MEND’s Mendacious Claims
By Sam Onimisi
Mr. Henry Okah, the self-proclaimed leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has claimed responsibility for the October 1, 2010 bombing of Abuja. He also claimed that the President, Goodluck Jonathan, through a presidential aide, urged him to declare that Northern political figures were behind the blasts. Beyond the claims of Henry Okah and the denials of the Presidency, Nigerians must dig deep to know the brains behind the blast and their motives. We must nut allow the political class alone to do the claims and counter claims, or else the truth may never be known.
If Henry Okah is resident at far away South Africa, how was he connected to the bomb blasts in Abuja? Is Okah a fugitive or a businessman? What is his residency status in that Country? If he was a part of the amnesty plan of the late President Yar’ Adua, at what point did he fall out? Is he in position to control or command a militia while domiciled abroad? Who are his foot soldiers in Nigeria and how does he communicate with them? Why did Okah choose a faceless interview with Aljazeera TV instead of a video taped one, given the wide reach of the Arabian broad-casting network? Perhaps we should leave these questions for the security agencies handling the investigation. But can we afford to overlook the political implication and consequence of the blasts? In my humble view, we cannot and should not, if only to establish the truth and for the sake of a peaceful polity.
Now, we all know that since the implementation of the amnesty programme began, the Niger Delta has been relatively peaceful, except for isolated skirmishes which are normal in the aftermath of war and disorder. We also know that the skirmishes were confined to Niger Delta and between the various militant groups. Given the successful rehabilitation of the first batches of the militants, there seems to be no reason why MEND would want to revive the fight, and escalate it to Abuja. Even at the heat of the crisis between 2007 and 2009, Henry Okah was not a significant force in the struggle, except as arms supplier. I mean to say that he was not one of the commanders of MEND.
What is possible or discernible is that Henry Okah may have become jobless since the cessation of the crisis. Since no one has any more use for his weapons, his gun running enterprise has dried up, or so it seems. It is also possible that as an arms merchant, patronage for his business has dwindled and profits has also nosedived and so, he could no longer support his life of luxury and opulence. Meaning that if he wants to continue to maintain his high taste for comfort, he is a willing candidate for hire by those who wants political power by all means. Together, they (I mean Henry and his patrons) could easily assemble some malcontents who would assume the pseudonym and nomenclature of MEND. In this case, Henry Okah may actually be the foreign-based agent of a group based in Nigeria whose primary aim is to intimidate the rest of us to surrender power to them – with little or no contest.
If that is the case, it is futile to blame President Jonathan either for sponsoring the terrorists and even idiotic for calling him a spokesman of the terrorists. This is because the President is bent on contesting for power and has made it public. He could not, in the wildest of imagination assemble terrorists to disrupt the electoral process in which he is a beneficiary. That he rushed to exonerate MEND may be an indiscretion or a product of his vast knowledge of the characters in the Niger Delta struggle and the security facts at his disposal or both. Until the bomb blasts, there were two running security breaches for which Hausa/Fulani Islamic militants were responsible: the Jos ethno-religious massacre and the Boko Haram heinous activities in the North East/North West axis. It is remarkable that the Northern G-15 never saw an opportunity to ask the Governors of those zones to resign, except that they wanted a state of emergency declared in Plateau State, they were completely silent on the Boko Haramites’ terrorism. So, if Henry Okah is to be held out as a Niger Deltan who doesn’t want Jonathan to run for the Presidency, his opponents in the race has the Boko Haram and Jos massacre as their disqualification. The October 1 bomb blasts may very well be an extension of the zoning war of the PDP in which one side decided to take the fight to his opponents –using familiar but fake tools for disguise!
I am reminded that some months ago, we had a ‘Cabal’ in the Federal Executive Council that held Nigeria captive to their group interest, using the illness of our late President as a shield. I have also not forgotten as you remember, that a faceless voice was video-taped by BBC who was purported to be the voice of our President but whose face was meant to be a forbidden sight to behold. May be a new MEND of the Cabal felt that if BBC with its world acclaimed reputation was discredited and disgraced by the purported Yar’Adua interview, a different channel with near similar reputation such as Aljazeera TV should be used for the supposed Henry Okah’s faceless interview. E-e-m-m-m, do you understand? Of course, Dokpesis’s A.I.T. also have a world-wide reach as Aljazeera. When I asked why they did not fetch out Henry Okah for the interview, then I was reminded why N.T.A was not used for the infamous Yar’Adua audio-video interview. I s-e-e!!
In a recent Press statement by the Presidential Campaign Organization of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Alh, Atiku Abubakar, Gen. Aliyu Gusau and Dr. Abubakar Saraki, the quartet recalled that on 1st September 2010 (exactly one month to the bomb blasts), Dr. Dokpesi’ had raised alarm that attempts will be made on his own life, among other allegations. Fortunately or unfortunately, the bomb blasts could not locate Dokpesi as he was not anywhere near the scene of the blasts. But if High Chief Dokpesi had a premonition of attempts on his own life, is the lives of other Nigerians not worth the effort of A.I.T. to have sought out Henry Okah for a video interview? Or is it that his alarm was a red-herring as a camouflage for what he knew was to come? You see, questions are loaded with answers and there may be as many answers as there are respondents. Whoever arranged the controversial Yar’Adua audio-video BBC interview could also have arranged the Henry Okah audio-video Aljazeera interview. If the arrangers are not the same, it is not for you and me to tell. I suppose that job belongs to the investigating authorities. All we care for is that the mendacious claims of MEND must be verified and the instigators visited with appropriate punishment as a deterrent.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Mother as the Breadwinner
Mother as the Breadwinner
By Victoria Egberipou
The moment a woman gets married to a man, she gets married to the entire family of her husband – to a large extent, to the extended family. So is the African tradition, so is the practice and held to a high esteem. On the part of the man too, the same applies. The woman’s family- parents, siblings and extended relatives now share same relationship with their son in-law as they have with their daughter.
As soon as a marriage is contracted between two people the family responsibilities become a shared one between the couple. These responsibilities sometimes are not only those within the immediate family but could also include those from the parents in-laws, siblings of both or either parties. It could be very overwhelming sometimes with the prevailing trend of the dwindling economy and this on the whole tells on the general welfare of the family.
Be that as it may, I do not intend to dwell on these general effects it could have on the family or the man who ordinarily is expected to bear the brunt of these demands on the family resources. I have rather chosen to look at a situation where the woman is the breadwinner in the family.
Now, what do we mean by the word “Breadwinner”.
I could define a “Breadwinner” to mean that person in the small group or in a family who takes the responsibility of providing financial support both in small and great measure to all other members of the group or of the family.
The Oxford Advanced Leaner’s Dictionary defines “Breadwinner” thus; “A person who supports their family with the money they earn”.
Here we want to consider the woman, the mother or the wife as the Breadwinner. You will agree with me that the woman is actually responsible for adding all the beauty, warmth the laughs and the building of a home. Without her the home is not complete. God made it so, it all takes great understanding, determination and maturity which comes gradually with her daily experiences to help her bring in that beauty and warmth. God has made her naturally or divinely a homemaker, an encourager, confidant, mother and supporter to her husband and children. Thus, fulfilling God’s design and desire for her life as a woman. But sometimes in addition to all of these, she finds herself to be the “Breadwinner” in her family.
Some women carry out these responsibilities and see it as great burden and suffer self pity, anger and sometimes degenerate to total disregard for her husband and his family. These groups of women are those who would have the resources but bluntly refuse to be generous to her family. This is because she feels the man has not made enough efforts, too choosy with jobs, not making efforts at all or has ill-luck with getting employed. Thus she would not give him any comfort. Well, this is not our major area of focus for now.
The situation is different where the woman sees herself as being destined to carry the bulk of the responsibility of catering for the family and taking over the duties of the man. This category of women find fulfillment in surrendering all she has in order to make her family happy including her husband. She sees it as service to humanity within and with all her resources.
An important questions here before going further is, why would a woman become the Breadwinner to her family?
Some of the reasons for a woman or mother becoming the Breadwinner in her family are; where the man loses his job or never had one, as a result of failed business ventures, failed health or accident which could result in temporary or permanent disability, death, or separation - thus single parenting. When a man is no longer able to provide for his family financially, the feeling of inadequacy and frustration sets in, the man feels as if his manhood is in question. He loses confidence that he might no longer have grip over his family and “ceases” to be the head of his family.
Our concern is on the woman who now assumes the position of the “head of the family”. So, to the woman who never foresaw or bargained for these conditions naturally sometimes “looses” her joy, feels frustrated and helpless even though most women try to pretend to the world that everything is alright. This could be a helpless situation whereby if care is not taken she really gets out of touch with herself emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, giving room for heated argument in the home over trivial issues, increasing stress both for herself, the husband, the dependants and the children.
It might be of interest to know that from chats with a few mothers who had at one time or the other found themselves in this kind of situation, some did not see it as a pride that they are carrying the family responsibilities and well able to cope with the resources available to them. They also understand that if the man is able to provide for the family needs, it only makes for better welfare for the family and possibly makes room for investments. These women feel the pain that the man feels, the feeling of lack of fulfillment, the incompleteness because the man feels incomplete.
These women hardly express these feelings verbally but all the same, it is there. They silently bear the pain of not being able to give the children the best of education, live in better accommodation, possibly own a house of their own and have good mobility, and the list of desires is endless. They are more tolerant, matured, persevere, and I personally choose to call these ones “women of faith”.
Considering the different temperament, we are aware of those who naturally would not tolerate seeing the man not able to carry out his duties of providing for his family. These women do their best at working hard and meeting the needs of the husband and the children but they lack self-control.
Part of the reasons why women in the later group would behave the way they do is as a result of the perception of her husband family concerning her predicaments.
They find it difficult to believe that their son is financially handicapped. They would accuse the woman of having taken over their son’s attention. Her in-laws sometimes pretend not to know the contributions of the woman, talk more of bearing the entire burden. She is not shown any appreciation – thus she feels the pains. The prayers encouragement and other support she gets come from her own family, they appreciate her and her effort and would rather not bother her with any additional liabilities if they could. They encourage her to be submissive to her husband and to use whatever abilities, resources and privileges God has given her, for the benefit of her children and husband.
Anyhow we assess the whole scenario, it should be known that when a man steps up to take the lead in his family in terms of providing for them, the wife supports him and each falls into their roles and there is harmony.
Everyone, man or woman should always remember that the foundation of the two people counts. One would want to point out that with true love being the sole reason for the union and not material possession, hasty decisions, or attractive financial status of either of them, then the story would be different.
From the standpoint of a wife, mother and once a breadwinner, I would say it is actually a very difficult and trying time for any woman. But whoever finds herself in this situation should know that it does not last forever. The more you make yourself and remain a source of encouragement to your spouse, the higher his hopes and you should expect more love.
In conclusion, make sure to recognize the enormous blow this predicament has on your husband’s ego. Reassuring him of your love for him is healing. Always look at the brighter side in every challenge in life. Take it in good faith and see it as God’s opportunity of drawing us closer to himself. See God’s hand in any or every situation you find yourself in, and He will see you through.
By Victoria Egberipou
The moment a woman gets married to a man, she gets married to the entire family of her husband – to a large extent, to the extended family. So is the African tradition, so is the practice and held to a high esteem. On the part of the man too, the same applies. The woman’s family- parents, siblings and extended relatives now share same relationship with their son in-law as they have with their daughter.
As soon as a marriage is contracted between two people the family responsibilities become a shared one between the couple. These responsibilities sometimes are not only those within the immediate family but could also include those from the parents in-laws, siblings of both or either parties. It could be very overwhelming sometimes with the prevailing trend of the dwindling economy and this on the whole tells on the general welfare of the family.
Be that as it may, I do not intend to dwell on these general effects it could have on the family or the man who ordinarily is expected to bear the brunt of these demands on the family resources. I have rather chosen to look at a situation where the woman is the breadwinner in the family.
Now, what do we mean by the word “Breadwinner”.
I could define a “Breadwinner” to mean that person in the small group or in a family who takes the responsibility of providing financial support both in small and great measure to all other members of the group or of the family.
The Oxford Advanced Leaner’s Dictionary defines “Breadwinner” thus; “A person who supports their family with the money they earn”.
Here we want to consider the woman, the mother or the wife as the Breadwinner. You will agree with me that the woman is actually responsible for adding all the beauty, warmth the laughs and the building of a home. Without her the home is not complete. God made it so, it all takes great understanding, determination and maturity which comes gradually with her daily experiences to help her bring in that beauty and warmth. God has made her naturally or divinely a homemaker, an encourager, confidant, mother and supporter to her husband and children. Thus, fulfilling God’s design and desire for her life as a woman. But sometimes in addition to all of these, she finds herself to be the “Breadwinner” in her family.
Some women carry out these responsibilities and see it as great burden and suffer self pity, anger and sometimes degenerate to total disregard for her husband and his family. These groups of women are those who would have the resources but bluntly refuse to be generous to her family. This is because she feels the man has not made enough efforts, too choosy with jobs, not making efforts at all or has ill-luck with getting employed. Thus she would not give him any comfort. Well, this is not our major area of focus for now.
The situation is different where the woman sees herself as being destined to carry the bulk of the responsibility of catering for the family and taking over the duties of the man. This category of women find fulfillment in surrendering all she has in order to make her family happy including her husband. She sees it as service to humanity within and with all her resources.
An important questions here before going further is, why would a woman become the Breadwinner to her family?
Some of the reasons for a woman or mother becoming the Breadwinner in her family are; where the man loses his job or never had one, as a result of failed business ventures, failed health or accident which could result in temporary or permanent disability, death, or separation - thus single parenting. When a man is no longer able to provide for his family financially, the feeling of inadequacy and frustration sets in, the man feels as if his manhood is in question. He loses confidence that he might no longer have grip over his family and “ceases” to be the head of his family.
Our concern is on the woman who now assumes the position of the “head of the family”. So, to the woman who never foresaw or bargained for these conditions naturally sometimes “looses” her joy, feels frustrated and helpless even though most women try to pretend to the world that everything is alright. This could be a helpless situation whereby if care is not taken she really gets out of touch with herself emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, giving room for heated argument in the home over trivial issues, increasing stress both for herself, the husband, the dependants and the children.
It might be of interest to know that from chats with a few mothers who had at one time or the other found themselves in this kind of situation, some did not see it as a pride that they are carrying the family responsibilities and well able to cope with the resources available to them. They also understand that if the man is able to provide for the family needs, it only makes for better welfare for the family and possibly makes room for investments. These women feel the pain that the man feels, the feeling of lack of fulfillment, the incompleteness because the man feels incomplete.
These women hardly express these feelings verbally but all the same, it is there. They silently bear the pain of not being able to give the children the best of education, live in better accommodation, possibly own a house of their own and have good mobility, and the list of desires is endless. They are more tolerant, matured, persevere, and I personally choose to call these ones “women of faith”.
Considering the different temperament, we are aware of those who naturally would not tolerate seeing the man not able to carry out his duties of providing for his family. These women do their best at working hard and meeting the needs of the husband and the children but they lack self-control.
Part of the reasons why women in the later group would behave the way they do is as a result of the perception of her husband family concerning her predicaments.
They find it difficult to believe that their son is financially handicapped. They would accuse the woman of having taken over their son’s attention. Her in-laws sometimes pretend not to know the contributions of the woman, talk more of bearing the entire burden. She is not shown any appreciation – thus she feels the pains. The prayers encouragement and other support she gets come from her own family, they appreciate her and her effort and would rather not bother her with any additional liabilities if they could. They encourage her to be submissive to her husband and to use whatever abilities, resources and privileges God has given her, for the benefit of her children and husband.
Anyhow we assess the whole scenario, it should be known that when a man steps up to take the lead in his family in terms of providing for them, the wife supports him and each falls into their roles and there is harmony.
Everyone, man or woman should always remember that the foundation of the two people counts. One would want to point out that with true love being the sole reason for the union and not material possession, hasty decisions, or attractive financial status of either of them, then the story would be different.
From the standpoint of a wife, mother and once a breadwinner, I would say it is actually a very difficult and trying time for any woman. But whoever finds herself in this situation should know that it does not last forever. The more you make yourself and remain a source of encouragement to your spouse, the higher his hopes and you should expect more love.
In conclusion, make sure to recognize the enormous blow this predicament has on your husband’s ego. Reassuring him of your love for him is healing. Always look at the brighter side in every challenge in life. Take it in good faith and see it as God’s opportunity of drawing us closer to himself. See God’s hand in any or every situation you find yourself in, and He will see you through.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Intimidation by Consensus
Intimidation by Consensus
By Sam Onimisi
It is no longer news that a seventeen-man wise men is working to ensure that a consensual candidate emerge from among the several Presidential aspirants from the North. The purpose is to stop or defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming PDP primaries and to retain power in the North according to their reading of the so-called gentleman’s rotational agreement of the Party. The contenders, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (both of who spent 8 years each on the job), perennial National Security Adviser Mohammed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Abubakar Saraki – all of the PDP. If it is a PDP Committee, the wise men may not reckon with General Muhammadu Buhari of CPC, Alh. Shekarau of ANPP and Ex-EFCC Chief Nuhu Ribadu of ACN. If it is a bi-partisan committee, then they have about eight contenders to deal with, if Alh. Bashir Tofa is not a joking aspirant. This is no doubt an intimidating list.
The first task is to assume that the wise men will limit themselves to the PDP Candidates if the purpose is to defeat President Jonathan in the primaries. And then to extend their search to other parties, if inspite of the gang-up, Jonathan emerge victorious in the primaries. What is the combined weight of the four PDP Northern contenders when stacked against Goodluck? Formidable! Not so much for their electability but much more for their potentials for mischief – and this is so because in every gang-up, the major aim is to harm or destroy the chances of the common opponent. In this instance, the driving force of the gang-up is regional interest, which when stripped of its niceties translates to Hausa/Fulani Islamic interest. Don’t bother about the frenzied denial that is bound to trail this assertion, for it is all part of the game of deceit in politics.
Admittedly, any group of individuals is free to propagate regional interest of any religious hue, provided it does no harm to the corporate interest of the country. The danger lies in the fact that in the pursuit of personal or group interest, recourse is often made to the highly emotive question of religion as most of the Northern aspirants treats the Presidency as their zonal patrimony; and how previous administrations have used it to cause disunity among the multi-religious citizens of Nigeria. So, when we refer to a gang-up and their potential for mischief, what we are saying is the likelihood that those champions of religious or regional interest may be so carried away by personal or group greed that they may not be able to draw a line between reason and remonstrance. Not that they actually represent the North or the regions yearnings and aspirations, but that is what they project that has become the public perception of power rotation or zoning.
The leading Presidential aspirants are all military or Para-military men. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida is well-known for his pride as a practitioner of violence and example abound throughout his eight years reign as military President. Gen. Mohammed Aliyu Gusau is an Intelligence Czar whose smooth operation or modus operandi entails state violence. Alh. Atiku Abubakar was a Customs Officer and in his hay-days in the PDP, was the arrow head of the violent wing of the Party. Now that he is more or less outside the mainstream of the Party, his desperation may know no bound-that is, in his quest to pick-up the Party’s ticket. As for Governor Abubakar Saraki, he is overwhelmed by his antecedent as a son of a ruthless political godfather whose stock-in-trade is monopoly as evident in their total capture of Kwara State. The older Saraki is obsessed by the ambition of having his son as president of Nigeria and his daughter as governor of Kwara State. But is this country Saraki & Saraki Nigeria Unlimited?
Outside the PDP, General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state and Presidential candidate-in-waiting of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC has left no one in doubt that his party is poised as successor to PDP, come 2011. Having failed twice in the past (2003 and 2007), there is the possibility that he gets desperate this third time, as it may be his last chance, given his age and record of failure in the past. Nuhu Ribadu retired as Assistant Inspector General of Police and Chairman of EFCC. The difference between the army and the police is the type of weapon they carry, both of which is deployed to the same effect against their perceived enemy.
Given the background of these Northern Presidential contestants who are in four different parties, it will be pretty difficult though not impossible for the North to come up with a consensus candidate. Since the candidate must come from one party, it means that the voting masses of the North will be asked to change party loyalty to regional allegiance. And because the North is now polarized by zoning, the pro-zoning section may have to recourse to a more homogenous issue in their part of the North if the masses is to be carried along. Of course, that issue is religion. Meanwhile, the North has always been a hotbed of ethno-religious mayhem – a challenge to which even previous heads of state from the region directly or indirectly helped to pose. In recent times and on several occasions, it has manifested itself through eruptions of the local chapter of the dreaded Al-queda, the Taliban or the Boko Haram extremists – from whom nothing soothing is expected.
By their status as retired senior public office holders, we have a right to expect that the aforementioned contestants or the consensus candidate will be a responsible person(s) who will not employ the emotive issue of religion or manipulate it for personal advantage. But this is mere expectation for which there is no guarantee beyond verbal assurance from the mouth and not necessarily of the heart. Having witnessed what they did with religion while in office, there is little or no hope that they will not employ it again to intimidate their opponents and by consequence, harm the polity. Whichever party produced the consensus Northern candidate, the prospect for trouble remains the same.
Given the condemnable showing of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND (or is it a fake version of it?) in Abuja during the 50th Independence Anniversary, they may very well supply the balance of terror if they choose to counter-act or confront the Northern Islamic militants for electoral advantage. If this will not check the intimidation by consensus, neither will Prof. Jega’s reputation as a radical do the trick – which leaves us with the question: what type of election do we expect in 2011?
By Sam Onimisi
It is no longer news that a seventeen-man wise men is working to ensure that a consensual candidate emerge from among the several Presidential aspirants from the North. The purpose is to stop or defeat President Goodluck Jonathan in the forthcoming PDP primaries and to retain power in the North according to their reading of the so-called gentleman’s rotational agreement of the Party. The contenders, former President Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (both of who spent 8 years each on the job), perennial National Security Adviser Mohammed Aliyu Gusau, and Governor Abubakar Saraki – all of the PDP. If it is a PDP Committee, the wise men may not reckon with General Muhammadu Buhari of CPC, Alh. Shekarau of ANPP and Ex-EFCC Chief Nuhu Ribadu of ACN. If it is a bi-partisan committee, then they have about eight contenders to deal with, if Alh. Bashir Tofa is not a joking aspirant. This is no doubt an intimidating list.
The first task is to assume that the wise men will limit themselves to the PDP Candidates if the purpose is to defeat President Jonathan in the primaries. And then to extend their search to other parties, if inspite of the gang-up, Jonathan emerge victorious in the primaries. What is the combined weight of the four PDP Northern contenders when stacked against Goodluck? Formidable! Not so much for their electability but much more for their potentials for mischief – and this is so because in every gang-up, the major aim is to harm or destroy the chances of the common opponent. In this instance, the driving force of the gang-up is regional interest, which when stripped of its niceties translates to Hausa/Fulani Islamic interest. Don’t bother about the frenzied denial that is bound to trail this assertion, for it is all part of the game of deceit in politics.
Admittedly, any group of individuals is free to propagate regional interest of any religious hue, provided it does no harm to the corporate interest of the country. The danger lies in the fact that in the pursuit of personal or group interest, recourse is often made to the highly emotive question of religion as most of the Northern aspirants treats the Presidency as their zonal patrimony; and how previous administrations have used it to cause disunity among the multi-religious citizens of Nigeria. So, when we refer to a gang-up and their potential for mischief, what we are saying is the likelihood that those champions of religious or regional interest may be so carried away by personal or group greed that they may not be able to draw a line between reason and remonstrance. Not that they actually represent the North or the regions yearnings and aspirations, but that is what they project that has become the public perception of power rotation or zoning.
The leading Presidential aspirants are all military or Para-military men. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida is well-known for his pride as a practitioner of violence and example abound throughout his eight years reign as military President. Gen. Mohammed Aliyu Gusau is an Intelligence Czar whose smooth operation or modus operandi entails state violence. Alh. Atiku Abubakar was a Customs Officer and in his hay-days in the PDP, was the arrow head of the violent wing of the Party. Now that he is more or less outside the mainstream of the Party, his desperation may know no bound-that is, in his quest to pick-up the Party’s ticket. As for Governor Abubakar Saraki, he is overwhelmed by his antecedent as a son of a ruthless political godfather whose stock-in-trade is monopoly as evident in their total capture of Kwara State. The older Saraki is obsessed by the ambition of having his son as president of Nigeria and his daughter as governor of Kwara State. But is this country Saraki & Saraki Nigeria Unlimited?
Outside the PDP, General Muhammadu Buhari, a former military head of state and Presidential candidate-in-waiting of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC has left no one in doubt that his party is poised as successor to PDP, come 2011. Having failed twice in the past (2003 and 2007), there is the possibility that he gets desperate this third time, as it may be his last chance, given his age and record of failure in the past. Nuhu Ribadu retired as Assistant Inspector General of Police and Chairman of EFCC. The difference between the army and the police is the type of weapon they carry, both of which is deployed to the same effect against their perceived enemy.
Given the background of these Northern Presidential contestants who are in four different parties, it will be pretty difficult though not impossible for the North to come up with a consensus candidate. Since the candidate must come from one party, it means that the voting masses of the North will be asked to change party loyalty to regional allegiance. And because the North is now polarized by zoning, the pro-zoning section may have to recourse to a more homogenous issue in their part of the North if the masses is to be carried along. Of course, that issue is religion. Meanwhile, the North has always been a hotbed of ethno-religious mayhem – a challenge to which even previous heads of state from the region directly or indirectly helped to pose. In recent times and on several occasions, it has manifested itself through eruptions of the local chapter of the dreaded Al-queda, the Taliban or the Boko Haram extremists – from whom nothing soothing is expected.
By their status as retired senior public office holders, we have a right to expect that the aforementioned contestants or the consensus candidate will be a responsible person(s) who will not employ the emotive issue of religion or manipulate it for personal advantage. But this is mere expectation for which there is no guarantee beyond verbal assurance from the mouth and not necessarily of the heart. Having witnessed what they did with religion while in office, there is little or no hope that they will not employ it again to intimidate their opponents and by consequence, harm the polity. Whichever party produced the consensus Northern candidate, the prospect for trouble remains the same.
Given the condemnable showing of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, MEND (or is it a fake version of it?) in Abuja during the 50th Independence Anniversary, they may very well supply the balance of terror if they choose to counter-act or confront the Northern Islamic militants for electoral advantage. If this will not check the intimidation by consensus, neither will Prof. Jega’s reputation as a radical do the trick – which leaves us with the question: what type of election do we expect in 2011?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Power, Politics & Irrational Logic
Power, Politics & Irrational Logic
By Sam Onimisi
Following the mammoth crowd which attended the formal declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s intention to context next year’s Presidential Election, some groups and certain individuals have faulted him on moral grounds. The kernel of their arguments are as follows. They accused him of disobeying the PDP’s rule of power rotation or zoning as they interpret it to mean that a Northerner must be in power for eight years, i.e. From 2007 to 2015. They also accused him of trying to be a judge in his own case; that is that he should not be a candidate in an election which his government is the conductor. There are other points of accusation which I consider too childish to discuss. Now let’s examine the two main issues dispassionately.
It is a well known truism that power rotation or zoning is a new or recent development in the political lexicon of the country; occasioned by the denial of late Chief M.K.O Abiola of his mandate validly and massively given to him by Nigerian voters in 1993. The winner of the Presidential Election was a Southerner and the annular was a Northerner. A serious crisis of confidence ensued which threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria in a way only the Civil War of 1969-1990 surpassed. Again, the contraption put together to assuage the South- the Shonekan led Interim National Government was overthrown within two months of its existence – also by a Northerner, General Sani Abacha. And he ruled for about five years during which he brutalized Nigerians of Southern origin. This was the background and underlying situation which forced the Northern political class to allow for power-shift to the South in 1999. Power rotation was inserted into the PDP Constitution in fear of the possibility that Southerners could behave in kind by holding onto power indefinitely.
Now, is President Goodluck Jonathan guilty as charged? The answer is an emphatic No! Why? All laws and enactment of the National Assembly are inferior to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the constitution or gentleman’s agreement of the PDP. The Country’s fundamental law granted every Nigerian the right to vie for any elective position of his/her choice. I suppose all law-abiding citizens should adhere to this constitutional position. It is my position that it is unlawful and undemocratic to assume that because a person was elected for a term of four years that it is automatic that he remains in office for eight years just because it was supposedly zone to him or his zone. How would anyone foresee that the party that presented him will win the next election? Do we know if he will die before his tenure expires? Must be it conceded to his zone at his demise as if it were a lineal monarchy? The only reason why anyone would assume this position is that only one particular is ordained to win all future elections. But is this the case, and if so, is it democratic?
As for the accusation that by contesting the next election, President Jonathan will be a judge in his own case is too puerile to be canvassed by adults. In the first place, the election is a political contest and not a court case. Again, Prime Minister Alhaji Tafawa Balewa took part in the 1963 general election. Alhaji Shehu Shagari contested the 1983 presidential election as the incumbent president. They were both Northerners. Did anyone accuse them of being judges in their own case? General Murtala Muhammed took over from General Yakubu Gowon. General Muhammadu Buhari took over from Alhaji Shehu Shagari. General Babangida took over from Muhammadu Buhari – all of whom are Northerners. In all, and from Balewa to Yar’Adua, Northerners have ruled Nigeria whether by election or by military coup, for 38 years out of 50 years as an Independent Country. Based on the forgoing facts, where is the moral high ground of any Northerner to deny others the right of leadership of the country?
It would have been better if Northern leaders had canvassed a case that an incumbent President or Governor should either not be a contestant or if he must be, that a neutral authority should conduct future general elections than to accuse an innocent man of a non-existent offence. It only portrayed Northerners as power monopolists or as greedy power hustlers who is intent on holding onto power by all means regardless of their poor past performance records. What a gratuitous self-inflicted insult! Even if this claim to power is based on the North’s perceived majority, it is not to be assumed that Northerners did not and would never vote for candidates from the South. Or must it be taken for granted that Northerners has no ideological value and so would not vote on the basis of ideology. Or are we to believe that Party Manifestoes does not attract Northerners? These are the presumption that power hustler’s wave about to justify why they are opposed to power shift to other zones of the country.
By this attitude of clinging to power on the basis of baseless assumptions, Southerners are being forced to think or fear that Northerners cannot be trusted to relinquish power as at when due or that they have actually manipulated their long strangle-hold on power in order to deny other Nigerians of access or the right to power. Otherwise, this is the first time in history when a Southern minority has been in a pedestal to vie for the Presidency in a democratic setting; rather than for Northerners to merely canvass a free and fair election, their top contestants are ganging up to deny him the ticket using untenable excuses and irrational logic. If Nigeria is one country, let us have the rights of common citizenship, especially the right to leadership. What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.
There is what they call the Bangladesh electoral formula which ensures that an incumbent government has no hand in the conduct of election. In other words, an interim government for the sole purpose of conducting election is put in place upon the end of the tenure of an elected government. Of course, until we all agree to this arrangement, there is no place for it now in our laws and cannot presently be applied. Let Nigerian voters decide the fate of all contestants in the next election. By so doing, elected leaders will have the true mandate of the people and succession crisis would be averted.
By Sam Onimisi
Following the mammoth crowd which attended the formal declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s intention to context next year’s Presidential Election, some groups and certain individuals have faulted him on moral grounds. The kernel of their arguments are as follows. They accused him of disobeying the PDP’s rule of power rotation or zoning as they interpret it to mean that a Northerner must be in power for eight years, i.e. From 2007 to 2015. They also accused him of trying to be a judge in his own case; that is that he should not be a candidate in an election which his government is the conductor. There are other points of accusation which I consider too childish to discuss. Now let’s examine the two main issues dispassionately.
It is a well known truism that power rotation or zoning is a new or recent development in the political lexicon of the country; occasioned by the denial of late Chief M.K.O Abiola of his mandate validly and massively given to him by Nigerian voters in 1993. The winner of the Presidential Election was a Southerner and the annular was a Northerner. A serious crisis of confidence ensued which threatened the corporate existence of Nigeria in a way only the Civil War of 1969-1990 surpassed. Again, the contraption put together to assuage the South- the Shonekan led Interim National Government was overthrown within two months of its existence – also by a Northerner, General Sani Abacha. And he ruled for about five years during which he brutalized Nigerians of Southern origin. This was the background and underlying situation which forced the Northern political class to allow for power-shift to the South in 1999. Power rotation was inserted into the PDP Constitution in fear of the possibility that Southerners could behave in kind by holding onto power indefinitely.
Now, is President Goodluck Jonathan guilty as charged? The answer is an emphatic No! Why? All laws and enactment of the National Assembly are inferior to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the constitution or gentleman’s agreement of the PDP. The Country’s fundamental law granted every Nigerian the right to vie for any elective position of his/her choice. I suppose all law-abiding citizens should adhere to this constitutional position. It is my position that it is unlawful and undemocratic to assume that because a person was elected for a term of four years that it is automatic that he remains in office for eight years just because it was supposedly zone to him or his zone. How would anyone foresee that the party that presented him will win the next election? Do we know if he will die before his tenure expires? Must be it conceded to his zone at his demise as if it were a lineal monarchy? The only reason why anyone would assume this position is that only one particular is ordained to win all future elections. But is this the case, and if so, is it democratic?
As for the accusation that by contesting the next election, President Jonathan will be a judge in his own case is too puerile to be canvassed by adults. In the first place, the election is a political contest and not a court case. Again, Prime Minister Alhaji Tafawa Balewa took part in the 1963 general election. Alhaji Shehu Shagari contested the 1983 presidential election as the incumbent president. They were both Northerners. Did anyone accuse them of being judges in their own case? General Murtala Muhammed took over from General Yakubu Gowon. General Muhammadu Buhari took over from Alhaji Shehu Shagari. General Babangida took over from Muhammadu Buhari – all of whom are Northerners. In all, and from Balewa to Yar’Adua, Northerners have ruled Nigeria whether by election or by military coup, for 38 years out of 50 years as an Independent Country. Based on the forgoing facts, where is the moral high ground of any Northerner to deny others the right of leadership of the country?
It would have been better if Northern leaders had canvassed a case that an incumbent President or Governor should either not be a contestant or if he must be, that a neutral authority should conduct future general elections than to accuse an innocent man of a non-existent offence. It only portrayed Northerners as power monopolists or as greedy power hustlers who is intent on holding onto power by all means regardless of their poor past performance records. What a gratuitous self-inflicted insult! Even if this claim to power is based on the North’s perceived majority, it is not to be assumed that Northerners did not and would never vote for candidates from the South. Or must it be taken for granted that Northerners has no ideological value and so would not vote on the basis of ideology. Or are we to believe that Party Manifestoes does not attract Northerners? These are the presumption that power hustler’s wave about to justify why they are opposed to power shift to other zones of the country.
By this attitude of clinging to power on the basis of baseless assumptions, Southerners are being forced to think or fear that Northerners cannot be trusted to relinquish power as at when due or that they have actually manipulated their long strangle-hold on power in order to deny other Nigerians of access or the right to power. Otherwise, this is the first time in history when a Southern minority has been in a pedestal to vie for the Presidency in a democratic setting; rather than for Northerners to merely canvass a free and fair election, their top contestants are ganging up to deny him the ticket using untenable excuses and irrational logic. If Nigeria is one country, let us have the rights of common citizenship, especially the right to leadership. What is good for the goose is equally good for the gander.
There is what they call the Bangladesh electoral formula which ensures that an incumbent government has no hand in the conduct of election. In other words, an interim government for the sole purpose of conducting election is put in place upon the end of the tenure of an elected government. Of course, until we all agree to this arrangement, there is no place for it now in our laws and cannot presently be applied. Let Nigerian voters decide the fate of all contestants in the next election. By so doing, elected leaders will have the true mandate of the people and succession crisis would be averted.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Of Cowards, Dokpesi & Politics
Of Cowards, Dokpesi & Politics
By Sam Onimisi
If the recent alarm raised by High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is anything to be taken seriously, he should by now be going about in disguise for fear of being kidnapped by his Niger-Delta brethren. But as the Director-General of General Ibrahim Babangida Campaign Organization, Dokpesi cannot hide, given his highly visible position both in his present role and as the Chairman and chief executive of the high profile African Independent Television, A.I.T. It is not to be assumed that the highly educated and ever mobile Marine Engineer do not know that heading a partisan campaign team is a risky job. If he does, then it may be assumed that he has calculated the cost before taking up the job. Or are you saying he did not?
If he did, then the alarm he raised could be a wolf – cry which should be expected to be repeated if it is to achieve the desired effect. Crying wolf where there is none is an old tactic often employed by weaklings so as to be left alone to their own devices or to attract an otherwise undeserved sympathy and attention. Sometimes it succeeds and at other times it fails. But just before we go further, let us examine the gist of the alarm. Some socio-cultural groups of Niger Delta were irked that one of their own took up the job of Babangida’s Campaign Manager; a job which entails railing against opponents of his boss – and President Goodluck Jonathan is one of them. Some former militants also threaten to declare him persona grata for the same reason. The issue here is not who is right or wrong, or what is good or bad.
In politics as in other competitive avocations, some elements of scare tactics is allowed if only to unsettle your opponent or competitor for a moment. Dr. Dopkesi had just taken up the job and has not demonstrated any eloquence on the campaign podium as to wrong anyone. I am not sure if he is of the grandiloquent hue, but as a media guru, you must grant him the right to premeditated or unsolicited grandstanding, if only in his new job. The game has just started and more serious tactics will be employed by the contestants to advance their interest and so, High Chief Dokpesi is better advised to brace up to the reality of the risk-contents of his job.
I do not know of anytime in the history of election campaign in Nigeria when the job was a rosy one, even if it will be cozy by the end of it. It is a job that is not cut out for lilly-livered people but one for those who can match or mix their brain and brawn for expected brawls. So why is Dr. Dokpesi complaining so early in the day? Is his fear real? If so, he deserves the listening ears of the security agencies that must provide security for him and others in similar situation. If not, then he needs to throw in the towel so his master can employ a more courageous Campaign Manager. The rough turf of election campaign is a terrain designed for lion-hearted souls and all cowards often advise themselves to give it a wide berth. That being so, I cannot pretend to be advising High Chief Dokpesi, he could do so without any prodding.
Campaign Strategy is a myriad of tactics which includes but not limited to scarecrow, wolf-cry, grandstanding and red-herring. They are meant to be a distraction or as a misleading clue against the opponent. It is safe at this moment to attribute Dr. Dokpesi’s alarm as a strategy of red-herring if he continues in the job. In which case, he will need some advice on what to expect as time goes on. Advising a High Chief, doctorate degree holder and Chief executive of a broad casting conglomerate? Yes, for we all need advice at one point or the other and for one reason or another, even if it is not solicited. And it is about his product.
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is a hard sell even if he is to be marketed by an experienced professional campaigner. Any Nigerian of 25 years of age and above knows that he was our military president for eight years. Many have not forgotten landmark disasters that happened during his tenure. Some remember him as Maradona, a name given to him by the Peoples’ Press for his dribbling acumen. Others remember him for his Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP which sapped life out of Nigerians and wiped out her middle-class. The Press still celebrates the anniversary of the death of their illustrious colleague in Dele Giwa who was parcel-bombed in his sitting room through the emissary of the ‘commander-in-chief’ in 1986. Many politicians in 1991/92 were banned, un-banned and re-banned almost at the same time, many of who were friends or colleague of IBB.
Most democrats acknowledge him as the annular-in-chief for conducting the freest election so far and for no rational reason, annul it to the consternation of Nigerians. Today the annulment is marked as ‘June 12’ which is made a democracy day in Lagos State. His closest friends, Gen. Mamman Vatsa and M.K.O. Abiola both of blessed memory would probably wish to resurrect if only to educate us on how ‘nice’ IBB was to them. Then Justice Oputa Panel had some sour story to tell us on or about Dr. Dokpesi’s boss. The Mbanefo Panel also sang about a 12 billion Gulf War oil money that was frittered away by Candidate Babangida. Some street urchins were even celebrating him as International Baban Barawo, you remember?
There is something in a name such that once it sticks; it becomes more real as an alias than the original name. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida once described himself as an evil genius, and ever since, many delight themselves in acknowledging him as such. This is the product High Chief Dokpesi has elected to sell or market. The qualities of his product are so much in public domain and human memory that highfalutin slogans and advertorials cannot whitewash. If Babangida’s shadows are properly documented, no credentials could be more intimidating, more excruciating and most difficult to sell than Dokpesi’s client or product. If this is the case – and I am eager to be contradicted – will High Chief Dr. Dokpesi spare the rest of us the pain of his wolf-cry and red-herring?
By Sam Onimisi
If the recent alarm raised by High Chief Raymond Dokpesi is anything to be taken seriously, he should by now be going about in disguise for fear of being kidnapped by his Niger-Delta brethren. But as the Director-General of General Ibrahim Babangida Campaign Organization, Dokpesi cannot hide, given his highly visible position both in his present role and as the Chairman and chief executive of the high profile African Independent Television, A.I.T. It is not to be assumed that the highly educated and ever mobile Marine Engineer do not know that heading a partisan campaign team is a risky job. If he does, then it may be assumed that he has calculated the cost before taking up the job. Or are you saying he did not?
If he did, then the alarm he raised could be a wolf – cry which should be expected to be repeated if it is to achieve the desired effect. Crying wolf where there is none is an old tactic often employed by weaklings so as to be left alone to their own devices or to attract an otherwise undeserved sympathy and attention. Sometimes it succeeds and at other times it fails. But just before we go further, let us examine the gist of the alarm. Some socio-cultural groups of Niger Delta were irked that one of their own took up the job of Babangida’s Campaign Manager; a job which entails railing against opponents of his boss – and President Goodluck Jonathan is one of them. Some former militants also threaten to declare him persona grata for the same reason. The issue here is not who is right or wrong, or what is good or bad.
In politics as in other competitive avocations, some elements of scare tactics is allowed if only to unsettle your opponent or competitor for a moment. Dr. Dopkesi had just taken up the job and has not demonstrated any eloquence on the campaign podium as to wrong anyone. I am not sure if he is of the grandiloquent hue, but as a media guru, you must grant him the right to premeditated or unsolicited grandstanding, if only in his new job. The game has just started and more serious tactics will be employed by the contestants to advance their interest and so, High Chief Dokpesi is better advised to brace up to the reality of the risk-contents of his job.
I do not know of anytime in the history of election campaign in Nigeria when the job was a rosy one, even if it will be cozy by the end of it. It is a job that is not cut out for lilly-livered people but one for those who can match or mix their brain and brawn for expected brawls. So why is Dr. Dokpesi complaining so early in the day? Is his fear real? If so, he deserves the listening ears of the security agencies that must provide security for him and others in similar situation. If not, then he needs to throw in the towel so his master can employ a more courageous Campaign Manager. The rough turf of election campaign is a terrain designed for lion-hearted souls and all cowards often advise themselves to give it a wide berth. That being so, I cannot pretend to be advising High Chief Dokpesi, he could do so without any prodding.
Campaign Strategy is a myriad of tactics which includes but not limited to scarecrow, wolf-cry, grandstanding and red-herring. They are meant to be a distraction or as a misleading clue against the opponent. It is safe at this moment to attribute Dr. Dokpesi’s alarm as a strategy of red-herring if he continues in the job. In which case, he will need some advice on what to expect as time goes on. Advising a High Chief, doctorate degree holder and Chief executive of a broad casting conglomerate? Yes, for we all need advice at one point or the other and for one reason or another, even if it is not solicited. And it is about his product.
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is a hard sell even if he is to be marketed by an experienced professional campaigner. Any Nigerian of 25 years of age and above knows that he was our military president for eight years. Many have not forgotten landmark disasters that happened during his tenure. Some remember him as Maradona, a name given to him by the Peoples’ Press for his dribbling acumen. Others remember him for his Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP which sapped life out of Nigerians and wiped out her middle-class. The Press still celebrates the anniversary of the death of their illustrious colleague in Dele Giwa who was parcel-bombed in his sitting room through the emissary of the ‘commander-in-chief’ in 1986. Many politicians in 1991/92 were banned, un-banned and re-banned almost at the same time, many of who were friends or colleague of IBB.
Most democrats acknowledge him as the annular-in-chief for conducting the freest election so far and for no rational reason, annul it to the consternation of Nigerians. Today the annulment is marked as ‘June 12’ which is made a democracy day in Lagos State. His closest friends, Gen. Mamman Vatsa and M.K.O. Abiola both of blessed memory would probably wish to resurrect if only to educate us on how ‘nice’ IBB was to them. Then Justice Oputa Panel had some sour story to tell us on or about Dr. Dokpesi’s boss. The Mbanefo Panel also sang about a 12 billion Gulf War oil money that was frittered away by Candidate Babangida. Some street urchins were even celebrating him as International Baban Barawo, you remember?
There is something in a name such that once it sticks; it becomes more real as an alias than the original name. Gen. Ibrahim Babangida once described himself as an evil genius, and ever since, many delight themselves in acknowledging him as such. This is the product High Chief Dokpesi has elected to sell or market. The qualities of his product are so much in public domain and human memory that highfalutin slogans and advertorials cannot whitewash. If Babangida’s shadows are properly documented, no credentials could be more intimidating, more excruciating and most difficult to sell than Dokpesi’s client or product. If this is the case – and I am eager to be contradicted – will High Chief Dr. Dokpesi spare the rest of us the pain of his wolf-cry and red-herring?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
The Politics of Adoption
The Politics of Adoption
By Sam Onimisi
Ahead of the 2011 general election, a battle is raging between leading contenders of the presidential race. Some two weeks back, a group of 22 political parties met under the aegis of coalition for New Nigeria (CNN) and signed an M.O.U. to work with the Congress for Progressive Change towards presenting a common Presidential candidate for 2011. There is no other interpretation beside the fact that they intend to adopt the presidential candidate of the C.P.C. So far, the only aspirant on the platform of the new party is General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.). This was a development which elevated Buhari’s acceptability or popularity a notch higher than other parties’ aspirants.
Not to be outdone, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party reached out to other parties – a move which the cockish previous chairmen of the party felt demeaning to do. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, a veteran politician who has tasted life in the ruling party as well as in opposition in this dispensation has proved wiser than his predecessors. He was clever enough not to attempt selling his party. He knows so much has gone wrong with the party as to make it ugly and undesirable. First, he sold his credentials as a principled democrat who could disagree to agree and who is prepared to yield to superior argument. He assured the opposition parties that his regime is prepared to turn a new leaf and work with other parties in the overall interest of the country. As an astute politician, the PDP Chairman know the advantage of incumbency in electoral contest, and so, believes that if President Jonathan obtains the ticket of his party, the race becomes easier to win.
Therefore, he also sold the candidacy of Goodluck Jonathan to the other parties. The result is that those parties who ordinarily would have dined with the PDP using a long spoon, found in Nwodo and Jonathan, gentlemen with whom they could do business. At the end, 46 political parties decided to work with the PDP to ensure that political practice is clothed in civilized garb and devoid of criminal violence of the past. The difficulty however is, how do you work with Nwodo and Jonathan without any advantage accruing to the PDP?
If this is a dilemma, there is a bigger dilemma the opposition parties have to contend with. One, in the recent amendments to the Constitution, certain opposition parties championed a two or five party system in the National Assembly. It was the PDP that saw merit in a multi-party system for a plural society such as ours. If the vote had been otherwise, most opposition parties would have been wiped off or de-registered. Two, elections into local government councils in non-PDP states were rigged just like those of PDP states. Meaning that, the AC, ANPP and APGA behaved the same way as the PDP in election management. So, if you can work with those opposition parties, why not the PDP? Three, as a ruling party, the fate of the entire country remains in the hands of the PDP. To continue to treat the PDP as a leper is to imperil the future of democracy in Nigeria; since the likelihood of unity of purpose in opposition parties appears remote.
In effect, the formation of the Grand Coalition of Political Parties (GCPP) is in the interest of the Parties as well as the entire country. Four, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has failed to carry out its responsibilities due to undemocratic tendencies in its leadership; led by Alh. Abubakar Balarabe Musa since 2002, the CNPP broke into pieces with Balarabe Musa, Olapade Agoro and Maxi Okwu leading one faction each. Balarabe Musa was accused of tenacity of Office, having been elected in 2002. He has rebuffed every attempt to hold a election convention and all efforts at reform. He is also accused of using his chairmanship of CNPP as a meal ticket, visiting states to inaugurate state chapters and paying courtesy call on governors for patronage, and who were alleged to have financed such inaugurations.
If the CNPP has not been a dismal failure, what could have made Alh. Balarabe Musa to have joined the CNN as one of its leading lights who also went ahead to adopt General Buhari as their candidate? If those expected to lead the opposition have become partisan, then others are free to find associates with whom they could work. The adoption of CPC/Gen. Buhari by the CNN and Alh. Balarabe Musa as a factional Chairman of CNPP is enough signal, if not an impetus for other political parties to find accommodation under the umbrella of the Grand Coalition of Political Parties, GCPP. In fact, Olapade Agoro is a leading member of GCPP even as a factional chairman of the CNPP. Barr. Maxi Okwu will not surprise anyone in CNPP or the GCPP if he announces tomorrow, a coalition of parties working for another presidential aspirant.
What lessons do we need to learn from all these, either as politicians, voters or mere political animals? First, as political practitioners, there is the need to keep faith with your mandate and its time frame. No matter how good you are, some others are equally good and could do the job, if not better. Tenacity of office or tenure elongation destroys credibility and honour and helps to give birth to rebellion and factionalization. Second, what subsists in politics is permanent interest, not permanent enmity or friendship. A foe today may become a friend tomorrow. Everyone or every party watches its interest and aligns with those who are likely to advance or promote such interests. Third, a time comes when one has to make a choice as a democrat. The choice here is between two or more contenders whose background are opposite of each other. As a democrat, you need to ask yourself a question. Who is likely to promote democratic ethos if he/she accedes to power; a civilian politician or a military politician? Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has given us an experience which is not palatable to repeat so soon. So, before you accuse a political party of selling their mandate to a candidate of another party, you have to consider the foregoing issues if you are to make sense in your assertion.
Political Parties exists to promote and advance democracy, to have access to power or be in position to influence public policy beneficial to its members. That being so, they are right, free and justified if and when they join forces in an alliance or coalition which promotes such objectives. If the alliance or coalition entails the adoption of the candidate of one of the coalition parties, provided each party in the coalition fulfils its obligation and adheres to the terms of the alliance, democracy is enhanced and the electorate is protected. The politics of adoption is a bi-partisan approach that encapsulates divergent interests and goals such that the violent contents of partisan competition are reduced to the barest minimum.
Examples from abroad: Gen. Collins Powel was a member of the Republican Party but he supported Barak Obama of the Democratic Party in 2008 election. Secretary of Defense Bill Gates was appointed by President Bush of the Republican Party but retained by his Democratic Party successor. Must we not learn to grow democracy for the benefit of all?
By Sam Onimisi
Ahead of the 2011 general election, a battle is raging between leading contenders of the presidential race. Some two weeks back, a group of 22 political parties met under the aegis of coalition for New Nigeria (CNN) and signed an M.O.U. to work with the Congress for Progressive Change towards presenting a common Presidential candidate for 2011. There is no other interpretation beside the fact that they intend to adopt the presidential candidate of the C.P.C. So far, the only aspirant on the platform of the new party is General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.). This was a development which elevated Buhari’s acceptability or popularity a notch higher than other parties’ aspirants.
Not to be outdone, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party reached out to other parties – a move which the cockish previous chairmen of the party felt demeaning to do. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, a veteran politician who has tasted life in the ruling party as well as in opposition in this dispensation has proved wiser than his predecessors. He was clever enough not to attempt selling his party. He knows so much has gone wrong with the party as to make it ugly and undesirable. First, he sold his credentials as a principled democrat who could disagree to agree and who is prepared to yield to superior argument. He assured the opposition parties that his regime is prepared to turn a new leaf and work with other parties in the overall interest of the country. As an astute politician, the PDP Chairman know the advantage of incumbency in electoral contest, and so, believes that if President Jonathan obtains the ticket of his party, the race becomes easier to win.
Therefore, he also sold the candidacy of Goodluck Jonathan to the other parties. The result is that those parties who ordinarily would have dined with the PDP using a long spoon, found in Nwodo and Jonathan, gentlemen with whom they could do business. At the end, 46 political parties decided to work with the PDP to ensure that political practice is clothed in civilized garb and devoid of criminal violence of the past. The difficulty however is, how do you work with Nwodo and Jonathan without any advantage accruing to the PDP?
If this is a dilemma, there is a bigger dilemma the opposition parties have to contend with. One, in the recent amendments to the Constitution, certain opposition parties championed a two or five party system in the National Assembly. It was the PDP that saw merit in a multi-party system for a plural society such as ours. If the vote had been otherwise, most opposition parties would have been wiped off or de-registered. Two, elections into local government councils in non-PDP states were rigged just like those of PDP states. Meaning that, the AC, ANPP and APGA behaved the same way as the PDP in election management. So, if you can work with those opposition parties, why not the PDP? Three, as a ruling party, the fate of the entire country remains in the hands of the PDP. To continue to treat the PDP as a leper is to imperil the future of democracy in Nigeria; since the likelihood of unity of purpose in opposition parties appears remote.
In effect, the formation of the Grand Coalition of Political Parties (GCPP) is in the interest of the Parties as well as the entire country. Four, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) has failed to carry out its responsibilities due to undemocratic tendencies in its leadership; led by Alh. Abubakar Balarabe Musa since 2002, the CNPP broke into pieces with Balarabe Musa, Olapade Agoro and Maxi Okwu leading one faction each. Balarabe Musa was accused of tenacity of Office, having been elected in 2002. He has rebuffed every attempt to hold a election convention and all efforts at reform. He is also accused of using his chairmanship of CNPP as a meal ticket, visiting states to inaugurate state chapters and paying courtesy call on governors for patronage, and who were alleged to have financed such inaugurations.
If the CNPP has not been a dismal failure, what could have made Alh. Balarabe Musa to have joined the CNN as one of its leading lights who also went ahead to adopt General Buhari as their candidate? If those expected to lead the opposition have become partisan, then others are free to find associates with whom they could work. The adoption of CPC/Gen. Buhari by the CNN and Alh. Balarabe Musa as a factional Chairman of CNPP is enough signal, if not an impetus for other political parties to find accommodation under the umbrella of the Grand Coalition of Political Parties, GCPP. In fact, Olapade Agoro is a leading member of GCPP even as a factional chairman of the CNPP. Barr. Maxi Okwu will not surprise anyone in CNPP or the GCPP if he announces tomorrow, a coalition of parties working for another presidential aspirant.
What lessons do we need to learn from all these, either as politicians, voters or mere political animals? First, as political practitioners, there is the need to keep faith with your mandate and its time frame. No matter how good you are, some others are equally good and could do the job, if not better. Tenacity of office or tenure elongation destroys credibility and honour and helps to give birth to rebellion and factionalization. Second, what subsists in politics is permanent interest, not permanent enmity or friendship. A foe today may become a friend tomorrow. Everyone or every party watches its interest and aligns with those who are likely to advance or promote such interests. Third, a time comes when one has to make a choice as a democrat. The choice here is between two or more contenders whose background are opposite of each other. As a democrat, you need to ask yourself a question. Who is likely to promote democratic ethos if he/she accedes to power; a civilian politician or a military politician? Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has given us an experience which is not palatable to repeat so soon. So, before you accuse a political party of selling their mandate to a candidate of another party, you have to consider the foregoing issues if you are to make sense in your assertion.
Political Parties exists to promote and advance democracy, to have access to power or be in position to influence public policy beneficial to its members. That being so, they are right, free and justified if and when they join forces in an alliance or coalition which promotes such objectives. If the alliance or coalition entails the adoption of the candidate of one of the coalition parties, provided each party in the coalition fulfils its obligation and adheres to the terms of the alliance, democracy is enhanced and the electorate is protected. The politics of adoption is a bi-partisan approach that encapsulates divergent interests and goals such that the violent contents of partisan competition are reduced to the barest minimum.
Examples from abroad: Gen. Collins Powel was a member of the Republican Party but he supported Barak Obama of the Democratic Party in 2008 election. Secretary of Defense Bill Gates was appointed by President Bush of the Republican Party but retained by his Democratic Party successor. Must we not learn to grow democracy for the benefit of all?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Of Service, Rewards and Swindlers
Of Service, Rewards and Swindlers
By Sam Onimisi
Serving others in whatever capacity, in the society, government and its institutions or corporate bodies is a service which is accompanied by some incentives and motives. Metabolism alone propels human to engage in one form of service or the other to keep self alive, physically, mentally and physiologically. Physical fitness, honour, knowledge gained by training and experience, status and roles, material gains and financial income are some of the incentives of service. Service is so called because others are benefitted by it, not only the incentive or motive of the servant. Any service that fails to be beneficial to others is not qualified to be called so. Therefore, both service and the servant exist to add value to the served which is the public.
Public Service connotes the services rendered by employees of government, its institutions and agencies. It includes the Civil Service, the armed Forces and Political Functionaries of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. Employees of companies, Voluntary Organizations and Entrepreneurs are also engaged in services but classified as servants in the Private Sector. Both Public and private Sector Servants have one thing in common: they are motivated by the same needs and are rewarded by their employers. That some people are in public service and some others are in the private sector is a matter of choice, opportunity and necessity. Whatever happens and unless you choose self-employment, you are bound to choose a career either in the Public Service or in the Private sector, none of which is without rewards.
Rewards come in various forms, the basic ones being a fixed annual salary which is paid on monthly basis. It includes allowances for transportation, accommodation or housing and other facilities that make the job easier to perform. Promotion, courses, training and experience are parts of the rewards of employment. So long as you are not a slave, whatever service you render in the course of employment are paid for by your employer. And if you serve long enough to retire, you are also rewarded with gratuity, pensions and in some cases, severance benefits. Having earned all these, every employee ought to be satisfied and go home in contentment. Aside from patriotic and voluntary service rendered in times of national emergency, I know of no service without rewards. Even the National Youth Service Corps which is somehow compulsory for graduates of tertiary institutions earn rewards in form of stipends and the hope for possible employment by their place of primary assignments.
Beyond these, any public servant who goes about shouting of the services he/she had rendered to Nigeria repels me because it smacks of hypocrisy and conceit. No man goes home without his pay. Nigeria owes no one except in pensions, the administration of which is marred by corruption and ineptitude. Labour movements serves as checks on employers who fail to honour the terms and conditions of engagement. Even retired members of the armed forces have no reason to be conceited. They joined the army, navy, air force of the police by choice, voluntarily and for reward; they were very much aware of the risk-contents and except during the civil war, and no one was conscripted. And so, it is nauseating to hear remarks such as “I have served this country with the strength of my youth now see how they have treated me”. I submit that only very few ex-public servants may be justified or qualified to make such claims.
My reason for this submission is simple. And it is that if most public servants served conscientiously with patriotic zeal, the high level of corruption and inefficiency in the service today would not have happened. Instead of public service, they offered selfish service. Rather than being servants, they acted as masters. They turned civil service into ‘see evil service’ through unethical conducts and personal greed. Rather than serving the country or the state, they served themselves, their ethnic, regional, religious and group interests while purporting to serve the public. Their subversive services include awarding contracts to themselves, their agents and inflating contracts for selfish and private gains. They engaged in misappropriation, unearned income, evasion of tax, prepared bloated budgets in order to make gains etc. These are sabotage of public policy, public schemes and projects any of which is not remotely related to, but complete opposite of patriotic service.
You can imagine my pains even as I imagine your revulsion when such elements are not remorseful as to keep quiet and enjoy their loots in seclusion but stepped out bare-chested, crowing about their ‘services’ to the nation and why they ought to be celebrated or honoured. Many of them who are so conceited were also granted undeserved national honours, traditional titles and professional recognition. I am not unaware of some sweet souls with excellent minds whose patriotism, zeal for selfless service and sacrifice added value to public service in Nigeria. But this clan of public servants were largely frustrated out of service, are never adequately rewarded or honoured and have had their legacies rubbished by the greed and gluttony of their nefarious colleagues or successors. What else is responsible for the irredeemable rot in public service delivery?
Neither you nor I is averse to the expression of a genuine praise of selfless and patriotic service; a service with quality input and output, a service rendered in absolute good faith for the benefit of all. What is exasperating is the tribe of conceited thieves, who derived their comfort from the proceeds of loots, but who goes about with a false and unashamed air of self-importance and, an exaggerated claim of service never rendered. People, who in other advanced climes would have been cooling their heels in jail for their multifarious crimes against the nation; in China, many of our celebrities would have been tied to the stake and shot dead. In Japan, these swindlers would have committed hara kiri to avoid being tried in public. In India, these rogues would have been hanged and cremated. But here in Lucifer’s own Vineyard, they are honoured, revered and celebrated as inventors and heroes. Titles such as Chief, Dr, Alhaji, Engr. are not uncommon by and for an individual. The less we celebrate the mediocre and swindlers, the better for this country of ours.
By Sam Onimisi
Serving others in whatever capacity, in the society, government and its institutions or corporate bodies is a service which is accompanied by some incentives and motives. Metabolism alone propels human to engage in one form of service or the other to keep self alive, physically, mentally and physiologically. Physical fitness, honour, knowledge gained by training and experience, status and roles, material gains and financial income are some of the incentives of service. Service is so called because others are benefitted by it, not only the incentive or motive of the servant. Any service that fails to be beneficial to others is not qualified to be called so. Therefore, both service and the servant exist to add value to the served which is the public.
Public Service connotes the services rendered by employees of government, its institutions and agencies. It includes the Civil Service, the armed Forces and Political Functionaries of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches. Employees of companies, Voluntary Organizations and Entrepreneurs are also engaged in services but classified as servants in the Private Sector. Both Public and private Sector Servants have one thing in common: they are motivated by the same needs and are rewarded by their employers. That some people are in public service and some others are in the private sector is a matter of choice, opportunity and necessity. Whatever happens and unless you choose self-employment, you are bound to choose a career either in the Public Service or in the Private sector, none of which is without rewards.
Rewards come in various forms, the basic ones being a fixed annual salary which is paid on monthly basis. It includes allowances for transportation, accommodation or housing and other facilities that make the job easier to perform. Promotion, courses, training and experience are parts of the rewards of employment. So long as you are not a slave, whatever service you render in the course of employment are paid for by your employer. And if you serve long enough to retire, you are also rewarded with gratuity, pensions and in some cases, severance benefits. Having earned all these, every employee ought to be satisfied and go home in contentment. Aside from patriotic and voluntary service rendered in times of national emergency, I know of no service without rewards. Even the National Youth Service Corps which is somehow compulsory for graduates of tertiary institutions earn rewards in form of stipends and the hope for possible employment by their place of primary assignments.
Beyond these, any public servant who goes about shouting of the services he/she had rendered to Nigeria repels me because it smacks of hypocrisy and conceit. No man goes home without his pay. Nigeria owes no one except in pensions, the administration of which is marred by corruption and ineptitude. Labour movements serves as checks on employers who fail to honour the terms and conditions of engagement. Even retired members of the armed forces have no reason to be conceited. They joined the army, navy, air force of the police by choice, voluntarily and for reward; they were very much aware of the risk-contents and except during the civil war, and no one was conscripted. And so, it is nauseating to hear remarks such as “I have served this country with the strength of my youth now see how they have treated me”. I submit that only very few ex-public servants may be justified or qualified to make such claims.
My reason for this submission is simple. And it is that if most public servants served conscientiously with patriotic zeal, the high level of corruption and inefficiency in the service today would not have happened. Instead of public service, they offered selfish service. Rather than being servants, they acted as masters. They turned civil service into ‘see evil service’ through unethical conducts and personal greed. Rather than serving the country or the state, they served themselves, their ethnic, regional, religious and group interests while purporting to serve the public. Their subversive services include awarding contracts to themselves, their agents and inflating contracts for selfish and private gains. They engaged in misappropriation, unearned income, evasion of tax, prepared bloated budgets in order to make gains etc. These are sabotage of public policy, public schemes and projects any of which is not remotely related to, but complete opposite of patriotic service.
You can imagine my pains even as I imagine your revulsion when such elements are not remorseful as to keep quiet and enjoy their loots in seclusion but stepped out bare-chested, crowing about their ‘services’ to the nation and why they ought to be celebrated or honoured. Many of them who are so conceited were also granted undeserved national honours, traditional titles and professional recognition. I am not unaware of some sweet souls with excellent minds whose patriotism, zeal for selfless service and sacrifice added value to public service in Nigeria. But this clan of public servants were largely frustrated out of service, are never adequately rewarded or honoured and have had their legacies rubbished by the greed and gluttony of their nefarious colleagues or successors. What else is responsible for the irredeemable rot in public service delivery?
Neither you nor I is averse to the expression of a genuine praise of selfless and patriotic service; a service with quality input and output, a service rendered in absolute good faith for the benefit of all. What is exasperating is the tribe of conceited thieves, who derived their comfort from the proceeds of loots, but who goes about with a false and unashamed air of self-importance and, an exaggerated claim of service never rendered. People, who in other advanced climes would have been cooling their heels in jail for their multifarious crimes against the nation; in China, many of our celebrities would have been tied to the stake and shot dead. In Japan, these swindlers would have committed hara kiri to avoid being tried in public. In India, these rogues would have been hanged and cremated. But here in Lucifer’s own Vineyard, they are honoured, revered and celebrated as inventors and heroes. Titles such as Chief, Dr, Alhaji, Engr. are not uncommon by and for an individual. The less we celebrate the mediocre and swindlers, the better for this country of ours.
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