Solomon's Column

Mediocrity, incompetence and ignorance have been the major attributes of governance in the states of the federation.

Superior advice, counsel and guides were ignored and, rather, suggestions that were self-centered in nature were implemented.

Indeed, so many states have been debased and defrauded of their resources by those who are beneficiaries of the manipulation of the system.
The major focus is the allocation of the federation account, without recourse to accountability and audit.

Nigerians now wish to know how the policies of the state governments have reversed the worrisome scheme of things in the affected states.

Sadly, no one is ready to make such a disclosure, considering the mystery surrounding  the growth rate of the economy of the affected states.

The Uncertain Political Direction

Only weak, deceitful and sinking leaders will consider it impossible to decisively give political  direction to followers, when it matters most.
But when the followers discover the air of uncertainty that has enveloped the political direction, they have no option but to take their destinies in their own hands.

Election manipulation begins when new polling units are clandestinely created in the guise of overcrowding in the original polling units.

Indeed, Those-in-Authority are working round the clock to ensure that their preferred candidates emerge even before the elections.

Certainly, a lot is wrong with the system.

Without doubt, Nigerians have lost faith in the system.

Among other reasons for this, include the fact that millions of Nigerians have been impoverished without hope, dehumanized and disenfranchised.

Now, they look up to Those-in-Authority for austere stipends and handouts.

Not surprisingly, the quest to sustain power has placed a high premium on securing power for self-centered interests.

The plots of Those-in-Power and the counterplots by others out of power have almost brought Nigeria to its knees, even as desperation continues to trail the ongoing political fog, with abortive attempts at labelling the same preparations for the general elections.

The Future.......?

The criminal tendencies continually exhibited by children who reside with their parents or guardians, in the Molusi, Oyegbami, Solanke, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout Camp, Felele and several other communities in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria; is a pointer to the fact that most public and private schools in the state have become breeding grounds for future criminals.

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.

The conception of political development by leaders in Nigeria ought to bring about positive change that will usher in a stable and prosperous democracy devoid of corrupt lifestyles.

But the utterances, outbursts and attitude of aspiring leaders, suggest that winning elections by whatever means rather than convincingly has now become the guideline. Indeed, Nigerians are hoping that the general elections will be deviod of compromise and winning by any means and at whatever cost to the country.

Sadly, unfolding events, a number of days before the elections, are already giving the electorate visible worries, while the international community watches with keen interest, the response of Those-in-Authority to the concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders.

Indications from every part of the country point to the fact that it is either the Independent National Electoral Commission's(INEC) preparations for the elections have deteriorated or that the commission is preparing to fail.

However, those knowledgeable of the written script being played out, disclosed that pretensions continue to characterize the well thought out plans, deliberately contrived and awaiting execution by those within the leadership cubicles.

Indiscretion

The first round of elections will definitely determine the way forward. The votes of Nigerians ought to count; for them not to feel used and cheated. Indiscretion by Those-in Authority Nigerians are now at the mercy of Point of Sale (POS)Operators and questionable and dubious staff of Money Deposit Banks as a result of the indiscretion of Those-in-Authority.

Governments guided by accountability, responsibility and transparency have always been constant never to retain card-carrying party members who aspired to political positions but failed to emerge victorious in sensitive positions.
Such party members, if allowed to continue in such public offices, would bring to bear their partisanship.
Sadly, high standards have been eroded.
Interestingly, the expectation of Nigerians is that the newly redesigned 200, 500 and 1,000 Naira notes will be made available for everyone through the banking system.
Although the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has insisted that the new naira notes are in abundant supply to the commercial banks, the experience of Nigerians in banking halls, ATM machine points and P.O.S shops has proved the contrary.
Much as the commercial banks would wish to comply with the directive of the apex bank to make the new notes available, the old notes have been, up till this moment, still being dispensed.
Indeed, if there is no hidden motive in fixing the deadline for the withdrawal of the old notes, which is 31st January, the reasonable and rational step to take ought to be for the old notes to circulate side by side with the new ones, until the former is withdrawn.
However, the desperation and hurried actions of the apex bank to withdraw the old notes suggests that there is more to  it than meets the eyes.
Unfolding events in urban, and most especially rural areas indicate that the CBN would have not option but to extend the deadline; only if it is sensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

2023 and Beyond
The daily occurrence of violent crimes, the sorry state of electricity supply and the lingering fuel scarcity in Nigeria are enough advice for the electorate to determine the next crop of leaders in 2023 and beyond. Perhaps
 

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.

Any focused government with vision ought to put machinery in place that will assess and evaluate the levels of performance and service delivery of political appointees.

The only exception to the above-mentioned, is a government that has a lot to hide.

Contract inflation, money laundering and misappropriation of funds are shadows of several political appointees, although cover-ups are not strange in these days of political campaigns.

Indeed, futile attempts have been made to mend fences after the damage has been done.

Political ambitions have scuttled such attempts.A leader must be decisive and not stand aloof. Interestingly, some elements in government are out for full-scale destruction based on the fierce pursuit of self-interest.

Sadly, the apex bank and commercial banks in the country have been caught in the web of intrigues, manoeuvres and sabotage and Nigerians are at the receiving end.

Of worry, is the non-committal stance of Those-in-Authority, which most believe is an ominous sign for Nigeria and DEMOCRACY.

Note-
Lawlessness, crime and all forms of criminality continue unabated while an unspecifed number of men and officers of the law enforcement agency relentlessely undermine law enforcement.

State governments majorly borrow money to pay contractors and loans collected for the quick finance of workers' salaries and retirees' pensions.

All these are offset when the states receive their monthly federal allocations. Indeed, most state governments obtained loans to finance their first choice priorities, road projects, in governance.

Sadly, the wearing costs of these road projects are unknown, while their benefits remain speculations. Interestingly, Those-in-Authority continue to play god, instead of allowing the supreme being to play God and then they play the human element of the process. They have forgotten that government is not the laboratory where experiments are carried out.

Regrettably, the ''new generation leaders'' in the states have brought in their stride-for the young and old-criminality, fetishness and diabolism.

The phrase, ''one of the safest states in Nigeria'' suggests a covert invitation to criminals as seen in some states of the federation.

It is not a surprise that career officers and political appointees are now jittery, as the failures and shortcomings in governance gradually unfold, weeks before the general elections.

Note-The leadership in Nigeria, while abroad, insisted that it has approved all the requests of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2023, even though the daily record of casualities from violent crimes-rape, killings, ritual killings, kidnappings, armed robberies and terrorism-are on the increase.

In the process of developing new locations in many states, those-in-authority have displaced thousands of Nigerians.

Indeed, the forced displacements include the dubious sale of several houses to conspirators, who pull down original buildings and erect something different on the land.

The forgery of property and land documents is the trend.

Sadly, this development has attracted in its wake, criminal elements, who have to a large extent damaged the reputation of the government.

Interestingly, the law enforcement and justice system have been compromised to accommodate this evil; while the people now see those-in-authority'' as bad dreams.

However, Nigerians are optimistic that the days of bad dreams would soon be over in the nearest time to come.

Note- Free, fair and credible elections can only be achieved if Those-in-Authority are not products of flawed elections. The political parties' primaries that produced candidates for political offices in 2023 were manipulated, while the arguments over the acceptability and eligibility of such candidates are still subjects of disagreements. Imposition is definitely not the true face of DEMOCRACY.

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.

Equity, Justice and Fairness currently remains perpetually in the refuse bins of many offices, just as injustice has occupied space in most states of Nigeria.

Sadly, the activities of those in the Judiciary have further aggravated the worrisome situation, while millions of Nigerians continue their lamentations for those who care to listen to their plight.

Interestingly, those-in-authority who facilitated the pitiful state of justice delivery are now vigorously promoting alternative dispute resolution in the states to disguise their evil deeds.

Indeed, the evil that men have done and shall do now will live with them in their twilight days.

Note-For the credibility, transparency and reliability of the judiciary to be preserved and remain unblemished, responsible and focused career officers ought not to abandon their duty posts for trips into controversy.

Made-in-Nigeria goods and services are on a fast decline due to the unfavorable environment, local manufacturers ply their trade. 

The promise by Those-in-Charge to ensure a conducive environment for manufacturers is yet to be fulfilled many years after mounting the saddle.

A sizable number of manufacturers have decided to close shops as a result of the galloping inflation, irregular electricity supply, high cost of diesel, difficulties in accessing foreign exchange, importation of sub-standard products, and most importantly, insecurity.

Obviously, the government policy on manufacturing has, over time, led to divestment by focused and serious-minded investors, who have since looked outwards.

Indeed, the suggestion, if unfolding events are anything to go by, is the government would leave legacies for the manufacturing sector devoid of an all-encompassing policy and tattered support system that would take years to revamp. 

Note- Political campaigns are underway and frontline candidates are engaging in mudslinging, name-calling, and the promotion of lies and half-truths, while the purpose of seeking public offices remains at the surface level due to the absence of unknown qualities of knowledge, depth, and agenda for development.

In the last seven and a half years, the approach to governance has been impulsive and embarrassing.

Most sectors of the economy are gasping for breadth-particularly education, health, electricity and most importantly security.

This is worrisome considering the huge oil revenues that have been generated during the period under review.

Indeed, miscarriage of justice and the violation of human rights have been the major features of the present administration in Nigeria, even as the deliberate impoverishment of Nigerians, hunger and poverty have become tools of governance.

Sadly, unfolding events indicate that Those-in-Authority are desperate to use their positions to ensure that the 2023 general elections are anything but free, fair and credible.

Without doubt any electoral process hinged on widespread improprieties and the absence of meticulous background checks on candidates of political parties would never attract widespread acceptance.

The coming days and months are ominous for peace, law, order and sanity in the polity.

Note- It is very disturbing that a number of states in Nigeria have failed to attract direct foreign investments up till this moment, yet some state executives travel overseas for unknown reasons. Such travel has not impacted positively on governance. The trips are for self-centered interests. Perhaps.

The Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) is set to change the design of the 200, 500, and 1,00 Naira notes, months before the 2023 general elections. 

Interestingly, those who call the shots insist that the change is long overdue, although the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed argues that the government of the day was not carried along.

The question now is, Why did it take so long for this change since 2015?

So far, the CBN has destroyed 6 Trillion Naira-bank notes-  in this dispensation.

Indeed, a lot is wrong about national security, the economy, and socio-political space; while abnormalities persist.

The suggestion is that the government of the day is pushing forward face-saving strategies to becloud the sensibilities of worried Nigerians who are conscious of the nightmarish journey presently.

Of worry, is the uncertainty that trails the statement of Those-in-Charge, with particular reference to the transition of the government of the day in 2023, although the action and inaction of the powers that be are responsible for the situation in Nigeria today.

 Note- The refusal of candidates for the 2023 general elections to suspend campaigns in the face of very negative security pointers suggests that self-centered interests override national interests.

Millions of Nigerians have remianed without suitable and comfortable homes due to the incompetence of Those-inCharge to provide affordable houses for the impoverished populace.

Indeed, political office holders have over the years facilitated the activities of criminally minded Esate Agents and land grabbers in several states, while the Judiciary may have for long been acting out the scripts of their paymasters.

How can a Cheif Executive appeal to Nigerians to live in peace with criminals in several communities?

A number of state governments have now turned the real estate sector to a revenue generation point, while citizens have continued to tell those who care to lsiten unending tales of woe.

Interestingly, an unspecified number of cases and incidences of fraudulent practices by illegal practitioners in the real estate sector have overwhlemed police stations and court rooms across the land.

Sadly, a few state governments have successfully made the real sector unattractive to investors, as most of the accomodation available are anything but decent and affordable.

The reversal of this horrible status quo may influence the voting patern. Perhaps. Even though owning a house ought to be a right, an enabling environment for this purpose still remians a mirage.

Note- The recruitment of unqualified persons and institutional compromise are among other reasons why insecurity and violent crimes persist.

Click here-Living in Peace

The shabby treatment of teachers by the government and the organized private sector has over the years, affected education at all levels.

There is an urgent need to train and retrain teachers in various educational and developmental programs to attain quality education.

In addition, the creation of a conducive environment, inspiring conditions of service and other incentives would go a long way to aid improved performance, effectiveness and efficiency of teachers.

On the part of the teachers, dedication and devotion to duty ought to be among their guiding lights in the process of grooming pupils and students to become assets, rather than liabilities to society.

Those who are given the responsibilities to impact knowledge, must be kind, understanding and firm, while ruling a line between firmness and harshness.

In addition, the teacher should embark on a continuous learning, reading and experimenting to maintain acceptable standards in the academic performance of pupils and students alike.

Note- The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) has declared that the wicked shall not rule the land of Nigeria, while former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has advised Nigerians not to vote in killers in the 2023 general elections.

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

Inspiring strides from viable societies have proved that agriculture has the potential to solve several internal challenges, including food shortages, prohibitive prices of foodstuffs, unemployment and the heavy dependence on the monthly federal allocation, among others.

Unfortunately, the agriculture sector in several states has been unable to provide jobs for the majority of the unemployed, particularly the youth, even as kidnapping for ritual and ransom purposes are now the preferred choices.

In addition, the worrisome state of government-owned farm settlements has made the cultivation, processing,packaging and storage of varieties of crops impossible.

Sadly, the lack of capacity, policy bias, underinvestment and misinvestment have all along been impediments to the development of agribusiness in affected states.

In addition, the government at all levels have failed to create a conducive environment to attract investors into the sector, even though a number of them still insist that their major focus is agribusiness, but this is not in tune with happenings in so many states.

Note- It is a source of serious concern that those who have aspirations for political offices are only dissipating energy to actualize their self-centeredness, while human lives are sacrificed daily under the guise of violent crimes. This is the height of inhumanity and insensitivity.

The trend in several states of Nigeria today are the threats to public peace with impunity, violence and the unlawful possession of firearms.
Indeed, criminals sponsored by politically exposed persons have always been in and out of the custody of law enforcement and security agencies. Sadly, they are, most of the time, let off the hook without prosecution.
The insinuation is that they are above the law.
Interestingly, these criminals who have been involved in heinous and grievous crimes against humanity walk the streets  freely.
 Of worry is the fact that an unspecified number of uniformed personnel have a longstanding relationship with criminals, while the production of stickers, emblems and souvenirs, uniforms and other accessories for law enforcement and security agencies continues as the count down to the 2023 general elections begin.

ot surprisingly, most political office holders who seek to retain their positions and those aspiring to occupy political offices rely on threats, violence, intimidation and subversion to achieve their self-centered ambitions. The government has continued to feign ignorance for unknown reasons.
Note-
The increase in the duty tour allowance would greatly benefit Minsters and Permanent secretaries.

This is a wrong direction, considering the increase in the Pay As You Earn Taxes of civil and public servants.

Panama came into being in 9103 as a breakaway province of Colombia.
General Manuel Noriega became the country's leader after Brigadier Omar Torrijos was taken out in controversial circumstances that were trailed by conspiracy theories.
Leadership at that point in Panama's history revolved around subversion of the opposition, blackmail and intimidation of the electorate and rigging of elections.
However, most countries of the world have since realized, understood and keyed into technical skills and competences as credible and reliable methods to build and sustain leadership and other positions at different levels of government.
Sadly, leadership examples in Nigeria suggest that Gen. Noriega is a role model.
Knowledge and experience have proven to be among the crucial indices to economic and political development of any nation.
In Gen. Noreiga's time, Panama was a  vast criminal empire where lawlessness, crime, all forms of criminality and evil reigned supreme.
Several countries having the desire to prosper economically and politically have since embraced methods hinged on strategic leadership and leadership excellence to handle problematic situations that have threatened their stability and peaceful existence.
Note-The localized network of evil and diabolism has brought along the internalization of the acts of inhabitants of the Biblical Sodom and Gomorah, in addition to the dismal performances of pupils and students in examinations.
Of course, parents, guardians, teachers and the government are to blame for this worrisome development.