If I Were African Leaders....On LIBYA

As always, only the international community has stepped up to the plate on the Libyan crisis. Where is Africa?
We are not likely to hear much from this continent because our leaders love to treat their matters as a "family affair"!

Look around the region and see for yourself. Now is the time to stand up and be counted. Africa must move to give all sides the space for a peaceful and violence-free outcome. And the Libyan authorities have the primary responsibility to protect and listen to their own citizens. A civil war must be out of the question.

If I were African leaders, I will send a high-powered delegation to Tripoli TODAY! Its task is to STOP the blood-letting, and broker dialogue. It will bring back critical inputs  (including facts and figures) for an urgent AU Resolution/Intervention in partnership with the UN and International Community.

Africa must rise and take a stand in this stand-off on its own soil. We must do so TODAY!

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.

If I Were ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR on the PDP PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

We may not really know what he knows, but the astute politician has lost the ruling party’s presidential ticket for the 2011 General Elections. It was largely expected following the acrimonious manner the zoning issue was made the be all and end all of his campaign, and the unlikely harmony his camp sought from losers in the Northern Consensus Candidate brouhaha.

As an experienced gladiator and statesman, it is surprising that he is yet to congratulate President Jonathan on the landslide victory in the primary. General Babangida beat him to it!

If I were Alhaji Atiku, I will do so immediately; and genuinely mean it.

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 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!

Summer Party for Mandela and Tutu

For the outstanding African Icons and South African Legends they have been, we need to celebrate President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu the African way!

With SA's spectacular display at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it will be a breeze to host the world again - this time for true African Elders.

If I were President Jacob Zuma, I will fix this Gratitude/Thank You Party for the summer of 2011. I will get the African Union to hold a special summit during the One Month Extravaganza, and call for Solidarity Party Zones in all countries for fans and followers to enjoy - using giant T.V screens for live-casts/feeds.

Funding will be open to the world for they be true global gems. The mementos will be out-of-this-world!

I can just see this record-setting event in my mind's video: wow! And the world waits.

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.

Dokpesi vs Jonathan

Nigerians are being treated to a weird drama: A prominent media mogul seems determined to face down the president of the federation! They are both important sons of the Niger Delta region, and are both interested in the 2011 presidential election - one as aspirant, the other as campaign manager for another aspirant; all three members of the ruling party!! Throw the Oct 1 bomb blasts in the mix, including the security-quizzing of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, and we have an intriguing saga in the making!!!

Now, allegations and counter-allegations are flying and clashing around, making things messier and somewhat murkier. The final truth is weeks or months away. Is it years? We wait.

President Goodluck Jonathan must do his job as president and avoid negative politics, Dr Dokpesi must keep his focus on his job as campaign manager of ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida. Let the security agencies do their job on the bomb blasts, and AIT management do their job on the FIFA Under-17 bills charged to the FGN.

If I were these gentlemen, I'll put NIGERIA first in all thoughts, posturing, actions and prayers. Both of them can do with some intervention from GENUINE Nigerian Elders. Now.

If I Were American Voters

There is something great about believing and doing CHANGE. America has both the capacity and the capability. They must exercise these uncommon qualities NOW, and beyond.

The first test is the November mid-term elections: voters should change the wrong people - as persons, individuals - not scapegoating political parties. There are good and bad legislators in all parties, fair and foul governors in all regions. We read the opinion polls but this is my humble view.

The second test is OBAMA: voters must help him lead America confidently by protecting their mandate - his presidency. This, both within his own party and amongst the opposition. Change is not easy - Americans must endure and persevere.

The final test is REALITY: voters should realize and recognize that our world is changing, and the old order is waning. No nation can go it alone - as the world economic crises have shown. With two wars and low image ratings home and abroad, voters must put America back where she belongs: strong, fair and favoured - promoting justice, prosperity and a true Global Village.

Get the right "politicians" into office and the right policies will verily follow. Technocrats and bureaucrats do what they be asked.

If I were American Voters, meaning ALL AMERICANS, the window opens this NOVEMBER!
As an admirer of this great nation, and a fellow Global Villager, I say "May God Bless America and lead her aright". Amen.

Apologies Again? YES!

Anyone who knows Nigeria and Nigerians knows that we are very passionate about our dear nation, and go the extra mile to mull over her. We will not be put down or held down. Ask the colonialists, ask the military, ask the Third Termists! Read up on the Nigeria vs Niger Delta conundrum. Ask the so-called "cabal" that held our late President Yar'Adua and his regime by the jugular! Just to add a more current scent, ask our soccer (mis)representatives - the Super Eagles (?) – to the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa: For earning us such a poor grade, and not rising to the challenge of making Africa proud in the first-ever mundial on African soil, they are being roasted! This, despite our criminal and incriminating absence of focus, bad and improper coordination, the palpable fraud in sports administration - not unlike everywhere else - late and inadequate preparation, and an ageing squad!!

Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.

If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.

Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!

My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!

If I Were Israeli and Palestinian Leaders

Hardly anyone can feel the absence of peace, and thus the urgent need for it, than the peoples - the natives, citizens and residents - of Israel and Palestine. We their friends and well-wishers can both empathize and sympathize but we can only help them to make peace. We cannot make the tough decisions for them!

The world is changing and the leaders of both peoples must rise to the challenge this intractable project poses. Where will we be in 20 years if we do not make peace today? What will our dear children and their children say of us if we hand them this ticking time-bomb? Pray, who be the ultimate loser of this endless strife? Where else will Israel and Palestine be if not TOGETHER, as two peaceful and cooperating neighbours living side by side, meant to live together in PEACE?

The cost of leadership is pain, excruciating pain. Both Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbass painfully and personally know this - and thank God they do! We must then assure them that we also know THEY can make the toughest decisions because we know their "strength". We are grateful that the two cabinets have enough links and reach to back them. The peoples are yearning. The world is pledging. What an opening!

If I were these men, I will seize the moment. With the current realities of our globalizing world, they will find unfathomable goodwill in every country for the task. Would there be opposition? Of course. But we must listen to all sides and FIRMLY side with peace. Then, we must proceed to lovingly bring dissenters on board.

Dear Leaders, time is short! May God guide and guard you, help and honour you.

We wait.

Jubilee Knocks!

Thank God from both big and small mercies! I am writing with great gratitude myself, as with my
dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary.
Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.

As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play a worthy part in the plans for the future. These are indeed challenging times, exciting times, momentous moments.

Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan be fulfilled for country and citizen in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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.

If I Were Brown (UK), Merkel (Germany) and Sarkozy (France)

Here is my sense: Africa likes Gordon Brown. Africa is getting to like Angela Merkel. Africa wishes to like Nicholas Sarkozy. Yes. Hey, what about George W Bush? Well, after appointing two successive "Black" secretaries of state with apparently little interest in, and virtually no impact on, their mother-continent, let's pass that question. With Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US subprime crises, his plate be full.

Okay, you know I have a soft spot for these three leaders. Which is why I really want them to succeed. If they must fly in Africa, then this be the time to step ahead of the G8 and EU herd, and charge creatively, courageously and substantially forward...in their engagement with the region. Waiting on others, or sinking with their drag is a collective disaster very clear and present!

But the rationale for this distinctive and proactive intervention dates way way back, and is at once moralistic and pragmatic. If I were these conscientious leaders, I will deeply contemplate the following points/posers and act innovatively...and promptly:

Africa was partitioned and colonised at the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884. Beneficiaries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Protugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. See wikipedia on "The Scramble for Africa". Well known story. So Germany, as host, has both an "anchor" stake and genuine "motivator/mobiliser" role in the revival and regeneration of Africa, and its peoples. Dear Chancellor, get on with it!

There is a modern fine reason the country should lead the rebirth, rebuild, of Africa: History and Experience. Getting back from the World Wars, and unification after the Cold War, makes her the mirror of change. Enduring change. Taking these capacities and capabilities to Africa will work magic. Germany knows what it is to be partitioned, down and suppressed! She can very deeply empathise with our continent. So, dear Chancellor, get on with it!!

The UK (Anglophone) and France (Francophone) had and still have the dispropotionate share, colonial legacies, links and influence in Africa. In their own self-enlightened and national security interest, I strongly recommend that they act unilaterally and multi-bilaterally to help redeem the abject poverty and hopelessness in the region. If they are sincere and strategic, their sphere of influence can and should be tackled without recourse to other players, notably the US. See what China and India are doing - warts and all.

If I were Prime Minister Gordon Brown, I will take the Gleneagles & UK Commission portfolios and actualise them for "Anglophonie". If I were President Nicholas Sarkozy, I will do the same for "Francophonie".

Once on track, I will work as a TRIOKA of Brown, Merkel, Sarkozy, to drive the EU and G8 in the same direction - especially Canada, Russia, Japan. Gordon Brown can also attract Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore to the new deal.

The key is simple: Massive investment in Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Infrastructure, Telecoms and MSMEs. Special funds for MICROFINANCE to support women and youths in creating jobs through self-employment. Massive investment in Energy (hydro, solar, wind, bio). All these through public-private partnerships backed by export guarantees, plus brain drain mitigation grants and technical assistance. Finally, a Bilateral Free Trade Zone that favours Africa's farm produce and manufactures. A 10-Year Action Portfolio.

Cost? With 20 Billion Euros per year for 10 years, by each government, as catalytic funding, I believe that this will unleash the power, passion and resources of the private sector, donors and development agencies for an unprecedented turnaround in Africa! No question.

If I were these three leaders, I will sign on TODAY!

If I Were AFRICAN Leaders...on Mo Ibrahim Prize

PS: Enjoy this....

Execu-Thieves
There is no power
than pen-in-awe
and penury-in-urge
Some must pen the world
some must part with pain
quashing da morrow's gain

As the great designs unfold
they write their name
in gold...
Either as leaders or looters
whether believers or atheists
They have their goons
smashing our moons
even as they soon disgorge

New-comers come for shine
Old-hands lose the fame:
Returning large swathes
and retiring to...
da Hall of Shame

copyright Victor Onoviran 2006

Our own Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Laureate and retired UN Sec-Gen, this week announced the much-heralded and eagerly-awaited first winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. Prize money: $5m over ten years; $200,000 per annum for life; plus an additional $200,000 for good causes they espouse. This makes it the world's biggest individual prize. Thoughtful. As the Sage said ages ago, something new is always coming out of Africa! This is a grand offering by a good patriot to a grand continent. It was, thus, all ears and eyes come da grand day of its award.

And the winner....
Former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique! Bravo.

In celebrating Chissano, we remember Mandela. Da common threat is humility, heritage and selfless service. Simply putting people first!

We are proud of this Son of Africa, and can only commend his outstanding personal qualities and official performance to his other brethren right here, and around the developing world.

Da poem, pray leader, may be ya pocket clip!

If I Were Iranian Leaders (2)

The time has come for the people of the great nation of Iran to show the quality of their long and cultured ancestry - as skilled diplomats and tribes. Nothing is more helpful in the long-running nuclear power matter than the goodwill of its friends led by Russia and China.

The visit of President Putin this week, for the Caspian Sea Summit, cements the fact.

The resignation of the chief nuclear resignation should be no excuse or set-back at all. Iran is entitled to choose its officials.


If I were the country's leaders, I will honestly take up Russia's proposals and show absolute good faith in resolving this matter soonest. There is nothing to be gained in either intransigence or ego tripping. Iranian interests must be paramount, and an early resolution, not international isolation, be da KEY.

More than anything else, Iran must not deceive or disappoint its friends and supporters. The world expects its word to be its bond!

Iran wants nuclear power for peaceful purposes? Yes. Then get it by peaceful politics. Period.


The time is NOW.

If I Were Chinese Leaders...on Myanmar

This is the moment of international footwork on Myanmar. China should not only act it's special role, but must be seen to do so responsibly and respectfully. It has the track record, now, of the "moderating force" - thanks to its role in the North Korean nuclear talks.

If I were the Leaders of China, I will immediately and publicly announce a "Special Envoy to the Myanmar Process", who will work with the both the UN and ASEAN to restore peace and democracy to the reclusive and boiling nation. Things are getting pretty dangerous and tedious.

There is everything to play for in this venture. Including time.

President Hu Jintao should ACT now.

If I Were BOTH Koreas

Even the most of skeptics could not have anticipated the inspiring outcomes of the 2nd Summit of the Koreas. The Summit Declaration, among other specific elements, committed to eventual full unification of the Korean Peninsula - ROK & DPRK.

We shall see the signs early. Prime Ministers will soon meet, defence chiefs will follow. Even the cheerleaders team to the Beijing Olympics will go by train through the North. Most important, however, is President Kim Jong II's personal confirmation to denuclearise the peninsula. It is in this realm that their ambition to work through a four-party talks to formally end the Cold War - with a permanent peace treaty - lifts the soul. Four-party? Yes: ROK, DPRK, US, PRC.

I saw these prospects in my incurable optimism for world peace when President Roh Moo-hyun pointedly asked President George Bush, at the last ASEAN Summit in Australia, to name a date for withdrawing American troops from South Korea. Mr Bush was jolted, but recovered fast to insist on considering such possibility ONLY after the North ends its nuclear programme. Peace, final peace, was in sight!

If I were the TWO Koreas, I will make things move quick, very quick. The North must end its nuclear programme, under the six-party talks, quick. The South will flood the North with new investments, under a special industrialisation programme. China and Japan will invest in both infrastructure and agriculture to upgrade both physical and human capital. The West (EU and US) will support export development. Russia and Canada will guarantee future energy needs of the peninsula. The AU will back strategic raw materials in a Special Africa-Korea Partnership. The UN will move in to secure a rapid & sustainable MDGs programme.

Voila!

Once the land is fully demilitarised, the huge annual costs of keeping 28,000 US troops and its DPRK opposites will be funneled into regeneration and renewal of the Unified Korea.

And by the way, America needs her troops back for homeland security!

If I were BOTH Koreas - leaders and citizens, alike - I will push and push, work and work, like hell; then pray and pray, like heaven; for....full peace & complete unification.

Timeline? Yes:
Peace Treaty - 12 Months.
Complete Unification (learning from the German experience) - 60 Months.

From this day, Pyongyang and Seoul must stay on da same page.

If I Were Opposition Parties...on Local Elections

Let's face it: winning is sweet! In all cases. Okay, in most cases - for, sometimes, there is "hollow victory"! And, on somethings, pray, it's better to let go. Like all them family feuds and all them nasty work-place wars!

In this country, I counsel that you should work to win: fairly and honourably. Then, please work with the mandate, the mantle. That...is sweet victory! Yes, whether business or politics.

The masquerades behind the April Elections' saga have not been legally and finally unmasked. It may yet take a while. No matter. But their space is being squeezed, their pace being punctured, and their face being fattened for the ultimate slammer - da court of justice, and da people's boo!
All matter.

What then were the principal lessons of the rigger's heist from April? Very simple, folks, very very simple:

A) The power of incumbency was used, abused and misused. Opposition parties must weigh their chances. If da ruling party or dominant forces in the state are not serving the people well, the it should be easy to form a winning alliance...to take power.

B) If the ruling party be too strong to be successfully dislodged, wise opposition parties should explore its underbelly for deals: put up superstars with threatening local appeal, and negotiate some working collaboration or "unity government" agreement - without merger or acquisition!

In other words, let's maintain the beauty and benefits of democratic pluralism.

There is no better place and time to display your party's appeal and electoral prospects than at the grassroots polls. If your party be worth anything, show us in the local government elections. Here, costs are lower, seats are many and diverse, and voters are freer and more daring!

Finally, if you truly wish for your party to grow and spread over time, you must start grabbing, holding and growing council seats for grassroots representation. It is a winning formula for all.

So, if I were Nigeria's opposition parties, THIS will be my chance to put up quality candidates and put everything behind them...to win. This is also the chance to prove that opposition politics is not just about personal interests and primitive contestation. Let the best candidates win!

This is THE time...

If I Were Nigeria's Media...on FOI and other Matters

The Nigerian Press cannot be the friends of Nigerian Politicians. Never...if the political class does not mend its ways!

It is therefore only in the constitution that the press can find and anchor its security, its sanity, its sustenance and ...its salvation. Not with the politician!

I have more robust and ambitious, if provocative, propositions for the future of this Fourth Estate of the Realm. It's for another day...soon. Right now, there is a short agenda the media must pursue - in all our interest, and in the light of the goings-on in the land.

If I were the Nigerian Press, the fearless Nigerian Media, I will send a high-level, high-powered, delegation to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, The Senate & House Leaderships, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (as the Three Arms of Government) on the under-listed urgent matters:

a) The immediate passing of the Freedom of Information Bill into law
b) The immediate removal of ALL impediments to ICT propagation, Book Development and Printing/Publishing Sector survival, and transportation infrastructure - through fiscal and legislative interventions (starting with zero-taxation)
c) Immediate establishment of a first class "Cluster-Matrix National Library and Archives"
d) Establishment of National Ombudsman Service with States' Counterparts negotiated

These are concise self-evident lapses that need to be redressed/addressed asap.

As a servant-leader, I can see every reason why the president will join forces with the media to actualise this urgent agenda without any qualms or misgiving. With the judiciary, no problem. It is of the legislature that we must be wary and wily! Why? C'mon, I shall not be tempted!

So, if I were the Nigerian Media, I will drop darkly hints - sweet but unnerving - with all the humility in da world, as our delegation departs them legislative chambers!

Since we may not, do not, cannot, and must not trade our integrity, a word shall be enough for the wise. And, pray silence, aren't they WISE in them places!!!