Our Greatest Problem as Nigerians

Our greatest problem as Nigerians is not tribalism, its not Nepotism,marginalization or corruption. Our Greatest problem is ignorance.

Most Nigerians are Ignorant of how Democratic systems work.
Long before the emergence of the Europeans on the African continent,Africa was divided into kingdoms,emirates and empires. It was the Europeans that brought us democracy.
The British Lord it over us in Nigeria while the Lordships of Cameroon, Ivory coast, Senegal were in the hands of the French. In short, the European powerful shared Africa like an a inheritance of there's. This goes a lot to tell why some countries are somewhat imbalance when it comes to tribal affiliations. There are situations whereby people of same tribe fall into different countries. The people of Adamawa in Nigeria are a typical example of this political broo hoo waha.
Unfortunately, despite the level of exposure and education of the peoples of Nigeria,we still see ourselves first in tribal colours before the National colours of green white green. That's bad,pretty bad. This explains why we have been getting it wrong politically and unless we change this attitude of ours,we shall continue to embarrass ourselves in the global village we find ourselves today.
We need to grow up,wise up and abandon the useless,shameless tribal war we currently indulge in. No one should be shouting 'marginalization ','secession' or 'nepotism'.
We chant these words largely because we are ignorant of how a true democracy works. Funny enough,those that are supposed to know and lecture us seem much more confused than us! It's so disappointing!!!

Civic Education is the Answer
To so many out there,politics is a dirty game and it's not meant for the kind hearted. It is a game for the callous and criminal minds. Such is the impression and mindset of the majority of Nigerians,but, is that the case?
Politics is simply a methodology and activities involved in the running of a government.
Now,from the above definition ,there's nothing about it that suggests criminality. In fact,what it suggests is responsibility. In other words,being a social being,humans may have to interact and relate with one another. If that's going to be the case,there's need for law and order and to ensure that laws are effectively enforced we need some people to volunteer to see to it. We would also need highly intelligent and dedicated people to make the laws as well. This is why we need leaders...political leaders.
We need to ensure peaceful coexistence in our communities and to ensure that,we need to find responsible,intelligent and trustworthy people  to run these affairs for us. That's the true essence of the civil service and political leaders. So,by implication, the President, governors,senators,honourables and any other person that was elected to office and all those that work for and with them are in actual facts servants...our servants!
Now,that's the message for today. All political post holders and government workers of all sorts are actually my servants,your servants our servants why? Because we are the ones that put them there. We gave them all the powers they wield and our common wealth in trust. They are like our houseboys that do all the dirty laundry for us. When a house boy messes up,what do you do?
Now, don't answer yet,just keep it there against the next time we meet. Thanks for reading this far,really appreciate it.
Regards.

The Problem and Solution of the Niger Delta

Having discussed,at length, the evil and illegality of the Niger Delta Avengers and any other militant group for that matter,it is imperative on me to also discuss their replacement.If the militancy must be shunned as a means to reach the government,then,their must be replacements that must be much more effective than militancy.This is what we shall be discussing today.

THE PROBLEM
The problem with the Niger Delta is NOT peculiar to the Niger Deltans alone,it's a national disease.Nigerians are generally misrepresented at all levels of government and we seem confused as to how to remedy the anomaly.But, our diverse cultural backgrounds,of course, led to the different reactions with which we respond to this same problem...they say it is problem of leadership.But I beg to disagree though.
It is my honest and humble believe that there would be no leaders where there are no followers.Looking from the angle of Democracy which happens to be the the political system of Nigeria,the leaders are the products of the followers and not otherwise.
It is us the followers that saw the need for leaders and we decided to choose them via elections and voted them not to lord it over us but to serve us.They are,therefore,our servants and not our masters.How come,then, is it happening the other way round?

We Are Yet to see Ourselves as Citizens of a Country
This,in fact,to the best of my knowledge,our greatest undoing!Nigerians are unaware of the existence of the Nigerian state.When it comes to issues of national security or issues in general,we are quick to segregate ourselves into tribes and ethnic groups.What we know and live by is the same as with our fore-fathers way before the emergence of the Europeans on the African Continent.So,technically speaking,Nigeria is non-existent.This is,however, a topic for another day.So,let's concentrate on the subject matter and move to the second reason.

Most Nigerians are Ignorant of the Mechanisms of Democracy
Democracy is no doubt a game of numbers.If your number falls short,you'll loose but if your number is highest,you'll win.This is the name of the game.Majority carries the day!
If this is the case,then,it means that if your demands must be met,you should be able to cajole the larger number of your people to support your cause.Now,let's go to the field and apply the principle to the issue of the Niger Delta.
Again,the major reason for the struggle in the Niger Delta,is the demand for the cleanup of the region of the oil pollution that has plagued their communities for so long that are due to the activities of the Oil companies. I want to belief that there's no person of the Niger Delta region extract that would oppose the move.If this is the case,then, I think the cleanup of the region is a sure-banker!
This is because the nature and principles of democracy demands that people should choose their representatives via elections and communicate with the government through them.In other words,if in your immediate environment,there's a need for government's intervention,you are to lodge your complaints in writing to the Federal government as a form of bill to the National assembly.But,the question is that how many of both your National and state representatives do you meet and how regularly???
The bitter truth is that both the National and state representatives,plus the governor and the local Chairmen are indigenes of the respective areas they represent and collect millions of cash on their behalf monthly or quarterly as the case may be.Yet,they haven't been talking,why?
Normally,in a democracy,it's the political office holders that should be doing the talking and not a criminal set up like militant groups.This is certainly where the problem lies,the people of the Niger Delta,as well as most parts of the country are misrepresented!But why?

Because Nigerians Don't Ask Questions!
If you are misrepresented by your leaders and you are not complaining,then,it's as if you are okay with the way things are and that's your own cup of tea!
There are avenues by which we can lodge our complains and be heard.If our representatives and political office holders are not championing our cause,we should be concerned and express our displeasure with such individuals.If after a couple of warnings they refuse to dance to our tune,we should kick them out of office of course!
The constitution is very explicit as to how such insensitive leaders can be removed and replaced by others that we believe would do our bid.But considering the Lions and Devils that are in power,that would be a bit difficult.But,wait o! The fact that it's difficult does not mean it is not possible...hmmm!
Okay! I got an idea!!!

Community Networking is the Answer!

Ever since the emergence of the social media,communication has become a breeze and no more a hassle.We get the news almost as soon as it happens and decisions can be made very quickly which makes working and doing business a lot easier.Such is the power of the social media!
The social media helped a great deal during the Arab Spring especially when it was Egypt's turn to revolt.A great deal of mishaps on the side of security forces were easily exposed and used as evidence of government brutality.In Nigeria,the social media was a major campaigning tool in the hands of All Progressive Congress (the APC and the ruling party) during the very recent elections.It was so effective that despite the incumbency of the People's Democratic Party (the PDP),the APC won the Presidential and very many other electoral posts available.Overnight,the social had helped to downturn the tables...the opposition became the Ruling while the Ruling turned the Opposition party!
I took the time to cite these examples so that you can appreciate the power of Networking!I stand to be corrected,in the Niger Delta,there doesn't exist a formidable Community Network to champion their cause.When I talk of a community network,I'm referring to a very strong group with a very,very,large member base.The Brotherhood of Egypt comes to mind.
The Brother was so large in population that they produced Morsi as President.Even after the removal of Morsi, General Sisi (the incumbent President) had to find a way to outlaw the Brotherhood because,he knows that the Brotherhood is a force to reckon with anytime,any day and the only way to gain victory over them is to ban them when he can! So,when I'm talking here,I'm talking of a very big community and not a group of touts coming together to form a militant groups or gangs by which they hope to extort the government.

Niger Deltans should form a Platform that Commands Respect.
Let explain with an analogy.We all know that elections are won by the number of votes you can garner.If your number is the highest,you are the winner.there's need,therefore,for the formation of a single body that has NO party affiliation,you join the group for one reason and one reason only which is none other than,of course,(in the case of the Niger Deltans) to be a part of the progress and prosperity of the Niger Delta region.
The Body must be a non-governmental,not politically bias,speaks with one voice and see all Niger Deltans as same and equal!If such a body is formed successfully,then,getting the attention of the government,at any level to listen to you would be as easy as a pie!Why? Because,they know that with your population,you can make or break any politician during election!!!
The Governors,Local government,Chairmen,Senators and House of Reps both at the state and federal level plus the ward Councillors would be at your beck and call anytime any day.When you sneeze,they'll catch cold.Unless the Niger Deltans come together as one politicians and their god-fathers would continue to call the shots which is not favorable most of the time.They would continue to wield the powers of anarchy despite the fact that we are in a democracy. The Number is the key not militancy,crime,force or violence!

Niger Deltans should Call their Political Leaders to Account for their Stewardship
The Federal Government is in faraway Abuja,while your Ward Councillors,Local Government Chairmen and Governors are close by.I think you should ask them for all that you want...be it the clean up,restoration of the Ecosystem and return of your economic activities.They are the ones that are expected to champion your cause not the Militants.Call them to order now. But know this,they won't take you seriously unless you unite and present your issues from only one front and with only one voice!I rest my case for now!Thanks for your time.
God Bless Nigeria!
  

Why Niger Deltans MUST dis-Own the Niger Delta Avengers!

I'll like to clear the air about the supposed newest SUPER HEROES in the Niger Delta.I'll like to state clearly that they are in no way representing the interests of the Niger Deltans.

What Does The Niger Deltans Need?
I can't speak for the Niger Deltans that's why I'm going to talk on what they need and not what they want.In my opinion,I think the greatest problem of the Niger Deltans is the Ignorance of modern system of government.This, unfortunately is not peculiar to them,it's in fact a general problem of all Nigerians.But I would be treating the matter as it affects the Niger Deltans.
Truly,the Niger Delta region has been grossly polluted and most of their sources of livelihood has been affected negatively.Now,the question is how are they going to get compensated for what has been lost and probably get on with life peacefully?This is where the problem lies.
The Late Ken Sarowiwa of blessed memory did his best to claim the compensation at the expense of his life.But sadly,not even the Great Ken Sarowiwa understood the core problem at hand.It wasn't as much of a federal as it was a local problem.The people he led admired his courage,his fearless confrontation of the Military regime that was in place as at then.It wasn't an easy task,I must admit!But,the goal wasn't just to confront them,neither was it to play to the gallery as the Avengers are doing as we speak.
Ken had made so many rather vague statements as to the emancipation of his people that his mission and vision were altogether misunderstood by the ordinary people in the street.The misunderstanding of such statements that has to do with 'emancipation','freedom' and 'marginalization' were what both the repentant (when they were still in action) and this crop of militant groups capitalized upon to wreck havoc in the name of the Niger Deltans and as expected,they had the support of the general populace who saw them as their heroes.

The people of the Niger Delta whose traditional lifestyle of a fisherman has been disrupted and put out of business saw the militants as the only voice they had and naturally,had to support them.After all,the Man of peace (the Late Ken Sarowiwa and co) was killed for being so nice,so,the not so nice militants may continue the great cause for them! This is,perhaps,the thinking of an ordinary man from the Niger Delta.
This goes to mean that the people of the Niger Delta needs a voice that would speak on their behalf to bring the Federal Government,not to their kneels but to their responsibility of fixing the problem they created with their exploration of oil by doing all that's humanly possible to restore the balance of the ecosystem of the region.They only wanted the Government to see the need to clean up the pollution created by oil spillage and take measures to forestall future re-occurrence. That's all!

Is that What The Niger Delta Avengers are Fighting for?
We all know that it isn't.The true mission and cause that great activists like Ken Sarowiwa died for had been sidelined and forgotten.They actually made mention of it as a little part of their demands.Most of their demands were in actual fact,more political and financial than the restoration of the ecosystem of the Niger Delta.They didn't even make mention of compensations,to whom and how it was to be paid.Rather,they were busy asking for the release of a high profile criminal like Nnamdi Kanu,an apology to a former governor's family that was summoned to answer to charges of robbing the people of the Niger Delta(he died from the shock of the news),the continuation of the rehabilitation of touts and thugs (while the ordinary law abiding Niger Deltans are still wallowing in abject poverty,thugs and touts are sent abroad for training that costs several millions that could help thousands of Niger Deltans to their feet) and the most ridiculous of all,to me,the ownership of oil wells!I don't know how these aforementioned demands cleans up the Region and compensate the poor masses that are most hit by the environmental disruption.
To cut the long story short,these guys are not fighting for the people but,rather,their very pocket and their sponsors as one can see clearly from their demands.

The Avengers are Wrecking Much more Havoc than Good!
Now,the cleanup of Ogoniland a struggle for which the late Ken Sarowiwa and the other ten Braves of the Niger Delta were condemned to death for has begun.If the Avengers were truly interested in the cleanup exercise,they should mellow down and make a press release to that effect,but,instead,what did we hear?
When the news of cleaning up Ogoniland reached the Avengers,their response was that the President,General Muhammad Buhari should not dare enter the Niger Delta region.Can you imagine?!The President have heard your call for a clean up and had deemed it fit to personally come down to the area to flag off the clean up and your response was that he shouldn't come.Is that not madness...or...could it be insincerity???
My fellow country men from the Delta,it is very obvious that Avengers are misrepresenting you in all ways.They are not actually interested in the clean up as they have actually shown with threats to kill the President on your soil.Why? Because he was coming to clean up your land as you wished as they claim to demand.
Their constant bombing of oil pipelines only pollute your lands the more and it means that the oil is wasted,the Federal Government cannot sell to make money from which they send you allocation through your governors,they can't fund the NDDC or the Ministry of the Niger Delta.
Above all,they disenfranchise your youths by making thuggery,oil bunkery, crime,drugs and prostitution more lucrative to them than a decent lifestyle of education and honorable means of employment.If your youths are out there breaking oil pipelines while youths from other regions are in the classroom learning how to explore and refine oil,where would they be when it's all over and the Federal Government have cleaned up your land and no longer depend on only oil for foreign exchange as they currently do?They have no certificates or qualifications and they are already used to the wild life they current live,crime would be the only option left.Is that what you want?I believe your answer is no!

So,What's the Way Forward?
In my opinion,I think all traditional leaders of the region should meet and raise a voice to call the Avengers to order.The Battle, to me,is over.The struggle of Ken Sarowiwa and the other ten sentenced to death is NOT in vain.Their dream for Ogoniland and the Delta region as a whole has come true.Nigeria has finally come to her senses and her president have succumbed to the demand of cleaning up the land and restore the balance of the ecosystem.Therefore,there's no more need for further vandalization.The Rural leaders should call the Avengers to order now!
If after their call,the Avengers continue to strike,then,the Rural leaders and the people of the Niger Delta should publicly dis-own them!Who says you needed them in the first place?Like I said in the beginning,our ignorance of the mechanisms of Democracy is the core problem we have in this country!I'll explain how in my next post,God's Grace.Stay tuned!
God Bless Nigeria!

Why the Niger Delta Avengers will fail

PLEASE NOTE: This is a bulky write up despite my efforts to make it as light as possible.There are,however points that might need further break down.I shall be breaking them down in the nearest future,God's Grace!

Some dudes just rose to fame now in Nigeria,they call themselves the NIGER DELTA AVENGERS.When I heard their name,it sounded very ridiculous to me and sincerely,I never took them seriously,I still don't, to say the fact.I'll tell you why.
Their Unrealistic set of Demands
 To start with,their name sounds somewhat childish,my opinion was confirmed when I read their ten largely UNREALISTIC demands.Seriously,one would want to think that they've watched too many comic movies...especially the famous MARVEL comics' 'THE AVENGERS'.
Secondly,their demands,chai!They are so unrealistic considering their mode of protest - 'Crippling the Economy'.
You want Nigeria to clean up the Niger Delta, continue to fund the Amnesty program,make a university to start running in earnest, yet, your choice or mode of protest is bombing the oil pipelines that serves as the major source of income for the country.How are they going to do all these without money,where do you expect the government to get the money from???
This is not to mention the apologies they are asking the President,the EFCC and Amaechi to make for things they've done or said.Imagine asking the President and the EFCC to apologize to Alamieyesegha's family for killing him...how,abeg,how did they kill him?
A man is called to come and face corruption charges,he slumped and died,you call that murder?Can you imagine the hypocrisy behind the formation of the militant group?If he doesn't have anything to hide,why should he be bordered,what gave him so much concern that he had to die of the news of his imminent trial,are you asking the President to apologize to the family of a suspected criminal?NO! It won't happen.
Another funny or rather childish demand they made is the unconditional release of Nammdi Kanu who is cool his feet in Kuje Prison.He's facing trial, for God's sake and his bail was granted but its requirements were not met as far as I can tell.When it is met,he's then picked for another set of charges.Personally, I don't see why a guy that sort to split our country into pieces should be granted bail in the first place.So many souls have died for NOTHING after he had fed them with all sorts poisons through his radio programs on RADIO BIAFRA.
Americans were after the Wikileaks owner a couple of years ago,if he was caught,do you think he would be answering to his court case coming from home?Let's be realistic abeg!Mandela spent 27 good years in prison,ever wondered why? He didn't kill a soul or anybody.So,to me,freedom has a price,let's assume he's paying the price for the Freedom of Biafra,so,no one or group should hold us,as a nation to ransom over a BIG criminal like Kanu,Kanu's release is suicidal to Nigeria as a country,it would,therefore,not happen!
The clean up Ogoniland have already commenced,so,if this guys are truly fighting for the Niger Deltans,they should mellow down and allow the oil business to continue 'coz the money for the clean up may not be available if they continue to blow up pipelines.
The 2014 conference as organized by Jonathan's regime is a mere academic exercise to me.This is democracy,the implementation of ANY policy,has to go through due process.If any policy is to be implemented,it has to go through the national assembly.I think the Niger Delta Avengers are being unfair if the implementation of the resolutions of the 2014 conference is one of the reasons they are bleeding the economy dry.They should present the resolutions as bill to the National Assembly and see if the President won't sign it to law when it reaches his table!
Finally,I'll like to discuss the ownership of oil wells which happens to be another demand of the Avengers.I was conversing with a friend on facebook who claimed that the Northerners owns 90% of the oil wells down South and my question went thus: "If 90% is owned by the Northerners,then,10% is owned by the Southerners,mostly Niger Deltans,WHAT HAVE THE INDIGENES OF THE NIGER DELTA THAT OWNS OIL WELLS DONE TO BETTER THE LIVES OF THE POOR IN THE REGION?"
I'm asking because the only reason why the demand for 60% ownership be justified is that the 10% ownership has been highly beneficial to the people.

Misplacement of Priorities
The Federal Government have really done so well for Niger Deltans,they have done so well,that to me,the Avengers continue to be a criminal organization that needs to be flushed out ASAP!
In response to the several years of agitation of the Niger Deltans,the Nigerian government has given out 13% of the Total monthly allocation to the Oil producing states,in addition,it has granted another 2% to the oil communities,on top of that,the Federal Government,have created the Ministry of Niger Delta and the Niger Delta Development Commission plus the famous Amnesty program. Haba!Haba! Avengers,what are you avenging???
There was a month in which the little Akwa Ibom state took a whooping sum of N110 Billion home while a big state up North like Kano took only N19 Billion home.This made me thinking and wondering if the Militant groups are fully aware of the mechanisms of a democracy or they are just a mere group of touts hired and paid by their corrupt pay masters?
Militants should hold both their Local and state governments responsible first,before the Federal Government.There are so many billions that have been received by their governors and local government chairmen...even their senators and house of reps,I think they should start asking them how they spend the monies instead of disturbing the already broke Federal government. This is why I think the Avengers are insincere with their demands.

They are Wrecking more Havoc than Good
I would like to round up by bringing to the notice of all that support the Avengers how the Avengers are doing more harm than good to the Niger Deltans.
Firstly,they recruit mostly indigenes of the Niger Deltans who are largely un-educated thereby killing the future of the region.Prof. Pat had once put it so nicely that
"Rivers state can be very wealthy from the oil resources in their area but Sokoto state can be much wealthier if they train their youths"
So,as you can see,it's not much about the oil than the brainwashing of the youths to depend solely on oil as their only source of livelihood WITHOUT EDUCATION.Already,Nigeria is looking at the possibility of diversifying the economy,when Nigeria opens up opportunities in Agriculture,solid mineral mining and other lucrative sectors and pays much less attention to you,what would you do,what would you eat?
Secondly,When they blow up pipelines,they merely increase the extent of the pollution of the region.I learnt that one of such blow up happened under water,thereby polluting the streams and rivers around the area much further.
Thirdly blowing up pipelines means crippling the economy as they put it,yes,that's true.But,by extension it also means less money is available as Federal allocation,which does not leave out the Niger Delta states and its people generally!
My appeal,therefore,goes to all those that are blessing the actions of the Niger Delta Avengers on social media to please read and digest the points I've stated here on this post.Like I've stated earlier,I shall be breaking them further in the nearest future,God's Grace!
God Bless Nigeria!

 they made is Alamieyesegha
Read more: https://www.naij.com/824855-list-10-conditions-niger-delta-avengers-gave-buhari-truce.html

 

Alamieyesegha
Read more: https://www.naij.com/824855-list-10-conditions-niger-delta-avengers-gave-buhari-truce.html

 

Alamieyesegha
Read more: https://www.naij.com/824855-list-10-conditions-niger-delta-avengers-gave-buhari-truce.html

GREAT Misconceptions about the CHANGE Era!

Before you start reading,I wish to let you know that whatever you read is solely from my own point of view and not the Government's,A.P.C. or any other body's. I'm in no way linked with the aforementioned groups.I don't know their intents.Yes,they may have bloggers on their payroll but,I'm certainly not one of them.I just bear my mind as a Patriot should,that's all!

Change was Inevitable!
I'll like to start from the situation that led to the crave for a change.Well,I was a PROUD advocate of the Change that we are currently experiencing today and I still do NOT regret it.
Of all the reasons why I saw the need for a change,the challenge of the United States that Nigeria would dis-integrate by the year 2015 is perhaps the GREATEST motivation for me.The statement credited to the Americans really got the better part of me especially when I saw Nigeria truly drifting towards making the break up happen.Nigerians were IGNORANTLY working hard for dis-integration except for a few.So when an alternative...a formidable one presented itself in the person of President Buhari,I had no choice but to market and defend the integrity of this choice and help place it above all others in the hearts of Nigerians and I'm glad I did!
Very many thanks to such online news outlets like the SAHARA REPORTERS that continued to dish out updated news about the then incumbent government and their very many corrupt and careless dispositions to the Nigerian issues.I was actually pretty active in the social media outlets,especially the facebook where I got to meet common Nigerians like myself and helped to make them see the reasons why we needed the change.
Now,the change is here and it hasn't been palatable at all... things are getting harder without a SPECIFIC hope of it coming to an end anytime soon.As such,a lot of bloggers,media professionals as well as our so called elites have been airing their grudges and views which has to do with condemning the President Buhari's regime,a regime that's barely a year old.This is why I've taken it upon myself to clear the air about some misconceptions about the Change I so passionately preached and promoted during the electioneering period.
Let me warn you,however,that I'm NOT here to enumerate the achievements of the present regime but to inform you about the need for the change,the change itself and the end product of the change.To start with,the Change was inevitable 'coz the Country was at the brink of destruction and we needed succor ASAP!

Now,what was the Change we voted for?
I can't but marvel at the disposition of so many Nigerians out there that are still embittered about the Loss of the former President Jonathan.I've noticed with a great dismay that most of these aggrieved guys aren't aware of the impending fall of the Nigerian state,what they saw was the ouster of a president from the MINORITY group for another candidate from the MAJORITY group!They were not looking at the quality of leadership but the persons involved,their ethnicity as well as their religion.They didn't the see the helplessness of President Jonathan in the face of Boko Haram that didn't only established a Caliphate within the Nigerian territory but also,was fast ranking among the deadliest terror groups in the world.They didn't see the decay in government where a civil servant has the audacity to embezzle public funds to the tune of N32 Billion and got away with a fine of a few millions.They didn't see the distrust of investors in the Nigerian Economy that saw the Central Bank Governor turning a preacher and prophet in the stock exchange market prophesying better days ahead.They didn't see the numerous shortcomings of the Jonathan regime,what they saw was the North trying to ouster a South-South Minority government with the aid of the hypocritical South West so as to continue the imperial rule over their 'Inheritance' (Nigeria) from their father Uthman Dan Fodio.This is most unfortunate!
Well,as a Nigerian and happily,the majority of the electorates,the terror acts of the Boko Haram was taking its toll on our economic lives and there was absolutely no guarantee of our lives and properties even down South.Boko Haram had spread to the North Central from the North East and the fact that they have already established a Caliphate is an indication that they were going no where,they were here to stay.Their consistent call for a merger with ISIL was so terrifying that any help from any corner would be much appreciated.So,it was quite unfortunate that what was coming from the news stead weren't encouraging at all. The shameful act of 'Tactical Manoevre' of the Nigerian Army that was rated among the very best in field combat in the world was not only embarrassing but highly discouraging and horrific.Yet,trillions were voted to tackle the insurgency.Gaskia,the Boko Haram insurgency alone was more than good enough reason to seek for a change of government.It wasn't Jonathan that we voted out of office,but,the incompetency and insecurity that went with the regime that we voted out. Jonathan,to me, is that humble MEEK lamb type that unfortunately,found himself among a park of wolves,foxes and jackals! Now, we got it,but,the question is,is this the type of change we voted for?
In my opinion,we voted for total change...it's like the proverbial statement of 'One blow seven die'. We wanted a better Nigeria,a better future,freedom from the shackles of insecurity, poverty and corruption.We voted for total socioeconomic rehabilitation of the Nigerian state.

Is the Change Happening?
Yes,it is.I see Boko Haram crushed,their Caliphate wiped out forever,(insha Allah) and life returning to normalcy up North...all these within a year of Buhari's regime.I think that's a remarkable change.I also see the 'Untouchables' are not just touched but also rounded up and made to answer to the laws of the land just like anybody else...that's another BIG change if you ask me.Our refineries coming back to live after such a long period and the defeat of the so-called oil cabals is a BIG plus to this regime...I'll stop at that 'coz like I said earlier,I'm not here to enlist the achievements of Buhari regime but to reveal the CHANGE IN PROGRESS!

Change is Gradual Process,so...Patience!
The other day,I read from a friend on facebook how a former minister was discrediting Buhari on his refusal to take advice from his team.That he was totalitarian in nature and that his approach to economic reforms are archaic in nature.Personally,I'm yet to see anything wrong with his approach...maybe it's because of my believe in the 'unorthodox' methods of resolving issues I don't know.But,what I do know AND VERY SURE OF is that President Buhari was voted to effect a change,therefore,he's the only one answerable to Nigerians which means that the blames are on him as well as the credits.He's therefore,the one to be convinced and not his subordinates!
Guys,I think we should exercise a little patience here for the F.G. and NEVER give room for sabotage in any form.The change is here,the change is happening,change ain't easy but the results are sweeter than honey!
God Bless Nigeria!

What has Politics got to do with the Economy?

Very little!
In the real sense of it,politics has very little to do with the economy.But considering the diversity of peoples running the countries of the world,in some cases like Nigeria's,economy has everything to do with politics!
You see,ideally,politics has to do with managing,organizing and running the affairs of the generality of the people in a country while economics is all about the economic activities of the citizens,it's all about what they produce and consume.So,ordinarily,politics involvement in economics (through government) is mainly an oversight thing,it's NEVER meant to be a very deep involvement...except,of course the communist and socialist mode of governance where the government is in charge of everything!
Having said that,I'll like to focus on the Nigeria's case,a country that practices the Capitalist system where winners take all!

Just after independence,Nigeria was doing pretty well economically,having inherited a robust economy from the whites.But,just a few years later,everything nose dived all because of the discovery of Oil in the Niger Delta region.What was meant to be an additional blessing became a curse upon us!
Nigeria gradually started to stray from Agriculture which was our main source of income during those days to concentrate only on oil.We,as a nation have STUPIDLY allowed our ever green non-stop money spinners of Agriculture to slip away for the easy money coming from the Niger Delta.In fact,the Head of States then was reported to have said that 'Money is not our problem,but,how to spend it!' Can you imagine?!
Because of the easy money and the lesser attention that's being paid to Agriculture,people started  moving into towns and cities where it's happening while Agriculture continued to suffer setbacks in the villages.This has been the case till date.

We are all still after the oil money,no one wants to work hard anymore,nobody likes to be called a farmer.Today, we import virtually everything especially food stuffs.We import frozen chickens,turkeys and fish like there's no tomorrow.There was a year when our import of fish was about 700 000 tons (1 ton = 1000kg! Guy,do the maths!!!). I learnt that we even import tooth pick and paper today.What a shame!
Since oil that now serves as our only major foreign exchange earner is government controlled it turns that whoever is the President becomes the sole determiner of our fate.
State governments depends heavily on federal allocation to pay their workers...the internal generated revenue is next to nothing in most states.In fact,except for Lagos state,I doubt if there's any other state that pay salaries without the Federal allocation.Should this be the case,I thought working means providing goods and services,how come,then,state governments can't pay their workers or are the states not paid for goods/services they render through their workers,where does the money go if they get paid?These are questions begging for answers especially now that the crude oil we so much depend on is no longer selling as high as it used to.
Just before Buhari's resumption to work at Aso Rock,I learnt that oil sold for about $120 but just a few weeks after his resumption, oil prices came crashing down to a very low level of only $30!That's about 75% fall! What this implies is that if we were sharing N120 Billion before the fall,we must now manage with just N30 Billion...all of us! Let me try to make it look simpler.

Mr Kamaldeen is a businessman with a very large family.Normally,he finds feeding his family and catering for their needs pretty easy because of his large in-flow of income.But suddenly,things went bad and sales went down so much so that even selling is almost like a loss.
After a month,the demand of the family gradually became so hard to meet that he sometimes yell at his wives and children when they refuse to manage the little he could offer!In your own opinion,what should Mr Kamaldeen do to satisfy his family? Unless his family understand his plight and bear with him,a huge crisis looms over which Mr Kamaldeen has no power to prevent!
That's the situation that President Buhari finds himself.Oil prices suddenly went down and the Dollar saw no other time to rise other than this same time Nigeria's income fell way below expectation.
The Solutions Economists and financial experts are giving is that he should simply move with the tide,devalue the Naira and dance to the Imperial tunes of the Oil Cabals just as Jonathan did.
But the man has a different idea,he chose to stand his ground as the Chief-in-Command of the Armed Forces and the Head of States of Nigeria to pave a new way out of the mess for Nigeria.All he asks of us is that we persevere with him for a while and that we too,should stop playing dumb in the Nigerian Project.
'Ask NOT what your country can do for you,but,what YOU can do for your country' - JFK
Oh! I love this quote from the late and formal president of the United States.It says it all...the solution to our national problems of today.
Everyone wants to be a politician no one wants to be the Farmer or the Teacher...everyone wants the easy money.We all want to be the President,the Governor,Local Government Chairman or any other political post holder not because we want to serve but because we want to be served!In any democracy,including ours,political holders are meant to serve us the civilians...they are not called servants for nothing you know ? They are so called because they are our servants!
I would be dwelling a little into that tomorrow God's willing,please do keep it date with me.One more thing,please don't just read,do share this message with your friends on social media.God Bless us All!
Ameen.

The Grazing Reserves - Way to go!

Gaskia,I don't know why any Nigerian should oppose the grazing reserve...it's the best of all options so far available to us!At least,the continuous killings of farmers and the destruction of their lives and properties would cease!

The Bill was sponsored by Hajia Zainab Kure,a senator from Niger state.If you had read my last post,you'll discover that I made a similar suggestion on the rural leaders' level.We should all be excited that the bill is now up for discuss in the National assembly.Why,then,should anybody oppose the bill???

Fear of Farmland Seizures
The general distrust in the government policies which is certainly not misplaced (judging by the past experience of the people in regards to similar policies),but,this is the CHANGE era where all things are subjected to the rule of law.Besides,I don't see how saving farmlands involves the seizure or take over of the same farmlands.Yes,a couple MIGHT be taken,if taken and compensations aren't made,you can be rest assured it won't just pass by!I think we should give the FG the element of doubt and allow the law to pass,why?
Because,we all want to see TRUE criminals among the Fulanis be identified,arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.This,honestly can't be realized in the rather 'MOB' way people have been taking the matter.In a situation where the Fulanis are reported to have struck and the next thing you hear is that some unknown gunmen had gone to attack the Fulanis in reprisal,then,you start to hear how the Fulanis are ransacking hamlets and villages non-stop!This leaves no one to be arrested,I mean you can't expect the Police arrest just any Fulani man on the streets for the crimes of another Fulani,do you?
Funny enough,you'll hardly hear of the unknown gunmen who carried out the first reprisal...what follows in the news is the counting of bodies and pictures of burnt down structures...this is usually the case. If the Bill is passed and a grazing reserve is provided for the Fulanis,whoever it might be among the Fulanis that encroaches or destroys any farmland would be easily arrested and made to pay for his crimes in full!

What if Farmlands are taken and the Crisis still persists???
No,it won't happen!The people in government aren't that stupid.Okay,it's a possibility,let's talk of how to deal with it if it eventually happens.
I think it's pretty easy to deal with it.All that need to be done is that complaints should be filed in relevant government offices and a reasonable time frame be allowed for response.If the time frame elapses and the government haven't responded,then,it would be time to report the case to both State and the National Assemblies through our representatives in both houses.Simple!!!
You should start seeing the matter making news in our national dailies...if it doesn't,then,your representatives are not doing what you have required of them.It's now up to you to either force them to work by threatening to call them back or you actually fire them by passing 'votes of no confidence' on them and a new election process would arranged to replace the erring reps. SHIKENA!!!
You see,some matters are better dealt with the VERY easy way.Truly,in a democracy,EVERYONE IS EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW!
The problem,as I've explained in my previous post has been the failure of our so called leaders both political and rural to defend and protect us and our properties.The sponsor of this bill is long over due...kudos to Hajia Kure who broke the Ice!

Why Must Lands be Confiscated For the Fulanis? This is Cheating!
I was discussing this matter with a friend from Jos (who has lost a few relations to the crisis). He was of the opinion that farmlands were the target of the F.G. He strongly believes that farmlands would be seized and compensations not satisfactorily paid. Obviously,he was emotional about the matter for which I don't blame him.
But, in my argument,I told him that there are so many unused lands in the country that can be made use of.I argued that it doesn't make sense to target farmlands as grazing lands because,the grazing reserves were to be provided so as to protect the farmlands and the Farmers!
I think our leaders,political and rural alike need to meet over this matter and reach a common ground ahead of time.On our own part,I think we should be discussing the matter a little more on social media and polls be created to seek people's opinions on the matter.
No one would confiscate any land,everything would be based on mutual agreement.I want the Federal and State governments arrange a town hall meeting between the local farmers and the Nomadic Herdsmen so that all issues and grievances would be resolved before the Bill becomes law!But,are our leaders ready for such meetings???

Draw a Battle Plan and Organize Yourselves well for the Impending Grazing Bill
It's quite funny how people easily forget the fact that we are in a democracy which is all about the numbers.Instead of crying foul and staging rather very unnecessary protest both virtually and physically,I think people should spend more time in winning as many as there is to their sides and of course perfect their negotiation plans 'coz,if you ask me,I think the Bill is already passed into law!
This is not hard to see,the voices coming from both the South East and South West are very strong and very aggressive against the Fulanis.The Northern Governors had no choice but to defend the Fulanis and have naturally done so.Now,the Bill for grazing reserves has been sponsored,do you think the Fulanis in the House would vote against the Bill especially considering the aggressive attitude of the South to the Bill and the Fulanis in general???
Let's be very sincere with ourselves,the Bill would be read and passed into law,if the South have concerns,let them table it now for consideration instead of opposing the UNSTOPPABLE!
I think both the political and elite groups of the South should meet and agree on a single ground ahead of the passage of the Bill instead of complaining,protesting and opposing the Bill.The Bill passage would save so many lives and properties.We should get a copy of the proposed bill and discuss every phrase there in and help modify it to suit both the Fulanis and our farmers.I'm from the North Central and any law that would put an end to the bloodshed should be supported.This is why I'm backing the Bill.
Everyone,including the Southerners knows that the surest way to put an end to the perennial incidents of clashes between the Herdsmen and the local farmers is the grazing bill,why not accept it and modify instead of opposing and getting no chance to make any meaningful contributions to the law???