Solomon's Column

Kofi

Strategies against Filthiness

The indiscipline attitude of the people has brought about the depreciation of the environment.
Presently, heaps and heaps of refuse characterize the environment in most states.
Sadly, the lack of political will coupled with the very weak resolution of the government has impeded the effective enforcement of laws and policies.
Indeed, the environment of  Olorunsogo, Molete, and several other communities in Ibadan, Oyo state are sick and shall remain so, until the residents are compelled to do the right thing.

Gar
Strangely, the occupants of No. 5 Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olurnsogo, Molete(two-story building) mobilized other residents of the community to vandalize and convert the private property at No. 3 to a refuse dump.
The culture of the people now includes among others, throwing out waste materials indiscriminately and in any available space, while dumping of garbage and other harmful material continue unabated.
Although most state governments assume some responsibilities of ensuring a habitable environment, same have failed to develop strategies toward the sanitation of the environment.
Of note, is that roadside traders, criminals on motorcycles, and cultists thrive in states where those in charge desperately seek political preservation.
Of worry, is that various categories of criminals converge daily in a space  directly opposite the entry of the Government House in a state to ply their trade
The mind-boggling human and financial resources that have been sunk in the fight against the filthy environment in most states is now the debate among the people.
The involvement of the private sector in environmental sanitation has had little or no impact on the environmental conditions of major cities in Nigeria, except for the monetary gains for the contractors.
Curiously, community leaders and other residents have over the years provided moral and financial support for cultists and other categories of criminals mainly because they reap indirect benefits from criminality.

 

 

Pol 3

The Elected

PolNigerians have continued to ask a very important question with no answer-Do the people's representatives at the Federal and State levels know how appropriated funds have been spent in the last five years?
The expectations of the people revolve around the pursuance of development at all levels of governance with vigor, but sadly, the contrary is the case.
As the ''Elected'' remain in the saddle, the groaning of the people is increasingly becoming very loud.
Those elected and appointed continue to intensify efforts to work for their pockets, even as mum is the word from all arms of government, in the face of corruption and insecurity.
The insinuation is that the government is propaganda that is designed to achieve nothing.
Praise singers, sycophants, and hangers-on have now taken over the public space, while the beneficiaries of the massive misappropriation only condemn the anti-people policies of the government in closed doors and hushed tones.
The vile state of mind of the ''Elected'' has influenced them to do the unthinkable in recent times.
Every institution established to ensure law and order, fester in corruption. The law enforcement agencies, the civil service, the Judiciary, and educational institutions stink.
The absence of an edifying ideology and clear vision of an ideal and inspiring leadership coupled with their self-serving attitude, greed, banality, and propensity for anarchy has not helped matters.
The ''Elected' rule by fear while the helpless massed suffer. Yet the process to borrow N815 billion from unclaimed dividends and dormant accounts of distraught Nigerians is on.
Evil reigns to the extent the ''Elected''  harness the beliefs and superstitions of the population to acquire greater power over them.  These are indeed perilous times.

Also read- Foreign support for Rwanda’s criminals-turned politicians needs to be called out-https://bit.ly/3cB3EMa

 

 

 

 

Leadership 2

A Curious Dispensation

Leadership 4People in a number of states and the federation now watch with dismay and dwindling interests as the '' man-made mansters'' saddled with the responsibilities of governance exhibit the lack of know-how and zeal in delivering the dividends of democracy.

Incompetence is noticeable in budget provisions as the outline of concrete programs to advance the well-being of the people is visibly missing.

What are the sources of revenue of the ''man-made mansters'' as they continue in the saddle? Are the Governments at all levels generating revenue from the real sectors of the economy?

Leadership 5

Without a doubt, monies are always shared from the federation account at the end of each month, while the people are relentless in their complaints on the very negative effects of the dubious taxes by the government at all levels, just as phony figures are on display to justify a wishful act of transparency; even though sheer deceit is the order of the day.

Sadly, a lot of stealing is going on in government circles.

Deceit is the cover for incompetence, most especially when several states are being debased and defrauded of their resources in the guise of private sector participation in development.

The consensus among the people is that the deliberate manipulation of the system ensured the emergence of the ''man-made mansters''.

Their money has corrupted them to the extent that it has deadened their conscience. They have all become morally bankrupt, unjust, and inhuman.

 

 

 

 

Ls

Leadership on the Shelf

Q 14Illiteracy, hunger, poverty, and unemployment are among the factors that have over the years impeded development in Nigeria.
Ordinarily, a sizable number of political appointees and officeholders at the Federal and State levels have no business in governance, but for the unreliable mindset of the powers that be.
A leadership that is unable to convincingly put an end to the grievous and heinous activities of cultists and other categories of criminals in several communities in Nigeria, such as Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Olorunsogo, Aluko/Barracks, Felele, Mobil/Yemetu among others in Ibadan, Oyo state, place electoral value on the criminals, while the criminals openly and boastfully express great hopes in such a leadership.
As these criminals continue to organize the end of year dance parties in this period of insecurity and coronavirus pandemic, such a leadership prefers to focus on a surprise birthday party, sadly, not for the benefit of disillusioned Nigerians.
Nigerians now perceive the Government establishment as a place of wastefulness, where nothing works and money is shared with reckless abandon.
Governance in different parts of the country is presently characterized by the perpetration of injustice and a state of fear, killings, kidnappings, and violence.
Those whose antecedents are well known to Nigerians are incapable of bringing about convincing and visible transformation.
leadership has been corrupted and polluted. Leadership is now determined by the cash you have to throw around.
In saner climes, leadership is not for sale, but in Nigeria is presently on the shelf.
The original problems of a human being are food, shelter, and clothing. Nigerians are hungry and those who purchased leadership on the shelf are on the prowl by proxy.


 

Human Life and Self-Interest

Human life is precious, invaluable, and God's creation. This position is held by millions all over the world.
However, to some, human life no longer has value, perhaps 1 million Naira or 10 million Naira , whatever the value, self-interest prefers to set aside 100 million Naira for damaged property.
indeed, thousands of innocent lives have been lost in the past nearly six years as a result of self-interest, rather than the interest of the people; even as the conspiracy of silence takes over the landscape. Self-interest looks the other way when acts of commission or omission resulted in the death of a casual worker in a factory despite public outcry.
A sizable number are inhumane and heartless but adopt human-friendly initiatives as smoke screens.
In the face of the continued shedding of human blood, some pretend all is well. Why? Pecuniary interests 
have overwhelmed the human psyche in a specified number of individuals, just as impunity continues due to the connivance of those in 'charge',
At present in several countries of the world, intimidation, harassment, attacks, kidnappings, and killings have become the tools of governance while the foot soldiers are well known to those in 'charge'.

1

An Inevitable Recession

QuoteNigeria has experienced its second recession in the five years of the present administration's existence, as the economy continues to shrink right into the third quarter of the year.
Confronted with diminishing sources of revenue, Government now tinkers with the idea of making use of funds, local investors intend to collect in form of dividends from private companies.
Of worry, however, is the fact that Nigeria would soon resume the importation of refined crude oil from the Niger Republic, a non-oil producing country, while the $2 billion private sector-driven petroleum refinery sited in Mashi, Katsina State is facilitated by the Niger Republic, for obvious reasons. This refinery shall be ready by 2021.
The recession which has been described as the worst in the last 36 years, might have been partly caused by the self-serving interests of political office holders, rather than the interest of the people.

Recession

An Inevitable Recession

Nigeria has experienced its second recession in the five years of the present administration's existence, as the economy continues to shrink right into the third quarter of the year.
Confronted with diminishing sources of revenue, Government now tinkers with the idea of making use of funds, local investors intend to collect in form of dividends from private companies.
Of worry, however, is the fact that Nigeria would soon resume the importation of refined crude oil from the Niger Republic, a non-oil producing country, while the $2 billion private sector-driven petroleum refinery sited in Mashi, Katsina State is facilitated by the Niger Republic, for obvious reasons. This refinery shall be ready by 2021.
The recession which has been described as the worst in the last 36 years, might have been partly caused by the self-serving interests of political office holders, rather than the interest of the people.

Ni 8

Nigeria's Independence in 1960

Ni 9The Federation of Nigeria came into being in 1954 and in the same year, the Federal Government of Nigeria was introduced, this was a year after, Chief Anthony Enahoro moved a motion for independence in 1953.

The Nigerian leaders then, had to travel to Great Britain for a conference, which deliberated on matters pertaining to Independence, in 1957, on their return, self-Government, commenced in the Eastern and Western regions.

The following year, 1958, a second conference came up in Great Britain, which laid the foundation for independence, while federal elections were conducted in December 1959 and the late Sir Abubabakar Tafawa Balewa emerged the Prime Minister of the Federation of Nigeria.

 The Northern region  of Nigeria also became self-governing in the same year.

Nigeria became an independent nation on 1st October, 1960, after the joint houses of Legislature unanimously passed the motion  for independence and Sir James Robertson emerged as the first Governor-General of independent Nigeria. On November 16, 1960, Dr. Nanmdi Azizkiwe   was appointed the first Nigerian Governor General of the Federation  of Nigeria.

Before this time, on 1st October, 1960, the Queen of England was represented by Prince Alexandra at the independent day celebrations.

Princess Alexandra unfolded the Nigerian flag of Green, White and Green which replaced the Union Jack of Great Britain.

Between 1st October, 1960 and 1st October, 1963, Nigeria's allegiance was to the  Queen of England. The Governor  General represented the Queen in Nigeria.

On October 1, 1963, Nigeria became a Republic and as a result no longer had constitutional connection with Great Britain. The Supreme Court in Nigeria  now became the highest court to which litigation of all sorts were channeled to.

Today, the loans and bonds by Government at all levels, which run into Trillions of Naira, perhaps, has compromised the sovereignty of the nation.

 

 

 

 

Cs

National Interest and Sectional Aspirations

The proponents of state police argue that it would ensure that the states maintain law and order, while at the same time making possible justice and equity.

However, the proponents are silent over the poor handling of  various security related issues in several states of the federation, while looking the other way when it comes to the activities of self determination groups.

Of worry, is the heavy presence of strangers in most communities of the federation, these set of people do not have visible means of livelihood. Those in charge are aware of the unimpeded reign of crime, criminality and impunity in communities such as Moulsi, Solanke, Olorunsog, Molete, Oshodi, Scout camp, Aluko/Barracks in Felele, Ibadan, Oyo state among others.

 Indeed, scheming and evil machinations of political office holders, who have the people's mandate has brought about the inability to secure lives and property to put an end to violent crimes across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Sadly, some state Governors have continuously manipulated the centralized policing system to their advantage.

Intimidation and harassment of political opponents and citizens who hold contrary views are common place in most states.

With reference to the above mentioned and happenings across the country, it is very dangerous to establish state police during this period of insecurity, economic hardships and agitations by groups for self determination. 

The clamor for state police revolves, perhaps, on self interests and sectional aspirations, going by events in a number of states. Of worry, is the docility of political office holders and the people's representatives at all levels in the face of rising crime and criminality everywhere.

Indeed, most of these crimes are committed with the aid of motorcycles distributed by politically exposed persons as empowerment for the youth. 

C 1

Good Intentions and Governance

Corruption, forgery and other fraudulent acts have become ways of life among the old and young alike in Nigeria today.

Even though there constitutional provisions to check the criminal acts, such provisions are very weak to make any noticeable impact, as events in the country suggest.

Sadly, the establishments saddled with the responsibilities of addressing the criminal acts which received adequate operational inputs and official backing have been successful in carrying out their assignments teleguided and with slants.

Of worry, is the large number of political appointees and elected office holders certificates' which have no verified evidence of attendance and completion of prescribed courses of study justifying the award of same.

Interestingly, presently, merit is perhaps, not one of the factors determining the employments and appointments into the deteriorated system in Nigeria.

The extent to which the unified structure of government bank accounts has been able to plug leakage and eradicate corruption is known only to those in government.

Sadly, reported incidents of corruption are on the increase, while the fight against corruption seem to have been toned down.

The controversial actions of those presently in the saddle of governance has, without doubt negatively affected their good intentions, which seem to now be in the realm of wishful thinking, considering the overbearing nature of self-centered interests in the land.

Q1

Sabotaging Government's Efforts

Q3 In a number of communities in Nigeria, a number of unscrupulous residents abound, such as in Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Olorunsogo, Molete, Oshodi, Aluko/Barracks, Felele, Scout Camp among several others in Ibadan, Oyo state,  who take delight in sabotaging government's efforts at ensuring convincing development. Perhaps.

In the above mentioned communities and several others, the Oyo state Government Property Identification and Enumeration Exercise stickers, bearing captured, a proof of enumeration of private residential buildings, have been removed on the instruction of community leaders with sinister agenda.

Their actions are without doubt, unpatriotic and amounts to sabotaging the state Government's efforts at erasing the several doubts been raised by the people on the sincerity of government to ensure good governance.

Why should residents in communities in Nigeria wake up and decide to sabotage the efforts of Government ? It is unthinkable.

Sadly, their actions have the input of  government officials with covert interest in other people's property and ambitious property developers-inidividuals and corporate alike.

Families in rural Guatemala flee after armed group sets homes on fire. Read-https://tmsnrt.rs/2EyFd4p

A

Targets and Action Plans for food Security

 Successive administrations in Nigeria, the present inclusive, believe that the country has great potentials in agriculture, but the slow pace of agricultural growth, the inability to  generate adequate employment in the sector, in addition to the insignificant socio-economic growth, the high poverty level and the feverish state  of democracy have all contributed to the worrisome state of governance today.

The obvious food insecurity confronting a large chunk of the population living below the poverty line and the embarrassing absence of  participatory democracy among others are militating factors to the ever elusive agricultural growth as promised by the federal and State Governments.

With majority of the poorest of the poor residing in the rural areas, the over 21 years of democracy has confirmed that   it would be nearly impossible, perhaps, to pin point the specific dividends of democracy, when a majority of the population are unemployed and live below the poverty line, when inadequate availability of agro-industrial raw materials impede  industrial growth and when agriculture cannot, for obvious reasons, perform its known functions in the economic development process.

Agriculture, without doubt, has great potentials for achieving a broad-based economy, but its performance remains unimpressive.

If government at all levels have sincere plans to alleviate the present sufferings of the people, then the revival of the Strategic Grains Reserve and reintroduction of Guaranteed Minimum Price System is crucial.

Sadly, the mindset of the youth and their aspirations  have defied all known logic, as same are suggestive of fetish and diabolic initiatives for wealth creation. These initiatives would never promote agricultural development.

Finally, Nigerians find it extremely difficult to  identify specific targets and action plans set by the Federal and State Governments for accomplishment, this is just as farmers across the country are full of lamentations  over the poor state of affairs i the troubled sector.

 

C and c

The Reign of Criminality and Impunity in Ibadan Communities

The relevant law enforcement agencies are well aware of the reign of crime and criminality at Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Olorunsogo, Molete, Oshodi, Aluko, Scout camp, Felele and several other communities in Ibadan, Oyo state.

But probably due to the involvement of some of the law enforcement agents with the cultists who perpetrate heinous and grievous crimes, little or nothing has been done to reverse the worrisome situation. This is even as there as several unreported heart rendering cases.

 Since the law enforcement agencies have the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property, the unending reign of terror by these cultists, who openly threaten to kill those who question their activities leaves much to be desired-  a point of reference is one '  Samba', a barber, whose barbing shop is among the block of shops located in front of a building at the Aluko/Barracks, Felele/Scout camp/Oshodi Street junction. He openly threatens to kill people while at the same time boasting of his connection with some officers and rank and file of the Police.

Indeed, owners of beer parlors, Ogogoro joints, hotels, and a sizable number of shops in these communities are ready accomplices of these cultists in these communities.

Npf

An Elusive Quest for Justice

The Nigeria Police Force  is determined to shield some of its personnel, who have for long worked hand-in-gloves with some members of the public to intimidate, threaten, attack, blackmail and terrorize the Editor-In-Chief of Governance(https://bit.ly/2YHRGt8 
 
The officers and men attached to the Iyaganku Area Command and the Felele Police station,have always acted the scripts written by residents of Olorunsogo, Molete, who remain solidly behind their actions. On two occasions, one of which was on Sunday, 25 May, 2008, Mrs. Koloko in connivance with the then Divisional Crime Officer(DCO) the Challenge Police station, Orita Challenge, facilitated the arrest of the journalist. While in the office of the DCO, the journalist was repeatedly  harrassed, intimidated and threatened.

In another plot against the journalist,a letter titled” A Petition Against Solomon Adewumi” and dated 20 November, 2008, was received by the Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP), Iyaganku Area Command, Mrs. Abiodun Ige on 30 April, 2009.

On Saturday 9 May, 2009, Mrs. Ige ordered the arrest of Solomon on trumped up charges,through one Simon and four other heavily armed policemen from the same command. During the detention of the journalist for eight hours, the policemen repeatedly provided situation report to Mrs. Koloko through the phone.

Curiously, one Chukuwuma Joseph, Bola Adeniran and Mrs. Taiwo Owoeye, a pastor’s wife, who Adewunmi had reported a case of malicious damage against in August, 2008 at the Felele Police station, were now used as witnesses in the case generated by the Police.

Even though the worried journalist informed the then Commissioner of Police, Baba Adisa Bolanta, about this development through a letter titled”Attempts To Pervert Justice” and dated 11 May, 2009, and even made verbal protests, the police response was carefree.

Indeed, the letter was referred to the Provost Marshall’s office at the state police command, under the headship of a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Oseni and one Sergeant I.Oladejo was assigned to handle it. Surprisingly, both opted to cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship with those the letter was written against.

Now desperate to pervert justice, the police moved the duo out of reach, while Joseph Ale, another policeman attached to the Felele Police Station, who midwifed the forceful entry into an apartment in the journalist’s residence, was subtly given the go ahead to instigate Chukuma Joseph and four others against the journalist. Joseph Ale was the Investigating Police Officer(IPO) in a case of mailicious damage reported by Solomon, in August, 2008.

Not done with their sinister plot, on Sunday 9 August, 2009, the police influenced a false report of threat to life by one Mrs. Olawoyin against the journalist at the Felele Police station. One Kehinde was assigned the case to investigate, but she compromised her position as a police rank and file. Mrs. Olawoyin’s husband, a cooperative officer with the Oyo state Ministry of Trade, Investment and Cooperatives, conspired with, a carpenter, Ale and some other policemen to forcefully gain entry into an apartment in Solomon’s residence, while he was being interrogated at the Iyaganku Area command.

 Although this was brought to the notice of the police, the headship of the Felele Police station decided to look the other way. The Edo born Divisional Police Officer (DPO) had always displayed signs of bias in handling cases brought before him concerning the journalist. Interestingly, the DPO has always maintained a symbiotic relationship with all those against the journalist.

In order to actualize a well scripted plot, the journalist was detained from 4.00pm in the evening to 9.30pm in the night, with plans to put him in the cell till the next day. This was, however thwarted by the then Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Bisi Okwuobi, who called the DPO to justify his action.

Although the journalist informed the Commissioner of Police of the incident in a letter dated 31 August, 2009 and titled ”Denial Of Justice”, and even met on two separate occasions with the Police Boss, mum is the word from the police.

Greatly disturbed by the attitude of the Oyo state Police Command, the journalist wrote a letter to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, zone11, Osogbo, Osun state, Yesufu Mohammed, titled ”INJUSTICE” and dated 3 December, 2009. After the IPO in charge of the case, one Inspector Odelade, took the statement of the journalist, various excuses characterized his subsequent reactions.

Again on Saturday 14, August, 2010, the same Chukwuma Joseph and his wife, Blessing, in connivance with some night guards in the Olorunsogo, Molete area, brought false allegations against the journalist, physically assaulted him and forcefully gained entrance into his apartment. Forty thousand naira cash and a number of his personal belongings were stolen. After which a report was made at the Felele Police station.

The same Joseph Ale, who has always played a role in the travails of Adewunmi was assigned the case. Ale took Chukwuma Joseph’s statement and conducted a search of the journalist’s apartment alongside the CRO of the police station. Also present were the night guards and the coordinator of the night guards.

Surprisingly, a plain paper without the Nigeria Police Force logo and name was presented as a search warrant. Indeed, Solomon’s request to be shown a search warrant, was met with a forceful entry of his apartment by the policemen. No search warrant was presented by the policemen.However, nothing incriminating was found in his apartment.

Again, another search was carried out on the journalist’s apartment, the same day, by Kehinde, another police man- Olayiwola Ibrahim, Chukwuma Joseph, a night guard and the coordinator of the night guards. Sadly, no search warrant was presented again, while some items were, secretly removed from his apartment. Again, nothing incriminating was found in the journalist’s apartment.

In quick succession, he was detained from 7.00am on that saturday morning, 14 august, 2010, until 2.00pm on Sunday, 15 August, 2010, and hurriedly arraigned before the Iyaganku magisterate court 7 on Monday, 16 August, 2010. With active connivance of the D.P.O OF the Felele Police Station, Solomon was remanded in the Agodi prisons for three days.

Again, he wrote a letter to the AIG, zone11 dated 23 August 2010 and titled”INJUSTICE PART 2”. In the letter, he recounted his experience in the hands of the police at the Felele Police station.

 However, the letter was referred to the Oyo state Police Command, which in turn sent it to the Criminal Investigation Department(CID), Iyaganku. The Investigating Police Officer, Femi Ajibade with the assistance of the journalist invited Chukuma Joseph and others mentioned in his petition. But curiously, after obtaining their statements, Ajibade only searched the apartment of the principal suspect, without visiting the scene of the incident and inviting another principal suspect, Blessing Chukuma.

On saturday, 8 october, 2011, at about 8.45pm, one Yemi Ajala of Kehinde Aderibigbe street, Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan attacked and robbed the journalist. The journalist reported the matter at the Felele police station the next morning. When the policewoman on duty would record the entry, she recorded assault as against the robbery the journalist reported. She said that the suspect’s brother, who is a Superintendent of Police and Divisional Traffic Officer of the Police Divisional Headquarters, Iyana Offa, was her ‘Oga’. Indeed the senior police officer eventually showed up at the station to bail the suspect. And eversince the authorities of the police station have refused to act on the matter.

Most recently, a man in his mid forties, Daniel Offiong, who rented a room in a three bedroom flat, pretended to be a taxi driver, to get the accommodation. Although his owns a golf car, painted in Oyo state Taxi colours, he does not use it for that purpose.

 For long, the man, Offiong had been living a suspicious life, while receiving visitors, who are mostly ‘okada riders, in his apartment. Despite the fact that the journalist intimated the Divisional Crime Officer of the Felele Police station of the ways of the man, other considerations beclouded his sense of reasoning. These days Offiong and his cohorts hide motorcycles of suspicious origins in his apartment, with the knowledge of the Police.

While the Landlady of 5 Kehinde Aderibigbe street, Olorunsogo, Molete, has converted the journalist's residence and the drainage in front to a refuse dump, a tenant wh owns a shop at No. 6 of the same street, Mrs. Adesanya(Mama Tobi) on 30 December, 2015 alongside are family members at about 8.30pm in the night, attacked and robbed the journalist, on his way into his residence.

Indeed, the Landlords and Tenants Association Iin Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, led by one Alhaji Adetayo, have for several years played criminally suggestive roles in the Journalist’s travails. Indeed, most house owners in the community are not meticulous, when they want to take in tenants.
 Even, as majority of the youths have been brought up to take crime as a means to an end.

Till date, the Oyo state Police Command have devoted their energy towards ensuring that the journalist does not get justice, while residents of the above mentioned community continue in the vicious cycle of crime and criminality, encircling them.

The unanswered question now is, if the police is incapable of ensuring that a law abiding citizen such as the journalist get justice, who does this helpless citizen turn to ?

Crime 1

Erasing the Traces of Good Governance through Crime

In 1975, the reign of terror was directed and supervised by the Ministry of Interior, where a comprehensive list of action was domiciled in Montevideo.

However, events later showed that what befell the helpless citizenry had little or no direction or supervision.

Masterminded kidnappings, torture and elimination were the trend, with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDA) becoming active while those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property were always available to carry out the unimaginable.

The separate arms for the state competed for dubious glory of apprehending more subversives and creating a system of sponsored mayhem.

As crime and criminality became the culture, unfortunate relatives of victims met a stone wall at the law enforcement and government offices.

Green Ford Falcon cars became a symbol with different interpretations, while the unexplainable continued unabated. Indeed, the deliberate absence of street lights in most communities across the Nigeria encourage crime and criminality, even as traders, artisans,barbers, craftsmen, market men and women were co opted to do the unthinkable.

Wholesale disappearance of people from all walks of life sent the wrong signals to all and sundry, with the general belief that same had erased any trace of good governance.

Lawlessness and impunity are now the order of the day everywhere in Nigeria as anarchy gradually creeps into prominence. Threats, blackmail, harassment, intimidation and attacks are all tools used to achieve sinister motives in this clime, while fraudsters now play prominent role in government. and governance. Community leaders, Landlords and Tenants Associations and criminally minded residents  also play prominent roles in crime. For instance,  vulcanizer and a woman in her mid thirties, who sells second hand clothing located at a make shift shed beside the gate of the Nigeria Baptist Convention quarters along the Scout Camp road, opposite the neighborhood market in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, are among several traders who perpetrate acts of criminality on a daily basis with impunity, with the knowledge of law enforcement agents. Indeed, a sizable number of shop owners in residential areas such as Molusi, Olorunsogo, Molete, Felele and several other communities across the country are now involved in grievous crimes in these communities, with the full support of government appointees, elected officials, public and civil servants. The motive which goes beyond the surface appearance is wove around property matters.

Already, the future of most children and the youth is now a subject of debate, as crime and criminality systematically overwhelms their consciousness and existence.

Teachers and the schools have since abandoned their responsibilities of imparting knowledge for obvious reasons, as the country moves farther  and farther from good governance.

 

N 4

Coronavirus : A State in Confusion ?

The declaration of the Director General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control(NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu that Nigeria is desperately in need of test kits to curtail the further spread of the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the nature of the appointees of the ‘’Powers that Be’’.

In other words, indecision has exposed the unpreparedness of the Government to curtail the pandemic.

In another perspective, does the Director General mean that Government does not have the financial capacity to purchase the kits or Government is stylishly calling out for donations ?

Lock downs without accompanying palliatives is not only faulty but suspicious .

Ignorance, illiteracy and idleness are among the major obstacles militating against winning the war over the pandemic.

The Federal and Kano state Governments should take the health situation seriously, while other state Governments should learn from unfolding events.

 

Covid 19

The COVID 19 Pandemic and the need for the Declaration of a State of Emergency

 The rapid spread of the coronavirus across the world  and the great danger it constitutes to public safety are concrete  grounds for the Powers the Be in Nigeria to declare a state of emergency.

Sadly, other unknown considerations and lack of sound judgment could be stumbling blocks  in addressing the  public health  crises, most especially when the leadership is very slow in coming up with a decisive response plan to safeguard citizens.  Social distancing is key to curtailing the spread of the pandemic, but this can only be achieved by restricting the movement of people.

With the ambiguous nature of Nigeria's constitution, only a declaration of a state of emergency  can make Nigerians to be law abiding in an environment where the leaders disobey court orders and lead with impunity.

Even though there is already  in existence a 1.3 Trillion Naira intervention fund from the Federal Government, enlightenment and sensitization of the citizenry about the pandemic is non-existent in most parts of the country, while the general attitude towards curtailing the spread of the dreaded disease is passive. 

Situations  abound where Government has continually ignored the cries of residents about an imminent public health crisis.  

For example in  Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state a Landlady and her tenants  of No. 5 Kehinde Aderibigbe street in the community have converted the building beside theirs, No. 3, to a refuse dump, were they also throw excreta. This and several others in different parts of the country have proven that even though Government means well its officials might be sabotaging its efforts.

Also  read -WHO  Director General's Remarks at the Media Briefing on COVID 19-23 March 2020-Click here- https://bit.ly/2UgZZet

                   -Pass the Message- Five Steps to Kicking out coronavirus- Click here-https://bit.ly/2UeOOD7

Nigeria 21

The Raging Unemployment in Nigeria

Even though a sizable number of ”pressmen” as government officials always say, are on the payroll of the ruling party in Nigeria today, that does not distract professionally resolute Journalists from outlining the chameleon nature of governance.

Failure is a recurrent feature, when the people’s voices are ignored and the imposition of the desires of a few occupy the front page. Politicians have over the years groomed army of youths to promote their selfish interests.

Majority of these youths do not necessarily possess the basic qualification-Senior Secondary School Certificate(SSCE) to make any meaningful impact in life.

To fill the vacuum, politicians console these category of youths with limitless supply of outlawed substances and alcohol, so long as the youths do their bidding.

The unemployment rate in Nigeria is at an all time high, with unemployable graduates constituting  a significant number of the unemployed.

Of worry is the fact that most Primary, Secondary and tertiary institutions of learning are ill equipped and have on their pay rolls, poorly motivated manpower to impart the required knowledge. 

State Governments now employ graduates to positions originally meant for unskilled labor, as political patronage and nepotism determines who gets what.

Professionalism no longer  exists in the civil service of most states, as workers continue to redefine their positions to reflect the survival of the fittest ideology currently in vogue. It is on record and it is already a reference point that the All Progressives Congress(APC), the ruling party had its first progressive governance lecture series on 24 February, 2014, in Ibadan, Nigeria.

At the lecture series, Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, delivered a lecture titled ”NIGERIA’s HIGH GROWTH-HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT PARADOX”. Teriba had said, ”As Nigeria’s growth surged in the past one and a half decades, unemployment rate has increased three fold. Elected officials have been unable to translate growth to increased employment, largely because they have left the task of fiscal and monetary policy management growth, constrained domestic demand and worsened the employment rate. 

To make democratic governance a tool for delivering economic tangible and enduring economic benefits in the future, Nigeria needs to make monthly employment data available before the end of each month, fix rail transportation, rethink fiscal policy, refocus monetary policy and ensure that elected officials accept responsibility for policy formulation and coordination”.

However,  the future is here and it is doubtful if Teriba’s recommendation are being followed. Interestingly, Owelle Rochas Okorocha,the then Governor of Imo state and Chairman, Progressives Governors Forum had lamented ”the current unemployment situation in Nigeria is unacceptable and is a danger to the social, economic and political stability of Nigeria.

It also impacts negatively on our ambitions as a country, after all, how can Nigeria, with over 20 million youths who have no jobs and millions of others wasting away claim that we want to be a major  power in the comity of  nations ?''

''That claim would be laughable if not tragic-tragic because we come across as refusing to empower the youths on whose shoulders will rest the task of taking Nigeria to the next level.

We can no longer remain insensitive to issues around unemployment and crises of governance in Nigeria”. Will the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration reverse the current trend of economic and other sectoral challenges ? Nigerians are already taking note and stock of the activities of the present administration for reference in the near future.

Patent medicine

Drug, Distribution, Health Insurance and The Ambitious Quack

Nigerians have for long contended  with the problems associated with the pharmaceutical drug distribution network and the increasing presence of quacks in the health sector.
Indeed, unauthorized persons prescribe, dispense and handle medicines in open markets, major roads, street corners and bus-stops.
These persons have now occupied leadership roles in drug distribution, mainly for their personal interests, to the detriment of millions of Nigerians, who patronize them.
Sadly, Government is yet to come to terms with the visible dangers that abound  in the unstructured  distribution channels, while relevant regulatory  agencies are handicapped when  it involves the implementation of the provision of the laws on drugs.
  It is a known fact that quackery  cuts across all professions including journalism.
Presently, jobless Nigerians in various fields, Secondary school leavers and in some cases drop outs are engaged by phony health insurance companies to propagate their objectives for ridiculous fees.
They deliver health talks at Government owned Primary Health Care centres, clinics, Maternity and nursing homes among others.
This, they do in conjunction with the operators of the unstructured distribution channels.
Advertisements outlining vacancies for various positions in health insurance dot the nooks  and crannies  of the country. 
These organizations, on recruiting new staff introduce them  to the nitty gritty of the business, with claims that they are working in conjunction with the World Health Organization.
A sizable number of state Governments are behind these quacks.
Of note, is that the salient provisions of the 2005 National Drug Policy makes dispensing , sales and display of drugs, the exclusive  professional privileges and rights of Pharmacists in Nigeria.
In  the guise of providing enlightenment on health  insurance, a group of quacks from a phony health  insurance company, delivered a health talk  on the celebration of the 2017 World Teachers Day celebration, organized by  the Oyo state council of the Nigeria  Union of Teachers(NUT) at the Teachers House, Oluyole estate, Ibadan, Nigeria. 
After the health talk, the quacks charged a token of N50.00  per Teacher, to carry out medical examination.
This trend is not only disturbing but worrisome.
Sadly, quacks have taken advantage of the loop holes in the health sector to make money, while educated citizens are now their preys. Very ridiculous

Benue

The Hopes in Agriculture for a Better Economy

Agriculture has the potentials of been a major revenue earner in Nigeria, if only farmers had not been neglected for several years and deprived of needed incentives.
Indeed, farmers in rural areas have never been encouraged to remain within their localities to propel increased farm production, while production at the local government level has made the availability of schools,Primary health Care Delivery, functional electricity and potable water a mirage.

The caretaker committees at the grassroots have only succeeded in impoverishing the rural populace.
At present, agricultural equipment and machinery are sourced from advanced countries, this alone, is an impediment to self sufficiency in food production.

Indeed, sub-standard farm equipment and machinery to a large extent affected output in most farms in the country, just as access to finance is a major challenge for farmers. Bank interest rates are not friendly, if at all the banks are ready to give out loans to farmers. Although the Federal Government assures that it would fully support the agricultural sector, inadequate funding of the sector, closely trailed by diversion of funds meant for agricultural production is still common place.
The erratic power supply, prohibitive cost of petroleum products and the activities of insurgents, bandits and kidnappers have all contributed to make the agricultural sector less attractive.
Truly, government monopoly in critical sectors is an advantage, but bad management as a result of corruption is the idiscussion on every motuh in the land.
At Nigeria’s level of development government ought to invest alongside private individuals. But waiting for the agricultural  sector to blaze the trail, is a sign of lack of vision. It is only when the country has reached full employment level, that government can think of divesting.
Has Nigeria reached the level of full employment ? This might not be so, as the National Bureua of Statistics is very reluctant to make public the rate of unemployment in the country, even though the answer could be seen on the faces of millions of jobless Nigerians.
Without doubt, the agricultural sector can provide millions of jobs, once the leadership appreciates what is required to transform the economy.
But good management revolving round a porous judicial system and law enforcement agencies  are  never the panacea for sustainable development and growth.