Posts by solomon2day
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The Nigerian Economy and Governance
- By solomon2day
- On 26/11/2018
- In Solomon's Column
Nigerians are proud to live in a country with a land area of923,773km 2, with varied vegetation and types of soil, suitable for various agricultural purposes.
In 1960 and the years following, up till the early 1970s, Nigeria's economy was between the agricultural friendly ''grassroots'' and the ''white collar'' city oriented centre. All that had to do with the production of goods were concentrated in the city, while a large percentage of Nigerians resided in the villages, with farming as their major occupation. The villages, then, lacked major amenities of life.
Governance during this period, was with a chain of challenges. Then, most of the earnings from export were from agriculture, while 65 % of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) also came from the sector. Nearly 50 % of Government revenue in 1960 could be traced to agriculture.
Today, as in the 60s, the provision of quantitative and qualitative education, quality health care delivery and the absence of social and economic infrastructure, are just a few in the long list of challenges that confronts Government.
In 1973, when crude oil emerged as the mainstay of the economy, government took a ''nap'', having noticed the 'light at the end of the tunnel '.
That 'nap', was at great cost, as can be seen in the unfolding events of the present time. In 1980, crude oil constituted 81.1% of Government revenue and 96.1% of export earnings.
Indeed, the growth of the economy was tied to projected earnings from crude oil exports, this was despite the fact that signs had began to manifest on the imminent collapse of crude oil prices in the international market.
With fiscal and current account deficits, occasioned by falling crude oil prices, resulting in internal and external imbalance, the only option open to Government is to borrow from international financial institutions.
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Court Returns Leased Land to Sierra Leone Community
- By solomon2day
- On 20/11/2018
- In Special Report
A community in Sierra Leone is hopeful that a court ruling which ordered an international palm oil company to return a big block of land to its owners would be a source of empowerment for them to retake control of their land and resources.
In the course of the case the court discovered that the land in Port Loko district, northern Sierra Leone, was leased to a Singapore-based palm oil company, Siva Group, in 2011, but for three years it failed to fulfill its rent obligations to landowners.
In its judgment the court ordered the return of the 41,500 hectares (103,000 acres)to the community and a imposed $250,000 fine.
Lawyers for the case disclosed that this was the first time in the history of Sierra Leone that a community would win back land leased to a foreign company.
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New Minimum Wage : Labour Ought To Suspend Strike Action After Govt's Pronouncement-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 13/11/2018
Leaders of the organized labour in Nigeria have been faulted for suspending the indefinite industrial action prior to the Federal Government's announcement of a definite figure for the new national minimum wage.
This position was made known by the National Coordinator of the All Workers Convergence(AWC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze.
''In the future it would be better for labour, despite the agreement, to allow Government to pay the new minimum wage before the indefinite strike action would be called off, this when done, would guarantee workers confidence in labour. We are a bit surprised that the strike was suspended, even when government had not pronounced to the public what it was ready to pay workers''
''However, labour has not done badly, at least they have been able to compel government, which has been unrepentantly unwilling to review workers' salaries, to concede, in the fianl analysis, for a wage increase, though the last presentation of labour of N30,000 is still slavish in nature and will still give room for future agitation as time goes on because N30,000 cannot be a living wage'', Comrade Emelieze noted.
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Liberia Govt Approves Free Tuition In Public Universities
- By solomon2day
- On 07/11/2018
- In News
The Government of Liberia has approved the commencement of free tuition in public unversities in the country.
The approval was given recently by Liberia's President, Mr. George Weah, the auditorium of the University of Liberia's Capitol Hill campus in Monrovia.
"I, President George M. Weah, on behalf of the Liberian people and the government, therefore declare free tuition at the University of Liberia and other public universities for undergraduate programs,""We will never be successful, as a government, if we do not place more emphasis on the development of our human capital and, as such, we have to invest in quality education,""I personally believe in education. Therefore, I feel that the constant drop out of students from the various schools is counterproductive,""Over the years, we are aware that students at the state-run university have suffered by standing in a long queue for registration purpose, which was due to a lack of a proper system to effectively and efficiently manage students' registration processes. And with the school population up to forty thousand students, it has been a serious concern to us,""Let me encourage all students that if there is a problem between the UL administration and the student body, it is important to negotiate rather than to vibrate," President asserted. -
Personalities Pleading on Behalf of Corrupt Government Officials are Satanic-Prof Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 05/11/2018
- In The People Talk
Recently, Vice President Of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo disclosed that some religious leaders and members of the elite class pleaded on behalf of political office holders and government officials, facing corruption allegations. Prof. Osinbajo's statement is coming at a time when allegations of corruption are trailing the activities of several state Governors and government officials, with one of the state Governors insisting that he has spent N200 billion on infrastructure. Nigerians have expressed concern and worry over the ability of the leadership of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Crimes Commission(ICPC) to convincingly prosecute the affected officials, including the Kano state Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje.
In this interview with People, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke opines that the personalities pleading with government to forgive those identified to be corrupt are satanic. Excerpts :
What is your reaction to the Vice President's statement that some religious leaders and members of the elite class plead on behalf of corrupt government officials ?
Let us first look at the personality of Mr. Vice President, he is a Pastor and a powerful member of one of the most widely spread religious organizations in Nigeria. He is equally a Professor of law and above all, he is the number two man handling the destiny of Nigeria.
Whatever he says now, needs to be viewed along these three lines of personality colossus. From the religious angle the voice of God, is universal from whichever Scripture it mus have come from.
Proverbs 22 : 22-23, says'' Do not rob the poor, because he is poor or crush the afflicted at the gate. 23-For the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.''
Whoever is guilty of this offense must therefore face the wrath of the law as he awaits the wrath of God.
The Holy Koran Chapter 5 :62-63 says '' You will see people transgressing in sins, transgressions and corrupt enrichment''.
However the elite who perpetrate this evil of institutional indiscipline ought to have been made to face judgement through the admonitions of the Doctors of Law, as well as the heads of religious houses, who will be directly answerable to the queries from God.
If Mr. Vice President's statement should be judged against this, he would be found wanting, as a Minister of God, Professor of law and as an elite in the political realm. From the Governors and the political angle, the Vice President violated the international rules of law against corruption and the need for accountability. For example, Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gains The United Nations Development Programme defines corruption as the misuse of a public or private position for direct or indirect personal gain. It further defines accountability as an obligation 1) to demonstrate the work that has been conducted in accordance with the agreed rules and standards. 2) Report fairly and accurately on performance results vis-a-vis mandated roles and / or plans.
Accountability refers not only to those in power, holding their subjects to account, but also to the authorities, both public and private, been held accountable by their citizens.
The Vice President and the entire government workforce need to role model all these, and stand firmly on the rule of law to bring to book all suspects in the arena of institutional indiscipline and corruption, including those so called rotten religious houses in Nigeria, which have enjoyed most from the largess derived from treasury looting.
Government need to embark on accountability and anti-corruption drives because these provide a democratic means to among others 1) Evaluate the government's conduct 2) Prevent the development of concentration of power 3) Enhance the learning capacity and effectiveness of public administration, according to the World Bank accountability and anti-corruption measures.
It also provides citizens with information, they need to measure and judge the progress of the government of the day as well as to enhance good conditions of service.
Voices from the houses of worship demanding that government should look away or forgive corrupt officials will continue to be satanic, until these worship centres are re-orientated towards supporting the cause of the anti-graft agencies, because the impact of corruption in Nigeria has been detrimental as it has stalled progressive development, it has been one of the greatest factors responsible for the growth in poverty, lack of progressive advancement and internal conflict, as we can link it to underdevelopment.
It has also led to unequal access to power, resources and positions between men and women, as well as the wise poor and the foolish rich.
Besides the above, government has to get the root of Democracy as established in Greek-egocentredness, is likened to the status of an idiot. Self has no place in governance, clan or ethnic based consideration extended to nepotism will continue to lead to barren development.
Nigerians, generally, from religion, culture, community and ethnic nationalities need to be integrated into an altruistic philosophy for the development of the entire citizenry as a way of achieving patriotism for true and correct nationhood.
Most edifice like structure in Nigeria, are products of treasury looting.
Presently, Nigerians are being indoctrinated into the culture of self-enrichment as a way of life, rather than the dignity of labour that would have aided innovation and creativity, which are the bedrock of true development.
Mr. Vice President sir, please let us think more of the future, sustainable development and safe landing into true paradise.
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Don't Engage in Violence-Alao-Akala's Running mate
- By solomon2day
- On 02/11/2018
- In News
Residents of Oyo state have been called upon to shun acts of violence as the 2019 general elections draw closer.
This call was made by the running mate to the Governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP)in Oyo state, Prof. Abideen Olaiya in a chat with Federationews2day.
Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala is the governorship candidate of the ADP in the state.
''Residents of Oyo state should be patient, nobody should engage in violence as the 2019 elections approaches. Since Democracy has given us the leeway, the opportunity is coming, residents should keep their Permanent Voters Cards(PVC) and use it judiciously in the 2019 elections'', Prof. Olaiya stated.
He noted that the Education and Agriculture sectors in the state were in urgent need of overhauling saying ''if we are elected within a year we would change the face of education, presently education in the state is at its lowest ebb. Agriculture has taken a leap only in propaganda. The people serving government are not happy.''
Residents in the state have continuously complained about the culture of impunity which has become the order of the day in most communities, just as the number of out of school children keeps on increasing by the day.
Prof. Abideen Olaiya is an Associate Professor of Crop Ecology at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state.
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Govt is not Ready to Pay New Minimum Wage-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 31/10/2018
- In News
The All Workers Convergence(AWC) has declared that the Federal Government was not ready to pay the N30,000 new national minimum wage.
This declaration was made by the National Coordinator of the AWC, Comrade Andrew Emelieze in a chat with People.
''It is becoming crystal clear that the Federal Government is not ready to pay Nigerian workers a living wage. They might as well continue to deceive us as they have done through the setting up of a tripartite committee, unless our labour centres maintain a dogged position and insist that nothing would be reduced from the N30,000, labour has proposed as the new minimum wage, through strikes and struggles, only then can we compel the government to pay the new minimum wage, which of course, will not take the workers home.''
''It is quite unfortunate that despite the compromise position of our labour centres, to agree for N30,000 as the new minimum wage, our government is reluctant to agree with the meagre amount. The AWC calls for public support and understanding of the masses towards the November 6, indefinite nationwide strike action by our labour centres, towards achieving the N30,000 living wage'', Comrade Emelieze concluded.
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2019 Poll : Don't Collect Money and Foodstuff for Your Votes-Oyo NIP Gov Candidate
- By solomon2day
- On 24/10/2018
- In News
Nigerians have been advised to resist the moves by politicians to use money and foodstuff to influence their votes in the 2019 general elections.
This advice was given by the Governorship candidate of the National Interest Party(NIP) in Oyo state, Mrs. Bolanle Sarumi Aliyu in a chat with People, in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''If any politician comes with money, don't accept it, tell them to provide empowerment. Don't collect one or two ''Kongos' of rice, don't collect blood money. You should not sell your votes'',Mrs. Sarumi advised.
She also advocated for the participation of more women in governance, saying, ''we need more women in government. Women suffer most, women's rights and children's rights have not been adequately catered for. Do you think a woman would be the Governor and children would be hawking on the streets ? No way.''
Women in the state complain bitterly of inadequate representation in all sectors of governance.
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Helpless Nigerians Still in The Claws of Slave Labour
- By solomon2day
- On 17/10/2018
- In Special Report
Helpless Nigerians have raised the alarm over the continuous implementation of the policy of casualization by both the public and private sectors.
They lament that the companies are both local and foreign owned, while stressing that the high unemployment rate was the source of inspiration of these companies.
The companies hide under the guise of outsourcing the recruitment of casual workers to promote slave labour.
Recently aggrieved casual workers of a biscuit and poultry products factory located in Ibadan, Nigeria protested at their respective places of work to bring to the notice of the public their harrowing experiences.
One of the workers at the biscuit factory speaking incognito, painted a pitiable picture.
''In this factory we work on three shifts of eight hours, there is no break. And the pay is so meagre. The management treats workers like slaves, we are not allowed to take our phones into the factory, we are not allowed to eat, if a worker has an accident while working such a workers would be queried. For the eight hours work, a worker must not sleep. As at now, three workers, who had accidents while working in September are still coming to work with their injuries. And our salaries are between N14,000, N16,000 and N17,000 per month. For me my salary is below N12,000'', the mpoverished worker lamented.
Another worker at the poultry products factory disclosed that for several years ,casual workers have been shortchanged in the name of outsourcing the recruitment of casual workers.
A man at the factory, who simply gave his name as Emmanuel disclosed that the contract of the company in charge of the casual workers had been terminated, while stressing that the workers wages had been increased by N300.00.
In his reaction to the development , the Natonal coordnator of the All Workers Convergence(AWC)Comrade Andrew Emelieze casualization was also the trend in government owned establishments.
''It is unfortunate that Nigerians workers have been maltreated all these years, this has been the case all the while, it did not start today. The issue of casualization does not only affect the private sector, but also the public sector.''
'' The postion of AWC is that workers should continuously protest their pilght and other workers should also protest in solldarity to end slave labour and slave wages. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Prodcutivity should initiate policies to save Nigerian workers from casualization.''
At the University of Ibadan, non academic staff lament that management staff of the institution, compel junior workers to work after the official closing hours of 4.00pm for personal purposes without extra wages.
In his reaction, the branch Chairman of the Non Academic Staff Union(NSAU)Comrade Oluwasegun Arojo maintained that it was unethical for any staff of the university to subject to such an inhuman treatment.
''I think it is unethical for any staff to compel his surbordinate to work etra hours with compesation. The extant rule permits that when you do extra work, you must receive over-time pay. If at all it is happening it is barbaric. And those involved should desist from such act forthwith. It could lead to crisis. Anyone affected should report to the union leaders in the university'', Comrade Arojo stated.
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Govt Must Not Only Feed School Children But Also Pay Teachers-Oyo PPN Gov Candidate
- By solomon2day
- On 11/10/2018
- In News
The Governorship candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN) in Oyo state, alhaji Bashiru Gbadamosi has condemned the policy of feeding school children at all levels of government at the expesne of Teachers' salaries.
Alhaji Gbadamosi made this position known in a chat with People.
''Government at all levels decided to feed school children, even though Teachers are been owed several months of salaries. We are not going to feed school children while Teachers' are owed everal months of salary arrears. We shall re-introduce free education.''
''I am a grassroot person, I am part of the suffering. I want to elevate our people. Government has failed to do this. Corruption has eaten deep into the fabrics of society. To curb corruption, the leader must be free of corruption. We shall not tolerate corrution'', Alhaji Gbadamosi warned.
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Nigerian Workers Should Reject Anything Below N66,500-AWC
- By solomon2day
- On 09/10/2018
- In News
The All Workers Convergence(AWC) has called on workers in Nigeria to reject the outcome of the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage and the decision of the Federal Government if it does not meet their expectations.
The AWC made this call through its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, in a chat with Federationews2day.
''It is important that whatsoever is reached by the tripartite committee and the Federal Government, if it does not meet the expectations of Nigerians workers should be vehemently resisted and rejected by the Nigerian workers''.
''In fact it is a big a shame and a slap on government that workers will have to go on strike for a pay rise. We call on government to stop persecuting Nigerian workers and approve the N66,500 new minimum wage forthwith'', Comrade Emelieze concluded.
Nigerian workers are demanding for a new national minimum wage of N66,500, but the Federal Government is tinkering with the idea of approving between N25,000 and N30,000.
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Certificate Forgery : Our Members Will Never Encourage Failures- UI NASU
- By solomon2day
- On 03/10/2018
- In News
The Non Academic Staff of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria have declared that despite the poor conditions of service and renumeration they will never engage in acts that would promote certificate forgery.
They made this declaration through the branch Chairman of the Non Academic Staff Union(NASU) of the institution, Comrade Oluwasegun Arojo in a chat with People.
''Although the working conditions and our salaries are not in tandem with the economic realities of today, we are contented. We never go to the length of encouraging failures, we will never promote failures. There are four major stakeholders in the university system, the NASU, SSANU, NAAT and ASUU.
And our goals include ensuring that products of the institution are qualified and credible. Our members will never engage in any illegal act that would tarnish the image of the institution'', Comrade Arojo opined.
In most recent times, empolyees of educational institutions in Nigeria have connived with individuals to facilitate the availability of ceritificates through the back channel for other purposes.
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Health Minister want Apologies Before Our Salaries Would Be Paid-UCH Health Workers
- By solomon2day
- On 24/09/2018
- In News
Health workers in the University College Hospital(UCH)Ibadan, Nigeria have expressed reservations over the insistence of the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole that their salaries for April and May would not be paid until the leaders of their unions apologize for embarking on the suspended strike action.
The UCH health workers made this known through the Chairman of the National Union of Allied Health Professionals of Nigeria(NUAHP)UCH branch, Comrade Oladayo Olabampe.
''The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has said that the two months salaries owed workers in the UCH would onlybe paid, when our union leaders apologize for the strike action that has been suspended. But we are not ready to apologize. The strike action was legal''.
''However, salaries for 17 days in April has been paid, remaining 13 days , while May salaries are yet to be paid. The five unions in the health sector are working tirelessly to ensure that salaries are paid'', Comrade Olabampe disclosed
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We Are Worried About The Increasing Number of Under Age Prostitutes-Uganda Youth Council
- By solomon2day
- On 18/09/2018
- In News
Youths in Uganda have expressed worry over the increasing rate of under age females who engage in prostitution.
According to the chairperson of the youth council, Mr Shafik Kyagulanyi over 100 girls, a sizable number drop outs, are affected.
"We are worried that the number of underage girls joining the sex workers network could increase because once we have the vice as part of the normal activities, many young girls could see it as an opportunity to make a living," Mr Kyagulanyi said.
"Some of the young girls who have dropped out of school think that the sex workers earn quick money. We now have a fear that several young girls could get attracted to the vice which exposes them to HIV/Aids among other diseases," Mr. Kyagulanyi stated
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We Shall Vote Out Corrupt Politicians in 2019-Oyo Workers
- By solomon2day
- On 15/09/2018
- In News
Nigerian workers have been called upon to vote out corrupt and anti-people political office holders in the 2019 general elections.
This call was made by the Chairman of the Oyo state chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria(ASCSN), Comrade Babatunde Balogun, at a News Conference in Ibadan, Nigeria.
''We will use the 2019 general elections to turn this dismal record around, by voting out the corrupt and anti-masses government in Nigeria at all levels to have a government of our own. Our stand on this is that the nation's expensive Democracy, natural, human and hard earned resources is only serving the interest of the ruling elite who are less than five percent of Nigeria's population, this has placed the plight of the working class and the masses in general on deaf ears.''
Comrade Balogun lamented that those who could afford to spend money were now in control of governance in the country, saying'' the commercialization of nomination forms at the huge amount to aspirants, aspiring to serve the people by political parties is also an indication that our Democracy or ruler ship in Nigeria is for the highest bidder who in return will be coming into office to recover his investment through profit maximization.''
''This ugly situation with the nation's political system means that the political space would be monopolized by only the big boys in the business of looting, who rather than come into office to meet the constitutional social contract of providing basic amenities, pay its workforce handsomely and protect life and property of the electorate, will use the office to accumulate wealth, deny the people of their rights and further plunge the nation into a deeper state of hopelessness.''
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The High Cost of Nomination Forms Has Dashed the Hopes of the Nigerian Youth-Prof Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 15/09/2018
- In The People Talk
A cross section of Nigerians have expressed surprise that President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the expression of interest and nomination forms, to contest the Presidential primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), bought for him by a yet to be known group. They insist that the group, which bought the forms for N45 million, have contravened section 91, sub-section 9 of the country's electoral act. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says Nigeria's problem revolves on lack of transparency and deep rooted deceit. Excerpts :
What is your reaction to President Muhammadfu Buhari's acceptance of the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by a group ?
Logically, we need to determine the number of people that constitute the group. This will give us a remote idea of how much the individuals who make up the group must have contributed, for us to now declare that some sections of the electoral act have been violated.
However, Nigerian politicians are a bunch of lairs and Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo, before he became the President of Nigeria, in one of his replies to the then Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, said that Nigerians should not be trusted, because when they say it is raining, the heat from the sun could be at boiling point.
When serving Presidents of Nigeria are now xrayed, the fact that these leaders always introduce the Nigerian factor in governance, is very glaring. For example former President Goodluck Jonathan received a church gift from a foreign contractor while still serving the country.
Former President Obasanjo used his position to collect donations totalling N9 billion in a single day for his presidential library, while the incumbent President, President Muhammadu Buhari received expression of interest and nomination forms valued at N45 million from a group.
All these actions amount to the moral challenges confronting Democracy in Nigeria, because the three leaders have something in common, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), at different occasions, to fight corruption, which in all cases have always been fighting back, to the extent of threatening the survival of government.
The major problem Nigeria is contending with, include lack of transparency and the unabated game of deceit in governance.
Whether a nomination form is bought for N1 million or N100 million the fact still remains that opportunities to have access to positions of governance will always be controlled by the money bags, who may appear as stinkingly rich or under the camouflage of been moderate.
The fact still remains that each of the aspirants for these juicy political offices are billionaires, whose source of income will never be known, even though questionable.
This aspect of critical challenge for Democracy in the Nigerian polity, needs to be critically evaluated for possible restructuring.
For example, Nigeria does not need, a Bi-cameral Legislature, but a mono type of Legislature at the Federal level, to prune down the cost of governance, which is presently on the high side.
The salaries been received by each of the lawmakers, must also be revisited.
Also the issue of due process for procurement needs to be overhauled with an effective monitoring mechanism put in place.
It is unfortunate that the government, which assented to the 'Not Too Young To Run' law, is now shying away from the need to provide mechanisms and strategic imperatives, which would ensure the workability of the law. It is good that the law reduces the age to the advantage of the youth, to enable them to contest for various elective positions, but the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms, which is on the high side will always deny the country, the services of people with integrity and credibility.
Where governance is bereft of wisdom and pragmatism which the youth possess, due to the new trend in education and the focus is on global best practices, the question now is when are we going to stop the old hands in politics and governance from recycling themselves or passing the baton to their cronies without considering the need for merit ; to be able to activate Democracy into sustainable development, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, the erstwhile third world countries, which gained independence in 1965 and sourced palm kernel from Nigeria to become the world leading exporters of palm oil. What is our position in Nigeria on this ?
Suffice it now to say, that we will continue to chase shadows, in the fight against corruption, when with such huge amount we claim to be fighting corruption.
Sacrifice is a strategic tool to fight corruption. The provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and that of the public service rules will remain mere paper tigers, that will only encourage rhetoric, but disable meaningful action for achievable results in the areas of the needed development and security.
What should matter to all Nigerians now, in the face of all these politicians having a common trait of kleptocracy and deceit, with resultant poor governance, that increases the hardships of the people via hunger and poverty, are one, a collective effort to vote for credible persons, two, support those with proven antecedents and integrity, three, focus on the need to build strong institutions working on how we may successfully recall candidates with given mandates, who do not perform up to the expectations of the people. This is regardless of the promises and manifestos, which these mandates are attached to.It is quite unfortunate to note that even erstwhile courageous progressives in the media, who find themselves in government, are easily polarized into anti-people rhetoric, with the underlining features of garbage of inaction.
The constitution of Nigeria is clear on the responsibilities of government to provide employment and build capacities, to tackle institutional indiscipline and corruption, even though governance still remains a lame duck.
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The Cost of Nomination Forms Has Dashed the Hopes of Nigerian Youths-Prof Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 15/09/2018
- In The People Talk
A cross section of Nigerians have expressed surprise that President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the expression of interest and nomination forms, to contest the Presidential primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), bought for him by a yet to be known group. They insist that the group, which bought the forms for N45 million, have contravened section 91, sub-section 9 of the country's electoral act. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says Nigeria's problem revolves on lack of transparency and deep rooted deceit. Excerpts :
What is your reaction to President Muhammadfu Buhari's acceptance of the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by a group ?
Logically, we need to determine the number of people that constitute the group. This will give us a remote idea of how much the individuals who make up the group must have contributed, for us to now declare that some sections of the electoral act have been violated.
However, Nigerian politicians are a bunch of lairs and Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo, before he became the President of Nigeria, in one of his replies to the then Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, said that Nigerians should not be trusted, because when they say it is raining, the heat from the sun could be at boiling point.
When serving Presidents of Nigeria are now xrayed, the fact that these leaders always introduce the Nigerian factor in governance, is very glaring. For example former President Goodluck Jonathan received a church gift from a foreign contractor while still serving the country.
Former President Obasanjo used his position to collect donations totalling N9 billion in a single day for his presidential library, while the incumbent President, President Muhammadu Buhari received expression of interest and nomination forms valued at N45 million from a group.
All these actions amount to the moral challenges confronting Democracy in Nigeria, because the three leaders have something in common, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), at different occasions, to fight corruption, which in all cases have always been fighting back, to the extent of threatening the survival of government.
The major problem Nigeria is contending with, include lack of transparency and the unabated game of deceit in governance.
Whether a nomination form is bought for N1 million or N100 million the fact still remains that opportunities to have access to positions of governance will always be controlled by the money bags, who may appear as stinkingly rich or under the camouflage of been moderate.
The fact still remains that each of the aspirants for these juicy political offices are billionaires, whose source of income will never be known, even though questionable.
This aspect of critical challenge for Democracy in the Nigerian polity, needs to be critically evaluated for possible restructuring.
For example, Nigeria does not need, a Bi-cameral Legislature, but a mono type of Legislature at the Federal level, to prune down the cost of governance, which is presently on the high side.
The salaries been received by each of the lawmakers, must also be revisited.
Also the issue of due process for procurement needs to be overhauled with an effective monitoring mechanism put in place.
It is unfortunate that the government, which assented to the 'Not Too Young To Run' law, is now shying away from the need to provide mechanisms and strategic imperatives, which would ensure the workability of the law. It is good that the law reduces the age to the advantage of the youth, to enable them to contest for various elective positions, but the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms, which is on the high side will always deny the country, the services of people with integrity and credibility.
Where governance is bereft of wisdom and pragmatism which the youth possess, due to the new trend in education and the focus is on global best practices, the question now is when are we going to stop the old hands in politics and governance from recycling themselves or passing the baton to their cronies without considering the need for merit ; to be able to activate Democracy into sustainable development, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, the erstwhile third world countries, which gained independence in 1965 and sourced palm kernel from Nigeria to become the world leading exporters of palm oil. What is our position in Nigeria on this ?
Suffice it now to say, that we will continue to chase shadows, in the fight against corruption, when with such huge amount we claim to be fighting corruption.
Sacrifice is a strategic tool to fight corruption. The provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and that of the public service rules will remain mere paper tigers, that will only encourage rhetoric, but disable meaningful action for achievable results in the areas of the needed development and security.
What should matter to all Nigerians now, in the face of all these politicians having a common trait of kleptocracy and deceit, with resultant poor governance, that increases the hardships of the people via hunger and poverty, are one, a collective effort to vote for credible persons, two, support those with proven antecedents and integrity, three, focus on the need to build strong institutions working on how we may successfully recall candidates with given mandates, who do not perform up to the expectations of the people. This is regardless of the promises and manifestos, which these mandates are attached to.It is quite unfortunate to note that even erstwhile courageous progressives in the media, who find themselves in government, are easily polarized into anti-people rhetoric, with the underlining features of garbage of inaction.
The constitution of Nigeria is clear on the responsibilities of government to provide employment and build capacities, to tackle institutional indiscipline and corruption, even though governance still remains a lame duck.
-
The Cost of Nomination Forms Has Dashed the Hopes of Nigerian Youths-Prof Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 15/09/2018
- In The People Talk
A cross section of Nigerians have expressed surprise that President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the expression of interest and nomination forms, to contest the Presidential primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), bought for him by a yet to be known group. They insist that the group, which bought the forms for N45 million, have contravened section 91, sub-section 9 of the country's electoral act. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says Nigeria's problem revolves on lack of transparency and deep rooted deceit. Excerpts :
What is your reaction to President Muhammadfu Buhari's acceptance of the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by a group ?
Logically, we need to determine the number of people that constitute the group. This will give us a remote idea of how much the individuals who make up the group must have contributed, for us to now declare that some sections of the electoral act have been violated.
However, Nigerian politicians are a bunch of lairs and Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo, before he became the President of Nigeria, in one of his replies to the then Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, said that Nigerians should not be trusted, because when they say it is raining, the heat from the sun could be at boiling point.
When serving Presidents of Nigeria are now xrayed, the fact that these leaders always introduce the Nigerian factor in governance, is very glaring. For example former President Goodluck Jonathan received a church gift from a foreign contractor while still serving the country.
Former President Obasanjo used his position to collect donations totalling N9 billion in a single day for his presidential library, while the incumbent President, President Muhammadu Buhari received expression of interest and nomination forms valued at N45 million from a group.
All these actions amount to the moral challenges confronting Democracy in Nigeria, because the three leaders have something in common, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), at different occasions, to fight corruption, which in all cases have always been fighting back, to the extent of threatening the survival of government.
The major problem Nigeria is contending with, include lack of transparency and the unabated game of deceit in governance.
Whether a nomination form is bought for N1 million or N100 million the fact still remains that opportunities to have access to positions of governance will always be controlled by the money bags, who may appear as stinkingly rich or under the camouflage of been moderate.
The fact still remains that each of the aspirants for these juicy political offices are billionaires, whose source of income will never be known, even though questionable.
This aspect of critical challenge for Democracy in the Nigerian polity, needs to be critically evaluated for possible restructuring.
For example, Nigeria does not need, a Bi-cameral Legislature, but a mono type of Legislature at the Federal level, to prune down the cost of governance, which is presently on the high side.
The salaries been received by each of the lawmakers, must also be revisited.
Also the issue of due process for procurement needs to be overhauled with an effective monitoring mechanism put in place.
It is unfortunate that the government, which assented to the 'Not Too Young To Run' law, is now shying away from the need to provide mechanisms and strategic imperatives, which would ensure the workability of the law. It is good that the law reduces the age to the advantage of the youth, to enable them to contest for various elective positions, but the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms, which is on the high side will always deny the country, the services of people with integrity and credibility.
Where governance is bereft of wisdom and pragmatism which the youth possess, due to the new trend in education and the focus is on global best practices, the question now is when are we going to stop the old hands in politics and governance from recycling themselves or passing the baton to their cronies without considering the need for merit ; to be able to activate Democracy into sustainable development, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, the erstwhile third world countries, which gained independence in 1965 and sourced palm kernel from Nigeria to become the world leading exporters of palm oil. What is our position in Nigeria on this ?
Suffice it now to say, that we will continue to chase shadows, in the fight against corruption, when with such huge amount we claim to be fighting corruption.
Sacrifice is a strategic tool to fight corruption. The provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and that of the public service rules will remain mere paper tigers, that will only encourage rhetoric, but disable meaningful action for achievable results in the areas of the needed development and security.
What should matter to all Nigerians now, in the face of all these politicians having a common trait of kleptocracy and deceit, with resultant poor governance, that increases the hardships of the people via hunger and poverty, are one, a collective effort to vote for credible persons, two, support those with proven antecedents and integrity, three, focus on the need to build strong institutions working on how we may successfully recall candidates with given mandates, who do not perform up to the expectations of the people. This is regardless of the promises and manifestos, which these mandates are attached to.It is quite unfortunate to note that even erstwhile courageous progressives in the media, who find themselves in government, are easily polarized into anti-people rhetoric, with the underlining features of garbage of inaction.
The constitution of Nigeria is clear on the responsibilities of government to provide employment and build capacities, to tackle institutional indiscipline and corruption, even though governance still remains a lame duck.
-
The Cost of Nomination Forms Has Dashed the Hopes of Nigerian Youths-Prof Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 15/09/2018
- In The People Talk
A cross section of Nigerians have expressed surprise that President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the expression of interest and nomination forms, to contest the Presidential primaries on the platform of the All Progressives Congress(APC), bought for him by a yet to be known group. They insist that the group, which bought the forms for N45 million, have contravened section 91, sub-section 9 of the country's electoral act. In this interview, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke says Nigeria's problem revolves on lack of transparency and deep rooted deceit. Excerpts :
What is your reaction to President Muhammadfu Buhari's acceptance of the expression of interest and nomination forms bought for him by a group ?
Logically, we need to determine the number of people that constitute the group. This will give us a remote idea of how much the individuals who make up the group must have contributed, for us to now declare that some sections of the electoral act have been violated.
However, Nigerian politicians are a bunch of lairs and Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo, before he became the President of Nigeria, in one of his replies to the then Head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, said that Nigerians should not be trusted, because when they say it is raining, the heat from the sun could be at boiling point.
When serving Presidents of Nigeria are now xrayed, the fact that these leaders always introduce the Nigerian factor in governance, is very glaring. For example former President Goodluck Jonathan received a church gift from a foreign contractor while still serving the country.
Former President Obasanjo used his position to collect donations totalling N9 billion in a single day for his presidential library, while the incumbent President, President Muhammadu Buhari received expression of interest and nomination forms valued at N45 million from a group.
All these actions amount to the moral challenges confronting Democracy in Nigeria, because the three leaders have something in common, they used the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), at different occasions, to fight corruption, which in all cases have always been fighting back, to the extent of threatening the survival of government.
The major problem Nigeria is contending with, include lack of transparency and the unabated game of deceit in governance.
Whether a nomination form is bought for N1 million or N100 million the fact still remains that opportunities to have access to positions of governance will always be controlled by the money bags, who may appear as stinkingly rich or under the camouflage of been moderate.
The fact still remains that each of the aspirants for these juicy political offices are billionaires, whose source of income will never be known, even though questionable.
This aspect of critical challenge for Democracy in the Nigerian polity, needs to be critically evaluated for possible restructuring.
For example, Nigeria does not need, a Bi-cameral Legislature, but a mono type of Legislature at the Federal level, to prune down the cost of governance, which is presently on the high side.
The salaries been received by each of the lawmakers, must also be revisited.
Also the issue of due process for procurement needs to be overhauled with an effective monitoring mechanism put in place.
It is unfortunate that the government, which assented to the 'Not Too Young To Run' law, is now shying away from the need to provide mechanisms and strategic imperatives, which would ensure the workability of the law. It is good that the law reduces the age to the advantage of the youth, to enable them to contest for various elective positions, but the cost of the expression of interest and nomination forms, which is on the high side will always deny the country, the services of people with integrity and credibility.
Where governance is bereft of wisdom and pragmatism which the youth possess, due to the new trend in education and the focus is on global best practices, the question now is when are we going to stop the old hands in politics and governance from recycling themselves or passing the baton to their cronies without considering the need for merit ; to be able to activate Democracy into sustainable development, such as in Singapore and Malaysia, the erstwhile third world countries, which gained independence in 1965 and sourced palm kernel from Nigeria to become the world leading exporters of palm oil. What is our position in Nigeria on this ?
Suffice it now to say, that we will continue to chase shadows, in the fight against corruption, when with such huge amount we claim to be fighting corruption.
Sacrifice is a strategic tool to fight corruption. The provisions of the constitution, the electoral act and that of the public service rules will remain mere paper tigers, that will only encourage rhetoric, but disable meaningful action for achievable results in the areas of the needed development and security.
What should matter to all Nigerians now, in the face of all these politicians having a common trait of kleptocracy and deceit, with resultant poor governance, that increases the hardships of the people via hunger and poverty, are one, a collective effort to vote for credible persons, two, support those with proven antecedents and integrity, three, focus on the need to build strong institutions working on how we may successfully recall candidates with given mandates, who do not perform up to the expectations of the people. This is regardless of the promises and manifestos, which these mandates are attached to.It is quite unfortunate to note that even erstwhile courageous progressives in the media, who find themselves in government, are easily polarized into anti-people rhetoric, with the underlining features of garbage of inaction.
The constitution of Nigeria is clear on the responsibilities of government to provide employment and build capacities, to tackle institutional indiscipline and corruption, even though governance still remains a lame duck.
-
Abuja Tremor : Nigerian Scientists Should Wake Up-PRO AWDROP
- By solomon2day
- On 13/09/2018
- In News
The Federal Government of Nigeria has been called upon to get to the root of the recent tremor in the Federal Capital Territory.
This call was made by the Public Relations Officer(PRO) of the Association of Water Drilling Rig Owners and Practitoners(AWDROP)Mr. Richard Ajayi in a chat with People.
''If our Scientists say there is nothing to worry about, government does not have to rely solely on their advice, is there any measure in place to forestall a disaster ?
It is high time our Scientists wake up to their responsibilities, when earhtquake eventually occurs what will they say is the cause ?
Government should expedite action on the water resources bill in the National Assembly, this will enable the Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission to come into being to regulate indiscriminate drlling. A similar thing happened in Shaki, Oyo sate, not long ago. Government should be proactive and do the needful'', Mr. Ajayi warned.
The Federal Government recently deported some expatriates, who entered the country with questionable immigration papers.