₦airaland Forum

Of a truth, change is a process, but time is essential and should be factored into the change process. Four years is not everlasting. I am a strong supporter of change mantra though

It will be recalled that in the build up to 2015 general elections; the All Progressives Congress (APC), promised Nigerians “Change”, in her electioneering campaign. The party made the masses believed that APC led Federal government has magical hands to turn things around overnight. Majority of the electorates bought the “Change Mantra” as was strategically sold by the APC. This was evident in the outcome of 2015 Presidential election, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Nigerians “home and abroad” welcomed the APC led government at the Central level, on May 29, 2015, with open hands and high expectations of dividends of democracy, as promised by APC. Unfortunately, for many months counting, the good people of Nigeria are yet to see the manifestations of the “Change Mantra”, rather, the government of the day has resulted to playing the “blame game” and giving “inexcusable excuses” to justify her failure to turn the situations of things around for good.

Although, the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not enviable at the moment, owning to series of challenges facing Nigeria as a nation. Efforts of the government to fight insecurity to a standstill is commendable but a lot of work is still needed to be done. On the other hand, the war against corruption is more of media trial than the actual prosecution in the court of law. No wonder, the government has been unable to secure a single conviction against any of high profile corruption cases in the court.

Power (electricity) is in a state of deterioration without rescue in sight, even at a time like this, when Nigeria is thinking of diversification of economy. Water supply, quality healthcare and other social amenities are far away from the reach of a common man. Nigeria economy is moving towards recession, inflation and interest rate are on the increase. Unfortunately, some Federal lawmakers are busy padding the budget, when Nigeria people needed them most, to make good laws that will positively affect the citizenry from Sokoto to Port Harcourt, and from Maiduguri to Lagos.

At this junction, one may be tempted to ask, where is the “change” as promised by APC? May be the “Change Mantra” of APC is just a mere political slogan, to woo electorates to do the party's bidding, or the “change” may take longer period, than what the party made Nigerians to believe, before it will materialized.

I'm just thinking aloud!

http://olalekanlawalblog..co.ke/2016/08/change-as-promised-by-apc-and-reality.html?m=1

Honorable members of Ebonyi state House of Assembly were presented with new 2016 Prado SUV Jeep each, on Thursday, July 7, 2016, by the Executive Governor of Ebonyi state, Engineer David Nweze Umahi. Each of the SUVs was said to worth #15million. Despite the national economic crisis, the state government was able to raise the money for the purchase of these automobiles, as gift for the Lawmakers, while “Ebonyians” are dying silently, under the heavy burden of economic hardship.

If the money used to purchased these latest SUVs was used for scholarship, to encourage and support both the students and their parents, or to empower the unemployed youth and the women, these would have increase the state’s productivity. How about giving the money out as loan for farmers and market women, or using it for constituency projects, for the benefit of all their (lawmakers’) constituents.

Even if the said gifts were to be the Lawmakers’ officer cars, while not settle for Innoson brand, which is relatively cheaper and at the same time, the state government will be encouraging and promoting local production. And the money that would have been saved from patronising Innoson brand can be diverted to other meaningful projects, that will benefit all and sundry.

On the contrary, Maria Ude Nwachi, one of the beneficiary of the SUVs has promised to sell her own SUV and use the proceeds to empower her constituents. If the cars were to be officer cars, it would have been inappropriate for the Hon. Nwachi to sell government property, hence, this confirmed that the automobiles were gifts from number one citizen of Ebonyi states to the Lawmakers. A sign of misplaced priorities.

I am just thinking aload.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/07/re-presentation-of-2016-prado-suvs.html?m=1

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Prior to Nigeria's independence in 1960, Niger-area (now known as Nigeria), was amalgamated in 1914 by her Colonial Master. The unification brought together the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate, to form a Federation unit. The nation became an Independent nation in 1960 and was declared a Republic in 1963. The present day Nigeria comprises of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Nigeria is often referred to as the “Giant of Africa” owning to her large population and economy.

Nigeria is a multinational federation unit with 250+ ethnic groups, of which the three largest are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba; these ethnic groups speak over 500 different languages and are identified with wide variety of cultures. Among many other hurdles, the nation was plunged into civil war from 1967 – 1970.

Despite pocket of calls for succession, one major reason for 1967 civil war, successive governments have repeatedly made the citizenry to live in the delusion of one Nigeria. Former President Goodluck Jonathan, when inaugurating 2014 National Conference stated that the unity of Nigeria is not negotiable. Also, President Muhammmadu Buhari in his speech while playing host to the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and FCT residents, led by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said that the unity of Nigeria remained non negotiable.

Of recent, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), renewed their quest for Republic of Biafra. Also, the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups resorted to bombing of oil and gas instillations to register their dissatisfaction to the Niger Delta’s state of desolation and a call for succession from one Nigeria. Although, the violent approach of the aforementioned groups is condemnable but it is expedient to state that some parts of the country are dissatisfied with oneness of Nigeria and are demanding for re-negotiation of the nation's unity.

Sovereignty belongs to the people. There is need for the citizenry to sit down and negotiate their continue stay or otherwise in Nigeria. Regional government/restructuring of the federation unit may be the solution to this lingering dissatisfaction of some parts of Nigeria. Although, I am not a fan of succession, but if succession is the way out, so be it. There is no point mending a shattered wall. Renegotiation is the first step towards a better Nigeria.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/07/oneness-of-nigeria-is-negotiable.html?m=1

They are different. Appeal is like asking the court or higher court to review previous judgement, while application for stay of execution means the judgement should be not be executed until determination of the stay of execution.

Following Justice Okon Abeng of the Federal High Court, Abuja ruling on Monday, 27 June, 2016, ordering Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate office immediately for alleged falsification of tax receipts he submitted to his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the party's governorship primary election in December, 2014, Abia has been thrown into a state of confusion and apprehension.

The trial Judge gave the verdict in a ruling he delivered on a pre-election matter challenging the emergence of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as the standard bearer of PDP in 2015 governorship election in Abia state. The Judge ordered Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to immediately issue Certificate of Return to Dr Uche Sampson Ogah, as the governor-elect of Abia state, in the election held in 2015, and restore to him all entitlements as elected governor of Abia state.

The embattled Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos said, he remains the governor of the state and that he will appeal the ruling as he has instructed his lawyers to file an appeal immediately against the said judgement. He urged the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding, until the final determination of the matter by the appellate courts.

However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on June 30, 2016 issued Certificate of Return to Sampson Ogah as governor-elect of Abia state, even after acknowledgement of the receipt of notice of an appeal against the Abuja High court judgement, though INEC claimed the appeal was not accompanied with notice of an application for stay of execution of the judgement. The said application is yet to be heard or determined by the court, the consequence of which is that the judgement of the court cannot be enforced.

According to a Lagos based Lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the supreme court had held that once an appeal has been filed against a judgement and the appellant has also filed an application to stay the execution of the said judgement, the judgement cannot be enforced, until the application for the stay of execution has been heard and determined. Although it was not clearly stated whether INEC was served the notice of the application for stay of execution but INEC should have allow the embattled governor to exhaust his right to fair hearing before further action on the judgement.

A school of thought is of the opinion that INEC's response to the Federal High court judgement is worrisome and too swift. According to Babatunde Fashanu, SAN, “this is no rocket science at all. If the incumbent has indeed appealed, he is deemed by law to still be governor until his appeal is determined. In my view, INEC should have waited for the appeal to be determined, before issuing the certificate in the event the appeal fails. The action is precipitous and pre-emptive and can lead to chaos. The certificate should be withdrawn immediately”. However, another school of thought believed that INEC simply obeyed the court order.

In another twist, the embattled governor, Dr Ikpeazu obtained an injunction at Osisioma Ngwa High court, which Ogah described as a black market injunction. The injunction restrained the Chief Judge of Abia state or any other judiciary Officer, from swearing in Dr Ogah as the governor of Abia state. Unfortunately, both the Federal High court that sacked Dr Ikpeazu and the Abia state High court that gave the later injunction, are courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Hence, contradictory orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction.

At the moment, two candidates are claiming ownership of governorship seat of Abia state. In what appears to be one of Hollywood movie scenes, a third contender to Abia governorship emerged at the weekend. Friday Nwosu (PDP governorship aspirant in Abia state in 2015 elections ), argued that the court, having disqualified Ikpeazu as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Abia in the 2015 polls, should have declared him as the governor-elect and not Ogah.

If INEC had allowed the embattled governor, Dr Ikpeazu to exhaust his right to fair hearing before issuing Certificate of Return to Dr Ogah, may be the height of confusion and apprehension in Abia state may have been averted.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/07/controversy-in-abia-inecs-making.html?m=1

It will be recalled that the 8th National Assembly was inaugurated on June 9, 2015, few weeks after 2015 general elections. Prior to this time, All Progressives Congress (APC), which was the former major opposition party, had constituted the government at the Central level, on May 29, 2015. Also, APC won majority of the seats at the two chambers, that constitute the National Assembly, and as it had been the practice of National Assembly over the years, the party with majority members will most likely produce the Presiding Officers.

It was however unfortunate that APC found it challenging to manager her victory at the poll, the party was unable to put her house in order and speak with one voice, as regards who were to become Presiding Officers, prior to the inauguration of the National Assembly. The visible divisions between APC lawmakers-elect made the APC leadership to organise mock elections for Senators-elect and Honourables-elect, to choose candidates of their choice, to be presented on the floor of Senate and House of Representatives respectively, on the day of their inauguration.

In the said mock elections, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila defeated Hon. Yakubu Dogora, to emerged as the APC proposed Speaker of the House of Representatives, while Senator Ahmed Lawan defeated Senator Bokola Saraki, to emerged as the APC proposed Senate President. Unfortunately, the defeated groups were dissatisfied with the process of the mock elections. They accused the party leadership of been partial and for not providing a free and fair atmosphere, for all interested candidates. The defeated candidates vowed to ignore the position of the party and contest for their respective offices in the main election on the day of inauguration.

In a bid to pacify the dissatisfied candidates, series of meeting were proposed, but all to no availed, until the day of their inauguration. In what appeared to be last minute fence mending step, the leadership of APC summoned a meeting of all APC lawmakers-elect on the day of National Assembly inauguration; a decision the APC National Chairman said he regretted until today, only Lawan and Gbajabiamila's factions honoured the invitation.

Unknown to the party leadership, the aggrieved members purportedly formed an alliance with opposition lawmakers, in which many believed there was a gentleman agreement between them, though, they have publicly denied existence of such agreement. While Lawan's faction were at the venue of APC proposed meeting, the other faction led by Bukola Sarski were in the senate alongside with opposition lawmakers-elect for inauguration.

Before Lawan's group would find their way back to the National Assembly complex, the did had already been done. Senator Bukola Saraki had been nominated unopposed and declared as the Senate President by the Clark of the National Assembly. While PDP presented Ike Ekweremadu to contest along side Ali Ndume of APC (Saraki Faction), for the office of Deputy Senate President. Ike Ekweremadu won the contest due to the fact that just a faction of APC Senators-elect were at the inauguration and the influence of the rumored gentleman agreement between Saraki's faction of APC and PDP lawmakers-elect. Hence, Senator Ike Ekweremadu emerged as Deputy Senate President.

Gbajabiamila's faction were even lucky to have participated in the House of Representatives elections, due to the fact that, the Clark of the National Assembly that was supposed to conduct the elections of their Presiding Officers alongside the Clark of the House of Representatives was busy at the Senate, hence, they were able to buy time to be available for their inauguration at the House of Representatives. But the election for the Office of the Speaker was keenly contested between Yakubu Dogora and Femi Gbajabiamila, eventually, Yakubu Dogora won the election while Yusuf Lasun became the Deputy Speaker.

Ever since then, the factions in both House of Representatives and the Senate have been at loggerheads, though members of the House of Representatives have been able to manager there differences to bearable minimum, the degree of divisions in the Senate is alarming. This division has manifested in the way Senators conduct themselves. And by extension, there has been a cold war between the Leadership of National Assembly and the Executive arm of government, despite the fact that must of them are from the same fold (party).

The said cold war played out on Ministerial screening, missing and padded 2016 Appropriation Bill ( budget), return of ambassadorial list, fraudulent amended of bills, forgery case against Senate Presiding Officers and the verbal accusations that follows, etc. As a matter of fact, the Senate leadership has threatened to do the needful to the outcome of certificate forgery case against Mr President. This is definitely not heathy for our tender democracy.

Impeachment of the leadership of the National Assembly may have been the cheapest solution, but the ruling party can not boast of two-third loyal Federal lawmakers in any of the two chambers. Hence, the burden to manage the difference of all factions within the party rest on the shoulder of the party leadership.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/8th-national-assembly-leadership-apc.html?m=1

Olami: Hello my good friend.
Friend: O boy how are you?
Olami: I am fine and how about you? I wish to tell you the latest gist in town.
Friend: Go ahead, I’m all ears.
Olami: EFCC frozen Oga Fayose’s Zenith bank accounts but he attacked the first family in return, and even linked Aisha Buhari to the popular Halliburton bribery scandal.
Friend: I think he enjoys immunity as a sitting Governor?
Olami: That is true, immunity protects him against prosecution but he can still be investigated.
Friend: Is freezing of his accounts part of investigation by EFCC?
Olami: Yes, information obtained from his accounts can be used as evidence when it is time for prosecution, and it is a way of preserving evidence to be used in the court later.
Friend: But why did EFCC freezes Fayose's accounts in the first place?
Olami: EFCC said #4.7billion part of Dasukigate was traced to Fayose along side Obanikoro and sons.
Friend: What did he used such huge amount of money for?
Olami: It was alleged he used it to finance his 2014 governorship election.
Friend: You mean Fayose is now one of ‘Yam eaters'? O.Y.O. How then does this affect Buhari and family?
Olami: Fayose said that EFCC's action is an act of tyranny and witch hunting, orchestrated by Buhari led government to shout him up, being one of the most vocal opposition figures.
Friend: Didn't he taught of the consequence of eating forbidden ‘Yam’ before now?
Olami: I don't know that one. But Fayose challenged the wife of the President to visit US, after the Presidency and Aisha Buhari strongly stated that Aisha Buhari mentioned in Halliburton scandal is not President’s wife and doesn't have any thing to do with the wife of the President.
Friend: Did Aisha Buhari agreed to visit US?
Olami: She only demanded an official apology from Fayose or else she will seek legal redress in the court of law. She even call Oga Fayose ‘Unchained Mad Dog'.
Friend: You mean it
Olami: Trust me friend
Friend: What was Fayose's response to EFCC allegation(s)?
Olami: As expected, he denied it and rather alleged that Zenith bank was his major sponsor and other sources are donations and money from sales of campaign souvenirs.
Friend: How can a bank of Zenith bank's status sponsors election of a Governor?
Olami: Zenith bank equally denied sponsoring his election, the bank even went ahead to indirectly linked him to suspicious source of finance.
Friend: Did Zenith bank make any attempt to report any suspicious transfer of money?
Olami: I don’t know for them. Zenith bank is not innocent any way.
Friend: Are you part of bank regulatory agencies to pronounced the bank guilty?
Olami: Must I be one to know that something is wrong somewhere? There was another twist to the case now.
Friend: How do you mean?
Olami: Zenith bank management visited Fayose and it was alleged that they came to beg him, not only that, a picture of a man alleged to be Zenith bank official in Ekiti was circulated in social media kneeling before Fayose.
Friend: For what?
Olami: Fayose and the management of Zenith bank are in the best position to answer that question.
Friend: Both of them are hiding something from us.
Olami: Yes. In another twist, Fayose asked EFCC, APC and Zenith bank to read John 8 vs 6-7, that talks about the account of Jesus and a woman caught in then very act of adultery.
Friend: The man has pronounced himself guilty already, because the said woman was guilty. Jesus only have mercy on her.
Olami: May be his advisers do not advice him well.
Friend: The man and his advisers are confused, I guess.
Olami: Also, he challenged the bank to debunk his claim and threatened to embark on second stage of revelation of his sponsors.
Friend: Nigeria which way?
Olami: Lest I forget, did you know Mr Commonsense?
Friend: You mean Ben Bruce
Olami: Yes. They say he was owning Union bank #11billion since 2005, until 2011, when AMCON acquire the bad debt from Union bank to avert collapse of Union bank. AMCON has taken over his properties for his failure to pay back.
Friend: You mean Mr Commonsense didn't make use of common sense to run his business?
Olami: I don't say that please. Some people believed he came into politics for coverup.
Friend: May be
Olami: But the good news is that some of his properties had been re-open for business.
Friend: May be he has settled AMCON. Or can AMCON be running the business for awhile?
Olami: OK friend have a nice weekend.
Friend: And you too.

Source: http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/fayose-and-efcc-palava.html?m=1

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The erstwhile Governor of Lagos state and Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, in October, 2014, when he was Lagos state governor, told Nigerians not to accept excuses for power failure, he further said that, it is not rocket science to produce electricity in a nation that is blessed with oil and gas. As fate will have it, the lawyer turned politician is now a Minister of Federal republic of Nigeria in charge of power.

Though he came in, not as an Engineer like some of his predecessors, his antecedents as a two times Governor of Lagos state and his series of public statements on power supply made Nigerians to believe that, he seems to have a good grasp of the issues and what needs to be done to improve power supply, in no distance time.

Ironically, the power supply has worsened significantly, even as power generation has dropped from about 4500 megawatts to about 1500 megawatts. This is making the citizenry wonder what Babatunde Fashola is doing to ameliorate the situation, despite February, 2016 increase of about 46 per cent in tariff of electricity. Nigerians are now paying more for less power. No wonder some people refer to the Minister as Minister of Darkness.

Of a truth, his position is not enviable at the moment and the activities of our brothers from South South (Niger Delta), as regards blowing up of oil and gas installations is regrettable. Blown-up pipelines cut gas supplies to the turbines which constitute a large chunk of the energy mix. This problem coupled with other challenges have denied Nigerians quality power supply.

All these challenges notwithstanding, power supply is not rocket science and it will never be. It is time for Mr Fashola to “walk the talk”. Nigerians are waiting for the required turn around in the power sector, even as the Honourable Minister employ his managerial experiences and expertise to deliver power, and prove to all & sundry that power supply is not a rocket science. “Action speaks louder than voice”.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/honourable-minister-walk-talk.html?m=1

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First of all, I wish to congratulate the Chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogora and the entire members of the National Assembly, for a year anniversary of the inauguration of the 8th National Assembly.

It will be recalled that the 8th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was inaugurated on June 9, 2015. The National Assembly been a bicameral legislature comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives. The former consists of 109 members called Senators, while the latter consists of 360 members known as Honourables.

The screening and confirmation of ministerial nominees by the Senate and the passage of 2016 Appropriate bill (budget) by the National Assembly is commendable. Although the passage of the budget was not without challenges that caused a national embarrassment, but the enthusiastic of some legislators for successful and smooth passage of the budget is commendable.

Apart from the aforementioned achievements, the 8th National Assembly has not measured up to the expectations of the electorates. The legislative arm of government has been in the news of recent for wrong reasons (I.e padding of budget, taking delivery of exotic vehicles, attempt to amend CCB act at a wrong time, etc). The lawmakers in the last one legislative year has failed to make laws that has direct positive impact on a common man on the street.

In the coming legislative years, we hope to see a more vibrant legislative arm of government, engaged in making of good laws for the citizenry, wonderful oversight functions, and life impacting constituency projects. Nigerians are watching. Once again happy anniversary!

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/8th-national-assembly-at-1.html?m=1

The Presidential flag-off of clean-up of Ogoniland on June 2, 2016, as come and gone down the history lane for good. We hope to see positive impacts of the clean-up exercise in no distance time, in Ogoniland and by extension, in Niger Delta. The flag-off was indeed a success and historic, though it is just a step out of a thousand miles journey, in implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.

The event brought together major stakeholders in Niger Delta and representatives of oil companies. In his remarks, the President of the Ogoni Council of Traditional Rulers, king Godwin Giniwa declared that former President Goodluck Jonathan made a terrible mistake for ignoring the UNEP report. The former Governor of Rivers state and Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi sounded a bit political in his speech, while his political arch enemy and incumbent Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike was apolitical. Also, the pastoral opening remark of Vice President is commendable.

Although Mr President was represented by the Vice President, the cancellation of Mr president’s visit to Ogoniland at the eleventh hour without any stated reason has been raising a lot of concerns. A line of argument believed that the President cancelled his visit because of death threat given by the Niger Delta Avengers. The cancellation is seen as an act of cowardice on the part of the President. Another school of thought believed that the reason for the cancellation may be connected to his health. He appeared frail and sick in his democracy day broadcast and he has been cancelling official visits and movements of recent.

Contrary to those that argued that the cancellation of President's visit was an act of cowardice, it was a good decision taking for the best interest of Nigeria. If peradventure, the militants carried out their threat and killed or injured the President, the resultant effect may not be palatable for the nation as a whole. The northerners may most likely not take it lightly, it may lead to blood shedding, and if care is not taking, it may result to another civil war.

Also, the military may level(wipe out) the whole area and the surrounding communities, as it was in the case of Odi community (Odi massacre), during Obasanjo regime, when few Soldiers were killed. Harming a sitting President may attract a worst fate. On the other hand, the military may take advantage of the resulting convulsion to make a come back to power and truncate our democracy.

It is essential to note that the office of the President is one of the most important office in our democratic setting. And if any thing happen to the President, that will affect the office of the President. Hence, if the cancellation was as a result of the threat, I wish to congratulate the Presidency for a courageous decision. But if the decision was based on health ground, I wish him quick recovery.

Long live Mr President!
Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/the-launch-of-clean-up-of-ogoniland-and.html?m=1

Ogoniland is located on the Gulf of Guinea, east of Port Harcourt in Rivers state. It extends across four local government areas, namely; Khana, Gokhana, Eleme and Tae. It is traditionally divided into six kingdoms of Babbe, Gokana, Ken-khana, Nyo-khana, Eleme and Tai (Wikipedia). Ogoniland is synonymous to oil related environmental pollution.

As far back as 1956, few years before Nigeria Independence, Royal Dutch/Shell in collaboration with British government discovered a commercially viable oil field in Niger Delta and began oil exploration in 1958. Within the year 1976 to the year 1991, there were reportedly 2978 oil spills of about 2.1million barrels of oil in Ogoniland (Wikipedia).

Though operations were suspended in Ogoniland in the early 1990s due to disruptions from local unrest, major oil pipelines still cross through Ogoniland and oil spills continue to affect the region, due to such factors as a lack of maintenance and vandalism to oil infrastructure and facilities (UNEP).

For a people whose livelihood revolves around fishing and farming, the effect of the near total destruction of their ecosystem by oil has taken things to a whole different level; it is now a fight for survival. With rivers clogged with oil, sources of drinking water poisoned with hydrocarbons, farms ravaged by hydrocarbons and rains almost turning acidic from the non-stop gas flaring in the area, a generation of unhealthy people abound (Ogoninews.com).

Although, efforts had been made in the past to clean-up the region, but for lack of political will, such efforts did not yield enviable result. Hence, the proposed presidential visit to Ogoniland tomorrow to flag-off clean-up of oil spills in the region, as recommended by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report is commendable. And we hope that this time around, we will be able to achieve desirable results.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/06/cleanup-of-ogoniland-welcome-development.html?m=1

May 29 is one of the most important days in the history of Nigeria's democracy. The nation witnessed re-birth of democracy on May 29, 1999, when the then Military Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar peacefully handed over the mantle of leadership to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as a democratically elected President. This day has hence been observed yearly as a work free democracy day, to mark the inception of our re-birth democracy.

The 2015 democracy day celebration was a unique one, and was filled with funfair and high expectations. The then PDP led Federal government, that had ruled Nigeria for 16years, handed over to Muhammadu Buhari led Federal government of APC. The citizenry were full of expectations of more dividends of democracy, as promised by APC during 2015 electioneering period.

Nigerians home and abroad were curious to witness the manifestation of the change mantra of the present administration. But a year after the inauguration of APC led Federal government, the so called change has not materialized. On the contrary, the Nigeria economy is moving towards recession, and the government has not missed words to blame the past administration for the state of the nation's economy.

Of a truth, the prevailing situation is not an enviable one for any government. The global drop in the price of crude oil, poor infrastructural development, Boko Haram insurgents and militancy are not the making of this administration. Also, the present government is not responsible for our dry foreign reserve. A popular school of thought believed that some of these things are as a result of mismanagement of our resources in the time of surplus, without concrete plan for the raining day. All these not withstanding, the citizenry expected the government of the day to step up her game and think of the way forward.

Few days ago, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu released an article titled “ Nine Key Milestones in President Buhari's First Year in Office”. But the truth of the matter is that, all the so called 9 milestones are mere intangible achievements. Nigerians are rather expecting manifestation of visible dividends of democracy.

Of what importance are the 9 milestones, when the standard of living of a common man is becoming higher. Nigerians still sleep in darkness as a result of poor power supply, our roads are still in bad condition, unrealistic rate of FOREX at the parallel market, and prices of goods and services are on the increase. Unemployment and insecurity are synonymous to Nigeria, education is in a state of helplessness, quality health care is unavailable, etc.

The government has not given us a reason to celebrate yet another democracy day. May be APC as a party do not prepare well for governance. This is time for action rather than empty promises. Nigerians are waiting for positive change as promised by APC.

Happy Democracy Day!

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/05/just-another-democracy-day.html?m=1

The officially recognized date of children’s day varies from one country to another. Children’s day is a day set aside to honour and protect the interest/welfare of children. This day is not simply to celebrate children for who they are, but to bring awareness to children around the globe that have succumbed to violence such as abuse, exploitation and discrimination. The day is celebrated in Nigeria on 27 May.

It is very unfortunate to note that in most countries of the world, most especially Nigeria, we as a society have failed on many occasions to protect children’s wellbeing through negligence, insensitivity and other vices. A lot of young ones had suffered violence and many are still suffering abuses, occasioned by our incompetency.

What can we say about sexual violation of minors by their “supposed trusted” friends and family members. How can we explain uncles, aunts, teachers etc, taking advantage of young ones. Fathers now find pleasure in defiling their own biological daughters. What are we teaching these adult in making by all these acts of sexual violence.

Domestic violence is another evil monster bewitching young at heart. Children who are precious gifts from God, are most times treated as an object of abuse in some homes, all in the name of punishment for wrong doing. Although correction is an essential component of child upbringing. The holy book even enjoys us to train our children and that we should not spare the rod. But there is a clear distinction between correction with love and punishment. Many minors have been disabled as a result of physical assaults.

Also, some parents and guardians do coerce their children in to risky ventures (I.e hawking househelp, prostitution etc), solely for financial gains. Some children have been lured by wicked ones while hawking, some have been physically violated in their madam's house while serving as househelp , and for those coerced into prostitution, some of them have been infected with terminal diseases.

Forceful abduction and child marriage also calls for concern. Eze's case brought to limelight the stories of minors who where forcefully or otherwise abducted without their parents’ consent, and in some cases, such minors may be converted to another religion. Also, a lot of children were forced in to child marriage even by their parents and guardians for monetary gain or any other reason(s). This is contrary to the right of a child.
Majority of victims of terrorism are women and children. Many of our minors are in the net of insurgents, some of them have been forced into child marriage while some are kept as domestic slaves. Abduction of Chibok girls and others are still fresh in our memory. Violation of children for ritual purpose is another form of child abuse that needed to be curtailed. Emotional violence is a topic for another day.

The government and our parents are partly to be blamed for most of these abuses against children. Government should as much as possible ensure security of every child and protect the interest of every child through legislation and appropriate implemented of such legislation.

On the other hand, parents and guardians should be commended for their care over our children, but much is still needed to be done to safeguard the children from every forms of abuse and violations. Parents should be their children’s best friends, and as much as possible, parents should try to meet the needs of their children. Don’t entrust your child in the hand of people you don't trust.

Happy Children’s Day!

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It is no more news that the dreadful 2015 general elections has come and gone for good. In the said general elections; history was made, even as a sitting President (Dr Goodluck Jonathan) was defeated by the candidacy of General Mohammadu Buhari of APC. And in a rear display of sportsmanship,
Dr Goodluck Jonathan congratulated the winner of Presidential race (Muhammadu Buhari), even before formal announcement of the winner. This singular act earned Dr Goodluck Jonathan “the Father of Modern Day Politics in Africa”. Also, his sportsmanship was believed to had averted looming violence.

Thereafter, the nation witnessed historic transition of government at the central, from PDP led government to APC led government, on 29th May, 2015. Nigerians home and abroad were full of expectations for the fulfilment of many promises made by APC during 2015 electioneering. The citizens are more enlightened and are ready to engage their leaders by asking questions, when it is necessary to do so.

With full consciousness of anti-corruption stand and change mantra of Mr President, Nigerians were then curious to know the cabinet members. Immediate appointments that were made by Mr President, were said to be one sided and generally believed to favour northern extractions. After many months of waiting, lists of ministerial nominees were sent to the Senate of the Federal Republic in two batches, for screening and subsequent confirmations. The names that made the list disappointed a popular school of thought that believed that only “saints” will be considered.

Throughout the period of waiting for official constitution of Federal Executive Council, the APC led Federal government did not have a clear policy(ies) in place, the economy was in a way directionless. This coupled with global drop in crude oil price had negative effect on our economy.

Eventually the ministerial nominees were screened and confirmed by the Senate, though in a controversial circumstances for some of the nominees. Thereafter the Cabinet was constituted by Mr President in November, 2015. It was believed that the Ministers were busy with preparation of 2016 Appropriation bill (budget), shortly after their swearing in, hence, they were unable to achieve much in 2015. The 2016 Appropriation bill proposal was later presented with funfair by the President, in December, 2015, shortly before our Lawmakers went for December break.

In early 2016, the Ministers were busy with budget defence at the National Assembly while the economy suffers from lack of government policies for direction, low crude oil price, scarcity of fuel, poor power supply etc. At last, the most controversial appropriation bill (budget) in the history of Federal Republic of Nigeria was passed by the National Assembly and the President's assent to the budget came weeks after horse – trading, between the Presidency and the National Assembly.

The state of the economy is not entirely the making of the government. Global drop in price of crude oil has negative effect on our oil driven economy. We hope the present administration will take required actions to diversify the economy. Also scarcity of forex ( dollar) is as a result of trade imbalance, Nigeria been a consumer nation import more goods than exporting. Mr President stand on ”no devaluation” of Naira is remarkable. Government should look into encouraging local production, to diversify our economy.

APC led Federal government deserves applause in the area of combating Boko Haram insurgents, even as the government at a point declared technical victory against Boko Haram. Although, there are still pockets of attacks but the sect has been tamed in a way. While Nigerians are still expecting total victory against the dreadful sect, another monster group is been groomed which goes by the name “Fulani Herdsmen”. Government and security agencies should urgently do the needful, before the group metamorphosed to another monster.

In the area of fight against corruption, I guess it is too early to assess the government. Although there were numbers of high profile probes and prosecutions, but little or nothing has been achieved. It is very unfortunate to note that our prosecution agencies rush into prosecution without appropriate investigation of the case(s). That is believed to be one of the reasons for incessant amendment of charges after commencement of trials. No wonder, some people term most of the high profile prosecutions as witch hunting.

Within the last one year, little or nothing was done to improve power supply, though, this administration inherited poor power supply. Vandalization of of oil installations do not help the situation, even as the nation once recorded zero power generation for about 3 hours. This development speaks volume of our power generation. There is need for Ministry of Power to collaborate with security agencies to curtail vandalization of oil and power installations. Investors should be encouraged to invest in power. Also, Disco companies should not play on intelligence of Nigerians. Give us quality power supply, then we will gladly pay for it.

Fuel scarcity was another phenomenon that bewitched us within the year under review. Our over dependence on importation of fuel and scarcity of forex brought this upon us. Government is now making effort to fixed our refineries. Private investors should be encouraged to invest in refining of our crude oil locally. Though Dangote is working towards that, but more investors should be encouraged.

Nothing tangible was achieved on education, health care, unemployment, agriculture, etc, in the past one year. But with recent signing of budget into law, we hope in days to come, to see the manifestation of the change Nigerians voted for.

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The story of Kwara politics can never be complete without a chapter dedicated to "Sarakis". Saraki is an household name that stand tall in the political firmament of Kwara state for all and sundry to behold. The name's relevance in Kwara politics is as old as kwara herself. In fact, Kwara politice is simply Saraki dynasty and vice versa.

The author of Saraki dynasty, Late Dr Olusola Saraki, was a medical Doctor by profession, which he practiced for some years before he ventured into politics. In 1977, he was elected as a member of the Constituent Assembly that produced 1979 Constitution. Late Dr Olusola Saraki, an eminent philanthropist and grass-roots Politician was elected as Senator of Federal Republic in 1979, and thereafter became Senate Leader. He was re - elected back to Senate in 1983 and he ensured victories of other candidates under his political empire. He continued as the Senate Leader until the end of second republic, when Military took over the mantle of leadership in late 1983. He was able to expand his political dominance/empire during the period he served as the Senate Leader. Late Dr Olusola Saraki eventually became a reference point in the political atmosphere of Kwara and Kogi states. He was able to build a political machinery around his people, that ensures victory to candidate(s) of choice at the poll.

He was instrumental to the emergence of the following as Governor of Kwara state, they are: Adamu Atta of NPN in 1979, Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo of UNP in 1983 and Shaba Lafiaji of SDP in 1991/92. Late Olusola Saraki equally enthroned Mohammed Alabi Lawal in the wake of re - birth of democracy in 1999 as Kwara state Governor and was instrumental to victory of Abubakar Audu, as Kogi State Governor. But as a result of fallout betwen Late Dr Olusola Saraki ( Baba Saraki) and Lawal, the duo engaged in a stormy political battle in 2003 general elections and Mohammed Lawal was shown the way out of government house, by Saraki, as he did for Late Adamu Atta in 1983.

In 2003, Baba Saraki supported his children: Dr Bukola Saraki for Governor and Gemisola Saraki for Senator representing Kwara Central and with the help of God and the will of the people, his two children won their respective elections. But in the build up to 2011 general elections, there was a crack in Saraki Political dynasty, as Baba Saraki supported his daughter (Senator Gbemisola Saraki), to succeed her brother as Kwara state Governor while his son and then Incumbent Governor (Dr Bukola Saraki) , supported Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed for the same office of governor of Kwara state.

The young Saraki (the son) had his way against the will of his father and was able to installed Abdulfatai Ahmed as his successor. Shortly after the said election, "Sarakis" came together to settle their differences. And in 2012, Baba Saraki departed and bid the world farewell. Thereafter, Dr Bukola Saraki became the new leader of the dynasty, though his sister (Senator Gbemisola Saraki) was still very angry with him, until she came back to her brother during 2015 electioneering period. No wonder the dynasty was able to perform her magic once again in 2015 general elections, by returning elected all candidates in her fold for various offices in Kwara state.

Despite all the past successes, all is not well with this renounced dynasty, even as Dr Bukola Saraki (the Leader of the dynasty), is presently at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). He is standing trial on a 13-count-charge bordering on false asset declaration and money laundering. The outcome of Dr Bukola Saraki's trial is a major determinant of the future of Saraki dynasty. Recent developments and revelations from the Tribunal are reducing the popularity of the dynasty in Kwara state. If Dr Bukola Saraki wins the case at the tribunal, that will be good for him. But if he is found guilty, then his future political exploit will be uncertain. And this may eventually lead to the doom of Saraki political dynasty and thereby reduce its dominance, to pave way for other young talented politicians in the state of Harmony.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/04/saraki-dynasty-and-kwara-politics.html?m=1

Niger - area called Nigeria after 1914 unification/amalgamation of both Southern and Northern Nigeria, has over the years been a phenomenon in the continent of the Black and in the universe as a whole. Nigeria is rich in human & natural resources and had carved a name for herself in agriculture & commerce in the past. But she had lost her position amongst the communities of the world, as one of the leading economy, and most especially, as the giant of Africa. And has eventually degraded to a mere country struggling for survival, with which, non of her economic sub - sector is working.

Although gross darkness seems to cover this federation unit, and her land is tactically becoming abode of anarchy and impunity. Alas! the ray of light and hope of better tomorrow for this almost consumed nation. A re-birth Nigeria and Nigeria of our dream as we once again give CHANGE a chance.

I dream of a new Nigeria, even as the wave of CHANGE blows through this present entity, and bring to live a nation that all and sundry will be proud to associate with, where: things will be done orderly, leadership will be answerable to the people, the vote of the people will count, rule of law will take its rightful place & justice reign, due process will be observed and merit banish mediocrity.

A new Nigeria; where collapsed standard of education will once again be repaired and make accessible for children of common man on the street; where health care will be first class and be available for all, and tax payers' money will no longer be wasted on foreign health trips by the 'few' in government; where years of uninterrupted power supply shall be celebrated and our local industries shall flourish as a result of availability of quality power to drive their plants; where all our roads shall be motorable and, railways functioning as expected with adequate attention and maintenance; where private boreholes will amount to waste of resources, as there will be unlimited water supply.

A new Nigeria where her teaming unemployed youth shall be gainfully employed and contribute greatly to her economy; where security of lives and properties shall be priority of the government; where there shall not be room for laziness and wicked vices, for it shall be known that, hard work pays and that there is a reward for labour.

A Nigeria that will develop non - oil driven economy and cease to be modern slave of the Western world, through promotion of Agriculture, Education, Science and Technology, etc, in preparation to catch her world unaware and eventually rule the world once again.

If this dream Nigeria will come to pass, it will begin with you and I; when it is no more business as usual. If you and I can turn a new leaf from our old ways of life and do all things with the fear of God and brotherly love toward one another, then Nigeria of our dream will be a reality.

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A compatriot curiously asked, "When will Nigeria change?" What came to my mind was, "now is the time for change". But it seems that, just a section of our society want this change, and it occurs to me that we don't mean what we are saying. Our body language is still indifference to this change we are clamouring for. Or, does the Change in context means changing from one political party to another, as it has been common practice of our political gladiators, only to pursue their selfish/self centred goals, or does change means changing of political parties names?

I think the change we ought to be clamouring and working toward is orientational and attitudinal change from self centredness to masses centred programmes and delivery of dividends of democracy that will bring about development in all sectors of our economy. A situation where rule of law will be our guiding principle and things done orderly with no room for corruption at all.

Then, if this is the change we are looking for; I doubt if any of our present political parties actually have this change embedded in their ideologies; thus, making our search for change a tedious and complicated but still achieveable task.

As you don't become a graduate by merely chorusing it with your mouth, rather follow such claim with action(s), so also is this issue of change. If Nigeria will experience any meaningful change; you and I have a role to play. If we get it right at individuals level, there is a possibility of getting it right in our local communities, local government, state levels and eventually at the national level.

You and I must change our attitude and do things reasonably, it is then we can convince others to turn a new leaf. We must be awake to our responsibilities and discharge same as appropriate, we must be able to question our representatives without fear or favourism, stand for our right and above all, get it right at the poll by electing credible candidates and desist from selling our birthright for a morsel.

Why will you be used as political thug? When the children of your boss are else where enjoying the comfort of developed world, while not force your political boss to do the right things that will bring about development in our society. It is then our leaders can be answerable to us, when it will be known to them that, power is with the masses and if they abuse masses' mandate deliver to them, the people can call them back. It is when these are done that we can say we are on the path of positive change in our society.

Once again, this change will start with you and me. And Nigeria will only change, when Nigerians(you and I) would have change from our old wrong ways of doing things, hence, we are a major determinate factor of when Nigeria will change. Yes, we can!

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/04/when-will-nigeria-change.html?m=1

Saraki is an household name in Kwara state and in Nigeria as a whole. The name is one of the few that stand out in political atmosphere of this nation, as far back as 1970s. In the second republic, Late Dr Olusola Saraki was elected as a Senator of Federal Republic and subsequently became the Senate Leader, the position he held until Military made a come back to power. Ever since then, Late Dr Olusola Saraki worked hard to build a political caliphate and strong political decision making machinery for the present day Kwara state and part of Kogi state.

The said political stronghold became a force to reckon with as far as who occupies the elevated position of Chief executive of Kwara state and other political offices. Late Dr Olusola Saraki carefully nurtured Saraki dynasty, with all he had, even while military rule last. No wander, in the wake of this present political dispensation, Saraki dynasty came back to limelight and as ever been in charge of who occupies any political office in Kwara state.

As a matter of fact, Saraki dynasty is a movement, which had made use of various political parties at different time, as a mere platform to enthrones and dethrones governors and other political office holders. The dynasty’s dominance in Kwara state has not for once been challenged successfully.

In the build up to 2011 general elections, there was an internal rancour between two major stakeholders of Saraki dynasty, about the choice of who occupies the office of governor of Kwara state. Late Dr Olusola Saraki (the then Leader and head of the dynasty), supported his daughter (Senator Gbemisola Saraki), while his son and then incumbent governor of Kwara state (Dr Bukola Saraki) supported his ally (Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed), for the office of the governor. This bone of contention made the two major stakeholders to form different factions of the same Saraki dynasty. The son's faction remained in PDP while the father's faction floated another political party called ACPN. The son's faction had its way, and Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed won the governorship race in 2011. After 2011 general elections, the two factions reconciled, shortly after that, Late Dr Olusola Saraki passed on to afterlife.

The son, Dr Bukola Saraki out of desperation, out smart his father, who taught him art of politicking, for a reason(s) best known to him, one of which may be, to fully be in charge of the dynasty and be called Leader in place of his biological and political god’s father.

Ever since then, it has been bed of roses for the son (Dr Bukola Saraki), as he fully takes charge of the dynasty, though his sister (Senator Gbemisola Saraki) was still very angry with him, until build up to 2015 general elections, when Senator Gbemisola Saraki came back to his brother, now in APC.

In another move of desperation, Dr Bukola Saraki, proudly called Leader by members of Saraki dynasty, in defiance to the decision of his party, APC, he formed alliance with opposition party, PDP, to contest for Senate presidency, though he was qualified for the office and he indeed worked for the success of the party in the last general elections. Dr Bukola Saraki disobeyed his party decision and vied for the office of Senate President. Luckily for him, he won in a controversial circumstance. Despite his disobedience to party's directive, the ruling party, APC, reluctantly accepted his Senate presidency.

Thereafter, the battle shifted to other principal officers in the Senate. APC been the majority party in the Senate, penned down some names, and transmitted same to the Senate President to be announced in the Senate, as Senate majority principal officers. But in another show of power, and in a move to implement the principle of “winner takes all”, Dr Bukola Saraki made nonsense of party supremacy and brought in his allies as Senate majority principal officers, solely for him to be in full control of the Senate and another desperate move to held on to power. This development did not went down well with some party leaders.

Dr Bukola Saraki's present predicament at CCB/CCT can not be logically said to be unconnected with his outright disobedience to APC directives, which angered some party leaders. Even as the party had distanced herself from Senate President's trial, ruled out political solution to his prosecution and above all, the party is ready to sacrifices the office of Senate President to the opposition party (PDP), as a price for change. Hence, one can safely conclude that, if Dr Bukola Saraki was less desperate for power, he may not be in this present mess.

The outcome of his trial at CCT, if found guilty, can reduce him from a political gladiator to a political slave and also reduces the renounced Saraki dynasty to a mere political vegetable, in Adams Oshiomhole's voice. And if peradventure, he was discharged and acquitted this time, he may not be as lucky as that, the next time.

http://olalekanlawalblog..nl/2016/04/desperation-bane-of-saraki-dynasty.html?m=1

You can go to your state office for help. The institute is called NTI. Correct your post accordingly.

HND Agricultural Engineering

Buhari: Amaechi! Amaechi!

Amaechi: Yes Baba

Buhari: You have failed once again to deliver in Rivers.

Amaechi: Baba, I tried my best to win Rivers for APC.

Buhari: Your best was not good enough.

You can go to Rated Technologies in Ibafo

Google the name and address of the organisation. I sense GNLD.

I sense GNLD