NIGERIA SIXTH REPUBLIC: 50 YEARS OF UNFINISHED LEADERSHIP

NIGERIA SIXTH REPUBLIC: 50 YEARS OF UNFINISHED LEADERSHIP

Chijioke Akusoronwa

            

                              

Nigeria became an independent country in 1960, but under a parliamentary system of government which was practiced in 1960 - 1963. But the system did not make our country, Nigeria a truly sovereign and independent state in managing the affairs of its country especially the nature of her constitution; the President a ceremonial figure, representing the Queen of England and not elected by the people, and the final court was also foreign in nature. All these parliamentary system fallouts were corrected in the 1963 Constitution which brought about a Republican constitution and with the peoples’ believe that the best government is one in which supreme power is vested in an electorate.

In 1963, Nigerians went to the poll and it brought about Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as first elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This marked the beginning of the first republic and the Republican Presidential system of government in Nigeria. But, sooner than expected, this system was faced out with the genesis of military intervention in Nigerian politic like its counterparts in other African countries.

The military involvement in politics in Nigeria that halted the first republic started on 15th January, 1966 from Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi to Colonel Yakubu Gowon (29th July, 1966 - 29th July, 1975) and continued to Murtala Mohammed (29th July, 1975 – 13th Feb, 1976), who was succeeded by his Deputy, General Olusegun Obasanjo after his assassination, until on 1 October, 1979 when General Olusegun Obasanjo handed power over  to a democratic elected civilian president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari which also marked the second republic.

But, soon after the civilian president took power, the government was faced with large corruption and money bag politics. Even with Shagari bid to protecting his political party, National party of Nigeria (NPN) motto of "One Nation, One Destiny" and objectives of providing Housing, Industries, Transportation and Agriculture as the major goals of his administration, particularly in his early stages of governance during the oil boom were all met with incongruous outcomes. It is important to note, that the prominence of money bags politics which financed the elections of 1979 and lapse ethical judgement by ministers under Shagari, especially the man whose name rings a bell; Umaru Dikko - Shagari campaign manager and later Minister of Transportation, heightened allegations of corruption. This included the Nigeria election of 1983 marked by accusations of electoral fraud, coupled with a decline in world oil prices, led to a marked deterioration in the national finances under Shagari's watch, while religious and political violence became so endemic that his overthrow by Major General Muhammadu Buhari on New Year's Eve in 1983 was actually looked upon with relief by most of the Nigerian public at the time. Again, this marked the end of the second republic due to another military intervention and a failed transition into another democratic elected president.

After the Shagari’s leadership, the military government of Major General Muhammadu Buhari took power in 1983 which continued with successive military coups from Major General Ibrahim Babangida (27th August, 1985 – 26th August, 1993), who after annulling  the June 12 election handed over to Ernest Shonekan on 26th August, 1993. The handover of power to Ernest Shonekan was short lived before power was taken over from him by General Sani Abacha on 17th November, 1993 until his death on 8 June, 1998 when the Supreme Military Council decided to hand power to General Abdulsalam Abubakar who was to hand power to a civilian democratically elected president of Nigeria. This task of bringing back the civilian to power was not just announced but also meticulously implemented and finally brought about the emergence of May 29, 1999, now known as a public holiday in Nigeria and celebrated as a new Democracy Day which brought the leadership of Olusegun Obasanjo under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The Olusegun Obasanjo first tenure of 1999 – 2003 was the third republic. The 1999 elections, was the first in sixteen years after a military long intervention in Nigeria politics. In the election, Obasanjo won with 62.6% of the vote, sweeping the strongly Christian Southeast and the predominantly Muslim north, but decisively lost his home region, the Southwest, to his fellow-Yoruba and Christian, Olu Falae, the only other candidate.

Again, Obasanjo was re-elected in 2003 – 2007 which also marked the fourth republic, in a tumultuous election that had violent ethnic and religious overtones, his main opponent (fellow former military ruler General Muhammadu Buhari) being a Muslim who drew his support mainly from the north. Capturing 61.8% of the vote, Obasanjo defeated Buhari by more than 11 million votes. Buhari and other defeated candidates (including Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former Biafran leader of the 1960s who was the presidential candidate for APGA), claimed that the election was fraudulent.

Umaru Musa Yar'Adua was the fifth republican President of Nigeria and the 13th Head of State. He was declared the winner of the controversial Nigerian presidential election under the ruling party, People's Democratic Party (PDP), held on 21 April 2007, and was sworn in on 29 May 2007. In the presidential election, Yar'Adua won with 70% of the vote (24.6 million votes) according to official results released on 23 April. The election was strongly criticized by observers, as well as the two primary opposition candidates, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) and Atiku Abubakar of the Action Congress (AC), its results were largely rejected as having been rigged in Yar'Adua's favour

.

But, as bad as it may seem that the election was rigged, most Nigerian began to even legitimate the leadership of Yar’Adua, due to his leadership ability in putting to an end some pressing problem soon as sworn in as president of Nigeria. Again, some also saw that he was able to provide practical solutions having been the first Nigerian president to have been educated in a Nigerian university. Be that as it may, his administration was short lived due to his illness and died on 5th May, 2010.

On 6th May 2010, Jonathan was sworn in as Yar'Adua's replacement on 6 May 2010, becoming Nigeria's 14th Head of State. He served as President until the next election in April 2011, which he also contested and won as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Upon taking office on 6th May, Jonathan cited anti-corruption, power and electoral reform as likely focuses of his administration. He stated that he came to office under "very sad and unusual circumstances."

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan after contesting and winning the 16th April, 2011 general election marked the beginning of the sixth republic, when he was also sworn in on 29th May, 2011. The April general election was seen as an improvement in the history of elections in Nigeria as promised in his speech on 6th May, 2010 even although the incumbent Presidential took part and won in the general election. The changes saw a more efficient INEC with the correction of mistakes from its first election on 9th April, 2011. And, when the result was released, it was constitutional won by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the incumbent President of Nigeria, under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) flag, in what most Nigerian describe as a victory of the people’s choice with a total of 22,495,187 votes representing 58.89% and winning in 24 states of the federation and meeting the requirement of having 25% of total vote cast in at least 24 states (two-third majority) while the other parties have the following results: CPC, 12,214,853 – 31.98%; ACN, 2,067,301 – 5.41%; ANPP, 917,012 – 2.40%; and all others remaining parties clenched a total of 504,866 votes – 1.32%.

Finally, the sixth republic is greeted with high expectations from the president to all elected representatives and to other appointed Nigerians that would be called to serve with the need to putting back the country to her footpath of greatness. The greatness is expected to be pursued not just on paper works but in a realistic and attainable people oriented needs: power, security, employment opportunities, programme, projects, infrastructures, policies and social amenities that will improve the standard of living of the largest Nigerian masses.

CHIJIOKE, holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating student in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about providing the leading platform for bearing the burden for his clients’ zenith successes which is hinged at providing exceptional Consulting Services in the areas of paper writing, biographies, training, political advisory, public speaking, business development, product marketing and advert production all in a practical solution driven and goal oriented perspectives. As the Principal/Head Consultant, HeroesPlus Consultant based in Lagos, his interest in research and development made him a social blogger and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Celebrating Our Country In Doubt: A Question Begging Patriotic Answer; Challenging Your Dreams; A Conscious Africa People Of Change Long Desired: Critical Look At African Today’s Politics In The Year 2011; A Charade Celebration Of Childrens’ Day, among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

Send your questions and comments to heroesplusconsultant@gmail.com

To read more...Click on my Facebook page then ‘‘My Notes’’ to see some of my articles.

Thank you for reading.

GEJ: NIGERIANS AWAITS YOUR PROMISES

GEJ: NIGERIANS AWAITS YOUR PROMISES

Chijioke Akusoronwa

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) after the April 16, 2011 election emerged as the presidential elect from the just concluded presidential battle and history in Nigerian politics. The election was overwhelming won by GEJ not because of his party but in what most Nigerians ascribe to his personality, leadership traits, vision, humility (especially his patience during the drama that transpired after the death of his boss Yar A’dua), and the trend of change most Nigerians are awaiting to see in a new breed of leaders especially in GEJ.

Although, after the election there were some pockets of conflicts in some northern parts of the country Nigeria, in an election believed to be the most peaceful and well-organized since the inception of democracy in Nigerian or since 1999. This then, puts the question on our politicians to understand that the politics of today Nigerian, has gone beyond what the individual politicians contesting election thinks: his/her party or his/her supporters but what the people believe in who they what to see control the affairs that directly or indirectly affects their future.

I do not know if I speak the mind of every Nigerian, but, I am of that belief that I say what every single concerned Nigerian speaks of her dear country, Nigeria. Now that GEJ has emerged as our President elect, Nigerians are concerned with the president that can solve our problems of 50 years of independent leadership. Among these problems to be solved are:

LEADERSHIP caused by lack of accountability and loss of patriotism. First, it is very important for GEJ to look at leadership which is the bane of our problem after our independence. Most of us have forgotten that we all must be good leaders in our respective offices. This is most exemplified in the Nigerian leaders with poor leadership traits since independence which has cost us these poor levels of development and unity, thus, forgetting that they are examples to followers and represents the body of government. Abraham Lincoln once said ‘‘the legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.’’

HEALTH issues in our today Nigeria is ‘‘a no go area’’. This is because there are three achetype situations in Nigeria: one - (Rural) here, there are neither health facilities, workers nor English medicine in so many rural areas in Nigeria since independence; two - (Sub-urban) there are some few medical facilities, few medical personnels and few medicine at throat cutting cost while the other things not sufficient leaves one to travel several kilometres to get them even medical operation; three, (urban) here, there are let say, sufficient hospital, medical personnels and medicine but funny enough, the hospital are ill-equipped, medical personnels always on strike after months of warning strikes, and over-expensive drug. In all health issues in Nigeria, it is a place where even the Minister of Health, President name them, gets their common medical check-up abroad. Today, health problems have escalated with the problems of brain drain thus leading to increased mortality rate and reduction in life expectancy caused by lack of motivation for doctors and ill-equipped hospitals and facilities.

EDUCATION, the jewel of generation is dwindling. Nigerian education was once among the best in the world and a Nigerian pride, a place of total liberation, leveraging edge, scholars resort, and fulfilment of parents. While the universities, then, was a home for leaders, impact village, intellectual pursuit and final point of ‘‘think tanks’’ in Nigeria. Today, we live on lost glories as a result of been led by illiterates, visionless leaders: who went to schools with free books, free food, all levels of scholarships, no strikes and numerous jobs waiting for them after school. Students then that distinguished themselves in their academic prowess were also given all manners of scholarships to study at ‘‘any’’ place of their choice thus given a pride of place for hard work.  Yet, these people who enjoyed all these educational policies and facilities have now narrowed their vision with individualistic thinking and ‘‘pocket all for their next four generation’’ yet unborn. These decline are caused as a result of our so-called leaders by under-funding and over politicizing the educational sector: causing loss of interest, lack of research, cram based students, certificate based illiterates and poor education performances at all levels of educational ‘‘la cram la pure’’ with the aim of sending all their children and their dogs to foreign schools at alarming expenses.

The ECONOMY of Nigeria was once a pull factor for other economies. (Multi, 1804; Regional, 1946; Mono-economy, 1970). These dates might sound so funny, but let’s read on to see how true I have come about it. First, the reason behind the Jihad or the Holy War in 1804 was also because of the enormous wealth in the North. The Aba Women Riot in 1929 was also about wealth in the East and in the West most of the fights among the Yorubas were aimed at conquering more wealth and lands for farming and increasing homage paying from those conquered. It thus shows that Nigeria was so rich and could afford to pay anything for mirror, salt, and other things brought by the Portuguese, British and other foreigners even as early as in the 15th Century till the middle of the 20th Century. The coming in of the exploitative British economic policies was economically developmental even though it was aimed at cash crops driven policies for foreign exchange earning but it helped in putting in place infrastructures that aided regional economic development. The discovery of oil in Olobiri in 1946, ushered in the defined propensity for marked equality in regional wealth. With the help of Richards Constitution enshrining regional hopes, regionalism then becomes an economic tool in ensuring that each region increases her income through massive production for massive export for more foreign exchange thereby developing true fiscal federalism in practise. This continue until the issue of sharing policies began to set in which made some regions more lazy and hoping to always get something from the East (now some part called South-South) thus stagnating the already over exploited economy by the British. After the end of Nigeria civil war and the increase in oil price in the 1970’s, it looked as if our leaders have lost focus.

SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES caused by corruption, improper award of contracts, inability of our leaders to finish a particular project before leaving offices thus using it as political campaign, policies inconsistency and lack of technical know-how.

POWER AND ENERGY caused by corruption and greed in this sector has placed the country on a ‘’no go investment area’’ causing massive unemployment, retrenchment, and low Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES have left over 60% of Nigerian youths especially her teeming graduates unemployed thus rendering this energetic large group of working population in a growing economy useless.

The issue of PREBENDAL POLITICS which is also known as godfatherism at all facet of political representation is poised with questions. One begins to wonder its original and how it has became, if not the only means, of getting the seat of power and other positions, thus, throwing merit into the thrash can of the idiots.

UNITY – Nepotism and ethnicity caused by the nature of our federal structures.

DEVELOPMENT – Caused by lack of initiative for selfish gains.

CORRUPTION – Legalization of kickback, in cash and in services which has and will continue to make the country stagnant, if no conscious serious efforts with serious policies and institutions are put place to eradicate it.

I want to say to you, GEJ, that you didn’t just emerge as the President of Nigeria but rather won the hearts of millions on Nigerian who left their home or travelled to places where they have registered to make sure that they cast their votes for you in order for you to see and solve these problems by taking a quantum leap in your 4-years or so leadership tenure.

The problems of leadership in Nigeria are enormous but finding the willing, spirit minded leaders - who would not only pay lip services but rather take the giant stride in making a difference is the solution.

That leadership is what Nigerians need from you, not because your name is Goodluck; from a majority or minority group; formally in government or not; in a popular party or not; rich or poor; small or big and whatever it is, that could limit you is what Nigerian do not want to hear. What Nigerians are interested in is: YOU MUST DELIVER AND MAKE NIGERIANS PROUD.

CHIJIOKE, holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating student in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about providing the leading platform for bearing the burden for his clients’ zenith successes which is hinged at providing exceptional Consulting Services in the areas of paper writing, biographies, training, political advisory, public speaking, business development, product marketing and advert production all in a practical solution driven and goal oriented perspectives. As the Principal/Head Consultant, HeroesPlus Consultant based in Lagos, his interest in research and development made him a social blogger and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Celebrating Our Country In Doubt: A Question Begging Patriotic Answer; Challenging Your Dreams; Nigeria Sixth Republic: 50 Years Of Unfinished Leadership; 2011, April Ballot: Winners, Losers And The Nigerians Lesson, among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

Send your questions and comments to heroesplusconsultant@gmail.com

To read more...Click on my Facebook page then ‘‘My Notes’’ to see some of my articles.

Thank you for reading.

SOCRATES ARGUES THAT WE SHOULD NEVER DISOBEY THE LAW BECAUSE DOING SO WILL HARM THE SOCIETY: HOW RIGHT IS IT TO SOMETIMES DISOBEY UNJUST LAWS USING THE JUST DECEASED ZONING SYSTEM OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) AS A PARADIGM SHIFT FROM SOCRATES ARGUMENT?

SOCRATES ARGUES THAT WE SHOULD NEVER DISOBEY THE LAW BECAUSE DOING SO WILL HARM THE SOCIETY: HOW RIGHT IS IT TO SOMETIMES DISOBEY UNJUST LAWS USING THE JUST DECEASED ZONING SYSTEM OF THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) AS A PARADIGM SHIFT FROM SOCRATES ARGUMENT?

Chijioke Akusoronwa

Socrates argues that we should never disobey the law because doing so will harm the society. Arising from Socrates argument, it becomes imperative to ask some questions and define some concepts in the questions. How come that law became a part of human life? What is law? Why do we need to obey law? How is it true that the law we obey is just or unjust? Man originally lived in a state of nature which was characterised by absolute anarchy. But, as time went by, people became fed up with the state of nature and surrendered their right to a state which guides every individual citizen by its laws. Thus, why must man be guided by law, but before further steps the meaning of law must be known.

Law can be defined as a body of rules and regulation that guides human conduct and accepted as binding by the society, enforced by the state and breach of which will result in punishment or sanction. This also implies that although laws are made to guide human conduct, it could be just and sometimes unjust. A just law is exactly a law for the fair treatment of people. This is based on the principle of equal right and justice. For instance, Sola’s phone was stolen in his room and while looking for it, he discovered it was stolen by Segun. Sola went and reported to the porter. The porter came and saw the exact phone with Sola’s name written at the phone back case. In the end, Segun was punished for it while Sola was given back his phone. This is a typical example of a just law i.e. fair justice on the part of the owner and doer of the evil act. An unjust law is a law which is exactly not deserved or fair. A typical example is the act of punishing Sola and allowing Segun to go free.

Socrates argues further that we should never disobey the law because doing so will harm the society. My questions are as follow:

What is obedient to the law?

Why must we be obedient to the law?

Why is it just that we should never disobey the law?

An act of complying with the law is obedient to the law. Disobedient, means that we are going against the law. Disobeying the law teaches the coming generation a culture which can also lead to decadence in that generation and affect the future generation. It also limits the constitution that guides the society and thereby harming the society.

I argued that laws must never be disobeyed because we ought to fulfill our agreement or promises. This agreement must be adhered to ensuring peace and stability in the society. Even if you argue that, why must we fulfil our agreement to obey the law? I will simply answer by saying that if we don’t fulfil our agreement, it means that we are unjust and breaking an agreement wrongs the law and will harm the society. I will also posit that by disobeying the law, we are unlawful but by obeying it shows that we are keeping to our promises which will not harm the society.

The other argument is that, it is sometimes right to disobey laws especially unjust laws because doing so will better the society. In the early paragraph of this work, unjust laws were explained to its criticism to be unjust laws. Then,

What is disobedience to the law?

Why must we sometimes disobey some laws?

Disobedient to the law means an act of a group, individual refusal to obey the law. It is sometimes seen that some laws are unpleasant. These laws are made to favour some particular class of people in the society. These kinds of laws are called obnoxious laws. An obnoxious law is a law extremely unpleasant and offend mostly those unprivileged groups or individuals in the society, thereby subjecting those laws to be disobeyed. So, such kind of obnoxious laws must be disobeyed, if not, it can affect and harm the society by destroying the existing norms, beliefs and values of the society.

How is it sometimes right to disobey laws?

It is because, it opens the room for proper consideration of societal values, ideologies and customs before further laws are enacted. It allows future laws to be made by critical thinkers, professionals after considering many factors to ensuring that the laws made by them are not easily prone to disobedient by the society.

Why is it sometimes right to disobey just law?

Remember that a law is not just even if it is just, it will never be just for all members of the society. So, this brings us to agree that not all laws are right to be obeyed. You may want to argue against it, that, it is just a few people that beliefs a just law is unjust? I would also refute the argument by lucidly showing that a law is just only when all members of the society agree that that law is absolutely right or just, not a few learned but learned and unlearned. So, I will argue further that all laws are unjust because it will never be absolutely just or unjust i.e exactly fair or exactly obnoxious by all members of the society in every condition.

How is it right to disobey unjust laws?

This brings us to the ideal question which you may wish to ask me. According to Kelvin Chappel he said, ‘Negativity attracts negativity, positivity attracts positivity’. This is to say that a law is unjust because it had been subject to a lot of disobedience by the society and that makes the law negative.

But you will also want to say that some still obey unjust laws?

My position is that those who obey unjust laws are just a few and larger in society where the few makes laws and dictate for the larger number who are poor thus at the mercy of the rich who rule them. In some situation, i.e like on gun point, some individual obey unjust laws but we must at this point understand that obeying laws for individual benefit is unjust. This means that the individual is unjust or unfair to the society and this simply shows that it is right to disobey unjust laws

I want to support my précis and the opinion that we should never disobey the law because doing so will harm the society. I want to argue this be saying that a citizen is free and equal, capable of entering into an agreement or contract with the intention he/she has with the state. If the state likes the intention he could stay but if the state doesn’t like it, he has the liberty to leave the city but if he stays, the city is expected to believe that the citizen has chosen freely to remain in the state and abide by its norm regardless of what he/she thinks of the form. It would be unjust for the citizen not to uphold the agreement with the society.

Also, I believe that the citizen has the right to persuade the city to his opinion, if the state does not hold that doing evil is unjust and that it is unjust to do evil with evil, I will agree but most society has already laid down principles and punishment for anyone who does it, in order to avoid the society from been in total anarchy.

Furthermore, I believe that justice in most case is not equal; what the parent or master may do is not something the child or slave is equally entitled to do. Even, if the society is wrong, it is wrong to avenge yourself that wrong by inflating wrong doing on the wrong deed.

Finally, I judge that it is never good to disobey the law because if the individuals or groups make decisions on whether to obey the laws of the society based solely on their private or individual circumstances, there can be no law or society at all. There can’t be law or society unless their rulings are authoritatively obeyed thus excluding other competing considerations.

Therefore, all laws must be obeyed when good while bad laws should be obeyed in a way that seeking redress and change does not cause harm to the society unless if such laws causes harm to the largest number of citizens.

CHIJIOKE, holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating student in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about providing the leading platform for bearing the burden for his clients’ zenith successes which is hinged at providing exceptional Consulting Services in the areas of paper writing, biographies, training, political advisory, public speaking, business development, product marketing and advert production all in a practical solution driven and goal oriented perspectives. As the Principal/Head Consultant, HeroesPlus Consultant based in Lagos, his interest in research and development made him a social blogger and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Nigeria Sixth Republic: 50 Years Of Unfinished Leadership; Challenging Your Dreams; A Conscious Africa People Of Change Long Desired: Critical Look At African Today’s Politics In The Year 2011; Our Security And Our Nigeria: The Problems And The Solutions among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

Send your questions and comments to heroesplusconsultant@gmail.com

To read more...Click on my Facebook page then ‘‘My Notes’’ to see some of my articles.

Thank you for reading.

2011, APRIL BALLOT: WINNERS, LOSERS AND THE NIGERIANS LESSONS

2011, APRIL BALLOT: WINNERS, LOSERS AND THE NIGERIANS LESSONS

Chijioke Akusoronwa

Before the general election in Nigeria, there were lots of questions: if truly Nigeria could hold a credible election that would make the votes of the Nigerian people count, bringing back her place in the international system and standing back to her footings as the democratically recognised giant of Africa. In order to perform this enormous electoral task, Prof. Attahiru Jega was appointed to spearhead this task through the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC].

Although, the appointment of Prof. Attahiru Jega was widely accepted by most political parties and Nigerians but Prof. Attahiru Jega’s claim for a new voters register, request for over 80 billion naira, appointment of state resident electoral commissioners, deadline over date of submission of party nominations, final voter register figure  and decision over the cancellation of National Assembly election; due to late arrival of INEC result sheets, were all marked with numerous accusations, complaints and calls for the removal of the man at the helms of affairs of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega.

The first question here is: Could Nigerians have had better April election without Jega? Yes and no. Yes, in the sense that, there are many good people in Nigeria amidst bad and corrupt people, if only a willing and sincere government want to do what is right for Nigerians. No, some would say, giving the short time, his political criticisms, decision to cancel an on-going election without compromising, his conduct to many angry Nigerians especially opposition parties etc. This shows his doggedness, sincere willingness and zeal in conducting a free, fair and credible election which every Nigerian is proud of and the international communities.

The April elections were scheduled to hold on the 2nd (National Assembly election), 9th (Presidential election), 16th (Governorship and State Assembly election), respectively. But, the first election on the 2nd was marked by a last minute cancellation at about 1: 15pm in a national broadcast by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega and shifted the election to Monday 4th, almost at the close of voting, especially in areas where voters’ turnout were low. This issue trailed a lot of accusations, almost a loss of trust and confidence in Jega’s leadership even after his pleading and national apology for Nigerians to see that some logistic arrangements were fouled. However this may sound, the whole elections was postponed in a week time, then held on the 9th, 16th, and 26th, while post presidential election violent state (Bauchi and Kaduna) was shifted to 28th April and non inconclusive governorship election state (Imo State) was again rescheduled to hold her inconclusive four local government election on 6th May, 2011.

The second question is: Has any of these postponements of April elections made sense in certifying our April elections and determining the independence of INEC? I will leave that for you to answer. But, I would want to add that after the cancellation of the April 2, 2011 election, Nigerians almost dashed their hope in Jega’s ability and commitment in delivering a free, fair and credible election. But, after I listened and read his public broadcast and the comment of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his home town saying, ‘‘he too just got the information and that, as we can see, he also was in his home town waiting to vote only to discover that election has been cancelled. He went further to say that, if Jega had known that the election wouldn’t be possible today, he would have made this announcement earlier so that such electoral, economic and personnel loss would have been avoided. He again added that, he thinks Jega’s wouldn’t have cancelled the election if it not for something very important. He finally ended by saying that, it is better to cancel the election if it would not bring about a free, fair and credible election as he has promised Nigerians and the entire international communities.’’

The Independent National Electoral Commission was put to test on the 9th April, 2011 in the reschedule National Assembly elections. This marked a turning point and disbelief according to what many Nigerian, voters and international observers saw and said in private and public discussions. INEC materials and officials were on ground before many people could wake up from their beds, non-movement were strictly adhered to, security operative were ready and courteous and many people were also ready to perform their civic rights. After that election, then results: The Senate (Out of 85 contested seats in 109 seats - PDP, 53 seats - 62.35%; ACN, 18 seats – 21.18%; CPC, 6 seats – 7.06%; ANPP, 4 seats – 4.71%; LP, 2 seats – 2.35%; DPP, 1 seat - 1.18%; and APGA, 1 seat – 1.18%) and The House of Representative (Out of 279 contested seats in 360 seats – PDP, 152 seats – 54.48%; ACN, 53 seats – 19%; CPC, 31 seats - 11.11%; ANPP, 23 seats - 8.24%; LP, 9 seats – 3.23%; APGA, 6 seats – 2.15%; ACCORD, 3 seats – 1.08%; DPP, 1 seat – 0.36%; PPN, 1 seat – 0.36%) which were announced as expected according to the electoral reformed law and saw the oppositions winning more seats in both the upper (Senate) and lower (House of Representatives) chambers of the National Assembly thereby reducing the dominate influence of the ruling party (PDP) which have always had more of its representative in both Houses since 1999, thus, bringing back a more robust deliberative House where the wishes of the people would be more felt.

The third question is:  What part will the opposition parties play in bringing about a quantum change in the new composition of our National Assembly? I think the voting pattern and Nigerians political consciousness has placed more task on the ruling party and most especially the opposition parties to seeing and making adequate changes in government that will benefit the people or else they would in turn be voted out, if changes made by them are not significant.

After the National Assembly election, came the Presidential election which was seen by most Nigerian to being an improvement on the National Assembly elections. The changes saw a more efficient INEC with the correction of mistakes from its first election. And, when the result was released, it was constitutional won by Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the incumbent President of Nigeria, under the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) flag, in what most Nigerian describe as a victory of the people’s choice with a total of 22,495,187 votes representing 58.89% and winning in 24 states of the federation and meeting the requirement of having 25% of total vote cast in at least 24 states (two-third majority) while the other parties have the following results: CPC, 12,214,853 – 31.98%; ACN, 2,067,301 – 5.41%; ANPP, 917,012 – 2.40%; and all others remaining parties clenched a total of 504,866 votes – 1.32%. Although, less than 48 hours after the presidential election some areas in the Northern Nigeria were marked with post election violence especially after the declaration of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan as the winner. The violence was caused by the supporters of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the decision of the CPC in rejecting the election results in some states. This violence escalated into the loss of live of over 200 people including the lives of so many serving corps members serving their fathers lands. It is also worthy of note, that there were so many pocket of electoral violence in some parts of the country before and after the April election especially in Jos, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Oyo, Kano, Gombe etc.

The fourth question is: Would electoral violence and the loss of innocent lives redress or solved any electoral problem? No, and it has also shown that these elections have brought to mind the level of our political maturity. Although, the election had shown some changes as compared to previous elections, but has been marred by some few who has not done too well in fully understanding the trend of changes in the electorate. Again, I see that many politicians have not done their homework well enough before the election and for some supporters; their political literacy level have also been put to question.

Due to the violence that erupted in some parts of the Northern region in Nigeria after the presidential election, election in two states especially in Bauchi and Kaduna were shifted to another two days for the conduct of its Governorship and State House of Assembly elections. It is important to note that Governorship election did not hold in all states of the federation due to court interpretations in 5 States: Edo, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Kogi, and Sokoto and due to incompletion of tenure by some Governors in Anambra, Ondo, Osun, Crossriver and Ekiti in the federation thus bring to a total of 26 States where Governorship elections were held.

The last question is: Are there any lessons learnt by winners, losers and the entire Nigerian citizens in the 2011 April election? If any, are we all ready to consolidate on these electoral lessons for a better Nigeria? Sure, I think winners of this election will not seat on their oasis and wait to be re-elected just like that without delivering dividends of democracy. Losers will also learn that the Nigerians votes does count, and that the season of power of incumbency, money politics without practical leadership example will fail even in his/her hometown where he/she resides. For Nigerians, this is just the beginning of their lessons in the 2011 April election that their votes can change their lives, and that ‘‘the legitimate object of government is to do for a community of people, whatever they need to have done, but can not do, at all, or can not, so well do, for themselves – in their separate, and individual capacities.’’ – Abraham Lincoln

CHIJIOKE, holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating student in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about providing the leading platform for bearing the burden for his clients’ zenith successes which is hinged at providing exceptional Consulting Services in the areas of paper writing, biographies, training, political advisory, public speaking, business development, product marketing and advert production all in a practical solution driven and goal oriented perspectives. As the Principal/Head Consultant, HeroesPlus Consultant based in Lagos, his interest in research and development made him a social blogger and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Celebrating Our Country In Doubt: A Question Begging Patriotic Answer; Challenging Your Dreams; Nigeria Sixth Republic: 50 Years Of Unfinished Leadership; A Charade Celebration Of Childrens’ Day, among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

Send your questions and comments to heroesplusconsultant@gmail.com

To read more...Click on my Facebook page then ‘‘My Notes’’ to see some of my articles.

Thank you for reading.

A CHARADE CELEBRATION OF CHILDRENS’ DAY

A CHARADE CELEBRATION OF CHILDRENS’ DAY 

Chijioke Akusoronwa

Every 27th May of every year, has since been set aside for the celebration of Children’s Day in the World and especially in Nigeria. But, the celebration of this annual event is daunting in most developing countries where large numbers of these children are still faced with problems of basic essential needs like: food, shelter and clothing.

Even as the world move from these basic needs to some compulsory primary need for children such as: compulsory good basic primary and secondary education, free primary health care for all children, conducive learning environment for children, best qualified teachers for children, children protection under the law etc. But, all these basic essential needs and compulsory primary need for children are like a mirage in most parts of the developing countries and especially in Nigeria; where the reverse has been the case given the events that have been unfolding within the past few months.

 

It is imperative to look at how some of these problems have hinged the enjoyment of many children in today’s Nigeria. I would love to do this by taking a look at the strata where these problems continue to emanate in today’s Nigeria. This is because; in today’s world and also in Nigeria a child is seen to be between conception and the age of seventeen. The children strata in this article would be grouped as follows: conception to the point of birth; age of 0-3, 4-6, 7-12, 13-18.

Conception to the Point of Birth

ü  Mothers in Nigeria are still unable to receive free anti-natal health care services.

ü  Care for pregnant women in Nigeria in buses, offices and public places are gruesome.

ü  Prices of items for mother about to have new born babies are sold at luxury amounts.

ü  Prices of food items, fruits and supplement for healthy diets for pregnant mothers are alarming.

0-3 years

ü  These children are faced with mal-nutrition. How? Imagine the prices of baby food items like SMA Gold baby food from N1650 to N2300 within 3weeks, Pampers from N330 to N400 or N450, Peak milk from N600 to N700, Golden Morn, MY BOY, Johnson baby products, and baby wipes and so on are just over inflated without concern for the children. Yet, we celebrate Children’s Day.

ü  These children are unable to feel the presence of their mothers due to the level of poverty in most homes in Nigeria. They are abandoned very early so that their mothers can meet ends needs.

ü  The first language that these children tend to hear before their mother tongue is ‘UP NEPA’ while those whose parent cannot afford ‘I PASS MY NEIGHBOUR GENERATOR’ end up with bitter nights, sweating and crying all night long.

4-6 years

ü  This time at least is the time to go to school for children whose parents can’t afford kindergarten exorbitant fees. Yet, most children end up staying at home so that their parents could raise fund to register them in public schools at near cost to some private schools.

ü  Most of these public schools lack so many learning and infrastructural facilities that end up turning these children into dull heads and future educational problems of what we today have in our certificate based Nigerian society.

7 – 12 years

ü  Most children of this age bracket are supposed to be in school while some are supposed to have moved to secondary school. What do we find out always? We discover that one problem or the other such as: loss of parents, children as house helps, child hawking during school hours all in an attempt to end up making these children to abandon their schools due to government insensitivity.

ü  For some of these children who are sick or exposed to some illness due to poor nutrition and unhealthy living environment. Government always hear and open their eyes until they are dead without doing anything until a major outbreak before some little steps are taking with hands ready to take almost half of the money into private pockets.

13 – 18 years

ü  Children of these ages due to problems of broken homes, poverty, societal vices are lure into early crimes, touts, early pregnancy and robbery.

ü  The problems of bad teachers in most secondary schools which are also escalate as a result of poor teachers’ remuneration; incessant strikes, lack of training for teachers, ill-equipped laboratories, poor learning condition etc have also culminated into a receding educational system.

Yet, with all these problems government still find it necessary to celebrate Children’s Day with billions ranging from expenses from federal, state, local government, and private individuals instead of putting up these funds in changing pitiable problems arising after conception to the point of birth of a child and growing up years of children. The question is: when will we learn to stop celebrating some events and using such money in changing the lives of those concerned?

Again, we claim to be meeting MDG goals and spending money to being part of UN Security Council. The question is: when will our governments learn to adopt internal strategies in solving salient internal failures?

I would like to say that the whole children problems in Nigeria have a multi facet solutions among the parents or GUARDIANS, neighbours, teachers, politicians, traditional rulers, churches, institutions, organizations, and government (local, state and Federal) in ensuring that we all see to the needs of THESE timing population that would help the country in solving and re-branding the Nigeria we all wish to have when we are old and gone.

CHIJIOKE, holds a professional certification in Management and a first degree in Political Science and one of the best graduating student in the said discipline from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria. He is passionate about providing the leading platform for bearing the burden for his clients’ zenith successes which is hinged at providing exceptional Consulting Services in the areas of paper writing, biographies, training, political advisory, public speaking, business development, product marketing and advert production all in a practical solution driven and goal oriented perspectives. As the Principal/Head Consultant, HeroesPlus Consultant based in Lagos, his interest in research and development made him a social blogger and a prolific biographer. Among his works includes: Nigeria Sixth Republic: 50 Years Of Unfinished Leadership; Challenging Your Dreams; A Conscious Africa People Of Change Long Desired: Critical Look At African Today’s Politics In The Year 2011; Our Security And Our Nigeria: The Problems And The Solutions among others. He is a member of Civil Liberty Organization, Rotaract Club to mention a few.

Send your questions and comments to heroesplusconsultant@gmail.com

To read more...Click on my Facebook page then ‘‘My Notes’’ to see some of my articles.

Thank you for reading.