Saturday, July 16, 2011

If I Were Nigeria's Political Leaders...on Cabinet Size

Even the most optimistic political jobber knows that there can't be government jobs for everyone! And will not begrudge the appointed. We preach it to our youths, don't we? We say, "Get Entrepreneurial - it is the future!" Pray, we are right.

Now everyone knows how expensive running governments (at all levels) has been in this land - simply insane, period. And we all talk about it, moan about it, decry it, want it stopped. Well, until we get into power!

Our political leaders must cut down the size of government cabinets and infrastructure. There are too many appointees, too many institutions, too many drain-pipes, too many ghost workers! Again, simply insane.

To do so quickly and fully requires some constitutional changes - size of the federal cabinet, for example. And political will. Thankfully, the nation is ready and calling for BOTH. Let's get on with it, and cut the crap!

If I were Nigeria's political leaders - president, governors, LG chairmen, legislators, party chairmen, ministers and commissioners - I will ACT today, as we did with the ELECTORAL ACT!

Our Goal? 60 % Rightsizing of Government and its obscene costs, FREEING resources for REAL Development for Country & Citizens. Overdue.

Less than 1% consuming more than 80% of any nation's resources is simply insane. Let's cut the crap!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

If I Were Wealthy Nigerians...on NUJ's HQ Fundraiser

There is something about the rich or money-bag class in this country: Very few of its members back the right causes. Even fewer do so timeously! Most prefer fanfare and a media blitz when they do give, despite how good this country has been to them.

Key Note: Hey, no bi dem money? Haba, dem fit spend or hide am - wetin concern you? No matter. Just that charity is core to humanity, and native to Africa. It is a central bead in our Extended Family beauty - the cherished code of all faiths. Kwo?

Considering what the media means to this land - from independence through military misadventures to civilian shenanigans to anti-corruption crusade to keeping Nigeria one - it is meet that we all support the Nigerian Union of Journalists comprehensively. It recently launched a One Billion Naira appeal fund to build its headquarters and  international training institute in Abuja. It barely raised 100m Naira! Pity. Shame.

Were it a political party (you know which!), our money-bags will be falling over themselves to out-bid and out-donate each other, and hugging the media blitz/limelight to boot! No matter. Just that the media outlives all. Note.

If I were the rich in Nigeria, I will write the NUJ a fat cheque tonight - yes, tonight.