If I Were Nigerian Leaders

2007 is a heart-beat away. I mean, the 2007 General Elections. From all indications, none of our political leaders, especially in the elected Executive Branch, have enough confidence in their deputies to succeed them! And that is from president to governors!! Food for thought, isn't it?

We don't know if this is deliberate or coincidental. But, hey, this is bad bad news. It makes a full mockery of pupillage and mentorship. It means that we have little regard for orderly succession. Is this politics, or politricks? No matter.

In trying to remove the vice president from office for decamping from the ruling party, the PDP and their leaders must follow due process. That is, through and only at the National Assembly. Period. Not otherwise. The president and his political party simply do not have such powers as they now arrogate to themselves: to declare the post vacant or to sack the veepee. No!

If I were Nigerian leaders - political, spiritual, temporal, business, diplomatic, traditional, civil society - I will rise up to the challenge. This is the time to be real and robust. The PDP has itself not always played by the rules; it has benefited from decamping, defections, cross-carpeting, and anti-party activities at all levels since1999. Despite Supreme Court judgments, it has sought political solutions to several constitutional fiascos when it suited its leaders. Hey, they should come to equity with clean hands!

Am I suggesting political immorality, rascality or shenanigans? Hell, no! The many hell-holes and loop-holes and inconsistencies in the grundnorm must be addressed. The majority PDP-led administration had all of EIGHT years to do so, but chose not to. It suited them to exploit the huge weaknesses in the current constitution. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost!!!

Nigerian leaders need to act right away, to stop this brewing and avoidable crisis. We sure do not need it at all. Let everyone be patient and tolerant until April 2007, when we vote in new political leaders, and then we will make amends. If we didn't correct these ills since 1999 and the heavens didn't fall, we can surely wait a few months! Leave Atiku alone, please.

Let's face it: a PDP that could not muster the needed votes for the botched Third Term Agenda will never be able to do so now. It is therefore incumbent on its leaders, especially the president, to stand back from this fancy flight and simply concentrate on a successful free and fair elections in the few months ahead. President Obasanjo should throw his considerable official weight and boundless energy behind the wobbling/faltering voters registration exercise - which is now running Nigerians really mad, and smelling like a huge political catastrophe-in-the-making!

If I were Nigerian leaders, I will work with our president, and help the PDP, make our civilian to civilian political transition a huge success. Let's leave Vice President Atiku Abubakar alone. We have had, and have tolerated, so many constitutional breaches in this dispensation. Let's learn from the Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, whose deputy is also contesting on a rival party's ticket. He says let it be! The same is happening in Jigawa State, where both the ruling PDP and the opposition are mutually benefiting! So, why not at the presidency? Simply ignore it, or use the proverbial political. It's only a few months! Hey, aren't we living with worse things in other spheres right now??? We called them "the learning process"!!! No matter.

Closing advice for the ruling party: Be careful what you wish. It may happen! If the veepee wins in this avoidable battle, many of your hurt and disgruntled aspirants from the recent primaries will jump ship - unless you do have some special (EFCC?) hold on them!! So, folks, be very very careful.

Pray, President Olusegun Obasanjo and PDP Chairman Ahmadu Ali have to save us all any further heating up of our polity.

Let our leaders join the duo, TODAY, to bring us peace.

Yes, PEACE.

If I Were Niger Delta Leaders (1)

As we move inexorably towards the 2007 Elections, all bets are now off. The politics of issues and ideas must be forced to the fore. The best way to prosecute this is through special interest groups and pragmatic negotiations. It will be rough and tough, because our politicians are quite crafty and shifty. Many are corrupt, many corruptible. But this is the golden opportunity, now that we know them and their antics, their weaknesses.

First, is to ascertain and aggregate the power of your block-votes as well as the field of political parties. Second, is to survey the sea of contestants/aspirants as well as their temperament for social and economic justice - a thorough review of their pedigree/antecedence. Then, you invite them for dialogue....and a deal. Do so openly, transparently...and a touch of ceremony!

Leaders of our region must rise up to the challenge this time. If I were them, I will draw up a "Contract with the Niger Delta People" which will contain the needs and aspirations of the zone, and demand specific acts and actions across the board. This will be multi-tiered and multiplex, disaggregated/delineated according to office sought, and timelined. It will be heavily canvassed to individuals and parties alike. "If you want our vote, no matter your party, sign on"! The people of the region deserve to get fair-minded and empathetic politicians on their side. So, we must help install them in office...and hold them accountable thereafter.

If and when this is done, the scramble will be instant and contagious. It is a strategic medicine for an old and neglected ill.

Embrace.

If I Were President (The Madiba) Nelson Mandela

Africa is now at a cross-roads! We can make a complete and confounding positive turnaround or head totally in the opposite direction - depending on what the current crop of leaders choose to do and/or not do. It is that simple, and that tricky! If I were Nelson Mandela, retired president of South Africa, elder statesman, crusading icon, moral barometer and African legend, I will now step in because I do KNOW the dangers, and have always embraced the golden duty to do good.

And here is why: The creeping intolerance, sit-tight tendencies, merciless looting, hounding of all and any opponents, the crude use of power and debasement of democracy make the story of our political leadership and national development on this continent a sorry tale indeed. And we must worry. The statistics and indicators are not good at all. We must all worry. If I were President Mandela, I will be "The Chief of all Worriers"!

Not total woes, though. Two recent meetings on the continent's future give us great hope: The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and the Africa-South America Summit in Abuja are very promising. They can help us achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, faster. They can also move us into solid sustainable development realms within a decade. And that is both the real promise and the lurking problem! Which is why we need Madiba...now. We must use WHO we have to get and gain WHAT we need/want!

Pa Mandela should summon ALL African leaders to Pretoria immediately, and help us BEG them to give our continent and race the right leadership, the undiluted loyal service, the honour of creation by which we be the "Cradle of Humanity/Humankind", the glory of our rich heritage, and the beauty of our deserved destiny...so that the African Renaissance may become the solid reality we have been yearning and striving for. Papa should also BEG/ASK all our long-serving leaders to kindly step down through immediate systematic and credible democratic transition.

They should all be gunning for world acclaim and our gratitudes, including honours like that of the recently-endowed Mo Ibrahim African Leadership Prize plus the verdict of posterity.

Why Mandela? Because he has done exactly what I ask him to extract from our leaders. Hey, why not Mandela? Is it for nothing that Time Magazine honoured him among the 60 Heroes of our time, in its 60th Anniversary Issue (November 13, 2006).......saying, "with Mandela, and because of Mandela, no noble cause is unachievable"! The tribute was penned, for Time, by Gordon Brown, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer - the man who helped persuade G8 countries to increase debt relief and aid for Africa, and the Prime Minister-in-waiting!!

Papa, I beg o....ACT fast!

If I Were President (Papa) Jacques Chirac

Papa is our endearing title for ELDERS here in my part of the world. For President Jacques Chirac of France, it is time to serve our recommendations...on his future role(s) as an elder statesman. If I were Papa Chirac, I would ensure that I help France to elect the best leader to succeed me. One who will best heal the nation and lead the country into the 21st century, as a key EU player and a responsible and proud world power. Nothing will better serve the land that gave him ...so much! That done, he can retire in deserved honour.

To achieve this feat calls for a level-playing field for all contestants in the next elections. He must play the role of "Father of the Nation" in this regard. He should not contest as is being speculated. This is the right time to bow out in humility and good grace. 2007 is it.

In retirement, Monsieur Chirac should take up the leadership mantle of "Chief Crusader for Organic Foods & Drinks". He is eminently qualified and suited to succeed.

My recommendations are based on his global stature plus the French legendary taste for good food and excellent wine. He has lived across many decades, has a great spouse and can guide us all on this issue. To do so now will truly help our world. We need to retreat from junk foods and unhealthy drinks. He should teach us some elegance-in-wellness. The world must return to nature, and natural ways. We need to do so TODAY!

Let President Chirac look forward to an exciting future in this area, and join the same global stage where upon President Bill Clinton serves now ...in glory, and to warm acclaim.

If I were Papa Jacques Chirac, I will use the fertile lands of Africa to jump-start the crusade. This will be a well-deserved payback to the ever-loyal and long-suffering FRANCOPHONIE. And it will be so very sweet indeed!

If I Were Nigeria's Judiciary

The future of our democracy and true federalism is entwined with the integrity, courage and justness of the judiciary - as a key pillar of the "checks and balances" provided for by the 1999 Constitution. Happenings in the polity since 1999 have been worrisome, sometimes despicable. And the judiciary has been at the centre of some really ugly smears, and rightly at the receiving end of public opprobrium. Pretty messy and sad.

From excessive delays in resolving the 2003 elections' petitions, to corruption-induced and curious impeachment meddlesomeness, to other judgements that demean the temple of justice, several judges have muddied the waters. Media reports and editorials have been scathing and relentless, yet things are slow to change.

Now, the golden opportunity has finally been offered by the Oyo State impeachment saga, ruled on by the Appeal Court and appealed to the Supreme Court. All eyes are now on their lordships!

If I were the apex court, I will act on behalf of the JUDICIARY, and save Nigerians from all vestiges of miscarriage of justice and contempt of court judgements. I will use the case to reset the past, cast the present and protect the future of Nigeria's democracy. Our pronouncements will be comprehensive, decisive, deep and robust. No question.

The icing on the cake? This will be a befitting tribute and worthy legacy to the Chief Justice, Alfa Belgore, who retires at year's end. What a chance!

If I Were World Leaders at UN General Assembly 2006

There is no better moment or platform for world leaders to show leadership than this year's United Nations General Assembly (GA). Their job is cut out for them: World Peace and Ending Poverty. The absence of these is tearing the world apart. It is their lot to sort things out, today.

To achieve these goals, we must stop all crises, conflicts and wars - wherever they may be - and put more resources into welfare, new jobs, better technologies and shared prosperity.

The world is one Global Village now, and world leaders must stop deluding themselves about both this reality and its imperative for mutuality in all its ramifications. That old song about national security, exclusivity-in-sovereignty, zero-game trade and the impunity of power can no longer sell. Multilateralism is it.

And that is what the UN is about, isn't it?

So, why would world leaders not seize the moment...and give us real stuff? Why should we be left wondering why they bother to come to the GA ritualistically, if all we hear are same of the same - with nothing new, nothing profound, nothing uplifting? We must say, "no more!".

If I were these world leaders, I will pursue things and thoughts that will truly develop the world and edify our common humanity. I will be fresh, ambitious, inspiring and ....concrete.

If I were a member of this powerful, but so far unaccountable club, I will openly and proudly challenge my colleagues to ACT in the world's interest NOW. I will stand to be counted on the side of justice, truth, and...honour.

GA 2006 will be my podium, and my pact, with the peoples of the world. Yes, of our common heritage; and, yes, our only Global Village!

If I Were The UN Security Council....On Darfur, Sudan

Even before the latest bomb-shell from Khartoun, asking the AU peace-keeping mission to leave by end-September when their current mandate expires, it was always going to be quite tricky tackling the long-running Darfur problem. The world waited for too long before its half-hearted response, and very weak intervention.

Despite the Abuja Accord, and the recent Security Council approval for a robust international force to go secure the peace, new impetus was already imperative - for a lasting solution.

As things stand now, confidence must be rebuilt. If I were the UN Security Council, I will set up a Special Commission headed by former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, with the following eminent members: former UN secretary general Boutrous Boutrous-Ghali, former British prime minister John Major, former US secretary of state Colin Powell, Nigeria's former foreign affairs minister Olu Adeniji, and Nobel peace laureates Wangari Maathai (Kenyan) and Shirin Ebadi (Iranian).

Abuja should continue to provide the secretariat, with backstopping by Beijing and New York.

The Jiang Commission should help tidy up the crisis, and oversea the implementation of all UN resolutions in this regard. It will then draw on the critical strengths of the UN, AU, the US, UK and the Arab League, as well the special leverage of China, Nigeria and Egypt. The women will help balance the critical gender and peace elements, bringing the considerable moral weight of the NOBEL mystique as well as the voice of motherhood to the bargain.

If I were the UN Security Council, I will act in this manner within a WEEK. The African Union's mission expires on September 30, remember?

Peace.

If I Were Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

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!

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.

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 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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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 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!

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 Obasanjo (2)

Today, let's start the REFORMS talk. Its purpose. Its prospects. Its content. Its continuity. And then, its consequences. Anyone who knows our country, Nigeria, must applaud Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for some of the courageous steps he has taken towards the long-overdue reforms in the economy. Sadly, it is not happening in politics and democracy. And that, to many, is the paradox. Dear me, that is a long story!

With barely 12 months to the official end of their tenure, all political office holders should now be ready to truly sacrifice for Nigeria. They have had their place, their pace and their face. They must now create the space for sustainable reforms and enduring change. The place to start is the PRESIDENCY, within the federal administration. The Nigerian bureaucratic behemoth so-called is an unwieldy conglomeration housing everything from the state house to the cabinet office, from the emergency agency to the boundary commission, from the civil service chief to a pool of conference vehicles their drivers, from civil servants housing and numerous guest houses to obscure parastatals, from the presidential air and land fleet to several research/training institutions. It is a breath-taking octopus and bewildering panorama!

If you thought the manpower needed for running this compelling curiosity were a study in Third World management miracles, you have a mesmerising missile yet coming: There is an unwieldy cabinet of about 50 ministers, scores of special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, consultants and political jobbers, with their own retinues of staffers and hangers-on. The Nigerian Presidency boasts the largest bureaucracy in the universe. And, it's largely believed, wastefully so! Had to dispute.

Well, in defence of the president, our constitution short-sightedly decreed a federal cabinet of at least one member from each state of the federation - which means 36 to start with! But, hey, these guys had 7 years before now to get rid of that nonsense - amend the military-imposed document. They did not. If the president stuck to the minimum, there should be less wastage. He didn't. In fact, he compounded it by his clearly over-bloated and overlapping appointments. Some supporters insist that this was a political expediency. Hard to agree. With this president's legendary obstinacy (ask the labour leaders!) , which he prefers to proudly celebrate as "Owu stubbornness" (i.e. from his ethnic heritage!), his spin-doctor's should try again!

If Chief Obasanjo truly means well for his legacy through the current reforms, he must reform and transform the presidency TODAY. He must get the constitution to reflect the "leaner government" decency of modernity and productive discipline of the new millennium. It is absolutely imperative that a new administration does not inherit this abnormality. What is a sensible and suitable rightsizing level? Look around the globe for lessons and lay your level. But, for God's sake, do it. Thankfully, we have paid enough for his study tours and state visits to equip him with first class case studies and enduring best practices.

If I were the president, I will not ignore the damning publications, in and out of the country, which suggest that The Presidency houses the largest proportion of the nation's corrupt practices. And for good measure, I should unleash the anti-corruption attack-dogs on all such criminals. TODAY! If they find nothing, hurray - one more honour for the reforms. We shame the writers and their paymasters! Sound case for doing it. So I will.

With this baggage off my back, I should begin a redefinition of my roles and reforms for a new Nigeria. If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo, the real reforms starts anew, afresh and ablast! Watch my moves....

If I Were In Forbe's Top 10 Billionaires

Wealth. What a wind!
In its breadth, we catch our breath
By its storm, stomachs reform
For it sake, our world be staked
Wealth. What a wind!
The rich, and their reach
is the story of niche
or the gory in breach
Remain O'Wealth
for the land to grow
Riches. What a caste!


In honour of the billionaires, we must thank time, chances and reason. May we begrudge not the rich, nor stammer when we praise. I salute them.

Now, the demand. If I were a billionaire, and be in the League of Ten (L10), here is what I'd muse:

a. With so much poverty around the globe, how best can I not add to misery anywhere - but bring smiles to faces by this pouch.

b. Everywhere we turn there are voices and masses. Is anyone listening? Since our Club is about 1000 Members, how can we get talking....and, as Bill Clinton is now insisting through his Global Initiative, get on to walking the talk?

c. The future of our planet demands special talents and new politics. May I be able to join forces with New Thinkers, today!

d. What is this whole "Tales of the Unexpected from Africa" - Cradle of Humankind??? How can I help retrace the Golden Steps? Where be the KEY and the Hidden Gate so missed, this very long???

e. How can we invest in the International Space Station to make it more pro-PEOPLE, including support for a Space Hotel & Conference Resort plus Spiritual Retreat facilities? Can I work with Richard Branson and his BrainWaves goals?? And, why not???

f. Who succeeds me, personally, and us - billionaires - as a block? Would they make our wealth a bother? burden? or blaster? when we be gone?? Can we learn from Bill Gates in this respect??? And, why not????

If I were in the League of Ten, I will love and live the Club, and be at peace with myself. Then, export peace around the world. The wealth so given will ooze soothing breeze, not stir the whirlwind.

If I Were President Bush

There are moments, and there will be MOMENTS. Not many find the difference, very few spot the current. I believe that George W Bush has a date with history, and he can still make a new deal with HISTORY - the author of all things! If I were President Bush, I will take a personal retreat for self-assessment and legacy-assurance. When I return, it will be new business and never business as usual. Here is why.....

1. The United States of America, US, is too integral and important to our world for it to be taking the kind of bashing it currently endures. It hurts all.

2. There is nothing any country can do successfully alone today in world trade, drugs war, global terrorism, diplomacy and national security. That is why Russia, a cold war foe of the West, is a strategic partner in the international space center, and today chairing the G8. That is why the US embraces Pakistan as an ally despite being essentially a military regime. And that is why Western leaders and world class businesses have embraced China despite being a communist state.

3. The so-called clash of civilisations is seen largely as a war between America and Arabs, such that protests over the "Danish Newspaper Cartoon" saga were usually incomplete without roping in US interests!

4. In this new millenniun, cooperation and collaboration must be the bedrock of our world, to make it the true Global Village.

5. It seems clear that many of those bashing the US are not anti-America as they are anti-Bush Administration. Polls after polls point to this common sentiment.

6. Iraq is not going well at all. And it resonates around the globe as it does in mainstream America. The 3rd anniversary worldwide protests/demonstrations last week speak to this fact. And I suspect that many Americans would be pretty uneasy when the president said, a few days ago, that future US presidents and Iraqi governments will decide the fate of American troops' tenure in the troubled country. They would be there for years, Mr Bush declared! Well, that will hurt, all round.

Now, if I were President Bush, I will make surprise my magic wand. Fresh from my retreat, I will launch a Telephony Offensive. See who I will be calling, charming and challenging....

a. A G4 Meeting of US, EU, China and India to sweeten the sour trade grapes in their relations.

b. A special summit of the UN Security Council and Arab Leaders to deploy Moslem Troops to Iraq, and withdraw current coalition forces - with substantial US Funding - in 12 months.

c. Personal invitations to the leaders of Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria for well-packaged and publicised state reciprocal visits. President Nixon did it with China, and President Reagan with the USSR. The world is better for both.

d. Immediate embrace of the Kyoto Agreement, with fast-track US leadership.

e. Personal dialogue with disagreeing South American Leaders.

After the calls, and while the world is catching its breath, I will disband Gitmo and get my staff to draw up a water-tight Work Schedule for my new offensive. Then, we shall commence the congress rounds.

If I were President George W Bush, you wouldn't have me for Polls Meal any longer!

If I Were President Obasanjo (1)

Charity, they say, begins at home. I start this series from my homeland. And for very good, topical reason. We are in the election build up to 2007. The president and most of the governors are in their last and final term according to the 1999 constitution which brought them into office.
A long overdue review, inexplicably delayed for all of 7 years, is now being railroaded in what many believe is a blatant attempt at self-perpetuation in office. Beneficiaries? The president and the governors, who are preponderantly of his political party. Losers? Nigerians and the new democratic project.

If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will address the nation tonight and reaffirm my oath to protect, preserve and defend Nigeria, her democracy and best heritage. I will forswear and disown the ogre of "Third Term", and slay the dragon of instability it is now breeding in the land. Here is why......

A. The question of legacy. What should Obasanjo be noted and remembered for? Development or Democracy; Unity or Disintegration?

B. Personal Status and Stature. What does the president crave? Tallness of the "Political Iroko" hue? Or diminution of the "Perishable Sunflower" glow?

C. National Image and Black World's Leadership. Does he want to assure the continuity of our "Right & Rising" glory? Or lead Nigeria back to its "Past Pariah" ignominy?

D. The Crowd. Which group is Obasanjo listening to? Or instigating? The sane one? Or the sycophantic one? The voice of dispassionate sincerity or that of self-serving sentiments?

E. History. Has the president checked and rechecked the past? Even the recent past? He should. All those who supported his unjust conviction and jailing by a former dictator, who also sought life-presidency, are now beating the same drums for him! Many of those who came back to disown and betray former sit-tight dictators are now in the president's corner!! Bet, their leopard will never change its spots!!!

If I were President Obasanjo, I will seize the moment. At 70 years in 2007, it will be an oddity and deficit payback (to a nation that gave him so much!) for this president to be blocking others, especially the younger generations, from serving their country at the highest position in political governance. Even he would be the first to admit that Nigeria is blessed with lots of well-exposed, superior-educated, highly successful professionals and businesspeople as well as some decent politicians, who can and should lead their country into the new millennium. It is fraudulent, dishonest, immoral and unpatriotic to claim otherwise - as some "Third Term" proponents are trumpeting. See the sterling performance of Dr Iyabode Obasanjo-Bello, the president's first daughter, as Health Commissioner in Ogun State! And, for that matter, the cerebral and courageous (if impolitic!) press interviews/friendly chatters of his son, Gbenga.

If I were the president, nothing will stand between me and my Christian faith and Christ-like fidelity. My Jesus - the Saviour, Lord & Master - left at the appointed time (despite all temptations at Gethsemane!!!). To ensure continuity, he assured His disciples of the bestowal of the Comforter (Holy Spirit), which will guide them....To do even greater things than He(Jesus, The Christ) did!!!

Remember: Jesus, in overcoming the flesh, declared "Father, thy will be done!". If I were Chief Matthew Okikiola Olusegun Obasanjo, by the grace of God and the will of Nigerians, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will seize the moment. And in this surprise broadcast, tagged Special Presidential Address For A Greater Nigeria, I will thus declare: Fellow Nigerians, May Your Will Be Done. This Day, I Proclaim A Vacancy In The Presidency Of Our Dear Country, Come May 2007. Let The Race For A Worthy Successor Commence! God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria. A Blessed NIGERIA.