NIGERIAN CURIOSITY

THE MISSION TO LIGHT UP NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:37:00 PST

When current President Yar'Adua came to power in May 2007, he declared a state of emergency due to the nation's failed power sector and he soon issued an 18 month ultimatum on power. This declaration spurred probes by both sections of the National Assembly which revealed much corruption and ineptitude to the tune of $10-16 billion. Yar'Adua went on to promise that by December 2009, power generation would increase to 6000MW. Despite the money spent, and a March 2009 promise by the Minister of Power that the 6000MW goal was "feasible and realistic", Nigerians continue to go for days and sometimes, weeks, without power and have now been conveniently informed that the Federal Government would not reach its promised goal of an additional 6000MW by December 2009 because of the growing militancy situation. In an effort to express frustration and demand consistent electricity supply, many Nigerians have taken to the Light Up Nigeria initiative and are using web 2.0 media such as Twitter.com and Facebook to speak up for their right to light.

ANOTHER BROKEN 'PROMISE'
This new retraction of a promise by Nigeria's federal government is simply one of many promises this administration has unfortunately failed to keep. The most recent of which is the promise to name Nigerians involved in the Halliburton scandal by a specified deadline which has come and gone with much posturing form the government. These broken promises illustrate why the Light Up Nigeria (LUN) campaign is crucial. In a country where the government is mostly unaccountable to the people, a campaign such as LUN can help provide hope for those who have given up on their government and no longer believe that individuals can effect change. This complacency stems from the well understood reality that public office is not gained through free and fair elections, thus making it hard for citizens to force politicians to focus on the needs of constituents. This, coupled with the reality that the federal government does not rely on tax income from citizens, further accentuates the Nigerian government's historical ability to ignore the needs of the majority for the greed of the few. Nevertheless, Light Up Nigeria can reinforce and restore a sense of national ownership within individuals that will galvanize a collective effort to resolve the power problem.

LIGHT UP NIGERIA - THE PROMISE THAT MUST BE KEPT
The LUN initiative has inspired a burning desire in many participants who are demanding consistent electricity and less reliance on diesel generators. It must not die the death of many other initiatives which started with the best of intentions but failed to maximize upon their success (the 2007 Nigerian Proclamation, being one of them).

Consequently, long and short term planning is essential for transforming this rallying cry into one that can generate concrete results. In the short term, it is imperative that Nigerians be educated about their right to light. From this perspective, LUN can act as not just a demand for fundamental rights, but as an educational campaign. Education will help lower the level of complacency and acceptance by many that there is little to be done to overcome the incessant power shortages, and garner the public support that will give LUN a lasting impact. On that note, the organizers must find a way to reach Nigerians who do not have electricity, do not use the internet, or watch television. The easiest way to do that is usually via religious and cultural organizations. Spreading the word that all Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion or income have a right to light will increase awareness on the problem and create a larger group of potential supporters who will hopefully be empowered to go on to demand electricity from their representatives.

State Government: The question remains how exactly will those officials responsible for power generation be convinced to do their jobs? To address that issue, a multi-pronged approach to dealing with Nigerian leaders will be needed. Pressure can be placed on both state and federal government leaders to effect change. State governors can be pressured to provide power. Certain states such as Lagos are reportedly working on creating a power grid independent of the non-functioning federal government grid. Unfortunately, Lagos State has had plans for a state-specific power grid since at least 1979 according to World Bank records, and this significant lapse in the creation of a functioning power grid indicates that pressure must be placed on its governor to solve the state's power problems. That same approach can be duplicated in some states and the level of success will depend on the level of corruption and/or accountability each state administration has to the citizens.

Additionally, there are states such as Jigawa which have previously taken advantage of alternative energy models such as that presented by the Solar Energy Light Fund (SELF). According to this writer's discussion with the organization, the solar project, accompanying skills, plans and materials left behind at the end of the project were not replicated to benefit other parts of Jigawa State by follow-up governors. Such programs have already been created in various states and require public pressure for governors to take advantage of them for the benefit of citizens. These alternative energy sources allow states to somewhat overcome reliance on the non-functioning federal energy grid.

Federal Government & Elected Officials: Regarding elected officials at the federal level, pressure to provide power will likely require a focused and consistent series of peaceful public protests that should involve civic society, businesses, students and all others interested in effecting change. This tool should especially be used if the December 2009 deadline for 6000MW is indeed not reached as the federal government is now promising. Considering that Yar'Adua has seemingly shut the door to discourse and proudly declared that his administration "will not join hands with those critics... [or] be distracted by abuses thrown at its doorstep", those truly interested in effecting change will have to make some hard strategic decisions. Peaceful protests in front of the Senate, House of Representatives, the Energy Commission for Nigeria, Ministry of Power and other key institutions might be the only way to get the President and others to realize that the people have had enough broken promises and demand that which is rightfully theirs considering the abundant energy sources the country is blessed with.

President Yar'Adua: Electricity should be the main yardstick by which President Yar'Adua is judged. However, because the nation's electoral process does not guarantee a say in determining one's representatives, simply suggesting that citizens not vote for the incumbent in a Presidential election would prove worthless. Therefore, a prospective non-vote could be an effective tool in the 2011 elections to clearly express the need for leaders who not only work hard to solve problems but engage the citizenry, including critics, instead of throwing citizen journalists and bloggers in jail. If the power situation does not improve by then, and there is little evidence of prospective progress, then discouraging a large majority of Nigerians from voting will not only be an embarrassment to the nation's leaders but could force a frank, non-corrupt approach to solving the nation's power problems once and for all.

SHORT TERM STRATEGIES APLENTY
The above are a few possible long term strategies that LUN can apply but any long term approach must include short term strategies as well. Such short term strategies can be as simple as getting all supporters of the initiative to wear black (representing the lack of electricity) on a specific Friday or every last Friday of every month until there is progress. Also, the initiative can become larger on Facebook and on blogs with a simple request for supporters to write a post and share on their blogs or the note section of their Facebook pages. As was the case with the Nigerian Proclamation, a singular header/headline can be used by all participants to symbolize the collective request that President Yar'Adua and other concerned parties cooperate for the nation's benefit. Supporters should also be encouraged to discuss the matter everywhere - at their church groups, civic/religious gatherings, in online forums and anywhere that others suffering the fate of lack of electricity gather. A push to get more online supporters to change their avatars/pictures to one representative of the LUN initiative could also go a long way to develop interest among those who are yet to learn about the campaign. Regular evening meetings around the country where participants gather in a neighborhood with no electricity and bring their torchlights, lanterns or other light sources could also help to keep the attention on the initiative in the local and international press, while spreading the word about the campaign. Highlighting areas where local and state government manage to provide regular electricity could also put pressure on underperforming officials. The sale of official clothing items, related books, music albums and other merchandise will not only raise funds for a committee that will spearhead things, but keep the initiative visible and allow its reach to spread further than Nigeria's shores. These and many other practical tools can be used to keep the campaign going.

Light Up Nigeria has proven to be successful at gaining attention online (as evidenced by the more than 6000 group members on Facebook), on television (with artist Eldee doing a television interview on the subject), in the traditional press and on blogs around the world. It is time to follow up on this success with a combination of short and long term strategies that will help this campaign become not only an educational tool but an instrument of change that can affect millions of Nigerians, not just those currently aware of the initiative. LUN will face major challenges to its quest for progress, but a smart strategy will maximize the current ability to create awareness with the capacity to apply pressure in the right places. That will achieve the ultimate goal of a nation where children no longer need candles to do their homework, hospitals have the power necessary to treat patients, the federal government does not have to budget $2 billion for the purchase of generators and diesel and Nigeria's ability to transform into a more prosperous country becomes an unquestionable reality. #lightupnigeria could be the revolution so many supporters believe it to be and together, Nigeria can do it.

So what do you think about the #lightupnigeria initiative? Do you have ideas on how to make it successful? What ideas do you have on the issue of power generation which is a problem faced by not only Nigeria but other African countries?

UPDATE: Please read the follow up piece to this one titled, "Smart Grids For Nigeria's Energy Woes"

To see what Nigerians and others are saying in support of the Light Up Nigeria initiative, please visit www.lightupnigeria.org. Or visit the Facebook page for more information. You can participate by using the #lightupnigeria hashtag on Twitter or anyother social media site you frequent.

The Light Up Nigeria list (will expand)
- Light Up Nigeria (Adesoji Adegbulu)
- Lighup Nigeria (Agegelabs)
- Light it up... (Pyoowata)
- #lightupnigeria - Twitter as a Force of Change (Archiwiz)
- Lightupnigeria - The Revolution Has Begun (Bisi)
- Light Up Nigeria: Enough Is Enough (Global Voices)
- Dear World, We Chose to Light Up (Nigerians Talk; Nneoma)
- LightUp Nigeria! (Adebayo)
- #lightupnigeria how? (Elcij)

From the Archives:
- Smart Grids For Nigeria's Energy Woes
- More Solar Energy Plans
- Solar Energy Plans
- Could Coal Be A Power Solution For Nigeria
- Nigeria Is Full Of Gas
- Power Blackouts Loom Across Nigeria
- Nigerian Power Scandal: Authority Stealing
- Who Will Develop Nigeria?
- Who Will Develop Nigeria Pt. 2

JOS: BLAME GAMES, SPONSORS & NIGERIAN DISTRACTIONS

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:20:00 PST

A recent rash of fighting near Jos left a death toll now numbering 500 and growing. Women, children and the elderly were the main victims and according to reports, most of the dead are Christians. The governor of Plateau State (of which Jos is the capital), has laid the blame for the violence and resulting massacre on Nigeria's military, but who is really to blame?

Source: The Guardian (UK)

AN UNFORTUNATE HISTORY OF FIGHTING
The Jos region has been rocked with fighting for many years. As far back as 1994, the area has been wrought with violence. Although the chaos ends up being characterized as religious, the tensions in the region also stem from additional factors such as tribal distrust, poverty and political motivations. In January 2010, text messages incited rioting that left many hundreds dead. The entire state was placed under curfew and the Nigerian military descended on Jos to keep the peace. The January fighting also led to calls for Governor Jang's resignation.

Source: 234NEXT

THE BLAME GAME BEGINS
In the wake of this most recent massacre, Governor Jang now accuses the Nigerian government of failing to prevent the fighting. Jang asserts that he warned the military of an impending attack, less than 24 hours before it happened. He said,

"I received reports at about 9 p.m. [Saturday] that some people with arms were seen around those villages, and I reported to the commander of the army and he told me he was going to move some troops there, and because it is near where I live, I even saw a tank pass through my house and I thought it was going towards that area. Three hours or so later, I was woken by a call that they have started burning the villages and people were being hacked to death. I then tried to locate the commanders but I couldn't get any of them on the telephone."

Jang's accusations are supported by certain Christian groups such as the Plateau State Christian Elders Consultative Forum and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). CAN also alleges that it previously alerted the military to "mercenaries" entering the region and training locals to fight Christians, a claim that is strengthened by recent reports that a North African Al Qaeda group offered to train Nigerian Muslims to kill Christians. Saidu Dogo said,

"For quite some time we have alerted the government to training grounds in some part of the northern state where people are being trained to cause problems in the country... Nobody did anything about it. Many people come into Nigeria under the pretext of [being] pastoralists, they are mercenaries. They follow pastoralist routes to gain entrance, carry out their activities and then leave..." [sic]

The UN, the Organization of Islamic Conferences and other organizations have equally blamed the Nigerian government for failing to prevent the fighting. While the nation's House of Representatives is calling for a truth and reconciliation commission to stem the distrust and tension in the Jos region, Nigeria's Senate has commended Acting President Jonathan's response - a probe - to the fighting.

NIGERIA'S ARMY GOES ON THE DEFENSIVE
The Director of Information for the Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. Chris Olukolade, responded to Jang's accusations by making some harsh comments of his own. Olukolade insisted that Jang's statement were an effort to attack the Army and smear its reputation. Olukolade also noted that for a former military officer, Jang "demonstrated an embarrassing naivety in interpreting the dynamics of land operations." He explained that security in Jos is the responsibility of not just the Army, but the Police Force, the Navy and other security operatives and also stated that Jang's comments were a blackmail attempt,

"[T]he Army is briefing appropriate authorities ... and ... appropriate response to Governor Jang’s attack on the Army is forthcoming, it is necessary to reassure Nigerians that the Army is not involved in any complicity as suggested by Governor Jang through his numerous channels for blackmail. The Army will continue to make its vital input into the ongoing joint operations of the Special Task Force as duly mandated by the Federal Government of Nigeria."

POLICE BLAME "FACELESS, INFLUENTIAL PERSONS"
Plateau State's acting commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, informed the public that an investigation led to at least 200 arrests and that some of those arrested confessed to not just participating in the murders, but also of being paid to carry out the violence. Aduba also made sure to clarify that the sponsors of the March 7th destruction were yet to be revealed by those arrested.

NO MORE DISTRACTIONS
It is a shame that instead of springing to action, Nigerian officials choose to blame each other and underperform. It is an insult for Jang to suggest that because he informed the military of an impending attack, he is not equally complicit in the failure to prevent the resulting massacre. Jang is a former military man who served as governor of Benue state during the Babangida military regime. As such, he cannot feign ignorance in the measures that he had at his disposal. As he himself noted, the villages he suspected of being a source of problems were not far from him. So, the question must be asked, what prevented Jang from going there to personally meet with village leaders so as to ensure that violence would not break out? His statement that he is powerless because he does not command a security force for his state is one that has been expressed by other governors, like Lagos Governor Fashola, but that reality does not diminish his responsibility to go above and beyond in his duty to serve citizens and work tirelessly for their security, especially as his State has been a hotbed of violence far too often. Jang's recent peace tour and a Plateau State-created review panel were steps in the right direction to respond to the January fighting, but those acts and his alleged warning to the military do not absolve him of responsibility in this most recent massacre.

As for Olukolade, the army and other parts of the military, there is no doubt that Jang's accusations suggest complicity. However, to respond so callously and turn what is a serious situation of lives lost and futures ruined, into a catfight is unbecoming of a military officer and most definitely unbecoming of one sworn to serve the Federal Republic of Nigeria and her people. A simple acknowledgment that Jang's comments stemmed from a stressful situation and that more information was necessary to determine what, if any, lapses occurred would have been enough to not only get a jab in at Jang but respectfully respond to any allegations. Besides, a review of previous fighting in Jos revealed the complicity of security officials who opted for partisanship over security, so Jang's accusations are not completely baseless. That being said, there is little doubt that the Jos fighting and the many other incidents of crime, murder, and insecurity around Nigeria illustrate a failure of security forces in Nigeria to protect citizens.

The possibility that people were paid to attack and murder on March 7th, 2010 is not a surprising revelation. Nigeria has a history of politicians and other elites paying criminals to use their violent skills in an effort to thwart the efforts of opponents and perceived enemies. The only surprise in Aduba's statement is the fact that he did not use a word that has become a favorite of Nigeria's political elite when trying to blame the supposedly faceless and nameless elements that seem powerful enough to constantly make a fool of an entire government - 'cabal'. What Nigerians (this writer included) want to know is exactly who these people are and why they have chosen this moment to use Jos to satisfy their goals. It cannot be overlooked that since Nigeria entered a period of political uncertainty created by President Yar'Adua's absence, Jos has been rocked by massacres twice. Is the fighting in Jos and the resulting lack of an aggressive response by all arms of the federal government simply part of a larger plan to further destabilize Nigeria? Is this an effort to warn of future violence if the north does not retain control of the Presidency? Whatever the case may be, the deaths of so many Nigerians - both Christians and non-Christians - must not become a recurring habit and the loss of life must spur action from officials and the people themselves, such as the protests by women that have already occurred.

THERE ARE SOLUTIONS
Nigerian officials cannot continue to move delicately in reaction to the unrest and tension that abounds in Nigeria and has erupted to create an intolerable situation in Jos. This matter has gone beyond mere probes, commissions or more meetings. The book SMS Uprising: Mobile Phone Activism in Africa tells of how Kenyan officials reacted to inciting and hateful text messages by sending messages of peace to 9 million subscribers so as to calm the situation. This example from Kenya shows that Governor Jang and the Nigerian government must be proactive in their response to unrest in Nigeria and work harder to prevent violence. Sharing messages of harmony and ensuring that images of tribal, religious and political harmony are propagated is a key step to dampening the distrust that leads to massacre.

Additionally, a push to sideline religious and political leaders that use their position to incite tensions in the region would also help in limiting a repeat of such fighting. It cannot be ignored that northern Nigeria was recently wrought by 2 extremist groups - Boko Haram and Kalo Kato - which used violence against Christians and non-Christians in furtherance of their misplaced religious ideas. In fact, after the Boko Haram violence in July 2009, Muslim leaders in the north pledged to regulate the activities of northern preachers, something that is yet to happen but must happen to prevent re-occurrences. The conclusions of a recent panel investigating Jos riots in 1994 and 2001 recommended that the activities of "overzealous demagogues" were to be monitored and such individuals were to be neutralized to prevent violence. The implementation of this particular suggestion would go a long way to improve security and calm nervous citizens worried about retaliatory attacks and a lack of adequate protection from authorities.

Furthermore, Nigeria's 'leaders' must come out and speak against such violence. Especially those that are well-respected in the north. The Sultan of Sokoto is not just a political leader but a religious leader that has the ears of the north. If there ever was a time for the Sultan who has repeatedly expressed forward thinking ideas on how the north and its leaders must transform, that time is now. Ibrahim Babangida, who was recently visited by American officials prior to this most recent outbreak, should be in Jos trying to remedy the fractious environment that that once beautiful city has become. The same goes for many other northerners that wield considerable influence. The fact that many of these individuals have been considerably silent only fuels the suspicions and wild allegations that the Northern elite has a hand in these and other outbursts of unrest.

Regardless of the above suggestions, education, jobs, and a way out of poverty will go a long way to increase peace across Nigeria. And, a key solution to this and many other of the problems Nigeria faces is accountability. Those responsible must be proven to have been complicit and they must be identified prominently, regardless of their station or connections. Nigeria cannot continue to lag along with it punishment problem - failing to deal with offenders, save for the poor ones. Accountability and its sister justice are key elements of every society and particularly the democratic ones. Until Nigerians are armed with the facts that created this situation, they will not be able to adequately respond. And if they do not have an opportunity to constructively respond, the stage will be set for bad blood and retaliation to spur a future repeat of the massacre that just happened in Jos. Only, the onslaught might not limit itself to Jos alone.

From the Archives:
- Fresh Killings in Jos
- Jos: The Power of Texts & Poverty
- Religious & Political Violence in Jos
- Boko Haram: Questions Remain
- Aftermath of Northern Islamist Attacks
- Militants In Northern Nigeria? (Boko Haram)
- Nigeria - List of Intolerant Nations
- How To Shoot Yourself In The Foot With Al-Qaeda
- Nigeria's 10MN Child Beggars

EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS IN NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:42:00 PST

Although Nigerian forces have been a part of humanitarian projects from the Congo to Sudan, it is common knowledge that Nigeria's military forces act with impunity when it comes to civilians at home. Take the Apo Six incident where six individuals where murdered by police officers. Till this day, none have faced justice for their acts. Or, the Odi Massacre where 2500 civilians were murdered. Given these and other incidents, there was little surprise when word spread that armed officers carried out extrajudicial killings shortly after the 2008 Boko Haram unrest in Bauchi State. Now, there is video evidence of these extrajudicial killings and it is very graphic.

A PROBE IS PLANNED
Even before this video went public, Nigerian groups and individuals began asking questions about the mysterious murders and disappearances related to the Boko Haram incident. Nigeria's military and government was slow to take any decisive stance on the matter. However, the legislative arm of government plans to do something about the matter. The House of Representatives plans to look into the extrajudicial killings as evidenced by the video. One legislator stated,

"If what we watched on the international news channel was true, then the Nigeria Police had deviated from the statutory duty of protecting the people. What I saw on Aljazeera television is horrible', he continued, "I saw how people were lined up and shot by police, I saw young men and women, I saw cripples, I saw the underaged. Police just opened fire on them; I could not believe my eyes. This is why I think we as parliament must look into this killings. It is now on international channel and our image as a nation is at stake".

WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG?
These incidents that the House now plans to probe took place over a year ago. So, why is it just now finding the time to look into this matter? It cannot be ignored that it was the embarrassment of this matter being shown in the international media that prompted a response of any kind from any arm of the Nigerian government. That is a shame and another blemish on the current administration and set of legislators. It is unacceptable for legislators to be caught sleeping and to neglect their duties as prescribed by the constitution. After all, there is currently a court case against the federal government concerning the extrajudicial killings - constituting notice for the legislature to focus on the issue. There was little need for legislators to wait until this video to react since that the federal government already acknowledged that extrajudicial killings did take place. Consequently, statements by Honorable Lawan that their body has never before had concrete evidence of such killings despite testimony and government acknowledgment is simply a vapid and disappointing excuse.

Furthermore, there have been countless extrajudicial murders in the Niger Delta that have gone under-reported in the traditional local media and ignored by legislators and government officials. Will it take further international embarrassment for those matters to be adequately discussed and justice served to the survivors who live to tell tales of great pain and woe?

WHERE IS THE PROMISED GOVERNMENT REVIEW?
Criticism of the federal government is equally due. There is a lack of accountability which compounded by the revelation that the government is unwilling to share information about the promised inquiry into the Boko Haram violence. Shortly after the Boko Haram incident, President Yar'Adua promised to investigate the matter and specifically, the extrajudicial killings that are now known to have taken place. Now that Goodluck Jonathan is acting President, and given his recent comments on the "rape" of West African rights, it is time for the weight of the federal government to be applied on this issue. What remains to be determined is who funded Boko Haram? How did they get the weapons and overseas training they are alleged to have received? Why were its leaders slaughtered before valuable information could be obtained from them and before they could face justice in a court of law? Will anyone be held accountable for the violence and resulting failures? Or, will this just be another chapter in Nigeria's saga of stalled justice and inaction?

Nigeria suffers from persistent lack of accountability and a punishment problem characterized by a failure to prosecute and punish those who have sucked the nation's hope, promise and bank accounts dry. This Boko Haram investigation by the House of Representatives could be a launchpad for the nation to do away with its persisting 'Punishment Problem' and enforce the accountability that is necessary to ensure that Nigerian democracy is fair for all.

UPDATE: The nation's police minister has now criticized the Police Force, accusing officers of killings, robbery and corruption.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria's Punishment Problem
- Nigeria's Persisting Punishment Problem
- Jos: The Power of Texts & Poverty
- Boko Haram: Questions Remain
- Aftermathof Northern Islamist Attacks
- Nigeria-List of Intolerant Nations
- Religious & Political Violence in Jos
- How To Shoot Yourself In The Foot With Al-Qaeda

FRESH KILLINGS IN JOS, NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:46:00 PST

Since November 2008 when at least 300 people lost their lives, there have been far too many incidents of violence in Jos, Plateau State. In January 2010, there were at least 200 deaths as a result of fighting in Jos. The violence forced many to flee their homes to camps in neighboring Bauchi State. That incident was apparently sparked by inciting text messages and spurred the creation of a committee to to review the causes of the violence and create a map for lasting peace, and resulted in the arrest of 108 suspects.

Source: BBC

It seems that the city of Jos is once again the epicenter of religious and tribal violence in Nigeria because, once again, fighting has erupted nearby with women and children apparently the main victims. According to reports 300 people might have been killed in fighting between Muslims and Christians. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the military to prevent the entrance of weapons into and around Jos so as to stem the violence.

SHOULD THE GOVERNOR RESIGN?
With the frequency of fighting, the governor of Plateau State (of which Jos is the capital) now faces calls for his resignation. It is argued that his failure to prevent the fighting, which has occurred three times during his 2 years in office, reflects a failure of his duty to protect constituents. Even the Northern Governor's Forum insisted that it is the responsibility of governor's to guarantee the security of constituents. The Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum recently stated,

"as governors and political leaders, our foremost constitutional responsibility is the security and welfare of the people. We must therefore, take the issue of security uppermost in our agenda..."

For these and other reasons, the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria called for Governor Jang's resignation earlier in the month. A former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, also blamed the January fighting on the Plateau State governor and suggested that Jang resign. With this new rash of fighting, it will only be a matter of time before even more voices lend to the resignation calls.

However, a state-created panel led by a former Attorney General of the Federation absolved the governor of responsibility for the 2008 fighting. The panel instead concluded that the Hausa Fulani community, the largest ethnic group in Jos, and indeed Northern Nigeria, was partly to blame for the November 2008 fighting. This finding will help the governor defend himself against accusations and calls for resignation given the newest fighting. But, the fact that the panel was created by the governor, calls in question the independence of the panel's members and their decision.

WILL THE ICC INVESTIGATE?
There have been calls for the International Criminal Court (ICC) to look into the religious/tribal/political violence in Jos. Specifically, a Nigerian NGO called the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) petitioned the ICC immediately after the January 2009 violence to take a look at the

"allegations of unlawful killing ... and perpetration of other crimes under international law during the [January] violence ... in Jos, ... and the reports that the military and police used excessive force against both Christians and Muslims in responding to the violence."

Before this most recent violence, the ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, announced that his office would consider SERAP's request. Depending on the revelations that are sure to unfold regarding this newest Jos incident, the ICC might investigate the matter and that could lead to a case against certain Nigerian leaders and other individuals contributing to the repetitive fighting. Given that a Judicial Commission panel investigating Jos violence from as far back as 1994 and 2001 found that 2 high ranking police officials (one retired and one in service) were complicit in those incidents, it is possible that the ICC might not have to look to far to find those responsible for inciting violence.

The recurring violence in Jos is an example of how poverty, politics, tribalism and religious tensions can intersect to create a combustible environment. This most recent rash of fighting will also determine whether calls for the resignation of Plateau State's governor will increase and whether the ICC will take a closer look at Nigeria and some of its problems. Regardless of what happens, the violence in Jos is one more issue that Acting President Jonathan must focus on and hopefully play a role in dousing the flames before they erupt again and result in even more death and destruction.

From the Archives:
- Jos: The Power of Texts & Poverty
- Boko Haram: Questions Remain
- Aftermathof Northern Islamist Attacks
- Nigeria-List of Intolerant Nations
- Religious & Political Violence in Jos
- How To Shoot Yourself In The Foot With Al-Qaeda
- Nigeria's 10MN Child Beggars

ALLEGED NIGERIAN TERRORISTS TO BE EXTRADITED

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:09:00 PST

On January 27, 2010, Malaysian authorities arrested ten individuals suspected of having ties to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to blow up a plane on Christmas Day 2009. Those arrested included four men from Syria, two from Nigeria and one each from Yemen and Jordan. Malaysia is now set to extradite the Nigerian men arrested for allegedly having terrorist ties. This raises many questions as to why these men were arrested, whether they are really connected to terrorism and what exactly will happen to them once they arrive in Nigeria.

Source: American.com

ABDULMUTALLAB - THE 'NIGERIAN TERRORIST'
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab boarded a KLM flight in Accra, Ghana, connecting in Amsterdam on his way to Detroit, Michigan. The 23 year old Abdulmutallab, allegedly the son of an elite northern Nigerian banker, was charged with attempting to explode a device over the continental United States. His father apparently warned the U.S. government of his son's radicalization. American intelligence also had information about a Nigerian in Yemen for terrorist purposes. Plus, the fact that although Abdulmutallab was on a British 'watch list' such information was not shared with either American or Nigerian authorities. Furthermore, and most critically, the masterminds of the Christmas Day attempt were known Al Qaeda leaders, previously held in Guantanamo but released by the Bush administration to return to Yemen, a failed state and terrorist haven.

Source: NY Daily News (Online)

ALLEGED NIGERIAN TERRORISTS IN MALAYSIA
After the December 25th bomb attempt, the world was on edge. The result of this was that the U.S. placed Nigeria on a "Terror Prone" list leading to much condemnation and criticism from Nigerians and Nigerian officials. Additionally, it has been revealed that Nigerians are now being profiled when they travel in a post-Abdulmutallab's world. So, although the arrest of the two Nigerians in Malaysia was relatively unnoticed originally, the matter is of great significance given the tension Abdulmutallab's action's have triggered.

MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS
The main question is who are these Nigerians that were arrested in Malaysia? While one cannot question the Malaysian government's right to protect its borders, the Malaysian government is unfortunately known for its use of draconian measures, such as the arrest of bloggers and the use of a highly controversial terrorism law that critics argue impedes civil rights. When these alleged Nigerian terrorists were arrested, Malaysian authorities made the distinction that foreigners and not Malays were potentially engaging in dangerous activities. Assuming that is the case, why are these Nigerians and the other alleged terrorist suspects being extradited? If they are as dangerous as originally portrayed, and if they are indeed connected to Abdulmutallab, shouldn't they be transferred to the custody of American authorities who are still investigating the Christmas Day suicide attempt? Considering the backlash many Nigerians have apparently faced since Abdulmutallab's suicide attempt, one cannot help but worry about whether these Nigerian students, who were pursuing PhD degrees were unjustly portrayed as having terrorist ties simply because of their nationality. Finally, what exactly does the Nigerian government plan on doing with these alleged terrorists once they are in Nigeria's custody?

Nonetheless, Nigerian authorities are under great pressure to prove that the government is committed to anti-terrorism. Hence, the Nigerian government should reveal whether or not these students were rightly connected to terrorism and Abdulmutallab. This writer desperately hopes that this situation - Nigerians allegedly tied to terrorism - is simply a mistake that will be rectified immediately and that Nigerian authorities will vigorously defend Nigerian citizens regardless of the circumstances.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria Placed on "Terror Prone" List
- African Travel Post Abdulmutallab
- A Nigerian Terrorist & A People's Passivity
- 'Is Nigeria A Breeding Ground For Terrorism' (May 2007)
- America Speaks...Does Nigeria Respond?
- How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot With Al Qaeda

AKUNYILI SENDS YAR'ADUA A MESSAGE

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:13:00 PST

Below is a revealing and candid interview given by Nigeria's Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili, to a Nigerian news channel, Channels TV. Some will recall that Channels TV was once shut down by President Yar'Adua and its broadcasting license was initially revoked but later reinstated.

Akunyili reveals that the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, is yet to see Yar'Adua. She goes on to emphasize that this and may other blunders by Yar'Adua and/or his handlers is "not just a slight on the acting Pres it is also a slap on the faces of almost 150 million Nigerians."

I tend to agree with Akunyili, particularly on her stance that is not too late to remedy the situation, but I am curious to know what you think.

What do you think of Akunyili's comments? And, what do you think is going to happen next in the 'Nollywood epic' that is the current political crisis?

CANADA LURING NIGERIAN STUDENTS

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:08:00 PST

Recently, it was revealed that Nigerian students boost the United Kingdom's GDP to the tune of N246 billion. With regard to the United States, many Nigerian students are apparently paying an average of $21,000 per year on tuition. Because of the high regard Nigerians place on education, Nigerian students can be found in every corner of the globe studying far away from home. Educational fairs with institutions of learning from across the African continent, and indeed the world, are very commonplace, and lucrative money makers, in Nigeria.

CANADA TO FILL A VOID
Being that the suicide bomb attempt by Abdulmutallab, has somewhat frozen Nigeria-U.S. relations, making it harder for Nigerians to get education visas to the US and other countries, Canada has announced that it is seeking Nigerian students. The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Denis Kingsley, assured that Canada would provide scholarship opportunities for Nigerian citizens accepted to Canadian schools. Speaking at the 7th Canadian Educational Fair which was held in Lagos and Abuja, the High Commissioner explained that new visa rules now allow Nigerian students to work 20 hours a week, while studying, so they can make ends meet. According to Kingsley,

"We help the Nigerian community, but also transfer the knowledge and the capacity that we have. Education is a gift that you can afford to give your children and also get one for yourself. I think that what happens in going to Canada to get your education is that the institutions are renowned, it is a safe country, the training is an experience and adventure, it fosters relationship."

THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ALTRUISM
While one must respect the spin with which Kingsley spoke of the benefits of Nigerians and Canadians working together on education, it must be made clear that this 'relationship' is not altruistic and boils down to dollars and cents (in this case Canadian). Nigerian students are a potential market for Canadian institutions as has been proven by the money they pump into the United Kingdom. Furthermore, it is well known that Canada has for years sought to increase its population via favorable immigration laws. This push for Nigerian students would benefit Canada in that many of those students will likely remain in Canada, using their skills to improve that country.

NIGERIA DROPPED THE BALL
Nevertheless, considering the current state of Nigerian education, it only makes sense that countries like Canada would push to get Nigerian students. Education, like anything else, bows to the laws of demand and supply. Nigeria is a country in which people are of little worth unless they have attained not just a college degree but additional degrees that look like an alphabet soup at the end of their name. It is for this reason that the most educated group of immigrants in the United States are not Indians, but Nigerians. Hence, if the Nigerian government and private institutions cannot satisfy the high demand for quality education, it is only reasonable that someone else, in this case, the Canadian government, will attempt to do so.

TRIPLE THE MONEY FOR THE EDUCATION SECTOR
Although Nigeria apportioned N210bn for the education sector in 2008 and N249bn for the sector in 2009, the fact that tens of thousands of Nigerians can be found in England or the U.S. seeking an education indicates that the budgetary monies for education in Nigeria need to be tripled, if not more. The federal government cannot ignore the statistics showing that 23mn of the nation's youth are unemployable, nor that unemployment stands at 28.57%. The increased and effective spending of money on education will improve Nigeria's labor force and in turn spurn even more entrepreneurs who are positioned to transform the nation's economy. This will not happen if other issues are not addressed, primarily the lack of electricity and continued corruption that impedes progress. The Nigerian government cannot continue to rely on the hope that Nigerian expatriates will come home when called upon to do so or if forced to by the global economy. As such, it is a better tactic to train Nigerians who are in Nigeria so that the nation has a capable workforce already within the country. And, this way, these individuals will not be pushed to the side by foreigners specifically imported to handle local jobs.

As Nigerian families continue to seek ways to get the children educated, countries like Canada will continue to fill the educational void created by Nigeria's struggling educational sector. The possible consequences of this might not manifest for many years, but what is clear is that today, not tomorrow, Nigerian students need access to a quality education. And, they should not have to leave Nigeria to get it.

From The Archives:
- Nigerian Students Spend N246 BN In UK
- 23mn Of Nigeria's Youth Are Unemployable
- Nigeria's 10MN Child Beggars

WHY NIGERIA'S YAR'ADUA RETURNED

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:49:00 PST

Two weeks after the National Assembly created a remedy for Nigeria's constitutional crisis, and 3 months since his departure, President Yar'Adua returned from Saudi Arabia. His return has created growing uncertainty in the nation as the President is yet to meet with the Acting President or be seen in public. Despite this, the main question on every Nigerian's mind is why did Yar'Adua choose now to return to the country after spending 3 months abroad? There are likely various reasons for this choice but some key factors spelling the significantly diminished political capital of Yar'Adua and his supporters could be a main reason.

Source: Reuters

THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
During his absence, the Senate and House of Representatives, with the support of state governors and a diverse group of Nigerians, issued separate motions declaring Vice President Jonathan the acting President. The move was well received by many but its legality was soon questioned. The issue of legality fueled a push for the amendment of certain sections of the Constitution, a review that was previously stalled for over a year.

The section used to make Jonathan the Acting President, Section 145, reads as follows,

"Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary such functions shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President."

Being that it puts no time limit on when the "written declaration" should be presented to the National Assembly, the Senate amended Section 145 to now require a 14 day limit within which time the President must communicate his absence to formally transfer executive power. It is left for the parliaments of Nigeria's 36 states to approve the amendment for it to become official. Section 109 was equally amended to place the same requirement on state governors.

The new language in the amended Section 145 is as follows,

"(1) Whenever the President is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, he shall transmit a written declaration to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives to the effect, and until he transits to them a written declaration to the contrary, the Vice President shall perform the functions of the President as Acting President."

It also now includes another sub-section which provides instructions to the legislature if the President fails to honor the 14 day time limit -

"(2) In the event that the President is unable or fails to transmit the written declaration mentioned in sub-section (1) of this section within 14 days, the National Assembly shall by a resolution made by a simple majority of the vote of each House of the National Assembly mandate the Vice-President to perform the functions of the office of the President, as Acting President until the President transmits a letter to the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives that he is now available to resume his functions of the office of the President."

WHY A 14 DAY TIME LIMIT?
Considering the rhetoric on the legality of the declaration of Jonathan as acting President, it is a good thing that the legislature took the necessary steps to change the Constitution and provide future guidance. However, questions remain, such as why a 14 day time limit was selected over a 5 or 7 day time limit. Under no circumstance is it suitable for the leader of any nation to disappear for any amount of time. To do so is to shirk one's constitutional responsibilities, something that a nation like Nigeria cannot afford. Nigeria is fortunate that during Yar'Adua's 3 month absence, it slugged through the constitutional and political issues it faced and somehow made it out with less uncertainty than before. But, to assume that such will be the case if for some reason the nation were to face a similar challenge is dangerous. It is a risk that could lead to future insecurity not excluding military intervention.

REFORMING THE ELECTORAL ACT
Nigeria has been plagued with fraudulent elections in recent years that have called in question the validity of several governorships and even the Presidential election results. In fact immediately after his swearing in, Yar'Adua promised a review of the Act and created a committee to review the electoral process. The 22-man Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) made various recommendations, some of which Yar'Adua promised to review and possibly implement.

However, during his absence, a joint committee of Senate and House of Representatives members chose to make a crucial change to the Electoral Act. Specifically, the legislative committee plans to adopt the ERC's recommendation that would require elections be held between 120 and 240 days before the end of a Presidential term. This and other changes will be adopted at a meeting to take place on February 25th, 2010. That means that Presidential elections, originally scheduled for 2011, could take place by November 2010, not giving a sick and absent potential incumbent enough time to organize. Plus, the fact that the Vice President is the current Acting President serves to add more confusion and doubt as to whether Yar'Adua would seek a second term. Yar'Adua's handlers probably thought it best for him to return immediately in the midst of all the political changes so that his 'presence' could have a deterring impact.

WHAT ROLE DID THE U.S. PLAY?
Throughout Nigeria's constitutional crisis, the U.S. appeared to be watching the situation very closely. On the very day Jonathan was declared acting President, he met with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson. The U.S. made pronouncements praising Nigeria for its "democratic handover", and when Yar'Adua returned, the U.S. immediately expressed its concerns that his return would create instability. And, now, there are reports that Yar'Adua's return from Saudi Arabia was prompted by U.S. interference. According to Nigeria's Leadership newspaper, American authorities counseled their Saudi allies on the "major international and diplomatic problems" that could stem from their prevention of top Nigerian government officials from having access to Yar'Adua while there.

If this allegation is true, and Saudi Arabia "released" Yar'Adua, it supports the widely held view that he returned to die in Nigeria. Saudi Arabia would not want to compound their prevention of Nigerian officials from meeting with Yar'Adua with the possible death of a foreign leader within their borders. Still, it remains to be seen whether or not the U.S. played some role, big or small, in Yar'Adua's return.

A LACK OF POLITICAL CAPITAL
The constitutional amendment by the Senators took place after Yar'Adua had returned to Nigeria. This fact, coupled with the upcoming Electoral Act reform surely influenced the decision for Yar'Adua to return to Nigeria, in what has been deemed a hasty fashion. These factors highlight what can only be considered a lack of political capital and clout by Yar'Adua and his allies to stall or prevent these changes. This reality, coupled with the National Assembly ignoring a 'promise' that a formal letter was forthcoming from the President to empower Jonathan, can be interpreted as a loss of confidence in the President.

Whatever condition Yar'Adua is presently in, the fact that he is yet to be seen or heard from directly is a complication for Nigeria's political landscape. Political elites that have seemingly dismissed the president and possible foreign interference made it crucial for a return. Not to mention an oil-peace hanging in the balance, Northern elites concerned about their political control, supporters concerned about their fortunes tied to a sick/dead/dying President, The stakes are incredibly high. Yar'Adua's return has increased the political tensions and even a pronouncement by a spokesperson that Jonathan was to remain Acting President only raised more eyebrows when the Acting President was referred to as the Vice President. Ultimately it is upon Nigerians to find a solution to the uncertainties.

Hattip to pdbraide for the benefit of a conversation.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria's President Yar'Adua Returns?
- Constitutionality Of The Acting President
- Goodluck Jonathan Is Nigeria's Acting President
- Is Yar'Adua Brain Damaged Or Not?
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

NIGERIA'S PRESIDENT YAR'ADUA RETURNS? (UPDATED)

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:26:00 PST

Analysis on why Yar'Adua and his handlers chose to return to Nigeria in the darkness of February 24th is now available in Why Nigeria's Yar'Adua Returned. Please read that after this post.

On the day Goodluck Jonathan sent his first letter as acting President to the National Assembly, it seems Nigeria's Yar'Adua returned from Saudi Arabia. Apparently, he returned on a Saudi air ambulance which was accompanied by the Presidential jet and landed in a secluded part of the runway at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Already, residents of his home state Katsina, have taken to the streets in jubilation. Unfortunately, the return occurred late at night, lighting was dimmed on the tarmac and with no public sighting of Yar'Adua spurring many questions as to his current condition and what impact his return will have on Nigerian politics.

ABSENT FOR 3 MONTHS
Yar'Adua has been gone from Nigerian for 3 months and during that time, his absence created a political vacuum. There was confusion over whether the Vice President could employ executive power without a letter from the President handing over said power, an interpretation of Section 145 of the constitution. After various court cases, rumors that the President was either dead or brain damaged and much hand wringing, a remedy was found. The Senate and House of Representatives, with the support of state governors and a diverse group of Nigerians, issued separate motions declaring Vice President Jonathan the acting President. The move was well received by many but its legality was soon questioned when the Senate President stated that an interview given by Yar'Adua to the BBC Hausa service was interpreted to satisfy Section 145.

NOW WHAT?
In the motions making Jonathan the acting President, legislators specified that Yar'Adua must prove his competence in order to return to his role of President. Now that he is allegedly back in the country, it is only reasonable to wonder whether he will honor that legislative requirement by proving his capacity. To do so, an audio interview, such as that which he gave to the BBC Hausa Service, will be insufficient. Yar'Adua must not be seen in a staged television program but he must appear in public at least before the National Assembly and this sighting must be broadcast to the nation and the world.. Hopefully, he and his supporters will not instead demand the immediate return of executive powers or simply declare that he has executive power. Yar'Adua has frequently called himself a "servant leader"committed to the 'Rule of Law', so maybe he will choose to act accordingly.

Considering his refusal to inform the country about his condition and absence, plus the fact that a 'promise' to send a formal letter was never honored, it is possible that he will face a battle to regain the Presidency. Legislators can simply accuse him of dishonoring the spirit of the Constitution. That would buttress the push by various civic organizations and even some legislators to have Yar'Adua impeached.

But, then again, Yar'Adua could simply resign from office in a very dignified manner and take the time to recover and spend with his family. This possibility would definitely be a surprise for Nigerians who are used to leaders holding onto power. Also, the general attitude, right or not, is that between the First Lady and northern elites, Yar'Adua will not have the option of resignation. Only time will tell.

The above possibilities rest on the notion that Yar'Adua has returned in a position to regain Presidential power. But, the secrecy with which he allegedly returned encourages the rumors of his death or physical/mental incapacity. Being that he was not seen during this return, nor was he seen by various delegations sent to Saudi Arabia, it will not take long for many to suggest that he has returned to either die in Nigeria (and not a foreign land)or that he is already dead. If it is the case that he is dead or even dying, then Section 146(1) will kick in and Jonathan will be sworn in as President. He will then have to nominate a Vice Presidential candidate that must be selected by both bodies of Parliament (Section 146 (3)(c)). As no one yet knows his condition of plans, the entire nation will be on edge until more information is revealed.

WILL THERE BE RETRIBUTION?
While serving as acting President, Goodluck Jonathan shuffled Ministers, met with foreign dignitaries from the European Investment Bank and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson. Jonathan was even made chair of ECOWAS, a position formerly held by Yar'Adua. Being that the United States congratulated Jonathan and praised Nigeria for its "democratic handover, it will be interesting to learn that nation's reaction to Yar'Adua's return.

Of import is whether a return of Yar'Adua to the Presidency will lead to retribution on those who wanted him to handover power or wanted him impeached. Many public figures weighed in on the debate, such as poet Wole Soyinka, Dora Akunyili the Minister of Information and Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria's former President who handpicked Yar'Adua as his successor. The days ahead will likely only lead to more questions. Particularly intriguing is whether or not Yar'Adua will return the deposed former Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, to his previous position. The cabinet of Ministers is set to meet later and Yar'Adua's alleged return is bound to make an already acrimonious atmosphere worse during the meeting. Ministers like Akunyili who supported a transfer of power might be forced to backpedal depending on Yar'Adua's next move. Also a proposal to amend Section 145 will likely be delayed what with this new development and the proponents might begin to wonder about the future of their proposal and their future.*

A NORTHERN CONSPIRACY?
Already some assert that Yar'Adua's return was to ensure that power remains in the hand of a northerner. The concerns of Nigeria's elite over a possible return of Presidential power to the South is well documented. The Northern Union warned that the "stability of [the] country [which] is hinged [on] power rotation between the North and the South."

The reality is that northerners and southerner have been very vocal in advocating a handover to the Vice president. Thus, even if Yar'Adua's return is simply in the interest of holding onto power, qualifying the return as a Northern power plot would be premature. Besides, at this point very little is officially known about why Yar'Adua returned and whether or not he is capable of being President. Consequently, it is better to not jump to conclusions that only stoke tensions, but rather see what unfolds.

Whatever the case may be, one can only hope that the relative political quiet created with the declaration of an acting President, will not be lost. To achieve this, it is imperative that more information be revealed about Yar'Adua's return. Failure to do so could force a return to the confusion and crisis Nigerians experienced for exactly 79 days. So, while this is another "siddon look" (wait and see) situation, Yar'Adua would be well advised to remember that the Nigerian people rejected that option while he was away. Collectively, they compelled action. To ignore that reality would be foolhardy, something Yar'Adua, assuming he is well, cannot afford to do.

* The proposal to amend Section 145 went ahead in the Senate. Please see Why Nigeria's Yar'Adua Returned for a detailed analysis of this matter.

As this situation is in flux and likely to change, updates will follow. Please watch this space.

UPDATED (7:00 AM): BBC Latest - "Ailing Nigerian leader will not take part in cabinet meeting, top official say"

UPDATED (8:58 AM): Yar'Adua wants Vice President to remain acting President while he recovers http://bit.ly/bPgJlW

From the Archives:
- Why Nigeria's Yar'Adua Returned
- Constitutionality Of The Acting President
- Goodluck Jonathan Is Nigeria's Acting President
- Is Yar'Adua Brain Damaged Or Not?
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

SHOULD AFRICA'S PRESIDENTS GET WEB SAVVY?

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 21:17:00 PST

If I was ever granted 3 wishes I would wish for a better Nigeria and world peace (please, allow me my pageant moment). My final wish, as funny as it may seem would be for Africa's 'leaders' to hop on board the web 2.0 bandwagon. Since taking to Facebook, Twitter and the many other web 2.0 programs that pervade the internet, I have discovered many ways to communicate with like minded people and learn from those that might not necessarily share my views. Being as I enjoy observing people, (I am eternally curious and have found 'people watching' to be quite enjoyable sometimes), social media applications have proven to be quite handy. On Twitter for instance, I get to e-eavesdrop on interesting conversations and sometimes, I politely butt-in to certain discussions (but only with good e-friends, of course, anything else would be gauche and tacky).

My experiences online have made me realize that I would like to engage certain African heads of state. I can't help but imagine what a 'tweet' from, let's say, Libya's Gaddafi would say. Given his recent declaration that he is "the King of Africa" (I guess that's what being "African Chairman" get's you, as we Africans love our titles), Gaddafi's twitter messages would be many things, one of which is entertaining. What about Nigeria's Yar'Adua? Stop yourself right there, Nigerian readers. Many of you probably have a disparaging thought and comment forming on the tip of your tongue. But, for all you know, Yardy (as I affectionately call him) is probably a witty person and could have some stimulating things to say when he actually chooses to share his thoughts. Besides, I would really like to learn his reaction to the silly 'Yar'Adua on a treadmill' spoof-videos circulating the internet. Being that he is President of Nigeria, it would be best for him to patronize one of the home grown social network platforms like Naijaborn.com or Naijapulse.com to express himself. I am sure Francis Oghuma of Naijaborn would also welcome an opportunity to help Yar'Adua get up to speed on how to use the interface.

There is something about the internet that encourages people to either share too much or simply say the most ridiculous things (this writer included). This is evidenced by the frequent gaffs many a popular celebrity or tweeter makes on a weekly basis. But, what would Mugabe say if he was unleashed online? The more I think about it, the more I realize that I might not want to know what Mugabe has on his mind, quite frankly. Presidents the world over stay away from the internet for good reasons - their gaffs can't be cleaned up by savvy PR people, and for some, a simple mistake online could create a domestic or international incident. Alas, allowing a president, African or otherwise, to expose their verbal diarrhea online is probably far from wise.

The internet in many ways has become the great equalizer. In some ways, it is an incredible example of the democracy many African countries are lacking but desperately need. Poor or rich, young or old, powerful or not, once an individual can get online, all bets are off as every person with a thought can technically share it. Not all opinions are of equal importance, of course, but with a little tinkering, some savvy, and in many cases, a touch of controversy, anyone can have an impact and carry some weight. Maybe that's another reason why Africa's 'leaders' opt out of the web 2.0 bandwagon - they would have to navigate the internet's highways with mere mortals. Or, maybe they simply don't wish to truly engage with others, after all it takes a certain combination of guts and humility to subject oneself to direct criticism and challenge, something many an African President is not accustomed to.

But, I posit that despite the obvious problems that can arise if a president freely expresses his or herself online, direct interaction with African citizens would actually help many of these 'leaders', as far too many of them seem to be out of touch with what is going on around them. That way, some of them wouldn't have to pay bloggers and others to say nice things about them, as they could simply do so themselves. In fact, a couple town hall meetings where the people can speak directly to their presidents without fear of being arrested or killed for voicing their opinion would be good enough. (Hint - Nigeria's next Presidential elections are just around the corner...).

So, should Africa's presidents make use of the internet? That question will have a million answers and at the end of the day, I likely will not get my wish to engage directly with any of them using social media networks. As such, I unfortunately will not get to learn what any of them feel about the recent revelation that no single former African president was worthy of winning the Mo Ibrahim prize. Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder what presidents like Sudan's Omar or the Guinean military dictator, Camara, seemingly endorsed and emboldened by Nigeria's ex-dictator, Babangida, would say about the prospect of them possibly winning that prize in the future? Oh wait, they don't care! After all they can simply raid their nation's central banks for much more than Mo Ibrahim's foundation could ever give away. And, these 'leaders' don't even have to deal with consequences from their people in real life, talk less of on the internet.

I'm going to have to wait a long time for an African leader to get online, but hopefully many of them will choose to engage citizens directly offline sometime soon. And by that, I mean now.

Would you like to talk to the President of an African country? If so, who what would you say? Would you like to talk to them in person or anonymously via the internet? Or, do you prefer Africa's 'leaders' to stay away from the internet? Share your thoughts.

WHO WILL BE THE NIGERIAN CURIOSITY OF 2009?

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 19:55:00 PST

Have you nominated someone or something to be the Nigerian Curiosity of 2009?

The race is still on to determine the Nigerian Curiosity of 2008. Who or what would you recommend? A villain? A dreamer? An activist? A concept? An organization? It doesn't matter who or what as long as it/(s)he arguably had an impact on Nigeria and Nigerians.

So far, President Yar'Adua and his sickness have been nominated. I can think of a few other possibilities. Can you?

AKUNYILI VS. AONDOAKAA - FEUDING NIGERIAN OFFICIALS

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:33:00 PST

My whole life I have enjoyed watching a good fight. Be it in boxing when two athletes take to the ring, or even market women who in traditional Yoruba style remove their headtie and tie it around their waist in preparation to duke it out. Although I am generally anti-violence, I have learned that in some cases, a good slug fest is necessary to bring certain matters to a conclusive end. However, while I might entertain such petty brawls, the ongoing feud between Nigeria's Minister of Information, Dora Akunyili and the demoted, former Minister of Justice, Michael Aondoakaa, is anything but. The very public fallout between the two is not only embarrassing but an unnecessary distraction that leaves one main loser - Nigerians. As such, it is time for one party, Dora Akunyili, to bring it to an end.

WHO IS DORA AKUNYILI?
Dora Akunyili rose to fame as the head of the National Agency For Food, Drug Administration & Control (NAFDAC). During that time, she faced life threats and had to stare down some very powerful figures such as late Ibadan political godfather Adedibu. She was later made Minister of Information, and in that capacity she became the nation's re-branding czar. Since announcing the rebranding project, her popularity took a noticeable dive. Critics accused her of trying to use the rebranding project to line her pockets and others criticized the less than perfect manner in which the project was unveiled. Nevertheless, as Minister of Information, Akunyili has gone on to demand and receive an apology from Sony for an offensive commercial that used Nigeria as a punchline. In a move considered by some to be a tad overdone, she had the highly derogatory 'District 9' movie taken off Nigerian movie screens after an apology was not forthcoming from the film's makers. Unfortunately, in the days after the Abdulmutallab suicide bomb attempt, an ill-advised statement by Akunyili added to the already tense diplomatic relations between the United States and the country.

THE SOURCE OF THE CURRENT FEUD
During the recent political confusion resulting from the President's prolonged absence, Akunyili managed to re-claim public goodwill and respect. A leaked memo (later publicly resubmitted) showed that she encouraged Nigeria's Federal Executive Council (FEC) to publicly admit that Yar'Adua is incapacitated. This revelation, at the height of the national discourse on the issue, led to many Nigerians applauding Akunyili's frankness, even though the initial memo was rejected by the FEC. In fact, shortly thereafter, various groups warned other politicians to not consider any retaliation against Akunyili. She received the support of several ministers and the governor of Niger State even went as far as publicly encouraging others to emulate her.

In reaction to Akunyili's position on the President, his staunch supporter, Michael Aondoakaa, who not too long ago said Nigerians had no right to know about the President's condition, criticized Akunyili. He said,

"What she is trying to do is self-seeking. Let her go and confront herself with what happened in NAFDAC."

He is also quoted as saying of Akunyili that she is a "a self-seeking office holder who wants to make herself a cheap heroin."

The NAFDAC comment was interpreted by Akunyili and others as an affront on her reputation and history as a former NAFDAC chief. Akunyili, enraged, immediately demanded an apology. After being removed from his position as Minister of Justice by acting President Goodluck Jonathan, Aondoakaa issued an apology letter in which he called her his "sister" and asserted that his comment about NAFDAC was intended to be read in the positive. He explained,

"The correct import of the above quoted words is that the Hon. Minister had already earned a reputation for herself while at NAFDAC and need not seek to do more by embarking on the present course of action to the detriment of a resolution already adopted unanimously by members of the FEC. Accept the assurances of my highest regards and consideration."

AKUNYILI AIN'T HAVING IT...
Unfortunately for Aondoakaa, Akunyili rejected the apology. Instead she gave him 7 days issue to issue a much clearer apology, that must be published it in the media, including The Nation newspaper, in which he made the original statement. If Aondoakaa fails to honor these terms, Akunyili has threatened to take him to court. Additionally, Akunyili submitted a petition in the House of Representatives against Aondoakaa for raising doubts about her tenure as NAFDAC chair.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
One must understand where Akunyili is coming from. Nigeria is the sort of place where corruption is pervasive and accusations of corrupt practices have been used to bring down many a rising star. Currently, the very popular governor of Lagos, Babatunde Fashola, has been accused of corruption and already, it has become a distraction from the good work his government has done. Consequently, it is crucial to not allow allegations of corruption linger unanswered.

Despite that, Akunyili's reaction to Aondoakaa is a little overdone especially since she refused his original 'apology' and has already made this a formal issue before the House of Representatives. Considering that Aondoakaa is known for his support of corrupt figures such as James Ibori, it must have been a double insult for him to suggest that she is anything similar to Aondoakaa and his ilk. Nevertheless, there are more tactful means of dealing with the likes of Aondoakaa who have used their bully pulpit to, as WoleAkunyili needs to realize that she can win this feud quickly and with much less theatrics than are currently being displayed.

Akunyili should simply have issued a coy, yet strong letter restating her accomplishments and whatever support she has received over the years. She could have ended such a letter by denouncing any and all claims that she took public money, something she has done in prior interviews, and then gone on to invite Aondoakaa in revealing an unadulterated copy of their assets for public consideration. A simple, yet powerful challenge like that would have shut Aondoakaa down and further endeared the public to her. This tactic would have been much preferable to her current approach, which I believe is making her look like a shrew. It is hard to imagine that Aondoakaa would take her up on the challenge, and if he did, the matter could be carefully transformed to culminate in two public officials coming together in support of anti-corruption.

At the end of the day, Akunyili cannot forget that as Minister of Information and rebranding czar, the eyes of Nigerians and the world, are on her. Consequently, every step she makes must be calculated to improve her stock in order to give her leverage for future projects, particularly those that will be reflective on Nigeria and its people. Appearing to be over-litigious, as is the case with her threat to sue Aondoakaa and the fact that she previously sued Adedibu, does her no favors, in general. As such, it is time for her to find a delicate way to resolve the hatchet. The options are numerous. It is simply on her to chose not to descend into the mud with Aondoakaa, and instead take the high road. I particularly hope that she will do so, not just for her sake, but for the sake of Nigeria and the example she could set.

Michael Aondoakaa was the Nigerian Curiosity of 2007, while Babatunde Fashola was the Nigerian Curiosity of 2008. Although 2010 is already off to a fast start, it is not too late to reflect on who or what had the most impact on Nigeria and Nigerians in 2007. So, who or what would you nominate to be the Nigerian Curiosity of 2009? Yar'Adua? Abdulmutallab? The EFCC? Nuhu Ribadu? Shaibu Amodu? Please make all suggestions in the comments section.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria's 'Distinguished, 'Honorable' & Useless
- Chinyere Igwe: Reflective of a Bigger Nigerian Issue
- Getting The Senate We Paid For
- Getting The House Of Representatives We Paid For
- Nigeria's Re-branding Effort
- Rebranding Nigeria: Success Is The Key
- Using Nigerians to Re-Brand Nigeria
- Re-branding Nigeria: Success is the Key
- Rebranding Nigeria: With Britain's Help?

CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE ACTING PRESIDENT

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:52:00 PST

After 79 days of political ambiguity and constitutional uncertainty, Nigerians are, once again, facing another constitutional dilemma. The resolutions by both bodies of the National Assembly to make Vice President Goodluck Jonathan the acting President created just as many questions as there were during the original vacuum.

BACKGROUND
When Yar'Adua left Nigeria on a medical emergency in November 2009, the nation came to a political standstill. The failure of the President to submit a letter transferring power to the Vice President was seen as an affront to the Constitution and brought calls for his resignation. Some took the issue to court arguing that Section 145 of the Constitution required a letter to the National Assembly for the Vice President to acquire executive powers during the President's absence. Despite a court ruling to the contrary,various segments of the population expressed their opinion that the President should issue a letter in compliance with Section 145. As the pressure on Yar'Adua mounted, the Senate demanded a letter, and a Presidential adviser promised that one would be forthcoming. In spite of that promise, the Senate and House of Representatives, with the support of state governors, issued separate motions making Jonathan the country's acting President.

A NEW CONSTITUTIONAL PROBLEM
Although foreign governments like the United States have congratulated Jonathan on his new position, the manner by which he became acting President has opened many more constitutional questions yet to be answered. According to Senate president, David Mark, legislators chose to rely on a January 12th 2009 telephone interview allegedly given by Yar'Adua to the BBC Hausa Service. Yar'Adua's pronouncement that he would have to wait to recover in order to return to Nigeria was interpreted as an admission of a prolonged absence. That absence thus required the use of the "necessity doctrine" to give the Vice President executive powers.

Unfortunately, the "necessity doctrine" is raising criticism. Many point out that this approach could be used to promote distasteful measures that would sacrifice Nigerian democracy. Additionally, it has been pointed out that the "necessity doctrine" should otherwise have been the basis for Presidential impeachment as provided for in Section 144 of the Constitution, something the legislators were clear to avoid. However, it is now appears that in an effort to ensure that their act was legal, legislators are considering the impeachment clause, and an additional option that would require the federal Executive Council to make a declaration that would open the path to Yar'Adua's formal step down.

THE SECTION 145 IRONY
Oddly enough, certain groups with opposite views on Section 145 as it currently applies to President Yar'Adua have now landed on the same side of the acting President debate. The Save Nigeria Group (SNG) publicly stated that the manner by which Jonathan was declared acting President is unconstitutional and that impeachment is the only legal option given the circumstances. Similarly, certain northern 'elders' have equally deemed the legislators action illegal and Alhaji Tanko Yakassai plans to take the issue to court. A former Senator,Matthew Mbu, has joined the calls for Yar'Adua to be declared incapacitated, stating that the resolution is not recognized by the Constitution. Already, Abuja-based lawyer Alagbua Agboje has asked the court to void the declared acting Presidency and there likely will be more cases until resolution of the constitutional issues surrounding Goodluck's ascension are resolved.

MY THOUGHTS
After Nigeria's first military coup in 1966, the resulting confusion threw the nation into a dilemma, with politicians soon giving their power over to the military. That heralded the creation of a military government that was technically unconstitutional as the Constitution made no provision for a temporary military government. According to some accounts[1], politicians and the military likely believed they were doing the best they could for the nation, its people and its democracy. Unfortunately, such good intentions only resulted in the death of Nigerian democracy for several years under the boot of various military dictators.

Similarly, this act by the Senate and House of Representatives could have the unintended consequence of becoming a precedent that derails Nigerian democracy. While it can be seen as a positive approach to dealing with a vacuum created by a President that refuses to honor a basic request to temporarily transfer power, the convoluted manner by which it occurred is simply unacceptable. It is a shrewd stretch to rely upon the President's interview but for the purposes of Section 145, the wording is clear - a letter is required. Being that Section 145 apparently depends on the willingness of the President to write and submit the necessary document, that provision must be amended. A future amendment should make sure that any public pronouncement by the President indicating that he/she will be away should be grounds for the temporary transfer of executive power. Additionally, a proposed bill in the House of Representatives that will automatically trigger the transfer of power when the President has been absent for 21 days, must be considered for inclusion in the Constitution. Never again should the nation be in limbo simply because the President neglects to honor the Constitution. Furthermore, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) arrangement should be changed. Members should no longer be selected by the President but should be independently selected via a different process. Because FEC members are selected by the President, they are beholden to a President's whims and wishes, sometimes to the detriment of the people, thus limiting their effectiveness in situations like the one Nigeria is currently experiencing. Modifying these and other aspects of the Constitution will go a long way in preventing a future where the precedents recently set act as a detriment to democracy.

[1] - Siollun, M., Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria's Military Coup Culture (1966-1976); Algora, 2009. (Book review is forthcoming).

From the Archives:
- Is Yar'Adua Brain Damaged or Not?
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot With Al Qaeda
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

SEUN ADEBIYI - A FUTURE OLYMPIAN

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:12:00 PST

It is a tradition for me to watch the opening ceremonies of every Olympics games. I have done so with every Olympics that I can remember. I'm not sure what it is about the opening ceremonies, but there is always a sense of optimism, hope and pride that I find compelling. Since I have never had the fortune of absorbing such good vibrations by being present at an Olympics opening ceremony, I participate in the experience vicariously in the comfort of my living room.

As I watched athletes from around the world walk into the Vancouver stadium, I was thrilled to see representatives from Algeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Morocco and South Africa. The African continent is not known for snow and snow-related sports. Sprints and East Africans who seemingly burn the track in long distance running, is one thing. But snow-related activities is another. It was equally thrilling to see athletes for Bermuda, India and Jamaica, though discovering that Jamaica's bobsled team failed to qualify was a bit of a letdown.

I was not disappointed to learn that Nigeria had no athletes participating in the games. Quite frankly, their presence would have been a surprise. Except for the fact that in December 2009, my good friend sent me an email about an aspiring winter Olympics athlete of Nigerian heritage. Seun Adebiyi is a Yale Law School graduate and bob sledder. He was a swimmer for 16 years and missed qualifying for the 2004 summer Olympics by a fraction of a second (who said Africans don't swim). Although Nigerians are typically known for preferring the warmer climate of their ancestors than the cold of the Western hemisphere, Seun loves the cold and the snow. He hopes to be the first Nigerian to participate at a winter Olympics. The only thing standing in his way is leukemia.

Seun needed a bone marrow transplant and there was an international drive to find him a donor thanks to publications like the New York Times and the international artist, Rihanna. Thankfully, he found one donor that was a match and as of February 13th, he reported that the surgery was a success, though he now needs time to rest and allow his body to heal.

Nevertheless, Seun is looking forward to participating in the 2014 winter Olympics which will take place in the one place I imagine to be the coldest on earth, Russia. I have always wanted to go to Russia and I have always wanted to be a part of an Olympics opening ceremony. Until the Olympics comes to a location near me or a lovely country on the African continent, I daresay watching Seun walk as the flag bearer for the nation of my ancestors would be a wonderful thing to see. In person.

To learn more about Seun Adebiyi and to make a donation to a fund created in his honor, please visit his Seun's Skeletal Blog. To learn more about Leukemia, please visit DKMS Leukemia. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood forming tissue in the bone marrow. Apparently, the chances of finding a bone marrow donor for Africans, African Americans and Caribbean patients is low, simply because people from these groups are not as aware of the need for bone marrow and other related donations. So, please take the time to educate yourself about this issue as well as other cancers. And, consider becoming someone's angelic life saver.

GOODLUCK JONATHAN IS NIGERIA'S ACTING PRESIDENT

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:53:00 PST

There are new updates on this situation as Yar'Adua has returned to Nigeria. Please read Nigeria's President Yar'Adua Returns? after reading the article below.

After an absence of 79 days and an ensuing leadership vacuum that resulted in court cases, protests and confusion, Vice President Goodluck Jonathan has been declared acting president of Nigeria. It took separate motions from both bodies of the National Assembly to convey executive power upon Jonathan. For over 2 months, Yar'Adua's absence raised constitutional questions about how a Vice President can assume the executive power and functions of the president. Section 145 of the Constitution was interpreted by many to require the President to issue a letter to the National Assembly asserting intent to temporarily transfer power. However, a court recently ruled that the President is not obligated to formally inform the National Assembly of prolonged absences thus, making the transfer of power automatic when he is away. But, this ruling did not dampen concerns about Jonathan's ability to act as President and Jonathan himself played it safe.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

FEBRUARY 9, 2010
That was until February 9, 2010 when all of Nigeria's 36 state governors met with the Vice President and informed him of their decision to have him as the acting president. The governors then met with the Senate in a meeting that resulted in that body voting to make Jonathan the acting president. The House of Representatives also passed a similar motion and these legislative acts seem to have brought to an end the political uncertainty over who steers the national ship. February 9th could possibly go down in history as a day when democratic political measures where used to take Nigeria one step further down the path to becoming a true democratic nation. The new acting President himself reacted in a nationally televised speech saying, "by the grace of God, we have once again succeeded in moving our country forward."

Jonathan wasted no time assuming Presidential functions as he met with officials from the European Investment Bank, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson and announced that the federal government is creating a disaster response plan. In another action that potentially highlighted his leadership style, the acting president locked out 2 Ministers that arrived late for a meeting. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ojo Maduekwe, and the Minister of Power, Lawal Babalola, arrived 15 and 20 minutes late for a meeting with Jonathan and were not allowed in by security officers at the entrance to the conference room.

A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE?
Nigerians from all sectors have been clamoring for the President to relinquish executive powers since he is currently recovering from treatment. From labor unions, Nigerian newspapers & media organizations, the Minister of Information and even the man who handpicked Yar'Adua to become President - former president Olusegun Obasanjo. The growing calls for a peaceful transfer of executive functions became too much for legislators to ignore, particularly the Senate which previously claimed its "hands were tied." This act of declaring Jonathan as acting President flies in the face of a recent 'promise' made by Presidential adviser Mohammed Abba-Aji that a formal letter will be forthcoming by the end of the second week of February. Consequently, this decision to not wait for a letter or further action can be interpreted as a loss of confidence in the President.

TRIBAL CONCERNS & A POTENTIAL BACKLASH?
Jonathan's new role as acting President also flies in the face of what has been deemed 'an understanding' that Presidential power will vacillate between the south and north of Nigeria. Yar'Adua's possible inability to serve out his term raised concerns amongst many Norther elites who were reluctant to see Jonathan, a southerner, become President and hence, cut short the North's bite at the proverbial Presidential apple. In fact, the Northern Union previously warned that the "stability of [the] country ... hinged [on] power rotation between the North and the South." This writer raised the fact that such an understanding was not in the constitution and not necessarily in the immediate interest of the Nigerian people. Thankfully, it seems that the nation's governors, senators and representatives agree that holding the nation hostage simply to satisfy an unconstitutional understanding was foolhardy and a danger to Nigerian democracy. Yet, the Northern Union's threat, coupled with the recently rejected Al Qaeda offer to train Northern Muslims to fight against Nigerian Christians reinforces that the tribal concerns raised by Jonathan's appointment cannot be taken lightly. As such, there remains a possibility, no matter how small, that pro-Yar'Adua supporters could choose to challenge the legislative act. Hopefully, such a challenge will take place via legal and not violent means as experienced in Jos in January. And, Yar'Adua's handlers will publicly discourage any challenge of the people's will for the sake of the nation. Those aggrieved by the National Assembly's decision should look to, of all places, Anambra state for some guidance. If the players in the just-concluded Anambra gubernatorial polls can accept the election results that a court declared illegal, and even the government has admitted had irregularities , then hopefully they can acquiesce to the act of the joint legislative bodies.

WILL THE CORRUPTION SCANDAL DISAPPEAR?
There remains the issue of a corruption scandal involving Jonathan's wife, Patience Jonathan who was investigated for her involvement in the illegal movement of $13.5 million. As Jonathan now wields executive power, he has the means to tacitly or bluntly ensure that nothing ever comes of the corruption scandal involving his wife. Considering that Jonathan had to be pressured to reveal his assets, unlike Yar'Adua who willingly did so, there is a cloud of suspicion on the now-acting President with regard to corruption, a problem that has plagued Nigeria for far too long. Plus, considering the outcome of the James Ibori case which resulted in accusations that the nation's anti-corruption body 'bungled the case on purpose', and many who have been fingered (at home and abroad) as corrupt are yet to face justice, it is not a stretch to worry that a scandal tied to Jonathan will simply disappear.

Nigeria is trying to finetune a democratic style specially for herself. The prolonged absence of President Yar'Adua exposed holes in the constitution regarding the temporary transfer of executive power, but on February 9th, the National Assembly decided to bring an end to the confusion on that matter. It remains to be seen whether this legislative act will trigger a backlash on tribal grounds and what kind of acting President Jonathan will be. There are additional unknowns, such as when will the President return, if at all? And, if he does, will he gain back control of the country and how? Or, will Jonathan act as President until the next Presidential election in 2011 and will he run for President? The political vacuum experienced by Nigeria over the last few months must come to an end to instill confidence in the people and possibly enable various sectors of the country to operate as they should. Hopefully that will be the case with Goodluck Jonathan as acting President. It will be a shame if someone with the name 'Goodluck' brings anything but that to the Nigerian people.

UPDATE: A question from reader and fellow Nigerian blogger, Nneoma, has prompted a closer look at the Constitution. Reacting to this article, Nneoma asked "who then assumes the vice-presidency?"

Well, it appears that the declaration of Jonathan as acting President might be illegal, no matter how temporary it is. Nigeria's Constitution does not provide for an acting President/transfer of power to the V.P. under the circumstances that just occurred. Hence, the Constitution also does not provide for the selection of an acting V.P. This writer's reading of the relevant sections of the Constitution (§143-146) reveals that even if §145 is the basis for the declaration (so claimed by the Senate and relying on the BBC interview), the Constitution does not offer a means to pick an acting V.P.

A post is forthcoming on the only ways that an acting V.P. can be selected.

From the Archives:
- Is Yar'Adua Brain Damaged or Not?
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

YAR'ADUA HANDING OVER TO VICE PRESIDENT?

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:15:00 PST

On November 23rd, 2009, Nigeria's President Yar'Adua was rushed to Saudi Arabia for a medical emergency. It was later revealed that he had pericarditis, a hardening of the lining around the heart. His absence from Nigeria and a lack of forthcoming information on his condition or when he would return, created a power vacuum. An interpretation of the Constitution suggested that a formal letter from the President was necessary to temporarily transfer powers to the Vice President. This interpretation left the Vice President seemingly powerless to use executive powers and some citizens in outrage over the ensuing political confusion. However, in the over 75 days since the President went to Saudi Arabia, and after various court cases and judgments, it appears Nigeria's President may be ready to bow to public pressure and send a letter indicating intent to temporarily transfer executive power to his second in command.

Source: Yar'Adua-Goodluck Youth Support League

BACKGROUND
Yar'Adua has repeatedly been rushed abroad for medical purposes to Germany and Saudi Arabia. This reality has resulted in repeatedly vocal complaints and questions about his capacity to lead the country. In 2008, he canceled a planned diplomatic visit to Brazil when his health made the trip impossible. He was flown to Saudi Arabia but the nation was told that he was there for the 'lesser hajj'.The lack of transparency led to criticism and questions about the constitutionality of prolonged Presidential absences due to Section 145 of the Constitution. Section 145 was interpreted to suggest that a letter is necessary from the President for executive powers and functions to be temporarily handed over to the Vice President.

Consequently, before leaving on a 2 week vacation in January 2009, the President made it known that he would issue a letter to legislators informing them of his absence. Although most Nigerians thought that this letter was transmitted, it now appears that the letter was never formally given to the legislative body. Instead, it was held in the possession of the President's adviser, who now asserts that the letter was never handed over because the President never took the vacation due to the death of an acquaintance.

Nevertheless, when President Yar'Adua was rushed to Saudi Arabia in November 2009, many called for him to honor their interpretation of Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution. They expected him to inform the legislative body of his absence so that executive power could temporarily be transferred to the Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan. Many groups and influential individuals encouraged the President to formally declare Jonathan the acting President. The Senate equally requested a letter from the President informing of his absence. However, a court decision that the President is not obligated to formally inform the National Assembly of prolonged absences helped to clarify the Constitutional ambiguity of Section 145.

A TEMPORARY HANDOVER?
Although a High Court ruled in favor of the President and his supporters who asserted that Section 145 does not require a letter for the Vice President to assume executive powers, Yar'Adua is allegedly set to send a letter to the National Assembly. According to an adviser to the president, he will submit a letter by the end of the second week in February 2010 (by the 12th) specifying "medical vacation" as the basis for his absence. Speaking before Senators, the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Mohammad Abba-Aji stated,

"The Senate has resolved and the resolution has been transmitted and we all know the President to be a man who respects the rule of law; so I have no doubt in my mind that the President has never refused to comply with a law passed by the legislature, not to my knowledge."

QUESTIONS REMAIN
In his statement, Abba-Aji mentioned that the president respects the rule of law, and it is true that Yar'Adua appropriated the term as a public mantra. Sadly, it remains questionable whether or not the President will indeed issue a formal letter to the National Assembly given that he never actually promised to do so. Although most Nigerians wish their President the best, it remains unclear whether he is capable of making any promises as he has not been seen in over two months.Furthermore, a direct challenge to a recent BBC interview and thus his capacity, has been left unanswered. Therefore, even though Abba-Aji's pronouncement was allegedly made on behalf of the President, it cannot be considered as fact until the President himself says so. Besides, there has been enough 'information' to come out of the Presidency in the last few months that has proven to be false, thus lending little credibility to Abba-Aji's statement, despite his intentions.

This disturbing reality - questions about Yar'Adua's capacity - lends itself to any letter that might be issued and signed by him. Already, there is a court case alleging that the 2010 budget introduced during the President's absence has a forged signature on it. Hence, it is likely that any letter supposedly signed by the President to the National Assembly will equally be questioned and rightly so as it remains unclear whether President Yar'Adua is in a position, healthwise, to perform such functions. And, if he is capable, then how long will he be gone for? Will this time be added to the almost 80 days he has been gone? The questions are limitless, but if he does transfer power to Jonathan, Nigerians will have an acting President whose wife is involved in a serious corruption scandal involving $13.5 million. For all that can be said about Yar'Adua, it cannot be said that he or his wife were caught trying to move large sums of money outside normal, legal channels.

ANAMBRA GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION
Finally, the President's absence has put in doubt the constitutionality of the recently held Anambra State gubernatorial election. The polls were thankfully non-violent, but featured irregularities that the federal government has already admitted to. But, most importantly, a court decision handed down the day before the election determined that its results would be illegal as the electoral body charged with administering the elections, INEC, lacked the required quorum of board members to function. According to the court's judgement, INEC requires 5 members for a quorum, but there are currently only 4 members. Only the President has the power to select that 5th member and since it is unclear whether the Vice President has executive powers*, the election and its results are unconstitutional. This court ruling therefore puts in jeopardy the results of the Anambra polls, subjecting the outcome to future litigation which will likely slow down the Anambra state government if such a legal challenge arises. The President's absence and the confusion over the Vice President's ability to function as an acting president has far reaching consequences that not only put the future of the Presidency in jeopardy, but the bread and butter issues of ordinary citizens.

It remains to be seen whether President Yar'Adua will indeed transfer executive power to the Vice President. A 'rule of law' President all the way in Saudi Arabia does not help the average Nigerian and the confusion this absence leaves in its wake only compounds issues. What is beyond confusion, nevertheless, is that the political disorientation Nigeria currently experiences will not soon abate.

* Although a federal high court ruled that a formal letter is not necessary to transfer executive powers, the matter is no final until the Supreme Court makes a decision.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

PRESIDENT "ECOMINI" OF GHANA

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:55:00 PST

I cannot believe nobody told me how much fun President Atta Mills of Ghana is! And here I was 'wasting my time' with Nigerian officials and my favorite member of Nigeria's legislative body - Patrick Obahiagbon. While the Honorable Obahiagbon is an indecipherable delight to listen to, Atta Mills has entire tracks that have been made, remixed and transformed into ringtones on his behalf.

In 2009, John Atta Mills, once a tax law professor, came to power in an election that was heralded as one of Africa's freest and fairest elections. Within no time, Mills illustrated an uncanny ability to speak English very differently from most people. He constantly mixes up and mispronounces words. In fact, when being sworn in as President of Ghana, he slipped up more times that President Obama of the United States who needed to redo his inaugural swearing in just to get things right. No wonder Obama picked Ghana as the first black African country to visit as America's President.

Ghanaians have taken advantage of their President's verbal mistakes and the most prominent of them is 'ecomini', said instead of 'economy', while speaking before that nation's parliament. The error has become an internet sensation with various workings of the mispronunciation transformed into songs. Mills was speaking before his nation's Parliament when he made the gaffe -

That incident elicited many jokes and remixed versions such as -

And, the much shorter -

But, despite the goodnatured songs, there has been much political tension in Ghana and Mills has been labeled a dull,"non performer". Nevertheless, the presence of such songs and a robust political discourse are good signs of freedom of speech - a key indicator of democracy. In neighboring Nigeria, such would possibly have been met with either arrests (as has been the case for political bloggers and journalists), detention, interrogation or accusations of treason. One would rather have a President that is considered dull and bungles his words that one that is considered dull and whose absence is creating unrest and a growing constitutional battle.

BRITAIN RETURNING LOOTED MILLIONS TO NIGERIA

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:14:00 PST

British officials are working with Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to return £43 million illegally stolen and placed in British banks by certain Nigerian officials. This is not the first time that stolen monies have been returned to Nigeria. In fact, over $500 million was recovered from former dictator Sani Abacha's foreign accounts. Enrico Manfrini, a lawyer hired by the previous administration to track and recover Nigeria's stolen wealth, also achieved the return of $160 million, stolen by Abacha, from Jersey in 2003.[1] And by 2009, "the tally of recovered Abacha loot stood at about $2 billion."[2]

Consequently, when it comes to recovering such stolen monies, £43 million (N11.25 billion) is a mere "drop in the ocean when compared to the vastness of all of the looted wealth."[3] However, this move by Britain must be seen within the context of other intriguing factors as it is more than the simple and honorable return of stolen monies found in British controlled banks.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ICPC PARTNERSHIP
During what were considered the heydays of Nigeria's anti-corruption crusade, much was made of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC or 'Commission') and its then chair, Nuhu Ribadu. However, with the 2008 removal of Ribadu from the EFCC's helm, doubts arose regarding the current administration's commitment to fighting Nigeria's endemic corruption problem. These doubts were soon solidified with the 2009 judgment in the James Ibori case. There, more than 170 corruption-related charges were dropped against the former governor who once offered a $15 billion bribe to avoid prosecution. The case scandalized many and generated serious allegations of purposeful bungling of the case by the current EFCC and its new chief, Farida Waziri.

As such, the decision to partner with the ICPC instead of the EFCC can be interpreted as a clear condemnation of the Commission. This lack of trust and confidence in the EFCC's capacity to handle anti-corruption cases is but one more indicator that the Yar'Adua administration, despite its claims otherwise, is beholden to its powerful and corrupt friends.

IMPROVEMENT FROM PREVIOUS BRITISH ATTITUDE
For years, foreign backs turned a blind eye to the source of the billions shuffled to their safekeeping by devious characters from around the world. British banks have particularly been complicit in the receipt of funds illegally acquired by far too many Nigerian criminals, both government officials and ordinary individuals. Britain's Financial Services Authority revealed that by 2001, at least $1.3 billion of stolen Nigerian money passed through 23 London financial institutions.[4] And, that money was tied to one person alone - Sani Abacha! This information caused much embarrassment for the British government which had previously frustrated efforts to find Nigeria's stolen monies hidden within its institutions.

The revelation spurred a more aggressive stance against receiving illegally obtained wealth. In light of this attitude change, Britain investigated the UK based assets of various Nigerian officials such as Joshua Dariye, DSP Alamieyeseigha and the previously mentioned James Ibori, to name a few. Dariye was ordered by a British High Court to return over £4 million to the Nigerian government, which eventually created a scandal of its own. In Ibori's case, it was determined that many of his assets were obtained with stolen funds and British authorities froze them. This case against him is still ongoing.

PRESSING CONCERNS
One can only wonder from which Nigerian person(s) the £43 million to be returned was obtained. Such information would prove rather enlightening and in the spirit of transparency, which is necessary in such corruption cases, British authorities should provide a detailed account of the monies and from whom it was obtained. The British government should provide this accounting because it is repatriating the money and also, because it is unlikely that the Nigerian government will do so.

The issue of transparency remains significant with regard to Nigeria and the monies it has retrieved from all over the globe. There is no single, easily accessible place where a detailed, up to date accounting of all recovered loot. In 2008, it was revealed that under Ribadu, the EFCC recovered $600 billion in stolen public funds. An online accounting of these and other recovered assets would go a long way in assuring concerned Nigerians that the billions retrieved have not simply ended back in the pockets of looters once again.

Additionally, there is the issue of Enrico Monfrini. Is he still working for the Nigerian government to retrieve stolen funds? If not, then why? Currently, Monfrini is working with the Haitian government (hired pre-earthquake) to recover monies stolen by that countries notorious dictator Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier. While it is not impossible for Monfrini and his firm to work on more than one asset recover case at the same time, considering Nigeria's unfortunate history of looting and President Yar'Adua's questionable commitment to anti-corruption, one can only hope that Monfrini or someone else equally capable is still on the hunt for Nigeria's money.

Then of course, there is the great 'elephant in the room' of a question - does it make sense to return stolen money to the Nigerian government? It pains this writer to even broach this subject, but, it has unfortunately become unavoidable given the mounting questions many have raised about the fate of the money. Firstly, as noted above, there is a distinct lack of transparency with regard to the return of stolen monies. Nigerians remain in the dark as to what money has been returned, from whom and when. Nigeria's 'Punishment Problem' means that there continue to be little to no legal cases that citizens can turn to as an indicator of who has returned money. Secondly, Nigeria is presently experiencing a power vacuum with its President apparently sick and recovering in a Saudi hospital. The Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan, is technically in charge of the nation and he is not corruption-free as $13.5 million was seized from his wife and she was once the subject of a corruption investigation. This begs the question of what will happen to the repatriated funds upon arriving in the hands of Nigerian officials.

Nevertheless, despite these concerns, it is best that Britain return the money as it rightfully belongs to Nigeria. The Nigerian government can misplace that money and Britain has no control over that. It is the Nigerian people that are responsible for demanding that retrieved monies be preserved, preferably in a trust of some sort, and that information on these funds be readily accessible. Until that happens, Nigerians will continue to doubt their government's commitment to anti-corruption. And millions of women, men and children will continue to suffer the consequences of a government that fails to stem corruption - money intended for the greater good will make its way into the pockets of a small minority.

[1] - Peel, M., A Swamp Full Of Dollars:Pipelines & Paramilitaries at Nigeria's Oil Frontier, I.B. Tauris, 2009:122.
[2] - Ibid.
[3] - Blogger Anengiyefa tweeted the comment in response to a tweet from sharing the news about the announcement.
[4] - Peel, M., A Swamp Full Of Dollars:Pipelines & Paramilitaries at Nigeria's Oil Frontier, 122.

JOS - THE POWER OF TEXTS & POVERTY

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:33:00 PST

Cell phones have transformed Nigeria. It was previously too expensive to obtain a landline from the government owned NITEL, which lacked the capacity to service the growing population. Cellphones have thus become a more efficient and affordable means of communication, not to mention the fact that unlike landlines, they are mobile. Additionally, their texting functionality enables even cheaper communication across wide distances, making them a blessing for most. However, this blessing has proven to be a curse for the people of Jos who recently experienced another devastating round of religious violence that left over 300 dead.

RECENT RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE
According to the BBC, a series of text messages, some sent to Christians, others sent to Muslims, played a role in creating the recent Jos fighting that began on January 17th. One such message went as follows -

"War, war, war. Stand up... and defend yourselves. Kill before they kill you. Slaughter before they slaughter you. Dump them in a pit before they dump you."

Such an inflammatory message seemingly compelled violence in Jos, but much more than that was necessary to trigger the violence that in the days since has seen bodies found in wells, burnt beyond recognition. More than just text messages are the realities of poverty and the fight for resources in a region of Nigeria where religion is used to stoke fires and encourage intolerance. That was the case in November 2008 when political disagreements and manipulations soon took on a religious slant resulting in at least 300 deaths. This poverty and a growing lack of hope that is spreading across the country, is likely a contributing factor in the violence sparked by Islamic sects such as Boko Haram and Kato Kalo whose actions reveal the weakness of the state to prevent religious violence and protect or adequately provide for innocent citizens affected by the resulting chaos.

CONFOUNDED BY CONFUSION
Shortly after the last outbreak of violence in 2008, President Yar'Adua stated, via a spokesperson, that he was "on top of the situation having been fully briefed on the phone by the governor." he then summoned the governor for a discussion. Now that Yar'Adua is not around due to his illness and the power vacuum in Aso Rock, exactly who should be held accountable for the constant failures to prevent such violence from occurring and spreading. If the President cannot be held accountable for the unnecessary loss of life, who will be held accountable?

IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS TO STEM A REPEAT
What is beyond confusion is the fact that steps must be taken to improve living conditions for the residents of Jos and indeed citizens the nation over. From better healthcare to education which is struggling with Nigerians fleeing to the UK and elsewhere for the purpose of learning. There is a need for consistent electricity supply which will have an exponential impact on various industries and thus, lead to job creation.

Besides, the revelation that there are 10 million child beggars, predominantly in northern Nigeria, raises the stakes on the future viability of peace in areas like Jos. It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders - government, private organizations and individuals, remedy the poverty situation. If not, religion will continue to be used by political opportunists to divide the people and the results will be even worse death and destruction. And now, that a North African Al Qaeda group has publicly offered to "train Muslim Nigerians to fight against Nigerian Christians", the stakes are higher than ever.

UPDATE (02/07/10): The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has formally rejected the offer from the North African Al Qaeda group. Also, 108 suspects have been arraigned for their alleged part in contributing to the recent Jos violence. Finally, the Vice president, Goodluck Jonathan, set up a committee to review the causes of the violence and create a map for lasting peace.

From the Archives:
- Jos: The Power of Texts & Poverty
- Boko Haram: Questions Remain
- Aftermathof Northern Islamist Attacks
- Nigeria-List of Intolerant Nations
- Religious & Political Violence in Jos
- How To Shoot Yourself In The Foot With Al-Qaeda
- Nigeria's 10MN Child Beggars

UZOMA OKERE WON N100 MN (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:26:00 PST

Uzoma Okere is the young Nigerian lady whose assault by military officers became a viral video that raised the ire of many. In November 2008, a military convoy belonging to Rear Adm. Arogundade overreacted when Okere's Mitsubishi Colt did not move out of their way. Arogundade's ratings beat Okere mercilessly beating with gun butts and horsewhips in the street. A brave citizen recorded the incident and put it on the internet, exposing Arogundade, and other officials who take for granted that they need to share the streets with civilians and use violence against innocents.

The incident spurred the Lagos State governor to make illegal traditional convoys which rush through the streets of Lagos which horns blaring, with little regard for anyone in their way. Okere took advantage of the free legal services provided by Lagos State government and sued Rear Admiral Arogundade and his military ratings for assault and battery. After much legal delay and wrangling, a judgment was finally issued in the Okere case and she won a judgment of N100 MN which is to be paid to her, and a fellow plaintiff, by Arogundade, the Nigerian Navy and the four ratings who carried out the attack.

When reading the 37-page judgment, Justice Opeyemi Oke referred to the acts of the navy officers as "barbaric" and stated that the men involved showed a disrespect for women and shouuld undergo psychiatric observation. Specifically,

"These ratings can only be described as barbarians in uniforms as they have shown by this incident that they have no respect for womanhood dragging a woman on the road and partially getting her naked. They have no fear of God at all ... It is highly shameful and unimaginable that such could happen in this 21st Century in a civilized society and democratic one. It should therefore be condemned in very strong language. The naval ratings have disgraced the uniform they wear as officers of the Nigerian Navy. They are therefore a disgrace to the whole nation. The rebranding gospel should therefore be commenced with this group of officers."

The judgment also requires a public apology to Ms. Okere in at least 4 print and television outlets within one month of the decision.

Immediately after the announcement, the defendant's lawyer told news cameras that it would appeal, thereby dragging the already sullied reputation of the military through the mud. The better option for the swift resolution of this matter would be to pay up, issue an apology, announce that the entire military will undergo training/courses on how to better relate to civilians and quietly allow the dust to settle. Unfortunately, this is Nigeria, the land of the Big Man, where anyone with power or influence can slap someone and get away with it and even steal millions and have 170 counts of fraud dismissed with the aid of the nation's Attorney General. Thus, this writer's hopes are slim that the Navy will take the high road and do what is right. Hopefully, no matter what happens, this case sets the precedent that no matter one's power, be it economic or military, the flagrant abuse of another human being will not be tolerated by Nigeria's courts. The case also cements the crucial role courts continue to play on the road to the entrenchment of true democracy in Nigeria. And, that is definitely a sign of progress.

Hattip to reader, Webround, for sharing this clip with me.

From the Archives:
- When Nigeria's Military Attack Citizens
- Confronting A Culture of Brutality and Injustice
- Chinyere Igwe: Reflective Of A Bigger Nigerian Issue
- Nigeria's New Kingmakers
- Turning Away from Democracy
- Nigerian Blogger Arrested!!!
- Channels TV Shut Down By Yar'Adua
- Suppression In A Democratic Regime

ARE NIGERIANS TOO TOUGH ON YAR'ADUA?

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:48:00 PST

During a recent conversation, I was informed by a fellow Nigerian that some of us Nigerians are far too critical of President Yar'Adua. According to my friend, most Nigerians have never given him a chance to do anything right and have little compassion for the difficulties Yar'Adua must face as President of a nation with many problems and many interested in preventing solutions.

After listening to the well argued sentiment of my friend, I had to take some time to consider whether I am too harsh on President Yar'Adua. That lasted only a few seconds, however. I was quickly reminded of many incidents from the current administration that lessened any possible guilt on my part.

When Yar'Adua came to power he took some incredible steps that will forever distinguish him from previous heads of State. He disclosed his assets, and reached out to militants in the Niger Delta. Unlike other heavy handed leaders, Yar'Adua made a point of ensuring that the judicial reviews of most of the flawed and fraudulent election results occurred without any Presidential influence. Unfortunately, Yar'Adua's mysterious health ailments, random disappearances, the fact that many suspected/shown to have stolen from public coffers do not face legal procedures, missteps like sending former dictator Babangida as a national envoy to Guinea (where the military junta has now opted to ignore the need for democracy) and much more, has diminished much of the goodwill he had earlier in his term.

While I can agree that it is not easy being president of any nation, it would be foolhardy to ignore that most presidents, for whatever their reasons, actively seek out the position. As such, they should be fully aware of the consequences of that decision and the pressures that will come to bear. By all accounts, Yar'Adua was hand selected by former President Obasanjo to succeed as President and Yar'Adua campaigned diligently for the position. Consequently, I unfortunately have a hard time feeling sorry for him.

I once wrote a post title "Nigeria, Be Careful What You Wish For" in which I cautioned that a lot of the pressure many Nigerians had placed on Yar'Adua regarding his ability to be an effective leader, likely influenced his violent reaction in 2008 when bloggers Asiwe and Elendu were arrested, Channels TV was shut down and Leadership's staff were arrested and later sued (thankfully, the court threw out the President's case). Although I can understand that when a mere mortal feels threatened, he/she is capable of reacting irrationally and violently, I find it hard to dismiss the aggressively negative actions of this administration with regard to civil liberties to a "He felt threatened" analysis. Again, President Yar'Adua knew exactly what he was getting into and notwithstanding the pressures he faces, he is under a constitutional obligation to not violate the freedoms guaranteed to citizens and journalists.

And now that the President has officially been away from Nigeria for over 30 days - it is simply a travesty that a nation and its people are forced to go without a President on seat for such a considerable period of time.Still, President Yar'Adua who fashioned himself and his administration as the champion of the rule of law, has failed to follow the Constitution and handover temporary power to the Vice President. Instead, a President that has not been seen or heard publicly in over a month, is picking a Chief justice and citizens are not expected to question, criticize or outright condemn such clearly unethical actions that in any sane nation would be illegal and unconstitutional. Maybe some Nigerians are too tough on Yar'Adua, but in all fairness, much more Nigerians need to get tougher!

Yes, the job of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not an enviable position, unless one is simply interested in lining their pockets. But, the job of President comes with much responsibility and anyone in that position must expect his or her actions and inactions to be carefully scrutinized and publicly questioned. Emotions and sentiments have little to do with it.

From The Archives:
- Much Ado Over a Nickname?
- Of Pilgrimage, Hajj & Nigerians
- Nigeria, Be Careful What You Wish For
- Suppression In A Democratic Regime
- Turning Away From From 'Democracy'

OJO MADUEKWE ON BBC'S HARDTALK (FULL VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 22:27:00 PST

Ojo Maduekwe is Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs. Like other Nigerian government officials who have the fortune/misfortune of an audience, he can be very interesting to listen to. Maduekwe is notorious for publicly stating that the unfortunate 'child witches of Akwa Ibom' were frauds, paid to put on a show. He once famously and incredulously claimed that there were no homosexuals in Nigeria, an assertion that only one man has ever been able to make in the recent past - Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. And, right before the Abdulmutallab suicide bomb attempt that has created a diplomatic problem for Nigeria, Ojo Maduekwe defended the N2.7 billion he spent solely on travel by claiming Nigeria needed the "visibility" that his many foreign trips afforded the nation.

And now, in an apparent quest to live up to his new nickname,"Mr. Visibility", Ojo Maduekwe is taking to the airwaves to do some damage control almost a month since Abdulmutallab's attempt, Nigeria's inclusion on the "Terror Prone" countries list and over 2 months since Nigeria's President was last seen alive. Specifically, Mr. Visibility was interviewed on BBC's Hardtalk.

DID MR. VISIBILITY DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD?
It must be said that during scandals of international proportion, a swift offensive response is always the best defense. Abdulmutallab's suicide bomb attempt occurred on December 25th, 2009. Nigeria was publicly placed on the "Terror Prone" list ten days later on January 3rd. As the Foreign Minister, and considering the President's 'absence', Maduekwe would have done well to start giving interviews earlier than mid-January. After all, Dora Akunyili, Nigeria's Minister of Information was on many a show, expressing her disappointment and frustration, sometimes a little too forcefully, but clearly nonetheless. Yet, it is a good thing that finally, a high ranking official sat down to answer questions about what exactly, if anything, is going on in Nigeria's hallways of power. It is regrettable that just like his boss, he chose to give that first long interview to a foreign news outlet - a significant miscalculation that should not be easily forgiven.

"Without being immodest about it, when this President chose ... his Foreign Minister, he chose a Minister who has had considerable experience in government. Ten years, consistently. This is my third outing as a minister. So the important thing is to understand the President's policy, his vision, his goals...And he believes this Foreign Minister understands what those visions are..."

- Ojo Maduekwe on BBC Hardtalk (January 21, 2010).

Although Maduekwe was able to dodge a few direct questions, he did not do as well as he should have considering the serious situation Nigeria and its citizens are presently in. Admitting that he is yet to speak with President Yar'Adua, who many believe is no longer alive despite a phone interview with him, was the death knell that discredited everything else he had to offer. No matter what Maduekwe thinks and/or wants the viewing audience to think, a Minister cannot replace a President, not even if their brains are synced to each other. Maduekwe's proclamation that he knows the wishes of Nigeria's missing President, despite said President's absence and lack of communication, came across as aloof, inexperienced and pompous.

"The more dignifying thing to do is to ... ensure that his absence is not, in any way, putting the momentum of government's activities at a low ebb..."

- Ojo Maduekwe on BBC Hardtalk (January 21, 2010).

Maduekwe's attempt to deflect questions on the lack of transparency regarding Yar'Adua's condition was infantile. His apparent conviction that the President's disappearance and lack of communication was "not unusual in history" illustrate that he no longer is suited for any form of public office. It is unacceptable to claim that one is doing better than before when one is doing miserably and that simply because one is doing better than before, they should not be expected to do more. These basic tenets go for Nigeria, its president, its government and mouthpieces, as well.

When the interviewer attacked with a statement that there was a failure of intelligence in Nigeria with regard to Abdulmutallab, Maduekwe failed miserably. There was no need for the long winded response about "collective responsibility" on his part. A simple answer pointing out that Abdulmutallab was introduced to radical Islamic thought in the United Kingdom and specifically at the United College of London, an institution very familiar to the London-headquartered BBC and many of its viewers would have sufficed. Adding to that, the fact that Abdulmutallab was trained in Yemen by terrorists released from Guantanamo Bay by US former President George W. Bush would have been enough to pivot from such a loaded and biased question. Plus, a comment about how American officials had information on the matter that they did not share with Nigeria would have been a crucial tool to create a diversion in the line of questioning by illustrating that Nigeria, America's ally, was erroneously left out of the loop. Maduekwe could have thrown in the fact that in the last few years many admitted and captured terrorists were countrymen of the interviewer and many of his British peers, not Nigerian. He did, however, note that the airport in Amsterdam failed to use adequate devices that would have caught Abdulmutallab's bomb-laced knickers.

Despite all this, Maduekwe did emit a quotable notable - "facts are sacred, opinions are free." One can only hope he will remember that statement as it will undoubtedly haunt him. But, his comment that he would not have encouraged President Yar'Adua to discuss the diplomatic problems with his counterpart in the White House is frankly disturbing. That he is a minister with at least 10 years experience in government and that he is currently a Foreign Minister fuels the 'lack of vision'-argument that President Yar'Adua has been consistently accused of. Diplomacy and the very history Maduekwe oft quoted, has procedures and precedent for situations such as when a Nigerian citizen was found to be a terrorist. Diplomacy requires that President Yar'Adua communicate immediately with the American President to convince him/her that Nigeria's President, not a Vice President (with little executive power) or a Minister (no matter how 'experienced') takes the matter of terrorism seriously and will work tirelessly as a partner in investigating and preventing a possible repeat. But, alas, Nigeria's President remains absent during these times of confusion and so, the Minister of Information can make statements that only serve to deepen the growing diplomatic rift. And, the Minister of Foreign Affairs appears before the foreign press and does not do as well as he should have.

From the Archives:
- Nigeria's President Absent During Crisis
- Nigeria Placed on "Terror Prone" List
- African Travel Post Abdulmutallab
- A Nigerian Terrorist & A People's Passivity
- 'Is Nigeria A Breeding Ground For Terrorism' (May 2007)
- America Speaks...Does Nigeria Respond?
- How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot With Al Qaeda
- More Yar'Adua Health Uncertainty
- Yar'Adua Health, Resignation & Nigerian Cost
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health

If you enjoyed this article, please use the tools below to DIGG it, share this post on your favorite social networking site and/or bookmark it. Thank you.

IBORI: CASE DISMISSED

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:23:00 PST

James Ibori is a former governor of one of Nigeria's oil rich states, Delta State. In 2007, British authorities froze his British assets in a case that is still ongoing, on suspicion that he "laundered at least 30 million through that country between 2005 and ... 2007."* Ibori also faced a list of 170 charges involving corruption and fraud in Nigeria and reports soon emerged that he bribed former anti-corruption czar, Nuhu Ribadu, to the tune of $15 billion. Despite all this, the Federal High Court in Asaba granted Ibori a wonderful present to end 2009 as the 170 charges against him were dropped.

The judge in the case, Marcel Awokulehin, held that the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) failed to prove with sufficient evidence that Ibori was in fact guilty of the laundering and corruption charges. Specifically, Justice Awokulehin stated,

"There is no witness statement ... from any of the EFCC officers who purportedly investigated. Furthermore, there is no interim or final report of the investigations carried out by the EFCC which is a basic requirement in proof of criminal trials."

The EFCC spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, responded to the decision by stating that the Commission was not surprised by the verdict and that it would appeal.

"[W]e have instructed our lawyers to immediately file an appeal against Justice Awokulehin’s judgement at a higher court...This kind of judgement if not challenged is capable of deepening the menace of corruption in our country rather than contributing in any way to the cause of justice which is the basis of sustaining our democratic governance.”

REACTIONS
Many have questioned the acquittal, such as the Delta State Elders, Leaders and Stakeholders Forum who announced that the decision was "dangerous" and could encourage further corruption.The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called the decision a "a travesty of justice and let down of the millions of victims of high level official corruption in the country." The group further criticized the court for failing to at least require Ibori to provide a credible explanation for how he amassed his wealth while a governor, something the group claimed was possible under Nigerian laws, the UN Convention Against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.

However, some Nigerian lawyers such as Emmanuel Majebi believed that justice prevailed because Ibori was tried and condemned in the court of public opinion, something that will undoubtedly not hold up in a court.

NIGERIA'S PUNISHMENT PROBLEM EXEMPLIFIED?
There is no question that the overwhelming belief is that any Nigerian with enough money and the right connections can escape even the most gruesome offenses. In Ibori's case, he has had the support of the present administration in the form of President Yar'Adua and Attorney general of the Federation, Michael Aondoakaa. From the very beginning, Aondoakaa sabotaged the EFCC's domestic case against Ibori, but he equally traveled on behalf of Ibori to detract from the case against him in the U.K. As such, there is little surprise at the outcome of this case thus far.

On December 18th, 2007, I stated,

"The Ibori case is the perfect opportunity for Nigeria to prove that it is tough on crime. The legal system should be allowed to deal with this case with little to no intervention from Aondoakaa, Yar'Adua or their 'masters'. If that happens, this case will set the example for others who have stolen money or used their positions to enrich themselves and will make them willing to cooperate with authorities."

Alas, although it is very possible that the EFCC failed to present a strong enough case, almost 2 years to the date of the above warning, the Ibori case allies has further solidified the fact that Nigeria has a serious Punishment Problem. The only question that remains is whether as a collective, Nigerians will continue to watch as their nation is controlled by unscrupulous men and their peers who take directly from the mouths of the people to fuel their already full bellies and bank accounts.

**************
IBORI POLL

**************

* - Peel, M., A Swamp Full Of Dollars:Pipelines & Paramilitaries at Nigeria's Oil Frontier, I.B. Tauris, 2009:113-4.

Hattip to the Grandiose Parlor blog

From The Archives:
- EFCC Wants Death Penalty For Corrupt
- Ibori, The EFCC & The Future of Nigeria's Anti-Corruption Crusade
- RIP EFCC

- An EFCC Revival?
- Nigeria's Persisting Punishment Problem
- Nigeria's Punishment Problem
- Crime & Punishment: The Nigerian Edition

HAITI: NIGERIA NEEDS TO RESPOND

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 21:50:00 PST

By now, most people are aware of the horrible earthquake that happened in Haiti on January 12th. It registered as the strongest earthquake on that island nation in 200 years and the death toll will likely be very high. Many individuals around the world have contributed in one way or another, as have large organizations and countries to the recovery effort, trying to rescue and assist as many as possible. Currently, the African governments of Gabon, Ghana, Benin, Liberia Morocco, Rwanda and South Africa have pledged/donated money ranging from $50,000 to $1 million. Senegal's government has gone a step further of offering free land parcels and/or accommodation to Haitians who opt to repatriate and settle there. As more African countries will undoubtedly join in the global chorus to assist the Haitian people, the Nigerian government must use this opportunity to show kindness to Haiti.

Source: NECN

A HISTORY OF HELPING THE DIASPORA
Today, Nigeria is unfortunately known for its corrupt government, international organizations like Siemens which have gone down for bribing Nigerian officials, online scammers and most recently Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's suicide bomb attempt. However, Nigeria also has a historical reputation for using its weight to assist fellow Africans and those of African-heritage that might be in need. Nigeria once helped out Guyana's civil service to make its payroll. Nigeria contributed a gift via Ike Nwachukwu to Howard University - a prestigious, predominantly black institution in Washington, DC. Nigeria even committed $1 million in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster that destroyed New Orleans. Nigeria has consistently and continuously committed military assistance to war torn parts of the continent from Sierra Leone to Darfur. Nigeria housed many Liberians who sought refuge during that nation's civil war. And, Nigeria played an integral part in gaining autonomy for black Zimbabweans and South Africans, whose ANC party received donations from Nigerian workers for many years in an effort to get that country to where it is today. Furthermore, Nigeria's Technical Assistance Corps has been and continues to be a means by which the nation sends medical staff to the diaspora such as the Commonwealth of Dominica. Nigeria has and continues to have a long history of interceding when necessary to help those in the African diaspora.

WHY THE DELAYED RESPONSE TO HAITI?
Nigeria is burdened with the confusion of a sick and absent president, a Vice President incapable of taking executive actions but relegated to hosting winners of reality shows and legislators that continue to say that their "hands are tied" on various sensitive matters. And, currently, many continue to question whether the President is actually alive or dead. Clearly, Nigeria and its people are at a point of bewildering political disorder. Nigeria's President Yar'Adua is also the chairman of the West African organization - ECOWAS, which is also yet to respond to the devastation in Haiti.

Nevertheless, there is still time for the Nigerian government to illustrate the leadership Nigeria has previously shown and help Haiti. So, while Nigeria's government is yet to issue an official response and/or commit either financial or human assistance, given its previous leadership on issues concerning the Diaspora, one hopes that a response is forthcoming.

WHY NIGERIA MUST HELP HAITI
It is no secret that Nigeria's influence and impact within the West African region has diminished over the last few years. While the previous administration was able to diplomatically squash a military coup in neighboring Sao Tome & Principe, the current administration experienced a compromising embarrassment with regard to the military junta in Guinea. President Yar'Adua's envoy, former military dictator Ibrahim Babangida, was sent to convey that the coup was unacceptable, but returned with nothing but praises for the Guinean military junta. And, now, with the placement of Nigeria on a list of "Terror Prone" countries, it seems that Nigeria's government and in fact the nation's relevance and power, despite its oil and historical influence is being challenged.

Although assisting Haiti would be a humanitarian effort, it would display a seriousness by the current administration to keeping in line with Nigeria's grand history of acting in the interest of the Diaspora. Haitians are the descendants of Africans (most likely Nigerians) sold into slavery, as such their lineage links to the continent and specifically to Nigeria and other West African countries. It is only natural for Nigeria to act charitably towards Haitians. Furthermore, caring for others and assisting them is an attribute ingrained in Nigerian culture, regardless of tribe - the Nigerian government should be able to take advantage of that cultural aspect and send some form of assistance to the people of Haiti quickly. There are presently Nigerian police officers in Haiti, as part of a UN peacekeeping effort and they thankfully all survived the earthquake.

Many will read this and immediately note that the Nigerian government is yet to do right by its own people considering the fact that many Nigerians live on less than $2 a day,the failure to achieve a promise of higher power generation rates and much more. While all that might be true, being charitable is not for the very rich alone, as evidenced by the many in Nigeria and around the world who sacrifice what little they have for others. Besides, Nigerians have always been able to do incredible things with little. If nothing more, the Nigerian government should consider that assisting Haiti would go a long way in rebuilding Nigeria's image especially given the fallout from Abdulmutallab's suicide bomb attempt. And, considering that Nigeria is allegedly pursuing rebranding its image, such an act would provide exponential benefits. But, most importantly, such an act, no matter how small, would be helpful to Haiti - an act that will likely never be forgotten. Let it not be forgotten that Haiti defeated the French and became the first black nation to achieve independence. And, in this year, when Nigeria will celebrate 50 years of independence, such generosity and leadership could be an essential part of setting the tone for the next 50 years for Nigerians and the Nigerian government - helping a nation that shed blood to set the path of independence for all Africans everywhere.

Regardless of where you are from, please take the time to say a prayer for Haiti. Survivors are still being found but that nation has experienced a devastating catastrophe that requires assistance, as well. So, if you are in a position to give money, please do so by contacting a reputable organization. Or, you can donate food, clothing and other items at the Haitian embassy where you live (if one is available). Also, you can click on the Bloggers Unite image for more information.

UPDATE: There are Nigerian organizations at home and abroad that are making it easier for Nigerians and others to support relief efforts in Haiti. The Nigeria Global Diaspora Committee is not affiliated with the Nigerian government and is apparently legitimate. It is actually among a list of many groups doing what they can to make a difference. Hattip to Omotade at Tade's Joint.
UPDATE (01/20): Lagos State, in conjunction with Nigerian Eagle, are working to raise funds for the Haitian relief effort. Lagos State government has donated $1 million on behalf of the citizens of that State.
UPDATE (01/21): The Nigerian Senate observed a minute of silence in respect for all Haitians who lost their lives in the earthquake. Nigeria's government donated $1 million to the Haitian effort with each of the antion's 36 Senators giving an additional $20,000.

THE LIGHTER SIDE OF A TERRORIST'S ACT

noreply@blogger.com (SOLOMONSYDELLE) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:54:00 PST

In 2003, Nigerians were deemed the "Happiest People in the World", a title they happily accepted and have held onto ever since. Keeping in line with that, it seems Nigerians are using comedy to deal with the fallout from Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab terrorist attempt on Christmas Day, 2009.

The following is a tongue in cheek reflection on what Nigerian travelers will go through with security to travel to the United States.

And another one using the Blackberry -

And, another video clip created by Gbenga Sesan uses Hitler to question the rationality of Nigeria's inclusion on the "Terror Prone" list by the U.S., and mention some positive aspects about Nigeria and Nigerians.

At some point, all people try to use comedy to deal with their issues. Clearly, Nigerians are no exception.

What do you think about the clips and picture above? Do you find them funny? Or, do you think they are inappropriate given the serious issues they involve? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

If you enjoyed this article, please use the tools below to share this post on your favorite social networking site and/or bookmark it. Thank you.