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Sharia in Nigeria: a Reflection on the Debates. By Hauwa Mahdi The objective of this paper is to analyse the main theme of the debates, which is the validity of sharia in Nigeria today. It is a discussion of the application of the law in some states of the country. All the points of view represented in the paper are of those who, implicitly or explicitly, consider the application to be the way forward for Nigerian Muslims. Details
PDP Candidate: The History of Intending Failures. By Kunle I Sowunmi The fear of the likelihood of Atiku's Presidency is responsible for throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Instead of facing the problem a government of any progressive Atiku, or any other candidates after leaving office in 2007 President Aremu Obasanjo and a so called born again Christian is handing over Nigeria to a governor who made Katsina a sharia state. Details
PDP Primaries, Manipulations and Disenfranchisement of the South South. By Usman Yerima I've said time and time again that Obasanjo and his PDP machinery represent the most catastrophic omen that ever befell Nigeria. Since its inception and rise to power, nothing good has come out of this useless establishment. Under PDP (Poverty Disribution Party), the nation has sunk deeper into despair,...Details
Democracy and Structures of Governance. By Anthony A. Akinola What Governor Yerima was saying was that with the North determined to produce the next President of the Nigerian Federation, support for the PDP in the region could erode if its presidential candidate were to come from somewhere else. With Yoruba politicians seemingly uninterested in the presidential ticket, not least because the current president is a member of their group, the logic and sentiment in our nation’s presidential politics is there for all to see. Details Mismanagement of Natural Resource Rents and the Niger Delta Crisis. By Victor E. Dike The militia groups that are blowing up oil flow stations and abducting foreign workers in the Niger Delta region have been complaining that the natural resource rents are being mismanaged.2 They have also been complaining about the environmental damage from oil exploration and rising unemployment and poverty in the region, but the successive governments and the multi-national oil corporations have been insensitive to the plight of the people. Details
General Muhammadu Buhari, ANPP, and the Electorate. By A. Mohammed Bashir Shuwa If election is a way of presenting oneself to serve then General Muhammadu Buhari has done so in the true spirit of the game. For a start he is not anybody's stooge and his loyalty will be to the Nigerian people and the constitution. Given his track record of transparency his administration will likely be more humane and development oriented unlike what we have now with the PDP. Details
Mainstreaming Gender Policy in Nigeria. By Marshall Ifeanyi I have watched the reform programmes of the present administration and can confidently assert that these reforms are largely successful as a result of the thrusts made by women appointed to run them. Reforms in sectors ranging from tourism, transport, education, health, economy, solid minerals, due process, civil service, gender mainstreaming and a host of others too many to mention. Details
After The OBJ Primaries. By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye Dear reader, this is the Nigeria we have found ourselves in. For while the Nigerian state has completely failed, those who call themselves our leaders are only interested in their personal welfare and comfort. In Lagos now, places like Agric or Barracks in Ojo Area have become war zones. Hoodlums operate any time, anyhow, do whatever they like, kill whom they want to kill, spare whom they want to spare, while our rulers are busy jostling for power for self-serving reasons. And from any fool can see, there appears to be practically little or no governance going on. Details
Who is Governor Umaru Musa Yar Adua – The PDP 2007 Presidential Flag Bearer? By Dan Azumi Kofarmata A one time Chemistry lecturer at the School of Basic Studies (SBS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and later, in the polytechnic, Governor Umaru Musa Yar Adua is said to be about 56 years of age and comes from the influential Hausa – Fulani aristocratic ruling class of Katsina....The BBC news describes 'Yar Adua as tacitrum, down-to-earth and not to be underestimated. "A man of few airs and graces, he is known to have ignored the advice of aides and bodyguards to walk alone to tobacco kiosks to buy a single cigarette." (Profile: Umaru Yar'Adua BBC)... His father, the late highly regarded Mallam Musa Yar Adua (Muttawalen Katsina, before he died), was also a very influential member of the Northern Nigerian elite political class; educated and trained by the British colonial administration ....With the attainment of Independence in 1960, the Late Mallam Musa Yar Adua was among the top notched Northern politicians that participated in the formation and running of the first Republic of Nigeria. For example, late Mallam Musa Yar Adua served as the first (and the only) Minister for Lagos Affairs in the late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa-led post independent Government and Administration of Nigeria (1960 – 1967)...Governor Umaru Musa Yar Adua happens also to be the immediate younger brother of late General Shehu Musa Yar Adua, the then Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters during the dynamic Murtala – Obasanjo military regime (1976 – 1979). Details
Niger Delta Youths And Electoral Violence. By Maxwell James From a very close observation, these otherwise Niger Delta youths erroneously “tagged militants, terrorist, never-do-wells, and renegades” are really focus minded individuals if given the opportunity and proper orientation. This time around, they have called it bluff on the politicians; they have refused to join them in the canonization of iniquity and murder Details
Who Lives On Minimum Wage In Nigeria. By Farouk Martins Road block is officially back in Nigeria. It never left anyway as the police could not do without their 20 naira head tax per vehicle. So much noise, directives and threats have been made from the Chief of Police down to area chiefs who collect their return from this “family support”. As predicted, they have backed down. If the police can not live on their salary, one can not but wonder who can live on minimum wage. Details
2007: The Word on the Street. By Uche Nworah The word on the street is that Aso Rock influenced Femi Otedola (Zenon Oil), Aliko Dangote (Dangote group) and the many other business men and women who sponsored the failed third term plan, and who got rich during the OBJ era to raise/pledge about 5 billion Naira in campaign funds for Yar'Adua. The payback would of course be business as usual for them (although they already practically own Nigeria now) if Yar'Adua becomes President next year. Details
Election 2007: Who Must Be Blamed? By Rima Amadi How in the world would PDP field in a guy like Andy Ubah with his alleged involvement in corrupt practices as a gubernatorial candidate in Anambra state and expect to win? Anambra people must be very senseless, stupid and deserving of all that’d been happening to the state for the past three years if they vote for him. Details
IBB Is A Democrat. By Abubakar Adamu As an individual IBB has not been proven guilty of any offence by a Court of Law, all we hear are stories, rumours and conspiracy theories. Recently an American Magazine listed Fidel (Castro of Cuba) among the richest Head of State in the World. The magazine made their estimates from the wealth of Cuba as belonging to Fidel because they claimed as a Communist (I prefer Socialist) leader he singularly control the national wealth. Details
REPS: Working for Self or the People? By Terkura Aku We never get to know what the contents of those ‘Ghana-Must-Gos’ are but the rumours have always had it that it is money. No one has ever proved it, but we have come to believe the rumours because each time those bags make their trips, the issues suddenly die, no more impeachment threats. Details
The Defeat Of Lamidi Adedibu. By Adebisi Obafemi It is not a victory for Ladoja or the PDP as a political party; it is a victory for the rule of law and the sanctity of the Nigeria constitution. I know Rashidi Ladoja and his cohorts have been celebrating with expanded chest and broad big smiles, he will be mistaking however if he thinks Nigerians’ and the people of Oyo State supported him because they voted him in as Governor during the election in 2003. Details
Obasanjo’s Dilemma; Why He Doesn't Wants To Leave By 2007. By Abdu Isa Kofarmata If EFCC is serious about its fight on corruption and if Mallam Ribadu is serious about his promise to stop thieves from holding any public office, it is therefore important that the commission conduct thorough investigations on the following aspirants and their activities. Andy ubah and his money laundering case, Professor Jerry Gana and FM transmitter contracts, Aminu Dabo and NPA report, Kwankwaso and Kano state ecological funds scandal. Other notable leads are Abdullahi Adamu, Ahmed Makarfi, Peter Odilli, Saminu Turaki, and Ahmed Sani Yerima etc. Though the list is some how inexhaustible, starting with the above would certainly create and raise confidence of Nigerian about the future crops of leaders come 2007. Details
What Game Is The EFCC Playing With Governor Odili? By Senior Fyneface Certain things are really not very clear in this soap-opera by the EFCC. First, it was alleged that the account of the Rivers State Government has been frozen by the EFCC. Though there is no way anybody can confirm this independently, but if it is true, then it is proper for any concerned Riversman/Nigerian to ask: What has the EFCC’s investigation of Arik Air got to do with the accounts of the Rivers State Government’s main account? Details
Disappointments as Obasanjo Abandons His ‘Yes’ Men. By Mohammed Ali Jnr. The ongoing congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party aimed at producing the party’s flag bearers in the next general election have exposed President Olusegun Obasanjo as one that can not be trusted or relied upon. Anyone who decides to do otherwise does so at his own peril. Those who do not know this man before now, can tell their stories of the huge disappointments he has meted out to them. Details
2007 Elections: What The Courts Must Do. By Mamman Lawan Yusufari Traditionally, courts have been reactive institutions. They settle conflicts if and only when they are approached. Since it is normal (or inevitable) for the courts to be approached with petitions after elections, and that they have powers to validate or void elections, they are key players in the electoral process. It has therefore become imperative for the courts to be ready as well. Details
Arthur Nzeribe, Achike Udenwa, Osita Izunaso And Imo West Senatorial Contest. By Emeka Oraetoka Ideally, the victory of Osita Izunaso over Senator Arthur Nzeribe could have passed as probably, the greatest upset in the just concluded senatorial primary of the PDP from that zone and even beyond. But the report by ThisDay Newspaper of Monday, 4th December 2006, that Izunaso would hold in trust, the senatorial ticket for Governor Achike Udenwa, makes the whole exercise looked rather crooked and reinforced the theory of a stage-managed election; and seemed asymmetrical to the new look PDP’s image? Details
Coup or No Coup America Should Mind Her Business. By Mr. Sabella Ogbobode Abidde As far as I am concerned, the US, Britain and other western democracies can huff and puff and play to the gallery and say all they want, Nigeria is our country. They should mind their own affairs and stop meddling in our business. They act in their nation’s best interest. We too must act in our nation’s best interest. If a coup is in order, well, so be it. Details
Tears Of My People. By Chief Charles O. Okereke Nigerian federal system though designed after the U.S. structure is flawed as it failed to adopt the major ingredients that made the U.S. a success which include resource control and residency. Details
Benue: Facing A Common Enemy. By Aonduna Tondu There is a depressingly familiar hue to the current crisis plaguing the Benue chapter of the PDP – the so-called People’s Democratic Party. At the heart of the contrived intra-party conflict is the perfidious attempt by that regime in Abuja and his perverse determination to use local surrogates in his revenge mission against those perceived as having opposed his evil third term scheme. Details
Governor Odili, What is the Source of the Naira Shower? By Bright Adeola Coker It is no longer news that Governor Peter Odili of the oil rich Rivers State is interested in contesting the 2007 presidential election. What might be news to some people is that His Excellency have been spending unimaginable amount of money to pursue his ambition. Whether this spending spree is right or not should be a topic for discussion another day. Details
The Inside Story of Nigeria's First Military Coup - Part 2. By Max Siollun Okotie-Eboh was widely disliked during the first republic for his corruption, and the former British colonial officer Sir James Robertson once referred to him as “a cheerful rogue” and “a byword for making money on the side”. Okotie-Eboh’s arrest was particularly aggressive and eyewitnesses say that the soldiers who arrested him tossed him into their army Land Rover “like a sack”. He was shot dead by Major Anuforo despite pleading for his life. Details
Freedom of Information and Public Access to Government Information. By Suleiman Haruna Those who may take the best advantage of this law are the Civil Society Organizations (CSO) who, as pressure groups would want one thing or another done by Government, or from Government. It may be investigation of corruption, abuse of due process, or human rights etc. Another group is the media, who will now have unfettered access to all the facts. The general public usually seems to be contented with going through CSOs to air their grievances rather than do so by themselves. Details
Niger Delta Militants: Rebels, Freedom Fighters Or Terrorists? By Tarella Brickks There is no greater danger in Nigeria to anyone, whether they be military, civilian, foreigner, native man, woman, or child, than the danger presented by armed groups. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), one of numerous armed groups active in the Niger Delta region, professes to be freedom fighting for the freedom of her people, exhibits the character of a rebel movement, and operates in the fashion of a terrorist group. Details
Beyonce, Thisday and Poverty Alleviation. By Bature Dodo I was confronted with a story that I found interesting and shocking. The essence of the story for those who might have missed it is that the much advertised, trumpeted, eulogised and raved about musical event involving some high profile American Pop music artistes was actually largely funded, to the tune of N150,000,000 by the Bayelsa State government. What made matters worse is that Bayelsa government’s donation came from the state’s poverty alleviation fund. Details
The Option of Open University in Nigeria. By Gabriel A. Rotiba It is important at this stage to commend the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo for the rebirth of the National Open University in Nigeria for the benefit of potential graduates. When President Olusegun Obasanjo launched the academic programme on 1st October 2002, little did the world believe in its success. Most people were in doubt when negative signals came during the first enrollment with fewer candidates making its list. Details
‘Eze Goes to School’ – President Obasanjo matriculates at 68. By Dan Azumi Kofar Mata President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent admission into the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) after a special matriculation, as an undergraduate student of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences of the National Open University of Nigeria in Abuja, on Wednesday November 29, 2006 is yet another example of flagrant abuse of public office in Nigeria today. Details
2007: Atiku Abubakar’s Faulty Start. By Terkura Aku If Nigeria’s presidency requires only a politician, then Alh Atiku Abubakar, Turakin Adamawa and Nigeria’s Vice President, has no equal contender. But Nigeria’s presidency requires more than a politician; and Atiku Abubakar is nothing more than a politician. This is why his ambition to be president, made public by his declaration last Saturday, started on a faulty note. Details
Seven Years Of Reforms: Is This Not Progress. By Terkura Aku Today, Nigeria posts the 9th largest market in the world and easily the first in Africa it is also the fastest growing telecoms market in Africa with triple-digit growth rates every single year since 2000. Currently, Nigeria has surpassed Egypt and Morocco to become the second largest mobile market after South Africa, with one of the highest rate of return on investment. Cumulative investment in telecoms sector since 2001 is over $4bn (N140bn). Is this not progress? Details
Scientific Method Of Electoral Manipulation The Nigerian Experience. By A.Mohammed Bashir Shuwa The new scientific method of election manipulation and stealing of votes is at its early stage and needs to be roundly challenged or else Nigerians will have to bear the consequence of imposed 'winners' who will occupy political office without their consent. As things are now the ruling party believes that what it takes to win election is by becoming a candidate under its platform which is a stunt of arrogance merely because it has the control of government machinery which they can manipulate to suit their purpose. Details
Weapons of Mass Reconciliation for General Buhari. By Muhammad Jameel Yusha’u But one question that keeps recurring in mind is how can General Buhari make it to the presidency in 2007 considering our experience in 2003? How can Nigerians avoid investing their energy in vain when perhaps, the ruling party has already decided who should be the next president? especially if we take the statement made by Chief Lamidi Adedibu that President Obasanjo has told him his successor. Details
Has My State Governor Lost His Mind? By Mr. Sabella Ogbobode Abide What do you make of a proposed Bayelsa State government satellite orbiting space? This is difficult to fathom especially in a state where the vast majority of the people find it difficult to move from one village to another, a state where a journey that ordinarily should take 25 minutes takes 5 hours. Why would a state that is lacking in human and infrastructural development want to finance a satellite project? Details
Democracy According To Solomon Lar. By Ponjul Wuyep We don’t know if this was true or if Lar benefited from Dariye’s looting, or if Dariye used Lar’s script to run the state, but Lar, as an elder statesman and easily the most outstanding political voice on the Plateau, didn’t do anything about Dariye’s misrule as well. This makes us to question the genuineness of Lar’s outcry. But what do we expect; Lar is a man with his brand of democracy. Details
Governance and Nigeria’s Ailing Economy. By Victor E. Dike It appears that the more money Nigeria makes, the poorer the people become and the weaker the economy gets. According to the Punch of Nov 9, 2006 Nigeria earned about N3.8 trillion from oil exports between January and August 2006. However, the budgets of 2004, 2005 and 2006 were based on oil price of $25, $30 and $35 respectively, but the price of crude oil was $38.3 in 2004, and $55.3 in 2005, with a projected price of $ 68 in 2006 (BusinessDay, Oct 9, 2006); but lately the price of crude oil has been hovering around $68-$75. Details
Election 2007: A Time To Sow The Good Seeds. By Rima Amadi Well, being indicted by the EFCC, ICPC or an administrative panel is not just the only good gauge to tell who’s corrupt and who’s not since it is an open secret that some of the corrupt governors are sacred cows to the president Obasanjo’s government, especially those who were at the fore front in favor of his failed third bid. Details
The Nigerian Bar Association; The Discoverers The Rule of Law and Due Process? By Paul I. Adujie It is as if, all of a sudden! The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has discovered the rule of law and due process? The NBA now talks about the rule of law and due process as something it has just discovered or just invented? Many questions have now arisen, among which are whether the NBA has become a rule of law and due process racketeer? Is the NBA in cahoots with looters and the high and mightily corrupt public officials? Details
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