1999-2010: The Diary of A Failed Democracy

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Read Time:7 Minute, 1 Second

Democracy is quite simply a system where the people elect their leaders at every level in free and fair elections. The most important and symbolic aspect of democracy is thus the ability to freely elect the leaders by the people which also represents the most significant difference between democracy and other forms of government. Without this essential ingredient, democracy ceases to exist.  Since the ancient Greeks pioneered the modern art of democracy, it has triumphed against other systems of government and become the global model.  By its very nature in which leaders emerge and can be removed only through the vote of the people, democracy no doubt better guarantees the responsiveness of leaders to the needs of their people.  
Nigeria pretends to be a democracy, but even by a layman’s definition of the basic ideals of democracy, it is obvious that the democratic process begun in 1999, after decades of military rule, is nothing but a scam. 11 years after, Nigerians of all stripes are reeling in disappointment as they live through a 419 democracy that has turned out to be the most visionless and corrupt in the nation’s chequered history. While the illegitimate so called leaders or rather “lootocrats” continue to bandy the false label of a democracy, in reality it has been more a clone of military regimes where the usurpers of power have used the apparatus of the state, complemented by godfathers and other enablers to deliberately and   routinely rig elections and impose pre-selected candidates at every level of government.

The fraudulent system that pretends to be a democracy has in the last 11 years, unleashed an unconscionable and shameless bunch of unelected criminals at every level of governance. True to type, they have gone on to undertake the greatest looting spree in the nation’s history. 11 years after and with earnings of more than N34 trillion or $350 billion courtesy of an unprecedented oil boom, there is absolutely nothing to show for the record earnings.  The most basic necessities of life such as roads, pipe borne water, electricity, functional hospitals etc are simply non-existent.

Prior to 1999, the military had ruled for decades and Nigerians had campaigned ceaselessly for a return to democracy, believing that democracy would provide lasting solutions to the problems of endemic corruption, chronic unemployment, poverty, absence of critical infrastructure such as roads, power and  long festering ethnic and religious divisions. After a long arduous and exhausting struggle, the return of democracy in 1999 heralded much hope. That hope has since been killed by subsequent events as outlined below.
The Practice of Democracy In Breach:
The so called democracy has turned out to be a continuation of quasi military rule actualised through a system where candidates are selected and rigged into office without any regards for the voting public. The only difference between this bastardisation of democracy and military rule; is that this time the beneficiaries of the usurpation of power through the back door are in civilian garb.

Monumental Corruption:
The military had long been blamed for corruption, but since 1999, the scale and scope of looting by the civilian regimes at every level have broken new records.  The present civilian administration has looted in just 10 years almost as much as was looted in previous decades of misrule. A recent report by economic confidential; see link: http://www.economicconfidential.com/x/index.php/facts-a-figures/378 indicated that due to the largest oil boom in the nation’s history, Nigeria has earned N34 trillion or $350 billion in just ten years. In spite of this colossal sum, there is absolutely nothing to show for it as Nigerians are in ever greater deprivation and poverty than at any other time in history. To make matter worse, the EFCC created to fight corruption has since turned out to be an instrument used to witch-hunt opponents or critics of the government while protecting the vast criminal enterprise of government looters-supporters.

Insecurity:
Whatever the misgivings against military rule, it is now obvious that they fared well in keeping insecurity appreciably low when compared to the present civilian regime whose era has unleashed an unprecedented level of insecurity in the nation. The civilian administration has never considered it important to address chronic unemployment, poverty and other socio-economic issues. It is also indicted for the massive proliferation of arms, as arms that are imported and distributed to thugs by unscrupulous politicians for the purposes of election rigging are not retrieved after such elections.

The volatile mix of millions of unemployed youths and the easy availability of arms has led to an increase in insecurity. Unlike the military era when criminals were swiftly convicted in special tribunals and publicly executed as a deterrent to others, the present civilian administration has no deterrence against crime. Convictions and executions even for the most vicious criminals have been unheard of since 11 years of civil rule giving criminals a free run.  The police under the watch of the present civilian administration are more expert in setting up extortionist check-points and killing innocent Nigerians for N20 than in catching criminals.
Ethnic-Religious Divisions:
For many decades, cries of marginalisation, domination, injustice and ethnic cleansing have rent  the air. Increasingly, there was a clamour for a sovereign national conference as a means of dialogue to resolve these issues and enthrone true federalism. The coming of the civilian administration in 1999 brought some hope which has since been dashed. Rather than abate, tribalism has increased.  Power struggle among different ethnic groups has intensified and ethnic-religious violence has broken new records. Sharia riots alone killed more than 10,000 people and other ethno-religious conflicts since then have killed over 5000 people. There has been no sovereign national conference or genuine dialogue to address the many critical issues of nationhood.  Nigeria’s steady drift to the precipice has accelerated since the advent of the present civilian administration.

Absence of Infrastructure:
Nigeria has made enough money since the advent of the present civilian administration courtesy of the sustained oil boom to  build new roads-bridges across the nation and upgrade  all existing federal roads, build new schools-hospitals and upgrade existing ones, build  power stations and dams across the nation, build railway lines and terminals across the nation, build designated industrial parks across the nation to maximize capacity for small and medium scale businesses, build 6 new cities in the 6 zones as a strategy to decongest Lagos-Abuja and create new capacities,  pay monthly social  welfare allowances to all unemployed Nigerians and give free  medical care and free  education to the poor.

In a normal nation with responsive leaders, the availability of record resources should have provided the opportunity for significant investments in all the outlined areas. Investments in public works would have had the added benefit of creating millions of much needed jobs. Unfortunately Nigeria is an abnormal nation, more so under the present civilian administration. Thus in spite of record resources and opportunities there is a total absence of infrastructure, the money haven been conveniently stashed away in the foreign bank accounts of the criminals in power.

Conclusions:
By whatever benchmark, it is obvious that the advent of civil rule in 1999 has offered Nigerians a raw deal of dashed hopes. Preceding military regimes have ironically turned out to be better than the present civil administration Nigerians had fought and died to install. The disappointment and loss of hope is reminiscent of the 1st republic  when selfish politicians  truncated the expectations and hope that came with independence when they engaged in intrigues, intimidation and rigging of the 1964 elections which eventually occasioned  a bloody coup in January 1966.

What is obvious is that no lessons have been learnt by the nation’s political leaders.  Just like the 1st republic, the storms are once again gathering, as the recklessness, insensitivity and failure of  the present civil administration has increasingly led to open calls for a bloody revolution-military coup. If and when it does happen, there will be no pity and  the present political actors will have no one but themselves to blame. History might yet repeat itself.

Lawrence  Chinedu  Nwobu
Email: lawrencenwobu@yahoo.com

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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The Jostle to Succeed Bukola Saraki Intensifies

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Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

The silence which has pervaded the political scene in Kwara State has been broken, as posters of various gubernatorial aspirants have now begun to flood Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

For some time only posters of Senator Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki could be prominently seen within the Ilorin metropolis, leaving many observers to wonder where the other gubernatorial candidates were. However, at least three gubernatorial aspirants of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) have now begun putting up their posters in strategic locations within the state capital. These are Barrister Dele Mohammed Belgore (SAN), Architect Lola Ashiru and Reverend Bunmi Olusona.

With this development, it has become apparent that the battle has been joined, and the race to determine the successor of Dr. Bukola Saraki, the incumbent governor is clearly on.

While Senator Gbemisola Saraki has yet to formally declare her intent to run for office, several groups and political parties within the state have already come out to state that she is their preferred candidate. These include the Waziri Elders Forum and the Action Alliance.

Architect Lola Ashiru from Offa (Kwara South) has already made public his intention to vie for the office, and has expressed confidence that he will be chosen as the flagbearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria.

The appearance of posters of Barrister Dele Belgore  (Kwara Central) is a clear indication that he has also joined the gubernatorial race in Kwara State. The mammoth crowd of ACN leaders and supporters who thronged his family residence last Friday to grace the fidau prayer of his late father, Justice Babatunde Belgore left no one in doubt about his intention to vie for the governorship seat.

On her part, Princess Bilikis Gambari has brought General Muhammadu Buhari’s sponsored Congress for Progress Change (CPC) to the state. Gambari, who was the ACN’s senatorial candidate for Kwara Central in the 2007 general elections, has in the last three weeks, engaged in the massive recruitment and campaign for CPC in the state.

The Internet Campaign
In a new twist, the political contest has also been taken to the Internet, with Senator Gbemisola Saraki, Arch. Lola Ashiru, and Barrister Dele Belgore establishing Facebook Pages for the purpose of reaching out to the electorate. Rev. Bunmi Olusona is present on Facebook, but is yet to create a Facebook Page.

Of the 4 aspirants, Senator Gbemisola Saraki has the largest following, having established a Facebook Page long before the other aspirants.

The Legacy of Bukola Saraki
The foremost discussion among political circles in Kwara State now is the question of who succeeds Dr. Bukola Saraki as governor. This has taken on added significance as many people have begun to wonder if the reforms and development projects spearheaded by Dr. Bukola Saraki will be sustained once he has left office.

Speaking at a public function in July, Dr. Bukola Saraki himself addressed this issue. He said:

“One of the questions that I get asked quite often these day is ‘so, what happens to all that we have done and all that we are still doing if they are not sustained by the next administration?’ My simple answer is this: we should ask the people of Kwara State if the progress we have made in the last in the last seven years is worth protecting.

“If the answer is yes, then they must all join me in ensuring that whoever becomes the next Governor is someone who would not set us back to square one; someone who would be primarily loyal to the people of Kwara State and the progress we have made together in the recent past. This, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, is probably going to be the most difficult battle we have ever fought for our State. I pray to God to guide us aright.

It is undeniable that Dr. Bukola Saraki has brought great dynamism and glamour to governance in Kwara State. Under his administration, Kwara State has moved away form its image as a civil service state and has been repositioned as a state that is open to private investment and business. His administration has imbued many Kwarans with confidence and a can-do spirit, that was hitherto lacking. In essence, his administration has effectively rebranded the state.

Anyone who eventually succeeds him will not only inherit a significant profile of economic assets put together by his administration, but also the positive image and perception he has been able to create for Kwara State over the period of his administration.

Kwara stands poised at a pivotal moment in its history. It hovers tantalizingly between the possibility of moving forward into the future, by building on the foundation, which has been laid by Dr. Bukola Saraki, or regressing to its earlier status as a conservative civil service dominated state. Much will depend on the eventual choice of Dr. Bukola Saraki’s successor.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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We’ve put Nigeria on the right path – PDP –

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Read Time:40 Second

The Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday assessed 12 years of its existence, and said that it had not only stabilised the polity, but also put the country on the right path.

In a statement by the PDP‘s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Rufai Alkali, the National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, said that the party had done well in the past 12 years.

According to the statement issued to mark the 12th anniversary of the party, Nwodo said that the PDP had brought stability to the Nigerian polity,

He added that it was the first party in the history of the country to have nurtured the first ever civilian-to-civilian transition in Nigeria.

The chairman boasted that under the PDP government, the Nigerian economy had witnessed a quantum leap in the last 11 years.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Worried about harassment and torture of residents and land owners in Igbo-Olomu

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Read Time:2 Minute, 44 Second

A community leader and estate agent, Chief Mutairu Owoeye, has sent a Save-Our Soul (SOS) to Governors Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and his Ogun State counterpart, Gbenga Daniel, to put adequate security measures in place to safeguard the lives of innocent people that are being subjected to daily suffering.

Describing the situation in Igbo-Olomu, a border community located between Ogun and Lagos States as frightening and alarming, Owoeye noted that life has become miserable for the residents since early this year when a group of hoodlums laid siege to the community, threatening to wipe out all the residents if they refuse to vacate the land which they claimed belong to their relations.

Owoeye who debunked the claim of the hoodlums stated that when they invaded the area last January, he and other leaders in the community who believe in the rule of law promptly alerted security operatives both in Lagos and Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He however maintained that rather than act, operatives from Lagos State Task Force came to Igbo-Olomu to threaten residents and landlords with arrests.

“Few days later some hoodlums invaded Igbo-Olomu in broad day light and ransacked the entire community. The invasion almost led to the death of Baale of Igbo-Olomu, Chief Nurudeen Adebayo who narrowly escaped death”, he stated.

The community leader, who alleged that the hoodlums and their sponsors had been using security operatives to arrest innocent residents however, insisted that he would not abandon the Baale and his family who own the Abajigi land just as he task Fashola and Daniel to urgently take action.

“To our surprise, these invaders, using some police officers have been arresting innocent people, alleging that they are land speculator.  This is a total falsehood.  The parcel of land which these hoodlums want to possess forcefully belongs to the Baale Adebayo and his family.  The family known as Abajigi family owns the land.  These hoodlums and their sponsors want to oppress these people because they don’t have the connection and financial wherewithal to fight them.”

“I will continue to fight to protect the interest of Baale Adebayo and his family over Abajigi land.  They are the land owners.  These other people led by one Adisa Jinadu are the aggressors.  This matter is already before a high court in Sagamu.  If Jinadu and the hoodlums believe in the rule of law, they should have waited for the court’s pronouncement on the issue.  Why must they be inflicting violence on others?  We believe in the rule of law and this is why we have not resorted to violence.  But it is unfortunate that these people are using their influence and position to oppress others,” he added.

Calling on Governor Fashola to take measures to checkmate policemen attached to the state task forces from doing illegal duty, Owoeye said it would amount to an act of injustice for an individual to use his position to instigate security men to harass others.  He also urged Governor Daniel to provide security measures to safeguard lives and property of Igbo-Olomu residents, especially those living on Ogun State side of the border.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Gov Fashola swears in 7 new high court judges

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Read Time:1 Minute, 11 Second

GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, on Thursday, swore in seven new high court judges.

The new judges are Justices Marian Emeya, Ibironke Harrison, Christopher Balogun, Kafeel Dawodu, Latifat Oluyemi, Latifat Folami and Olubunmi Femi-Adeniyi.

Fashola said that with the swearing-in of the five female and two male judges, the Lagos High Court currently has 56 judges.

He said that the increase in the number of judges was imperative as the most sophisticated legal practices in the country were taking place in Lagos State.

“If we are not to slide back to the days of court congestion, the capacity of judges per litigant must be increased, even as the state continues to pursue automation and technology to improve efficiency.

“Today’s ceremony marks another milestone in our journey to enhance the quality of life of our people through credible and efficient administration of justice,’’ he said.

Fashola urged the new judges to ensure that justice dispensed by them served the needs of the public.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Inumidun Akande, expressed appreciations to Fashola for providing the required facilities in the state high hourts.

She also commended him for continuing with the Judicial Service Reforms initiated under the former governor, Bola Tinubu.

Justice Marian Emeya, who responded on behalf of the other new judges, assured the governor that they would not let him down.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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Protest in Kano over Al-Mustapha’s detention

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Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

Hundreds of youth from across Nigeria on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Kano to demand the immediate release of Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former chief security officer to the late Head of State, Sani Abacha.

The youth, led by one Igwe Martins, converged under the aegis of the ‘Movement for the emancipation of Hamza Al-Mustapha’ and carried an effigy of a human corpse in a traditional casket marked ‘rule of law is dead’.

The youth, who carried placards with inscriptions such as ‘Goodluck, please free Al-Mustapha’, ‘Free Al-Mustapha’ and ‘12 years is too long, enough of this persecution’ marched through the Kofar Nasarawa and state roads to the Kano State government house complex, said the continued incarceration of Hamza Al-Mustapha is no longer justifiable.

At the palace of the Emir of Kano, Mr Martins called on Nigerians to explore all means of reaching out to relevant authorities, aimed at ensuring the immediate release of Mr Al-Mustapha.

“The continuous detention of our son, Al-Mustapha, has put the northern elements into serious issues of disharmony and dilemma. Today, it has become absolutely imperative for every patriotic northerner to sit down and truly answer the question: what wrong have we done to Nigerian government?

“What is the similarity between Al-Mustapha’s case of attempted murder and that of the OPC’s Ganiyu Adam and Frederick Fasheun for the murder of seven policemen in 2002/03? The northern youth have not forgotten the established cases of treason against the likes of Asari Dokubo in 2006; Henry Okah in 2008; Nwazurike in 2007/08, etc.

“Today, all these people are freely enjoying their freedom with their family and friends resulting from the general amnesty granted by the government of Nigeria.

Political detention

Mr Martins also said the continuous detention of Mr Al-Mustapha is politically motivated.

Wanban Kano, Abass Sanusi who represented the Emir of Kano, acknowledged that the issue of the continuous detention of the soldier deserves the sympathy of any well meaning person in the polity.

He, thereby, assured that the Emirate council would first explore the reason why the Al-Mustapha case has dragged this long, before arriving at a decision to finally wade into the matter.

“The Emirate council is keen on ensuring justice and fairness in this matter,” he said. “We would always do everything to protect the lives and properties of our citizens.

“It is godly to love your neighbour as you would love yourself. We plead for more time so that we can know why this case is taking too long to decide. That is the only way we can see how we can assist you.”

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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