₦airaland Forum

The Sai Ijege Movement reminds President Buhari of its Ultimatum
We write to remind the president of our demand to free the Chibok Girls. We had on the 19 May, 2015, given the then President-elect, a 60 day ultimatum to find and return the Chibok girls their families.
We are displeased with the efforts made so far by the president in ensuring the girls are found. Sadly, Boko Haram seems to have found a new courage as can be seen in the recent attacks. We are least impressed and feel duty bound to remind the president that his predecessor was guilty of a lackadaisical approach to the issue of security. That signified the beginning of the end for his administration. We urge the president to be on the watch out, and ensure he doesn't take a similar road.
As a Movement, we remain committed to our earlier stance. The clock is seriously ticking. Whatever the president would do to bring back our girls and ensure Nigerians are adequately secured, should be done. At the moment, we have serious reservations with the way and manner things are handled.
God bless Nigeria
Signed
Sai Ijege Movement (SIM)

The prisoners and prison officials in Kano must be happy with the order of the court remanding Sule Lamido and sons in prison custody.
When the case of former governor James Ibori was transferred to Kaduna, and his subsequent remand at the Kaduna prison, Ibori bought diesel to power the generator. Thus, supplying electricity to all prisoners. Prison warders smiled as they got stipends from his visitors. They made sure Ibori was comfortable in prison.
Oga Lamido will get the same comfort in prison. Congratulations to the prisoners and prison staff of Kano prison. A big fish is in custody.

The prisoners and prison officials in Kano must be happy with the order of the court remanding Sule Lamido and sons in prison custody.
When the case of former governor James Ibori was transferred to Kaduna, and his subsequent remand at the Kaduna prison, Ibori bought diesel to power the generator. Thus, supplying electricity to all prisoners. Prison warders smiled as they got stipends from his visitors. They made sure Ibori was comfortable in prison.
Oga Lamido will get the same comfort in prison. Congratulations to the prisoners and prison staff of Kano prison. A big fish is in custody.

I write to notify you that what happened between me and the Faculty of Law, Benue State University, though tortuous, has been resolved. Although it is not easy, but I have decided to let everything go and allow God take charge.
I want to appreciate the role played by the Vice Chancellor and all the lecturers who took my matter personal, and fought for me while it lasted. I cannot thank my course mates enough. For those who celebrated my ordeal, I heard. My prayer for you, is that may you never be faced with this kind of situation in life. I also thank all of you, my facebook family for the concern. May God bless you all. Some people mistook my write up as a blackmail, that is far from it. The write up wasn't written to blackmail anybody.
Although my name has not been included on the list, I have taken solace in the fact that I gave my best and I have the assurances of the school management that if an opportunity comes, I would be mobilised. Even if such opportunity doesn't come, I hold no grudge.
In all this, I wasn't fighting anybody. What I was doing was merely fighting for what I perceived was my right and people should always be encouraged to fight for their rights. I hope wrong meanings would not be read to the actions I took.
Finally, I wish my mates a wonderful time in the Law School. I have an unalloyed confidence in the Diamond Class. Therefore, I believe you will all do us proud in the Law School.
To my Dean, I pray you will understand that what I wrote was out of frustration and without malice; I also pray this, won't affect our relationship in anyway.
Thank you all
Frank Ijege

I write to notify you that what happened between me and the Faculty of Law, Benue State University, though tortuous, has been resolved. Although it is not easy, but I have decided to let everything go and allow God take charge.
I want to appreciate the role played by the Vice Chancellor and all the lecturers who took my matter personal, and fought for me while it lasted. I cannot thank my course mates enough. For those who celebrated my ordeal, I heard. My prayer for you, is that may you never be faced with this kind of situation in life. I also thank all of you, my facebook family for the concern. May God bless you all. Some people mistook my write up as a blackmail, that is far from it. The write up wasn't written to blackmail anybody.
Although my name has not been included on the list, I have taken solace in the fact that I gave my best and I have the assurances of the school management that if an opportunity comes, I would be mobilised. Even if such opportunity doesn't come, I hold no grudge.
In all this, I wasn't fighting anybody. What I was doing was merely fighting for what I perceived was my right and people should always be encouraged to fight for their rights. I hope wrong meanings would not be read to the actions I took.
Finally, I wish my mates a wonderful time in the Law School. I have an unalloyed confidence in the Diamond Class. Therefore, I believe you will all do us proud in the Law School.
To my Dean, I pray you will understand that what I wrote was out of frustration and without malice; I also pray this, won't affect our relationship in anyway.
Thank you all
Frank Ijege

The Chikun protest was carried out by Gbagyi youths, who argue that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has not appointed a Gbagyi person into his government in the appointments made so far. Secondly, they argue that in appointing a Sole Administrator for the Local Government, the governor wants to appointment one Hajia Hadiza Yahuza, whom they allege is from Kogi State. That is their grouse. I am trying to reach the Hajia to know her side of the story.
However, I called the Media aide of the governor, Samuel Aruwan and he insisted we met as he would not talk about it on the phone.

Frank Ijege

No. Imagine how many years we have been using the Military option and just what results have we recorded? I am saying we should negotiate with them in other to bring an end to these killings. While doing so, we should dissuade others from either joining or forming their own

Some of you know that I have always canvassed for dialogue or anything in addition to, or apart from military approach to the Boko Haram menace. When ever issues of dialogue come up, some people lose their cool and allow their emotions take the better part of them.
Although we don't like to accept this fact, a sole military approach has repeatedly failed to quell the insurgents. Therefore, we should adopt the carrot approach. Now, some people may disagree with me, no doubt. But it is easy to disagree, especially when you are not in anyway affected, whether directly or indirectly. Scores of people are killed everyday and you think the best solution is to send in more soldiers? Aren't we tired of spilling the blood of our soldiers without meaningful result?
It is a good thing government has given a thought to the idea of negotiation, even though it had criticised this in the past. However, in negotiating, government must earn the trust of these terrorist, and must be sincere. The terrorist on their part must do same.
While I welcome the idea of negotiation, government should not fool itself into believing that it is the only means of ending insurgency. We must cut the source of their funds and recruitment. It may do us well to know who their sponsors are, while negotiating. To check mate recruitment, government must dissuade will youths. This it can do by engaging them positively.

Some of you know that I have always canvassed for dialogue or anything in addition to, or apart from military approach to the Boko Haram menace. When ever issues of dialogue come up, some people lose their cool and allow their emotions take the better part of them.
Although we don't like to accept this fact, a sole military approach has repeatedly failed to quell the insurgents. Therefore, we should adopt the carrot approach. Now, some people may disagree with me, no doubt. But it is easy to disagree, especially when you are not in anyway affected, whether directly or indirectly. Scores of people are killed everyday and you think the best solution is to send in more soldiers? Aren't we tired of spilling the blood of our soldiers without meaningful result?
It is a good thing government has given a thought to the idea of negotiation, even though it had criticised this in the past. However, in negotiating, government must earn the trust of these terrorist, and must be sincere. The terrorist on their part must do same.
While I welcome the idea of negotiation, government should not fool itself into believing that it is the only means of ending insurgency. We must cut the source of their funds and recruitment. It may do us well to know who their sponsors are, while negotiating. To check mate recruitment, government must dissuade will youths. This it can do by engaging them positively.

On the 22 November, 2014, I shared my story and thank God for the opportunity to conclude my final exams as an undergraduate student of law. I looked forward to attending the Law School this year, because the admission for last year had been concluded.
Despite rounding up my examination, I still had a Long Essay to write and submit within the stipulated time. To the glory of God, did finished and submitted that in February; long before the 28!
I am an average student. Since my 100 level, my CGPA has not gone below 4.05. Therefore, I was surprised to receive a call on Monday, that my name is not on the Law School Mobilisation list of Benue State University, for the 2015/2016 session. I immediately proceeded to Benue that Monday night in order to rectify any problem that may have caused that. Sadly, all efforts I have made have met a brick wall.
When I sought to know why, I discovered my Essay supervisor who had scored me since March 18, failed or omitted to submit it to the Exam Officer. In fact, my project was dumped in a store! I told my Dean, then he asked me whether I expected him to flog my supervisor into submitting my project? Should I therefore, suffer for the laxity of my supervisor?
One reason why the Faculty has refused to add my name on the list, is the fact that the already already contains the required number based on the quota given to my school by the Law School. However, a colleague of mine has written to the Faculty notifying them of her intention not to attend the Law School this session. My Dean is aware of this, but he told me yesterday that he will give any of such space to spill over students!
The process adopted in short-listing candidates for the Law School is on the basis on merit, that is CGPA, of which I am eminently qualified. In fact, even without adding up my Long Essay, I am still the second best student in my class.
Why then is my name not on list? Should a student before made to suffer for the negligence of a lecturer? More so, if the mistake of the lecturer can be corrected, why not correct it? As at Yesterday, a students name was added on the list, why can't mine be added? Is it a student that is supposed to call an airing lecturer to order? If I submitted my project in February, and the list was released on the 22 June, 2015, am I not qualified to be mobilised? Why should I suffer for what is not my fault? Are students expected to follow up to know that their project have been submitted to the Exam officer?
I am bringing this to the public because I have exhausted all mediums of rectifying this problem and don't seem to be making progress. I beg the good people here to advise me on the way forward and also beg my Dean to do the needful. I don't have any issue with my result, and I am not want in anyway in terms of character deficiency. All I seek is the chance to attend the Nigerian Law School with my mates.
Thank you all
Frank Ijege

On the 22 November, 2014, I shared my story and thank God for the opportunity to conclude my final exams as an undergraduate student of law. I looked forward to attending the Law School this year, because the admission for last year had been concluded.
Despite rounding up my examination, I still had a Long Essay to write and submit within the stipulated time. To the glory of God, did finished and submitted that in February; long before the 28!
I am an average student. Since my 100 level, my CGPA has not gone below 4.05. Therefore, I was surprised to receive a call on Monday, that my name is not on the Law School Mobilisation list of Benue State University, for the 2015/2016 session. I immediately proceeded to Benue that Monday night in order to rectify any problem that may have caused that. Sadly, all efforts I have made have met a brick wall.
When I sought to know why, I discovered my Essay supervisor who had scored me since March 18, failed or omitted to submit it to the Exam Officer. In fact, my project was dumped in a store! I told my Dean, then he asked me whether I expected him to flog my supervisor into submitting my project? Should I therefore, suffer for the laxity of my supervisor?
One reason why the Faculty has refused to add my name on the list, is the fact that the already already contains the required number based on the quota given to my school by the Law School. However, a colleague of mine has written to the Faculty notifying them of her intention not to attend the Law School this session. My Dean is aware of this, but he told me yesterday that he will give any of such space to spill over students!
The process adopted in short-listing candidates for the Law School is on the basis on merit, that is CGPA, of which I am eminently qualified. In fact, even without adding up my Long Essay, I am still the second best student in my class.
Why then is my name not on list? Should a student before made to suffer for the negligence of a lecturer? More so, if the mistake of the lecturer can be corrected, why not correct it? As at Yesterday, a students name was added on the list, why can't mine be added? Is it a student that is supposed to call an airing lecturer to order? If I submitted my project in February, and the list was released on the 22 June, 2015, am I not qualified to be mobilised? Why should I suffer for what is not my fault? Are students expected to follow up to know that their project have been submitted to the Exam officer?
I am bringing this to the public because I have exhausted all mediums of rectifying this problem and don't seem to be making progress. I beg the good people here to advise me on the way forward and also beg my Dean to do the needful. I don't have any issue with my result, and I am not want in anyway in terms of character deficiency. All I seek is the chance to attend the Nigerian Law School with my mates.
Thank you all
Frank Ijege

Thank you PUSH1. Keyzid read it upside down. Anyway, I don't owe him an explanation

If you don't read between the lines, you will not understand this piece at all

I don't know about you, I actually want my representatives in the National Assembly to look good. They need to buy classy designer shirt to give them the air they will need in making laws for the people (please overlook the fact that they hardly make any law). All the post you people are writing condemning the wardrobe allowance shows you all are enemy of progress. Bad belle will not take you anywhere o. Yes now, do you want your Senators to go to Onitsha market abi kasuwan baci to buy what they will wear? These are Distinguished and Honourable members for God sake. If you ask me, they need more that twenty and seventeen million respectively. Why are people complaining for this chicken change?
The Senators and Honourable members are not responsible for falling oil prices are they? Not only are you complaining about their wardrobe allowance, you also want their salaries to be reduced. Why are Nigerians this wicked? Is it now that it is the turn of some people to take their share of the national cake that some people are angling for change? God pass them sha!
What do you expect when the people have decided to give so much to political office holders for doing nothing. Abi are we just realising that we pay too much? Wardrobe allowance is just one out of several allowances. Don't be surprised if they are also paid sleeping allowance. We let that happen!
Until the people are ready to reclaim their country, the sharing of our collective wealth will continue in the hands of a few.
NB
My dear distinguished and honourable members, especially those whose names have been mentioned by some bad belle people, if they keep disturbing you, trying to dissuade you from collecting the wardrobe allowance, just tell them you will collect it but will not use it for wardrobe. Nigerians believe anything. They will believe this too

Our Stand on the Inauguration of the National Assembly

Yesterday witnessed an event that will go into the history books on our fledgling democracy. As a Movement, we have always advocated that the National Assembly should be allowed to elect its leaders. So, we were at home with the event that transpired in the House of Representatives and we congratulate the Speaker and his Deputy. What played out in the House is pure democracy in action and we commend Hon. Yakubu Dogara for standing up to the cabal that want to make a mockery of the people who overwhelming voted for APC in the last election.

We would have hailed the Senators for achieving a similar feat. But, we are not at home with the process and the subsequent emergence of Dr. Bukola Saraki as Senate President. We admire his courage no doubt, but we are morally constrained. We believe that democracy is about fair play, and fair play means giving the other party the opportunity to test his popularity with the people. For the Saraki Group to conduct elections without the other group in attending, bespeaks a denial of fail play and it breaches the codes of morality of which SIM will not be a party to. As a Movement, we wonder how a man with a pending case of corruption hanging on his neck in court, will occupy the number three position in the country. It stains the anti corruption posture of the government.

What happened in the National Assembly yesterday, exposes the unpreparedness of the APC. It reveals a glowing fact that APC did not believe it will win the last election, and if it did, it certainly was not prepared to lead differently from the PDP. We are perplexed at APC's poor management of its success. We fear for the future of this government, since the first two weeks has been like this. The party should strive to manage the crisis and ensure it doesn't degenerate further. We also expect the party to put its house in order, allowing the tenets of democracy work within its fold, and ensuring credible people are appointed to positions in government. At the moment, the dividing line between the APC and PDP is tenuous, and this is a huge mockery of its change slogan.

Signed
Sai Ijege Movement (SIM)

No president of Nigeria sought political power because he wants to steal, embezzle money or become power drunk. All of them came with the best of intention. Yes, all of them! Where the problem starts, is with the kind of people. They surround themselves with. The Beni Sir people(apologies to Egbon Richard Akinnola) and the tribal bigots who whisper sweet nothing into their ears, twist their brains up side down and down side up. The opportunist, who feel the ascension of the man to power, offers them the opportunity to grab their share of the national cake. There are the free advisers, who are always there to offer unsolicited advise on how to tackle this or that person. For Buhari's presidency to be different, he must be wary of these people.
There are other categories of people too. You may belong to one of them.
Frank Ijege

I'm not going to ask anybody to wait until 100 days before criticising President Buhari; I am not an APC or PDP apologist. As a matter of fact, I enjoy reading the attack and counter attack. However, if you are criticising PMB because of Jonathan, then there is a problem. Do you forget that Jonathan once enjoyed the massive goodwill of the people? Do you recall the Save Nigeria Group? Do you think Tunde Bakare did what he did in order to become president? They (we) did all that to save Nigeria! Jonathan lost it when his incompetence became glaring and also when he allowed his people hijack him. If PMB makes the same mistake (having enjoyed the same goodwill), I will criticise him to high heavens. You know why? Because I'm a Nigerian and will do anything to protect Nigeria!
Frank ijege

The easiest and simplest campaign promise to fulfil is the public declaration of asset. Like I said before, it is too early to start criticising, and I'm not even ready for that! However, the body language of the government in the early days would tell Nigerians what to expect.
The defences I've been reading gives me a cause to worry. Somebody even wrote that after the verification by the Code of Conduct Bureau, it would be gazetted, thus making it a public document. Really? In as much as I head comparison, I'd have to ask, was Jonathan's own not gazetted too?
We should wait until the CCB conducts a verification on the assets submitted to it? Did the president merely say he will declare his asset publicly to gain sympathy? Well, if by chance that was his reason, Nigerians don wise up!
There is still room for the 'benefit of doubt' but I'm not just comfortable with some things I'm reading

1+1=2
1x1=1
All those who go to weddings preaching 1+1=1, failed maths. Lol

When late President Yar'Adua hurriedly travelled on the 23 November, 2009, without telling Nigerians, there was confusion in the polity. First, was with regards to his state of health and secondly, what happens to governance? That journey of his left Nigeria on the cross-road. Unfortunately, the then president did not return to govern the country. His long absence from duty led to massive agitation in different parts of the country. People wanted power to be transferred to the then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan. What transpired, then remains part of our history as a nation.
While the agitation was on, yours sincerely was not left out. I wrote a lot of treatise on why Goodluck Jonathan should be made Acting President. I joined issues with the likes of Chief Anenih on the pages on newspapers.
To douse tension, the doctrine of necessity was mooted and the Senate bought into that idea. So, Goodluck Jonathan eventually became Acting President!
After he took over as Acting President, yours sincerely promised not to write or say anything against his government for the next six months, to allow him settle down at least. Unfortunately, I couldn't keep that promise; because less than three months after his assumption, it was from one gaffe to the other, which of course, I couldn't stomach.
One major reason why I reneged on that promise was the fact that he allowed his kinsmen hijack him. The president decided to be a president of his people and not of Nigerians. Too bad!
Secondly, he appeared not prepared for the tasking job of being a president. In fact, he looked like a man that appeared on stage to give a speech without his speech or notes with him. Then there was the monumental corruption; ranging from fuel subsidy fraud, missing money, rising insecurity in the country with the attendant loss of lives and a host of others.
As a Nigerian who loves Nigeria, I went all out against him. I called him reckless, feckless and clueless. I received some knocks and some commendations which to me matter less. What matters the most is to see your country rise up back to the threshold of progress and development.
General Muhammadu Buhari will take over the reigns of this country tomorrow. As a progressive, I will also give him the benefit of doubt. If he however decides to go the Jona way by allowing his people, party or anybody, person, group etcetera hijack him, I will not spare him! If he appears clueless, I will say it as it is. If he appears not ready to govern, I will not hesitate to ask him to go back to daura and tend to his farm. The time for passivity is over. Nigerians must protect Nigeria
Frank Ijege

Will Buhari probe Jonathan's government? Honestly, if there must be any probe, is should be encompassing. Everybody who has stolen government funds should be tried. I have a worry anyway, there are pending case of corruption in court, some have lasted for more than ten years; will Buhari want to add to that growing list or ensure the pending ones are concluded? Will he overlook the corruption in past governments and ensure there is none in his government?

In 2012, I supported the Occupy Nigeria movement and did join in the protest against the removal of subsidy. Prior to that protest, I had published a piece entitled 'The Removal of Fuel Subsidy: An Affront on the Nigerian People'. Looking back, and in line with recent happenings in the country, I don't regret my decision. Given another opportunity, I would do same.
My decision is hinged on obvious reasons. First, even though all factors point to that direction, Nigeria is not a police state where the president wakes up and makes a proclamation expecting the people to take and swallow it, even though it is bitter. You cannot remove fuel subsidy without putting in place mechanisms or shock absorbers to assist the people survive the harsh impact it would create.
Secondly, the failure of the deregulation of diesel underscores my point. The idea then was that government should stop subsidising the price of diesel in order to allow private individuals run the sector; through that, market forces will force the price down. Supporters of this often cite the GSM example. Sadly, several years after, the price of diesel is not just high, but outrageously high!

Thirdly, are we supposed to be importing refined oil? Why can't we get our refineries to work in order to meet our consumption demands? The daily consumption of petroleum is put at forty million litres. A large portion of that is to power generators. Fix our refineries, fix the problem of power and we wouldn't be importing refined fuel. Besides, why can't we give crude oil in exchange for refined fuel. The practice of selling crude oil for it to be refined, and still buying the refined oil is disheartening.

I understand and appreciate the fact that petroleum subsidy should not stay, but, we cannot continue like this. The suffering the people experienced these past weeks was unprecedented. People were forced to buy fuel at high prices (mostly at the price they ordinarily should buy, if subsidy is removed). But did we also notice the increase in transport fare and the price of foodstuffs? How much does the average worker take home at the end of the month? My argument is simple; remove fuel subsidy, but before you do that, put mitigating factors in places to help the citizens survive the hardships that may follow. Fix our refineries, fix the problem of power and get the thieves milking us dry. Removing fuel subsidy without doing any of these, is like asking the people to pay for the ineptitude and failure of government, both past and present!

I have seen pictures of Dino Melaye trending on social media where he embarked on an obscene display of wealth. I am not surprised. Some years ago, I ha to tackle Dino on twitter for the same issue; guess what, he blocked me. Dino is unrepentant in displaying wealth. May God help us to realise that life is a vanity. SMH

400 Days in Captivity: Sai Ijege Movement(SIM) Remembers the Chibok Girls;
charges the incoming government to find the girls

Today is the four hundredth day that our sisters and daughters were kidnapped from the Secondary School in Chibok by Boko Haram. Four hundred days after their abduction, we are still clueless about their whereabouts. Our persistent inability to find them has, indeed worsened the grief of their family members and friends, who placed high hopes on government to find their loved ones. It is shameful that we continue to fail them.

As a Movement, we are least impressed by the actions of government towards finding the girls, and ensuring that they return home safe and strong. The army although busy routing the terrorist, seem to have left the Chibok girls to their fate. We are not blind to the recent success the army is recording against the terrorists; we just want them to crown that success with the rescue of our girls. Its failure to find the abducted girls places a big question mark on its capability and integrity.

We are repulsed by the outgoing government's failure to find the abducted girls, we find it irresponsible and unappealing. The incoming President has been making statement about the kidnapped girls. Therefore, we safely conclude that he is in the know of what the conditions of these girls have been for the past four hundred days. Thus, we expect him to rescue the girls as soon as he is sworn in. As a Movement, we are giving the incoming Buhari administration 60 days to ‪#‎Bringbackourgirls‬ failing which, we will tackle him.
Signed
SIM

400 Days in Captivity: Sai Ijege Movement(SIM) Remembers the Chibok Girls;
charges the incoming government to find the girls

Today is the four hundredth day that our sisters and daughters were kidnapped from the Secondary School in Chibok by Boko Haram. Four hundred days after their abduction, we are still clueless about their whereabouts. Our persistent inability to find them has, indeed worsened the grief of their family members and friends, who placed high hopes on government to find their loved ones. It is shameful that we continue to fail them.

As a Movement, we are least impressed by the actions of government towards finding the girls, and ensuring that they return home safe and strong. The army although busy routing the terrorist, seem to have left the Chibok girls to their fate. We are not blind to the recent success the army is recording against the terrorists; we just want them to crown that success with the rescue of our girls. Its failure to find the abducted girls places a big question mark on its capability and integrity.

We are repulsed by the outgoing government's failure to find the abducted girls, we find it irresponsible and unappealing. The incoming President has been making statement about the kidnapped girls. Therefore, we safely conclude that he is in the know of what the conditions of these girls have been for the past four hundred days. Thus, we expect him to rescue the girls as soon as he is sworn in. As a Movement, we are giving the incoming Buhari administration 60 days to ‪#‎Bringbackourgirls‬ failing which we will tackle him.
Signed
SIM

Whether we admit it or not, they are heros. The people of Burundi danced on the streets when they heard about the coup on radio. It's sad they didn't succeed, but President Pierre Nkurunziza is also guilty of raping the constitution

When Jonathan's National Conference was to start, we made issues here, of the payment each delegate would get. We condemned it as so did some comrades. However, when the names of some these comrades appeared on the list of delegates, they changed; from disagreeing with the huge amount, to telling us they will it and do this or that with it. It's over one year now, some of us are still waiting to see what they have done to better the lives of the people with their National Conference allowance.
Ben Murray-Bruce has been saying the obvious truth amount how much our legislators get for doing nothing. The good thing is that he has been elected a Senator. Will he take the huge pay? Will he also use it for this or that? Or will his new found voice be lost again? Let's wait, June is not far

Accept our profound congratulations on you recent victory at the polls. Your success at the recently conducted elections is a victory for young leaders, and aspiring young leaders all over the world. We also wish to congratulate for constituency for believing in the change that young leaders can bring to the table.

As a movement, we believe that young leaders are change makers. This is why we have been pushing for a generational shift from what used to obtain in the past. In the world over, we have seen young leaders transform their countries to enviable heights. We commend these countries of the world that have made their laws flexible which has taken into consideration the hopes and aspiration of young leaders who wish contribute to the growth and development of their country.

We believe that Africa is where it is today because it has modelled it's law in a way that shuts out young and aspiring leaders. But for that rigidity, our dear Frank Ijege would have been getting set to kick start a journey that would lead Nigeria to the desired destination. He was ready to serve this country at the highest level, but was prevented by a constitutional provision.

As a movement, we shall continue to push for young leader to be given their place in the quest to better their countries and the continent as a whole. Once again, accept our hearty congratulations.

Signed
Sai Ijege Movement (SIM)

Let me use the opportunity to congratulate the president elect on his recent victory at the poll. His tenacity and perseverance has indeed paid off; his victory it is hoped, will indeed offer Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy his robust programmes, which he has over the years sought to implement if given the opportunity to govern the country. Thank God that opportunity has finally presented itself.

This piece is the first out of four series which will run within the next four weeks. It covers fundamental problems in our national life; which therefore, becomes necessary to draw the attention of the incoming government to, so that as soon as it takes over in May, it will hit the ground running. This particular piece is focused on the power sector. Other areas will be discussed in the ensuing weeks.

Power, plays a fundamental role in the life of every nation. Due to its importance, countries of the world invest heavily in the sector. According to a 2012 report, countries like Uruguay, Mauritius, Costa Rica and South Africa, were the largest investors in renewable energy. South Africa generates close to 40,000 MW, 98% of which is from coal. In Mauritius, a workable plan between the government have seen the Island enjoying stable electricity. In 2013, 2575 MW was generated, representing an increase of 3.2% when compared with the year 2012. The country’s electricity consumption for that period was less than 1000 MW. 80% of the electricity in Mauritius is generated from thermal plants, while the remaining 20% is from hydro-power. The government has a fifteen year plan, which hopes to see power generation increase steadily. In Uruguay, power generation has increased from 2500 MW to 2900 MW, between 2009 and 2013. 63% of the generated electricity is derived from hydro-power. These are countries that have invested greatly in the power sector, and they have been reaping the benefits that come with stable electricity.

The benefits enjoyed by the citizens of the aforementioned countries are enormous. Industrial activities thrive, small businesses crop up, as stable and reliable electricity reduces operational cost. People and organizations are saved the burden of investing in costly backups. Through stable power generation, the citizens are gainfully employed and engaged, which translates into few people engaging in anti-social activities.

In Nigeria however, the opposite is the case. Electricity generation is at a disappointing level. Despite the huge investment in the sector, darkness remains prevalent in the country. Corruption has destroyed the power sector; the high level of corruption in the power sector, makes a ridicule of the huge investments in the sector. For instance, according to a 2013 report, the government of Nigeria has invested $31.45 billion, from 1999 to 2013, and all that was generated within that fourteen year period is just 2500 MW; thus taking the total electricity generation in Nigeria to around 4500 MW. This is a far cry when compared with the output by other countries within the same fourteen year period. Brazil invested $58 billion in its power sector within a fourteen between 1994 and 2008, while its power generation is about 100,000 MW! With the amount invested in the sector thus far, Nigeria and Nigerians deserve more in terms of power generation.

The effect of this poor power generation is already being felt by the people. A lot of industries have folded up, small business have equally been flushed away. Others have resorted to artificial backup systems, which translates into high operating costs, which are transferred onto the citizens. Businesses must make profit despite the huge cost of doing business. Due to the high cost of doing business in Nigeria, most business have moved to other African countries that have over the years ensure a steady electricity supply for their people. This diminishes our self-acclaimed status of being the giant of Africa. A giant that cannot cater for his subordinates is worse than a weakling. Our people are insulted and killed in small countries of the world due to the persistent failure of our leaders in providing the basic essentials of living.

The incoming government therefore, has a job to do; and it must start with the power sector. That it must provide stable electricity for Nigerians is non-negotiable. It must show us that it is different and must get things right. One expects a complete overhaul of the entire sector, and putting mechanisms in place in order to get the desired results. A situation where billions of naira is invested with little result to show for it must stop. The privatization of the sector has yielded little or no result. Nigerians are paying more for electricity they hardly use or consume. This must change!
There should also be a diversification of the means of power generation. The countries mentioned above do not have oil. Yet, they have been able to provide a steady power for their people. It is therefore shameful that despite the huge deposit of resources in Nigeria, the country is still lagging behind in terms of electricity generation.

The Buhari administration must put an end to this shame. It is hoped it would achieve this through hydro-power generation and a revisit to coal. All the private industries hoping to invest in the sector should be made to come up with a plan on how it intends to explore on other source of power generation, rather than the unwholesome dependence on fuel. Also, investments in that sector must also be monitored in order to ensure that every dime budgeted to be spent is not only spent but spent appropriately. His administration must restore the dignity of government and the status of Nigeria in not just Africa, but in the entire world. The expectations are high; he must therefore, strive to meet these expectations

I pray that Nigeria witnesses a new birth in the power sector, as we embark on another four years democratic experience under Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
To be continued…

Four guys trekking from Kano to Abuja to see the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, arrived Abuja since last week and were not allowed to meet with Buhari. Who send them?

Four Briton born Nigerians won elections. Here in Nigeria, even though you have spent all your life in a particular state, you are forbidden from contesting from any post, let alone winning. Your competence is hardly taken into consideration. As long as you are not "one of us", then we can not let you have what should go to one of us; even though he is incompetent. You hear things like this is our land. Really? Did you buy that land? Time to scrap this divisive thing called states and to grow past bigotry