If I Were President Jonathan...on Fuel Subsidy

Knowing how tough it can be to lead Nigeria, we should bear with the president as he wades through the  murky waters of  our "government vs citizens" imbroglio over fuel subsidy. I pity this president.

There was a basic mismanagement in the whole saga: government was not ready! No compelling data. No convincing argument. Bad ambassadors. Bad timing. And some hubris. So far, therefore, the administration has been unable to win parliamentary support. Nor public sympathy.

Then the big spoiler: fuel subsidy benefits a cabal, it says. Really? But the constitution says NO to that. And the government MUST obey the constitution. And defend the constitution. Non?

Then the recycled joke: government agents are polluting the airwaves with poor adverts. Very poor adverts on how all our problems will be solved with the N1.5trillion cash savings from subsidy removal. Really? Where are our 2010 and 2011 budget performance videos - despite all the trillions? Mirage. Stories. Queries.

Now, the polity is polarized. But we must move on. And we must help our president.

If I were Goodluck Jonathan, I'll suspend the matter forthwith and return to reality. Do the maths. Crush the cabal. Deliver on the 2012 and 2013 budgets. Create viable and sustainable alternatives (especially transport and energy sectors). Win back the enthusiasm that heralded the Jonathan-Sambo presidency. Regain the people's confidence. Betray not the trust.

And revisit the issue come 2014.

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.

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.