The David Mark Blood Offer
By Mas Damisa
The newly honoured Amulutoro of Egbaland, and President of the Senate, Brigadier General David Mark has offered his blood for the peace of Egbaland and Nigeria. “I will ensure that there is peace in Egbaland and Ogun at large. And I will do that even with the last pint of my blood. I will ensure that there is development from strength to strength and I will ensure that all Nigerians begin to do things according to the wisdom of God and all leaders will continue to rule according to the fear of the Lord.” He made this vow at St Peter’s Cathedral Church Ake, Abeokuta before dignitaries which included the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, Governor Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole. Mercifully, his office has not denied any part of the above quoted statement
Distinguished Senator David Mark is not averse to blood shedding given his background as a retired army one-star general. His offer came at a time his benefactors, the Egba people and kingdom are at odds with Ogun State governor, Gbenga Daniel. His mentor and political godfather, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is a distinguished Egba leader whose relationship with governor Daniel is also frosty. The ex-president’s daughter, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello is also at daggers drawn with Daniel, who is having a tango with Speaker Dimeji Bankole. I am not sure of the quantity of blood required to make peace between and among this quarrelsome quartet; but Senator Mark appeared to have enough pints to spare. And of course, by the time of his visit to Ogun State, the stalemate between the State House of Assembly and Governor Daniel had grown worse to the extent that the State has no sitting Legislature for months. This calls for some more pints of blood if peace is to return to the state. Don’t ask me of the quantity of blood required for this distinguished intervention please.
Back in the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives not long ago had a face-off on the question of which of the two Chambers was superior to the other, for which the national budget was delayed. Only Senator Mark knows how much blood he shed to appease the distinguished honourables. Nigeria is presently groaning from the burden of the outrageous income package of the Parliament that is reputed to be about the costliest in the world. It is also believed to be one of the most unproductive Parliaments and yet the most flamboyant, an Assembly credited with the worst self-serving legislation anywhere in the world. As a privileged insider, Amulutoro Mark could have estimated the quantum of hot blood required to right the wrongs, although be is yet to disclose the actual value of his sacrifice in that direction.
In his home state in Benue, his Idoma kith and kin are reeling from the domineering rule of the Tiv ethnic nation and are planning to escape it through the request for the creation of Apa State. He must have shed voluminous pints of blood in that struggle, even if with nothing to show for it. I have not taken care to know what quantity of blood an average man has in his body, but being a distinguished Senator, his stream of blood never runs dry, I swear! When one young Alhaji cried foul over his stolen senatorial seat, he pointed accusing fingers at Senator David Mark, the distinguished Amulutoro. A lot of red blood must have been shed before the matter was eventually resolved by the courts. Enough of this bloody offer?
As the military governor of Niger State in the 1980’s, the home state of General Ibrahim Babangida, David Mark offered his blood and made his mark on the sands (don’t say treasury) of the State. When he was appointed Minister of Communications by Babangida, he shed his blood to ensure that telephone was out of reach of the poor: it was not meant for the poor, he said. He claimed to have been opposed to the military’s continued stay in power and so, was a threat to General Sani Abacha’s government. Rather than shedding his blood to make his point, he voted with his feet to Western Europe where he spent some cossy time at classy Golf courses reputedly owned by him. No sooner than Abacha died in 1998 than David Mark landed in Abuja preparatory to actualizing his senatorial ambition. He achieved this in 1999 and ever since has remained in the Senate and became its presiding officer in 2007. Right now, he is rearing for another term in the Senate – that is after some twelve years on the job. Who knows how much blood he shed to purchase that seat for keeps? Perhaps the reason why he called for automatic return tickets for members of the National Assembly was to enable him generates more blood for nation-wide peace sacrifice. He failed to convince his party on this free ticket, though. But he is not one to take defeat for a verdict, and so he approached the issue again and with a legislative fiat, opposition within his party and other parties are now shut out of contest to the National Assembly with Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010. With political parties imposed with cost prohibitive primaries and conventions, only David Mark and his colleagues at the National Assembly possesses the wherewithal to contest the 2011 Parliamentary election.
There is no other time than now for Senator David Mark to fulfill his promise to make Nigerians and their leaders “to rule according to the fear of the Lord.” Where else should he start except from the National Assembly? David Mark was a prominent member of the infamous IBB boys and he made capital out of it. He became one of the Obasanjo boys and was crowned the Senate President even before the election results were counted; with his N60 million a quarter, and N240 million per annum income, Mark has made so much money in four years as a Senator and perhaps double that figure as Senate President. Having been fed so fat from the national treasury, his entire blood may not have been adequate to appease God for peace in Nigeria. There are those who died or suffered for the country without a kobo reward. Many are resting in their unmarked graves even as many more are half-alive in penury and misery. All we require from David Mark is to go and read Psalm 51 written by his Biblical name-sake, repent from his iniquity of misrule and gluttony and convince his colleagues in the Parliament to do likewise. We don’t need the blood of the Amulukoros but their restitution, chikena!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The Lugardian Legatees of Power
The Lugardian Legatees of Power
By Sam Onimisi
If attempts at revolt or actual rebellion is dispassionately examined, the root causes are likely to be located at inequity, injustice and the quest for freedom and self-determination. While the reasons for revolt or rebellion may differ, the purpose is often more or less the same, although the rebel and those who labeled him so, may never agree on the causes of rebellion. Many ethnic nationalities in Nigeria have had cause to revolt against government or rebel against the nation-state. And each time it happened, the sovereignty of the country is questioned if not challenged. The sad result however is that the state had often repressed the revolt with maximum force to the effect that the victims of repression surrenders, albeit temporarily. Having been brutally defeated, they regress into latent animosity to continue the fight by some other subtle means. What are these means?
By means of sabotage and non-cooperation, the defeated rebel would continue to inflict damaging injury to the body-politic, against public policies and national institutions. But why should they do so? Because anyone who embarks on a righteous cause such as the struggle to enthrone equity or justice and is defeated in the process will not rest until he obtains justice. No one who is brutalized and humiliated for doing the right thing will give up the fight until justice prevails. When will they not fight if they are denied their just deserve? When will there not be a fight once mutual trust is lost through injustice, inequity and lack of fairness? The deprived cannot trust the cheat just as the oppressed can never trust his oppressor. The oppressor or the cheat can never trust his victim as he will always suspect him of revolt or sabotage. And so with prevalence of mutual suspicions, how can there be a conducive atmosphere or environment for peaceful development?
I am not one to say that some people may not have revolted out of ignorance or inordinate ambition and greed or both, but these are easily sorted out once they are defeated when they could now see more clearly that they were wrong or unfair. The answer to ignorance is to be informed and inordinate ambition could be checked or regulated but greed is a stubborn foe as it comes intermittently unabashed. The greedy is always also the guilty who never admit to greed; as he has an inner propeller that urges him on in a recaltricant manner, especially if he his strong, large, big or numerically so. They operate through the boldness of a troop and behave as if they are always right, going by the doctrine of might is right.
Nigeria as a sovereign state has had her sovereignty questioned on several occasions. These are occasions when she could have embarked on self-examination with a view of making amends and administering redress. But her responses in those challenges have been the wrong anti-dote or remedies. This is why the country is perpetually at war against herself, the reason why what works in other countries does not work in Nigeria – not necessarily because those things are unsuitable – but because of our attitude. While ambition and greed may be innate in man, they are often triggered by external stimuli or instigation. Political greed comes from many sources including instigators. It is my view that our colonial masters contrived the political problems confronting Nigeria today for reasons and purposes that are inimical to our progress or stability.
The quest for independence was limited initially to the South who had a head-start in Western education – which was why Chief Anthony Enahoro’s motion for independence in 1953 was defeated. The Northern Peoples Congress voted against it and being the Party in majority, it had its way. However, when freedom came our way in 1960, those who kicked against it became the beneficiary of power and those who had some ideas of what they could do for the country if we were independent were forced to stay behind. In democracy, majority is expected to have its way while the minority would have its say. The irony is that the majority is not and cannot be always right; and yet would always have its way, which is the tyranny of the majority. Sad enough and nearly 60 years after, the Boko Haramites are still fighting against Western education!
Perhaps we need to know how the majority came about their number. The creation of regions by the colonial masters in the source. The North was twice bigger than the East and Western region combined. While this was so in size or land mass, census population was also manipulated to tally with land mass, thus allocating to the North what demography could not prove or support. To think that in terms of ethnic, cultural and religious composition, the Northern region was never homogenous or monolithic; the design of the colonial masters to entrench inequity and injustice in Nigeria is clearly laid bare. This is one reason why the fault of Nigeria’s ills must always be put at the doorsteps of Britain instead of the Nigerian North, for the North as it was never created itself. When the people of Central Nigeria demanded for their region, the British colonial masters refused, as it could have destroyed their design for Nigeria. Britain harvests a lot of profit from Nigeria’s instability and lack of progress. It was all a master plan!.
We must agree that most people value inheritance and would do all in their power to preserve and defend it or maintain the status quo; we should not expect less from Northerners as the legatees of political power in Nigeria. And the nature of power does not lend itself to bargaining or negotiation unless it is challenged by a greater power or serious threat. Power shifted to the South in 1999 because there was sufficient threat to the locus of power, not because the wielders of power were tired of it; not even because they wanted it to rotate. The North reluctantly conceded it to the South and was eagerly awaiting its return to base. But the South-South who inherited it by accident is also desirous to continue with it, may be because they also are legitimate citizens of Nigeria, or are they not?
As it is, there are only two things that keeps Nigeria together and they are, oil income and the lure of political power. Don’t be deceived, no ethnic group remains in Nigeria today because they love the country. They love her for the oil money and the possibility of exercising political power over her someday. Is that not why when they get to power, all that interests them is to grab oil dollars as much as they could – making hay while the sun shines? Was that not the reason for tenure elongation or third term attempt, coup and counter coups or zoning by force or dole? Don’t you observe that many progressive politicians of the North joined forced with their conservative counterparts in singing the zoning anthem? Is the magnet not the allurement of power as the key to accessing our oil dollars? Can we attribute this to greed?
To be continued
By Sam Onimisi
If attempts at revolt or actual rebellion is dispassionately examined, the root causes are likely to be located at inequity, injustice and the quest for freedom and self-determination. While the reasons for revolt or rebellion may differ, the purpose is often more or less the same, although the rebel and those who labeled him so, may never agree on the causes of rebellion. Many ethnic nationalities in Nigeria have had cause to revolt against government or rebel against the nation-state. And each time it happened, the sovereignty of the country is questioned if not challenged. The sad result however is that the state had often repressed the revolt with maximum force to the effect that the victims of repression surrenders, albeit temporarily. Having been brutally defeated, they regress into latent animosity to continue the fight by some other subtle means. What are these means?
By means of sabotage and non-cooperation, the defeated rebel would continue to inflict damaging injury to the body-politic, against public policies and national institutions. But why should they do so? Because anyone who embarks on a righteous cause such as the struggle to enthrone equity or justice and is defeated in the process will not rest until he obtains justice. No one who is brutalized and humiliated for doing the right thing will give up the fight until justice prevails. When will they not fight if they are denied their just deserve? When will there not be a fight once mutual trust is lost through injustice, inequity and lack of fairness? The deprived cannot trust the cheat just as the oppressed can never trust his oppressor. The oppressor or the cheat can never trust his victim as he will always suspect him of revolt or sabotage. And so with prevalence of mutual suspicions, how can there be a conducive atmosphere or environment for peaceful development?
I am not one to say that some people may not have revolted out of ignorance or inordinate ambition and greed or both, but these are easily sorted out once they are defeated when they could now see more clearly that they were wrong or unfair. The answer to ignorance is to be informed and inordinate ambition could be checked or regulated but greed is a stubborn foe as it comes intermittently unabashed. The greedy is always also the guilty who never admit to greed; as he has an inner propeller that urges him on in a recaltricant manner, especially if he his strong, large, big or numerically so. They operate through the boldness of a troop and behave as if they are always right, going by the doctrine of might is right.
Nigeria as a sovereign state has had her sovereignty questioned on several occasions. These are occasions when she could have embarked on self-examination with a view of making amends and administering redress. But her responses in those challenges have been the wrong anti-dote or remedies. This is why the country is perpetually at war against herself, the reason why what works in other countries does not work in Nigeria – not necessarily because those things are unsuitable – but because of our attitude. While ambition and greed may be innate in man, they are often triggered by external stimuli or instigation. Political greed comes from many sources including instigators. It is my view that our colonial masters contrived the political problems confronting Nigeria today for reasons and purposes that are inimical to our progress or stability.
The quest for independence was limited initially to the South who had a head-start in Western education – which was why Chief Anthony Enahoro’s motion for independence in 1953 was defeated. The Northern Peoples Congress voted against it and being the Party in majority, it had its way. However, when freedom came our way in 1960, those who kicked against it became the beneficiary of power and those who had some ideas of what they could do for the country if we were independent were forced to stay behind. In democracy, majority is expected to have its way while the minority would have its say. The irony is that the majority is not and cannot be always right; and yet would always have its way, which is the tyranny of the majority. Sad enough and nearly 60 years after, the Boko Haramites are still fighting against Western education!
Perhaps we need to know how the majority came about their number. The creation of regions by the colonial masters in the source. The North was twice bigger than the East and Western region combined. While this was so in size or land mass, census population was also manipulated to tally with land mass, thus allocating to the North what demography could not prove or support. To think that in terms of ethnic, cultural and religious composition, the Northern region was never homogenous or monolithic; the design of the colonial masters to entrench inequity and injustice in Nigeria is clearly laid bare. This is one reason why the fault of Nigeria’s ills must always be put at the doorsteps of Britain instead of the Nigerian North, for the North as it was never created itself. When the people of Central Nigeria demanded for their region, the British colonial masters refused, as it could have destroyed their design for Nigeria. Britain harvests a lot of profit from Nigeria’s instability and lack of progress. It was all a master plan!.
We must agree that most people value inheritance and would do all in their power to preserve and defend it or maintain the status quo; we should not expect less from Northerners as the legatees of political power in Nigeria. And the nature of power does not lend itself to bargaining or negotiation unless it is challenged by a greater power or serious threat. Power shifted to the South in 1999 because there was sufficient threat to the locus of power, not because the wielders of power were tired of it; not even because they wanted it to rotate. The North reluctantly conceded it to the South and was eagerly awaiting its return to base. But the South-South who inherited it by accident is also desirous to continue with it, may be because they also are legitimate citizens of Nigeria, or are they not?
As it is, there are only two things that keeps Nigeria together and they are, oil income and the lure of political power. Don’t be deceived, no ethnic group remains in Nigeria today because they love the country. They love her for the oil money and the possibility of exercising political power over her someday. Is that not why when they get to power, all that interests them is to grab oil dollars as much as they could – making hay while the sun shines? Was that not the reason for tenure elongation or third term attempt, coup and counter coups or zoning by force or dole? Don’t you observe that many progressive politicians of the North joined forced with their conservative counterparts in singing the zoning anthem? Is the magnet not the allurement of power as the key to accessing our oil dollars? Can we attribute this to greed?
To be continued
Saturday, November 13, 2010
A Prophet most Vilified?
A Prophet most Vilified?
By Sam Onimisi
Elders, speaking from experience, often say that in every adverse situation, God has always left a room for hope and thanksgiving. The world of Nigeria has been so despondent and hopeless that very few optimists still has any faith in the survival, growth or development of the country. Humanly speaking, it is impossible to redeem Nigeria from self-destruct. In every index of development, the country has always been first - coming from the rear; to the extent that outside the shores of the country, it is a shame to be found to be a Nigerian. We are racing inexorably to the abyss of a failed nation-state even while we deny it vehemently – without doing anything worth while to reverse it.
Do you know that I have discovered an area of reprieve for Nigeria, and a Nigerian in whom God has invested His powerful virtues of miracle and wonders? I am not talking of wizards, witch-doctors or magicians. These are in legions and could be located in weird places and many buildings self-styled as shrines, house of God or worship centres. It is not about stage-managed magic of a few hours lifespan. It has nothing to do with intellectuals with chains of degrees and whose brain is abuzz with a staccato of theories, formulas and philosophies. Be assured that we are not looking at elegant grammarians shooting jaw-braking adjectives from both sides of the mouth at the same time. Or is it about show boys, stylists and entertainers of impressive eloquence and rhetoric. None of the above, please.
Some three years ago, an acquaintance who is also a journalist told me a story of a man of God who owned a newspaper in which he was employed. He said he left the job when he could not dissuade the publisher from interference in the editorial liberty of the paper as he was tired sore of the man’s intrusiveness. Although, I didn’t believe him because he never impressed me as a person of integrity or uprightness, I nevertheless became cautious of the man of God in question. Not too long thereafter, stories began to fly about the man of God in journals of questionable credibility. It was always allegations of false prophecy, doubtful miracles and immoral escapades. All these made me wary but curious and inquisitive about the man of God and his church. So, in my quest to establish the truth, I bought a decoder which granted me access to the church television channel. The more I watched their programmes, the more I was convinced that the man was real and the works of his hands are clean. I took another step in my efforts to convince myself – since I have a business of convincing others – that there is no camera trick in what I see. I travelled to Lagos, attended his Sunday Church service and deliverance hour and came out convinced and converted to the truth: that the man of God is a true servant and prophet of the Almighty God. Perhaps you need to know that I myself was ordained as a pastor some 15 years back and still retain some unction and spiritual gifts to discern the truth. Having established my facts, I feel bold to acquaint you with this man of God.
On Sunday 31 October, I tuned the church’s television channel and here is what I saw, among other things. A group of men and women on wheel-chairs entered the church and were allowed to introduce themselves one after the other. Apparently, they are familiar with the man of God and his church. The first to give testimony was a woman by name, Esther Oyema, a physically challenged lady who won a gold medal in the recent Commonwealth games in India. Her wheel chair has been a gift from the church; she displayed her gold medal and said she was feeling some discomfort in her arms – as a weight-lifter, this is expected. But I was astounded when the man of God announced a package of gifts and awards for the gold medalist. A Honda Acura automatic car, the sum of N1 million and a six month vacation at any country of her choice were her rewards from the church!
It was the turn of Mrs. Onyinyechi Chinedu, a Master’s degree student of Abia State University who had been on the Church’s scholarship. The wheel chair she rode was a gift from the church. She recently got married to a handsome able-bodied young man. She was given an automatic Honda car, the sum of N500,000 for her degree programme and N200,000 to fuel the car! Next was Adams Surajudeen, a Youth Corps member who read Computer Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba on the church’s scholarship. He got N150,000 as assistance to establish a computer training centre in the village of his primary assignment. Salami Lukeman, a blind student of University of Lagos on the church’s scholarship got N500,000 for the special equipment he needs to complete his master’s degree programme. There were Vivian Ozurumba of Imo State University, Sunday Adejo of University of Ibadan, Adekunle Saheed of Adekunle Ajasin University and 15 others who got various sums of money ranging from N100,000 to N370,000 for their needs in their studies. In all, over N6,000,000 were disbursed on that day. This was not the first time I have seen this type of philanthropy on air by this prophet and his church but this is the first time I took record of what I saw.
Yet, this man of God is the butt of wicked rumours, cruel jokes and sizzling insinuations by men and women who are either hired, or driven by envy and jealousy or simply misguided in their warped assumptions. Why will anyone speak so despicably against a person whose ministry and ministration depicts the presence of divine power and grace? Take note that this narration started on the physical and material benevolence of the man. When the supernatural and extraordinary healings, deliverance. restoration, reconciliation, rehabilitation of individuals, families, couples and communities and other acts of goodness of the church are examined, you will agree that God is mightily present in the Synagogue Church of All Nations and that Senior Prophet T.B. Joshua is truly, a quintessential man of God.
Indeed, what Jesus said in the gospel of John, chapter 14 and verse 12 is daily being fulfilled in the person of T.B. Joshua through his church as broadcast daily through Emmanuel TV. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do….” People from all countries are flocking into Nigeria to seek succor and blessings at the Synagogue thereby giving the country a face lift and redeeming her dubious image. If we will not appreciate him for this, we should not disparage him.
If we will not thank God for him, we should not thump him down. Prophet T.B Joshua is busy filling the void created by government’s neglect. He is improving our foreign exchange earning through spiritual tourism. God is doing through the hands of the prophet what our best doctors and medical science could not do. Let us tame the beast of envy and acknowledge the naked truth that great things are being accomplished in the Synagogue for the benefit of mankind. May God continue to strengthen Prophet T.B. Joshua to redeem and deliver Nigeria for God!
By Sam Onimisi
Elders, speaking from experience, often say that in every adverse situation, God has always left a room for hope and thanksgiving. The world of Nigeria has been so despondent and hopeless that very few optimists still has any faith in the survival, growth or development of the country. Humanly speaking, it is impossible to redeem Nigeria from self-destruct. In every index of development, the country has always been first - coming from the rear; to the extent that outside the shores of the country, it is a shame to be found to be a Nigerian. We are racing inexorably to the abyss of a failed nation-state even while we deny it vehemently – without doing anything worth while to reverse it.
Do you know that I have discovered an area of reprieve for Nigeria, and a Nigerian in whom God has invested His powerful virtues of miracle and wonders? I am not talking of wizards, witch-doctors or magicians. These are in legions and could be located in weird places and many buildings self-styled as shrines, house of God or worship centres. It is not about stage-managed magic of a few hours lifespan. It has nothing to do with intellectuals with chains of degrees and whose brain is abuzz with a staccato of theories, formulas and philosophies. Be assured that we are not looking at elegant grammarians shooting jaw-braking adjectives from both sides of the mouth at the same time. Or is it about show boys, stylists and entertainers of impressive eloquence and rhetoric. None of the above, please.
Some three years ago, an acquaintance who is also a journalist told me a story of a man of God who owned a newspaper in which he was employed. He said he left the job when he could not dissuade the publisher from interference in the editorial liberty of the paper as he was tired sore of the man’s intrusiveness. Although, I didn’t believe him because he never impressed me as a person of integrity or uprightness, I nevertheless became cautious of the man of God in question. Not too long thereafter, stories began to fly about the man of God in journals of questionable credibility. It was always allegations of false prophecy, doubtful miracles and immoral escapades. All these made me wary but curious and inquisitive about the man of God and his church. So, in my quest to establish the truth, I bought a decoder which granted me access to the church television channel. The more I watched their programmes, the more I was convinced that the man was real and the works of his hands are clean. I took another step in my efforts to convince myself – since I have a business of convincing others – that there is no camera trick in what I see. I travelled to Lagos, attended his Sunday Church service and deliverance hour and came out convinced and converted to the truth: that the man of God is a true servant and prophet of the Almighty God. Perhaps you need to know that I myself was ordained as a pastor some 15 years back and still retain some unction and spiritual gifts to discern the truth. Having established my facts, I feel bold to acquaint you with this man of God.
On Sunday 31 October, I tuned the church’s television channel and here is what I saw, among other things. A group of men and women on wheel-chairs entered the church and were allowed to introduce themselves one after the other. Apparently, they are familiar with the man of God and his church. The first to give testimony was a woman by name, Esther Oyema, a physically challenged lady who won a gold medal in the recent Commonwealth games in India. Her wheel chair has been a gift from the church; she displayed her gold medal and said she was feeling some discomfort in her arms – as a weight-lifter, this is expected. But I was astounded when the man of God announced a package of gifts and awards for the gold medalist. A Honda Acura automatic car, the sum of N1 million and a six month vacation at any country of her choice were her rewards from the church!
It was the turn of Mrs. Onyinyechi Chinedu, a Master’s degree student of Abia State University who had been on the Church’s scholarship. The wheel chair she rode was a gift from the church. She recently got married to a handsome able-bodied young man. She was given an automatic Honda car, the sum of N500,000 for her degree programme and N200,000 to fuel the car! Next was Adams Surajudeen, a Youth Corps member who read Computer Science at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba on the church’s scholarship. He got N150,000 as assistance to establish a computer training centre in the village of his primary assignment. Salami Lukeman, a blind student of University of Lagos on the church’s scholarship got N500,000 for the special equipment he needs to complete his master’s degree programme. There were Vivian Ozurumba of Imo State University, Sunday Adejo of University of Ibadan, Adekunle Saheed of Adekunle Ajasin University and 15 others who got various sums of money ranging from N100,000 to N370,000 for their needs in their studies. In all, over N6,000,000 were disbursed on that day. This was not the first time I have seen this type of philanthropy on air by this prophet and his church but this is the first time I took record of what I saw.
Yet, this man of God is the butt of wicked rumours, cruel jokes and sizzling insinuations by men and women who are either hired, or driven by envy and jealousy or simply misguided in their warped assumptions. Why will anyone speak so despicably against a person whose ministry and ministration depicts the presence of divine power and grace? Take note that this narration started on the physical and material benevolence of the man. When the supernatural and extraordinary healings, deliverance. restoration, reconciliation, rehabilitation of individuals, families, couples and communities and other acts of goodness of the church are examined, you will agree that God is mightily present in the Synagogue Church of All Nations and that Senior Prophet T.B. Joshua is truly, a quintessential man of God.
Indeed, what Jesus said in the gospel of John, chapter 14 and verse 12 is daily being fulfilled in the person of T.B. Joshua through his church as broadcast daily through Emmanuel TV. “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me, the works that I do he will do also, and greater works than these he will do….” People from all countries are flocking into Nigeria to seek succor and blessings at the Synagogue thereby giving the country a face lift and redeeming her dubious image. If we will not appreciate him for this, we should not disparage him.
If we will not thank God for him, we should not thump him down. Prophet T.B Joshua is busy filling the void created by government’s neglect. He is improving our foreign exchange earning through spiritual tourism. God is doing through the hands of the prophet what our best doctors and medical science could not do. Let us tame the beast of envy and acknowledge the naked truth that great things are being accomplished in the Synagogue for the benefit of mankind. May God continue to strengthen Prophet T.B. Joshua to redeem and deliver Nigeria for God!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Obasanjo, Danjuma & Nigeria
Obasanjo, Danjuma & Nigeria
By Mas Damisa
Both men are characters one could define in the superlatives, depending on if you are for or against them. They are strong and bold and they are both soldiers who needs no introduction. Both are retired Generals of the Nigerian Army and while one was head of state in uniform and president in agbada, another was Chief of army staff and minister of defense; both also served in the same regime. The two elder statesmen spoke in Lagos on the same day, at the same town and on different subjects. I don’t need to reiterate the fact that they are also friends-even if now estranged.
General T.Y. Danjuma spoke at a business lecture of the Lagos Country Club on Thursday 28 October on the topic: “The Nigeria of my dream.” On the same day at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, General Olusegun Obasanjo told the story of his origin at a book launch. Public lectures and book lunch are events in the public domain for which-+ reactions and comments are normal expectation. Since the country is more important than the individual, let’s first take a look at Danjuma’s lecture. The kernel of Danjuma’s speech was his acknowledgement of corruption as having assumed an oceanic proportion in Nigeria; the impunity by which perpetrators get away with it and the fact that there has been no restitution of prosecuted cases. He warned that the nation might be consumed by corruption if it is not checked.
That corruption is walking menacingly and destroying everything on its trail is a fact the blind, the deaf and dumb will acknowledge. That we have been handling it with kid-gloves is another fact only few can deny. If corruption must be defeated, me thinks that it will take more than just ‘one right man at the top’ to do so. I suppose we need several men from below to deal decisively with corruption as we are all affected. Danjuma also said that we have added no value to the crude oil we sell to the world and that is equally true. No one can add or subtract anything from the truth. He even made a more poignant and factual statement about Nigerians. He said “the average Nigerian is docile. They are very forgiving of those in authority. People don’t ask questions. May be it is because of poverty.” For a man who is reputed to be one of the richest Nigerians and who is held in awe for his integrity, he no doubt feel for the common man to be able to identify with him. Those close to him attest to it that he is generous and magnanimous, except that he suffers fools gladly. These are the aspects of his lecture with which I agree, and they constitute the bulk of what he said on that day. And, now, to the aspect of his speech with which I disagree.
General Danjuma was not happy about the criticism of the 1999 Abdulsalam Constitution just because it was produced by the military; and pointed to the military created states which legally exist today, and added that “we cannot accept democratic rule while rejecting the fundamental laws upon which it is founded”. He however accepts the fact that 1999 constitution “requires radical reconstruction.” The fact is that whatever is bad and regardless of who did, it is bad. The criticism of the Abdulsalam constitution is not so much against its military authors but that it is unsuitable for the plurality of Nigeria; which is why it requires ‘radical reconstruction’, in the words of Danjuma. The pity is that those elected to administer the constitution were elected under military decrees and before it came into effect. Therefore, the 1999 Abdulsalam constitution lacks the input of democrats and is devoid of approval by democratic means - which is why it is not working.
The states – all of them – were created by military regimes and were never validated by referendum, and to that extent they are arbitrary and artificial creations devoid of democratic values. Nigerians tolerates the states not because they like them but because “the average Nigerian is docile. They are very forgiving of those in authority. People don’t ask questions. May be it is because of poverty”. It must be added that some of the states are homogenous, especially in the South West and South East, not so in the other four zones. Moreover, a Federal Union is supposed to be created by Federating Units. Evolving units then volunteer and apply to join the Unions. But the reverse is the case in Nigeria, which makes it more arbitrary and inorganic and which is why disharmony thrives in most of the states. While privileged military elites like Danjuma feels that the constitution needs radical reconstruction; the vast silent majority of the civil populace believes in total restructuring of the country and its constitution. In effect, ‘radical reconstruction’ and ‘total restructuring’ are questions of semantics whose bottom-line is the unsuitability of the 1999 Abdulsalam Constitution and subsequent amazements. In simple paraphrase, what Nigeria needs is not one right man at the top, but radical restructuring. While we concede to the military their pride, we cannot allow it to stand in the way of needed changes to the polity-even if now we lack the courage to enforce our will.
I am distressed to have to comment on the person of the age and status of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo more so, when it has to do with his paternity. But since he is a public figure and the issue is in public domain, he cannot escape commentaries. It should be recalled that Obasanjo’s paternity came into dispute some three years ago, when a newspaper published a photograph of an ex-policeman of Igbo origin who looked every inch like Olusegun Obasanjo. We need not go into the details of the story under the photograph anymore, for a book titled “Baba’s story: Nigeria is 50” has told his own version of his origin. Why am I distressed, you ask? If you must know, then here is why. The man in question is around 75 years of age and he was our head of state and president for a cumulative period of about 12 years during which time he helped to shape our country’s destiny for good or ill. He is probably the richest Ex-President in Africa and one of the most influential statesmen in the continent. If his origin was questionable, why did we have to wait all this while until recently?
You and I should be worried that our ex-president was found or alleged to have had a dubious origin and he kept mute for three long years as if to reiterate the fact that silence means consent. Haba, Baba Iyabo! A biography is a mirror of someone’s life history and is usually written by those who know him well enough. But Baba’s story was written by a Ghanaian, Abyna-Ansa Adjei. Where are the indomitable Owu’s; the wise Egbas, the suave people of Abeokuta or even any Yoruba author? Ex-President John Kuffor of Ghana was also there at the launch. What of our other ex-heads of state: why didn’t they honour their colleague at the auspicious event? Among the many governors Obasanjo helped to make, only Alhaji Saminu Turaki ex-governor of Jigawa State was at his side during the launch. Are the rest such ingrates that they forgot how they became governors? Why did they spurn their benefactor?
Rather than honouring or appreciating our elders, we leave that obligation to foreigners to do it on our behalf, why? Even Saminu Turaki, going by the account given some years back by Alh. Sani Zorro, a former President of Nigerian Union of Journalists attested to the fact that Saminu Turaki is a Nigerien and not a Nigerian. That being the case, it means there was no Nigerian ex-leader at the book launch. The absence of the Olowu of Owu and Governor Gbenga Daniel made a loud noise. Well, as for me the matter is closed by Baba’s story. My worry is some mischievous elements who averred that the book, its launch and the conspicuous absence of some people, keeps the paternal controversy raging. I think the man deserves a respite, don’t you?
By Mas Damisa
Both men are characters one could define in the superlatives, depending on if you are for or against them. They are strong and bold and they are both soldiers who needs no introduction. Both are retired Generals of the Nigerian Army and while one was head of state in uniform and president in agbada, another was Chief of army staff and minister of defense; both also served in the same regime. The two elder statesmen spoke in Lagos on the same day, at the same town and on different subjects. I don’t need to reiterate the fact that they are also friends-even if now estranged.
General T.Y. Danjuma spoke at a business lecture of the Lagos Country Club on Thursday 28 October on the topic: “The Nigeria of my dream.” On the same day at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, General Olusegun Obasanjo told the story of his origin at a book launch. Public lectures and book lunch are events in the public domain for which-+ reactions and comments are normal expectation. Since the country is more important than the individual, let’s first take a look at Danjuma’s lecture. The kernel of Danjuma’s speech was his acknowledgement of corruption as having assumed an oceanic proportion in Nigeria; the impunity by which perpetrators get away with it and the fact that there has been no restitution of prosecuted cases. He warned that the nation might be consumed by corruption if it is not checked.
That corruption is walking menacingly and destroying everything on its trail is a fact the blind, the deaf and dumb will acknowledge. That we have been handling it with kid-gloves is another fact only few can deny. If corruption must be defeated, me thinks that it will take more than just ‘one right man at the top’ to do so. I suppose we need several men from below to deal decisively with corruption as we are all affected. Danjuma also said that we have added no value to the crude oil we sell to the world and that is equally true. No one can add or subtract anything from the truth. He even made a more poignant and factual statement about Nigerians. He said “the average Nigerian is docile. They are very forgiving of those in authority. People don’t ask questions. May be it is because of poverty.” For a man who is reputed to be one of the richest Nigerians and who is held in awe for his integrity, he no doubt feel for the common man to be able to identify with him. Those close to him attest to it that he is generous and magnanimous, except that he suffers fools gladly. These are the aspects of his lecture with which I agree, and they constitute the bulk of what he said on that day. And, now, to the aspect of his speech with which I disagree.
General Danjuma was not happy about the criticism of the 1999 Abdulsalam Constitution just because it was produced by the military; and pointed to the military created states which legally exist today, and added that “we cannot accept democratic rule while rejecting the fundamental laws upon which it is founded”. He however accepts the fact that 1999 constitution “requires radical reconstruction.” The fact is that whatever is bad and regardless of who did, it is bad. The criticism of the Abdulsalam constitution is not so much against its military authors but that it is unsuitable for the plurality of Nigeria; which is why it requires ‘radical reconstruction’, in the words of Danjuma. The pity is that those elected to administer the constitution were elected under military decrees and before it came into effect. Therefore, the 1999 Abdulsalam constitution lacks the input of democrats and is devoid of approval by democratic means - which is why it is not working.
The states – all of them – were created by military regimes and were never validated by referendum, and to that extent they are arbitrary and artificial creations devoid of democratic values. Nigerians tolerates the states not because they like them but because “the average Nigerian is docile. They are very forgiving of those in authority. People don’t ask questions. May be it is because of poverty”. It must be added that some of the states are homogenous, especially in the South West and South East, not so in the other four zones. Moreover, a Federal Union is supposed to be created by Federating Units. Evolving units then volunteer and apply to join the Unions. But the reverse is the case in Nigeria, which makes it more arbitrary and inorganic and which is why disharmony thrives in most of the states. While privileged military elites like Danjuma feels that the constitution needs radical reconstruction; the vast silent majority of the civil populace believes in total restructuring of the country and its constitution. In effect, ‘radical reconstruction’ and ‘total restructuring’ are questions of semantics whose bottom-line is the unsuitability of the 1999 Abdulsalam Constitution and subsequent amazements. In simple paraphrase, what Nigeria needs is not one right man at the top, but radical restructuring. While we concede to the military their pride, we cannot allow it to stand in the way of needed changes to the polity-even if now we lack the courage to enforce our will.
I am distressed to have to comment on the person of the age and status of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo more so, when it has to do with his paternity. But since he is a public figure and the issue is in public domain, he cannot escape commentaries. It should be recalled that Obasanjo’s paternity came into dispute some three years ago, when a newspaper published a photograph of an ex-policeman of Igbo origin who looked every inch like Olusegun Obasanjo. We need not go into the details of the story under the photograph anymore, for a book titled “Baba’s story: Nigeria is 50” has told his own version of his origin. Why am I distressed, you ask? If you must know, then here is why. The man in question is around 75 years of age and he was our head of state and president for a cumulative period of about 12 years during which time he helped to shape our country’s destiny for good or ill. He is probably the richest Ex-President in Africa and one of the most influential statesmen in the continent. If his origin was questionable, why did we have to wait all this while until recently?
You and I should be worried that our ex-president was found or alleged to have had a dubious origin and he kept mute for three long years as if to reiterate the fact that silence means consent. Haba, Baba Iyabo! A biography is a mirror of someone’s life history and is usually written by those who know him well enough. But Baba’s story was written by a Ghanaian, Abyna-Ansa Adjei. Where are the indomitable Owu’s; the wise Egbas, the suave people of Abeokuta or even any Yoruba author? Ex-President John Kuffor of Ghana was also there at the launch. What of our other ex-heads of state: why didn’t they honour their colleague at the auspicious event? Among the many governors Obasanjo helped to make, only Alhaji Saminu Turaki ex-governor of Jigawa State was at his side during the launch. Are the rest such ingrates that they forgot how they became governors? Why did they spurn their benefactor?
Rather than honouring or appreciating our elders, we leave that obligation to foreigners to do it on our behalf, why? Even Saminu Turaki, going by the account given some years back by Alh. Sani Zorro, a former President of Nigerian Union of Journalists attested to the fact that Saminu Turaki is a Nigerien and not a Nigerian. That being the case, it means there was no Nigerian ex-leader at the book launch. The absence of the Olowu of Owu and Governor Gbenga Daniel made a loud noise. Well, as for me the matter is closed by Baba’s story. My worry is some mischievous elements who averred that the book, its launch and the conspicuous absence of some people, keeps the paternal controversy raging. I think the man deserves a respite, don’t you?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Here is the Riggers’ Haven
Here is the Riggers’ Haven
By Sam Onimisi
Stress is no doubt the cause of some disease if it is not itself a disease. At the level of a symptom, it may be endured for a period, but not when it has blown to become a painful disease. A few days back, I had a day full of physical exertion, mental stress and emotional distress and returned home exhausted. I went straight to bed and not long after, I found myself in the midst of a group of people engaged in animated discussion over the fate of Nigeria. Unlike me, I discovered I could only listen and not a participant in the discussion. Being also a good listener, here is what I heard.
“This country is a riggers’ haven. Everything was rigged from inception in 1914. Lord Lugard didn’t consult anybody and didn’t seek our views before he decreed the amalgamation of what his concubine thereafter christened Nigeria. Therefore, the country and her name were rigged into existence. Lugard must have drawn the first map of the country after carrying out a detailed geographical survey. And he was able to prove that the country had two rivers namely, Niger and Benue as the most significant landmark features. If he was sensible enough, he ought to have corrected the whore who only saw ‘Niger area’ instead of Niger and Benue as conspicuously outlined in the map. He didn’t, and proceeded to accept the name Nigeria instead of Nibena. This name is now duplicated as another French territory goes by the name Niger, a close neighbor to Nigeria. The implication is that there are Nigerians and there are Nigeriens. If you cannot spot the difference, it is not anyone’s fault but the stupid colonialist, Lugard.
“All of Nigeria’s Constitutions were also rigged into existence. Are you looking amazed? See, the 1922 Clifford Constitution was the first in colonial times. Then Sir Richards became the Governor of Nigeria in 1943. Without consultation with Nigerian leaders, he went to London and submitted a constitutional proposal to the British Secretary of State for the Colonies and his proposals were passed into law in the British Parliament in 1946. No Nigerian drafted, debated or voted for the Richards Constitution, yet it was imposed on us. As if every colonial governor must impose his own laws, Sir John Macpherson became governor and made his own Macpherson Constitution of 1951. Then came Lord Littleton who also inaugurated his own little Constitution in 1954. On the eve of independence, series of Constitutional talks were held in Lagos and London, culminating in the 1960 Independence Constitution. The talks were superintended by colonial officials browbeating everyone into submission – or else they with-hold independence from us! Was this not how you got all these so-called pre-independence constitutions?”
“After independence, we had the 1963 Republican Constitution which had our leaders input even though still supervised by the overbearing colonial lords. In less than three years, the military took over government, suspended the constitution and ruled by autocratic decrees from 1966 to 1979. The military imposed the presidential system cum constitution, which has a close semblance of martial law obtained in military barracks. The still-born 1989 Babangida Constitution was dead on arrival. The 1999 Abdul Salam Constitution was a most guided secret, unveiled long after the 1999 general election. This, in a nutshell is the rigged constitutional history of Nigeria.”
“Even the Regions were so rigged into being such that one region was bigger than three others combined. Go and check out the Nigerian maps of 1946 to 1966. The first 12 states were created to abort Biafra and to that extent, and because it failed to achieve its aim, was a fraud. States or regions are supposed to be a voluntary evolution by federating units applying to join the Federal Union. Ours were decreed into existence wily nilly by fiat. So are our Local Government Councils; to the effect that states and local councils were lopsidedly created as gifts to loyal commanding officers and in favour of certain ethno religious zones. If not, which of them were approved through a referendum? Which of them were subjected to a plebiscite? N-o-n-e!!”
“Do you know that our educational policy of quota system was rigged into the 1999 Constitution? Even our national anthem was rigged in 1977 by Obasanjo’s military government; the Police system was rigged and decreed into a unitary force. You are still starring at me, unknown to you that all budgets are rigged in that they are bogusly inflated to take care of ministry officials? So you think that only elections are subject to rigging? Then, you are grossly mistaken! Since 1952 until 2007, general elections were consciously rigged so that losers become winners and vice-versa. As if we are averse to correct figures, none of our Census exercise answered to demographic principles – which was why they were always disputed. In enumeration exercises, figures are free to sky-rocket and tumble at will, and no religion and ethnic group must be identified; this is to enable everyone to appropriate any figure to suit every conceivable rigging devices. I call this practice ‘conspiratorial censuses.
“Whenever a Commission of Inquiry or Panel of Investigation is set-up, don’t submit any researched memorandum to them. It’s all a waste of time and efforts. Why? Because their recommendations precedes their findings as no one was expected to dig for facts. All the commission or Panel does is to work to a pre-determined answer: swindle the complainants as well as the culprits so that they can run away to be alive to fight a greater battle in future. That way, the commission or Panel will be commended for a job well done; and assured that their recommendations will be dutifully implemented and they are disbanded. Meanwhile, the Panels’ reports are dumped under the shelf to gather dust, while government awaits another opportunity to repeat the ritual ad-infinitum. Life continues – by accident or happenstance!”
“You don’t need to know how to drive a car to be licensed to drive in Nigeria. It could be delivered on your laps right in your bedroom. The process is rigged to enable you join the road slaughter spree; as long as the motor vehicle is moving, you are an international driver and we shall be wiser only after you begin to main or mangle every object on the road. Your licence is designed to kill! Welcome to the Riggers’ Haven where everything works to perfection – on the reverse.”
When I awoke at 5:30am the following morning, I realized that is was all a marathon dream. But then I asked myself a question which you may also ask yourself: is the dream as dreamt different from the real situation in Nigeria? Please send in your most treasured answer, dear readers.
By Sam Onimisi
Stress is no doubt the cause of some disease if it is not itself a disease. At the level of a symptom, it may be endured for a period, but not when it has blown to become a painful disease. A few days back, I had a day full of physical exertion, mental stress and emotional distress and returned home exhausted. I went straight to bed and not long after, I found myself in the midst of a group of people engaged in animated discussion over the fate of Nigeria. Unlike me, I discovered I could only listen and not a participant in the discussion. Being also a good listener, here is what I heard.
“This country is a riggers’ haven. Everything was rigged from inception in 1914. Lord Lugard didn’t consult anybody and didn’t seek our views before he decreed the amalgamation of what his concubine thereafter christened Nigeria. Therefore, the country and her name were rigged into existence. Lugard must have drawn the first map of the country after carrying out a detailed geographical survey. And he was able to prove that the country had two rivers namely, Niger and Benue as the most significant landmark features. If he was sensible enough, he ought to have corrected the whore who only saw ‘Niger area’ instead of Niger and Benue as conspicuously outlined in the map. He didn’t, and proceeded to accept the name Nigeria instead of Nibena. This name is now duplicated as another French territory goes by the name Niger, a close neighbor to Nigeria. The implication is that there are Nigerians and there are Nigeriens. If you cannot spot the difference, it is not anyone’s fault but the stupid colonialist, Lugard.
“All of Nigeria’s Constitutions were also rigged into existence. Are you looking amazed? See, the 1922 Clifford Constitution was the first in colonial times. Then Sir Richards became the Governor of Nigeria in 1943. Without consultation with Nigerian leaders, he went to London and submitted a constitutional proposal to the British Secretary of State for the Colonies and his proposals were passed into law in the British Parliament in 1946. No Nigerian drafted, debated or voted for the Richards Constitution, yet it was imposed on us. As if every colonial governor must impose his own laws, Sir John Macpherson became governor and made his own Macpherson Constitution of 1951. Then came Lord Littleton who also inaugurated his own little Constitution in 1954. On the eve of independence, series of Constitutional talks were held in Lagos and London, culminating in the 1960 Independence Constitution. The talks were superintended by colonial officials browbeating everyone into submission – or else they with-hold independence from us! Was this not how you got all these so-called pre-independence constitutions?”
“After independence, we had the 1963 Republican Constitution which had our leaders input even though still supervised by the overbearing colonial lords. In less than three years, the military took over government, suspended the constitution and ruled by autocratic decrees from 1966 to 1979. The military imposed the presidential system cum constitution, which has a close semblance of martial law obtained in military barracks. The still-born 1989 Babangida Constitution was dead on arrival. The 1999 Abdul Salam Constitution was a most guided secret, unveiled long after the 1999 general election. This, in a nutshell is the rigged constitutional history of Nigeria.”
“Even the Regions were so rigged into being such that one region was bigger than three others combined. Go and check out the Nigerian maps of 1946 to 1966. The first 12 states were created to abort Biafra and to that extent, and because it failed to achieve its aim, was a fraud. States or regions are supposed to be a voluntary evolution by federating units applying to join the Federal Union. Ours were decreed into existence wily nilly by fiat. So are our Local Government Councils; to the effect that states and local councils were lopsidedly created as gifts to loyal commanding officers and in favour of certain ethno religious zones. If not, which of them were approved through a referendum? Which of them were subjected to a plebiscite? N-o-n-e!!”
“Do you know that our educational policy of quota system was rigged into the 1999 Constitution? Even our national anthem was rigged in 1977 by Obasanjo’s military government; the Police system was rigged and decreed into a unitary force. You are still starring at me, unknown to you that all budgets are rigged in that they are bogusly inflated to take care of ministry officials? So you think that only elections are subject to rigging? Then, you are grossly mistaken! Since 1952 until 2007, general elections were consciously rigged so that losers become winners and vice-versa. As if we are averse to correct figures, none of our Census exercise answered to demographic principles – which was why they were always disputed. In enumeration exercises, figures are free to sky-rocket and tumble at will, and no religion and ethnic group must be identified; this is to enable everyone to appropriate any figure to suit every conceivable rigging devices. I call this practice ‘conspiratorial censuses.
“Whenever a Commission of Inquiry or Panel of Investigation is set-up, don’t submit any researched memorandum to them. It’s all a waste of time and efforts. Why? Because their recommendations precedes their findings as no one was expected to dig for facts. All the commission or Panel does is to work to a pre-determined answer: swindle the complainants as well as the culprits so that they can run away to be alive to fight a greater battle in future. That way, the commission or Panel will be commended for a job well done; and assured that their recommendations will be dutifully implemented and they are disbanded. Meanwhile, the Panels’ reports are dumped under the shelf to gather dust, while government awaits another opportunity to repeat the ritual ad-infinitum. Life continues – by accident or happenstance!”
“You don’t need to know how to drive a car to be licensed to drive in Nigeria. It could be delivered on your laps right in your bedroom. The process is rigged to enable you join the road slaughter spree; as long as the motor vehicle is moving, you are an international driver and we shall be wiser only after you begin to main or mangle every object on the road. Your licence is designed to kill! Welcome to the Riggers’ Haven where everything works to perfection – on the reverse.”
When I awoke at 5:30am the following morning, I realized that is was all a marathon dream. But then I asked myself a question which you may also ask yourself: is the dream as dreamt different from the real situation in Nigeria? Please send in your most treasured answer, dear readers.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Nation Building: the Panel Beater’s Approach
Nation Building: the Panel Beater’s Approach
By Sam Onimisi
So many important events are taking place at the same time such that a news hound like yours sincerely could not catch up with all of them at once. Until a phone call from a friend alerted me, I was not aware that President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the 16th Nigerian Economic Summit during which he made some disparaging remarks against the call for a Sovereign National Conference. What did he say? The President was reported to have said that Nigeria had gone beyond the call for the SNC and that our concern should be how to build a prosperous country. That was not all he said. He was also quoted as saying that the 1999 Constitution has prescribed how it can be changed and that attempts to change the law by other methods would be illegal. Having waited in vain for a whole week with the hope that the presidency will retract or correct the alleged statements, one is now free to believe that he was correctly quoted.
Let me declare some facts with which my locus standi on the issues raised by the president could be established. By God’s grace and through the auspices of the renown nationalist Chief Anthony Enahoro CFR, I was one of those Nigerians who participated in the Peoples National Conference of Pro-National Conference Organization (PRONACO) in 2004/2005. In fact, I served as its Secretary General and Chairman of its Committee on geo-political structure. PRONACO successfully produced an alternative constitution for Nigeria, far more suitable for the country’s plurality and designed to accommodate the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria in line with similar countries of the world. It must be noted that the subjects of constitution making and Sovereign National Conference are like Siamese twins as they are intricately interwoven. I suppose you now know why I could participate in the debate.
In the first place, no heterogeneous country on earth will ever go beyond a national conference of some sort - call it sovereign, independent or ethnic nationalities conference – until it has adopted a mutually agreeable formula of and for peaceful co-existence as a sovereign entity. Our ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural and geo-graphical diversities are the sources of the divisive and centrifugal politics at play today. If past or pre-independence or post-independence constitutional conferences had succeeded and adequate, we would not be experiencing the intermittent ethno-religious and inter-regional combustion which now characterize our polity. It only means that past constitutions which culminated in the 1999 constitution have failed to reassure the federating units of Nigeria of their glorious destiny to which they aspire.
Secondly, the constitution is the fundamental law of any country to which all other laws are subject and subordinated, including the laws enacted by the Parliament. Therefore, it is dangerous for a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria to delegate its constitution – making to an Assembly, the members of whose election were universally acclaimed to have been rigged. Beside, law-making as the business of the Parliament is different from Constitution making. It is a universal democratic practice to delegate the business of constitution making to a Constituent Assembly to make the fundamental law which law-makers will be elected to operate and adhere to. A mono-ethnic nation may concede constitution making to her law makers, since differences such as language; culture, ethnicity and religion are non-existent. Not a polygeny such as Nigeria!
More-over, all constitutional making process from independence to date has been flawed or disabled in that there were no equity or equality in participation; representation were more of artificial or arbitrary entities such as Regions or States than organic beings like ethnic nationalities. Even if we are to concede constitution-making to a select group of people, their product must be subjected to the views and choices of the populace through a referendum. Any Constitution that emerged from a referendum has obtained a democratic seal of approval or acceptance of the people. Which of the past constitutions up to 1999 passed this test? None!! And that is one of the reasons why the call for a national conference will not abate until one is held or the PNC of PRONACO is adopted. Again, there is no where in multi-ethnic countries where law-makers Assembly is a panacea to all constitutional problems. You now know why the call for a National Conference?
Through a national conference, ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural and geographical grievances are tabled and thoroughly discussed and debated. Disagreements are subjected to the moral uprightness of participants and votes are taken to ascertain the voice of the majority; stalemates are resolved by consensus of give-and-take such that there are no walk-outs, until the conference ends. Whatever was agreed was the voice and choice of all which everyone is bound to believe in and defend. No one goes home with unresolved grievances or unanswered questions. This much I can testify of the PRONACO’s Peoples National Conference cum Constitution of 2005.
No good citizen has any problem with building a prosperous country; but they want to know what constitutes a prosperous country. The assumption that Nigeria has come far and had gone beyond constitutional talks is not based on realism. Those countries that have gone beyond talks are making waves in the economic, scientific and technological spheres of their national life. That we are still engaged in the battle of zoning is one pointer that rather than going beyond, we are going under into the precipice. Why pretend to have attained a height yet out of reach?
The Yoruba West detested undue interference in their regional affairs and vehemently fought it with ‘operation we tie’ from 1962 – 1966. The Tiv now of Benue State fought the same battle around the same time. From President Jonathan’s Niger Delta, Isaac Adaku Boro rebelled against unitarism in 1966, a fight which Ken Saro Wiwa continued with his pen and for which an amalgam of freedom fighters known as the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) took up the gauntlet. The Igbo East kicked against domination and fought a three-year Civil War through the banner of Biafra to retain their ethnic national autonomy and their identity. The Hausa/Fulani of the North West loves an Islamic empire and have spinned innumerable riots and mayhem across the county, through the Maitatsine, Sharia, the Taliban, the Al-Queda to the Boko-Haram to drum it into our skull that they want their internal Islamic autonomy. The Middlebelt ethnic nationalities of Central Nigeria have resisted religious and cultural imposition and subjection since the 1950’s up till the recent Fulani invasion of Berom land. The Kanuri nation of Borno Kingdom in the North East wants to uphold their cultural and religious heritage by which they could be identified and respected. Has the 1999 Constitution granted all these? Eleven years of its operation has seen a huge harvest of discontent, disagreement and disintegration on a fast lane. Could anyone still say that we have gone beyond talks?
The reason for a National Conference is because Nigerians do not believe in the legitimacy of the National Assembly as elected, and from whom they withheld their mandate. In this case, what is needed is an All Ethnic Independent National Conference to resolve our constitutional incongruity, since the National Assembly and a Constituent Assembly may not co-exist! The purpose? To distil our differences into a collective and fundamental law known as the Constitution from which none shall have an excuse to dishonor. And to utilize our centripetal energy for the building of a true nation whose prosperity will be the business of all. The subsisting unitary constitution is a panel beater’s work and by the time amendments are made to it by the disabled law makers, what you have is an ugly rickety patchwork of no use to anyone; and by which no enduring prosperity or prosperous nation can ever be built!
By Sam Onimisi
So many important events are taking place at the same time such that a news hound like yours sincerely could not catch up with all of them at once. Until a phone call from a friend alerted me, I was not aware that President Goodluck Jonathan addressed the 16th Nigerian Economic Summit during which he made some disparaging remarks against the call for a Sovereign National Conference. What did he say? The President was reported to have said that Nigeria had gone beyond the call for the SNC and that our concern should be how to build a prosperous country. That was not all he said. He was also quoted as saying that the 1999 Constitution has prescribed how it can be changed and that attempts to change the law by other methods would be illegal. Having waited in vain for a whole week with the hope that the presidency will retract or correct the alleged statements, one is now free to believe that he was correctly quoted.
Let me declare some facts with which my locus standi on the issues raised by the president could be established. By God’s grace and through the auspices of the renown nationalist Chief Anthony Enahoro CFR, I was one of those Nigerians who participated in the Peoples National Conference of Pro-National Conference Organization (PRONACO) in 2004/2005. In fact, I served as its Secretary General and Chairman of its Committee on geo-political structure. PRONACO successfully produced an alternative constitution for Nigeria, far more suitable for the country’s plurality and designed to accommodate the heterogeneous nature of Nigeria in line with similar countries of the world. It must be noted that the subjects of constitution making and Sovereign National Conference are like Siamese twins as they are intricately interwoven. I suppose you now know why I could participate in the debate.
In the first place, no heterogeneous country on earth will ever go beyond a national conference of some sort - call it sovereign, independent or ethnic nationalities conference – until it has adopted a mutually agreeable formula of and for peaceful co-existence as a sovereign entity. Our ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural and geo-graphical diversities are the sources of the divisive and centrifugal politics at play today. If past or pre-independence or post-independence constitutional conferences had succeeded and adequate, we would not be experiencing the intermittent ethno-religious and inter-regional combustion which now characterize our polity. It only means that past constitutions which culminated in the 1999 constitution have failed to reassure the federating units of Nigeria of their glorious destiny to which they aspire.
Secondly, the constitution is the fundamental law of any country to which all other laws are subject and subordinated, including the laws enacted by the Parliament. Therefore, it is dangerous for a multi-ethnic country such as Nigeria to delegate its constitution – making to an Assembly, the members of whose election were universally acclaimed to have been rigged. Beside, law-making as the business of the Parliament is different from Constitution making. It is a universal democratic practice to delegate the business of constitution making to a Constituent Assembly to make the fundamental law which law-makers will be elected to operate and adhere to. A mono-ethnic nation may concede constitution making to her law makers, since differences such as language; culture, ethnicity and religion are non-existent. Not a polygeny such as Nigeria!
More-over, all constitutional making process from independence to date has been flawed or disabled in that there were no equity or equality in participation; representation were more of artificial or arbitrary entities such as Regions or States than organic beings like ethnic nationalities. Even if we are to concede constitution-making to a select group of people, their product must be subjected to the views and choices of the populace through a referendum. Any Constitution that emerged from a referendum has obtained a democratic seal of approval or acceptance of the people. Which of the past constitutions up to 1999 passed this test? None!! And that is one of the reasons why the call for a national conference will not abate until one is held or the PNC of PRONACO is adopted. Again, there is no where in multi-ethnic countries where law-makers Assembly is a panacea to all constitutional problems. You now know why the call for a National Conference?
Through a national conference, ethnic, religious, linguistic, cultural and geographical grievances are tabled and thoroughly discussed and debated. Disagreements are subjected to the moral uprightness of participants and votes are taken to ascertain the voice of the majority; stalemates are resolved by consensus of give-and-take such that there are no walk-outs, until the conference ends. Whatever was agreed was the voice and choice of all which everyone is bound to believe in and defend. No one goes home with unresolved grievances or unanswered questions. This much I can testify of the PRONACO’s Peoples National Conference cum Constitution of 2005.
No good citizen has any problem with building a prosperous country; but they want to know what constitutes a prosperous country. The assumption that Nigeria has come far and had gone beyond constitutional talks is not based on realism. Those countries that have gone beyond talks are making waves in the economic, scientific and technological spheres of their national life. That we are still engaged in the battle of zoning is one pointer that rather than going beyond, we are going under into the precipice. Why pretend to have attained a height yet out of reach?
The Yoruba West detested undue interference in their regional affairs and vehemently fought it with ‘operation we tie’ from 1962 – 1966. The Tiv now of Benue State fought the same battle around the same time. From President Jonathan’s Niger Delta, Isaac Adaku Boro rebelled against unitarism in 1966, a fight which Ken Saro Wiwa continued with his pen and for which an amalgam of freedom fighters known as the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) took up the gauntlet. The Igbo East kicked against domination and fought a three-year Civil War through the banner of Biafra to retain their ethnic national autonomy and their identity. The Hausa/Fulani of the North West loves an Islamic empire and have spinned innumerable riots and mayhem across the county, through the Maitatsine, Sharia, the Taliban, the Al-Queda to the Boko-Haram to drum it into our skull that they want their internal Islamic autonomy. The Middlebelt ethnic nationalities of Central Nigeria have resisted religious and cultural imposition and subjection since the 1950’s up till the recent Fulani invasion of Berom land. The Kanuri nation of Borno Kingdom in the North East wants to uphold their cultural and religious heritage by which they could be identified and respected. Has the 1999 Constitution granted all these? Eleven years of its operation has seen a huge harvest of discontent, disagreement and disintegration on a fast lane. Could anyone still say that we have gone beyond talks?
The reason for a National Conference is because Nigerians do not believe in the legitimacy of the National Assembly as elected, and from whom they withheld their mandate. In this case, what is needed is an All Ethnic Independent National Conference to resolve our constitutional incongruity, since the National Assembly and a Constituent Assembly may not co-exist! The purpose? To distil our differences into a collective and fundamental law known as the Constitution from which none shall have an excuse to dishonor. And to utilize our centripetal energy for the building of a true nation whose prosperity will be the business of all. The subsisting unitary constitution is a panel beater’s work and by the time amendments are made to it by the disabled law makers, what you have is an ugly rickety patchwork of no use to anyone; and by which no enduring prosperity or prosperous nation can ever be built!
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Electoral Act 2010: A Looming Legislative Robbery
Electoral Act 2010: A Looming Legislative Robbery
By Sam Onimisi
Unless there is an amendment of the Electoral Act 2010, the result of the 2011 general election and future elections would have been rigged before they are held. This is how and why. Section 87, sub-section 1-11 is the main problem I have with the electoral act. It stipulated that political parties seeking to nominate candidates for elections shall hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions. The obvious reasons for this provision are two: to ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the Party; and to restore internal democracy within the political parties.
By the reason of the exploits of political god-fathers who often take delight in imposing their favoured acolytes on parties, and the consequent uproar and discord such impositions engendered, often leading to factionalization and instability, no one ordinarily should have any objection to this provision. But many are of the opinion that although god-fathers may be defeated through this law, money-bags would have been granted a blank cheque to underwrite the outcome of party primaries. More often than not, god-fathers doubles as moneybags and so, nothing will change as what is taken away from them by the right hand gets back to them through the left hand. So, where is the equal opportunity and what is the value of money-procured internal democracy? This leads us to the next question. What is the motive of the framers or the sponsors of this section of the law? Could it have been the freedom of choice of the party members and the electorate? Ostensibly so.
However, after an earnest study of the contextual framework of the National Assembly and the amendments to the Electoral Law, I am constrained to doubt the motive of the lawmakers and more inclined to believe that Section 87 as amended, is entirely a self-serving and an anti-democratic provisions inserted in the interest of the ruling party. You ask me why? The 2007 general election was acclaimed as the worst electoral heist ever in the history of this country and the culprits – Prof Maurice Iwu and his INEC and the beneficiaries (which includes most members of the National Assembly) never showed any repentance. They infact, did their worst to justify themselves through the manner they perverted subsequent bye-elections. And so, if they have an opportunity to make laws an election, won’t they do so with their self or party interest at heart? Have they ever regretted their action?
If we had prevented the National Assembly from amending the 2006 Electoral Act by reason of their aforesaid disability, perhaps we could have been saved from the quagmire we are saddled with. But how could we have done so? They are also amending the 1999 Constitution and there is no doubt that a lot of self-serving provisions will be inserted. How shall we react to it – knowing well that the effect will be worse on the polity? The entire project of amendment either to the Electoral Act or to the Constitution were deliberately delayed to deprive us the needed time to react or reject their proposed amendments before the next election were due. Those who are today insisting that May 29 is sacrosanct as the handing over date knew before now that there was a need to amend the 2006 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, didn’t they? What national emergency or disaster that prevented them from acting on time except selfish and party interests? Which left me with no option than to conclude that the amendments as contained in the Electoral Act 2010 are devoid of national interest and to that extent, are entirely otiose?
Now, let us look into the costs - the financial implementation of the Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010. To conduct or hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions throughout the country is a gargantuan project which could be under taken by only a few political parties. If the secret motive is to limit access of participation by opposition parties, then it has been achieved ab ini tio! If the sinister motive is to restrain or constrain the growth of democracy, then it has been accomplished by these provisions of the Act. To conduct primaries to nominate thousands of councilors, hundreds of local council chairmen, thousands of state legislators, hundreds of candidates for the National Assembly, hundreds of governorship aspirants and perhaps scores of presidential candidates is so cost - prohibitive that the expected benefit – internal party democracy – pales into an exercise in delusion. Mark you, it doesn’t end in primaries. Congresses, conventions, special conventions and National Conventions must be held for the ratification of the candidates with the highest numbers of votes cast. Why must this process be adopted?
My submission is that the sponsors of the Bill had ulterior motive and were never interested in internal party democracy. They are interested only in the envisaged victory of the party in power and their assured return to the National Assembly. Except the PDP, and perhaps to some extent, the ANPP and the ACN, no other party has the financial resources to implement. Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010. Meaning that 60 out of the 63 political parties will not be able to present candidates for all elective offices in 2011. The Anambra State bye-election of early this year where the PDP alone had over 30 aspirants for whom primaries were attempted; an exercise that the party couldn’t accomplish but ended up imposing a candidate, is a pointer to the utter confusion this section of the Electoral Act will generate.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly, the entirety of who are elected on the platform of the PDP, ANPP and ACN, have made so much money in the almost four years since their election in 2007; that they can underwrite the expenses of their primaries and defeat their challengers within their parties or opponents from other parties with no financial strain at all. What with their quarterly income package of N35 million per House member and N45 million per Senate member respectively. By April 2011 when election may be held, each House member would have earned N560 million as against the sum of N720 million per Senate members; and this means that for four legislative years, the 360 member of the House of Representatives would have earned N201.6 billion while the 109 Senators would have raked in some N78.5 billion – giving a total of N280.1 billion!! Am I not conservative in my estimation? Now hear Prof. Itse Sagay, a legal luminary and professor of law: “A Senator earns N240 million in salaries and allowances while his House of Representatives counterpart earns about N204 million per annum.” Compared to law-makers in the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, we have the following picture:-
UK Parliamentarian - $102,000 = N14.28million per annum
US Senator - $174,000 = N24.36million per annum
Nigerian Senator - $1.7million = N240million per annum
So when you hear our legislators talking of ‘internal democracy’ or ‘equal opportunity’ for aspirants, these are the dummies sold to Nigerians to enable the 469 ‘honourables’ and ‘distinguished’ individuals secure return tickets to the National Assembly. Since this advantage is obtained by causa falsa, it is secured by fraud and it ought not to stand, unless and until legitimized through a referendum. Otherwise, it stands as legislative robbery! T-u-f-e-n-e-v-e!!
By Sam Onimisi
Unless there is an amendment of the Electoral Act 2010, the result of the 2011 general election and future elections would have been rigged before they are held. This is how and why. Section 87, sub-section 1-11 is the main problem I have with the electoral act. It stipulated that political parties seeking to nominate candidates for elections shall hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions. The obvious reasons for this provision are two: to ensure that all aspirants are given equal opportunity of being voted for by members of the Party; and to restore internal democracy within the political parties.
By the reason of the exploits of political god-fathers who often take delight in imposing their favoured acolytes on parties, and the consequent uproar and discord such impositions engendered, often leading to factionalization and instability, no one ordinarily should have any objection to this provision. But many are of the opinion that although god-fathers may be defeated through this law, money-bags would have been granted a blank cheque to underwrite the outcome of party primaries. More often than not, god-fathers doubles as moneybags and so, nothing will change as what is taken away from them by the right hand gets back to them through the left hand. So, where is the equal opportunity and what is the value of money-procured internal democracy? This leads us to the next question. What is the motive of the framers or the sponsors of this section of the law? Could it have been the freedom of choice of the party members and the electorate? Ostensibly so.
However, after an earnest study of the contextual framework of the National Assembly and the amendments to the Electoral Law, I am constrained to doubt the motive of the lawmakers and more inclined to believe that Section 87 as amended, is entirely a self-serving and an anti-democratic provisions inserted in the interest of the ruling party. You ask me why? The 2007 general election was acclaimed as the worst electoral heist ever in the history of this country and the culprits – Prof Maurice Iwu and his INEC and the beneficiaries (which includes most members of the National Assembly) never showed any repentance. They infact, did their worst to justify themselves through the manner they perverted subsequent bye-elections. And so, if they have an opportunity to make laws an election, won’t they do so with their self or party interest at heart? Have they ever regretted their action?
If we had prevented the National Assembly from amending the 2006 Electoral Act by reason of their aforesaid disability, perhaps we could have been saved from the quagmire we are saddled with. But how could we have done so? They are also amending the 1999 Constitution and there is no doubt that a lot of self-serving provisions will be inserted. How shall we react to it – knowing well that the effect will be worse on the polity? The entire project of amendment either to the Electoral Act or to the Constitution were deliberately delayed to deprive us the needed time to react or reject their proposed amendments before the next election were due. Those who are today insisting that May 29 is sacrosanct as the handing over date knew before now that there was a need to amend the 2006 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, didn’t they? What national emergency or disaster that prevented them from acting on time except selfish and party interests? Which left me with no option than to conclude that the amendments as contained in the Electoral Act 2010 are devoid of national interest and to that extent, are entirely otiose?
Now, let us look into the costs - the financial implementation of the Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010. To conduct or hold primaries for aspirants to all elective positions throughout the country is a gargantuan project which could be under taken by only a few political parties. If the secret motive is to limit access of participation by opposition parties, then it has been achieved ab ini tio! If the sinister motive is to restrain or constrain the growth of democracy, then it has been accomplished by these provisions of the Act. To conduct primaries to nominate thousands of councilors, hundreds of local council chairmen, thousands of state legislators, hundreds of candidates for the National Assembly, hundreds of governorship aspirants and perhaps scores of presidential candidates is so cost - prohibitive that the expected benefit – internal party democracy – pales into an exercise in delusion. Mark you, it doesn’t end in primaries. Congresses, conventions, special conventions and National Conventions must be held for the ratification of the candidates with the highest numbers of votes cast. Why must this process be adopted?
My submission is that the sponsors of the Bill had ulterior motive and were never interested in internal party democracy. They are interested only in the envisaged victory of the party in power and their assured return to the National Assembly. Except the PDP, and perhaps to some extent, the ANPP and the ACN, no other party has the financial resources to implement. Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010. Meaning that 60 out of the 63 political parties will not be able to present candidates for all elective offices in 2011. The Anambra State bye-election of early this year where the PDP alone had over 30 aspirants for whom primaries were attempted; an exercise that the party couldn’t accomplish but ended up imposing a candidate, is a pointer to the utter confusion this section of the Electoral Act will generate.
Meanwhile, members of the National Assembly, the entirety of who are elected on the platform of the PDP, ANPP and ACN, have made so much money in the almost four years since their election in 2007; that they can underwrite the expenses of their primaries and defeat their challengers within their parties or opponents from other parties with no financial strain at all. What with their quarterly income package of N35 million per House member and N45 million per Senate member respectively. By April 2011 when election may be held, each House member would have earned N560 million as against the sum of N720 million per Senate members; and this means that for four legislative years, the 360 member of the House of Representatives would have earned N201.6 billion while the 109 Senators would have raked in some N78.5 billion – giving a total of N280.1 billion!! Am I not conservative in my estimation? Now hear Prof. Itse Sagay, a legal luminary and professor of law: “A Senator earns N240 million in salaries and allowances while his House of Representatives counterpart earns about N204 million per annum.” Compared to law-makers in the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain, we have the following picture:-
UK Parliamentarian - $102,000 = N14.28million per annum
US Senator - $174,000 = N24.36million per annum
Nigerian Senator - $1.7million = N240million per annum
So when you hear our legislators talking of ‘internal democracy’ or ‘equal opportunity’ for aspirants, these are the dummies sold to Nigerians to enable the 469 ‘honourables’ and ‘distinguished’ individuals secure return tickets to the National Assembly. Since this advantage is obtained by causa falsa, it is secured by fraud and it ought not to stand, unless and until legitimized through a referendum. Otherwise, it stands as legislative robbery! T-u-f-e-n-e-v-e!!
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