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.

Top On Jonathan's List

Judging from the hide and seek game President Goodluck Jonathan is playing with Nigerians (the frequent secret travel out of Nigeria to see sick Dame), you should have guessed by now that his worry for his wife is top on his list, after that comes all national issues, then you.

Unlike you, the opposition thinks 2015 is top on his list, although I have the feeling that Jonathan knows his goodluck is waning, and cannot wait for this tenure to be over so that he can retire to Bayelsa, maybe teach Politics in his Alma Mata.

Lately, on television he's been looking tired and disillusioned. The bashing from several quarters seems to be tiring him out. If not, how did he forget to mention the Mubi and Aluu killings in both the 9th of October nationwide broadcast and the 10th of October 2013 budget presentation aired live?

Looking at the President's rise to fame, he's had success offered him on a platter of gold. 2015 may change that. For the first time, he will have to make a decision. My bet, he would choose his wife again, rather than contest the 2015 election.

UNIPORT 4: Unanswered Questions

As realization for their action and inaction begin to dawn on the murderous, barbaric, savaged and demon-possessed 'community' of Aluu (yes, demon possession is the excuse that easily comes to mind to explain how a person can brutally murder another), the rest of us are left with some unanswered questions.

1. What was the offence of the four murdered students?
2. Supposing crime was the reason, did it justify ending their lives without regard for the law?
3. Is this the way a host community repay their visitors (UNIPORT students) for bringing development and commerce to their land?
4. Up until the killing, where was the 'community' chief, school 'authority', and the police?
5. Now that the culprits have been arrested, will they be made to face the full wrath of the law?

While we may forever be left in the dark about the first four questions, considering the nationwide condemnation the incidence has generated, we want to believe that the murderers won't be spared and the victims' families will get justice. We will continue to watch as events unfold, and hope that these lingering questions will be answered, and the fifth answered correctly.