Shifting Paradigms: A Tribute to Aret Adams. By  Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.

[Port Harcourt, Nigeria]

(GAMJI WRITER)

Is the so-called “onshore-offshore” dichotomy in Nigeria serving the strategic petroleum supply interests of the industrialised (OECD) countries, the United States of America, in particular, and not necessarily the greed of the land-locked non-petroleum producing, “non-oil-endowed” states of Nigeria, and/or the select clique of beneficiaries of the “dividends of democracy” in Nigeria: the “Aso Rockers”? Details

The Roller coaster Life of Murtala Muhammed. By Max Siollun

(GAMJI)

Very few of Nigeria’s former military leaders are spoken of with any great affection.  There is on notable exception: General Murtala Muhammed.  The time of his regime is recalled with nostalgia by Nigerians of both civilian and military persuasions as a golden age.  Whereas today, military rule, and military rulers, have been demonised, Murtala gave Nigeria a glimpse of the principled and dynamic leadership that its citizens crave.  Here, I attempt to give readers a closer look at the most popular Head of State in Nigeria’s history. Details

Democracy Under Siege: Is Obasanjo the Man to Trust? By Abdullahi Bego

[IRAN]

(GAMJI)

Those of us who felt and argued that the impeachment clause should not be invoked against President Obasanjo, as the House of Representatives has threatened to do, despite a body of reasons and evidences to do so, are being proved wrong once again. Against our argument for Obasanjo to continue in office in support of the survival of democracy and national stability, the President has proved impervious, once again, to the provisions of the Nigerian constitution and the deft political skills needed by a man seeking re-election. Details

End Game for the Odd Father? By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo

(GAMJI)

It is barely months to end of "Odd father's" tenure and everywhere is on fire. So far a government which was to be admired for its anti-corruption gimmicks has turned out to have the most elastic accounting practices ever know in Nigerian affairs. Impeachment motion apart, he has set up machinery to remove his man-friday Anyim Pius Anyim from the leadership of the senate and is using the ICPC against his arch enemy Ghali Umar Na'abba. Details

Let’s Have a Clearer Vision. By Akin Falegan

(GAMJI)

There is a debilitating evil that pervades Nigeria and Nigerians. In spite of our obvious and credible claim to ingenious propensities and abilities in virtually all disciplines imaginable to man. Our worst enemy is impatience and inclination to judge our progress from other people’s standpoint and perspective. As long as we continue in this debilitating exercise the future of Nigeria will continue to be guess work. Details

National Conference: The Great Debate (1 and 2. By Mahmood S. Musa

(GAMJI)

Ironically, the same people who don't want to remain in Nigeria with the rest of us are now insisting on ID Card for election. Isn't it absurd? In any case why are we talking of National ID Card when we have not agreed on who our citizens and what our borders are? Obviously, there are a lot of myths about Nigeria that are being peddled by those who have identified an almighty formula - the "Sovereign National Conference" -to solve all our problems. What is it all about? What are the facts and what are the fictions? Details

2003 and the Illegal Use of Public Resources for Personal Political Campaign Activities. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife

(GAMJI)

The presidency is currently building and equipping 36 FM radio stations in the 36 states of Nigeria. The reason behind this selfish and senseless investment is obvious. The President and PDP are laying groundwork for the 2003 national election campaigns. It beats one’s imagination as to why the federal government would embark on these projects at a time the government claims to be making every effort to privatize government-owned companies and parastatals. Detail

The African Hypocrites. By Sam Abbd Israel

(GAMJI)

The African worshippers of foreign gods are soulless and they are moronic opportunists. As their fathers and forefathers before them did in order to survive the atrocities of the bloody marauders, the sons and daughters in our present age have continued with the same shameless practices. Of course, the African ancestors made a large profit by their pretended conversion to Islam and Christianity. Through this lie their offspring became models of success and achievement in their society. Details

Why I  Think President Obasanjo Should be Impeached: A Rejoinder to Obi. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

No right-thinking Nigerian will pretend that all is well with our democratic governance in view of the recent nosedive into ethno-religious cocoons by the ruling elite in attempting to cover up the incompetence of the president.  It is rather unfortunate that those who fought for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria with their freedom, wealth and blood are today retrogressing into defenders of civilian dictatorship led by President Obasanjo. Details

Humpty Dumpty: The Impeachment Saga Can Anyone Put Nigeria Together Again? By Debo Awosika-Olumo, MD, MS, MPH

(GAMJI)

In my opinion, after reviewing the historical governance of the failed experiment called Nigeria, I respectfully question the wisdom of the country’s existence as a Nation. It is time to try something else that will encourage the right crops of ruling class in the country and countries that may arise from the disintegration of the country. Details

Nigeria at Fourty Two (42): Which Way Forward? By Mrs. Halima Shehu Rimi

(GAMJI)

Iam sure many Nigerians will join me to ask the question:-Where are the so- called dividends of democracy they were promised by the democratizing Government of Obasanjo? Again FOLKS, no domestic Infrastructure. Details

Atiku: The Price of Absolute Loyalty. By  Muhammad L. Maikudi

(GAMJI)

The choice of Atiku, then, was, according to Obasanjo, that Atiku was loyal and has been loyal to him. On several occasions Atiku himself confess to Nigerians that he got the slot because of his loyalty. It is quite true that Atiku’s loyalty to Obasanjo was not in doubt. This must have been due to Atiku’s loyalty to late Gen. Shehu Musa ‘Yar’adua, (may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace) a legendary political tactician, who was reputed to be loyal to Obasanjo while he (‘Yar’adua) was alive. Details

Obasanjo: Impeachment and its Narratives. By  Abdullahi Bego

(GAMJI)

Power shift ideologues on the other hand are to be found within the so-called Lagos-Ibadan axis press and among academics and opinion leaders who believed that power had resided for so long in the ‘north’ and that it was logical and timely to ‘shift’ it to the South. Columnists and writers of this gospel want everyone to know (and believe) that certain ‘invisible hands’ were behind the House attempt to invoke the impeachment clause against the President and thus truncate the turn of the South at the leadership of the Nigerian enterprise. Details

Ojukwu and Igbo Leadership. By Tochukwu Ezukanma

(GAMJI)

Nnamdi Azikiwe among others disagreed with Ojukwu's methods, and counseled against his policy of secession. Ojukwu ignored and/or suppressed all such dissenting views, and set off on his own political course. So, he is liable for Biafranism, and all the pains, sorrows, and ravages it wrought on the Igbo. Even the qualified endorsement of secession by the Ojukwu appointed Consultative Assembly does not in any way exonerate him from this responsibility. Details

Is the President Really that Vulnerable? By Mike Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

I noticed that it has suddenly become convenient allegorizing Abacha and Obasanjo as being complementary sides of the same coin featuring Hausa/Fulani versus the Yoruba in the contest of who among these groups are the better managers of national affairs. The multitude of rabid ethnicists now on the prowl fail to understand that while Abacha’s rulership was anchored on brute force and falsehood, that of Obasanjo, as faulty and burdensome as it may now be for us, is supposedly anchored on a democratic foundation that embodies the will of those who voted him to power – the electorate. Details

Obasanjo on the Cross. By Abubakar Jika

(GAMJI WRITER)

I have consistently argued for the past three years that we are unfairly saddled with a failed President. Not only is Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime visionless, directioness but arrogant and insensitive. The worse part is I could not see any light at the end of the tunnel. There was no sign that the Chief from Owu was ready to hear any other voice except his and that of his cronies. Details

Transparency of Corruption. By Abubakar A. Muhammad

(GAMJI)

Here is a government which has earned itself the number one position as the most corrupt in the world, courtesy of the Transparency International which OBJ is a board member as well. Other reputable international bodies like the USAID, NGOs and the British have stated that 55 and 56 percent of corrupt practices in Nigeria, both public and private levels take place right in Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria. How does the leader take all this? Details

The Impeachment Issue and the Nigerian Chatteratti. By  Chudi Okoye

(GAMJI)

President Obasanjo’s initial public reaction to the ultimatum appeared to be to dismiss it as a “joke carried too far”.  Some have, perhaps uncharitably, construed the president’s early reaction to imply a lack of concern about the legislators’ complaints, and for this reason he has been roundly criticized.  However it is possible that Mr. Obasanjo’s public display may have been read too simplistically.  For although this wily old general may act impassively in public (perhaps to convey signals of stability and authoritative control to domestic and international stakeholders), he seems nonetheless to be sufficiently aware of the threats presented by the events. Details

Impeachment: Ambition Sealed? By Mohammed Bala

(GAMJI)

As for the President, he was always being accused of non-compliance with the provisions of the constitution in his handling of governmental affairs. That he shirks his responsibilities to the populace by unnecessarily traveling abroad. That he has marginalized some parts of the country that have voted him en masse to the benefit of his people, the Yorubas. Infact when he submitted the list of his ministerial nominees to the National Assembly, most of the States were allocated one ministerial position, while those States in the Southwest got two slots each. The same goes with his list for ambassadorial appointments. Details

Second Term Politics and the Atiku Factor. By Michael Ikhariale

(GAMJI)

I think one individual that I somehow feel for in all of these is the VP, Abubakar Atiku. The ongoing permutation seems to have impacted so negatively on him that he may well be one of the most unhappy politicians in the country for now. He stands between the proverbial devil and the deep blue sea. Head or tail, he is in some trouble. If Obasanjo is perceived as successful, his enemies calculate that he will profit by it and forestall their own chance of ever getting into Aso Rock soon, as the presidency would fall on him, as a fait accompli. On the other hand, those who spin for Obasanjo think that Atiku is not doing enough to shield his boss from unwarranted and undeserved darts from the vengeful ‘opposition’ because he hopes to profit by it. Details

Executive Presidential Council is the Way. By Ugo Harris

(GAMJI)

My suggestion is Executive Presidential council which has also been suggested by prominent Nigerians like Senator Melford Okilo and others, in this case each of the Zones( South-South, South East, South West, North West, Middle Belt and North East) will elect a person into this Executive Presidential council and within this Presidential Council of Six persons whom will be replaced from his or her zone in case of death , health reasons or removal/impeachment etc....Details

New National Assembly, New Resolutions. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

[KADUNA]

(GAMJI)

Quite rightly, there is no genuine basis whatsoever in imposing on parties seeking recognition by INEC the stringent two-third of 36 states as their area of coverage or operation as a condition for their registration, except that some political players either at the presidency or the National Assembly or both want to sideline the most active and capable segment of our politicians.  Nigerians have been watching how the PDP and ANPP leadership are objecting to the presidential aspiration of some Nigerians even as they are bona fide members of the parties.  Details

Brain Drain: A Legitimate Commercial Asset for Export. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife, Esq.

(GAMJI)

It is fallacious for Nigeria’s policy makers to continue to labour under the erroneous impression that crude oil and cash crops are the only commodities Nigeria can export. Expertise and technical know how are lucrative earners of foreign exchange. Countries such as India, Pakistan, China and the Philippines, to name a few, are making a killing in Europe and North America in some of these areas of human endeavour. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico are doing it with soccer. Nigeria should create a cabinet rank department devoted solely to this enterprise. Details

To Obasanjo and His Fellow "Tourists"--Charity Begins at Home. By Osita Chiagorom

[CHINA]

(GAMJI)

The way and manner in which Obasanjo is ruling the country should be understood from the antecedents of caliber of men who are advising him. That's why the government has completely lost focus. You can't surround yourself with self seeking, sycophantic personalities and expect to behave well. Men like Jerry Gana, Tony Anenih, Adamu Ciroma are all well known to us. They have no vision. Details

The Problem is Not Obasanjo, But Crisis of Governance Caused By the Crisis in the PDP. By Professor Omo Omoruyi, mni

(GAMJI)

Why did President Obasanjo fail to allow God’s word to pass as soon as he became the President is the source of the problems he brought on the country since 1999.   President Obasanjo, a Christian for that matter should be reminded by the Christian organizations rallying round him today as if the crisis is a Christian-Muslim crisis that God’s Words are never in vain.  This is where the Christian organizations are not helping the President. Details

An Appeal to the Ummah (2). By Orok Edem

(GAMJI)

The question to the Ummah is: What does the Shariah say about Resource Control? I would start answering this question by bringing up the vexatious interpretation of land ownership by Aremu. The Shariah recognizes that land is owned by people and not the State and that it can be transferred by inheritance. I challenge any member of the Ummah to refute this. Details

Still on Sexuality Education. By Ibrahim Dan Halilu

(GAMJI)

I think the Ulama and the entire Muslim community have no moral right to condemn the HIV/AIDS campaigners and the promoters of sexuality education because the challenge was open.  Every human being has a role to play in curbing the menace.  The Muslim community has refused to rise up to the occasion, which requires studying the sociology of the spread of the virus and coming up with a socio-economic package that will create a balanced society, where nobody’s human-imposed weakness will be exploited to endanger the entire humanity. Details

A Scientific Interpretation of Human Status in the Qur'an. By Abdulsalam Ajetunmobi

(GAMJI)

A small digression: While I was writing this article, my attention was drawn to an editorial comment in last Sunday Guardian newspaper (08/09/02) entitled "Pregnancy, NYSC and The Bank" where the paper's famous commentator and columnist, Dr. Reuben Abati highlighted the disillusionment of Nigerian working class women who have sought to combine family constraints with work. 

Details

OBJ: Nigeria's Worst President? By Tunde Adenodi

[NEW JERSEY]

(GAMJI)

Obasanjo has brought into the Presidency, the simplicity of a farmer and the almost naive innocence of a five year-old. He has brought to bear his knowledge of the armed forces of the nation to make it difficult, and unattractive to violently overthrow the government of Nigeria. (has anyone wondered why there has been no coup in spite of the goings-on?) He has whittled down the unearned power and privilege of the "militaricians" in the army and the ethno-religious jingoists of the sharia states. More than any other leader in contemporary political history, he has brought into the presidency an honesty of purpose never before seen in the history of Nigeria. Details

September 11: One Year After. By Bashir A. Muzakkari

(GAMJI)

The suicide attacks that killed almost 5,000 people at the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon are a monstrous crime, although the US government has failed to provide any significant evidence of the direct responsibility of Osama bin Laden, let alone the Taliban regime. The September 11 attacks, however, in no way justify the crimes being committed by US against the people of Afghanistan, and the new crimes already being planned in the Pentagon against other nations in the Middle East, Central Asia. Details

The Flying President – A Rejoinder & Response to Tony Ishiekwene. By Ime Udombang

(GAMJI)

With his combative utterances and nonchalant kampeism how can you tell me or any other Nigerian that OBJ has the welfare of this nation at heart? Please rethink your allegiance. He has refused to dance to the tune of the pipers playing the music orchestrated for him and he has ignored the will of the people who believed in him and supported his candidacy. There is general outrage in the land and we are making them known. Details

My Experience With Being Censored By Nigeria world.com. By Pat Akinbola Ph.D.

(GAMJI)

It is this type of intolerance of constructive criticism and open dialogue, among other vices, that continues to hinder our development as a nation.  I think we need to be matured enough to agree to disagree agreeably, on issues such as are contained in my letter.  While the website owner or operator has a right to do many things on his site, I think those that provide information portal services such as the one in question, also have an ethical responsibility not to attempt to taint the browsers view of information on their site. Details

Suggestions for Mr. President. By N. H. Ibanga

(GAMJI)

Mr. President, it is no longer fun to be a Nigerian – in or outside of Nigeria. It is an open secret that the foundations of Nigeria have gotten weaker, rather than stronger in the last three years. But for the grace of God, the country as we know it would have ceased to exist. Here, I am supposed to ask you a question. Must Nigeria continue her evil ways so that grace might abound the more? Details

The Dividend of Impeachment Threat. By M. L. Maikudi

(GAMJI)

The Federal Government, through the Hon. Minister of Finance, Malam Adamu Ciroma, announced the release of N 159.9 billion for capital projects for the year 2002 fiscal year....The release of the money at this time is nothing but a fire fighting response to the impeachment threat by the National Assembly. If the National Assembly, more specifically the House of Representatives, did not make the threat of impeaching Mr. President, funds might have not been released in spite of the wide spread poverty and hunger that are ravaging the country. Details

Obasanjo's Mouth, False Alarms and the Reality of Democracy. By Uzo Obi

(GAMJI)

The major shortcomings of General Obasanjo are his mouth, his arrogance, his stubbornness and inability to adapt to change since the transition to the office of a democratic Presidency. The General has a penchant for talking before thinking and in most cases his utterances later come back to haunt him. It is against this background that one can assess the unending feud between the National Assembly and his Presidency. Details

The Shariah Debate: Between Ignorance and Fanaticism. By Abdullahi Bego

[TEHRAN, IRAN]

(GAMJI)

In today’s Nigeria, as someone argued, public discourse is endangered considerably because ‘it is often coloured by ethnic sentiments’. What parades itself therefore as a democratic, liberalist intervention in the Shariah debate is usually nothing more than an attempt to defend personal interest. Although opponents of the Shariah legal system in Nigeria have, for instance, deplored the death sentence as cruel or barbaric and an infringement of the human rights of the persons subjected to such punishment under the Shariah, these same ‘experts’ wouldn’t mind if ‘only’ Muslims were the ones affected. So the question of human rights easily evaporates if non-Muslims living in Shariah implementing states are spared. Details

PDP: The “Titanic” Crash. By  Eziuche Nwosu, Esq.

(GAMJI)

The PDP was once a party, now it is a house of exile: an amorphous parody of itself clawing desperately at its long extinguished past glory. Those who stay on are only prisoners of conscience. They are racing against the wind and I pity them for they know not their mission. There is nothing prophetic therefore in stating the obvious. In the present political firmament and consciousness of Nigeria, the PDP has become an unfortunate relic of history, all by its own making. Details

Before the Law: Obasanjo and the Aberration of Nigeria's Sexual Taliban. By  Obiwu Iwuanyanwu

(GAMJI)

Obasanjo has a historical affinity with the villainous past of South Western Nigeria's sexual Taliban of Awolowo, Adekunle, and Taiwo. Isma'il and the Islamic judges have a historical affinity with the villainous past of Northern Nigeria's sexual Taliban of Aminu Kano, Gowon, Usman Katsina, and Murtala Mohammed. What could be the pseudo-logic of the lip service that Obasanjo and his ministers are paying to the urgent need to free Amina Lawal from the blood-lusting jaws of Islamic extremists? Details

The Folly of Our Moslem Elite. By Okezie Chukwumerije

(GAMJI)

How many of our esteemed advocates of the sharia have called for the lapidation of those who have emptied our national treasury? I can hear them say that the naira and the dollar are relatively new means of exchange; they were not in use at the time the sharia was conceived. Consequently, it is okay to steal money denominated in these new currencies; but steal a cow and your arm will be amputated in accordance with the sharia. Details

Shame is a Virtue. By Lawal Murabis

(GAMJI)

Another un-Godly utterance came from a “man of God”, the incumbent President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as reported by Saturday Punch that over half-a-billion Naira was doled out to members of House of Representatives to impeach Obasanjo, and if the threat does not stop, he would name names.  From what we read in the papers, the threat is still very much alive, and up to now the Dr. has not name any culprit.  Mr. Pastor, remember Jesus Christ said, “he who is dishonest in very little is dishonest also in much." (Luke  16:10). Details

Beyond Pardon: The Sordid State of Nigeria. By Victor E. Dike

(GAMJI)

Notwithstanding the issues facing the nation, Nigeria’s frequent-flier president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and his horde of advisers do not seem to understand the damages corruption has done to the society, as the President keeps shuttling around the globe in futile attempt to attract foreign investors to the corruption-infested nation. The President should be made to understand that without honest attempt to tame corruption, investors would continue to avoid Nigeria like a plague, because they have seen the nation as a sinkhole that would swallow anything invested in it. And this means the poverty of the people. Details

Mr. President, Consider the Allegations Against You Serious. By Olisa Adigwe

(GAMJI)

Still the President has failed to get it.  Charges of incompetence is not a joking matter, it is a serious issue especially against the Chief Executive of a nation.  The issue of abuse of power has brought down the chief executives of many nations and therefore is a very serious allegation against you, Mr. President. And failing to prevent corruption is another big and serious charge. Details

The Savannah Bank Imbroglio-A Critical Look. By Dozie Ikem Ezeife, Esq.

(GAMJI)

Because of the loss of confidence in the banking system especially the checking system, Nigerians have formed the dangerous habit of carrying obscene sums of cash on their person thus constitution easy pickings for armed bandits. Commercial dealings in Nigeria are almost exclusively cash based. Credit system is non-existent, payment by credit cards is severely limited and payment by cheque (check) is virtually unthinkable. Countless numbers of merchants and ordinary Nigerians have lost their lives and properties to armed robbers on Nigerian streets and in public transport vehicles on account of this unfortunate state of affairs. Details

Why I Do Not Think President Obasanjo Should Be Impeached. By  Obi Akwani

(GAMJI)

Therefore, if Obasanjo resigns or loses an impeachment trial it would be a devastating low against the Nigerian presidency. It would be a bad precedent that the first president in our new democracy is impeached. How stable can the presidency be after that? I dare say not very. Contrary to what impeachment pundits are saying that it improves our democracy, impeaching the president on the kind of charges now leveled against will weaken democracy in Nigeria. And I will explain why. Details