Posts by solomon2day
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Sierra Leone Begins Free Education
- By solomon2day
- On 04/09/2018
- In News
Over two million Primary and Secondary scholl students in Sierra Leone will benefit from the free education policy of government is will commence this month.
During his Presidential campaign, President Julius Maada Bio had promised to introduce free qualitative education, this h e restated in mid August, with anohter promise to donate three months of salary to the cause.
The spokesman for the country's Education Ministry, Michael Turay described the policy as laudable.
"For the first time in the history of education in Sierra Leone, a political administration is pronouncing free quality education for kids from pre-primary school, right to senior secondary school."
"This is a very laudable but ambitious national programme," Turay stated.
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Governance : May and Merkel Visited Out of Pity for Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 04/09/2018
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, visited Nigeria recently, to assure the Federal Government of their unwavering support for issues bothering on security, economy, agriculture and commerce. This move by the leaders of the two developed countries has rekindled the hopes of impoverished Nigerians that all would soon be well. In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke outlines the importance of these visits. Excerpts :
The leaders of Britain and Germany were in Nigeria last week to sign agreements with the present administration. How would you assess their visit ?
Since the beginning, successive administrations in Nigeria have never seemed to understand the concept of Democracy, hence, they end up not ceasing the advantage of the tripod stand that would have given us political stability and functional institutions, which would have resulted in sustainable development.
The duo would have given us a high level of home support, good international and public image as a nation. Democracy,as it is practiced in Nigeria, is a good reference point of our colonial administration heritage, which has been used to sustain and maintain high level of development indicators.
It is equally been compared with other African nations as well as those from other continents, which were at particular points of their history under the rule of the colonial masters up till the 1960s. For example, Ghana gained independence in 1957, Singapore and Malaysia in 1965 and Nigeria in 1960.
Indeed, the younger generation of these erstwhile colonial masters are sustaining and maintaining the heritage of their fathers.
Nigeria will continue to look like a caricature of itself and its people, possibly, be subjected to various psychological tests. This is why perceptions from Britain and Germany will continue to range from pseudo-comic to pity because we have never been consistent.
The statement credited to the British Prime Minister is not an over statement because even at the home front, our government has not been consistent and neither have they been able to pass the test of justice and equity, not to talk of bringing succour-peace and development-for our people.
What about the security challenges ? With increasing profiles of devastation to the lives and property of innocent citizens, coupled with the daily news of the opportunities in the corridors of power, which has established the culture of endemic corruption and questionable democratic dividends of poverty, hunger, diseases and dysfunctional infrastructure.
For the German Chancellor, as a woman of substance, her gesture on the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Commerce, is more of a pity and rescue operation for a drowning government and for a nation not to head for the precipice.
There are a lot of thing in Nigeria that needs restructuring through re-evaluative measures, to be able to have a right fix. For example the disparity in the compensation plan-salary-between the Civil/Public servants and the political office holders is a source of worry for all and sundry.
Even if all the advance nations bring their wealth to support Nigeria , kleptocracy and wasteful spending will ever make them suffer the fate of the moribund Operation Feed the Nation, DIFFRI, NAPEP and others.
However, we need to thank the political party in power for directing their energy towards alleviating the poverty of the people at this critical time when the campaign for 2018 would have occupied them in the face of threat by the stiff opposition, backsliding within the party through cross carpeting of their big shots. All they need from us, is our support, to jointly work with the anti-graft agencies, withou bias and advocate for programme and project driven sessions in our transition into the 2018 elections, that would usher in a new government of our desire, based on the lesson learnt from our failure to build strong institutions which is a characteristic of governments of the developed world.
It is high time therefor, for Nigerians to deviate away from building strong individuals, otherwise our yearnings to have sustainable development would remain a tantalizing mirage.
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Governance : May and Merkel's Visited Out of Pity for Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 03/09/2018
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, visited Nigeria recently, to assure the Federal Government of their unwavering support for issues bothering on security, economy, agriculture and commerce. This move by the leaders of the two developed countries has rekindled the hopes of impoverished Nigerians that all would soon be well. In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke outlines the importance of these visits. Excerpts :
The leaders of Britain and Germany were in Nigeria last week to sign agreements with the present administration. How would you assess their visit ?
Since the beginning, successive administrations in Nigeria have never seemed to understand the concept of Democracy, hence, they end up not ceasing the advantage of the tripod stand that would have given us political stability and functional institutions, which would have resulted in sustainable development.
The duo would have given us a high level of home support, good international and public image as a nation. Democracy,as it is practiced in Nigeria, is a good reference point of our colonial administration heritage, which has been used to sustain and maintain high level of development indicators.
It is equally been compared with other African nations as well as those from other continents, which were at particular points of their history under the rule of the colonial masters up till the 1960s. For example, Ghana gained independence in 1957, Singapore and Malaysia in 1965 and Nigeria in 1960.
Indeed, the younger generation of these erstwhile colonial masters are sustaining and maintaining the heritage of their fathers.
Nigeria will continue to look like a caricature of itself and its people, possibly, be subjected to various psychological tests. This is why perceptions from Britain and Germany will continue to range from pseudo-comic to pity because we have never been consistent.
The statement credited to the British Prime Minister is not an over statement because even at the home front, our government has not been consistent and neither have they been able to pass the test of justice and equity, not to talk of bringing succour-peace and development-for our people.
What about the security challenges ? With increasing profiles of devastation to the lives and property of innocent citizens, coupled with the daily news of the opportunities in the corridors of power, which has established the culture of endemic corruption and questionable democratic dividends of poverty, hunger, diseases and dysfunctional infrastructure.
For the German Chancellor, as a woman of substance, her gesture on the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Commerce, is more of a pity and rescue operation for a drowning government and for a nation not to head for the precipice.
There are a lot of thing in Nigeria that needs restructuring through re-evaluative measures, to be able to have a right fix. For example the disparity in the compensation plan-salary-between the Civil/Public servants and the political office holders is a source of worry for all and sundry.
Even if all the advance nations bring their wealth to support Nigeria , kleptocracy and wasteful spending will ever make them suffer the fate of the moribund Operation Feed the Nation, DIFFRI, NAPEP and others.
However, we need to thank the political party in power for directing their energy towards alleviating the poverty of the people at this critical time when the campaign for 2018 would have occupied them in the face of threat by the stiff opposition, backsliding within the party through cross carpeting of their big shots. All they need from us, is our support, to jointly work with the anti-graft agencies, withou bias and advocate for programme and project driven sessions in our transition into the 2018 elections, that would usher in a new government of our desire, based on the lesson learnt from our failure to build strong institutions which is a characteristic of governments of the developed world.
It is high time therefor, for Nigerians to deviate away from building strong individuals, otherwise our yearnings to have sustainable development would remain a tantalizing mirage.
-
Governance : May and Merkel's Visited Out of Pity for Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 03/09/2018
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, visited Nigeria recently, to assure the Federal Government of their unwavering support for issues bothering on security, economy, agriculture and commerce. This move by the leaders of the two developed countries has rekindled the hopes of impoverished Nigerians that all would soon be well. In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke outlines the importance of these visits. Excerpts :
The leaders of Britain and Germany were in Nigeria last week to sign agreements with the present administration. How would you assess their visit ?
Since the beginning, successive administrations in Nigeria have never seemed to understand the concept of Democracy, hence, they end up not ceasing the advantage of the tripod stand that would have given us political stability and functional institutions, which would have resulted in sustainable development.
The duo would have given us a high level of home support, good international and public image as a nation. Democracy,as it is practiced in Nigeria, is a good reference point of our colonial administration heritage, which has been used to sustain and maintain high level of development indicators.
It is equally been compared with other African nations as well as those from other continents, which were at particular points of their history under the rule of the colonial masters up till the 1960s. For example, Ghana gained independence in 1957, Singapore and Malaysia in 1965 and Nigeria in 1960.
Indeed, the younger generation of these erstwhile colonial masters are sustaining and maintaining the heritage of their fathers.
Nigeria will continue to look like a caricature of itself and its people, possibly, be subjected to various psychological tests. This is why perceptions from Britain and Germany will continue to range from pseudo-comic to pity because we have never been consistent.
The statement credited to the British Prime Minister is not an over statement because even at the home front, our government has not been consistent and neither have they been able to pass the test of justice and equity, not to talk of bringing succour-peace and development-for our people.
What about the security challenges ? With increasing profiles of devastation to the lives and property of innocent citizens, coupled with the daily news of the opportunities in the corridors of power, which has established the culture of endemic corruption and questionable democratic dividends of poverty, hunger, diseases and dysfunctional infrastructure.
For the German Chancellor, as a woman of substance, her gesture on the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Commerce, is more of a pity and rescue operation for a drowning government and for a nation not to head for the precipice.
There are a lot of thing in Nigeria that needs restructuring through re-evaluative measures, to be able to have a right fix. For example the disparity in the compensation plan-salary-between the Civil/Public servants and the political office holders is a source of worry for all and sundry.
Even if all the advance nations bring their wealth to support Nigeria , kleptocracy and wasteful spending will ever make them suffer the fate of the moribund Operation Feed the Nation, DIFFRI, NAPEP and others.
However, we need to thank the political party in power for directing their energy towards alleviating the poverty of the people at this critical time when the campaign for 2018 would have occupied them in the face of threat by the stiff opposition, backsliding within the party through cross carpeting of their big shots. All they need from us, is our support, to jointly work with the anti-graft agencies, withou bias and advocate for programme and project driven sessions in our transition into the 2018 elections, that would usher in a new government of our desire, based on the lesson learnt from our failure to build strong institutions which is a characteristic of governments of the developed world.
It is high time therefor, for Nigerians to deviate away from building strong individuals, otherwise our yearnings to have sustainable development would remain a tantalizing mirage.
-
Governance : May and Merkel's Visited Out of Pity for Nigerians-Prof. Olagoke
- By solomon2day
- On 03/09/2018
- In The People Talk
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, visited Nigeria recently, to assure the Federal Government of their unwavering support for issues bothering on security, economy, agriculture and commerce. This move by the leaders of the two developed countries has rekindled the hopes of impoverished Nigerians that all would soon be well. In this interview with Federationews2day, the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke outlines the importance of these visits. Excerpts :
The leaders of Britain and Germany were in Nigeria last week to sign agreements with the present administration. How would you assess their visit ?
Since the beginning, successive administrations in Nigeria have never seemed to understand the concept of Democracy, hence, they end up not ceasing the advantage of the tripod stand that would have given us political stability and functional institutions, which would have resulted in sustainable development.
The duo would have given us a high level of home support, good international and public image as a nation. Democracy,as it is practiced in Nigeria, is a good reference point of our colonial administration heritage, which has been used to sustain and maintain high level of development indicators.
It is equally been compared with other African nations as well as those from other continents, which were at particular points of their history under the rule of the colonial masters up till the 1960s. For example, Ghana gained independence in 1957, Singapore and Malaysia in 1965 and Nigeria in 1960.
Indeed, the younger generation of these erstwhile colonial masters are sustaining and maintaining the heritage of their fathers.
Nigeria will continue to look like a caricature of itself and its people, possibly, be subjected to various psychological tests. This is why perceptions from Britain and Germany will continue to range from pseudo-comic to pity because we have never been consistent.
The statement credited to the British Prime Minister is not an over statement because even at the home front, our government has not been consistent and neither have they been able to pass the test of justice and equity, not to talk of bringing succour-peace and development-for our people.
What about the security challenges ? With increasing profiles of devastation to the lives and property of innocent citizens, coupled with the daily news of the opportunities in the corridors of power, which has established the culture of endemic corruption and questionable democratic dividends of poverty, hunger, diseases and dysfunctional infrastructure.
For the German Chancellor, as a woman of substance, her gesture on the Memorandum of Understanding on Agriculture and Commerce, is more of a pity and rescue operation for a drowning government and for a nation not to head for the precipice.
There are a lot of thing in Nigeria that needs restructuring through re-evaluative measures, to be able to have a right fix. For example the disparity in the compensation plan-salary-between the Civil/Public servants and the political office holders is a source of worry for all and sundry.
Even if all the advance nations bring their wealth to support Nigeria , kleptocracy and wasteful spending will ever make them suffer the fate of the moribund Operation Feed the Nation, DIFFRI, NAPEP and others.
However, we need to thank the political party in power for directing their energy towards alleviating the poverty of the people at this critical time when the campaign for 2018 would have occupied them in the face of threat by the stiff opposition, backsliding within the party through cross carpeting of their big shots. All they need from us, is our support, to jointly work with the anti-graft agencies, withou bias and advocate for programme and project driven sessions in our transition into the 2018 elections, that would usher in a new government of our desire, based on the lesson learnt from our failure to build strong institutions which is a characteristic of governments of the developed world.
It is high time therefor, for Nigerians to deviate away from building strong individuals, otherwise our yearnings to have sustainable development would remain a tantalizing mirage.
-
Support on The Way for the Poor Majority in Nigeria
- By solomon2day
- On 01/09/2018
The British Prime Minister, Theresa May and the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel were in Nigeria recently to affirm the committments of their respective countries in the areas of Security, Economy, Agriculture and Commerce. Nigerians would soon say goodbye to poverty and hunger, only if these countries' interventions would be properly utilized.
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The Need for the Presence of Security Agents Along The Expressway
- By solomon2day
- On 25/08/2018
- In Pictures
Nigerians call for more security presence along the Makurdi-Abuja, Kaduna-Abuja and several other expressways in different parts of the country
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We Formed Alliance for Peace to Reign in Oyo-Senator Ladoja
- By solomon2day
- On 21/08/2018
- In The People Talk
Former Oyo state Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja has declared that himself and other politicians with wealth of experience in politics formed an alliance for peace to reign in the state.
Senator Ladoja made this declaration on Tuesday, in a chat with Journalists,at his Ondo street, Bodija,Ibadan,Nigeria residence.
''When you are in the opposition the minimum you can do is to ensure that there is peace in your ranks. If there is no peace among you in the opposition, then government will take advantage
of it. Chief Michael Koleosho is not contesting, I am not contesting, Alhaji Busari Adebisi is not contesting, that is why we formed an alliance of like minds.
The former Governor noted that the reluctance to accept the truth was the basis of the country's problems.
''The first thing is to ask people to tell the truth,then we are on the way to solving the country's problems. The major problem we have is that we don't accept the truth. We have class competition, this is not helping us.The government did not accept that we have Boko Haram problem, the government did not accept that we have Fulani herdsmen problem, that is the problem, we don't accept the truth'',Senator Ladoja asserted.
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Nigeria : A Troubled Voters Registration and The Emergence of the Peoples Representatives in 2019
- By solomon2day
- On 18/08/2018
The ongoing voters registration exercise has been extended to 31 August, 2018 by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
Even though it is being trailed by series of complaints,disappointments and frustrations from eligible voters, who are bonafide Nigerians.
Indeed, the story remains the same nationwide.
In Bauchi, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, Oyo, Osun Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara and Imo states, INEC staff have continuously engaged in various malpractices-deliberate hoarding of registration materials and collusion with a favoured political party's officials, to sabotage the process.
A sizable number of Nigerians, who reported at the registration centres in different parts of the country, some as early as 4.00 AM in the early hours of the day, were either left unattended to or were given numbers on some sheets of papers and requested to check later in the day.
This is despite the fact, that several worried Nigerians opted to sleep at the centres.
Interestingly, the feeling is that an unspecified number of centres have been deliberate denied of materials by the political class, who aspire to use same for purposes still unknown.
Of great worry, is the the double registration syndrome which is already the trend all over the country and the obsessive participation of under aged children believed to have been sponsored by politicians and their agents in the registration exercise.
Although the INEC headquarters in Abuja has disclosed that it is making efforts to address the shortcomings, public apathy, apprehensions and misgivings trailing the exercise, it still insists that eligible voters have the opportunity of exercising their civic responsibilities.
A well informed source at the headquarters of the electoral body reveals that ''some evil and criminal minded politicians are conniving with our staff, to undermine the voters registration and mastermind the registration of under aged voters''.
''I wish to assure that no multiple registration will go unnoticed. INEC possesses the technology to detect illegalities'', the source hinted.
Without doubt, Nigerians are looking forward to free and fair elections in 2019, devoid of illegalities from the point of voters registration to the very day of the elections.
Unarguably, Illegalities are ,obstacles to a transparent emergence of the true representatives of the people. Debatable ?
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Prices of Chicken Soar in Tanzania
- By solomon2day
- On 10/08/2018
The prices of Chicken has gone up in Dar es Salaam Tanzania as a result of its shortage.
At Chicken markets such as Kisutu, Tegeta, Ilala and Shekilango prices of Chicken was increased by almost 40 per cent in the last three months.
The retail prices for chickens is now Sh7,000 and Sh8,000 up from an average of Sh6,000, this is however dependent on the weight of the chicken,while wholesale prices have also risen to an average of Sh7,500 per chicken from Sh5,500. -
Govt Goes After Opposition in Zimbabwe
- By solomon2day
- On 07/08/2018
- In News
Government agents in Zimbabwe have launced a manhunt for Opposition MDC-T National Chiarman Morgan Komichi over his refusal to accept the election results declared by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
Four unidentified armed men had visited the Harare residence of Komichi on Sunday night searching for him.
However, the Police stated that Komichi and the MDC Alliance principal Tendai Biti are wanted.
Komichi, in a chat with People, confirmed that his life was in danger.
"I now fear for my life and my family because I left home 10 minutes before the armed men pounded on my wife and children looking for me. Luckily, I had just driven out," Komichi said.
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Governance in Nigeria : The Unanswered Question
- By solomon2day
- On 07/08/2018
- In Solomon's Column
Nigerians have for several years embarked on the journey to promote a just and equitable society without encouraging results.
This is regardless of the countless number of prominent citizens, who belong to the private and public sectors, including the civil society community at home and in diaspora.
Sadly, most of the innovative ideas and policy options of governance have failed woefully to serve as springboard for the country's social, political and economic emancipation from the vicious circle of underdevelopment.
Of note, is the fact that Nigeria is yet to attain the status of a free, dynamic and knowledge based economy, this is just as there are no genuine signs of commitment to fairness, equity and justice.
The foregoing stems from bad and improper governance at all levels of government.
Decisions and policies of government are guided by self-centered ideals and obsessive greed.
Most political office holders lack ideology and principles to recommend a soothing cure for the country's ailments, this is convincingly reflected in the very weak economic and political reforms which are without doubt not the compass for a new world order.
The myriad of problems confronting the country amplifies the need for transparent and incorruptible institutions to decisively address pressing issues which have taken a political turn.
Those institutions that were in place from time immemorial, might not have achieved the purpose for which they were established, even though enormous financial resources heralded their establishment.
The major questions on the lips of most Nigerians, include, Who is saddled with the responsibilities for policy formulation and governance under the present dispensation?
Is it the state or does it rest on the exploitative hands of a few private individuals ?
These questions remain unanswered, definitely not one of the high points of Democracy.
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Nigeria : Africa's Creeping Dictatorship
- By solomon2day
- On 01/08/2018
- In Pictures
The Nigeria Police Force Takes Over Lawmaking in Benue state
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Education is your Permanent Voters Cards-Prof. Adedoja to Nigerian Youths
- By solomon2day
- On 31/07/2018
- In News
Nigerian Youths have been called upon to hing their hopes of succeeding in life on education.
This call was made on Tuesday by a former Provost of the Federal College of Education(Technical)Oyo, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja at the 2018 Seyi Makinde Bursary Scheme in Ibadan.
Prof. Adedoja who was the Chairman of the occasion, said '' It is about empowering our youths. The election is coming in 2019, what do you need for the election? Show your Permanent Voters Cards(PVC), the PVC will allow you to vote for the candidates of your choice, the PVC cannot empower you, the PVC you have today, will only take care of 2019, your PVC for life is education''.
''It is about life empowerment. Empowering our youths for the future for self-development, for the development of the country. The beneficiaries are indigent students. The future of Nigeria lies in nothing other than education. When the election is over, you will put the PVC in your pocket. And after then, it is the scheme that that would determine how successful you will become in life.The founder of the scheme is not just assisting you to develop Nigeria, but to develop yourself. The fact that you have a figure in this country that believes in you and you believe in him is good''.
''The secret behind the success of anybody is education. This is a life long scheme, but I will like to urge the Board of Trustees to monitor the beneficiaries'', Prof. Adedoja concluded.
In his remarks, one of the dignitaries at the occasion, Dr. Saka Balogun prayed that the beneficiaries would also become founders of similar schemes.
However, for Primate Ola Makinde, a former Prelate of the Methodist Church, the bursary must be used for the purpose it was given.
''The older generation know the value of education, it is not the same with the younger generation. You are to use the bursary to buy books and pay for your school fees and not for buying I-phones'', Primate Makinde counseled.
In his remarks, the sponsor of the scheme, Engr. Seyi Makinde said ''My message to the beneficiaries is that if I can do it, you can do it. We sarted this programme in 2006 and we did not selec based on religion and political affiliation, but the selection was based on the fact that you are indigenes of Oyo state''.
The maiden edition of the scheme in 2006, had as Chairman, the incumbent Governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi
Out of a total of 10,000 applicants, 2,500 were shortlisted for the bursary awards.
The bursary awards are meant for students of Tertiary institutions of Oyo state origin.
Dignitraries at the occasion included Alhaja Bose Adedibu, Senator Kamorudeen Adedibu, Engr. Lere Adigun among several others.
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House Ownership : Nigerian Workers Face Bleak Future
- By solomon2day
- On 30/07/2018
- In Special Report
Nigerian workers are increasingly giving up hopes of owning their own homes, as issues of unpaid salary arrears, unfavourable working environment and conditions trail the present administration up till the last lap of its four year tenure.
Mot workers have for long contended with the exploitative tendencies of house owners, who increase rents randomly.
This in in addition to the soaring costs of land and building materials.
For the National Vice President Western zone of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities(SSANU)Comrade Alfred Jimoh, workers have taken their destinies in their own hands, when it comes to the fundamental issue of housing.
''The future of workers are in their own hands, as far as owning houses is concerned. I have not seen any meaningful assistance from the management of the University of Ibadan and the Federal Government in particular. The only effort I know, is a revolving housing loan, but I don't know how effective it is. Workers are making efforts to own their houses with the assistance of cooperative societies and their unions. SSANU acquired some plots of land and distributed same to its members. Also, cooperative societies in the University of Ibadan assist their members with loans and deduct this from their salaries, As far as Government and our employers are concerned nobody cares'', Comrade Jimoh lamented.
In the views of Comrade Oluwasegun Arojo, the Chairman of the Non Academic Staff Union(NASU), University of Ibadan branch, the beauty of working is to retire into one' own home, with the assistance of government.
''Our members should be able to afford to build their own houses. Let government provide the loans and direct workers to pay instalmentally, not that when we retire, shelter becomes a problem'', Comrade Arojo stated.
However, the All Workers Convergence(AWC) frowns at the National Housing Fund(NHF), just as it describes fund as a method government introduced to evade its responsibilities.
This position of the AWC was made known by its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze in a chat with Federationews2day.
''The National Housing Fund is an imposition by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in a bid to run away from its responsibilities to provide either affordable housing scheme for Nigerian workers or giving out housing loans to the workers. The NHF is used to scoop cash from the already impoverished workers because the deductions are mandatory and almost non-refundable until probably after retirement''.
''The interests on the deductions collected from the workers is equally ridiculous. More painful is the fact that the process of obtaining the housing loans are very cumbersome and workers are usually frustrated, making them resign to fate and allow the deductions to continue without attempting to take the loans''.
'For workers, generally, we feel cheated and because we don't have options, and because we are not well protected by our industrial unions, we at most time resign to fate. In fact the NHF has never given account of the contributions and balance of workers on a monthly basis.
''And if no worker in the scheme has collected loans within the last 10 and 15 years, and the NHF is not giving reasons why this is so, it means the National Housing Fund is a fraud'', Comrade Emelieze concluded.
