If I Were State Governors...in 2012

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!

Europe and Islam

The question of migrant and indigenous communities in Europe is a fait accompli. Indeed, the demographics are pointed to upswings around the rich world. This should be worked as golden opportunity for a globalising world rather than a call to intolerance and racist impunity.

Europe should take the lead in integrating our world, from now on. Reason: the United States, under George Bush, is severely handicapped and pressed at the moment. Working through the UN and the Arab block, it is time to take bold actions on behalf of world peace. Step one is to create jobs to fight poverty. Do so for the milling youths and idle women in the region. Boldly commit to and help the poor world. Walk ya talk!

If I were EU Leaders, I will open dialogue with Islamic Leaders of all hues and persuasions in 2007. This should lead to Exploratory Talks with Al-Qaeda. I speak of the Movement rather than the targeted individuals. There can be no military-alone solution to all the contentions and counter-contentions today! One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter! Dialogue is due. Let's bite the bullet, and slay this monster with "contact, counsel & compromise". It be no weakness on either side. It is sensibleness, alas! Sheer sensibleness.

This is a top priority issue that must run pari-pasu the Iraq and wider Middle East matters. No further delays, please!