DEMOCRACY: 17 YEARS AND CHANGING...!

 

I have been thinking all day of how best to capture my perspectives about the state of affairs in Nigeria 17 years into the only surviving period of democratic rule in Nigeria's independent history...

May 29, some 17 years ago(1999), meant the dawn of a new era for many Nigerians and Nigeria in particular; the military was gone and we hoped this time for good... One administration after another has subsequently come and gone in 4 tenures (under the same political party); all serving twice consecutively. Unfortunately, Nigerians have only began to experience a new 'delicacy', and somehow we feel like it's no different from what we have had in the past, or even worse (as some argue)... The second sentence in President Buhari's anniversary speech captures this point: "It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements". Although many seem to identify more with the 'pains' than the 'triumph', and even fewer are less (or not at all) concerned about the 'consolidation' and 'achievements', the reasons are, however, not far-fetched.

From reality, we observe that two sides exist to every coin; the pleasant and ugly experiences of our lives are what make the complete story of who we are, and regardless  of where we are, as individuals, we are still 'changing' - our stories are still unfolding (good and bad). This may apply for Nigeria as a state as well...

We are obviously millions of miles away from where we are headed, but we are definitely not where we left off. Regardless our seeming 'weekly' troubles: terrorism, corruption, Niger-delta, and recently the fall in oil prices, we have only a few things to smiles about: Nigerians seem to have began to realize the power of the ballot, INEC is becoming truly independent (especially with the last general elections), notwithstanding the number of casualties, and we hope these trends continue.

 

It's exciting to think that what we face at the moment isn't the last of Nigeria's experiences or the end of her story; Nigeria indeed is 'changing', and we have a couple more ugly and definitely pleasant experiences to share... The latter will only prevail and subsist if the next 365 days are met with resolve and commitment from leadership and followership alike. Like I always say, and ending on that note:

IF THE NIGERIAN STATE IS TO SURVIVE, THOSE WHO ADVOCATE IT MUST SUBMIT TO IT, THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN IT MUST PRAY FOR IT, AND WE WHO REPRESENT IT MUST FIGHT FOR IT!

Long live Nigeria; and

Long live you and I to see her best days!

Happy Democratic Anniversary! 

RESCUE OPERATION ONE BY ONE!

 

Unfortunately mixed feelings have trailed the 'rescue' of two of the missing Chiboks school girls earlier this week. The girls were rescued 'one by one'; with Amina Ali preceding the other (who's identity is not released at the time of publishing this post).

Bravo to our military for the rumored progress so far in the 'war against terrorism'; but as we know, it is not over until the enemy is defeated... More bravo for the 'rescue' of these two girls (Amina with one child, and maybe the other with one or two children when her identity is released), and even more impressive is the 'welcome home offer' of a full education scholarship and the promise of a better life by the FG (or maybe I should help Mr. President to be more specific and say by his administration)...

 

My worry, however, is that in this 'Rescue Operation One and One', the military has not satisfactorily spelt out the 'rescue procedure'. Don't miss my point: we agree that Sambisa and environs have been under military siege in the last few months, we also understand that over 200 school girls were abducted. So my point: if the military operations in the Northeast over the last few months is the 'rescue procedure' that led to this release, how come only two are rescued (and at different times); and if the rescue is by 'operation within an operation', then it is important we are aware of the 'rescue procedure', so we can expect the other girls to be rescued in this 'Rescue Operation One by One'...

Whatever the case, Nigeria must survive! *wink*

NYSC MAKES HISTORY...

 

The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) colors of Khaki gray (or whatever that color is called) 😉, white and yellow boots, have come to be associated with the Nigerian state itself. Mixed feelings characterize the emotion of several Nigerians as they are mobilized yearly for the mandatory exercise; mine was really a fun period (especially the three weeks we spent in the orientation camp) before 'things began to fall apart' 😏

The NYSC scheme was initiated by the Gowon-led military administration in 1973 (just as the rubbles of the Nigerian Civil War were settling) primarily to foster national integration among Nigeria's divided people. More than 4 decades since then, several Nigerian tertiary institution graduates, below the age of 30 years, have gone through the scheme in Batches and Streams (only recently), and as scheduled by the authorities; happily or grudgingly, especially when they were posted to distant land (away from whatever was familiar and sometimes away from civilization, as it were). Arguments from several quarters in the recent past years have questioned the continued relevance of the scheme; especially in the wake of security and now, economic challenges plaguing the Nigerian state. The scheme has also been forced to re-focus from merely national integration (especially as there seems to be little progress in that area) to a more cardinal issue; skill acquisition. Corp members are now expected to complete their service year with some basic skill in certain vocation that can make them employers of labour (the extent to which this objective is achieved remains subject to debate). Government has also continued to sustain the scheme (sometimes amidst the non-productivity of the scheme).

 

However, history was made today, Thursday May 19, 2016, when the management of the scheme (after earlier hinting a postponement on ground of finances) decided to postpone indefinitely the mobilization of the Stream II of 2016 Batch A Corp members across the country. This is the first of such development since the inception in the NYSC scheme and may well be the 'beginning of the end' for the scheme. It gives signal to one of two things: first that the APC-led government doesn't see the need for the scheme anymore and has prioritized other national issues above the scheme; and second that the scheme may be going through a challenge of leadership. 

Whatever the case, here is what I think...

 

Regardless how little it's accomplishment, the NYSC has not only helped in keeping this country together, but has also helped in shaping her people; consciously or unconsciously, and helping them develop certain healthy habit (of course unhealthy ones too, but that isn't my concern here) during the service year that hasn't only added value to the individuals but has also poised them properly to contribute to national development. Again, with the rise in the unemployment index and the dwindling economy, Nigerians need skill acquisition platforms, where they can also access some government support, and NYSC currently provides that... Hence, it would be unwise to 'end' such an initiative, more so as it seems to have become more relevant in recent years than it has been in the past.

SUPPORT NYSC, DEVELOP SKILLS, and BUILD NIGERIA! 

Spread the word!!!

THE RETURN OF MILITANCY TO NIGER-DELTA

 

The question about minority groups has been one that Nigeria seems not to have properly answered, more so, about how oil-producing states benefit from the wealth they create for the Nigerian state... 

Lagos state on Monday, May 16, was declared an oil-producing state, following the discovery of oil in Badagry by a private investment company, and the Governor's emphasis was on the benefit of the discovery for the state; enjoyment of the 13% derivation principle, very little was said about how to ensure that this recent discovery doesn't become a challenge for citizens, especially Lagosians and their environment, when production expands beyond the already stated 10,000 - 12,000 barrels per day.

 

No doubt, research and experience have shown that the communities in the Niger-Delta may have been better off without the discovery of oil, as to some of them, this discovery has been more of a curse than a blessing, and the reason isn't far-fetched. The amnesty policy initiative of the Late President Yar'Adua and Jonathan administration helped to mitigate militancy in the last half a decade or so, and several people feared a 'return of militancy' especially doubting the efficiency of Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) of ex-militants.

Here we are! Several facilities belonging to Chevron have been blown up in the last two weeks, and we fear that the militants are back to the creeks... Quite unfortunate! But here is my position...

First, the treatment of militants as Boko Haram which the President hinted, doesn't sound a wise decision. We already have a 'monster in the kitchen', which we are trying to get rid of, and which is costing so much resources (human, material and financial), it is not wise to create another 'monster in the kitchen'. Diplomacy seems a viable route, especially in the wake of the current economic situation...

 

Secondly, the militant must also understand that, like the English man says, two wrongs don't make a right. We mustn't loose sight of the essence of the Niger-Delta agitation; the issue isn't so much about oil production, but about a society that seems to have been ill-treated and neglected from democratic dividends. Niger-Deltans and their militant groups, should continue to diplomatically press for recognition, using instruments like the media (which has become increasingly available).

Although diplomacy seems to be slow and inefficient, it becomes the most essential tool in the long run, especially since development is also consolidated within the period. 

So, let's SPEAK UP AND SHOW UP, not BLOW UP!

LABOUR UNION OR TROUBLE UNION?

 

Civil society and labour organizations are a necessity in both developed and especially developing countries - presenting the people's will before government, speaking on the people's behalf in policy formation and fighting for the people's interest (when the need arises) - being major instruments for the growth and development of the people and polity. Summarily, organized labour are primarily meant to be problem solvers, as much as possible (bearing in mind that the grass - people - always suffer when 'two elephants' fight), unfortunately, the Nigerian labour Union seems to bring more problem to Nigerians than prospects... I'll give you two reasons for my position;

In January 2012, when an over 100% increase in fuel prices - from 65 to 138 Naira - soured the dawn of the new year for many Nigerians, Labour Union, as usual, got us to close our shops and businesses for close to two weeks, insisting that the price MUST return to 65 Naira... Initially the struggle looked real and some even gave their lives for it. Unfortunately, the same Labour Union went into a 'closed door' meeting and (in my opinion) sold out to the government in a compromise that fuel should sell for 87 Naira. If you ask me, there was no room for compromise, and had our Labour Union insisted on our collective demand, who know...?

Again, on the 11th, Channels reported that the FG had decided another increase in fuel prices, after a meeting with Labour Union -  NLC, TUC, NUPENG and PENGASSAN. Here is the link, incase you missed the news... 

FG Puts New Price Band Of Petrol At 145 Naira

http://www.channelstv.com/?p=196849 

Less than four days after the meeting where this increase was collectively decided, NLC (our trouble maker) has issued the FG ultimatum to return fuel price to #86.50, and have instructed (as usual) Nigerians to close up our businesses and shops from tomorrow, May 16, if the FG doesn't bulge (it is very likely that we will do as our 'big brother' has instructed, like the obedient Nigerians that we are and also very likely that some others will also lose their lives, and in the end maybe we can reach a compromise of #100)

But my worry is; did the NLC representative at the meeting chaired by Prof Osinbajo step out of the room when the decision for subsidy removal and fuel price hike was reach on Wednesday? I hope I also don't get the 'major carried the vote' excuse, because NLC would have issued a position paper stating its reservation for the decision, so the world knows where it stands...

I think NLC should always take a position and stick with it, because as far as experience has shown, it (NLC) seems blown by 'every wind of opinion' from within and without... Unfortunately, we will always follow wherever it's leads, regardless of the consequences for ourselves and posterity...

We mustn't proceed on every Labour Union strike action you know? Some of them may be politically instigated and self-imposed. Hope we can make choices that would help us consolidate and not tear down our little gains... 

LET'S ACT WISELY!!!

WEEKEND OPTIONS...

 

Friday is believed to be the world's most favorite day; almost competing with Xmas and other 'special' holidays, perhaps because it ushers in a period of 'rest'... 

What are your ideas on how best to spend the weekend? Your comment here may just be what someone needs to give them a remarkable weekend...

Have a restful weekend folks!

ODOUR AND FRAGRANCE

 

If some of our grand and great grand parents were opportuned to revisit earth, I fear they would need to begin socialization all over again; because they would be total strangers to some of the trends and patterns that are now routine for us...

One area that interests me I will talk  about in the next two or three paragraphs... So I walk pass this young lady and (for the next five to six seconds) am inhaling this pleasant scents (coming from the perfume she wore of course), I couldn't help but take a second look and also admire her (with some really nice thoughts running through my mind). Coincidentally, I happened to cross paths with her again (much later in the day) this time she is really sweaty and it's obvious she has been working for much (if not all) of the day. Unfortunately, i still had memories of our first encounter, just that this time I am really disappointed (well your guess is as good as mine)...

Expensive and even highly corrosive local perfumes, sadly, seem to have replaced proper hygiene practices. Perfumes and deodorants are only enhancements, none (even those that stick for weeks) can be compared to proper hygiene and personal care...

We should forget (once in a while) to wear our perfumes and/or use our deodorants, and still have a confident day out (at work or with friends)...

P3 - WHAT IT MEANS

Guess what January 1, 2012 and May 12, 2016 have in common? (That shouldn't be too difficult...)

Some four years or so ago (precisely January 1, 2012) I woke up to the sound of chaos and agitation (am sure you did too). The reason, when I inquired, was that a new price regime (which hitherto had been campaigned) had dawned for petroleum product; from #65 to #130+

WELCOME TO MYK OGU BLOG

A preacher described Nigeria as an Airbus traveling through space (at an estimated speed) with approximately 170+ million passengers. With the proliferation of online blogs (on gist, gossip, entertainment, 'amebo', politics, celebrity, life...), we can argue that the number of blogs registered by Nigerians is almost nearing the population of Nigerians themselves...