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Anti-Gay Bill, Fuel Subsidy, ASUU, EFCC, Boko Haram, Arab Spring & Occupy Movement Et Al

December 13, 2011

In a few weeks, about two billion people on planet earth will celebrate Christmas, which is a yearly “fiesta” to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world; I am constantly reminded of the significance and the true reason for this glorious and joyful season of the year.  There is no doubt that December is the most wonderful time of the year as penned by Eddie Pola and George Wyle in 1963.  It is the most holy, gracious, and loving season of the year because of the wonder and miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords and most importantly the Son of the Most High God.

In a few weeks, about two billion people on planet earth will celebrate Christmas, which is a yearly “fiesta” to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world; I am constantly reminded of the significance and the true reason for this glorious and joyful season of the year.  There is no doubt that December is the most wonderful time of the year as penned by Eddie Pola and George Wyle in 1963.  It is the most holy, gracious, and loving season of the year because of the wonder and miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords and most importantly the Son of the Most High God.

 

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However, despite this wonderful season of the year, many nations around the world face insurmountable challenges – Nigeria, being one of them.  Despite her endowment – human and mineral resources, Nigerians are still ravaged by soaring unemployment, monumental corruption, unimaginable poverty, immorality, ethnic religious killings and terrorism.  As I write, the Southerners and Christians – mostly Igbos living and doing business in Kaduna, Jos and other regions of Northern Nigeria are being massacred like chicken, goats and cows, their businesses and means of livelihood destroyed, and most importantly their families rendered homeless and hopeless – mothers are widowed and children orphaned.  Many of the Southerners are leaving the North to return to their home States and yet, we pretend to be Nigerians.  This jihadist Islamic terrorist sect and other critical issues are some of the ills and absurdities of Nigeria that compels even those who believe in the peaceful, harmonious co-existence and unity of Nigeria to question the authenticity of the Nigerian State and wonder why the various ethnic groups that make up Nigeria should continue to co-exist. 

In this piece, I would like to bare my thoughts briefly on some of the critical issues I have not had the time to write on.  As a bi-vocational person as well as a freelance writer, I do not have the luxury of time to write on many issues that touch my heart and as they occur in Nigeria.  Some of the commentaries below are comments I blogged or responded to various emails or calls from friends or those who ask my take on those issues.

I’ll begin with:
 

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President Jonathan’s Transformation Government
Jonathan’s government is far from being transparent.  This is not a transformational government at all, but business as usual.  This is a continuation of the same vicious circle of incompetent and corrupt politicians masquerading as leaders.  President Jonathan may mean well, but he is not strong and courageous enough to liberate himself from the godfathers, tycoons and cronies that installed him president of Nigeria.  I know it is not easy for the president; however, he must choose and decide on what his legacy would be.  Transformational leadership is a liberating leadership and he must seek to liberate himself from the cronies around him, otherwise; his legacy will stink like most of his predecessors.
 

Removal of EFCC Chair, Mrs. Farida Waziri

I welcome the removal of EFCC chair, Mrs. Farida Waziri.  Since she was appointed to lead the Economic Financial Crime Commission by the late Nigeria president, Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, she has not prosecuted anyone.   Thirty-one out of thirty-six governors that were found guilty of public looting and money laundering by EFCC under the leadership of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu are still working free in Nigeria.  EFCC under the leadership of Mrs. Waziri, rather than go after the corrupt politicians and government officials that are siphoning public treasury and incompetent government officials that are doing nothing with the allocation given to them, Mrs. Waziri was busy toying with a U.S. based lawyer, Attorney Emeka Ugwuonye for a mere sum of $94K, while politicians are siphoning billions overseas.  EFCC under her leadership were wasting time and taxpayers’ money. 

The sack of EFCC Chair, Mrs. Farida Waziri, may be the beginning of Jonathan’s transparency government.  I am however disappointed that each time the EFCC chair is removed; they are allowed to keep their loot and on top of that rewarded with an advanced study at Ivy League college in UK.  The same thing was done to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

I am hesitant to criticize women in government and position of leadership.  For some reason, I had the notion and mindset that women in leadership may not be as corrupt as their male counterparts, but the scandalous renovation of government house of former and first Nigeria’s women speaker, Mrs. Etteh for a whooping sum of N628 million still reverberates in my mind.  A year later, the respected business leader, Mrs. Ibru, was busted for scandalous and un-collateral loans to companies operating with fictitious names and to non-existent companies. Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, one of the admirable Bank CEO’s, who had received worldwide recognition and accolades, was disgraced out of office due to greed and illegal banking transactions. Nevertheless, Nigeria can still boast of very respectful and dynamic women leaders with virtues and essential leadership qualities of biblical superwomen like Esther, Ruth, Deborah, etc., women who conquered and led nations either with their intelligence, beauty or influence.

The President should relieve duty or fire other folks.  They are: Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Imam of CBN, the Education Minister, Professor Ruquyyatu Rufa'i, the Abuja Police Commissioner, Mike Zuokumor and all the Security Chiefs – beginning with the Police Chief, Mr. Ringim. 
 

2011 National Honors & Prof. Chinua Achebe
Poet Chinua Achebe is a man of honor and integrity – an iconic figure and Africa’s pride.  Frankly speaking, he needs no national honor especially when thieves, fools, idiots, gangsters, thugs and terrorists were listed to receive same national honors with him.  He is a man of honor and integrity.   Men like him are very rare on earth.

 Boko Haram Jihadists, Terrorism and Insecurity 

With the arrest of Boko Haram spokesperson, Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, also known as Al-Zawahir and the arrest of Borno State Senator, Senator Ndume, and Nigerians are beginning to learn a little more about Boko Haram terrorist sect.  However, I still maintain that Boko-Haram jihadist terrorist group is desperate to impose fear and enforce Sharia law in all the states of the North. Their ultimate aim is to overthrow Christianity and impose the “Rule of Allah”, and Islamize Nigeria and its economy.   I have no doubt that Boko Haram terrorist sect has high profile sponsors – organizations and politicians patronizing and supporting their actions, including the fanatical Muslim teachers and adherents – who teach and claim that Allah commands them to kill non-Moslems.  The Federal Government must partner with the U.S. and other international Security Agencies to wage and win the war against this dangerous terrorist group that is outrageously killing and causing mayhem in the North.  Otherwise, Nigeria risks becoming like improvised Somalia, Afghanistan or a terrorist pariah state.

It just dawned on Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III that the main reason for Boko Haram terrorism is that for forty years or more; the Northern leaders had doled poor and visionless leadership to the nation and especially to their people.  Few weeks ago, Governor Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State, disclosed that no fewer than 1.2 million almajiris beggars are roaming the streets of the state - that's one-third of the state population.  Credible statistics show that there is more poverty – especially among women, children and young people in North than in the South.  The young and bright Northern leaders should rise-up and take over the mantle of leadership from the maniacs like IBB, Buhari, Atiku, and so on.  They have ruined lives, dashed the hopes of millions and rubbished the nation because of their visionless and incompetent leadership.

Sadly, the recently concluded two-day peace and unity conference conveyed by Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna – in which Yakubu Gowon, Atiku, Senate president, Senator David Mark, Speaker, House of Representative, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Sultan of Sokoto attended did not yield any results.  Instead, the next day, Boko Haram bombed Kaduna in repudiation that they are tired of their corrupt leaders.  My only issue – is why do these militant almajiris taking it out on innocent Nigerians, women and children.  They should go after their leaders, who had rendered their lives useless and hopeless.

Nigerians should brace up for jihadists eager to kill Southerners and Christians in the North.  Nigerians aren’t seen nothing yet.  This is just the beginning.  Northern Nigeria is now labeled a terrorist region and soon it will spread to all over Nigeria as it is already happening. The political discourse about Boko Haram is ridiculous and senseless.  The bomb explosions are not only designed to kill Southerners and Christians but to repudiate the failure of their leaders – past and present.  Late Odumegwu Ojukwu is being vindicated in the present Nigeria and off-course the founding fathers – those who fought for independence and unity of the nation must be totally disappointed of what Nigeria has become – a fractured and leaderless nation.
 

CHRISLAM and Religious Syncretism

After the recent Kaduna bomb blasts that killed scores and destroyed businesses, President Jonathan called for peace and quoted copiously from the Qur’an and Bible to show that peace was the fulcrum of Islam and Christianity.  He is right, but his call is the same spirit and the international conspiracy ringing out to support the emerging world religion known as CHRISLAM, which was unfortunately invented by a Nigerian.  Chrislam is gaining attention in Europe and America.  The proponents of this religious syncretism want to combine the two biggest religions (Christianity and Islam) into one big faith called Chrislam.  Chrislam uses both the Bible and Qur’an and sees them both as holy texts. These kinds of ideas and movements are not new, mankind has seen enough of these satanic movements designed to corrupt the belief and faith in Triune God.  I’ll be writing more on Chrislam because quite a number of churches around the world now use Bible and Qur’an in their Sunday services.  Also Ivy League colleges and universities like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and others are buying into this new ideology, which actually began in Nigeria in the 1970’s.  Recently, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, spiritual head of Nigeria’s Muslim, spoke on “Islam and Peace Building in West Africa” at Harvard Divinity School.  Initially, I wondered who invited him to speak at Harvard Divinity School –perhaps the school since it is a very liberal Divinity School that embraces all spectrums of religions and religious beliefs.  Or perhaps, the Muslim students studying at Harvard invited him.  But later, I realized the whole international conspiracy for Chrislam.  By the way, I thought Boko-Haram said that “Western education is evil” and anything Western values and culture is against Islam faith.   Why are they attending Harvard and other Ivy League colleges and universities in the West?  What a bunch of hypocrites!

 God, Religion, Faith & Church in Nigeria
God, Religion, Faith, or Church is not Nigeria’s problem but ignorance, incompetence, and corruption. It is sad that African intellectuals blame God, Religion, and Church for our woes – which are not true.

Most Nigerians are just gullible when it comes to issue of religion and faith.  There is so much religious ignorance.  Additionally, most of them follow false teachers and prophets from both aisles of the main religious faiths in Nigeria – gullible Christians, who still believes a preacher – prosperity pastors will make them rich.  About 60% of Nigerians claim to attend church services every Sunday and sit under so-called men of God and miracle workers and yet rituals, divination, astrology, sorcery, witchcraft, magic, and all manners of evil and satanic worship remain rampant in our society. Greed, hatred, corruption, idolatry, jealousy and envy continue to flourish in Nigeria.  What I am observing in this generation is moral bankruptcy, biblical ignorance, and satanic spiritual capitalism.  Today - atrocities, pervasion, godlessness; deception, manipulation, false doctrines and false prophets are now rampant in the church. 

However, I also believe that so-called Nigerian intellectuals and atheists lack divine wisdom.  Psalm 14:1 3, says, “The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, and there is none that does good. The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God. They have all gone astray, they are all alike corrupt; there is none that does good, no, not one.

1 Corinthians 1:19-20 says, for it is written:  “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  Verse 25 of the same chapter says, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. “

I wish these atheists will read African exegetical Christian writers such as Minucius Felix, Clement, Origen, Tertullian, Cyprian, Marius Victorinus, Lactantius, --- all born before Athanasius--- or Didymus, Arnobius of Sicca, Optatus, Augustine, Cyril of Alexandria, Shenute of Atripe, Quodvultdeus, Victor of Vita, Fulgentius - who shaped the Church’s Liturgy, Prayers, Confessions and even Holy Scriptures.

While some Southern Christians – may call for separation of Church and State or Religion and Politics, the North do not give a damn about it, because Politics is interwoven in their religious beliefs.  In fact they do not separate the two. Politics and Faith and Religion are inseparable for a Muslim.
 

Morality and Anti-gay Marriage Bill
The liberal, anti-family, and feminists agenda - designed to destroy the institution of Marriage is also spreading furiously in the Third World countries.  Few years ago, we were all astonished when the Changing Attitude Nigeria (CAN), which is unfortunately, an Anglican gay movement, protested and were seeking for freedom to express openly. They were also asking for gay marriage recognition like their counterparts in the West and this is exactly what our young people are borrowing from America, Britain and other Western nations today.  They emulate their lifestyle, mannerism, etc and as a result HIV/AIDS and other sexually diseases are transmitted unhindered.  Nigeria ranks third after South Africa and India as the most infected HIV and AIDS nations in the world.  This is a serious indictment and severe consequence upon a nation that has refused to take care of her citizens through sound laws, fairness, justice, and righteousness.  Our country is already ravaged by many problems and to add deadly diseases such as HIV, AIDS, etc shows how morally and socially decadent we have become.  Managing the consequences of indecent, illegal and illicit sexual pervasion would lead to a major and monumental crisis in health sector that is still non-existent.

Therefore, I applaud the decision of the Senate to ban gay marriage.  I pray and hope that the House concurs.  Former President Obasanjo opposed such an abominable request during his reign.  The anti-family, liberal, and radical feminist agenda are satanic tools used to destroy the very foundation, fabric and bedrock of  moral societies must be stopped now,  otherwise; Nigeria risks a major health crisis, moral and social decadence and without the proper institutions capable to support such a homosexual life style.  I applaud the Senators for banning gay marriage in Nigeria.  Canada, Britain, U.S - especially President Obama and Mrs. Clinton should get a life.  This is a moral issue not civil right issue.  Foreign Governments have no right to interfere in the moral issues of a sovereign nation.
 

Economic Transformation Agenda and Sovereign Wealth Fund

I have so much respect for Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala because of her impeccable education, qualification and work experience, but I don’t see any economic agenda that can truly transform Nigeria.  Either it is not in paper or that it has not been articulated properly.  I can still recall SAP, NEEDS, SEEDS and 7-point economic agenda of late President Yar’Adua.  It was properly articulated and documented for everyone to read.  But for Jonathan’s transformation economic agenda, I have not seen anything in paper yet – unless I missed it.  

Additionally, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala represents the economic vision of IMF and World Bank.  Her foreign economic policies may not always work well among a culturally diverse minded people and a developing nation like Nigeria - NEEDS, SEEDS and FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL are just few of those. Nigeria’s economic policies should be approached from a cultural, social, and psychological mind-set of the Nigerian people. Most foreign economic packages - SAP, NEEDS, and even the so-called Transformation Economic Agenda, designed to restructure Third-world economies – especially in Africa are written to benefit Western capitalism.      By the way, the Sovereign Wealth Fund is simply deceptive strategy to embezzle.  There are other ways within the Federal system to save for future generations – Federation Account, Foreign Reserves, etc.  The justification for SWF is fictitious and capricious. 
 

Crisis in Public Education and Outdated School Curriculum

The current dialogue and disagreement between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and the Federal government over honoring an agreement on the funding of universities and revitalizing other infrastructure deficits in the educational system is just politics as usual.  Nigerian schools have become centers of strikes, riots, prostitution, sexual harassment, rape, cultism, and poor lecturers.  It is simply the massive failure of leadership in the education sector – where people are appointed as commissioners without proper training and qualification for the job assigned to do.  In Abia State, a commissioner of education was handed to a man whose highest educational qualification was WAEC and many even doubted whether he actually passed the first leaving certificate.  What kind of vision and education policy can that kind of person bring to the schools and educators! The government should get out of education sector and allow private citizens to run the schools
Government has failed woefully in education sector just like in everything else.  The 2011 June/July Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) announced by the National Examination Council (NECO), recorded the highest number of failures with high degrees of malpractices also in the history of Nigeria.  Apart from the massive failure in Math and Science with high degree of malpractices recorded in WAEEC, 80% of those who obtained first class and second class upper failed Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recruitment examination.  The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr. Austen Oniwon, disclosed the poor result while declaring open the 9th NNPC National Quiz Competition in Abuja.

The abysmal failure of Nigerian high school children in the African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is the failure of educational leadership.  The thug subculture, cultism, sexual harassment, intimidation of girls by lecturers, ABSU gang rape, among other dysfunctions in Nigerian university campuses should be addressed as a matter of urgency.  President Jonathan must declare a “State of "Emergency in the Education S sector,” otherwise his administration transformational agenda will not succeed.  Nigeria has degenerated very badly in education and unless it is treated as an emergency, the nation cannot make any meaningful progress.  The 20-2020 dreams may be elusive.

Earlier this year, a survey published by Webometrics, the ranking Web of World Universities, ranking 2,500 universities surveyed in Africa, no Nigerian University made the top 10 Africa Universities. South Africa universities dominated the top 10 universities in Africa.  The University of Ibadan, which is the leading university in Nigeria today, did not even make the top 10 in Africa. 

The survey clearly demonstrates that Nigeria has degenerated as a society.  Education is the foundation and pillar of any societal development and progress.   The fact that South Africa is the leading economy and prosperous society than Nigeria and other African nations is now clear. All hands should join to flush out incompetence and fix education and talent development in Nigeria.  No nation can make any meaningful progress without an educated citizenry.

Abia State University gang rape and the rot in Education Sector

The ABSU gang rape is also one of the rots in higher education and the eroded intellectual culture in Nigeria since the last thirty years. The group rape is just one of the evidences of the massive failure of educational leadership and corrupt government in Abia State and most of Southeast region; it is in fact the evidence of a hopeless and purposeless university education in Southeast region and most of Nigeria today.  The rape video is a picture of the lawlessness in the university campuses in Nigeria and the purposelessness of education in present Nigeria because the young people are wondering why waste time attending universities in Nigeria when there will be no job after graduation with unemployment almost at 70%.  The education minister, Prof. Ruquyyatu Rufa'i should resign or be fired.

 Abia State Indigenization Policy and Politics of Minimum Wage

The Abia State Indigenization Policy is a demonstration of lack of leadership vision and one of the absurdities of Nigeria.  What do you expect from an Okija shrine governor, who served his master, ex-governor Orji Kalu well.  Even though they have fallen apart, their satanic leadership has ruined Abia State – God’s Own State.  Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Abia State has been turned into “Satan’s Own State “– thanks to Orji kalu and Theodore Orji.  Since the return to democratic government in 1999, Southeast region especially Abia State has been governed by nonentities.  The former governor, Orji Uzo kalu, a trader, drug pusher, errand boy of a military dictator, Ibrahim Babangida – aka ‘IBB’, suddenly found himself in seat of power as governor of Abia State.  Not only that Orji Uzo kalu lacked educational qualification to be governor, he also lacked the professional training to be a leader.  He and his mother, Mrs. Eunice Kalu rubbished Abia State, a state that is ranked along Anambra, Ekiti and Ogun as the producers of Nigeria’s best minds.  These governors can’t pay minimum wage of 18,000 Naira, yet they repatriate billions of public money abroad and send their children and their relatives to study in expensive universities overseas.  What a bunch of hypocrites!

 Removal of Fuel Subsidy

The ongoing wrangling and debate whether to continue to subsidize fuel for poor Nigerians is just politics as usual.  The excuses to remove oil subsidy and invest in other areas of the economic such as Agriculture are just a facade.  Why would Nigeria continue to supply and subsidize oil for neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, Benin, and even Ghana and will not subsidize oil for her citizens.  The Federal government should focus on how to curb corruption and illicit oil bunkering business, which has created all kinds of illiterate millionaires in the country. The Federal government must focus on how to curb oil bunkering, piracy and environmental degradation.  Recently, the Senate revealed that Nigeria loses about $26.3billion annually to oil bunkering, piracy and poaching yearly. Nigeria’s maritime – seaport, waterways, etc are just as porous as federal government where many illegal and beefcake businesses are conducted without any governmental intervention.

2015 Presidency - Nigeria may break up before 2015
Abdulkadir Balarabe Musa, former Governor of Kaduna State and leader of the Peoples Redemption Party, warned recently that Nigeria might break if Jonathan’s government does not deal with insecurity, election rigging and terrorism.  Former president, Chief Obasanjo recently warned of Arab Spring in Nigeria.  President Jonathan has also called the politicians to be cautious and provide jobs for the youth before their anger and wrath fell on the nation. I also agree with them and also with Prof. Wole Soyinka who warned of people’s anger. 

There is anger and frustration everywhere – the Boko Haram, MEND, Niger Delta militants, MASSOB, CPC, Bakassi, and others.  Nigeria is at a tipping point.  These frustrations and disagreements must be handled courageously through national dialogue and debate.  Today, the House, Senate and few special interests are working to holistically amend the 1999 Constitution and majority of Nigerians are not even informed on what they are doing.  One of the beauties of democracy is transparency and freedom of people to express their personal views through legitimate disagreement and debate without use of abusive words, insults, and innuendos. I think it is time that Nigerians have constructive and participative discussion and debate on the major challenges facing the nation without controversy, conflict, violence, or war.  Life is a gift from God and everyone at least deserves the chance to live out his or her God given dream, purpose or potential.  People cannot continue to die like animals and in barbaric manner in their own country.  There is too much suffering and hopelessness. 

With the kind of insecurity, frustration, hopelessness and joblessness... etc., in the country, 2015 may be too far away before people’s anger to explode.  Conflict is inevitable with change and that’s what is going on in Nigeria now.  And if conflict and grievances are not courageously handled, it will escalate to crisis, chaos, and anarchy and possibly war.  The North may push the button this time –especially the closer we get to 2015.  They can’t accept the fact that the mantle of leadership must now change and rotate – which is an unfortunate situation in Nigeria.
Having said that, I support Ndi-igbo quest for the presidency of Nigeria in 2015.  45 years is long enough for an Igbo man or Igbo woman to saddle the mantle of leadership in Nigeria as president.  All hands must support the desire and aspiration of the largest ethnic tribe of Nigeria to herald the affairs of Nigeria from the top.  It is time for the Nigerian State to honor “The declaration for the end of the war slogan: “No Victor No Vanquished.” Even though, I do not believe in rotational presidency and power sharing, nevertheless, I believe it is a workable system for Nigeria because of its complex makeup. 

The amalgamation of the various empires and kingdoms that that make up Nigeria is big challenge because of their deep political, social, religious, tribal and linguistic and cultural differences, however, it can be managed.    In fact those differences if managed properly can be Nigeria’s strength.  Ndi-igbo, on their own part must sincerely unite and fight for their well-deserved right to lead Nigeria.  No power can be granted without a fight.  The same for freedom!  The quest for Igbo presidency in 2015 must become a reality if Ndi-igbo can unite against political saboteurs, traitors, cowards and selfish politicians.  Ndi-igbo remain one of the innovative tribes in Africa if not in the world along with their extended family in Israel, the Jewish people.  But unlike the Jews, Ndi-Igbo lack unity and cohesiveness.  As I said many times, there is need and urgency for “IGBO UNITY,” which I believe is the most important remedy for Igbo marginalization.  Disunity - is the root cause for Ndigbo marginalization – not the Nigeria state, not even the Biafra war.   There is strength in unity and unity produces great accomplishment.  There is no substitute for unity.  It is a prerequisite for group and sustained success.  Unity has to be sought, taught and exemplified among Ndi-igbo.  Unity is essential to achieve any meaningful success.  Ndi-igbo must restore her dignity, respect, and value system.   I also would like to advice Igbo men to humble themselves and give their women achievers the chance and opportunity to vie for the presidency in 2015.  Ndi-igbo must understand that only one person can climb the ladder at a time.  It will be impossible for 2, 5, or 10 people to become president at the same time.

 Constitutional Amendment
I would like to know from the Constitutional Committee how the exercise is going.  Will the constitutional Committee make determined effort to address the ills, inadequacies and anomalies in our society?  Most Nigerians have been clamoring for Sovereign National Conference to address the inadequacies and injustices in the Nigerian society.  Some are calling for true federalism rather than amendment of the constitution.  However, the constitutional amendment can give Nigerians the opportunity to revamp and fix the injustices in the federal structure, so that the nation can make progress.   It is because of the injustices in the federal structure that led some courageous men to form peaceful groups and unfortunately some militant groups to battle against the biased, discriminatory and satanic system that they live in. 

Today, we have MASSOB, OPC, MEND, Niger Delta, Bakassi, and other minor groups fighting against injustice in the Federal system.  The injustices in the Federal structure must be eradicated otherwise; Nigeria cannot make progress and truly flourish as a nation.  The negative effects of injustice will always hunt and prevent Nigeria from reaching her potential as a nation.  It must be eradicated.  Also, the political muddle and wrangling we have witnessed in the last few national elections can be curtailed if we have quality document that governed our lives and the way we conduct business in our nation.    What we have today is not democracy but democratic totalitarian statecraft in which power is concentrated in the center with abuse of power, persecutions, thuggery and godfatherism.  Ours is an autocratic democratic system – some will call it demo-crazy.  I prefer thug-crazy and gang-crazy.

If any constitutional amendment does not correct the nations’ ills and shortcomings and establish a well-defined set of core values that addresses national unity, patriotism and parameters to discourage ethnicity, tribalism and religious intolerance among the peoples of a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria, then we are just wasting our time as one indivisible nation.  We cannot move forward as a nation and fulfill our common purpose and destiny if ethnicity, tribalism and injustice are not addressed in our country.  We truly need a national identity that harbors ethnicity and discourages tribal identity. We truly need a constitutional amendment that fixes the perilous political culture, political callousness, political greed, and political corruption and build strong institutions that are capable of eradicating thuggery, godfathers, greedy, corruption, marginalization, incompetence, and injustices in our society. 
 

Technology Talents and the demise of Steve Jobs

Despite the boom of Information and communication technology; access to Internet, electronic gadgets and social media in Nigeria are still rated among the lowest in terms of number of consumers who have access to wireless devices and Internet.  In fact the wireless technology boom is favoring the third world countries more because it is much easier to deploy and probably more affordable than old technology.  Lack of constant energy supply for sure is a big problem.  However, the Nigerian Youth should not put all the blame on the government either. The government did not invent gang activities and occult movements in Nigeria. Even if they did to win elections, young people are not forced by all means to become members of such thuggish and gangster parties, which in the process ruins and destroy the precious life that God has given them.  Nigerian youths can use their brainpower in other ways. They can borrow a leaf from the Indians, Chinese, Brazil and other nations that have exploited the boom of information technology and Internet for good.

The population of India is about 1.2 billion people. Today, it is not just the largest democracy on the face of this earth, but with many affluent and wealthy people. Most of the cities are bustling with all kinds of businesses, because millions of young people and college students have found a way (INETERNET and WORLD WIDE-WEB) to become rich and successful. They are exploiting the Internet to train themselves in all kinds of computer programming and Information technology skills. Today, India supplies and controls one-third of global IT jobs and technology skills needed in the West especially in the United States and Europe. Even now, most of the highly technical jobs are exported to India and a lot of Indians work for American and European companies offshore.   No need to come to America, because the American jobs are desperately seeking and searching for them in their hometowns.  This is where I think the Nigerian youths can find a niche. Technology is transforming our vast planet earth into a globalized world.  If Federal Government can guarantee and provide Nigerians with constant electricity, the sky will be the limit for Nigerians.

Steve Jobs was a genius.  May his soul rest in peace! Late Steve Jobs questioned his country, the world and protested against the unwillingness on the part of the U.S and the world to provide assistance, medicine and food for dying kwashiorkor Biafra children.   As a result he detested his faith as a Christian and converted to Buddhism.  I do not blame him.  However, I want him to know that God, religion and faith are not the problem in the world but hypocrisy and quest for power and control.  Britain is a hypocritical nation.  I’m glad everyone is seeing the disaster they created in the Commonwealth Africa and continues to support – especially in Nigeria.  For Nigeria, our problem is not God and religion either, but ignorance, incompetence and corruption.  For years, I wondered why a Christian and compassionate nation like the U.S. never got involved to help Biafra, a Christian nation – at least in humanitarian effort using their big charitable organizations like Red Cross, Salvation Army, YWCA, International Children’s Relief Foundation, and others.  They were involved in Vietnam during that time; however, they could have assisted through their humanitarian and charitable organizations.  The U.S. stayed off because of Britain.  They didn’t want to offend their big brother, which is sad and shameful. 
 Arab Spring, Libya & Foreign Affairs

The Arab Spring or rather the Middle-east revolution and quest for freedom – is basically a call for change.  We must understand what’s happening in the Middle East and the Holy Land right now, because the Bible teaches that the coming of World War 3 – Armageddon – will be fought in Jerusalem.  Armageddon as prophesied in the Holy Scriptures will be the largest and bloodiest battle in the history of mankind – with a river of blood flowing for 200 miles. 

The increasing hostility from Middle East and North Africa Arab countries as a result of ‘Arab Spring’ and the likelihood of an ‘all-out-war’ with Israel and the possibility of including Russia and China against United States is expected.  The USA is not afraid of China or even Russia as President Obama said recently.  These wars - Holy, Political, and Economic - were prophesied in the Holy Scriptures (Ezekiel 38, 39, Daniel 11 and Revelation 14).  Frankly, those who are tuned to the prophetic signs and warnings are eagerly waiting for potential use of weapons of mass destruction to reduce the 7 billion people on planet earth. 

On Libya and Gaddafi, surprisingly my article on Gaddafi touched many nerves and I received many harsh comments from Nigerians and people around the world condemning me for writing such a dishonest and distorted piece on Gaddafi, whom they now regard as African hero and courageous leader. 

However, my piece was to demonstrate how world history is replete of such ignominious and dramatic ends of tyrants and bad leaders.  I was not exalting his accomplishment in Libya or Africa.  Even on that, Colonel Gaddafi failed his people and Africans woefully.   Libya is only about 8 million people and produces oil – pure crude oil more than Nigeria of 150 million people, yet Libyans had no freedom and not even the luxury I’m reading today from Gaddafi loyalists.  If the Libyan people were so happy with an authoritarian and totalitarian regime, why would the NTC and ¾ of Libyan people revolt against him.  Initially NATO did not get in the Libyan conflict, until the Arab league pleaded to the U.S. for help to stop the killings of Libyan people by Gaddafi loyalists with their antiquated Russian weapons, which he accumulated years ago.
I’m reading all these things Gaddafi did for Libyans and African people, and yet he was widely known as the mad man of Africa.  Let’s not even touch his support for terrorism and his Middle East politics with his friends, including late Saddam Hussein, who ended like him.

Libya would have been - without question the richest nation in the world – the pride of Africa and Gaddafi would have been a respected world leader, rather he abused it and amassed the nation’s wealth and then got involved in international politics and terrorism.  The United States cannot allow him to lord over the Mediterranean Sea and oil business in the Middle East, while some educated Libyans were complaining of lack of freedom.  His demise was because of his involvement in International politics of oil, terrorism and not giving his people a voice – no freedom and democracy.  He was a dictator, a despot, and greedy and ignorant leader.  Colonel Gaddafi mismanaged his nation’s wealth. Finally, I must add that his shameful demise was due to lack of courageous leadership on the part the so-called African Union.  If African Union had been strong and persuasive, they would have negotiated his way out of Libya. 
 Occupy Movement

The occupy Wall Street in New York city, which has spread to over 100 cities in the U.S. alone and has become a global movement began following the political deadlock in Washington White House and the Republican political muddle.  The occupy movement is not just a cry against corporate greed, unethical business conduct, but the political muddle at Washington D.C. between the Democrats and Republicans.  Frankly speaking, it is the economic injustice and income inequality that have widened between the rich/wealthy and middle class.  It is the corporate greed, economic injustice and the political callousness in DC of the last thirty years, which caused serious economic downturn, financial meltdown, skyrocketing student loans, home foreclosures, homelessness, and soaring unemployment.  The Republican Party is just making things too difficulty for President Obama, the first black president of the United States of America. 

The ‘Occupy Movement’ is a dire cry and call for reform of the political system of the U.S and capitalism.  I have always written that capitalism and democracy are the best forms of system of government for mankind, but not the ideal in the eyes of God.  In the Holy Book, God gave His mankind, a better form of government and economic systems and in fact what to eat, how to live, etc.  Go and study the political and economic systems of King Solomon that caused the whole world to prosper during his reign as King of Israel. 

Many have asked me – why are Nigerians not protesting and organizing their own ‘Occupy Movement.”    I don’t believe Nigerians are cowards or incapable of such massive civil protest and rebellion.  Our problem is at-least two-fold.  (1) Who will lead such a persistent protest?  (2) Trust – will such protest consist of the major tribes of Nigeria – so that it does not become sectional. 

Years ago, in one of my articles, I suggested the idea for a “Million Man March Protest” against poor leadership and corrupt government in Nigeria.  Many Nigerians criticized hell out of me. I’m happy to see that recently other Nigerians are calling for such civil protests in Nigeria. 
On Oct. 24, there was a “Nigerian Million March Project” in few cities in USA, UK and Nigeria.  I don’t believe that protest outside Nigeria will have much effect.  When I was contacted, that’s what I told the organizers.  We need major protest in Nigeria.  Ethiopians have been protesting for years in DC, USA against their brutal dictator, Meles Zenawi, but without success.

Despite Nigeria’s nearly 150 million and 250 tribes and languages, I believe that if a civil protest against poor leadership and corrupt government is genuinely organized by all the major tribes of Nigeria together with persistence, courage, determination and without bias, then the much desired change we want in Nigeria will be achieved.  We can learn from Tunisia, Egypt, and even a tiny Libya, a country with less than 10 million folks and about 140 tribes, and yet they were able to bring down their brutal dictator and tyrant leader, Moammar Gadhafi.  Libyan people are actually economically doing much better than most Nigerians. 

Moreover, there are many Nigerian groups in Diaspora and civil right organizations complaining about corruption and bad leadership, yet they can't work together.  Even the Diaspora online media outlets, which clearly preach against corrupt and mediocre government, yet they can't stand each other or work together for the same objective and goal that they are fighting against.  It's a shame and insane really! What we need in Nigeria is divine strength and unity in the fight against bad leadership and political corruption.  Let us continue to dream it – one fine day, it will be a reality.

Let me conclude:

 Global Financial Crisis and Worldwide Economic Recession and Uncertainty
Most countries worldwide are in this economic mess and mired with debt.  Greece and Italy are literally bankrupt now and likely to cause many years of economic recession in the European Union.  More than anytime in world history, we need biblical wisdom for navigating in today’s economic storm.  Doubt, worry, and fear are gripping the hearts of people around the world.  Taxes are high too.  Students graduating from colleges – even from the best universities are having trouble getting jobs to start paying back their student loans.  Personal debts are through the roof.  Millions have lost their financial investments- stocks and retirement savings.  Relentless news of foreclosures and falling home values dominate the housing market.  Anxiety and worry are high and on top of all these, there major natural disasters and destructive catastrophes.  However nothing gives us more concern than the financial and housing meltdown that had led to severe worldwide economic crisis in which millions have lost their jobs, homes and many committing suicides rather than live.  It is a true fact that we human beings are more concerned and worried about the physical and material needs of life – surely the basic necessitates of life such as food, shelter and clothing than political, social and even moral aspects of our lives. Most of us care more about it more about economics than spiritual matters – relationship and love for God, our creator. Worry, anxiety, and distress over money, food and shelter has led many to commit all kinds of atrocities including suicides. 

The Apostle writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7.  Jesus said, in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have trouble (tribulations, trials, sorrow, adverse circumstances) but be of good cheer (take heart), I have overcome the world.”    Jesus teaching,

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? - Matthew 6:25-30.
May God show mercy on his people!

Dr. C. Kingston Ekeke is a theologian, author, consultant and leadership scholar. He is the president of Leadership Wisdom Institute.

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