Let us start with economic patriotism. On Friday the 17th July 2009 the Guardian newspapers online version reported about the N500 billion naira stimulus packages for the industrial sector. This stimulus package is known as comprehensive industrial revival fund to help solve the problems faced by the real sector of the nation’s economy. It’s a good idea, just that the federal government should prevent corrupt practices from hindering this noble objective. Corruption remains the only obstacle to effective implementation of all government projects.
The Federal government should insert a clause in this stimulus packages mandating all government agencies and ministries to buy made in Nigeria goods. The United States of America inserted a “buy American” clause in the $787 billion stimulus package. Beijing inserted its clause “buy Chinese” on its own $586 billion stimulus package. Though it might look like protectionism but an economy like ours needs to protect certain sectors of their economy. Am aware that the government is almost the biggest spender in the country. Spending these huge sums strictly on made in Nigerian goods can stimulate growth and create employment opportunities. It could as well prevent capital flight and will also have a multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.
If government can successful achieve this task of strictly buying made in Nigeria, then efforts should be geared towards encouraging the entire population to buy made in Nigeria. I watched former president Jerry Rawlings of Ghana on an interview when he said that his constant wearing of Ghana made cloths increased the sales of those materials. Former president Obasanjo wore a lot of Nigerian designed cloths during his eight year tenure as a civilian president. The federal government can use policy instruments to encourage made in Nigeria. Higher tariffs are suggested to discourage importation of goods that could be sourced at home. Outright ban on such commodities might be a preferred step.
The Nigerian Customs and Excise has a big role to play in policing our boarders if the above objectives are to be achieved. Smuggling will run counter to the above idea. I was taken aback when the Guardian newspapers (online version) of July 17th 2009 reported what the Nigerian Customs said about smuggling. According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “smuggling had become difficult to check because of the involvement of privileged citizens and poor facilities for the operations by its personnel”. This is like the Police force telling us that they can no longer enforce the laws or that they can only enforce the laws partially. This revelation is a disaster for the country. If the Customs cannot police our boarders, then our lives and properties are no longer safe. No wonder there small arms all over the country.
There is a positive correlation between what the Customs said and the high rate of crimes in the country. On the same newspaper, the Director General of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) Dr John Akanya said that his life was being threatened by people opposed to his efforts to combat the importation of fake products to the country. Not long ago, over 80 Nigerian children died after being given a contaminated teeth medicine. NAFDAC under Dora Akinyuli fought a serious battle to clear the country of fake drugs etc. These and many more have made Nigerians an endangered species. Little wonder Nigeria is classified as a failed state.
Cultural patriotism is an area which can benefit Nigeria. But the question is, are we good ambassadors of our culture? The answer is both yes and no. We can export our individual, state and regional cultures to boost tourism. Tourism is a lucrative business all over the world. Tourism is estimated to be the world’s largest industry with revenues of over $500 billion dollars. It remains under developed in Nigeria. Employment opportunities can be created in this sector of our economy. Positive promotion of Nigerian cultures can yield revenues.
Our films (Nollywood) have actually taken Nigeria to a level unimaginable to us. It’s ranked the third largest film industry in the world. At a point in time, Zimbabwean government owned television was showing more of Nigerian firms. In the United Kingdom, many channels on the sky digital show Nigerian programs. Our home videos might be more popular outside the country than in Nigeria. Other Africans enjoy Nigerian films so much. Let us always watch and patronized our films industry etc. lets watch more Nigerian programs on the television. After all charity begins at home.
We can also record and export various cultural dances of our people. There are a lot of art and cultural festivals going on around the world that Nigerians can participate in. A positive image of our country will be in the national interest. Nigerians will be amazed to discover how far we could convert our rich cultural heritages into a money making ventures. Locally we can promote our cultures amongst Nigerians, this way we will get to understand our individual differences. Am not sure we know each tribes culture too well. We can build our nation by understanding our differences (cultures, traditions, religion etc) bias and stereotypes will be removed if we understand each other.
Sports patriotism remains one of the unifying forces in Nigeria. Nigerians exhibit a strong sense of unity each time there is a sports tournament or competition. The greatest of them all is whenever Nigeria is playing an international football match. Nigeria is a football nation. Nigerians love football. At such times everyone forgets whether he is Ibo, Efik, Ibibio, Yoruba, and Hausa etc. All that will matter is for Nigeria to win. All support goes to the motherland. Such unity in sports can be extended to other sphere of Nigerian life. May be we can use such avenues to heal some of the nations wounds. FIFA uses international football matches to campaign against racism. These days FIFA will beam to people their campaign message which is “Say No To Racism”. Nigerian authorities can use those moments to work towards uniting the country.
In addition to the existing sporting competitions in Nigeria, more needs to be organized. More sporting tournaments need to be introduced since it might have the tendency to unite us. Rugby, Horse racing, car racing, biking, surfing, sailing, baseball, hockey, darts, etc can be introduced. Nigerians might produce world champions if well exposed to these sports. The government might not be able do this. Therefore the private sector and corporate bodies in Nigeria could take up this challenge. Our patriotic acts will advance the course of our nation building. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Saturday, 25 July 2009
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Dealing With Corrupt And Oppressive Governments
“There is no institution that is more abhorrent than a corrupt government. No entity kills more. No entity plunders the treasury more. No one entity violates more individual and human rights more often, with more impunity. And none spews more propaganda and lies. History proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Whether it is a democracy, monarchy, military, union of socialist republics, or a communist state, you can rest assured that a corrupt government will be the bane of progress and development every time. And a corrupt government will always be an oppressive one. It has always been this way. Corrupt governments are always dangerous and inimical to the health, well-being and progress of the people they rule”. (Anon)
Therefore such government must be checked. Politicians and civil servants who run the country must be resisted and called to order. They must be over-ruled. They must be gotten rid of.
However, we often presume that government corruption involves certain government employees (or elected officials) breaking the law, taking bribes, or wrongfully issuing special favours to select individuals or cliques to promote their own career or perpetuate themselves in power. To a great extent, this is government corruption, but such activity only scratches the surface. It represents a small fraction of the real corruption going on. The most egregious corruption originates right in plain view in the business sector, in public, in the communities. It happens routinely now; it's just that we don't recognize it, or refuse to recognise it.
As Max Siollun wrote (Nigeria Today Online, 18th May 2009) “However, it is a myth that corruption is perpetrated mostly by the government. The Nigerian leadership is a reflection of Nigerian society, not the other way round. Most Nigerians are accomplices and ‘agent provocateurs' of corruption. Corruption flows from the bottom up. The petroleum industry is perceived as the epicentre of government corruption. Is the government alone in its abuse of the oil industry? During fuel shortages, petrol stations have been accused of hoarding fuel in order to deliberately amplify shortages and drive prices even higher. They exploit the misery of the already hyper-extended fuel consumer. Black market fuel sellers have been known to dilute their petrol with other chemicals. Some private citizens also dangerously "tap" oil from pipelines, to sell on the black market. "Tapping" is a benign term for a practice that is really blatant theft of a national resource, with no remorse, or any thought of the explosive danger caused by damage to pipelines”. Everyone is in on the act.
A corrupt government is one that extends unlawful jurisdiction over the people it is supposed to protect. A corrupt government is one that legislates beyond its rightful power by erecting laws that do injury to liberty, justice, and individual rights. A corrupt government believes that might make right, and that its mission is to curtail freedom and information to the public and claiming it is acting in their best interest. A corrupt government denies access to its people of the wealth of the nation.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was appointed with the primary object being the defence of freedom, and of promoting good governance which will, on the longer term, be beneficial to all the people of Nigeria. In the Constitution, specific powers are delegated to three distinct branches of government: The legislative (Senate and the House of Representatives, both called the National Assembly), the administrative or executive (Presidency), and the judicial (Courts and Jurors). The National Assembly can only create laws in the pursuance of good governance -- in pursuance of the Constitution. And two conditions must be met: One, Jurisdiction must exist, and two, National Assembly act(s) must not violate the rights of any individual citizen(s). If both of the conditions are not met, any anti-constitutional decree the National Assembly might install is not valid. An example of a violation of a person's rights would be corrupt enrichment by officials entrusted with certain functions to provide instruments or infrastructure which will better the lives of the people he/she rules. Another example is the denial of people’s right to vote for a candidate of their choice at an election.
The Federal Government must uphold the immutable rights of the people of Nigeria to enjoy the dividends of democracy, freedom (all kinds), good governance, to access quality healthcare, quality education, good food, guaranteed liberty and justice, progress and development. The National Assembly and the executive branch are bound by the Constitution. Every citizen is guaranteed liberty and justice here. We people; we commoners give the government its just powers. It operates at our consent. Power is derived from the people.
Many people think that what makes a country progressive or modern is that it is a democracy. Well, Nigeria is not a democracy in that sense. But there is nothing inherently good about either form of government. There are bad republics. There are bad democracies. There are bad dictatorships and bad governments. What makes a democratic country unique is that it has a limited form of government, in the sense that when the government of the day is not performing its duties or functions, not only according to the Constitution, but to the people it governs, we can go to the polls and deny it a further mandate. There is a government whose power can't lawfully extend beyond that which has been expressly delegated to it.
If the Constitution doesn't expressly give jurisdiction to the federal government over a certain subject, it may not act on it. Nigeria has a Constitution with checks, balances, and limitations on all branches of government. It may seem a novel concept to many, but we citizens have powerful tools at our disposal that can stop corrupt governments dead (in some cases literally) in their tracks. The government will not tell you this. They in fact blatantly lie about it. It is important that they do not reveal anything that will jeopardize their hold on power to the people who brought them, rigging or not, into power.
Today, most of us are victims (and perpetrators) of a corrupt government (Federal) or corrupt governments (states and Local). Many are involved knee deep in it. But we are not powerless. We, in fact, should not allow the government to act wrongfully against us. Most Nigerians don't even realize how far off course our government has strayed, and this is where education of the masses comes in. We can talk of democracy and good governance again and again. And we can not do it at the polls alone, or via legislative actions. It won't be accomplished by way of executive order/decree. Politicians and bureaucrats do not deliver the dividends of democracy, as we like to call it, they take it! More Nigerians are beginning to understand this, but very slowly. It will probably take less than ten percent of us to stand tall, exercise, demand, and reaffirm our absolute right. When enough are educated of this power, the light of freedom and democracy will begin to shine bright again. It is the failure to exercise this fundamental right that has brought us into this quagmire that we are in today.
I have read many comments from fellow Nigerians, listened to arguments and opinions as to the problem of corruption in Nigeria, and unfortunately what I have gathered from my countrymen and women is the perception or pessimism that Nigeria will never change, that corruption will always be endemic and there is nothing we can do about it. People tell me that if even I enter the system I will be corrupted.
I beg to differ very strongly. One, if we all keep our hands behind our backs, stick our heads into the ground like ostriches and expect God to change Nigeria for us, Nigeria will never change and things will become worse for everybody. It is for us to fight corruption and corrupt governments; nobody will do it for us, I always opine. Secondly, I, as a person, as an individual do not need to be corrupt in order to implement or effect the desired change for my people or country. I don’t need all the money. I am not greedy. I am not impressed by acquisition or accumulation of wealth, because I am not carrying it with me to heaven when I die. I derive my joy; satisfaction and contention by ensuring people around me are not in want or suffering. And the only way I can achieve this, if I have the chance, the power and the money to do this, is to do what a true leader is supposed to do – govern well, lead well. And if this means not employing members of my family or friends into positions which will compromise my ideals and purpose, so be it. I am not indebted to anybody in this world, except to my God. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones. In this world, your worth as a person is determined by what you do for others while you are living; when you are dead, you are really of no use to anybody anymore, but your name lives on with esteem, respect and acknowledgment of the good you have done. This is eventually transferred to those you leave behind to enjoy. The reason or purpose why God and Man make some people leaders is to give them a chance to alleviate the problems of the weak; if a leader detracts from that purpose of Man and God, his/her life is truly worthless.
Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the Government ought to be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, good government was the one who most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will. For instance, he said: "The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809. ME 16:359.
According to the UN paper, What is Good Governance?, the term “governance” means “the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented)”. In other words, dealing with governance involves the analysis of the processes and systems by which a specific society, or organisation, operates. Though government is one of the main actors of governance, it is far from being the only one; depending on the specific entity under study, other actors can include “influential land lords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions, political parties, the military, [… as well as the] media, lobbyists, international donors, multi-national corporations, etc.” Moreover, governance applies to several contexts: corporate governance, international governance, and national, regional or local governance.
Good governance is a form of governance that embodies eight specific characteristics, and can be seen as an ideal of governance. The eight characteristics of good governance as defined by the United Nations embodies processes that are
1. participatory,
2. consensus oriented,
3. accountable,
4. transparent,
5. responsive,
6. effective and efficient,
7. equitable and inclusive,
8. and [which follow] the rule of law.
Moreover, good governance “assures that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account, and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society”. Clearly, there is a close relation between good governance and respect for human rights.
From the above definitions, it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.
A basic practical example of good governance would be where a member of a committee, with a vested interest in a topic being discussed at committee, would absent themselves from the discussion and not attempt to exert influence. This certainly does not apply in our country. Another example is that of ensuring that there is no electoral fraud in the voting system and that the wishes and rights of the people to elect who they want into government or any position of power and leadership are sacrosanct. For decades, Nigerians have been denied this right, as was again demonstrated by the Ekiti State debacle most recently. Osun State is going that way too, as have several other states, including my own Oyo State.
And with a lot of corruption scandals being swept under the carpets through several decades, and the constant misinformation to the public, electoral and political fraud and corruption, Nigeria is far from being classified a “good governance” material. We all know it, despite any kind of propaganda or “re-branding” efforts being put out by the government. Even, we know that politicians and ex-leaders that have been indicted of corruption charges are still in power today, playing poker or Russian roulette with our lives.
If a law doesn't fit, you must acquit! If a government does not fit, we must get rid of it. If a system of governance is not apt to the needs of the people, the people must get rid of that system and look elsewhere. We do not need to wait for the "right" politicians to erect the "right" legislation to take back our immutable rights. We people are the ultimate check against despotic corrupt governments. Effective use of the ballot boxes, the Press, labour unions, is deadly to government bureaucrats, politicians, and their henchmen. It's a highly efficient and bloodless form of rebellion that must be employed.
Shall we take back our country now?
Therefore such government must be checked. Politicians and civil servants who run the country must be resisted and called to order. They must be over-ruled. They must be gotten rid of.
However, we often presume that government corruption involves certain government employees (or elected officials) breaking the law, taking bribes, or wrongfully issuing special favours to select individuals or cliques to promote their own career or perpetuate themselves in power. To a great extent, this is government corruption, but such activity only scratches the surface. It represents a small fraction of the real corruption going on. The most egregious corruption originates right in plain view in the business sector, in public, in the communities. It happens routinely now; it's just that we don't recognize it, or refuse to recognise it.
As Max Siollun wrote (Nigeria Today Online, 18th May 2009) “However, it is a myth that corruption is perpetrated mostly by the government. The Nigerian leadership is a reflection of Nigerian society, not the other way round. Most Nigerians are accomplices and ‘agent provocateurs' of corruption. Corruption flows from the bottom up. The petroleum industry is perceived as the epicentre of government corruption. Is the government alone in its abuse of the oil industry? During fuel shortages, petrol stations have been accused of hoarding fuel in order to deliberately amplify shortages and drive prices even higher. They exploit the misery of the already hyper-extended fuel consumer. Black market fuel sellers have been known to dilute their petrol with other chemicals. Some private citizens also dangerously "tap" oil from pipelines, to sell on the black market. "Tapping" is a benign term for a practice that is really blatant theft of a national resource, with no remorse, or any thought of the explosive danger caused by damage to pipelines”. Everyone is in on the act.
A corrupt government is one that extends unlawful jurisdiction over the people it is supposed to protect. A corrupt government is one that legislates beyond its rightful power by erecting laws that do injury to liberty, justice, and individual rights. A corrupt government believes that might make right, and that its mission is to curtail freedom and information to the public and claiming it is acting in their best interest. A corrupt government denies access to its people of the wealth of the nation.
The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was appointed with the primary object being the defence of freedom, and of promoting good governance which will, on the longer term, be beneficial to all the people of Nigeria. In the Constitution, specific powers are delegated to three distinct branches of government: The legislative (Senate and the House of Representatives, both called the National Assembly), the administrative or executive (Presidency), and the judicial (Courts and Jurors). The National Assembly can only create laws in the pursuance of good governance -- in pursuance of the Constitution. And two conditions must be met: One, Jurisdiction must exist, and two, National Assembly act(s) must not violate the rights of any individual citizen(s). If both of the conditions are not met, any anti-constitutional decree the National Assembly might install is not valid. An example of a violation of a person's rights would be corrupt enrichment by officials entrusted with certain functions to provide instruments or infrastructure which will better the lives of the people he/she rules. Another example is the denial of people’s right to vote for a candidate of their choice at an election.
The Federal Government must uphold the immutable rights of the people of Nigeria to enjoy the dividends of democracy, freedom (all kinds), good governance, to access quality healthcare, quality education, good food, guaranteed liberty and justice, progress and development. The National Assembly and the executive branch are bound by the Constitution. Every citizen is guaranteed liberty and justice here. We people; we commoners give the government its just powers. It operates at our consent. Power is derived from the people.
Many people think that what makes a country progressive or modern is that it is a democracy. Well, Nigeria is not a democracy in that sense. But there is nothing inherently good about either form of government. There are bad republics. There are bad democracies. There are bad dictatorships and bad governments. What makes a democratic country unique is that it has a limited form of government, in the sense that when the government of the day is not performing its duties or functions, not only according to the Constitution, but to the people it governs, we can go to the polls and deny it a further mandate. There is a government whose power can't lawfully extend beyond that which has been expressly delegated to it.
If the Constitution doesn't expressly give jurisdiction to the federal government over a certain subject, it may not act on it. Nigeria has a Constitution with checks, balances, and limitations on all branches of government. It may seem a novel concept to many, but we citizens have powerful tools at our disposal that can stop corrupt governments dead (in some cases literally) in their tracks. The government will not tell you this. They in fact blatantly lie about it. It is important that they do not reveal anything that will jeopardize their hold on power to the people who brought them, rigging or not, into power.
Today, most of us are victims (and perpetrators) of a corrupt government (Federal) or corrupt governments (states and Local). Many are involved knee deep in it. But we are not powerless. We, in fact, should not allow the government to act wrongfully against us. Most Nigerians don't even realize how far off course our government has strayed, and this is where education of the masses comes in. We can talk of democracy and good governance again and again. And we can not do it at the polls alone, or via legislative actions. It won't be accomplished by way of executive order/decree. Politicians and bureaucrats do not deliver the dividends of democracy, as we like to call it, they take it! More Nigerians are beginning to understand this, but very slowly. It will probably take less than ten percent of us to stand tall, exercise, demand, and reaffirm our absolute right. When enough are educated of this power, the light of freedom and democracy will begin to shine bright again. It is the failure to exercise this fundamental right that has brought us into this quagmire that we are in today.
I have read many comments from fellow Nigerians, listened to arguments and opinions as to the problem of corruption in Nigeria, and unfortunately what I have gathered from my countrymen and women is the perception or pessimism that Nigeria will never change, that corruption will always be endemic and there is nothing we can do about it. People tell me that if even I enter the system I will be corrupted.
I beg to differ very strongly. One, if we all keep our hands behind our backs, stick our heads into the ground like ostriches and expect God to change Nigeria for us, Nigeria will never change and things will become worse for everybody. It is for us to fight corruption and corrupt governments; nobody will do it for us, I always opine. Secondly, I, as a person, as an individual do not need to be corrupt in order to implement or effect the desired change for my people or country. I don’t need all the money. I am not greedy. I am not impressed by acquisition or accumulation of wealth, because I am not carrying it with me to heaven when I die. I derive my joy; satisfaction and contention by ensuring people around me are not in want or suffering. And the only way I can achieve this, if I have the chance, the power and the money to do this, is to do what a true leader is supposed to do – govern well, lead well. And if this means not employing members of my family or friends into positions which will compromise my ideals and purpose, so be it. I am not indebted to anybody in this world, except to my God. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones. In this world, your worth as a person is determined by what you do for others while you are living; when you are dead, you are really of no use to anybody anymore, but your name lives on with esteem, respect and acknowledgment of the good you have done. This is eventually transferred to those you leave behind to enjoy. The reason or purpose why God and Man make some people leaders is to give them a chance to alleviate the problems of the weak; if a leader detracts from that purpose of Man and God, his/her life is truly worthless.
Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the Government ought to be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, good government was the one who most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will. For instance, he said: "The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809. ME 16:359.
According to the UN paper, What is Good Governance?, the term “governance” means “the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented)”. In other words, dealing with governance involves the analysis of the processes and systems by which a specific society, or organisation, operates. Though government is one of the main actors of governance, it is far from being the only one; depending on the specific entity under study, other actors can include “influential land lords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions, political parties, the military, [… as well as the] media, lobbyists, international donors, multi-national corporations, etc.” Moreover, governance applies to several contexts: corporate governance, international governance, and national, regional or local governance.
Good governance is a form of governance that embodies eight specific characteristics, and can be seen as an ideal of governance. The eight characteristics of good governance as defined by the United Nations embodies processes that are
1. participatory,
2. consensus oriented,
3. accountable,
4. transparent,
5. responsive,
6. effective and efficient,
7. equitable and inclusive,
8. and [which follow] the rule of law.
Moreover, good governance “assures that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account, and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society”. Clearly, there is a close relation between good governance and respect for human rights.
From the above definitions, it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.
A basic practical example of good governance would be where a member of a committee, with a vested interest in a topic being discussed at committee, would absent themselves from the discussion and not attempt to exert influence. This certainly does not apply in our country. Another example is that of ensuring that there is no electoral fraud in the voting system and that the wishes and rights of the people to elect who they want into government or any position of power and leadership are sacrosanct. For decades, Nigerians have been denied this right, as was again demonstrated by the Ekiti State debacle most recently. Osun State is going that way too, as have several other states, including my own Oyo State.
And with a lot of corruption scandals being swept under the carpets through several decades, and the constant misinformation to the public, electoral and political fraud and corruption, Nigeria is far from being classified a “good governance” material. We all know it, despite any kind of propaganda or “re-branding” efforts being put out by the government. Even, we know that politicians and ex-leaders that have been indicted of corruption charges are still in power today, playing poker or Russian roulette with our lives.
If a law doesn't fit, you must acquit! If a government does not fit, we must get rid of it. If a system of governance is not apt to the needs of the people, the people must get rid of that system and look elsewhere. We do not need to wait for the "right" politicians to erect the "right" legislation to take back our immutable rights. We people are the ultimate check against despotic corrupt governments. Effective use of the ballot boxes, the Press, labour unions, is deadly to government bureaucrats, politicians, and their henchmen. It's a highly efficient and bloodless form of rebellion that must be employed.
Shall we take back our country now?
Sunday, 19 July 2009
All We Ever Ask For
Some of my friends, readers of my articles, and even politician-friends in Nigeria (and I don’t have a lot of them in that last category) have often asked me: “What do you really want, man? Are you seeking self-serving publicity or government appointment? I always shake my head: they don’t get it, do they? We are not all the same.
My simple and honest answer has always been: “To change or help change Nigeria for the better. If I personally cannot facilitate this change, then to help or contribute to others who are also sincere about making such a change or changes possible”. This stance of mine, I am very sure, will stand the test of time.
In some cases, my answer had been met with some friendly cynicism or scepticism. Some are of the opinion that I am perhaps looking to enter the “system” and then join in the free for all looting taking place, or at the very least, to have my share of the so-called “national cake”.
Well, one thing I always reply back is that if indeed I want to share in the “national cake”, I consider myself (and 140 million Nigerians) entitled to share in this cake; after all, I am a Nigerian citizen. So I should rightly demand my share in this cake. What I will not do is deny others the right to share this cake by being greedy, corrupt, unfair, unjust, murderous and inconsiderate in the sharing. And this will be to ensure that all dividends of our wealth and democracy are accessible to all Nigerians and not to me or my friends and family alone. That is if I ever get there, or allowed to get there, of course.
As for joining the looting of the treasury, count me out, I always say. What is there to loot? Why should I want to loot? Life is a very simple one for me (and I believe, millions of other Nigerians). All I need is just one house, a source of moderate income that will enable me feed, cloth, shelter and educate my family; a car or two to convey me around in Nigeria on my business; the ability to afford a decent healthcare provision for my family and a bit to spare for entertainment and other vagaries of life.
Why do I want to loot the treasury and then cart away the loot to foreign countries, buy properties I will hardly sleep in or that my children will hardly live in, thereby denying millions of my countrymen and women the right to a decent life? Just because I want to have everything to myself? “How much land does a man need?”, as asked in an 1886 short story by Leo Tolstoy about a man who, in his lust for land, forfeits everything, including his own life.
The same can be asked severally: How many houses does a man need? How many rooms can a man sleep in at the same time? How much money does a man need to live a full life? Poor or rich, we are destined, as mortals, to go one day and account to whoever created us, and we are not taking a single item acquired on earth with us, are we?
I therefore wonder if people who are disciples of greed and corruption usually think of this common fact, unless of course their reason is to live life to the fullest while they are in this world, while creating unhappiness, poverty, hardship, disease, disaster and death for the people they have denied good governance, justice, emancipation, etc through their corrupt and inconsiderate policies, activities and actions.
Happily for me, despite all these gloom, and the mire of poverty and helplessness, we can still see oasis of goodness from individuals and organisations who are trying to change things for their people as best as they can.
These people are not using force or guns to effect change. They are instead using God-given talents, skills, brains, hands, connections, etc to help change the world, and indeed, in our particular case, Nigeria.
Are they going to fail? I will say No, because when humanity is engaged in furthering the cause of goodness, it is unlikely such people fail. While all kinds of barriers and stumbling blocks will be erected in their paths by the forces of evil and darkness, some will still get through. A concerted effort from all such forces of goodness will eventually see them though. History is replete with such examples. You can’t keep a good man down forever.
In Nigeria, believe it or not, there are a very fair number of such good individuals and organisations. Some, or even most of them will never get to the position to effect the desired change. Some don’t even want to be in power. A lot of them have died trying, and a lot more will die in the process. These are facts. But then, aren’t the evil ones preventing these good ones going to die too?
As a matter of fact, the evil ones are also dying like flies, victims of their own evil doings. A minister responsible for roads dying in a car crash on the road he was meant to rehabilitate, after embezzling the funds meant for the project. The children of the corrupt coming a cropper in several ways, having diseases nobody can cure, attacked by armed robbers on the streets their fathers are meant to make safe for all.
The root of all evil is a common figure of speech signifying something that causes serious problems and people would be better off without. This includes, amongst other things, money. "Money is the root of all evil" is misattributed to Jesus Christ (actually stated as "The love of money is the root of all evil" by Paul the Apostle in his letter to Timothy: 1, Timothy 6:10).
Following this is Radix malorum est cupiditas, Latin for "Greed is the root of all evil". It is therefore plain to see that both greed and money are roots of all evil, and that is our problem in this world, a problem not unique to Nigeria or Nigerians, leaders or followers. In our country, these particular problems are exacerbated by selfishness, lack of love for one another, the discarding of traditional, cultural, moral and religious values, sycophancy, illiteracy and so may other ills too numerous to mention. However, the bottom line is Greed and Money. Where those two are present, corruption will stick to them like a hump to a camel.
Having said this, it does not have to be like this. There surely is no society that is not corrupt; however, many Western societies have managed to contain corruption to a manageable level, by limiting greed and money available to be stolen. They have also done this by ensuring their people have access to all services and products of government or as we like to call it in Nigeria; dividends of democracy. They have ensured that their governments, government officials, politicians, and even corporate bodies are answerable to the people; that they behave responsibly and ensure corporate and governmental responsibility at all times in their dealing with the masses.
Their leaders are not insulated from the people who put them, and kept them in power and positions. There is accountability in everything they do, and they know that if they step out of line, they will be kicked out through the ballot boxes. Simple and this is why things are working out very fine for them. This is why our people from the third world are flocking out to live in their countries. Forget about whether they used our slave labour to do this several centuries ago, or they colonized us.
Unfortunately, for my people in Africa, this is not the way leaders view it. Their idea of leadership and governance is a very warped one. I am always in awe of how our leaders managed to twist and bastardize good things to suit themselves. Look at our constitution in Nigeria, which was said to be modeled after the US version. Trust our leaders, they bastardized the constitution. They do not even follow the bastardized version anymore. They have all but discarded it.
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. A definition more inclusive of followers comes from Alan Keith of Genentech who said "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."
According to the late Jules Masserman, American psychoanalyst, leaders must fulfill three functions: (1) the leader must provide for the well-being of the led, (2) provide a social organization/environment in which people feel relatively secure, and (3) provide a set of beliefs. Students of leadership have produced theories involving traits, situational interaction, function, behavior, power, vision and values, charisma, and intelligence among others.
Please take a look at most of Africa’s leaders today, and especially, our leaders in Nigeria, and one will see almost all these traits missing. And this is perhaps why President Obama of the US did not even consider including Nigeria on his itinerary to Africa, at our indignation. It was a message, but did Nigerian leaders get that message? No, they could not. In fact they hardly seemed worried by events going around them – the successful and peaceful elections in Ghana and South Africa following the shambles of a mere by-election in a few wards in Ekiti State. That is a measure of the above traits in our leaders.
In writing this, I took some time to study the meaning of the following two words, or prefixes which we confer on our leaders: Excellency and Honourable.
Excellency is from “Excel” which means to surpass, be better than, to be very good, pre-eminent. “Excellence” has the synonyms: distinction, eminence, fineness, goodness, greatness, high quality, merit, perfection, purity, superiority, virtue, worthiness; and “Excellent” is admirable, capital, champion, distinguished, estimable, exemplary, exquisite, first-class, meritorious, outstanding, prime, superb, superlative, great and sterling.
Our leaders bear the prefix “Your Excellency”, how many of them can aptly be worthy of the above definitions and qualities?
Honourable, a title for our legislators, means personal integrity, renowned, reputation, sense of what is right or due, mark of respect. The synonyms are ethical, fair, high-minded, honest, moral, principled, trustworthy, true, upright, virtuous, distinguished, illustrious, notable, prestigious, venerable, creditable, proper, respected and righteous.
Again, are our leaders deserving of such description? The prefix “Honourable” has no meaning amongst our leaders. I find it very difficult to address them this way, knowing they are nothing of the sort, and is against my principles to be dishonest, insincere and flattering. And most importantly, I do not pander to titles and do not suffer fools gladly.
Some people are of the opinion that we are shouting ourselves hoarse to a deaf, undiscerning and incorrigible clique of leaders. I will disagree. We must drum it into their heads at every opportunity. Why not? People like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Gani Fawehinmi, late Chief Awolowo, late Ayodele Awojobi, late Aminu Kano and a host of others have been saying the same for decades. Some died in the process; the living ones are still shouting at them, probably until they themselves die. But I am sure that one day, they and we, will succeed in getting through to our leaders, probably the future ones.
Another of our biggest problem is the continued recycling of the architects of corruption and their cronies, the so called military and political "elites", under various guises of minister this, minister that!!!. Ghana was able to move forward because Rawlings realized that the only to move Ghana on was to completely eliminate all the old thieves. This option may not be feasible in our case, but if we all join hands together, especially our writers, and say enough is enough to these thieves, instead of celebrating them, we can achieve something significant. But first, we have to identify the architects of corruption and relentlessly go after them through our write-ups.
As earlier written (Why I write About Nigeria), my writing is the only way I can vent my frustration. It is my only weapon against tyranny and corruption. Others can take up guns, and other means, but that is their weapon of choice which they know best how to use, and we can support then or join forces with them. In my case, writing is my ideal weapon. The pen, they say, is mightier than the sword. And we see the examples in Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe and others. Believe it or not, it was the pens of the Nigerian media and others that finally spurred those with guns to rid us of ignoble governments like those of Shagari, Babangida and Abacha. It was the pen that eventually terminated the third term ambition of Obasanjo.
I expend my energy in the hope that Nigerian leaders, political and military elites and power-holders will read some of these writings and hopefully examine their conscience, change their ways and re-commit themselves to improving and governing Nigeria the right, humane and considerate way to improve the living standards of their people. I also tend to think that I am expending too much of my energy and taxing my brains even though there is little or no guarantee of success and despite the fact that greater minds have tried and failed.
This is all we ever ask for. Not a lot. Just good governance, justice, equity, progress, excellence, honour, consideration, vision and values, focus, love for us and one another, tolerance, commitment and the will to change the society of which they are a part of.
We will continue to write till they get it.
My simple and honest answer has always been: “To change or help change Nigeria for the better. If I personally cannot facilitate this change, then to help or contribute to others who are also sincere about making such a change or changes possible”. This stance of mine, I am very sure, will stand the test of time.
In some cases, my answer had been met with some friendly cynicism or scepticism. Some are of the opinion that I am perhaps looking to enter the “system” and then join in the free for all looting taking place, or at the very least, to have my share of the so-called “national cake”.
Well, one thing I always reply back is that if indeed I want to share in the “national cake”, I consider myself (and 140 million Nigerians) entitled to share in this cake; after all, I am a Nigerian citizen. So I should rightly demand my share in this cake. What I will not do is deny others the right to share this cake by being greedy, corrupt, unfair, unjust, murderous and inconsiderate in the sharing. And this will be to ensure that all dividends of our wealth and democracy are accessible to all Nigerians and not to me or my friends and family alone. That is if I ever get there, or allowed to get there, of course.
As for joining the looting of the treasury, count me out, I always say. What is there to loot? Why should I want to loot? Life is a very simple one for me (and I believe, millions of other Nigerians). All I need is just one house, a source of moderate income that will enable me feed, cloth, shelter and educate my family; a car or two to convey me around in Nigeria on my business; the ability to afford a decent healthcare provision for my family and a bit to spare for entertainment and other vagaries of life.
Why do I want to loot the treasury and then cart away the loot to foreign countries, buy properties I will hardly sleep in or that my children will hardly live in, thereby denying millions of my countrymen and women the right to a decent life? Just because I want to have everything to myself? “How much land does a man need?”, as asked in an 1886 short story by Leo Tolstoy about a man who, in his lust for land, forfeits everything, including his own life.
The same can be asked severally: How many houses does a man need? How many rooms can a man sleep in at the same time? How much money does a man need to live a full life? Poor or rich, we are destined, as mortals, to go one day and account to whoever created us, and we are not taking a single item acquired on earth with us, are we?
I therefore wonder if people who are disciples of greed and corruption usually think of this common fact, unless of course their reason is to live life to the fullest while they are in this world, while creating unhappiness, poverty, hardship, disease, disaster and death for the people they have denied good governance, justice, emancipation, etc through their corrupt and inconsiderate policies, activities and actions.
Happily for me, despite all these gloom, and the mire of poverty and helplessness, we can still see oasis of goodness from individuals and organisations who are trying to change things for their people as best as they can.
These people are not using force or guns to effect change. They are instead using God-given talents, skills, brains, hands, connections, etc to help change the world, and indeed, in our particular case, Nigeria.
Are they going to fail? I will say No, because when humanity is engaged in furthering the cause of goodness, it is unlikely such people fail. While all kinds of barriers and stumbling blocks will be erected in their paths by the forces of evil and darkness, some will still get through. A concerted effort from all such forces of goodness will eventually see them though. History is replete with such examples. You can’t keep a good man down forever.
In Nigeria, believe it or not, there are a very fair number of such good individuals and organisations. Some, or even most of them will never get to the position to effect the desired change. Some don’t even want to be in power. A lot of them have died trying, and a lot more will die in the process. These are facts. But then, aren’t the evil ones preventing these good ones going to die too?
As a matter of fact, the evil ones are also dying like flies, victims of their own evil doings. A minister responsible for roads dying in a car crash on the road he was meant to rehabilitate, after embezzling the funds meant for the project. The children of the corrupt coming a cropper in several ways, having diseases nobody can cure, attacked by armed robbers on the streets their fathers are meant to make safe for all.
The root of all evil is a common figure of speech signifying something that causes serious problems and people would be better off without. This includes, amongst other things, money. "Money is the root of all evil" is misattributed to Jesus Christ (actually stated as "The love of money is the root of all evil" by Paul the Apostle in his letter to Timothy: 1, Timothy 6:10).
Following this is Radix malorum est cupiditas, Latin for "Greed is the root of all evil". It is therefore plain to see that both greed and money are roots of all evil, and that is our problem in this world, a problem not unique to Nigeria or Nigerians, leaders or followers. In our country, these particular problems are exacerbated by selfishness, lack of love for one another, the discarding of traditional, cultural, moral and religious values, sycophancy, illiteracy and so may other ills too numerous to mention. However, the bottom line is Greed and Money. Where those two are present, corruption will stick to them like a hump to a camel.
Having said this, it does not have to be like this. There surely is no society that is not corrupt; however, many Western societies have managed to contain corruption to a manageable level, by limiting greed and money available to be stolen. They have also done this by ensuring their people have access to all services and products of government or as we like to call it in Nigeria; dividends of democracy. They have ensured that their governments, government officials, politicians, and even corporate bodies are answerable to the people; that they behave responsibly and ensure corporate and governmental responsibility at all times in their dealing with the masses.
Their leaders are not insulated from the people who put them, and kept them in power and positions. There is accountability in everything they do, and they know that if they step out of line, they will be kicked out through the ballot boxes. Simple and this is why things are working out very fine for them. This is why our people from the third world are flocking out to live in their countries. Forget about whether they used our slave labour to do this several centuries ago, or they colonized us.
Unfortunately, for my people in Africa, this is not the way leaders view it. Their idea of leadership and governance is a very warped one. I am always in awe of how our leaders managed to twist and bastardize good things to suit themselves. Look at our constitution in Nigeria, which was said to be modeled after the US version. Trust our leaders, they bastardized the constitution. They do not even follow the bastardized version anymore. They have all but discarded it.
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. A definition more inclusive of followers comes from Alan Keith of Genentech who said "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen."
According to the late Jules Masserman, American psychoanalyst, leaders must fulfill three functions: (1) the leader must provide for the well-being of the led, (2) provide a social organization/environment in which people feel relatively secure, and (3) provide a set of beliefs. Students of leadership have produced theories involving traits, situational interaction, function, behavior, power, vision and values, charisma, and intelligence among others.
Please take a look at most of Africa’s leaders today, and especially, our leaders in Nigeria, and one will see almost all these traits missing. And this is perhaps why President Obama of the US did not even consider including Nigeria on his itinerary to Africa, at our indignation. It was a message, but did Nigerian leaders get that message? No, they could not. In fact they hardly seemed worried by events going around them – the successful and peaceful elections in Ghana and South Africa following the shambles of a mere by-election in a few wards in Ekiti State. That is a measure of the above traits in our leaders.
In writing this, I took some time to study the meaning of the following two words, or prefixes which we confer on our leaders: Excellency and Honourable.
Excellency is from “Excel” which means to surpass, be better than, to be very good, pre-eminent. “Excellence” has the synonyms: distinction, eminence, fineness, goodness, greatness, high quality, merit, perfection, purity, superiority, virtue, worthiness; and “Excellent” is admirable, capital, champion, distinguished, estimable, exemplary, exquisite, first-class, meritorious, outstanding, prime, superb, superlative, great and sterling.
Our leaders bear the prefix “Your Excellency”, how many of them can aptly be worthy of the above definitions and qualities?
Honourable, a title for our legislators, means personal integrity, renowned, reputation, sense of what is right or due, mark of respect. The synonyms are ethical, fair, high-minded, honest, moral, principled, trustworthy, true, upright, virtuous, distinguished, illustrious, notable, prestigious, venerable, creditable, proper, respected and righteous.
Again, are our leaders deserving of such description? The prefix “Honourable” has no meaning amongst our leaders. I find it very difficult to address them this way, knowing they are nothing of the sort, and is against my principles to be dishonest, insincere and flattering. And most importantly, I do not pander to titles and do not suffer fools gladly.
Some people are of the opinion that we are shouting ourselves hoarse to a deaf, undiscerning and incorrigible clique of leaders. I will disagree. We must drum it into their heads at every opportunity. Why not? People like Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Gani Fawehinmi, late Chief Awolowo, late Ayodele Awojobi, late Aminu Kano and a host of others have been saying the same for decades. Some died in the process; the living ones are still shouting at them, probably until they themselves die. But I am sure that one day, they and we, will succeed in getting through to our leaders, probably the future ones.
Another of our biggest problem is the continued recycling of the architects of corruption and their cronies, the so called military and political "elites", under various guises of minister this, minister that!!!. Ghana was able to move forward because Rawlings realized that the only to move Ghana on was to completely eliminate all the old thieves. This option may not be feasible in our case, but if we all join hands together, especially our writers, and say enough is enough to these thieves, instead of celebrating them, we can achieve something significant. But first, we have to identify the architects of corruption and relentlessly go after them through our write-ups.
As earlier written (Why I write About Nigeria), my writing is the only way I can vent my frustration. It is my only weapon against tyranny and corruption. Others can take up guns, and other means, but that is their weapon of choice which they know best how to use, and we can support then or join forces with them. In my case, writing is my ideal weapon. The pen, they say, is mightier than the sword. And we see the examples in Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe and others. Believe it or not, it was the pens of the Nigerian media and others that finally spurred those with guns to rid us of ignoble governments like those of Shagari, Babangida and Abacha. It was the pen that eventually terminated the third term ambition of Obasanjo.
I expend my energy in the hope that Nigerian leaders, political and military elites and power-holders will read some of these writings and hopefully examine their conscience, change their ways and re-commit themselves to improving and governing Nigeria the right, humane and considerate way to improve the living standards of their people. I also tend to think that I am expending too much of my energy and taxing my brains even though there is little or no guarantee of success and despite the fact that greater minds have tried and failed.
This is all we ever ask for. Not a lot. Just good governance, justice, equity, progress, excellence, honour, consideration, vision and values, focus, love for us and one another, tolerance, commitment and the will to change the society of which they are a part of.
We will continue to write till they get it.
The Truth
The truth is the same whether spoken by Barack Obama (US President), Wole Soyinka, Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Olisa Agbakoba, late Fela, Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi), Bala Usman, late Martin Luther King etc. The truth is also straightforward and progressive. Therefore when nations are prosperous, there are relatively high degrees of honest approaches to governance. Leadership can be smooth using the sincere approach to issues. People like honest societies. In the Nigerian situation, only the truth shall set us free and move us forward as a nation. Nigerians owe the country and our rulers the duty to tell them the truth. This is because truth is like a shining sun which will prevail over darkness. Honesty brings transparency which is a vital instrument in nation building. What Obama spoke in Ghana was simply to re-emphasize the obvious necessity for truth and to energize all the people fighting for change in Nigeria and Africa.
The truth is that the world has changed and will continue to change. Infact change is the only permanent thing in life. Nigerian leaders need to be aware that Nigeria is changing and that the present generation of Nigerians will hold them accountable for whatever they do. No matter the number of years, Nigerians will hold them accountable and where necessary put them behind bars or where they rightly belong. No one can destroy the future of Nigerians and expect to go free. The world is witnessing the trial of 89 year old John Demjanjuk in Germany for an alleged offence (Nazi camp guard) which was committed over 60 years ago. John Demjanjuk was deported in May 2009 from America to Germany where he is standing trial. Therefore when Obama said in Ghana that we have the power to hold our leaders accountable, he meant that Nigerians and African should take justice to the oppressors or bring our corrupt rulers to justice no matter the time it takes (I will not advocate jungle justice). It also means that leaders should be careful knowing what awaits them if they misgovern.
The truth is also that those who make democratic transitions and changes impossible make violent resistance inevitable. In 1992 when an election in Algeria which was won by Islamic Salvation Front was cancelled, it plunged the country into war. By the time the crisis ended, over 150,000 died. Attempt to manipulation elections in Kenya saw the deaths of over 1,000 Kenyans. The instability in Cote d Ivoire is connected with attempts to subvert the people’s will. In Honduras, people are protesting the military take over of government. America is supporting the Honduran people, even though the ousted president is trying to pursue a different political and economic ideology (socialism) from America. As we approach 2011 elections, our “oppressors” either play by the rule or be ready to face the wrath of the Nigerian people.
Nigerians have been pushed to the wall for a long time and no more taking Nigerians for granted. Enough is enough. Nigerians want a good future and this is the time to start claiming that good future. History will be on the part of Nigerians who partake in the course of rebuilding Nigeria. I for one will do my best in this journey of rebuilding Nigeria. Am sure Nigerians will be willing to give their best when there is positive line of direction in this regard. A better Nigeria is in the best interest of all. Hopefully the west will support the struggle for good governance in Nigeria since what happens in Nigeria will have direct and indirect impact all over the world. Quoting part of Obama’s speech in Ghana, “What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance”
Another truth is that our Nigerian leaders are afraid of the people they lead, otherwise there wouldn’t be massive security personnel around them each time they move around. It’s also another reason why they rig elections, because they can’t stand the Nigerian masses. Tell me who among the present rulers will win any election under free and fair elections? Just recently the Senate President was campaigning for automatic ticket for all senators who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The simple reason is that given a level playing field they might not come to the Senate. The deputy Senate President (Ike Ekweremadu) in a separate interview said that the automatic ticket which members of the National Assembly are seeking, is for continued stability of the country. Nigerians know the truth.
It’s also a basic truth that our rulers (past and present) are deaf and partially blind. They also surround themselves with sycophants who tell them what they want to hear. There is a big gap between the people and the government. Our rulers do not feel the pains and misery which they make ordinary Nigerians go through. They usually rent crowd or pay people to come to events to appear as if they are popular. Because they are deaf, they require a great deal of shouting and gesticulation. Because they are partially blind, that’s why the country is being misled. Now is our time to start making changes. Just like Obama said in Ghana that, “Africa’s future is up to Africans”. We the present generations of Nigerians must take our future in our hands.
Our opposition parties in Nigeria have not done very well, though I have to commend their plans to form a mega party to challenge the ruling party. But the truth is that there are still more jobs to do. Political parties need to outline programs they have for states and local governments. They need to mobilize Nigerians and increase electoral awareness. There is nothing wrong in educating people on how to checkmate rigging. After all there were some elections that could not be rigged in Nigeria. Proper voting could turn things around for the masses.
Another vital truth is that Nigerians have not fully realized the powers they have, both as individuals, collectively and as civil groups. Together and with a unity of purpose there is nothing the people of Nigeria cannot change. It’s only that our elites who are part of our problem will always use divide and rule methods on the Nigerian people. Many of our elites are only after there selfish interest while pretending to be serving the interest of the majority. The civil society groups have so much they can do. In Thailand anti government protesters stormed the gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in April 2009. The meeting ended abruptly and the ASEAN leaders fled. In Indonesia, the persistent street protest of students’ partly led to the fall of former president Suharto. In Nigeria, the effects of NADECO were widely felt. In Rumania, peoples protest helped to change the government of Nicolae Ceaucescu. At the height of the cold war in Poland, the trade union activities helped to open up the country.
The knowledge and application of the truth will both benefit the leaders, the people and the country at large. Any thing short of it will still be the continued journey of deceit which is the order of the day in Nigeria. Hoping that all have listened. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
The truth is that the world has changed and will continue to change. Infact change is the only permanent thing in life. Nigerian leaders need to be aware that Nigeria is changing and that the present generation of Nigerians will hold them accountable for whatever they do. No matter the number of years, Nigerians will hold them accountable and where necessary put them behind bars or where they rightly belong. No one can destroy the future of Nigerians and expect to go free. The world is witnessing the trial of 89 year old John Demjanjuk in Germany for an alleged offence (Nazi camp guard) which was committed over 60 years ago. John Demjanjuk was deported in May 2009 from America to Germany where he is standing trial. Therefore when Obama said in Ghana that we have the power to hold our leaders accountable, he meant that Nigerians and African should take justice to the oppressors or bring our corrupt rulers to justice no matter the time it takes (I will not advocate jungle justice). It also means that leaders should be careful knowing what awaits them if they misgovern.
The truth is also that those who make democratic transitions and changes impossible make violent resistance inevitable. In 1992 when an election in Algeria which was won by Islamic Salvation Front was cancelled, it plunged the country into war. By the time the crisis ended, over 150,000 died. Attempt to manipulation elections in Kenya saw the deaths of over 1,000 Kenyans. The instability in Cote d Ivoire is connected with attempts to subvert the people’s will. In Honduras, people are protesting the military take over of government. America is supporting the Honduran people, even though the ousted president is trying to pursue a different political and economic ideology (socialism) from America. As we approach 2011 elections, our “oppressors” either play by the rule or be ready to face the wrath of the Nigerian people.
Nigerians have been pushed to the wall for a long time and no more taking Nigerians for granted. Enough is enough. Nigerians want a good future and this is the time to start claiming that good future. History will be on the part of Nigerians who partake in the course of rebuilding Nigeria. I for one will do my best in this journey of rebuilding Nigeria. Am sure Nigerians will be willing to give their best when there is positive line of direction in this regard. A better Nigeria is in the best interest of all. Hopefully the west will support the struggle for good governance in Nigeria since what happens in Nigeria will have direct and indirect impact all over the world. Quoting part of Obama’s speech in Ghana, “What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance”
Another truth is that our Nigerian leaders are afraid of the people they lead, otherwise there wouldn’t be massive security personnel around them each time they move around. It’s also another reason why they rig elections, because they can’t stand the Nigerian masses. Tell me who among the present rulers will win any election under free and fair elections? Just recently the Senate President was campaigning for automatic ticket for all senators who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The simple reason is that given a level playing field they might not come to the Senate. The deputy Senate President (Ike Ekweremadu) in a separate interview said that the automatic ticket which members of the National Assembly are seeking, is for continued stability of the country. Nigerians know the truth.
It’s also a basic truth that our rulers (past and present) are deaf and partially blind. They also surround themselves with sycophants who tell them what they want to hear. There is a big gap between the people and the government. Our rulers do not feel the pains and misery which they make ordinary Nigerians go through. They usually rent crowd or pay people to come to events to appear as if they are popular. Because they are deaf, they require a great deal of shouting and gesticulation. Because they are partially blind, that’s why the country is being misled. Now is our time to start making changes. Just like Obama said in Ghana that, “Africa’s future is up to Africans”. We the present generations of Nigerians must take our future in our hands.
Our opposition parties in Nigeria have not done very well, though I have to commend their plans to form a mega party to challenge the ruling party. But the truth is that there are still more jobs to do. Political parties need to outline programs they have for states and local governments. They need to mobilize Nigerians and increase electoral awareness. There is nothing wrong in educating people on how to checkmate rigging. After all there were some elections that could not be rigged in Nigeria. Proper voting could turn things around for the masses.
Another vital truth is that Nigerians have not fully realized the powers they have, both as individuals, collectively and as civil groups. Together and with a unity of purpose there is nothing the people of Nigeria cannot change. It’s only that our elites who are part of our problem will always use divide and rule methods on the Nigerian people. Many of our elites are only after there selfish interest while pretending to be serving the interest of the majority. The civil society groups have so much they can do. In Thailand anti government protesters stormed the gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in April 2009. The meeting ended abruptly and the ASEAN leaders fled. In Indonesia, the persistent street protest of students’ partly led to the fall of former president Suharto. In Nigeria, the effects of NADECO were widely felt. In Rumania, peoples protest helped to change the government of Nicolae Ceaucescu. At the height of the cold war in Poland, the trade union activities helped to open up the country.
The knowledge and application of the truth will both benefit the leaders, the people and the country at large. Any thing short of it will still be the continued journey of deceit which is the order of the day in Nigeria. Hoping that all have listened. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
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