Nigeria is obviously at a crossroads... besides the alarming security situation which has further degenerated over the last couple of weeks, the economy is barely holding together in spite of Government's claim of reduction in inflation figures. I believe that is the workings of some paper and computer calculations which is not having a direct bearing on the man on the street. Our government has continued to reel out the thousands of megawatts of electricity it has continued to generate on paper too. In the house where I live, I have not seen electricity for nearly one year... we have had to depend on generators. Transformers are bad and we are left to our fate. Yet, how do you want me to believe that the megawatts of electricity has increased?
At state government levels, our workers have been going on strike on account of fully legislated minimum wage amount. State Governors are prevaricating on payment of the wage benchmark which has already been signed into law. In Kano State for instance, throughout last week, as the State Government Civil Servants downed tools, banks in the commercial city also joined in the fray to stop depositors and customers from depositing funds or withdrawing money. Corporate organizations who have no access to ATM cards are left to suffer. What is the relationship between privately run banks and the State Government employees? Is this some form of solidarity? Businesses in states involved are suffering huge losses.
Security situation in Jos and on our highways are begging for serious attention. Jos is almost heading for a Somalia-like brigade where no real government can be felt because as it were in the days of old in Israel, there was no king and every one did what was right in his own eyes. That anarchy level must not be allowed to prevail on the Plateau.
While all these and many more happening, we need an active, responsive and proactive government to proffer solutions to the myriads of problems. We must be careful to note that we have a huge population of educated youths who are roaming the streets without jobs. We should not allow their frustrations to become filled to overflowing level. The Arab Spring is still fresh in our consciousness and we must not make the mistake of thinking "it can never happen in Nigeria". Nobody ever contemplated suicide bombing in Nigeria in the last 2 years; but today, we have joined the league of nations that have groomed within its territory internal terrorists ready to die for a cause (even if such causes are ironically not right - at least by our rationale judgement).
Col. Gaddafi in Northern Nigeria?
For weeks now, I have been shouting myself hoarse about the possibility of the Libyan crisis spilling over our borders because of the proximity of our northern neighbours to Libya and the fact that Niger as it were is a vast expanse of empty desert land that can be traversed by any group of people with less than noble ambitions. In the wake of the NATO bombings over Libya to help the rebels opposed to Gaddafi topple the dictator, I remember sounding a note of warning via my facebook page that the Nigerian authorities should watch her northern borders for possible infiltrations. Obviously, these warnings were ignored. Gaddafi was toppled and he is on the run. Latest reports indicate that his sons were among the convey of his military people who entered Niger, specifically spotted in the desert town of Agadez. I again warned through facebook that we should take note of these happenings. Just yesterday, I discovered the Nigerian authorities, through some media reports are putting security on high alert across the Northern cities of Kano and Kaduna as rumours filled the air of the possibility of Gaddafi being in the area! What a shame! How long are we going to continue to be taken for a ride?
Myself
I have not updated this blogspot for weeks now. I have been busy with a lot. LoveHouse International Gospel Center, my Church has been helping Singles in the North Western city of Kano to understand purpose of relationship and marriage. We have had 3 sessions already and heading for Week 4 meetings. Its been an incisive time all through and its joyful for me to see singles rejoice on account of receiving new information and correct one at that to help them make informed and result-oriented decisions in respect of their relationships.
I have been on the road a lot of late. Having some work to do at Gwagwalada in Abuja and making new friends in the process. Attended to issues in Zaria and Kaduna on media purposes. I have discovered that in the midst of great personal conflicts, if you engage your mind on purposes issues, light will shine through and keep you through to the top.
Final Note
I am a passionate Nigerian and a patriot. I make these statements on our situation as above based on true patriotism. Our leaders must not lead like in the 1990s and early 2000s. This is a new era with changing tides across the world. We must be up and about. Leadership is about seizing the initiative. That we lack in quantum and we must cover lost grounds in good time before we are left behind by the rest of the world. This is our moment, it is our time, we cannot fail this generation and the generations yet unborn. Nigerian Leaders Arise! I REST MY CASE...
