The government's poor performance has turned Nigerians into beggars—former LG legislative assembly speaker

 The poor performance of the government at all levels in Nigeria has reduced millions of Nigerians to beggars.

This assertion was made by a former speaker of the legislative assembly of the Ibadan South East Local Government Council, Hon. Tunde Yusuf.

''Visit the communities; people are suffering. People are begging to eat. The government's poor performance has turned Nigerians into beggars. Here in Oyo State, the local government does not exist. Elected officeholders are nowhere to be found. Hunger is the major discussion at the grass roots, where the illicit drug trade is booming. At the bus stops everywhere, pick-pocketing is now the trend.'' Hon. Yusuf stated.

LG Autonomy-Good Governance is asleep in Nigeria-Comrade Emelieze

 The foot-dragging attitude of the Federal Government on the Supreme court judgment granting autonomy to the 774 Local Governments in Nigeria is a threat to good governance.

This assertion was made by the National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

''The lackadaisical attitude of the Federal Government towards the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment on the autonomy of the 774 Local governments is an indication that good governance is asleep.  This is a deliberate attempt by  the government to ridicule democracy. Self interest is the overriding factor in this dispensation, Nigerians are not important. This is very obvious.''

The Local Scene

The loyalty and commitment of the people are crucial to the success of any political system with a focused leadership.
However, the covert moral and financial support for criminals, would, without doubt, result in unabating insecurity and its attendant consequences on the political system and the economy.
The support is woven around self-centered and pecuniary interests.
The absence of cooperation on matters relating to the elimination of economic stagnation and political marginalization of the people is influenced by insensitive leadership.
This leadership seeks to tinker with the constitution and existing laws, in order to facilitate dictatorial acts of omission and commission in a bid to regulate the people's behavior while at the same time depriving them of a large volume of resources.

It is very glaring that a number of political blocs and ethnic persuasions have been deprived of participating in the decision-making process of the system, which has resulted in a clear case of oppression and overwhelming structural imbalance in the polity.
The issue now is the moral indignation by the people against obvious constitutional breaches, which has been misconstrued by the state actors to mean that the differences suggest that so much has changed.
The worrisome situation today is a product of the manipulation of the system, deliberate impoverishment of the people, and the negative influence of moneybags, who are now political office holders in this democracy.

The Lose of a Firm Grip

Those in charge are now face to face with the reality of happenings in different parts of the country, which has so far contradicted their laid-out plans.

This is the major reason that nature can never be manipulated by humanity.

Indeed, there are unpredictable times ahead, as most of those responsible for good governance have lost a firm grip on the disturbing situation.

The make-believe position is no longer tenable, as events continue to unfold on a daily basis.

Justice, fairness and equality all contribute to economic development , in a sane society.

Injustice to one, is injustice to all.

Read God's Word

All Correspondence to solomon1day@gmail.com

Lawmakers are very far from Nigerians-Comrade Emelieze

Lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly and the State Houses of Assembly have long ceased to represent the electorate in Nigeria.

This assertion was made by the convener of the Federal Workers Forum, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

''For some years now, the elected representatives of Nigerians in both chambers of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly have stopped representing the people. They now represent their self-centered interests. Have they done enough to reverse the economic hardships giving Nigerians sleepless nights?''

''It has been zero intervention as regards the present economic hardships confronting Nigerians. Are those in the legislature just passing time? What is the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature? The answer is the relationship is symbiotic. This is the major reason why they have enough time for frivolities and non-issues. The lawmakers are very far from their constituents and are not in touch with the pains of millions of Nigerians.'' Comrade Emelieze stated.

The Local Scene

Healthcare delivery in government-owned health facilities across Nigeria has for so long deprived millions of Nigerians of quality and affordable services.

Indeed, the privately owned institutions, which ought to be credible alternatives, have worsened the plight of impoverished citizens.

Sadly, the cost of services rendered in these private health facilities has gone beyond the reach of the citizens.

Of worry is the resort to other means of treatment, which have become the only option for the indigent for obvious reasons.

Sadly, those in authority seem not to be perturbed, as Nigerians transit to the world beyond on a daily basis as a result of the prohibitive cost of health care delivery in different parts of the country.

This is a government of manipulation, exploitation and extortion-Comrade Emelieze

 The present administration in Nigeria revolves around manipulation, exploitation and extortion.

This  assertion was made by the convener of the Federal Workers     Forum, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

'The present  government  Nigeria is grounded in extortion, exploitation and manipulation. This is leadership by example, go to the markets, market men and women are following the footsteps of those who are a the helm of affairs.There is no end in sight in the ongoing milking of millions of Nigerians by the oppressors. The oppressors have been molded by greed and for-self-only attitude. This is a period of inhuman increases in the costs of goods and services-most especially foodstuff. Comrade  Emelieze sated.

The Local Scene

The purchasing power of millions of Nigerians  have, all this while, been disabled by the prohibitive prices of goods and services.

Curiously, as Nigerians are busy grappling with the violent crimes in the land, the lawmakers in Edo state have already taken a decision on kidnapping in the state.

Sadly, so many states, where cultism is already part of daily living,  are very reluctant to move  against the cultists. Why is this so?

Perhaps, this is suspicious, when consideration is given to the saying:''He who pays the piper dictates the tune.''

Living Wages-Workers in Nigeria are in deep shock-Comrade Emelieze

Workers in both the public and private sectors of all sectors of the economy in Nigeria are yet to attain the acceptable state of mind to guarantee unimpeded productivity. Living wages and human-friendly conditions of service boost efficiency, effectiveness, and diligence in economies that value the worth of their workforce. However, lamentations, complaints, grumblings, and arguments have for so long characterized the approach of workers to the scheme of things. Sadly, the multiple effects of the obvious disregard for the workforce have manifested in all sectors of the economy. Comrade Andrew Emelieze is the convener of the All Workers Convergence and Federal Workers Forum. Comrade Emelieze laments that the situation is almost hopeless, just as he calls on those in charge to salvage the country's helpless workers. ''The new national minimum wage is nothing to write home about. Workers in Nigeria are in a state of confusion over the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage. The amount that was added to our salaries is inconsequential, demeaning, and equally exploitative. Federal workers are still in deep shock as the January salaries were reduced, the annual increment is missing, the so-called N40,000 consequential adjustment minimum wage was withheld, and there is no readily available explanation from the federal government. Moreover, 5 months of wage award arrears are yet to be paid, and promotion arrears are still being expected in addition to so many other arrears. Surprisingly, just as December salaries were delayed, some ministries, departments, and agencies are yet to receive January salaries.'' Comrade Emelieze revealed. Indeed, those who worship God and mammon simultaneously are already blaming themselves and their sponsors.

Prosperity for selfish Interests

Presently, many parents are unable to take good care of their children in different parts of Nigeria. Prostitution,homosexuality, sodomy pedohphilia, cultism, ritual killngs child and women trafficking, hard drug usage are among the several social maladies plaguing society.

Sadly, a number of those in religion have not helped matters by focusing mainly on prosperity for selfish interests. Anointing and blessings for questionable characters mouth-watering fees now dominate the space, just as doctrines are twisted to suit their diabolic design. Places of worship have now become destinations for all manners of people who ordinarily have no business there. Sadly, the compilicity of the 'revered' have only worsened the situation. The words of the holy book are now misinterpreted to suit satanic motives and agenda.

Time as Nemesis

It is disheartening to come to terms with the fact that intimidation, threats, attacks, and manipulation are now tools of governance at all levels of government. Very strange and laughable. Leadership has been redefined to include deceit, manipulation, and lies, among other things.

The Disturbing Representation

 

Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a political leader of Yoruba extraction who lived by example.

His leadership impacted positively on the Yoruba people in all spheres of life. However, it is doubtful if those who hold sway in this dispensation followed in his footsteps.

Chief Awolowo had a formidable political structure that outlived him. In his time, political meetings were held at his Ikenne home in Ogun State.

After the passing on to glory of Chief Awolowo, in the days of military rule, Chief Adekunle Ajasin took over the mantle of leadership, and meetings were held at his Owo home, Ondo State.

During this period, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) came into being.

After Chief Ajasin did his beat, Pa Abraham Adesanya  took over the structure up till the end of the military era.

In the course of Pa Adesanya's leadership, those who could best be described as pseudo-Awoists and pseudo-democrats were accepted into the fold; sadly, the true and real progressives were barred due to the fact that they took up appointments in the military regime of the late despot, Gen. Sani Abacha.

Now known as Afenifere, the group restricted its membership while maintaining a closely knit relationship with the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

At a glance, Afenifere was composed of the first generation of Awoists, the second 11, and the unknown elements. 

The unknown elements eventually hijacked the structure through unconventional means.

A prominent first-generation Awoist was a one-time governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

However, Chiefs Bisi Akande and Segun Osoba belong to the second 11, while others were not yet into reckoning during the functional period of the group.

At a point in time, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, the director of organization of  the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), then stated that in 1982, during the last convention of the UPN, Chief Awolowo expressed the hope that a time will come when the good elements in the conservatives ill join the good elements in the progressives to form a synthesis.

But present happenings in the political sphere have defied this theory; rather, polarization and division are tools that have brought about the present scheme of things.

Of note is the fact that the progressives of the time past embarked on laudable programs such as free education to empower the Yoruba people.

Sadly, capitalist-inclined policies and nocturnal ideals and preferences are the working tools of today's leaders in the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria, to the chagrin of the disillusioned and impoverished people.

The new definition of the progressives includes, but is not limited to, the payment of school fees in primary and secondary schools, the introduction of multiple tax regimes, and the preference for mediocrity and people with doubtful educational qualifications to carry out government duties. So sad.

Today, the mindset and body language of the political leadership is best represented by  their  followers on the streets, offices, worship centers and other public places across the country. Very disturbing.

Ibadan residents at the mercy of cultists

Cultists have, for over 5 years running now, taken over most of the communities of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

These cultists, who operate with impunity, boast of their untouchable status openly, to the consternation of members of the public.

Their presence in the midst of unscrupulous law enforcement agents has not helped matters.

Indeed, residents have decided to keep quiet when all their complaints have never attracted any uplifting response from those in charge.

Of great worry is the nonchalance of the state government and the state legislature towards breathing constitutional and statutory life into the anti-cultism law in the state.

The cultists have, for long, broken into the houses of residents and forcefully made away with property documents.

On Monday, at about 7.40 am in the morning, cultists led by one Lekan Adewale made a failed attempt to break into an apartment at 3, Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete.

Sadly, occupants of No. 5 (a two-story building) served as accomplices.

The leader of the cultists operates from No. 8 Kehinde Aderibgbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete.

For long, the cultists have been forcefully evicting residents from their landed property and disposing of such property with the aid of erring law enforcement agents and government officials.

 

 

 

The Mao Zedong Model

 

Mao Zedong, popularly known as Chairman Mao, was successful with his noble goals for China through despotic means.

His leadership was severe, dictatorial and personalized.

For as long as Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution lasted, thousands of Chinese died of starvation and inhuman labor.

Mao and his co-travelers argued that the same was the price their people had to pay for re-education.

This brand of governance ensured the extermination of the heroes of the civil war and the old party chieftains by the President's armed squad.

Chairman Mao is perhaps the role model of those who hold sway in Nigeria today.

Indeed, some state governors, are  among several other political office holders, who adore the President.

Those in support of this argument insist that on a number of occasions, kneeling  down to greet and/or consult with the President are common place. 

They maintain that this is only a sign of respect in the traditional African setting.

However, those against this order of things, stress that the underlying factors revolve around hypocrisy and boot licking.

Nigerians are yet to stop complaining of constitutional breaches and the unabated trampling of the rule of law in the dust, without noticeable changes by the powers that be.

From recent events in the country, the economic reform programs of the All Progressives Congress(APC) led government at the center and in the states, are modeled along the thinking of a free market economy.

It is doubtful if the government, in most recent times, has managed the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.

Of worry is the state of manufacturing industries, which could be said to be epileptic, even as food security is a mirage, insecurity is the chorus everywhere, while crude oil remains the major hope of the present administration.

Interestingly, the future growth of the Nigerian economy rests comfortably on diversification and focus on visionary and creative people-friendly economic policies, although the government still over-relies and over-depends on crude oil to fund its programs.

Can the present administration turn around the troubled economy ? Nobody knows.

 

Lessons in Insecurity : The Nigeria Model

 Adolf Hitler labeled the extermination of the Jews in Europe,''the Final Solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina, which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens, code named the same ''The Process of National Reorganization''.

The activities of bandits, insurgents and herdsmen in Nigeria which have claimed thousands of lives are similar to the above-mentioned.

Between 1976 and 1983, millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina.

Death squads operating under secret circumstances and under the cover of the state, murdered about 11,000 people, which is now described as ''The Disappeared''.

Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'' were either sold, bartered or murdered.

Indeed, happenings in different states of Nigeria, including, Borno, Benue, Taraba and Plateau and Zamfafra states, among several others, indicate the Government's adequate knowledge of the situation, while unabated killings go on.

The relocation of the Inspector General of Police to Benue state, one of the troubled spots then, did not reverse the status quo.

On March 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army, overthrew the Government of Isabelita Peron, a former nightclub dancer. In this country, no civilian government has completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron, who spent only one tenure in office.

However, in Nigeria, a two term governor of Lagos state, is in charge, even though the country still experiences symptoms of economic hunger, poverty, mass unemployment, corruption and a high level of insecurity.

The Ejercito Revolucionario de Pueblo and the Montoneros, leftists, took to kidnapping and killings to express their displeasure over bad governance in Argentina. In Nigeria, kidnappings and killings have gone on unabated. Political watchers put the blame at the doorstep of government.

Presently, Nigerians are worried over the government's inaction, as the country gradually slides into anarchy.

Sadly, the open stealing of  smart phones has become bibg business in Ibadan, Oyo state and other states of the federation

Accusing fingers are being pointed at political office holders who have failed to deliver the dividends of democracy.

Interestingly, the body language of the National Assembly, is an indication that the lawmakers are yet to realize the need for the entrenchment of the rule of law and due process in the polity, just as impunity is now the order of the day

In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorohanta, resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not be part of a government that kills its citizens.

Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land to a Korean firm, Daewoo, for intensive farming. 

The people have deep ties with their land and, as a result, view the President's action as a betrayal.

The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria.

The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look into the gloomy future for reprieve.

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The Leadership Challenge

What would aid good governance is not in place. Rather, unnecessary criticism and condemnation of trailing the activities of Those-in-Charge visible are setbacks.

Unguarded remarks, utterances and reckless statements and comments amplify the leadership abilities of an individual, positively or negatively.

Sadly, the trend among leaders in most climes, is to take positions on sensitive issues without thoughtful analysis of available facts.

Indeed, paying attention to details and aspects considered to be irrelevant ensures a very high degree of intelligent fairness that is essential for success in leadership.

Mao Zedong, popularly known as Chairman Mao, was successful with his noble goals for China through despotic means.

His leadership was severe, dictatorial and personalized.

For as long as Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution lasted, thousands of Chinese died of starvation and inhuman labor.

Mao and his co-travelers argued that the same was the price their people had to pay for re-education.

This brand of governance ensured the extermination of the heroes of the civil war and the old party chieftains by the President's armed squad.

Chairman Mao is perhaps the role model of those who hold sway in Nigeria today.

Indeed, the Senate President is among several other political office holders who adore President Ahmed Tinubu.

Those in support of this argument insist that the lawmaker is a regular visitor to Aso Rock for unknown reasons.

However, those against this order of things, stress that the underlying factors revolve around hypocrisy and boot licking.

Nigerians are yet to stop complaining of constitutional breaches and the unabated trampling of the rule of law in the dust, without noticeable changes by the powers that be.

From recent events in the country, the economic reform programs of the All Progressives Congress(APC) led government at the center and in the states, are modeled along the thinking of a free market economy.

It is doubtful if the government, in most recent times, has managed the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.

Of worry is the state of manufacturing industries, which could be said to be epileptic, even as food security is a mirage, insecurity is the chorus everywhere, while crude oil remains the major hope of the present administration.

Interestingly, the future growth of the Nigerian economy rests comfortably on diversification and focus on visionary and creative people-friendly economic policies, although the government still over-relies and over-depends on crude oil to fund its programs.

Can the present administration turn around the troubled economy ? Nobody knows.

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Calming Frayed Nerves

 The burden of a nation is too multi-dimensional for a single power broker to manage.

There are entrenched interests in the military, security services, a section of the judiciary and also the bureaucracy, while the population at large remains distraught and impoverished.

Indeed, to inherit a badly managed and shattered economy is disturbing to those who know what is in stock aside from the high level of insecurity.

Those-in-Charge need not feign ignorance about the pressing issues at stake, but go all out to tackle the issues, even as reservations, doubts and suspicions grow among the populace by the day.

The Situation

It is now very glaring that millions of Nigerians-outside the workforce- are contending with hunger, poverty, unemployment and a number of other hardships.

This  has resulted into a sizable number the citizens embracing crime as a means to an end.

Those -in-charge are only scratching  the surface while the situation deteriorates daily.

Living with Evil

The evil deeds of some state governors are limiting factors when they involve interfacing with law enforcement agencies.

Indeed, the situation has become so bad to the extent that the people no longer trust political office holders to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Sadly, a number of state governors are very reluctant to move against cultists who have continued to wreak havoc in the affected states.

Interaction is preferably by representation, because a lot is still hidden, that is gradually coming to light.
Indeed, the evil that men do lives with them and has become their shadows.
No responsible law-abiding and right-thinking Nigerian will subscribe to calls by some individuals to cooperate with criminals. Perhaps

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Good Governance

 

It is to the knowledge of millions of Nigerians that the basic social-economic institutions have been destroyed.

The challenge now is how to fix the nation's health, education, judiciary and other institutions or ensure a satisfactory turn around.

In developed countries, economic activities are the backbone of politics and, as such, distortions or reversal of economic policies or long-term strategic national objectives are rare.

Sadly, little or nothing has been achieved to guarantee a good economic foundation, which ought to be the back-rest of politics.

This is reflected in the awkward power-sharing, power rotation and inequitable distribution of resources and good governance.

The kind of economic reforms by the government would go a long way in determining if Those-in-Charge are neophytes in the Herculean task of governance.

Aiding and Abetting Criminals

For so long, cultists such as one Wolex and Lekan Adewale of 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe steet, Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, have been terrorizing, robbing and attacking innocent Nigerians in the above-mentioned community and so many others. Although the law enforcement agencies feign ignorance, the confidence exuded by the criminals, who have continued to commit heinous and grievous crimes with impunity, exposes the deep involvement of the police in violent crimes, not only in Oyo state but in different parts of the country.

Hunger Protests-Watch out for Criminals-Onyendu to Security Agencies.

The Onyendu Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state High Chief Alloy Obi has warned against the hijack of the impending nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance by criminals.

Chief Obi gave this warning on Wednesday in a chat with The New Federation.

''We are in a democracy, Nigerians are free to protest. However, the security agencies should not allow criminals to hijack protests against hunger, poverty and bad governance. It is high time government at all levels cut down th costs of governance. Millions of Nigerians are finding it difficult to feed themselves, even once a day. All those in public office should sit down and find solutions to the multiple problems confronting th country. When the center is weak and all regions manage their resources, then we will get it right,'' High Chief Obi stated.

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Wishes and Expectations

The key elements of tyranny include, but are not limited to, insensitivity, brutality, random arrests, incarceration and unresolved cases of killings.

 Curiously, the prohibitive price of the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) is already having multiple negative effects on the economy, even as Nigerians persist in their daily lamentations of the unbearable hardships that have been their lot in recent times.

Indeed, governance on the platform of deformed democratic institutions attracts tyranny, which is not in tandem with the wishes and expectations of Nigerians.

Interestingly, the people are yet to identify any conceivable reason for the policy direction of Those-in-Charge towards the worrisome and disturbing situation that called for urgent deliverance.

The cost of living is on the rise on a daily basis and Those-in-Charge continue to appeal and cajole citizens to take their sufferings as sacrifices that must be made for the anti-people policies that are ravaging the land. 

Self Preservation in the Midst of Evil 

These are very dangerous times in so many states in Nigeria, which have, long before now, become the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah. 

Indeed, the overlords in the states have succeeded in remodeling their domains into havens of all that defies morality and decency. 

Of worry is the increase in the cases of death revolving around drink and food poisoning, in addition to sexually transmitted diseases. All the afore mentioned are weapons of destruction by those obsessed with temporal power. 

Curiously, the services of migrants from other states are engaged to carry out the unthinkable and unbelievable. The only option now open to Nigerians is to adopt measures that would ensure self-preservation in the midst of evil by Those-in-Charge.

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The Precarious Situation

 DonateLawlessness is now the way of life in Nigeria, due to the lingering poverty and hunger in the land.

A review of the economy and security architecture will unravel the untold story, only if a transparent probe is conducted in the days to come.
A number of the crises in the last eight years have generated revenue for a few pockets, with millions of Nigerians always contending with the sufferings and hardships during such crises.
Indeed, the interests of Nigerians have been undermined or destabilized based on ethnic, religious and gender considerations.
Sadly, the political leaders in the states, have failed to convincingly ensure a conducive environment, but are in the nick of time, seeking direct investment.
Investors can only develop confidence in the economy when there is regular electricity supply, free flow of potable water, good and motorable roads, security of lives and property, skilled and trained power and favorable incentives for startups.

In Search of Good Government

Donate A good government ought to be able to muster enough strength to enforce obedience, in addition to carrying out the duties of governance efficiently.

Justice, perhaps, will flourish when the people who are expected to obey the laws express their opinions on these laws.

A rule of good government, revolves around the fact that the state, nobody else, should be equipped to secure obedience and conformity.

In 1934, Austria was plunged into civil war, partly by the failure of its government to prevent political parties from recruiting armies.

Political parties are already recruiting non-state actors.

The prosperity of this country is under the overbearing influence of its natural resources, the politics of its neighbors and the conduct of those in government.

Take note that the goodness of a government depends on its fitness to solve the myriad of problems confronting it.

Sadly, those in government have set their personal interests against and above those of the people, shown undeserved favor to particular groups and refused to permit the people to attain their heart's desires.

The foregoing goes against the principles of good government.

Note

In Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, children who have been well groomed by their parents in the act of criminality, led by one Joshua, a child of a disabled white garment church-owner at No.1 Kehinde Aderibigbe street, (unpainted building by the junction), now burgle houses in the community. This is in addition to the disturbing activities of under-aged prostitutes, who operate with the consent of their parents