“There you go, It’s done.” With these words, President Obama signed into law   the largest stimulus pacakge in the history of the United States (fact check). With these simple words and the stroke of “Ten Pens,” $787 billion dollars will be released from the US Treasury into different projects that are aimed at “trying” to stabilize the economy. We don’t know if it will work, but we must commend him for taking on this challenge and passing this bill in his first month in office. The bill has a number of things in it that will help Americans and spur growth in the new “Green Economy.” This is the part of the bill that the Nigerian government needs to be concerned about.

Why? Well with most of our revenues dependent on oil exports, we must face the reality that the fall of oil prices is not the end of our decline in export revenue. A lot of people do not understand how serious and future thinking this new president is. Forget the suits and political savvy of this man; we must realize that at heart he is focused on transforming the US and setting this country on a new path. Obama is not like most past presidents; he will most likely join the ranks of Lincoln, Kennedy and FDR who set a broad vision for the future of this nation. For those that don’t know, Obama’s owned a Ford Escape Hybrid from 2007. Before that, he leased a Chrysler 300 Hemi (ok gas guzzler, he had a change of heart).

He is pushing a strong agenda to restructure America for the future; talking about revamping the nations infrastructure for the 21st century; a power grid system that relies more on green power sources like wind, solar, water, waste etc, than it does on nuclear and fossil fuel power; cars that need less fossil fuel (derived from our dear Bonny Light crude) and powered by batteries and alternative sources of fuel like ethanol.

What happened to our Hydro-electric dams? If we don’t free our economy from its dependence on oil export, we will be in trouble pretty soon. We need to immediately focus our efforts on transforming our power generation and power distribution capability. If we don’t have an effecient power system, everything we try do will always fail.

Steady power supply is the first level of transforming a society. If we can do this, we can start down the path of educating the mass population on thier part in building our economy. We can then start to work on roads, water, agriculture, industry, broadband and/or wireless  network. We need to take bold and sweeping steps right now to build our infrastructure.

If you think this is impossible, please take a look at Ghana. This is not something that is a good idea, this is our responsibility not just to Nigeria, but to other developing nations. We have the oportunity to become the catalyst for the tranformation of Africa.

We celebrate Obama and his presidency, but the quicker we get over the party and see the reality of his vision for America, the sooner we will start to rebuild our society. I laugh when i hear African leaders saying that Obama will invest more in Africa and do this and that for Africa. Wake up!! He is an American and was elected to office by Americans. His first obligation is to them. Recently he was contemplating a “buy American” bill which would make America a protectionist state. This idea was quickly quashed and toned down, but trust me, sometimes a knee jerk reaction reveals the true intents of someones heart. Is this bad? No, right now his focus is to save his country. No other country will ever take precedent before America; it’s security and its economy.

It’s time to roll up our sleaves and get to work; set a vision for our country that will bring everyone together. There are more things that unite us than divide us and the sooner we are able to cast that vision, the earlier we will emerge from our current state of poverty.

Nigeria is a strong country and we will take our place among the super powers of the world. The world is waiting.

How do i start this blog entry? My last post was in October and well, brief is not how it can be described. I’ve thought about making a post a number of times, but just wasn’ t ready. Well, now i am.

In the last few months, i have had the hunger to read up on Nigeria’s history to really understand who we are, why we are and how we got here. My study so far has been interesting and i’ve enjoyed reconnecting with past heroes i learnt about in primary and secondary school; Herbert Macauley, Ajayi Crowther (did you know his father was Freetown?) and other fathers of our nation. I just ordered a book called “The History of Nigeria” and i’m still waiting on Amazon to deliver.

THE PATH TO OUR FUTURE

In thinking of our immediate post independence economy, i remember that Nigeria was the number one exporter of Cocoa, Rubber, Palm Oil and Groundnuts. The developed nations bought our raw material, processed them and sold us finished products at mch higher prices. It’s amazing how this phenomenon has been used on a number of developing nations. Hey, we were a young country and i guess we needed some experience in international trade. I accept that.

Along comes the discovery of oil in 1958 (see http://www.nnpcgroup.com/history.htm) and the wealth that followed after. What was meant to be a blessing became a curse. Not the fault of the produce but the leadership. They did not understand the purpose of our new found wealth. Hint: check out Dubai and check out the history of oil producing nations.

Think about it, we were the worlds top producer and exporter of rubber, cocoa, palm oil and groundnuts (as raw material for developed nations to build their industry) and then we found oil. Is it possible that we were meant to use our new found wealth to develop our INDUSTRY? The answer is obvious.

Some may say we missed our opportunity, but i beg to differ. If we had taken the opportunity at that time though, it would have cost us less. Can it still be done today? Yes, but at a much higher price. Does that make it not worth pursuing? NO.

My fellow Nigerians, we can still transform our economy from its almost 90% dependence on oil to an economy that is built on industry, agriculture, tourism and TECHNOLOGY. Yes i said Technology. We are a smart people, why should we not be one of the major technology players in the world? We have Nigerians in the Diaspora that are building devices and helping develop technology for developed nations; if we are all committed to transforming our country and we rebuild our foundation, our children will come home.

Oil prices have dropped, but we still have our natural resources. Nigeria still has the potential to become part of the leading nations in the world and the most advanced black nation. We have a lot of issues to work through, but it can be done.

You want to know how? You’ll have to read my next post.

My fellow Nigerians this is quite a long post and i guarantee that it will take some effort on your part to read through, think through and digest this. In my thinking through the differences between developed countries and third world countries a few things that really stand out are:

1. In developed nations, the average citizen has an understanding of what their Fundamental Human Rights are. In 3rd world nations, this is not the case; most of the people in public office do not know what fundamental rights are protected by the constitution.

2. In developed nations, education and technology have helped the average person stay in touch with what goes on in government.

3. In developed nations, there is a general sense of equality and the average person does not consider those in government as superior. If anything, they see them as public servants, as custodians of the power given them by the people.

To this end, i am posting the section of our constitution that deals with the fundamental human rights guaranteed every Nigerian by our constitution. My goal is to spread this document (translated and communicated) to every Nigerian. I believe this will go a long way in helping rebuild the foundation of our society. If we first change the mind, i believe we can change the life. When we change the life, we will change the country. For too long we have looked to government to change the country. Now it is time to look to where the true power lies; in the hands of the people.

Please copy and paste this to your blog, email or other means of dissemination. Pass this on. God bless you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chapter IV: Fundamental Rights of Every Nigerian
 
33. Right to Life
(1) Every person has a right to life, and no one shall be deprived intentionally of his life, save in execution of the sentence of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty in Nigeria.
(2) A person shall not be regarded as having been deprived of his life in contravention of this section, if he dies as a result of the use, to such extent and in such circumstances as are permitted by law, of such force as is reasonably necessary –
(a) For the defence of any person from unlawful violence or for the defence of property.
(b) In order to effect a lawful arrest or to prevent the escape of a person lawfully detained; or
(c) For the purpose of suppressing a riot, insurrection or mutiny.

34.  Right to Personal Dignity
(1) Every individual is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly –
(a) No person shall be subject to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment;
(b) No person shall he held in slavery or servitude; and
(c) No person shall be required to perform forced of compulsory labour.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) (c) of this section, “forced or compulsory labour” does not include –
(a) Any labour required in consequence of the sentence or order of a court;
(b) Any labour required of members of the armed forces of the Federation or the Nigeria Police Force in pursuance of their duties as such;
(c) In the case of persons who have conscientious objections to service in the armed forces of the Federation, any labour required instead of such service;
(d) Any labour required which is reasonably necessary in the event of any emergency or calamity threatening the life or well-being of the community; or
e) Any labour or service that forms part of –
(i) Normal communal or other civic obligations of the well-being of the community.
(ii) such compulsory national service in the armed forces of the Federation as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly, or
(iii) Such compulsory national service which forms part of the education and training of citizens of Nigeria as may be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly.

35. Right to Personal Liberty
(1) Every person shall be entitled to his personal liberty and no person shall be deprived of such liberty save in the following cases and in accordance with a procedure permitted by law –
(a) In execution of the sentence or order of a court in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty;
(b) By reason of his failure to comply with the order of a court or in order to secure the fulfillment of any obligation imposed upon him by law;
(c) For the purpose of bringing him before a court in execution of the order of a court or upon reasonable suspicion of his having committed a criminal offence, or to such extent as may be reasonably necessary to prevent his committing a criminal offence;
(d) In the case of a person who has not attained the age of eighteen years for the purpose of his education or welfare;
(e) In the case of persons suffering from infectious or contagious disease, persons of unsound mind, persons addicted to drugs or alcohol or vagrants, for the purpose of their care or treatment or the protection of the community; or
(f) For the purpose of preventing the unlawful entry of any person into Nigeria or of effecting the expulsion, extradition or other lawful removal from Nigeria of any person or the taking of proceedings relating thereto:
Provided that a person who is charged with an offence and who has been detained in lawful custody awaiting trial shall not continue to be kept in such detention for a period longer than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence.
(2) Any person who is arrested or detained shall have the right to remain silent or avoid answering any question until after consultation with a legal practitioner or any other person of his own choice.
(3) Any person who is arrested or detained shall be informed in writing within twenty-four hours (and in a language that he understands) of the facts and grounds for his arrest or detention.
(4) Any person who is arrested or detained in accordance with subsection (1) (c) of this section shall be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time, and if he is not tried within a period of –
(a) Two months from the date of his arrest or detention in the case of a person who is in custody or is not entitled to bail; or
(b) Three months from the date of his arrest or detention in the case of a person who has been released on bail, he shall (without prejudice to any further proceedings that may be brought against him) be released either unconditionally or upon such conditions as are reasonably necessary to ensure that he appears for trial at a later date.
(5) In subsection (4) of this section, the expression “a reasonable time” means –
(a) In the case of an arrest or detention in any place where there is a court of competent jurisdiction within a radius of forty kilometres, a period of one day; and
(b) In any other case, a period of two days or such longer period as in the circumstances may be considered by the court to be reasonable.
(6) Any person who is unlawfully arrested or detained shall be entitled to compensation and public apology from the appropriate authority or person; and in this subsection, “the appropriate authority or person” means an authority or person specified by law.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed –
(a) In relation to subsection (4) of this section, as applying in the case of a person arrested or detained upon reasonable suspicion of having committed a capital offence; and
(b) As invalidating any law by reason only that it authorizes the detention for a period not exceeding three months of a member of the armed forces of the federation or a member of the Nigeria Police Force in execution of a sentence imposed by an officer of the armed forces of the Federation or of the Nigeria police force, in respect of an offence punishable by such detention of which he has been found guilty.

36.  Right to Fair Hearing
(1) In the determination of his civil rights and obligations, including any question or determination by or against any government or authority, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law and constituted in such manner as to secure its independence and impartiality.
(2) Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions of this section, a law shall not be invalidated by reason only that it confers on any government or authority power to determine questions arising in the administration of a law that affects or may affect the civil rights and obligations of any person if such law –
(a) provides for an opportunity for the persons whose rights and obligations may be affected to make representations to the administering authority before that authority makes the decision affecting that person; and
(b) Contains no provision making the determination of the administering authority final and conclusive.
(3) The proceedings of a court or the proceedings of any tribunal relating to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section (including the announcement of the decisions of the court or tribunal) shall be held in public.
(4) Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence, he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be entitled to a fair hearing in public within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal:
Provided that –
(a) A court or such a tribunal may exclude from its proceedings persons other than the parties thereto or their legal practitioners in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality, the welfare of persons who have not attained the age of eighteen years, the protection of the private lives of the parties or to such extent as it may consider necessary by reason of special circumstances in which publicity would be contrary to the interests of justice;
(b) If in any proceedings before a court or such a tribunal, a Minister of the Government of the Federation or a commissioner of the government of a State satisfies the court or tribunal that it would not be in the public interest for any matter to be publicly disclosed, the court or tribunal shall make arrangements for evidence relating to that matter to be heard in private and shall take such other action as may be necessary or expedient to prevent the disclosure of the matter.
(5) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved guilty; Provided that nothing in this section shall invalidate any law by reason only that the law imposes upon any such person the burden of proving particular facts.
(6) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to –
(a) Be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in detail of the nature of the offence;
(b) Be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence;
(c) Defend himself in person or by legal practitioners of his own choice;
(d) Examine, in person or by his legal practitioners, the witnesses called by the prosecution before any court or tribunal and obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court or tribunal on the same conditions as those applying to the witnesses called by the prosecution; and
(e) Have, without payment, the assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand the language used at the trial of the offence.
(7) When any person is tried for any criminal offence, the court or tribunal shall keep a record of the proceedings and the accused person or any persons authorised by him in that behalf shall be entitled to obtain copies of the judgement in the case within seven days of the conclusion of the case.
(8) No person shall be held to be guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission that did not, at the time it took place, constitute such an offence, and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence heavier than the penalty in force at the time the offence was committed
(9) No person who shows that he has been tried by any court of competent jurisdiction or tribunal for a criminal offence and either convicted or acquitted shall again be tried for that offence or for a criminal offence having the same ingredients as that offence save upon the order of a superior court.
(10) No person who shows that he has been pardoned for a criminal offence shall again be tried for that offence.
(11) No person who is tried for a criminal offence shall be compelled to give evidence at the trial.
(12) Subject as otherwise provided by this Constitution, a person shall not be convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore is prescribed in a written law, and in this subsection, a written law refers to an Act of the National Assembly or a Law of a State, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law.

37.  Right to Privacy
The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.

38. Right to Freedom of Thought, Conscience and Religion
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom (either alone or in community with others, and in public or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.
(2) No person attending any place of education shall be required to receive religious instruction or to take part in or attend any religious ceremony or observance if such instruction ceremony or observance relates to a religion other than his own, or religion not approved by his parent or guardian.
(3) No religious community or denomination shall be prevented from providing religious instruction for pupils of that community or denomination in any place of education maintained wholly by that community or denomination.
(4) Nothing in this section shall entitle any person to form, take part in the activity or be a member of a secret society.

39. Right to Freedom of Expression
(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.
 
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions:
 
Provided that no person, other than the Government of the Federation or of a State or any other person or body authorised by the President on the fulfilment of conditions laid down by an Act of the National Assembly, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for, any purpose whatsoever.
 
(3) Nothing in this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society -
 
(a) For the purpose of preventing the disclosure. of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and independence of courts or regulating telephony, wireless broadcasting, television or the exhibition of cinematograph films; or
(b) Imposing restrictions upon persons holding office under the Government of the Federation or of a State, members of the armed forces of the Federation or members of the Nigeria Police Force or other Government security services or agencies established by law.
 
40. Right to Free Assembly and Association
Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests:
 
Provided that the provisions of this section shall not derogate from the powers conferred by this Constitution on the Independent National Electoral Commission with respect to political parties to which that Commission does not accord recognition.

41. Right to Live and Move Freely Within Nigeria
(1) Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society-
(a) Imposing restrictions on the residence or movement of any person who has committed or is reasonably suspected to have committed a criminal offence in order to prevent him from leaving Nigeria; or
(b) Providing for the removal of any person from Nigeria to any other country to:-
(i) Be tried outside Nigeria for any criminal offence, or
(ii) Undergo imprisonment outside Nigeria in execution of the sentence of a court of law in respect of a criminal offence of which he has been found guilty: Provided that there is reciprocal agreement between Nigeria and such other country in relation to such matter.

42. Right to Equal and Fair Treatment
(1) A citizen of Nigeria of a particular community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion shall not, by reason only that he is such a person:-
(a) Be subjected either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any executive or administrative action of the government, to disabilities or restrictions to which citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions are not made subject; or
(b) Be accorded either expressly by, or in the practical application of, any law in force in Nigeria or any such executive or administrative action, any privilege or advantage that is not accorded to citizens of Nigeria of other communities, ethnic groups, places of origin, sex, religions or political opinions.
(2) No citizen of Nigeria shall be subjected to any disability or deprivation merely by reason of the circumstances of his birth.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall invalidate any law by reason only that the law imposes restrictions with respect to the appointment of any person to any office under the State or as a member of the armed forces of the Federation or member of the Nigeria Police Forces or to an office in the service of a body, corporate established directly by any law in force in Nigeria.

43. Right to Acquire and Own Land
Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every citizen of Nigeria shall have the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.

44. Right to Protection of Assets
(1) No moveable property or any interest in an immovable property shall be taken possession of compulsorily and no right over or interest in any such property shall be acquired compulsorily in any part of Nigeria except in the manner and for the purposes prescribed by a law that, among other things –
(a) Requires the prompt payment of compensation therefore and
(b) Gives to any person claiming such compensation a right of access for the determination of his interest in the property and the amount of compensation to a court of law or tribunal or body having jurisdiction in that part of Nigeria.
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section shall be construed as affecting any general law.
(a) For the imposition or enforcement of any tax, rate or duty;
(b) For the imposition of penalties or forfeiture for breach of any law, whether under civil process or after conviction for an offence;
(c) Relating to leases, tenancies, mortgages, charges, bills of sale or any other rights or obligations arising out of contracts.
(d) Relating to the vesting and administration of property of persons adjudged or otherwise declared bankrupt or insolvent, of persons of unsound mind or deceased persons, and of corporate or unincorporate bodies in the course of being wound-up;
(e) Relating to the execution of judgements or orders of court;
(f) Providing for the taking of possession of property that is in a dangerous state or is injurious to the health of human beings, plants or animals;
(g) Relating to enemy property;
(h) Relating to trusts and trustees;
(i) Relating to limitation of actions;
(j) Relating to property vested in bodies corporate directly established by any law in force in Nigeria;
(k) Relating to the temporary taking of possession of property for the purpose of any examination, investigation or enquiry;
(l) Providing for the carrying out of work on land for the purpose of soil-conservation; or
(m) Subject to prompt payment of compensation for damage to buildings, economic trees or crops, providing for any authority or person to enter, survey or dig any land, or to lay, install or erect poles, cables, wires, pipes, or other conductors or structures on any land, in order to provide or maintain the supply or distribution of energy, fuel, water, sewage, telecommunication services or other public facilities or public utilities.
(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the entire property in and control of all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria shall vest in the Government of the Federation and shall be managed in such manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.

45. The Priority of Other Laws
(1) Nothing in sections 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 of this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society
(a) In the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or
(b) For the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom or other persons
(2) An act of the National Assembly shall not be invalidated by reason only that it provides for the taking, during periods of emergency, of measures that derogate from the provisions of section 33 or 35 of this Constitution; but no such measures shall be taken in pursuance of any such act during any period of emergency save to the extent that those measures are reasonably justifiable for the purpose of dealing with the situation that exists during that period of emergency:
Provided that nothing in this section shall authorise any derogation from the provisions of section 33 of this Constitution, except in respect of death resulting from acts of war or authorise any derogation from the provisions of section 36(8) of this Constitution.
(3) In this section, a ” period of emergency” means any period during which there is in force a Proclamation of a state of emergency declared by the President in exercise of the powers conferred on him under section 305 of this Constitution.

46.  Right to Assert Fundamental Rights
(1) Any person who alleges that any of the provisions of this Chapter has been, is being or likely to be contravened in any State in relation to him may apply to a High Court in that State for redress.
(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a High Court shall have original jurisdiction to hear and determine any application made to it in pursuance of this section and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of enforcement or securing the enforcing within that State of any right to which the person who makes the application may be entitled under this Chapter.
(3) The Chief Justice of Nigeria may make rules with respect to the practice and procedure of a High Court for the purposes of this section.
(4) The National Assembly –
(a) May confer upon a High Court such powers in addition to those conferred by this section as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling the court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section; and
(b) Shall make provisions-
(i) For the rendering of financial assistance to any indigent citizen of Nigeria where his right under this Chapter has been infringed or with a view to enabling him to engage the services of a legal practitioner to prosecute his claim, and
(ii) For ensuring that allegations of infringement of such rights are substantial and the requirement or need for financial or legal aid is real.

more about "French Pilots", posted with vodpod

more about "Push The Limit", posted with vodpod

more about "Born To Fly", posted with vodpod

I think this is the coolest fighter jet.

more about "F-22 Raptor", posted with vodpod

Push The Edge

more about "The World’s Best Fighter Jets", posted with vodpod

Since Nigeria’s independence, one issue that our political class has used to keep the masses down is this issue of tribalism. They have used so many methods to ensure that it stays entrenched in the system. It has been given different names like Federal Character (or is it karakata), Federal Representation, Rotational Government, and some that i’m sure i have not heard.

When will we wake up and stop this madness. When will we understand that this so called “solution” to our diversity is actually an enemy to our diversity. Why do we need a solution to our diversity in the first place? Diversity simply means that we are different not divided. It is ignorance at its basest form that breeds division because of differences. Why do we think that we must hate each other because we speak different languages? Does speaking a different language mean i suffer a different kind of problem? Are the problems of power failure, fuel shortage,  armed robbery, joblessness etc different for the Yoruba man than it is for the Itsekiri or Birom man? Is the Fulani man free of sickness and poor health care while the Efik people are dying? The answer is an obvious NO!!!! If we do not have rotational problems, why then do we think this dumb idea of “rotational presidency” is good.

Every prosperous economy has grown by focusing on one thing and one thing alone; its strengths. They have consistently sought to promote the brightest and most intelligent to positions of authority because they no that they will have the best ideas. Why would we choose tribe over intellect? Please someone tell me that i am not deluded in talking about this. Do we not see that we are building a grave for ourselves?

Why must we focus on tribal supremacy when everyone should be united and subject to the law? We must emphasize the supremacy of the constitution over every tribe and every tongue. Genius and folly is not the based on tribe, gender or race so why would we insist on choosing the least qualified over the best? Rotational presidency will always focus on the least important factor.

If we want federal character, we need to look to the Senate and house of Reps. These are the lawmakers elected by their people to represent them at the national level. The power of government is equally balanced amongst the executive (presidency), legislative (senate and reps) and judiciary in a civilized country. These 3 arms hold each other accountable to and seek to bring out the best in their nation.

If the United “States” (note my emphasis on states) can succeed with it’s system of government and its deeply diverse people, why can’t the Federal Republic of Nigeria succeed. Yes i agree that we might as well be the United Tribes of Nigeria, but we are not. We are all under the Green, White and the Green. We keep saying one nation, one government, but yet still eschew this madness and stupidity of this so-called Federal Character. It is the ignorance of people that makes them think that the president is all powerful. That has been the case in 3rd world nations because of the disrespect to the law. It is only backward nations that the president is law. What did the presidency of Zik do for the Igbos, or the Shagari do for the Hausas or Obasanjo do for the Yorubas. How much more do we need to to see that the fact that a Hausa man is president does not mean that the Hausas are superior to others. The fact that a Yoruba man is president does not make Yorubas superior to others. If the Houses of Senate and Representative cannot do their jobs because they are focused on enriching themselves, then should we not blame the people in the regions that sent them there in the first place? When you have an ignorant mass of people in offices of authority, abuse will always be the result.

If the members of the House will live up to their duty and draft a comprehensive constitution, they can set us on the right track and pull Nigeria out of this Malady. Afenifere, Arewa or Ohaneze cannot hold a candle to a well informed and Nationally focused House of Senate and House of Assembly. The house makes the law, they propose bills and edicts. The judiciary enforces the law. The Executive executes within the parameters of the law. When will we wake up???

We must stop this madness of rotational presidency or quota system or federal character. This is an insult to our nation and the reason why our smartest people are leaving the country. We are cutting off our nose to hurt our face. Who looks ugly at the end of the day? Why should we be the laughing stock of other nations when we can be the example of Africa and other 3rd world nations in the world.

True Federal Character should mean that any citizen of Nigeria can live where they want within the country and claim that as their home if they pay tax there. Why would a child born in Lagos of Hausa parents not be free to say that they are Lagosians? Why should a child born in Kaduna to Igbo parents not be free to run for Governor of Kaduna state? If this is the area they have grown up in and have a heart to serve the state why must we force them to claim the area of their parents language as theirs? Federal Character; real Federal Character means that we will no longer ask about “State of Origin,” but “State of Residence.” If you have lived in a state for more than a year, you should call that your home. If you have lived there more than 5 years, you should be free to run for office.

We will achieve true Federal Character when you are seen as a Nigerian and measured by your character not by your tribe.

We can achieve this by changing our laws and empowering the judiciary and police to enforce them. We can achieve this by teaching every Nigerian about their civil rights. When people understand their civil rights, no one will be able to take another for granted. The police will not ask for bribes or detain people unlawfully. True Federal Character is when we all desire the best and brightest of Nigerians to be at the helm of affairs, to gain admission into our schools.

We can do it if we are willing to see a new Nigeria emerge. It has already started in the young Nigerians today. We can either help them lay the foundations or watch them push us out and disgrace us while they build what we should have. If we don’t do it, they will do what we should have done and then do what they are meant to do.

The generations that came before us failed; this current political group is still failing. For the first time we have a president who brings a glimmer of hope and light to our dear nation. Please pray for him. Please pray for Yar’Adua. He needs our prayers not our criticism; he needs our co-operation not our antagonism. A people united can never fail.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

As we usher in the UYA administration, there are still questions that linger in my mind. I was having a conversation today with another Nigerian in Boston and we got talking about the other governors that served their states well and actually worked. Donald Dukes name came up at some point and i could not help but ask why he was not chosen as the vice president instead of Jonathan Goodluck.

Deep in my heart, i believe that UYA will do a good job for Nigeria but he has a number of battles to fight. First and foremost will be handling OBJ and his demands, then the demands of the northern leaders, and of course don’t forget super rigging machine PDP. With all this going on, why did he decide to choose Jonathan Goodluck? This is something that truly puzzles me. One thing i have noticed with African presidents is the deep insecurity most of them have. I am a student of leadership and i know that the strength of the team is based on the strengths of the individual team members. Can someone please tell me what Goodluck did to deserve being vice president? Why was Duke not chosen in his place?

This is an honest question i ask and i’m open to hear from anyone who knows.

Oh may men of principle be our principal men. I wish UYA the best as he works through this test of leading Nigeria.