Disgraceful Election Set To Hold In Ekiti State, Nigeria

June 17, 2014June 17, 2014 / Adeola / Leave a comment

By Adeola Aderounmu

Governorship Election will hold in Ekiti State Nigeria on Saturday June 21 2014.

So many things have happened that simply makes this election a shame or a disaster waiting to happen.

During his campaign the ruler of Nigeria Mr. Jonathan promised to develop Ekiti if the PDP candidate Mr. Fayose wins the election. This is such a stupid comment and it is difficult to ascertain the mental state of Mr. Jonathan is what it takes to develop Ekiti is for the PDP candidate to win.

Mr. Fayose and Mr. Fayemi have been alleged to be distributing raw and cooked rice to woo voters. There are so many pictures flying around on the internet and especially on social network that shows how rice has been used as one of the campaign instruments.

A lot of monies that will not be accounted for have been spent by both the PDP and the ACP, the two main parties hoping to “seize” power in Ekiti.

Now, the latest in the series of the disgraceful countdown is that the Nigerian Police is now storming Ekiti with guns, ammunition and dogs. When “armed forces” and dogs are unleashed for the purpose of election, you can tell how the mentality of the average Nigerian works.

Elections in Nigeria are do or die processes because the next governor of Ekiti as in the case at hand is going to be the custodian of the state treasury. This battle has very little to do with public service but a lot to do with ego and personality. It has a lot to do with the potential looters of public funds in Ekiti State.

These are the tragedies of the nature of politics and public service in Nigeria.

During and after the elections, the death toll will be interesting to know.

When is this country Nigeria going to grow up?

(POLICE IMAGE From The Punch Newspaper twitter page, https://twitter.com/MobilePunch )

Criminals and Looters in Government Are Not Distracted

June 8, 2014June 8, 2014 / Adeola / Leave a comment

By Adeola Aderounmu

It is the people of Nigeria who have turned all their attentions away from what brought them to the present predicament that threatens the totality of their existence. The thieves in government have kept their focus intact.

In almost every part of the world one of the most talked about phenomena these days is undoubtedly the “bring back our girls” campaign. It is this sort of scenario that some opportunists (individuals and groups) have waited for to bring them back to public space and to win sentiments borne plainly out of hypocrisy and eye/lip services. Some are simply capitalising on the situation to give their own agenda a lift.

Meanwhile as the government of Nigeria was perambulating and talking rubbish everyday and buying the time it doesn’t have, the business of stealing and cover-ups in government are going on as usual. It is possible because stealing according to Mr. Jonathan is not corruption and because the people are suffering from the Nigerian syndrome. I have defined the Nigerian syndrome in a previous essay.

One thoughtless fellow called Maku spoke on behalf of the government and said that it is the main opposition party that is organising the “bring back our girls” campaigns. I didn’t know that all the people bouncing on the trampoline of the campaign around the world including notable celebrities in Hollywood now belong to the Nigerian APC. The APC of Nigeria must be the biggest political party in the world.

The people of Nigeria are easily distracted. This is a recurring dilemma for them. They cannot keep up with the loads of distractions provided by the failed and selfish governments since 1960. They don’t asked questions once you load them with deceits. When they asked questions, they move onto the next thing without seeking answers to their questions. Stupid answers are often satisfactory. These are parts of the reasons why nobody has found the courage to call Babangida a thief and initiate his prosecution for all the missing oil money during the gulf war.

Invariably, from one failed government to another the stories are similar. Oil money is always missing. If it is not at the NNPC, it will be among the execu-thieves. This oil money is so slippery it can also get missing at the state and local levels. As a tradition, oil money is always missing in Nigeria.

Now Nigerians have forgotten about the unanswered allegations of several billions of dollars that the Jonathan government also cannot account for. This confused government set up a committee to look into the matter. That in itself is a partial admittance that something is missing anyway. Then in the middle of the entire wahala Mr. Jonathan went on air during his chat to tell the world that “America will know” if billions of dollars is missing.

Why did Jonathan set up a committee to ascertain the allegations made by the central bank? Mr. Jonathan should just have asked “America” since “America will know”. Anyway the senate committee has now dismissed the allegation and concluded that “no money is missing”. This is despite the fact that there is absence of proper coordination between Nigeria’s financial bodies concerned with the sale of crude oil. We can now turn off the sound of Fela’s music-Oil money is (not) missing.

In any case the Nigeria house of representa-thieves and legis-looters are not unfamiliar with the way the corrupt government of Nigeria operates. Nigerians have myopic memories and are long-suffering. Nigerians are the most distracted group of citizens in the world. They suffer from their own syndrome-the Nigerian syndrome.

Many arguments, verbal or written efforts to make Nigerians reason are lost on many grounds not least on the tribal cards. Don’t argue with an average Nigerian on the tenets of good governance. The Nigerian syndrome is yet incurable. Yea right, the problem of looting did not start with Jonathan…why should we complain now? Why did you leave out Obasanjo? What of Shagari? The reasons not to start and finish the war on bad governance have been integrated into the cycle of idiocy in downtown Bongo.

The ethnic card will even be used to justify the crimes committed by one governor Akpabio. This man has ruled for 7 years in Akwa Ibom and as he prepares to leave the seat of government, he ensured that his financial future is secured. In Nigeria, criminals continue to parade the government houses in different forms and shade.

The selfish and self-serving Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Akpabio (This man has no record of mental or physical disability to support his pension. But he will get:N200 million per annum, basic, N100 million, medical allowance, 5-bedroom maisonette, Accommodation allowance of 500 per cent of annual basic salary, Medical allowance not exceeding N12 million per annum for one surviving spouse)

There is definitely going to be an argument that he was a good governor or that he could have looted the money anyway like Babangida and others. In Nigeria a critic may never win any argument. The Nigerian syndrome is vast.

In Uyo and across all of Akwa-Ibom, I’m looking forward to the following campaigns, #akpabiobringbackourmoney

#no-pensionforakpabio

#socialjusticeforall

#socialsecurityforakwaibomites.

Nigeria remains in a big mess today for several reasons that some of us are not tired to write about every week. It is very important that the collective intellectual consciousness of the people do not give in. It must not dwindle. It must tarry and persist. For in relenting, evil will continue to rise and subdue good totally.

Nigerians must know that there will be no messiah in Abuja, not now, not in 2015. The system of government is so ill-structured that Abuja would not be a major factor for the eventual freedom and stability of Nigeria. Hence it is very important that we don’t forget to tune up the ways that may end the senselessness in government whilst we point out the persistent evil and crimes in the land,

Nigerians must ensure that the non-corrupt intellectual class rises up to do the needed. In several states in Nigeria, former criminals, former thugs and former riff-raff hold sway in governance. Government has been used to reward insolence and barbarism. In government it has remain impossible to be above board. All who come into it exit it as criminals or with criminal tendencies. It’s worse for those who came in as criminals. Regardless they all ruined Nigeria!

In every region, in every community, in very part of Nigeria, there is a need to change the mentalities of the people. I am aware of the agitation of the people from Western Nigeria. They are seeking self-determination or autonomy. But they must know that some people amongst them were part of the problems with Nigeria. They have been part of this nonsense going on in Nigeria since the fake independence in 1960. Therein lies a huge danger ahead should Western Nigeria emerge today.

The autonomy of Western Nigeria should not be sought as a license for the elongation of criminalities in the Oduduwa region. Before dawn, the Yorubas should have a full functional road map and blue print that will ensure that their self-governance does not lead to self-destruction.

In the end all the geo-political regions of Nigeria should be allowed to determine their own future. The benefit or probability of marching on Abuja/Aso rock by criminals and terrorists should be zeroed.

I strongly hold the personal view that irrespective of the aims of the Northern terrorists, and irrespective of the primary goals of their sponsors, the dismantling of the useless unitary government will promote the emergence of regional autonomy and make a complete mess of their ambitions. Who will march to Abuja or throw bombs in Abuja if there is no government there to be overthrown or if the power in Abuja is ceremonial?

I reiterate that no group of people would allow its own race to self-destruct or to be persecuted unjustly when the conditions for social justice and fair play are the rules and not the exceptions. A word is enough for the wise goes the Yoruba adage. When received, it becomes whole within.

Talking about social justice, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. I hope that Mr. Akpabio has made plans to ensure that all the unemployed people of Akwa Ibom will enjoy some benefits. If the people of Akwa Ibom have no social security in place, they have the right to sack all the dummies who rubber-stamped Akpabio’s looting largess.

If the people of Akwa-Ibom remain quiet and passive, they are drowned in the Nigerian syndrome. They are probably distracted as the looting continues. They are not alone, Nigerians are all guilty of the lack of will to sack corrupt governments and make them face proper justice. They are guilty of being at home with a system that is not working. It beats my imaginations!

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(After publishing this story, there are now more information that some ex-governors in Nigeria started this criminal activity of milking the states they ruled over, so Mr. Akpabio is not the only governor with criminal tendencies. There are many of them in Nigeria)

NIGERIA’S FINAL 23 FOR BRAZIL 2014

June 3, 2014June 3, 2014 / Adeola / Leave a comment

List By Stephen Keshi

NIGERIA’S FINAL 23 FOR BRAZIL 2014

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim

DEFENDERS: Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose, Kunle Odunlami

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Michael Uchebo, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor

Yoruba Union in Stockholm Celebrates 2nd Annual Yoruba Day (Photo Essay)

May 18, 2014May 18, 2014 / Adeola / 3 Comments

By Adeola Aderounmu

The Yoruba Union in Stockholm, Sweden successfully hosted its second annual Yoruba Day celebration on Saturday the 10th of May 2014.

This celebration of Yoruba culture and tradition has been lauded by several guests and participants as an improvement of the maiden edition which took place on the 11th of May 2013.

The first annual Yoruba Day was reported here in the village square at this link:

[http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/photo-news-yoruba-union-in-stockholm-celebrates-yoruba-day.html]

Just like the maiden edition the special guest of honour was the Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, Amb. Benedict Onochie Amobi. His wife, Her Excellency Mrs. Sheila Amobi was also in attendance.

Among other dignitaries were Sola Mansur Amao, Engineer Olatunde Aluko, Prince Jeffrey Ajani, Mrs. Clara Rogo, Mr. John Rogo, Princess Adetoun Lasebikan, Mrs. Susan Amao, and Mrs. Egbo of the Nigerian Embassy, Stockholm. Mr. Dominic Emene the president of the Nigerian Union in Stockholm was also in attendance.

Adeola Aderounmu giving the welcome address

During the celebration, the members of the Yoruba Union had 2 sessions of Yoruba Cultural dances and a short drama on traditional marriage in Yorubaland was the last event of a very eventful evening.

The president of the Yoruba Union in Stockholm, Adeola Aderounmu gave the welcome address and also had a 15-minute lecture titled: Ile-Ife, Our Ancestral and Spiritual Home.

Adeola presenting the lecture on Obatala, Oduduwa, Creation and Modern Yoruba History

In the presentation, he highlighted the position of Ile-Ife as the origin on all Yorubas worldwide. He also gave a brief account of creation through the hands of Oduduwa and Obatala.

Adeola introducing the members of the executives of YORUBA UNION Stockholm, Sweden

During his own speech Ambassador Amobi congratulated the Yoruba Union for sustaining the Yoruba Day celebration and for the progress that has been made since the previous edition. He also mentioned the immense role played by the Yoruba Union in Stockholm during the IFE Dynasty and Ancient Art Exhibition at the Modern Museum in Stockholm.

Amb. Benedict Amobi giving a speech at the Yoruba Day celebration in Stockholm, May 10 2014

Ambassador Amobi condemned the rise of terrorism in Northern parts of Nigeria and Abuja. He mentioned that the government is working to stem the rise of Boko Haram. He also condemned the kidnap of school girls from Chibok

Below are some of the pictures showing the successful hosting of the Second Annual Yoruba Day by members of the Yoruba Union in Stockholm, Sweden.

Happy Viewing:

During the Yoruba Day celebration there was plenty to eat and drink as the buffet covered several of the Yoruba traditional dishes. The atmosphere was brilliant and ignited by dance, merry and happiness.

For more pictures/images visit our facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/yorubaunion/

Our website, http://www.yorubaunion.se

Mail us, info@yorubaunion.se

Videos on Yoruba Union STOCKHOLM Channel on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/user/YORUBAUNION

Leasing Nigeria? No, Thanks!

May 11, 2014May 15, 2014 / Adeola / 2 Comments

By Adeola Aderounmu

To understand the background to the title of this essay, you’ll probably have to go back to the days before you joined facebook and find the article that I wrote in 2007 titled: Shall We Lease Nigeria For A Ten Year Period? It’s available on the Nigeria Village Square website.

We argued back and forth why we should not get to the point where Nigeria will be handed over to the imperialists or colonialists.

But 7 years after the article was written, in the second week of May 2014, Nigeria was partially handed over to the US, Britain, France and China, at least in the area of National Security. It happened voluntarily. The cost on Nigeria’s already sapped resources will be inestimable. The strings that will be attached will strengthen the reign of the imperialists and neo-colonialists.

All of this madness could have been avoided if the federal government of Nigeria is wise and just. Agreed the problem of insecurity dates back to the pre-Jonathan area, still what Nigerians have experienced in terms of “leadership” (what I prefer to call rulership) since the ascension of Goodluck Jonathan is simply rubbish. When a ruler tries to separate stealing from corruption, then hope is not just dim, but also lost.

I also read through one of my stories in the village square titled: 1999-2015 Pdp Years May The Worst Years Of Our Lives” and I reflected upon it against the backdrop of the rise in terrorism and the extreme polarisation of Nigeria along North-South divide and Christian-Muslim alienation.

In the essay I gave useful recommendations on what Jonathan can do in 4 years to revamp Nigeria or set it on the course of rejuvenation. Invariably a corrupt Jonathan who has surrounded himself with liars and corrupt people made no sound efforts to move Nigerians out of the poverty zone. In fact, the man who had no shoes as a young boy can no longer identify with the poor. How time changes!

Since 2011 Jonathan could have avoided distraction and focus on governance. He could have tried to chase a quarter of the promises he made on his campaign trail in 2010. Rather than choose nobility, Goodluck rode on high horses and supervised the raping of Nigeria. He commends the rape of Nigeria by all his ministers who have been alleged to be corrupt. Today Goodluck Jonathan is not a man of little credibility; he is actually a man of zero credibility.

The rise of the insurgencies in Northern Nigeria has been traced to the political parties in Nigeria over and over again. Many unconfirmed stories are also talking about the influence of foreign governments. But the allegations against the ruling party (just the way the Niger Delta militants were used in the 2003 electoral season) still stand to be disprove. The mix of the allegations with the eventual evolution of the extremist group into an uncontrollable monster finally exposed the incompetency of not only Goodluck Jonathan but also the entire machinery of governance in Nigeria at all levels.

So, we got to the point we have been afraid of. The Nigerian army that quelled wars in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali could not end the insurgencies in Northern Nigeria. The Nigerian government that helped disrupt the reign of Apartheid in South Africa suddenly became helpless at home.

The breakdown of command from Aso rock to the forests and mountains in Borno state leaves one in search of the true history of Boko Haram. The role of the snitches in the Nigerian Army deserved to be investigated. This breakdown leaves more questions than answers in all the cases of evil, murder, arson, kidnapp, assasination and general absence of law and order in the face of emergency rule in Northern Nigeria and Abuja.

Nigeria has gone too far promoting ineptitude and sycophancy. The system of governance is wrong and deserved a change. Unfortunately the change is not in the making by the bunch of jokers currently enjoying “holidays at great cost” under the pretence of a so called “staged national conference”. Those parasites should be sent home.

It’s really difficult to ask the Nigerian legislators who are also massively corrupt to start a process that will re-engineer and restructure the geographical distributions in Nigeria. But the request must pass. Nigeria cannot rely on foreign intervention because of terrorism in Nigeria which now poses as a great threat to national security. It is time to revert back to regional government.

The regions should be strengthened at the same time that the corrupt center is dismantled or stripped of most of its powers. Mr. Jonathan confirmed that using 50% of his powers will make him a dictator. That sort of system is too useless to sustain. He is already worse than a dictator by the way.

One obvious fact facing Nigeria in the face is the lack of unity and the near impossibility of one dude ordering people around from Abuja. Indeed there are states and local governments in Nigeria but they are all too dependent on the federal unitary system. This is a massive handicap in government. That chain needs to be broken and the old regions need to be restored or reconstructed. This reconstruction may be wisely done as not to play into the hands of the international community that seeks to weaken the regional power of Nigeria.

If powers are not concentrated in Abuja, Boko Haram would not be heading there. If the North-Eastern region runs its own government, it will resist and fight back insurgencies with all its might. There might not be any insurgency at all because the people will realise that they have to choose reliable people during every election and they will look forward to peaceful changes when they have faced disappointments. There is a lot of silence from Northern Nigeria. If they run their own government all the silent people would render their voices. But when necessary the federal forces can always help the regions to regain stability.

The Nigerian government is delaying reforms. The Nigerian government and the politicians in particular are acting out of selfishness and they cannot imagine a life without corruption. They cannot imagine a life when the people would have freedom. The evolution of Boko Haram is changing the course of history in Nigeria while the lack of action continues to heighten the probability of a violent disorder and eventual breakup.

Many have argued that a peaceful process of re-organising Nigeria politically is far better than the revolution that looms with the rise of Boko Haram. The history of foreign interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places came with sour tastes. It is always better to make peaceful resolutions than to engage in violent-induced changes that can consume anything or anyone.

History is a great teacher and to ignore the lessons of a bad history always allows it (a bad history) to repeat itself with devastating consequences.

aderounmu@gmail.com

[Photo Taken From Nigeria Watch]