SAY NO TO THE MURDER OF OUR 12 PATRIOTIC SOLDIERS

SAY NO TO THE MURDER OF OUR 12  PATRIOTIC SOLDIERS

By kay Aderibgbe

 

The Nigerian Army in the last 15 years have taken a leave from televised politics, but cannot be said to have completely divorced itself from Nigerian politics because of some unprofessional happenings that have stained the credibility of the force. Top on the list of the misconducts typical of military elites is financial misappropriation which has culminated into depletion of the nation's arsenal and the erosion of the natural instinct of an ordinary man for joining the Army with the aim of defending the country.

 

To drive home this point, an eight years analysis of budgetary allocations to the Nigerian Army reveals drastic fall in the ammunition stock pile and man power of the Army. While the recent eye opener was the 3.42 trillion Naira consumed by the Army between 2010 and January 2014; whereas, another #968 billion came from 2014 budget, with a yet-to-be approved $1 billion for the same Army. Upon all these, the Army cannon folders (those thrown into the war fronts to fight) were complaining bitterly that they lack in effective fire power to combat insurgency in the North East.

 

Basically, nothing has been said about this issue.  Houses committees on Defence was quiet. No court martial took place and the Minister for Defence was nowhere to be found. In fact, Gen. Azazi, the late NSA asked the question of financial issue before he died. No single high ranking military officer was called to give an account of how they handled their finance or why they could only boast of a replica of expired explosive that detonated itself at Ikeja cantonment in 2002.

 

Professional mistrust and perception of state perfidy came into being when the military rank and file understood that Boko Haram come almost always to the battle field well prepared, seemed to be informed earlier, more sophisticated and gained vantage position. We didn’t hear anything until certain team of officers in the 7 Division base, Maiduguri were dispatched to face the terrorists that had gotten a first-hand information on the movement of the soldiers. The soldiers ran into an ambush at Chibok and majority of them died. Knowing they were ill-equipped before the failed mission, they requested the attention of General Commanding Officer (GOC) who actually came to the base on the 14th of May, 2014 being the day after their colleagues died shamelessly. The man, Major Gen. Abubakar Muhammed ignored them and zoomed off in his car. This apparently confirmed their suspicion which made the angry soldiers shot his car but he escaped unwounded.

 

The very action of the angry soldiers fits into what they say it is - mutiny. Haven being charged under Sec52(1) of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, we can put it in a lay man language that they (soldiers that shot their GOC's car)  have committed an "offence prejudical to service discipline".

Since the military frowns at such behaviour, it is punishable, and as bloody as civilians that 'we' are also, we repudiate it.

 My argument stems from two angles: One, the decadence of the military institution is stinking and highly condemnable; two, the societal unrest at the moment is in need of the military and we cannot afford to dampen their morale at this critical stage. Looking at the decay in the military hierarchy critically, we should ask (i) what happened to the finance for the soldiers? (ii) who are those leaking information to the terrorists (iii) where did Boko Haram got all those rockets launchers and tanks (iv) why are the Nigerian soldiers not well equipped? (v) what happened to the arsenals in the North, did they sell everything Obasanjo bought with $8 billion in 2003? (vi) why did they replaced the GOC some days later? (vii) why did Brig. Gen. Olukolade denied the mutiny in first place? 

   

The military elites are hiding something from us with the secret and hasty conviction of these soldiers. If not so why didn't the Major Gen. Okonkwo led court martial allowed the boys propagate their case in the light of deprivation and suicide mission they sent them? Why didn't the Army set up court martial for those that embezzled military funds since it is also an offence prejudical to service discipline (ARMY ACT, 2004)

 

The implication of this verdict if carried out will lower the tempo of the spirits of soldiers facing insurgency  in the North. Secondly, the war against terrorism will remain a drain pipe with which our money will be siphoned yearly since the sponsors of Boko Haram are still in secured offices. Thirdly, we should be expecting a bloody coup soon, if not to usurp democratic institution, at least to unseat some old, wicked, pot-bellied high ranking military officers that are feeding on this insurgency; and finally, the military is likely to divide psychologically, because our side seemed to be incapable of winning the war (since the military is trying to cover up internal sabotage).

 

Though, the decision of the court martial is still awaiting the ratification of the Army council headed by the Minister for Defence but we sincerely implore the person of Mr. President, Goodluck Jonathan, to use the fiat of his office to prevail over the wicked Gen. C.C Okonkwo's court martial by employing Section 175 of the 1999 constitution through granting prerogative of mercy to these 12 patriotic soldiers; after all, those that convicted them are the most corrupt elements in the force.

 

Kindly comment "they must not be killed" Write your comment as anonymous if you do not have a google account. Please rebroadcast as we have attached this blog to www.amnesty.org  www.cnn.com www.bbc.com www.aljazera.com www.michaelmoore.com and www.punchng.com in order to make our voice heard. If we speak we can be heard. Thank you.

RE-EXAMINING OUR CYNICISM: THE POST-CONFAB POLITICS

RE-EXAMINING OUR CYNICISM: THE POST-CONFAB POLITICS

By Kay Aderibigbe

 

My cousin wrote on his Facebook wall about how disappointing the 2014 Confab had turned out to be , but someone labelled him a cynic whose camp may fall anytime soon. I culled from the profile of this 'optimist' that he was born in 1962. Apparently, he witnessed all the Confabs in post-colonial Nigeria. He also enjoyed some free education. At the moment, he works in the civil service. He should be able to recount the outcome of his optimism towards misgovernance in this part of the world because he had a better experience of militarization of politics than anybody in our 'generation of cynics'.

 

Not more than three days later, I met some men who are of the same age grade with the man just described and their response on how the Confab had fared was invariant. If these early Nigerians are 'normal people' how come did Nelson Mandela said "Nigeria is made up of people who are naturally comfortable with poverty since they tolerated irresponsible regimes beyond common sense"?

 

It is against this backdrop that we have opted to juxtapose the recommendations of the conference with the realities of our society, because John Plamenatz opined  that "every thinker, even the most abstract is deeply influenced by the circumstance of his day"

 

With an estimated crunchy official amount of #7bn, a total of 492 persons were contracted to discuss issues relating to the state of the nation (excluding the concept of Nigerianity). A distillate of apolitical and seasonal politicians that made up the delegates gave us some interesting an unconventional 'dramas'. The participatory Nigerian public were keen at the mood with which some salient topical issues were  being propagated albeit the much-touted ratification that is expected through the National Assembly, if it will ever happen.

 

Some monumental failures can be identified from the just concluded talk-show. To mention a few, the delegates did not deem it fit to nip in the bud the menace of insecurity with the platform given to them (since it is a rare opportunity). Secondly, they did not see anything wrong with the politics of budget that wouldn't materialize at every January, as such, legitimizing the delay tactics that characterizes a previous year budget running into non-implementation with the current year. Thirdly, majority of their thoughts/decisions were clouded by ethnic sentiments and chauvinism. Finally, they failed at prescribing a plausible panacea for our ailing democracy because their sense of commitment to Nigerian nationhood had been eroded by political patronage.

 

Political talk show over the years is a symbolism of non-agreeable consensus. While the problem created  by this very one is that it has divided more sharply that strata, which existed between North and South because the nucleus of its operation had degenerated into political chaos and consequently, given the room to downplay its significance by the National Assembly. Why then have we spent so much money on disagreement over what we knew have political error? The time, purpose and dramatis personae are error-based, period!

 

Scientific examinations of past political conferences have led us to the conclusion that government in most cases resort to Confab as a means to pacifying  the public. Political actors would rather disregard the findings and recommendations made because it is always invasive of their plutocratic personalities. Even, at that, we were earnestly awaiting a situation where the delegates would pin point a particular social issue (at least from the myriad available).

 

The request by Mr. President that National Assembly should approve a loan of #1bn in order to fight terrorism is an indication that the highly priced delegates do not even understand what is meant by Boko Haram and the piper, which dictated their tune never attempted to unravel the concept.

 

Meanwhile, a sum of #968bn, an amount representing 20% of the 2014 budget was earmarked for defense just on the 23rd of May this year. If I am permitted to quote the President “how do you fight what you do not see?” This symbolizes that the intricacies of security challenges at the moment is incomprehensible to the number one citizen.

In a plane language, Confab could not see Boko Haram despite its ubiquity in the North East. Then, what have they seen? More states to be created I presume. I sincerely wish the president and his cohorts will use the loan in the right way. Let the truth be told; if we continue as a state, to take with levity or politicize insecurity challenges, what we will get in return is the demonization of the minds of minors and teenage girls who now blow up themselves as instrument of terrorism.

 

The minister of information and those that are versed in the art of falsifying societal realities are yet to come out and deny that those kidnapped Chibok girls are not the same kids bombing themselves as suicide agents. Since the state is aware of the deep-seated hatred in the minds of perpetrators of terrorism in Nigeria today I don't think any amount is too much to drive the country out of madness, but the sincerity of purpose and seriousness of government towards our social contract are the factor that matter to me.

 

I will eschew the trend of our cynicism for the time being and pray that the Almighty God sow discord in the midst of those that are behind Boko Haram so that we can breathe peace in Nigeria, (Amen).

SOCIETAL MORALITY AND IMPEACHMENT

SOCIETAL MORALITY AND IMPEACHMENT

By Kay Aderibigbe

Our first experience of impeachment happened on the 21st of May 1962, when the house passed a vote of  no confidence on the Premier, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, then, Sir, Adesoji Aderemi, the Governor, through Sec33(10) of the constitution of Western Nigeria , set out in the first schedule to the Nigerian constitution Order in Council 1960, removed the  Premier while Mr. Adegbenro Soroye was made the premier.

 

Consequent upon this was the declaration of state of emergency by the Federal Government four days later due to a burlesque presentation of party events in the National Assembly complex in Lagos. Anti-party activities and party perfidy was the dynamo that triggered the impeachment  of Akintola, but a higher political party invasion suspended the Government of Western Region and brought back Akintola after six months of emergency rule.

 

Impeachment was utterly employed as a political weapon when Mr. Balarabe Musa of People's Redemption Party found himself in an Assembly dominated by National Party of Nigeria, a Federal Government party. Balarabe was impeached on June 23, 1981 as a result of 'majoritarian politics"

 

Nigeria's fifteen years of democratic experience has featured impeachment of six Governors, i.e, Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo) Alamieyeseigha (Bayalsa) Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) Joshua Dariye (Plateau) Peter Obi (Anambra) Muratala Nyako (Adamawa) being the latest. An objective analysis of events in the light of above cases would better be done through utility of politics.

 

The issue of political weapon comes into play when the affected Governor was 'victimized' on the ground of minority posture of his party in the scheme of things. This is always the voice/tone of politicians that were defeated; while those that win term it a fight for the state and the triumph of democratic tenets.

 

Why is impeachment possible in a democracy? The simple answer is to erect separation of powers as espoused by Baron de Montesquieu (1689- 1755). Chapter 1v, part 11, section 188(1)-(10) of the 1999 constitution, stated in clear language how a state Governor/Deputy can be removed from office. Political analysts are unable to agree whether the concept of 'gross misconduct' should fall within the purview of the legislature or the judiciary.

 

'Gross misconduct' according to 1999 constitution means a grave violation or breach  of the provisions of this constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts in the opinion  in the House of Assembly  to gross misconduct'.

 

An epistemological appraisal of the concept of impeachment do not afford  open- jacket definition to those who perceive it as a weapon either. This is because there is embedded slim checks between the House, judiciary and an independent body of investigators that are meant to prove/probe the allegation(s). For instance, the 2006 maladroit impeachment of Ladoja in Oyo state was revoked by two different courts despite the political strength of those that wrestled with the Governor, and moreover, everyone involved smell the pure travesty of parliamentary politics perpetrated.

 

There are two sides to an impeachment of a state Governor. One, the legislators that removed a Governor from office must have perceived a state perfidy/corrupt practices on the part of the executive. In the second place, the political camp where those 2/3 belong must be safe, strong and adhesive of the consequential effects (politically). In my opinion, there is always a 'democracy of the minds' of politicians that enables them (legislature and executive)  to function in unity  either against or for the society that elected them.

 

In Nigeria, purveyors of divesting macabre (politicians) would see impeachment from one angle, but a policy analyst will always look at it from different dimensions. Adamawa state Assembly had worked with Nyako for seven years. They even passed a vote of confidence in him last year October. How come did they plotted against him now? Many will attribute the move to partisan differences, yes it is true! Do we ask why they prevailed? What happened to the #6bn he couldn't account for? Why did he refused to defend himself even, when the seven-man committee set up by the court were advertising that he should come?

 

The fault lies with the constitution. It makes public accountability difficult since there is absence of  'constituency surgery' - calling representatives to explain how they spent their constituency allowance over every 2 years. Since majority of our people are illiterates they cannot even deploy a 'recall'. Thereby leaving law makers to assume they are veritable mountains.

Whoever is swept away by the flood of impeachment should not be politicized because politicians are heretics of their own concept. After all, every Assembly and Governor are party to any sort of embezzlement of public fund. We should long for the democratization of life instead of crying a river over politicians who hide under party sympathy to defraud their people.

 

THE MOST DRAMATIC CONFERENCE EVER

THE MOST DRAMATIC CONFERENCE EVER

By Kay Aderibigbe

 

The assertion that 'Nigeria as a state only enjoys an abstract existence' according to Oyovbaire Sam, seems so quite incredible, but socio-political occurrences over the years have lent credence to that fact.

For a variety of reasons Nigerian politicians, who have also paraded themselves as administrators have displayed embarrassing and unintelligent wits in their resolve to addressing societal problems, yet, they remained impenitent through the course of their inglorious actions.

 

We have been following keenly, decisions of the National Conference since the division of the delegates into twenty specialized committees to study different issues with fundamental errors.  Among which are devolution of powers; cost of governance; structure of government and the entire outlook of the 1999 constitution.

 

Meanwhile, the delegates started out with the normal sickness of 'consensus'. Following that was the problem of adopting the agreed threshold, i.e. 70% to arriving at a popular consensus on any concluded issue. For instance, matters such as state police; rotational presidency; adoption of six geo-political zones; eradication of 774 LGAs from the constitution; resource control and indegene/settler have been criticized by a section of the conference.

 

Consequently, the opposing team within the conference who demanded that there ought to be a reversal of almost all the initially agreed upon issue is made up of delegates from the North East and North Central. They canvassed for the adoption of what they termed personality vote or head count, as against voice vote.

 

Prior to the emergence of the mushroom committees on all these so called 'national issues' there was created within the conference, a group of political figures representing each geo-political zones, saddled with the responsibility of harnessing divergent opinions into a concrete whole; in order to promote a less-rowdy plenary session. They call these people consensus bridge-building group, but I call them the ‘political silencer’.

For record purpose: Chief Dokpesi, Edwin Clark, Gen Ike Nwachukwu, Prof Ibarahim Gambari, Prof Jerry Gana, Ibrahim Comassie, Prof Anwalu Yadudu, Olu Falae and eleven others formed the group.

 

Majority of the delegates approve of this group and they are quite aware of its functions. In the same vein, they all agreed that the cost of governance was too high and should be drastically cut down. Prompting for example, the recommendation that ministers should be reduced to eighteen (18) instead of the abnormal (36*2). On the contrary, the same conference deemed it fit to increase number of federating states in Nigeria to 54.

 

Little wonder they clamoured for state police and resource control. The implication of more state creation will not only plunge the country into financial  chaos, but economic stagnation. This is because the whole idea of cost of administration reduction is at variance with federal character principle. Those daft delegates that refused, neglected, failed or forgot to pluck out the root of administrative and political laxity (federal character) from the system will only succeed at making the economically non-viable states regress the more.

 

To make a mess of the whole morass, we should be expecting 108 ministers, because only Nigerian government appoints a minister for state; 54 commissioners of partisan police; 166 senators and as many as possible representatives. The synthesis will therefore be, more militia in the South, more Boko Haram in the North, more kidnappers in the East, since the real issue of economic failure, energy, education, value of naira, unemployment and misplaced socio-cultural values are left unaddressed.

 

I am really sorry that the same old people, like I told us in my previous article on national conference, who have presented a somewhat insuperable posture of Nigeria's situation are still commissioned with tax payers' money to blow the dust out of our eyes. Alas!

A CONFUSED STATE: 64 days on the Chibok girls issue.

A CONFUSED STATE: 64 days on the Chibok girls issue.

By Kay Aderibigbe

The information wing of the Nigerian military once told us that the 234 girls have been rescued immediately after the saga became known to the general public. Later, they told us the girls were probably taken in the dream of the Nigerian society; that is, it was a figment of imagination, which was vigorously discounted by the Federal Government. Many of us laughed at, and mimicked the wife of Mr. President when she staged a hypocritical emotional TV show in order to prove that the saga of school girls kidnap was baseless. Interestingly, the Federal Government intermittently admitted eighteen (18) days later that the kidnap was real when a video was posted on the internet by the leader of Boko Haram, even, boasting to determining the fates of the girls.

Situating the issue in a conceptual thought will do more. Amnesty International told Federal Government that Boko Haram would carry out a large scale kidnap in the North East and six hours later the Chibok issue happened. In fact, such prediction was calculated from the initial twenty five (25) girls that were kidnapped easily at Kwandaga. Terrorists, over the years understood the strategic failure of the Nigerian state and they employed such laxity in perpetrating their missions. For instance, mutiny and court martial of nine Generals is being denied; meeting between French president, Jonathan and other four border countries leader is not impactful on security as of yet. Haven killed over 6,000 people since 2009, Boko Haram is waxing stronger even, after the Chibok issue; the 27-man on Amnesty and 17-man on Dialogue committees set up by Federal Government is on the leeway; the former embattled PDP chairman, Bamanga Tukur, once told us that Boko Haram are freedom fighters; finally, protest by civil society has been clamped down and outlawed whether acceptable or not.

Before the current security morass became messy Federal Government had rejected the initial offer by International Communities to wipe out insurgency. An apparent, wishy-washy effort by the Government to addressing the issue saw security chiefs changed while Ministers for Defense and whatsoever are not spared their jobs either. Between 2010 and 2014, there has been an unaccounted for, a sum of 3 Trillion Naira on security vote, but what we get in return is Boko Haram's flag being hoisted in communities where there exists Government.

The Kidnapped girls must have been man-handled, molested, abused, gang-raped by their captors, and as a result, psychologically, removed from the society where they once belonged because of the longevity of their stay in wherever they must have been kept. Thus, prompting Obasanjo, to opine that, many of the girls are probably not going to return to the normal society. Can anyone imagine what those girls will be going through at the moment? All of these are faults of Government that lacked in the capacity for strategic thoughts.

Whether there are "negative forces" behind the scene, as proclaimed by the pro-Janatharians or not, the function of every responsible Government is to ensure the safety of lives of the citizenry. It is ironical when almost every attempt at confronting the laxity on the part of Nigeria's Government is being interpreted as "political". One cannot, but subscribe to the school that sees the trivialization of North-East crises as politics when the same Government that is expected to stamp out insurgency is busy going about electioneering campaign and the Nigerian people are traumatized on a daily basis.

On a final note, my blog will remain an avenue to foster positive political remedial endeavours for the Nigerian state. As such, negotiation with Boko Haram is not an issue that should ferment the country. If I were Jonathan, I will take charge; not Boko Haram giving me conditions. "Take your prisoners and give us our girls". Our girls should land in the state capital first of all and your prisoners at preferred destination. It may sound stupid or simple, but majority of the prisoners must have been injected with brain diffusing chemicals that will erode their human capacity to think in a matter of two months or so. While the rest shall be fixed with trackers plated in their pancreas; all being done under a sedative condition. Thereafter, other measures to handle insurgency can follow suit.

At least, Americans are not foolish to have exchanged five hard core terrorists for just one American soldier, a deserter for that matter. Really, our government should eschew all sentiments and act now that Boko Haram are going about on bikes, asking for cows as ransom and looting market places in search of foods. It is an indication that their source is broke, impliedly, politicians are saving for 2015 elections.

To be continued . . . . . . . .

THE POLITICS OF INSECURITY AND POLITICAL SECURITY

THE POLITICS OF INSECURITY AND POLITICAL SECURITY

By Kay Aderibigbe

The level of security in Nigeria, especially, in the North East today is in a total state of gamble because over a period of time now the Nigerian state cannot comprehend the sadistic and heinous intent behind the unreasonable maiming and bombing of innocent Nigerians, even, in sacred places like churches and mosques. Invariably, we cannot pin point categorically, if the aim of the terrorists is to Islamize the country; or to destabilize the dispensation of Jonathan as espoused by some; or to just put an end to the continuity of Nigeria as one united country.

Politics of insecurity encompasses all the antics, plots, neglects and dramas that were schemed by the federal government and those Northern Governors who are privy to classified information in order that the spate of violence and barbaric acts that constituted security threats would seemed more or less of a natural disaster that needed time and resources to be apprehended. Whereas, the refraction of events point directly to cluster of intentional dispositions calculated at disguising the true colour of political stake holders.

One of such methods revolves around the budgetary allocation for security. The fund, over time has remain unused, unaccounted for, untraceable and to a large extent indefinitely starched in the pockets of those that are always directly credited through the Federation Account (Mr. president, State Governors, Reps and Senators). Whosoever speak about such misappropriation is rather ignored or taken aback; that was why I referred us to a question asked on the death of Andrew Owoye Azazi, the former NSA in my last article.

Another dimension of politics of insecurity is also the issue of negligence on the part of federal government. A political approach at handling terrorism by Jonathan's government simply proved so naive, inefficient and not targeted at the problem itself but some individuals that could likely be paraded as enemies of the state. This did not only gave the insurgents free hand to operate but enough ground to metamorphose and spread their tentacles until they attracted international attention.

Also part of the politics of insecurity played by all the parties involved in taking custody of safety and wellbeing of our people in this country is the problem of political disagreement and non-respecter of opposition’s view. According to

Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, he puts forward that “the fact in all these things is that, three years ago, I was repeatedly telling them that before long, that this is not a minor problem, that if it is not handled with tact and care, it is capable of metamorphosing into a conflagration that might consume the whole north. But the Federal Government was deaf, dumb and blind to the reality….

A part of this problem was the military redtapism in Borno state that resulted in the death of some soldiers ; they protested the death of their colleagues and they are now termed ‘mutineers’ . As such, social commentators and even, certain section of the military rank and file believed in the indulgence of Boko Haram by the Nigerian Military. What an irony, the night watch dinning with the robbers! In fact, there is even a case of protracted accusations and counter accusations now that some elites believed that negotiation would do more to bring back the girls despite that foreign allies are bent on a non-negotiating method.

A general overview of my assessment of how insecurity situation has been politicized stems from the fact that federal government has failed woefully in its initial efforts at curbing the activities of terrorists by imposing a haphazard or half-hearted state of emergency in three North Eastern states i.e. Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. This was probably because: one, Jonathan doesn't want to be castigated for suspending a democratic institution; two, he wanted badly the support of North East in 2015; and lastly, he does not want to call for too much money from the already coveted security vote. According to section 305(3)(d) of the 1999 constitution, it was stated clearly, that, the president shall have power to issue a proclamation of state of emergency when:

(d) there is a clear and present danger of an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation or any part thereof requiring extraordinary measures to avert such danger.

The situation in those places, even, in Abuja, fits so acutely into the definition above because people die randomly at any moment while the government plays politics.

Federal government is at it again. The National Assembly have given thumbs up to emergency rule in the affected states to continue for the next six months. Here are the implications: one, the security situation remains the same because only a full-blown emergency rule will charge military to the core; two, the affected states elites would feel marginalized in their mental faculties because the state of democratic rejuvenation will be porous (elections may probably not hold); three, the mere fact that the Governors under emergency rule are circumstantially incapacitated, they will not and never be accountable; four, there will be a conflict of command structure between the military oligarchy and the elected regime just like it is happening in Borno now; five, we may face the possibility of suspense of political terror because more sabotage would ensue from elites that have nothing at stake in 2015. We must not forget according to Obahiagbon, “2015 is the 'fronset origo' of the crises befalling the Nigerian state since 2011”.

To be continued.........

FEDERAL GOVT AND BOKO HARAM : a tale of chai dia is God o o o o

FEDERAL GOVT AND BOKO HARAM : a tale of chai dia is God o o o o

By Kay Aderibigbe

I might have seemed silent over time about the menace of Boko Haram, but the case, in reality, is more complex than it appears on the news. As complex as the Nigerian society is, Boko Haram or any sectarian organization cannot operate itch-free without the understanding or backing of the political god fathers of the domain in question; as such, i decided to wait and look thoroughly, through the socio-political whirlpool of the Nigerian state and its environs so that we wouldn't be making misjudgment from misinformation and invariably, avoiding misconception.

The issue of Boko Haram has practically transmogrified into a nightmare which the whole of Nigerian society now panic before they go to bed because even, the government and its security apparatus are at loss as to the capacity of the intending peril and ferociousness of the devilish sect.

I have four basic perspectives through which i would like to make an objective analysis of the concept of Boko Haram: (1) a body of people that became angry at the Nigerian government and took up arms because of their impoverished nature and the outright denial of their rights to attaining social consciousness (extremists Almajiris) (2) a body of people employed by some vexing elements in the North all to destabilize Jonathan's administration because of their own sinking oligarchy (3) a body of people though, employed by politicians but gained consciousness and as such bent on making a mess of the polity that produced inhumane humanity (4) a body of people recruited by external force for the purpose of fomenting internal trouble so as to force world powers involvement in peace keeping to prompting sharing of our country as protectorates torn by war(s) (USA and allies)

There are lots of activities that informed such predictions as stated above, but the intertwined nature of events leading to the aimless, undefined and unguided combustion of violent behaviour of Boko Haram are accountable for multi-facet approach adopted by this blog.

Boko Haram at inception was mainly an Okada-operated banditry restricted
to Borno state under Muhammed Yusuf, who was murdered by the then police commissioner of that state. The International Human Rights Court ruled that his family be compensated and the group be disbanded. Federal government did not pay attention but was busy politicking as usual. We now have a group of people with high taste for day-light bombing of religious and non-religious oriented people. The sophistry at which they perpetrate violence is such that is identical of the Middle East Islamist extremist who now flags branches in places where government is highly irresponsible and soak people in poverty.

Where were all those people that are shouting 'eradicate Boko Haram' when the sect was operating on a farm land in Borno township? Where was the madam that shed crocodile tears on the case of missing school girls of Chibok when twenty (25) girls was taken at Kwandaga? Where was Asari Dokubo when the Madala bomb blast took place in December 25, 2011? Why didn't anyone call it propaganda then? How come are the Americans coming now and not at the time the United Nations building was bombed in Abuja? Why did the federal government kicked out Gen. Owoye Azazi, the former national security adviser and suddenly the man lost his life when he asked questions about unused budgetary security votes that has been on meteoric increase since 2010?

Whatever the conspiracy is in reality or imagination, the Nigerian state simply made a fertile ground for the planting of evil seed like that of Boko Haram because a long term state neglect of those jobless, half-thinking, religiously-drunk human beings coupled with poverty would actually lend credence to the development of insurgence. Moreover, if we look around the world today, the Middle East, with high concentrate of Militia activities is relatively poor compared to the West and they spread such ideas easily, to places where poverty has disarticulated the lives of people e.g Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania and etc.

The matter has gone beyond chai dia is God o o , or a situation where an imbecile president will be wearing bow hat all about telling us that it is all but propaganda. Nigeria as a country must stand up and address reality because this is neither a speculation nor myth. Be it local, state or federal government, employment and alleviation of poverty must be prioritized. Security of livelihood comes first before any other thing. Governance means nothing when the people are hungry, homeless, hopeless and lack in other basic necessities of life; this is because the war against terrorism is more than war against those that carry arm, but also war against the pool of human resource from which they recruit fanatics. In as much as there continue to be a wider gap between the rich and the poor to the extent that poverty gets to the extreme, the erosion of insurgency will sweep our courage and probably split the country at a particular point of frustration.

To be continued .........

NATIONAL CONFERENCE : THE USUAL ROAD TO OBLIVION

NATIONAL CONFERENCE : THE USUAL ROAD TO OBLIVION 

By Kay Aderibigbe

Retired justice kutigi, chairman of the on-going constitutional conference made a public announcement a week ago that there had been created twenty one standing committees within the 492-member 'sleeping conference' to oversee and discuss special or technical topics.

Like i suggested earlier on, sleeping time, recesses and waste of time on matters that do not have direct implication on the convocation of the conference had grotesquely shifted certain values out of place. As a result, delegates have been rewarded with six (6) more weeks to sleep, make more money, jump into parties, discuss and dilly-dally on what is crystal clear to an average man on the street that leadership and negative humanities is the bane of the Nigerian state.

Political juggernauts that formed a chunk of the on-going conference took part in 1995 Abacha's conference and 2005 Obasanjo's confab. Alas, they produced a replica of institutional political fashions as found in 1979 second republic constitution and that of political bureau of 1987. At the end of the day, they wasted time, energy, money and most painful of all, they dashed the hope of our people like they always do.

Jonathan, like other inward-looking head of states/presidents that had ruled Nigeria was quick at reading in-between the lines by employing the services of those that could put lies and false hopes together amidst unstable and uncertain political atmosphere all to retain power and popularity. This is because all the antics and sudden change of mind by Jonathan to jump-start an unplanned conference is to blindfold Nigerians into sympathy votes for his government in 2015.

A veritable pointer to the unwillingness and missionlessness of the conference was, for example, the disagreement among the committee members on Power Devolution whether or not to include 'mines, mineral resources, revenue and geological survey ' in the concurrent legislative list or exclusive legislative list. If those in such committee are interested in the well-being of the country it is expected of them to make constituent states enjoy at least a considerable degree of control over some selected natural endowments so as to trigger inter-state socio-economic competition. It is only in such situation that state-centred, as against nation-centred federalism can grow viz the remittance of accruable taxes to the federal government. This will reduce the yoke of economic burden carried by federal government; take care of unemployment; and reduce to the barest minimum, ethnic chauvinism as a result of economic comparative advantage.

Instead of resorting to the aforementioned obvious socio-political salvation that could rescue us from perennial failure, political brokers relish in making money and lounge about at the expense of clueless leadership and helpless citizens. Since the conference, based on its composition, convocation and abstract intent, has toed the foot path of previous failed talk-shows in the country, it is then not out of place to suggest that the present national conference with the enormous finance committed to it is likely to fail woefully.

To be continued ........

 

THE TWISTS IN THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE

THE TWISTS IN THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 

By Kay Aderibigbe


The idea of national conference is somehow becoming a riddle wrapped in an enigma in the recent time. Probably because of the enormity of defunct congressional outcomes (1987 political bureau's report, 1995 draft constitution, 2005 confab report) given to the delegates to study or non-directive nature of the conference which is symptomatic of the non-committal approach of the delegates. Many diversionary activities have taken place with the intention of dividing and remaking that very focal point(s) within the conference though, there is a non-debatable clause of the oneness and federal fossilization of the Nigerian state.

The North, surreptitiously, are invoking a common front just as we have always had in the past conferences, but lacking in popularity this time, may be due to a 'card method' of appointment adopted by Mr. President, the nominator of majority of the delegates. Political brokers are of the view that the duration of the conference should be elongated beyond the projected three months so that they can make more money. At a point, delegates became disinterested because of the disappointment they experienced as regards their sitting allowance. Such was the national skepticism and negligence when majority of the delegates left the conference to attend Mr. Jonathan's daughter's wedding; it paid off anyways, because according to the rumour being brandish in all over the social media 'they got gold plated i-phone as presents'.

National conference as per performance and excellence is far removed from reality because we don't know if the same set of people that have been politicking since Second republic will be so considerate to propel Nigeria into Millennium Development Goal out of many national goals that have amputated our society from the league of commonsensical nations and nation-states.

Just to remind us of the positivity and objectiveness of this blog. I would as a matter of sincerity and pragmatism opine that the conference should save itself from indefinite assignments by streamlining its focus to few national problems such as insecurity, unemployment, power supply, education, true democracy etc. This is simply because Nigerians are not interested in the volume of documents produced, but positive practical implications of the outcome of the conference on our lives; not a replica of the adulterated re-based GDP as espoused by Okonjo Iweala and co.

To be continued .........

WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014

WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2014

By Kay Aderibigbe
 

The so much touted national conference was inaugurated on the 17th of March, 2014 and some hours after the first sitting they decided to recede and converge some seven days later when the chairman, a learned former chief justice, greeted the delegates with 'asalam alikum waramotulah wabarakat' in a supposedly secular arrangement.

A production of house rules and manners of proceedings brought them together only to recess again simply because they could not agree on whether a delegate is to be referred to as 'he' or 'she' and most annoying is the consensus on voting system, whether 2/3 or simple majority.

Since my blog is all about positive politics, i will at every moment present a scientific analysis of events as it unfold within the congers' conference of Nigerian state.
This is due to a number of reasons. One, any argument that tend to tilt towards religion, race, sex, class and cultural beliefs would seem bias, value-laden and impressionistic. Two, we need not be a thorough-going consequentialist before we dispel the question of 'Nigerianity as a state'. Lastly, any reasonable modern nation or nation-state crave for and relish 'imperatives of state' as put forward by Crawford Young, i.e security, hegemony, authority, autonomy and economy.

In as much as we opted not be bias or question 'Nigerianity' as a no-go-area, what is left for any right thinking policy analyst is to assess the motive of the conference whether it stresses such values as the authoritative allocation of resources for the attainment of strong imperatives of state.

On the conference so far, i will put forward three questions and make three cases for and against the talk show. What is the justification for the twelve million given to each delegate when the national minimum wage is a paltry #18,000?. Two, what are the criteria for the selection of these highly priced delegates? What are the types and contents of issues these delegates are going to be talking about?

The enormity of the financial largess attached to the conference speaks volume of non-accountability and recklessness on the part of the government. Little wonder did some inordinate delegates asked that their aides be paid also. The issue of selection of representatives negates democracy as being shouted at the roof top by this administration. Many delegates have been spotted sleeping heavily while some deliberately absconded. In fact, a delegate, appointed to represent the civil society, Mamoud Aminu, moved that the media should be restricted on the coverage of the conference. What a state of hopelessness for the Nigerian civil society!

Dr. Aliku Ndabawa, Assistant Secretary on proceedings of the conference slumped on Sunday and report had it that he was flown to Dubai for treatment. Isn't this alone, an enough pointer to the fact that the quality and nature of issues to be discussed should revolved around how the Nigerian state can actually cater for its people be it poor or rich.

To be continued .........

National dialogue or National conference

'National dialogue' or 'national conference', the nomenclature is not the real deal but the reason(s) for the talk show and the outcome of such endeavour, whether it shall be positively telling on the lives of the people or it will continue to divide the society along the irreconcilable lines of poverty and extreme wealth on the part of the two main publics that made up the Nigerian state.

The Nigerian state is insincere to the ideals it stands to represent, and as such been found guilty of the same suspicion that had in the past retarded the growth of regional politics (era before 12 states) and the period after the creation of 36 states.
Such insincerity is visible on the timing, convocation and table of contents of the issues that are deemed discussable in the national dialogue.
There ought not to be a case of no-go-area if the Nigerian state is aware and sensitive to the sociological particularism of the society at large.
In fact, those areas we were told to eschew are supposed to be the starting point of our discussion if we are truly going to live in a Nigeria that would be free of political hatred, suspicion, greed, selfishness and continuous animosity within the federating units.

As for now what are we talking about? Who are those appointed to talk? Are they talking about the real issue(s)? What are the motives behind the talk show? Is this talk convention different from what we have had in the past? We shall shed more light on these questions when the talk show actually begins.