Nigeria's politics without sense
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria has stepped into the acting position as acting president of Nigeria, two days after news reports said that President Muhammed Buhari is on five days vacation in London. But news reports say that Osinbajo has not assumed duty as Nigeria's acting president and not seen or working in Buhari's office.
Buhari may be returning to Nigeria on Wednesday, and the possibility of Osinbajo not entering the president's office for any work cannot be ruled out, with only three days remaining in Buhari's five days vacation.
Buhari may be returning to Nigeria on Wednesday, and the possibility of Osinbajo not entering the president's office for any work cannot be ruled out, with only three days remaining in Buhari's five days vacation.
Nigeria: Obasanjo and renegades
By Abi Giwa
General Olusegun Obasanjo and former president of Nigeria had two opportunities to help bail Nigeria out of the quagmire, but he burnt both chances on the altar of political expediency. The first time was when fate placed Nigeria on his hands in 1976 and he became the country's military head of state, following Murtala Muhammed's assassination.
He ruled through to 1979, when he handed power back to the civilians. Of course, the former military officer who achieved surrender in the Nigeria's civil war pride himself for handing over power to the civilians. And that had since became part of his credentials.
He ruled through to 1979, when he handed power back to the civilians. Of course, the former military officer who achieved surrender in the Nigeria's civil war pride himself for handing over power to the civilians. And that had since became part of his credentials.
Burkinabes reject Zida
By Abi Giwa
Colonel Zida of Burkina Faso has been foisted on the country as an interim leader, following the sudden resignation of a leader after 27 years in office. But Burkinabes are saying they don't want Zida, and they have told him to go to hell, and that if he refuses to vacate the seat he has taken underserved, they will continue with their protests.
Zida heard Burknabes. He knows they don't want him. He knows he has been rejected by them. He is still on the country's number one seat as an interim leader to satisfy the stupid agenda of an Oligarchy and his won personal egotism.
Zida heard Burknabes. He knows they don't want him. He knows he has been rejected by them. He is still on the country's number one seat as an interim leader to satisfy the stupid agenda of an Oligarchy and his won personal egotism.
No matter what happens, the show will continue
By Abi Giwa
If normal humans have their ways, no evil will be perpetrated on earth. This is psychological for normal humans avoid anything that will create discomfort to them, but abnormal humans are careless whether their lifestyle create discomfort for others. Good and evil struggle for space with humans as victims of their competition, and some highly placed humans act as instruments for the perpetration of evil from disagreement that can easily be resolved or forsaken. But no way, their must be a victor or vanquished. and consequently the rule of law are trampled under the feet.
Petroshenko's Love for a Ukraine and Ukrainians
September 2014 By Abi Giwa
Petro Poroshenko is president of Ukraine. He came into office amid rubbles of war. He has been demonstrating rare love for Ukraine and Ukrainians, in his conduct of the war against separatists in the East of the country.
Once he sought a corridor for civilians to escape from the war ravaged part of the country. Recently, he was said to have entered into a truce based on an agreement with Vladimir Putin of Russia. People say Putin lacks the right to discuss ceasefire unilaterally with Poroshenko, and that Poroshenko should not have allowed it to happen with Putin.
Once he sought a corridor for civilians to escape from the war ravaged part of the country. Recently, he was said to have entered into a truce based on an agreement with Vladimir Putin of Russia. People say Putin lacks the right to discuss ceasefire unilaterally with Poroshenko, and that Poroshenko should not have allowed it to happen with Putin.
Hillary Clinton's Skeddadle
August 2014 By Abi Giwa
Giwa
Senator Hillary Clinton is at it again, with a New York Post' report that says she describes President Barack Obama's Iraq's policy as stupid, and as the cause of the America's current Iraq problem. It has become an act known with Hillary that she runs from responsibility when things go wrong.
What is in Obama's Iraq's policy that warrants being called stupid? Of course, calling it stupid is keeping a distance from it for the sake of seeking office. If being an old fella in the White House was the cause of Hillary's loss of the primary election to almost an unknown Obama in 2008, skedaddling may cause her another loss in the next Democratic Party's primary or general election.
What is in Obama's Iraq's policy that warrants being called stupid? Of course, calling it stupid is keeping a distance from it for the sake of seeking office. If being an old fella in the White House was the cause of Hillary's loss of the primary election to almost an unknown Obama in 2008, skedaddling may cause her another loss in the next Democratic Party's primary or general election.
Loss of Love and Damning Acts
July 2014. By Abi Giwa
What is terror, if one fellow using a knife to kill another fellow isn't? And what is terror if the hacking of two children with a knife isn't? What is terror if a man hacking his own girlfriend with an axe isn't?
Now, humans live in a world of two terrors, one new and the other as old as human race, but both have same definition - terrifying people at their receiving end.
Deranged religion extremists declaration of war against the civilized world is a new terror, while the old terror's loss of reason and descending on the innocent remains hidden and fatal enough to do damage to recipients.
We clamor against the damage of gun usage by those who should have no gun, yet it is hardly considered or classified as a terror.
Now, humans live in a world of two terrors, one new and the other as old as human race, but both have same definition - terrifying people at their receiving end.
Deranged religion extremists declaration of war against the civilized world is a new terror, while the old terror's loss of reason and descending on the innocent remains hidden and fatal enough to do damage to recipients.
We clamor against the damage of gun usage by those who should have no gun, yet it is hardly considered or classified as a terror.
The Phenomenal Maya Angelou
June 2014. By Abi Giwa
"Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God," - Maya Angelou. I believe in these words, because I am a witness to God's existence, His love for humanity and that He talks to us. When I came across the words reading Maya Angelou's story, the words captivated me. Before I read Angelou's story in the Daily News, two young women had acquainted me about her, but not until after I read this line of her words did I got entranced about the life she had lived.
Unacceptable Arguments Over Nigeria's State of Affairs
By Abi Giwa
There have been confusing arguments over the state of affairs in Nigeria, following consistent and incessant terror attacks on a part of the country, and terrorists' occasional incursion into some other major cities north of the country. The debate between Doyin Okupe via Skype, Funmi Iyanda and Peter Okwoche as moderator in BBC's 'Nigeria Not Losing Boko-Haram Battle' made the confusion more glaring.
Nigeria's Bruises
23 May 2014 Abi Giwa
I have been watching development in my country of birth over the abduction of a large number of innocent girls from the remote town of Chibok in the North East of the country. I have read so many reports about conflicting figure of the number of girls who have been abducted; virtually all opinion articles blaming the government, and almost all praising terrorists' ability to organize than the country's government.
Human Errors and Consequence
18 March 2014 By Abi Giwa
It is admissible that no human is perfect. Rather than being perfect, humans are believed as full of mistakes, mostly as a result of lack of knowledge in undertakings. The cost to lives from mistakes is unquantifiable. Thinking about humans striving to achieve beyond the scope of intelligence and the repercussion to humanity is a reminder of a book, “What Got You Here Won't Get You There,” by Marshall Goldsmith.
Hard Life, Hard Facts
1 March 2014 By Abi Giwa
Giwa
When people debate human life and the struggle for survival, they ask questions as to why the birth of a child is celebrated. Some people have said that the arrival of a child should have been a time for the parents to sit down and think about what plans they have for the child's future. And then begins to acquaint the child about the struggle for human survival as he or she is growing up. It is one proposition no one has argued against its sensibility; whether rich or poor, living on earth is believed to be difficult and at the same time sweet.
The World as Sodom
12 February 2014 By Abi Giwa
We are all observers to cultural developments around us. Some of the cultural developments that predate the modern day have been handed down through oral tradition and written texts. One major glaring factor is that the world is culturally divergent. How this has come to be has different historical and religious perspectives. Every society respects and adores what is called its culture and way of life. Sociologists teach that people respects each others' ways of life and not denigrate or discriminate on the basis of culture.
Nigeria's Despotic Politicians and Errand Governors
Published: 21 December 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Amaechi
It is disgusting that Rotimi Amaechi could insult Nigerians striving for his own political gains and those of the former military leaders turned politicians, calling for the stoning of his opponents forgetting that his own godfathers will be the first recepients of stones as prescription for Nigeria's ailment.
Any curious follower of events in Nigeria should have seen by now that Goodluck Jonathan's silence and the fear of what he is capable of turning into in the face of refusal to dance to the tune of former military leaders may have driven the king makers in the Peoples Democratic Party to a quick jumping off the boat. It should be clear to discerning souls that the trouble by some of the PDP governors and their defection was not a solo decision. They have the evil king makers behind them.
The opposition leaders are now visiting the nation’s powerful cabal of yesterday who are the king makers in the PDP, whom Jonathan may have stepped on their toes, warranting their decision to withdraw their support to him for another term in office. Note the line in Obasanjo’s letter about his opposition to the president’s decision to run for another term.
They have visited Ibrahim Babangida; they have visited Abubakar Abdulsalam and they have also visited Olusegun Obasanjo. All these have happened after their errand governors and a sizeable number of their supporters in the House of Representative’s defection to the APC. The next thing will be the defection of the king makers themselves.
Any curious follower of events in Nigeria should have seen by now that Goodluck Jonathan's silence and the fear of what he is capable of turning into in the face of refusal to dance to the tune of former military leaders may have driven the king makers in the Peoples Democratic Party to a quick jumping off the boat. It should be clear to discerning souls that the trouble by some of the PDP governors and their defection was not a solo decision. They have the evil king makers behind them.
The opposition leaders are now visiting the nation’s powerful cabal of yesterday who are the king makers in the PDP, whom Jonathan may have stepped on their toes, warranting their decision to withdraw their support to him for another term in office. Note the line in Obasanjo’s letter about his opposition to the president’s decision to run for another term.
They have visited Ibrahim Babangida; they have visited Abubakar Abdulsalam and they have also visited Olusegun Obasanjo. All these have happened after their errand governors and a sizeable number of their supporters in the House of Representative’s defection to the APC. The next thing will be the defection of the king makers themselves.
Coulter, Politics and the Third World
Published: 28 November 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Ted Cruz and Ann Coulter are Americans; a male and a female respectively. One is a Republican senator and the other is a conservative commentator. Senator Cruz was the first who lampooned Nigerians in a widely published stereotyped statement and followed by the conservative commentator. The statement about Nigerians from the man and the statement from the woman about the Third World are manifestly over the top and what you hear often from people you think are uneducated. There is a need to know the man and the woman’s statement about Nigeria and the Third World, which have attracted condemnation from certain Nigerians, who themselves have embarked on unnecessary hubris, the original cause of the disease that has given the likes of Coulter to malign innocent people.
What did Cruz and Coulter said about Nigerians? I will present Coulter’s statement, as being a little broader than Cruz’s statement for its incorporation of the entire Third World in a stereotype.
What did Cruz and Coulter said about Nigerians? I will present Coulter’s statement, as being a little broader than Cruz’s statement for its incorporation of the entire Third World in a stereotype.
Corruption and the Rule of Law across West Africa
Published: 13 November 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Victoria Hammah
Ghanaian minister of communication, Victoria Hammah, was reported sacked for wishing to become a millionaire in dollars before she will quit politics. It was assumed that her mission in politics and government was to become rich through corruption, and that her intention was not serving the people but her own self interest.
Dramani Mahama’s government wasted no time showing her the way out to the street where she can trade and make her millionaire dollars and more if she so wishes without anyone asking questions. There is no sin in making a million dollars as long as no law has been broken. There is also no problem having the ambition. But certainly not for a minister whose income is far from realizing such an ambition unless in cutting corners.
But one fact that commentators have glossed over is that Hammah's ambition is not alien to people in service in certain countries in West Africa. In such countries, it is even more profitable to serve as a minister than run your own business, and so many people are in politics to enrich themselves and serving the people is secondary. It is believed that you get richer serving as a minister than do any other business.
Dramani Mahama’s government wasted no time showing her the way out to the street where she can trade and make her millionaire dollars and more if she so wishes without anyone asking questions. There is no sin in making a million dollars as long as no law has been broken. There is also no problem having the ambition. But certainly not for a minister whose income is far from realizing such an ambition unless in cutting corners.
But one fact that commentators have glossed over is that Hammah's ambition is not alien to people in service in certain countries in West Africa. In such countries, it is even more profitable to serve as a minister than run your own business, and so many people are in politics to enrich themselves and serving the people is secondary. It is believed that you get richer serving as a minister than do any other business.
Lessons from My Brother's Assassination
Published: 22 October 2013 Abiodun Giwa
Abiodun Giwa
On October 19, 1986, my eldest brother - Dele Giwa - journalist and editor-in-chief of Newswatch Magazine - to whom I was third in line by birth, was assassinated with a letter bomb in Lagos, Nigeria. Sadly, I had not been part of his annual memorial for the past 27 years, because those I believed had connections with his murderers had hijacked the memorial, and bought over those they were capable in the family.
I remember my brother everyday. I believe that I don't have to be in the company of people I distrust to remember him annually. The same blood runs in our veins. I need no approval of any mortal to know who is my blood brother. My life in the last 27 years of Dele's assassination has become a bundle of experience, exposing me to human foibles; that anyone can disappoint you no matter the relationship, when it comes to the issue of money, material and survival.
I remember my brother everyday. I believe that I don't have to be in the company of people I distrust to remember him annually. The same blood runs in our veins. I need no approval of any mortal to know who is my blood brother. My life in the last 27 years of Dele's assassination has become a bundle of experience, exposing me to human foibles; that anyone can disappoint you no matter the relationship, when it comes to the issue of money, material and survival.
Life and Death
Published: 22 October 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Abiodun Giwa
"Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returned into the dust, of earth we make loam: and why of the loam, whereto he was converted," Shakespeare in Hamlet
Everyday that I wake up from sleep in the morning, I thank and praise God for sustaining me, because I hear how some people go to bed and they don’t wake up. It means they are dead. I know that it is not by my power that I am still alive, but by His grace. It was not that those who...
Everyday that I wake up from sleep in the morning, I thank and praise God for sustaining me, because I hear how some people go to bed and they don’t wake up. It means they are dead. I know that it is not by my power that I am still alive, but by His grace. It was not that those who...
Nigeria at 53 Years of Independence
Published: 30 September 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Abiodun Giwa
Nigeria and Nigerians will be celebrating the country's 53 years of independence that has always been celebrated on October 1, every year.
Many will be asking why the country is in a parlous state after several years of independence. As a Nigerian, knowledgeable about how the country has been meandering since her independence from Britain in 1960, I believe that the problem with the country is its foundation.
Nigeria is sitting on a foundation that is worse than a sandy ground. If you feel that I am wrong, feel free to chip in your own thinking about why the country is as it is today with corruption as a net that is swallowing the country.
The country has been bedeviled by different type of leaders at the national or federal level, whom no one can vouch for their credentials, unless their tribesmen and women, supporters and accomplice contractors. The military guys who emerged in 1966 to cleanse the stable accused the politicians of corruption, were themselves swallowed by the same ailment no sooner they had consolidated their power.
The military proved to be worse than the politicians they had sacked from office. Ostentation and extravagance became their coat of honor and armor. And the same supporters of gangsters they sacked from office have been in and out of power, and they are still in power today.
Many will be asking why the country is in a parlous state after several years of independence. As a Nigerian, knowledgeable about how the country has been meandering since her independence from Britain in 1960, I believe that the problem with the country is its foundation.
Nigeria is sitting on a foundation that is worse than a sandy ground. If you feel that I am wrong, feel free to chip in your own thinking about why the country is as it is today with corruption as a net that is swallowing the country.
The country has been bedeviled by different type of leaders at the national or federal level, whom no one can vouch for their credentials, unless their tribesmen and women, supporters and accomplice contractors. The military guys who emerged in 1966 to cleanse the stable accused the politicians of corruption, were themselves swallowed by the same ailment no sooner they had consolidated their power.
The military proved to be worse than the politicians they had sacked from office. Ostentation and extravagance became their coat of honor and armor. And the same supporters of gangsters they sacked from office have been in and out of power, and they are still in power today.
Nigeria's Democracy in Peril
Published: 18 September 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Goodluck Jonathan
The selfish drive of some greedy members of the People Democratic Party, PDP, the ruling party, demanding that President Goodluck Jonathan forgets reelection bid to allow the presidency return to the north is threatening
the fabric of democracy in Nigeria.
They have divided the ruling party and there is a faction that belongs to them that they call a new PDP.
Bewildered Nigerians have been watching the circus shows that the struggle between the old PDP and the new PDP have become. Newspapers reports are ripe with news of meetings upon meetings toward resolution that have been unsuccessful. The new PDP has moved to the National Assembly to stoke a fire, which observers fear may likely be the end of democracy in the country.
There are reports from the country showing that there have been near free for all fight between warring members of the old and new
members of the PDP in the legislature, upon the visit by officers of the new PDP to introduce themselves to the body, notwithstanding that they are in minority.
The new PDP members, now referenced in the press as rebels, enjoy the approval of the opposition parties that think the problem in the ruling party will pave a way for it into power.
But knowledge of registration of a new party called People Democratic Movement, PDM, by the rebels has doused the hope of the opposing parties. One governor in the opposition in the South West has been mandated to continue
wooing the PDP rebels to join the opposition.
the fabric of democracy in Nigeria.
They have divided the ruling party and there is a faction that belongs to them that they call a new PDP.
Bewildered Nigerians have been watching the circus shows that the struggle between the old PDP and the new PDP have become. Newspapers reports are ripe with news of meetings upon meetings toward resolution that have been unsuccessful. The new PDP has moved to the National Assembly to stoke a fire, which observers fear may likely be the end of democracy in the country.
There are reports from the country showing that there have been near free for all fight between warring members of the old and new
members of the PDP in the legislature, upon the visit by officers of the new PDP to introduce themselves to the body, notwithstanding that they are in minority.
The new PDP members, now referenced in the press as rebels, enjoy the approval of the opposition parties that think the problem in the ruling party will pave a way for it into power.
But knowledge of registration of a new party called People Democratic Movement, PDM, by the rebels has doused the hope of the opposing parties. One governor in the opposition in the South West has been mandated to continue
wooing the PDP rebels to join the opposition.
Why They Want to Be Mayor?
Published: 10 September 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
De Blasio and family
You are in a train station and your two ears are blocked with your music set ear-phones. You think you are enjoying a beautiful song at its loudest. Suddenly, two trains arrive in the station same moment and the noise from the trains overwhelmed the one from your music. The music becomes blurred until you sit in a car in one of the trains and you begin to hear the music returning to you. You start to distinguish noise from music and you realize that noise is a distraction.
New Yorkers are at the polls to choose from a long list of men and women seeking public office or choosing to move from one public office to another. And some have been in public office before, but want to return to offer a better service, irrespective of what may have compelled their departure in the first place.
From the Democratic side, Christy Quinn has been deputy mayor and she wants to be a mayor. Bill Thompson had been in public office, he left to work in a bank and he is returning to want to be mayor. Bill de Blasio is the city's public advocate who wants to be mayor. John Liu is the city's comptroller and wants to be mayor. and Anthony Weiner, former member of the House of Representative suddenly realizes he can become mayor as a show of remorse for a past mistake.
From the Republican side comes Joe Lhota, a former aide to Mayor Gulianao and who has run the city's metropolitan train service. John Castimatidis, a business man; in term of net worth, an equivalent of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The last and not the least is George Macdonald who also wants to be mayor.
Why do all these people want to be mayor? The answer emerges morning before the election at David Letterman's late night show: Raph Emmanuel says to be mayor is the greatest job that exists.
New Yorkers are at the polls to choose from a long list of men and women seeking public office or choosing to move from one public office to another. And some have been in public office before, but want to return to offer a better service, irrespective of what may have compelled their departure in the first place.
From the Democratic side, Christy Quinn has been deputy mayor and she wants to be a mayor. Bill Thompson had been in public office, he left to work in a bank and he is returning to want to be mayor. Bill de Blasio is the city's public advocate who wants to be mayor. John Liu is the city's comptroller and wants to be mayor. and Anthony Weiner, former member of the House of Representative suddenly realizes he can become mayor as a show of remorse for a past mistake.
From the Republican side comes Joe Lhota, a former aide to Mayor Gulianao and who has run the city's metropolitan train service. John Castimatidis, a business man; in term of net worth, an equivalent of Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The last and not the least is George Macdonald who also wants to be mayor.
Why do all these people want to be mayor? The answer emerges morning before the election at David Letterman's late night show: Raph Emmanuel says to be mayor is the greatest job that exists.
Mandela the Winner
Published: 1 September 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Mandela(Courtesy: newsinfo.inquirer.net)
Nelson Mandela as a winner is no longer in doubt. He fought apartheidand won; and he fought against human desires and won. Now that he has left the hospital and he has returned home after a long time receiving care, he has wonagainst ill health and death anticipation. The turn deserves a celebration!
“Winner o, o, o winner; Winnie o, o, o winner, Mandela you don win o, winner, completely you have won ….and forever you will be a winner, winner.”
This is a line from a popular Christian chorus against life’s vicissitude, and one that can be imagined being song by Mandela’s relations and supporters this moment. It is not a mean feat to have been on a sick bed for such a long time, either looking at death or death starring one on the face and people hoping it is about the last time to bid bye and lucky to be here still.
It was partly the reason Mandela’s family was angry that the media besieged the hospital, where the former South African president received treatment, expecting the news of that moment that never was. In their view, the media wanted a piece of news about the icons passage and that was against the Zulu’s tradition.
The family soon discovered that to get the media that had besieged the hospital off was another war in addition to the war of helping the icon in the fight against illness. But the press had no apology. They were merely doing their work, which if they had failed the world would have asked questions about lack of coverage for a man of Mandela's stature.
“Winner o, o, o winner; Winnie o, o, o winner, Mandela you don win o, winner, completely you have won ….and forever you will be a winner, winner.”
This is a line from a popular Christian chorus against life’s vicissitude, and one that can be imagined being song by Mandela’s relations and supporters this moment. It is not a mean feat to have been on a sick bed for such a long time, either looking at death or death starring one on the face and people hoping it is about the last time to bid bye and lucky to be here still.
It was partly the reason Mandela’s family was angry that the media besieged the hospital, where the former South African president received treatment, expecting the news of that moment that never was. In their view, the media wanted a piece of news about the icons passage and that was against the Zulu’s tradition.
The family soon discovered that to get the media that had besieged the hospital off was another war in addition to the war of helping the icon in the fight against illness. But the press had no apology. They were merely doing their work, which if they had failed the world would have asked questions about lack of coverage for a man of Mandela's stature.
Shades of Terror
Published: 25 August 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Abiodun Giwa
Within one month, the world has witnessed killings that make people raise eyebrows and concerns. First, it was Egypt. Now, it is Syria. Over 900 souls were killed in Egypt, because some set of hand-picked rulers wanted their personal decision be law.
In Syria, chemical weapon was reportedly deployed leading to about 1300 deaths. No one has claimed
responsibility for the Syria’s act of terror. Ironically, it was the second time chemical weapons had reportedly been deployed in Syria that both sides in the Syrian war denied responsibility.
The world stood by and watched Al-Sisi and his co-travelers in Egypt visited evil upon souls, whose sin was seeking respect for their wish in the scheme of affairs. The world does nothing to sanction the thugs in Egypt that have commandeered the State House to themselves. But in war torn Syria, the world wants repercussion for deployment of chemical weapon, which it is uncertain who has done the deployment, in the usual manner of taking side in a war, for which humanity ought to play a neutral role.
It is quite alright to frown against the deployment of chemical weapons. But before ascertaining who may have deployed the chemical weapons, and world powers say they want to hold a particular side they don’t favor in the war responsible raises another cause for concern. The warning by the United States and Britain to Syria, threatening serious response if it turns out Syria is responsible for the act, falls short of expectation from world powers, whose act should portray a wish to help in fostering the rule of law, far away from their own shores. What they say means that if it is the freedom fighters that have deployed the chemical weapons, the show can continue.
In Syria, chemical weapon was reportedly deployed leading to about 1300 deaths. No one has claimed
responsibility for the Syria’s act of terror. Ironically, it was the second time chemical weapons had reportedly been deployed in Syria that both sides in the Syrian war denied responsibility.
The world stood by and watched Al-Sisi and his co-travelers in Egypt visited evil upon souls, whose sin was seeking respect for their wish in the scheme of affairs. The world does nothing to sanction the thugs in Egypt that have commandeered the State House to themselves. But in war torn Syria, the world wants repercussion for deployment of chemical weapon, which it is uncertain who has done the deployment, in the usual manner of taking side in a war, for which humanity ought to play a neutral role.
It is quite alright to frown against the deployment of chemical weapons. But before ascertaining who may have deployed the chemical weapons, and world powers say they want to hold a particular side they don’t favor in the war responsible raises another cause for concern. The warning by the United States and Britain to Syria, threatening serious response if it turns out Syria is responsible for the act, falls short of expectation from world powers, whose act should portray a wish to help in fostering the rule of law, far away from their own shores. What they say means that if it is the freedom fighters that have deployed the chemical weapons, the show can continue.
Two Former Nigerian Ministers' Idiocy
Published:14 August 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Femi Fani-Kayode
Oby Ezekwesili was education minister in President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration, while Femi Fani-Kayode was the aviation minister. The two are now out of government, but they are still active in politics.
The latter has written and published an opinion article in some national newspapers in Nigeria, a reaction to what he calls some members of Ezekwesili's tribe view of his own Yoruba tribe and has expressed his own view about the superiority of his tribe to Ezekwesili's. Ezekwesili probably views Fani-Kayode's stereotyping of her tribe as unwarranted has called on the government to order Fani-Kayode's arrest for hate speech.
This development has exposed the mindset of the woman and the man Nigeria unfortunately had as ministers in an administration that ushered in democracy after long years of military dictatorship. Fani-Kayode wrote in his piece that he was careless if people called him a tribalist. And on her part, Ezekwesili, does not give a qualm turning Nigeria into a police state for her tribe's sake. But what could have warranted Fani-Kayode to walk away from the issue in debate (Governor Fashola's deportation of certain Nigerians of Ibo extraction from Lagos to Onitsha) and embark on a dangerous stereotype?
The latter has written and published an opinion article in some national newspapers in Nigeria, a reaction to what he calls some members of Ezekwesili's tribe view of his own Yoruba tribe and has expressed his own view about the superiority of his tribe to Ezekwesili's. Ezekwesili probably views Fani-Kayode's stereotyping of her tribe as unwarranted has called on the government to order Fani-Kayode's arrest for hate speech.
This development has exposed the mindset of the woman and the man Nigeria unfortunately had as ministers in an administration that ushered in democracy after long years of military dictatorship. Fani-Kayode wrote in his piece that he was careless if people called him a tribalist. And on her part, Ezekwesili, does not give a qualm turning Nigeria into a police state for her tribe's sake. But what could have warranted Fani-Kayode to walk away from the issue in debate (Governor Fashola's deportation of certain Nigerians of Ibo extraction from Lagos to Onitsha) and embark on a dangerous stereotype?
Snake as a Pet? Dangerous!
Published:7 August 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Two children killed by a snake
Snake is nobody’s friend. Yet, we hear some own and maintain it as a pet. The revelation often attracts a question such as “Own a snake as a pet?” It is the question that followed me out of the office on Monday evening after I read the news that a snake escaped from where it was caged by its owner in New Brunswick, Canada, found its way upstairs through a vent and killed two innocent boys, who were friends to the son of the snake owner.
In a news report of police investigation into the incident, the snake’s owner said that his son slept in his own room and his two friends slept in a different room. The snake went into the room occupied by his son’s friends and terminated their lives.
The thought of the two boys who were killed by the snake followed me home from work. How could a snake leave its cage, go upstairs and kill two innocent boys? The thought of the reptile and my fear of it from my youthful days resonated continuously in my mind. (Read More)
In a news report of police investigation into the incident, the snake’s owner said that his son slept in his own room and his two friends slept in a different room. The snake went into the room occupied by his son’s friends and terminated their lives.
The thought of the two boys who were killed by the snake followed me home from work. How could a snake leave its cage, go upstairs and kill two innocent boys? The thought of the reptile and my fear of it from my youthful days resonated continuously in my mind. (Read More)
Nigeria's Political Logjam
Published: 22 July 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Jonathan Goodluck
There is a weird development in Nigeria’s political climate. President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers States are said to be at each other's jugular. There is no way to proof the allegations against the president because he is not physically present in Rivers State. And Amaechi is crying that his state is under siege of the presidency, and he wants the president to intervene. Some Nigerians like Professor Wole Soyinka thinks the president’s wife, Dame Jonathan, is the problem and they want the president have a leech on her. But the president says he is not responsible for the Rivers State’s troubles. The matter got to a tilt when members of state’s House of Assembly took to the floor and dealt with each other in blows, and the mace became a weapon. At the end, the mace has been multiplied by three and the number of speakers the same. At the bottom of the political struggle between the presidency and the Amaechi group, which has eluded commentators, is the
demonstration of acute self-interest. (Read More)
demonstration of acute self-interest. (Read More)
Restore Morsi
Published: 10 July 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
The Egyptian Army should restore Mohamed Morsi instead of continuing building on a shaky foundation of illegitimacy. The result of the irrational removal of Morsi is already obvious; restoring him to complete his term and for Egyptians to decide his fate in an election will be more manageable than the current maneuver by the Army to achieve the impossible. It is a shame countries that are supposed to condemn the evil against democracy in Egypt are finding peace with the hindrances there, because the usurpers have promised an election. It is insulting to Egyptian voters that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are promising money for the Egyptians to forgo their rights.
Pathetically, the country’s media is reported to be in support of democracy derailment in favor of hand picked leaders. (Read More)
Pathetically, the country’s media is reported to be in support of democracy derailment in favor of hand picked leaders. (Read More)
Traumatic Ride for America's Foreign Policy
Published: 1 July 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
John Kerry
This past week has been a traumatic ride for the America's foreign policy. Edward Snowden's revelation is having a backlash that has made him a hero in Hong Kong and China against America's portrayal of him at home.
The latest information that some European Union, EU, countries may have been irked that the NSA may have sneaked into its affairs will remind observers the horrendous events last week between the US and Snowden on one hand, and US, China, Hong Kong and Russia on the other. (Read More)
The latest information that some European Union, EU, countries may have been irked that the NSA may have sneaked into its affairs will remind observers the horrendous events last week between the US and Snowden on one hand, and US, China, Hong Kong and Russia on the other. (Read More)
Freedom Compromised by Terror
Published: 15 June 2013 By Abiodun Giwa
Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden was unknown before the Guardian’s publication about the telephone and internet surveillance program in the United States. He has suddenly shot into the limelight. He is displaying rare courage and bravado, matching the threat of extradition from the United States. He has succeeded at creating a crisis for the Barack Obama administration to manage.
Going Into a New Year With Uncertainties
Published: 31 December 2012 By Abiodun Giwa
Abiodun Giwa
Transiting from one year into another is an annual ritual. Some people care so much about, while others don't give a damn. Whatever view people hold about a new year transition depends on culture. With another transition here..
.(Read on)
.(Read on)
An Experiment in Destruction and Challenge to Science
-Our Opinion
GlobalPentorch
The destruction wrought in the United States' Tri-State of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut by Hurricane Sandy on Monday night is monumental. While the governments and people of the states are working toward recovery from Sandy's onslaught, it is instructive that the event must be seen for what it is: an experiment in destruction and a challenge to science, leadership and the people.
Life must continue no matter what happens as already shown by some children in Long Island who step out in Halloween costumes amid destructions around them that have been caused by the monstrous Hurricane Sandy. What was witnessed on Monday following Sandy's landfall begged a question: Is it sane to fold our arms and watch a sea-monster tear apart efforts of several years of hard work?
Perpetual acts of destruction from nature which hurricanes represent, as has been noted by Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York State, will happen again as it has in the past, and as something no one has asked for, must be a challenge to scientists that those of us who aren't scientists may have resigned to fate and that they shouldn't. It must be the beginning of an in-depth enquiry into what hurricanes are, and the solution to their madness.
If the nation is working hard to ensure defense of the country against man- made destructive acts like terrorism and asking for the input of all citizens, it must do the same when it comes to the issue of nature's uninvited wrath.
Is Hurricane a result of global warming? Does it attack other parts of the world the way it is known to do against the U.S. and other countries in the Caribbean that are on its path whenever it is on its way? Where is its home? Why does it leave the sea seeking humans and monuments to destroy?
Humans are tired of Hurricane's dancing motion in the water; the wind and the water surge it brings. It is a dance that brings destruction and death. Whatever can be done to get rid of it from human's ways is necessary to stop the loss of human and and material capitals anytime it strikes. Over to you, natural scientists.
If these scientists think that we already know about hurricane's genesis, its cause of attacks and there is no solution than speech-fest about global warming beyond what we all already know, then it will mean America needs a superman to stop this wanton violation of our lives by a wretch of the ocean. It will mean America will need beyond talk-fest about medicare, medicaid, women and men issues, education, domestic and foreign affairs to pick a leader. The nation already has enough legislation and laws against man inhumanity to man and bad guys in the community. If it is possible to arrest hurricane and tornado like any other criminal, they will be in the worst part of the dungeon.
We believe it is time to confront this monster from the sea and its twin called tornado, like it happened in the land of the Thebes in Sophocles's Oedipus The King, where we learnt that Oedipus Rex stopped the violation of the Thebes by the Sphinx and became a leader.
Tornado and Hurricane cannot be beyond taming and subjection to human domination. Enough of this harsh punishment from a sea creature.
Life must continue no matter what happens as already shown by some children in Long Island who step out in Halloween costumes amid destructions around them that have been caused by the monstrous Hurricane Sandy. What was witnessed on Monday following Sandy's landfall begged a question: Is it sane to fold our arms and watch a sea-monster tear apart efforts of several years of hard work?
Perpetual acts of destruction from nature which hurricanes represent, as has been noted by Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York State, will happen again as it has in the past, and as something no one has asked for, must be a challenge to scientists that those of us who aren't scientists may have resigned to fate and that they shouldn't. It must be the beginning of an in-depth enquiry into what hurricanes are, and the solution to their madness.
If the nation is working hard to ensure defense of the country against man- made destructive acts like terrorism and asking for the input of all citizens, it must do the same when it comes to the issue of nature's uninvited wrath.
Is Hurricane a result of global warming? Does it attack other parts of the world the way it is known to do against the U.S. and other countries in the Caribbean that are on its path whenever it is on its way? Where is its home? Why does it leave the sea seeking humans and monuments to destroy?
Humans are tired of Hurricane's dancing motion in the water; the wind and the water surge it brings. It is a dance that brings destruction and death. Whatever can be done to get rid of it from human's ways is necessary to stop the loss of human and and material capitals anytime it strikes. Over to you, natural scientists.
If these scientists think that we already know about hurricane's genesis, its cause of attacks and there is no solution than speech-fest about global warming beyond what we all already know, then it will mean America needs a superman to stop this wanton violation of our lives by a wretch of the ocean. It will mean America will need beyond talk-fest about medicare, medicaid, women and men issues, education, domestic and foreign affairs to pick a leader. The nation already has enough legislation and laws against man inhumanity to man and bad guys in the community. If it is possible to arrest hurricane and tornado like any other criminal, they will be in the worst part of the dungeon.
We believe it is time to confront this monster from the sea and its twin called tornado, like it happened in the land of the Thebes in Sophocles's Oedipus The King, where we learnt that Oedipus Rex stopped the violation of the Thebes by the Sphinx and became a leader.
Tornado and Hurricane cannot be beyond taming and subjection to human domination. Enough of this harsh punishment from a sea creature.
Nigeria's Independence Celebration
By Abiodun Giwa
President Goodluck Jonathan
It is like a ritual, every October 1, Nigeria rolls out the drum to celebrate independence anniversary from Britain. It isn't unusual. Every country does celebrate independence day. Whether rain or shine, nations don't forget their independence day, just like humans don't forget their birth days.
Some disenchanted Nigerians would like to tell the world that a nation that is behind in development don't deserve to celebrate. That is a personal perception with a political partisanship embedded. Much against expectations, Nigeria celebrated its 52nd independence anniversary this past Monday.
The country is still intact despite all the woes confronting it. It has a democratically elected government and it has hope of holding another election in 2015. There are millionaires made everyday and schools are open with students attendance. The two evil confronting the country, corruption and Boko-Haram are being tackled. The only problem are human problems that constitute a failure in helping the country to achieving desired objective.
It must be noted that Nigeria is a highly corrupt country where those who are also corrupt call others corrupt, because their secrets haven't come into the open unlike the case of those they accuse as corrupt. Nigeria is a country where people become millionaires and people don't care about the source of their wealth. What matters is to have chains of cars and mansions; the possessor receives accolade from the family and the society. It doesn't matter, such a person will go for elected office without any question asked about the source of wealth. Government is a source of wealth for the contractors and politicians alike. The military in the past, the politician now and the contractor, and their friends have conspired to fleece the country. Hard working and struggling Nigerians hardly matter in the scheme of affairs. This has created a race to be rich at all cost and a threat to morals and ethical issues.
It is a miracle Nigerians still have a country. Boko-Haram is decimating whatever hope that remains from damages done by corruption. Kidnappers have also been having field days in certain parts of the country that reminds one of what you hear your friends from Haiti talking about their country and kidnapping, which scares them and makes them think twice before traveling home.
One day a guy in Manhattan reminded me about Nigeria's celebration of independence when he celebrated his birthday. He is from Trinidad. He was fifty at the time he called my attention to his experience. He told me he was fifty about a week before his discussion with me. Since arriving in the U.S., he has suffered insincerity in a marriage relationship, he remains poor and has no friend to rely upon, but his work. On his fiftieth birthday, he came to work; for his lunch break, went behind the building, bowed his head in prayer alone and wept.
He believed no one cared about him. And that when you are down you are alone. But despite knowing he was down alone, he still celebrated his birthday. So much for Nigeria, a country that hasn't fleece itself, but by greedy and selfish humans. They claim patriotism in the open, but are wolves behind the wall.
Nigeria may still rise to shine if it wins the war against corruption and Boko Haram.
Some disenchanted Nigerians would like to tell the world that a nation that is behind in development don't deserve to celebrate. That is a personal perception with a political partisanship embedded. Much against expectations, Nigeria celebrated its 52nd independence anniversary this past Monday.
The country is still intact despite all the woes confronting it. It has a democratically elected government and it has hope of holding another election in 2015. There are millionaires made everyday and schools are open with students attendance. The two evil confronting the country, corruption and Boko-Haram are being tackled. The only problem are human problems that constitute a failure in helping the country to achieving desired objective.
It must be noted that Nigeria is a highly corrupt country where those who are also corrupt call others corrupt, because their secrets haven't come into the open unlike the case of those they accuse as corrupt. Nigeria is a country where people become millionaires and people don't care about the source of their wealth. What matters is to have chains of cars and mansions; the possessor receives accolade from the family and the society. It doesn't matter, such a person will go for elected office without any question asked about the source of wealth. Government is a source of wealth for the contractors and politicians alike. The military in the past, the politician now and the contractor, and their friends have conspired to fleece the country. Hard working and struggling Nigerians hardly matter in the scheme of affairs. This has created a race to be rich at all cost and a threat to morals and ethical issues.
It is a miracle Nigerians still have a country. Boko-Haram is decimating whatever hope that remains from damages done by corruption. Kidnappers have also been having field days in certain parts of the country that reminds one of what you hear your friends from Haiti talking about their country and kidnapping, which scares them and makes them think twice before traveling home.
One day a guy in Manhattan reminded me about Nigeria's celebration of independence when he celebrated his birthday. He is from Trinidad. He was fifty at the time he called my attention to his experience. He told me he was fifty about a week before his discussion with me. Since arriving in the U.S., he has suffered insincerity in a marriage relationship, he remains poor and has no friend to rely upon, but his work. On his fiftieth birthday, he came to work; for his lunch break, went behind the building, bowed his head in prayer alone and wept.
He believed no one cared about him. And that when you are down you are alone. But despite knowing he was down alone, he still celebrated his birthday. So much for Nigeria, a country that hasn't fleece itself, but by greedy and selfish humans. They claim patriotism in the open, but are wolves behind the wall.
Nigeria may still rise to shine if it wins the war against corruption and Boko Haram.
