OPEN LETTER TO CHIEF GAIN FAWEHINMI, SAM (Senior Advocate of the Masses) By Osa Iyinbo, MPA
[Albany, NY, USA]
(GAMJI)
Dear
Chief Fawehinmi,
Your tenacity, over the years, in the face of adversities and your resolve to bring about some sense of social justice to Nigeria is unsurpassed. It is not in my nature to mention names but I wish to depart from that tradition. The likes of, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and your humble self, to mention but a few, are difficult to come by. Though I may not agree with you and the others on all issues, which is why we cherish the freedom of speech clause in any constitution, I, however, strongly admire your courage. Details
Religion and the new polio outbreak in Nigeria By Kingsley Dike
(GAMJI)
Last week’s outbreak of the bird flu in South-East Asia succeeded in making as a mere footnote in the international media , the alarm raised by the World Health Organization (WHO) at about the same time, that new outbreak of polio (cerebral spinal meningitis) in Nigeria which had spread to about seven West African countries represent a serious health danger not only to the West African region but the possibility of triggering a global epidemic. Details
In The Name of God By Zainab Usman
(GAMJI)
In Nigeria, God is on the lips of all, yet we are the second most corrupt country on earth. Quite a contradiction. Our president is certainly not making any sacrifices (ala Gaius Obaseki) neither are the governors nor the legislators. They are all having fun at our expense, riding BMW’s, living in mansions with electricity 24 hours a day and jetting out of the country when they so desire. Details
BATTLE OF HOPE OR HOPELESSNESS. By Dr Aminu Magashi
[Kano, Nigeria]
(GAMJI)
The HIV prevalence in Nigeria rises every year, the orphans are increasing in number at an alarming rate, the people living with HIV are continuously being used and exploited by groups to raise fund and later drop like a hot pan without the necessary care and support means. According to United National Integrated Regional Information Networks( IRIN ) reports of 15th January, 2004, Nigerian stock of subsidies drugs for AIDS have run out, the very little support being provided monthly to PLWHA across the country. Details
POLIO AND OTHER
PROBLEMS FOR THE BORN AND UNBORN CHILD By
Ahmed Gana
Post Graduate student
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science.
[A.B.U. Zaria.]
(GAMJI)
The long awaited result of the investigation on Oral Polio Vaccines [OPV] by the JNI was finally released. The result confirmed the presence of substances that could cause malfunctioning of the testes and cause infertility in women as well as toxic substances. The result differs from that of the government in which no such things were found in the OPV. Also JNI and government have agreed that the immunization could continue after a joint committee of experts has tested the new batches yet to arrive the country. Details
The
Suspended NLC Strike, Fuel Levy and Sundry Matters By
Ibrahim Dan Halilu
[Badarawa - Kaduna]
(GAMJI)
At the time of posting this piece on gamji.com the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city might be giving its historical ruling on the propriety or otherwise of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC going on strike over government policies considered inimical to workers’ interest and Nigerians generally, but very specifically, the recently suspended imposition of N1.50 fuel levy on every litre of the product purchased by Nigerian motorists. Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
WITNESS
TO HISTORY: LT. COL. M NZEFILI
(RTD) – Part 2
(GAMJI WRITER)
Part 2 contains details never before revealed about events at Ibadan in the days following the January 15, 1966 military coup in Nigeria. As the second-in-command at the 4th Battalion, Ibadan, Nzefili (who was then a Major) bears witness to the confusing situation left behind in the wake of the assault on Premier Akintola’s lodge at Ibadan by a team of out-of-town soldiers from the Abeokuta Garrison led by Captain Emmanuel Nwobosi. He also describes the situation in the battalion following the assassination of his commanding officer, Lt. Col. Abogo Largema, at the Ikoyi Hotel in Lagos by a team led by Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna. Details
Defeating
Chief Obasanjo’s Schizophrenic leadership: A good thing for Nigeria
By Chief Okechukwu E. Asia
(Osuohia – Orsu)
[Florida, USA]
(GAMJI)
I am one of the majorities of Nigerians who never accepted the result of the last presidential election that gave Obasanjo another four-year term. This group of Nigerians never recognized Obasanjo as the legitimate president, but any way reluctantly remained mute, hoping that may be, he will come to his senses and bend down to do the work that he was “selected” last April to do. Details
An Open Letter to Gov. Abdullahi Adamu (Sarkin Yakin Keffi). By Thomas Bashayi
[Surulere, Lagos.]
(GAMJI)
Your Excellency, there are several commercial reserves of enormous mineral deposits in Nasarawa State. The State stands the chance of benefiting little due to the small-scale illegal miners and unprofessional mining firms that are exploiting the resources. As a matter of fact, incorrect blasting of ore deposits and excavations destroy several gems and even pose danger to our lands. A land could be destroyed for a long time or even lost forever as mining activities are being done without due mining plans. Details
MONDAY QUATERBACKING: Nigeria
and Its Membership of OPEC
(GAMJI WRITER)
For the first time in just
under a year, the international price of crude oil hit $36.20 per barrel late
last week, rising by $1.13 or 3.2 percent above the $35.07 per barrel price at
the close of trading the week before last.
Interestingly enough, the current price represents about 57 percent
increase above the $23 a barrel official selling price adopted for Nigeria's oil
for the 2004 budget now under consideration by our National Assembly.
POWER, PEOPLE & POSTERITY By Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba
[United States Air Force]
(GAMJI)
Just because we are destined to do something does not mean that it will automatically happen. No, in order to succeed at anything in life, one must maintain ones confidence in entirety. The level of awareness in Nigerian factor today has gone to such an astronomical level that everyone is pointing fingers. Everyone identifies the culprits with no offenders. That reminds me of what someone once said as a young leader." My biggest mistake was allowing my time to be eaten up with things outside my core competencies. Details
RESPONSE TO US EMBASSY'S REJOINDER By Ibrahim Ado-Kurawa
(GAMJI)
The United States Embassy claimed in a rejoinder (www.gamji.com/amviews263.htm) to my article on the Jos international conference on the Shari’ah that it did not sponsor it. I wouldn’t have written this response had it been the Embassy did not insinuate that I was misleading the public with "erroneous information". This I believe is a blow to my integrity, which I am trying to build. One can tolerate threats and harassments from unidentified friends of the US but devouring one of his integrity is intolerable because it is rendering him dead while he is living. Details
Polio
Vaccine Controversy: Matters Arising By
Ibrahim Dan Halilu
[Badarawa - Kaduna]
(GAMJI)
I for one had thought that the polio vaccine controversy would be over after the results of the two investigations sponsored by the federal government and the Jamatu Nasrul Islam was made public. But the impasse seemed to have gathered much momentum ever since the results were released. As fallout of Dr. Kaita report, the Jamatu Nasrul Islam is now a divided house with one side in support of sustaining the suspension of polio immunization and the other backing the federal government’s position that the exercise be continued in the three states that suspended it. Details
[Norman, Oklahoma.]
(GAMJI)
The Ijaws are my people; so are the Itshekiris and the Urhobos. Until very recently, it was difficult for an outsider to tell the difference between the three groups. They are brothers and belong to the same group of family. They share the same blood, the same waterways, and the same land. And so it was that for ages they lived as one indivisible family – until now. And now one group is killing members of the other group who then pay back in kind. Details
Call
for Regional or State Police: Is Nigeria really ready?
By Osa Iyinbo, MPA
[Albany, New York]
(GAMJI)
There is a clamor for each state in the “Federation” (briefly discussed afterward) to have its own police force. This development, which is being championed by some prominent Nigerians, is not a recent phenomenon. Those who have the courage to come forward with this idea should be commended as this does attest to the fact that we are a “free nation” where “people” are “free” to express their views without fear of harassment or prosecution. Details
Between Colonel Umar and General Obasanjo By Paul Mamza
(GAMJI WRITER)
The state of executive rascality and ineptitude conscripted through arbitral conspiracies of military power-mongers had an underlying Archimedean point of departure has evident in the unethical conducts in the past in the military profession in Nigeria which has been perfectly transferred insitu as political perfidy in a democratic rule. Colonel Umar’s letter to General Obasanjo is just one of the pretences centered along the denials of absolute knowledge. Details
Shakara
& The Aura Of Invincibility.
By
Kòmbò
Mason Braide
(PhD)
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
(GAMJI WRITER)
Complicated
Delusions:
In a shamelessly stage-managed interview, that was obviously targeted at over 130 million (presumably stupid) Nigerians worldwide, via the NTA network news at 9.00 pm, on Monday, 20 January 2004, the President, Commander-in-Chief, and Minister of Petroleum Resources of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief (General) Olusegun Okikiolahan Mathew Aremu Obasanjo (GCFR) posed, once again, as an invincible war front commander. However, his body language did not fool Nigerians, this time around. Details
The Igbo Spirit By Peter Alexander Egom (Forwarded Published in Thisday)
(GAMJI)
I am of the Igbo stock from UkalaOkpunor in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. I am 61 years of age and have from late 1965, during my undergraduate days at Downing College, Cambridge, England, been fascinated by my people, the Igbo, and specifically by what makes them such a pulsating enigma of a people. Details
As the world observes the first International Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Day, Amnesty International is appealing to all governments to ensure effective protection of girls from female genital mutilation (FGM). Details
A DEMAGOGUE IN THE VILLA By Babayola Toungo
(GAMJI)
Thank God for Colonel Abubakar Umar’s Open Letter to the President; a lot of things hitherto hidden in the recess of Obasanjo’s mind are becoming manifest for us mortals to see and hear. The response by the Presidency to the harmless letter, meant as a reminder to Obasanjo on his misgovernment and maladministration sounded more like a riot act than a response. Some portions even sounded more like Orkar’s failed coup speech. The response, titled “Our Response to Colonel Abubakar Umar” was incoherent, ambiguous and very much at variance with the issues raised by the Colonel in his letter. Details
America Is Afraid Of True Democracy; Hence The Moves Against One Person-One Vote In Iraq! By Paul I. Adujie
[New York, United States]
(GAMJI)
This writer's condemnation or disapproval of the American invasion and occupation of Iraq is a matter of public record; In a series of articles, beginning with "No Tears For Saddam? How About The Principle?" this writer argued repeatedly against the wrong-headed hegemonic and imperialist policies that inspired America into the unbridled breach of international law and the consequent violation of Iraq's sovereignty, territorial integrity and political/economic independence. Details
Democratic
opposition: Colonel Abubakar mar has shown the way
[Rome, Italy]
(GAMJI)
The language of former Kaduna State military governor, retired Colonel Abubakar Umar’s open letter to the President titled “The devil is it, Mr President” might not be too beautiful. Some of the incriminating lines read: “Today, while your flock is suffering on account of your bad leadership, you are busy attributing your misdeeds to the good Lord. Those of us who are able to discern know that you are mistaken the devil for the Lord”. So also is the presidential response: “His (Umar’s) small group and the group they represent will never smell power in Nigeria again. He who repays good with evil, evil shall never leave his household.” Details
The meeting which was held on the 24th January, 2004 was attended by representatives of Kaduna State Ministry of Health , Kano State Committee on Immunization, Katsina State Government representatives and Zamfara State Commissioner for Health.Also present was Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu, who chaired the Federal Ministry of Health investigation Panel on OPV who went to South Africa; representatives of National Coordinator and Chief Executive of Programme on Immunization Dr. Awosika. Details
An unusual review of a Yoruba Publication in comparing the role of party chairmen in Nigerian and American Politics. By Dr. Wunmi Akintide.
(GAMJI)
Part of my goal in this article, is to do a Review of a Book written by a fellow Nigerian and another Akure man who evidently has been able to kill a tiger with a kitchen knife, so to speak, by his accomplishment in doing the book that I am trying to review. The Book is called "Modern Practical Dictionary" that translates Yoruba words into English and English words into Yoruba for the benefit of anyone interested in the study of Yoruba Language. Details
PEOPLE & POLITICS BY MOHAMMED HARUNA
Media Trust 1st Annual Dialogue : The vindication of Achebe?
When President Obasanjo wondered whether we will ever move from the Nigerian question to the Nigerian answer after over 43 years of asking that question, his impatient was not completely without justification. Forty-three years may be too early in the life of any nation to find the answers to all its key problems. Over two hundred years after America’s founding fathers established their union, questions are still being asked about equity and justice among the union’s classes, races, religions, regions and ethnic groups. Similar questions are also being asked in even much older unions like Britain, France, Germany, etc. Details
Storming
the Bastilles of Nigerian Decadence
(GAMJI)
The ugly situation still raging in Anambra state today is an indictment on the leadership of Nigeria today. It is a ballroom dance of criminals, who are having a very serious difficulty deciding on how to divide up their loot. The PDP looted Anambra State from the people. Their point men for that broad daylight heist were both named “Chris”. Both men are “Chiefs”. But current occurrences have proved them to be thieves of mean spirited mendacity. Details
Police not corrupt, says IG. By John Adeco
(GAMJI)
Tafa Balogun, A Police man and IG of the Nigerian Police Force, a man popularly known as "greedy Balo" speaking exclusively with Daily Champion in his office at Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, said the Force under him has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, and this, he said had yielded tremendous dividends. Details
The
many scandals of Shekarau’s Government
[Dorayi,
(GAMJI)
THE
N83m HAJJ SCANDAL. The Shekarau
Government is unable to explain to the public what truly happened in the Hajj
scandal (first blown open by The Sun newspaper of 23rd December 2003)
apparently involving both the Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau and his Deputy
Alhaji Magaji Abdullahi. Sources close to, or more probably even deep inside,
Government House Kano had nailed scandalous allegations of financial misdeeds
and allied immorality in
(GAMJI)
Some extra-ordinarily talented Nigerian youth have equally joined in the campaign and in the planning of NaYES 2004 as well as the relevant government bodies. Precisely, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Senator Adolphus Wabara on the 6th of August 2003 unanimously adopted a motion to support and back the proposed National Youth Employment Summit 2004. Details
The
Increment of tuition and accommodation fees in Nigerian Universities: A
systematic disempowerment.
By
Matthew Burkaa
Member,
Student Representative
Assembly
(SRA). ABUSUG
[Ahmadu Bello University Zaria]
(GAMJI)
Education is the bedrock for the growth and development of any nation, and the saying that the youths are the leaders of tomorrow has become a cliché, which is nonetheless incontrovertible. But where these future leaders have no access to quality education, there is no doubt that the future would suffer for it. Details
Good
Things Are Happening !
Nationa
Judicial Council And The Ikorodu Chapter Of NBA, Signal A New Dawn In The
Administration Of Justice In Nigeria
[New York, United States]
(GAMJI)
Good things are indeed happening in Nigeria! On Wednesday January 21, 2004 I read two articles in the on line version of a Nigerian newspaper, both articles reported, what I consider decent steps in the right direction, regarding judicial responsibility and the role of lawyers and the judiciary, in the uplift of Nigerians and Nigeria, Details
President Obasanjo and his Critics By Sabella Abidde
[Norman, Oklahoma]
(GAMJI)
The rule of politics dictates that those in opposition or out of the corridors of power criticize those in government -- especially when there are fundamental disagreements with the intermestic policies or direction of the government. They are to do so with decorum and dignity. Critics may be forceful and dramatic or even comical in style; but at no time must they be venomous, malicious, extrajudicial or inhumane in style or pronouncement. Details
MR.
PRESIDENT: IGNORE OSHIOMOLE
(GAMJI)
As mentioned, the opportunistic group is the most dangerous and destructive to the national interest in view of the tool employ and their parasitic nature on the economy. In fact, members of the group constitute the locust that feeds on the sweat of other citizens as in George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Their basic tools are outright hypocrisy and ethnic card as the event dictates. For clarity, I shall attempt to apply this to our national situation. Details
Of
National Interest
[New Jersey, U.S.A.]
(GAMJI)
The late Owelle Nnamdi Azikiwe, first President of Nigeria, once said that “change is constant.” Those listening to his sermon then at the Railway Hall Lagos in 1947 probably thought that he was prophesying the exit of the colonial masters; little did they know that change is indeed a constant phenomenon. Due to the inevitability of change, many nations have been compelled to amend or to moderate their constitutions and to adopt policies of adjustment. These adjustments unequivocally become the thrust behind their ‘national interest.’ Details
A
QUANTUM LOSS By
Physics
Department
[Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto]
(GAMJI)
According to Prof. Ola Rotimi, it is not the beating of rain that hurts but the cold blow of the wind. The death that early morning of 10th October 2003 of our friend and colleague Dr. Abdullahi Muhammed (1964-2003) via town road accident in Sokoto, has created a vacuum and the shock can only be held through the passage of time. Details
OBASANJO:
THE NERO OF OUR TIMES By
(GAMJI)
In the year 2000, President Olusegun Obasanjo visited England in the midst of an industrial action by labour. Before the trip, Obasanjo was told not to come by Tony Blair as he would not be chanced to attend to him, because his hands were full with the labour strikes and therefore he would be more interested in resolving the industrial dispute than attending to a visiting African President. Obasanjo did go and later felt slighted because he couldn’t see Blair. Details
(GAMJI)
There was so much hoopla surrounding Colonel Abubakar Umar’s letter to President Obasanjo that I had to read the letter in its entirety – twice! After which I said to my self, as did Roger Shattuck, in Candor and Perversion: "Everything has been said. But nobody listens. Therefore it has to be said all over again-- only better." In other words, there was nothing new in Umar’s open letter. Every single one of his misgivings and complains, truths, observations, insults, exasperations, and disappointments have been written about time and time again. Details
RESPONSE
TO MR RABIU’S REJOINDER.
(GAMJI)
First and foremost, I would like to make it clear that the article being referred to was not written by Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, but my me, Ameena Mohammed Indimi. If Mr. Rabiu had taken the time to actually read the said article, he would have known that, but instead he took it as an opportunity to insult a Known name that he equates with being part of the Nigerian Problem. Details
FELLOW
NIGERIANS, WHY NOT “LABOUR PARTY”, COME 2007.
[Dallas, Georgia USA]
(GAMJI)
In January of 1966, a group of army officers, consisting mostly of the Ibo peoples, and led by General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, overthrew the central and regional governments, killed the prime minister, took control of the government, and got rid of the federal system of government to replace it with a central government with many Ibos as advisors. This precipitated riots and many Ibos were killed in the process. In July of the same year, a group of northern army officers revolted against the government (beginning a long history of military coups),
TO PROFESSOR EYITAYO LAMBO AND MAL. IBRAHIM SHEKARAU By Dr Aminu Magashi
(GAMJI)
Nigeria, India and Pakistan together account for more than 95 percent of all polio cases, within these three countries, transmission of polio virus is further confined to polio hot spots especially in 5 states and provinces (kano in Nigeria, Uttar Pradesh And Bilhar In India And North West Frontier Province Ands Sindh In Pakistan) that together are linked to more than 75 % of all new cases world wide in 2003. Details
The
Delusion of Absolute Power
By Tochukwu Ezukanma
(GAMJI)
Not too long ago, a diminutive general dispensing cold hearted power from Abuja, believed that he could hold on to power indefinitely in defiance of the collective will of the people. Africans thought that their worst nightmares were made manifest in Idi Amin and Mobutu Sese Seko. That is, until the debut of Sani Abacha. Abacha combined the worst of Amin and Mobutu: wanton brutality and mindless kleptomania.
SOCIETY AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTE OF WOMEN By Philip F. Stephanie
(Department of mass comm.
Borno State.)
(GAMJI)
“Gender struggle in Nigeria is informed by the resolve to negate and totally collapse those socio-cultural factors that subjugate the Nigerian women making it impossible for her to offer the society the benefits of her unique attribute”. Details
(GAMJI)
I have opened my eyes much wider to the gravity of the national question in Nigeria. In most places, I have met many Nigerians, a lot of them well educated, who are so willing and ready to put tribe before nation. Many of those pan-Nigerian associations, which waxed so strong ten, even six years ago, have degenerated into tribal unions. Their tribalism has provoked counter tribalism’s as every ethnic grouping now seeks some kind of exclusivist tribal umbrella to insure it against the leaking Nigerian sky. Details
(GAMJI)
I once had cause to define Voting as the Language of Democracy. Today I am in the business of identifying some of the men and women that shape America with their brains and talents and the power of their pen. I simply want to explore the role of the News Media in making the new Canaan the envy of the world, and giving more meaning to the Beauty of American Politics which was the central theme of my last article in which I have tried to focus the pros and cons of American Politics as I see them. Details
Review of the Jos Shariah Conference by Dasuki Ado-Kurawa From Margaret McKean Information Officer
[U.S. Embassy Abuja]
(GAMJI)
I would draw your attention
to the article on the recent Jos conference by Mr. Ado-Kurawa posted on
gamji.com. He claims in the first sentence that
the Volkswagen Foundation of Germany "and the United States
Government" sponsored this conference in Jos. While true that the
Volkswagen Foundation of Germany sponsored the conference, the U.S. Government did not. We
provided travel funds for one speaker (Dr. Cole Durham) to the conference
following a request from the organizers. Details
Professor
Bolaji Aluko"
A chip of the old block, a scholar and a patriot.
(GAMJI)
Nobody can hide light. "Ti omo eni ba dara, ka wi, "Ojogbon Bolaji Aluko ti pe-ge-de, o ti fi egboro j'oka," as the Yorubas will always say in our rich philosophical language. This statement simply means Professor Bolaji has excelled, all things considered, and he deserves all the attention his amazing articles are getting on most Internet websites and newspapers across our country. He, like the old boy, Rueben Abati, has more than earned the right to be called a multi website writer or columnist because the young man has earned his wings, and should feel free to fly any where in the world That fact must be acknowledged by all and sundry, regardless of which side of the Great Divide you belong. Like father like son. Details
Fraud In Kaduna State By Abu Amirah Ibrahim
(GAMJI)
(GAMJI)
Is Governor Chris Ngige (OON) a democratic myth or a symbol for Nigerian question and Nigerian answer? What manner of man is this phenomenal political puzzle? Is he a reason or a cause of effect? Just help add the rest of the questions…; and think with me here. Details
Sardauna's Rejection of Independence: A Rejoinder to Usman Yerima's Article. By Umar Bello
(GAMJI)
When Sir Ahamadu Bello made that his famous and very strategic decision about Nigerian independence having to wait until a little time later he had the love of his region and indeed his whole country at heart. The disdain with which the South held the North then was legendary. A Northerner to them was just a nincompoop just because he was thought not to be educated in the western sense. Detail
The North in Quandary: Atiku as a Scapegoat. By Abba Musa Kudu
(GAMJI)
Ever since the unfortunate cancellation of Abiola’s election in June 1993, things have never been the same for Northern Nigeria again. The annulment of his election by General Babangida, ostensibly to “protect” the interest of the North in the political affairs of Nigeria, has opened a pandora’s box of such magnitude that today left the North in a mood of self-pity. Details
Appeasing the gods of Crime; A Nigerian Past time. By Emmanuel Franklyne Ogbunwezeh
(GAMJI)
The reverse of civility is now reigning in Nigeria in this regard. Instead of the law being allowed to take its course, those who make our laws and other discredited elites are very busy making concessions and bowing to the blackmail of a degenerate. Details
(GAMJI)
His most bizarre statement was that there was never an Islamic ‘state’ in history, whatever the state means to him, because he made no clear definitions of any terms in his presentation. He also asserted that the Shari’ah was only implemented during the time of the Prophet (SAW) therefore Muslims cannot implement it now and any attempt would lead to civil war as was the case in his native Sudan. Details
The Nigerian Question: The Way Forward. By Mahmud Tukur, Ph.D.
We have regressed in our evolution to such an extent that Nigeria is perhaps a failed state. There is no security, no regular services of any type and, it is ‘normal’ for the Naira to crash by the grace of parallel market forces against the U.S. Federal Reserve managed dollar. We have budgets only in name. Shoot outs and brawls are common at political party meetings and conventions. Those with access to power or means to coerce can do whatever they wish! Could we imagine any rational justification for the onslaught on unarmed civilians of Rafinpa village, near Jos in the dead of night in a combined operation by the Police, the Air Force and the Army on 18th December, 2003 Details
(GAMJI)
Any study of democratization in Nigeria must address the crisis or uncertainty over the civilian-to-civilian succession. One could argue that the immediate cause of the termination of the civilian rule in 1966 and 1983 was as a result of disputed civilian-civilian elections that were badly rigged by the incumbent and highly disputed by the opposition parties. This is why the 2003 election is keenly watched for “warning signs” if the process could backslide. Details
Agony: An Experience from ‘Behind the Wall’. By Murtala S. Sagagi
(GAMJI)
Finally, I would like to land with reminiscence. No matter how we dislike Obasanjo’s policies at present, still we remember and admire the gentle man’s past humility, statesmanship and a desire to bolster democracy and justice. But that is all history. The anguish and despair he endured during his captivity in one of the nation’s prisons had exposed him to bad attitude, vendetta, highhandedness and inhumane behaviour. Details
Are There Laws in Nigeria? By Ike Naijaman
(GAMJI)
I guess this might seem to be a strange question. The immediate answer is, “Of course!” We have a constitution, various statutes, edicts, decrees and laws. We have British-derived laws, we have Sharia laws. We have courts, a judicial system, a Sharia judicial system, customary courts, Bar Associations, and all the trappings and fittings of jurisprudence. We have law enforcement agencies with a variety of names, ranging from the police, to “Road Safety”, to “Operation Fire for Fire”, Customs, etc. We even have prisons. But seriously, do we have laws in Nigeria? Details
Suspension of the NLC Strike: Judicial Irresponsibility or Executive Rascality? By Ibrahim Dan Halilu
(GAMJI)
It was the late Tai Solarin of blessed memory who once condemned Nigerians in his famous column in the Nigeria Tribune “The State of the Nation,” as Sitting Ducks. Nothing corroborates this claim than the attitude of most Nigerians to the recent unilateral imposition of fuel tax by the Executive on the New Year Day, which was supposed to be a day of jubilation and positive resolutions. Details
(GAMJI)
The ongoing and seemingly increasingly acrimonious dispute in Nigeria over who should have the delegation and, accordingly, be responsible for the administration of the .ng ccTLD is rather unfortunate. Although the dispute has only recently attracted widespread reports and comment in the press, it is a dispute whose origin could be traced, ultimately, to a rather global un-preparedness due to the loosely structured and haphazard nature of the initial evolution of the Internet (and the World Wide Web) itself Details
After Polio Investigation, What Next (Part 1). By Dr. Aminu Magashi
(GAMJI)
What necessitated this write up were two recent experiences, the first was when I visited Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital in Kano on the eve of new year and at different departments after exchanging pleasantries with my medical colleagues, the next thing that came up in most of such encounters, was, Dr. Magashi, we were defeated about the polio vaccine, we don't know what to tell parents any more about polio vaccine, after the outcome of the Kano led investigation which reveled contaminant within the vaccine . Details
Critical Review of Buhari's Presidential Ambition: A Reply to Sammy Adebayo. By Bello Seven
(GAMJI)
You alleged that "Buhari, went around advising Northerners to vote for only a Muslim candidate". What he really said in that speech in Sokoto has been debated upon by members of the Nigerian public. The truth emerged much later after Rev. Matthew Kukah, a respected clergyman and long time friend of the General, spoke to him in a bid to get to the bottom of the issue. Rev. Kukah then went on record to completely debunk the allegation. Details
A Word for Peter Obi – Anambara People’s Choice. By Peter Opara
(GAMJI)
I know Dr. Chris Ngige, the now beleaguered Anambara physician turned politician. Ngige was a Nigerian National Youth Corp participant attached to the Nigerian National Assembly, where I was until General Muhammadu Buhari fired us all. The last time I saw Ngige, about March of 1984, I had secured another employment in my field, communications, thanks to my friend Sani Abacha, whom I last saw also in 1984. Details
The Fractured United Nations: What Role is Afrika Playing in the World House? By Murtala Bala Habu, III
(GAMJI)
I know with conviction that, Africans don’t want to die before we cease living because of our unselfishcracy to Africa; however, in this new Africa generation through our collective efforts and causes for Africa is good to cease existing before the baby continents kill us. Details
State of the Nation Yesterday and Today. ByFeena Ameer Musa
(GAMJI)
I love my country and I am proud of what it used to stand for. Buhari was on track, Abacha tried, Obasanjo you messed up the first time and you still are but you still have a chance to improve . Details
OBJ: A Replica of the Past. By Dr. Sylvester Fadal
(GAMJI)
OBJ has not disappointed a mass majority of those who did not vote him into power. He has not disappointed those who knew from the onset that he is a man with no honor or a true personal sense of dignity. He is a selfish compromiser who desperately wanted to rise to level of personal privilege again, that he willingly signed away his rights to effective leadership, to those who indirectly appointed him into position through their ill-earned wealth. Details
Reply to Mr. Idimi AKA Mr Important that Should be Allowed into a Convoy. By Rajiu Musa
(GAMJI)
At times I feel like we are a nation of idiots, I use to console myself that at least those that are opportune to travel abroad and the few others back home with good vision for the country will at least have good motives for the country, but it seems like some just travel to be back home as educated illiterates and cannot think beyond their own selfish reasons and form four thinking. Details
Perceiving Obasajocracy in Nigerian Political Culture. By Patrick Iroegbu
(GAMJI)
The nuances in Igbo language show that obasanjo comes from two Igbo words, namely “obasa” and “njo.” Obasa connotes spreader, and njo means bad, evil, ugly, sin. There is no mid nasal consonant or lip-smacking vowel to exclusively serve as a conjunctive. The word in itself is self-standing. That is why for any Igbo speaker, the word carries such a self-destructive meaning that anyone, it is generally believed, behaves like such a person’s name. Details
Standard of Nigeria Future Leaders vis-a-vis N.Y.S.C. Scheme. By Aliyu Sa'ad
(GAMJI)
Nowadays, the first thing to come in mind about the future is those youths that acquire material education (Western Education) from various tertiary institutions. Because it is rear these days to see even a secondarian councilor talkless of chairmen, governors and etc. this means that the prediction of the future leaders of this country depends on the graduates that the country produces from the Universities, colleges and polytechnics in the federation and overseas as well. Details
How the Nigerian Society Produced a Chris Uba and Why; A Socio-Political Analysis. By Ibiyinka Solarin
(GAMJI)
Millions of Nigerian citizens, lovers of Nigeria, all over the world, continue to be feel scandalized, bewildered and confounded by the events in Anambra state, since July 10 2003.. This was the day that an Assistant Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police lead a 200-man team in an operation to forcibly remove from office, a governor of a constituent state [Anambra] of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Details
Our Hausa-Fulani Leaders: A Blessing or A Curse. By Usman Yerima
(GAMJI)
It is no lie that we have dominated the leadership of Nigeria since independence, but what does our northern leaders have to show for all those years of sitting in the thrones of leadership? Let us be honest here, and go back briefly to pre-independence Nigeria. Details
Anambra Crisis: Presidential Responsibility and the Art of Making a Mess of the Law. By Kennedy Emetulu
(GAMJI)
'Pure water' business must be sumptuously lucrative, otherwise how could he have been able to sponsor these huge political escapades on behalf of himself and others? And, of course, he must be god or something close, considering his capacity to send grown, professionally successful men (he himself is a Class 3 dropout) to go obliterate themselves in his service. Details
A Rejoinder to Sammy Adebayo on Wada Nas’ Letter to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. By Lawal Murabis
(GAMJI)
A shon of de shoil, and the Attorney-general of the federation was brutally murdered in a cold blooded assassination and the prime suspect even contested for the seat of a senator and won from “prison”, yet to date nothing is done about it. And you call this a normal society? Oh! come on, give me a break. Details
Akande and AD Brouhaha. By Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba
(GAMJI)
Ever since AD convention surfaced in December 16, 2003 I have been thinking of a connotation to describe our so-called leaders especially as I am learning in this AD saga, but I have found none. Details
A Sleeping Giant Wake Up Call. By Alhaji Mohammed Indim
(GAMJI)
On a recent trip to Yola, like any sane Nigerian, I was petrified to brave the long journey back home to Maiduguri with my driver. As luck would have it, the first lady of Yobe, was also heading back to Maiduguri from a wedding we had both attended. Common sense and a knack for self-preservation prompted me to ask the ever so gracious and kind first lady if I could join her secure convoy for the rather perilous journey back home. Details
Our Hausa-Fulani Leaders: A Blessing or A Curse. By Usman Yerima
(GAMJI)
It is no lie that we have dominated the leadership of Nigeria since independence, but what does our northern leaders have to show for all those years of sitting in the thrones of leadership? Let us be honest here, and go back briefly to pre-independence Nigeria. Details
Anambra Crisis: Presidential Responsibility and the Art of Making a Mess of the Law. By Kennedy Emetulu
(GAMJI)
'Pure water' business must be sumptuously lucrative, otherwise how could he have been able to sponsor these huge political escapades on behalf of himself and others? And, of course, he must be god or something close, considering his capacity to send grown, professionally successful men (he himself is a Class 3 dropout) to go obliterate themselves in his service. Details
A Rejoinder to Sammy Adebayo on Wada Nas’ Letter to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. By Lawal Murabis
(GAMJI)
A shon of de shoil, and the Attorney-general of the federation was brutally murdered in a cold blooded assassination and the prime suspect even contested for the seat of a senator and won from “prison”, yet to date nothing is done about it. And you call this a normal society? Oh! come on, give me a break. Details
Akande and AD Brouhaha. By Lsjc Adeyemi LaCrown Oloruntoba
(GAMJI)
Ever since AD convention surfaced in December 16, 2003 I have been thinking of a connotation to describe our so-called leaders especially as I am learning in this AD saga, but I have found none. Details
A Sleeping Giant Wake Up Call. By Alhaji Mohammed Indim
(GAMJI)
On a recent trip to Yola, like any sane Nigerian, I was petrified to brave the long journey back home to Maiduguri with my driver. As luck would have it, the first lady of Yobe, was also heading back to Maiduguri from a wedding we had both attended. Common sense and a knack for self-preservation prompted me to ask the ever so gracious and kind first lady if I could join her secure convoy for the rather perilous journey back home. Details
Polio Immunization, W.H.O. Misgivings in Nigeria. By Ali Bukar Ahmad
(GAMJI)
Some people are questioning why the west is sinking millions of dollars on issues affecting others. Tell them that disease is like bush fire, when it starts you don’t know the limit or the extent it will go. In essence, you see, the west is indirectly protecting itself in the process of protecting others. Don’t start with telling the people that it is a humanitarian aid. Details
"RITETIME'S DOOMTIME" - A Twisted but Somewhat Orchestrated Failure? By Ola Daroosha
(GAMJI)
First of all, there is no company in America or in Nigeria registered as Ritetime World Airways. The name Ritetime World Airways was fabricated by the less than ethical, fraud-laden mind of the founder of Ritetime Aviation and Travel Services - Peter O. Obafemi. From its inception to its present doom’s day story, everything Ritetime is a deception from the pit of hell in a ‘pick pocket’ sort of way. It is a systematic dipping into innocent people’s pocket by a glamorized ‘wanna be’ travel agency located in Atlanta, Georgia. Details
Nigeria Will Survive. By Ejovwoke Ughwanogho
(GAMJI)
Shehu Shagari managed to keep the ventilator to sustain Nigeria in its comatose state. The Buhari-Idiagbon regime tried desperately to heal Nigeria. But the diversionary cabals would not allow it. Babangida, who was always in the picture of every coup in Nigeria, toppled the Buhari-Idiagbon regime via a military coup detat. Corruption became official and very pervasive. Sorrows, tears, and blood were the trademark of Babangida’s regime. Details
Governor Ngige is Another Maradona. By Samuel Obukwelu
(GAMJI)
The fight being put up by the foes of Governor Ngige remind me of a story a soldier told me after the Nigerian civil war. Succinctly put, he said, " The only way a Nigerian soldier determined whether a Biafran soldier was dead was if the Biafran soldier did not turn when a bag of coins was shaken in his ears". Pathetic, is it not? Details
(GAMJI)
This
eighty-eight pages book by a professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies who stated
his interest and sympathy for the Shari’ah as well as human rights in another
paper[1]
is a welcome development on the documentation of the Shari’ah in
Critical Review of Buhari's Presidential Ambition. By Sammy Adebayo
(GAMJI)
So let us assume that Buhari was a honest man from that perspective. One interesting thing however, is that his administration passed a decree setting an age limit on Muslims wishing to perform the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. If I can recall correctly, Buhari's administration passed a law that only persons 17 years or older could officially qualify for the Hajj expedition. However, after his overthrow, his deputy, Tunde Idiagbon returned to Nigerian from performing the Hajj along with his 16 year old son, who had also gone on the trip, thereby violating the decree established by the Buhari administration. Details
Anambra Crisis Is Good for Nigeria. By Obiora Ezenwa
(GAMJI)
As hard as it may be to see any silver lining in institutional destruction, the conflagration may be good for Nigeria in the long run. In the first place, it will it will show Nigerians just what type of human being they have elected the person of President Matthew Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo. Details
(GAMJI WRITER)
In a sense, Muslim critics fail to recognize the real intellectual problem they face. In reality, many Muslims who are steeped in tradition do not accept the egalitarian conceptions of western society... In traditional Muslim thought, or at least in its most prevalent readings, a slave is not the equal of a free-born, a woman is not equal to a man and a non-Muslim is not equal to a Muslim, even though clear guidelines are given for compassionate treatment of women and slaves Details
Between Nigerian Women and N.C.W.S. By Abubakar Sambo Mohammed
(GAMJI)
So, for the anybody to believe that the Nigerian Women has a single umbrella body that fight on their behalf, in order to protect their interest, most certainly be dreaming. If one may ask, what tangible achievement does this women body made since when it come on board, their likely answers is the “vultures progress”. Details
Is obvious that most Nigerian Media are Hypocritical. By Rajiu Musa
(GAMJI)
The main reason for writing this article is to express my opinion on a website www.arewa-online.com, which recently published on their site IBB the MAN OF THE YEAR. I was asleep on the 17th of January and I received 7 different phone calls, which all were, I quote “can you imagine what Arewa-online did when it is supposed to be one of the best websites” Details
The Legality Of The Purported Removal Of Dr. Chris N. Ngige As Governor Of Anambra State By The Enugu High Court. By Sonny Onyegbula, Esq.
(GAMJI)
The suspension order handed down to Justice Wilson Egbo-Egbo of the Abuja High Court by the National judicial council did not seem to have deterred other unscrupulous judicial officers who assume jurisdiction over matters they ordinarily do not have any business to adjudicate upon. Now that the harm has been done and the judiciary once again brought into disrepute, what should be done to salvage the situation? Details
Can laws be said to be artificial and under what socio-cultural contexts? By artificiality, I mean the extent to which Nigerian laws fail to reflect her culture, philosophy and level of civilization. In other words, I refer to the extent, which the laws fail to originate from Nigeria or challenge the cultures. Details
Igbo Nation on the Precipice. By Mazi Kevin Ani
(GAMJI)
Well, the Anambra crisis is not the first time a crisis of legitimacy has occurred in Nigerian recent political history. In the early 1980s, the Yoruba refused to accept the supposed victory of NPN's Akin Omoboriowo. In the mayhem that ensued, lives and properties were lost including that of the famous publisher Fagbamigbe. The Yoruba siddon looked, they did not lift a finger to quell the crisis which lingered on until the Shagari regime was overthrown in a military putsch which referred to the Omoboriowo saga as a trigger. Details
Raphael Ige – A Death And A Bad Omen. By Banjo Odutola
(GAMJI)
Mr. Raphael Ige - Oke-Ife man; Yagba man, Lokoja man; Kogi man; Police man; Ignominious man as Daily Independent Newspaper cited; whatever type of man he was, his death poses more questions than it has left unanswered. Whatever we make of the former Assistant Inspector of the Nigeria Police, the truth of what he was, will remain unknown. Details
Fuel Tax: Another Burden on Nigerians. By Fatima Dominic Vakkai
(GAMJI)
Not
masses will be taxed, remember, it is the consumer that bears the burden and who
are they
Are We Doing The Right Thing, Importing These Sorts Of Foreign Farmers? By Paul I. Adujie
(GAMJI)
I feel a personal loss and disappointment, as I have become aware, or as I have learned that, President Obasanjo has offered ringing endorsement, to the stampede by some state governors in Nigeria, to import foreign farmers to Nigeria, I think the idea of importing foreign farmers is a very bad one, in particular, these peculiar white farmers from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa, given their antecedents or history of land-grabbing practice, practiced with the support of the hitherto apartheid and minority white regimes in Southern parts Africa Details
Saving the City of Abuja from Dirt, Faeces, Garbage, and Diseases!
(ANALYSIS)
Given
the magnitude of the above-identified distortions of the
Occultism in Power. By Lawal Shaibu
(GAMJI)
This
menace remains intractable to be expunged at this micro level because it
is a part of a bastardised whole whose leadership is dunked in a more
Wada Nas and Polio Palaver. By Sammy Adebayo
(GAMJI)
Mr. Nas was Minister of Special duties under Rogue Abacha regime. Nobody in a civilized democracy knows what a Minister of Special Duties is, or what such a Minister actually does. The conclusion I have arrived at is this; a Minister of Special Duties is a minister without any role, significance or importance. Details
Nigerian Internet 419 on the Loose. By Femi Oyesanya
(GAMJI)
This paper will adopt a working definition of Cybercrime in Nigeria, as Internet and Computer aided criminal activity, originating from Nigerian Internet space, by Nigerians located in foreign Internet space or a collaboration of Nigerians locally and internationally. The scope of these types of crime, are generally financial and economic crimes. In particular, 419 Email Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, and general fraudulent financial transactions. Details
James Adeen's Harangues. By Rukayya U. Bello
(GAMJI)
The likes of Adeen are so bigoted that they can not come to terms with the fact that Obasnjo is a bad leader; period. And that because of this Nigerians are looking inward into our problems to determine the solution, at least a Yoruba president has proved a wrong solution. Details
Let The Children Live, Please. By Peter Opara
(GAMJI)
An Iman, Sheik Mohammed added to the fray, saying, “Muslims, we hate America…..how can we trust this nation, especially when it helps buy polio vaccine and then puts drops of the vaccine in our children’s mouth?” Details
Is HIV/AIDS Another Dividend of Democracy? (Part Two). By Dr. Aminu Magashi
(GAMJI)
Why should people like us become surprised if every subsequent sentinel surveillance reveals that the spread is increasing and the epidemic is not being curtailed. When the very advocacy approach adopted by us is a catalyst to promote the spread of HIV....In a country of about 4 million people infected with HIV, it leaves much to be desired about the policy of the national anti retroviral drugs programme.Details