Tuesday, August 28, 2007

If I Were President Umaru Yar'Adua

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is in rough waters over its currency re-denomination plan -having been suspended (we hope, NOT cancelled!) by the presidency for failing to follow (and, thus, pending) due process. Quite intriguing, if not hair-raising, I tell ya!

Nothing in the elaborate and expansive announcement by the federal attorney general touched on the merits or demerits of the scheme. Indeed, a few days earlier, the federal cabinet had ordered a fine-tuning conclave of both the CBN and its own Economic Management Team, even as the minister of finance - chair of the team and erstwhile CBN deputy governor - reaffirmed that the policy was within the bank's remit. Some political food-for-thought, isn't it?!

We are told the president was not briefed, and thus did not give express approval, as required by law, on this plan. Okay. Now, what next? Back to the path-of-order, of course.

The CBN has wisely, if inevitably, bowed in obedience and obeisance. It should now follow due process. The governor promptly cut short his vacation to tackle the spiralling inferno! Wise.

If I were the president, I would fast-track the whole matter and get it resolved and on track before it harms the system, and us all.

My personal take is that the scheme is sound and should go ahead. Many of the comments and opposition grandstanding should be viewed within the overall strategic agenda of the CBN from the 2005 banking consolidation days. Change is painful no doubt, but this currency change is inevitable! Period.

If I were President Yar'Adua, therefore, I will ask for all the fine-tuning and final briefings to be concluded within 2 weeks. I will give my approval by mid-September at the latest.

It is in Nigeria's interest.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Nigerian Soccer: Notice To the World!

There are huge surprises coming your way...from NIGERIA! This is a notice to the World of Soccer. Ignore it at your pain, your cost!

We have 36 states, an capital territory, and over 800 local government areas. Then the private sector and civil societies. Finally, the schools.

Both by design and default, the ongoing anti-corruption trials as well as the fall-outs from our last very flawed elections, there is a significant move to tackle youth matters head-on. This will definitely involve reviving and revamping sports - with football holding the ace!

If you know anything about Nigeria, you'll know that we are wonders' workers - miracle merchants, if you like. With the worthy examples of the Jay Jay Okochas, Nwankwo Kanus, Obafemi Martins', Yekini Aiyegbenis, Mikel Obis, to mention just a few, there are aspirants and emulators/immitators and many many clones in this land!!!

Now, the clincher: You've seen what Abia State and Orji Uzo Kanu have done in club football. You will soon behold what Lagos State - da centre of excellence - and Babatunde Raji Fashola will do.

If I were those international clubs which love to snap up foreign players, especially European Clubs, I will be launching new and bold "bilateral liaison" with Nigeria straight away! No delay.

If I were FIFA, this is the time to revisit Nigerian Football, and make to work with the leaders to clean things up. Sponsorship is good here - MTN and Globacom and others have been very supportive. We have the talents but lack the high quality/calibre management. There is need for all who wish to reap from Nigerian talents to come on board - get proactive. In 5 years from now, we will be the largest exporters of Soccer Stars on the planet! Yes. The stage is set.

Very again, we serve NOTICE to da WORLD!!!

Engage Moscow, Let Russia Be

The renewal and regeneration of Russia, out of the rubbles of the defunct Soviet Union should be a thing of joy - not a source of global tension. Prosperity in Russia is good for the world. Just like China, Brazil, India and Nigeria. These are powerhouses in their regions!

Russia is a world power. Always been. There were hard times, as with all nations, and things are looking up now....thank goodness So, why should that be a problem for the West or anyone?

If I were Western Leaders, I will creatively engage Moscow and let Russia be.

Yes, there are issues. When won't there be? Pray, raise and resolve them please. Russia is in the G8, the UN Security Council, the International Space Station, in the WTO, in NATO-Russia Council, in the so-called Quartet (Israel/Palestine Issue), the Six-Party Talks (North Korean Nuclear Issue), etc. Many levels and channels!

Let not the US-Russia rivalry be blown beyond proportion, please.

They should set a Bush-Putin Friendship Summit to fix the rattle and puzzle. Fast.

And, hello Europe, please be neutral!

Thursday, August 09, 2007

If I Were The French People

You know, I kinda like French President Nicholas Sarkozy. He is like da typical boy next-door: no airs, brilliant, experienced and pragmatic. Then, most of all, absolutely passionate about the purpose and positivity of CHANGE!

Because I deeply believe that the Merkel-Sarkozy-Brown combination (The MSB Vaccine!) will be deadly and decisive on World Poverty, we thank the French Voters for employing Sarkozy.

If I were the French People, therefore, I will give him the space and pace as well as my solid vote for his new agenda: Building A New France! From the Libya vs Bulgarian Nurses outing, we can see the value and proactiveness of his world outlook/outreach. Good job.

The European Union should set MSB to work right away - of course, starting from my Dearest Africa. Where else!

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

If I Were US Leaders TODAY

The United States deserves our prayers and best wishes in Iraq. It is however its responsibility to rigorously court global support in order to succeed in this war of choice. Strangely but not surprisingly US Leaders are at war, at loggerheads, in Washington! And not strictly along party partisan lines...it is multidimensional and multidirectional. Right now, the polls are truly ugly!

The White House must work with humility while Congress must act with moderation. The current tension on the Iraq Question is at once understandable and unacceptable. Let the voices and passion of reason prevail.

If I were American Leaders right now, I will return fully to the Baker/Hamilton Report and diligently work its profound recommendations.

Then give World Leaders a new chance to help both America and IRAQ.

It's still not late.

I Apologise

Kindly forgive me for the "break in transmission" and "absence of posts" for many weeks. We were - many of us - victims of our ISP's crisis!

I promise to make up for the lacuna if you will please bear with me.

I'm back!