NIGERIA: The Problem and the Solution

 

Do you know that Nigerians in Nigeria have not known ten years of peace since the independence of the country from the colonial rule of the British Empire on October 1, 1960?

The political history of Nigeria is full of contradictions of modern democracy and governance caused by the recurrent incidents of the abuse of political power by the majority of the citizens since 1960 to date 

From the parliamentary government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria truncated by the military coups of 1966 that precipitated the country into a catastrophic internecine civil war between the military regime of Nigeria led by General Yakubu Gowon and the secessionist republic of Biafra led by  Lieutenant colonel Chukwuemeka Odinegwu Ojukwu from 1967 - 1970. 

The details of the cause and consequences of the coups and civil war are common facts of the political history of Nigeria.

The civilization administration from 1979 to 1983 was truncated by military coup and counter-coup by young military officers and another coup terminated the next attempt of another civilian administration after the ill-fated 1993 presidential election of which the election of winner, Chief M. K. O. Abiola was annulled by the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda and provoked the widespread violent June 12 crisis.

Read the details on Nigerians Report Online: June 12 and The Mandate of MKO Abiola

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2017/06/june-12-and-mandate-of-mko-abiola.html

The Problem

The maladministration of the Nigerian government is caused by corruption that is caused by greediness, cronyism, nepotism, tribalism, religious bigotry, administrative incompetence, rebellion and stupidity of both the political ruling class along with their beneficiaries and majority of the citizens who have no principles of accountability, dignity, integrity and nobility in the Nigerian society.

Read

Nigerians Report Online: The Cause of the Widespread Violence Destroying Thousands of People in Nigeria

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-cause-of-widespread-violence.html

We have seen the gradual destruction of the foundation of Nigeria by corruption for decades by kleptomaniacs in the corridors of power; from every local government to every state government and the federal government and partners in crime in the private sector.

We have seen the decadence of governance from the street to the Office of the President.

The legislators who are the so-called lawmakers are also the lawbreakers of Nigeria. Corrupt and incompetent public office holders without accountability and integrity in public office are plundering the government in gross misappropriations of allocations of revenues. These political title chasers are not nation builders, because they are political opportunists and political jobbers who are not patriots.

The Solution

Read 

Nigerians Report Online: Nigeria Does Not Need Any Sovereign National Conference

https://nigeriansreportng.blogspot.com/2012/04/nigeria-does-not-need-any-sovereign.html

There is no need for any political election in Nigeria, but a political revolution for the eradication of corruption from the local government to the Office of the President.

We must destroy corruption in order to begin the national orientation for the nation building of a New Nigeria in the leadership of Africa among the comity of nations in the world.

By

Ekenyerengozi Michael Chma,

Author of "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream", 'The Prophet Lied"and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

Awo: The Best and Greatest Nigerian Political Leader Never Became President

Awo: The Best and Greatest Nigerian Political Leader Never Became President 

Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo, GCFR (6 March 1909 – 9 May 1987)

,the best and greatest Nigerian political leader in the history of modern Nigeria never became the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The legacies of his outstanding visionary leadership are still manifested in Western Nigeria.

He was the first Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government and Finance, and first Premier of the Western Region under Nigeria's parliamentary system, from 1952 to 1959. And he is recognized as one of the Founding Fathers of the nation for his key role in Nigeria's independence movement (1957-1960).

You don't need to become the President of Nigeria to be a great nation builder.

- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,

Publisher/Editor,

NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series

Nigeria Daily Twitter

https://twitter.com/nigeriadaily

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www.pinterest.com/nigeriansreport

https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima

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Ideato South/North Federal Constituency: Dr. Chika Abazu as the Way to Go

Ideato South/North Federal Constituency: Dr. Chika Abazu as the Way to Go

- By Micheal Nnaji 

According to John. C Maxwell,  a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. 

Dr. Chika Abazu clearly fits into this discription.

This is why among the motley of crowd jostling to represent Ideato North and South federal constituency in the House of Reps in the next political dispensation, opinion leaders, political leaders, the youths, market women, students etc agree he is the most prepared and focused.

Dr. Abazu raises above the fray and stands out on the pedestal of competence,reason a broad spectrum of people across the constituency are earnestly praying the All Progressives Congress, APC to do the right thing by giving him its ticket for the election.

Describing the last seven years of representation the constituency has had at the House of Reps as years eaten by locust, an APC chieftain from Umueshi, Ideato South,who craved anonymity said: "Ideato North and South has suffered the worst form of representation since 2015. 

"We are like orphans in the midst of parents; in this new dispensation we want someone who is in touch with the people and with reality; we want a people oriented person who has the Ideato nation and its people at heart, a representative who has no baggage, who puts Ideato first. Irrespective of party, we want the best and in Dr. Chika Abazu, I find this representative." 

If elected into the House of Reps as the representative of Ideato people, Dr. Abazu, pledges, in his words, "Prudent utilisation of Constituency Funds for genuine, people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programs"

His focuse, according to him will be social amenities and infrastructures, health care, quality education, economic empowerment, medium size agricultural and settlement  scheme akin to the Isreali Kitbzu system and social welfare for youths.

Dr. Abazu will leave no stone unturned to enhance the growth of Ideato North/South federal constituency in terms of:
°Legislative representation 
•Accountability 
•Education
•Youth and women economic emancipation programmes
•Road Infrastructure
•Power 
•Water
•Health
•Sports
•Social welfare
•Security 

°Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of at least two bills and two motions that would impact the Constituency every year; meaningful contribution in plenary and committee activities especially oversight function.

As a technocrat, Dr. Abazu will ensure prudent utilisation of Constituency Funds for genuine, people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programs.

He is primed at building and equipping of modern school structures and making learning fun for children through learning aids; financial support to primary/secondary school students; facilitating university scholarship for exceptional students.

As a youth enthusiast and a bridge between the young and old, Dr. Abazu, if elected, will be committed to establushing a training hub for the training of youths and women in various vocations including ICT and Agriculture; giving of starter packs/seed grants to trained persons.

Erosion menance is one of the environmental problems facing Ideato and to tackle it headlong, if elected, Dr. Abazu will see to the  procurement of heavy construction vehicles like bulldozers, font loaders, grader, compactors, trenchers etc for all year round erosion control, road grading and maintenance.

To modernise Ideato and make it a liveable urban area, Dr. Abazu has pledged the following:

•Facilitation of the restoration of electricity to all communities in Ideato through procurement and  installation of transformers and other power installations; construction of solar street lights at designated areas

•Greater Ideato water scheme will be birthed for provision of basic water supply; procurement of motorized borehole drilling machines; all year round drilling of boreholes in designated and accessible areas within the community; provision of borehole drilling services at highly subsidized rate.

•Construction and equipping of primary health centres

And to curb youth restiveness, he will facilitate the construction of mini sports stadium for sports and recreation.

He will also strengthen local security networks so as to secure the lives and property of Ideato people.

Dr. Abazu is accessible and reachable and will at all times be avilable to his constituents

With his international connections and contacts, Dr. Abazu will ensure the mobilization of funds for various projects from donor agencies and development partners.

***

Nnaji writes from 
Osina,Ideato North.

WHY NIGERIANS SHOULD KEY INTO ASIWAJU'S 2023 PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

WHY NIGERIANS SHOULD KEY INTO ASIWAJU'S 2023 PRESIDENTIAL AMBITION

- By Hon Maureen Ashara

EXPERIENCE: Nigeria is a country undergoing economic instability.

At this time and more than ever before, our country needs an experienced, celebral, urbane, suave and detribalised leader with a country- wide appeal and necessary connections to pull it from the doldrums.

Evidently, Asiwsju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that leader. He is the kind of politician who could innovatively strategize ideas and tailor them towards reforming Nigerian's economy.

Asiwaju's experience as a two time Lagos state governor and his ability to transform the State and made it the envy of the world highly recommend him to the exalted office of the presidency of Nigeria.

He has done it before and will do it again, this time around, for Nigeria.

COMPETENCE: Asiwaju has the eyes for the best- best of human resources. As Governor, he assembled a team of best brains to help him give Lagos quality governance.Nigerians today bear witnesses to the elegant result of that foresightedness.

It is no secret that some of such best brains Asiwaju spotted and given leadership and governance responsibilities are today part of the team at the federal level helping President Buhari to fix Nigeria. Talk of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola( Interior Minister),  Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (Works Minister), Lai Muhammed ( Information Minister), Femi Gbajabiamila(Speaker of House of Reps) Ben Akanueze( DG, Budgdet office) etc and you will remember Asiwaju.

If Asiwaju, as Governor can raise the men he has in different cadres, then he can replicate thesame as President.

As President, Asiwaju will  make right choice in choosing people who will be around him to work with him such as ministers and aides.

It's evident that he can't lead alone, it's his ability to surround himself with resounding personnels that will determine his success in the office just as it did as Lagos state Governor. Asiwaju indeed has a way of identifying and harvesting talents.

VISION: Asiwaju is visionary.This played out in his time as the Lagos State Governor and can be gleaned from his ability to visualize the Lagos of today which we are enjoying.

He has the same vision to re-orient Nigeria and give our a new economical, infrastructural, and democratic lease of life.

Emphatically, there's no better, qualified person to lead Nigeria come 2023 than the right man, Sen. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

On your mandate we stand.

Support , Love, Speak, Think, Act and Project Asiwaju 2023.

Hon. Mrs Ashara Maureen Chika ( Ugosimba) is the 

Executive Vice Chairman Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos.

Celebrating the Life and Time of Hon. Emma Osigwe

Celebrating the Life and Time of Hon. Emma Osigwe

- By Ingram Osigwe

According to Abraham Lincoln,"in the end, it is not the years in your life that counts, it is the life in your years" 

The above underpins the life trajectory of the late Hon. Emmanuel Osigwe.

Born 88 years ago in Umuopia, Akokwa, Ideato North local government area of Imo, the late Osigwe was an educationist who encouraged many young people to embrace education.

Not only did he preach the gospel of education through out Akokwa, as a headmaster, he was instrumental to the establishment of a primary school at his immediate community, Umuopia.

As a bridge-builder, he not only ensured that Akokwa kids got quality education, he also collaborated with his friend and traditional ruler of the neighbouring Umuchu in Aguata LGA Anambra State , HRH Igwe Ignatius Offorbuike( Ezeora)of blessed memory   to ensure that many got admitted to Umuchu High school.

In the same manner, it was through his instrumentality and friendship with the late Umuchu monarch that several Akokwa indigenes got employed as teachers in Anambra State.

A one-time councillor in Ideato North local government, the late Hon. Osigwe was a stickler for discipline and honesty, virtues he wore like a garb through out his 88 years on earth.

He was indeed an embodiment of the virtues of honesty and integrity.

As a political leader, he held tightly, stubbornly to these virtues and applied them to his everyday conduct.

For example, piqued by the corruption that oozed from the Ideato North local government then, Hon. Osigwe had petitioned the then Imo state Military Administrator over the frivolous spending of the council Chairman, a situation that was to cost him his position as councillor, salaries and comfort.

As a politician and community, Hon Osigwe was a sincerely altruistic person, never known with no attachment to material things. He served his people selflessly, attracting development to them.

He was contented with his pension and never longed for ostentatious, ill acquired wealth. Sadly, the country he served meritoriously denied his pension to the end.

As a loving husband and father,Hon.Osigwe greatly brought his virtues and philosophies of life to bear on his household. No wonder all his children turned out shining stars in their various areas of endavour.

Right from their young age, the late Hon. Osigwe had  ensured that all his children imbibed the value of education.

For example, they all grew up to see the massive library in the house which he got International Organisations to equip with books.

He would later strive to ensure that all the kids got quality education up to university level.

Emma was born when education had started to make meaning to Akokwa people. He was bracing up for the white man’s education when his father Osigwe, died in December 1940. Emma was just eight years old.

Together, his most senior brother Celestine, and their mother Nwanebe saw him through primary education. The young Emma obtained the then respected Standard Six Certificate and had a stint in teaching before proceeding to a Teachers Training.

Born in 1932, the late Hon. Osigwe was trained as a teacher at Azaraegbelu Teachers Training College where he obtained grade- three teacher's certificate  and then became a full fledged teacher.

He later did a required one year course in Education and became a grade- one teacher(an equivalent of today's NCE)

His last posting was to Community Secondary School, Osina in Ideato North, Imo State from where he meritoriously retired in 1997.

Hon. Emma Osigwe spent his retirement life farming (on a higher scale), reading and writing as well as in rendering some humanitarian services.

His zeal for selfless community service was unwavering. For example, on retirement in 1997, Emma Osigwe took it upon himself to continue to check the devastating erosion from central school (near his house) to Ama-Agba junction.

To crown it all, in 2011, Emma used both his Federal and State Pension  to construct deep gutters on both sides of the said road up to a point.

The news of this uncommon patriotic act got to the leadership of the Umuopia Development Union of the time. The President- General then, late Chief (Sir) Anthony C. Okpara (Aputaifeadi) approached the Opia of Umuopia, Eze (Dr) Don Opurozor who approved of a well-worded letter of commendation to this icon.

A consumate family man, In 1965, Emma met his heartthrob, a fashion- designer of all-time, late Mrs Ifeoma Osigwe (nee Munonye- Asiegbu) from Umuojii Umukegwu- Akokwa. The union was blessed with five surviving children- all with family.

A strong- willed personity, few heart rending occurances in his later life were to directly tugged at Emma's heart.

These were the death, almost in quick succession of  two of his children- both science graduates- and then that of his dear wife after a protracted illness few years later.

Emma succumbed to the vagaries of old age on February 26, 2021 and was immediately buried in accordance with his last wishes.

It Matters That Nigeria Conducts Credible Elections - Commonwealth

A Nigerian voter. Photo Credit: Daily Mail, UK.

9 Feb 2011 18:16 Africa/Lagos

It Matters That Nigeria Conducts Credible Elections - Commonwealth

ABUJA, Nigeria, February 9, 2011/PRNewswire/ -- The Commonwealth is at an advanced stage of preparations for the monitoring of elections in Nigeria, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba said on Wednesday at the end of a four-day visit to the West African country.

During her visit, Ms Masire-Mwamba and her delegation engaged key actors and stakeholders involved in the forthcoming elections, and re-affirmed the Commonwealth's support and expectations for a peaceful and credible process.

She spoke at a news conference in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

"The Commonwealth takes a keen interest in elections across its membership. Nigeria is a valued member with whom we have a strong and mutual beneficial engagement. It is also a key member of the association which contributes and participates actively in Commonwealth activities - including hosting CHOGM in 2003, and producing a Secretary-General of the Commonwealth," Ms Masire-Mwamba said.

"Nigeria is a leader on the continent, playing a significant role in promoting peace, and in regional economic growth and development.

"It matters to the Commonwealth, Africa and the world that Nigeria and other member states conduct credible elections.

"Since arriving in Abuja on Sunday, I have met with leaders of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society representatives and the international community. I have listened to their views on how the process is going, and discussed the progress as well as the challenges. In all our meetings, we have had candid and open discussions.

"Stakeholders have noted positive steps in the preparations so far. I am hopeful that if all actors - politicians, civil society, the public, and you, members of the media continue to play your expected roles, there can be an outcome that reflects the will and aspirations of the people.

"Any election is a complex and challenging undertaking and requires the cooperation and support of all stakeholders. Political leaders and parties must display political will to ensure a credible process. The people need to show faith in the democratic process and participate in it. It is crucial that violence is avoided by all means, and the rule of law must be allowed to prevail. All must ensure that both the process and outcome meet Commonwealth values as well as international and regional electoral benchmarks to which Nigeria has committed itself.

"On our part, we will remain engaged and offer support and assistance as requested.

"We wish the people of Nigeria a most successful, peaceful and credible election," Ms Masire-Mwamba concluded.

For media enquiries, please contact Julius Mucunguzi, Media Officer, on +234-7063597240 or +44-7894-593-517, email: j.mucunguzi@commonwealth.int

Source: The Commonwealth Secretariat

For media enquiries, please contact Julius Mucunguzi, Media Officer, on +234-7063597240 or +44-7894-593-517, email: j.mucunguzi@commonwealth.int

Only If Public leaders Could Take Tips from the Obi Code of Governance

Rt. Hon.(Prince) Sam Obi, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly


Prince Sam Obi: Only If Public leaders Could Take Tips from the Obi Code of Governance

Suddenly the country in a much tiny way saw what it means to move the acts of governance forward not just with empty or hollow words but with words flowing with actions. Those who in the future seek national or state office could learn from Prince Sam Obi, the current Speaker of Delta State who served as interim Delta state Governor sometime in November, 2010 to the beginning of January, 2011.

Within three months Obi, as an acting Governor was governance-focused both in his words and actions.
It has been a very long time that the public saw a leader making a public pledge, and putting ideas out openly, fearlessly, and unwaveringly in a striking and unflinching manner.
Nigeria is now trying to find its self in the face of innumerable threats to economic security, institutional health and political stability. But here is the good news.

The ex-acting Governor has given us tips and ways that could reduce the sucking of the nation’s capital and has helped open new routes to exercising better leadership in government and in society.

In an introductory manner, Obi reminded us that the people live in “extra-ordinary times’, therefore if the nation is to address some of these “extra-ordinary circumstances” future or current leaders should boldly “fulfill a constitutional duty in accordance with dictates of democratic ethos and above all, the rule of law”.

As part of the Obi code of governance, he sees the acts of “cooperation, collaboration and understanding” as part of leadership challenge.

In a non-figurative manner, Obi, unlike any recent public leader advanced that it is paramount to be “committed to offering selfless service”, “run an open administration”, and remain open to “constructive criticisms”, and he believes in the welfare of the people, as he directs that the “people should (always) go about their normal duties.

As part of the new national narratives, he championed the need for “ hard work’, “honesty”, “accountability and transparency.”
As part of a new normal in leadership and governance strategy, Obi calls for leadership to “pledge loyalty to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and selfless service to all”.

The Obi code of governance states that leaders should be able speak power to truth by making sure that “government will do all within its power to ensure that the machinery of governance continues to run without let or hindrance”.

As to those among the public who harbours the spirit of chaos, Obi believes that leaders should be able “to charge the law enforcement agencies to ensure that…nefarious persons” are controlled for the good and peace of the nation.

The Obi code of governance calls for bold actions and deeds, even if it is only about sending a psychological shock to self-satisfied leaders, and Obi partly demonstrated this process in “ the dissolution of the Executive Council…with immediate effect”.

Obi believes in praising leaders even if it is only to encourage them to do good by using their abilities and experiences to “ ensure smooth running of the machinery of government”.

Obi believed that leaders must act as role models in order to “enjoining them to avoid anything that would portray the government in negative light”.

Obi believes public service requires “workforce to be pro-active, efficient and productive” and he asserts that "civil service should be pro-active and efficient rather than being a liability”. As part of the Obi code of governance, he believes that small improvement s in human service, usually result into bigger dividends, as evidenced by his demand for workers to “avoid cases of absenteeism”, therefore ensuring efficiency and productivity.

He sees time management as essential ingredients to effective public practices, as in the case of “salary preparation to ensure that workers receive their pay on” time, and he asserts that promoting “strategies used in collecting internally generated revenue” are needed in behalf of the state or nation. The Obi code of governance demands on officials “to be careful and avoid fraud in the preparation of salaries and in the collection of internally generated revenue(s)”.

Along the same line, Obi asserts that to restore the spirit of leadership and positive practices “embargo on foreign Trips for Political Appointees and top Government Functionaries” becomes paramount.

Every sensible Nigerian will agree that the leadership situation in the nation currently wallows in chronic wrongdoing and the misuse of politics, as such transformation, no matter how small could come not by throwing the nation backward, as it currently appears but by adhering to the Obi code of governance.

Thank you, Sir and hopefully a leader in your image or mindset could be swept into the office of the presidency or other authority by the people and for the sake of ensuring a disciplined approach to governance.

~ By John Egbeazien Oshodi, Ph.D , DABPS, FACFE, is a Forensic/Clinical Psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Science, North Campus, Broward College, Coconut Creek, Florida. joshodi@broward.edu