July 20, 2010
Nigeria is a country blessed with enormous natural resources, but in the midst of plenty, it wallows in want. There are agitations from different quarters over what to do to make Nigeria great and better. The Niger Delta is a special case; we also have bribery and corruption in different sphere of the government, kidnapping, just to mention a few of the problems confronting the country today.
Nigeria is a country blessed with enormous natural resources, but in the midst of plenty, it wallows in want. There are agitations from different quarters over what to do to make Nigeria great and better. The Niger Delta is a special case; we also have bribery and corruption in different sphere of the government, kidnapping, just to mention a few of the problems confronting the country today.
A few years ago, the former Minister of Information, Mrs. Dora Akunyili, introduced the policy of “rebranding” the nation so as to create a better image of Nigeria to the international community. But it is easier to imagine that goal than to actually get Nigerians to imbibe that culture into their minds and habits. Kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country has become a lucrative business, as the criminals’ demand for ransoms is exceptionally high. What of the power show by our lawmakers, whose interest is their own pockets, forgetting the masses that ‘voted’ them into power? All these are manifestations of greed and corruption.
The agitation by the media to get the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information Bill has suffered a massive blow, as it has been thrown out on several occasions by the lawmakers. Perhaps our legislators do not want to nail themselves or to allow ‘classified information’ leak out to the public.
On and on the list continues, but the most important thing, at this point, is what can be done to move the country forward and have its name re-written in gold in the international community. It is necessary that things should be put in their right positions by:
retraining some of the public office holders to be mindful of the positions they are holding; and allowing only qualified personnel to handle certain sensitive positions, if not all positions of authority. This applies particularly to the clamour for free and fair elections. When our votes count, a great leader will be better for it. One right man taking office as the President of Nigeria – who is responsive and responsible – can take us to the Promised Land.
Another vital requirement is holding top public officials accountable for their misdeeds or mismanagement of public funds.
Blessing, O.
Lagos.
[email protected]
A few years ago, the former Minister of Information, Mrs. Dora Akunyili, introduced the policy of “rebranding” the nation so as to create a better image of Nigeria to the international community. But it is easier to imagine that goal than to actually get Nigerians to imbibe that culture into their minds and habits. Kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country has become a lucrative business, as the criminals’ demand for ransoms is exceptionally high. What of the power show by our lawmakers, whose interest is their own pockets, forgetting the masses that ‘voted’ them into power? All these are manifestations of greed and corruption.
The agitation by the media to get the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information Bill has suffered a massive blow, as it has been thrown out on several occasions by the lawmakers. Perhaps our legislators do not want to nail themselves or to allow ‘classified information’ leak out to the public.
On and on the list continues, but the most important thing, at this point, is what can be done to move the country forward and have its name re-written in gold in the international community. It is necessary that things should be put in their right positions by:
retraining some of the public office holders to be mindful of the positions they are holding; and allowing only qualified personnel to handle certain sensitive positions, if not all positions of authority. This applies particularly to the clamour for free and fair elections. When our votes count, a great leader will be better for it. One right man taking office as the President of Nigeria – who is responsive and responsible – can take us to the Promised Land.
Another vital requirement is holding top public officials accountable for their misdeeds or mismanagement of public funds.
Blessing, O.
Lagos.
[email protected]
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