Nigeria at 54, How Independent are we?

I woke up this morning, to be greeted by darkness. ‘But today is the 1st of October, the acclaimed day of Nigeria’s Independence,’ I thought to myself. This silent and rhetorical question popped up in my mind- ‘how independent are we?’

My mind flashed back to the days of growing up as a lad. I recalled counting the number of days of uninterrupted power many years ago. And my memory served me right- it was straight 6 days. And when it was interrupted, it was restored in less than 2 hours for another uninterrupted journey of 5 days- this continued for a while.

Today, that trend has gone into the ‘trashmill’. And I keep wondering if we would ever have 5 straight days of power without interruption again. Obviously, our power supply system falls short of what we can term ‘independent’.

Many years ago while growing up in the outskirts of Surulere, Lagos, I remember a construction company (name withheld) digging every street to lay huge water pipes, in the name of providing us with portable drinking water.

It is difficult today to pass through a street in Lagos without coming across at least two buildings with borehole water, no matter how short the street is. Our water resources still fall short of what can be termed ‘independent’.

Several years ago, graduates from Nigerian universities ranked among the best in the world- they even had jobs waiting for them before completing their youths’ service. At least, I can point to Achebe, Soyinka, Emeagwali, Clark, Obadan, Iyoha, Agbadudu, Okhuonofua, and many more that you know (please add). Unfortunately, that story can no more be found in our archive- most of our graduates today can’t even speak good English, let alone write a formal letter. And those who can, will walk the streets, in black pairs of trousers that have turned brown, in search of jobs that are not available.

Independence, in the context of our educational system seems to mean every government official having their own private educational institution as we see today. And very soon, a three-bedroom apartment will be used as a university campus.

I was taught in school that agriculture used to be the mainstay of the Nigerian economy until the discovery of the black gold (crude oil) in the mid-twentieth century. As a result of that discovery, our groundnut pyramids disappeared; our oil palm plantations was taken away by another country- and oil palm is the mainstay of that country’s economy today. Unfortunately, many young Nigerians have made that country their destination for ‘greener pastures’.

I fall short of words to describe our agricultural sector, knowing that our country is blessed with fertile lands.

A serving governor described one of our political parties as being mainly in pursuit of stomach infrastructure. The leader of that party responded soon after that stomach infrastructure means putting foods on the table of the average Nigerian. Yet, a bag of rice is sold for N10,000.00 ($62.50). How many households can afford this on a minimum wage of N18,000.00 ($3.75/day)? We truly are independent!

Every sector of our economy is flawed- politics, education, communication, business, arts etc. ‘The promise of building good roads’ has become a common campaign slogan on the lips of our political aspirants- things that are supposed to be a normal part of our everyday living.

It is not the Nigerian nation that is independent; it is the poor man, who provides almost everything for himself:

   -We provide our own power- 
    Generators;
   -We provide our own healthcare-
    Quacks;
   -We provide our own education-
    Private Schools;
   -We provide our own water-
    Boreholes;
   -We provide our own security-
    Vigilantes...

If it were possible, we would have provided our own roads.

Nigeria is a cap wide enough, but lacks the head big enough to wear her!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY NIGERIA!

©Mondayspeaks

Shocking: 19-yr-old SSS3 student impregnates mother while testing love charm

Residents of Asaba, Delta State are yet to recover from the shock of how a 19-year-old Godwin (not real name) allegedly impregnated his mother while testing his love charm.

According to report, the boy, famously known as Ekenem, was said to have gone to a native doctor, who allegedly prepared a love charm for him to use on his mother and one of the matrons in the college where he is a boarding student.

It was gathered that the husband of the woman, who has been away for some time outside his Port Harcourt operational base, denied being responsible for the pregnancy during interrogation.

But the victim, the suspect’s mother, while speaking to journalists said, “I did not know how it all happened, but all I can say is that a young man who looked like my son suddenly found his way into my room at the wee hours and I was speechless”, adding that the whole exercise had remained inexplicable.

Speaking at the police headquarters to journalists, the suspect said,

“I am deeply sorry for all that has happened, I did not mean to do this. I saw myself falling in love with her after the love charm prepared for me."

"I have to confess because I know by so doing, God will touch her mind and I know she will forgive me. I suddenly found that I was making love to mum when I thought the charm will not work, and upon the revelation, I threatened to kill her and the matter was reported to the police," he said.

DSP Celestina Kalu, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, who confirmed the report, disclosed that the boy had since been arrested over threat to life.

Source: NigerianMonitor

'Shekau is not Boko Haram,' by Dipo Oludase

When news trickled in that the self- acclaimed and audacious leader of the dreaded Boko-Haram sect had been killed in a face-off with the Nigerian Military or was it the Camerounians?

One would have expected that such a breaking news would have sent the nation into a frenzy of some sort. But strangely, the people welcomed the news with so much skepticism.

Can anyone really blame them? Such news is not new anymore, people don't really know who and what to believe anymore. They seem not have the luxury of premature celebration only to wake up to another video by another Shekau, protraying our leaders as comedians that will rival the likes of Basket Mouth.

With hard evidence emerging and the Nigerian Military confirming the report, it has become difficult to refute the claim and we can only accord a well desreved honour to them for their heroic and courageous effort (especially in recent weeks), in routing the insurgents that have perpetrated so much evil leaving untold destruction of lives (Christians and Muslims) and properties in its wake.

Now that an increasing number of people now believe that Shekau is
dead (though some still habour doubts, including the US). Is it the right time to roll out the drums and start singing victory songs, for the begining of the end of Boko-Haram? History resoundingly echoes with facts that it will be foolish and baseless to assume that the death of Shekau is the end of Boko-Haram.

Boko-Haram is an IDEOLOGY that preceded Shekau and will definitely outlive him. The death of Osama Bin Laden did not bring about the end of Al-Qeada. Equally fresh in our memories is the death of the leader of Al-Shabab, Somali's version of these stone-age blood thirsty monsters.

Within days of the death of their leader, they appointed a new leader and claimed responsibilities for four cordinated car bombs that claimed several lives.

What then could be the ideolody behind these terrorist groups that binds them so strongly and has made it almost impossible for them to be rided of, even if their leaders are killed? All these groups and others with similar agenda have told us with their mouths that they are "Freedom Fighters" in a revolutionary Jihad (Holy war) against all infidels (Non Muslims).

It is an open secret that they claim they are fighting or better put "striving in the cause of Allah", a cause they claim is an obligation for all muslims.

Shekau said in one of his speeches: "To the people of the world, everybody should know his status, it is either you are with us the Mujahedeen (Jihadist) or you are with the Christians...we know what is happening in this world, it is Jihad war against Christians and
Christianity. This is what I know in Quran. This is a war against Christians and democracy and their constitution."

"Allah says we should finish them when we get them. We will die killing and slaughtering them, if you meet infidels in battle field, brethren just harvest their necks. Allah said it and not Shekau."

Many muslims (moderate muslims) refutes these claims and say that these terror groups are not muslims and that their activities have no basis in Islam and/or the Quran. I have read the Quran and some hadiths (I suggest everybody should go and read it themselves).

The assertions of these moderate muslims is only 'politically correct'. On the contrary there are verses in the Quran that literally justify and instructs these terror acts and even sound like or corroborate Shekau's speech above.

For time and space lets look at just two:

      Quran 9:29 "Fight those who
      believe not in Allah nor the last
      day, nor hold forbidden which
      hath been forbidden by Allah
      or His Messenger (Muhamad),
      nor acknowldge the religion of
      truth (Islam), even if they are of
      the People of the Book
      (CHRISTIANS AND JEWS), until
      they pay the Jizya with
      submission and feel subdued."

      Quran 8:12 "I will cast TERROR
      into the hearts of disbelievers
      (NON MUSLIMS). Therefore
      strike off their heads and strike
      off every finger-tip off them."

Whether these verses are not "open-ended" instructions (just relevant within the context of history and not today) or has been taken out of context by religious zealots to champion an extreme and perverted brand of Islam like many moderate muslims claim is still a subject of debate amongs muslims themselves.

But to outrightly say it has no basis in Islam is arguable. Moderate muslims claim that Jihad is a war fought in self defence against non-muslims and moreso there are rules of engagement.

The muslim world is still divided on what the concept of Jihad really is, and what constitute its purview in the 21 century.

The death of the leaders of these terror has never ended any of them, though it may weaken their structures, dample their morales and cause factions, but as long as ds ideology exist Boko-haram will persist.

The death of Shekau is a laudable feat by the Nigerian Military but they must not rest on their oars, THEY HAVE JUST WON A BATTLE, THE WAR IS STILL ON!

God bless Nigeria

Dipo Oludase

Obasanjo enrols for Ph.D. at 77

A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has enrolled for an MA/Ph.D. in Christian Theology at the National Open University of Nigeria.

His admission letter titled, ‘‘Provisional admission for postgraduate programme – 2014 session’’ and dated September 29, was signed by NOUN Registrar, Josephine Akinyemi.

It reads, “With reference to your application for admission to a postgraduate programme of this university, I am pleased to inform you that you have been offered a provisional admission for postgraduate course leading to the award of MA/Ph.D. Christian Theology in School of Arts and Social Sciences of the university with effect from the date of completion of first registration.”

Obasanjo, who arrived the Victoria Island headquarters of the university on Tuesday morning in a black Lexus jeep with number plate Lagos APP 769 DB to receive his admission letter, gave insight into why he was returning to school at 77.

He explained that he chose to acquire the doctoral degree in Christian Theology in order to acquire more knowledge about God.

“I do not want to be a pastor. I only want to know more about my God and to serve Him better,” said the former President.

Punch

Sallah: Lagos offers free ride to residents

Lagos State Government is to provide free bus ride to residents on Saturday, October 4, 2014 as part of measures to ease movement of commuters during the Eid-el-Fitri celebration across the state.

Managing Director of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, in a statement, yesterday, said that commuters along the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, route will enjoy free ride from Mile 12 to CMS while those on the Bus Franchise Scheme, BFS, will ride free on Ikotun-Igando-Iyana-Ipaja-Ikeja.

Mobereola urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the celebration which is sacrificial giving and not reduce the festival to mere eating and drinking.

Vanguard

Ebola: US health authorities confirm outbreak in Nigeria contained

The Ebola outbreak in Nigeria is
almost over, after an ordeal that
began in July when a sick man
with United States-Liberian
citizenship flew there from Liberia,
US health authorities said
yesterday.

The virus’s incubation period is 21
days, and after two of these
periods have passed without any
new cases, officials can declare an
outbreak over. Therefore, since
there have been no new cases
since August 31, Nigeria should be
able to announce a formal end to
its outbreak on October 12, a
spokesman for the US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention
told AFP.

Meanwhile, the last three people
monitored due to potential
exposure to an Ebola patient will
end their 21 days of follow-up for
signs of symptoms later this
week.”The last three patient
contacts will exit their 21-day
follow-up on October 2 strongly
suggesting the outbreak in Nigeria
has been contained,” the CDC said
in a statement.

While Nigeria may be able to
declare victory over Ebola, its
outbreak was far smaller than in
nearby Guinea, Sierra Leone and
Liberia. The death toll from the
world’s worst Ebola epidemic has
claimed 3,091 lives in five West
African countries out of 6,574
infected, according to the World
Health Organization.

The outbreak in Nigeria began July
20 when Patrick Sawyer, a dual
US-Liberian citizen, boarded a
plane to Lagos, a densely
populated city of 21 million
people.

Nigeria at 54: The Nigeria story

Today, Nigeria is exactly 54 years.
On this particular day and month
in 1960, the nation, acclaimed to
be the ‘giant of Africa,’ got her
independence from the British
Colony.

On the historic day, the British
Union Jack was lowered and
replaced by the nation’s Green-
white-green flag. Many popped
champagne with the freedom
from the colonial masters. And
with the independence, a new
constitution, establishing a federal
system with an elected prime
minister and a ceremonial head of
state was established. From then,
Nigerians took over the reins of
leadership from foreigners.

Recognising the country’s
particular multi-ethnic
configuration or diversity, the
British government had
established for Nigeria a federal
structure of government, with
three regions. Each of the three
regions had its own constitution
and a good measure of autonomy
while there was a fairly weak
Federal Government at the
centre. The three regions were
the Eastern Region, Northern
Region and Western Region.

It is then not surprising that since
October 1, 1960, the date has
remained an emotionally
memorable one for the majority
of Nigerians. Critical observers will
today, as usual, ponder and reflect
on the journey so far. Like in
previous anniversaries, Nigerians
will reflect on issues, concerning
the economic, social and political
development of the country.

For many, there is so much to
thank God for, with regards to the
height the nation has attained so
far in the comity of nations. Those
in this school of thought believe
that despite the challenges facing
the nation, it has not done badly
in many of the indices for
measuring the progress of a
country. Proponents of this
argument believe that for having
stayed together all these years as
one united country, the nation has
done well.

However, there are those who
argue that at 54, the nation has
failed largely in meeting the
expectations of the people. In the
estimation of those in support of
this position, virtually all the
various sectors of the nation’s
socio-political economy are in
shambles.

In any case, many believe that
irrespective of which side of the
divide one belongs in the
argument, the political history of
the nation contributed to where
she is today.

Nigeria under military rule

Nigeria’s first attempt at a
democratic government was
truncated on January 15, 1966,
barely six years after the country
got her independence. In that
coup, led by five idealistic Majors
of the Nigerian Army, the Prime
Minister, Tafawa Balewa, and
other topshots in that
administration were killed.

Although, the coup plotters did
not fully actualise their dream, the
civilian administration did not
survive the onslaught.

The then President of the Senate,
Nwafor Orizu, who was acting
president, invited the military high
command to take over the reins of
government. Consequently, the
head of the Nigeria Army, Major-
General Johnson T. U. Aguiyi-lronsi
became the country’s first military
ruler. Within six months, he was
replaced by General Yakubu
Gowon in a very bloody counter-
coup. Gowon was in the saddle
from 1966-1975, when his regime
was overthrown by General
Murtala Muhammed. In 1976, his
second-in-command, General
Olusegun Obasanjo, became Head
of State, after Muhammed was
killed in a botched coup by Col.
Buka Suka Dimka.

Obasanjo handed over to the
civilian administration of Alhaji
Shehu Shagari on October 1979.
The Shagari administration was
truncated by another military coup
by Major General Mohammadu
Buhari on December 31, 1983, a
few months after it started its
second term.

General lbrahim Badamasi
Babangida overthrew Buhari on
August 27, 1985, and ruled the
country until August 26,1993. He
instituted the Interim National
Government (ING) headed by
Chief Ernest Shonekan.

General Sani Abacha toppled  the
ING in less than three months,
after it was put in place. He ruled
the country from 1993 to 1998
when he died in office.

The then Chief of Defence Staff,
General Abdulsalami Abubakar
replaced him. He handed to a
civilian administration headed by
Obasanjo on May 29, 1999, less
than one year after he assumed
office.

In totality, the military has ruled
Nigeria for about 29 years and two
months.

Nigeria under civil rule

Until 1999, civil rule in the country
was very epileptic. Nigeria started
off with a parliamentary system of
government with Alhaji Tafawa
Balewa as Prime Minister.

Balewa’s tenure was cut short in
the aftermath of the first coup in
Nigeria.

At the return of civilian rule in
1979, Shehu Shagari was elected
president, under a presidential
system of government.

In 1999, Chief Obasanjo became
the country’s second
democratically elected  president.
He spent eight years as president
and handed over to the late
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in
2007.

Yar’Adua died in office in 2010,
before he could complete his first
term in office. Consequently, his
deputy, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan
was sworn in, as president.

Jonathan completed the tenure
and was elected president in the
2011 general election.

The problems

It must be noted that soon after
independence, the forces of
disintegration began to manifest.
Between October 1960 and late
1961, charges of treasonable
felony were made against leaders
of the Action Group, the Yoruba
ethnic-based political party, the
late Chief Obafemi Awolowo. In
1962, criminal proceedings against
Chief Awolowo and some
members of his party were
concluded. They were convicted
and given varying prison
sentences.

With this, it was clear that the
newly born Nigerian nation had
begun to totter. In 1963, a
national population census
exercise was conducted for the
country. Because of the
politicisation of the exercise, even
the introduction of religion into it,
the entire process was regarded
as unsatisfactory, and became
disputed. New territories and
villages and new ethnic
nationalities were being
discovered in certain parts of
Nigeria as if such people were the
pre-historical cave men. All these
were in an attempt to inflate the
Census figures.

In 1964, Federal Government
elections were to be held, so as to
elect the Prime Minister and
members of the National
Assembly. Again, because of
intractable problems that
bedeviled the election processes,
the Eastern Region, one of the
four Regions of Nigeria, decided to
boycott the elections.

Nigeria had become four regions
since Independence in 1960,
following the creation of the Mid-
Western Region in 1963. The crisis
following the elections was
eventually resolved, and in March
1965 a mini-federal election was
held for the Eastern Region of
Nigeria. Thereafter, the first post-
independence National Assembly
convened and began full legislative
duties. But the tottering Nigerian
nation was already developing into
a political tinderbox.

In 1965, the Western Region
government was in crisis and the
Federal Government had to
declare a state of emergency in
the whole of the Western
Region. This led to the
appointment of Senator Dr. Moses
Majekodunmi as sole
administrator for the Western
Region. Both the government and
the Western Region House of
Assembly were also dissolved.

Inevitably, the country was
already sitting on kegs of
gunpowder. With this, on
Saturday, January 15, 1966, the
political tinderbox finally
exploded. A group in the Nigerian
Army, led by Major Kaduna
Nzeogwu struck in a bloody
military coup d’état, overthrowing
the government. The coup was
certainly a first in the history of
Nigeria.

Culled from Sun