Ikweremadu and the New Yam Festival in Germany

A very funny drama happened in Germany a few days ago. Many have spoken in favor and against the incident.
It was the former Senate President, Ike Ikweremadu that was embarrassed in Nuremberg, Germany. The Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) leader had  claimed responsibility for the unfortunate incident on behalf of IPOB. He even went ahead threatening all other Igbo political leaders with a similar or worse treatment whenever they go to the West. Femi Fani Kayode in a seemingly word of encouragement had defused the possible arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastard act saying that the German Police is not investigating the matter, hence, haven't made any arrest. This is in a response, perhaps, to the call made by the Nigerian Senate for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Now, irrespective of what you think... whether you agree it was a justified action, a kind of little pay back for the insensitivity of those in power or you are with me in condemning the act as a barbaric and savagery attempt to get even with 'corrupt politicians',I will like to make the following submissions.

It Doesn't Change Anything

Yes, IPOB might have scored a point with the way they have treated the distinguished senator. But, I can assure you that it is not only a very WRONG point but a dirt CHEAP one at that! No, seriously, just because you attacked him at the venue of a ceremony that he was probably invited to attend, does not stop him from visiting again on personal ground. What I think won't happen again is that he attends any other function without well detailed personal security that would prevent a repeat of what happened in Nuremberg. This is why I think it's wrong and very cheap signal...it's a fore-warning to other Igbo political leaders never to attend a public function abroad without the availability of personal bodyguards! 

It Creates A Very Tense Atmosphere
When Ikweremadu arrived at the function, he didn't bother about the security details because he was visiting a home outside his home...his Kiths and Kins had invited him to celebrate the New Yam festival with them, he trusted that everything would be put in place especially SECURITY! Even if he wouldn't to admit it in public, he's disappointed in the organizers of the occasion for the potential lynching he would have suffered in the hands of the IPOB thugs.

The Message is well received by other Igbo political leaders who would find it extremely difficult to mix and mingle with their people for fear of their lives. The Atmosphere in no doubt very tense now...the political leaders are expected to be more defensive and less available to the public. They shall thinking of building a protective fortress around themselves and their families now. Things are going to be a little more difficult for the people at home...thanks to the actions of the IPOB leaders!     

It Might Make The Leaders More Desperate To Cling To Power!
A possible dire consequence of what the IPOB thugs have done is to drive fear into the hearts of the political elite...the fear of being lynched after the expiration of their tenure in office. This might lead to an in increase in their desperate move to remain in the corridor of power for live thereby making it extremely difficult to employ new hands or young bloods to take charge of the affairs of the people. To add salt to sore, it is this same IPOB that would discourage thousands if not millions of eligible voters from voting during elections!What an Irony!
I wouldn't blame any Igbo Politician who would fight tooth and nail to remain in power and in relevance politically now as it has become a matter of life and death. No on won die na!

The Ballot is The Only Way If Truly You Want Them Out!
I'm sorry, but, sometimes, I cannot but question the loyalty and dedication of Namdi Kanu to the Biafra cause. I mean, this near lynching of Ikwremadu seem to have buttressed this fact. For God sake, Ikweremadu was among the few guys that secured Kanu's bail from DSS custody and have been made to face the consequences of the bail since Kanu jumped bail by fleeing to Israel or wherever he fled to. With a guy like Ikweremadu, one would think that Kanu had a better chance at legally realizing the Biafra dream. He could have used him and other political allies of his (Ekweremadu) to install pro Biafra politicians as  the political leaders from the South East or...at least the majority of the Political posts from the East. But, now, he has blown it!
With the Numbers that IPOB claim to have in the South East, if it's anything to go by, they can easily take charge of the whole East...especially with the aid of well exposed and experienced politicians like Ike Ikweremadu, Okorocha, Orji Uzo Kalu  among other political heavy weights of Igbo extractions. It simple and direct that I don't want to believe that he (Kanu) doesn't know about it all and the more reason why I so much question his sincerity about the Biafrian cause!

Some Say It's Karma!
While everyone is talking for or against the incident, there's a third that is less concerned. To them, it is the Law of Karma that have caught up with the Political elites. according to this third party, politicians from the East 'created' Kanu and Radio Biafra to manipulate the Nigerian political atmosphere in their favor...they have been using him and Radio Biafra to create and spread such evil and contagious propaganda like the 'Marginalization of the Igbos' which is still the subject matter for the IPOB members.
They continue telling the whole world that they are marginalized despite the fact that there's hardly a part of the country that doesn't play host to the Igbos and no one hinders their financial prosperity. The Igbos have established businesses in the nooks and crannies of the country just like every other citizens. The only hindrance they have being facing is the political hindrance which is a result of unpredictability of an average Igbo man. Groups like MASSOB and IPOB too poses a major hindrance to the Presidency of the Igbos. This (Presidency of the Igbos) is the only feat they haven't achieved and truth be told, the recent actions of the IPOB have worsen the case for them! 

God Bless Nigeria!

5 MAJOR Reasons Why RevolutionNow Protest Failed

I knew that the Protest would fail right from the moment I heard of it. My sentiments were based on the following points:

The Personality of Sowore
If any protest is to be taken seriously, I don't know in some other climes, but, here, in Nigeria, the person leading the Protest matters a lot! Sowore was the Least qualified for the Job. The Fact that he was one of the candidates that contested the just concluded Presidential elections disqualifies him as any noise he makes from the conclusion of the elections and like a year or two from now could be easily dismissed as mere ranting over his loss in the Presidential elections. It was a big blunder on his part to have conceived the idea of leading the protest.

Calling the Protest a Revolution
The last thing that anybody all over the world, especially, those in government would like to hear is the word 'Revolution'. Sowore should have known better. The tagged name is a bad market...'Revolution Now', Haba! Subhanallah!!!
How do you expect the DSS to fold its arm and watch you set the country ablaze, oga? E no dey work like that. There's a BIG difference between a protest and a revolution. Whether you are armed or not initially, it doesn't matter, that was how most of the protests turned war in the Arab world started. They came unarmed but they encroached and actually trespassed beyond the lines drawn for them by security personnel, the security officers reacted to the disobedience, they felt provoked and angry, then violent, the Police tries to disperse them with tear gas, they refused to bulge, instead, they felt more provoked and started talking hard, before you know it, someone...someone from among the protesters threw the first 'stone', the officers retaliated and that's it...it goes out of control. This is why I hate protests...THEY ARE NEVER PEACEFUL!
 They may start peacefully, but, when the numbers swell...most times, more than expected by the organizers, they loose control, but, they can't admit it. Criminal elements join the protest and gradually increase the tempo...with time they take charge from the original organizers and turn peaceful protesters into a mob! This is the case most of the time!
Some claim the DSS hid under the guise of the coined name of the Protest to arrest Sowore. I'm stating it categorically that they don't have to hide, revolution means forceful take over of government which is a far cry from the meaning and purpose of a peaceful protest whose main aim is the presentation of grievances and making of demands. Please, let us be guided. I would accuse the security agents of negligence if the protest was allowed to go on with that name tag without making arrests! 

The Timing was Awful!
The Arab Spring is still fresh in our memories and the Ugly stories that followed it are still trending. Let alone the fact that the current administration is battling seriously with numerous security challenges that are capable of compromising our sovereignty. It's a miracle that we still manage to keep it together. The Boko Haram is still there...then came, suddenly, the issue of killer herdsmen, then came the issue of cattle rustling/banditry and then kidnappers' activities made the whole thing so scary and almost unbearable. Now, tell me, with the kind of picture I've painted above, is it right to stage a protest of that magnitude at these very trying times?
It's like being provoked to a level that's very close to one's limits by one's parents and wife and one is trying so very hard not to burst out in anger, then, your first child, a teenager, comes around to accuse you of being such a 'bad dad' for not paying his school fees on time, what would you do abeg???
Such protests as this, whereby the demands of the Protesters are not pressing needs that require urgent interventions like the Minimum wage implementation (they are the same old stories we already know and still struggling very hard to manage) ordinarily would fail...it's not rocket science...it's a matter of common sense!

The Demands are a 'Wish-Wash'!
As stated earlier, I, personally, hate protests for their uselessness. Instead of coming out en mass to carry placards, I prefer calling people to resolve the problems our own way. When I read some of the demands they were coming out to protest about, I was disappointed!
I mean, how can a youth like Sowore come out to shout shamelessly in public (in this JET AGE) about poor governance when he's supposed to be on the vanguard inspiring and helping the youths to connect and improve the general standard of living of Nigerians? He's exposed, he's well traveled, on top of that, he's a youth. It was quite disappointing that he came all out to prove IBB right when he said that the youths are not ready to take charge. Now, with the shameful and embarrassing conduct of Sowore, are we truly ready to take charge of the country?
Even me wey never commot from Nigeria before sabi say for this JET AGE and IT world, information and networking are key to rapid economic growth and development! A dedicated social website can be created online where we can meet to share our experience, expertise and vital information about what is currently on ground and how we can upgrade the living standard of the ordinary Nigeria to a much better one. With Social media and networking sites, we can create a gigantic and effective synergy to fund and run corporations that will effect the kind of changes we desire in Nigeria! Kai, nawa o!!!

Protest was Against the Wrong Party
Honestly, if you ask me, the Federal Government is doing EXCELLENTLY WELL as it stands today! It's the State and Local Governments that are not doing that much. This is why I think the Protest was directed towards the wrong party!
Nigeria's government, for the sake of efficiency was sub-divided into 3 namely, the Federal, State and Local governments. The Protest would have made a lot of sense if they were directed towards the state and local governments. These governments go to the FCT on monthly basis to collect allocations that are running into billions. Have you ever taken your time to check on what these billions are used for. This is apart from the internal generated revenues of the states and VAT revenues. What have they been doing with these monies? Nobody is asking!
The Funny thing is that these other 2 tiers of governments are expected to provide virtually the same sets of services that's expected of the Federal Government. I stand to be corrected, most of the security challenges and economic woes of this country are caused PRIMARILY by the inaction and irresponsible disposition of the state and local governments. Well...this is a topic for another day. The point I'm trying to make here is that the FG is not the right government to face...it's actually the State and Local governments who are far, far closer to us than the FG. If Sowore had faced the State governments that are yet to grant the LG's full autonomy as demanded by the FG, it would have been a great success!

At this juncture, I must, commend, the invaluable sacrifices of our Armed forces, the deliberate and unflinching resolve of the current administration never to give up and to fight to the end to ensure that the security of lives, properties and SANITY of the country is guaranteed. Thank you, for being there, REAL Nigerians are grateful and history would NEVER forget these your uncommon patriotic activities to keep the flag flying.

God Bless you,
God Bless Nigeria!!!  

Ordinary Nigerians and Nigerian Citizens

If all you do is to condemn and make mockery of Nigeria and anything Nigerian, then, you are a Nigerian. But, if you are the type that is optimistic and passionate about the Nigerian Project, you are a Nigerian Citizen. This definitions are according to my humble self!
It has become imperative to make such differentiation considering the 'Fulani Madness that has been making rounds among those we regard as elites and the ruling class! It (the Obsession about the Fulani man) keeps me wondering if these dudes are aware of the consequences of their speeches and actions. They are people that have traveled far and wide and tend to see themselves as authorities when it comes to good governance and politics. But, so far, all I see is a big disservice to the Nigerian project.

Ignorance or Selfish Interest?
Considering the media hype of so many conspiracy theories in recent times, a salient question that begs for an answer. Why are these dudes misbehaving so suddenly???
I'm sorry, but, what do you make of all the talks about the Fulani being a security threat to all ethnic groups of Nigeria, especially the Southern part of Nigeria, why the sudden alienation of the Fulani man, is it because Buhari is a Fulani? Are these so called leaders unaware of the nationality of the Fulani or they have forgotten that Nigeria is a sovereign country where people of diverse, culture, tribe and religion of Nigerian origin are free to live in any part of the country or they are just being mischievous and trying to manipulate the opinion of the people to satisfy their selfish interests???
I can't really tell for sure. But, whichever it is of the two, it is a great disservice to the people of Nigeria. I mean, these are guys that are supposed to inspire the people to do more in strengthening the chord of unity that binds the country together, instead, they are found promoting ethnic bias on a very large scale.
The most painful is the involvement of OBJ as a key promoter of this separatist move. This is a man that have ruled Nigerian both as a military Head of State and as a civilian. One fascinating thing about his times in government is that it was the Hausa/Fulani that helped him to power. If the Yorubas should have their way, he wouldn't get anywhere close to the corridor of power! Little wonder, some Hausa/Fulanis see Yorubas as Hypocrites and traitors!

Violence and Intolerance Solves No Problem
 Show me a problem that was resolved by violence and I shall show you a crisis that is bound to re-occur again! World War I led to World War II which was far more brutal. Some are predicting that there shall be a World War III, but, God forbids! The World War was largely fought and ended forcefully which left so many parties disgruntled especially Germany, Ottoman Empire and Japan. By the time the second World War was fought, the World Powers have learnt their lessons and would make efforts to create and maintain world peace through the creation of the United Nations...which was then as the League of Nations. In other words, the War ended with a dialogue!!!
The way our leaders have been handling the crisis between the herders and the local farmers leaves a lot to discern.This is why I very much question their sincerity of purpose! The Fulanis have been around for centuries, they come and go. They come around during the dry season when there are very little grass up North for grazing and return North wards as soon as the Rains are here for the fear of the  Tse-tse fly that are careers of the River Blindness parasite and the gradually restoration of grasses in the North. So, they are not new to us, neither are we to them!
Just as you have leaders, so do they. Therefore, one expects that issues bordering on misunderstanding should be resolved quietly and amicably among the traditional leaders of both parties. When they don't agree, they can get the Police involved and probably slug things out in court. This is the peaceful path to thread for peace loving leaders. But, the moment the local tries to flex their muscles and the guests too refuse to be intimidated, such crisis between the Fulani and the local Farmers that are plaguing the North Central are inevitable.

Politicizing the Crisis is a Great Disservice!
This crisis between the Fulani and local farmers have lingered on for decades and was gradually turning to a normal routine. It's highly embarrassing, however, to note that politicians have weighed into the crisis not to find a lasting solution to the crisis but to aggravating for selfish interests. A particular governor, for instance, is taking sides and raising security alarms to whip up public sentiments in his favor so as to hide his incompetence as governor and to mount unnecessary pressure on the National government simply because they belong to different political parties.
As mentioned earlier, these are crisis that have been there for decades if not centuries. The Politicians, with a collaboration with the Media launched a media hype concerning insecurity. They have managed to tag the Fulani herdsmen with all sorts of crimes...from armed robbery, to kidnapping to murder without concrete evidence. This has gradually created an atmosphere of intolerance for the Fulani man who some socio-cultural groups have shamelessly declared war on without hard evidence. With these shameful acts going on, I begin to wonder as to where is the so called education these self acclaimed heroes claim to have???

The Differences Between an Ordinary Nigerian and a Nigerian Citizen
From the definitions given above, the differences are very clear! Firstly, the ordinary Nigerian is a Nigerian simply because he was born a Nigerian but the Nigerian citizen is not only born a Nigerian, he is passionate about the Nigerian Project. 
The Nigerian citizen knows and understands the diversity in culture and religion of the many tribes and ethnic groups of Nigeria and never allows these differences to cause a bias or a rift. To him, we are one despite the diversity. He sees people from other tribes as brothers and sisters from another mother. Anything and everything that can cause division or hamper development of the Nigerian state are no go areas for him. He's a patriot that puts Nigeria first in everything he does and wouldn't share his loyalty for Nigeria with any other country. He's so proud of the green-white-green that he doesn't hesitate to tell anyone concerned that 'I am a Nigerian' despite all the negativity attached to doing that...he's never ashamed of his country Nigeria. That's a dutiful Nigerian. That's a Nigerian Citizen. The reverse is the case with an ordinary Nigerian!

So, I ask you, are you a Patriotic Citizen of Nigeria or just an ordinary Nigerian???

Insecurity & Prophet of Doom!

In the last blog, I said that I shall be shedding more light to the sudden rise of insecurity in our dear country Nigeria. The Blunt truth about it is that the news of rise in insecurity is nothing but a product of media hype!

Boko Haram is No Longer Making the Headline
Ever wondered why the talk about the Bokos are no longer making the headlines? The Insurgents are still around but are no longer getting the kind of attention they used to get in the past. This is partly due to the military activities of Nigerian Armed Forces that continue to deal with them. But, there's another reason, people of the North East and Nigeria at large are no longer buying into the hype, so, there's need for a change in tactics. There's need for the creation of a new security threat!
It all began with some pockets of banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna states that are already plagued with the so called "Herdsmen" attacks and kidnappings...there are also reports of cattle rustlings in Kaduna. But, right now, the most trending is the "Killer Herdsmen".

There are No Killer Herdsmen, It's a Media Hype!
It's no news that politicians own media houses...of course, you don't expect such media houses to carry any news that shall tarnish the image of their bosses do you? Rather, they shall serve as willing tools for the promotion of their pay masters' interests at all times. This is why the AIT would not spare any derogatory piece of information about Buhari in its efforts to discourage people from voting Buhari to power. Nnamdi Kanu had used the Radio Biafra to create a religious following in the South East before he fled shortly after his release on bail. My brother, I can go on and on!
It's not like the clash between the farmers and cattle herders just began a few months ago...it has been there for decades! All talks about the 'Islamization', 'Fulanization' and the 'Killer Herdsmen' are all the brain child of such politicians in the opposition such as Obasanjo, Fani Kayode and Reno Omokri who are all PDP members!
Today, if a goat is stolen in your family compound, it is the 'evil work' of the Fulanis, when there's a armed robbery, it's the Fulanis, when there is a murder...be it high or low, the Fulanis are the Prime suspects! Habba!!!
These are all traits of 'fake news' and ethnic bias! The Champions of these troubling news, especially the Prophet of Doom (OBJ) are all PDP members and they are all out to down play whatever positive achievement that the current administration have made. When there's news of insecurity all over, who cares about the availability of good roads and other public utilities? Absolutely nobody!
They are trying to make the country ungovernable. They figured out that unless they do so, they would stand no chance against the APC by 2023. But, just like in the case of Jonathan, if they create a long time chaos, they stand a good chance to win no matter how well Buhari would have done with other sectors of our national life. You know why? Because, nothing is useful without safety and security of lives and properties!

Looking On the Bright Side!
Nothing in this world is 100% good or Bad. It's always the mix of the two. We, however, classify those things with more evil as evil and those with more good as good. This issue of insecurity in the land gives us a golden opportunity to learn more about our citizenship of a chaotic country as Nigeria. This shall be the focus of the next blog post. What we can do as citizens to end the seemingly gigantic security issues we have. 

 See you soon!

Understanding The Problems of Nigeria

The last post was a kind of an intro to this post. The way I see things right now is that Nigerians are yet to understand what it means to be a citizen of a country...come to think of it, have we ever understood it???

Ethnic Clashes and Bias has Always Been Part of Us!
Honestly, ethnic bigotry has always been there from the word go! We never gave Nigeria a chance as we've always been at each other's throat from the very beginning. Even during the struggle for independence, we didn't agree on a particular stance. While a part of the country was not interested, as at that time in independence, the other regions were fighting tooth and nail for independence. The British, I believe, noticed this and saw the opportunity to create chaos and did create it by putting those that are ready and those that said they aren't together as a nation. In the end, what do we have?
Nigeria became one with those that said 'No' to independence taking a leading position while those that proposed it follow. But, really, that's not the problem. Ready or not, those that said 'no' are now part of the great new Nigeria. The Problem is the lack of patience and tolerance that can make us all come to the negotiating table to dialogue and compromise just to forge ahead as a nation.
Yes, they fought for independence, the more reason, in my opinion, why they should be more willing to compromise and move the nation forward. The people of Southern Nigeria, were at the fore front for the struggle for an independent Nigeria. While the South West tend to understand and had moved forward, the South East are still there trying to make a political statement about attaining a political goal that takes something much more than a miracle to achieve without the help of the other regions.
 In 1966, there was a coup that involved military officers all of Southern Nigerian origin which toppled a national government that was headed by a Northerner. Of the 5 Majors that led the operation, 4 were from the South East while the remainder was from the South West. My brothers, if you ask me, Nigeria's political boohoo-w aha began with this infamous coup that saw to the assassination of both military and civilians from all over the country except for those from the South East. We are still suffering from the unfortunate incident till date.

Is Disintegration An Option?
The Answer to this question is a BIG fat 'NO'! The Fact that we are yet to be there doesn't mean that we won't get there! The war that broke out as a fall out of the 1966 coup has gone much further to widen the gap between us. But, sincerely, is this the true cause of our woes as a people today? I beg to disagree!
For the fact that the rich of this country, Nigeria, get to shake hands over cups of tea and laugh heartily in Abuja means that the problem is not really political grudges and ethnicity that's tearing Nigeria down. On the Contrary, the real problem is POVERTY & GREED!
Just before the recent general elections, something really funny happened. General Obasanjo was in the Media criticizing Buhari as though if he had the chance to sit with him, he would tell it to his face that he has failed and should resign. But the very next day, the same Obasanjo was at the Villa to attend a meeting that includes former Presidents and he was seen shaking hands like old close friends with the same Buhari he criticized in public barely 24 hours earlier!
I remember one guy from the East expressing his concerns about the safety of the life of the President in the hands of Obasanjo! So many are like this innocent Nigerian who thinks that those at the top are quarrelling that much. Well, the Blunt truth is that whenever you hear of such words as 'Islamization', 'Fulanization' and 'Nepotism' is used by the Elites of Nigeria, please, ignore it, don't take it seriously. It's there way of whipping up sentiments to drive home their personal demands. They have made themselves the mouth piece of their ethnic groups and tribes...more like godfathers that must be appeased at all times. The fact that we act as though they speak for us gives them more leverage to hold the whole country to ransom whenever they so wish and we would be there supporting them BLINDLY!

Take, for instance, the issue of the killer herdsmen. Do you know how it all started, I mean, this is not the first time we are experiencing these type of clashes, how come it is taking centre stage today and why is it that it seems impossible to resolve? My brother, that's another Government Magic! Insha Allah, I shall elaborate on that in the next blog post, do keep a date with me!

The Conspiracy Theories Of Nigeria

Ordinarily, the herdsmen saga shouldn't have escalated this far if the Northern governors have done the needful. Now that it's the Federal Government's palava, my advice to the Federal Government is to get things done very maturely and not dance around aimlessly!
In my opinion, I think the Federal Government should re-organize the North for Agriculture. Instead of spending Billions on Ruga or any other settlements that the Governors are not willing to accept, I think they should create forests that'll be ever green up North so that the Fulanis won't be kicked around as they are now! I can only imagine how frustrated they are by the rejection they get from fellow Nigerians down South when I read that they wouldn't mind to settle in the deadly forest of Sambisa! What do you think if that happens?
I think the Bokos would be fed fat again to resume strikes against us. This is going by what they say...as per being concerned only with the welfare of their cattle.
It's gonna be like Nigerians abandoned them and the Bokos may show up and strike a deal of protection in exchange for intelligence. Then you shall experience more successful and well coordinate  strikes up north from the Bokos...that would be back to square one. Is that what we want???
We must be very careful with what we want and ask for. We shouldn't let petty politics and sentiments over ride our sense of judgement. All these conspiracy theories we formulate or are formulated for does nothing but slow down the process of integration.
It's kind of embarrassing to hear people still talking of a particular ethnic group leaving their land for them. Where is our senses of brotherhood, how can you tag a whole tribe dangerous without hard evidence???
Let's grow up people! We need to wake up to our national life and responsibilities. We are one and must see ourselves as such despite the difference in culture at all times! Unless we do, we can't progress and shall continue to suffer!
God willing, the next post shall be more elaborate! Do have a lovely day! 

It's June 12, Happy Independence Day!!!

Finally, June 12 is Democracy Day!
It's exactly 26 years today that the then, Head of States gave the Nigerian nation, perhaps, the greatest shock of their national life! The fairest and the best of elections in Nigeria has been annulled!!!
The first time I heard the announcement that June 12 shall be declared the Independence day, I was very much at peace that finally, the right  thing is going to be done. Honestly, the May 29 we had adopted all these years, to me, has been a kind of conspiracy against the Truth. Thank God, we are past that now.But, this post won't be complete without a brief historical background of the June 12 date.

IBB

The June 12 Elections
It was at the peak of the demand for Democracy that the then, Head of States, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) had no choice but to organize and run an election exercise which was between the defunct National Republican Congress (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Alhaji Tofa was the candidate of the NRC while Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (a.k.a. MKO) was the candidate of the SDP. The Election exercise took place and MKO overwhelmingly won the Election. In fact, Alhaji Tofa lost in his hometown to MKO. It was a landslide victory in favor of the SDP candidate.

Alhaji Tofa

But to the shock of the Country, IBB annulled the elections and refused to handover power. To add salt to sore, he handed over to yet another Military Colleague, in the person of General Sanni Abacha.
To cut the long story short, the Frustrated President-elect declared himself the President after series of appeals to the Abacha who kicked out the Interim Government of Shonekan that IBB installed instead of MKO, the President-elect. Abacha stood his ground and arrested MKO for declaring himself president. He died in custody. This ofcourse gave rise to NADECO activism which continued to demand for Abacha to give way for Democracy.

MKO

Looking On the Bright Side...
Having said this, I want to believe that you now have a good idea of how important the June 12 is as far as democracy is concerned in Nigeria. You would, of course, now appreciate why everyone is excited that Democracy celebration has been shifted to June 12.
One cool thing I appreciate about this change of date is the fact that it is coming from a Fulani and not a Yoruba or Southerner. To me, I think it's a good omen. It means that Nigeria is progressing in terms of our 'Nigerianess'! This is a position that have been occupied by 2 Southerners before Buhari, one was actually the townsman of the late MKO and neither deemed it fit to declare June 12 Democracy day let alone naming a National monument in his memory. All these have happened through a Northerner not a Southerner, that, my friend is PLUS!
My prayer, is that we should continue to progress and tolerate one another. I pray that by this time next year, we should progress significantly in all areas of national development from the acceptance of one another and the country as our own. Ameen.

Happy Democracy Day!
Long live Naija!!
God Bless Nigeria!!!

National Security & YOU (Part III)

In the last post, we discussed how the involvement of people in government can aggravate the issue of terrorism. This is done majorly by the leakage of security intelligence to the Enemy. No matter how equipped your army might be, the enemy would always defeat them or continue to thrive and cause great harm if your plans and secrets are open to them. In the Art of War, this is the job of spies.
On several occasions have I heard of how people in government hope that the crisis should continue because of the financial benefits they derive from it. Frankly speaking, there are many sides to the issue. What we shall be discussing today is how we can help to bring it to its conclusive end.

Poverty Must Be Tackled and Eradicated
The Yorubas has an adage that says "Bi ebi ba kuro ninu ise, ise buse". The literal meaning of this is that hunger is the biggest problem with poverty. This is buttressed by the English proverb that says "A hungry man is an angry man". From the two proverbs aforementioned, it's clear that all the security challenges that we face today is due to the fact that people are hopelessly hungry. In other words, if we must overcome poverty, food security is a must.
In case you haven't noticed, the better part of our income goes to food in Nigeria whose production is pretty low compared to its consumption. If you doubt my analogy, please point to any Boko Haram member that's from among the Rich. How many are the kidnappers or Niger Delta militants that hale from wealthy families that you know? I don't know any. You'll be doing a great favor if you'll give one in the comments below.
It's only the poor man's child that spare heads an insurgency, militancy and robbery gangs. They do this because they have known hunger and want to spend the rest of their lives without it and they don't want their children to suffer as they have suffered. Salaries cannot take workers home not because they are small but because food is expensive. Should a bag of rice go for N1 000 and that of beans for N500 and maize N200, no one would be agitating for salary increase. This is a topic for another day, but one thing I want us to take home from here today is that hunger, is the root cause of the security challenges we face today.

Nigerians Must Go Back To Farm
Although, he paid lip service to it, but, General Obasanjo was right when he said that we should go back to farm. According to available data, in 2018, importation of Agricultural products amounted to around N230 Billion. What that means is that in 2018 a whooping sum of about N230 billion was taken out of our economy due to the importation of food!
Should this money be retained in the country you can imagine how many jobs it would create and how much wealth that would be created in the process! This money can be re-invested to produce even more food and much more income. I hope you are following?
I know, as usual, we shall be thinking that this is the responsibility of the government not ours. This is where we get it wrong. We need to start getting it right if this menace must stop. Go back to farming. Pick any of the so many that is available to you be it animal rearing or crop farming. You can do something even if its that little space in your compound...get started with growing vegetables for yourself and your neighbors. Own a farm today and you would have done your part in eradicating hunger and security challenges as a whole.

Charity is A Must For All and Sundry
Charity organizations are expected to be funding the IDP's. When I say charity organizations here, I'm not referring to all those international organizations that are currently scattered all over the North. You don't even know who is who up there right now. This shouldn't be, Nigerians must learn to look out for one another. You and I can help to fight the many battles that are currently plaguing the country should we be GENEROUS enough to start raising funds to adequately fund the IDP's and the less privileged up North. Sincerely speaking, my brothers, we need to do something about the plight of the Alimajiris coz they serve as a fertile soil for the propagation of crisis and riots. We must learn to be more generous with feeding, clothing and sheltering them. If the government is not doing that, we can always organize ourselves into charity groups to do that...if not for anything, we should do it for the sake of our general well being as a society.

Charity goes a long way to put crime and crisis at bay. The Bokos for instant can be dealt a serious blow should the people of the North organize themselves to fund the war against the insurgency. If the Insurgency must be defeated, three to four things must be done as a matter of urgency.

(1) Ordinary People Must Organize Themselves Against the Insurgency: 
     This does not mean you should take up arms and head on to the Sambisa, no. What it means is that we should come together and strategize effectively to fight the insurgency. As earlier said, we must be ready to pool resources together to fund volunteers that are ready to go to the field.

(2) Local security Outfits Must Be Created to Argument the Efforts of the Armed Forces
     Vigilate Groups should be employed and adequately armed to man strategic positions in the remote villages that are soft targets for the Bokos. It has been noticed that hunger is a big factor in fighting the insurgency. Most times when they strike the small villages around the Sambisa and the main towns, it's for food...they only make it seem otherwise but that's the truth. If the vigilantes are well funded and adequately armed, vigilante groups can help starve the Bokos to submission.

(3) Vulnerable Groups or Members of the Society Needs to Be Protected
      Alimajiri boys are the most vulnerable as far as the Bokos are concerned. The Alimajiris should be protected from the Bokos with the provision of a decent shelter, clothing and food for them until they are done with their education. after the completion of this education, we must be ready to empower them with one form of skilled labour or the other. If this is not done, the Bokos would recruit those innocent, harmless and vulnerable boys and convert them to veracious weapons against us!

(4) Deliberate Efforts Must Be Made to Castigate them Via All Forms of Media
     Unfortunately, we have those that are sympathizing with the Bokos and are rendering all forms of help to them secretly. Some are doing this because they believe they are fighting a just cause others because they see them as victims of security brutality. Whichever the case might be, the bottom line is that some people in the local areas where they (Boko Haram) operate still give substantial support to them. Such people that offer this vital support to them can be reached via the media. Islamic clerics must be sponsored to dispel their minds, re-orientate them and make them see the Bokos for exactly what they are. Sponsored programs must be aired consistently on radio and TV stations to explain as to the reason why the Bokos should be disbanded for good.
If this is effectively done, the bokos would loose their support and starve without any end in sight. when this happens, the insurgency shall die a natural death! Insha Allah!

The insurgency has created a huge case of desperation where we have tons of widows and orphans that need as much help as they can get. We must be Patriotic enough, irrespective of our affiliations, to help out as fellow Nigerians. Courtesy demands that we do! 
This is how much time and space would allow me say about the state of our National Security. As you might have found out, there are a lot of ways by which we can contribute to ending the crisis ASAP despite the involvement of corrupt people in government. They are also in this current administration because they are part of the Civil Service which no administration can be free from. The best we can do is to curb their excesses and that's why the Boko Haram is no longer as potent as they used to be!
God Bless Nigeria!
Ameen!!!
 

National Security & YOU ( Part II)

The Late General, General Sanni Abacha, has been reported to have said: "If an insurgency lasts for more than 48 hours, the government has a hand in it!" You know, I saw this online right from the beginning of the Boko Haram epidemic and I took it really seriously. The General was right, but, I misunderstood a vital part of his statement which was the 'government' part of it.

Ordinarily, in Nigeria, when we talk about the government, what comes to mind straight away is the Federal Government. To the average Nigerian, the government is the federal government. When this happened, as in, when I saw this statement of the General, it was President Jonathan that was in power. Just like any other Nigerian, my mind went straight pointing at the President. However, I have always had my bias against President Jonathan. In my opinion, he's like a meek sheep leading a pack of wolves!
So, I knew that he's not directly involved, but, I was certain that some people in his cabinet are actively involved. Just as I was trying to find out about that, there came the General Azazi's case!
General Azazi in the middle of the heat of the confrontation of the Military with the Bokos, was forced to let the cat out of the bag. He blamed the Boko Haram palava on the PDP which happened to be the ruling party.

Before you could say 'Jack', Azazi got sacked as the Chief of Defense staff. He eventually died in a funny air crash in a matter of a few months after his sack from work! Another funny and rather embarrassing part of the whole story is the fact that investigation into the air crash was summarily done and closed very quickly. No one was caught or punished. Now, it was clear that some members of the ruling party have their hands soiled in the Boko Haram insurgency. This has just confirmed the sayings of General Sanni Abacha. Now, that was then, let's fastfoward to the present shall we?

Today, we have a retired General as against a 100% civilian in the Aso Rock, yet, the Bokos are still operating up North. Yes, under the General, things have improved a great deal, but they (the Bokos) are yet to be defeated...100%. The IDP's are still suffering in their various camps as we speak. Judging by General Sanni Abacha's statement about insurgency, one would expect that the Bokos would have been defeated in totality but they are still there...although, they're no longer as strong as they used to be but they're still there!
The total defeat of the Bokos seem impossible and some people are already spreading the bad news. If you'll ask, I'll say that they can be defeated totally. They and the so many others that are springing up recently all over the North can be defeated in totality. How? You may ask...hmmm...why don't you join up for the next blog post for the answer?  
Please, do share this blog post with your family and friends on your social media accounts? This is National security and we all have a role or the other to play in ensuring the security of lives and properties.

National Security & YOU

I'm picking on this topic today because of the misguided mindset of the majority of Nigerians on this matter.If you ask an average Nigerian as per who is responsible for security, over 90% would answer that it's the government. I wasn't really moved by the widespread ignorance until I started hearing the so called security experts heaping the whole thing on the government too! It's so shocking to me!
I'm not a security expert, though, but, I feel like there's more to security than us depending on the Armed Forces only for security.
Simply put, security is the state of being free from danger and threat. Having defined the term security, discussing it extensively would be easy.
From the above definition of security, it can be clearly seen that security is everybody's business and not that of the government alone as most people tend to believe. The funny thing about security today is that we are not securing ourselves against wild animals or beast but against fellow human beings which makes the topic more interesting!

In the next few posts on this blog, I shall try to explain what went wrong and how we can fix the problem for good. Our task would be made extremely easy if we would acknowledge the fact that sticking to the books alone is not helpful .We must learn to think out of the box....as in we must learn to adapt to the reality on ground.

The Security Challenges of Nigeria
Personally, I think the Nigerian security challenges are man-made. They are entirely preventable. I shall illustrate with example.
The most prominent of all the current challenges we have in terms of security today is the Boko Haram insurgency. How did it all begin?
According to most sources, they were originally a religious movement that have been around for a while. A particular source said the religious movement was approached by a politician who sought their support and they gave it in exchange for a better societal welfare package. Unfortunately, as usual, they, the politician failed them and they, in retaliation started preaching against the politician's regime who in response had used his political powers to crack down on the group. Things got totally out of control when the politician used the Police against the embittered group. Before you can say 'Jack', the group had resorted to carrying arms and things deteriorated so quickly that the Military was called in to interfere. The group took up the full features of a terrorist group when their spiritual leader in the person of Muhammad Yusuf was murdered in Police custody extra judicially.

From what I've illustrated above, you can see that the case of the Boko Haram was mismanaged by our Armed Forces in collaboration with the political class. I want to believe that should the said politician have been brought to justice and those responsible for the death of Muhammad Yusuf were made to face the full wrath of law, Nigeria and Nigerians would have been saved the needless crisis we have at hand.

Our Sense of Security is Poor
 The unfortunate part of the whole thing is that we Nigerians have heaped all the faults of our security flaws on the government. We don't think we have any role to play in securing our communities. Whereas, in the real sense of it, security is primarily our responsibility not the government's.
The Bokos are still relevant because of the several successes they have recorded over the years. A similar group was uprooted in the South West on the country. This group was known as 'Badoo'. How were they uprooted? It's simple, the residents of the area where they operated stood against them. The affected communities formed some sort of task force that fished out members of the dreaded group until it was no longer a good idea to join forces with them. They didn't wait for the Police or the government, they did it themselves! Why can't we have the same happen up North?
We must stop the nonsense! We must secure ourselves before we expect someone else to come to our aid. Let every community put up their own local security systems. It can be as cheap and simple as employing the services of Vigilante groups and it can be expensive and sophisticated to the point of using CCTV cameras and employing the services of a more corporate and professional security outfits that are springing up all over. It all depends on the budget of the community. Every community must organize themselves and act as one indivisible force. Such a community is an ideal community which would hardly suffer.

Know Your Neighbor
In some cases, the cause element of insecurity is the lack of knowledge of one's neighbor. Now, I'm not asking you to spy on your neighbors. What I'm saying in essence is that you should be able to socialize and interact freely with virtually everyone in your community. In a situation where you have a new resident who is not known to socialize, you have a duty to report such person to relevant authorities in the community that would send a delegate to find out the necessary information about the new entrant. This is what happens in a well organized community. Now, it doesn't have to be a GRA this is can happen downtown too. This, in itself is security for the community. When you combine this with night watch, you would have dealt with all forms of security threats almost 100%!

I would stop at this juncture for today. This is a burning issue today and I would love to hear from you too. It is not just the Problem of the North but that of Nigeria to which we must find a solution to as Nigerians. Please leave a comment or 2 below or connect with via:
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Twitter : @alfajainx
Whatsapp: 07037595859

If Nigeria Must Develop, the Youths Must Wake Up!

Nigeria's bad economy is due to lack of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. But, like seriously, is that the main hindrance to the economic development of Nigeria? I beg to disagree based on the following reasons:

For Any Country to Thrive, the Youths Must Actively Be Involved
When you say this, fingers are quickly pointed at the government, especially the Federal Government. Most guys are lying fallow today, if you ask them as to why, they'll tell you how much they are ready to work should they be provided with a job today. Now, if you go further to ask as to who is to provide jobs, they won't think before they tell you that it is the Government. If you try to convince them on setting up a small business for themselves, they are quick at referring to the unavailability of capital, lack of basic infrastructure, inconsistent government policies and high interest rates on the grossly inadequate supply of loans for business. I don't know, but, while they see problems, I see business opportunities!
I used to tell my friends that capital is never a problem but a good business package. If you have a beautiful business package, getting capital will never be a problem. I'm talking from experience. The Problem with those that complain of capital is that they wish to start their business from a very high point. They are not ready to start with the basics, you know, start small and gradually grow the business to success. They want to start big and earn big right from the inception of the business. It doesn't work like that; this they learn the hard way!
Most of those that managed to get the exorbitant capital enter into the business with very little knowledge of the pits and falls of the business, so they loose out mainly due to lack of adequate knowledge and guidance. After the loss, they would blame their failure on the sorry state of the economy. This is why they complain of lack of an enabling environment.

Nigeria is Full of Opportunities Because It's Not Developed
Businesses are created to solve problems. Therefore, Nigeria with its so many problems offer so many business opportunities. So, it's not a matter of lack of business opportunities, we have so many. It's not lack of capital because I know, from experience that people are willing to entrust others with their money so long you can assure them of the safety of their investment in you. Thus, it's actually a matter of your technical know-how on your chosen line of business.
Pick on a problem, find a solution to it and perfect your skills in solving that problem. Then, you may seek for capital. 

Starting Up With A Bank Loan is Suicidal
You enter into a thrift or a cooperative where you may save a portion of your daily, weekly or monthly income from work long enough to start you off with the basic minimum. Then, you can grow gradually from their until you have stabilized. Then, you may seek for more capital from family and friends who would gladly invest as they can see how much progress you have made all by yourself. In fact, they would count themselves very lucky for the opportunity. This is my own recommended line of funding that I recommend for everyone.
Bank loans, as it stands today in Nigeria, is double digit in nature. The Federal government happens to be the one with special packaged single digit interest based loans. Even at that, I'll still not recommend them for business...if not for any other reason, for the religious reason and of course, for the consequences of not meeting up with payment.

As a Nigerian, You Must Learn To Think Out Of The Box
Most would tell you how hopeless the Nigerian situation is because they're thinking within the box. They're hoping to solve Nigeria's problems the Orthodox way. That's where they get it all wrong. The Nigerian problem is beyond repairs when you think the orthodox way, but when you are able to think outside the box, Nigeria's problems are easily solved.
Take for instance, power is one of the greatest hindrances to national development and the provision of employment. The Orthodox way to solve this problem is to wait on the government to invest in the power sector. But when you think the unorthodox way, you'll notice that we can generate enough electricity for both industrial and domestic uses as individuals. This is how all the Masts of Telecommunication companies work in Nigeria. Dangote, generates more power than he needs in some parts of Nigeria where he has companies and as a matter of fact supplies his immediate communities with the excess power generated. This is not to look down on the Solar Power that's being harnessed in certain parts of the North to power whole communities 24/7.

You Can't See Business Opportunities If You Can't See Beyond The Problems
Among the Entrepreneurs, the Poor see problems, while the Rich see opportunities to make a lot of money from solving the problems. Virtually all Nigerians have been raised consciously or unconsciously to scorn at Nigeria our father land. We've also been raised to heap all the blames on the government. In some quarters, it's so bad that some Nigerians are beginning to see their being born Nigerians a curse!
The Simple truth about this unfortunate line of thought is that, the majority with this kind of poisonous and contagious thought would no longer bother to try solve the multiple problems of Nigeria. The only thing they'll be thinking about is how to escape from Nigeria. No wonder, we see hundreds of Nigerians being so desperate to leave Nigeria that they'll raise huge chunks of money like N500 000 (i.e. Half a Million Naira which is about $150 000 to leave Nigerian through the hottest desert of the World, the Sahara desert!) just to leave Nigeria. Whereas, you can reach Los Angeles in the US with just N252 000 via the airplane!
The Bottomline, here is that, for as long as you think Nigeria is a shit hole you need to escape from, you can't benefit from the numerous opportunities she has to offer. Dangote is the Richest in Africa and he made the bulk of his money from Nigeria! That same Nigeria you see as a shithole!!!  

The Greatest Problem of Nigeria Today is Food Security!
A Yoruba adage has it that "Bi ebi ba Kuro ninu ise, ise buse". It literally means that the greatest problem with poverty is hunger.
This means that all the protests and clamoring for pay rise by the Nigerian Labour Congress, the NLC is a futile exercise. The real problem to the seasonal suffering of civil servants and Nigerians in general, is not the small take home but that of scarcity of food. If Nigeria becomes self sufficient in food production today, workers' savings would increase as the Naira would appreciate thereby increasing the purchasing power of the workers!

In as much as I would join the majority in asking the government to do more, I'll at the same recommend that we the people should play our part by taking advantage of the laxity of the government to make ourselves some fortune! You'll have to go register with the 'Naira Farm' for more in depth analysis, tips and tricks on how to make a fortune from the Nigerian Economy today. There's just a one time fee of hundred Naira involved. (Yes! It's Just N100). Click here to register now!
You shall receive free monthly Newsletter updates on how to make the Nigerian Economy work for you. I'll stop at that for today. Don't forget, keep thinking Nigeria.
God Bless Naija! 

How to Make Nigeria Great Again

Just a few moments ago, I saw one of the posts of a friend on facebook that celebrated the lifetime of a Nigerian gem that died in the Ethiopia crash. His name was Pius Adesanmi.
 My friend posted one of the deceased Professor's conversation with Professor Pat Utomi where they were discussing how great Nigeria was and how miserable we are today. While Professor Utomi complained about how well we were grounded economically in the past, Professor Pius pointed out how our Parliament is the most expensive in the world. After a moment of pondering on the matter the gentlemen were discussing, I decided to blog about the solution which is 'Making Nigeria great again.'

Where Did We Get It All Wrong?
In the submission of Prof Utomi, one of our greatest undoing is the creation of unproductive states that have become a huge burden on our economy. Well, in my opinion, it's not the creation of the many states per se that is the problem. The Problem, in my opinion is the sheer lack of responsibility of Nigerians to the Nigerian state.
I don't have to be a Professor to know the damaging effect of this very bad attitude of we Nigerians. We don't care how Nigeria makes money, all we care about is how much we benefit from the 'National Cake' as most of us like to put it. With this attitude of ours, Nigeria will not grow! In fact, it is a miracle that Nigeria is still existing today when you considering how many TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS that have been stolen from her both by her citizens and foreigners...as individuals and as countries! Chai! Nigeria don suffer!!!

Nigeria Lack Patriots!
Ask every Dick and Harry in town what they would do should they be granted $1 Million today? I can confidently assure you that most of them would be thinking of getting out of the country and settling abroad in an exotic apartment. Everyone wants to get out the 'Hell' Nigeria and would do all in their capacity to ensure that...even if it has to be through very dangerous means as traveling across the hottest desert in the world (The Sahara Desert)!
Nigerians of today, do not appreciate Nigeria, most think it is a curse to be a Nigerian...some would even go as far blaspheming against God. They question why God made them Nigerians and not a European or better still an American! Now, tell me, how can such a country grow, how can it ever develop???

Nigerians Must Appreciate Nigeria
There's no country in the world that became great from a hate attitude from her citizenry...NONE! If Nigeria must be great, Nigerians must learn to love and appreciate Nigeria. Americans would say 'America First'. Nigerians must be ready to say 'Nigeria First' if Nigeria must develop.
Nigeria was great then because Nigeria had passionate and patriotic leaders in power. This was made possible simply because, most Nigerians then were patriots and optimistic about their country and they would never trade the loyalty to their country for anything in life. They were ready to sacrifice personal interest for that of the country. But, today, can we say that about us the present generation whose main objective is how to get out of the 'shit hole' we find ourselves today? I don't think so!

We Must Be Ready To Put Nigeria First!
You see, sometimes, I get to hear people talk of how Nigeria would never rise again. Some even say it is already a failed state and that we should come together to divide the booties and go our separate ways. This usually come to me as a very expensive joke that shouldn't be repeated as often as it is. I wonder if we have ever stopped and reflect on how selfish we are?
Most well to do Nigerians as a result of this have adopted the dual citizenship allowance granted them by the constitution (I still wonder why this rather funny law is enshrined in our constitution in the first place?). The funny part is that these well to do 'half loyal Nigerians' are the one at the helms of affairs in Nigeria. Now, tell me, how can a country that's ruled by people with divided loyalty is going to develop?
As citizens, we must learn to put Nigeria first,you can't do that with dual citizenship. Putting Nigeria first is possible only with a singular citizenship. If you haven't adopted the dual citizenship,please,don't do, it won't help us as a country, it would only worsen our case! 

Nigeria Can Only Be Great If We Are Willing
Look, let's stop the blame game, it's never gonna work, it never did! The only thing that can work for Nigeria is that Nigerians should step up their game for Nigeria. This applies mostly to the youths out there who are always complaining about the bad shape of the economy.
The youths must stop complaining about lack of employment, lack of capital for business or lack of an enabling environment. We must be ready to create the employment, the enabling environment and generate the capital for business.
'If you want to do something, you'll would find a way, but if don't want to, you'll find an excuse'.  - Jim Rohn
'Ask not what your country can do for you but what your country can do for you' John F. Kennedy