DELAY IS NEVER A DENIAL

                                                   

Be grateful with whatever God has done for you. Do not be an Oliver Twist; you should appreciate God's faithfulness instead, so that he can do more. Were you surprised with the outcome of your last results: is it the election results, academic result, interview result or what have you? And in the case of those aspiring for public position with the permutation around the emergence of a partner or party… hmm - It is well!

 

My dear, if you find it difficult to thank God for what he has done, why not thank him for what you have missed? Remember you started this journey of life together with many people who have gone yonder with their dreams; it is the living that can seize opportunities. When you look at your life, career, job, family.... I think: “Thank you God” should be appropriate.

 

Let me share a story of a couple with you:

 

Paul and Tunrayo Alagbe got married on September 3, 1998 and had their first child on December 29, 2014; few months shy of 60 years of age. They had ‘delay’ as you may say at both marriage and child birth.

 

Mrs Alagbe noted that the many years of worrying, coupled with the delay before marriage, contributed to making the experience quite worrying. According to her, “’I wouldn’t say we were not worried, but God was comforting and encouraging us’. ‘It was not a pleasant experience at all. We experienced delay before marriage but this one was more excruciating (note the comparison please). ‘However, God sustained us’. On the most nagging worry during the times of trial, the couple notes that the African tendency to look down on a childless couple was a constant source of concern.

 

I guess you agree with the Alagbes that in Africa, having children is very important. If one is married and childless, it’s like one have no honour, respect and place. One is judged no body.

 

The hubby, Paul Alagbe, further stated that “She would sometimes say if she had known that it would be like this, she would not marry me as it seems like she is a problem to me.”  The wife affirmed: “Medically, I was told he has no problem, but I was the one whose fallopian tubes were blocked’. I felt like I was a burden to him, like I shouldn’t have come his way and instead allowed him to live his life.’”

 

“Childlessness does not mean you are married to the wrong person”, anonymous. Some couples who do not have the problem of childlessness have other problems. Would you rather exchange childlessness for blindness, for instance? A problem is a problem but God is always there.

 

Keep the FAITH!!!

Still on the Alagbes, on her general outlook during the period of not knowing how things would turn out, Mrs Alagbe narrated: “’I kept hoping’. ‘I cherished my personal relationship with God because I know that the day I die, this issue of having children no longer has meaning’” (note her reasoning).  “’So, I was jealously guarding my personal relationship with God, especially in relation to eternity’. I tried to enjoy other things God has blessed me with’. ‘Although, I was often disturbed by that one thing he had not done, I tried to enjoy what he has done and in my own little way, I served him, hoping He will do it’. ‘I thought that if He didn’t do it, He knows why and knows how to sustain me’. ‘”That’s also why I didn’t visit all sort of places because I know that if I eventually get a child from the wrong source and I end up in hell, what use will it be?’ ‘Besides, God encouraged me that He will do it and I trusted in His promise’. Mr Alagbe added;’ “There was pressure on me as the only surviving male to have a child’ but I was convinced by my faith not to do anything negative” (do you have an excuse to do otherwise?).

 

Indeed there is always light at the other side of the tunnel; Mrs Alagbe started treatment in early 2014 and was confirmed pregnant in April 2014! She who was called a barren is now with a child (in angel Gabriel’s voice to you, ‘gbo ohun awon angelii ton konrin’- listen to angelic tone joor). Having waited as though denied, errrm, you are proved wrong by the reality as in the case of the Alagbes, the protruding Tommy of Mama is too audible to the deaf and too visible to the blind. Note again, delay isn’t synonymous to denial at all.  And the Alagbes said; God never come too late.

 

I do feel those looking forward to children in their families had a ‘swell moment’ with the Alagbes. Please ram and concretize the thought with melody from the Psalmist:

 

“I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him” (Psalm 40: 1-3).

Should the experience of the Alagbes be a stroke different from yours, then, let’s check at the next experience mall; Thomas Alva Edison’s own to be precise. Hopeful you will find your identical scenario twin....

 

Just three months into schooling, his class teacher labelled him- too stupid to learn, and was sent home. Perhaps, your CGPA has done same to you and, so worst, the advice to withdraw letter may have landed on your learning table. I am confident it isn’t over yet! Hold your breath and gradually relax the lungs to evacuate the useless thoughts. Please sip into your mind this air cleaner and morale booster. 

 

The mother was mad at red card from the hired teacher and decided to teach Thomas herself. She further encouraged him to be self-educated and so he spent most of his time in the library reading books, especially scientific books. The mother added the Dictionary of Science to her investment over Edison, and he read it all. Schools can send you out of their gates but never out of learning. A teacher may fail you in a particular course; he can’t hold you back from becoming his lecturer in same. You may not have Mrs Edison in your life but you are sufficient enough- you have yourself. What if Edison had chosen to proof his teacher right? You are the principal moulder of your destiny ‘joor’!

 

Can you imagine? The too stupid to learn had already read and mastered History of England, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, History of the World, Burton's Anatomy of Melancholy, The Age of Reason and a number of works on Practical Chemistry before his tenth birthday. And at ten, he set up his own chemical laboratory in the basement of his house. By twelve, he took up a job as vendor.

 

 Much more, he hawked candy, books, fruits, and other snacks at a train station. At fifteen, he acquired a small printing press located at the train station. The hand the diligent shall be made fat says the Bible. Be the guest as the too stupid to learn Edison proved his hasty teacher wrong; he rescued the son of the railway stationmaster. And to show his appreciation to Edison, the rail stationmaster taught Edison the art of telegraphy. Behold the seventeen year old guru of telegraphy in the land. I feel like saying thank God he was sent out of the cage called school system. I guess you should by now see the gold in your situation and light at the end of the tunnel. Can you describe Edison in one word? Can you see a man who’s diligent? Then, you are seeing a man who for sure will be hosted by the kings. You try it, be diligent at schooling yourself outside classroom setting.

Something incredible again about this enigma was that he knew his weakness and so engaged other brains. He had a pool of 61 talented people, consisting of chemists, engineers, model makers, scientists, mathematicians and skilled mechanics. How many can you engage?  Call me with the details at the ad corner; I am fully at your service.

 

Let’s go on exploring the life of too stupid to learn boy. He patented more than 1,100 inventions. One of his inventions was the electric light bulb. He succeeded only after failing more than 1,000 times. The resilience he built came to fore at the brink of breakthrough. Delay to Edison was a catalyst that got the self-development school admission for him, afforded him enlargement in his too stupid brain, and much more he could learn to value people and books.

 

The name changed from too stupid to learn to Wizard of Menlo Park. You choose what people call you; never blame it on the society. Friend, you may get a lot of negative feedback from others, and so much happens in life to block the road you wish to travel. Never give up! Stay at it, just like Thomas did. Pretty soon you will arrive at your greatness where the whole world will celebrate you. Do understand that no shortcuts to building a life of substance. It's an on- going process. It takes time, real effort and a desire to become more than you already are. It's a worthy challenge. Education alone will not make you successful, although it does help. Edison was successful because he was creative and had a strong willingness to learn new things.

 

He had a mastermind alliance with a group of experts, to bridge his weakness. He was also persistent in whatever he does. When he failed 1,000 times to perfect the electric light bulb, he did not treat it as 1,000 failures. To Edison, he found 1,000 ways that does not work! “I have not failed. I’ve just found 1,000 ways that won’t work.” -Thomas Edison. How many times have you given up on your dream? How do you treat your failures?

 

On the note of consistent failure case, let spice the moment with another guest- the 16^th US President, Abraham Lincoln.

 

There we go again. Sit belt tightened, rive the engine and....

 

Abraham Lincoln had two failed business ventures, lost 8 different elections and had a complete nervous breakdown before becoming president in 1816. Dear keep moving so Abraham Lincoln says with the life he lived. The synopsis of his life is hereby presented to you. Born on 12^th February, 1809, and at seven, he worked to support the family forced out of their shelter. Lincoln was bereaved of his mother at nine and his sister at eighteen.

And at twenty three, he lost one his business ventures. He ran for the State Legislature; do please complete the story- he lost!

Same year while he lost an election, he got fired in his work place. He tried law school but luck. By the end of 1833 he was bankrupt. Then, the years of delay conceded to defeat! In 1834, he ran for the State Legislature again and was hereby returned. He got engaged at his 26^th birth year (*winks), errrrm the unfortunate occurred; his fiancée died. I bet you, he had a total nervous breakdown and bedridden for half part of the year. Some people are just rare species by choice though. Between the 26^th and 30^th birthdays of his life, he lost the privilege to serve as the speaker and the elector for the congress men.

His marriage at 32^nd birthday was blessed with four boys of whom three didn’t out live the parents- Abraham and Mary Lincoln.

 

Another routine of loss again, 1848 through 1858: lost his seat as congress man, could not get the job of land officer in his home state, lost one of his sons, lost at the poll twice for senatorial seat and as vice president nominee (he won ridicule for himself).

 

Yet, two years later he is at the poll for president of US (very ridiculous and unrealistic! Yell the unborn). The amazing happened in 1860; Abraham Lincoln is elected President of the United States. He lost another son two years into office, and finally he lost his life in 1865. Did I bore you? Such is life. Make what you want out of life and be good.

 

His life made a difference in the world and yours can too, if you just keep going after your dreams.

 

As we conclude, permit me to check at Daura for General Muhammad Buhari. Note that the road may be rough, Daura- Aso-rock en route, he cruised it for twelve good years. You know how it was from difficult to impossible and finally, God-win!

 

We started with a melodious Psalm; let’s end with words of the then richest man of the East. 

Job 14 verse 7-9 says “For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.  Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.”(KJV)

 

The fact that you keep sitting and rewriting for same exam doesn’t mean you won’t eventually pass and change your level/status. Do you believe in defeat? When there is life, there is hope. The true understanding of God’s will for my life started taking shape after an experience of failure in my first year in University. Even till now, how it happened is still a mystery to me, however the mistake of the past has now turned to a testimony for me. Sometimes as individuals, we don’t understand God’s doing for our life until it is finally done, because God doesn’t reasons the way man does. His thinking is far higher than us.

 

A good attitude towards God makes him move on your behalf. Just sit down and say, "Today God, it is well with my soul", I am thankful for being alive to see this result, I am thankful I am alive with possibilities, or what is the use of a result of a dead person? The Psalmist says in Psalm 92 that we should always give thanks to God. Why not say this now:

Lord I am so thankful that I have you by my side. Don't be envious or shocked when others are having better grades or accomplishments than yours because you don't know what they have passed through before they got theirs. Be grateful to God for what you have. Appreciate him. It is well even in that very deep well. Delay is never a Denial!!!

 

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Ayokunmi-Solomon Jimoh

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GEJ & GMB, CHOOSING BETWEEN THE TWO “SAINTS”: SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA?

GEJ & GMB, CHOOSING BETWEEN THE TWO “SAINTS”: SOVEREIGNTY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA?

It’s mandatory we write you O dear citizen.

What exactly is your thought for your country?

Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s words: Nigeria is simply a geographical location on the globe or the constitution statement: Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

The strength of words is far from alphabets that make them! The total issue of the heart (transformed or not) of the being that utters the word(s) depict(s) the asset or liability of the word(s).

Same with thumbing while exercising franchise right. Exercise of franchise right is a responsibility! If responsibility then consequential; and the hereafter worth consideration. The very person that wins at the poll is the electorates provided it’s done thoughtfully. Once again, what’s your thought towards dear Nigeria? Fellow Nigerian, please what’s your thought towards Nigeria? Vote for whomever in your thought that will ensure our foremost constitutional statement- Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state…!

Of recent, I am much the reserved type than the talker. Reserved to spare the word and do lot of strategic thinking. Thinkers grow rich. The words of the strategic thinkers who brood over matters are creative. They create what is useful especially when the heart from where it is uttered is completely of the goodwill orientation towards humanity. Section 2 (1) was uttered by some individuals on behalf of Nigeria: Nigeria is one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign state to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Dear reader, for sure that is creative; it is holding since 1914 before the words were uttered in 1999, and will hold on as long as there is sun! And may I say further, it’s all about you!

We write today to provoke thinking at all quarters because “Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority” (Section 14:2a, Nigeria Constitution, 1999).

We say this in confidence that you won’t put hope in any candidate but in Nigeria’s indivisibility and wholesomeness. And you won’t be bullied into decision to vote in or to vote out anybody. You will also do your best to help others bear this in mind.

Those who silence and manipulate the media are wicked and selfish! Yet, they aren’t to blame exclusively as an average Nigerian who don’t engage his/her mind in reading and thinking on national matters. Again, the succinct provision of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria on media:

The press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people (Section 22, 1999 Constitution of Nigeria).

I ask with nostalgia, why should any person muzzle the agencies of the mass media? Whatever excuse by anarchy, oligarchy, monopoly, acquisition and what have you.  In the consideration or candidates we have at hand in the on-going political tussle, whose history and the present (personally, by association to a party or regime) denies the power of this constitutional provision? Think and ask why? What does that suggest to you?

Section 15 (5)of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999) states: The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. And do you bother to ask if these candidates again are found to have obeyed and allowed the rule of law herein? An absolute obedience I mean. In the pursuance of this stance of the constitution, do they follow due process? Banish the biased media information especially from the media that has been bought. Do your personal findings and establish the truth. This isn’t superficial! Dig deep.

 These are the profiles of the two major candidates aspiring for the Presidency:

Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ): A profile

Born on November 20, 1957 in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Goodluck Jonathan began his primary education at St Stephen’s Primary School (now State School, Otuoke) and later moved to St   School, Oloibiri, where he completed his elementary education in 1969, at the age of 12. He proceeded to Mater Dei High School, Imiringi for his secondary education andpassed out in 1975 with distinctions. Before securing admission into the university, Jonathan worked as a Preventive Officer with the Department of Customs and Excise for two years in 1977; he secured admission into the Department of Zoology, University of Port Harcourt. He was one of the pioneer students of the university. He graduated with a B.Sc. in Zoology in 1981, an M.S. in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Biology (1985), and a Ph.D. in Zoology (1995).While pursuing his doctorate, he taught at Rivers State College of Education from 1983 until 1993. He then served as an assistant director at the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, a now defunct government agency, from 1993 until 1998. Jonathan Goodluck’s political career began when he became involved with the nascent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the late 1990s. He was elected deputy governor of Bayelsa state in 1999 under the party’s banner. He served in the position until year 2005, when he was elevated to the governorship after the incumbent, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, was charged with corruption and was impeached. In 2007 he was selected as the vice presidential running mate of the PDP’s presidential candidate, Umaru MusaYar’Adua. He and Yar’Adua were elected in April and inaugurated in May 2007. He was sworn in as the President on 6May 2010 following the death of Yar’Adua on May 5. He contested the 2011 presidential election and defeated General Muhammadu Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Chang (CPC) and Nuhu Ribadu of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) with 59% of the votes. His dedication to service earned him the Best Performing Deputy Governor Award, as well as the Honourary Award for Democracy and Good Governance. Given his contributions to Environmental Management, he was decorated with the prestigious Honourary Fellowship of the Nigerian Environmental Society. A member of various professional associations around the world, he remains a Fellow of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, FISON, Fellow of the Public Administrators of Nigeria, Fellow, International Association of Impact Assessment, IAIA, and Fellow, Institute of Corporate Affairs Management. He is also a member, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, and Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary International.

 

 

General Muhammadu Buhari Rtd (GMB): A profile

Muhammadu Buhari was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State. He went to Primary School in Daura and Mai’adua from 1948 – 1952, before proceeding to Katsina middle School in 1953. He attended the Katsina Provincial Secondary School (now Government College Katsina) from 1956 – 1961. On graduation from Secondary School in 1961, Buhari went to the Nigerian Military Training School, Kaduna in 1963. In October of the same year, he was sent to the officers’ Cadet School in Aldershot in the United Kingdom and was thereafter commissioned Second Lieutenant in 1963 and posted to the 2nd Infantry Battalion, Abeokuta as Platoon Commander in 1963. It was at the Abeokuta Garrison that the real traits of a great soldier were identified in the young man. From 1963 –1964 he was sent for further training on the Platoon Commanders’ Course at the Nigerian Military College, Kaduna. In 1965, he went for the Mechanical Transport Officers’ Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, England. He went to the Defence Services’ Staff College, Wellington, India in 1973 and to the United States Army War College from June 1979 to June 1980. In August 1975, after General Murtala Mohammed took power, he appointed Buhari as Governor of the North-Eastern State, to oversee social, economic and political improvements in the state. In March 1976, the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Buhari as the Federal Commissioner(position now called Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources. When the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was created in 1976, Buhari was also appointed as its Chairman, a position he held until 1978. In 1983, Major-General Buhari and Major-General Tunde Idiagbon were selected to lead the country by middle and high-ranking military officers after a successful military coup d’état that overthrew civilian President Shehu Shagari on December.In 1985, Buhari was himself overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27th, and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC) ostensibly, because he insisted on investigating allegations of fraudulent award of contracts in the Ministry of Defence. Between 1995 and 1998, Buhari served as the Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), a body created by the government of General Sani Abacha, and funded from the revenue generated by the increase in price of petroleum products, to pursue developmental projects around the country. Buhari contested the Presidential election  as the candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party in 2003 and lost to former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Again,  he contested under the ANPP banner in 2007 against Late Umaru Musa Yar’adua of the PDP and lost. In March 2010, Buhari left the ANPP for the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC),a party that he had helped to found. Buhari was the CPC Presidential candidate in the 16 April 2011 general election, in which he lost to incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP).He is currently the presidential candidateof the All Progressive Congress (APC) inthe 2015 presidential election.

-          Source (News24.)

According to Section 14(2c) through Sections 15-18, policies are to be directed in certain ways for economic, social and political development of the nation. How the candidates did in view fared with their opportunities?

I was fascinated with different messages from several friends and associate trying to convince me why it should be GEJ or GMB. The so called "respected men of
God" in the country in which people like us sometimes look up to have also made matter worse by adding to the controversy. Pastor "X" has advised us to vote for GEJ while Pastor "Y" has said GMB is the chosen one. While in some quarters, where Imam or Alfa applies, worshippers are threatened with curse if they do otherwise! Rumour of same was diffused from the formal quarters.

Some even use social media platform to publicly speak on why their candidates would win the election. Let me use this medium to say what is on my mind concerning the coming election.
Neither GEJ nor GMB is the messiah that will liberate this great country from the present state. The only messiah I know is Christ Jesus who came to save the mankind. He is the only one that can bring a lasting solution to the challenges of Nigeria and the world. There is no Mr Perfect that can perfect the governance of any nation. Whoever comes in will try his best and leave.
"But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding" (Job 32:8). Belabour yourself to be emancipated from mental slavery; do not fear the atomic bomb of the media or what have you. Do the thinking! I will attempt to make little highlights.
Every Nigerian old enough to exercise franchise right should note that every one of us will account for our actions and inactions including voting! It is thus incumbent on each of us to readily take responsibility for our choices. Section 14, subsections 1 and 2 and articles a-c spelt out clearly the transaction that occurs through exercise of franchise right. We by our votes confer power of the state on a candidate to get provision of welfare and security of life and property in return!
In Retrospect, 1962-1985 were the years of GMB in power at different levels, though not by election. And while he returned to serve again in the 90s and in the millennium, it was by nomination. So he has never held an electoral position in his life time. 1998-2015 reflect what one can call the political career of GEJ. He has been elected as co-pilot on joint ticket twice, and once as a pilot. So he has history of being elected thrice.
Neither has been proved guilty of corruption in any law court, if you know of any please do air it. Both have made statements that people took them up it.
Like the controversial case of stealing isn't corruption by GEJ; and the mind bugling one made by GMB that accusation against Abacha looting the Nigeria's treasury is baseless.
In GMB's days, he's said to have zero tolerance for corruption. Whereas, GEJ do condole thieves as some people feel and can point at several incidence. GEJ hasn't shown interest in presented the accused for prosecution whoever they are, whereas GMB did. Even though many feels he wasn't fair in the punishment minted for the concerned. The case of ethnic and religion bias was said to have being meddled with by GMB when he jailed Vice president and had the president placed on house arrest! GEJ granted 'criminals' state pardon; regional balance.
Stella Odua and Farouk Lawal saga remain as fresh as yesterday

GMB built most of our refineries in Nigeria mostly in the South. None is built by GEJ till date. Whereas 9 Universities have been built more in the North by GEJ, GMB has no record of one. Green Revolution of Shagari never ascended with GMB and in fact I am not sure his isn't the only government without a named programme for agricultural development. In GEJ's time, Agriculture OBJ left is soaring with more initiatives.

 

Below are some of the strengths and shortcomings of GEJ administration

 

Strengths:

ü    Considerable Free and Fair Election in 2011

ü    Liberation of Press and guaranteeing the freedom of speech

ü    9 Universities establishment

ü    Agriculture (Food importation reduced 40%), Cassava is at 45m tones in (FAO, 2014)

ü    Human Development: Women development

Shortcomings:

ü    Education:  It was observed that GEJ government has failed in its responsibility to provide quality education for Nigerians in line with Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution which mandates the state to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities for all and to strive to eradicate illiteracy. While poor state of education in parts of the North may represent the extreme, the reality is that education in all parts of Nigeria is in total state of decay. No country achieves development without placing high premium on education.

 

ü    Health sector: According to Section 16: 2(d) " The state shall direct its policy towards ensuring: that suitable and adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, reasonable national minimum living wage, old age care and pensions, and unemployment, sick benefits and welfare of the disabled are provided for all citizens". The government’s claims of achievement in this sector are not supported by verifiable evidence on the ground. Contrary to government’s claimed achievements in the healthcare sector, Nigeria has been consistently ranked within the category of low human development index in all UNDP Human Development Index reports. Other recent reports have also ranked Nigeria as the worse place to be born, one of the worse places to be a mother as well as one of the countries in the ‘serious’ category- the one but last category in the Global Hunger Index. All these combined or taken in isolation, make it difficult for Nigeria to achieve the levels of improvements in the healthcare sector as it claimed in the midterm report. The transformation agenda vision- to save one million lives by 2015 was launched in 2012 as Nigeria government’s contribution towards saving 6 million lives of mothers and children globally by 2015. It was observed that the Global Health Index with a score of 15.7 ranked Nigeria 40 out of 79 countries with a score higher than 5 thereby contradicting the federal government’s claimed achievements in the key performance indicators for the healthcare sector. With regard to the 4 pillars enunciated in the National Strategic Health Development Programme with focus on expanding access to basic services in the areas of maternal, neonatal and child health, Nigeria has consistently ranked low among low Human Development Index (HDI) category of countries from 2010 to 2013. Life expectancy has also continued to lower from 51.9 in 2011 to 41.4 in 2013. The most significant indicator of the decline in the state of healthcare over the years, and particularly, in recent times, is the fact that state dignitaries, as well as other privileged personalities including high profile business persons, continue to seek medical treatment outside the country for all manner of ailments from the most common to the most complex. The Nigeria Medical Association has stated that the country loses over 600 billion naira annually to what it calls “medical tourism”.

 

ü  Insecurity: As stated in Chapter 2, Section 2(a) of the Nigeria Constitution “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

Since 2010, the Nigerian nation has on daily basis experience an upsurge of activities that threatens and endangers its national security. Kidnappings, arms proliferation, armed robberies, drug and human trafficking and violence associated with ethnic, religious and political conflicts are among these threats. Recently however, a new dimension of bomb blasts, occurring on a daily-basis, is a major focus of attention in Nigeria's security analysis. The Boko-Haram Islamic militant sect (literarily translated as Western education is a sin) has been fingered as the perpetrators of the bomb explosions. Is GEJ administration cognizance with the public and media reactions to such actions? There is a higher degree of fear and insecurity, especially in North-eastern Nigeria. Based on the palpable tension threatening to shatter the fragile thread that binds us together as a nation,  the role of the government is to ensure peace and stability endure in the country.

 

 

ü  Economy: Isn't it laughable when some people rejoice that Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa? By simple calculation, Nigeria has the largest population in Africa with about 180 million, and the economic size or performance is a function of trade and productive activities of its citizens. In April of 2014, Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics had revised the country’s GDP in 2013 from 42. 4 trillion naira to 80.2 trillion naira. As a result, Nigeria’s output grew by 89 per cent, making the country Africa’s largest economy, ahead of South Africa. Has this impacted positively on the citizens? What is the cost of living in Nigeria compare to smaller African countries? What is the standard of living in Nigeria? How many families can conveniently feed on 3 meals daily? GEJ administration says electricity supply has improved greatly, how many Nigerians can confidently say that power has improved as claimed by the government. How many hours of electricity supply do we enjoy in Nigeria? Has the country celebrated one day of uninterrupted power supply nationwide? Nigerians are even made to pay more for power that was not provided as a result of increase in electricity tariff. Have you wondered why millions of our youths turn themselves into okada riders (Motor Cycle)? A lot of our artisans have turned to Okada riders due to epileptic power supply. On corruption, hasn’t the president failed to fight it, or is it that GEJ is incompetent to tackle corruption? The case of this country can be likening to a child of cloth-seller who roam about the neighbourhood with rags whereas his/her mother boast to be a successful cloth-seller.

 

 

 

GMB

 Strengths:

ü  Cutting back of excesses in National Expenditure and his zero tolerance to corruption through the establishment of War Against Indiscipline (WAI) in May 1984

 

ü  Establishment of 2 petrochemical Refineries under his supervision.

 

Shortcomings:

Without any doubt, GMB has displayed to the entire world his stance on corruption. In one of his campaign rallies on Tuesday January 6, 2015, he assured Nigerians that all corrupt politicians will end up in Jail once he is elected into power. He emphasized that he would block all loopholes through which money was being siphoned out of the country. “When we come into power, anyone who steals Nigeria’s money will end up in Kirikiri Maximum Prisons. We are going to make that Nigeria’s wealth belongs only to Nigerians,” GMB said. Can GMB claim to be saint, clean, honest, and incorruptible, when he is surrounded by the most dirtiest and corruptible people in the country today? Or what will we say of a white Sheep that befriend a wild Wolf, isn’t the Sheep digging its own grave? I wonder how he would be able to tackle corruption with some set of people he is surrounded with. Can GMB tell us that all his sponsors are people of high integrity? Can his sponsors’ who have held one position of authority in one way or the other give detailed account of their administrations without finding them wanting? What I am sure of is that those financial supports used in funding his campaigns are not from charity organisations, there will definitely be “payback price.” Is GMB ready to Jail his benefactor? Will he not be an ingrate to do that!

In May 1984 when he established War Against Indiscipline (WAI) through Military Decree, the programme’s intention was to instil morality, discipline or social order, civic responsibilities and promoting Nigerian nationalism. However, some criticism align that some poor planning, unreasonable and irrational punishments such as flogging and long sentences for offences that are regarded as minors. A student of 17 years above caught cheating could get close to 21 years in Prison as a sentence. Some are also of the opinion that some of WAI’s patriotic objectives such as reciting the national anthem and national pledge had little do to with order or corruption. Some might say that was during the Military rule but should human being been treated like animals in an ideal society?

 

Today, GEJ has proved beyond doubt that security is possible by obliterating BOKO HARAM at the time international human right cannot charge him for genocide! It only coincides with election! Brain work! Yesteryears, GMB has proved that maintaining the integrity of our land against insurgency is achievable by obliterating Maitasainne all the way. On foreign relationships scorecard GEJ has more FDI than GMB, whereas dollar to Naira wasn’t this foolish in GMB’s days! Corruption is said to be rampant in GEJ’s days wherein Nepotism and tribalism characterises GMB’s days. FOI act exist now courtesy GEJ, decree against even freedom of speech exist then so much that some journalists left town and NBA was seriously GMB’s move to round it off. Peter Onu an Igbo man won’t want GMB, in due to what was done to him as he needed GMB’s vote as his Head of State to cliché Organisation of African Unity (OAU) secretary General but his leader felt a Niger Republic man deserves it! And to GEJ, MKO Abiola and family will not want to see him continue because he granted Al-Mustapha state pardon… Fellow citizens, we have all the heavens to condemn the two not to lead us, whereas, the whole earth and hearts awaits the new Nigerian President elect or re-elect! We just have to decide. May God who earn us amalgamation and independence help us ascend from here against all odds!

Well, for your consumption there are elements gunning for an interim government at the federal level and are doing all they can to ensure stooges are in who can be driving easily. Also, this very election’s free and fair conduct is up to you.

Neither GEJ nor GMB deserves our accord but the fatherland- Nigeria! You still have more days to be good to yourself before you finally go on to decide between the two ends: GEJ or GMB. And you got other choices as well. Note: Neither can do anything of lasting effect except we as a people will it. On related thought, never you see what propaganda is making you see. The sovereignty is what they want to rob you off.

 

 

 

Writers' Profile:

 David A. Adeoye, a research fellow with the Department of Animal Science University of Ibadan. He is an advocate of sane politics.

Email address: oyet2007@yahoo.com

Phone Number: 08038790105

Twitter: @Amelchiz

BBM: 3155E240

 Ayokunmi-Solomon Jimoh, a public affair analyst, and the President/Initiator of The Immaculate Team.

Email address: apostleayoks@gmail.com

Phone Number: 07034586467

Twitter: @apostleayoks

BBM: 55865408www.facebook.com/groups/immaculateteam

AN EPISTLE TO THE RELIGIOUS BIGOTS ON 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

AN EPISTLE TO THE RELIGIOUS BIGOTS ON 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS

I greet you all in the name of LORD.

Let me also use this medium to welcome you into year 2015, a very essential year where the nation will decide on the leadership that will take charge of the treasury and policy for the next 4 years. The eligible voters will decide the kind of leaders that will be in charge of the affairs of the country's wealth.

Nigeria - A country we can truly call our own, the country of good people great Nation, but unfortunately the “great people” still base their judgement and preference of candidate on religion sentiment.  Using the word of Pastor Gabriel Olalekan Popoola of Living Faith Church, “Politicians’ desperate appeals to religion are as sort of last line of hope when confronted with firm failure is at once ubiquitous in nature and repetitive historically. Ordinarily politicians ought not to be thugs and rogues; they ought to be leaders chosen by the larger society to administer the land on behalf of all members of the given society. The constitution and other extant laws of the land make that otherwise difficult administrative job a very easy one. Unfortunately, as event have revealed over the years, particular in our nation Nigeria, politicians, because of their materialism and acquisitiveness, are more of problem-creators than problem-solvers. They fail again and again where they should have succeeded; they steal where they should have not stolen; they lie where simple truth should have been told; and they deceive where acting in a straightforward manner would have sufficed. This is the tragic situation of our shameless and dishonourable politicians in Nigeria. Then when it becomes certain that the failed leader is about to be thrown out of office, having incurred the justifiable anger of the electorate, he suddenly begins to appeal to religion. He claim that he is a Christian or Muslim; he openly identifies with some religious leaders of his proclaim faith, and in turn, expects all adherents of the faith he bogusly lays claim to, to support him. And this is just for political benefit.”

 This is the kind of politics we practice in Nigeria, politics base on religion sentiment. No wonder why Karl Marx explains religion as an expression of material realities and economic injustice. The problems in religion are ultimately problems in society like that of Nigeria. Religion is not really the disease, but merely a symptom. It is used by oppressor to make people feel better about distress they experience due to the economic hardship and being exploited by some selfish people. This is the Origin of Karl’s comment that religion is the “Opium of the masses”.

Although religion and politics cannot be separated from the society as they are both from the products of the society, however our choice of candidates shouldn’t be based on the kind of religion the aspirants or candidates practice. Nobody ever asks the religion of the Pilot in the aircraft, what the passenger is interested in knowing is “if the Pilot is good or not.” Our selection should be based on the credibility and antecedent of the candidates. Religion, as one of the systems of Social Institution has contributed many developments to the social structure of Nigeria at large, but should our moral judgement be based on religious sentiment? Should we be brainwashed by religion sentiment in voting the right candidate into power!

I am not trying to use this platform to support and canvass for vote for a particular candidate. Political candidates could be compared to product brands that a marketer tries to market to prospective buyer to purchase, it is now left for the prospective buyer to reject or accept the brand. He or She accepting the brand should accept it by choice and not by force. It should be based on the attitude you have or inferred from the product. The products the politicians try to market to the electorate now is their various candidates. Politics is all about ideology, one man’s food is another man’s poison. The candidate I like might be the one you don’t want to see or hear his/her name talk less of casting your vote for the person. It is just like the two side of a drum, while one side faces your front, the other faces back. We shouldn’t cast our vote base on religious bias. In this coming election, our focuses should be on what the aspirants aspiring for that position has done before for the society and what they plan to offer when given the mandate. They should be voted to power base on the programmes promised to do to the citizenry. We should have grown and matured beyond politics of “he is from my faith”. Some are of the opinion that there is a gulf distinction between the “Religion and Spiritual,” but can religion be separated from spirituality?

I could remember when a prestigious Federal University in Nigeria had a Students’ Union election, the aftermath of the election would have been very credible but an influencer in one of the Religious Organisation sent a bulk sent messages to all his members of the organisation to vote for a particular candidate because he is from their faith. Something of such also happened in a hall of residence in the same school when the leader of a religious body during a morning prayer attacked the personality of other candidates in other to favours his. Is that even how the religions we use to “cover” our face teach us to practise politics? Enough of politics base of calumny let the aspirant win on a clean ground. The society evolve from the simple to the complex, I wonder the kind of rotten politics we still practice in this 21^st century. Well, am not surprised because it is what the parents do that the children will imbibe from.

I will urge all eligible voters to register and get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from INEC. This PVC is the power they can use to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice. Your vote is your civic right and a way of contributing your own quota to the society by chosen the right candidate to govern you. Vote with your moral sense of right and wrong, do not sell your vote because of immediate gratification. Selling your vote is synonymous to selling your future. Your PVC is a powerful weapon, use it rightly.

Let me end on this note, 1 Timothy 2 verse 1-4 says

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;  For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”  Amen.

I wish you a Successful 2015.

You are blessed!!!

 

Ayokunmi-Solomon Jimoh

President/Initiator, The Immaculate Team

07034586467

@apostleayoks

BBM: 55865408

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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