UNILAG Now Moshood Abiola University, Lagos

Nwachukwu Egbunike

The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, made a national broadcast to mark the 13th Anniversary of the return to democracy. As usual he said many nice things. However, the one aspect of his speech has ignited controversy is this:

Chief MKO Abiola

It is also in this regard that the Federal Government has decided that late Chief M.K.O. Abiola  be honoured, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth. Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was.  We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishments and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. The Federal Government will also establish an Institute of Democratic Studies and Governance in the University.

One would have thought that this move would generate applause from Nigerians. Bearing in mind that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola  (MKO) had long been canonized as the martyr of Nigerian democracy. For years, there have been pleas – notably from the South-West that MKO should be immortalized. That the central government should no longer sweep his memory into the archives – like a bad dream – that they would have wished never happened. So much so that the Lagos State Government celebrates Democracy Day on June 12.

However, this was not to be as the students of MAU (formerly UNILAG) have taken to the streets. They do not want a new name. They just lost their Vice-Chancellor and they are not ready to lose their name as well.

I empathize with Akokites for the sentimental attachment to the name of their school. Perhaps I would also go bananas if University of Ibadan were to be renamed Alao Akala University, Ibadan. However, this is beyond emotions, the President has the prerogative to name and rename: and he has exercised that privilege. It is painful, but the truth is that this is a struggle they cannot win.

Besides, MKO Abiola deserves to be honoured. It is therefore strange that the only central government which dared to do what others before it did not do, is faced with such opposition. For once, let’s give thumps up to GEJ!

Tags: GEJ, MAU, MKO Abiola, Moshood Abiola University, UNILAG, University of Lagos

Not Yet Democracy!

By Nwachukwu Egbunike

I wrote the piece below, three years ago on the 10th Anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy. Not much have changed. Although we have a civilian government, Nigerians are yet to see a full-fledged democracy. As much have things have improved, yet much more needs to be done.

As it is, Nigeria’s democracy is merely government for some politicians, by some politicians and of some politicians! The PDP is the biggest fraud in history while the opposition is totally clueless. And as it stands cannot march PDP – even in a free and fair election. Added to this, is the odious state of insecurity, when Nigerian life is worth less than a tissue paper.

Read on…

10 Years of Civilian Interregnum

“Injustice- I sit on a man’s back, choking him and making him carry me. And yet assure myself and others that I am very sorry for him; and I wish to ease his lot by all possible means – except by getting off his back”. – Leo Tolostoy (1828-1910) in “What Then Must We Do?”

Civilian rule, particularly the type currently practiced in Nigeria, is a government of some people, by some people and for some people. It will be a crude joke to imply that we have a democracy. For in appearance, it looks like one but in fact it is just a transition from military dictatorship to civilian rule.

For a decade, the principal right of Nigerians to duly elect their leaders have been denied. Each successive election has been a progressive deteriorating ulcer, with the courts giving palliative care from time to time. Until Nigerians can choose their leaders through the ballot box, we’ll continue to have this civilian interregnum. Our country seems to have earned itself a pride of place by redefining the theories of power. Nigerian politicians have added a middle phase, which is neither pure dictatorial tyranny nor democratic governance.

In addition, we have a very biased electoral body, which is intently an agency of the Peoples Democratic Party. Going by the extent and large scale wuruwuru, INEC, is determined to defend the impossible. Besides, the pharmacist will remain untouchable and the electoral reform, an appetizer in our quest for true democracy.

I was rather disappointed with this year’s Democracy Day Celebrations. There was no cake cutting. In the past, the principal officers of the three arms of government, assisted by the chief of the most chaotic party in Africa usually gathered to literally cut the ‘national cake’. I have no illusion of ever getting a chunk of the cake; nonetheless, it falls within the ambits of my right as a citizen to demand for the ‘national garri’.

The national cake symbolizes the collective failure of government; it typifies the inherent mentality to perceive it as a privilege. It is the height of injustice to deny citizens of their fundamental right to determine their government. In its absence, we are treated to a constant course of obscenities, arising from our undistinguished representatives.

While I intend not to whine and moan, an attribute of our national lure, I cannot remain mute. Silence in the face of injustice, is comfortable but disastrous. The mess we are witnessing is a direct consequence of the basic role of governance. “Since the state alone embodies genuine authority and therefore incorporates, realizes and administers the common good”, (L. J. Munoz: 1996, Virtues: An Inquiry into Moral Values of Our Times). The provision of the common good (national garri) is the prime responsibility of any government. These are usually not far fetched – they include good roads, security, social services, etc. The wonders of Mr Fashola of Lagos State are hinged on this pedestal.

Justice consists in giving each person his due. Distributive justice finds it loudest amplification in the applications in political power. Munoz remarked in 1996, that “injustice disunites;” a negation of Ade Ajayi’s “justice unites”. Although there have been splashes of true ‘democratic dividends’ in areas of our national polity, the rest are just lies and only lies.

For any true progress, people have to perceive sincerity and transparency in government business. The current trend of graft and pampering of pen criminals have to end. Nigerians demand their due, a government they can call their own; an administration that is really bent on changing the country. Until that happens, let us not deceive ourselves in the pretense of democratic euphoria. For the time being it does not exist, we only have a civilian rule.

Tags: 10 years of democracy in nigeria, elections in nigeria, INEC, jonathan goodluck, Nigeria, PDP

Bishop Alfred Martins Replaces Anthony Cardinal Okogie as Archbishop of Lagos

Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins (Archbishop-Elect of Lagos)

Pope Benedict XVI, today, elevated Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins (formerly of Abeokuta Diocese) to the Metropolitan See of Lagos. Bishop Martins replaces the revered Anthony Cardinal Okogie as Archbishop of Lagos.

A release by the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria reads thus:

Bishop Alfred Adewale MARTINS Appointed Archbishop of Lagos

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has today, Friday 25th May, 2012, appointed as Archbishop of Lagos, His Lordship, Most Rev Alfred Adewale MARTINS. He replaces His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie who retired having attained the canonical age of 75. Until his appointment, Bishop Alfred Martins was the Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese.

At the same time the Pope appointed His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Okogie as the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lagos until the installation of the newly appointed Archbishop.

PERSONAL DATA:
Born: 1 Jun 1959
Ordained Priest: 18 Sep 1983
Appointed Bishop of Abeokuta: 24 Oct 1997
Ordained Bishop of Abeokuta, Nigeria: 24 Jan 1998

The date for the installation of the Archbishop-elect is yet to be announced.

His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Okogie (Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos)

Update
Cardinal Okogie’s resignation from the pastoral governance of the See of Lagos – having reached the age limit of 75 years – was accepted by Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI on on 25 May 2012. This was confirmed from Vatican website:

On 25 May the Holy Father accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Lagos in Nigeria presented by Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie in accordance with canon 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, and appointed Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins as Archbishop of Lagos, transferring him from the Diocese of Abeokuta.

Tags: Bishop Alfred Martins, Cardinal Anthony Okojie, Lagos Archdiocese

It’s Not My Business?

By Nwachukwu Egbunike

First they bombed UN building in Abuja,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a diplomat.

Then they bombed the churches,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Christian.

Then they bombed the Police Headquarters,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Policeman.

Then they bombed the Kano mosque,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Muslim.

Then they bombed ThisDay newspapers,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Journalist.

Then they bombed the university chapel in BUK,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Professor, Student nor Christian.

Soon they will bomb me
and there will be no one left to speak out for me.

Since it’s not my business!

Adapted from this poem below:

First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.

- Martin Niemöller (1892–1984)

Tags: Boko Haram, bomb blasts in Nigeria, terrorism

Bombing the Nigerian Media?

By Nwachukwu Egbunike

Nigerian journalists are no aliens to adversities. By and large, the same holds true for anyone who chases news as a profession. However today’s simultaneous bombing of ThisDay newspaper buildings in Abuja and Kaduna has not only rocked the nation but also her media.

Need we add terrorism to the already enlarged list of media occupational hazards? While the brown-envelope syndrome has been the doom of credible journalism, though we are ever ready to trump the spiral fall of standards, yet the Nigerian journalist works in a harsh environment. With the almost peanuts that are handed out as income in most media establishment, how do we think that the height of media practice would fluctuate? We all expect a high level of media output yet as a society we encourage the disparity between the message of the ‘big man’ to that of the ‘common’ messenger.

Those hapless Nigerians who woke up earlier today and went to their offices in order to provide yam for their table were carried out in sacks. The mangled corpses were victims of terror, of the butchers of Nigeria – Boko Haram! Pray, what offense did they commit that would warrant such a death? Since when did human life become so cheap that some people have arrogated the right to determine who lives and who dies to themselves?

We live in troubled times. The killing continues, while our government sits and stares. Are these blood sucking vampires ghosts? When the US gave out the alert that some places may be bombed, our government flared up in Pharisaical angst. The worst part is that this whole mess is already making us numb. Without being aware of it, Nigerians are already getting used to having explosions and people dying. Yes, ‘people’ someone else, the ‘other’ – since I am not involved, it’s not my business.

This orgy of red river should be evaporated. And until the root of this maleficence is extinguished, the cosmetic approach currently being employed will not yield results. That’s why I was so irritated with this news item:

According to sources, most of the sect’s weapons entered the country through the Apapa Wharf and the northern borders of Chad, Mali and Niger Republic and are evacuated into tankers with the alleged assistance of some members of the authorized security agents at these borders suspected to be members of the group. (…)

It was alleged that a prominent northerner and one time military head of state (names withheld) was behind the recent tactics.  The source further stated the former military leader had at a time called  and notified a senior Custom’s Officer at the Apapa wharf when one of the containers of weapons of destruction arrived to ensure that it was not inspected.

Tags: Boko Haram, Media, Nigeria, Terror, ThisDay

Okonjo-Iweala, Ibori and Oke: Good, Shame and Hope

Three people have exponentially affected Nigeria’s news burden recently: Okonjo-Iwella, Ibori and Oke. It is indeed a curious mix: Nigeria has remained before public gaze and each has contributed to the image building, destruction or hopeful appreciation of our country.

Good: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

One woman dared face the mirror on World Bank. If merit were the real basis of choosing the occupant of that high job, Aunty Ngozi obviously fits the shoes. However, it’s all about politics and the international ‘under- development’. The High Priest of World Bank should take care of the under-’privileged’ nations. However, the ‘children’ of these nations should not fantasize ever becoming the high priest.

One thing stands out, NOI has significantly queried that position. If the WB’s focus is really about development, then it’s headship should reflect that. It is no longer permissible to hide under a tacit agreement between Europe and US to continually rotate the prime post of these institution. NOI has shown that were there really a level playing ground, Dr Kim will never hold that position.

And it took a Nigerian woman to do just that. For long have been burdened by the single story about Nigeria. A land of thieves, bombs and scams. Yet from this slime did a rose bloom. I do think that NOI’s candidacy outdid the ‘Re-brand Nigeria’ projects lumped together.

Shame: James Ibori

A politico-entrepreneur displays all that is not well about Nigeria. How on earth could a single individual be blinded with a viscous greed? Unfortunately it took the UK judiciary to bring Ibori to justice: what a shame! I recognize the elation of Nigerians that Ibori has been cast into jail. Nonetheless it’s a joy wrapped in grief.

I weep for my country, for a nation that has many more Ibori’s and who rampantly violated the public good. For a state where impunity is the norm, one would understand the stance of the Ibori’s of this world. Despite our endless chant of being able to govern ourselves, it took the UK to catch Ibori.

A man who it is alleged to have anointed and installed a former president of Nigeria. We have always celebrated criminals and worshiped them. Shameful, very shameful!

Hope: Oke (Ighiwoto Okeghene John)

Oke’s case is profound mix of angst and hope. That in 21st century, a young man would have lost his life to diabetics. Oke lives in a country where one man (Ibori) appropriated so much wealth to himself. In a country where there was a ping-pong between regulator and legislator about money gone amiss. This is the same country where Lagos was shut down because a dude was celebrating his birthday! Where bankers loot the funds they’ve been entrusted to safeguard. With countless NGO’s dedicated to diabetics cure and prevention..

Nonetheless, Nigerians are amazing. Asides the validity of the shift from the powerful to the power of the networked (social media): #SaveOke is a demonstration of unity. A oneness that provoked a response, that some people did rise and aided the other.

Yet in this despondency rises the singular determination of others not to give up. From this stench of depression a story of hope and redemption was created:

Nigerian Bloogers and Tweeps #SaveOke

The #SaveOke campaign was ignited by some Nigerian bloggers – spare headed by Linda Ikeji to save Oke’s life. This cyber advocacy is one more proof of the rising power of social media in Africa’s most populous country.

Tags: #SaveOke, Ibori, Okonjo-Iweala

Five SANs Are “Incompetent”: So What?

By Nwachukwu Egbunike

I cannot understand why some people are so wicked. Yes, how else can one explain the spilt bile since the news of your miraculous discharge and acquittal made headlines?

These jobless boys and girls – no respectable adult wastes time in such nonsense – on Twitter and Facebook have been spewing venom since you were released. The way they have been exposing their fangs one would have thought that you have already been found guilty. Or is a man no longer innocent until proven otherwise? No mind them jo, na bad belle!

Their grudge is that the judge said that the five SANs representing the persecution are incompetent. And so what? If a ‘learned’ judge decides that some ‘learned’ SANs are incompetent, then what’s the noise all about? Are they saying that you are so powerful that you have poured those words into the judge’s mouth: “They weren’t diligent. They wanted to delay the procedures of the court”.

These internet warriors that are now drinking Panadol for another man’s headache. Pray, where were they when the SANs were playing jangilova with the judge? They did not talk, they were dumb, ehhh? When the High Judge now come vex, and shouted ‘Enough is Enough, the SANs are hereby dissolved’, they have suddenly recovered their voices. Don’t mind them jare, they only know how to ‘occupy’ the mouth, yeye people!

Anyway, that’s not really an issue; I have already started midnight prayers for these people. As you can imagine, I am using my favourite – Psalm 109.  What is paramount now are preparations for the thanksgiving service. I would suggest that you choose the church and the minister carefully.

To start with, we have to avoid loquacious parsons who cannot control their vocal cords. You remember what happened to Grandpa George. This means that any controversial man or woman of God should conduct the service that day. For one, I know you will never approve of that jerry-curled man who turned the Bible upside down recently. Neither do you wish your service to be dominated by any dominion – be it land, sea or air!

It’s just that the judge did not finish his work. Had it been that he also gave a ruling that the ownership of your bank be restored, then our joy would have been complete. Nonetheless, it is well! I still think you should adopt the same colour that was used during Asiwaju’s owambe. Didn’t you see how regal he looked, with the governors and their wives all decked in the same aso-ebi?

We would have to close down Abuja. That is the only way to ensure that all the important people can easily come for your thanksgiving without any fear of bombs. Besides, that will prevent noise makers from even dreaming of gate crashing.

Before I conclude, you know that these agents of darkness do not sleep. They will stop at nothing to see you disgraced. Please, please, don’t travel out of Naija! Don’t go to Dubai or London. They orchestrate phantom charges against you and with the connivance of these Imperialistic agents will hang it over your neck.

I will stop here for now. We will continue to praise the Most High, who has saved you from the claws of your enemies. Praise the Lord…