solutions to Nigeria’s Political Crisis. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu
(GAMJI)
I had rather refer him to such eminent professors of Nigerian history as Ade F. Ajayi, Obaro Ikime, K.O. Dike, Abdullahi Mahdi, Tijjani Kyari and Yusuf Bala Usman, to mention a few but having read the piece to the end, I discovered that Professor Omoruyi was simply distorting history to curb a safe ground for launching his offensive on the Hausa-Fulani who have been the punching bag of almost every ethnic nationality in the country in recent time.
The Speech Not Delivered. By M. O Ené
(GAMJI)
When I was appointed Minister of Transport in 1999, the usual suspects felt that Ndiigbo got a raw deal. You know why? Simple: Unless you have the traditionally popular political names they had been hearing in politics, you had no business getting to the top; Details
Beauty Contests and the Third World. By Muhammad Sabon Sarki
(GAMJI)
It is frightening to note that the Catholic Bishops Conference, CAN and other notable religious organisations, which are regarded as the bastions of the nation's morality are yet to come out and condemn this unnecessary jamboree. The only exception that I am aware of was the protest carried out by NACOMYO, Jama'atu Islam of Sokoto and the recent one by the JMYO in Gusau. Details
An Open Letter to Kano State Governor. By Aminu Muhammad
(GAMJI)
I was severely disturbed after reading a http://www.gamji.com/article1000/NEWS item on page 4 of THISDAY of September 3, 2002, titled "Religious Upheaval Looms in Kano". At first I assumed it must be between Christians and Muslims as usual but, reading further, I was stunned to find out that this warning was handed down to you by the Qadiriyya and Tijjaniyya sects. They reportedly warned that they will unleash violence if you did not stop the Azalea movement from establishing schools and mosques in Kano, citing the Al-Montana al-Islamic Mosque and school at Dray as one of the targets of their hatred. Details
Mohammed Haruna-Commentator or Condemnator? By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo
(GAMJI)
Mohammed Haruna has turned himself into a one man riot squad against anybody who sees anything positive in the philosophy and politics of General Muhammadu Buhari – no matter how good intentioned the person’s point of view appears. I don’t want to believe that Haruna’s crave for attention makes him blind to elementary tenets of freedom of expression that he doesn’t hesitate to take on Buhari’s admirers or those who appear to admire the gentleman’s character traits. Details
Does "Democracy" Necessarily Exclude Military Regimes? By Dozie Ikem Ezeife
(GAMJI)
In conclusion, Nigerians ought to have a referendum and decide what system of government they prefer. They also have to decide for themselves, what is more important: substance in the sense of a responsible and responsive government; or form, in the sense of a civilian, a military or perhaps a hybrid system of government. We cannot continue to make a wholesale purchase of the western definition of democracy without regard to what really matters. Details
Should the Axis of Evil (North) Secede? By I.B Gashinbaki
(GAMJI)
It is sad to know that; most southern elites believe that the North is a drain pipe on the Nigerian economy, it is an economic parasites, it’s a mere liability to the oil rich South, its over 65 million population is unproductive, and it contributes nothing to the national treasury. Yet, it takes the lion’s share in revenue allocation, it always dominates the south politically, no doubt it is reaping where it did not sow. Details
To Whom Much is Given. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
(GAMJI)
Since the release from detention of Mohammed, son of Late General Abacha, I hold myself back from sneering at those who fall over themselves to be at his side. I must admit, some of them I hold in high esteem others once so. Details
Laa lee e Atiku: A Reaction. By Abubakar Jika
(GAMJI WRITER)
The article you wrote is genuine. Though everyone knows your candidate is Buhari but what you told Atiku is the entire truth from all indications. I also support Buhari. I support Babangida. And if Atiku can "create his shade outside Obasanjo" I will support him. I support causes. My pet cause now is: it was , it is and it will always be a mistake to rotate power in a democracy. Details
Muslims Rage and 9/11. By Olisa Adigwe
(GAMJI)
Instead of working to improve the lives of Lagosians, the Governor is trying to make it more difficult, instead of working to improve transportation system in Lagos he's trying to increase the burden on women obtaining public conveyances. If the Governor's statement was a trial balloon on the feasibility of Sharia laws in Lagos, will those close to him immediately advise him against it. Details