A Worthwhile Journey Coming to an End.

When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"' At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sickness, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind received sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." Luke 7:20-23  - New International Version.

And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's. And they marveled greatly at him. Mark 12:17 - American Standard Version.

At this juncture, I have nothing to prove anymore. My body of work and ideas have been adopted by individuals, sovereign nations, and institutions, with huge success. Age has nothing to do with it. And years of experience on the job have nothing to do with it. It is something fresh, realistic, and practicable - made possible by a commonsense and creative mindset. Simply put, I read, and I am intelligent. I am one of a kind God-created visionary strategist. And like President Bill Clinton, I know little about most things. 

And it all began with stories of great leaders and everything leadership as told by my Mother in my period of adolescence, coupled with the sacrifice that I made buying and reading Time Magazine every week and The Guardian Newspaper of Nigeria almost every day during its first ten years of publication. The knowledge that I gathered from The Guardian Newspaper School of Thought is comparable to any Master's Degree in Public Policy obtainable at any top University in the developed world. Yes, the training/interest/focus has always been about leadership, managing changes, and organizational behavior. 

(I am not a Social Medial or Internet-made current and public affairs enthusiast. I was already deeply into commentaries on government and public affairs, with unqualified passion, if I may add, before the emergence of the Internet and social media. In the Eighties, just out of Grammar School, I wrote an Op-Ed piece for the Daily Times of Nigeria and the Nigerian Observer, titled "Toxic Waste Terrorism" following the dumping of Toxic Waste at Koko Town, near Warri in present-day Delta State, by an Italian Company. That was even before my Bachelor's degree and of course, before the advent of the Internet and social media). 

Adding to that, I appreciate the meaning and essence of effective communication. I write what people can read and understand, interpret and easily translate to other languages, if need be, without any hassles. Oftentimes, my opinion provokes cause for further action, and that is the way it should be. 

Above all, I was taught by the very best of Professors as well as by men and women who are highly learned and seasoned in their respective fields and industries - the same fields and industries I have covered with painstaking endeavor and commitment since the inception of this Blog.   Today, one of our articles, "Stabilization Clause vs Human Rights and Sustainable Development", has become a must-read for most graduate students as well as professionals in the energy and environmental law. 

Besides, I exceeded the goal I set for myself when I opened this Blog to the general public on January 3, 2012. From the search for True Federalism; Game Change and the need for Progressive Option; The Immunity Clause in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the thought-provoking articles on the last US Presidential election that turned out to be very effective for the campaign; Sovereign National Conference and Decentralization; Sustainable Development and managing the Niger Delta crisis; Leadership crisis and Education related problems in Nigeria; Managing Tolerance and Western Interests in the Middle East, etc, etc., we covered all of them with a new approach. 

Therefore, I won't be writing anything new anytime soon for the general public. When I do, it will come with a fee - in the form of a legal or expert opinion. However, I will continue to post commentaries on developing issues as appropriate.

It's been a wonderful experience and a cause for joy and celebration, seeing that my ideas and teaching work miracles for those who embrace them and are willing to adopt them unconditionally. 

When I wrote "Bonga Oil Spillage, Niger Delta, and Sustainable Development", it was in reaction to the never-ending clashes between host communities and IOCs over environmental desecration and neglect in the Niger Delta. Our main goal then was how to overcome the not-so-friendly relationship between the stakeholders - foreign and local investors, the federal government, and the local communities. We developed a framework (commonsense formula) for maximizing the investment interests of foreign investors (IOCs), without undermining the expectations and sustainable development of human and natural resources in the region. 

Surprisingly, someone tumbled the article on tumblr.com, leading to a cascade and hits from professionals from all over the world. In no time, two foreign developing countries adapted the piece to their situation and took over ownership and control of their mineral/natural resources deposits. Later, some lawyers in one of the law firms that handled the project in one of the countries started sending me connection requests on LinkedIn. The other country went a step further - I am now on their mailing list. Any new law passed by the National Assembly of the country is in my e-mail box as soon as it is getting out of print. 

Also, the Dean of a prominent Business School here in the States who is, by the way, a lawyer, sent me a note, suggesting that I add his textbook on Energy and Natural Resources Development in Africa, to my Library. And another organization was gracious enough to have me on record as a major recipient - without a fee - of any major energy-related contract signed by any country anywhere around the globe. 

With respect to Nigeria, it was a different story: They came up with "Host Community Funds" in the new Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), instead of "Land or Water Reclamation Funds", which I suggested with detailed explanations in the piece. Today, Northern Governors are fighting relentlessly to kill the entire Bill, because of that Section. You cannot really fault them; you cannot have a Ministry of Niger Delta as well as a Niger Delta Development Corporation and a "Host Community Funds" in the new Bill. About a year ago, when the issue came up, I advised in social media that the earlier they amend the wording of that Section and change the name to "Land Reclamation Fund", the better and faster to have PIB passed into law. The World is watching. I pray for reason to prevail within the governing class, and for the PIB to become law as planned. 

As I sign off once again, I will continue to devote time and energy, to perfecting my skills in public affairs - focusing on Energy and the Environment, Leadership, Foreign Investment, Education, and Sustainable Development of both human and natural resources. I am open to well-structured collaborative engagement in any of the areas listed in the previous sentence. Meanwhile, I strongly suggest you read the Social Intelligence series (part one to five) for a road map to who I really am. If I am right, and I know I am right, I do not vacillate. See, for instance, "Obama: Invisible Resistance and the Hacking of American Democracy", and "North Kicks Against Ban on B'Haram, Ansau." No double talk, no dilly dally, when the mood calls for action and result. 

So long everybody. 

September 21, 2013.

Sovereign National Conference vs Decentralization of Nigerian Federal System.

Decentralization, without Disintegration: The Star...: Preamble: Our position on Sovereign National Conference, true federalism, resource control and semi-autonomy for the component states ...

First published about a year ago. We post it again following the recent demand for Sovereign National Conference by Clark, Ekweme and others. Like most other advocate of SNC, the elder-statesmen did not give reason for their demand. We provide a road map. 

OVERCOMING THE CRISIS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD

Non-Aligned Progressive: Leadership and Motivations in Power*: OVERCOMING THE CRISIS IN THE MUSLIM WORLD: INTRODUCTION The escalating riotous situation in the Middle East and the Muslim World in general, is not in any shape or form, a reflecti...

First published about a year ago - how we defined the Middle East policy for the new western world.

In Search of a Real Political Party

Preamble

PDP, as it is today, would rather commit to hara-kiri (suicide) than subscribe to President Jonathan's second term ambition. And on a more disturbing note, months after the amalgamation of CPC, Labor, ACN, AC, and others splinter groups into a one and only APC, we are yet to see real progress or an electable candidate emerging from the crowded patchwork.  At this point in time, I want to belong to a political party - a party with ascertainable political agenda, a party with a true goal for real leadership. Not a party, relevant because PDP cannot heal itself or because you want President Jonathan out of Aso Rock by any means possible. I need some information about the founder or founders of Independent Democrats - one of the two new political party registered recently by INEC in Nigeria. Is the party another splinter group, displaced or left out of PDP power game? Or is it something fresh with genuine sense of purpose that one can readily relate to with pride at the national level? Nigeria is worth saving, and I am not giving up on remaking the project the way God wanted it at creation. 

Why the Search?

About a month ago, some nonpartisan (progressive learning) opinion writers, called on Buhari and APC to embark on a familiarization tour to impress it upon Nigerians why they are better than PDP and President Jonathan. Surprisingly, the response from Buhari supporters was brutally disparaging. By the way, claiming progressives label when you starkly lacked progressive credentials is a hard sell. Thus, making the need for lecture circuit a major priority. Unfortunately, the call was misconstrued, and the timely articles went unappreciated. Consequently, a progressive narrative that would have heralded the emergence of APC, suffered a stillbirth. 

In a similar vein, and of late, Tinubu is nowhere to be seen. General Buhari is behaving as if he is a President in waiting - an anointed crown prince waiting for the demise of the King. Adding to that, he is yet to develop a coherent narrative for the propagation of his presidential mission. That he has to embark on one on one meeting with Nigerians of different ethnic or religious background that he is indeed the solution to their problems is not an overstatement. The General should know right now that pandering to the Arewa enclave is not good enough. He has to move out of his secured territory. 

And on a more disturbing note, El Rufai, one of the most competent and outstanding administrators in the Nigerian political scene, is having difficulties making his presidential pitch before the relevant audience. At the same time, he is seemingly more comfortable operating under the shadow of General Buhari. May be Mallam El'Rufai knows what I don't know: that he, indeed, is not capable of winning the heart and soul of Nigerian voters nationwide. 

Also, Governor Fashola on his part is busy feeling comfortable in his Lagos almighty chair - not showing or declaring his presidential intention, probably for the fear that doing so is tantamount to undermining the interest and goal of his mentor. And that leaves Tinubu and Buhari as the dominant and potential figures in 2015 under the APC platform. 

Truth is, Tinubu and Buhari ticket requires a vigorous, widespread and all embracing campaign, to be able to defeat President Jonathan. Tinubu is not Awo, and Buhari is no Aminu Kano. Besides, they are not smooth-talkers, and at the same time not believable outside their immediate enclaves. The earlier they start the talking points, propagating what the new party is all about, the better for the progressive movement. 

Back to PDP: 

Governor Sule Lamido, a very personable guy, in a joint ticket with Amaechi, cannot defeat Jonathan and Sambo in the PDP primaries. Also, Dr. Aliyu of Niger State, partnering with either Donald Duke or Amaechi, won't be able to defeat Jonathan in the primaries. Besides, Dr. Aliyu, one of the most enlightened and educated Nigerian political leaders of today, knowingly, and if I may add, foolishly kill his presidential ambition when he, without any sense of national pride, or show of contrite, converted his State to a Sharia Law State. In this modern age of Nigeria, and with the advent of the social media, he cannot win a Presidential election in Nigeria. 

Also, the Governor of Kano State, maverick as he professed to be, cannot defeat President Jonathan at any PDP primaries and he cannot win a Presidential election, as well. He has no national appeal. 

Governor Sule Lamido, is more Presidential than most of the guys on the scene, judging by his words and actions, but he is pursuing it as if President Jonathan is an intruder. He is no doubt, more progressive than most of the today political leaders, including those at APC. Problem is, he did not stay true to his identity. In a real world, he doesn't belong to PDP. Another problem with his candidacy is whether or not he will be tough enough to deal with erring party members and his profligate children. I do not want another good man Shehu Shagari at the Presidency. 

With respect to Abubakar Atiku and the New PDP, his main problem is that he is a flip-flopper - he doesn't know how to trust or who to trust. Simply put, he is not a fighter. I like him as a person, but he wants to eat his cake and have it. He wants to remain PDP because of the structure of the party. Also, he wants to be the main man of the new PDP that absconded from PDP, while at the same time, his men are busy registering a brand new political party with INEC. See People Democratic Movement (PDM). The Vice President need be firm of purpose. 

Since the exit of President Obasanjo, Atiku is the only political leader on the scene who is able to articulate what he really wants to do as President. His clarity of thoughts on public affairs is outstanding. I want to be very frank and honest here; the fact that the materials on his campaign website or his published interviews were put together by advisers is irrelevant. Irrelevant because his opponents cannot boast of similar materials or consider it prudent to put together similar materials. How can you be an effective performer, if you cannot conceive or develop a coherent narrative for leadership? I have no doubt in my mind that Atiku is much better than his peers in that aspect - why I want to be President. 

His major weakness; allegations of corrupt practices aside, is his unwillingness to ruffle heads or be seen to be overtly antagonist. He should have taken a lesson from South Africa main man - Jacob Zuma on how to game the process legitimately.  When Zuma time came, he stood firm - no scandal manufactured by man or self-inflicted can take my title away from me. He was battle ready, emerged onto the scene gallantly like a true warrior and got his Presidential title. 

For instance, when Obasanjo was using EFCC and INEC to disqualify and un-disqualify Atiku years ago from running for the Presidential ticket under PDP, he should have taken his fight to the street - the people. He did not and he paid for it badly. 

Atiku is a management and administrative strategist. Politically speaking, he is no Mr. "If You Tarka Me, I Will Daboh You." It is very unlikely that he will be able to defeat Jonathan during the primaries - those working against him are more daring than those likely to stand by him. 

President Jonathan needs a political party. The armory at Aso Rock is not impenetrable. For now, PDP is a shadow of its former self. The party is killing itself and will kill itself because President Jonathan will not step down - the law is on his side, constitutionally speaking. Only one option left for his adversaries - if you cannot beat him in the primaries, and he is not stepping down, then do the ultimate: dismantle the party. For now, PDP is killing itself slowly and cascading Nigeria along dangerously in the process. So that is not a party for a real progressive to join. Besides, they don't stand for anything - no unique manifesto.

What Do We Do Now?

Nigeria is not a one-party state. There is the newly registered APC, and from all indications, the leadership of the party will not field a candidate that progressives at home and abroad will rally around with enthusiasm. That is the main concern of real progressives, me in particular. If APC cannot grow out of the shadow of Lai, Buhari, Tinubu, and Ikimi, they will continue to encounter problems garnering nationwide acceptance. 

There must be a total, vehement, and unequivocal detachment from what's been. I do believe in my heart that General Buhari has the tenacity and toughness to deal with those stealing our wealth, but whether he has the intellectual wherewithal to carry Nigeria as a country - its people and resources - to a new and enviable level in this modern time, is my doubt. We are not under a Military rule. Nigerians do not want another abusive and intolerant President Obasanjo again at Aso Rock. That makes a nation-wide or campus tour very relevant. He has to talk.

That the core members of the new APC are not, historically speaking, progressives are not the main concern. That they are not strategizing at the moment towards developing a new brand - real progressive with populist narrative will doom the party. So, one can say without equivocation that it's deja vu all over again. These folks do not know when and how to capitalize on troubling occurrences within their major rival parties to strengthen their messages. 

A few years ago, PDP almost suffers extinction following the illness of President Yar'Adua and his subsequent death. While PDP members were entangled in a protracted constitutional crisis bordering on presidential succession and the validity of its zoning law, ACN, Labor, and CPC at the time didn't for a moment consider it germane to capitalize on the situation and exploit it to advance their position as a better alternative. For instance, a Presidential candidate collapsed and went into a coma during a campaign rally and was rushed to Germany for a medical emergency. He came back, obviously a sick man, and won the Presidential election. 

Members of the opposition parties did not consider it relevant to play the health card. It is not personal; it is a Presidential election whose outcome would, directly and indirectly, impact the polity. It is very legitimate to tell Nigerians during an election that the man Obasanjo wants to impose on Nigeria is not fit to be President. They did not. Opposition parties lack steam, cannot fight, cannot write persuasive talking points (campaign speeches), and do not have the skills to win a Presidential election.

Why Progressives Must Look Younger.

Back to El Rufai and Fashola: Politically, the two gentlemen cannot be easily branded or labeled, but they are the real performers - the true definition of pragmatism. 

As at this moment, they remain the best on the scene comparatively speaking - with better understanding of the essence of power and how to maximize it to do good. At this juncture, I want to add that before you crucify El'Rufai; do a comparative analysis with respect to the stewardship of all the major players right now on the scene. You cannot question or contradict facts that are verifiable. That Mr. El'Rufai did perform admirably while he was in charge of FCT is not disputable. If you like the transformation taking place in Lagos and Benin City; remember: El Rufai began the process at Abuja. Then, there was no precedent. That makes the difference. It is called leadership. If he is a thief, how come he is not in jail? 

On the question of progressive credentials: Buhari was once a Military Head of State and we know what he did and what he did not do. All I know is that he is not progressive. Tinubu was Governor of Lagos State for eight years - education was not free; poor Lagosians did not enjoy affordable health care; and Tinubu Square Water Fountain named after his Dad, did not drop down the rain. Simply put, he is not progressive and he has no progressive credentials. He is more or less a dictator just like Buhari was during the Military regime. 

The Search for the Unknown Force and a New Nigerian.

On a last note, Nigeria will not disintegrate. A third credible force will emerge to battle PDP, given the fact that APC is seemingly lethargic at the moment. In similar vein, it won't be from within PDM or the New PDP - they are already polluted. It won't be the Military, either. Battling PDP in the 2015 may fall on either Independent Democrats or an unknown third force. 

Therefore, Independent Democrats, in their search for a flag bearer, must go beyond the present bunch of discredited leaders who wrecked and corrupted a supposedly great nation. They will have to do a real search for real intellectual/technocrat as Presidential candidate for 2015 to prevent the emergence of the third force.

If they don't, Nigeria will come to a standstill after a brutal and bloody upheaval. At the end of the day, language, tribe, culture, and religion will cease to be of any influence in defining Nigerian oneness as a nation-state. The oppressed will speak in one voice, whether from Kano, Umuohia, Sokoto, Abeokuta, Ewohimi, Asaba, Keffi, Eket, Warri, or Lagos. A true hero will emerge out of the debris to restore sanity, grace, and real leadership to Nigerians at home and abroad.

(President Jonathan can avert a bloody revolution from evolving: it is about true leadership. And that again, depends on whether or not he is willing to send thieving ex-Governors to jail, prevail on bogus Oil Marketers to forfeit their loot and belongings to the Federal Government, stop the large scale squandering of riches in high places, and restore stability in our educational sector).

The fact that the present opposition forces, as highlighted above, are indolent, politically and strategically speaking, is not enough ground for PDP to start celebrating a 2015 victory, because Nigerians are no fools.  Also, that the country is going out of existence as postulated by western organizations, is not happening. Nigeria will remain one country, but with independent component states emerging in the true sense of a true federalism. 

PDP, New PDP, APC, or PDM as presently composed, cannot lead that new beginning - restructuring and openness. They are responsible for the decadence of the past and the uncertainties of the present. The monstrosity of the federal government is not sustainable - there is the need for a great deal of dilution (reducing the power and control of national revenue/resources and institutions by a sitting President). 

It is now left for the Progressives to step into the scene, with vigorous populist/progressive agenda, anchored on the principle of one nation one destiny (egalitarianism) under the leadership of an all round intellectual warrior - one who truly espouses the principle of true federalism, sustainable development of our natural resources, and war against official corruption as well as embezzlement of public funds.  That is the party I am ready and willing to align with.  

Thank you and God Bless.

Alex Aidaghese 

To be continued.