Not many are lucky enough to start their new jobs the "gift-of-celebrations" way the German Chancellor, Mrs Angela Merkel, got to do recently. Many world leaders must be green with envy!!! And they should.
Okay, here is the gist (as if you don't already know!). She came to office, as Germany's first-ever woman leader, with a confusing and convulsing post-unification electoral indecision by the voting public. They wanted change but didn't want the change to be real change! They wanted Mr Gerhard Schroeder out but wanted his policies in...or something to that effect! Anyway, we now have a Grand Coalition, so-called because it allows Germans to eat both their political cake and sausage, and still have their economic sandwich. Confused? So are many. But it's a clever dice, I admit.
And then the World Cup! What a blast!! Ms Merkel's Germany rode the beast of failure, and so roundly defeated the skeptics' grand scenarios of ultimate regrets, that the 4-yearly soccer fiesta will never be the same again. All its future will be bench marked by Germany 2006. Period.
If I were the German Chancellor, I will build so strongly, proudly and securely on the massive possibilities that this opportunity beams. I will beam more German Love to the world, in a new and ambitious fashion. I will aim higher and bigger for the German Voice in world development
and spend this new soccer-spurned capital absolutely creatively, and courageously - the true attributes of the Beautiful Game!
How? There are no fixed rules, just some sensible routes. Here:
1) Intensify Germany's positive role in helping to secure the long-elusive Middle East peace
2) Continue the country's special relationships with Russia, China and France
3) Rebuild US-German relations, post-Iraq squabbles
4) Tackle the rising race and creed problems in Germany, and help Europe do same
5) Help FIFA use "soccer-power" to fight poverty and hopelessness in the developing world
6) Invest 100 Billion Euros of German capital/business funds in Africa's microfinance industry
7) Lead the "Global Gender Crusade" from January 2007, as the world's leading woman today
8) Get Germany's immigration right, including an innovative work/study visa regime
9) Visit Cuba and Venezuela for strategic talks, and to help "new-friend" George W Bush
10) Pay an urgent Solidarity Working Visit to Nigeria, in support of "Elections 2007"
11) Help Italy's Romano Prodi get his country's economy back on the "Club Big 4" track
12) Convoke an independent Germany-NEPAD Youth Dynamics Forum for biennial actions
13) Help Third World Writers bond and benefit from the legendary German Publishing world, including state-supported significant participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair & Berlin Festivals
14) Help developing countries recover looted funds residing & hiding in Europe, and elsewhere
15) Be so wonderfully German, and make unification work better by revamping East Germany
16) Export East German "expertise and ruggedness" to the Third World, especially Africa, for agricultural, housing and rural development. Get some innovative "twinning schemes" on board.
For these to work successfully, the German economy must grow. If I were Angela Merkel, this is the time to tackle the tough issues. Just make business work! Don't demur, don't dodge, don't fudge. Germany is important to Europe, and to our world. It is tough to be her chancellor, but it will be rough if the tough tasks are left to politics and tricks. When we get things right, the whole world celebrates.
That is the greatest lesson of the World Cup this summer. As German Chancellor, I will take the lesson and run!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Monday, August 28, 2006
If I Were Nigeria's Parliaments and Legislators
In the remaining months of their current tenure, parliamentarians at all levels have a duty to both self and country. They need to search their conscience, and answer the following questions:
1) Have we served with equity and justice?
2) Have we kept to our oath of office?
3) Have the nation, and our constituencies, had the deserved benefits/dividends of democracy?4) Can I face my God and say I did my absolute best....and have earned my pay/privileges?
5) Am I a worthy and visible example of parliamentarians of honour and dignity?
6) If we did our job, why are the anti-corruption agencies screaming blue murder?
7) Why is Nigeria's corruption and development rating so abysmal?
8) Why are politicians protesting the new regime of scrutiny of their integrity and assets?
9) Why is the Freedom Of Information bill still languishing in the Senate?
10) Why, after 11Trillion Naira of federally-distributed revenue, not to mention internal and other external revenue/resources, in 7 YEARS, is our country still in this socio-economic mess?
If I were a legislator, I will wonder and worry about history. Can I be a healthy part of it, or just a pathetic footnote, as things stand today in this country? I will ask my colleagues and preacher and compatriots for help....to make amends. And here is a key hint:
a) Let's ask the anti-corruption agencies for all dossiers on the executive branch, and ACT now
b) Let's probe our principal officers of ALL the parliaments in the country, and punish the guilty
c) Let's work with the National Judicial Council to sanitize the judiciary before May 2007
d) Let's remove all taxes on education, IT and media materials, to boost public information
e) Let's tackle the worsening state of insecurity in the land
f) Let's pass the law on "Social Security and Welfare Scheme" this year
g) Let's increase the "Derivation Percentage" in our revenue allocation regime
h) Let's roll out Internet Broadband nationwide....before May 2007, and localise home traffic
i) Let's roll out massively on Cassava, Yam, Maize and Aquaculture between now and May '07
j) Let's act with the FEAR of God Almighty.
If I were Nigeria's Parliamentarians, we should be bonding together to tackle these matters, the results of which can be amazingly dramatic, and which fallout will empower our poor voters to be better able to resist money politics and shame electoral charlatans next year!
Because it will be magic, I will act NOW.
1) Have we served with equity and justice?
2) Have we kept to our oath of office?
3) Have the nation, and our constituencies, had the deserved benefits/dividends of democracy?4) Can I face my God and say I did my absolute best....and have earned my pay/privileges?
5) Am I a worthy and visible example of parliamentarians of honour and dignity?
6) If we did our job, why are the anti-corruption agencies screaming blue murder?
7) Why is Nigeria's corruption and development rating so abysmal?
8) Why are politicians protesting the new regime of scrutiny of their integrity and assets?
9) Why is the Freedom Of Information bill still languishing in the Senate?
10) Why, after 11Trillion Naira of federally-distributed revenue, not to mention internal and other external revenue/resources, in 7 YEARS, is our country still in this socio-economic mess?
If I were a legislator, I will wonder and worry about history. Can I be a healthy part of it, or just a pathetic footnote, as things stand today in this country? I will ask my colleagues and preacher and compatriots for help....to make amends. And here is a key hint:
a) Let's ask the anti-corruption agencies for all dossiers on the executive branch, and ACT now
b) Let's probe our principal officers of ALL the parliaments in the country, and punish the guilty
c) Let's work with the National Judicial Council to sanitize the judiciary before May 2007
d) Let's remove all taxes on education, IT and media materials, to boost public information
e) Let's tackle the worsening state of insecurity in the land
f) Let's pass the law on "Social Security and Welfare Scheme" this year
g) Let's increase the "Derivation Percentage" in our revenue allocation regime
h) Let's roll out Internet Broadband nationwide....before May 2007, and localise home traffic
i) Let's roll out massively on Cassava, Yam, Maize and Aquaculture between now and May '07
j) Let's act with the FEAR of God Almighty.
If I were Nigeria's Parliamentarians, we should be bonding together to tackle these matters, the results of which can be amazingly dramatic, and which fallout will empower our poor voters to be better able to resist money politics and shame electoral charlatans next year!
Because it will be magic, I will act NOW.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
If I Were Chinese, Indian and Russian Leaders (1)
I believe the world has now settled and reconciled with the hard facts of our future world, that China and India are the next economic superpowers, and Russia the energy superpower. Don't mind all the rabble-rousing WTO tiffs - it's mere shuffling. The facts are hard and fast. Simple.
If I were the leaders of these leading countries, I will immediately embark on the most effective cultural human relations of all: Export My Language.
I will launch a 25-year plan with only one official agenda: Promote Peace through our official and some local shades of our Language. Each and every of our diplomatic mission will oversee very extensive and intensive collaborations in this regard. We will bring world citizens home for high quality train-the-trainers and teachers programmes, and also send loads of our brightest bi/multilingual nationals on rotational services abroad. I will start by 1 January 2007. I will do so massively.
The Asian Tigers, including Japan, missed that lesson during their boom years. It was costly. Very much so. No rising power should miss the chance again. Not China, not India, Not Russia!
On this language train, three other countries will need to catch the bug also: Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. They have to build their own response over the next 3-5 years, and act.
And the best part is its purpose for a truly globalising world - a true Global Village.
For it, I speak.
If I were the leaders of these leading countries, I will immediately embark on the most effective cultural human relations of all: Export My Language.
I will launch a 25-year plan with only one official agenda: Promote Peace through our official and some local shades of our Language. Each and every of our diplomatic mission will oversee very extensive and intensive collaborations in this regard. We will bring world citizens home for high quality train-the-trainers and teachers programmes, and also send loads of our brightest bi/multilingual nationals on rotational services abroad. I will start by 1 January 2007. I will do so massively.
The Asian Tigers, including Japan, missed that lesson during their boom years. It was costly. Very much so. No rising power should miss the chance again. Not China, not India, Not Russia!
On this language train, three other countries will need to catch the bug also: Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. They have to build their own response over the next 3-5 years, and act.
And the best part is its purpose for a truly globalising world - a true Global Village.
For it, I speak.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
If I Were Nigeria's Inspector General of Police
Things are getting tougher and rougher in the area of crimes, criminality, security and law and order in Nigeria. Whether in urban or rural parts, there is palpable anxiety. It is getting even so in politics. Frauds, assassinations, kidnappings, cultism & ritual killing, rape, arson, and drugs. Of course there are more!
Only half-hearted analysts will fail to locate this upsurge, like its root causes, in the full bosom of POVERTY and the feeling of HOPELESSNESS across the land. The culture of violence has been badly accentuated by the "winner takes all" culture that intruded into our polity and policies over the last three decades. Neither military nor civilian governments can be absolved of the full responsibility for this scourge. It is now both a national dilemma, and a global embarrassment. Drastic courageous and creative action is now needed. We be all concerned. Big problem. Ha!
The bulk of the burden for its resolution is dumped, expectedly in a democracy, on the POLICE. If I were the Inspector General of Police, IGP, I will accept the burden without any question at all. Then I will make my demands in a world press conference. It will be personal, and public! Here are the highlights:
a) Bombast Boost of Total Personnel Mix ................... One Million
*** Grassroots Policing------ 400,000
*** Cyber Policing----------- 100,000
*** Anti-Terrorism---------- 100,000
*** Mobile Squad------------ 100,000
*** Marine Organisation----- 100,000
*** Air Command------------- 50,000
*** Special Group------------- 50,000
*** Protection Team---------- 40,000
*** Nuclear Threats----------- 10,000
*** Gender Special------------ 10,000
*** Youth Special-------------- 10,000
*** Juveniles Special-----------10,000
*** Mining Marshalls-----------10,000
*** Campus Connect----------- 10,000
b) Full and Complete National Police Infrastructure
c) Absolutely Modern and Adequate Equipment
d) Total Restructuring and Repositioning
e) New Recruitment and Advancement Policy
f) Millennium Budgetting and Funding
g) Police Multimedia Agency (Radio/TV/Internet/Paper)
h) Police University with Geo-Political (Zonal) and Special Academies
i) Badly-Needed Cooperation: Traditional & Faith Institutions; Students & Labour Unions
j) Strongly-Needed Liaison: Market & Trade Associations; Transporters & Drivers Groups
The bottom line is to create a NEW police service in FIVE years. Minimum qualification will be a university/polytechnic degree. Those in service will be encouraged to upgrade themselves with generous support/incentives, so as to retain institutional memory, and reward long service by the present personnel. All others will be humanely phased out under a special scheme...into neighbourhood protection & information, corporate guards and private/domestic security, etc. or a happy retirement.
We will sign a 10-year unique capacity building and impact-special MOU with the world's best police services, in their areas of specialisation, and tying these up with our technical and general operations.
Once things normalise in the land, technology and other factors will lead to reduced manpower and better citizen-participation in crime management, prevention and control.
If I were IG Sunday Ehindero, I will help Nigeria install the best officer for the above agenda as the next Inspector General of Police, when I bow out in 2007.
Only half-hearted analysts will fail to locate this upsurge, like its root causes, in the full bosom of POVERTY and the feeling of HOPELESSNESS across the land. The culture of violence has been badly accentuated by the "winner takes all" culture that intruded into our polity and policies over the last three decades. Neither military nor civilian governments can be absolved of the full responsibility for this scourge. It is now both a national dilemma, and a global embarrassment. Drastic courageous and creative action is now needed. We be all concerned. Big problem. Ha!
The bulk of the burden for its resolution is dumped, expectedly in a democracy, on the POLICE. If I were the Inspector General of Police, IGP, I will accept the burden without any question at all. Then I will make my demands in a world press conference. It will be personal, and public! Here are the highlights:
a) Bombast Boost of Total Personnel Mix ................... One Million
*** Grassroots Policing------ 400,000
*** Cyber Policing----------- 100,000
*** Anti-Terrorism---------- 100,000
*** Mobile Squad------------ 100,000
*** Marine Organisation----- 100,000
*** Air Command------------- 50,000
*** Special Group------------- 50,000
*** Protection Team---------- 40,000
*** Nuclear Threats----------- 10,000
*** Gender Special------------ 10,000
*** Youth Special-------------- 10,000
*** Juveniles Special-----------10,000
*** Mining Marshalls-----------10,000
*** Campus Connect----------- 10,000
b) Full and Complete National Police Infrastructure
c) Absolutely Modern and Adequate Equipment
d) Total Restructuring and Repositioning
e) New Recruitment and Advancement Policy
f) Millennium Budgetting and Funding
g) Police Multimedia Agency (Radio/TV/Internet/Paper)
h) Police University with Geo-Political (Zonal) and Special Academies
i) Badly-Needed Cooperation: Traditional & Faith Institutions; Students & Labour Unions
j) Strongly-Needed Liaison: Market & Trade Associations; Transporters & Drivers Groups
The bottom line is to create a NEW police service in FIVE years. Minimum qualification will be a university/polytechnic degree. Those in service will be encouraged to upgrade themselves with generous support/incentives, so as to retain institutional memory, and reward long service by the present personnel. All others will be humanely phased out under a special scheme...into neighbourhood protection & information, corporate guards and private/domestic security, etc. or a happy retirement.
We will sign a 10-year unique capacity building and impact-special MOU with the world's best police services, in their areas of specialisation, and tying these up with our technical and general operations.
Once things normalise in the land, technology and other factors will lead to reduced manpower and better citizen-participation in crime management, prevention and control.
If I were IG Sunday Ehindero, I will help Nigeria install the best officer for the above agenda as the next Inspector General of Police, when I bow out in 2007.
Monday, August 14, 2006
If I Were Nuhu Ribadu (Nigeria's Financial Crimes Czar)-2
The electoral field is wide and open...for the 2007 general elections. Nuhu Ribadu and his commission must be neck-deep in tough, knotty and tricky cases on multifarious financial crimes. Expected. Their plate must necessarily be full....even over-flowing. Expected.
But the guy has also been serving notice of the impending release of earth-shaking revelations vis-a-vis the political class. We wait. And we've been waiting. We must wait.
If I were the anti-corruption czar, this is the time to do so....in style. Do it.
Leaving it too late will be misconstrued, and may be abused. We must give the "indicted" and the courts ENOUGH time to fulfil all righteousness. The law should take its course, while justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.
If I were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, I shall delay no more!
But the guy has also been serving notice of the impending release of earth-shaking revelations vis-a-vis the political class. We wait. And we've been waiting. We must wait.
If I were the anti-corruption czar, this is the time to do so....in style. Do it.
Leaving it too late will be misconstrued, and may be abused. We must give the "indicted" and the courts ENOUGH time to fulfil all righteousness. The law should take its course, while justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.
If I were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, I shall delay no more!
Sunday, August 06, 2006
If I Were Nigeria's Electoral Commission
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is not being seen or regarded as truly "independent" or "nationalistic" by many in our country! This is a serious matter indeed.
Almost all the opposition parties plus the "fringe" factions of the ruling PDP are complaining. So is the crusading community. Watch and read the independent media, same doubts. And the donor agencies are equally worried about the level of preparedness for the arduous task of the 2007 Elections. Just recently, in far away London, the senate president wondered aloud.
Before these people and bodies, the INEC chairman had severally raised justifiable alarm on the commission's plight. One would have thought finding wholesome solutions by all stakeholders should be paramount right now. INEC needs friends, not more enemies and fifth columnists. It should be tooling and toiling so very hard, and reaching out to all and sundry. There's so much to do....right and rightly. So much!
Alas, what do we have? Instead of concentrating on its job, INEC has been busy tackling all its critics, and abusing Nigeria's sitting vice president! Haba! We must wonder, and we must worry.
The National Assembly must make a parliamentary intervention immediately....especially now that there are raging speculations of some hidden agenda towards a so-called "Interim National Government" (INC), post-May 2007. This devilish orgre must be crushed forthwith. Promptly. Remember the "Third Term" monster? This was how it all started! This time, let's take no chances o!
Prudently, and rightly so, most players - including the PDP and the Presidency - have, so far, distanced themselves from the dastardly idea. Even Dr Ezeife, former governor and Harvard-trained economist, who had unwisely "addressed" a pro-INC press conference on the subject, has also "backed down", by means of a "clarification" statement! Belatedly, but certainly!!
If I were the INEC people, I would retract the "attack" on Mr Vice President, and apologise to the nation. Professor Maurice Iwu, as chairman, should lead an INEC peace mission to media houses, convene a political peace summit and employ these powerful allies to promptly pressure parliament for positive action.....to secure a legitimate, free and fair 2007 General Elections.
History beckons.
Almost all the opposition parties plus the "fringe" factions of the ruling PDP are complaining. So is the crusading community. Watch and read the independent media, same doubts. And the donor agencies are equally worried about the level of preparedness for the arduous task of the 2007 Elections. Just recently, in far away London, the senate president wondered aloud.
Before these people and bodies, the INEC chairman had severally raised justifiable alarm on the commission's plight. One would have thought finding wholesome solutions by all stakeholders should be paramount right now. INEC needs friends, not more enemies and fifth columnists. It should be tooling and toiling so very hard, and reaching out to all and sundry. There's so much to do....right and rightly. So much!
Alas, what do we have? Instead of concentrating on its job, INEC has been busy tackling all its critics, and abusing Nigeria's sitting vice president! Haba! We must wonder, and we must worry.
The National Assembly must make a parliamentary intervention immediately....especially now that there are raging speculations of some hidden agenda towards a so-called "Interim National Government" (INC), post-May 2007. This devilish orgre must be crushed forthwith. Promptly. Remember the "Third Term" monster? This was how it all started! This time, let's take no chances o!
Prudently, and rightly so, most players - including the PDP and the Presidency - have, so far, distanced themselves from the dastardly idea. Even Dr Ezeife, former governor and Harvard-trained economist, who had unwisely "addressed" a pro-INC press conference on the subject, has also "backed down", by means of a "clarification" statement! Belatedly, but certainly!!
If I were the INEC people, I would retract the "attack" on Mr Vice President, and apologise to the nation. Professor Maurice Iwu, as chairman, should lead an INEC peace mission to media houses, convene a political peace summit and employ these powerful allies to promptly pressure parliament for positive action.....to secure a legitimate, free and fair 2007 General Elections.
History beckons.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
If I Were Minister Fani-Kayode
Nigeria goes to the polls in 2007. A new government takes over on 29 May. Commonsense suggests that this is house-keeping time for our political leaders at all levels. That means president, governors, LG chairmen and our legislatures.
If I were the new minister of culture and tourism, youthful Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, I will give verve and soul to the Culture Aspect of my portfolio, in the few months I have to serve.
Reason? Hey, let's be fair: How many tourists will troop to Nigeria now? Where are the real tourist attractions, ready for business, in the midst of all the handicaps and dilapidations? Who is going to turn tourism around in SIX MONTHS - about the active span of his tenure, before the election fever grips us all?!
But he can do things in the area of culture because that is about US - who we are, what we are, and how we are.
If I were the new minister, I will spend every light of the next nine months giving my country's culture the shine.
Goodluck, brother!
If I were the new minister of culture and tourism, youthful Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, I will give verve and soul to the Culture Aspect of my portfolio, in the few months I have to serve.
Reason? Hey, let's be fair: How many tourists will troop to Nigeria now? Where are the real tourist attractions, ready for business, in the midst of all the handicaps and dilapidations? Who is going to turn tourism around in SIX MONTHS - about the active span of his tenure, before the election fever grips us all?!
But he can do things in the area of culture because that is about US - who we are, what we are, and how we are.
If I were the new minister, I will spend every light of the next nine months giving my country's culture the shine.
Goodluck, brother!
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
If I Were Bill Gates (1)
Following the unprecedented success of the Microsoft franchise, if I were its founder, Bill Gates, I will place all its offerings on two pedestals: Popular Brand and Premium Brand. I will give the popular(basic) products and services pro bono (free of charge), then we will charge for the premium grade.
This makes business and charity sense. Thank goodness, he is good at both.
This makes business and charity sense. Thank goodness, he is good at both.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
If I Were President Obasanjo (4)
The human rights and civil liberties campaign has become reminiscent of the full-blown military days of dictatorship! No democratic polity nor its president should permit this state of affairs. It is undermining our national cohesion and its global image. It suggests the absence of the rule of law. It is worrisome. And to imagine that we are in an Election Year, it should be double worry.
If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo, I will stop this ugly development TODAY. And make it a point of personal agenda to protect our freedoms under the 1999 Constitution. Doing otherwise diminishes us all.
If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo, I will stop this ugly development TODAY. And make it a point of personal agenda to protect our freedoms under the 1999 Constitution. Doing otherwise diminishes us all.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
If I Were The English FA
Football has become as multicultural as nations. European countries have recognised it for long, but not all have embraced that reality in composing their national teams. The farthest behind? England.
If I were the football authorities, it is now time to be realistic. Recruit young vibrant players, and reflect the true colours and nature of both England's population....and Sports in England. Also, grant young successful/promising footballers a fast-track to citizenship. I will Learn from Germany 2006!
If I were running football in England, this will be the key, my joker, for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
If I were the football authorities, it is now time to be realistic. Recruit young vibrant players, and reflect the true colours and nature of both England's population....and Sports in England. Also, grant young successful/promising footballers a fast-track to citizenship. I will Learn from Germany 2006!
If I were running football in England, this will be the key, my joker, for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
If I Were Prime Minister Romano Prodi
As the new leader of the Italian government, if I were Prime Minister Romano Prodi, I will put premium on a special relationship with AFRICA. It will be creative, ambitious and futuristic. And it will be massively-mutually-beneficial (mmb) and proactively-people-based (ppb).
First and foremost, everyone else is looking or heading there now, why not Italy? Next, we do know that the continent is immensely resource-endowed. It is a traditional European (hate the term, if you like!) colony and ally/trading bloc. Then, as EU President, he dealt with African leaders under the (yes, very unsuccessful!) ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement and the (very slowly emerging!) New Partnership for Africa's Development, NEPAD. Besides, he was prime minister before!
But now the stakes are higher. Italy's economy is in dire straits. It needs an overhaul. It needs to be competitive again. It needs new deals, and thus new partners. Not on previous terms, nor by those measures. Italy needs a new destination of two-way bonds, and bonding. It can find some windows elsewhere; but it will find a gateway in Africa - if it tries anew, and hard enough.
If I were Prime Minister Prodi, I will humbly and boldly engage Africa. I will proudly enlist the leverage of the Vatican in particular, and the Catholic Church in general. I will do so for my new deal with Africa in particular, and for all other outreach zones in general. Know ye that Faith is very potent, and the Church be its vehicle. So are mosques, temples and synagogues - all faith movements around the world. Shy not away.
What's on offer? A million chips and zillion gems. Look hard, my friend....and you'll be dazed! As an economics professor and practised politician, it's hard not to see!! Indeed, it's impossible!!!
For Italy's sake, I will SEE...if I were Romano Prodi.
First and foremost, everyone else is looking or heading there now, why not Italy? Next, we do know that the continent is immensely resource-endowed. It is a traditional European (hate the term, if you like!) colony and ally/trading bloc. Then, as EU President, he dealt with African leaders under the (yes, very unsuccessful!) ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement and the (very slowly emerging!) New Partnership for Africa's Development, NEPAD. Besides, he was prime minister before!
But now the stakes are higher. Italy's economy is in dire straits. It needs an overhaul. It needs to be competitive again. It needs new deals, and thus new partners. Not on previous terms, nor by those measures. Italy needs a new destination of two-way bonds, and bonding. It can find some windows elsewhere; but it will find a gateway in Africa - if it tries anew, and hard enough.
If I were Prime Minister Prodi, I will humbly and boldly engage Africa. I will proudly enlist the leverage of the Vatican in particular, and the Catholic Church in general. I will do so for my new deal with Africa in particular, and for all other outreach zones in general. Know ye that Faith is very potent, and the Church be its vehicle. So are mosques, temples and synagogues - all faith movements around the world. Shy not away.
What's on offer? A million chips and zillion gems. Look hard, my friend....and you'll be dazed! As an economics professor and practised politician, it's hard not to see!! Indeed, it's impossible!!!
For Italy's sake, I will SEE...if I were Romano Prodi.
If I Were Former President Charles Taylor (War Crimes Indictee)
You know, life is sweet and strange! One day, you're victor; another day you're villain!! Tough and rough. High and low. No matter. But you can choose what to be, even for all time. Yes. In the tops of victory, you can be humble and magnanimous. In the throes of villainy, you can be contrite and cooperative. That is why there's plea-bargain in law, and amnesty in practice.
If I were Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, now standing trial for war crimes at the UN Sierra Leonean War Crimes Tribunal sitting at The Hague, I will repent and cooperate with the prosecution. Then proceed to plea-bargain on very creative and earth-shattering basis. Here are the gems:
a) Tell all
b) Help expose all others
c) Show the way to stop guerrilla war fares in Africa
d) Point to the hidden vaults in illegal trades of diamonds, lumber, arms, etc
e) Expose hypocrites in the Western bloc and collaborators in the Eastern bloc
f) Serve some prison period for penitence, and serve the UN as honorary consultant later
g) Write my "Truth Commission" expose as a purgative memoirs, passing all proceeds to war victims and kid soldiers rehabilitation/restitution.
If I were Mr Taylor, I will tell the lawyers that it will be wrong to feast on my case. Let's use it as a chance to heal wounds, to heal the world. We all make mistakes, even gruesome ones. And we can all change for the better, and the betterment of the world. And then, our soul.
Ultimately, it is a personal cross, a personal choice. If I were the one, I'll choose as said.
If I were Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, now standing trial for war crimes at the UN Sierra Leonean War Crimes Tribunal sitting at The Hague, I will repent and cooperate with the prosecution. Then proceed to plea-bargain on very creative and earth-shattering basis. Here are the gems:
a) Tell all
b) Help expose all others
c) Show the way to stop guerrilla war fares in Africa
d) Point to the hidden vaults in illegal trades of diamonds, lumber, arms, etc
e) Expose hypocrites in the Western bloc and collaborators in the Eastern bloc
f) Serve some prison period for penitence, and serve the UN as honorary consultant later
g) Write my "Truth Commission" expose as a purgative memoirs, passing all proceeds to war victims and kid soldiers rehabilitation/restitution.
If I were Mr Taylor, I will tell the lawyers that it will be wrong to feast on my case. Let's use it as a chance to heal wounds, to heal the world. We all make mistakes, even gruesome ones. And we can all change for the better, and the betterment of the world. And then, our soul.
Ultimately, it is a personal cross, a personal choice. If I were the one, I'll choose as said.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
If I Were The Nigerian Media (1)
It is clear now that the political class would do anything to hold on to their undue advantages gained from the much-maligned 1999 Constitution, which, let's never forget, they helped the military to install.
It is also clear that the ruling People's Democratic Party is not a garrison after the likeness of its now-embattled hierarchs. Much to their utter chargrin and unmitigated humiliation, the good forces within the party helped to kill the Third Term monster. So, if you like, there are good and there are bad people in all the political parties in the land.
How the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill can still be languishing in the Senate, after being passed by the House of Representatives, is surprising. We must now assume that the Senate Leadership, having found its manhood in its defeat of the tenure elongation evil, will proceed to pass the bill forthwith. If not, then we hand the case over to the 2007 Movement - that patriotic group which sowed the seed of our current victory over the dark forces of Third Term Agenda.
If I were the Nigerian Media, however, I would take absolutely no chances. The media should go out on a now-or-never campaign for the success of the bill. Wait no minute!
Just one week of listing all members of the National Assembly, starting with the Senators, on how they voted or now stand on the matter. Every single member should be asked the simple question, and given the space to post their quoted/quotable response. The broadcast media should host live FOI Programmes for the same purpose. Just ONE week, folks....ONE week.
Need I say more!
It is also clear that the ruling People's Democratic Party is not a garrison after the likeness of its now-embattled hierarchs. Much to their utter chargrin and unmitigated humiliation, the good forces within the party helped to kill the Third Term monster. So, if you like, there are good and there are bad people in all the political parties in the land.
How the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill can still be languishing in the Senate, after being passed by the House of Representatives, is surprising. We must now assume that the Senate Leadership, having found its manhood in its defeat of the tenure elongation evil, will proceed to pass the bill forthwith. If not, then we hand the case over to the 2007 Movement - that patriotic group which sowed the seed of our current victory over the dark forces of Third Term Agenda.
If I were the Nigerian Media, however, I would take absolutely no chances. The media should go out on a now-or-never campaign for the success of the bill. Wait no minute!
Just one week of listing all members of the National Assembly, starting with the Senators, on how they voted or now stand on the matter. Every single member should be asked the simple question, and given the space to post their quoted/quotable response. The broadcast media should host live FOI Programmes for the same purpose. Just ONE week, folks....ONE week.
Need I say more!
Thursday, May 25, 2006
If I Were PDP Leaders
These are tough times indeed for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria's ruling party. It has just lost its over-invested gambit to change the country's constitution so that the president and all its governors may continue in office, after their official two-term tenure expires in 2007.
The senate, which they dominate, killed the bill Tuesday 16 May. It was a deadly blow to both the president and the party.
Officially, they have both conceded defeat and accepted the verdict. They indeed proclaim it as a victory for democracy. Thanks, guys!
Now, unofficially, the signals from the party are worrisome. There is undisguised bitterness and residual hubris in the utterances of their spokespersons. How they expect the senate to cherry-pick the ill-conceived bill is unclear. Built around the tenure-elongation agenda, the bill was full of guises and disguises. It was deliberately booby-trapped to ensure that any attempt to pass a variant of its more noble and valuable provisions, without the "third term" intention, would fail. Clever! Yes, by half. For example, both the Niger Delta question and South East's state-creation request can be settled under extant constitutional provisions. And they will now be done.
That the bill was dead on arrival was so clear. Nigerians were against it. It was immoral and unjust. It was opposed worldwide as a bad example for other African countries. Nigeria is a regional leader, not a banana republic! And, to be fair, the party knows the truth. Just that the bruised ego of its leaders stands in the way of purgatory and penitence, for now. A good tap, however, is the president's idea or directive for intra-party reconciliation after this ugly fiasco. Better.
As part of this rebirth, if I were the leaders of PDP, I would dissolve the executives and call for fresh congresses nationwide. The last re-registration exercise alienated too many loyalists. And the current saga oozed from the leaders' actions. It is time to start afresh. There is price to pay. Real leaders take responsibility. Including biting the bullet. No buck-passing. No cowardice.
If I were the key officers, we would resign to save the party utter demolition at the 2007 polls. The death of the Third Term agenda was a vote of no confidence. Why pretend?
The senate, which they dominate, killed the bill Tuesday 16 May. It was a deadly blow to both the president and the party.
Officially, they have both conceded defeat and accepted the verdict. They indeed proclaim it as a victory for democracy. Thanks, guys!
Now, unofficially, the signals from the party are worrisome. There is undisguised bitterness and residual hubris in the utterances of their spokespersons. How they expect the senate to cherry-pick the ill-conceived bill is unclear. Built around the tenure-elongation agenda, the bill was full of guises and disguises. It was deliberately booby-trapped to ensure that any attempt to pass a variant of its more noble and valuable provisions, without the "third term" intention, would fail. Clever! Yes, by half. For example, both the Niger Delta question and South East's state-creation request can be settled under extant constitutional provisions. And they will now be done.
That the bill was dead on arrival was so clear. Nigerians were against it. It was immoral and unjust. It was opposed worldwide as a bad example for other African countries. Nigeria is a regional leader, not a banana republic! And, to be fair, the party knows the truth. Just that the bruised ego of its leaders stands in the way of purgatory and penitence, for now. A good tap, however, is the president's idea or directive for intra-party reconciliation after this ugly fiasco. Better.
As part of this rebirth, if I were the leaders of PDP, I would dissolve the executives and call for fresh congresses nationwide. The last re-registration exercise alienated too many loyalists. And the current saga oozed from the leaders' actions. It is time to start afresh. There is price to pay. Real leaders take responsibility. Including biting the bullet. No buck-passing. No cowardice.
If I were the key officers, we would resign to save the party utter demolition at the 2007 polls. The death of the Third Term agenda was a vote of no confidence. Why pretend?
Monday, May 22, 2006
If I Were Nuhu Ribadu (Nigeria's Financial Crimes Czar)
Now that the "Tenure Elongation or Third Term" gambit of President Obasanjo and his ruling party's constitution amendment misadventure have failed, it is imperative to redeem our nation's image. Too much murk had been splashed and spread. We must clean up.
Luckily the president has "disowned" the whole scheme, claiming not to have any hand in it. The sheer scope and depth of the bribery rumours and other alleged infringements are scandalous! And the anti-corruption agencies must step up to the plate.
Considering the wide-spread insinuations and doubts about the impartiality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which he heads, if I were Nuhu Ribadu, I will deploy EVERYTHING at our disposal to tackle and unravel the Third Term "money-for-votes" saga. Is it true or false? The world needs to know. And pretty fast, too.
There is no hiding place!
Luckily the president has "disowned" the whole scheme, claiming not to have any hand in it. The sheer scope and depth of the bribery rumours and other alleged infringements are scandalous! And the anti-corruption agencies must step up to the plate.
Considering the wide-spread insinuations and doubts about the impartiality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which he heads, if I were Nuhu Ribadu, I will deploy EVERYTHING at our disposal to tackle and unravel the Third Term "money-for-votes" saga. Is it true or false? The world needs to know. And pretty fast, too.
There is no hiding place!
Thursday, May 11, 2006
If I Were Nigeria's Ruling Party (PDP)
Yes, this be the season of political scandals and stench around the world. From the White House to Downing Street, from France to Brazil, from South Africa to Nigeria, there is something for all bashers to latch-on to. No matter.
But have no illusion that heads or careers won't roll and sink in this season, and in their wake. Oh, it is already happening! More to come. Dirtier, nastier and stenchier. The tumbling will be messy. Including some high-profile impeachment(s). Wait.
In the current business of reviewing the Nigerian Constitution, the debate is wholy detrimental to the establishment. It is particularly unedifying to the executive branch, both president and governors. The live coverage is inevitable, and expectedly pervasive, despite its queer boycott by all government-owned media! Surely they owe Nigerians an explanation, someday, for this blackout. This has pitched them against the citizens and the nation. Do the media organs belong to the STATE or to one arm of government, i.e. the administration (executive branch)? Why do they (TV and Radio) have studios at the National Assembly? At taxpayers' costs? Someday.
Since the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the chief sponsor of the exercise, and is reported to stake all its being on achieving "Tenure Elongation or Extension or Third Term", the fallout ought to trouble its leaders. We are hearing things that demean and demonize the political class. The president and state governors are being robed, unrobed, enrobed and disrobed, in the most audacious manner. Tones and tempers are oscillating between angst and anger, and amidst boos and banging. Some of the details are truly stupefying. Now, everyone is enmeshed, and certainly entrenched. A truly ugly spectacle.
There are accusations and counter-accusations of inducements, bribery, intimidation, blackmail, threats, etc. God! The world must be aghast and amused. It is eye-opening.
Nigeria is being ridicled. Nigerians are no doubt grateful that the in-fighting is largely within the PDP, which controls the parliament. This shows many flaws in the party. It also reflects the key concern of Nigerians that the PDP is a mere platform of convenience for the grabbing of political power, rather than an organisation for the pursuit of good governance. A "political expression". Pity. And it has ruled for seven years? Oh!
If I were the Party Leadership, I would withdraw the Third Term proposition TODAY. This will bring down the political temperature in the parliament, and douse the palpable tension in the land. It will save the executive further demystification. And obviously save the party the full smear of a certain and ultimate humiliation.
Save the PRESIDENT, today.
But have no illusion that heads or careers won't roll and sink in this season, and in their wake. Oh, it is already happening! More to come. Dirtier, nastier and stenchier. The tumbling will be messy. Including some high-profile impeachment(s). Wait.
In the current business of reviewing the Nigerian Constitution, the debate is wholy detrimental to the establishment. It is particularly unedifying to the executive branch, both president and governors. The live coverage is inevitable, and expectedly pervasive, despite its queer boycott by all government-owned media! Surely they owe Nigerians an explanation, someday, for this blackout. This has pitched them against the citizens and the nation. Do the media organs belong to the STATE or to one arm of government, i.e. the administration (executive branch)? Why do they (TV and Radio) have studios at the National Assembly? At taxpayers' costs? Someday.
Since the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the chief sponsor of the exercise, and is reported to stake all its being on achieving "Tenure Elongation or Extension or Third Term", the fallout ought to trouble its leaders. We are hearing things that demean and demonize the political class. The president and state governors are being robed, unrobed, enrobed and disrobed, in the most audacious manner. Tones and tempers are oscillating between angst and anger, and amidst boos and banging. Some of the details are truly stupefying. Now, everyone is enmeshed, and certainly entrenched. A truly ugly spectacle.
There are accusations and counter-accusations of inducements, bribery, intimidation, blackmail, threats, etc. God! The world must be aghast and amused. It is eye-opening.
Nigeria is being ridicled. Nigerians are no doubt grateful that the in-fighting is largely within the PDP, which controls the parliament. This shows many flaws in the party. It also reflects the key concern of Nigerians that the PDP is a mere platform of convenience for the grabbing of political power, rather than an organisation for the pursuit of good governance. A "political expression". Pity. And it has ruled for seven years? Oh!
If I were the Party Leadership, I would withdraw the Third Term proposition TODAY. This will bring down the political temperature in the parliament, and douse the palpable tension in the land. It will save the executive further demystification. And obviously save the party the full smear of a certain and ultimate humiliation.
Save the PRESIDENT, today.
Monday, May 01, 2006
If I Were President Obasanjo (3)
Do I wish to be in Olusegun Obasanjo's shoes? Well, no! Okay, let's define things. As a man, a truly endowed and privileged person, I think many people wish they were so blessed. I do. As the president of Nigeria, this same nation of 150 million souls, I also wish I were Olusegun Obasanjo. Now, let's define that bit. As president in 1999? Sure. 2003? With these kinds of elections? Well, by the ultimate grace of the final court clearance, maybe. Status quo? Yes. In 2006? This moment? Hell, NO!!!
So, if I were President Obasanjo, I will stop that Chief Campaigner for Third Term, Col Ahmadu Ali, this moment. Yes, the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party. Oh, you note the irony? So do I. Indeed!
Chief Reason? The Nigerian Labour Congress has finally spoken. On MAY DAY.
Verdict? NO, capital NO, to constitutional or electoral FRAUD.
Call it Third Term, name it Tenure Elongation, tag it Of General Application. Whatever.
If you came in 1999, you leave by 2007. Period.
If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will not build any castle-in-the-air. An anti-corruption crusader cannot be, must not be, associated with double-speak, clever crooks, dagger-cloaks, dragon-spit, and God-in-vain schemes. An African elder knows the rites, upholds all rights, and would rather die than not act right! Elder statesmen, especially world figures, earn their rare rights by damning all wrongs...in their strides. Known stripes.
If I were the president, I will act RIGHT.
So, if I were President Obasanjo, I will stop that Chief Campaigner for Third Term, Col Ahmadu Ali, this moment. Yes, the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party. Oh, you note the irony? So do I. Indeed!
Chief Reason? The Nigerian Labour Congress has finally spoken. On MAY DAY.
Verdict? NO, capital NO, to constitutional or electoral FRAUD.
Call it Third Term, name it Tenure Elongation, tag it Of General Application. Whatever.
If you came in 1999, you leave by 2007. Period.
If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will not build any castle-in-the-air. An anti-corruption crusader cannot be, must not be, associated with double-speak, clever crooks, dagger-cloaks, dragon-spit, and God-in-vain schemes. An African elder knows the rites, upholds all rights, and would rather die than not act right! Elder statesmen, especially world figures, earn their rare rights by damning all wrongs...in their strides. Known stripes.
If I were the president, I will act RIGHT.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
If I Were President Putin
Chairing the G8 is a big deal. And a lot of flaks. Tony Blair found a way. This week, the World Bank announced the $37 billion debt relief for 19 poor countries....all traceable to Gleneagles.
The Russian Chairmanship should do something dramatic and fundamental, especially in its sphere of immense comparative advantage: Oil & Gas. We do not have enough details of its energy agenda yet - on which they had some meetings recently in Moscow. But we know that so much muck is being splashed around by its own customers from the Baltics to the Caucasus to Europe. Problem? Huge and rising energy costs, caused by high oil prices; and Moscow's legitimate desire to earn market rates for its exports.
The world economy is in a bind as far as oil prices are concerned. With China and India joining the American guzzling gang, and the kind of distorted weather wraths we now induce, the costs will only keep rising! OPEC has no extra capacities to exploit in the immediate term. And Russia, with its huge endowments, is not in OPEC....though they cooperate.
If I were President Vladimir Putin, I will use this G8 Meeting to change the world of energy for the New World. And make a few daring exploits with concessions. Here is how:
1. To secure the future of world trade, and the prosperity of Europe, Moscow should grant concessionary rates for its GAS deliveries to all its customers. They need the relief so that they can tackle the environmental problems, especially weather-related like the floods, and more so in Eastern Europe.
2. Russia should lead the G8 to thereafter get OPEC to fix a special rate for crude so that poorer countries can survive, and the debt-relief from Gleneagles may endure. They would soon relapse, otherwise, in the face of current spiralling oil costs.
3. To focalize the search for long-term solutions to this problem, and to preserve something for future generations, the G8 must join OPEC to establish the Global Task Force for Millennium Alternative Energy with a 10-year mandate, under the authority of the UN Security Council. It should learn from, and extend the gains of, the International Space Station.
4. Moscow should bring other oil-producers into a better alliance that will work with OPEC to grant special Tax Credits to airlines and the maritime operators, under WTO, from January 2007. This should guarantee travels and shipments - both necessary for global production and world unity.
5. Moscow, no matter the imputation, should create a unique portfolio for the energy needs of the former Soviet Union members. Their collective history, well highlighted by the Chernobyl memories in Ukraine this week, cannot and should not be wished away. Just do it! What's more: the kids, today and tomorrow, need it.
6. Learning from Chernobyl, the G8, under this chairmanship, should lead the way on the critical safety & security conditions for the re-emerging global rush/return to nuclear energy. It must be water-tight and cross-cutting.
7. If I were President Putin, I will clean up the anti-foreigners saga that is smearing the nation's image, by a tiny group of Russians. I will release those in jail for what has been rightly or wrongly termed political persecution, or personal vendetta. I will use my huge popularity to build a formidable successor-machine, having wisely rejected calls for regime/term elongation, and free up the media space.
8. If I were the Russian president and chair of G8, I will do the unthinkable: Get the presidents of Iraq, China and America to join me at home for a private get-together in May. Then, I will bring them plus the Iranian spiritual leader to an official meeting at the Kremlin in June. After that, we will hold a special security conference with India, Israel, Turkey and Pakistan in attendance! Agenda? Hey, give me a break! If you know not, by now, please return to Mars!!!
9. I will create and endow The Russia-Africa Council in a unique mould, to secure our own patch and ensure due balance in the ongoing inevitable rush for the continent's millennium resources. I will also do The Russia-South America Council for similar purposes.
10. It is now time to formally transform the G8 into G11 by binging China, India and Brazil into the club. Moscow should lead the negotiation, with a 2008 deadline.
11. As the Russian president with huge oil & gas "windfall" earnings, I will promptly pay off all foreign debts and boost the country's stakes in all international bodies, especially the World Bank and IMF as well as the European/Asian/African/Latin American Development Banks.
12. Finally, if I were Vladimir Putin, I will look forward to joining Bill Clinton on the international stage as an elder statesman, working for world peace, the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and selling Russia at large. And I will do so courageously, creatively and compassionately,like Jimmy Carter & Mikhail Gorbachev rolled-in-one.
The Russian Chairmanship should do something dramatic and fundamental, especially in its sphere of immense comparative advantage: Oil & Gas. We do not have enough details of its energy agenda yet - on which they had some meetings recently in Moscow. But we know that so much muck is being splashed around by its own customers from the Baltics to the Caucasus to Europe. Problem? Huge and rising energy costs, caused by high oil prices; and Moscow's legitimate desire to earn market rates for its exports.
The world economy is in a bind as far as oil prices are concerned. With China and India joining the American guzzling gang, and the kind of distorted weather wraths we now induce, the costs will only keep rising! OPEC has no extra capacities to exploit in the immediate term. And Russia, with its huge endowments, is not in OPEC....though they cooperate.
If I were President Vladimir Putin, I will use this G8 Meeting to change the world of energy for the New World. And make a few daring exploits with concessions. Here is how:
1. To secure the future of world trade, and the prosperity of Europe, Moscow should grant concessionary rates for its GAS deliveries to all its customers. They need the relief so that they can tackle the environmental problems, especially weather-related like the floods, and more so in Eastern Europe.
2. Russia should lead the G8 to thereafter get OPEC to fix a special rate for crude so that poorer countries can survive, and the debt-relief from Gleneagles may endure. They would soon relapse, otherwise, in the face of current spiralling oil costs.
3. To focalize the search for long-term solutions to this problem, and to preserve something for future generations, the G8 must join OPEC to establish the Global Task Force for Millennium Alternative Energy with a 10-year mandate, under the authority of the UN Security Council. It should learn from, and extend the gains of, the International Space Station.
4. Moscow should bring other oil-producers into a better alliance that will work with OPEC to grant special Tax Credits to airlines and the maritime operators, under WTO, from January 2007. This should guarantee travels and shipments - both necessary for global production and world unity.
5. Moscow, no matter the imputation, should create a unique portfolio for the energy needs of the former Soviet Union members. Their collective history, well highlighted by the Chernobyl memories in Ukraine this week, cannot and should not be wished away. Just do it! What's more: the kids, today and tomorrow, need it.
6. Learning from Chernobyl, the G8, under this chairmanship, should lead the way on the critical safety & security conditions for the re-emerging global rush/return to nuclear energy. It must be water-tight and cross-cutting.
7. If I were President Putin, I will clean up the anti-foreigners saga that is smearing the nation's image, by a tiny group of Russians. I will release those in jail for what has been rightly or wrongly termed political persecution, or personal vendetta. I will use my huge popularity to build a formidable successor-machine, having wisely rejected calls for regime/term elongation, and free up the media space.
8. If I were the Russian president and chair of G8, I will do the unthinkable: Get the presidents of Iraq, China and America to join me at home for a private get-together in May. Then, I will bring them plus the Iranian spiritual leader to an official meeting at the Kremlin in June. After that, we will hold a special security conference with India, Israel, Turkey and Pakistan in attendance! Agenda? Hey, give me a break! If you know not, by now, please return to Mars!!!
9. I will create and endow The Russia-Africa Council in a unique mould, to secure our own patch and ensure due balance in the ongoing inevitable rush for the continent's millennium resources. I will also do The Russia-South America Council for similar purposes.
10. It is now time to formally transform the G8 into G11 by binging China, India and Brazil into the club. Moscow should lead the negotiation, with a 2008 deadline.
11. As the Russian president with huge oil & gas "windfall" earnings, I will promptly pay off all foreign debts and boost the country's stakes in all international bodies, especially the World Bank and IMF as well as the European/Asian/African/Latin American Development Banks.
12. Finally, if I were Vladimir Putin, I will look forward to joining Bill Clinton on the international stage as an elder statesman, working for world peace, the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and selling Russia at large. And I will do so courageously, creatively and compassionately,like Jimmy Carter & Mikhail Gorbachev rolled-in-one.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
If I Were In The EU Leadership
There is a rare gem of a politician and leader who may be lost to premature retirement or even resentment. Tony Blair, the innovative, courageous and combative British Prime Minister, is on his way out. Having helped to create New Labour and led the party to three successive general elections, he has bowed to voter-bashings over the Iraq misadventure to announce that he would not stand in the next election. Heir-apparent and prime minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown, his soul mate and finance minister of 10 years, is warming up. Rightly so.
The media is agog with news, gossips, theories and conspiracies about the goings-on within the government and the party at large for and against the early departure of Tony Blair. No matter. May it all end sensibly and sensitively. Both the party and its leader need that. The country must get its due.
As we have seen over the years and around the world, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are good leaders with their fair share of human failings and trajectories. Clinton is now doing so much good around the globe, like Jimmy Carter before him, and Nelson Mandela out of office. I see Blair in that mould. Except that we need a different way of utilising his immense talent and boundless energy. A way that preserves his legacy and friendship with his party and successor. He is also still young, to boot. Yes, a creative and new way.
If it were possible, he should be the next UN Secretary General. No chance, I hear. And I can understand. The best job for him now is something I suggest is begging to happen: Help the EU transform Europe. Give it any title you like, the kernel is that Europe needs an extra-ordinary intervention package for the new millennium. Using former national leaders has served it well. In Tony Blair, it should reap the same. I think he can help Europe restructure, redesign, retool and reposition over the next five years.
As Transformation Czar, he will bring commitment, courage, content and competitiveness to the block. He will help secure the UK's full embrace of the EU, especially with Gordon Brown in charge. I believe that he can sell the New Europe to the younger generations of Europeans, and help other member states see the need for urgent reforms. And the gains therefrom.
The world needs the EU for balance and security. The EU needs to wake up to the challenges of this millennium in all aspects of its ways and means. No choice. The embattled EU Constitution needs a new salesman. That man, I strongly suggest, is Tony Blair.
If I were in the European Union Leadership, I would move to get Blair out of the way of any acrimonious parting of ways with his party, and whisk him to Brussels with his reputation still in place, so he may serve a wider mandate on a unique world stage. Neither Europe nor the United Kingdom should waste Tony Blair. No!
The media is agog with news, gossips, theories and conspiracies about the goings-on within the government and the party at large for and against the early departure of Tony Blair. No matter. May it all end sensibly and sensitively. Both the party and its leader need that. The country must get its due.
As we have seen over the years and around the world, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are good leaders with their fair share of human failings and trajectories. Clinton is now doing so much good around the globe, like Jimmy Carter before him, and Nelson Mandela out of office. I see Blair in that mould. Except that we need a different way of utilising his immense talent and boundless energy. A way that preserves his legacy and friendship with his party and successor. He is also still young, to boot. Yes, a creative and new way.
If it were possible, he should be the next UN Secretary General. No chance, I hear. And I can understand. The best job for him now is something I suggest is begging to happen: Help the EU transform Europe. Give it any title you like, the kernel is that Europe needs an extra-ordinary intervention package for the new millennium. Using former national leaders has served it well. In Tony Blair, it should reap the same. I think he can help Europe restructure, redesign, retool and reposition over the next five years.
As Transformation Czar, he will bring commitment, courage, content and competitiveness to the block. He will help secure the UK's full embrace of the EU, especially with Gordon Brown in charge. I believe that he can sell the New Europe to the younger generations of Europeans, and help other member states see the need for urgent reforms. And the gains therefrom.
The world needs the EU for balance and security. The EU needs to wake up to the challenges of this millennium in all aspects of its ways and means. No choice. The embattled EU Constitution needs a new salesman. That man, I strongly suggest, is Tony Blair.
If I were in the European Union Leadership, I would move to get Blair out of the way of any acrimonious parting of ways with his party, and whisk him to Brussels with his reputation still in place, so he may serve a wider mandate on a unique world stage. Neither Europe nor the United Kingdom should waste Tony Blair. No!
Friday, April 14, 2006
If I Were President Thabo Mbeki
There are some things that only families can do. That was why Nigeria was in the fore-front of the liberation movement in Africa. From Angola to Mozambique, Zimbabwe to South Africa, Namibia to Lesotho, and elsewhere, we stood with our brethren and funded their just struggles for independence and self-determination. Now, Big Brother is floundering. Nigeria needs help. Urgently.
If I were President Thabo Mbeki, a distinguished alumnus of the Nigerian Flank/Post of the SA/ANC Liberation Representatives, and now a leading African statesman, I would intervene speedily in the spiralling political brohaha in the country. It is all about two of his friends - President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Subject matter, and crux of the matter? Obasanjo's seeming determination to elongate his tenure in office, which should expire next May, and their political party - PDP's determination to achieve it through a very unpopular crass manipulation of the constitution-amendment process. The PDP has insensitive and unbelievably brazen in its quest. Like most citizens, Atiku opposes. And like all potential candidates for president, he fearlessly disagrees with party and president on this dastardly bid.
The administration has become touchy, tempestuous and intolerant. Security agencies are now perceived as partisan attack dogs of the regime: against anyone and everyone who differ or dissent. The polity is heating up. Things are quite precarious. Even the fearless and independent Nigerian Press, which is veteran of democracy battles, is being pilloried by the pro-Third Term (as they are tagged) apologists. The National Assembly is polarised and under siege, while some thieving state governors seem to be spared investigation/prosecution so that they may help the party attain its tenure-elongation agenda. As I write, the national electoral commission is yet to commence any visible preparations for the 2007 elections! No law. No funds. Nigeria is at a very dangerous crossroads.
Courageously, some politicians have now declared their presidential ambitions. Good news. The worry, however, is that the Third Term bid hangs ominously over their campaigns and the nation's serenity, as well as our deserved march on the path of democracy and good governance. With its history of political in-fighting, violence and vulcanic tendencies, the PDP poses grave tension as things stand. This tension is palpable. All of which can be dispelled, instanta, by only one man: Olusegun Obasanjo! We must now help him to help us.
If I were President Mbeki, I will enlist Former President (Papa) Nelson Mandela, Retired Archbishop (Papa) Desmond Tutu, Former President (Papa) Kenneth Kaunda, Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Former Chancellor Willy Brandt, Former Commonwealth Sec-Gen (Papa) Emeka Anyaoku, Former World Court Judge (Papa) Bola Ajibola and UN Sec-Gen Kofi Annan to persuade and prevail upon Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to please WITHDRAW his interest and involvement in the Third Term project, and free the political cum electoral space, NOW.
As one African Family, the Mbeki/Mandela factor should help. The pressure should come from a cast of distinguished elderstatesmen, led by a sitting president with a shining armour in the subject matter. So, if I were Thabo Mbeki, I won't wait one more second. I will ACT right away:
the untainted, traditional African way. Today!
If I were President Thabo Mbeki, a distinguished alumnus of the Nigerian Flank/Post of the SA/ANC Liberation Representatives, and now a leading African statesman, I would intervene speedily in the spiralling political brohaha in the country. It is all about two of his friends - President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Subject matter, and crux of the matter? Obasanjo's seeming determination to elongate his tenure in office, which should expire next May, and their political party - PDP's determination to achieve it through a very unpopular crass manipulation of the constitution-amendment process. The PDP has insensitive and unbelievably brazen in its quest. Like most citizens, Atiku opposes. And like all potential candidates for president, he fearlessly disagrees with party and president on this dastardly bid.
The administration has become touchy, tempestuous and intolerant. Security agencies are now perceived as partisan attack dogs of the regime: against anyone and everyone who differ or dissent. The polity is heating up. Things are quite precarious. Even the fearless and independent Nigerian Press, which is veteran of democracy battles, is being pilloried by the pro-Third Term (as they are tagged) apologists. The National Assembly is polarised and under siege, while some thieving state governors seem to be spared investigation/prosecution so that they may help the party attain its tenure-elongation agenda. As I write, the national electoral commission is yet to commence any visible preparations for the 2007 elections! No law. No funds. Nigeria is at a very dangerous crossroads.
Courageously, some politicians have now declared their presidential ambitions. Good news. The worry, however, is that the Third Term bid hangs ominously over their campaigns and the nation's serenity, as well as our deserved march on the path of democracy and good governance. With its history of political in-fighting, violence and vulcanic tendencies, the PDP poses grave tension as things stand. This tension is palpable. All of which can be dispelled, instanta, by only one man: Olusegun Obasanjo! We must now help him to help us.
If I were President Mbeki, I will enlist Former President (Papa) Nelson Mandela, Retired Archbishop (Papa) Desmond Tutu, Former President (Papa) Kenneth Kaunda, Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Former Chancellor Willy Brandt, Former Commonwealth Sec-Gen (Papa) Emeka Anyaoku, Former World Court Judge (Papa) Bola Ajibola and UN Sec-Gen Kofi Annan to persuade and prevail upon Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to please WITHDRAW his interest and involvement in the Third Term project, and free the political cum electoral space, NOW.
As one African Family, the Mbeki/Mandela factor should help. The pressure should come from a cast of distinguished elderstatesmen, led by a sitting president with a shining armour in the subject matter. So, if I were Thabo Mbeki, I won't wait one more second. I will ACT right away:
the untainted, traditional African way. Today!
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