The Problem with Nigeria's GSM Operators. By Bekeh Utietiang
(GAMJI)
The myth that cellular communication is a reserve for the very rich, found among politicians, 419’ers, military dictators and a very few genuinely rich Nigerians was broken in August, 2001 when Econet Wireless Nigeria and MTN rolled ouT cellular services in some parts of the country. No sooner were many Nigerians showing off with their cell phones along the streets, cars, and other public arena. Details
FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE
Enrolment and Falling Standard of Education
(GAMJI WRITER)
In the end, we have schools that had the reputation for excellence transformed into dead woods inhabited by thousands of termites called students who cannot produce a single credit at GCE for years. This must not be allowed to continue. It must be reversed at all cost. We must ensure that sanity returns to our schools. Details
Updating Abacha I. By Wada Nas
WEEKLY TRUST
The monetisation policy will see to the auctioning of all federal government landed properties to the highest bidder. What will remain thereafter is Aso Rock. Even then, I am not so sure that it will not go the same way by 2007. For sure however, plans are a foot to dispose of the road network. When this is completed your Excellency, Nigerians will no longer expect any social services from their government, more so that there are plans to also privatize part of the education sector, especially the universities. Details
Updating Abacha II. By Wada Nas
WEEKLY TRUST
Permit me to inform you about the state of our foreign reserve. It has dropped from about 10 billion USD to about 7 billion USD at a time when we have been accruing more than thrice what you were getting over the years and also at a time when domestic loan went up from about N780 billion during your time to about N 1.4 trillion now. Worse Sir, you left our foreign debts at 28 billion USD but it is now about 32 billion USD. You see, they earned N3.4 trillion over four years as against yours, N1.2 trillion in five or so years. We really don’t know what they have done with the money. Details
The Bilateral Non-Surrender Agreement with the United States by the Nigerian government: Undermines the ICC. By Sonny Onyegbula
(GAMJI)
Nigeria as party to the International Criminal Court Statute by signing the bilateral agreement would not be in a position to cooperate fully with the court and would thereby disregard the universal principle of equality before the law. Nigeria's obligation under international law to persecute or extradite the suspected authors of international crimes would be greatly undermined. Details
Whither Goes Patriotism? By Kevin Etta Jr.
(GAMJI)
The Nigerian economy cannot be said to be “not doing badly” when over 70% of her population live below the poverty line. Her economy cannot be said to be “doing well” when an unregulated and unsupervised quasi-cartel of independent marketers were allowed to hike prices of petroleum products indiscriminately even when they were still lifting fuel from NNPC depots at a price of =N=28.00 a litre Details
(GAMJI WRITER)
At personal level, I derive my weapon from the truth; truth is my sword, Justice is my horse and along the path of patience my enemies are conquered irrespective of their ethnic, regional, tribal and religious inclinations. It is this principle that some rulers, the ruled, Kings, queens, old and young bow down before me, majority fear me and others tried to blackmail me but got blackmailed, intimidates me but left intimidated, threatens me but were threatened. Details
Of Okadigboism and Our Posterity. By Hank Eso
(GAMJI)
"I have learnt that forgiveness in itself is not just a question of moral purity or religious tenacity, forgiveness is in itself a virtue, it is necessary to do so, it is inevitable to do so, instead of eating yourself up, you forgive". Details
Economic Growth and Institutions in Nigeria. By Victor E. Dike
(GAMJI)
Nigeria has enormous potential for growth and development with its vast oil and gas resources, rich and expansive agricultural land, solid minerals, and abundant human resources. Despite these factors and the yearly Economic Summit organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) since 1993 the successive governments have not done enough to put the nation’s resources to effective productive use. Details
Governor Ibrahim Saminu Turaki: Changing the Course of History in Jigawa? By Kabeer Adamu
(GAMJI)
Since his election in 1999 to date, the Governor has been on one foreign trip or another to the extent that his frequent trips abroad became a subject of ridicule by many media organisations. Asked at one time by a reporter why he was so fond of making trips abroad, Turaki claimed that his numerous trips were to boost the image of Jigawa and attract foreign investments in the state. This makes one wonder how a foreign investor would be interested in investing in Jigawa where infrastructural development is virtually non-existent Details
Princess Diana and A Woman’s Intuition. By Stephen Lampe
(GAMJI)
All human beings, as human spirits, can acquire the gift of intuition. But to become intuitive, we must become spiritual in the sense of keeping our thoughts pure, trying to do good, living simply, interacting with nature, and always striving to do that which would be pleasing to God. Details
In Or Out? Revisiting Nigeria's Membership in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC). By Ibrahim Ahmed
(GAMJI)
While those countries wish to join the OIC, the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, with a population of not less than 60 million Muslims, the largest in Africa, is said to be working hard to pull Nigeria out of the Organisation. The question that arises is: why, if at all this is the thinking of the Obasanjo administration, should the Nigerian government consider this the right course of action? Details
Thinking
Again: Fuel Price Deregulation
Current world market prices mean that it costs about N40 per litre to purchase petrol abroad, ship it into Nigeria, distribute it in coastal cities such as Lagos and sell it at a reasonable mark-up for distributors and retailers. It costs even more to ship it further inland. If it is mandated that petrol be sold at N26 per litre, as it was when the current round of deregulation started, this represents a clear loss (or subsidy) of N24 per litre. Details
About Closing Down Private Schools In Kano. By Mohammad Bello Salihu
(GAMJI)
My only point of departure with Mallam Tilde is where he stated that the private schools could act as pressure valves to the overloaded public school system. As far as this writer is concerned there are not enough students in the public school system to cause any pressure or system overload in the first place. Details
Endangered Culture For Today’s Cultural Economist. By Patrick Iroegbu
(GAMJI)
Precisely can today’s economist enter African and chiefly Nigerian culture? As a question, it purports an ideological view seeking a sensible perspective. Of all today’s African nations, and more particularly home Nigeria, the mere fact that a sovereign state consists of diverse ethnic nationalities with varying unequal powers mattered at independence granting, and at reinventing cultural colonialism. Details
Yakubu Gowon – A Fine Cut Above The Rest. By Banjo Odutola
(GAMJI)
Recently, I published an article titled: “General Gowon and a paternity test.” It was an attempt to reason publicly over a lawsuit in a claim that he is the father of a child for whom he has failed in his responsibility. The article was wholly a veiled message from the heart. In parts, it is of a peculiar pain. That is, the pain of how a father could abandon one child, whilst celebrating others.
Article To Alert Many Nigerians...Many Are Already Victims!!!! By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye
(GAMJI)
In Nigeria, it is called O.B.T. (Obtaining By Tricks). But in America, it is known as Better Business. In Nigeria, they are not registered; they operate under the shadow of darkness. But in America, they are duly registered and given a clean bill of health by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In Nigeria, they are abhorred and isolated by decent society, but in America, they have on their pay roll America’s accomplished poets and professors who use their hard-earned reputation to polish their image. Details
Who Casts the First Stone? By Mahmud Jega
Alhaji
Umar Gana was the man who shattered the peace, as it were. Speaking to
reporters in Kaduna, he said the Kaduna state government received 60
billion naira from the Federation Account since 1999, but it has nothing
to show for all those billions. He criss-crossed the length and breadth
of the state but could not see where the money was spent, Gana said, so
it must have been misappropriated.
Are Some Nigerians Fatalistic And Doomed?
Some Nigerians, it would seem, have now reached ridiculously high levels of decibels or din, in their unbearable or equally intolerable and offensive commentaries in connection with matters regarding the current political leadership in Nigeria. Details
For
the Record: Financing Higher Ed in Nigeria.
Forwarded
by K. Abubakar
(GAMJI)
According
to the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (2000)
there are 43 higher education institutions in Nigeria: 11 state
universities, 3 approved private universities; and 29 federal
universities including 3 agricultural universities, 1 military
university, and 4 inter-university centers.
Unconstitutionality of the Delayed LGA Elections. By Hank Eso
(GAMJI)
Today, there exist in the 774 local government areas in the Federation of Nigeria, unelected Transitional Caretaker Councils. These transitional councils are unconstitutional and illegal since they are not constitutionally prescribed, or fit into Section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution. Details
Rebuild the Agricultural Research and Extension System in Nigeria. By Robert L. Johnson
(GAMJI)
The tragic weakening of the agricultural extension system in Nigeria, first by under funding, neglect and mismanagement by the former military governments combined with the ineffective and expensive World Bank training and visit system, has resulted in a situation where it is difficult for agriculture in Nigeria to prosper. Details
Moving Anambra Forward. By Mike Ozulumba
(GAMJI)
We have been bedeviled with leaders whose entrance to the Anambra State house was conducted under suspicious circumstances and mostly without the will and participation of the people. The result has been a woeful interplay of banditry, disrespect for the office and sometimes utterly clueless to mission and purpose for the offices they occupy. Detail
Immunization, AIDS and the Muslim Skeptism: The Other Side of the Story. By Ibrahim Tudu
(GAMJI)
Since the out break of Aids, the UN and its campaign agencies have unsuccessfully made the world to believe that the HIV/AIDS virus originated from green Monkeys in Africa. The disease was later on passed on to the local population through act of bestiality or by eating beasts as food or meat. It was from there on Aids spread like wild fire across the African continent and later on to other Countries of the world claiming millions of lives! Details
Why the Hurry, the Haste, and the Rush to Judgment? By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
(GAMJI)
How can one express or explain the political reality in our country without sounding melodramatic and without undue indulgence in hyperbolism? One can think of no other ways but to repeat the prevailing reality; and that is that as a people and as a country, we have lost our scruples and our sense of probity, responsibility and responsiveness. Details
NEPA The Agent of Satan – A Threat to Nigeria’s National Security and Sovereignty. By Engr. Obadiah Oghoerore Alegbe
(GAMJI)
Now I am asking to know what we may have done as a nation to deserve this situation in Nigeria. We have no electricity, no running water, yet we spent more than 20 billion dollars at another man’s war in Liberia and Sierra Leone, people who do not even like us. If God Almighty in His infinite mercy does not punish, then who had decided to punish Nigeria and for what reason. Details
“De-Industrializing the North": A Rejoinder. By I.B. Gashinbaki
(GAMJI)
Frankly speaking, Nigerians did not expect Obasanjo to have failed the nation the way he did for the past 4 years because of the high expectation we had on him. However, in order to move forward, Mr. President needs to listen to the voice of the opposition, to know his areas of weakness/strength. Details
Jigawa State's Development Plan: An Anatomy of Failure. By Jibo Nura
(GAMJI)
Nonetheless, one pointer to my earlier assertion is that if you take the statistics of the number of people from either Kano or Jigawa, who are occupying one position or another in the Nigerian universities, almost half of them were the products of old Kano/Jigawa science secondary schools, the writer himself inclusive. However, with regards to Turaki’s proposal of opening two universities, I think we should take the case of Kano University of technology as a case to our own. Being part of the intercession forum held at A.B.U Zaria, during its establishment, I know from the on set that the Jigawa government has missed the scoreboard. Details
FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE
(GAMJI
WRITER)
This is an idea that has been touted in the North by
many people who feel deeply concerned about the “death” of education
in the region. Their thesis is that reforming the education sector has
been made impossible because government officials who are responsible
for embarking on the reforms have found an escape route through the
backdoor provided by the presence of private schools. They educate their
children there and leave those of the masses to continue suffering in
neglect.
Access to quality education by all regardless of class or sex is a critical element of development. Education helps to nurture democracy and promote peace. For instance, it has been documented that nine years of basic education reduces the chance of HIV/AIDS infection by three-quarters. Details
Poverty Aggravation Via Geriatric Predatory Autocracy. By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.
It is high time we realise that Nigeria cannot risk the on-going meta-stable transition from 29 cumulative years of military dictatorship, through 4 years of predatory autocracy, only to end up as a failed state for perpetuity. Details
We begin to highlight for your records, so as to appropriately Educate and Inform our people through their National Leaders and Ambassadors, the true facts regarding levels of Racial Discrimination and Social Injustices affecting a vast many African and African Descendant People in the UK today.
In the least, we want yourselves and our people to be aware and know as facts, how Racist and Superficial the UK Society and its Institutions are to Non Caucasian people of African and African Descendant. Details
Women Caught in Adultery: A Rejoinder. By Sadi Zawiya
(GAMJI)
Let me even extend the argument further to the cases of Amina and Safiya. The whole uproar about the sentences passed on them appears mischievous and an attempt to exploit the 'supposed' weakness of women and natural fragility to score a cheap point. Otherwise why is none of the human right activists and the International Community campaigning for clemency for the man condemned to death in Jigawa State for having his way with a nine year old child? Details
Local Council Reforms: "Managing the Challenge". By I.B Gashinbaki
(GAMJI)
Prior to the setting up of the presidential committee on local government reforms, the conference of 36 speakers which is vested with the responsibility of deciding local council matters has recommended the scraping of the local council system in 2002. The move generated heated debate and failed to get the desired public sympathy. Details
Day Shekarau Won Obasanjo’s Heart. By Sule Ya’u Sule
(GAMJI)
President Olusegun Obasanjo has been rightly described as a man of destiny; the kind of personality appointed to lead or bound to witness rare moments in a nation’s history. He lived up to that billing on Monday 13 October when he graced the 40th anniversary celebrations of the enthronement of Alhaji Ado Bayero as the Emir of Kano. Details
What Makes People Happy? By Stephen Lampe
(GAMJI)
The subject of happiness has become topical for us in Nigeria because of the findings of a survey conducted under the auspices of the World Values Survey. Analyses of the data collected in 65 countries during the period 1999-2001 show that Nigeria had the highest percentage of persons who when interviewed said that they were either “very happy” or “quite happy”. Details
Buhari
and Anor Vs. Obasanjo and 269 Others. Recorded
and filed by
(GAMJI)
Our fears were confirmed in the election.. During the election as coordinator I traveled throughout the district to see things for myself. I also dispatched my agents to their polling units. Before dispatching them I told them of a central point in Mubi where they should report to me any problems they encounter during the election. I came back to the center from Michika about 10:00am where I met some of my agents. They told me they had been chased away from their places of primary assignment. Details
Buhari and Idiagbon: A Missed Opportunity for Nigeria. By Max Siollun
(GAMJI)
There are several reasons for the Buhari’s loss of support in the south. Firstly, the governing National Party of Nigeria which Buhari replaced had a “zoning” system for key Government posts which provided that certain Government positions would be “zoned” or reserved to persons from certain geographic parts of the country. Details
Atiku's Henchmen and I. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo
(GAMJI)
The bottom line here is that Atiku has staying power and resilience. He also has the political sagacity to gauge the political wind and know where it blows. He has also along the line managed to create a political network that is unmatched by any single politician in the whole country at the moment. Details
The Pharmaceutical Racket. By Rabiu R. Ramalan
(GAMJI)
How many millions flock to the doctor and expect some treatment for a symptom, caring not for the cause but seeking only the relief of discomfort? And who is to blame them? They are victims of the pharmaceutical conspiracy too. Details
Rise of illiberal Democracy in Nigeria. By Tokunbo Awoshakin
The irony of the deregulation of the downstream oil sector is that the politicians that fought for Nigeria’s independence 44years ago used economic doctrines like nationalization of industries while today’s leaders now desperately seek to privatize same industries. Details
STB: A Failed Bank? By Atayi Babs Opaluwah
(GAMJI)
Standard Trust Bank, a new generation bank with 80 branches linked up on-line, fifth largest bank in Nigeria (CBN rating), Initiator of Cash Fast Money Transfer, one of the first of Nigerian banks to go on-line (even though their website is presently non-functional),...Details
The Nigerian Factor. By Femi Olawole
(GAMJI)
General Babangida came in 1985 and obviously meant well for the nation. His first major error however was his adopted populist style. He was so eager to impress the people that he chose to return them from their disciplined state to the old era of indolent, extravagant lifestyle. The immediate and short-term reward he got for this was his being hailed as an “officer and a gentleman” Details
NFA Dribbling: Enter Bryan Robson. By Hank Eso
(GAMJI)
In Nigeria the only commonly acceptable Holy Grail and nationally unifying ethos is football. Just like Nigeria is blessed with a surfeit of oil wealth, it is equally blessed with a surfeit of talented footballers. The common paradox is that, just as a few individuals have cornered the dividends of Nigeria’s oil wealth, Western nations have equally cornered the pool of talented Nigerian footballers to the detriment of the nation. Details
Who Is The 'Prince' In Nigeria? By Abubakar Adamu, MSc, MILT.
(GAMJI)
Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is beginning a crusade from within; all Nigerians of goodwill should back his fight on corruption and desire to make Abuja, a capital city all Nigerians may be proud of. He cannot fight the system and those who wishes to maintain the status quo on his own. Details
Who Is The 'Prince' In Nigeria? By Abubakar Adamu, MSc, MILT.
(GAMJI)
I’m still at lost as to why the South East or South South was not the target? Why the North alone? What has the North done to deserve the alleged neglect from Obasanjo? Details
Polio
Vaccination and Population Control: Some Food for Thought III
(GAMJI)
After all, ours is a country where anything goes. Pfizer fatally experimented on over 200 Nigerian children in Kano back in 1996 with Trovafloxacin. In February 2001, a yet unnamed "humanitarian" organization freely distributed Always sanitary pads to secondary school girls and students at the University of Maiduguri which were later found to be HIV-infected at the latter's laboratories. Details
Life for Life: Vengeance or Justice? By Hussaini Sani Kagara
(GAMJI)
Nigeria though not a federation of religions but that of States has Shariah as one of its sources of law, as such, the Nigerian Constitution has an establishes character of multi-religious nation rather than secular. Therefore, for Muslims, the removal of death penalty is unacceptable since divine laws have decreed that the price tag for life is no other than, life. Details
Letter to My Countrymen. By Amoyedo Tosin
(GAMJI)
In 1960, when Nigeria became an independent nation, the only structures that were on ground at that time were structures that led to tribalism and the government that we had then was polarised along ethnic and religious lines. Only tribal structures were available at this time. It was such that Chief Obafemi Awolowo represented the West, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe represented the East and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa represented the North. Details
Mr
President, where is my National ID Card? By Ebere
Anosike
(GAMJI)
I see
Nigerians as people without identity. Wait a minute, you would say! What
nonsense is this man really talking about? Yeah, I wish you, the reader were
right! But I am not really talking nonsense, not about national, political or
cultural identities, but about the dire need for each citizen to have a unique
identity (ID). In fact, a lot of people might ponder: how can anyone not really
see that identity cards should be the least part of our problems in this country
right now?
Stop Insulting President Olusegun Obasanjo
By Mr.
Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
[Norman-Oklahoma]
(GAMJI)
Insults are in vogue. Unfair and unwarranted criticism of President Obasanjo is now the order of the day. Willful insults and vilification is now the in-thing. Name-calling; hateful language; contempt; castigation and needless aspersions are now a standard lingo among Nigerian web-writers who do not see anything of substance in terms of political and economic achievements by this president. Details
National Conference A Must Now By Willy Wanna
(GAMJI)
Sharia States And Almajiri System By Sadi Zawiya
(GAMJI)
Between Al-Rufai, Mantu and Zwingina
As a political analyst, I had taken interest in Zwingina’s positions in the senate on various issues. At all the critical moments in the Senate’s first four years, he seems to me to have adopted anti-people posture. First, the controversy over the criminal attempt by the presidency to insert a section into the Electoral Act 2001 which would have effectively barred new parties from contesting the last general elections found Zwingina among the Senators who stoutly defended the act. Details
Nigeria
And Her Oil Wealth
Reno Omokri LLB, BL, LLM
[Wolverhampton]
(GAMJI)
IN
OR OUT: REVISITING NIGERIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN
THE
ORGANISATION OF THE ISLAMIC CONFERENCE
[New York,NY]
(GAMJI)
Recall elections are the beauty of a functioning democracy. Doubt it? Just ask angry Californians. They are fed-up. They have just recalled their none performing governor. Replacing him with a person who is not a career politician . Another beauty of a functioning democracy is that power rests with the people, because they have to choose who lead them. It is why Nigerians fought Military dictatorships of Buhari , Babangida and Abacha , and it is one of the reasons people fight and die for democracy. Details
MATTERS
MISCELLANEOU
One of the small but practical steps we first took towards achieving our objectives was to start a micro-credit scheme and a motor-cycle ownership scheme for victims of the religious riots of February and May, 2000. Long before then we had agonized about what to do regarding the use of unemployed youth on all sides of our political and religious divides to foment the kind of violence that had changed Kaduna from being arguably the most accommodating city in the country into one hell-hole of religious riots. The February and May 2002 riots merely served to ginger us to move from discourse to action. Details
Bullying
Nigerians: A disingenuous style of leadershi
Law Faculty, University of the Western
Cape
[Republic
of South Africa]
I have watched with utter disgust the performance of President Obasanjo since he mounted the saddle of leadership after a some years in Abacha`s gulag. When the president came out of jail he was a shadow of what he is today. One thought that the prison experience would humble the man and make a leader out of him. It is rare for a person to be so blessed and compensated by his nation the way President Obasanjo has been so blessed. Details
Saudi
Arabia: Crackdown on demonstrators deals another blow to human rights
Amnesty
International today called on the Saudi Arabian authorities to release
people being detained for taking part in peaceful protest
demonstrations.
"The Saudi Arabian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all people held solely for the non-violent expression of their conscientiously held beliefs," said Amnesty International. Details
Statement By Ambassador Olusegun Apata Special Adviser Delegation of Nigeria On Strengthening of the United Nations and Revitalization Of the Work of the General Assembly. Forwarded by Nuru Suleiman Ishak (NEW YORK)
WHAT
CONTINUITY IN THE FACE OF MISCONCEPTIONS?
Dept.
of Mass Communication
University
of Maiduguri
[Borno State.]
A
major flaw that characterized the military government in the Nigerian
political history has been lack of continuity of programmes, ideas and
policies. The frequent military intervention in the Nigerian politics has
been a major cankerworm that has thwarted polices initiated by
governments. When they assume office, all they do is to embark on a set of
new projects and jumbo projects of course. They abandon what their
predecessor started. When they initiate these programmes, they seem to be
visioneers. Details
Ci
rani, Almajiranci and Security in
A
Commissioned Paper Presented at the
National Conference on Chieftaincy and Security to Mark the 40th
Anniversary of His Highness The Emir of
Almajiranci,
a Hausa word for the occupation of Almajiri originated from the Arabic
word al-Muhajir, which means one who emigrates. Hijra
(emigration) in Islam is very important and one of its meanings is
physical emigration from the land of unbelief or injustice to the
Permit me to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to your esteemed organization for inviting me to the 2003 Annual Business Meeting of Ekitikete International Forum. However, due to some pressing domestic engagements, I regret my inability to be physically present in your midst on this auspicious occasion. All the same you can continue to count on my unalloyed support in your determined bid to make immense contributions to the development of Ekiti State. Details
OPEC FUND DIRECTOR-GENERAL HE
Dr. Y. Seyyid Abdulai AWARDED
Fowarded by De la Barra, Jutta
Prior to the Sudanese award, Dr. Abdulai had been honored by his home country, Nigeria, which made him an Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), and by Austria, the host-country of the OPEC Fund, which conferred on him the Grand Decoration of Honor (in silver with sash). Dr. Abdulai has been Director-General of the OPEC Fund since August, 1983. Details
THE
TWO WISE MONKEYS By
Umar Tanimu Umar
[Gombe, Gombe State]
(GAMJI)
Long time ago there exist the kingdom of the monkeys.The kingdom was rich and prosperous, it has a lot of natural resources which were exported to some other kingdoms, the monkeys were wise and enterprising. Most of them were farmers and produced enough food, fruits and cash crops, the excess of which were exported. Cordiality and brotherliness were ripe within the kingdom as every monkey is contented and happy. Various leaders came and went until the kingdom’s guards became power - hungry and seized power by force from the democratic government. Details
Your excellency the Gov of Kwara State,
(GAMJI)
Since your election as the Governor of my dear State, I have been closely following with great interest and anxiety your performances and efforts at reviving Kwara state economy. I must say without any fear or favour that I feel encouraged by your advances and programmes; I can only pray that you remain focused and dedicated to implementing the good programmes that you have outlined and to be open to good ideas whenever they are suggested to you. Details
NO COMPULSION IN MORALITY By Suleiman Omipidan
[Inglewood, California.]
To those who think me an enemy behind the line, I declare at this juncture that I am a Muslim and no one, can declare me otherwise. No one is appointed a keeper of belief or custodian of faith (Sura 6:107). Such responsibility lies only with God, and the care of such affairs wearies Him not. Who then are these self-appointed ‘custodian of heavens’? Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
(GAMJI WRITER)
Military Rebellion of July 29, 1975: The coup against Gowon (9)
When at about 0400 hours Lagos time conspirators in Dodan Barracks were putting final touches to the speech Colonel Garba would deliver at dawn, it was already 0600 hours in Kampala. Gowon, focused on his agenda for the day, was oblivious of what was about to happen. He was unaware that his emissary to Lagos, Lt. Col. WG Walbe had been detained and his executive aircraft seized the day before. Throughout the crucial hours of July 28, as plotters put finishing touches to their plans and mobilized openly, no one contacted the General. It was as if he had been living – and ruling - on borrowed time. Details
TACKLING
CORRUPTION: TOWARDS A CITIZENS' COVENANT (1)
(GAMJI)
A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY OR SHEER MISCHIEF? BY FEMI OLAWOLE,
(GAMJI)
Have you got a new pen name now, since we
discovered who is behind 'Femi Olawole'? We will still find out. The problem
though is that there must be many of them you employ to do your conscienceless
job.
(GAMJI)
Tourism
in
Mass
Communication Department
University
of
(GAMJI)
More
tourist attraction sites should be brought to the lime-light such as the Sukur
kingdom, a world heritage site in Adamawa state, an old iron smelting
settlement, with unique ancient civilization surrounded by an impregnable
barrier of mountains. Cross
REMEMBERING
THE VICTIMS OF THE 2001 TIV GENOCIDE. By Aonduna Tondu.
(GAMJI)
Today, Nigeria remembers the victims of the Tiv genocide of 2001. May the souls of all those who perished as victims of state terror rest in peace! Exactly two years ago, this country witnessed one of the most horrendous acts of “carefully planned mass killing” in her history. From October 22 to 24 of that year, the Nigerian army which was then under the ministerial supervision of General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), invaded Gbeji, Zaki-Biam and surrounding villages in a blood-thirsty onslaught which left over 200 innocent civilian victims dead and hundreds badly wounded or mutilated. Details
FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE
The Shameful State Of Our Insecurity
(GAMJI WRITER)
About three weeks ago, a gang of armed robbers carried an operation along Bauchi-Kano highway, robbing victims of their possessions and money. At the end of the operation when the passengers were happy that no life was lost, the robbers pointed at a woman among the victims and said, “You, we are taking you along.” The victims at first thought it was a joke. But before their eyes and despite their pleas, they saw the armed robbers drag the sobbing woman into the bush and fled. Details
Alliance for Decadence (A.D.) By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye
Honestly, I still find it quite difficult to accept as possible that anyone with the tiniest bit of honour and sense of shame in him could still come out and boldly identify himself as a member of that ‘political party’ they call Alliance for Democracy (AD). Well, someone could manage to do that in an ogogoro joint at some dingy, refuse-filled Tinubu-forgotten street in Lagos, not in decent society. In fact, when these days I see any statement issued by the AD, there is this temptation to immediately doff my heart for these special breed of men and women who have a peculiar capacity to unabashedly rush into a high society banquet hall immediately after an enthusiastic deep in a septic tank.
Masses
above the law
By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u
(GAMJI)
Nigeria is a funny country, when one tries to blame every wrong on the leaders, the followers do not prove different. We will do great injustice to ourselves if we always put accusing fingers on our leaders and assume that the followers are saints. Details
Engaging Faruk Sarkin Fada on Islam and HIV/AIDS By Dr Aminu Magashi
(GAMJI)
I must say I discovered a lot of flaws, distortion of facts, wrong comparison of diseases, misinformed interpretation of the sayings of the prophet (SAW) to establish an analogy and a negative bias on PLWHA based on little knowledge of the disease itself and lack of practical experience, both on the field and clinical exposure when dealing with the problem. Details
Gov. Donald Duke And His Blood-stained Guest By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye
(GAMJI)
Until the press really made it a subject of regular serious discourse, the only thing anyone could indeed recall or say about Governor Donald Duke of Cross River State during his first term in office was the countless parties he attended with his wife in Lagos almost every weekend and several week days. The lower press had begun to call him ‘Lagos Boy’ at that time, and some people had wondered aloud whether he actually administered Cross River from Lagos since he was always seen around town? Details
EL-RUFAI VERSUS MANTU, ZWINGINA AND THE SENATE By Lanre Ogundipe
In our country-Nigeria lies has become not just a moral category but a pillar of State. That is all we can deduce from the on.going bulk passing on the issue of 54million naira allegedly demanded from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Malam el-Rufai before has was cleared by the Senate on his ministerial appointment. Though a lot have been written and said on the topic, yet it seems we are all losing the track of events on this issue. Details
Is Nigeria the World’s Happiest Country? By Stephen Lampe
(GAMJI)
After these many years of political, economic, social, and religious trauma, it comes as a great and perplexing surprise to hear that Nigeria has the highest percentage of happy people among 65 countries surveyed. Details
Biafra: A Tragedy Set to be Repeated? By Ogbuagu C Eze
(GAMJI)
BACK IN 1967 I was one of a number of leftists in this country who supported the Biafran Republic, trying to tell people the truth behind the propaganda and organise relief for that sad, war-torn country fighting for its independence. When Mrs Oyibo Adinamadu came to Britain, as the official representative of Biafra, in order to meet representatives of the UK’s Labour government, they shamefully refused to meet with her. We lobbied our MPs and demonstrated, but to no avail. Details
Senategate: A Note from A Constituent. By Rinji Goldim
(GAMJI)
Was I surprised by the initial allegations by FCT Minister, Mallam Nasir el Rufai that some Senators had demanded NS4million bribe from him to facilitate clearing him for the ministerial position? No, I wasn’t. So also were millions of other Nigerians who have grown accustomed to watching bales of bribe money heaped on tables of the National Assembly and broadcast on national television. Details
Sharia and Sustainable Development: The Polio Immunization-AIDS Dilemma. By Taofiq Abiola
(GAMJI)
A number of conspiracy theories have been propounded, the West wants to limit the population of Muslims in Nigeria, and they want to deliberately infect us with AIDS and so on. Some in the health sector have stressed that they have conducted research and found that this is not the case. Some have argued that the people are ignorant. Organizations like Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria (SCSN) and Jama'atul Nasril Islam ad Global Network for Islamic Justice have made statements that immunization programs be suspended which some states have agreed to. Details
Shekarau Administration and Public Hearing on Polio. By Dr. Aminu Magashi
(GAMJI)
If the investigation as I predicted shows the vaccine has no contamination , will that lead to an end to the controversy, make the doubting Thomases to sheath their sword and equally parents to open their door at operation kick polio out of Nigeria? Details
Bank Interest: In Whose Interest? By Abdullahi U. Bello
(GAMJI)
Most people would argue that the bane of development in Nigeria is the high interest rate being charged by banks. While most are saying so because they do not know how the system works, others like bankers and the central authority know or at least should know that there is more to it than meets the eye. Details
Ramifications of Corruption in Nigeria. By Umar Bello
(GAMJI)
Corruption in Nigeria is a pervasive phenomenon. From the lower rungs to the upper rungs of the society the game is all about gaining some undue material gains or favors. At the level of the toiling masses, the game is all about economic survival since the leaders have stockpiled the wealth of the country in their banks leaving crumbs for the majority. Details
(GAMJI)
Today, the so-called Igbo republicanism is being overplayed to the detriment of Igbo collective interests. Every Igbo man wants to be recognized as a leader in his own right. There is nothing wrong with this attitude per se. But a closer look at it reveals it for what it is: selfish individualism, which has become very pronounced since the end of the civil war. Details
Ijaws and Ijawnation: What are Our Goals and Destiny? By Sabella Ogbobode Abidde
(GAMJI)
We stand in the middle of the road without attempting to cross right or left; we stand at the base of the mountain and make no attempt at climbing it; we stand at the shore of the ocean and make no attempt to swim across it. We won’t dance, but provide the music and the ground for others to dance while we watch. Details
"The Deji of Akure Stalemate" The options open to Governor Agagu and the Kingmakers. By Dr. Wunmi Akintide
(GAMJI)
This article by a noncombatant in the stalemate, is an attempt to put the records straight for the Government and for all Akure people at home and abroad who may want to know some home truth about the Deji’s selection and how and why the whole exercise needs a rethinking by the Government, and the 18 kingmakers given the powers to do the job for and on behalf of all our people. Details
Petroleum Products De-regulation – Globalization at Work. By Mr. Igida Alaye
(GAMJI)
We are living witnesses to suicidal self-blazing of certain foreign national elsewhere in an effort to derive home the point that globalization will only favor the devilish self-loving so-called industrialized nations at the expense of weaker underdeveloped and already impoverished nations. Details
Attitudinal Change as a Catalyst for National Development. By Bala Yahaya
(GAMJI)
Crude oil, arable land, good climatic condition among other resources all combine to make the country a potentially great one that is obviously cut out for speedy, unimpeded development. However, several factors combine together to constitute stumbling blocks to Nigeria's march to National development. Details
The 8th All Africa Games Abuja 2003: Pauperising Nigeria Investor's Opportunity. By Nze Kanayo Chukwumezie
(GAMJI)
Also, it is supposed to showcase the visiting countries and the world as a whole the Nigeria’s rich cultural and industrial heritage, thereby heightening tourism and trade. But this did not happen as it was primarily hoped for and canvassed. Experiences of participants turned out that many problems were faced. Details
Nigeria-Cameroon Football Match: A Sad Reminder that We Need to Pay Attention to Other Sports. By Olatunde Afuwape
(GAMJI)
Now to what we shouldn’t have done both as government and as a people. The 8th All African game being a multi-sports event, we should have prepare enough for all the events, mobilize Nigerians to cheer our athletes in every sports to victory and recognize their achievements. Details
Between Gov. Turaki, Scholarship Board and the Plight of Jigawa State Students(1). By Jibo Nura
(GAMJI)
The cantankerous posture of the government of Jigawa state towards the general welfare of its students both at primary, secondary and tertiary level has revealed categorically a candour in the total isolation and neglect of the students by the regime. Details
Happiness
is a Nigerian. By
(GAMJI)
A lot has been written recently about news reports that describe Nigerians, based on a scientific study, as the ‘happiest people on earth’. The comments have varied in their depth and perception and it is important to take a closer look at the issues. Details
Back to the Trenches
It
is no gain saying we have a problem on our hands. A problem that was
nursed by our collective desire to build our perceived democratic exigency
on very frail foundations not helped the least by our use of glossary
painting to give a glowing finish to a detestable piece of mediocrity.
Obasanjo's Second Coming: Hand of God or
Destiny? By
Sasa,
Ayodele O.
(GAMJI)
That Olusegun Obasanjo- a retired army General will one day become civilian president was not something we bargained for. But then when it came, there was nothing we could do to stop his presidency. Details
Not the Messiah By Kevin Etta Jr.
[Gusau, Zamfara State.]
(GAMJI)
Another Internationally renowned newspaper in Britain on 11th September 1987 published and run a story in its front page entitled “small pox vaccines triggered Aids”, thus confirming the speculations that the out break of Aids has been associated with the vaccines of small pox administered around the world in the 70s. This story carries a direct correlation between the small pox vaccines and Aid virus. Details
Of
Some Nigerians’ Unhappiness At Nigerians Being Labeled The Happiest?
[New York, United States]
(GAMJI)
Help me somebody! During the
past couple of weeks, it came to pass, that we Nigerians, were determined,
through some research, to be the happiest human beings on earth! But so many
Nigerians have been up in arms with so much uproarious denouncements, of the
research and those behind the research, that were promptly labeled agent
provocateur of the Nigerian federal government! Without proof or evidence of the
alleged agency!
SOUTH
EASTERN GOVERNORS AND THE STRUGGLE FOR CRUMBS
[NJ, USA]
(GAMJI)
Once again, the Eastern Governors, armed with their pseudo-cronies the "Ohaneze" are at it again in their jostling, and, and unbridled campaign of shame and knowingly reinforcing the misconceived age long degradation of the un-suitability of the Igbos for the elusive and coveted presidency. Details
Medieval Mind-Set Vs. Modernity: Why Biafra Lost. A Rejoinder to Mazi K. Ani. By Olisa H. Osita
(GAMJI)
It is beyond pale why Mr. Mazi K. Ani would adduce medieval moronity and tartuffery, to allow the instinct of slander to take better part of him in questioning with indecency and repulsion, reasons for intellectual inquiry into Nigerian civil war.Details
World Centre of Happiness: Understanding Happiness As Cultural To Nigeria. By Patrick Iroegbu
(GAMJI)
It is not a review of index of sadness and joy in Nigeria. Neither is it about the disappointment of political management of Nigerian democracy. It is all about voices from people in Nigeria regarding declaring Nigeria “The Centre of Happiness” in the modern world index of chosen values. Details
Between Defeated Winners and Elected Losers. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u
(GAMJI)
When it is time for election people troop to the polling stations in order to vote for the candidates of their choice. But what makes the winner defeated and the loser elected is the declaration of result by the electoral body. Details
Obasanjo
Forever
[Uyo, Akwa Ibom State]
(GAMJI)
With pervading hunger in the land and frequent economic-induced fasting one might not be so lucky to survive an Akinyele (the photo-journalist) treatment to reassure the living that, “…mi oku, I am alive.” I do not wish to become another statistic in the long list of victims of police brutality or something fatal due to accidental discharge. Details
(GAMJI)
OBASANJO:
THE LORD OF THE JUNGLE.
(GAMJI)
The
Blessings (Successes) of COJA!!
(GAMJI)
The
Shame Of A Heartless Nation
(GAMJI)
Road
Accidents As A National Disaster
[Kano, Nigeria]
The severity and high index of road accidents on Nigerian highways resulting in the death of our cherished friends and relatives, loss of valuable property, injury and the maiming of persons, some for life, are all very well known to us. The numerous consequences of road accidents on our roads cannot, therefore, be over-emphasized. Details
Is
president Obasanjo listening?
[Rome,Italy]
(GAMJI)
The news is not that Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai, a minister of the Nigerian Federal Republic; a senior minister for that matter, overseeing the affairs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Director-General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) charged with the privatisation programme of the government has implicated two senators of the Republic in a N54 million bribery allegation. Details
NIGERIA AT 43: “WE BUILD IN VAIN” By I.B Gashinbaki
(GAMJI)
Let’s take a tour across the River Niger to see what we have achieved in
four scores and three years of self rule; from Zamfara to Calabar and from
Maiduguri to Lagos; the most remarkable achievement of the Nigerian state
is the institutionalization of corruption as the core ideology and core
purpose of governance. Corruption is assumed to be synonymous to;
modernization or civilization in Nigeria.
Details
To Segun Adeniyi (II). By Wada Nas
(GAMJI WRITER)
Let me start with this issue of hatred. I believe it arose from the fact that people like Segun, never wanted anyone to pose any challenge to Obasanjo. This was why they accused Ekwueme of hatred against Obasanjo. Their democratic mindset is that it is a crime to challenge Obasanjo in a democratic contest, as if Obasanjo defines the scope and limit of our democracy. Details
President Obasanjo Should be Commended. By Kabeer Adamu
(GAMJI)
If there is one government agency that deserves accolades for making things happen so quickly under the present Obasanjo regime is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Details
If I Were Nasir El-Rufai. By Umar Tanimu Umar
(GAMJI)
Every reasonable Nigerian believe that the testimony given by Mallam Nasir el-Rufai on the demand by the Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu and Deputy Senate Leader, Jonathan Zwingina for the bribe of N 54 Million quid pro quo so as to ease his clearance by the Senate for the post of a Minister was genuine.Details
El Rufai’s Bribery Allegation: A Rush to Judgment. By Sabella Abidde
(GAMJI)
What is the truth? How do we know that Mallam Nasir el-Rufai is telling the truth? How do we know that Senators Jonathan Zwingina and Ibrahim Mantu did or did not demand bribe as alleged by the minister? No one knows what the truth is; no one knows what really transpired between these public servants – no one, except for the three men involved. And so: what is the truth?Details
Of happiness and pessimism. By Orok Edem
(GAMJI)
Nigerians are the happiest people in the world. That is a truism. They are happy because they have no particular reason for being so. The country Nigeria is also filled with pessimists, bad belle, because they always have bad news to report, it follows therefore that they should look happy. Why this simple analogy evades our best minds is very hard to fathom.Details
That Gathering in Minna. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha'u
(GAMJI)
I have never been to Minna throughout my life. Let alone come so close to IBB. The only time I saw IBB was when he paid a state visit to Kano in 1989. Then, I was a primary school pupil, and I saw IBB waving to the people on his way to the Emir's palace.Details
Mr. President, I Beg to Disagree With You on Deregulation. By Mohammad G. Abubakar
(GAMJI)
Mr. President let the truth be told that Nigerians are suffering so the issue is not poverty versus the President or versus the leadership. It is versus the rest of us. Nigerians want a leader who can listen, sympathize and solve their problems by ensuring that they leave normal lives. Details
The Nasir El-Rufai Testimony: Separating Substance from Farce. By Kennedy Emetulu
Just as Transparency International was restating the obvious about Nigeria's unenviable apex place in the corruption index, a minister of government, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai was having a field day, right there in front of the Senate Ethics Committee and in the full glare of the world Details
The Unethical Practices of Foreign Phone Companies Profit Making in Africa. By Murtala Bala Habu, III
(GAMJI)
I don’t know how many Nigerians have observed the voice that followed upon no respond from the person you are trying to reach in Nigeria… the voice that followed is western accent(s). When western societies want to police Africa, they do it in scientific and non-scientific methods without Africa governments taking further actions on these corporations. Details
The Feel of the Gaul's Magic Portion. By Michael Okoye
(GAMJI)
In contemporary Nigeria, the Nigerian equivalent of the Gauls are the Northerners, while the magic portion happened to be the Presidential lodge called Aso Rock. In most of the developed countries of the world were democracy is thriving, the presidential or Prime Minister’s lodge as the case may be ,are not buildings that deny the occupant the ability to face reality. Details
Mallam Nasir el’Rufai As a Reflection of Atiku Abubakar. By Bemigho Igbene
(GAMJI)
So what would you make of a man who has nurtured Mallam el’Rufai, a man who is universally known as an astute Spartan and upright person? First he was sent to the Bureau of Public enterprises (BPE) where he performed meritoriously to the extent that those who habitually point fingers at Nigerian officials as being corrupt have found in el’Rufai something to praise. According to Mr. Tomlinson of the World Bank, the “BPE under el’Rufai is a bastion of transparency” Details