Listening to the various budgets proposals of state governments for 2012, it comforts to see some clear movement towards capital projects. The devil of course is in both the details and implementation. Over the next 12 months, there is time enough.
The mood of the nation today asks for good governance and sustainable development. The surest way to attain both is for governors and local council chairmen to deliver the dividends of democracy in utmost transparency and full accountability. Not a tall order at all. The starting point of course is to be the people's hand - take away their pains, this excruciating penury, this burgeoning spectre of pauperization of the masses. And to do so with the people's money, the people's resources. Chikena.
If I were Nigerian State Governors, I will pitch with the people. I will pick attainable goals and target areas of most-needs. Why will it not be in my interest to create the infrastructure for life and livelihood? Why will it not be fun to build houses - mass housing - with burnt brisks and other local building materials? Why will foods and drinks not be available and affordable when we can farm all-year-round, and we have hordes of capable but idle hands? Why won't I go for solar energy: to power street lights, boreholes, primary health centres and schools, to liberalize and decentralize domestic consumption, and make things happen in 2012?
If I were Nigerian Governors, I will build one world class health-care complex per senatorial zone in my state - complete with diagnostic, surgical and recovery facilities; complete with human and material resources, including foreign experts where needed.
If I were a State Governor in 2012, I will cut down on the bloated bureaucracy and right-size political and technocratic appointees as well as the wasteful official delegations and government convoys.
From now on, I will look at my worthy peers (ahem... *Babatunde Fashola, Peter Obi, Jonah Jang, Godswill Akpabio, Sule Lamido, Rotimi Amaechi*, I'm eyeing you) and aim to match or surpass them --- pro-rata, of course.
Four years, dear Governor, be not forever!
Showing posts with label Anti-Corruption Crusade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-Corruption Crusade. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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!
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!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Religious Leaders and 2011 Elections
Blessed be the truth-sayers for they shall be in Nigerian Pantheon. Be they clergy or laity, especially CLERGY.
We have seen unbelievable scenes of religious perfidy and spiritual iniquities in this land, including lies, frauds, distemper, heresies and hegemony. We have endured murderous teachings and outright murders, incitements and indictments, provocations and invocations, to our utter dismay and disgust. We don see plenty for this kontry!
But see the beauty-in-the-beast: The truth-sayers never gave up! There they were in the minority, but they mattered to justice and God' Deal for the land. So, they stood for the masses, with the masses, by the masses. We thank them. Those who thought truth will never rise are now witnessing the big surprise. They must now arise and bear witness, become witnesses of the TRUTH: God do descend for Nigeria and Nigerians o - no magomago, no wuruwuru again! The truth-sayers are being justified, soon to be edified and publicly robed in "pantheonic glory"! Yes.
If I were Nigeria's religious leaders therefore, I will root for free and fair ballots and give my congregation the education, castigation and motivation they need to choose right. They must troop out and exercise their civic and democratic right to vote. They must take this duty seriously and perform it dutifully.
If I were these revered clerics, I will preach and protest against CORRUPTION - the core problem of the land. I will join in the crusade positively, privately and publicly. I will stand up to be counted, to be known and noted on the side of The PEOPLE!
If that be so, I will urge the clergy concaves to do same...PUBLICLY. What better time than 2011? And these ELECTIONS?
We have seen unbelievable scenes of religious perfidy and spiritual iniquities in this land, including lies, frauds, distemper, heresies and hegemony. We have endured murderous teachings and outright murders, incitements and indictments, provocations and invocations, to our utter dismay and disgust. We don see plenty for this kontry!
But see the beauty-in-the-beast: The truth-sayers never gave up! There they were in the minority, but they mattered to justice and God' Deal for the land. So, they stood for the masses, with the masses, by the masses. We thank them. Those who thought truth will never rise are now witnessing the big surprise. They must now arise and bear witness, become witnesses of the TRUTH: God do descend for Nigeria and Nigerians o - no magomago, no wuruwuru again! The truth-sayers are being justified, soon to be edified and publicly robed in "pantheonic glory"! Yes.
If I were Nigeria's religious leaders therefore, I will root for free and fair ballots and give my congregation the education, castigation and motivation they need to choose right. They must troop out and exercise their civic and democratic right to vote. They must take this duty seriously and perform it dutifully.
If I were these revered clerics, I will preach and protest against CORRUPTION - the core problem of the land. I will join in the crusade positively, privately and publicly. I will stand up to be counted, to be known and noted on the side of The PEOPLE!
If that be so, I will urge the clergy concaves to do same...PUBLICLY. What better time than 2011? And these ELECTIONS?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Traditional Rulers on 2011 Elections
Who hasn't seen the beauty of our natural institutions - chiefs, obas, emirs, obis, baales, district heads, et al? Who could dare them in the past? Who wouldn't attempt to dare or ignore them now?
We've had the good, the bad and the ugly. Fair. But we must not diminish or desecrate our traditional rulers and our heritage. Neither education nor religion, travels nor civilization, expects us to. So, when we see our fellow compatriots do things other people/nations won't do to our royal fathers we shudder. Now we must act.
As we prepare to act, let our fathers act. Let it not be said of them that the nation burnt and dissolved under their care and guidance. Let our traditional rulers be, well, traditional rulers - fathers of all. To do so successfully, they must be apolitical. Once they get affiliated to any political party, they compromise their natural neutrality, and become overly partisan. In which case, they become fair game for disrespect, inducements, and political attack!
If I were our Traditional Rulers, I will stop sharing chieftaincy titles and turbanning ceremonials like cookies. Let the honour be earned, hard-earned. I will be in the vanguard of moral rearmament, sustainable development and good governance. How? By backing the electorate, damning the selectorate, by promoting and dutifully defending popular democracy.
When? This April. This 2011 General Elections.
Why? Because without true democracy, no-one can defend and revere tradition, its institutions or leaders - especially our royal fathers. As our elders say, the peace of the tree is the peace of the bird! We saw it all during our tortuous military misgovernance. Never again!
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The Media on Nigeria's 2011 Elections
I have a secret wish: I hope all the friends of Nigeria will help her confront all the enemies of her democracy! And do it fast and furious, faithfully and fearlessly, with pride and honour, as once and future. Oh, I pray for the total routing of those brigands, those unbelievers, those barriers, those barracudas, who have sworn to keep her down for aye! Una don fail this time.
If I were the Nigerian Media, I will be doing what our forebears did in the beginning: they fought the colonialists to a stand-still, and won! The media should be fighting the enemies of state, the enemies of our democracy, the enemies of The Press, the looters and launderers of the nation's treasury. Deny them space and spin. Elevate the just. Celebrate true patriots. Fight, folks, fight the good fight!
Why? Why not - isn't that our constitutional role, out patriotic duty? See how horrendous it costs to consume media products in Nigeria, including ICT which is its modern backbone! Deliberate strangulation to keep the press impotent, and the people ignorant, isn't it? But dem go fail this time.
If I were the Nigerian Media, I no go gree o! We will join the battle to free the land, again. This time, for good.
Our tool? 2011 General Elections.
Expose 'em! Period.
If I were the Nigerian Media, I will be doing what our forebears did in the beginning: they fought the colonialists to a stand-still, and won! The media should be fighting the enemies of state, the enemies of our democracy, the enemies of The Press, the looters and launderers of the nation's treasury. Deny them space and spin. Elevate the just. Celebrate true patriots. Fight, folks, fight the good fight!
Why? Why not - isn't that our constitutional role, out patriotic duty? See how horrendous it costs to consume media products in Nigeria, including ICT which is its modern backbone! Deliberate strangulation to keep the press impotent, and the people ignorant, isn't it? But dem go fail this time.
If I were the Nigerian Media, I no go gree o! We will join the battle to free the land, again. This time, for good.
Our tool? 2011 General Elections.
Expose 'em! Period.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
If I Were PDP on the Chairmanship Question
This is a friendly advice to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The issue of chairman from Chief Ogbulafor to Dr Nwodo has been one big dent to the party’s image. Both suffered from the manner of their ascendancy - appointment rather than proper election.
The post is so crucial that party members must be allowed to VOTE in a special convention for all willing well-canvassed and well-scrutinized candidates. Let the best and most acceptable to the rank and file win.
If I were the PDP, I will give all interested aspirants ONE month to campaign and bring back the same delegates of the presidential primary election to come vote for a new chairman.
This should be over and done with by February ending. He/she will be sworn in at the venue, and preside over a NEC meeting the next day - to take full charge.
As the ruling party, for now, I will do no less.
The post is so crucial that party members must be allowed to VOTE in a special convention for all willing well-canvassed and well-scrutinized candidates. Let the best and most acceptable to the rank and file win.
If I were the PDP, I will give all interested aspirants ONE month to campaign and bring back the same delegates of the presidential primary election to come vote for a new chairman.
This should be over and done with by February ending. He/she will be sworn in at the venue, and preside over a NEC meeting the next day - to take full charge.
As the ruling party, for now, I will do no less.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
If I Were Performing GOVERNORS on WORKERS' Welfare
Nigerians don’t care about non-performing governors: they are on their way out!
If I were a Performing Governor, I will not throw myself out by unjustly victimizing my state’s workers, combatively confronting them, unduly delaying action or arrogantly dismissive of their genuine agitations for better welfare - especially in an election year. I will fully negotiate, period.
This note of caution has become imperative because we do not want to lose good governors. But, hey, it’s up to them! Yet we will advise.
States are in dire need of resources. No question. But most of them are not working to earn more - they simply keep quoting federation account allocations as if that precludes internally generated revenue (IGR). If a governor sits in office for four years and does not know what to do with his state’s natural and comparative endowments, he has no business in government, period! Same for the local government chairmen. Very sad.
Generally, instead in investing in infrastructure, people and power they overload the payroll with political IOUs, hordes of parasitic aides, ghost workers, etc. They set projects aside and concentrate on overheads
costs which drain the treasury. And they travel forever! Ask EFCC, ask the workers, ask their citizens.
Then the cheekiest part: The politicians earn the FULL remuneration set by Abuja, and turn round to deny workers their own pay “because has no right to impose figures on us”! All governors and commissioners, SAs and PAs, perm-secs and DGs, LG chairmen and councillors earn the same no matter how poor their state! After service, they claim and collect their full payoffs, even as they flaunt and quote Abuja Circulars. But when it comes to workers, no dice! Apartheid.
If I were Performing Governors, I will fully negotiate. When I return, if I return, we will TOTALLY restructure government and governance. I will not DARE or DAMN Nigerian WORKERS in an election year. Not within weeks of The VOTE!
If I were a Performing Governor, I will not throw myself out by unjustly victimizing my state’s workers, combatively confronting them, unduly delaying action or arrogantly dismissive of their genuine agitations for better welfare - especially in an election year. I will fully negotiate, period.
This note of caution has become imperative because we do not want to lose good governors. But, hey, it’s up to them! Yet we will advise.
States are in dire need of resources. No question. But most of them are not working to earn more - they simply keep quoting federation account allocations as if that precludes internally generated revenue (IGR). If a governor sits in office for four years and does not know what to do with his state’s natural and comparative endowments, he has no business in government, period! Same for the local government chairmen. Very sad.
Generally, instead in investing in infrastructure, people and power they overload the payroll with political IOUs, hordes of parasitic aides, ghost workers, etc. They set projects aside and concentrate on overheads
costs which drain the treasury. And they travel forever! Ask EFCC, ask the workers, ask their citizens.
Then the cheekiest part: The politicians earn the FULL remuneration set by Abuja, and turn round to deny workers their own pay “because has no right to impose figures on us”! All governors and commissioners, SAs and PAs, perm-secs and DGs, LG chairmen and councillors earn the same no matter how poor their state! After service, they claim and collect their full payoffs, even as they flaunt and quote Abuja Circulars. But when it comes to workers, no dice! Apartheid.
If I were Performing Governors, I will fully negotiate. When I return, if I return, we will TOTALLY restructure government and governance. I will not DARE or DAMN Nigerian WORKERS in an election year. Not within weeks of The VOTE!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
If I Were Barack Obama on AFRICA
Unanimity. Unbreakable unity. Victory for the voters. Defence of democracy. These have played out and are playing well in Cote d'Ivoire. We thank the UN. We applaud World Leaders.
Now, let's do same for anti-corruption and sustainable development in AFRICA. And the Third World. The EU is ready. Asian powers are ready. Is NAFTA ready?
If I were President Obama, this is the next big task to perform - a nut to crack right away! I will join others to tackle the menace once and for all. It is cheaper for the world, better for humanity.
If I were Barack Obama, I will act for depressed Africans TODAY!
Now, let's do same for anti-corruption and sustainable development in AFRICA. And the Third World. The EU is ready. Asian powers are ready. Is NAFTA ready?
If I were President Obama, this is the next big task to perform - a nut to crack right away! I will join others to tackle the menace once and for all. It is cheaper for the world, better for humanity.
If I were Barack Obama, I will act for depressed Africans TODAY!
Friday, November 26, 2010
If I Were Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
There is commendation that Nigerian Christians are united under the banner of Christ and CAN. United but understandably not unified. That will await the decades-long unification project still dogged by human and doctrinal differences at the global level! I predict it will come.
But one thing is clear: Every born-again Christian knows that our faith is about salvation through Jesus Christ, and being children of God by this grace qualifies us for eternal life. Peace, health, prosperity and longevity are assets/ingredients of our life on earth, as miracles and missions are elements of our ministry or service. Our Christian purpose is to fulfill God's purpose in the earth.
To be successful in this task means that we must live and lead by example - at both individual and institutional levels.
Families are crumbling and children are suffocating in Nigeria! Many homes are broke and so broken that they can't truly serve as building blocks of society! We are no longer breeding real beads and patriots because we are disabling family & home -against God's original and unshaken purpose/order! Yet, this land has enough for all our needs. Dear CAN, Nigeria is now overdue for a FAMILY-rebirth. Lead the Church there. Now!
Too many Christians in position of authority are living below - far, far below - Christ's standards. It shows in failed governance, failed contracts/projects, gargantuan corruption and frightening levels of crime and criminality across the land. By returning to the "golden bar" of our faith, they can set the tone and tenor of national rebirth. If Christians in cabinet and boardrooms as well as those they lead can be exemplary, Nigeria will be well on her way to true greatness in less than a decade. And we should all be blessed, and proud of this nation. We can't wait, it must start today!
If I were CAN therefore, its new leadership has its job cut out for it. Fortunately and shall we say fortuitously, the 2011 Elections are virtually coinciding with its advent: new leaders for CAN and Country! CAN must lead the campaign for good and God-fearing leaders in the new era. This must be at both elective and appointive positions. CAN must join the campaign against all forms of corruption in Nigeria. CAN must lead the crusade to reform and transform Christian citizens of this great and blessed country. CAN must fight for families, widows, the weak, children, the aged and against poverty in the blessed land.
Finally, preachers and teachers in its fold must lead by example. The craze for material wealth and media hype in the Body of Christ has crept to worrisome heights - almost an epidemic! CAN must stamp out this demon. The gospel of prosperity must give way to the Gospel of Salvation.
Nigeria needs peace, will CAN and Nigerian Christians lead the peace? P-L-E-A-S-E.
But one thing is clear: Every born-again Christian knows that our faith is about salvation through Jesus Christ, and being children of God by this grace qualifies us for eternal life. Peace, health, prosperity and longevity are assets/ingredients of our life on earth, as miracles and missions are elements of our ministry or service. Our Christian purpose is to fulfill God's purpose in the earth.
To be successful in this task means that we must live and lead by example - at both individual and institutional levels.
Families are crumbling and children are suffocating in Nigeria! Many homes are broke and so broken that they can't truly serve as building blocks of society! We are no longer breeding real beads and patriots because we are disabling family & home -against God's original and unshaken purpose/order! Yet, this land has enough for all our needs. Dear CAN, Nigeria is now overdue for a FAMILY-rebirth. Lead the Church there. Now!
Too many Christians in position of authority are living below - far, far below - Christ's standards. It shows in failed governance, failed contracts/projects, gargantuan corruption and frightening levels of crime and criminality across the land. By returning to the "golden bar" of our faith, they can set the tone and tenor of national rebirth. If Christians in cabinet and boardrooms as well as those they lead can be exemplary, Nigeria will be well on her way to true greatness in less than a decade. And we should all be blessed, and proud of this nation. We can't wait, it must start today!
If I were CAN therefore, its new leadership has its job cut out for it. Fortunately and shall we say fortuitously, the 2011 Elections are virtually coinciding with its advent: new leaders for CAN and Country! CAN must lead the campaign for good and God-fearing leaders in the new era. This must be at both elective and appointive positions. CAN must join the campaign against all forms of corruption in Nigeria. CAN must lead the crusade to reform and transform Christian citizens of this great and blessed country. CAN must fight for families, widows, the weak, children, the aged and against poverty in the blessed land.
Finally, preachers and teachers in its fold must lead by example. The craze for material wealth and media hype in the Body of Christ has crept to worrisome heights - almost an epidemic! CAN must stamp out this demon. The gospel of prosperity must give way to the Gospel of Salvation.
Nigeria needs peace, will CAN and Nigerian Christians lead the peace? P-L-E-A-S-E.
Monday, December 17, 2007
If I Were President Yar'Adua....on Anti-Corruption
The greed in government is fast becoming a creed! There seems to be no appetite for public accountability or the guilt-function in the consciousness of our public officials. Budgets at all levels are loaded with outragious "recurrent" expenditure to the detriment of "capital" spending which is how development comes!!
It is why we owe workers, penalise pensioners, and pauperise da people...without a shred of shame!!!
If I were President Umaru Yar'Adua, the first place to start is to RECOVER all stolen monies at ALL levels of governance. To do so successfully, a vigorous tasking is due, backed by a robust "whistle-blowers" regime that promotes, procures, profits and protects both "informants and "witnesses".
If I were the president, I will invite, induce and sustain religious and traditional institutions to return to "truth" and "culture" by backing a 5-YEAR Cleansing Crusade.
I will put up a bill to "incentivise" and "subsidise" the media, as we do to the other arms ot the realm, to enable them discharge their constitutional duty as WATCHDOG. Of course, this means that the Freedom of Information Law is a sine qua non!
Finally, I will institute a Nigerian version of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership in governance.
Due process, rule of law, foreign collaboration and exemplary punishment will be rigorous. Any country that aids or abets da looters must pay a stiff globally proclaimed price for such hostile act/sabotage. Our friends and partners must accept that ANTI-CORRUPTION is core, front and centre to our NATIONAL SECURITY.
It is why we owe workers, penalise pensioners, and pauperise da people...without a shred of shame!!!
If I were President Umaru Yar'Adua, the first place to start is to RECOVER all stolen monies at ALL levels of governance. To do so successfully, a vigorous tasking is due, backed by a robust "whistle-blowers" regime that promotes, procures, profits and protects both "informants and "witnesses".
If I were the president, I will invite, induce and sustain religious and traditional institutions to return to "truth" and "culture" by backing a 5-YEAR Cleansing Crusade.
I will put up a bill to "incentivise" and "subsidise" the media, as we do to the other arms ot the realm, to enable them discharge their constitutional duty as WATCHDOG. Of course, this means that the Freedom of Information Law is a sine qua non!
Finally, I will institute a Nigerian version of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership in governance.
Due process, rule of law, foreign collaboration and exemplary punishment will be rigorous. Any country that aids or abets da looters must pay a stiff globally proclaimed price for such hostile act/sabotage. Our friends and partners must accept that ANTI-CORRUPTION is core, front and centre to our NATIONAL SECURITY.
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