Use and Abuses of Vigilantism. By Okezie Chukwumerije
[SAN FRANCISCO, USA]
(GAMJI)
The reasons for the rise of vigilantism in Nigeria are therefore understandable and the ultimate goals of these vigilante groups are laudable. However, their chosen techniques, and their consequent disregard for the values of the law, put them beyond the pale of acceptability in a liberal democratic society. Details
In response to Femi Awoniyi's "Sharia in the House of Oduduwa: The challenge of Fulani Political Islam to Peace in Nigeria" By Magashi Auwal Ibrahim
[MOSCOW, RUSSIA]
(GAMJI)
I keep asking myself why Owoniyi and co are always worried and much concern about Islam (Sharia) what is your problem? I can say with out hesitation, you are suffering from impropriety complex. I have nothing to do with Christianity, tribalism or regionalism, because neither is a threat to me. Details
A Sober Reflection on the Oputa Commission. By Sonny C. Onyegbula
[CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA]
(GAMJI)
People who had no dime to their names have suddenly thanks to government patronage acquired stupendous wealth, which no doubt they stole from our common purse. These looted monies they still without any form of decency these rouges flaunt on us the ordinary Nigerians. These sets of characters are shameless and have over the years evolved ingenious tact with any government in power.
Memories
of Mrs. Julie Useni. By
[SINGAPORE]
(GAMJI)
My heart bleeds for the General whose motto is “ If you do good you see good.” He has lost a wife, mother, confidant and intercessor. During the many dark hours, I recollect how she continually prayed for the family and stood like a rock behind husband. She bore the many ups and downs of their marriage with courage, child like a faith in God and the Institution of Marriage. Sadly, Mrs. Useni died at a time she was opportune to have her husband to herself after 37 years of sharing her with public service. Details
SUNDAY MUSINGS: New Maneuvers over the August 10 Local Government Elections. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
[MARYLAND, U.S.A.]
(GAMJI WRITER)
It
appears here therefore that a bad-faith script is being played primarily
and particularly by Attorney-General Agabi,
possibly to prepare to use the courts to delay the local government
elections past August 10, 2002 until next year if the states carry out ANY
unsupportable illegality! The PDP government is most probably un-ready to test its
popularity at the electoral polls at this particular time, what with the
Resource Control rulings and plane crashes, etc. It would therefore like some more time to “spend”
itself into that popularity and put some respectable distance to
the present uncertain atmosphere. Details
“Many Factual Errors Fatal to Analysis of Contradictions”: A Rejoinder to Mohammed Haruna’s Article. By Professor Omo Omoruyi
(GAMJI)
Finally Mohammed’s conclusions about my political career are part of the usual blame game and name calling that I am used to from the northern theoretician of permanent northern rule of Nigeria. Any southerner that worked with the northern political leaders in the past should forever keep his mouth shut even when the northern leaders are misbehaving. Details
Sharia in the House of Oduduwa: The challenge of Fulani Political Islam to Peace in Nigeria. By Femi Awoniyi
[Speyer, Germany]
(GAMJI)
Fulanis are always causing trouble in Nigeria by sowing seeds of hatred and demagoguery every where in their perpetual politics of divide-and-rule. The proliferation of ethnic and religious violence all over the country (Bauchi, Jos, the Mambilla Plateau, Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, Shagamu, Kano, etc.) in the last three years is a result of a grand Fulani conspiracy to cause disorder in our land. Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
HISTORY OF CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN NIGERIA (7)*: THE CURRENT TRANSITION (continued)
Then
Chief of Army Staff , Lt. Gen Samuel Victor Malu was reportedly upset by
Army Base visits by 'Americans' without clearance from his office as
well as alleged inquiries from American consultants about Nigeria's 'defence
contingency plan'. He went public, reminding the Press that
a friend today could be an enemy tomorrow. This highly unusual
public outcry from the Army Chief unleashed a firestorm of angst against
the program by commentators, some citing violation of sovereignty while
others invoked ethnic power control conspiracy theories. A few
armchair strategists said that Nigeria had nothing to learn from the
U.S. in the area of peace keeping, while the Chief of Defence Staff,
Vice Admiral Ogohi, told a visiting delegation from the US Air War
College that what Nigeria needed was logistic support, not training.
Details
(GAMJI WRITER)
In its edition of December 4, 2001, Daily Trust, in a front page lead reports that, ‘The Executive Director of FRCN Kaduna, has been queried over a radio phone-in-programme, Hannu Da Yawa, which featured PDP presidential aspirant Dr. Mohammadu Abubakar Rimi.” The report adds that “Rimi had paid FRCN over N10 million to be featured in the…programme over a one year period.” But that “… only one programme was aired before (it) was stopped by FRCN Director General Mr. Eddie Iroh.”...This attempt to muzzle the media is not the first. I was a victim myself. Sometimes ago, I paid the same station some specified amount for the airing of a commentary. To my surprise, the script was rejected and the amount returned. I protested to the management of the station but got no reply to date. This is well over one year ago today. Details
Of Planes and Politics. By M. O. Ene
(GAMJI)
Only Ekwueme would have the humility to step out of that plane to talk with a friend; others would have had him call them in Lagos! As if these were not enough headaches, we now know that IBB, Buhari, Shagari, Rimi, and even VP Atiku were in town to honor Alhaji Maitama Sule. That’s reassuring but, generally speaking, sabotage cannot be ruled out in these Al Qaeda days. Details
(GAMJI)
The present Federal and State Governments have all failed to provide security of life and property, and have therefore been uniformly and unequivocally guilty of bad governance; for good governance begins with security of life and property. This ought to be obvious. It is certainly clear to me that our greatest investment incentive and most effective project for economic and social development is the protection of life and property. Details
The Media and 2003. By Mohammed Haruna
(DAILY TRUST)
The question is, has the Nigerian media shown that they can be trusted to be fair, balanced and even objective? Judging from recent goings-on in the National Television Authority and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria which, between them, represent the country's leading and by far the largest broadcast media, and also judging from the way even the otherwise critical press has behaved largely as the lapdog of those in authority instead of being society's watchdog, I fear that the answer to our question may be in the negative. Details
Unity and Statism as a Tool for Development in Northern Nigeria. By Saidu B. Samaila
(GAMJI)
“The Northern Region, as it is today, is a product of three main factors: geography, history and the character of its people. I must emphasize that these three factors have produced a real feeling of unity amongst the people who inhabit the region. We have divergence in customs, religion and languages. But, we have emerged and progressed out of the stage in the life of the people where such differences constituted a barrier to unity. We have sought for unity; not uniformity.” Sir, Ahmadu Bello. Details
Mr. Gbanite; Thanks, But No Thanks. By Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
[MARYLAND, U.S.A.]
(GAMJI)
Based on performance so far, this administration has no justifiable basis for seeking another tenure at Aso Rock. It is also obvious that the ruling party, the People's Democratic Party (PDP), lack the structure and vision with which to lead the Nigerian people. But why must a former military Head of State be the author's choice to replace another ex-military President? What advantage does IBB have over other contending qualified presidential candidates who have excelled in other careers outside the military establishment? Details
Who is Looking Out for Nigerian Children...? By Tokunbo Awoshakin
(GAMJI)
In what sounded like a broken record of President Obasanjo´s speeches to successive speeches to the U. N General Assembly, Hajia Ismail said “ Our experience in Nigeria shows that the comprehensive programmes we have designed to tackle the issue of poverty among our children and women have been hampered by the lack of financial resources” Last year, Nigeria spent a whopping US$1.7 billion to service external debts and only a paltry US$300 million on the social sector, a sector most critical to children and women. Details
us, retrogressive and above all undemocratic. Details
Before Castigating General Buhari. By Banjo Odutola
(GAMJI)
Firstly, Buhari is courageous enough to demonstrate his dislike of the policies of the Obasanjo’s civil government and he criticises the administration for bad governance and many of its decisions. But is his attack enough a quality for him to be granted the presidential ticket of his party? Details
Eze Onyeagwalam. By Obumneke Ekeanyanwu, (LLD)
[IGBO]
(GAMJI)
É lechaala anya gburugburu obodo, ne mpaghara niile, e nwebeghi onye á hùrula. Obiabuo na-emezi ndiokenye. Ozugbo ha na-acho inòkorita kwuo okwu kà ùfodú ha malitere kwuwe na Eze aahu bu Oemegbu mmadu, naa-ekwukwa na o bu Oeji ngaji eri cheteghi Oeji aka eri! A ga-eche ka Oegbuefi lota, kà à ga-eche kà Oapiegbe lóta? Details
MID-WEEK ESSAY: Kano - A Tragedy That Was Waiting To Happen. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
[MARYLAND USA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
Furthermore,
this is the second major tragedy this year (after the Ikeja Cantonment bombs and
related drownings in Lagos canals), and has resulted in the tragic death of a
second current minister (after Chief Bola Ige in December 2001). When to the
above facts we add the deaths at Zakin Biam and Gbeji, Odi and Jesse, coupled
with riots in Kaduna, Jos, Ife-Modakeke and Warri environs, quite a lot of
Nigerian blood has found its way in an untimely manner onto our soil during this
civilian regime.
Can Chief Olusegun Obasanjo be defeated in 2003? By Max Gbanite
[New Jersey, U.S.A.]
(GAMJI)
Nobody in Nigeria was surprised when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo resonated his intention to re-contest for the same position under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). If you recall, the Almighty God in His Infinite wisdom appeared to him while he was fasting (without losing any part of his stomach), and urged him to continue. When speaking to him God must have said something like this: "My son, are you sure you need Me to make this decision for you? When you were in Yola prison you prayed and asked me to spare your life, and you promised to be a changed man if given another chance. but you're back to your old self, my son. You promised to be a people-oriented person, but you seem to have changed into Chief Anenih's man. Details
An Open Letter to Abacha. By Wada Nas
(WEEKLY TRUST)
I am pleased to inform you that Chief Ani, your former finance minister, has been vindicated by a London court. Those who have been accusing you of some wrong- doings wore very sad faces when they heard of this good news. The Chief sends you greetings as also millions of other Nigerians. The import of this letter is to update you on certain developments in the last six months or so. Sir, as they keep on calling you a corrupt person, a United States government agency came out to tell the world that 56% of high level corruption in the country now is being committed in the Presidency. Details
Alternatives to Obasanjo. By Abubakar Jika
[DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
The IBB Regime probed him. There was nothing to pin on him. He was Executive Chairman PTF. Obasanjo probed him. There was nothing. You may accuse Buhari of high handedness. But so are all retired Generals including Obasanjo. He could not be less tolerant than Obasanjo is currently. The Sharia issue can not be a burden to him. Obasanjo is a Christian and every one knows he promote his religion including the first Chapel at Aso Rock. The talk of Buhari "Islamizing Nigeria" is illiterate and foolish. Only a fool can even contemplate this. Details
Settlement Culture and the Nigerian Media. By Waziri Adio
(GAMJI)
Though the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have codes of ethics and they frown at inducement and gratification, what we are seeing in Nigerian journalism today is a total collapse of morality. There is no vigorous debate about issues such as relationship to sources, fairness and balance, sensationalism, privacy, obscenity, and gratification even among editors. Nigerian journalism is not just a profession where anything goes, it is now one of the bastions of corruption in the country. It is a supreme irony that this is a profession that is supposed to unearth corruption and one that takes itself seriously. Detail
HM Queen Elizabeth's Speech: A Nigerian Perspective. By Banjo Odutola
(GAMJI)
All in all, your speech represents your nation and I hope my dreams will one day become a reality in my nation where OPC, Ohaneze, ACF, Jihadists and 419ers will be ephemeral and what will endure is a Nigeria devoid of the Northerners, Southerners, Easterners, Middle Belt, Westerners and Mid-Westerners but a people that take pride in a common entity called NIGERIA! Details
A Reasonable Nigeria. By Sung Bauta
(GAMJI)
Dear Editor, My name is Sung Bauta. I am in the United States. I am 19 years old, and a senior in High School. If we are complaining about Obasanjo not performing, what then do we think Buhari will offer? Absolutely nothing! He will only make it worst. Detail
SATURDAY ESSAY: A Stubborn INEC, Looking for Trouble. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
(GAMJI WRITER)
It is very clear that we have a very stubborn Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headed by Dr. Abel Guobadia, and it is looking for serious trouble in the Nigerian polity. Despite all the hullabaloo in the National Assembly and buzz in the Nigerian populace, in releasing its latest registration guidelines for the party, INEC has just gone ahead to include several severely circumscribing sections in the guidelines which it released yesterday May 3, 2002. Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
HISTORY OF CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS IN NIGERIA (6)*: THE CURRENT TRANSITION
Expressing a view remarkably similar to what was expressed at the Oputa panel by Brigadier Ibrahim Sabo, who, like Alli, was also a one time Director of Military Intelligence, the General further wrote: "The struggle among the contending interests for the control of the central government is the major source and cause of Nigeria's cut-throat politics and recurring instability. There is also a very strong linkage between the military barracks, oil resources and coups d' etat as soldiers ravage the nation to assuage personal and group appetite for power and wealth". Ibrahim Sabo was more blunt. As This Day newspapers (July 20, 2001) put it, "former head of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), Brigadier-General Ibrahim Sabo (rtd.) alleged that the primary aim of seizing power by military men was to steal money." Details
The Many Contradictions of Omoruyi. By Mohammed Haruna
(GAMJI)
Omoruyi’s career as a politician ended disastrously in 1979. His sophisticated political ideas appeared to have served him very poorly when he lost his bid for the governorship ticket of the National Peoples Party (NPN) for his native Bendel State. Consequently, he retreated back to the academia, specifically to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Jos, where he first met the then Brigadier-General Babangida as his student. That was the beginning of a relationship with Babangida in which Omoruyi was to eventually exercise immense political power of the kind that he would never have dreamed of even in his wildest imagination. As events turned out, he became the academic arrowhead of Babangida’s attempt to politically re-engineer Nigeria. Details
Those Who Live in Glass Houses. By Dr. Abubakar A. Muhammad
(GAMJI)
The honorable vice president in his reaction to General Buhari's 'presidential ambition', was quoted to have said: "Buhari need to go and answer questions of violations of human rights. Yes. Nobody has violated the human rights of Nigerians like General Buhari, not even Abacha." Is this another stand on transparency? While the test on human rights violation by any military government will be impossible to pass, it is relevant for me to ask the Turaki how many people were killed or massacred during Buhari's regime? Details
First Anniversary of Buhari’s Presidency, May 29, 2004. By Femi Awoniyi
[FICTION]
In a release, Sheikh Buhari blamed ”Zionist elements” for the disturbances. In a chat with the press, Nas condemned ”Ngbati newspapers” for exaggerating, asking rhetorically, ”what did you do while OPC were massacring Northerners during Obasanjo’s presidency?” The government spokesman later recanted the statement following massive criticism. Details
Resource Control Judgment: Who to Blame. By Mike Ikhariale
(GAMJI)
Let us consider the facts that more than 80% of the nation’s wealth nowadays is derivable from oil alone and whatever riches and affluence any Nigerian controls today, especially those who had monopolized political power, is wholly from oil. For example, the billions of dollars the Abachas and the other ‘stinkingly rich’ generals and their cronies stole from the nation’s treasury are from the oil drilled from the Niger Delta. Sadly enough, I do not know of any of these roguish individuals who is from the Niger Delta. Details
On Obasanjo and Shari'a: A Response to K. Nweke. By Safianu Rabiu
(GAMJI)
The truth though is, as most informed and honest people know, the riots were not because to Shari'a. The other dimensions, including the neocolonial hopelessness of Third World economic structures are often conveniently forgotten as some of the fundamental causes of our problems. Details
(GAMJI)
Today in Nigeria, our leaders are determined to make the ‘most’ voters very unhappy and still think that they are unbeatable at the polls because they have managed to set up a system that forces the voters to vote in the open or not vote at all. We are not goats. You cannot just line us up like they do cattle in a market for sale. Our votes are not for sale. We deserve the dignity to cast our votes in a secret ballot. Who ever suggested that open balloting is a remedy against fraud is the one who is committing the fraud on us. Details
Democracy
Must Not Fail.
(GAMJI WRITER)
Recent
events in the country, all of them ugly, if allowed to continue, may turn out to
be the waterloo of our nation and the democratic order we have all resolved to
nurture to enduring maturity. Within a short space of time, starting late
December 2001, we witnessed the assassination of a serving minister, the first
in our history since the civil war. While we were mourning his painful and cruel
death, the bomb disaster exploded, sending over 1000 to their grave. Again, this
was the first of its kind in our history. With our tears still flowing, the OPC
terrorists, in the usual manner of their orientation, once more found pleasure
in massacring Northerners at Idi Araba, one in the series of their continued
intolerance of non-natives in Yoruba land.
Resource control and all that. By Mohammed Haruna
(DAILY TRUST)
It should be obvious from [Edwin] Clark's testimony that the battle for the control of the country's oil wealth is not actually one of, as Midebo Bayagbon, a columnist with the Vanguard, put it, "indolent, greedy and parasitic" northern elites. By far the greater beneficiaries of the oil resources, as Bayagbon should have known long before the recent Supreme Court judgement on who should control the offshore oil and gas resources, are the majority southern ethnic groups. Almost exactly one year to the day when Bayagbon blamed "greedy" northerners for the sorry plight of his fellow Deltans, he has been singing a different tune. "We are gradually realising that the main oppressors of the Niger Delta", he said in his column of April 17, "are the Yorubas: from Awolowo to Obasanjo, from land use decree to denying us our share of the offshore oil as if the Niger Delta states were part of, say, Cameroun, Obasanjo's Supreme Court will come and talk of the oil belonging to him". Details [PHOTO BY GAMJI]
The implications of dropping Atiku. By Abdulkarim Albashir
(DAILY TRUST)
Insinuations are in several pages that Vice President Atiku Abubakar may be dropped as the running mate to President Olusegun Obasanjo in the forthcoming presidential election. Even as the president once said that the two are bound together, the rumours and speculations have refused to go. Not even the VOA posters, all over the place, have doused matters. According to the speculative reports, there has been tremendous pressure on Obasanjo, by Northerners and Babangida in particular, to drop him in exchange for their support come 2003. None of the reports has given reasons for the pressures except that Babangida allegedly believes that if Atiku remains in Aso Rock up to 2007, he would consolidate against him by that year. Details
(GAMJI)
If uncle Jerry Gana will be sincere to himself, he will tell Nigerians how much millions he has distributed to media organizations and journalists for them to give a false coverage and credibility to his nationwide tour of deceit of Nigerians, where even projects executed by past governments were credited to the present one,..Details
(GAMJI)
Without the youths service at Jaji, I would have known next to zilch about Hausa. I think we should dig deeper into our rich languages and names to bring out the best they have to offer. Even when we poke fun with certain terms and names adjudged derogatory in many cases, it is still better than letting these lexical items lurk in the dark recesses of the mind or, worse, die. Details
Maulud: The Birth of a Living. By Faruk Sarkinfada
(GAMJI)
Exactly 1,423 years after his historical migration from Mecca to Medina, and 1,411 years after his departure from the physical world, the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, still gives us an opportunity for general rejoicing and family parties and also for fresh assessment of his role and the relevance of his life and message to contemporary needs up to infinity. Details
Political Zoning is Dangerous, Retrogressive and Unconstitutional. By Dr. Abubakar A. Muhammad
(GAMJI)
The question then is how did we end up with the muddle of zoning under a system that is supposed to be a democracy? How can those who are the engineers of zoning and doom ever claim, without any principle, to be democratic? Who are they fooling? One does not need to go to school to know a zoning under any political system is dangero
Slumbering Africans Wake Up! By Sam Abbd Israel
(GAMJI)
It is an historical fact that the marauding exploiters from the east and west trampled on the African innate virtues with impunity. Unfortunately, it was the African virtues of innocence, love and kindness that enabled the Arabs and the Europeans to subjugate, loot and rape Africa. Nevertheless, having laid to rest the pains and the shames of the past and having forgiven but not forgotten the perpetrators of the wicked past and the activities of the present foolish ‘leaders’, let all Africans arise in good faith, in good spirit and under the grace of divine wisdom and say to the world: Never again shall Africa be humiliated as it happened this last one thousand years. Details
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING: These “BoldFace” Committees’ Explanations…! By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
[MARYLAND USA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
I am beginning to get a little bit ticked off about official “committees” reaction to corruption in Nigeria, just a little bit. I don’t mean President Obasanjo’s reaction to corruption – he seems to be making the right noises, with all those 16 anonymous people dragged before Akanbi’s Anti-Corruption tribunal, even though I can’t even name more than 5 people. I mean lesser beings than himself in this civilian administration. Details
Olusegun Obasanjo's Incompetence. By Kenneth Nweke
[LOS ANGELES]
(GAMJI)
Under Olusegun Obasanjo's watch, the people of Nigeria have been terrorized by religious fanatics who seek to impose Arab Islamic theocracy on Nigeria. What does Olusegun Obasanjo do? He fumbles incoherently from one position to another. Why? He lacks the guts of a president to do what has to be done. And, he is again waiting to import decisions from his masters in the West. Details
The Prisoner's Dilemma in a Lunatic Asylum Governed By the Inmates. By Kòmbò Mason Braide Ph.D.
[Port Harcourt, Nigeria]
(GAMJI)
Prior to Friday, 13 February 1976, there had been a civilian coup attempt, led by the looser of the Independence elections, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. We have only recently been duly informed authoritatively (1) that the then British colonial Governor-General, Sir James Robertson (OBE) actually rigged those elections. At any rate, for conspiring to overthrow the democratically selected government of His Excellency, Alhaji (Sir) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (OBE; KBE), Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo was sentenced to jail, not in Kirikiri, or Gashua, or Bama, but in the comfort of the VIP wing of Calabar Prison. Details
(GAMJI)
The Christian opponents of the Shari’ah were also shameless in manipulating census figures as they usually do. One writer claimed that Nigerian Christians make up between 65-70% of the Nigerian population. But one of the funniest claims came from the militant CAN that launched an initiative called “Macedonia Initiative” to perpetuate Christian hegemony in Nigeria. Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
"The April 1990 Rebellion": The Orkar Coup
The assault on Dodan Barracks was in two phases. First, several Tanks deployed on the grounds were technically demobilized through the removal of firing pins. Later, the assault on the main living quarters (using infantry and two armored vehicles from the radio station driven by 2/Lts Umukoro and Uchendu) began. Earlier, when certain movements were noticed, the ADC to the President, Lt. Col Usman K. Bello came out to investigate. Without any supporting crew, he reportedly tried to climb into one of the Tanks which, unknown to him, had already been disabled. Having realized that he was in no position to use the Tank he came out, and tried walking alone, wearing mufti, toward the radio station, only to be summarily shot in circumstances that have never been fully clarified. Details
The North and Project 2003. By Wada Nas
(GAMJI WRITER)
Since Obasanjo came, Odudua snakes have been chasing and
biting us for no offence committed. Our downfall has been their wish; our
calamity has been their desire; our misadventure has been their cause for merry
making; our patriotism has been their cause to insult us; our silence has been
the opportunity to malign us; our political support has been the cause to refer
to us as foolish people who deserve mass murder and our readiness to extend
hands of political friendship has been used to insult our leaders collectively;
and even we, the ordinary, have not been spared. Nothing good we do to them that
has not been rewarded with insults and mass massacre of our own. They hate us
for no reason, they don’t want us in their midst, they like us dead and in
hell; they hate us living; they despise everything about us. Once bitten, twice
shy.
OBJ A Refusal to Wave Goodbye. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
(GAMJI)
President Obasanjo's antecedents before that fateful Thursday gave no cause to fret over 2003. OBJ is a respected international statesman, leader, writer and farmer. A man who believes that action is at the heart of leadership, a convincing compliant to democratic ideals and a detribalised leader. Obj is a voice for Africa and has, for so many years, represented Africa candidly and with vision. Details
Nigerian Diplomacy-Stealing in the Name of Mr. President. By Abimbola Adeyemi
[SWITZERLAND]
(GAMJI)
Chief Obasanjo is hereby invited to look closely at the activities of his principal envoy to Switzerland, Dr. Damian Ogbe Obande. His Excellency's corruption record is so bad that concerned Nigerians in Switzerland have even resorted to petitioning the Swiss Government to throw out the Nigerian Ambassador. Details
Jerry Gana’s Brown Envelope: Damage Control and Nigeria’s Culture of Shame. By David Asonye Ihenacho, Ph.D.
[New York, USA]
(GAMJI)
Professor
Jerry Gana, attempted “to bribe” foreign journalists in Abuja in
order to effect a favorable reporting of the events in Nigeria. This
allegation, if true, proves at least two things. First, that the man in the eye of the storm, Jerry Gana, as
we long ago alerted, is indeed a chip of the old block of the corrupt
military era in which dissemination of information and the conveyance of
situations to the public was contrived with the despicable practices of
“settlement” and bribery. Second,
Gana’s brown envelope equally proves that either the much-vaunted
projects of anti-corruption and transparency of the Obasanjo
administration have finally and irreparably collapsed, or that Gana is a
square peg in a round hole in the Obasanjo administration and therefore
must be kicked out. Details
“KAMPEISM” Is for Real. By Okenwa R. Nwosu, M.D.
(GAMJI)
The North may now feel that it would be its turn to produce the next Nigerian President. But wait, the Southsouth and Southeast would complain that they have been left in the lurch since some expect the rotational presidency to touchdown in those areas before swinging back up North again. What of the disciples of the much-touted Sovereign National Conference (SNC) who have portrayed President Obasanjo’s administration as the greatest stumbling block to the actualization of a conference of Nigerian nationalities? Details
Of Abacha's Loot Recovery and the Attendant Hypocrisy/Injustice in Us. By Uzorchris Umege
(GAMJI)
There had been Heads of state before Abacha. There had been ministers, Governors, top government functionaries and there private persons collaborators involved in the looting spree before, during and after Abacha. Why have we failed to bring these people to book and make more recoveries? Oh death! How devastating can your effect be to the dead? If Abacha had been alive and even out of office, he would have used just a little part of his loot to 'shot-up' those of us-"Busy bodies" who would raise eyebrows. Details
The Wangled Political Charlatans. By Paul Mamza
(GAMJI WRITER)
Already black mail and intimidation had taken the center-stage of political maneuvering. Initially the rumors of the former President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida had generated much blackmails from quarters perceiving him as a mover and shaker of Nigerian politics, but when General Babangida indicated that he will not contest against Chief Obasanjo in 2003 the search mirror fell on General Muhammadu Buhari, who is willing to exercise his fundamental rights in a democratic setting. Details
The Absolution of Abubakar. By M. O. Ene
(GAMJI)
The place of Abubakar in history remains undefined mainly because, like "ogbanje" or "abiku" child, he is a caught in two worlds. Those who find it hard to bash the dead find in him a substitute-trashing bag. On the other hand, those who are angry at the present regime of President Obasanjo blame him for passing the ball in an allegedly arranged election or, as some say, "a selection of sorts." Details
Global Governance in the Global Village. By Stephen Lampe
(GAMJI)
We have a situation in which the supposed mediator, the United States, is patently biased and refuses to talk about causes and justice. The Israelis and the Americans are calling on Mr. Arafat to stop suicide bombings while the Israelis are making it impossible for him to do so by virtually keeping him imprisoned,... Details
The Begging Jamboree. By Wada Nas
(GAMJI WRITER)
I have never failed to make the point that in the past three years, Obasanjo has scared many Nigerians, behaving without the least regard for their feelings, behaving towards them as if he were still the head of state of the military era, destroying virtually all democratic structures, violating the constitution, as testified to by the recent judgement of the Supreme Court and doing such other things as to make Nigerians begin to worry where he could lead them to when he gets the final vote. If we have noticed these of him now when he is still asking for our votes, what then would happen when he gets a second term? Details
The
Politics of Kebbi 2003: Who Replaces Governor Aliero? By Nurudeen
Abdulsalami
(GAMJI)
Aliero on the other
hand is far from being a spent force. He is bracing up for a real fight of his
political life. If the coalition alliance over-indulges itself in the scheme of
mutual deceit, Aliero will still be in the Government House come 2003 by default, a
situation which all his former associates in the coalition dread. But if the
coalition makes up its mind in good time and stands solidly behind a credible
candidate from Zuru like the youthful
Why Obasanjo Must Pick Atiku Again. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo
[KADUNA]
(GAMJI)
The
people of Adamawa state must ensure that the Obasanjo/Atiku ticket is maintained
irrespective of whose ox is gored. The
other time Obasanjo boasted on BBC Talking point that the level of poverty in
Nigeria is at this level because of him; we, the people of Adamawa may have the
Vice President to thank for the decay in our infrastructures, the excruciating
poverty and such other minor discomforts. Details
2003 Wild Goose Chase: A Rejoinder to Nnamdi Elekwachi-Mpuomeigbo. By Hamilton Odunze
[BOSTON]
(GAMJI)
Recently, I read an article by Nnamdi Elekwachi-Mpuomeigbo, in which he disparaged Dr. Odunze for his article "2003 WILD GOOSE CHASE." At first, I was bewildered that the lawyer wrote in such an incoherent manner. By the end of his first paragraph, it became obvious that he never grasped the essence of Dr. Odunze's proposals. But then, demagogues like him are what is wrong with Nigerian politics. Details
2003: Towards a Successful Election. By Akinsanya Babatunde Ode
(GAMJI)
The police operate outside the ambit of the law. Political scores are being settled now with arbitrary use of state power. Money grants you unrestricted assess to our police. It is a common place for our politicians to move around with policemen to harass and oppress their opponents. It is a common place to hear them say "I will deal with you" rather than say "we shall meet in court" as is obtained in civilised societies. Details
A
Breath of Life for
[KANO]
(GAMJI)
Set up in the very first place by the Obasanjo/YarAdua Military Government in the dying days of the 1970’s the Refinery was then named the Kaduna Refinery. Is it such a coincidence that today, it is under another Obasanjo Government, this time as a civilian President with Late General YarAdu’a’s own appointed heir, Atiku Abubakar as his Vice President that the Refinery is coming back to life? And fully so? Details
Can Israel be a State Like All Others? That is the True Question of its Existence. By Edward Said Forwarded By Abdul-Hameed Jibril
There is no way to assess the full extent of the damage to the cities and towns -- Ramallah, Bethlehem, Tulkarm, Qalqilya, Nablus, and Jenin -- while they remain under a tight siege, with patrols and snipers firing in the streets. But it is safe to say that the infrastructure of life itself and of any future Palestinian state -- roads, schools, electricity pylons, water pipes, telephone lines -- has been devastated." [New York Times] Details
Now
that God Has Spoken to Obasanjo.
(GAMJI WRITER)
Now
that you have so decided, permit me Mr. President, to give you some honest
advice on what to do to gain your lost glory. The first thing you must do Sir,
is to call a meeting of all your cronies and media propagandists with a view to
warning them against the wanton abuse of those who may not be in the same boat
with you. When
the Almighty was instructing Kashim Imam, one of your megaphones, to tell us that
no power has the right to stop you from representing your good self for a second
term, it was his great pleasure to insult members of the Arewa Consultative
Forum, ACF, whose votes and those of their followers you will need, by saying
that non of them can win a ward election.
The Qualification of the "Nigerian Factor" in the Misadventures of a Very Reluctant Messiah. By Kòmbò Mason Braide, Ph.D.
[PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria]
(GAMJI)
A
very curious scenario is playing itself out in Nigeria, little by little,
slowly and steadily. Indeed, it was very tempting, while the official
sycophants were really jittery last week, to agree with Abuja’s “
What the Assassination of Bola Ige Says About the Nature of the Nigerian Society. By Ibiyinka Solarin
(GAMJI)
Soon, it will be four months to that day, and the Nigerian society knows no more today than it did then, as to who exactly killed Bola Ige and why. Of course, there are speculations, but conjectures and speculations do not convictions win., in a case of homicide. The Nigerian Police has not been able to come forward with any concrete development about the resolution of this case. Instead, we are treated to theatrics about the Keyamo brothers; their claims and counter-claims. Details
Professor Auwalu H. Yadudu's Sharia Apology: A Response. By David Asonye Ihenacho, Ph.D.
[NEW YORK]
(GAMJI)
Yadudu’s
confusion in this situation becomes clear when he equates “secular” as
in secular state with secularism. This
is tragic. Secularism is a
totally different terminology. The
noun from secular is secularity, and it means formal/legal disinclination
from religion. But the
adjective from secularism is secularist or secularistic. It is descriptive
of an attitude, a way of life and a worldview.
Secularism is a mindset. Details
MONDAY QUARTERBACKING: Jerry's Testament and the Case of Brown Envelopes. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
[MARYLAND, USA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
This time, though, with this Jerry business, the evidence cannot be ignored – and it has international dimensions. Jerry Gana may have shown poor corrupting judgement, but the pressmen who have not returned the money have even shown poorer judgement – and have been caught doing so. Details
Sue Before You Run, Mr. President. By N. H. Ibanga
(GAMJI)
The “Political Shariah” as the president called it, has not fizzled out as he had expected. Instead, its fangs are getting bigger and its proponents bolder. Some have speculated that the president was afraid of losing the case in court, hence his reluctance to sue. Details
Africa and NEPAD: What About HIV/AIDS? By Dr. Chinua Akukwe
(GAMJI)
HIV/AIDS is a major impediment to the lofty goals and objectives of NEPAD. I believe that African leaders should immediately adopt HIV/AIDS remedial efforts as one of the focus areas of NEPAD, and set in motion a machinery to translate the Abuja 2001 declaration on HIV/AIDS into a working document for the forthcoming meeting with G-8 nations. Details
Buhari, Getting the Party Started? By Razaque Bello
(GAMJI)
Like the APP, Buhari is salivating to occupy the Villa, but that is where their similarities end. To set foot in the Villa, the APP will need a good salesman, the type that will be able to sell a refrigerator to an Eskimo. Buhari may be a good man, but he is not that salesman. Details
Making Enduring Freedom. By Adoyi Onoja
(GAMJI)
Inspite of the claim about making the world a better place for all to live - a hype emanating from the idealistic developed world - the latest survey seemed to suggest that the perception of this half of the world about the developing world is predictably static. In a release by Voluntary Services Overseas about the attitude of the world's rich to developing countries, the prognosis concluded that it is a region "permanently marred in poverty and doom". Details
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI
History of Civil-Military Relations in Nigeria (5): The Second Transition (1979-83), Part 2)
Shagari paid very little attention to internal postings of officers, devolving
that responsibility to his trusted Army Chief. He even warned one of his
ministers (Umaru Dikko) not to irritate the military by prying too deeply into
their affairs and refused to interfere when Brigadier Buhari, just back from a
course in the US, clashed with General Wushishi over his Army posting.
This approach was laid bare when on December 31st, 1983 as he was escaping from
mutinous troops who had attacked the Presidential Lodge at Abuja, the President
could neither recognize the name of the officer (Brigadier Sani Abacha)
announcing the coup on radio, nor place his ethnic origin. Details
The
Option for Obasanjo
(GAMJI WRITER)
Second Term Syndrome and its Implication on Nigeria's Political Stability. By Sam Nda-Isaiah
(GAMJI)
A few days ago, on a working day (Tuesday), Governors and Ministers left their working posts and traveled to Otta to beg the president to seek re-election because of the “good job” he is doing. And this good job include his efficient handling of the corruption issue (according to Kashim Ibrahim Imam) and that the security situation in the nation has improved considerably (according to Tony Anenih). And the president felt touched by this show of solidarity. Everything in government has stopped for the second term agenda. Details
September 11, Islamism and the Western Response: The Limits of the Bush-Thatcher Doctrine. By Mike Ikhariale
(GAMJI)
The practice of suicide bombing, usually deployed by the utterly frustrated Palestinians seems to coincide in all four walls with the new image of the terrorist who would gleefully kill himself just to inflict greater damaged on his generally stronger enemy. Ariel Sharon cashed on this and the Bush administration expectedly gave him the go ahead to ‘seek and destroy’ these “infrastructures of terror” which, in simple language and in the circumstance, translate into any Palestinian, women or children. Details
(GAMJI)
Local Government Elections: Matters Arising. By Akinsanya Babatunde Ode
[WARRI, NIGERIA]
(GAMJI)
The question now is this: Should Local Government elections be held now or later? The answer to this question is not a straight yes or no. A lot of variables have to be considered before an answer could be given to the above question. Everybody involved in this avoidable mess now claims to be fighting for the Nation. Details
Appalling Nigeria: A Nation of Impatient. By Michael O. Folorunso
(GAMJI)
Let us ask Mr. Rimi where his campaign money is coming from ? I know that Mr. Gaskiya ne, will not tell us. His money is coming from no other source than from Murmur Gaddafi of Libya. For this reason alone the man is not qualified to be the President of Nigeria. Alhaji Rimi should be ignored and made to lick his self-inflicted wound. Details
(GAMJI)
As for the ‘19 + 2 Horsemen of Apocalypse’ and the Ministers and Ministers of State who went to Ota to exercise constitutional rights of ‘freedom of choice’ and to state unequivocal loyalty to Obasanjo, I doff my hats for you. No matter how the opposition sees your action, and what the media say, you demonstrated your loyalty and political courage with an act of cowardice. Details
Stinking Thinking: The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). By Debo Awosika-Olumo MD., MS.
The question is how will the governments (Federal, states and local) fund the ‘scheme’ with the current socioeconomic culture of lack of economic growth, increasing government deficits and inequality in the distribution of income? Details
FRIDAY DISCOURSE WITH DR. ALIYU TILDE
It is true that government, with its control over the forces of coercion, is more powerful than any individual. No one can deny that. Such politicians cite examples of how Yaradua and Abiola, despite their enormous wealth and influence, were incarcerated and finally killed when they contended with the government of the day. Details
Ghali on the Cross. By Abubakar Jika
(GAMJI WRITER)
Ghali Na'abba survived as a Speaker not because of his personal capacity, capability, generosity, friendly disposition or political sagacity. He survived because the members gauged the views of their constituents which rallied round Na'abba as the last bulwark against emergent imperial presidency. Details
(GAMJI)
Another Look at USAID Success Claims in Nigeria. By Tokunbo Awoshakin
(GAMJI)
USAID cannot do so much chest beating over it’s energy programs for Nigeria. The National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Nigerian power generating plant which boasted it would end power outage in the country during the euphoria of USAID support is still as inefficient as ever. Several communities only get electricity supply jut for a few hours in a week and the acronym (NEPA) has been turned into Never Expect Power Always. Detail
An Update to Essay on Local Council Polls and INEC. By Mobolaji E. Aluko, Ph.D.
(GAMJI WRITER)
Finally, I also believe that if one thinks deeply enough, any political problem can be solved; if one understands that the law is made for Man and not Man for the law, then any legal hurdle can be overcome. Details
Zamfara and the Urchins. By Wada Nas
(GAMJI WRITER)
Since the launch of the Sharia in Kano, ThisDay turned its pages over to anti-Sharia writers and commentators. There is hardly a columnist who has not written one or two insulting articles against the system, Islam and Muslims. The paper is not alone in this. It has become the tradition of virtually all the Lagos based newspapers and magazines, perhaps without any exception. This is hardly surprising. Nor is it surprising that they have never bothered to look at their backyard when describing what happened to the Zamfara cow thief as primitive. Even some of their elders symbolized by the patriots have not been doing so. The South East urchins called Bakassi Boys, in the name of providing security have been murdering and killing innocent persons through jungle justice on mere allegations that they were armed robbers. The place has never been safe for anybody. Details
MID-WEEK
ESSAY: Simplifying
Our Revenue Allocation Formula Once and For All
[MARYLAND USA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
Finally, despite my best effort here at revising our messy revenue allocation formula, on the long run, there is no alternative to moving away from our center-controlled, oil-dominated monoculture, which oil contributes almost 80% of our federal government revenues, 90-95% of our export earnings, 80-90% of our foreign exchange earnings, and yet contributes only about 20% to our GDP. Details
[St. Petersburg, Russia]
As one of my friends puts it, “Gowon was the first puppet of the Islamic North”. More baffling is the fact that as soon as Gowon took over, effective marginalization of the geographical South-east began in earnest. For more than five years, no Igbo man was commissioned into the Nigerian Army- that was when the northern power shift became very obvious. Anyone who needed a taste of the seat of power had to play to the tune of the North. This is where the Yoruba come in. Details
When 'No Politicians' Are In Politics. By Paul Mamza
(GAMJI WRITER)
What is more intriguing is the '34 wise men' led by Chief Soloman Lar that persuades the Late General Sani Abacha not to heed the call by court jesters to perpetuate himself in power have themselves transformed into court jesters (probably with the exception of Alhaji Abubakar Rimi) to propagate what they have earlier denounced. It becomes apparent from the Otta under happenings that even their initial 'wisdom' was motivated by selfishness and deceit. Details
Poverty in Africa, Why? How to Eradicate It. By Uzorchris Umege
(GAMJI)
Those who attempted to be themselves devoid of Western manipulation have become enemies, as the West used their media power to mount inciting and damaging propaganda to destabilize them. Ask the likes of Ghadafi of Libya, Idi Amin of Uganda, Nkrumah of Ghana or even our own neighbor in Iraq, what their eyes have seen. Details
[PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA]
(GAMJI)
Obasanjo
and His God. By
(GAMJI)
(GAMJI)
It is now known that one reason the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election was sustained was because it was so easy for the Babangida government to get certain leaders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to acquiesce, having been “settled” through bribes and promises of political offices. The story might have been different if leaders of the SDP at all levels were unanimous in their opposition to the annulment. Details
Response to Threats by Yakubu Gowon, President and Patron of Arewa. By Niger Delta Republic Movement
(GAMJI)
WEEKEND MUSINGS WITH DR. NOWA OMOIGUI: History of Civil-Military Relations (4) The Second Transition (1979-83, Part 1)
In September 1978, the ban on political party activity, in force since January 1966, was lifted. This was in anticipation of the return to civil rule in October 1979 after nearly 14 years. In the interval, however, the country and military had witnessed profound changes. We had been ruled by four military leaders and had differentiated from four regions to 19 states. Details
(GAMJI WRITER)
Today we have lost count of the number of times Northerners were killed in Lagos, Shagamu and Ibadan since 1993 to date. The only time in history when Yorubas were ever attacked in the North, apart from the 1953 incident, was the provoked killing of their own in Shagamu at the early stage of this administration. On their part, the attack on Northerners has become a matter of routine, inspite of the support some political leaders in the North have been giving to them since independence to date and in particular the massive votes given to Abiola and Obasanjo. Details
The Treacherous 21 Governors: A Response to Abubakar Jika. By Tanimu Yakubu
(GAMJI)
The Treacherous 21 Governors: A Response to Abubakar Jika. By Tanimu Yakubu
(GAMJI)
Honorable Speaker Ghali Na Abba has escaped impeachment not because he is any wiser or more morally upright than his predecessor. NO! He has gotten the support of the leaders that Obasanjo's proxies have been fighting unjustly. That the same polythene bags filled with money to remove impeach Senate President Chuba Okadigbo did not turn out to be antidote with sufficient generic equivalence in ridding the infectious menace of Ghali Na Abba, simply shows how money and incumbency will fail again to confront such forces in their areas of influence. Details
Counterfeiting Abacha. By Abubakar Jika
(GAMJI WRITER)
If the dead could be privileged, to peep into the world of the living, late General Sani Abacha would be grinning from ear to ear on the mess made of the mandate given those who used to harangue him. "The know alls" who now fumble and waffle. Those who used to condemn him as a dictator have since dusted his script. The worse part is they seem to be poor copycats. Details
The North’s Own Gani Adams. By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
(GAMJI)
Moslems in Nigeria will continue to be loyal to shari’a no matter whose ox is gored but what they will continue to battle with is the fact that its jurisprudence will also continue to retain the wide gorge between the leaders and followers, powerful and powerless, haves and have-nots, men and women. Details
Fiscal Federalism and Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria: The Personal Perspective of a State Commissioner of Finance. By Tanimu Yakubu
(GAMJI)
Finally,
I would like to recommend a study of
AD, Afenifere and Yoruba Politics. By Tunde Adenodi
[IN RETROSPECT]
(GAMJI)
Chief Bola Ige*, a man of impeccable character whom I admire greatly for his foresight in reading clearly the deceptive mind of General Abacha when Abacha reigned supreme is just as brilliant as Chief Awolowo. But unfortunately, just like his mentor, he is probably just as overly ambitious and politically myopic. If AD does not have any influence beyond its immediate area of the south-west, you can just blame it on Chief Ige and the Yoruba patriarch, Chief Abraham Adesanya. Details
2002: The National Year of Sovereign Conferences-An Interim Review. By Sam Abbd Israel
(GAMJI)
Please, Fellow Nigerians let us leave the politicians alone to their fatal devices. What goes up must eventually comes down. The loads of Naira arsenal they have amassed in their war chest for the next election shall surely come to nought. In their stupidities, each of them believes that with loads of cash at his/her behest, the election into any of the national or state assemblies is a forgone conclusion. Detail
Sharia Implementation in a Democratic Nigeria: Between Deference to Popular Will and Libertarian Challenges. By Professor Auwalu H. Yadudu
[FORMER LEGAL ADVISOR TO GEN. ABACHA]
(GAMJI)
From the point of view of those opposed to, or not too enthusiastic about, the implementation of the Shariah, certain motives were, at the outset in October 1999, ascribed to the agitators. I had occasion to point these out in another paper. I will like to take the liberty of reiterating them here. That the core Muslim North is a bad political loser who cannot live with the reality of power shift which it has dominated since independence. To even the score, proponents of this view allege, that the North has pulled out of its bag of dirty tricks the Shariah card and are determined to give a Southern Christian President a tough time by making the nation, or at least the North, ungovernable. Details
Kebbi State: A Case for Political Re-awakening. By Abdullahi Usman
(GAMJI)
What should worry every serious minded indigene of the state is not necessarily the fact that this wide gulf exists between our elected representatives and the cream of the National Assembly, but the fact that this sad reality has now come to be accepted within the state as if nothing could be done to reverse the ugly trend. Details
FRIDAY DISCOURSE 2003: The President to Choose. By Dr. Aliyu Tilde
(GAMJI WRITER)
For decades now, Nigeria has become a victim of a leadership that is bereft of sincerity to the extent that very few people, if any, believe anything government would say anymore. People identify government with deceit, cheating and falsehood. Today, more than ever before, the country is in need of a leader who has sufficient integrity and honesty who will restore our confidence in government. Details
Is Our Western Education Anti-African Culture? By Hilary Odion Evbayiro
(GAMJI)
It is incontrovertible that our culture has been on the receiving end of contempt and irreverence of the world. For many years, we have absorbed the tormenting humiliations in the hands of the west with uncomforting stoicism. How long are we going to endure, remain mute, and accept whatever they throw at us? Details
NEPAD: African Leaders Flatter to Deceive. By AbdulAzeez Abdullahi
(GAMJI)
The objectives of NEPAD are indeed quite lofty, one can't help but commend the initiators for coming up with such a grand plan to emancipate Africa from the shackles of the all-domineering western powers. It is after all common knowledge that over the years, starting with the slave trade to the infamous colonisation policy and neo-colonisation that followed, Western developed countries have continued to perpetually keep Africa in bondage. Details
MID-WEEK ESSAY: Local Council Polls and INEC - A Funny Game Is Going On Here! By Mobolaji E. Aluko
[MARYLAND USA]
(GAMJI WRITER)
Ladies and gentlemen, it may just be me, but a funny game is going on, being played by Dr. Guobadia of INEC, president Obasanjo of Nigeria, the Supreme Court of Nigeria - and the Nigerian electorate. Some people want to fool us. Details
Atiku's Option for Self Realisation. By Engr. Waziri H Ahmadu
The PDP-led government, at the helm of which are the twosome of Obasanjo and Atiku, probably did more damage to the pursuit of democracy in this country than the IBB, Shonekan and Abacha regimes all put together. This is because the duo had, through their misactions, successfully and systematically destroyed the very soul that inspired the dream of democratic governance in the minds of rank and file Nigerians. Details
[Port Harcourt, Nigeria]
(GAMJI)
For a start, the preferred nomenclature for the six (6) so-called geo-political zones in Nigeria is rather unimaginative, simplistic, seemingly deliberately mischievous, and palpably oxymoronic. Who really chose and/or approved the names of those so-called geo-political zones of Nigeria? Why was there no legislative action or/and a national referendum on the desirability (or otherwise) of the labelling of the imposed zones? Details
Democracy By Undemocracy. By Wada Nas
(GAMJI WRITER)
For the avoidance of doubt, I am not against any Governor returning in 2003. It is their right to do so. Many are qualified, by what they have done so far, to return, without the hands of Aso Rock. Indeed, if Aso Rock having done but little, if at all, is seeking to return, and it has the right to do so, what stops those, who, creditably performed, from doing so? Details
Abacha is Dead; Long Live Abacha. By Babayola Muhammadu Toungo
(GAMJI)
The calculations of the then Yoruba political class was for the General to shove Shonekan aside, take over for a very, very short period and then hand over to either Abiola, whom they “siddon looked” when he was campaigning for the Presidency and even tried to thwart, or hand over to anybody chosen by the group. Sensing the absence of any altruistic intent from his then supporters and having his own agenda, the General decided to carry on and dealing decisively with any opposition that he encountered. Details
Which North Is Mine? By Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo
(GAMJI)
Nowadays, the north is at war with itself because its inhabitants are hungry. The electorates are restive and suspicious of even their kith and kin. Northerners are dissociating themselves from one another's pronouncements with the "not my north" line, like Kashim Imam, Sule Lamido, Governor Kure are doing, to extricate themselves from that vicarious guilt! It is now extremely difficult for one to know which north one belonged to. Details
Igbos and 2003. By Kelechi Eme
[LAGOS]
(GAMJI)
In the whole of Nigeria today no group or ethnic nationality is distressed and disadvantaged like the Igbos. I am not talking about perceived and real marginalisation the Igbo nation is suffering in the hands of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but the self imposed misery on the Igbos perpetuated by the Igbos. Perhaps the Igbo politician is the most selfish among his peers from other parts of Nigeria. Details