2015 Merger Plans: PDP Must Go; Corruption To Stay

It is a must win for the opposition in the coming 2015 election. What other way to drum it into the ruling PDP ears than the forming of the All Progressive Congress (APC) by ACN, CPC, APGA, and ANPP.

In a meeting hosted by the Lagos State governor, Fashola, the 10 opposition party governors endorsed the move by their individual parties to merge and in their words, “rescue Nigeria from the PDP”.

The above comment suggests that Nigeria’s problem is caused by the PDP alone, and that there’ll be a change if the APC comes into power in 2015. We should know better than to fall into this trap.

The APC is a good idea but falls short from being Nigeria’s messiah. Corruption may have been encouraged by PDP but didn’t start with them. Corruption is inherent in our society and not in a particular party.

For me, the APC versus PDP is a case of making a choice between the devil and the deep blue sea. Post 2015, the corruption problem won't be solved, it doesn't matter which party makes it into Aso Rock.

The Cause of Boko Haram

The general consensus is that insecurity – terrorism, Kidnapping, armed robbery – is caused by poverty. Every Nigerian agrees with this, except the President, as seen in his interview with CNNs Christiane Amanpour. This has made the opposition, and surprisingly, many elite Northerners, to say he’s not in touch with the realities on ground.

How can a President, with multitude of advisors who do, not know the cause of insecurity? I believe he knows, and even knows more. He knows poverty is the cause of the numerous insecurity challenges slowing Nigeria’s development. More than you do, he also knows it goes beyond being smeared in poverty.

Let us say poverty brings about insecurity. What then causes poverty? From all indication, in Nigeria, corruption causes poverty. Refusing to be distracted, I believe the president is in touch with the troubles facing Nigeria. Does he have the answer, that I don't know. Instead, it is the Northern leaders who have chosen to trample the very people they should be ruling.

Every month, the 19 Northern States get federal allocation, but yet the region is described as the most backwards and underdeveloped in Nigeria. What has been happening to the billions of naira given to them? A few elites have been stealing the money and letting the people wallow in poverty. Tired of being poor, the people are now taking to terrorism. Now who is the cause of Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria?

The Difference Between Abacha And Yakowa

I wouldn't have had to make this comparison were it not for a comment I read on social media, where someone tried to justify the jubilation in Kaduna by some people over the death of Governor Yakowa in an helicopter crash. He asked, "When Abacha died did people from a certain part of this country not jubilate? Or was Abacha not human too and therefore did not deserve dignity in death?

"Are we not living witnesses to the various derogatory cartoons, posters, snide remarks and wholesale abuse heaped on his person and family. If no one had the presence of mind to call all those people to order at that time why now? What has changed?..." At least this person had some decency to "...deeply mourn Yakowa's passing..."

From what I remember, Nigerians all over rejoiced. People rejoiced at Abacha's death, not because he was a Muslim and from the North, but because he had prior to his death brought untold hardship on Nigerians, and all that opposed his rule. The celebration of Abacha's demise, unlike Governor Yakowa, was a jubilation to the end of anarchy.

Governor Yakowa, I read, although a Christian did all he could within his Executive power to unite a religiously-torn Kaduna. It is said that he did this even at the face of constant disturbances from his opponents, whose only dislike of the governor was because he was a Christian. Abacha on the other hand when alive, did nothing but steal, kill and destroy.

OBJ + North - GEJ = 2015

Some days ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted a number of Northern political and business elites in the premises of his 'Presidential Library'. It was a fundraiser for a N350 Million Olusegun Obasanjo Baytus Salam Central Mosque. Honestly, I'm confused regarding Obasanjo's motive. Vanguard believes its related to the 2015 election. Maybe they're right.

Recently, Obasanjo was in Warri and joined to mark the 40th anniversary of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s call to ministry. Speaking at a lecture delivered by Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Obasanjo made some comments that points us towards 2015 election. Aside disagreeing with President Jonathan's handling of Boko Haram, he disagreed with Professor Akinyemi on a number of pertinent national issues.

During his lecture, Professor Akinyemi said the way we can have a consensus in the country is to have a national conference, but Obasanjo disagreed. On federal character, while Professor Akinyemi favours a progressive and merit-based means of choosing leaders, Obasanjo was of the opinion that every nation of the world has its own peculiar way of addressing its peculiar problems.

Surprised how few days later Obasanjo would host a fundraiser to build a mosque and arabic school, and in attendance were Northern elites (including Atiku Abubakar) who have been clamouring for a return of power to the region. Obasanjo siding the North, plus ACN, CPC, and Disgruntled Nigerians, President Jonathan's chances of a re-election in 2015 (if he has one) looks really slim.

Boko Haram: To Negotiate Or Not?

In summary, here is Boko Haram's condition if Nigeria must be peaceful again. To ceasefire completely, the group wants the government to prosecute Senator Modu Sheriff; compensate their members; rebuild their places of worship destroyed during 2009 uprising, which led to the murder of their leader; release all their members who were arrested and their wives and children who were displaced following the crises must be rehabilitated into the society.

These they say must first be in place to allow room for the much talked about dialogue with the Federal Government. How realistic these conditions are is not my question, but whether the Federal Government have the moral right to negotiate with Boko Haram and enter into agreement on behalf of the victims of a terrorist group that have unjustifiably destroyed families, properties and distorted the way Southern Nigeria relates with the North?

Let's say the Federal Government were to grant their request to rebuild their places of worship, release their members, re-unite and rehabilitate their displaced wives and children to their members, wouldn't that be injustice to the hundreds of victims who have seen their worship centres destroyed and family members killed? I mean, who would rebuild the churches and mosques destroyed by Boko Haram? For Christ sake who will raise the dead?

2015 And The Politics Of Empty Promises

Lagos 'Okada' riders (or should I say former 'Okada' riders) have now learnt one of life's valuable lessons - never bank on promises. Especially when they're made by politicians, it is common sense to thread carefully or risk being disappointed.

2015 is another election year in Nigeria and we're going to have politicians pledging the world in exchange for our votes. My 'life-saving' advise: learn from Lagos 'Okada' riders and do not forget their treatment in the hands of Governor Fashola.

If you are slack in memory, take a very long look at the picture above. If need be, print and staple it where it can forever serve as a reminder that with politicians, promises are empty words and those who rely on them always end up heartbroken.

Disclaimer: I am not implying that Governor Fashola made any promises to the 'Okada' riders during his re-election (if any exist, I'm not aware of it), but the act of riding to victory partly on their support and coming a year after to ban them is questionable.

Farouk Vs Otedola: The Last Episode

Where is Farouk and Otedola? Wish I knew or know someone that does, at least I could have tried a quick interview with them before 'reviewing' a sold-out 'movie' in which they were the main act. I'm certain both still want to discuss their roles as victims of a plot by people seeking their fall.

'Faroukgate', like the typical Nollywood script, was highly predictable - we knew how it was going to end. The film-makers - experts at understanding the average Nigerian reaction to national issues - knew we would fall asleep minutes into the 'movie'. Months after, and we remain tucked in bed.

Here's a question. Why is it that we always sleep away many national issue? Maybe if we stayed awake to see the end of issues plaguing Nigeria, we could witness the last episode of a greedy, corrupt and unpatriotic elite taking advantage of the sleeping citizenry of a sleeping giant.