Good Government

In Nigeria, millions of citizens, most especially the poor and vulnerable, remain without internet access.
For a long time, internet users have had to  put up with very sub-standard services.
This is as a result of inefficiency and inadequate infrastructure.
Sadly, most of those who are fortunate to have internet access use it negatively.
Indeed, digital literacy is a major challenge across the country and this has translated to limited internet use in most  sectors of the economy.
Youths have taken to crime due to the attitude of the leadership at all levels of government, while pornographic content has exposed minors to immoral acts.
Of worry, is the lack of funding for research and infrastructure for Information and Communication Technology(ICT) by today's leadership.
The Backbone
The Nigerian youth involved in crime is not acting alone, some of those in positions of authority are his or her backbone. This becomes glaring when an individual takes a keen interest in unfolding events.

On Monday, 20 July 2001, at a remembrance lecture and book lunch in honor of the late Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi in Ibadan, Nigeria, Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo(RTD) of blessed memory has summarized the situation in Nigeria in the following words:

''In our country, the system has produced despots that foist totalitarianism regimes on us and allows mediocrity to triumph over merit, hence our continued backwardness as a nation.''

Those who possess the political power today must have started taking stock of the legacies they are about to leave behind, particularly the huge debt burden at the center and the states.

Another legacy to be left behind are thousands of lives that have been lost for economic and security reasons, in addition to those who remain unaccounted for under this administration.

The leaders in their second and final lap are anxious to throw in the towel, while the ones still having a term to go are working vigorously to cover their tracks a bit longer.

The desperation to conduct the National Population Census, the huge amount set aside for the Kano/Marahadi rail project, the rush to commence the Nigeria Air flight operations and the imminent airport concession among others in the twilight of this administration speaks volumes.

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Wielding the Big Stick

Several grievous and heinous crimes have been traced t commercial motorcyclists a.k.a Okada riders, who are mostly foot soldiers, supporters, admirers and well wishers of the ruling political parties in a number of states.

For peace to reign and for the safety of innocent Nigerians to be guaranteed, leaders must wield the big stick on their followers with criminal tendencies.

However, sadly, lawlessness, crime and all forms of criminality are now a lingering culture and tradition in several communities, including Molusi, Onafuwa Solanke, Oeygbami, Oshodi, Kehinde Aderibigbe, Olorunsogo, Molete, Aluko, Felele and Scout Camp communities.

Indeed, the overbearing indicators are that the government at all levels are complicit.

Events have since proven that the votes of Nigerians did not count in the just concluded Presidential and national assembly elections.

Interestingly, Those-in-Authority have continued to vigorously rationalize the failed elections.

The present reality is that Nigerians no longer have the freedom to choose their leaders and the right to identify alternatives of choice.

Since the electoral umpire is comfortable taking directives from its paymasters, rather than asserting its independence, Nigerians insist that the elections were a good reflection of organized fraud.

Indeed, as the days go by, towards May 29th, the definition of governance for Those-in-Authority, which is access to sudden wealth and equitable rewards system for all who are involved, gradually fades into oblivion.

Ominous Times Ahead

The uncomfortable silence of Those-in-Authority, days after the apex court delivered a people-friendly judgment on the Naira Re-design policy, has exposed the ominous times ahead.

Democracy thrives on justice, equity, good governance, creation of employment opportunities, creation of a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, compulsory free primary and secondary education, a robust agricultural sector and most importantly, regular supply of electricity and petroleum products.

Sadly, candidates for political offices in Nigeria are yet to come up with verifiable and practicable alternatives to the present scheme of things in all sectors of the economy.

Already, Nigerians are worried about the huge debt burden at all levels of government which is trailed by abandoned projects that are major features of various states in the country.

The pockets of violence in different parts of the country is now the response of Nigerians to the malfunctionality of the socio-economic and political system.

Existing institutions now superintend irregularities and disorderliness in the process of proferring solutions to the challenges bedevilling good governance. It is obvious that certain government policies have brought about great uncertainty and anxiety among Nigerians.

This in turn has resulted in the negative reactions of Nigerians who have been hard hit by the un-leadership actions of Those-in-Authority. The poilitical processes have moved from normal to abnormal.

The approach and response of Those-in-Authority to unfolding events is crucial.

Unfortunately, the above mentioned have been retroactive.

However, the expectation of Nigerians is that the political processes will be modified to douse the mounting tension in the land or their coercive template will be deployed as usual to curb the dissatisfaction and anger everywhere.

The Mock Accreditation

The Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) has disclosed that its mock accreditation exercise conducted nationwide on Saturday February 4th, 2023 was a huge success. In addition, candidates for political offices are pressing on with rallies and campaigns. This is strange. Furthermore the attitude of Point of Sale Operators(POS) and a majority number of bank staff towards impoverished Nigerians have exposed the script of Those-in-Authority. Posterity will never forgive them. All these are coming at a time when Nigerians are busy expressing their feelings on the pains, agonies and hardships certain government policies have brought about. Indeed, there is more to it than meets the eye.

Nigerians are disappointed in the poor state of governance at the three tiers of government.

The available resources from the federal allocation have been improperly utilized by political office holders, while internally generated revenue has been misappropriated to the detriment of development and improvement of the welfare of the people.

Supporters, well-wishers, admirers and loyalists of Those-in-Authority have constitute themselves to nuisance in several communities across Nigeria, thus, paving the way for lawlessness and criminality.

Empowerment has now been translated to makeshift shops in residential areas, where alcohol and illicit substances are traded in.

Curiously, the confidence reposed in the representatives of the people at all levels of government has waned drastically, due to the scanty proof of representation.

Unfolding events indicate that the road to election and re-election for political party candidates is now riddled with potholes that pose serious threats to the vehicles they are travelling in. Sadly, all the institutions saddled with the responsibilities of sustaining democracy are working assiduously to scuttle it.

As Schools Resume

The unrestricted display of lawless and criminal behavior of youths, mostly dropouts and children who still attend Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, residing in Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Aluko, Kehinde Aderibigbe, Scout Camp and Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo stat, Nigeria, among several other communities, has not only brought to the fore, the poor quality of teachers in public and private schools in the state, but has also exposed the mindset of manpower in educationa agencies in the state. It is now very obvious that most of the schools in the state go beyond imparting knowledge, if the immoral and crime-friendly behavior of pupils and students is anything to go by. The prevalence of pedophilia, homosexuality and prostitution in these communities is another source of worry, as residents watch helplessly.

Nation building involves creating both a sense of pride in one's country and enhancing a country's status in the eyes of other nations, which naturally is one of the ways to build national unity. Sport is one of the ways because it creates a unified goal and brands all differing groups in a nation under one banner.

Sports is an enabler of sustainable development through the growing contribution of sports to the realization of development and peace, the promotion of tolerance and respect, and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities, as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.

Realizing the Full Potential of Aport for Sustainable Development Goals The unifying factor of sports notwithstanding, there are still challenges to fulfillment of its true potential.

Too often there are incidences of intolerance, racism, hatred and violence during sports events. Like many other areas, corruption also affects sports.

Sports organizations, managers, players and fans must do all that is possible to combat this illness and fully harness the positive power of sports. Stakeholders, therefore, should keep fighting abuses, promote the adoption of good governance, integrity and transparency, which places sustainable development goals at the core of all sporting organizations.

Harnessing the tremendous potential of sports by bringing people together from mega-sporting events to grassroots activities through its physical activities provides various social and health benefits.

Fundamental to the true enhancement of global development and the realization of the SDGs, is the establishment of strong and cohesive partnerships among diverse stakeholder networks committed to the use of sports for sustainable development.

The primary focus of extracurricular activities and sports is to teach discipline, focus, dedication, hard work, commitment and team work. And it is our responsibility as adults to value sportsmanship and award the courage to take action rather than focusing on winning or losing. Our slogan, therefore, is that we should all, the youth in particular, say, ''No'' to Thuggery, Hooliganism and Violence, but embrace the spirit of healthy competition for love, unity and improve networking and competence.

This address was delivered by Prof. Olagoke  at the 18th edition of the Rasool Cup-Under 18 Football Competition

The experiments guided by the creditors have resulted in devastating socio-economic instability in Nigeria. The situation has been made worse by the obsession of today's leaders with the politics of exclusion.

This is glaring at all levels of government. Noticing that the failure in governance is now noticeable, the ''accidental'' leaders have resorted to the creation of an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, to bulldoze themselves back to political offices.

Political office holders ought to quickly realize that failure is collective in politics and should take responsibility for posterity's sake.

Fraud and deception have trailed the activities of a number of administrations at the state level, while several communities have a high concentration of illiteracy, ignorance and poverty.

Indeed, the hidden fact is hinged on the strength of lies and falsehood that are the backbones of governance in the three tiers of government.

Note- Olorunsogo, Molete/Oshodi/Felele communities, among several others in Oyo state, Nigeria, are now hideouts to various categories of criminals, whose lawless behaviors establish the fact that Those-in-Authority provide moral and financial support for their criminal activities. The saying, when the head is rotten, the whole body is also rotten, best describes the situation in many states.

Nigerians have been called upon to commend or criticize the government when there is a justifiable cause.
This call was made by the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.)Alex Anozie in a Press Release dated 13 October, 2022.
''We must learn to praise the governments, be it federal or state, or local government, whenever they have done well,  just like we must criticize when they have not done well.''
''All Nigerians should be happy with the federal government over their effort towards the completion of the second Niger Bridge.''
''I am particularly happy over this news, because I remember that I was the first Nigerian that voiced out, and called on the Federal Government to construct a second Niger bridge, after which other people joined, that was during our Igbo day ceremony of 2002 at Liberty stadium, Ibadan, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu was our special guest at the occasion. During my address, I called on the Federal Government to construct a second Niger Bridge to ease the pain people are going through every time they drive by crossing the only bridge.
I am so happy for the Presidents that made it happen, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari, thank you all and God bless Nigeria.'' the statement concluded.

The move by the Federal Government to increase the national minimum wage at the twilight of its eight-year tenure has been described as a last ditch effort to hoodwink Nigerians.

This position was made known by an Ex-Officio of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

''Nigerians are skeptical about the motive behind the statement of the Minister of Labor, Dr. Chris Ngige to the effect that the Federal Government would soon increase the national minimum wage .It may be a set-up to argue for the removal of the subsidy on petrol and this would eventually be used to devalue the Naira. And it may also be used to justify the implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report. . Why is the government contradicting itself? President Muhammadu Buhari in a meeting with the executives of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria gave reasons why the government would not increase the salaries of workers. How come it is now the Minister of Labor that is now amplifying the issue?'' Comrade Emelieze questioned.

In several states of Nigeria, the lack of goodwill has made those presently in the saddle build on the encouraging foundation previous administrations have laid in most sectors; the health sector is inclusive.

Record keeping in health institutions in these states is obsolete and outdated and has for long influenced waste and redundancy.

Transparency and accountability are crucial to the management of health facilities only if those- in-charge realize this fact.

The provision of accurate health data and storage results in a robust health care administration that is reliable and efficient.

Sadly, however, the absence of an electronic medical system in several government-owned institutions has promoted difficulties in accessing patients' data, to enable health care professionals to deliver improved and prompt health care services.

Health care records hinged on technology would go a long way in ensuring functional health care services and in the process facilitate an enduring health system for people.

Note- 7 million Nigerians have been disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), while the electoral umpire is in the process of recruiting 1.4 million ad hoc staff for the 2023 general elections. When consideration is given to the commission's budgetary allocation for the election, the plight of eligible voters and the rising debt of the present administration, then Those-in-Charge ought to thread the paths of winding up with caution.

Posted 19 minutes ago by Solomon Adewunmi

Everybody should do the right thing. First of all, every Nigerian of voting age should register and collect the Permanent Voters Card(PVC) and be ready to vote in the next elections.

I have said it before, and I am still saying it again, if I have my way, it should be made compulsory for every Nigerian, 18 and above, to register and collect their PVCs and afterwards vote and show evidence they voted in elections before they can carry transactions in banks and gain admissions into schools. But when you don't have PVCS, you may not be allowed access to privileges you ought to have access to as an eligible citizen.

This would encourage citizens to participate in our Democratic process actively, and it would make Nigerians take elections seriously. Our democracy would now have a positive outlook which would result in the emergence of competent and capable leaders.

The lack of interest in elections and voter apathy would now be a thing of the past. In addition, the Government to ensure free, fair and credible elections, devoid of violence. Consequently, everyone would now vote according to the dictates of his or her conscience.

When elections becomes violence free, this would encourage people to come out and vote in elections without fear. More importantly, let us all, whether Christians, Muslims or traditionalists, remember that truth is God and God is truth. Indeed, the only issue that can start healing the wounds of our country is Justice and Equity.

And as Christians and Muslims, with conscience, we must reasonably agree that it is justifiable to allow the South East to produce the next President in 2023. For several months and years I have been agitating for the Presidency to be zoned to the South-East. I am so happy that people of integrity like former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Afenifere leader, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, both of them, whom I believe, truly love Nigeria.

People with conscience have also subscribe to this position. God will begin to release his miracles for Nigeria when justice is done, and Presidency moves to the south east. God is God of justice. An

d let it be known that we are all going to churches and mosques wasting our time when we are denying justice its cause.

Eze(Dr.) Anozie is the Ezeigbo, Ezechukwujiegosioluebube nala,Ibadan and Oyo state and Chairman Non-indigenous Traditional Heads, Oyo state

The administration of criminal justice is the motivation for democracy to thrive in several countries of the world.

However, in most states of Nigeria, the administration of justice seems to have been discarded as a result of the sharp practices by lawyers, Magistrates, Judges, those in the customary court and the entire support staff in the Judiciary.

Frivolous suits by litigants with the full consent of their counsels in addition to forum shopping is now the trend. Indeed, it is worrisome to note that judgments are now for sale while Those-in-Power have taken advantage of this defect to manipulate the justice system, taking over landed properities of an unspecified number of helpless Nigerians.

Without doubt the Judiciary and the legal profession urgently reuqire self-assessment and self-cleansing.

Those in the Judiciary ought to stop engaging in unwholesome practices, just as efforts must be geared towards ridding the legal profession of bad eggs, in order to restore public confidence in the administration of justice.

The expectation is that the legal profession shall in the nearest future blaze the trail in all human affairs.

Note- It is very obvious that all arms of government at all levels need overhauling for quality service delivery. A six month period for repositioning and reorientation is the way to go. Perhaps.

The only major agent of socialization is a government that can effectively mitigate and eradicate insecurity in the land.

The is because of the importance of credible elections which we must allow come 2023 in Nigeria. If insecurity is to end and pave the way for a stable polity, then all arms and tiers of government must be on deck to achieve a favorable end.

Luckily for Nigeria democracy has been adopted as the country's politcal philosophy and it stands on the two legs of justice and equity concept, giving a large room for the promotion of an inclusive society.

Credible people will, therefore, facilitate peace and sustainable development that would promote a safe and secured environment. If we cannot achieve a hundred per cent success rate in governance, then a 70 per cent pass mark will be able to address the fundamental needs of the people that would keep them busy and make them friendly to one another because under this condition nobody would lack except those that may crave for luxury.

The justice system is expected to take care of this area in terms of promoting sanity and preventing indiscipline, moral rot and all forms of waywardness and corruption.

The Holy Bible in Genesis 3 : 19 emphasizes the need for shelter, clothing and food for every person in a decent society.

''19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.''

In the same manner, the Holy Quran 11 : 6 emphasizes the natural design of God, the almighty Allah on this same antidote to insecurity that will serve as therapy to human restive nature.''There is no moving creature on earth but its sustenance dependenth on Allah : He knowteh its resting place and its temporary deposit : all in a clear Record.''

The Government has all the wherewithal in terms of power influence and wealth as that natural resources of the sovereignty for the common welfare of the people under them. This is why the government is a key factor in checkmating insecurity and promoting peace and sustainable development through the common wealth of the land for the people's wellness and general welfare. Let's make this possible in Nigeria come 2023 before, during and after the general elections.

Concerned citizens, who are desirous to sustain the democratic form of government must meticulously understand the policies of dictatorships.

In addition, the sections and clauses of the constitution obstructing good governance and the causes of social injustice must be removed.

Read-Legalizing Crime and Criminality
Towards achieving this, the citizens ought to have access to qualitative education that would aid sound judgment, and morally promote interest in and respect for fellow citizens.

Indeed, democracy is a system that is least liable to abuse, most capable of adaptation to new needs and most favorable to prosperity.

-Landlords and Tenants Associations, Crime and Criminality

Democracy does not deprive citizens of the use of their faculties, the relations between government and the people and between one citizen and another.

Citizens resolve their differences without resorting to violence in sane climes.

Furthermore, redundancy of spies becomes prominent and censorship is no longer the focus, when good government is in place.

-Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach                           -Government Workers-A Subject of Debate