INTEGRITY as against CORRUPTION

By Helen Egbe

 

Show me a man that possesses wealth unimaginable yet lacks character, and i will show you the path of crumbling in which such a man is headed. The current global trend presupposes certain characteristics of various players from diverse sectors to emerge as survivors. Factors such as hard work, commitment, intellect, zeal and the like are however glaring pre-requisites for surviving the present global trend. Nonetheless, who can successfully measure and access the personality of a man without bringing into play his character or integrity as a yardstick.

Following from the above, the term “Integrity” as defined by the Advanced English Dictionary, speaks of Moral soundness, honesty and probity. In the light of its definition, where there is an absence of a person of integrity, be it male or female, a society is bound to be in disarray. It is often said that Money rules the world, but how can the world be effectively ruled when there is not even a single man of honour at the helm of affairs. 

Looking at the world today, no one sees integrity, honesty, sincerity as forces to be reckoned with anymore. Almost everyone seeks an easy way out of seemingly difficult and terrible situation. Who cares about honesty when dishonesty can lead you fastest to your destination? Who cares about virtue when the ticket of vice seems to lead you through the gates of most opportunities fastest? These and many more are the belief of most schools of thought, but they fail to realize that there is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof is the path of destruction.

Integrity isn’t just a requirement in one facet of society but in all. Integrity shouldn’t be treated as an “if” but as a “must”. It shouldn’t be taught as a “minus” but as a “plus”. For if integrity is treated as a must, then workers, mothers, fathers, children, youths, leaders, subordinates, Imams, Pastors etc will not attend to their jobs and responsibilities with flippancy as they will be governed by this phrase “I have an integrity to protect” and by so doing they will give their all and their best to protect what they consider a MUST.

Going down memory lane, we will recall the lives of renowned leaders and philosophers such as Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther, Jeremy Bentham, Margaret Thatcher, and more importantly Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel who espoused that Morality is not the result of a social contract, but a natural growth arising in the family and culminating in the State. This therefore suggests that the family has a huge role to play in instilling virtues of integrity in the lives of their children knowing that if the life of one child is positively affected then the lives of many others are not far-fetched.

Conclusively, it is never too late for one to become what he might have been and to right the wrongs he/she might have committed via corruption or several other vices. To this end, your thought becomes your action, your action becomes your habit, your habit forms your character and your character becomes your destiny. So if you and I must be protagonists in the so-called “Re-branding Nigeria” Scheme, we must therefore begin to…THINK INTEGRITY, THINK SOCIETAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH & THINK CHANGE. 

For if we begin to Re-brand our minds then every loop holes in the Nation will automatically face Re-branding 

Re; of Sahara reporters, Joshua Ocheja, Patriotism and Nigeria

Joshua Ocheja

labarimedia@gmail.com

I choose to do a rejoinder to the above mentioned, not to trade words or deny the fact that all is not well with our dear country, but rather say to all reading this piece that the task of building this nation is a collective Endeavour.

My article was misconstrued for meaning that Sahara reporters is of no good, but on the contrary, what I meant was the negativity of their news items has to an extent affected our faith in Nigeria. Joshua Ocheja is not holier than thou, but simply put, Joshua Ocheja is concerned about the state of affairs in his country and our country.

I did not deny the fact that we have leadership challenges, but what do we do at this critical moment of our existence? What roles have me and you played in the task of nation building? The bulk of the criticisms have been from Nigerians in the Diaspora. And that’s was where my concern arouse from.

Constructive criticism is a welcome development as it serves as a catalyst for change. But Change comes only to those ready for it. We cannot call negative publicity constructive criticism; yes these are two different ball games. The future of Nigeria does not reside in the abode of our leaders, but in the hands of each and every one of us, through our actions and inactions, through our words and beliefs and paramount our thought pattern.

In my curiosity, I wanted to know the true meaning of patriotism. I decide to visit the same source of Wikipedia and the meaning went thus: Patriotism defined as love of and/or devotion to one's country. (Not leaders) However, patriotism has had different meanings over time, and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography and philosophy.

I wasn’t satisfied with the above explanation as it seemed my thoughts and faith in my country was a flight of my imagination. In this wondering state, I had a phone call and guess who? It was Kayode my bosom friend that left the country in search of greener pastures.

I, Kayode, Emeka and Aminu have been friends since childhood, we virtually did everything together. And we were known in our neighborhood as the boys from Nigeria.  We all shared the same dreams about our country and looked forward to a beautiful and functional Nigeria.

Gradually events began to shape our thought pattern and my friends became bewildered about the way forward for Nigeria. I remember I will always tell them sorrows may last for the night but joy comes in the morning! My exhortations fell on deaf ears as they left the country. Kayode went to United States, Emeka to China and Aminu to London. I wept as the thought of our fading dreams confronted me starkly. How can I build this country alone, where do I start from? I bade them farewell and returned home.

I held on to that dream that somehow Nigeria shall be great again. Then the phone call that brought a smile to my face.

“Josh, o boy how now? Sorry I didn’t call you all these while, this recession thing is really biting hard here! Yes that reminds me, what are the challenges of reverse migration?”

I was taken by surprise by his harmless question.  Reverse migration you said I asked rhetorically! Come back home, Nigeria is waiting for you was all I said and I hung up the phone.

Who is the patriotic Nigerian? One that left the country in search of greener pasture while contributing to the development of his temporal place of abode at the detriment of his mother land? Or one that stayed behind in his country through her trying period?

In my previous article, I did challenge our leaders to rise up to the task of nation building, which I stated in unequivocal term. My area of interest was and is the country called Nigeria.

Permit me to correct the obnoxious notion that I am a government propagandist as postulated in the rejoinders to my article, pertinent to mention that Joshua Ocheja is a sociologist with a function to proffer solutions to societal challenges. It’s really appalling when one is labeled such, should he speak positive about the future of Nigeria.

I wrote in my capacity as a Nigerian living in Nigeria and not living outside Nigeria. I am sad and bitter about the happenings in our country. I jump buses at obalende, oshodi, I travel through terrible roads, I waste precious time in traffic, I sleep without electricity or having to run my generator should I have the means but I still have faith in my country. While someone in far way United States of America is so patriotic to define patriotism. How patriotic can one be when he is thousands of miles away from  his country but having to rely on online forums to keep abreast of happenings, which in most cases is hugely highlighted in negative light, But like I earlier said what is happening in this country is but a transient process that will give way for abundance. Washing our dirty linen in public is not the principal way forward.

Developing countries are prone to leadership and administrative challenges, having in mind a country like Nigeria that consists of over 250 ethno-linguistic groups and among the most ethnic diverse countries in the world.

With apologies to Sahara reporters, news reporting should be balanced and open for interaction. Nigeria is not that bad as being portrayed. Every coin has two sides and Nigeria is not an exception. We have our good parts too. If we were to be that bad as portrayed, why are we all not dead?

Nigerians should talk good about their country. Our flag should be a source of pride. This episode could be likened to a father and son relationship. No matter how terrible your son turns out he still bears your name and you remain his father. What you do is find a solution to the problem and not tell all that cares to listen about your sons challenges because the shame will always come back to you.  

I challenge Nigerians in the Diaspora to take the audacious step and return to the country and let’s build Nigeria into the country of our dreams. We are going through trying times as negative publicity will not help us in any way, but rather further compound our woes as the world is watching. 

of sahara reporters, joshua ocheja, patriotism and nigeria

This essay is a direct reply to my friend, Mr. Joshua Ocheja, whose article titled: Nigeria at the mercy of Sahara Reporters, which appeared in Pointblanknews.com. I don’t know who Mr. Ocheja is; but he may be a patriotic Nigerian, an ordinary Nigerian, who is a victim of the misrule in Nigeria, a beneficiary of the maladministration in Nigeria or a member of the elite class of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But from the way he was struggling with his computer and his reaction to the superlative service of PHCN, he might be a working class dude, who is prone to the unforeseen vagaries of our country’s economic weather, if what he reported was to be believed. To be fair, I do believe in all that he wrote. Mr. Joshua Ocheja must be an unrepentant patriotic Nigerian and I do respect him for that, and if the truth must be told, we need people like him, who loves our country unconditionally to be in one way or the other given charge of any vital organ of the government; maybe, we may see a functional government in the area he commands. No government can function properly without patriotic people in charge, and even those outside the government have to be supportive and deeply patriots, so as to generate unprecedented momentum that can salvo the machinery of the nation to a greater height. I am not a politician and I did not major in any of the humanities or liberal arts, but a rustic engineering major, so I may not do a good job in unraveling the etymology and dialectics of “patriotism”. My port of call landed me on Wikipedia and it defines patriotism as the love of and/or devotion to one’s country. The word according to the rarefied search engine stated that the word patriotism comes from the Greek patris , and patriotism has had different meanings over time, and its meaning is highly dependent upon context, geography and philosophy. It also stated that patriotism among the Greeks consisted of notions concerning language, religious traditions, ethics, law and devotion to the common good, rather than pure identification with a nation-state. Scholar J.Peter Euben writes that for the Greek philosopher Socrates, he believed that patriotism does not require one to agree with everything that his country does and would actually promote analytical questioning in a quest to make the country the best it possible can be concluded Wikipedia. I am going this hog because recently, our youngsters may be confused of what is really patriotism. When I was growing up, probably in the elementary school history curriculum, we were taught the Pan-African Nationalistic movement in which we read names like Zik of Africa, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenneth Kaunda, Nkrumah, Obafemi Awolowo and host of others, who sacrificed their lives to fight for the liberation of African states from the jaws of the imperialist countries. Back home again, we still have Zik of Africa, the Sarduana of Sokoto, Okotie Ebo, Michael Okpara, Akanu Ibiam, Margaret Ekpo, Tafawa Beluwa, Ahmadu Bello, Akintola and others, who really gave us nation building, sacrifice, education and development. I think patriotism began with them and ended with them. Who knows whether these names have been erased from the history books and replaced them with people like Obasanjo, the devil father of modern Nigeria, Ibrahim Babangida, the father of corruption and builder of 419, the dark pair of spectacles wearer and the father of wealth looting, Sanni Abacha and the Serpent leader, apology to Sahara Reporters, our own Umaru Yar’Adua. Barely two months ago, I had written a piece which appeared in Sahara Reporters titled, Nigeria: A nation in Circumlocution and I lamented why our dear country could not make any progress. Do we fold our hands for people like my dear friend, Joshua Ocheja to define patriotism for all of us? What is the meaning of patriotism in Nigeria? Do we redefine patriotism according to the tastes of our unfortunate and pinhead leaders or do we define patriotism according to the understanding of the general public, who are the brunt bearers of the merciless and soulless attitudes of the few crooks called politicians? Where is the place of Omoleye Sowore, the publisher of Sahara Reporters? I am a diehard Nigerian and I do lose sleep over what is happening in Nigeria, so where do I stand? What are the options available to me, stamping the rubbish our politicians are doing or stamping what Sowore and his teams are doing? I will not in any way subscribe to any move whether overtly or covertly aimed at pulling Nigeria down, but I do believe that Sowore is doing a fantastic job by exposing these heartless politicians, who want to run all of us out from Nigeria through visionless leadership. Forget about the jackboot brothers, who stole the heart of Nigeria and who were the major actors in what is happening in the Niger Delta areas today. Should we go along with what happened from 1999 to 2007 and what is happening now since Umaru Musa Yar’Adua forced himself on Nigeria through a singular effort of Sheik Obasanjo? Nigerian journalists are some of the best in the world, but they cannot write most of the news they came across for the simple reason that either their newspaper houses will be closed or they will get killed. The pinheads in Abuja with strong support from the presidency have refused to pass freedom of information bill, yet these fools collect money and allowances for doing nothing. What type of patriotism does Joshua Ocheja wants me to believe? Nigeria is now a full blown banana republic, it’s scary indeed. We steadily make one step forward and four steps backwards, what a country? I am confused about Ocheja’s understanding of patriotism. I was one of those who gave Umaru Yar’Adua a chance, and his minimal success in Katsina notwithstanding. We thought that he was going to give EFCC a more clout to fight corruption, but this fragile fellow came with a mission to destroy the work of this organization. I want to ask Joshua Ocheja a question. Among Nuhu Ribadu and Michael Aondoakaa, who is a patriotic Nigerian? Between El Rufai and James Ibori, who is more patriotic? Umaru Yar’Adua fought his political campaign with Delta State’s money and for that reason; he disgraced Ribadu out of office so as to let Ibori off the hook. Joshua Ocheja, another question for you. Have read George Orwell’s 1984? Michael Aondoakaa is supposed to take care of justice but injustice. That guy from Benue State is shameless, all manners of bribe pass through him and he calls himself the AGF. With him as the Attorney General of the Federation, Nigeria will not be recognized and respected as a nation with honor in the community of civilized nations. When Sahara Reporters expose the rubbish going on in Aso Rock, how James Ibori sleeps in the presidency to call the shots, the online blogger becomes irresponsible and unpatriotic. Mysteriously, Ibori has been dropped from the list of corrupt governors and very soon his prosecution will be quashed and if Sahara Reporters beam the behind the scene actions, it assumes a sobriquet of worthless publishing outfit. El Rufai is the next casualty of a haunting presidency of Umaru Yar’Adua for a simple reason that he expressed his honest opinion about the sluggish government of yar’Adua. Ok, Ribadu and Rufai are corrupt, but they did not do zero point one of what each of the following rogues did: James Ibori, Igbinedion, Kalu and other corrupt governors. After all, what did El Rufai do? If Aondoakaa and Farida Waziri want something to do, let them jail James Ibori and his cohorts. Sahara Reporters, Pointblank news, huhuonline and elendureports are all bearing heavy burden to fight for the survival of Nigerian state. They expose the ills of the society and they do these with a mindset not to pull our country down, but to pull it away from the hands of the thoughtless and mindless actors ravaging the political space of our dear country. We are all frustrated that judging from the natural resources and the human capitals abound in the nation, we still trail behind in the rating scales of human development index. The giant of Africa: no power, no jobs for the teeming youths, no good roads, no clean water supply, no workable hospitals, falling standard of education, no retirement benefits, no social services, low life span, high maternal and child mortality rates, incessant armed robbery, kidnapping, violent rapes, child trafficking, national wealth looting, corruption, decimation of industrial activities, political and election riggings, indiscipline, prostitution and lack of role models. If you are not angry about all these, then you are the most unpatriotic element in the country. If you agree with the government that things are all right in Nigeria, then you are very unpatriotic. Ugochukwu Ejinkoye of Daily Independent wrote one time, what is government to me? Provision of essential services, security, road construction and power generation are now left to the individuals while the fat cats in Abuja lie wastes. This is a clarion call to Joshua Ocheja and his likes that patriotism is being a good citizen, fighting for the people for their common good, love for the country, devotion to the nation and disagreeing with the government of the day when they are not alive to their responsibilities, and that is what Sahara Reporters are doing. The enemies of the state must be defeated and disgraced out of office. Chukwuma Iwuanyanwu is the Executive Director of Harcourt Foundation, Inc., Los Angeles, California. (www.harcourtfoundation.org

 

Nigeria at the mercy of Sahara reporters

Joshua Ocheja

labarimedia@gmail.com

I decided to take this audacious step to examine Sahara reporter’s news coverage of Nigeria. This is not a witch hunting exercise, but a critical analysis of the activities of Sahara reporters in line with the development and underdevelopment of Nigeria.

Visiting Sahara reporters is somewhat a religion to me, when I need to relish stories and pictures of Nigerian leaders in their elements. I marvel at the source of their stories backed with pictures and videos. I also like their slogan which states thus: Sahara Reporters, Report yourself

It’s really worth reporting one’s self; hence yours truly decided to engage the hideous bull by embarking on a journey into the activities of Sahara reporters, its possible function towards the change we all desire and what they have achieved in the course of freedom of expression by all individual as contained in their mission statement. I wrote my will and distributed my estates amongst media houses in preparation for rejoinders from concerned parties.

I got stuck somewhere along the line as thoughts were fighting a gulf war in my head. Suddenly I returned back to consciousness and wow! I was in front of my Pc scanning through the dreaded Sahara news.

Phew! The light is gone and my system down as it was running on direct current. This was not a deliberate act. I knew the consequences of running my Pc without a UPS, but what do you expect when the previous one I used was blown up when PHCN decided to outpour voltage to show us they are capable if they want to. Same goes for our leadership too. You will agree with me that it’s even more catastrophic for me should my system blow up, but guess what? I am a Nigerian I will always find a way out with quick fix or at worse I go to computer village and get a clone.

 Up NEPA! Abruptly woke me up from my slumber, my rickety fan was back to work once again. Oh how sweet as it felt like amazing grace how sweet thou art that saved an infant like me!....... from  mosquito surgeries and procedures.

Back to Sahara webpage, I continued my search for positive news item about Nigeria. My internet time was running up as I subscribed to the lowest package offered by starcoms.

My search was fruitless. I encountered all sorts that I almost wept, but guess what! I frowned at what I saw. Why? They painted a picture of government business as the best in town immune against global economic meltdown because they bought the best of houses, travel business class, and own private jets with Sahara Reporters monitoring their schedule like protocol officers.

 The psychological implication of these news items on the lives of thousands of future leaders that besiege internet sites is left to be imagined. Yeah, they sure are doing a good job, kudos to the management team that consists of mysterious investigative reporters, which translate to a potential Sahara reporter in every gathering of 5 people.

I have longed liked being mysterious and in excitement, I wanted to be a Sahara reporter. I scribbled down an application letter and sent by email, in a minute I got a reply to my mail.

Dear you,

This is to acknowledge receipt of your application to the organization

As part of company policy, eligible candidates must possess the following:

Ø  A penchant for government dirty news

Ø  Ownership of a covert camera

Ø  Ownership of dual passports

Ø  Ownership of a face mask

Ø  Ability to pick up arms and revolt

Ø  Ability to incite the public against the government

Ø  Guerilla warfare experience will be an added advantage.

If you meet the above mentioned qualifications, please feel free to give us a call.

 Regards,

The Sahara team

 I was speechless to say the least, my mind was ringing the alarm, and my soul was muffled at the thought of lacking majority if not all of the above listed qualifications. But why such is listed as benchmark for news reporting is exclusively Sahara reporters. Yours sincerely was expecting to see Educational qualifications and years of experience as a yardstick for admission into an enviable organization like Sahara reporters.

 I know that you reading must be wondering what this essay is all about. It’s this simple. Why do Sahara Reporters take delight in negative news about Nigeria? This is not to say they aren’t doing a wonderful job of exposing corrupt government officials in line with its mission statement that states thus: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers"

Splendid mission statement I must confess.  Freedom to hold opinions, to seek, receive and impart ideas! Yes wait a minute. Did I just hear impart ideas?  What manners of ideas are they imparting or have imparted? What one is saying is too much of negative news is not good for our nation at this critical point of our existence.   

 Sahara reporters is not the only online medium, we have the likes of pointtblanknews.com, nigeriavillagesquare.com elendureports.com, gamji.com and a host of others. Their news reporting should be balanced and open for interaction. It should be viewed as a medium for exchange of ideas and paramount information dissemination like other online forums. I bet you that if you write an article with irrelevant words as long it contains paragraphs criticizing government and its policies, it will be posted on Sahara site.   

 My fellow Nigerians, yes we know all is not well with our nation and Sahara reporters is not doing us any good. We need to focus and re strategize not with the likes of Sahara reporters exposing our weaknesses like a cancerous growth. Corruption and bad leadership is not exclusively Nigerian. The industrialized nations of Europe and America have their short comings and challenges too. This phenomenon is universal, it knows no boundaries.

 Our leaders have to rise up to the challenge and cause a turnaround in our fortunes. We are tired of waiting!!

 What is happening in Nigeria is but a transient process that will give way to abundance. Whatever part we have to play let us do with all sense of patriotism. We shall get there and Nigeria shall be great again to the admiration of the industrialized nations of Europe and America.

 You can call me miscreant, idiot or any name; I really don’t care as I love my country!

 Nigeria Good people……. Great Nation……..

 

Who is the True Nigerian?

Who is the True Nigerian?

By

Joshua Ocheja

labarimedia@gmail.com

“Bad things are not the worst things that can happen to us. Nothing is the worst thing that can happen to us.”

Richard Bach

I have watched and listened with great awe the recent happenings in this country, coupled with the debates raging newspapers and internet sites about our success and failures.

 Many questions were left unanswered in those highly prolific debates. From my conclusion, it shows we are indeed blessed with people of high intellectual standard needless to mention feats achieved by Nigerians in the world stage.

Who is the true Nigerian, became necessary as I could not place the anguish of some and the celebration of others as regards the state of affairs in the country.

For starters, it’s pertinent we delve into a synopsis of the history of Nigeria.

Before 1914, the people in what is known as "Nigeria" consisted of 4 different 'empires', some of them extending into parts that are not part of current-day Nigeria, like parts of current-day Ghana, and current-day Cameroon.

THE NORTHERN EMPIRE was composed of the Borno Empire, some Hausa states (Zazzau, Gobir, Kano, Katsina, Birori, Daura) and some other groups (Gwari, Kebbi, Nupe, Yelwa...)

THE CALABAR KINGDOM is the oldest kingdom, and had the oldest contact with the Europeans. It is believed to have been founded around 1000 A.D., and has the oldest church built in Nigeria dating back to 1850. The belief is that this kingdom was founded by twins, and it stretched into parts of current-day Cameroon.

THE ODUDUWA EMPIRE consisted of two main groups. One of them was the indigenous people, whose central religious and cultural center was Ile-Ife, who now make up the Yoruba people.

THE BENIN EMPIRE was also powerful, and stretched to reach some of current-day Ghana. It was very well known for its African sculpturing.

 In 1914, Nigeria was formed by combining the Northern and Southern Protectorates and the Colony of Lagos, for administrative purposes, was divided into four units: 

The colony of Lagos the Northern Provinces, the Eastern Provinces and Western Provinces  
Some parts of current-day Cameroon were still considered part of Nigeria at that time. 

Between 1914 and 1922, Nigeria was presided over by a Governor-General. In 1922, as part of the constitution of the time, the British introduced the principle of direct election into the Legislative council. 

In 1951, a new constitution elevated the provinces to regional status. The National Council of Nigeria, the Cameroons (NCNC) had control of the Eastern Region government, the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) had control of the Northern Region, and the Action Group (AG) had control of the Western Region. By 1957, the Eastern and Western Regions attained self-governing status. In 1959, the Northern Region attained self-governing status. 

On October 1 1960, Nigeria obtained its independence. At this time, Northern and Southern Cameroon were given the option of staying as part of Nigeria or leaving Nigeria. Southern Cameroon decided to leave Nigeria, but Northern Cameroon stayed. 

In 1960, a Federal Government based on the Parliamentary system was created, while in 1963, Nigeria became a republic.  

We can go on nonstop for the history of our great country cannot be summarized in a brief essay as mine due to the greatness of the country and the uniqueness of its people.

 

If we could see the strength of our kingdoms from time immemorial, then we will come to self realization that we have in our insouciance abused a generation of greatness.

 

We are indeed a unique people blessed with abundance of resources but our story today is that of sorrow tears and blood, which has become our trademark. We have seen the worst of governments and its attendant policies that have in no way taken us out of the doldrums.

 

Oh yes our emotions have been toyed with, our conscience have been trampled upon by a few that were supposed to be custodians of our rich cultural heritage.

 

We had a cultural heritage that was built on the tenets of love, sincerity, honesty and peace that has long eluded our nascent lives. It has been so worse that nobody is to be trusted in our daily lives that encompass work places, homes and even places of worship.

 

We as a people of a nation as blessed as Nigeria have been subjected to all manner of ill-treatment by policies, acts and fallacies from the custodians of our rich cultural heritage that has been battered by a few. The true Nigerian going by my upbringing in the stretched walls of jingoism, is one that is willing to die for the nation.

 

As I grew up in the streets of Lagos, Lokoja, Idah Kaduna, Maiduguri, Calabar, Okija, Owerri, Benin, Ibadan and Makurdi, my orientation began to nosedive as I encountered all sorts of life changing experiences that affected my faith in my country. I fought hard to disabuse my mind from those experiences that was gradually distressing my thought pattern.

 

But in all of these scenes and episodes, I knew somehow that I loved my country. Yes I love Nigeria and I know there are reasonable percentages out there that love Nigeria more than I do.

 

We have been through worse and degrading experiences, my fellow Nigerians, but that is not enough to lose hope in the country. We need to be united as a strong entity to be able to bring about that change we so desire. That change must come to reality in this generation. We cannot afford the luxury of subjecting the unborn generation of Nigerians the repulsive experiences we have been through. I reason they might not have the moral fiber to surmount the challenges that comes with such experiences.

 

The true Nigerian is one without class, one that puts country first and above personal interest. One that understands the biblical interpretation of vanity upon vanity is vanity. For what shall it profit a man to gain the whole world and loses his soul.

 

No to corruption, No to ethno religious crisis, No to other acts that are inimical to the interest of this great nation. Hausa Empire, Benin Empire. Oduduwa Empire, Igala Empire Igbo Empire Kalabari Empire to mention a few constitutes the nation called Nigeria. There is no Hausa Igbo, Yoruba or Igala man. This is the United States of Nigeria where we will be judged by the content of character and not on ethic or religious sentiments.

 

Yes we know the leadership has been lopsided, policies have been outdated, a few getting richer while the majority groan in hopelessness and abject poverty. But guess what? Trading blames will not take us out of the woods. We have to come together and build the Nigerian of our dreams, though a great number of policies have to be discarded and new ones embraced.

 

I have a dream that one day we shall be free from the clutch of despondency and mediocrity. That dreams lies in the inside of every one of us. We have a choice to make it come to existence or simply make it an optical illusion.

 

The true Nigerian is me and you that know no boundary tribe or religious affiliations. Let’s join hands to make Nigeria great.

 

Nigeria! Good people…Great nation.

Ocheja is a media consultant with Labari Media Limited

 

 

 

The Audacious Hope

The Audacious Hope

Joshua Ocheja

“if there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founding father is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer” “Barack Obama” 

The world stood still for him, there was wild spread celebration in the air that cuts across races, countries, boundaries and continents. He spoke hope, believed hope and hope became reality. We might not fully grasp the enormity of the Obama victory today, but I can assure you that the tomorrow effect will be overwhelming for the black race of Africa. The Americans have proved that they are true lovers of democracy and that dreams can be actualized. 

Barack Obama was able to defeat the “institution” in America with an audacious hope, not just that he represented the dawn of the Martin Luther King’s dream for the emancipation of the black race. 

His victory is not meant for the African Americans alone, it’s meant for the continent of Africa. There was one striking thing about him that kept the world mesmerized, the tempo in which he infected the Americans with his hope message, which lead many into a bust of energetic activity as to the fact that anything is possible if only we hope and believe. 

This same principle and belief is applicable to all aspect of human endeavor, it knows no race, color, boundaries or countries. It’s a universal phenomenon that seeks to envelope the earth, with America as the start point. Change is coming; the time for change is now. 

The ZANU-PF’S of Zimbabwe, the PDP’S of Nigeria, the ANC’S of South Africa, should be awakening to this era of our existence. It will be unjust to expect the change in America to be replicated in Nigeria in a twinkle of an eye, the simple reason being that the mechanisms are not in place. 

Complacency of the spirit body and soul has developed into a cancerous growth that has continued to destroy the “yes we can spirit”! We are known for. 

I stand to be corrected; I feel we are comfortable with our present state of underdevelopment. Why do I say so? The change that came to America was not an instant phenomenon; it was predicated on years of hopes, aspirations, determination, doggedness and belief.

They held on to their dreams that one day the old order will be jettisoned. Nigeria is 48 and our achievements as a nation can be abridged in a sentence. We are fond of celebrating hypocrisy, praise singers are present at all level of government, constituting a nuisance to the polity largely responsible for the misplacement of priorities disorder exhibited by most political office holders.

This brings us as humans into the picture; we are driven by basic necessities of life, manifest in food, shelter and clothing. Whenever our basic needs are met, and in some cases not met, our ambitious trait pushes towards achieving greater heights. Greater heights could be political, social or physical. Political in the sense that we aspire to climb the political ladder to the zenith carrying along positive changes that will stand the test of time; ironically that is not the case in our beloved country.

The American nation wanted a change and they got it! There were ready for it, they were tired of the old order that places emphasis on the color of the skin as a functional benchmark for intelligence.

Obama’s overarching message is that America has the inherent potential to offer hope to anyone, regardless of their skin color, background or experiences; however, in order to ensure that opportunities exist for all in a secure, functional, and sustainable national environment, a number of key policy changes are necessary.

The Nigerian nation has double the inherent potential to offer hope and better lives to her citizens, though a number of policy changes are necessary, but what is paramount from an objective point of view is a re-orientation of our mind set.

Why do I say so? Obama’s rise was astronomical in less than 5 years, he announced his bid and availed the American electorate what his plans were if elected president. Can we be bold to say that such can happen in our country? In the Nigerian polity, the first question that comes up is where is he from? North, south, east or west! Which party does he belong to and the likes? The sheer politicization of ethnicity into national life gives rise to all manners of decadence. 

If we can be candid enough to admit the fact that our defeatist mindset gives the ruling cabal the impetus to lord over us with unpopular candidates. What happens next? We open the book of lamentations as regards economic policies and state of backwardness.

The lesson to be learnt here is that tribal sentiments and ethnic divide should not be incorporated into national life. It only sets us back as a nation. Nigeria is one and belongs to all in respective of our religious and ethnic affiliations.

This is also a lesson African and Nigerian politicians need to emulate. Those already clamoring for a Nigerian replication are merely chasing shadows. Numerous factors are responsible for my assertion; paramount is the zoning formula that we have embraced. It simply smacks a mockery of democracy as an institution. 

Democracy is a government of the people for the people and by the people and not a government of geographical zones, tribe or religion. For example the presidency is zoned to a geographical zone, the senate leadership to another zone and the likes not minding whether there are qualified candidates from such zones, whether these candidates have what it takes to lead us to the promise land or not. If that were to be the order of the day in America, believe me Obama would not have been elected president in his life time. Our emphasis should be premised on what such individual has to offer and not the color of the party flag, tribe or religious affiliation. 

Without much ado, we are in a learning process in Nigeria, our ideals as a nation is centered on an antediluvian index. Good and fine we might arrive at our destination through it or not as we have placed ourselves in an experimental stage. But to say that because Americans did it that way we can do it same way too is tantamount to suicide. I might sound a bit contradictory, but we have to view both sides of the coin. What we need as a nation is to be steadfast in our belief, hopes and aspirations. 

Change comes only to those that are ready for it. Would I be castigating us by saying we are not ready for change from the old “order” as concerned citizens? 

It goes beyond the pages of newspapers; it’s centered on accepting candidates for who they are and not what they are, what they have to offer, content of character, and not the party they represent or religious and ethnic affiliations.

Though we have a long way to go, the re orientation has to start from our homes. It’s just like building a brand for a new product line into the market. You have to plan and ensure the necessary mechanisms are in place to make your product a success. This is a simple law of business, which is applicable to all aspect of human endeavor.

The Trails of brother Ribadu

The Trails of Brother Ribadu

Joshua Ocheja

 The nation has been startled with the trails of our dear brother Ribadu in recent times. This calls for great concern and show of solidarity for the phenomena called Ribadu.

Before now, one will be day dreaming thinking the hunter will become the hunted so soon. He towered like the rock of Gibraltar, he was appreciated and dreaded in some quarters, he was passionate about his job, and he thought Nigeria could be trusted! How time changes.

 The pertinent question here is how did all go wrong in a jiffy for brother Ribadu? If you ask me I will say he was scapegoat of a (him). No doubt about his performances while at the helms of affairs at the nations anti corruption agency, by world standard he was fit to govern any country. But he goofed! Don’t ask me how? The paraphernalia of office blinded his sense of reasoning, taking into cognizance that Mankind is govern more by their feelings than by reason.

He fought a pragmatic anti corruption war that impressed his masters, resulting to his astronomical rise from the rank of a Deputy Commissioner of Police to a Commissioner and subsequently an Assistant Inspector General within a short span. Of course this caused ripples and it was believed in some quarters that he was been positioned to become the next Inspector General of Police, a dummy his masters sold to him. If he is not dismissed from service going by the avalanche of queries he has received, that dream might materialize.    

 In a commando fashion the Police Service Commission announced his demotion from the exalted rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police to a Deputy Commissioner of Police, the first in the annals of the country. What was the criterion used? The Police Service Commission did not sanction his promotion and it beached service procedures. The implication of the above is that all officers hitherto promoted should be demoted along with him. Its suffice to mention that Sir Michael Okiro, current Inspector General of Police was promoted from the rank of a Commissioner of Police to a Deputy Inspector General of Police. He skipped a rank. Ironically, the Police Service Commission approved his accelerated promotions.

 Funny as it may sound, it was the same President that promoted Ribadu that promoted him Okiro. What makes it even messier was the fact that he the Inspector General of Police was promoted above and over his senior, Ogbonaya Onovo currently a Deputy Inspector General of police. Who are we deceiving in this country?

 It’s pathetic that honorable members of the Police Service Commission could allow them selves to be used in settling personal and unethical scores. The implication of the above is that the current Inspector General of Police is not qualified to be the Inspector General for three reasons. One he skipped a rank, two; he was not the most senior police officer then and three, due process was not followed as at time of his promotion so in other word his promotion should be voided. Yes Michael Okiro benefited from a system that allows the President prerogative to reward gallant and exceptional officers by way of promotion to the next rank. Why should brother Ribadu’s case be different?

 If you ask me what the brouhaha is all about? I will say it’s all about brother Ribadu’s guts! Certain cabals who felt humiliated or challenged by him in the discharge of his duties are bent on extracting their pond of flesh.

 There is no moral justification as regard the manner which Ribadu is been treated. Sincerely we cannot make a head way as a nation when personal interest supersedes national interest. The President’s silence and attitude is annoying. We all know the reason for our brothers predicament, simply because he challenged the monster called corruption and in the process touching the celebrated untouchables.

 This is clearly the effect of rigging elections in the country; I termed this fight against Ribadu the PDP’s fight. They alone know what they are up to. A critical look at all prosecuted in the fight against corruption reveals an identity exclusively PDP! This explains the President’s silence, because I cannot place the rationale behind his unholy silence.

 This is sad for a country like Nigeria. What we are saying is that our country is not worth the struggles suffice to mention that Yar’Adua to an extent owe his ascension to the throne to Ribadu’s fight against corruption and tough stance that no corrupt person will rule Nigeria. That act of bravery paved the way for him to emerge the flag bearer of the PDP. Is this the price for dedication to duty and course for a better Nigeria?

 This attitude portends grave implication in the future. Those at the fore front should realize that the youths are watching as events unfold. Who would want to serve this nation with zeal, when all you will get is humiliation from a bunch of anti progressives at the end of the day?

 Its understandable that Ribadu took the anti corruption war to the extreme by disregarding court rulings in most cases, if we can be objective to his plight, the blame should not be heaped at his doorstep. The simple reason being that the courts dispense justice at a snail speed and in some cases susceptible to the caprices of (them) thereby hindering the job at hand. 

 Brother Ribadu painted the country’s image abroad in gold, respect came our way. With him it was bad business for scammers and corrupt government officials. My joy as it stands is that no form of corrupt practices can be tied to our dear brother.

 

 

A state in Delusion

A State in Delusion!

                                                        By

                                                Joshua Ocheja

 

 Events emanating from Kogi state portends disillusion in governance, a state basking in the euphoria of phony glory.

 A lot have been said about the confluence state as regard elections and state of development and underdevelopment in recent times and one would be tempted to ask if the state is the most vibrant in the country, hence the hullabaloo!

 The importance and location of Kogi state in the nation can not be overemphasized, in the area of centrality, proximity to the nation’s capital, easy accessibility to other parts of the country and historical journey of the nation.

The above mentioned became imperative because as concerned citizens we can not afford the luxury to sit and watch a certain cabal experiment with the state and its resources at the detriment and chagrin of the populace.

 As it stands today, kogi state is on the verge of annihilation, the reason being that nothing seems to be working; the state has virtually come to a halt! The roads are not motor able, abject poverty reigns supreme, a state in absolute disrepair! Best describes the confluence state today.

 The question on the lips of every body is does the state have a governor?

 It undermines and insults our sensibilities when proponents of the current dispensation, assert that incumbent governor; Alhaji Ibrahim Idris (IBRO) has transformed the state into a mini heaven. It is really atrocious that such falsehood could be displayed on the pages of newspapers with impunity.

 The simple truth is that Kogi state is at a stand still! One is forced to make comparison with the tenure of Prince Abubakar Audu and the incumbent governor.

 I have never met former Governor Prince Abubakar Audu in person but a policy of his affected my life and those of thousands of youths in the state positively by the simple action of conceiving the idea of a state university.

 The ingenuity displayed by Prince Audu in the establishment of the prestigious Kogi state University cannot be overemphasized. Suffice to mention that the coming of kogi state university served as the catalyst for the creation of other state universities in the country.

 How can one describe the phenomenal development the university brought to the town of Ayingba? How can one describe the doors of opportunities the university opened for the youths of the state?

 Products of Kogi State University are doing excellently well in their endeavors. What would have happened if the university was not established? Thousands of youths roaming states in search of admission that is elusive, high level of debauchery and other vices inimical to the interest of the state. Yes most structures were not in place as been polarized by a group of egocentric people, but there was a blue print for continuous development on the table.

 That act alone should be commended and celebrated because thousands of us will probably be in school or still in search of an elusive admission, pertinent to mention that I am a product of the university.

 Its worthy of mention that the youths are the bedrock of any progressive society, what Prince Abubakar did was to curtail the excesses of the youths by way of availing to them qualitative education in an attempt to bring about meaningful development in the rapidly changing world.

 This transcends beyond laying claims to building markets, bridges and roads, of what benefit will these claims be with an uneducated populace.

 It amuses me when some people describe his tenure as an outright failure; Prince Audu had his challenges as governor just like any one will have challenges in his or her endeavor, having in mind the vagaries inherent in governance especially at state level with interest to protect and appease.

 An issue that attracted my attention was the claim that before the advent of the present dispensation school pupils were learning under trees! This was boldly displayed on pages of newspapers by people I term “enemies of the state” This is absolutely falsehood. Even in the remotest part of the country, that can’t happen. A man of Abubakar’s taste and style would not watch his state disintegrate into such awful level, evident in the structures he put in place at the university. If I may ask of what essence does this amount to in taking the state forward? It simply means washing our dirty linen in public.

 We should realize that trading insults on pages of newspapers about our state is not best for our existence, it simply brands us as a people united by names and divided by the spirit body and soul.

 Another burning issue that must be arrested with all urgency is the state of our roads. The truth is they are not motor able, those championing the 30 road project cause implemented by the current governor should be sincere enough to admit that their claim remains an optical illusion as far as roads in kogi state is concerned, worthy of mention the Lokoja/Ajaokuta road, Ayingba/Idah road and a host of others.

This is a sad situation in this epoch of our existence, one is not saying that the present governor has not implemented laudable projects, but this piece is intended to serve as a wake up call to the Governor and those saddled with the running of ministries to wake up and make Kogi State work again.

Enough of the witch hunting, accusations and names calling by all parties involved. Kogi state has to work and will work to the admiration of other states, Those close to the corridors of power should be obligated to render sound and morally justifiable advice to the governor when necessary as he is only human, as Mankind is govern more by their feelings than by reason.