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October 1, 2001: Opportunity for reflection; Not for merriment We are beginning to read of the 'Mistake of 1999' in some northern circles. They are ashamed to remind the country of the 'Mistake of 1914' because they thought that they had overcome and had successfully turned the 'Mistake of 1914' into the 'Blessing of 1914' and the 'Blessing of of 1960'. Prof. Omo Omoruyi. What has junketing in foreign countries got to do with this project of national recovery? G. G. Darah The salutary effects of Sharia The uneasy quiet between the Moslem and Christians of the north has taken a jolt. Ogaranya Uju Afulezi... "I am not from the Middle belt. As far as I am concerned, there is no Middle Belt". Edwin Madunagu In lieu of an outright bail out from Nigeria, the Yorubas are reluctant Nigerians. Kayode Samuel Anyim versus Egwu and 'the state of emergency' Common sense should tell us that it will come to naught for the legislature to create a state of affairs they are not constitutionally equipped to manage, for, declaring a state of emergency is not the same as fixing one's wages. Prof. Mike Ikhariale Bracing for a national conference The Nigerian National conference, when its time has finally come, promises a readership of views that would be at cross purposes, conflicting and confusing. Akin Akinola. MKO Abiola and the crises of the national question in Nigeria The present federal government is a case in point; it is an "army arrangement". The death of Abiola and the presidency of Obasanjo brought this phenomenon forcibly home for us to see. Ibiyinka Solarin The Kano State government and Ajino-moto economics Under construction at the end of the close is a beautiful palatial home with green roofs in which a mosque has been constructed of the type aptly labeled by the Hausas "Allah ga naka" meaning "God here is your share [of my loot]. Sanusi L. Sanusi We have less than a minute to zero hour to act, and if an upstart major were to go on the radio now to announce he has fixed the Naira exchange rate at one to the dollar, Nigerians would dance in the streets. Naiwu Osahon Who owns Kano? Ilorin and the crises of Fulani identity The Fulani traditional rulership has constructed a social identity around Islam in such a way as to deny Hausas and other peoples in the Fulani ruled communities an independent ethnic identity, and by so doing arrogate their political representatives. Femi Awoniyi Federalism, the Constitution and Resource Control: My response The tragedy of the Niger-Delta is that those who control, manage and exploit its petroleum resources, i.e the oil companies and those in control of the federal government, live far away from the Niger Delta. Prof. Itse Sagay The coming of the progressives, et al It needs no restating that Nigeria's politics has been shaped and dictated more by ethnic considerations and primordial cleavages than ideological posturing. Senator Olorunnimbe Farunkanmi Political Generals should go to Oputa Panel: no Negotiation For those Arewa leaders who are busy negotiating with the Oputa Commission. One should ask, why did IBB, Buhari and Abubakar give the north such a bad name? Prof. Omo Omoruyi Nigeria and the census question Nigerians and indeed the entire country and the international community expects and await a census this year for the first time since 1963 under a democratically elected government. Hon. Martins Yellowe Corporate governance and the enterprise culture: Pointers for Nigeria's transition economy Corporate governance and the enterprise culture have become important for the survival of companies and indeed national economies in the increasingly global economy. Chief Emeka Anyaoku Unsettled accounts with the SNC In the alternative, Dr. Madunagu should pack his baggage and leave this country for the rest of us ethnic chauvinists to sort out ourselves. Ochuko Saduwa Deep down in his troubled soul, he knows that he is responsible for the excruciating level of poverty in this land today and the increased level of ethnic hatred. Akanbi Ojunmoola Re-visiting the identity card project Having regard to the above issue, it really is tantamount to selective justice for some to have been spared indictment. Prof. O. T. Adegbomire Oputa vs. the disobedient generals But as long as top officers continue to hesitate over court summonses, the impression is given that if anyone pushes too hard, they will simply take over. Chinyere Omenka. The Euphoric Republic of Biafra The mobilization of Ibos towards self determination is not a bad idea, but what is ODIOUS is to cultivate the culture of rejuvenated selfishness that is now pervading Nigeria brought about by those who will never see virtue in others. Odindu Odunze, PhD Problems of the present economic programs We must continue to condemn Abacha for his gruesome human rights record, the unprecedented state terror unleashed on the Nigerian people, but we must note his stand against the rampaging demands of the IMF. Chief Bassey Ekpo Bassey There are too many Nancy, child slaves and forced African prostitutes in Europe to be ignored. Chike E. Okafor Policy focus and value systems in high education The time has come for a major national dialogue on the way forward. Chief Udo Ekaette, mni Lucky is that nation which never lacks for rebels because they are amongst the greatest beneficiaries of mankind. Dele Shobowale Text of the ruling on the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court on the Resource Control suit. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Transition politics and Nigeria's search for sustainable democracy Here now rises the fundamental question: how do we erect the requisite set of values to construct our own social structure. Chimaroke Nnamani Deep seated uncertainty in Nigeria; If another four years of Obasanjo? The Nigerian political class should note that this 'deep seated uncertainty' gives rise to citizens lack of faith in the system, which is extended to the lack of faith in the capacity of the political order to deliver on the problem within the period of one term. Prof. Omo Omoruyi The federal government is assuming the status of a military junta to intimidate its CLIENT states to submission. G. G. Darah An analysis of the Supreme Court ruling on Resource Control jurisdiction challenge His Lordship was of the view that the interpretation of S. 162 of the Constitution was not a claim before the court and could not therefore confer jurisdiction on the court. Funke Aboyade The three civil wars of Nigeria If the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable, then neither are true federalism and resource control. Tony Marinho Obasanjo, the civil war and resource control Nigeria liberated the Niger Delta from Biafra thirty years ago, Why has the resources not been returned to the owner since then? General Alexander Madiebo rtd. A new concept has emerged in discourses on the nation's political economical problematic. Kofo Awosika The point that seems to escape Macebuh, is that while in economically advanced societies, privatization often liberate human energy, creativity and initiative; in economically regressing societies, it is often a symptom of the failure of governance and the collapse of the moral will. Adebayo Williams African women and female circumcision Its practice is not necessarily an indication of the powerlessness of women. Its persistence may be better explained by the desire of embattled people to hold on to what they have come to accept as traditional. Mojubaolu Okome Resolving the legitimacy crisis: From the 'will of the north' to the 'will of Nigerians' They are planning to use the National Assembly to run the clock on the president who may never get anything done under one term. Prof. Omo Omoruyi ... The rights exercisable over the territorial sea exist by the sheer virtue of the water being part of the territory of the littoral state. By Emeka Akabogu, Esq. Resource Control jams National Conference The request for Resource Control and the demand for the convocation of a National Conference recently received disparate government responses. Ola Amupitan Brain drain is an euphemism for modern slavery The best brains of Africa now reside outside the continent for a variety of reasons. Okenwa R. Nwosu, MD Basic needs and re-distributive justice in Islam: The panacea to poverty in Nigeria The truth is as follows: The people responsible for the plight of the Muslim northerners are no other than the northern Muslim elite. Sanusi L. Sanusi Time to pray for Nigeria's future. By M. C. K. Ajuluchukwu A Nigerian military in support of democracy? Not yet! A highly politicized armed forces should not be expected to support a free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Conditions for national integration I posit that, from the convenient or self serving Lugardian amalgamation [very apt word indeed] of 1914, till date, we have not significantly succeeded to have national integration as well as, or, with pari pasu national cohesion. Prof. Tam David-West Organized campaign in defense of Bala Usman and the breakdown in Nigeria's national consesus In several pockets of human history, groups and individuals who assume the status of aristocrats have claimed the significant privilege of insulting others. Prof. Peter Ekeh SNC: The people versus anti conferees Every Nigerian believes something is wrong with the Nigerian Nation as it is presently, and that a lot needs to be done to move Nigeria from a 'geographical expression' to a Nation State. Mike Igini It was very clear from the book that Sheik Gumi regarded Buhari as irreligious, unjust, arrogant, wicked and a bad Moslem leader. Agbaje Goriite The Yoruba Nation and self determination That Nigeria is a country under siege is apt and incontrovertible. Its political history since independence in 1960 has been characterized by an avalanche of avoidable political tragedies caused by a tiny clique of military and political adventurers. Ganiyu Adams Nigeria's nationality question, democracy and options for survival Everyone at the Conference expressed commitment to the unity and indivisibility of Nigeria but no one supports such unity unconditionally. Cornelius Adebayo The North must be warned about the tick that attaches itself to the dog. It convinces itself that it is killing the dog, yet it will kill the dog alright, but what happens to it after that? Kola Animashaun Need for a truly democratized polity As I am inclined to support the view that our current Democracy is transitional, it would be safe to assume that the democratization process can never be conclusive. Olorogun Felix Ibru Every oil windfall has created policy shocks that have increased uncertainty and resulted in the retrenchment rather than real growth of the Nigerian economy. Pat Utomi The treasury secretary of states of the federation had better bring this to the attention of their governors to begin to request for identification and accounting for the monthly exchange Naira gains accruing from the daily devaluations. Harry Mukoro You are about to say damn the whole system, then you remember military rule and you say it could be worse. But, why can it not be better. Pat Utomi These are very exciting times and also trying historical circumstances for the Nigerian armed forces. Adm. Augustus Aikhomu [rtd] Nigeria: Federalism, the constitution and Resource Control In the beginning there was no Nigeria. By Prof. Itse Sagay The real element that must be factored into the calculation by those rooting for him, is the critical fact that not all that is possible is probable. Prof. Mike Ikhariale GENERALS ARE COMING: should they be welcome? if not / why not? Parts 1-5 What shall Nigerians do with the generals who are coming into politics in large numbers? Should these Generals be welcome? If not, why not? And how can we stop them if we want to stop them legitimately. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Antecedents of the Fourth Republic My concern here is very simple, embarrassingly simple. It is the periodisation of the political history of Nigeria since Independence. Edwin Madunagu Bala Usman and his rulebook of Nigerian politics The essays seem to reveal a deep sense of desperation, on the part of the Northern elites to hold on to a faulty system of governance. Onoawarie Edevbie Sharia: Attorney General of the Federation has locus standi to sue One of the most contentious public issues in Nigeria today is whether wholesale declaration of Sharia by some states of the federation, particularly from the North, is constitutional or otherwise. Sebastian Hon, Esq. Nigeria has a balance of power problem Balance of power implies an objective arrangement in which there is relatively widespread satisfaction with the distribution of power so that no one actor or group of actors can hold others to ransom "with impunity" Taiwo Akinola Democracy: bonding with the people Irrespective of the role of the elites, God help the nation that takes the people for granted, that makes the people feel that the priorities of government and the political parties are not their own. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi A nation in search of direction There is an unimaginable fierce opposition to and threat of secession if derivation is ever contemplated, some opinion even drew allusion to how weakened the federal government would be if derivation formula is ever contemplated. Ritchie Ejiofor, Esq This massive and continuous exploitation has been sustained by the structure of power in Nigeria which has been weighted against the people of the Niger Delta from the last phase of de colonization to the present. Edwin Madunagu "The Mischief of History: Bala Usman's unmaking of Nigeria's History" It is a strange piece of irony that a man who has self consciously worn the progressive label all his life may end up as a disciple of imperialist historian Trevor-Roper. Prof. Peter Ekeh Arewas and the politics of survival For half a century, the Arewas have shown that when the issue is political, they know no friends; they don't pretend to have any. Tony Nwankwo Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown Nigeria being what it is, it might be supposed by those with superficial minds, or ethnic biases, that to say or write anything that is not flattering about President Obasanjo, is tantamount to either being unpatriotic or disrespectful. Prof. Itse Sagay The 'Abacha in Obasanjo' Syndrome: Signs and Diagnosis Almost in unison, they have expressed what they have adjudged as an abdication of the saddle of government by President Obasanjo to an amorphous clique. Prof. Mike Ikhariale. Even today in Nigeria, we cannot say in all truth that the present political parties we have, evolved from the people. They were military imposition except of course AD which is a coalition of pro-democracy groups in Nigeria. Dr. Arthur Nwankwo New Political Parties in Nigeria? Although, the current political dispensation still presents us with a fait accompli, the answer to the question is a resounding yes! as long as we do not want to leave our faiths in the hands of money grabbing politicians. Christopher Odetunde, Ph.D Obasanjo gives patriotism a bad face and sometimes reminds me of that quip by Dr. Samuel Johnson [1709-1789]: "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel". Dele Shobowale Re: The President in Civil War Before Biafra was declared in May 1967, then Lt. Col. Ojukwu had already hinted [in April 1967] to American diplomats who had appealed to him to accept Decree No. 8, that he was considering invading Lagos. Dr. Nowamagbe Omoigui, MBBS, MD, MPH What a poor and maligned Biafra! Do our old people who have facts on that war realise that we are in a democracy, where they have every opportunity to give data on every controversial matter in order to set the records straight for posterity. Prof. Boniface Egboka Democracy and State Integration in Nigeria-Steps toward its integration The common thread between all of these ethnic, religious and regional tensions are an overbearing federal government and varying interpretation of an unpopular and rather unitary constitution. Mobolaji Aluko, Ph.D A look at the present desperate situation of Nigeria is enough to force one into the usual conclusion of a bleak and unenviable economic future- a future of permanent or structural emergencies. Oba Oladele Olashore This is a warning! Nigeria has suffered a massive democratic closure. This is like a heart attack and should be viewed seriously as the patient Nigeria, is on life support instruments in the emergency ward. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN Resource Control: The economic and political implications A glaring case of this is the Niger Delta. Obasanjo gave the people his words. And, they were taken as sacrosanct. A promised sense of belonging in place of loss and despair. Sen. David Dafinone The North and Resource Control Free oil revenue given to the North over the years only produced a clique of wealthy Generals and their lackeys. Shehu Sani Ige is, perhaps, aware, as I am, that Resource Control in Nigeria is not a constitutional matter, but a political and revolutionary one. It cannot be finally settled one way or another in the court. Edwin Madunagu Agriculture, Petroleum, Land Resources and Resource Control - A response to Alhaji Wada Nas comments on Resource Control The 'North' and the 'West' are in control of most of their resources anyway, paying little or no tax into the Federation Account from Agriculture. Francis Elekwachi The political cost of fuel price hikes The whole case for deregulation and other policy options will fall flat as long as the leadership continues to live off the sweat of the people through extremely extravagant oligarchic sociopolitical masturbation. Prof. Mike Ikhariale Obasanjo management style and his public response to issues of national significance portray him as a leader who loves to play to the gallery. Levi Obijiofor Olusegun Obasanjo and the arrogance of power The image of the president of Nigeria, that remains firmly in my mind, was a picture of him on the front page of an edition of the Guardian in June 1998. Dr. Ibiyinka Solarin The simple truth about all these alarming official car crashes is that we do have a surfeit of misfits in high places. People who are being occupied by their ephemeral offices instead of they occupying the offices. Prof. Mike Ikhariale Deregulation and the empty jerry can By overburdening Nigeria who have been living under excruciating poverty and non functional infrastructures ....the Obasanjo government is just letting the masses know that it is 'no longer responsible for their welfare'. Max Uba Correct Pricing of Petroleum Products The decision makers now need to walk away from the traditional rhetoric of ad hoc, reactionary recipes to the problems because it has now assumed a much higher dimension hitherto. R. O. Okunmuyide Further to the debate on the 'Pact' Validity depends on Obasanjo as a "bridge" It is fraudulent that political groups called parties and zones are trying to interject themselves into the understanding called the 'pact'. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Validity depends on "resolution of political problems" We should use the yardstick we apply to President Obasanjo to measure those who want the President's job with respect to the criteria of a 'bridge' and a 'problem solver'. This is the answer to the question: after Obasanjo who/what? Prof. Omo Omoruyi No retreat on resource control Thus, even if the court rules in favor of federal might against natural justice, the matter will be appealed in the Court of the People, because the People's Court is superior to the Supreme Court of any country. G. G. Darah Governor Kalu's divisive rule and its consequences The governor need to address the imbalance and marginalization in Abia State, erase all appearances of impropriety, enthrone probity, accountability and avoid military style divide and rule strategies before he could be taken seriously in his new found crusade. Vincent O. Erondu We have to be careful how this question of petroleum products pricing is handled if previous experience in this country is anything to go by. Simeon Osuide But, 'the north' cannot be exonerated in a political atmosphere where it consciously or unconsciously embrace, tolerate and endorse destructive and deceptive tyrants as its leaders. Shehu Sani Prophet Jeremiah and 'June 12' "If you want to contribute, you reduce intellectualism and utopia to practicability and tangibility, because intellectualism without practicability is prostitution". Henry Ogwasa The West is pushing the agenda not minding the human and material cost to its victims because it is ultimately in their interest. Chido Onumah Presidency 2003: South-South in a dilemma Even the governors of Edo and Rivers had cast their votes for Obasanjo in 2003. With such powerful friends, the South South needs no further enemies. Dele Shobowale REVISITING THE SERMON ON OLUMO ROCK [2] The problem in Nigeria today is that, there is no political will on the part of the President to move the country forward. Prof. Omo Omoruyi REVISITING THE SERMON ON OLUMO ROCK[1] He then advised Chief Abiola to watch out for problems from [i] IBB, his friend [ii] The north [iii] the Igbo [iv] the military [v] the Yorubas [vi] the international community [vii] Chief Abiola himself. Prof. Omo Omoruyi In a country with so many contradictions, is there hope for a shared destiny? Will Nigerians again be able to work towards meaningful coexistence, shared vision, collaboration and cooperation instead of outright confrontation? Christopher Odetunde Ph.D FAN on the Once and Future Diarchies of OBK & IBB IBB will not risk contesting against OBJ come 2003 because IBB will clearly win and then the country will explode. Mobolaji Aluko, Ph.D. When the Head of State himself is the greatest rogue of all times, who can stop anyone else from helping himself from the public treasury? Prof. I. O. Agbede Understanding the Sovereign National Conference The call for SNC is both an economic and political demand whose content and value goes beyond the mechanistic procedures of the National Assembly. Dr. Beko Ransome Kuti In their self defeating escapism, the Igbo elites are trying to hide under an overarching entity, Nigeria. Tochukwu Ezukanma The more things change; the more they remain the same We cannot be probing for Abacha's hidden loot, exorcise his wicked deeds and yet run this country on the basis of his personal constitution. Prof. Dafe Otobo The tyranny of major ethnic groups They have set tribalism on a pedestal, deifying this unwholesome practice as a pragmatic instrument for national unity. Chris Akiri Esq. Nigeria: Towards reason in political discourse Power rotation is a dynamic of social, economic and political process in a democratic polity. To legislate this dynamics is to adulterate a fundamental tenet of democratic principle. Igho Natufe, Ph.D The sovereignty that is resident in the people has been delegated. I didn't do the delegating. The constitution did it. Tony Momoh, Esq. "You lazy bully; you feel so strong. Because you think you can beat me. You lazy bully; see your tiny, wiry legs, like those of the efelife bird, okan." [Urhobo song] Mideno Bayagbon... This is a country that has at least four planes in the presidential fleet. For goodness sake, what do you need another aircraft for the Vice President, for? Fred Ohwahwa Obasanjo has betrayed us![Interview] Look, the truth of the matter is all through history, those who perceive themselves as strong and powerful have never conceded anything to those they consider as weak. Obong Victor Attah Review of Omoruyi's Agenda of Liberation The solution lies in the constitutional sphere. A national conference on the constitution with duly elected state and local government representatives, is the only legitimate forum to resolve the current jurisdictional impasse. Igho Natufe, Ph.D Subject to the provision of this Decree, Nigeria shall on 24th May 1966 [in this Decree referred to as 'the appointed day'] cease to be a Federation and shall accordingly as from that day be a Republic. Late General Aguiyi Ironsi Real politic: Use what you have to get what you want In collective bargaining and arbitration, every party in the dispute hold their advantage close to their hearts and wait for their opponents to give a little and take a little. Ogaranya Uju Nkwocha Afulezi, Ph.D Between ownership and resource control While ownership emanates from clear cut determinant predicted on age old customs and traditions; control is a dynamic function derived from the process of Legislation. Dr. Richard Tosanwumi Blood Money for Chicago State University It is clear someone is lying at CSU. Whatever happens, I am now convinced that something is really fishy about the whole arrangement. It stinks, really pungent. Prof. Mike Ikhariale Conversations with Gov. Sani Yerima Ever since he introduced Sharia law in Zamfara, every official pronouncement or action from that government has tended to depict Nigeria as a medieval state in Africa. Levi Obijiofor "Why did it take the globe trotting governor such a long time to realise that there is a crisis? It is a sign of insensitivity." Hendrix Ohiomogbe Fiscal federation and the south-south states We in the South-south states are not saying that we want a perfect constitution. We are saying that the Constitution that we have should be implemented no matter the circumstances. Hon. J. Odebala Obasanjo's re-election chances But given the present political system, nothing has so far happened to threaten the re-election pf President Obasanjo in 2003. His re-election will be threatened only if the political system is changed or Obasanjo himself commits a grave political error. Dr. Edwin Madunagu Framework for renewed federalism I propose a balanced federal political system that recognizes a trade off of asymmetrical powers, based on the peculiarities of each federating unit. These peculiarities are population, territory and wealth. Igho Natufe, Ph.D Advice to political leaders: A new vision for the south-south One should hope and pray that the political leaders and governors of the South-South would pursue the question of - Who Owns Oil in Nigeria? as a political issue and not as a constitutional matter amenable to trial and adjudication of the Supreme Court. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Biafran war and Nigerian government misinformation Nobody can kill the Biafra of the mind. Nigerian leaders need to learn how to live with it for Biafra will never go away. Chike Okafor 'Stop being silly. This is why in the north we will never progress. When we fail to confute an argument, we libel the advocate.' Sanusi L. Sanusi A specter haunts Nigeria. He is wicked and vindictive. He is Machiavellian and stone hearted. He wields power through nepotism. He is a progeny of despotism. Isaac Sagay The Politics of oil: Who owns oil, Nigeria, States or Communities? The northern leaders do not believe that power can be shared in Nigeria. They are right. Hence, they hold the three domains of power as one and indistinguishable entity. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Cultivating the positive side of ethnicity Social conflicts generated through ethnicity, are natural indications of the imperfection of the existential conditions of plural societies. Prof. Otite MNN: Anti Corruption Agenda for the Federal Republic of Nigeria We propose the following anti corruption agenda: [i] identify the cause [s] of corruption in Nigeria and amongst Nigerians. [ii] devise means to eliminate or minimize corruption in Nigeria Strategies for an improved Nigeria The year is 2001, when the Almighty himself decided to call all Nigerians to stand up wherever they were, to answer simple questions. Christopher Odetunde Ph.D Dynamics of Northern ethnic and religious politics The autonomy given to the provinces as a measure to allay the fear of the minorities has never worked and the principle of state creation in the present dispensation has worsened matters. Joses Gani Yoroms Nigeria's quota system...An impediment to true growth and development All credible statistical information to date, if I may reiterate, would suggest that., the quota system is a failed experiment that needs to be aborted now for the good of the Nigerian nation. Soboyejo Awosika-Coker Congo crises goes beyond Kabila If there is one country the intrigues and conspiracy of the West helped to wreck, it is Congo. Chido Onumah The movement pattern of the Fulani over the years, has led to a pastoral calendar in which the location and the grazing habits of the Fulani herds can be predicted. Ismail Iro, Ph.D The lack of ethnic statistics in Nigeria implied that an accurate count of the Fulani would not be available. Finding the age of a Fulani person is as difficult as estimating the population of Fulanis. Ismail Iro, Ph.D Nomadic education and education for nomadic Fulanis "Wandering clans of Nigerian cattle rearers are as much a part of Nigeria as any major tribe. Therefore, it is only right that they also partake of the same rights and privileges as the rest of us". Ismail Iro, Ph.D The Niger Delta: Today, yesterday and tomorrow It is instructive to note that the exclusive federal jurisdiction over natural resources, apply only to oil and gas, and not to cocoa, palm oil, hides and skins, bitumen etc. Sen. David O. Dafinone Many Nigerians are not at ease with the present state of the nation. There is apprehension every where. Dr. Richard Tosanwumi Nigeria ready to self destruct Therefore, the professional praise singers who enduringly invest the President with the halo of god-like infallibility, something that even the gods of antiquity would have recoiled from assuming. Isaac Sagay Corruption, self interest and the Command Economy Unfortunately, the economy, being the material foundation of life, has such pervasive influence on all other aspects of social life, that we find its corruption ridden logic creeping into other aspects of our day to day life. Dr. Bello Aliyu Gusau Niger Delta: Between the broom and the broom stick We have come here to fashion out a workable agenda for the reconstruction of - the fate, the fortune and the future of the people of the Niger Delta. Obong Victor Attah It hardly seems to shock us any longer at any rate not profoundly to behold members of one religious sect or ethnic group fall upon another in a glee of murder. Okey Ndibe Educating Gov. Sani Yerima on women rights and international law One may wonder why, a man born of woman would keep women down and put them on the back seat, for the sake of religion transposed into state policy and good government. Chike Okafor Tragedy as Ibada Elume River burns 'At about midnight, there was a wildfire on the river [Echion] we thought the world was coming to an end. The entire community was thrown into confusion. We lost our farmland and major source of water. We are seriously devastated' [Patience Adija - orange seller from Elume]... Controversy is not his baptismal name, it is not his informal name and it is certainly not his surname. Although, if one wants to stretch the issue a little bit, there is some controversy over his surname. Dr. Emman Usman Shehu Between the Sharia and Barbarism You can deprive a man of access to prostitutes in Kano, he can always choose to have a good time in Lagos. The State, by enforcing Shariah laws, does not pretend to manufacture good Moslems. Sanusi L. Sanusi To the powers that be in Nigeria, I want to say to you that the patience of the people of the Niger Delta has been exhausted. They are now from New Hampshire-they will live free or die. Them don tire to carry_it! N. H. Ibanga It has to register in the minds of beloved people of this region, that the traditional vocation of fishing and farming cannot take them far, given the economic, political and social realities of the present. Peju Sanni The politics of population in Nigeria Just as Hausa/Fulani hegemony has been disastrous for Nigeria, Yoruba irredentism will be equally disastrous. Tochukwu Ezukanma Women liberation and empowerment in Africa Even amongst women in Nigeria, opinion are divided over absolute or partial liberation or equalities between genders. Ritchie Ejiofor An African Philosophy of History in the Oral Tradition On the question, who is qualified to inform on the past? Niger Delta proverbs point to age as the most important criterion. Prof. E. J. Alagoa Monkey Business: Your language of English is different from mine The monkey once asked the sheep, how come all of you graze together and run in the same direction when threatened? The sheep replied. 'Sooner or later, the hyena would eat somebody and if there are many of us around, chances are it wouldn't be me. Orok Edem A SINKING MAN AND A DAMAGED PRESIDENT Wole Soyinka warned of IBB as a man who collates information on his detractors, and he would use the information against his enemies at the appropriate time. How true. Banjo Odutola NIGERIA: Oil producers have claim to the 2003 presidency To perpetuate its self in government, the Hausa/Fulani political hegemony used the Igbos as CORDON SANITAIRE in enhancing the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections. Chief Mpaka Princewill Shariah and the woman question It is timely that Prof. Mazrui has reminded us once more that the Shariah though a Divine Law, is subject to human interpretation and it is often not completely free from subjectivities. Sanusi L. Sanusi The Killing Fields of Niger Delta The people of the Niger Delta want exactly the same thing that other Nigerians want: the right to a decent living: a place in the Nigeria Federation or out of it. Why deny them this right and expect there will be peace. Reuben Abati Political instability? relax, you have to watch Nigerians. Ain't nobody going nowhere as long as the oil is flowing. It is just a move to procure debt relief. Orok Edem It was disgraceful that our youth were forced to witness what was tantamount to jungle justice, that President Obasanjo himself readily condemned in the militias. Tunde Olusesi What every non Muslim should know about the Jihad Jihad of paradise: Any Muslim killed in a Jihad goes directly to the sexual pleasures of Paradise. Surah 2 Al-Bagarah [verse 25] promises women in Paradise who do not menstruate, urinate or defecate. One eternal sexual orgy with nothing to interfere. N. H. Ibanga Sharia and the politics of control It should be observed here that, the justification of political sharia by an appeal to the exercise of fundamental human rights is false. A cardinal principle in the exercise of fundamental human rights is that, the right of no other individual, be he one in a million, should not be infringed upon. Dr. Emman Usman Shehu Obasanjo's blunder continues unabated as the days go by and this is becoming worrisome to me. Uwem Inyang NIGERIA OIL: Prices, politics and the people There is a tendency to assume that Nigeria is essentially a bureaucratic polity; that it is a place where the president and government officials are above the law and that their policies are uncontestable or infallible. Tim Onayemi Fawehinmi and Umar: Saints are made after their death How can you pick out and canonize just two people out of hundreds of thousands then declare the others counterfeit. Edwin Madunagu Confessions of a sergeant, a major and a general Anything is possible. Diya could also be telling us something else: that Nigerians are afflicted with incurable eye disease which makes every one see double. Levi Obijiofor IBB: Re-engineering and June 12 What were you doing during Abacha's regime? Why didn't you exhibit your political wisdom and dexterity then? Why mention the social engineering and sharia necessities after your successors demise? Uwem Inyang There is this folk saying, that the young man whose palm kernel has been struck for him by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble. Prof Mike Ikhariale Restructuring the Nigerian Polity and Army: A 21 point suggestion. In light of recent events in Nigeria, resulting in and accentuating various security and marginalization concerns among many of its peoples and in order to reverse internal colonisalism and prevent military coups in the future. Mobolaji Aluko PhD The Nigerian Soldier and the Nigerian State By Nigerian soldier, I am referring to the officers that make up the armed forces of Nigeria and not the enlisted men. The difference between the two, is that, the enlisted men are specialists in the 'application of violence', while officers are specialists in the 'management of violence' and not the act of violence itself. Orok Edem Awo and the Creation of States How I wish Awo were still alive! He would have understood. He knew the country well! Saro Wiwa Non Muslims in a contemporary Islamic State Will Christians voluntarily accept an Islamic State in which they are given civil rights in exchange of a 'protection tax'? Sanusi L. Sanusi Advent of the magi in the south Central to the agitation and need to usher in a true federation is by using the acceptable derivation in revenue allocation and resource distribution. Ritchie Ejiofor What if the wind becomes solid If I were the President, I would have Adesanya arrested as a threat to national security. Orok Edem Ethnicity and National Development They will also be forced to prove to me, at least, that they are not merely "big for chopping" majorities. Saro Wiwa Dear Akwa Ibomites, the purported rift that seem to exist or is already existing between Victor Attah and his deputy Chris Ekpenyong is not only an embarrassment to us but a calamity. Uwem Inyang Fire in the Delta; Fire in the Land We were told, we had been rescued from the Eboes. Not knowing that, what they wanted was oil. Thirty years later, we are still paying for our rescue. Orok Edem Here comes the comedy, a seminar to justify the misdeeds of the past, the audience - the future generation. While the present generation once again applauds the failure. Dotun Oni I am beginning to nurse strong beliefs that Nigeria is gradually becoming a time bomb awaiting explosion. Uwem Inyang The Nigerian Police and Our Political Twilight Zone On Thursday November 4, 1999, seven policemen were reported murdered in cold blood ostensibly by rampaging Egbesu-inspired youths from the Ijaw community town of Odi, in Kolobuma/Opukoma Council of Bayelsa State. Mobolaji Aluko Ph.D A proper and popularly acceptable answer to such restructuring, the President should be assured, will provide for the continuation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Obasanjo as President. Isah Momoh But it should be very clear, that we are responsible for our woes. That, Nigeria is on its knees today, is as a result of our collective acts of omission and commission. Femi Martins We have no faith in Obasanjo's NDDC Resource control is not secession, but a justifiable movement to restore our human dignity; a justifiable movement to reclaim what has been taken from us without our consent. Oronto Douglas The second cunning of the generals The general is coming again, from the idleness of retirement. The generals are coming again, to eat the send yams after devastating the nation's barns. Oluwole Adejare The many concepts of one Nigeria Every one will agree to the tenuousness of the Nigerian union; its tentativeness daily stares us in the face. That is why, the headline is deliberate. Kola Animashaun Awo, Yorubas and legacy hunters The question now arising is, for how long will the Hubertian dialectics of "Yoruba Ronu" be acted out? Bobson Gbinije Squandering of Yoruba goodwill Since the Yoruba people cannot clone politicians with whom to work with, the new AD executive has a task of forging unity of politicians. Olorunimbe Farukanmi No, to the dredging of the River Niger The reason given by the northern governors is not tenable, since River Niger runs through the north with ample volume of water for its irrigational needs. Roland Ekpere The problem with the Oputa Panel At every turn in Nigeria's history, since 1960, this elite conspiracy has determined the direction of the country, the resolution of conflicts, the creation of heroes and villains and award of honours and punishment. Fred Ohwahwa My experience has shown me how totally disorganized the Igbos are. For instance, their meetings, at special conventions like the one just concluded in Dallas and all gatherings of that nature, in most cases end up in chaos. Ambrose Ehirim Africa and her technologically advanced neighbours Providing debt relief to African countries will not automatically transform the economy nor improve the life of the average country, if corruption still infests the basic social function. Ritchie Ejiofor Updates on human rights violation in the Niger Delta The restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria has not produced a reduction of human rights violation in the oil producing region of the Niger Delta. Human Rights Watch Nigerian military shenanigan and abuse of power The skunks are now coming off the woods to party and finally, the 15 years of political, social and economic domination by the oppressive Nigerian military has come to light. Chike Okafor Last Thursday, leaders of thought from the former Eastern Region met in Umuahia, Abia State to combat a scourge they describe as the 'woeful neglect of the Eastern Region'. Kingsley Emeruwa Without notice, armed soldiers, supported by riot policemen swooped on Okigwe Town, Imo State a fortnight ago 'in pursuit' of Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and fellow jesters in MASSOB. Louis Odion 'Teacher don't teach me nonsense' As in all fair contests be it sports or elections, it is not just a question of who won but more importantly, basically and fundamentally, it is, how did he win? S. Adebayo Arowolaju It baffles me that despite their numerical superiority, women in Nigeria have not exploited the tremendous factor of population to their advantage. After all, election is a game of figures. Ebere Wabara U.S. and Africa: Echoes of the 2000 election It appears that Africa's worst fears are becoming reality with the successful installation of George W. Bush as the next President by a coalition of forces whose strategic and tactical interests as well as vision of the world are definitely not pro-African. Okenwa Nwosu, MD. Nigeria: Time for justice and accountability Leading members and supporters of opposition groups or parties have been arrested and charged with offences, sometime following incidents of unrest in circumstances suggesting that their detention may have been politically motivated. Amnesty International The lack of national identity forms part of the nucleus of today's paralysis that has kept the country apart. Chike Okafor I told him that the north could not survive without the south, not because of lack of oil, but because Allah in his infinite wisdom has planted kolanuts in the south and not in the north. Orok Edem Intrigues behind reception 2000 If the organizers , who were mainly elites were fronting for a political relevance for those who sold the north out for personal gains, they have missed the target. Taju Ajibade In defense of Northern Youths for Democracy and Justice, the Northern democratic Forum and Bola Ige The Wailare's of this world and their sponsors are chagrined that the Northern youths of this generation as exemplified by NYDJ and NDF are 'calling it as it is' and have refused to be instruments of parochial skullduggery. Musa Adamu Mbahi, M.D. Re-engineering the military institution The military institution, constituency, group or party that once sang sonorous Hosanna and prided itself in its all embracing glory is now singing its own nunc dimitis. Bobson Gbinijie Political diffidence and pusillanimity of Ndigbos If Ndigbos are to make any meaningful progress in the contemporary Nigerian political setting, then they must first of all and as a matter of great urgency set aside their pride. Eugene C. Onyeji Democracy experiment and political life in Nigeria The desire of the people to have democracy at all cost led them to support a leader [President Olusegun Obasanjo] who does not have in my opinion what it takes to lead a democratic society. Victor Dike South-South Presidency in 2003 There is no doubt the best solution to all these is a South-South presidency come 2003. We are tired of washing our hands with saliva while we are at the river bank. Dr. Marshall Young Harry Niger Delta; The Chechnyan Experience The lesson here is that areas that contains resources must not be diplomatically cornered to irrelevance or perhaps outright marginalization. Udechukwu Okorie Nigeria: The inevitability of instability The old amongst us including the President are die hard believers in one Nigeria as it had been. Joseph Tanko Re: The trouble with Sanusi and Awosika Madunagu is one of the most brilliant writers I have come across and his articles are always educative. This does not mean that I find all his views agreeable, but my disagreement with him does not make his article narrow minded or shallow. Sanusi L. Sanusi Nigeria on the march to the promised land Some writers hold the view that the late MKO Abiola was the sacrificial 'Passover' lamb to usher in a quick semi addressing of the issues in the question. Ritchie Ejiofor The psychology of power: A Nigerian experiment The truth is, the north [the Hausa Fulani in particular] saw the defeat of Biafra as the defeat of the south. That, they where wrong. Soboyejo Awosika-Coker Senate leadership and the Igbo Indeed, the impression being created is that the Igbos are incapable or unqualified to occupy responsible political offices. Chukwudi Nwabuko Governing Nigeria: perspective on 2001 Perhaps, one strange verdict Nigerians of every tribe and tongue are agreed upon is that, the government is failing the governed again. Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi History identifies the Fulanis, as people who use mobility as a strategy for production and consumption, with leadership, scholarship and livestock wealth on the West African aberrant landscape. Ismail Iro Ph.D New taxation policy is key to resource control The perpetual bickering that has plagued Nigerian politics since the civil war is rooted in the contest for control of centrally owned national resources. Okenwa Nwosu MD The Un-Federal Nature of Nigeria's Fiscal Federalism Thus of the N1000 revenue of the one federal government, it keeps N805 [80.5%] under its control, giving a mere 109 [or 10.9%] to the 36 states [average of N3 per state] and N86 to the 774 local governments. [ average of 1 kobo per local government] Mobolaji Aluko, Ph.D. Will Rawlings be Africa's Pinochet Ghanaians have to deal with the truth first. They have to know who did what and why. Ghana can still move forward even with the prosecution of yesterday's villains. Chido Onumah Re: Faseun and the North's moral dilemma From their best Professors down to the Molue driver on the streets of Lagos, there is only one route to understanding the world: ethnicity. Dr Abdullahi Bawan Allah RE: Re-Faseun and the North's moral dilemma Maybe you, Lamido Sanusi or members of the northern lunatic fringe such as Wada Nas et al, can expound further on what exactly makes the so-called North so indispensable that the south can never do without you. Soboyejo Awosika-Coker The Niger Delta Problems and Solutions This proposal seeks to derive a workable template that reflects the harmonization of isolated solutions - i. the NDDC; ii. a legally enforced re distribution plan; and iii. the Declaration of Indigenous Rights - into a model that neutralizes conflicts and ensures regional development. C. Ikpatt and L. Glenn Scott, Esq. Accidents happen: Ibro in 2003? Every one should stop blaming the president for doing nothing. It is when the president does something, that he becomes unpredictable and dangerous. Orok Edem Babangida's misguided optimism And, who is supposed to rebuild a nation that is so broken down? I guess in the case of a nation like Nigeria, the architect of destruction himself! Soboyejo Awosika-Coker Who between Ige and Adesanya/Falae on one hand and between the Afenifere and the Yoruba Council of Elders on another, do you see carry the day in the subsisting supremacy struggle within the Yoruba political establishment? Akin Osuntokun.. Squandermania in our legislative houses Everywhere in Nigeria, it seems, the benefit of democracy are being abused by the very people who should defend our new way of life, and, of doing business. Unu Habib The fleecing of Nigeria: Holding Obasanjo to his words Without the eradication of corruption [in all his ramifications] the much needed influx of foreign capital would continue to be an illusion. Soboyejo Awosika-Coker Some of the blame for Igbo failure rests with Ohaneze, Igbo intellectuals, and numerous Igbo organizations including the infamous World Igbo Congress especially for dabbling in political tactics. Ambrose Ehirim Okotie Eboh and yesterdays vision Frivolous and partisan opposition assessments of his record as Minister of Finance have tended to pay much more attention to his personal flamboyance and wealth, and to pay much too little attention to his major contribution towards developing an economic vision for an independent Nigeria. Lindsay Barret Abalaka's long road to victory Nigerians, nay the whole world, were caught unawares with the announcement by Dr. Abalaka that he has found a cure to the dreaded disease. Uche Ortuanya The 2003 election: The electorate, the followers, the press and the politicians We are flabbergasted to learn that the jostling for position in the 2003 political sharing and/or zoning of Nigeria has begun in earnest and the bride [electorates] is not even involved. Christopher Odetunde Ph.D. The Angels of Destiny & Eternal Recurrence History shows that the Nigerian civil war started as a result of power politics between the Hausa North and the Yoruba West, but the suffering was experienced in the South-South and East as the two groups ganged up. Anthony Effik A monument, as Igbo symbol of unity The Igbos that I knew and loved were proud and adroit in whatever was their pursuit. The Igbos of today have degenerated into abyss, mercurial, feckless panhandlers, begging for either leftovers or handouts. Chike Okafor Re: Afikuyomi's Governing Nigeria I certainly cannot accept his uncritical belief that having under 50s take over the mantle of leadership will on its own, make things better. Douglas Anele Ogonis should look beyond their pain To be an Ogoni is no longer a source of shame, but a thing of pride. This in my view, is perhaps the single greatest achievement of the late Ken Saro Wiwa. Paul Nwabuikwu
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The two 'Hows': Resolving the crises of citizenship and federalism in Nigeria My fear is that what we may have would be no war and no peace, leading to irreversible political decay. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Ethnicity, conflict resolution and the Nigerian State How did it get to be this way, and what can we do about it? Mobolaji Aluko, PhD International law and migrant workers The difference today is that there are far more migrant workers than in any period of human history. Tayo Fulani Douglas, Esq Religion, Conflict Prevention Resolution: A multi dimensional approach Nigerians are dying violently, and it is time for responsibility and action to curb a murderous trend. Clement Ikpatt The attack was political and religious. There is apparently a point these Muslim fundamentalists want to score at the political level and this seem to have something to do with US Policy on the Middle East crisis. Bola Akinterinwa Africa in the age of global network society: the challenges ahead This paper examines the classical argument on the causal link between communication and development. Patience Akpan The fall of the Nigerian army: How Babangida and Abacha were created This decline in the standard and professionalism of the Nigerian Army, is in itself, a microcosm of Nigerian society as a whole. Max Siollun The harvest of dry holes during the Chad Basin drilling campaign was not the result of the often repeated archaic shibboleth of southern sabotage. Akpo Avbovbo Aguda: The passing of a genius The sheer logical intensity that animated his several audacious and remarkable decision on the bench as well as the trademark judicial activism that accompanied them, inevitably drove us. Prof Mike Ikhariale The power center without the power Feeling exposed and helpless, Arewa North had to find a strategy to bring it back to contention in the power game. Paul Odili The wholesale massacre of careers in 1975/76 is about to be replicated at a time the country is yet to recover from the devastating impact of the travesty that Murtala/Obasanjo wrecked on the service. By Kingsley Osadolor.... Oputa Panel: Those who may not attend I am unable to subscribe to the needless call that the three past military dictators should be forced to honor the invitation of the Oputa Panel. They need not attend. By Prof. Mike Ikhariale... Sharia: the courts have spoken Unbeknownst to many, the courts have already spoken. Olisa Agbakoba & Emeka Asuzu The Igbo and Nigerian Presidency: the fundamentals If Nigeria is so allergic to an Igbo man or woman being a president, she should also steer clear of the contribution the Igbos make. Ogaranya Uju Afulezi, PhD The Ibom People's Independence All we should be saying is that we as a people, without reference to others, reserve the right to choose who we should be associated with, when and how. Edemma Udoh Akwa Ibom People: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow Consider that there is an ongoing fierce debate about the future and nature of Nigeria. What is the position of Akwa Ibomites on this? N. H. Ibanga. As Nigerians, we seem to have become very familiar with the failure or collapse of some national institutions. Hope Eghagha Devolution of power-A prerequisite for national unity If we are all agreed that the golden years of Nigeria federalism was the immediate pre-independence and post independence period of 1954 to 1960, then let us revisit that period to vividly remind ourselves of what we did then that we are not doing now. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Women, the State and the travails of decentralizing the Nigerian Federation Slightly less than four decades ago, Nigeria became independent from colonial rule. The mandate as defined by the nationalist inheritors from the post colonial state was clear. Mojubaolu Okome Fajuyi: Cultivating fellow feeling beyond ethnic boundaries It is not particularly gratifying that we are still talking about a handshake across the Niger when we are actually supposed to have advanced beyond that lovely hug. Harry Akande These northerners should rise up and condemn in their loudest voices, their brothers, whose selfish behavior and attitudes have retarded the progress of northerners in particular and Nigerians in general. Douglas Anele The Supreme Court may unwittingly wish to trap Mr. President, in a trap with a trap by a trap if allowed. Senator David Dafinone Exposing revisionists of South South history In an era of revisionism, truth is no premium. Ben Lawrence Transition to modernity [2] Nigerian Armed Forces Strategic recovery Initiative I have decided upon this path because challenges facing the Nigerian armed forces are rudimentary-cultural, as in identity as to who and what the Nigerian soldier is. William Etim-Bassey The Niger Delta Region is sinking Just last week, manager of the region's 88 year old Port Harcourt port complex alerted the federal government that the multi billion naira structure may sink if it does not take urgent remedial measures. Louis Achi Human rights of all have been violated by corporate malpractices with State's acquiescence. Prof. Teresa Turner Refocusing the Oputa Commission [11] "the military' NOBODY SHOULD BEG THEM; NOBODY SHOULD COMPEL THEM. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Refocusing the Oputa Commission [1] "June 12" If they like the person they put in office and if they believe in Nigeria, I strongly urge Generals Babangida and Abubakar to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the Oputa Commission to make history. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Of mundane and such like things If it were not mundane, the minorities could have realized that whoever is controlling the resources now, or distributing same, did not get authorization from the Supreme Court. Udo Ukpong, Esq. I propose that we go beyond slogans and general analysis to precise historically rooted prescriptions. Edwin Madunagu After first the coup of 1966, the military became at war with itself. The first casualty was military discipline, which was followed by military professionalism. Tony Ogbetere Nigerian Military: Transition to modernity [1] My fear is and has always been that ruler ship solely wants to keep the armed forces from politics and governance while maximizing capacity in non traditional roles, i.e. civil disobedience and policing. William Etim-Bassey Senator Fred Brume and Resource Control: Matters Arising It is not the place of Senator Fred Brume or any other elected official, especially one from the affected minority areas, one would think, to affirm an oppressive system or to turn himself or herself into a mouthpiece of the oppressor. Onoawarie Edevbie Nigeria between Lord Lugard and the Digital Divide The secret of ultimate stability in Nigeria does not simply lie in in increasing the political power of the south as the Obasanjo election might have done. It also lies in increasing the economic leverage and benefits of the north. Prof. Ali Mazrui The 'Federation' of Nigeria is very peculiar, indeed, unique, and is not really a Federation, and apparently was never meant to be, as the agitators for 'true' federalism seem to understand it. Jibril Aminu, FAS, FNAed In today's Nigeria, I cannot speak my mother's tongue in the Senate or House of Representatives, only Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo can be spoken. N. H. Ibanga The committee is deemed to have distilled the opinion that the failure of succession politics had truncated our past efforts at sustaining democratic governance. Kingsley Osadolor Apart from Wole Soyinka and his peculiarities, most Nigerians who know me have accepted me on that basis. Prof. Ali Mazrui.... Our today's military men often claim to have excelled in peacemaking duties in different parts of the world but the authenticity of that performance evaluation is suspect. Timitinko Enodien Political economy of resource control The use of Nigeria's resources in the last three decades has been nothing but scandalous, bordering on preconceived squandering. Segun Ige Imperative of a national dialogue Sworn to uphold the constitution, the president and members of the national and state assemblies are legally precluded from even mooting, not to say taking action on this option. Prof. Ben Nwabueze For some time now, concern has been expressed from many quarters over the declining value of the Naira which is one of the indicators of the health of the economy. Chief Effiong Essien The Nigerian-US Military pact, 'Fine Prints' Recipe for Danger; Whither National Assembly? What we have here are two aspects of a policy, the goal, the US National Security Interest and the instrument of implementation, President Obasanjo. Prof. Omo Omoruyi Evaluating and Empowering the Oputa Panel As I write today, celebrating the supremacy of International Law over tyranny - Milosevic's arrest and detention in the Hague. Nigerian generals should not sleep with both eyes closed. William Etim-Bassey Senators, Obasanjo and the nation The senators seem determined to delay the inevitable Levi Obijiofor Issues in restructuring corporate Nigeria As we prepare for the possibility of a national conference, I believe four issues will remain central to the success or otherwise of whatever federal structure comes up. Sanusi L. Sanusi The dreams, vision and myth of Nigerian unity No common national endeavor can be pursued within a plural framework, unless there is an overarching unity of purpose and interests. Prof. Anya O. Anya To save Nigerian democracy, it is pertinent for Nigerians to refocus their attention to the present posture of the Independent Electoral Commission. Beko Ransome Kuti His inexorable target presently, might be the total dismemberment of the party partly for its perfidy in choosing a 'lesser member' of the family instead of himself as the presidential candidate. Tony Odiadi Drafting in the OPC militia into the daunting campaign against men of the underworld is in my humble opinion a circuitous return to the old diarchy question but this time at another level, namely, who is in charge in Nigeria: robbers or politicians, or both? Prof Mike Ikhariale The Oputa Panel and the parade of Igbo imbeciles at Enugu The Oputa Panel, an obfuscate panel whose goal is ill-defined, has been vacillating across the country with exaggerated optimism. Chike Okafor Implications of population growth for the Nigerian economy and environment As we march towards 2003, dragging along with us a frustrated people, disappointing leadership as well as a prostrated and battered economy, giving the population issue the desired attention becomes imperative. Ibrahim Umaru Nigeria's 'Democracy Dividends' What happened in May 1999, on a proper reflection, is at best a bold step towards the establishment of a democracy in Nigeria, but certainly nothing near the minimum of a truly democratic process. Prof. Mike Ikhariale The truth about US Military aid to Nigeria [2] Comparatively, the Nigerian Armed Forces isn't the worst in Africa. A capability comparison with the armed forces of Chad and Togo is proof! Williams Etim Bassey The truth about US Military aid to Nigeria [1] The truth of the situation is, the re-training, a strategic response initiative aimed at facilitating Nigeria's armed forces, in recognition of Nigeria's geo-eco-strategic prominence in African affairs is a positive step. Williams Etim Bassey Edo State Traditional Council as a Tool for Cultural Imperialism In Edo State, if a council of traditional rulers is constituted correctly, then the members can only be the crowned traditional rulers with sovereignty over a domain. Dr. Osilama Osime The picture and portrait of a parochial prince Nothing, not threats, intimidation, mischief, not even a bomb can extinguish the spirit and determination of the Delta people to press for their right. Larry Arhagba Obasanjo's obsession with Biafra In the the broader Nigerian political calculation therefore, Obasanjo's politics of anti-Igbo virulence is predicated on constructing an anti Igbo alliance la Biafra. But he must increasingly find it very depressing that this strategy doesn't seem to be working. Prof. Ekwe Ekwe Whose interest is MASSOB serving? The emergence of a movement to actualize Biafra definitely does not augur well for re establishment of trust between Ndiigbo and neighboring groups that border the Igbo heartland to the south east and the Niger Delta. Okenwa R. Nwosu, MD Resource Control: Way behind us Ironically, by virtually striking down the Petroleum decree, Section 162 has recognized the remote control of resources by their area of location through the use of the word "derivation". Charles Njoku True Federalism and Resource Control Unitarism as system encourages divide and rule. Extreme corrupt practices and mismanagement of funds became the norm because there was no effective methods of checks and balances. By Michael Denila | |