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Scoring The National Confab. By Anthony A. Akinola (GAMJI) Now on the issue of whether or not to ban former rulers from seeking the coveted office of president, there was this friend of mine, an enthusiastic supporter of General Ibrahim Babangida, who strongly believed that his idol would be the next president of Nigeria. He sought my opinion on what should be the title of his proposed book celebrating the second coming of Babangida. I did not pause to think and we both laughed when I told him the title of his proposed book should be “O, ye fools, I am back”. Details
A Mid-Term Report Card for Governor Agugu of Ondo State. By Dr. Wunmi Akintide (GAMJI) The worse problem Agagu has created in the State Capital is currently being adjudicated in the Benin City Court of Appeal where the Government decision to recognize the Osolo and the Iralepo, in the absence of a substantive Deji has become so contentious that the whole of Akure community led by the Regent, Princess Adeyinka Adesida and the Olisa, Chief Elijah Folorunsho David, have now taken the Ondo State Government to Court. Details
EFCC And Money Laundering In West Africa. By Ibrahim Balarabe (GAMJI) According to the Administrative Secretary of GIABA, Nigeria’s Mrs. Obla Ojeka-Eje, sub Saharan Africa is estimated to have over six million illicit arms in circulation and that more than 60 per cent of these arms, are said to be in circulation in the West African sub-region and as many of us are aware, these misplaced arms contribute immensely to the incessant wars that are devastating our countries which is a fall out from the crime of money laundering. Details
The Limits of Image Laundering. By Ubanese Nwanganga (GAMJI) The problem lies in the wrong notion that the contributions of the northern leadership to the woes of our dear country are a creation of the southern press. They are not, for they are as glaring as a nine months old pregnancy. Details
Vultures As Leaders. By Gideon Ahiaba (GAMJI) In Nigeria and indeed the rest Africa, the exact opposite is what obtains. Quality leaders have, since independence, not been able to assume central leadership positions in most of our countries. Details
It Could Be Debt Relief. By Osita Chidoka (GAMJI) In my view the first question that should be asked and answered is why the sudden epidemic of debt relief? Why has Nigeria suddenly qualified for debt relief? The answer is not far fetched. Details
Electoral Reforms in Nigeria. By Donatus Etukudu (GAMJI) I have said it elsewhere, and it bears repeating here, that beyond the law, we, individually and collectively, must do something about our attitude. A mindset that regards elections as contests that must always be won, regardless of the wishes of the electorate, would drive its owner to trample upon any law, however good, on his way to achieve his dubious goal. Details
Civil Society And Social Change In Nigeria. By John Moru (GAMJI) My conviction is that for Nigeria to achieve the needed socio-political change, and achieve the MDGs, business should not be as usual. This is particularly the case for civil society groups. The challenge of this sector is simply that we have not realized the enormous power that we wield. Details
Nigerian Power Sector Reform: Fuel Cells Energy Option. By Bello Mukhtar (GAMJI) Therefore, it will be a good idea for the Federal Government through the Energy Commission to set up Fuel Cells Research Centre just like the Solar and Nuclear Research Centres in the country. The centre will be quite useful especially with the increasing hope of realising the concept of “Hydrogen Energy Economy”. Details
Northern Governors and the NORTH. By Bello Abdullahi (GAMJI) The sad story is that after the six years most of them have so far spent in office, the North has little to show for it. Go round the states and you will be shocked with what you will see considering the fact that most of these states are almost forty years old! One thing is glaringly clear – that all the states have the problems of poor education policies, street begging, and unemployment in common. Details
(GAMJI) Prof Okoye insinuates that the north is arrogant and wanting to rule Nigeria as if it is its birth right. If the north had entrenched that policy, then Nnamdi Azikwe would not have been the first President of Nigeria or the current President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. It is thus clear, that, it is mere propaganda, aimed at discrediting aspiring northerners. Detail
South’s Poverty Is North's Fault? Nigerian Myth 101. By Paul I. Adujie (GAMJI) If Nigerians must engage in blame games, Nigerians must then blame Nigerians, And not Northerners and or Southerners as some sorts of distinct evil group from mars or even hell? Details
The Long Road To Resource Control. By Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye (GAMJI) To some candidates like Alhaji Umaru Dikko, the NPRC was a success because “it has proven skeptics wrong that the leaders of Nigeria can come together and discuss issues without exchanging blows, that we can talk frankly and honestly and that we are prepared to ensure that our country goes well." However, to some other delegates such as Mr. Oronto Douglas, the conference was a colossal failure because their views “were not accommodated in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect, consensus, compromise and give and take". Details
Shekarau versus the "Ulama" and the Political Resolution of the Shari'ah Project. By Ahmed Iliyasu (GAMJI) When Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura the Governor of Zamfara State launched the Shari'ah he became the most widely reported governor in Nigeria because his effort was considered novel. Since then many commentators have predicted that the Shari'ah project in Nigeria shall be resolved politically and not theologically. The resolution according to this view shall be as a result of the inability of the politicians to resolve their contradictions. Details
Okonjo-Iweala For President In 2007. Part 2. By Dr. Wunmi Akintide (GAMJI) In making my initial suggestion, I am aware that Okonjo-Iweala is not a politician, and is also not a card-carrying member of the Ruling Majority Party, the PDP in Nigeria which has already assumed it is going to win again regardless of what the voters may think. That assumption, in of itself, is a tragedy in a pluralistic country like ours. Details
Apo Killings: The Police and Scapegoatism. By James Okechukwu (GAMJI) The public outcry against the brutal Apo incidence has indeed dented the image of the police and therefore its leaders are looking for an exit to save their faces hence any small fish could be sacrificed. According to established procedure an officer cannot be suspended without a query and it is only the Police Service Commission that can suspend. Details
What The Political Class Must Do To Save Nigeria. By Professor Samuel Okoye (GAMJI) It should be obvious that what Nigeria really needs now is not a “political reform”, or a mere tinkering with the quasi-federal constitutions of 1979, 1995, and 1999 imposed on Nigerians mostly by self serving ruling military officers drawn predominantly from a section of the country. To that extent, the proponents of a so-called sovereign national conference do have a strong and valid point. What the Nigerian political class must now do is to renegotiate, from the scratch, the very basis of the future coexistence of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups taking into account all the experiences of governance since independence. Details
Towards A Useful Police Force In Nigeria. By Madaki O. Ameh That Nigerians have suffered untold hardships at the hands of the Police is to state the obvious. Setting out from their houses in the morning, most Nigerians pray against an encounter with the police or armed robbers, and there does not appear to be much difference between the two. Details
The Bloody Massacre At Apo. By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye (GAMJI) I am baffled at the extent of aggression visited daily on Nigerians by the police. It is possible you may live out your lifetime never encountering the bad people the police is claiming they are protecting you from, but the trouble and trauma the policemen themselves subject Nigerians to daily may not even be equated to the trouble they are being paid to shield you from, if it eventually comes. Details
End of the Road for Kwankwaso. By Abdu Isa Kofarmata (GAMJI) After the defeat of Kwankwaso and PDP in Kano during the 2003 general election, president Obasanjo appointed our haughty brother federal Minister of Defense. Two reasons informed the appointment of Kwankwaso into the office of the Defense Ministry. Firstly, to punish the good people of Kano for their rejection of Obasanjo in 2003 election. Secondly to emasculate the internal opposition in Kano PDP. Details
The Nigerian Oil for Cash Program. By Ikenna O. Ezenekwe (GAMJI) It is disturbing and trully unfortunate that Nigeria has no real way of ascertaining the number of barrels of oil pumped per day. It would make a good sense for the FG to desire to check the pumping rates themselves especially since that is the only real data that determines the earnings of the nation - 90% of it. Details
A Foreign Coach? A Foreign Leader Too, Please. By Francis Kizito Obeya (GAMJI) It is always amusing how people begin to clamor for a foreign coach anytime the Super Eagles find themselves between a rock and a hard place. One can only wonder how that option improves our fortunes in any way. The so called “failures” of the indigenous coaches often pave way for the employment of a foreign one who does nothing new except add to his resume Details
Shekarau Versus Agent of Darkness. By Sani Garba Mohammed (GAMJI) If I should go back a little, what is even Shari'a, Does Shari'a necessarily means arresting prostitute, closing beer parlour and the like [as Abba Koki and co want us to believe]? If it is only these that are Shari'a what happens to our Iman, Ibadat and Mu'amalat which are main component of Shari'a, are we in tune with them in all our undertakings. Details
Road Transport Accidents: Causes, Effects and Prevention. By Dr. Murtala Muhammad Umar(GAMJI) Every driver is supposed to have a First Aid kits in his or her vehicle. Hospital on their part whether public or private should not reject patients when rushed to them. There are so many cases of rejections mostly due to financial constraints or unaccompanying police report. Details
(GAMJI) With women in politics, there would be some well protected room for orderly and peaceful change and a foundation would have been laid for the creation of the much-needed awareness amongst the womenfolk – and the rest of society – to always ensure that both candidates and political parties that aspire to lead are made to have specific programmes for the advancement of women – as it is done in the welfarist systems of Scandinavia and elsewhere in the West. Details
One Nation, Separate Justice. By Ritchie Ejiofor (GAMJI) It is further demonstrated in the legal maxim that”justicia non negenda, non differenda” this maxim recognizes the fact that the law is blind in its application and is a no respecter of person, office or status or bias. The principle verily reinforces the integrity of the law or the justice system in a polity as impartial in the event of a breach of law. The above synopsis when juxtaposed with well celebrated and, or ordinary case scenario in Nigeria, will leave an informed mind pondering whatever happened to the safeguard in its application to the Nigerian legal system. Details
Swiss “Blackmail” And The Dying NNN Retirees Etc. By Ibrahim Ka-Almasih (GAMJI) From which ever angle you look at it, the propaganda-maniac and nepotism-maniac regimes are responsible for the problems of the NNN and the ordinary retirees, who actually suffered under the likely corrupt FGs’ management appointees, should not, again, be denied their hard-earned benefits under which ever guise – non-profitability, a return to original owners or privatization, as that will be “double wahala for dead body”. Details
Nigeria: Between Civilians and “Militocrats”. By Ogbonna Callystus Chukwu (GAMJI) In Nigeria, however, the behaviour of our retired Generals is rather too crude to fit into genuine democratic culture. Although the retired Generals occupy a minority status in most registered political parties in Nigeria, in practice they exercise more dominant influence than their civilian counterparts. The cavalier and bumptious style of the Obasanjo presidency has heightened popular fear and suspicion about the awesome militarization of our democracy. Details
Resource Control and Derivation: The Rhetoric’s. By Samuel Uwhejevwe-Togbolo (GAMJI) The Unity of the country cannot be mortgaged for selfish interest we must distinguished between reality and friction, the sentimentalism need to be laid to rest, if we must attain the level of indivisibly Nigeria, the Confab delegates should not be pushed to the wall, as if it is the delegates that are abrogating authorities to themselves. Details
Resource Control: Northern Arrogance and Historical Distortion. By Moses Ebe Ochonu (GAMJI) Let the Northern political class and its intellectual underlings come up with a better reason—if there is one—for opposing what is an incredibly generous act of accommodation on the part of the Niger Delta: the demand, not for all revenue minus taxes accruing from crude oil, but of a meager 25%. I hate it when history is subjected to such vulgar distortion in the attempt to scuttle an unpalatable event. Details
(GAMJI) It is quite interesting to read Yinka Leo Ogundiran’s article titled ‘A Revolt against Northern Colonialism’ on Gamji Website. I sincerely believe that Yinka is one of the great intellectuals of Prof Wole Soyinka’s hue. His treatise is of great intellectual standing that most of the illiterate people from the Northern part of Nigeria will not be able to read it, or talk of understanding what he is saying in the article. I doubt if the so called Northern intellectuals, such as Dr Bala Y Usman, can be able to understand the import of what Yinka is trying to say. I suspect that Yinka must be one of the great professors of one of the ivy towers of the South-West. (The information at our disposal says that Yinka is a professor in the University of Ibadan).Details
Nigeria: A Complicated System - Part Two. By Dr. Sylvester Omosun Fadal (GAMJI) For one, the South-South is yet to produce a president since independence and that is not enough reason for me to vocalize support for a president from that region. In analyzing the realities of the process, an ethnic-appeasement approach could stagnate national growth. It is idealistically unrighteous and regionally sanctimonious, in addition to being a selfish avocation. Details
(GAMJI) There are two crucial premises on which, I am very convinced that Africa may become a more sophisticated breeding ground for international terrorism; if that happens, the targets of terrorists (the West) would have to deal with a worst nightmare of terror than they have ever known. The first premise is the level of African poverty, which is capable of becoming a potent instigator of acts of evil. Details
Africans: The Way The World Works; One Thousand Years And Counting! By Paul Adujie (GAMJI) How many Nigerians feel insulted by these condescension, disrespect and the indignities that Nigeria is being subjected to for our own properties, when the Swiss, should be accountably ashamed for conniving and colluding with the thieves in the first place! But instead, the Swiss with a straight face want to disregard or abridge our political and economic independence, our sovereignty and territorial integrity, just so they can monitor/supervise how we incapably spend the recovered loots? Details
Poverty Has Come To Stay Permanently In Africa Unless…By Jibo Nura (GAMJI) Therefore, whether we like it or not, we must rise and say no to our leader’s ridiculous campaign against the poverty that is deliberately brought and inhumanly distributed on us. And we can only do that by answering the call of all time Africa’s lover, hero, reggae maestro and ‘black’ freedom fighter, the legendary Bob Marley who with fraternity said it all in his “Get up! Stand up! Stand up for your rights! Don’t give up the fight!” Details
Still On Marwa And His ‘Yola Declaration’. By Aliyu Yahya (GAMJI) Nothing has, however, inspired my confidence so far to believe that things would be with Marwa as they were with Buhari. This is because I have watched Marwa carefully and studied him Critically. As far as the shrewd high stake nature of Nigerian Politics is concerned, Marwa does not seem groomed enough. He lacks the political maturity, strategy, and clout to make any tangible impact on our political landscape. Details
(GAMJI) The concept of the Cattle Complex centered on the traditional methods of rising livestock and the individual pastoralist himself as the principal actor. It is believed by the proponents of this theory that the traditional pastoralists systems are counter productive, since they are geared towards an infinite increase in the number of the livestock without due consideration on the carrying capacity of the land (Iro, 2001). And this, according to this notion, has a strong correlation with the irrational, irresistible and often times irreversible liking for animals which the pastoralists are associated with. Anthropologists believe that such a tendency does not only destroy the environment, it also inhibits the development and prosperity of the herders themselves (Iro, 2001). Details
AEPB, Rightsizing Exercise And Operational Efficiency. By Emeka Oraetoka (GAMJI) The momentary halt in the painful but necessary demolition of illegal structures in Federal Capital Territory [FCT] appeared to have afforded many Nigerians, resident in FCT, the opportunity to attempt a hard reconciliation of the circumstances of these demolished places-before and now, with a view to forming opinion. The consensus appears to be: “the once dirty locations in the Municipality have given way to beautiful green environment, where fresh air emanates to make life pleasurable”. Details
Help Nigeria. By Patrick Musa (GAMJI) When the West discovered that Nigeria had Crude oil, they came in with different ideas and methods to exploit it, buy it, steal it, or simply take the product by whatever means as it was of vital importance to the world economy. First they sold the idea of Westernization to few Nigerians and transported them to the West to receive education. They then planted in them the idea of ‘reverse capitalism’ which generated corruption. This became the beginning of a “divided” Nigeria. It also became the cause of suspicion among us. Now the State of Nigeria is gradually falling and now we need help.
Child's Rights Act: Critical Analysis From the Islamic Perspective. By Musa Usman Abubakar (GAMJI) While many human rights activists in Nigeria welcome the Act, some Muslim organizations are calling for its outright rejection, claiming that the Act is opposed to Islam and its values. It is the certainty or otherwise of this claim that forms the gravamen of this paper....The Act defines a child as ‘a person under the age of eighteen.’ Age-based definition is considered as representing the most objective criterion for determining who falls within the framework of child protection policy. The argument may not sound convincing given the various conceptions of child in Nigeria and elsewhere. Islam for instance takes into account the natural phenomena and not the numerical age. Details
No To Sovereign National Conference---A Review. By Femi Olawole (GAMJI) The book, “No to Sovereign National Conference” is, without the slightest iota of doubt, a demonstration of a deep patriotic fervor by Adebayo Adejare. The book, obviously a painstaking effort by the author, offers some very cogent ingredients that he believes will pave the way for the enthronement of unity, stability and democratic governance as a going concern in our Fatherland. Details
Flying Eagles And The Nigerian Conspiracy Theory. By Tanimu Umar (GAMJI) The contention among Nigerians was that FIFA and the Caucasian race conspired to deny the black race, represented by Nigeria in the final, a world trophy. Many Nigerians, and the whole of Africa, seem to believe this conspiracy theory, but I strongly disagree. Details
Mutually Assured Survival. By Michael Faniran (GAMJI) Ever since Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain, it would appear that we have occasionally tempted providence and periodically edged towards our own version of mutually-assured destruction. Seemingly locked in mortal battle along geographical, tribal, religious, class and ideological lines, we have squabbled about leadership rotation, resource control and just about everything under the sun. Details
The Dilemma Of An Average Northerner. By I. I. Boyi (GAMJI) An ordinary Nigeria is regarded a swindler until proven otherwise. Your options are either remaining in the country to engage grinding poverty in a hopeless battle till it knocks you out or as most do check out to Europe or America to sweep streets, wash plates or wash corps deliberately being oblivious of any one’s opinion of you. Then the Northerner’s lot becomes worse. In addition to the generally shared stigma, he is seen within the country as a parasite to the rest of the nation. Except you’d decide to stop reading papers everyday you must read one thing or another that is very unsettling to you by your just being a northerner. A case of outside being too hot and inside too cold for living. Details
Okonjo-Iweala for President in 2007, Why Not, If Not? By Dr. Wunmi (GAMJI) My speculation is that that the President may well have seen Mrs. Okonja Iweala as a potential presidential material, and he is just waiting for a chance to test her out on her patriotism and commitment to our nation, before sticking out his neck for her as a possible successor in 2007 at a time the President is demonstrating intrinsic interest in technocrats as a group, rather than career politicians per se.
Foreign Aid and Debt to Africa: The Debate Continues. By Lawal M. Marafa, Ph.D. (GAMJI) When the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Paul O’Neil lamented that the US had spent trillions of dollars with nothing to show for it, Jeffrey Sachs indicated that it is no surprise because there has infact been so little aid to Africa. In the same book mentioned above, Sachs graphically mentioned that the amount of aid per year is just $30 per sub-Saharan African in 2002 from the entire world. Details
Debt Cancellation: Who’s Credit? By Deola Ndanusa (GAMJI) If the president, who has the fate of been at the right place at the right time, covets a place in history devoid of controversy, he should look elsewhere. Nigeria's loot, reportedly worth over two hundred billion dollars is sitting pretty in foreign banks. Details
The Rot In The Nigerian Judiciary. By Prof. Chike Anamdi, M.D. (GAMJI) Justice Uwaifo, then a Justice of the Supreme Court, first drew the nation’s attention to the rot in the judiciary and in the Supreme Court at his valedictory party before his retirement. He even specifically accused the Chief Justice of awarding contracts to his OWN wife and concluded by lamenting that some justices of the Supreme Court are not worthy to be there! Details
Resource Control and Derivation. By Samuel Uwhejevwe-Togbolo (GAMJI) Considering Resource Control in the plenary session of the Confab, giving to the position of the Northern delegates, it could be a plot of continued hardship on the people of the South south region without mercy. As Nigerians, we should be able to settle our differences amicably. With the present position of the Northern and South south delegates respectively, the country is yet witnessing another round of crisis if not properly managed will develop to a full blown crisis that will spell doom for the unity of the nation. Details
The Failure Of The Judiciary As An End To Nigeria/It’s Consequences. By Ahmed Adoke (GAMJI) The current situation in Nigeria indicates that these essential ingredients that bound the Country together is fast eroding. People no longer have confidence in government and in one another. There are complaints of cheatings, injustice and unfair treatment being meted out to people. Details
(GAMJI) When I hear Obasanjo give his compelling speeches before our friends in the West and before his friends in the AU about how the West is not doing enough for Africa and how we need not partial debt relief but 100% debt relief to effectively fight poverty in Africa, I feel sick to my stomach because that is simply and patently untrue. Details
(GAMJI) Nigeria and Malaysia have a lot in common. Both are multi-religious and multi cultural; both were colonized by Britain; and both have committed Muslims willing to live and be guided by the teachings of Islam as contained in the Shari’ah, the Islamic Law. But, whereas Article 3(1) of the Malaysian constitution states: “Islam is the religion of the Federation; but other religions may be practised in peace and harmony in any part of the Federation”, the question of whether or not Nigeria is a secular or Multi-religious society has been a subject of debates which predates its independence. Details
Shari'ah Implementation in Northern Nigeria: Yarima or Shekarau Model? By Ahmed Magaji Mansur (GAMJI) The clamor for Shari'ah spread to most of the northern states. Kano State which is the most populous and most politically complex state in Nigeria had to follow suit grudgingly. Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau was removed from his position as a permanent secretary partly because of his support for Shari'ah. He later joined partisan politics and contested elections under the platform of the ANPP and won against the incumbent PDP Governor. Details
TUBERCULOSIS: The Alarming WHO report. By Dr. Murtala Muhammad Umar (GAMJI) The Global Tuberculosis Control Report for 2005 finds that global TB prevalence has declined by more than 20% since 1990 and that incidence rates are now falling or stable in five of the six regions of the world. The glaring exception is Africa, where TB incidence rates have tripled since 1990 in countries with high HIV prevalence and still rising across the continent at a rate of 3-4% annually. Details
2003 Elections: Justice in or Out of Court. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u (GAMJI) Should the Supreme Court ruling on July 1 favour the opposition ANPP with Buhari as the President, what should Nigerians expect? This is a question you and I are entitled to ask, providing the answer by Buhari is a national duty. Details
The Reign Of Abdulkadir Kue And The Nupes Of Niger State. By Maji Alhassan Tswako (GAMJI) Niger state is about 30 years old (1975 – 2005). The state is believed to be about 50% populated by the Nupe speaking group. Since its creation, it has been ruled by tribes, mostly from outside the state as a result of military officers posted as Governors and administrators during the military stronghold on the nation. But also even during the break offs of military dictatorships when we were allowed civilian government during the second and third republic; the Nupes struggled as they could to rule the state, but in vein. Details By Dr. Murtala Muhammad Umar (GAMJI) Obesity popularly known as fatness is seen in our society as a sign of good living. It is a biological marker that differentiates between the haves and the have-nots especially in a social gathering. This is not to say that there are no fat poor men due to probably genetic predisposition, the fatness however, would only increase their hitherto stressful life. Details
A Revolt against Northern Colonialism. By Yinka Leo Ogundiran (GAMJI) Ok, now, let us examine the Justification for this anti-democratic initiative from the North and lets take Kano State as a case study. How much does Kano State contribute to the federation account? The answer is: Nothing! Yet Kano State has 44 Local government, which routinely collects 44 portions of the revenue shared by local government council every Month. Details
Resource Control: Arguing Both sides? By Yinka Akinkunmi (GAMJI) The truth of this matter is that countries that have achieved sustainable development base it not on some naturally occurring mineral deposit but rather on Human resource. Human resource is not in numbers per se but well educated and motivated populace. Details
Nigeria’s $18 billion Debt Forgiveness is a Piece of Crumb! By Emakoji Ayikoye (GAMJI) I called this $18 billion debt forgiveness for Nigeria crumb and history will bear me witness that indeed, it is just a piece of crumb that is tossed at our beggarly leaders, who have loot us to this miserable and shameful state of abject poverty that we are in today. History will justify me when I called this $18 billions debt forgiveness crumb because our colonial masters and the West in general owes us so much more than this Details
Debt Relief for Nigeria- A Wake Up Call. By John Iyobhebhe (GAMJI) Are we happy with this? Well, we had few options. It is their money and legally we had an obligation to pay. Debt repudiation was no real option for a country that desperately needs foreign investment to move forward. We would have preferred a total write off for reasons we have all flogged to death, but nevertheless we appreciate the gesture from our creditors. Details
Debt Relief: Flipping the Script on Africa. By Abdulrahman Muhammad Dan-Asabe, Ph.D. (GAMJI) The entire ‘debt burden’ argument by African nations is really funny. We make it sound as if these debts and their so-called unfavorable conditions sneaked on us overnight. How does anyone explain the fact that Uganda, having had her debt cancelled in 1998 following the country’s outcry that ‘debt burden’ had stalled her progress, immediately went for renewed borrowing spree after the cancellation; a situation that has now left her neck-deep in debt? Details
Liberty, G8 and Poverty. By Eric Ula-Lisa (GAMJI) The West has an obligation to help Africa because in 1884 the West officially caused the initial African mess: Currently, in the world economy, a chain is as strong as its weakest link. The identified enemy of modern civilization, Al-Quiada, is less likely to find hiding places in Africa with prospering economies: It is also the right thing to do Details
Extra: Nigerian Politicians Smoking (GAMJI) While Nigeria is heading to doomsday and receding into fourth world, India is cruising into the first world club. Every aspect of India’s economy today is active and producing resource necessary to national development. While in Nigeria except for oil sector, the rest are either abandoned or doomed. Details
Tafa Balogun – Our
Democracy Owes
Us Civil Rights
Tafa Balogun can
now see the inheritance he left behind in the police. Our democracy has
to give us above all things civil right for all the inhabitants of
The Nigerian "Murder" Force. By Ibrahim Suleiman
The
police seem to be feeling too high to be challenged or questioned on
certain issues. They are definitely above the law.
Details
Buhari vs.
Obasanjo - the Supreme Court has Spoken. By John Iyobhebhe
The irregularities, by the ANPP and PDP did not substantially affect the outcome of the Presidential election. Politically, even if we accept that Buhari was going to do well in the Sharia states of the Far North, the Niger Delta, South West, South East and Middle Belt were never going to give him the support he needed for victory. Details
INEC and The Regulation Of Political Of Political Parties. By Dr Abayomi Ferreira
I hope Professor Maurice Iwu will follow his public pronouncement for an “open political space” with concrete action. The 1999 Constitution provides some approaches for him. They have been there since 1999, but were ignored. He should not ignore them. What exists today in Nigeria is cosmetic democracy in a restricted polity, which sustains the three ruling political parties. Details
Will The Dragon Dance In Abuja? By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye
It is indeed encouraging that Africa has now recognized the need to reposition itself in a manner that vindicates its maturity before the outside world, through programmes and actions that demonstrate clearly that the continent now possesses the capacity and discipline for credible self-appraisal, and that it can help itself stand firmly, and sincerely pursue realistic policies that foster sustainable development. Details
Netherlands 2005: Eagles Total Football Reincarnation. By Opeyemi Ajala
Netherlands 2005 Eagles outing in the orange land has again raised some recurring fundamental questions about the kinetic or potentials state of our football, and as it is typical of every Nigerian team, the road to major championship is often decked with hiccups and disappointments and obviously Siasia Eagles’ were not an exception. Details
Legislative Sanctification of Subterfuge By Prof. Augustine C Odinma
It is important to note that I am a professional who did a professional job. When a consultant submits his report to his client, the client has the option to dump it, use some or all of its content. The House in their judgement used some of my report. Details
Diarrhea in children : Emphasizing Home Treatment. By Dr. Murtala Muhammad Umar
The causes of diarrhea abound ranging from non-infective causes such as food allergy, lactose intolerance [sugar contain in milk] to infective causes. Viruses, bacteria, protozoa or parasites are the major microorganisms that cause diarrhea. Rotavirus, have been identified as the major cause of acute diarrhea in childhood. Studies in Nigeria also found viruses as the major cause of diarrhea in 60% of cases, with bacterial organisms accounting for only 3-20%. Details
National Conference: A Deadlock for Greatness. By Leonard Karshima Shilgba
There seems to be a deliberate or pre-set misconception of the issue of resource-control; it does not mean oil-control. It does not mean the South-South region enjoying 50% pre-sharing control of their oil and gas resources. What it means is that each State or region will enjoy a major share of revenue derivable from all natural resources existing on its territory Details
In Search of National Understanding: Nigeria at Crossroads. By Olumide Ogunleye
Nearby Ghana and South Africa are handy examples of progress and development. True, Nigeria is more populated than these countries but we have more material resources than all four combined. So what is our problem? I am one of many who believed the problems of Nigeria is not only lack of good dedicated leadership but also lack of followership that demanded to be led and not ruled. Details
Living in an Unstable Politico-Economy. By Victor E. Dike
Granted that the sociopolitical and economic life in Nigeria is currently a mess, as the Police could kill any person and brand the victim an armed robber, and that the unstable politico-economy has made living in Nigeria unusually challenging. After listening to the barrage of concerns and complaints, this writer told the newcomer that as a “Black Man” it is much more difficult and challenging to live in the U.S and that it is too early to dismiss Nigeria as a wild society and embrace the newfound land Details
Thank You Emigrants. By Mutiu Animashawun
If exodus is a remote possibility, the mini-version is playing out in Nigeria at the embassies of G-8, lesser G-8's, and their neighbors. Nigeria alone has about three million anchors or more, Nigerian legal residents or citizens. They are triggers of exponential growth of emigration into US. And another one million can do so in UK. The kind of number tugging at the two influential members of G-8 is a cause to be talebearers of Nigeria's request for discount before the Paris Club. Details
Congratulations Is In Order Mr. President! By Paul I. Adujie
President Obasanjo is famous for his loathe of praise singers and sycophants, this is true. But President Obasanjo scored yet another major victory for Nigeria, spectacularly so, in the economic front, as he has secured debt relief, debt relief, which he has pursued with dedication and utmost commitment. His vigorous pursuit of debt cancellation has yielded wonderful result, as the Paris Club of creditors granted the president’s requests! Details
So, what am I saying here? It is simply that America’s foreign policy has been no different in philosophy and projection from the foreign policy of the world powers before her or other world powers of her time. For instance, by “the end of the 19th century” which Madunagu referred to, the whole of Europe were sitting in Berlin carving up Africa, terrorizing her people and stealing her natural resources for their home industries. Details
The African Journalist: Facing the Challenge of Democracy and Incipient Tyranny. By Nduka Uzuakpundu
The concept of good governance is a like a post-Cold War burden for African leaders. It is one of the topmost and compelling conditionalities that they may have to satisfy, if they are to benefit from the financial assistance of the Bretton Woods institutions and the developed countries. Details
Do They Really Care for Black Africans? By John Iteshi
The so-called ‘Make poverty history’ campaigns may be sounding great to western media and some thoroughly colonized Black men who believe devoutly in the infallibility of the white man, but not to any one who has given a thought to the tone of their campaign and what they believe in. The campaign is disturbingly patronising and full of half-truths all in the name of sounding good. Black people are being made to see the cause of their backwardness on others rather than take responsibility for their failures. Details
Army Arrangement; Dictatorial Cimilicy A Nigerian Kind Of Government. By Prince Charles Dickson
As of dateline virtually all the top contenders to 2007 presidency are ex-military men, correct me by mentioning some present serving governors with ambition and I would show you strong military apologists. And off course no woman yet. It is not new in the world. But, we have taken this too far, truly great men like General Charles De Gauille of France, General DWIGHT Eisenhower of U.S.A, Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Anwar Sedat of Turkey amongst many made a success of both the Military and civil societies. These men had dreams and visions. Details
Resource Control Debates: Arguing Both Sides! By Paul I. Adujie
All Nigerians in the North and South or in-between, deserve equal treatment, equal respect, duties, responsibilities and obligations of Nigerian full citizenship; Petroleum oil is today, currently the national income earner for Nigeria, but this was not always so. Before petroleum oil was discovered in Nigeria, there were commodities, cash crops etc. such as cocoa, ground nuts/peanuts, rubber, palm oil, palm kernel etc which earned Nigeria’s foreign exchange… this means that there is a possibility of other discoveries of natural and mineral resources in the future or another moment in time, compared with what we know and have now. Details
Political Treachery: The Bafarawa Example. By G. M. Muhammad
As for Bafarawa’s political mastery and his ability to transform Sokoto State, enemies of progress must feel offended. The new shape the city of Sokoto has taken, the social infrastructures provided rural areas, youth empowerment schemes, up lifting our health and education sectors are quite amazing and detestable to the those are bent on reversing the wheel of progress. How I wish Sahabi Garba realize this! Details
In Search Of Obasanjo’s Successor. By Uche Nworah
Candidates with previous cases or allegations of corruption against them should not bother applying, likewise candidates who have in one way or the other served as military politicians in the past, this is as a result of the clients’ (Nigerian citizens) desire to break away completely from past oligarchs, whom they believe ran the country’s economy down and plundered her treasury. Details
Only In Nigeria, It Can Happen … By Abdu Isa Kofarmata
Only in Nigeria you find Federal and State governments sponsoring thousands of people for pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia and Jerusalem while pensioners are dying as a result of non-payment of their pensions. It is only in Nigeria that you find police going on strike. Only in Nigeria you can find thieves and armed robbers recruited into the police. Details
Stop Bitching, Start a revolution! (A chronic debtor’s request, denied!). By Ndubụeze Godson III
Each time people write about Nigeria as if the damn place is extension of heaven I pinch myself for reassurance I’m not dreaming; after, which the culprits are immediately classified as either corrupt, held hostage by lies or what the politically correct may term clueless. Details
Obasanjo: Respect Yourself And Let’s Uphold Our Honour And Glory. By Menre Ugiagbe Ayes
Looking back, on the last legs of your campaign in 1999 you admitted to the Nigerian electorate that you are a man of your words, you claimed that, you said it before and you delivered, this time nothing stops you from deliverance – any good thing delivered to Nigerians so far? They can trust you and you will make them proud again – a promise that our lost old gory will be regained. Details
Analytical Approaches To Resolving The Resource Control Impasse. By Dr. Emmanuel Ojameruaye
It is foolhardy for the rest of Nigeria to think that they can use force the delegates from the South-South to “take or leave” the once-for-all 17% derivation. An important outcome of the NPRC is that it has galvanized the South-South more than before. It appears that some sections of the South-South are prepared to take up the gauntlet if it becomes necessary. Details
Too Much Hype About Nigeria’s Oil. By Madaki O. Ameh
The centrality of oil to Nigeria’s economy is obvious, given the fact that it accounts for over 95% of her foreign exchange earnings and over 80% of her GDP. Due to the wrong emphasis placed on this resource over time by successive governments, Nigeria has become a virtually mono-cultural economy, and whatever happens in the oil and gas sector creates shock waves all over the country. Details
Political Treachery: The Bafarawa Example. By Sahabi Garba
In any case, Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa today epitomizes politics of treachery where to him personal interest over-rides collective interest of his people and even the nation at large. However, one must with total conviction conclude that treacherous, scheming, self-centered Bafarawa would in no distant future be brazenly exposed and defeated just like the last year’s unsuccessful Sokoto Northern Politicians summit. Details
Memo to NPRC & NASS. By Max Gbanite
The greatest amazement must be the calculated if not blatant attempt by the current leadership to convince some of you honorable men to bend the rules of engagement by inserting in your reforms, that former military heads of state should be banned from holding political office today and in future. Details
2003 Elections: Justice in or Out of court. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u
Should the Supreme Court ruling on July 1 favour the opposition ANPP with Buhari as the President, what should Nigerians expect? This is a question you and I are entitled to ask, providing the answer by Buhari is a national duty. Details
The Northern Region was actually subsidizing the social services of the other regions as indicated by a 1943 tax survey and expenditure of the Central Government.. Despite the fact that it contributed more to the Federal Revenue, the North was a deprived region because such revenue was used in developing the other regions providing infrastructure to facilitate exportation of raw materials. Details
If Resource Control Were their Religion. By Victor E. Dike
Nigeria may not remain one if the system is working against the zone that feeds the nation. There is nothing on the ground that distinguishes Niger Delta as an oil producing area. The level of poverty and underdevelopment is glaring and the restiveness in the area has worsened the security situation in Nigeria. Details
Social Justice and Resource Control in Nigeria: A Crisis of Legitimacy. By Banu az-Zubair, M. K.
Various reports have recently appeared that seem to suggest a deliberate attempt to marginalise a particular segment of the society in employment into critical government parastatals and security agencies; at the same time a particular segment enjoys a monopoly over economic resources; it controls the legitimate means of political power, and controls the means of violence. Details
Resource Control. By Samuel Uwhejevwe-Togbolo
Resource Control is a right in a true federal system of Government; it is the liberalization of all state within the confines of Nigeria as a country. The struggle for justice and equity may take longer than expected but the end will justify the means. Details
My Thoughts On Nigeria (1) The Nation. By Bello Abdullahi
Nigeria has the potentials of becoming one of the great nations in the World – the human and material resources are there in abundance to achieve this. What we need is the fighting spirit of the Japanese, the determination of the Germans, the I-can attitude of the Chinese and the nationalism of the Americans. Details
Resource Control and Citizen's Rights Are Inseparable. By Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
The current revenue-sharing formula is a legacy of military rule. Perhaps, in order to ensure justice or simply to placate local agitation for resource control, it was deemed appropriate to repatriate 13% of revenue generated from natural resources to states where they are derived. No one can properly explain how this percentage was arrived at and whether it should be fixed or adjustable with time. Details
Buhari’s Right Moves. By Peter Opara
Discipline is Buhari’s mark. It is such that when the coup d’etat of 1984 took place, the original planners caucused for a whole day almost in desperate search for one to put a face of discipline on their act. They settled on Buhari; but not without a sense of concern or fear, I believe, that this brook- no-nonsense Buhari was certain to whip everyone in line, and in shape. Details
University Ranking: Not Yet Uhuru For Unijos. By Atâyi Ezéchiel Opaluwah
This write-up will have the Federal Universities and more particularly, The University of Jos as its showpiece in view of the undisguised fact that State Universities are products of ego-boosting idiosyncrasy and Babylonic self-monumentalisation by our legacy-at-all-cost conscious Governors Details
Celebrating the Nigerian Political Amazons. By Femi Olawole
The women in Nigerian politics have come a long way. Theirs has been a very thorny and torturous journey through a very narrow and murky path in the nation’s political jungle. And while some of these women have suffered physical abuses, imprisonments and humiliations in the quest for the present-day socio-political emancipation, the consolation is that their fortitude and perseverance over the years have not been in vain. Details
Nigeria Leaders Must Fight Corruption To Avoid The People’s Fury. By Dr. Johnson Odesola
After the Politician made various pledges in the election, Nigerians gave them the mandate to take charge of their affairs. They all thank us for the confidence we showed in the national unity and democracy. We are yet to see any fulfilment of heaven and earth pledges and promises made. Details
Where Is The Northern Press? By Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, Nasarwa State Governor There are 19 state governments in the north. The seat of the federal government is also in the north. Without a northern press, it follows that there is no watchdog watching over the conduct of our state governments or of the federal government from the northern perspective. Are we not missing something vital and critical to democracy in this part of the country? Details
SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT POLITICALLY MOTIVATED MAJOR GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR
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