Yes to homosexuality

I never expected any president of America in this new age of technological and scientific advancement (moral backwardness as well) to go against the touchy issue of homosexuality. I will not be surprised if developing countries and their leaders follow this trend as it is now a norm to make America or other western world’s our models in morality.

I have failed to adequately reconcile the relationship between rise in immorality and civilization. We have been made to believe that homosexuality which has a lenient name coined for it is a natural disposition from birth. Homosexuality is not a predisposition; it is a condition which results from hormonal imbalance or disturbed childhood. Traditionally or religiously it has no place. It is condemned by religions. Nonetheless, the agitators of this evil act term the religions or doctrines that condemn it as archaic. I heard about a gay pastor in the United States and I wonder what portion of the holy book he misrepresented to justify his evil beliefs.

I am sure some Africans will hail the recent decision of Obama supporting gays and lesbians. I do not expect wise people to seek approval or opinion of a public figure whose opinions are largely shaped to please the voting majority. We fail to realize that they are men like us and thus they are not infallible. They occupy positions of limelight in which most times their personal opinion may make or mar their political aspirations. Obama has been flip-flopping on this issue for some time and I was not surprised when some of his followers called his prolonged decision making as evolving.

And if by tomorrow my opinion is required about homosexuality, it will be shaped by my religion and seconded by my tradition. Does my opinion really matter even if I am contesting for a position? Does my singular opinion matter in a democratic environment where I know majority has the day? So if the majority like, by the year 2050 let them agree and legalize stealing and killing since it can be termed to be an orientation from birth and thus should be allowed in the constitution.

Between Belief and Unbelief

I guess the African superstitious traditional belief is one thing many cannot get out of their system. Most people of differing faiths are not true adherent of their religion because they still hold on tight to some traditional beliefs which have no basis in their religion.

Reasoning alone already nullifies some of these superstitions beliefs. Nonetheless, our fear of the unknown makes us slaves to these beliefs. How can one explain people who ought to know better concerning their religion yet they have more belief in fetishism.

A lot of folks do not even believe in their own prayers and neither do they believe in prayers from their religious heads, they prefer to be handed weird looking objects, miracle water or holy handkerchief. Their belief in this item clearly shows their unbelief in God.

So far, religion has been proven not to negate science and technology, rather religion attest to it. Thus, it is irrational to place our belief on talismans that have not been scientifically (medically) proved to be beneficial or have no remedial or healing power. Some look on to the crucifix which they hang on their neck or the rosaries which they count. To the best of my understanding, it’s our belief that makes the majority of these talisman works for us. It is absolutely not because they possess any power.

In conclusion, I will share the story of a mother who does so much house cleaning. She woke up very tired one morning while she has some cleaning to do. Psychologically she felt she was not strong enough for the days cleaning. Her little daughter was also whining so she had to pacify the girl with candies. She kept the remaining candies in her apron alongside her aspirin and resumed the cleaning. She got tired and dipped her hand into the apron to take some aspirin pills. She swallowed the pills ensuring she does not taste the bitterness. She completed the cleaning with so much energy bursting in her. While trying to wash the apron she noticed the aspirins. She had taken candies instead of aspirin and it worked for her.

All we need for our prayers to be answered is to believe. Fetish objects are facts that we do not truly believe in God to answer us.

When eating together becomes ‘Chop-I-Chop’

The essence of the family is unity and feeling of unconditional love among every member. A lot of tradition within the family which dates back to history is meant to promote love within the family. One of these traditions is eating together from the same plate. Many middle age folks and older ones may have at one time while growing up ate with members of their family from the same plate.

Some have funny memories attached to this tradition. It may be the memory of ‘Daddy’ always eating the biggest meat of the two meats while every other member of the family shares the smaller meat. Some still lament playfully how an elder brother or sister cheated them of their meat. These memories are sweet memories of happy family (ies). They are memories of funny pranks between siblings. Memories which most of us long for it to happen again but its experience are sadly impossible.

I doubt if families still share this wonderful experience. I wonder if the love of sharing today can be compared to the love at that time. I do not feel ashamed eating in the same plate with my siblings and I still see some older folks do it till date. You need to see them to feel the aura of love that engulfs such people. I will not be surprised if kids of today see me as been dirty or backward. I am sure most of them prefer the westernized method of dining table or dining alone.

We also have some of the older generations who do not want to forget the tradition of eating together. In another sense though, and they have coined another name for it. They prefer the concept of eating together when it comes to looting or sharing the national cake. That is the reason they call theirs ‘Chop-I-Chop’. This way, as long as a man is corrupt, he should and would turn a blind eye to the next man who is also corrupt. A sense of unity replaces love between them. Irrespective of family, ethnicity or political affiliation, they have a strong bond which till date nothing can break

Do yourself a favour by accepting polygamy.

There is a Yoruba adage which says ‘we watch an incredulous scene with our mouth wide open’. This was the case as my mouth was left agape while I watched a documentary of native Indians who practised polyandry. The two brothers interviewed are married to the same woman and they live happily with their children.

In my study of sociology, I was made to believe that there is no universally accepted standard for right or wrong. Reading about the bizarre customs of some communities in Nigeria was an eye opener. I know it is no longer news for some people that some communities in Nigeria allow for temporary exchange of wives and another community allows for the husband to offer his wife to sleep with his visitor.

Traditionally, in the African society, the man is allowed as much wife as he can take. This was a measure of a man’s wealth and affluence in the medieval periods. This is still the case in some few places. Till date some African men still hide under this tradition to take more than a wife. The western culture which we are eager to emulate to the letter frowns at polygamy though it has to tenable basis for this. The western culture believes in a man to a woman. However, let’s not forget it is the same western culture that encourages fornication by giving it a name -‘cheating’. It’s the same ‘perfect’ western culture that is pushing homosexuality down our throat by calling it freedom of human rights.

Religiously, either in Christianity or Islam, I have not seen any clear text from any of the holy books which frown at or negate polygamy. Quite a number of prophets were married to more than one wife. I also believe that the prophets are sent by God so that they can be models for us in living our lives. Conversely, there are texts in the holy books that forbid fornication, adultery as well as homosexuality. Thus we should stay away from them.

Any woman who will not accept that traditionally or religiously a man is entitled to have more than a wife may have the heart (lustful nature) of the man to contend with.

What makes an excellent parent?

The irrational quest for material wealth is not a determinant of success. The daily search for sustenance and the pursuit of happiness is intertwined with an honest source for livelihood. However, majority have become slave to money no matter how successful they look.

I call it a pyrrhic victory when you are deeply worried about the turnover or security of your investment. You are even in shackles when a greater part of your day is engaged to meet your employers target thereby your free time is just to rest for a few hours.

Our children suffer the consequences of our overly busy schedule. Parents who feel a sense of achievement due to work place elevation need another second assessment of themselves. Probably, they are living in a fool’s paradise if they know just little about the children that are products of their own loins. The argument of a greater part of them is centred on the misconception that material wealth takes care of all other issues.

Many refuse to understand that the best parents can give to their children includes love, attention and personally teaching them ideal values to hold on to within the society. Many parent leaves the responsibility with the teachers who are already over-stretched with trying to massage the inner cravings of all students in the classroom. Other parents showcase their folly by trusting a house help who also needs mentoring to help train their children.

We can blame the society which no longer places importance on personal values. We can blame the society that encourages massive accumulation of material wealth at any means. Alas, we are the very one that shape the society. Are we not fools if we continue to loose grip of what matters by holding on to vanity?

Our unbelief in God

Everything about life, existence and nature may just be a coincidence. However, deep reflection will make us realize it’s more than a coincidence. The awesomeness of the miracle in everything is an attestation to the existence of a supreme power which is well hidden yet visible to all of mankind. We can’t be any better than an atheist, polytheist or pagans if we don’t fully understand the concept of God.

To ‘fully’ understand the concept of God in itself is a journey that can lead to guidance or misguidance and/or madness. We are not meant to go beyond the revelations and explanations given by the holy books and the various prophets sent by God. Ground breaking discoveries by science has added to the evidence of the existence of God than it has supported the position of an atheist. There is always a question of ‘why’, ‘what’, and ‘who’ after causes or explanation for a phenomenon which otherwise was a miracle earlier.

God created everything. And everything includes human, spirits, animals, trees and every order living and non-living things. We shouldn’t confuse ourselves by thinking the world is controlled by two opposing forces of good and evil. Entertaining the thought that the devil has equal but opposing power to that of God is an act which can be described as associating partners with God and not admitting God has power over every.

Since God created all and possesses power over everything, everyone and every action, then it’s important it’s Him and Him alone we worship. There are miracles in all of God’s creation. The sun, moon, the galaxy, each and every animal, the mountains, all show that there is miracle in all of God’s creation. If the miracles we see are enough to make us worship any of His creation then we should be worshipping all His creations including you, the reader of this article since you are also God’s miracle. God is not embodied in any of His creation. Space and time contains Him not.

Worshipping or idolizing any of God’s creation questions our belief and faith in Him. Worshipping any other deity solely or along with God doesn’t make us better than pagans, atheist or polytheists.

Faulty keyboard

If your writing is as terrible as mine, you’ll definitely not enjoy writing. I find it difficult (and friends too) to read most of the things I write. The only saving grace I have to be able to read what I write is to keep read it immediately I finish the writing. I am sure my poor writing contributed to my lower in examinations where I thought I ought to have performed better than my result.

My exposure to the computer system saved me lots of troubles I experienced due to bad writing. Hardly again will you find me with pen and papers. My keyboard has been a close friend closest to my thoughts through my fingers. As every technology has its associated risk, my love for keyboards is being tainted by some of its problems.

If your computer system has ever visited the quack engineer you’ll understand my plight. What could be more annoying than wrongly arranged key pads on a keyboard? You have to click on every pad to find out the particular alphabet or symbol you want. For those who are typing experts, the result will be lots of typos which they never thought they’ll make. Proof reading and searching for the right pad wastes a lot of precious time that can be dedicated to some other things.

What if the keyboard is faulty and some pads are stubborn or keep working just by the touch of at the gentle breeze? I have been slapping and blowing tiny particles from my keyboard for months now. The slapping sometimes attracts remarks from friends who tell me to ‘take it easy’. It’s only a lazy man that fights or complains about his tools. Yes I am lazy and I accept. Now you want me to slap the keyboard harder?

I refuse to let any other quack tamper with the ill health of my computer system. The exorbitant repair charge and duration of leaving it at the service centres is also a turn-off. I will hold on to my dearest and continue giving her little slaps to align its brain to do my bid.

Our beloved NOI and the World Bank job.

The support of Nigerians for our dear aunty to ascend the top position of the World Bank is as a result of her achievement within the short time she headed the economic team in Nigeria. Right from the period of her engagement into the government fold, the economy of Nigeria has grown and improved. Not in every country will the policy of government have effect on all its people; whereas her policies can be felt by the poorest of poor in Nigeria. One of the major achievements is the partial deregulation of the petroleum sector. Not only did she predict massive employment opportunities if the policy could go through, she also predicted that the cabals will no longer rip the government. Numerous jobs have been created through various government committees and lots of idle politicians and noise makers have been employed at least temporarily. The cabals are now grumbling thanks to the effective House Committee that probed the petroleum sector and unintentionally showcased the massive (un)decay within the petroleum and finance ministry.

A report suggesting a further increase in poverty level in Nigeria should be ignored. The cry of hunger and unemployment by the people isn’t real rather we should look at the figures been churned out by the finance ministry about the growth in our economy. What more achievement is greater than false message of hope; unfulfilled promises; deaths as a result of unpopular policies et al. Call her Madame President, Prime Minister, First Nigerian President, cry-cry mommy etc and she is not perturbed. We are resolved and committed to ensure she clinches that World Bank position.

South Africa who only recently realized Nigeria’s big brother prowess as a result of the deportation saga has no option but to support her candidacy. America and Ghana that do not support her haven’t been updated about her latest achievement in Nigeria. The achievement of her closest rival for the post, Jim Yong Kim at World Health Organization and his impact on the world cannot be compared to Aunty Ngozi’s achievement.

The world needs Aunty Ngozi more than Nigeria. Good heart like hers shouldn’t be enjoyed by a few political few. The world should have a taste of her love, care and expertise.

Social Media and Governance

Dear friends. It is quite obvious facebook is becoming boring to some folks. Guess what? I happen to be part of those folks. A lot of people are migrating to other social media most especially twitter. The essence of social media is indeed interaction. As such, it doesn’t matter if it is facebook, linkedin or twitter. Making the best use of all these medium can go a long way in enriching our souls and informing us adequately about all information we may need in our everyday activities.

To digress a little bit; this is not about social media and please don’t read this stuff half way. Endure to read it to the end no matter how unimportant or boring it seems. A lot is happening within the shores of Nigeria and it has been happening right from the days of our independence. Politics as shifted from service to the peasants and the generality of the people; to filling pockets and bank accounts of political office holders. Successive government seems to be breaking the corruption index records of previous government.

My belief until few months ago was that politics is for the corrupt. Please don't be prejudicial or insinuate yet. Politics isn't for the corrupt. We left politics for the corrupt (either they became corrupt therein or they were innately corrupt). The question of which political party to join also comes to mind – those that are not corrupt. As of today in Nigeria, I can't find any political party with clear-cut ideology and manifesto that can and will be truly implemented. Nonetheless, that is not a good reason to still let politics remain with the corrupt. Come to think of it, while in elementary school, we were told we are the future of tomorrow (today). How come we are not in the real sense of it? Is it because we failed to demand for what is ours? There is a popular adage which says ' if you can’t beat them, join them'. However, we don't have to join them. We can create a new order. We can't secure the future of our children with corrupt clueless leaders. Our children must not go through what we are going through. Our children can't be slaves to children of the corrupt capitalist after all the education we strive to give them. 

Why can't we start a small cell within our little locality? Why can't we speak to friends, neighbours and colleagues about shaping the future? We can’t secure the future individually. A united people demanding change in a ward is enough to ouster the councillor. The road will be tough and rough but we can only try. We can't keep complaining when we have not made any effort to correct the anomaly. It is left to you and I. Several of us ignored politics and till date, the corrupt rode on our docility. We left them to do what they like and today the NASS can successfully legalize their own corruption. The corrupt leaders are almost impossible to prosecute as the judiciary now connives with them. Don’t be fooled by cosmetics works and surface paintings on infrastructures. Don’t be fooled by flowers. Don’t be fooled by assisted projects and don’t be fooled by projects which we don’t know the financial implication. Don’t be fooled by sweet words. Don’t be fooled by crumbs being offered to you by politicians or their cronies. I can boldly say that the best state in this country offers less than 10% of what the citizens deserve. We can’t continue this way. We must act. Let’s interact.

Back to social media (after a long digression)

You can follow me on twitter @odeshinabola where a lot is going on or we can interact here too. Let us start asking questions. Let us start making our demands. Nigeria belongs to all of us. Your ignorance or indifference will go a long way in affecting each and every one of us adversely.

Nigeria: Not ripe enough for Arunmah

I had to abstain from making any judgment after I heard and watched with dismay the brickbat that rocked the probe panel set-up by the House of Representatives committee on capital market headed by Herman Hembe. Tensed is an understatement to describe the atmosphere when the Head of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused the head of the probe panel/committee of not only demanding bribe from the commission but also not returning an unutilized estacode. By so doing, she insinuated and questioned how Herman Hembe (who lacked integrity) could question her competence and integrity.

Allegations like the above-mentioned involving bribery have been leveled against most of the members/committees formed by the House of Representatives. Despite such allegations, the resulting drama and the citizen outpour on national dailies and TV, the recommendation of such probe panes like numerous ones before it are swept under the rug. Nigerians, at many instances shown their displeasure and distrust at their lawmakers and members of the House of Representatives. As such, Oteh’s allegations came as no surprise.

The aura of Ms Arunmah Oteh should be something we should all learn from as people who want good governance. Watching her outburst, I saw a woman with knowledge and tact, intelligence and discipline. She is one of the few with competence well above the everyday politician or civil servant whose only achievement is through rigging and corruption. It is sad to say that at this point, our country do not require people of her caliber. She will perform better when we have a functioning check and balance system in place in government.

Certainly, she won’t be dumb to have spent excessively outside the confines of the purported contract. Nonetheless, I would have expected someone of her pedigree and her knowledge of the level of poverty in Nigeria not to have allowed herself to be lured by a society that encourages corruption. Morality demands she lives and spend in a modest manner due to the harsh living condition of the people. Otherwise, she will end up in history with the likes of Goodluck Jonathan who spends N3m on feeding daily.

Like every other drama that has played out, I don’t expect a dent to her political career. Nevertheless the few of us who cherish morality, discipline and patriotism may not forgive her for this blunder.

What we ought to do

A precarious situation does not demand a fire-brigade approach remedial action. Strategic planning can correct every anomaly in a situation subject to if the leader sees such situation has detrimental. A lot has been said about the herculean task shoved on an unwilling president. The president’s performance is a confirmation of the authenticity of the Wikileaks report which claimed the president once said he has no administrative skills. This current leadership would have done more good for itself if it had seen the job as an on-the-job-training. Rather than accept the challenges that comes with leadership, they will rather make use of the opportunity and position to satisfy ethnic gluttons. In the history of Nigeria, the people and especially the presidency have never so much ridiculed the office.

As we rant about the ineptitude and corruption which our rulers see as modus operandi, we fail to look within ourselves for solution. A series of question need be answered with sincerity. Answering these questions will go a long way in shaping the direction the nation will take. Otherwise, we can as well continue in the usual circle of corruption; smiling and suffering; politics of do or die.

What can we do? The social media is awash with different activist today. Information is now at the tip of the fingers. Not a day goes by without a progressive or democrat ranting on TV or the radio. The message is being sent to the government to do the right thing.it takes just a decision by someone up there to say ‘I want a turnaround’.  Corruption, ineptitude and other vices in governance could be a thing of the past if office holders have the right vision. The message being put across to us is simple: the war against corruption cannot be won.

What we ought to do? We cannot keep quiet and let the clueless take us on a journey of self-implosion. We must proffer solutions to him and make him see reasons why his strong stance may not be the best and why he has to give room for advice. Let us not forget, that the change cannot start from up there alone. We as a people also need to start correcting the mistakes we have been making for decades. The oil cabals make their wealth from shady oil deals just like the gala hawker will not pray for the pot-holes to disappear because he makes his living there.

The solution to our problem is within the grasp of each one of us, the leader as well as the follower, every one of us should make that commitment within himself to rid corruption in every little way in our daily lives.

The Nigerian Police. My friend, My foe

Whenever i see a policeman on the street, a mixture of feeling sweeps through me. A mixture of anger, pity, sadness and ironically i laugh a times..
There is no point stating what the problem is about them but i still wonder where we can realy heap the blame. Should it be the government, the successive police boss or the individual police himself? One way or the other we must have had an encounter with them.
But what’s the solution to these menace called Nigerian Police Force? People are clamouring for a total overhaul of the security system but without mincing words it’s an herculean task
Cause i can’t imagine laying off the whole lot of them. I said laying off the whole lot because i ask the question, ‘have you ever met a good police officer'?
The average police officer has an inferiority complex with a mind deeply controlled by the spirit of corruption. It’s so sad that we don’t expect anything good from them and even they do something nice we become suspicious of them.. It’s so sad I don’t know if to trust a police is the right thing. I wonder what criterion is being used to recruit them because you wonder how a man or woman who can hardly communicate gets into the force. I used to think a police man should be larger in size than the average man but this is not so. I thought the police was supposed to be smart.
It’s so sad that i don’t even expect them to be bold and selfless. Its normal to see a police man take off his uniform whenever there is a gunshot nearby. Yet we just laugh and say ' who wants to die?'
Many criminals have made their way into the force thereby adding to the increasing number of bad eggs (i doubt if there is any good egg)

A bold step needs to be taken to rid the police of unqualified men. Not only unqualified but those with known history of criminality. Unqualified not only refers to academic qualifications but physical and mental qualities .This rightsizing should be irrespective of position or grade. The same officers in high ranking position came through the same system, so a thorough makeover needs to be done so as to attract intellectual mind into the profession. If this isn’t done, we'll keep having the same kind of irresponsible individuals manning our security in this nation.
The police will continue not to be our friends if the same set of people is in the force......the change starts from each one of us by trying to be a better person and also try to condemn corrupt practices and try as much as possible not to give them bribe.

The collector from Mary

Introducing: Nigerian Government as Bààlè Oshogbò’ a.k.a Kàbiyesi

                   Citizenry as Mary

                   Miscreant/Palace Warden as Koleosho

Bààlè Oshogbò: (Heavily sweating calls out Koleosho)

Koleosho! Koleosho! Have you seen Mary’s new jalopy. She just passed by the palace.

Koleosho: Yes, Kàbiyesi, she is doing very well with her shop.

Bààlè Oshogbò: Indeed, has she paid all her dues?

Koleosho: Beni, Kàbiyesi.

Bààlè Oshogbò: Environmental dues (a sha fun won ni fresh air)?

Koleosho: Yes, Kabiyesi.

Bààlè Oshogbò: Light nko, palace dues, water, security?

Koleosho : Chuckles, Kàbiyesi ooooo, she has paid all. In fact Kàbiyesi, we collect the dues from her even though we don’t provide the services.

Bààlè Oshogbò: O kàre. There must be something else she should pay for. (Thinking…)

Koleosho: What do you have in mind, Kàbiyesi?

Baale Oshogbo: Still thinking…

Imagine the case of individuals whom the responsibility for the provision of their sustenance, welfare and security has been assigned to a Government. The Government, corrupt, inept and non-chalant best describes them. With little or no care from the Government, these individuals strive for a means of sustenance. They resort to the most unfathomable jobs just to survive. Some others amongst them work their fingers to the bone.

At the end of their strife is the irresponsible Government who inhibits these individuals at their place of strife through their goods-seizing, shops-demolishing, funds-collecting official miscreants. One would think what more mischief and oppression can this government cause those it is responsible to? What more trials and tribulations can these individuals be subjected to? Alas, like a thieving tax-collector, the collect all or almost all what these individuals have earned through various means; un-provided services, increased cost of living, expensive basic amenities etc.

These collections are at the very least are supposed to be used to improve citizenry sustenance, welfare and security. However that doesn't happen. Instead, it goes into government extravagancy, lootocracy and mismanagement. Thereafter, the whole cycle continues like the famous Deming cycle. This scenario is what I term 'à gbà lòwò mèèri' - 'the collector from mary.' A gbà lòwò mèèri' is a theme a bit similar to the proverbial Robin Hood. However, in this case the masses (mèèri – translated as the underprivileged in yoruba) are deprived of their earnings through various means.

'A gbà lòwò mèèri, Bààlè Oshogbò’ was one of the yoruba literatures I skimmed through as a child. The scenario described above actually typifies the nature of the ruler of Oshogbò; ‘Bààlè of Oshogbò’. I actually can’t recall the fate of the ‘Bààlè of Oshogbò’ at the end of the story (I didn’t complete the book because of its gbànkò gbi (strong vocabulary) yoruba). But, I am almost certain that it didn’t end well for the Bààlè nor his kinsmen. In actual fact, it couldn’t have ended well.

Wake up! We need not imagine again. Isn’t this an exact replica of the Nigerian Government – Citizenry state of affairs? At times, I ask myself, ‘In what way has this Government added value to our lives despite all the hard-knot problems we are made to go through as citizens everyday just to earn a living and contribute directly or indirectly to our economy?’ I can’t but pray that this Government wakes up to its responsibilities so that it ends well for them.

If you are reading this and/or you are amongst those privileged to have read the book, kindly share your knowledge on the fate of the Bààlè of Oshogbò’ so that our Government could learn.

Guest Blogger on Truth Hurts: @Ibn_AbdulRahman

Participative corruption.

Governance in Lagos State is shrouded in so much secrecy. The various construction works going on in some parts of the state meet the aspirations of the people but the government has failed to let the people know the financial implications of such projects. Lagosians don’t even know if there great-grand children will have to pay debts for such projects and no one even knows for sure if the cost of such projects is over-bloated. . The massive works by the Ministry of Environment with the help of several corporate bodies in beautifying Lagos is commendable. A lot of Lagosians applaud the development but how does a beautiful environment positively ameliorate the living standard of the people?

So far the ACN leadership has maintained its huge followership with a method I term ‘participative corruption.’Each and every member of the party directly or indirectly has his hands soiled. Awarding of contracts to card carrying members without recourse to due process and the use of tax payers’ money to fund party function is disheartening.  Employment into the various agencies set up by the Lagos State Government isn’t for the ordinary man but for party members. It is impossible to get any job with Lagos State, its Ministries or agencies without a political connection no matter your level of expertise. The calibre of people in the KAI and LASTMA uniforms says it all. Political office holders at various levels in the state are given free hand, that’s why we don’t have any development at the local government level. The money meant for development is shared amongst them through phoney projects.

A can of worms will be opened should an opposition take the reigns of power in Lagos. The silence of the governor, the controversy surrounding the speaker as well as the open secret of corruption by the CAN national leader is a clue enough to make any right thinking man be critical of the government.

Football should be enjoyed

The final of the Ghana-Nigeria 2000 Nations cup final was a sad night. The Cameroonians were almost humiliating Nigeria at home but thanks to a spirited effort spear-headed by Okocha. It was a final we already won before that night. Fireworks and other side attractions were already in place to celebrate when the trophy will be handed to us. Our heart was shattered by the penalty taken by Ikpeba. It struck the crossbar and crossed the finish line but the referee could not see it. I went to bed that night hoping to wake from my dream. This scenario and several others bring to the fore, the issue of goal line technology.

It is a proposed technology which may help determine when the ball has completely crossed the goal line. It thereby assists the referee in making the right decision. A lot of question need be asked about the proposed technology. I can’t imagine the official waiting or going to the flanks to watch a reply or another official watches and communicates it to the centre referee. Will it finally bring to rest all controversy which otherwise has made football more interesting?

Our quest for right decision is just an indication of our over-zealous attitude towards the sport. I always thought was meant to be enjoyed at leisure but it seems the ills of the society has made soccer our opium thus we want it to be perfect in terms of decision making. Let’s not forget that a little bit of bias makes the game more interesting. Football should be watched to make each one of us happy and not to turn us into enemies all because we are fans of competing teams.

My gains after i became vocal & conscious..

The feelings of a blind man who latter regained his sight cannot be explained with words. Stepping out of the dark is a typical example of such scenario. I have met quiet a number of old friends who ask why i am now politically conscious. Some others insist that I’m being paid or i am eyeing a political post. Those close to me know all these are not true. One of the biggest positives of being interested in governance is the level of information and awareness I have been exposed to. In my over two decade of existence, the last few months have been the most educative; religiously and politically and health wise, i have taken a bigger stride than i have ever taken.
During this short period, i now understand the benefits of information and re-education of oneself. I have also learnt the advantages of taking all information thrown at me and i have developed a keen sense of sieving through to purge out deficient and non-beneficial knowledge. Why must anyone just skip through a piece of news or information all because the heading contradicts what you believe in? We all should learn to go through such news with a mind to get factual information, test our resolve and also with an aim to set the facts right on deficient ones.
A group of people who i term 'educated illiterates' are much more around than the real illiterates. These are the people who claim to be too busy to read beneficial news, articles or information but are more interested in news about dumb artistes who have not impacted their lives positively.
There is no point regretting, but i would have been a far better person if i had met my present version of a person when i was a lot younger. I wish i could reach out to our present teenagers who are definitely off-the-path. Reading can be tedious without interest so its imperative people discover their interest. The urge to know more is what makes people genius. Nobody is born dumb; we all choose to be dumb, smart or brilliant. Let’s all get involved and interested in what affects us, governance, religion, health and others.
 We have our fathers who have been at the elms of affair for so long and yet they did not get it right. This is a time to get informed, learn from their mistakes and correct our orientation. Superstitious beliefs have created enmity within family, but advancement in medical research has shown that some beliefs are not true. On the religious part, there are certainly a lot of things we've been doing the wrong way. Reading and not waiting for opinions of religious heads has helped a lot. What is worth doing is worth doing well and discretion can never be superior to facts in religion.

I don’t expect the educated illiterates to read this article this far. For the few that get to read this, there is a lot we need to do to ginger the reading spirit in folks. The 140 characters on twitter or a post on facebook doesn’t say it all just like the title of a book doesn’t say all about a book.

War brewing in the Middle East

Tehran, Iran has been acting with some shroud of secrecy. This was the same path Baghdad took which lead to the war spear-headed by the United States. The United States accused Saddam Hussein of building Weapon of Mass Destruction. Though, at the time before the war, the United States Intelligence had no evidence of such activities. The only evidence was the reluctance of Baghdad to let in International Atomic Energy Agency officials come into the country for inspection.

Despite no hard evidence, the United State went to war and was supported by some other western countries. Till date, Iraq is still grappling with internal war and the re-building process isn’t anywhere near starting. It’s a similar case with Tehran at present. Perhaps Tehran is trying to become a super power within the region over its uncertain uranium enrichment program.

Israel which is one of the super powers not by its might but from support from other western nations including the United State is ready to confront Iran. The only reason, i opine the USA isn’t taking Tehran seriously at this time is because of their coming election. More so, another war in that region will plunge the whole area back into decades of underdevelopment and rebuilding process.

Almost all nations where in support of the misguided war on Iraq and none of the nation could come out at this time to condemn the United States. Libya and Afghanistan may not recover soon from the wars the United State started on their soil.  How soon do we forget. I still expect the same nations to keep mute or support another unjustified war against Tehran.

Jonah leading by example. Sanusi

Our president recently rewarded ex-militants with juicy positions in his government. It is so shameful when criminals who plunged the nation into so much insecurity are treated like kings. Could it be said that it’s because they belong to same ethnic group with the president? Bigotry is forever present in the hearts our present crop of rulers. Or how do you explain some sentences credited to individuals in important and strategic positions in government? 

The killing of innocent Nigerians in the north isn’t a thing of joy but i feel more grief when the number one citizen says the victims of the terror in the north are the southerners. I wonder if such sentence is meant to unite Nigerians. The leadership has failed to lead by example. I would ordinarily have expected the amnesty programme to be disbanded and ministries such as Niger-delta ministry be scrapped. Such ministry as well as NDDC indicates that Nigerian government favours some ethnic group.

The leadership and its lieutenants dip hands in public fund to score cheap ethnic points amongst people of their ethnic origin. An example is the donation by the central bank governor to victims of terrorism in his home state. Later, after public outrage he donated to victims of terrorism in Madalla. I believe this is an afterthought and remedial action because of the public outcry. 

Ordinarily, I would have raised dust about the action of Sanusi Lamido Sanusi but whenever i look up at the leadership, all I see is someone helping himself and his kinsmen and he doesn’t really care if his lieutenants do same too. 

A lot needs to be done in Nigeria. No matter how righteous one may be, joining this government will taint such person’s righteousness. Sanusi lamido Sanusi is a guilty as his boss and both of them deserve to resign their position to save the integrity of the office they occupy.

Governor IbikunleTroublemaker Amosun

The immediate past governor of Ogun state, the ever smiling Otunba Gbenga Daniel almost personalized all properties and assets of the state. He ruled with an iron fist and indigenes wonder if he ever thought he would leave that position. Eight years looked like eternity at the beginning of his term and he successfully wrote his own name in the bad book of everyone.

Even fellow party members were dissatisfied with his style and it lead to factions within the party which cost the party to lose the state to a candidate no one gave a chance. Rumours from the grapevine suggest that Ibikunle Amosun had an agreement to be the governor once Gbenga Daniel finished his first term.

But since resumption of office by Governor Ibikunle Amosun, he has been renaming all properties of Ogun State back to its original name. 

This is a good step if it is matched with meaningful development in terms of human capital and infrastructure. It’s becoming so irritating with the obvious show of vengeance that the Governor may have personal feud with the ex-governor. I thought the revocation of the certificate of occupancy of OGD's dads’ church was the last. The church was also demolished. Recently there is also the revocation of Certificate of Occupancy of the property OGD's hotel sits on.

I implore the Governor to let sleeping dogs lie and concentrate on taking the state to greater heights rather than chasing shadows

Playing dumb while trying to play smart - Dbanj Case Study

The Sahara Reporters interview with Dbanj was unprofessional. Nonetheless, I enjoy people been caught unaware and Dbanj goofed repeatedly. He failed to manage the short interview. The interview questions were spot on. What can I say, Nigerians won’t forget easily or soon those who had betrayed them. It would have been easy for Dbanj to play neutral even despite his romance with Aso-Rock. It could also have been easy for him to switch back to the peoples’ side. A simple word of ‘sorry’ heals more than any remedy. But Dbanj played dumb while trying to play smart. He requested for a minute silence for those who lost their lives during the Occupy Nigeria struggle and within short seconds denied hearing about the struggle. Come on! One would have thought Dbanj should have behaved maturedly and added value to himself after all these years of musical success. I mean, musical success is not only about jumping about and compiling songs that have no message.

Arguably, some fans find it disturbing why unnecessary attention is centred on Dbanj. Let’s not forget he wasn’t the only one who was involved with this government. Many artistes were much as involved too. Most of them are keeping it cool and calm or staying out of limelight at this period. Most of them also did not participate in the Occupy Nigeria struggle and nobody is even bothered about asking for their position on the same issue.

Dbanj is busy enjoying the fame. His hyperactive nature isn’t doing him much good at this moment. He should have managed his fame with the help of experts who groom public figures on handling the press. Dbanj was a disgrace during those few moments even though Sahara Reporters crossed the ethical line.

What every woman wants

Most women claim they can have a relationship with a guy who loves them but cannot stay in such relationship if the guy doesn’t have enough money to throw around. The two major causes of relationship break-up is lack of satisfaction and inability of most men to meet financial demands of the lady. This is not to say such women demand for so much. Some ladies can be so demanding while so men can be so greedy and shy away from their responsibility.

For anyone to believe or think women crave so much for money is a mistake. Even if it comes from the mouth of some women you still see them ending up with guys who are not as well-off as those they once rejected. The secret to the less wealthy guy winning her heart isn’t his prowess on bed. All women crave for attention and affection. Monetary and material gifts are not show of affections. It may be in some cases but a listening ear does more good than material gifts.

I have met not-too handsome guys win the heart of prettiest of girls which the so-called big boys could not. Every man should come to realize that in a relationship, it isn’t about them but mostly about the lady. Importance shouldn’t be placed on the guy, his wealth or all he can do. Attention should be mostly centred on her. A listening ear does more. A show of affection by asking after every important detail which she never thought you’ll remember does so much magic in her heart.

Have you ever tried playing with her fingers or toes? It doesn’t have to be sex. Be her best friend and even speak to her like she is your male pal who you can share anything with. There is also one big secret I am willing to share; it is sincerity. Do you believe even playboys use sincerity to achieve evil results? There is magic in everything and there is power in our mind.

Dreamers want a ready-made guy while the stupid ones prefer the handsome dude. Smart girls want a guy who progresses gradually and also help them to progress. Real ladies want guys that’ll bring out the best in them. They want a guy who will make them achieve what they never thought of doing.

Women want money but they can wait for you and them to work hard for it. They are not unreasonable and those that look otherwise deserve to be put back on track. Let’s not deceive ourselves that women are always after money. All they want is affection, love and someone with the right mind and prospect.

FLASH NEWS: NEW APPOINTMENTS

In order to consolidate on the achievements made so far by this administration, we have stepped up efforts to identify and engage technocrats and professionals in different fields to solve Nigeria’s multi-faced problem.

Not too long ago the federal government in pursuit of its aim of transformation decided to hand over strategic positions to patriotic Nigerians. Some of such appointment is that of Ex-Militants, Boyloaf, Tompolo and Dokubo. These are Niger- Deltans who have shown in time past, their zeal at making Nigeria peaceful. They have secured lives and properties of numerous multinational oil thieves in the Niger-Delta region. Also, we have not only rewarded lower cadre militants with paid vacation trips tagged educational scholarship, but we have also paid monthly salary to others in our amnesty programmes.

In order to compliment the federal character and to suppress marginalization noise in some quarters, the federal government has decided to engage the services of experts in the area of security and information dissemination. Azazi will make way for Kabiru Sokoto as the new national Security Adviser.  Please don’t be bothered by the frown on Kabiru Sokoto’s face. He was woken up while enjoying his sleep by Maryln. With these appointments all bombings will stop henceforth and MEND and our ruler will stop arguing on who threw the bomb.

There has also been national outcry to put professional and technocrats in their place of expertise; thus Labaran Maku will henceforth organise praise-singers for the president and will also be in charge of amusing the presidency. Taking his place will be Abul Qaqa. I don’t need to blow Abul Qaqa’s horn. His Curriculum Vitae says it all.

The government won’t rest on its oars to identify and engage talented Nigerians. This is part of the drive to create a million jobs in the next few months. We urge all Nigerians not to send resumes but show their ‘evil’ talents. We can assure you that we notice everyone.

Why Nuhu Ribadu got it wrong

Staying away from the country doesn’t necessarily mean you lose touch with developments in the country. No one needs to tell Nuhu Ribadu that there was no meaningful development since the day this present government took the reins of power. The government has only grown unpopular each day. The appointment of technocrats and ‘men of integrity’ have failed to bring succour to the people.

But someone needs to tell Nuhu Ribadu that the only development which is not associated with government is the level of enlightenment and participation of the people. During Nuhu Ribadus sojourn in the desert, so many youths in Nigeria have engaged themselves in information sharing which has spurred us to ask question. Yet the government has failed to give reasonable answers.

Nuhu Ribadu needs to be told that the likes of Sanusi lamido Sanusi who we once respected got has the CBN complicit in fuel subsidy corruption. Ribadu should ask how Madam-President Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala embarrassed herself at the on-going probe in the national assembly. Perhaps Ribadu should ask how Diezani Alison-Madueke lied claiming to be under oath. These set of people are the best product the current administration can boast of. What became of them today?

In order to win trust of the people, Belgore and Christopher Kolade were adopted to head committees. Illegal committees. If Nuhu doesn’t know, the mere fact that such men of credibility accepted such illegal responsibility made the people lose all respect for them. Now in a bid to redeem an unredeemable credibility, the government decides to bring in a Ribadu.

Did Ribadu ever ask if his committee has duplicated responsibility? I bet he, Ribadu ignored that question. Will Ribadu be able to prosecute all erring officer including his boss Diezani Alison-Madueke? I bet he can’t. The only committee which ought to be set up is a committee to study the report of KPMG, implement necessary recommendation and bring all culpable officers to book. Oh my God! I just mentioned committee too. That’s simply because we have all lost faith in all relevant agencies and ministries. In fact we lost faith in the government.

All my opinions give me some leads. The first is that Ribadu has just been a chameleon claiming to be upright. Because till today I did not see any prominent public officer successfully prosecuted by him during his years has EFCC boss. I will also look at it from another angle. Probably he is just a political ‘ashewo’ who is ready to work with any government in power. Or how do you explain Mitt Romney working under Obamas administration? Thirdly, maybe he truly wants to serve his fatherland not minding if he will succeed or not.

This is a time to wish Nuhu Ribadu well on his new appointment which I refuse to call national service .i pray we the critics, your fans, GEJ sympathizers and every other well-meaning Nigeria live longer than Boko Haram bombs to witness your tale after.

God bless Nigeria

English FA and people finally got their wish

English FA successfully forced out Fabio Capello. I don’t understand why Luis Suarez who was accused of allegedly abusing Evra was banned for 8 games while John Terry with similar offence has to wait for a court prosecution in July.
It was with shock I received the news that Terry has been stripped of captaincy by the English FA. Logically, i expected any action that will be taken will have to wait till after Court Judgement. I was more bewildered when Fabio Capello went against the FA publicly. I feel the FA undermined a Capello who they knew wants a total control on his team. They knew he could not permit interference from the Football Association in his work.
Incidentally the resignation of Capello came same day the long trial of prospective successor came to an end. It was the same day Harry Redknap was cleared of any crime of tax evasion.
Perhaps everything happened and fell in place at the right time. I expect the FA to speed up the hiring of their home grown coach. I expect little resistance from Tottenham management cause delay might affect England’s chances in Euro 2012 . Other chain reactions include Arsenal finishing the league with more points than Tottenham; Luka Modric finally leaving for Chelsea; Gareth Bale also leaving for another bigger club and Emmanuel Adebayor permanently moving to Tottenham. So what makes you think Nigeria isnt like its old master? 

Valentines gift for my children

At first it may be a bitter experience to my family. I’ll have to call my children to a meeting and break the news i have been keeping a secret. I have a girlfriend.......and I intend proposing marriage to her this valentine’s day. I know sweat will break from foreheads. They probably will think it’s a joke. Some might get irritated but these are words I’ve been rehearsing for so long and I can’t keep the secret anymore.
I expect one or all of them to take the news to their mother, my wife. I am darn sure what her reaction will be. They'll break the news to her and to their surprise she sighs in relief. Does it mean she doesn’t love dad anymore? The children will ask each other. My wife will tell them 'I knew all along your dad was having an affair'. Bewildered look on the children’s faces. Then they ask 'do you know he'll propose to her very soon?' Her response will be ' I have been expecting that to happen'. Your dad is a Muslim and he is entitled to more than a wife. Your dad loves you, i love you and you can do with an extra love again. The children turn to their mom angrily ' what makes you think the home-breaker will love us?
Enough of the drama. My wife and I will be renewing our vows this valentine and it will come with some practical jokes on the kids. They are growing fast, not only are they keeping secrets from us but also ganging up to play pranks on us. Thus we also want to show them we can also play their game, but in a beautiful way.

Music, musicians and weeds

From a tender age I had always loved music. If you have never felt that wave of excitement flow through your body then you don’t understand what good music is. At various point in my life I have listened and loved different genres. I can’t ever forget the jazz being played by Rhythm 93.7fm years ago. There was also a time Fela was in my system. Hip-hop, rhythm and blues are all part of my collection

Despite my love for music, the architects of such beautiful art haven’t impressed me with their personal attitudes except for just a few. I won’t fail to point out that i stereotyped almost all musicians to be eccentric. I stand to be corrected that most musical artiste especially hip-hop artiste can’t survive without tinge of madness in them. I won’t call names but majority of the ones I met personally only confirmed my thinking.

I won’t ever forget one of the short-lived superstars who messed up his career on a national TV. He was so high on marijuana and practically made a fool of not himself alone but others. So many other prominent ones who are still in the limelight are been associated with weeds. Some even make songs that share their love for weeds.

Musical artistes who once held sway in the entertainment industry but today have vanished into oblivion were directly or indirectly ruined by their love and dependence on hard drugs. These once popular artiste whose careers took a nose-dive won’t have the opportunity of advising their fans of dangers of such hard drugs. Simply because the command, respect and attention their music once brought them is dies. 

Love and valentine

Love comes in different shapes and sizes. It takes different form and expressed in different ways. Romantic couples will kiss to express love while some other passionate ones will quarrel over small issues and later reconcile to strengthen their love.

The gifts given on this day depends on how rich, romantic or matured you are. . Going through my memoirs of the characters I have encountered in my journey in life; I have come across some bizarre valentine day’s gifts.

Gifts ought to be shared occasionally by loved ones. Most lovers only give gifts during the wooing season. To these less enlightened people it is the only day one should buy a gift for his/her spouse. 

The semi-literates and illiterates use this day to take their family to fast-food outlets (so romantic). You can see them in ‘aso-ebi’ on queues in crowded fast food joints.

You also see some hopelessly romantic ones purchasing roses which the average Nigerian lady doesn’t appreciate. I’ll advice all ‘maga must pay’ to stay away from ladies who haven’t shown them the green light ever since but till this month.

I am wishing everyone love and happiness, today and forever. I can’t wait till valentine’s day to do this because every day comes with the magic of love. Stay away from AIDS. Share the love not the virus.