FRSC at 20: The Challenges Ahead
This year the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) turns 20 years with it's creation. The commission came into existance in 1988 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida , with the aim of regulating the traffic laws on our roads, observe and advise authorities the conditions or worthiness of our roads. They also sanitise the public on importance of abiding by road ethics and regulations.
FRSC claimed that it had been doing alot in the area of sanitising the public on the road safety eventhough it do encounter alot of problems especially from impatient and sturbborn road users including the non-implementation of it's suggestions on conditions of our roads.Road accidents is among the leading disasters that kills human beings , it is the 9th killer as 1.2 million people lost their lives world wide every year with another 50 million or more sustaining various degrees of injuries from road accidents. Annalyst are of the view that if the issue is not tackled adequetly by the year 2020 road accidents can become the 3rd killer of human race world wide. There's hardly no Nigerian Family that road accident had not affected either directly or indirectly. Atleast every Nigerian family had either lost a loved one in road accident , or injured or escaped death by the whiskers in an accident . The question to ask is why is accidents still increasing eventhough FRSC has always double it's effort to curb the menace.Eventhough the condition of our roads are not in proper condition , road worthiness should not be entirely blamed on nature of our road accidents. Reckless driving , overspeading and overloading are among the factors increasing accidents on our roads . And another major factor that increases accidents are the ineffectivesness and willingness by authorities to enforce compliance of rules governing the conduct of our roads in our country.
When will we stop folding our hands and continue to allow road accidents to continue killing our people because of lack of willingness to enforce rules and regulations on our roads? Or are we going to keep watching some "suicide drivers" just because they can drive , to keep on threathing our lives and properties? And when are we going to be firm and decisive on traffic offenders , who after killing or maiming due to recklessness, careless and impatient driving hide behind destiny to get off the hook?
The most dangerous among road users on our roads are drivers of long vehicles , lorries , buses, cars and okada. Due to the nature of their driving it is hardly that one will not see damaged vehicles after accidents have occured especially on our highways.The situation of our roads , in sober or drunk driving and overloading is so bad that it happen that when one will travel , one can't be sure of safe journey due to the recklessness od drivers on our roads.
Among the factors that had become impediments to the functions of FRSC is the lack of the will to enforce the conduct of loading of passengers as it relates to commercial vehicles, that operates within town or those operating on the outskirts and highways. It is now a norm for commercial vehicles to overload and seems to have been accepted as a normal norm. All commercial vehicles from cars to buses do compacted people like sardines, where a car that is made to carry only five passengers including the driver will be compacted with eight or nine passengers. They will load four to five people in the back seat instead of the ideal three. In the front where the driver and a passenger will sit they will put additional one or two passengers excluding the driver. They even load passengers in their "boots" !, same applied with buses where every available space is filled up to capacity with goods and people. On the part of trucks and lorries the story is the same with overloading of goods, and on the far top will be jammed with passengers and animals together.If FRSC are serious in enforcing road rules and regulations, they must enforce all rules irrespective of the flimsy excuses such drivers and their unions cook up to justify their overloading and other indecent habits which has most of the time been the source of accidents on our roads. The commission must have the willingness to punish all offenders according to the rule without fear or favour. Whenever an accident occur they should make sure they investigate both the remote and underlying causes and those found guilty should be punished accordingly . FRSC should ensure that after serving their punishments, their driving license should be seized or revoked in case of ambiguity the commission should seek for amendments and new powers, where ther are short comings in the law governing road ethics and conduct so as to enable it function effectively.
The society also have a special role to play in bringing sanity on our roads, especially the religious leaders who should enlighten people on the importance of seeking compesation to those that have lost their loved ones or those that sustained injuries in accidents due to recklessness of drivers. In most part of the country the acceptable norm is for families to forvige or refuse to seek compesation when one of theirs lost his/her life due to reckless driving. They should be enlighten on the importance of seeking redress and compesation on behalf of their loved ones . Passengers should also protest and stop keeping mum when a reckless " suicide driver" is attempting to terminate their lives and also report such persons to the appropriate authorities.
FRSC should tighten it's belt in saving the lives and properties of innocent citizens from the devilish and unwholesome activities of reckless and overzealous drivers.The FRSC need all the neccessary back up or support from lLocal and State goverments, and organisations to enable it perform it's duty efficiently.
All patrotic citizens should assist FRSC in bringing to and end or to drastically reduce the number of widows, orphans and disabled e.t.c in our country just because of activities of some reckless suiciders who happens to be driving on our roads. Yoursfaithfully Shehu Mustapha Chajishehuchaji@yahoo.com
Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Monday, 6 October 2008
Shekarau : Don't answer their call if, and only if ...
Malam Ibrahim Shekarau the only two term Executive Governor of Kano State , is a Man that is use to swim against tides. When he first emerge on the political scene before the 2003 elections, many political pundits listed him among the unserious contenders and suprisely he emerged victorious. So also during the 2007 elections against all odds breaking the traditional norm of not having second term in Kano Goverment House, Governor Shekarau broke the jinx ! And recently his supporters are calling on him to seek for the office of President of Nigeria in 2011. Constitutionally , Governor Shekarau is entitle to seek for office of President of Federal Republic of Nigeria , and like all Kanawas i will also look forward to the day a son of the soil will become a democratically elected President of Nigeria as no one from Kano state have the priveledge of been elected as President of Nigeria. And if Shekarau answered the call, will he emerge victorious in a venture so many Kanawas have attempted and failed?Prominent among them are Mallam Aminu Kano , Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule (Dan Masanin Kano) , Alhaji Bashir Usman Tofa and Alhaji Abubakar Rimi.
The call on Shekarau to contest for presidency come 2011 is getting louder and louder by the day , and he has neither answer nor said what are his intentions after leaving Kano Goverment House in 2011. Before the call snowball to a national dimension , Shekarau should as a matter of urgency study the possibilities or otherwise of the call and take appropriate position.
Already many political commentators have various views as to why Governor Ibrahim Shekarau might dive into the political terrain to seek for Nigeria's presidency in 2011. Some are of the view that as his party ANPP is the biggest opposition party in Nigeria , he may be the party's presidential aspirant so as to enable President Umaru Musa Yar'adua have a smooth coast to victory in 2011 elections, no matter how the election will be conducted Shekarau will accept the result in good faith and will be willing to board the goverment of national unity after the elections. While some are of the view that Governor Ibrahim Shekarau will be used to finally frustrate General Muhammadu Buhari out of ANPP even if he decides to stay put in the party after the Supreme Court delivers it's judgement . As Shekarau a loyal and law abiding party member may have upper hand against other contenders like General Muhammadu Buhari if he decides to contest against who are not loyal to party supremacy .
As for me i will sincerely advise Malam Ibrahim Shekarau to study the terrain carefully before sticking his neck in this risky and unpredictable venture of contesting for seat of Nigeria's presidency. Firstly, he should be wise enough like Senator Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura not to contest against President Umaru Yar'adua if he decide to contest for second term. Secondly, he should not contest against Genaral Muhammadu Buhari even if he is not contesting on the platform of ANPP to avoid missing in the presidential aspirants crowd such like former Governor of Sokoto state Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa during the 2007 elections . Thirdly, he should only contest if his financial status improves or when he has solid promises of getting financial support when he is into the race, in an interview he granted last year , Shekarau said he doe'snt even own a house of himself and if he leaves Kano Goverment House he does not have a place to pack into.
But on the otherhand , Governor Shekarau can contest for presidency if the leading opposition parties AC, PPA , DPP e.t.c decided to form alliance with ANPP to defeat PDP with Shekarau as ANPP presidential aspirant . And if also General Muhammadu Buhari , Alhaji Atiku Abibakar , Cheif Uzo Kalu , Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa all decided not to contest for presidency in 2011 and also decided to collectively support , back and campaign for Shekarau , then he can also contest . And finally , if President Umaru Musa Yar'adua advise him to contest wheater under the platform of PDP if he is not contesting again or on the platform of ANPP or any other party, he should'nt even hesitate , he can go ahead and contest for presidency in 2011.
Governor Ibrahim Shekarau should resist the temptation for contesting for presidency just for the sake of contesting or overwhelmed by his previous accomplishments of dislodging a sitting governor Alhaji Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso though he did not have the financial capability for such venture and against all expectations breaking the jinx of not having second term in Kano State. Nigeria's presidency is a serious venture which all beneficiaries had the backing and blessings of incumbents and various groups of power elites. With so many hawks hovering around the presidency it is not advisable for starters like Governor Shekarau to venture into such murky waters.
The concern of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau should be centred on how his loyalist should take over from him as the opposition party in Kano state PDP led by heavy weight politicians like Alhaji Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'abba , Alhaji Usman Sule Ruruwai , Alhaji Ibrahim Amin Little , Alhaji Garba Ahmed and supporters of General Muhammadu Buhari led by Alhaji Haruna Ahmadu Zago will all put all effort to have one of their own as next governor of Kano state. What happen in Sokoto state during 2007 election can re-curr in Kano state if Shekarau like Bafarawa went in search of the presidency but ended up loosing both.
The senate would have been more suitable for Shekarau in 2011 if he has become less ambitious , but even the senate will be a risky venture as the present senator representing Kano central , Shekarau's senatorial zone , Senator Muhammad Bello can only stepdown for Shekarau if he annointed him as his successor.
May be most of those calling on Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to contest for Nigeria's presidency are of the thought that if he answer their call he will throw open the gate of Kano tresury for them to have their fill as some former state governors did during the 2007 elections used their state resources to seek for Nigeria's presidency and are now today either in the custody of EFCC or playing hide and seek with anti-corruption agencies .2011 is a bid far away from now which gives Governor Shekarau much time to fully study such calls as to either accept the call or reject them. It either of the two da mugun rawa gwamma kin tashi and da rashin tayi akan bar araha !
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
The call on Shekarau to contest for presidency come 2011 is getting louder and louder by the day , and he has neither answer nor said what are his intentions after leaving Kano Goverment House in 2011. Before the call snowball to a national dimension , Shekarau should as a matter of urgency study the possibilities or otherwise of the call and take appropriate position.
Already many political commentators have various views as to why Governor Ibrahim Shekarau might dive into the political terrain to seek for Nigeria's presidency in 2011. Some are of the view that as his party ANPP is the biggest opposition party in Nigeria , he may be the party's presidential aspirant so as to enable President Umaru Musa Yar'adua have a smooth coast to victory in 2011 elections, no matter how the election will be conducted Shekarau will accept the result in good faith and will be willing to board the goverment of national unity after the elections. While some are of the view that Governor Ibrahim Shekarau will be used to finally frustrate General Muhammadu Buhari out of ANPP even if he decides to stay put in the party after the Supreme Court delivers it's judgement . As Shekarau a loyal and law abiding party member may have upper hand against other contenders like General Muhammadu Buhari if he decides to contest against who are not loyal to party supremacy .
As for me i will sincerely advise Malam Ibrahim Shekarau to study the terrain carefully before sticking his neck in this risky and unpredictable venture of contesting for seat of Nigeria's presidency. Firstly, he should be wise enough like Senator Ahmed Sani Yariman Bakura not to contest against President Umaru Yar'adua if he decide to contest for second term. Secondly, he should not contest against Genaral Muhammadu Buhari even if he is not contesting on the platform of ANPP to avoid missing in the presidential aspirants crowd such like former Governor of Sokoto state Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa during the 2007 elections . Thirdly, he should only contest if his financial status improves or when he has solid promises of getting financial support when he is into the race, in an interview he granted last year , Shekarau said he doe'snt even own a house of himself and if he leaves Kano Goverment House he does not have a place to pack into.
But on the otherhand , Governor Shekarau can contest for presidency if the leading opposition parties AC, PPA , DPP e.t.c decided to form alliance with ANPP to defeat PDP with Shekarau as ANPP presidential aspirant . And if also General Muhammadu Buhari , Alhaji Atiku Abibakar , Cheif Uzo Kalu , Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa all decided not to contest for presidency in 2011 and also decided to collectively support , back and campaign for Shekarau , then he can also contest . And finally , if President Umaru Musa Yar'adua advise him to contest wheater under the platform of PDP if he is not contesting again or on the platform of ANPP or any other party, he should'nt even hesitate , he can go ahead and contest for presidency in 2011.
Governor Ibrahim Shekarau should resist the temptation for contesting for presidency just for the sake of contesting or overwhelmed by his previous accomplishments of dislodging a sitting governor Alhaji Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso though he did not have the financial capability for such venture and against all expectations breaking the jinx of not having second term in Kano State. Nigeria's presidency is a serious venture which all beneficiaries had the backing and blessings of incumbents and various groups of power elites. With so many hawks hovering around the presidency it is not advisable for starters like Governor Shekarau to venture into such murky waters.
The concern of Governor Ibrahim Shekarau should be centred on how his loyalist should take over from him as the opposition party in Kano state PDP led by heavy weight politicians like Alhaji Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Ghali Umar Na'abba , Alhaji Usman Sule Ruruwai , Alhaji Ibrahim Amin Little , Alhaji Garba Ahmed and supporters of General Muhammadu Buhari led by Alhaji Haruna Ahmadu Zago will all put all effort to have one of their own as next governor of Kano state. What happen in Sokoto state during 2007 election can re-curr in Kano state if Shekarau like Bafarawa went in search of the presidency but ended up loosing both.
The senate would have been more suitable for Shekarau in 2011 if he has become less ambitious , but even the senate will be a risky venture as the present senator representing Kano central , Shekarau's senatorial zone , Senator Muhammad Bello can only stepdown for Shekarau if he annointed him as his successor.
May be most of those calling on Governor Ibrahim Shekarau to contest for Nigeria's presidency are of the thought that if he answer their call he will throw open the gate of Kano tresury for them to have their fill as some former state governors did during the 2007 elections used their state resources to seek for Nigeria's presidency and are now today either in the custody of EFCC or playing hide and seek with anti-corruption agencies .2011 is a bid far away from now which gives Governor Shekarau much time to fully study such calls as to either accept the call or reject them. It either of the two da mugun rawa gwamma kin tashi and da rashin tayi akan bar araha !
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Friday, 12 September 2008
Shekarau: When will I collect my Jeep?
Precisely on Wednesday, August 27, 2008, Daily Trust featured the news “Shekarau buys N.5bn Jeeps for Monarchs”. This kind of gesture to the traditional rulers sparks off debate on whether they deserved the state of the art vehicles or not. The beneficiaries include 14 members of Kano Emirate Council and 39 district heads. Whichever angle one view the “gifts”, this piece is self centred and not about the legality or otherwise of the “Dividends of democracy” which the beneficiaries enjoyed.
If one could recall, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau when sworn in as governor of Kano state in 2003 ., stated that his role model for governance will be in line with Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a) the second Caliph of Islam. There are so many narrations that shows during his rule, state resources were shared equally, including his own share which is no more or less than what ordinary member of the Ummah will get as his own share.
Based on such narrations which are numerous, the administration of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) centres on equal distribution of state resources and which my governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau took as his model will not distribute only 53 brand new Jeeps to a selected few among the people of about 10 million Kanawas, as a member am asking Shekarau, when will I collect my Jeep? As I have said earlier am not in support or against the Jeeps given to the traditional rulers. I have high respect and regard to the traditional institution, which as the governor acknowledged their influence in area of maintenance of security, peace and communal cohension. They deserved more than a private jets not even jeeps if one view the responsibility they are shouldering for the society.
Your Excellency Sir, if those criticizing your kind gesture to the traditional rulers or those in support of the gesture are busy debating whether they deserved the Jeeps or not , On my part as they occupied with the debate , am raising up my pen to demand for my own Jeep in line with the tradition of the Ummah during the reign of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) when state resources where distributed equally . Luckily for me, you took him as your role model. Also Sir, I prefer the Jeep to be “tear leather” not tokumbo or fairly used, green in colour with all sophisticated gadget befitting such a state of the art vehicle.
As a bonafide indigene of Kano state, if millions of Kanawas are silent in demanding for their own Jeeps either out of shyness or cowardice, am demanding for mine in line with traditions of the great Sahabahs of Islam. My governor, Shekarau had chosen Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) as his role model in deeds and governance, which will make my case to be simple and am sure he is Man of his words, and surely will respond to my demand as a law abiding indigene of Kano state.
Selfishness and greed are not the motivating factor for my demand of Jeep from Shekarau rather to fulfill my obligation as a Muslim and indigene of Kano state where Sharia is applied in governance of the state and in line with traditions of the Sahabah to demand what is due to me.
My eagerness for the Jeep is enormous as I have already enroll in a driving school to learn how to drive such an exotic car as I cannot afford to employ a driver. And I have already contacted a neighbour of mine on how I can obtain a driving license and a special plate number, and another to lend me his garage to be parking my Jeep for safe keeping as I will take care of it as my new bride as they cost more than half of all the entire salaries of government employed worker of Kano state for a month, why wouldn’t I go extra mile to protect my jeep from armed robbers and car snatchers?
If out of cowardice or shyness critics and supporters fails to demand for theirs, I say no one should complain or criticize me for demanding for my own Jeep. Some will complain that am not a monarch and therefore I do not deserve a Jeep from Shekarau. Other lazy armchair critics will criticize me as seeking for a favour, a bribe or even want to be brought over by the Shekarau administration. They should all mind their own business in either supporting and praising the good works of people’s governor or continue criticizing the governor for not judiciously utilizing the billions of naira the state is earning for development. I will also advise them to speak up and demand for their own Jeeps and together we will all cruise and turn Kano state to a land of Jeeps and exotic cars.
My Jeep is my Jeep, therefore those that fails to demand for theirs should not dare ask me for a lift, and if they are not happy with my attitude, go and demand for yours.
Some might even accused me of not been realistic, to them I will say its none of my business as governor Shekarau knows what he was talking about when he promise to follow the foot steps of Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a). And for those that will quote sections of the Nigerian Constitution to block my chance of collecting my Jeep, to them I will also say the Constitution did not burden my governor with distribution of Jeeps to traditional rulers.
The Sharia Law governing Kano state and Nigerian Constitution gave all equal opportunities, even though elected officials and public office holders enjoyed special remuneration which is backed by the Constitution. But whatever the reasons for Shekarau to afford such a kind gesture to the Monarchs, all Kanawas are equally important to enjoy such a kind gesture to testify that they have also experience what is known as dividends of democracy.
To critics, my governor have achieved more than enough in all sectors of growth and development. There is clean drinking water, hospitals that distribute free drugs, employment for young and old, well equipped schools and teachers well paid e.t.c there’s more than enough and the government can now spend hundreds of millions to buy Jeeps for its Monarch. The task of governance is enormous and the governor might think that you are all contented with “A Daidaita Sahu” buses and tricycles for your transportation and you may not need Jeeps for your easier movements to conduct your day to day affairs.
As for supporters of the state government in its great stride of bringing about change and development that has never happened in history of Kano state , are also contented and would not mind out of loyalty, sacrifice and dedication even if they do not own tokumbo cars and motorcycles , they do not need the Jeeps. They prefer to continue to be transported in overloaded taxis, old buses, dare devil Achabas or even trek, for them things are moving in order.
But as for me, am looking forward to collect my Jeep as my governor is a man of his words and he led by example. With this , am looking forward to when my demand will be considered and I hope by this every indigene of Kano state will not start demanding for his/her Jeep as the waiting will be too long to meet the supply of demands by manufactures of Jeeps to every indigene of Kano state.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com ‘
If one could recall, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau when sworn in as governor of Kano state in 2003 ., stated that his role model for governance will be in line with Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a) the second Caliph of Islam. There are so many narrations that shows during his rule, state resources were shared equally, including his own share which is no more or less than what ordinary member of the Ummah will get as his own share.
Based on such narrations which are numerous, the administration of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) centres on equal distribution of state resources and which my governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau took as his model will not distribute only 53 brand new Jeeps to a selected few among the people of about 10 million Kanawas, as a member am asking Shekarau, when will I collect my Jeep? As I have said earlier am not in support or against the Jeeps given to the traditional rulers. I have high respect and regard to the traditional institution, which as the governor acknowledged their influence in area of maintenance of security, peace and communal cohension. They deserved more than a private jets not even jeeps if one view the responsibility they are shouldering for the society.
Your Excellency Sir, if those criticizing your kind gesture to the traditional rulers or those in support of the gesture are busy debating whether they deserved the Jeeps or not , On my part as they occupied with the debate , am raising up my pen to demand for my own Jeep in line with the tradition of the Ummah during the reign of Khalifah Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) when state resources where distributed equally . Luckily for me, you took him as your role model. Also Sir, I prefer the Jeep to be “tear leather” not tokumbo or fairly used, green in colour with all sophisticated gadget befitting such a state of the art vehicle.
As a bonafide indigene of Kano state, if millions of Kanawas are silent in demanding for their own Jeeps either out of shyness or cowardice, am demanding for mine in line with traditions of the great Sahabahs of Islam. My governor, Shekarau had chosen Umar Al-Khattab (r.a) as his role model in deeds and governance, which will make my case to be simple and am sure he is Man of his words, and surely will respond to my demand as a law abiding indigene of Kano state.
Selfishness and greed are not the motivating factor for my demand of Jeep from Shekarau rather to fulfill my obligation as a Muslim and indigene of Kano state where Sharia is applied in governance of the state and in line with traditions of the Sahabah to demand what is due to me.
My eagerness for the Jeep is enormous as I have already enroll in a driving school to learn how to drive such an exotic car as I cannot afford to employ a driver. And I have already contacted a neighbour of mine on how I can obtain a driving license and a special plate number, and another to lend me his garage to be parking my Jeep for safe keeping as I will take care of it as my new bride as they cost more than half of all the entire salaries of government employed worker of Kano state for a month, why wouldn’t I go extra mile to protect my jeep from armed robbers and car snatchers?
If out of cowardice or shyness critics and supporters fails to demand for theirs, I say no one should complain or criticize me for demanding for my own Jeep. Some will complain that am not a monarch and therefore I do not deserve a Jeep from Shekarau. Other lazy armchair critics will criticize me as seeking for a favour, a bribe or even want to be brought over by the Shekarau administration. They should all mind their own business in either supporting and praising the good works of people’s governor or continue criticizing the governor for not judiciously utilizing the billions of naira the state is earning for development. I will also advise them to speak up and demand for their own Jeeps and together we will all cruise and turn Kano state to a land of Jeeps and exotic cars.
My Jeep is my Jeep, therefore those that fails to demand for theirs should not dare ask me for a lift, and if they are not happy with my attitude, go and demand for yours.
Some might even accused me of not been realistic, to them I will say its none of my business as governor Shekarau knows what he was talking about when he promise to follow the foot steps of Khalifah Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (r.a). And for those that will quote sections of the Nigerian Constitution to block my chance of collecting my Jeep, to them I will also say the Constitution did not burden my governor with distribution of Jeeps to traditional rulers.
The Sharia Law governing Kano state and Nigerian Constitution gave all equal opportunities, even though elected officials and public office holders enjoyed special remuneration which is backed by the Constitution. But whatever the reasons for Shekarau to afford such a kind gesture to the Monarchs, all Kanawas are equally important to enjoy such a kind gesture to testify that they have also experience what is known as dividends of democracy.
To critics, my governor have achieved more than enough in all sectors of growth and development. There is clean drinking water, hospitals that distribute free drugs, employment for young and old, well equipped schools and teachers well paid e.t.c there’s more than enough and the government can now spend hundreds of millions to buy Jeeps for its Monarch. The task of governance is enormous and the governor might think that you are all contented with “A Daidaita Sahu” buses and tricycles for your transportation and you may not need Jeeps for your easier movements to conduct your day to day affairs.
As for supporters of the state government in its great stride of bringing about change and development that has never happened in history of Kano state , are also contented and would not mind out of loyalty, sacrifice and dedication even if they do not own tokumbo cars and motorcycles , they do not need the Jeeps. They prefer to continue to be transported in overloaded taxis, old buses, dare devil Achabas or even trek, for them things are moving in order.
But as for me, am looking forward to collect my Jeep as my governor is a man of his words and he led by example. With this , am looking forward to when my demand will be considered and I hope by this every indigene of Kano state will not start demanding for his/her Jeep as the waiting will be too long to meet the supply of demands by manufactures of Jeeps to every indigene of Kano state.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com ‘
Saturday, 6 September 2008
General Buhari and Tenure Elongation
Results of 2007 elections are still being contested in the courts and have led some elections to be upheld and annulled. The final verdict with regard to the presidential election is still awaited from the Supreme Court, which will either affirm or annul the election said to be won by President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
Courts have so far annulled many elections especially those of PDP governors in states like Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Cross River , still in the re-run elections PDP governors were returned with even lager wining margins. These governors have indirectly enjoyed tenure elongation for more than a year.
General Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of opposition ANPP in 2007 is at the centre of storm since the day INEC declared Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as the winner of 2007 presidential election. Buhari, like other Nigerians, local and international observers, condemned the elections as flawed. As Usual Buhari headed to the courts to challenge the election of Yar’adua. Many Nigerians, myself inclusive, supported the idea that the courts should determine Yar’adua’s legitimacy even as traditional rulers, some Ulama’s and later his party demanded Buhari to accept Yar’adua’s election in the general interest of the North and Nigeria .
It’s now more than 15 months that President Yar’adua is occupying Aso Rock and the supreme court have not yet delivered it’s judgment on 2007 presidential election. The judgment is either of the two, to affirm or annul the election. With present realities on ground President Yar’adua will hope and pray that his election be annulled, so that as the norm of ruling PDP he can re-contest, win, and have a fresh mandate of 4 years.
Recent media reports as confirmed by aides to A.C‘s presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that there are secret talks going on between him and Yar’adua, and there are rumours going round of the possibility of Atiku Abubakar returning to PDP. With such development and with the typical Nigerian situation sooner or later the Atiku camp may withdraw its case from the Supreme Court and decamp back to PDP.
The hard nut to crack is General Muhammadu Buhari.; following his antecedents after the 2003 elections where he logically followed his case to the end at the Supreme Court. This time around from the various media interviews he affirmed his decision of following his case to its logical conclusion in the Supreme Court. As I said earlier, am one of those that had been supporting General Buhari right from when he joined politics and even propagated that he should pursue his case right to the supreme court in the interest of the masses and democracy in Nigeria. But my fears these days are many especially if the Supreme Court does annul Yar’adua’s election. Also if the apex court finally legitimizes Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari and his supporters in the 2011 elections?
Let’s assume that the Supreme Court annuls Yar’adua’s election and demand for a re-run. The reality on ground is whether General Buhari is ready and capable to win such election? As a start he doesn’t even have a vice presidential candidate as he and Chief Ume Ezeoke who double’s as ANPP chairman and Buhari running mate are at each others throat and by implication Buhari does not have the party’s backing. All ANPP governors excluding Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara state are not in good terms with and not in support of Buhari. Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno state had clearly stated that he would support Yar’adua in a re-run election, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state has a deep animosity with Buhari and he is now concerned with how he can be ANPP presidential candidate for 2011 elections . As for Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and Mamman Ali of Yobe state even though they have not clearly stated their relationship with Buhari, but they are in support of the position of their party which accepts to be part of the government of national unity.
In such a scenario how can Buhari win a re-run election with a divided house while he has accused most of ANPP leaders and elders as merchants of PDP. Even if he wins the re-run election how can he contend with PDP controlling more than two/third of States and the National Assembly with its leadership?
In the event that Supreme Court affirm Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari in ANPP? Will he still contest for presidential election in 2011? And if he does will other presidential aspirants step down for him? In case they do, how sure is he that what occurred in 2003 and 2007 presidential election will not re-occur?
The ball is in the court of General Buhari to either to either bow to pressure of eminent Northerners and his party to withdraw his case before the Supreme Court and demand for concessions as it has happened in Kenya and about to happen again in Zimbabwe . If not, he should start the process of grooming his own presidential candidate for 2011 within ANPP or any other platform he might decide to use. And if he decides to pursue his case to its logical conclusion in the apex court and the court orders a re-run, it will be the greatest disservice to Nigerians if General Buhari fails to make impact and indirectly add more years to Yar’adua’s government.
Opposition parties and General Buhari in particular seem to be overwhelmed, intimidated and crushed by the PDP forces. Either of the two is the reason why PDP is having a field day , that Nigerians are contented with the way and manner the ruling party is conducting the affairs of the country or the Nigerian people are not satisfied with the qualities of those seeking to take over affairs from PDP forces . Cases in point are how people of Kano , Bauchi and Lagos states affirmed their choices even though PDP controls the apparatus of power.
As for Nigerians their destiny is in their own hands, they either tolerate the excess of ruling PDP or desire for a change. Whenever they are ready as it has happened in so many countries.
If General Buhari wants to make any impact in Nigerian politics in future, he has to look into the achievements recorded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Malam Aminu Kano even though they couldn’t rule Nigeria but they left a mark in history through imprints of their ideology on Nigerian politics. Why wouldn’t Buhari consolidate his ideology through grooming his own supporters and followers under his own umbrella?
Nigerians are now indifferent of the outcome of judgment at the Supreme Court as they know the realities on ground will not change the fortunes of ruling PDP. It now left for General Buhari to either accept the reality that if the court decides in his favour, indirectly he has paved the way for tenure elongation to Yar’adua and PDP. Whatever he decides the plan for the future is the most important.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Courts have so far annulled many elections especially those of PDP governors in states like Kogi, Adamawa, Sokoto, Bayelsa and Cross River , still in the re-run elections PDP governors were returned with even lager wining margins. These governors have indirectly enjoyed tenure elongation for more than a year.
General Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of opposition ANPP in 2007 is at the centre of storm since the day INEC declared Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’adua as the winner of 2007 presidential election. Buhari, like other Nigerians, local and international observers, condemned the elections as flawed. As Usual Buhari headed to the courts to challenge the election of Yar’adua. Many Nigerians, myself inclusive, supported the idea that the courts should determine Yar’adua’s legitimacy even as traditional rulers, some Ulama’s and later his party demanded Buhari to accept Yar’adua’s election in the general interest of the North and Nigeria .
It’s now more than 15 months that President Yar’adua is occupying Aso Rock and the supreme court have not yet delivered it’s judgment on 2007 presidential election. The judgment is either of the two, to affirm or annul the election. With present realities on ground President Yar’adua will hope and pray that his election be annulled, so that as the norm of ruling PDP he can re-contest, win, and have a fresh mandate of 4 years.
Recent media reports as confirmed by aides to A.C‘s presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, confirmed that there are secret talks going on between him and Yar’adua, and there are rumours going round of the possibility of Atiku Abubakar returning to PDP. With such development and with the typical Nigerian situation sooner or later the Atiku camp may withdraw its case from the Supreme Court and decamp back to PDP.
The hard nut to crack is General Muhammadu Buhari.; following his antecedents after the 2003 elections where he logically followed his case to the end at the Supreme Court. This time around from the various media interviews he affirmed his decision of following his case to its logical conclusion in the Supreme Court. As I said earlier, am one of those that had been supporting General Buhari right from when he joined politics and even propagated that he should pursue his case right to the supreme court in the interest of the masses and democracy in Nigeria. But my fears these days are many especially if the Supreme Court does annul Yar’adua’s election. Also if the apex court finally legitimizes Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari and his supporters in the 2011 elections?
Let’s assume that the Supreme Court annuls Yar’adua’s election and demand for a re-run. The reality on ground is whether General Buhari is ready and capable to win such election? As a start he doesn’t even have a vice presidential candidate as he and Chief Ume Ezeoke who double’s as ANPP chairman and Buhari running mate are at each others throat and by implication Buhari does not have the party’s backing. All ANPP governors excluding Alhaji Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi of Zamfara state are not in good terms with and not in support of Buhari. Governor Ali Modu Sheriff of Borno state had clearly stated that he would support Yar’adua in a re-run election, Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano state has a deep animosity with Buhari and he is now concerned with how he can be ANPP presidential candidate for 2011 elections . As for Governors Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state and Mamman Ali of Yobe state even though they have not clearly stated their relationship with Buhari, but they are in support of the position of their party which accepts to be part of the government of national unity.
In such a scenario how can Buhari win a re-run election with a divided house while he has accused most of ANPP leaders and elders as merchants of PDP. Even if he wins the re-run election how can he contend with PDP controlling more than two/third of States and the National Assembly with its leadership?
In the event that Supreme Court affirm Yar’adua’s election, what will be the fate of Buhari in ANPP? Will he still contest for presidential election in 2011? And if he does will other presidential aspirants step down for him? In case they do, how sure is he that what occurred in 2003 and 2007 presidential election will not re-occur?
The ball is in the court of General Buhari to either to either bow to pressure of eminent Northerners and his party to withdraw his case before the Supreme Court and demand for concessions as it has happened in Kenya and about to happen again in Zimbabwe . If not, he should start the process of grooming his own presidential candidate for 2011 within ANPP or any other platform he might decide to use. And if he decides to pursue his case to its logical conclusion in the apex court and the court orders a re-run, it will be the greatest disservice to Nigerians if General Buhari fails to make impact and indirectly add more years to Yar’adua’s government.
Opposition parties and General Buhari in particular seem to be overwhelmed, intimidated and crushed by the PDP forces. Either of the two is the reason why PDP is having a field day , that Nigerians are contented with the way and manner the ruling party is conducting the affairs of the country or the Nigerian people are not satisfied with the qualities of those seeking to take over affairs from PDP forces . Cases in point are how people of Kano , Bauchi and Lagos states affirmed their choices even though PDP controls the apparatus of power.
As for Nigerians their destiny is in their own hands, they either tolerate the excess of ruling PDP or desire for a change. Whenever they are ready as it has happened in so many countries.
If General Buhari wants to make any impact in Nigerian politics in future, he has to look into the achievements recorded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Malam Aminu Kano even though they couldn’t rule Nigeria but they left a mark in history through imprints of their ideology on Nigerian politics. Why wouldn’t Buhari consolidate his ideology through grooming his own supporters and followers under his own umbrella?
Nigerians are now indifferent of the outcome of judgment at the Supreme Court as they know the realities on ground will not change the fortunes of ruling PDP. It now left for General Buhari to either accept the reality that if the court decides in his favour, indirectly he has paved the way for tenure elongation to Yar’adua and PDP. Whatever he decides the plan for the future is the most important.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Nigerians and Dividends of Democracy
Democracy is defined as “rule by the people”. After prolonged military rule in Nigeria and the subsequent return to democratic rule in 1999, the Nigerian people hoped for a life much better than during the military rule.
Fortunately, for democratic rule in Nigeria , political activities on the international scene have favoured- and are still favouring – the major source of income to the government which is oil. Prices of oil have been soaring higher and higher and in return, billions of dollars have been flowing into the government coffers.
Democratic governments and legitimate systems all over the world concerns centre around providing welfare and basic necessities that will make life easier and prepare its citizens for the challenge of nation building. Some countries, even though not endowed with natural resources, have used their initiatives to guarantee that lives of their citizens are at least comfortable and satisfactory.
But with democratic rule in Nigeria from 1999 to date, will the Nigerian people testify to any meaningful change that has brought about any positive change in their lives? Have they reaped any meaningful dividends of democracy? Is their will at the polls true reflection of their leaders and representatives? Are their leaders and representatives performance anything to hail up about? And have they held the trust invested on them sincerely? Answering these questions will help us to annalyse recent reports which show that despite Nigeria ’s plentiful resources and oil wealth, Nigeria is now considered one of the 20 poorest countries in the world, with over 70 per cent of its population classified as poor, with 35 per cent living in absolute poverty. Also reports indicate that 59,000 women die during or soon after childbirth every year, the second highest in the world after India .
Only very few Nigerians could testify that democratic rule from 1999 to date has direct positive impact on their lives. Among the very few are the politicians themselves, their families and cronies, business monguls and, consultants who have connections with politicians, professionals and academics given appointments to hold public offices and those that get tokens as defenders and promoters of politicians and public office holders.
The Nigerian people who don’t have connections with politicians are continuing to live in hardship and uncertain future. Poverty , maternal deaths, unemployment , insecurity, underpayment ,corruption , rigging of elections, lack of electricity, good drinking water and roads e.t.c seem to be their own portion of dividends of democracy .In some cases one notices absolute carelessness about the lives of citizens that work without salaries for several months in places partially or completely sold out by government. Cases of pensioners dieing on delayed payment queues are many.
Dividends of democracy are visible on politicians, public office holders and families and cronies of politicians. Flashy cars , exotic mansions and shopping malls, trip to foreign countries, expensive dresses and ornaments, fat bank accounts, established businesses e.t.c are some of the dividends of democracy that all can testify that those in the shade of governance do enjoy.
Masses are not envying politicians and their cronies for the life of comfort they are enjoying , rather they are demanding for what is supposed to be done to them to at least make life easier for them. They are also still confused as to which type of economic system we are operating as we are underpayed and at the same time the government keeps removing all subsidies that cushion the life of poor Nigerians against harder and brutish way of life.
Politicians have confused Nigerians with the type of economic system government is operating. In all we are aware of, that in all systems, capitalist, socialist, monarchy, theocracy, military e.t.c such governments are dedicated and concerned with providing the necessary mechanism that will afford their citizens a life full of opportunities, as they invest heavily in agriculture, education , health and deal decisively with all issues of corruption.
Been a subservient nation through accepting and implementing policies of foreign countries and their institutions will keep on retarding our development and inflicting more hardship on our people. Such policies have been in use under various names for years but they have not changed the lot of Nigerian people. Our governments have to look inward to formulate economic policies that will tally with our way of life.
Corruption, which is the core impediment to our growth and development, has to be tackled aggressively under a willed and purposeful leadership. Until corruption is fought to a standstill , those politicians that have pillage and plunder treasuries under their trust and are freely moving about enjoying and partying their loot, and even scheming for higher political offices will be emulated by would-be occupiers of elective offices and public office holders.
Nigerian leaders have to work extra hard to win back the confidence of the Nigerian people that democratic governance is all about service to the people not service to themselves. That the real dividends of democracy should be felt by all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, region political differences and social status through enabling the atmosphere to be condusive such that all can eat three times a day, can obtain employment without having any connections , can be attended to in hospitals and provided with drugs, that salaries are enough and Nigerians can now start having the habit of life saving, that all Nigerians can move freely without fear of criminals e.t.c . Until some of these and others are within reach to the Nigerian people that the real dividends of democracy will be elusive.
President Umaru Musa Yar’adua‘s government should add gear and redouble its efforts in implementing its seven point agenda which in theory centres around the basic necessities of the Nigerian people. As far as he accepts to be the Nigerian President, the Nigerian people will continue to demand for what is supposed to be given to them especially his campaign promises which undertook to place Nigeria among developed economies by the year 2020. And if he err or foot drag, the Nigerian people will not be silent to demand for what is supposed to be done.
The march to the land of dividends of democracy will be long unless and until there are free and fair elections where their votes count and the leadership is willful, firmed , purposeful and dedicated in sincerely and honestly leading the nation to greatness . A nation that corruption is dealt with as capital offence, then only can the Nigerian people truely feel the impact of dividends of democracy.
Yoursfaithfully,
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Fortunately, for democratic rule in Nigeria , political activities on the international scene have favoured- and are still favouring – the major source of income to the government which is oil. Prices of oil have been soaring higher and higher and in return, billions of dollars have been flowing into the government coffers.
Democratic governments and legitimate systems all over the world concerns centre around providing welfare and basic necessities that will make life easier and prepare its citizens for the challenge of nation building. Some countries, even though not endowed with natural resources, have used their initiatives to guarantee that lives of their citizens are at least comfortable and satisfactory.
But with democratic rule in Nigeria from 1999 to date, will the Nigerian people testify to any meaningful change that has brought about any positive change in their lives? Have they reaped any meaningful dividends of democracy? Is their will at the polls true reflection of their leaders and representatives? Are their leaders and representatives performance anything to hail up about? And have they held the trust invested on them sincerely? Answering these questions will help us to annalyse recent reports which show that despite Nigeria ’s plentiful resources and oil wealth, Nigeria is now considered one of the 20 poorest countries in the world, with over 70 per cent of its population classified as poor, with 35 per cent living in absolute poverty. Also reports indicate that 59,000 women die during or soon after childbirth every year, the second highest in the world after India .
Only very few Nigerians could testify that democratic rule from 1999 to date has direct positive impact on their lives. Among the very few are the politicians themselves, their families and cronies, business monguls and, consultants who have connections with politicians, professionals and academics given appointments to hold public offices and those that get tokens as defenders and promoters of politicians and public office holders.
The Nigerian people who don’t have connections with politicians are continuing to live in hardship and uncertain future. Poverty , maternal deaths, unemployment , insecurity, underpayment ,corruption , rigging of elections, lack of electricity, good drinking water and roads e.t.c seem to be their own portion of dividends of democracy .In some cases one notices absolute carelessness about the lives of citizens that work without salaries for several months in places partially or completely sold out by government. Cases of pensioners dieing on delayed payment queues are many.
Dividends of democracy are visible on politicians, public office holders and families and cronies of politicians. Flashy cars , exotic mansions and shopping malls, trip to foreign countries, expensive dresses and ornaments, fat bank accounts, established businesses e.t.c are some of the dividends of democracy that all can testify that those in the shade of governance do enjoy.
Masses are not envying politicians and their cronies for the life of comfort they are enjoying , rather they are demanding for what is supposed to be done to them to at least make life easier for them. They are also still confused as to which type of economic system we are operating as we are underpayed and at the same time the government keeps removing all subsidies that cushion the life of poor Nigerians against harder and brutish way of life.
Politicians have confused Nigerians with the type of economic system government is operating. In all we are aware of, that in all systems, capitalist, socialist, monarchy, theocracy, military e.t.c such governments are dedicated and concerned with providing the necessary mechanism that will afford their citizens a life full of opportunities, as they invest heavily in agriculture, education , health and deal decisively with all issues of corruption.
Been a subservient nation through accepting and implementing policies of foreign countries and their institutions will keep on retarding our development and inflicting more hardship on our people. Such policies have been in use under various names for years but they have not changed the lot of Nigerian people. Our governments have to look inward to formulate economic policies that will tally with our way of life.
Corruption, which is the core impediment to our growth and development, has to be tackled aggressively under a willed and purposeful leadership. Until corruption is fought to a standstill , those politicians that have pillage and plunder treasuries under their trust and are freely moving about enjoying and partying their loot, and even scheming for higher political offices will be emulated by would-be occupiers of elective offices and public office holders.
Nigerian leaders have to work extra hard to win back the confidence of the Nigerian people that democratic governance is all about service to the people not service to themselves. That the real dividends of democracy should be felt by all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, region political differences and social status through enabling the atmosphere to be condusive such that all can eat three times a day, can obtain employment without having any connections , can be attended to in hospitals and provided with drugs, that salaries are enough and Nigerians can now start having the habit of life saving, that all Nigerians can move freely without fear of criminals e.t.c . Until some of these and others are within reach to the Nigerian people that the real dividends of democracy will be elusive.
President Umaru Musa Yar’adua‘s government should add gear and redouble its efforts in implementing its seven point agenda which in theory centres around the basic necessities of the Nigerian people. As far as he accepts to be the Nigerian President, the Nigerian people will continue to demand for what is supposed to be given to them especially his campaign promises which undertook to place Nigeria among developed economies by the year 2020. And if he err or foot drag, the Nigerian people will not be silent to demand for what is supposed to be done.
The march to the land of dividends of democracy will be long unless and until there are free and fair elections where their votes count and the leadership is willful, firmed , purposeful and dedicated in sincerely and honestly leading the nation to greatness . A nation that corruption is dealt with as capital offence, then only can the Nigerian people truely feel the impact of dividends of democracy.
Yoursfaithfully,
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
As the gap between politicians and masses gets wider.
Politics in Nigeria is a serious business a do or die affair as it is the shortest route to riches. With the amount of money given to politicians legally as salaries and allowances excluding the spoils of the office , the politicians have been placed in the legion of millionaires .There is no politician , from councillorship upward , that is not a millionaire!
As for the Nigerian masses , they are getting poorer and poorer by the day. Inflation , unemployment , job insecurity, underpayment and delay in payment of salaries have bugged down the poor masses and denied them the living they are supposed to enjoy in a nation blessed with abundant natural resources.
The gap between politicians and masses is getting wider by the day , even as teachers embark on a national strike to demand for increase of salaries and allowances which the government has refused to implement under flimsy excuses, politicians on the otherhand have cause to smile to their banks as their salaries and allowances have increased in millions.
Even as children of the masses roam the streets as hawkers , petty labourers and beggars as all public schools are closed due to teacher's strike, the children of politicians from Mr. President to Honourable Councillor are in their classrooms in expensive private schools. And if not, between Mr. President, his vice and ministers , leadership and members of the National Assembly , state governors and their commissioners who among them do his children attend public schools and is affected by the present teachers strike? If there is anyone among those listed above, i will willingly surrender myself for ten strokes of cane!
If the Nigerian politicians would have five increases in their salaries and allowances from 1999 to date, how many increases in salaries and allowances have the Nigerian workers got from 1999 to date?(with apology to those not fortunate to be working). Don't they also need increase in their salaries and allowances to curb the menace of inflation? How much is minium wage ? What was the price of bag of rice in 1999 and what is it today? Is miniunum wage enough to buy a bag of rice today? Excluding amount spent on other household items, rent, transport , medical bills, school fees , utility bills e.t.c ?
We are a nation of hypocrisy and deceit as we all know what is being paid to Nigerian workers as salaries and allowances cannot fulfill their basic neccessities of life. Are the politicians more Nigerians than the masses? Are the politicians our first class citizens? In the course of nation building are some more important than others?
If not of selfishness and greediness that have characterised the way of life of Nigerian politicians , why would'nt they use their offices to alleviate the sufferings of their people and live by setting examples. Benefits of the offices they occupied are numerous from free accomodation, transport, medicals, food ,utility and free of whatever you can think of to make life comfortable and easy. But due to their greed the very little the masses demand to assist in keeping them moving is being denied them. It is only masses' demands that meet shortage of funds and deficits. And if they insist on their rights they are threatened with retrechentment and downsizing.
Nigerian masses are philosophical and as such take life easy and simple. As far as the masses are concerned, if they can eat to their satisfaction , pay their house rents, have an atmosphere that is condusive to conduct their legitimate daily activities, being able to solve their family educational and medical needs, e.t.c, the politicians can go and do whatever they want with the nation's resources. But why are the politicians wicked and inhuman? Why should a single person steal billions he cannot use and dump them in foreign banks? The Nigerian politicians should know that tyranny and deceit will not last forever as the dumbfounded and oppressed will one day realise the difference between his left hand from the right.
Disenchantment, mistrust, loss of confidence and hatred are growing all over the country against politicians. Masses cannot comprehend what is being done with billions of dollars the country is earning due to daily increase in international oil price. When some countries among those benefitting from the oil windfall embarked on building five new cities and some using theirs to advance nuclear technology to produce energy , we , the masses here are still living in hunger and lack of basic necessities of life. Politicians should as a matter of urgency act to start implementation of policies that the masses can testify tht yes they have a caring , accomodative and listening goverment.
Politicians at the helm of affairs from Federal,State and Local goverments have all performed below expectation with huge amounts of monies being shared among them. No good roads , drinking water,education, medical facilities,electric ity e.t.c.. And they also cannot solve the issue of unemployment which has turned strong,energetic and it is turning able young men and women into beggars ,criminals,fraudter s,prostitutes and frustrated people. The issue of unemployment has even taken a new dimension as monies are being extorted from applicants and they can easily lose their lives in the course of seeking for employment.
Other Nigerians , like politicians need equal oppurtunities and actions in place of rhetorics , sincerity in place of deceit ,good governance and a free and fair election. It is quite unfortunate for our politicians to be unable or delibrately refuse to fulfill the promises they make to the electorate when seeking for political office. Present politicians have no excuse for not performing as the resources are there and more than enough to bring about changes in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
For any nation to develop , it has to invest heavily in the educational sector . With this , I am appealing to President Umaru Musa Yar'adua if he is sincere in achieving his seven-point Agenda, among which education is prominient to , as a matter of urgency , live by example in removing his children from private schools and take them to public schools and order all his officials and party to do the same and satisfy teachers demands. Let's see if quality of education will not change immediately.
The earlier Nigerian politicians realise that the masses are watching them enjoying their lives of comfort, while they allow them to continue to live in darkness , insecurity and fear of uncertain future the better. They too ( masses) like politicians , want their dividends of democracy through good living atleast one percent out of ten of how politicians live.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo. com
As for the Nigerian masses , they are getting poorer and poorer by the day. Inflation , unemployment , job insecurity, underpayment and delay in payment of salaries have bugged down the poor masses and denied them the living they are supposed to enjoy in a nation blessed with abundant natural resources.
The gap between politicians and masses is getting wider by the day , even as teachers embark on a national strike to demand for increase of salaries and allowances which the government has refused to implement under flimsy excuses, politicians on the otherhand have cause to smile to their banks as their salaries and allowances have increased in millions.
Even as children of the masses roam the streets as hawkers , petty labourers and beggars as all public schools are closed due to teacher's strike, the children of politicians from Mr. President to Honourable Councillor are in their classrooms in expensive private schools. And if not, between Mr. President, his vice and ministers , leadership and members of the National Assembly , state governors and their commissioners who among them do his children attend public schools and is affected by the present teachers strike? If there is anyone among those listed above, i will willingly surrender myself for ten strokes of cane!
If the Nigerian politicians would have five increases in their salaries and allowances from 1999 to date, how many increases in salaries and allowances have the Nigerian workers got from 1999 to date?(with apology to those not fortunate to be working). Don't they also need increase in their salaries and allowances to curb the menace of inflation? How much is minium wage ? What was the price of bag of rice in 1999 and what is it today? Is miniunum wage enough to buy a bag of rice today? Excluding amount spent on other household items, rent, transport , medical bills, school fees , utility bills e.t.c ?
We are a nation of hypocrisy and deceit as we all know what is being paid to Nigerian workers as salaries and allowances cannot fulfill their basic neccessities of life. Are the politicians more Nigerians than the masses? Are the politicians our first class citizens? In the course of nation building are some more important than others?
If not of selfishness and greediness that have characterised the way of life of Nigerian politicians , why would'nt they use their offices to alleviate the sufferings of their people and live by setting examples. Benefits of the offices they occupied are numerous from free accomodation, transport, medicals, food ,utility and free of whatever you can think of to make life comfortable and easy. But due to their greed the very little the masses demand to assist in keeping them moving is being denied them. It is only masses' demands that meet shortage of funds and deficits. And if they insist on their rights they are threatened with retrechentment and downsizing.
Nigerian masses are philosophical and as such take life easy and simple. As far as the masses are concerned, if they can eat to their satisfaction , pay their house rents, have an atmosphere that is condusive to conduct their legitimate daily activities, being able to solve their family educational and medical needs, e.t.c, the politicians can go and do whatever they want with the nation's resources. But why are the politicians wicked and inhuman? Why should a single person steal billions he cannot use and dump them in foreign banks? The Nigerian politicians should know that tyranny and deceit will not last forever as the dumbfounded and oppressed will one day realise the difference between his left hand from the right.
Disenchantment, mistrust, loss of confidence and hatred are growing all over the country against politicians. Masses cannot comprehend what is being done with billions of dollars the country is earning due to daily increase in international oil price. When some countries among those benefitting from the oil windfall embarked on building five new cities and some using theirs to advance nuclear technology to produce energy , we , the masses here are still living in hunger and lack of basic necessities of life. Politicians should as a matter of urgency act to start implementation of policies that the masses can testify tht yes they have a caring , accomodative and listening goverment.
Politicians at the helm of affairs from Federal,State and Local goverments have all performed below expectation with huge amounts of monies being shared among them. No good roads , drinking water,education, medical facilities,electric ity e.t.c.. And they also cannot solve the issue of unemployment which has turned strong,energetic and it is turning able young men and women into beggars ,criminals,fraudter s,prostitutes and frustrated people. The issue of unemployment has even taken a new dimension as monies are being extorted from applicants and they can easily lose their lives in the course of seeking for employment.
Other Nigerians , like politicians need equal oppurtunities and actions in place of rhetorics , sincerity in place of deceit ,good governance and a free and fair election. It is quite unfortunate for our politicians to be unable or delibrately refuse to fulfill the promises they make to the electorate when seeking for political office. Present politicians have no excuse for not performing as the resources are there and more than enough to bring about changes in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
For any nation to develop , it has to invest heavily in the educational sector . With this , I am appealing to President Umaru Musa Yar'adua if he is sincere in achieving his seven-point Agenda, among which education is prominient to , as a matter of urgency , live by example in removing his children from private schools and take them to public schools and order all his officials and party to do the same and satisfy teachers demands. Let's see if quality of education will not change immediately.
The earlier Nigerian politicians realise that the masses are watching them enjoying their lives of comfort, while they allow them to continue to live in darkness , insecurity and fear of uncertain future the better. They too ( masses) like politicians , want their dividends of democracy through good living atleast one percent out of ten of how politicians live.
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo. com
Saturday, 26 July 2008
Rayuwan yan siyasa da talakawa na kara tazara!
Irin makudan kudaden da ake samu a harkar siyasa a yau ya sanya siyasa kan gaba wajen harkar da tafi kawo kudi a yau a Najeriya. Manoma da yan kasuwa da ma’ikatan gwamnati a yau ko kusa basa samun kudin shiga kamar yan siyasa. Makudan kudaden da yan siyasa ke samu daga albashin su da alawus-alawus zuwa maikon dake tattare da kujerar da suke kai ya sanya su a sahun masu hannu da shuni. A yau babu dan siyasa daga Kansila zuwa sama da bai bawa miliyoyi baya ba !
Shi kuma talakan Najeriya a kullum sai kara talaucewa yake yi. Hauhawan farashin kayayyaki da rashin aikin yi da rashin tabbas kan aiki da sana’oi da kuma karancin albashi ya sanya talaka na rayuwa cikin matsi duk da dinbin arzikin kasa daga ma’adinai da kudin shiga da gwamnati ke samu a kullum.
Banbancin rayuwa tsakanin yan siyasa da talakawa na kara nisa a kullum. Duk da cewa Malaman makarantu sun shiga yajin aiki kan batun Karin albashi da gwamnati har yanzu taki sauraron su saboda wasu dalilai da hankali ba zai kama ba. Su kuma yan siyasa an kara masu albashi da alawus-alawus na miliyoyin nairori.
Ya’yan talakawa a yau nata garanramba da tallace-tallace da aikin leburanci da bara sakamakon yajin aikin malaman makaranta. Su kuma ya’yan yan siyasa daga Shugaban Kasa zuwa Kansila suna karatun su a makarantu masu zaman kansu masu tsada. Daga Shugaban kasa zuwa Mataimakin sa da ministocin da yan majalisar tarayya da shugabannin su da gwamnonin jihohi da kwamishinonin su , waye a cikin su da ya’yan sa ke zuwa makarantun gwamnati kuma wannan yajin aikin ya shafe su? In an sami daya cikin wadanda na lissafa a baya ya’yan sa na zuwa makarantun gwamnati , to a shirye nake ayi mani bulala guda goma.
In har yan siyasa zasu sami Karin albashi da alawus-alawus har sau biyar daga 1999 zuwa yau, su kuma talakawan kasa fa? Ko su basa bukatar Karin albashi ne? Nawa ne mafi karancin albashi? Kuma nawa ne kudin buhun shinkafa a yau? Sannan ga kudin cefane na yau da kullum da kudin haya da sufuri da asibiti da makaranta da wutan lantarki da ruwa da sauran su.
A yaushe zamu daina munafunci da yaudara a kasar mu? Kowa ya san cewa albashin da ake baiwa ma’aikata a Najeriya baya isar su biyan muhimman bukatun rayuwan yau da kullum. Su yan siyasa sun fi zama yan Najeriya ne kan talakawa? Sannan su yan siyasa wasu mutane ne na musamman? Wasu sun fi wasu muhimmanci ne a bada gudunmawar gina kasa?
In banda zalama da son kai irin na yan siyasar Najeriya me zai hana su yin amfani da mukaman su wajen aiwatar da ayyukan da zai rage ko kawo karshen wahaloli da kuncin rayuwa daya dabaibaye talakawan su da kuma bada kyakyawan misali? Romon dake tattare da mukaman da suke kai nada yawan gaske, inda suke more gidan kwana da motoci da kiwon lafiya da abinci da sutura da duk kayayyakin more rayuwa a kyauta. Amma saboda son kai dan bukatun da talakawa ke bukata dan tallafa masu a rayuwar yau da kullum an hana su. Bukatun talaka kadai ke gamuwa da rashin kudin da tsuke bakin aljihun gwamnati. In kuma suka dage kan neman biyan bukatun su sai ayi masu barazana da rage ko korar su daga aiki.
Talakawan Najeriya sun kasance masu hakuri da dogaro ga Allah wanda hakan ya sanya su basa daukan rayuwa da zafi. Buri da bukatar talaka bai wuce samun abinci sau uku a rana ba da samun halin biyan kudin haya da samun kyakyawan yanayin da zasu gudanar da harkokin neman halaliyar su na yau da kullum. Su kuma iya biyan kudin makarantan ya'yan su da magungunan da akan rubuta masu su saya a asibitoci da sauran su. In talaka zai iya biyan bukatun dake gaban sa , to yan siyasa suje suyi duk abinda suka gan dama da dukiyar kasa. Me yasa yan siyasa suka zama mugaye marasa tausayi da imani? Me zai sa mutum daya shi kadai ya saci biliyoyi da bazai iya amfani dasu ba ya kaisu bankunan kasashen waje ya boye? Yan siyasar Najeriya su kwan da sanin cewa zalunci da yaudara ba zai dore ba , saboda wata rana talaka da ake zalunta zai fahimci banbanci tsakanin hannun hagun sa da dama.
Rashin yarda da zargi da kiyayya nata yaduwa a ko'ina cikin kasar nan kan yan siyasa. Talakawa sun kasa fahimtar me ake da biliyoyin dalolin da kasar ke samu albarkacin hauhawan farashin man fetur a kasuwar duniya. Wasu kasashe cikin wadanda suke cin gajiyar hauhawan kudin man fetur har su kaddamar da gina sababbin birane guda biyar , yayin da wasu suke amfani da nasu wajen gina masana'antar nukiliya dan samar da makamashi. Mu kuma a nan talakawa na cigaba da rayuwa cikin yunwa da rashin abubuwan more rayuwa. Ya kama yan siyasa su gaggauta kaddamar da aiyuka da manufofin da talaka zai shedi cewa yana da shugabanin masu tausayi da sanin ya kamata.
Yan siyasar dake tafiyar da al'amurran mulki daga gwamnatin tarayya da jihohi zuwa kananan hukumomi duk sun gaza wajen aiwatar da ayyukan cigaba kwatan-kwacin makudan kudaden da suke rabawa a tsakanin su. Babu kyawawa da ingantattun hanyoyi da ruwan sha da ilimi da kiwon lafiya da wutan lantarki da sauran su. Kuma sun gaza warware matsalar rashin aikin yi da ya maida matasa majiya karfi almajirai da masu aikata laifuka da karuwai da kuncin rayuwa. Matsalar rashin aikin yi ya dauki sabon salo inda ake tatsan su kudade dama iya rasa rayukan su a wajen neman aiki.
Sauran yan Najeriya kamar yan siyasa na bukatar a basu damar su da hakkokin su da cika aiki maimakon dogon turanci da kyautata niyya maimakon yaudara da mulkin adalci da zabe na gaskiya. Abin takaici ne ace yan siyasa suki cika alkawarukkan da suka yiwa talakawa yayin neman kuri'ar su . Yan siyasa masu ci a yanzu basu da wata hujja na kasa yin aiyukan cigaba saboda makudan kudaden da suke samu a yanzu.
Duk kasar da take son taci gaba ya wajabta ta kashe kudade masu yawa wajen bunkasa harkan ilimi , da wannan nake kira ga Shugaban Kasa Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua inda gaske yake kan aiwatar da kudirorin sa guda bakwai da ilimi ke da matukar muhimmanci daya gaggauta nuna misali ta fitar da ya'yan sa daga makarantu masu zaman kansu ya maida su na gwamnati, sannan ya umarci jami'an gwamnatin sa da yan jam'iar sa suma suyi hakan, kuma ya biya dukkan bukatun malaman makaranta . In yayi haka cikin lokaci kadan zamu gan canji me yawa a fannin ilimi.
Yan siyasan Najeriya in basu sani ba , to su sani talakawa na kallon yadda suke rayuwar su cikin jindadi da kwanciyar hankali yayin da su suke rayuwa cikin duhu da rashin tsaro da rashin sanin makomar su a rayuwa. Suma talakawa kamar yan siyasa na bukatar rayuwan jin dadi dan su more romon dimokaradiyya a kalla kashi daya cikin goma na irin jin dadin da yan siyasa ke fantamawa a cikin sa.
Hazawassalam
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
08038222575
Shi kuma talakan Najeriya a kullum sai kara talaucewa yake yi. Hauhawan farashin kayayyaki da rashin aikin yi da rashin tabbas kan aiki da sana’oi da kuma karancin albashi ya sanya talaka na rayuwa cikin matsi duk da dinbin arzikin kasa daga ma’adinai da kudin shiga da gwamnati ke samu a kullum.
Banbancin rayuwa tsakanin yan siyasa da talakawa na kara nisa a kullum. Duk da cewa Malaman makarantu sun shiga yajin aiki kan batun Karin albashi da gwamnati har yanzu taki sauraron su saboda wasu dalilai da hankali ba zai kama ba. Su kuma yan siyasa an kara masu albashi da alawus-alawus na miliyoyin nairori.
Ya’yan talakawa a yau nata garanramba da tallace-tallace da aikin leburanci da bara sakamakon yajin aikin malaman makaranta. Su kuma ya’yan yan siyasa daga Shugaban Kasa zuwa Kansila suna karatun su a makarantu masu zaman kansu masu tsada. Daga Shugaban kasa zuwa Mataimakin sa da ministocin da yan majalisar tarayya da shugabannin su da gwamnonin jihohi da kwamishinonin su , waye a cikin su da ya’yan sa ke zuwa makarantun gwamnati kuma wannan yajin aikin ya shafe su? In an sami daya cikin wadanda na lissafa a baya ya’yan sa na zuwa makarantun gwamnati , to a shirye nake ayi mani bulala guda goma.
In har yan siyasa zasu sami Karin albashi da alawus-alawus har sau biyar daga 1999 zuwa yau, su kuma talakawan kasa fa? Ko su basa bukatar Karin albashi ne? Nawa ne mafi karancin albashi? Kuma nawa ne kudin buhun shinkafa a yau? Sannan ga kudin cefane na yau da kullum da kudin haya da sufuri da asibiti da makaranta da wutan lantarki da ruwa da sauran su.
A yaushe zamu daina munafunci da yaudara a kasar mu? Kowa ya san cewa albashin da ake baiwa ma’aikata a Najeriya baya isar su biyan muhimman bukatun rayuwan yau da kullum. Su yan siyasa sun fi zama yan Najeriya ne kan talakawa? Sannan su yan siyasa wasu mutane ne na musamman? Wasu sun fi wasu muhimmanci ne a bada gudunmawar gina kasa?
In banda zalama da son kai irin na yan siyasar Najeriya me zai hana su yin amfani da mukaman su wajen aiwatar da ayyukan da zai rage ko kawo karshen wahaloli da kuncin rayuwa daya dabaibaye talakawan su da kuma bada kyakyawan misali? Romon dake tattare da mukaman da suke kai nada yawan gaske, inda suke more gidan kwana da motoci da kiwon lafiya da abinci da sutura da duk kayayyakin more rayuwa a kyauta. Amma saboda son kai dan bukatun da talakawa ke bukata dan tallafa masu a rayuwar yau da kullum an hana su. Bukatun talaka kadai ke gamuwa da rashin kudin da tsuke bakin aljihun gwamnati. In kuma suka dage kan neman biyan bukatun su sai ayi masu barazana da rage ko korar su daga aiki.
Talakawan Najeriya sun kasance masu hakuri da dogaro ga Allah wanda hakan ya sanya su basa daukan rayuwa da zafi. Buri da bukatar talaka bai wuce samun abinci sau uku a rana ba da samun halin biyan kudin haya da samun kyakyawan yanayin da zasu gudanar da harkokin neman halaliyar su na yau da kullum. Su kuma iya biyan kudin makarantan ya'yan su da magungunan da akan rubuta masu su saya a asibitoci da sauran su. In talaka zai iya biyan bukatun dake gaban sa , to yan siyasa suje suyi duk abinda suka gan dama da dukiyar kasa. Me yasa yan siyasa suka zama mugaye marasa tausayi da imani? Me zai sa mutum daya shi kadai ya saci biliyoyi da bazai iya amfani dasu ba ya kaisu bankunan kasashen waje ya boye? Yan siyasar Najeriya su kwan da sanin cewa zalunci da yaudara ba zai dore ba , saboda wata rana talaka da ake zalunta zai fahimci banbanci tsakanin hannun hagun sa da dama.
Rashin yarda da zargi da kiyayya nata yaduwa a ko'ina cikin kasar nan kan yan siyasa. Talakawa sun kasa fahimtar me ake da biliyoyin dalolin da kasar ke samu albarkacin hauhawan farashin man fetur a kasuwar duniya. Wasu kasashe cikin wadanda suke cin gajiyar hauhawan kudin man fetur har su kaddamar da gina sababbin birane guda biyar , yayin da wasu suke amfani da nasu wajen gina masana'antar nukiliya dan samar da makamashi. Mu kuma a nan talakawa na cigaba da rayuwa cikin yunwa da rashin abubuwan more rayuwa. Ya kama yan siyasa su gaggauta kaddamar da aiyuka da manufofin da talaka zai shedi cewa yana da shugabanin masu tausayi da sanin ya kamata.
Yan siyasar dake tafiyar da al'amurran mulki daga gwamnatin tarayya da jihohi zuwa kananan hukumomi duk sun gaza wajen aiwatar da ayyukan cigaba kwatan-kwacin makudan kudaden da suke rabawa a tsakanin su. Babu kyawawa da ingantattun hanyoyi da ruwan sha da ilimi da kiwon lafiya da wutan lantarki da sauran su. Kuma sun gaza warware matsalar rashin aikin yi da ya maida matasa majiya karfi almajirai da masu aikata laifuka da karuwai da kuncin rayuwa. Matsalar rashin aikin yi ya dauki sabon salo inda ake tatsan su kudade dama iya rasa rayukan su a wajen neman aiki.
Sauran yan Najeriya kamar yan siyasa na bukatar a basu damar su da hakkokin su da cika aiki maimakon dogon turanci da kyautata niyya maimakon yaudara da mulkin adalci da zabe na gaskiya. Abin takaici ne ace yan siyasa suki cika alkawarukkan da suka yiwa talakawa yayin neman kuri'ar su . Yan siyasa masu ci a yanzu basu da wata hujja na kasa yin aiyukan cigaba saboda makudan kudaden da suke samu a yanzu.
Duk kasar da take son taci gaba ya wajabta ta kashe kudade masu yawa wajen bunkasa harkan ilimi , da wannan nake kira ga Shugaban Kasa Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua inda gaske yake kan aiwatar da kudirorin sa guda bakwai da ilimi ke da matukar muhimmanci daya gaggauta nuna misali ta fitar da ya'yan sa daga makarantu masu zaman kansu ya maida su na gwamnati, sannan ya umarci jami'an gwamnatin sa da yan jam'iar sa suma suyi hakan, kuma ya biya dukkan bukatun malaman makaranta . In yayi haka cikin lokaci kadan zamu gan canji me yawa a fannin ilimi.
Yan siyasan Najeriya in basu sani ba , to su sani talakawa na kallon yadda suke rayuwar su cikin jindadi da kwanciyar hankali yayin da su suke rayuwa cikin duhu da rashin tsaro da rashin sanin makomar su a rayuwa. Suma talakawa kamar yan siyasa na bukatar rayuwan jin dadi dan su more romon dimokaradiyya a kalla kashi daya cikin goma na irin jin dadin da yan siyasa ke fantamawa a cikin sa.
Hazawassalam
Shehu Mustapha Chaji
shehuchaji@yahoo.com
08038222575
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