EVERYONE IS NOT CORRUPT IN NIGERIA 

In Nigeria, there is usually enough blame to go around. And I am not one favorably disposed to the "everyone is corrupt" doctrine. There is nothing wrong with us as people. The international community is beginning to understand who we really are - sharp, smart, intelligent, fashionable, daring, and loving. They are beginning to blame our woes as a country on the poor leadership that we have. 

How was it possible for Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Governors of the Action Group party in the First Republic and the Unity Party of Nigeria in the Second Republic to implement free education at all levels? How come Chief Asiwaju Tinubu couldn't replicate Papa Awo's populism? Was there more money coming to the West and Midwest during Awo than during Asiwaju? Asiwaju was able to govern Lagos State and pay salaries without the monthly allocations from Abuja when he had some problems with President Obasanjo.

In other words, he could have comfortably implemented free education at all levels and free healthcare comfortably in Lagos State if he had wanted to.  It is the same argument to all in all the states in the old western region, including Edo State. Why are they not implementing free education at all levels? Governor Ambrose proved beyond every reasonable doubt that it is doable. If it is not happening, it means the leadership is swindling you. because the fund is there. 

My brother, it is not out of error that I began this essay with references to Papa Awo's performance in the old western region in this essay. I did it to prove two points. One, motivation in power - why do I want to lead this country? That's your aspiration. You have to believe in something. Papa Awo believed in free education at all levels and he went for it and proved to the whole world that it is achievable. Number two is to show that free education at all levels is surmountable. 

Why is it not happening right now in the West and in the entire country? Leadership. If President Buhari takes a stand today, ASUU will go back to classes. And it is the same thing with fighting corruption. President Buhari had my support in 2015, believing that he will send all the thieves to jail and restore probity in the land. Not exactly as expected. The vindictive President's modus operandi is to prosecute known enemies and rewards his people and friends, family members, and cronies with lucrative contracts and appointments. 

Obafemi Awolowo stood for something. Obafemi Awolowo laid a solid foundation for his Governors to build on. Nothing like that is going on right now. According to William Shakespeare, uneasiness lies in the head that wears the crown. And according to U.S. President Harry S. Truman, "The buck stops here." 

Leadership is not for the fainthearted. If you must wear the crown, you must endeavor to wear it well. Not every fight is worth fighting, but fight you must fight, if need be, to protect the just and what is right. Right now as it relates to ASUU and Nigerian University students, President Buhari is not wearing a crown, he is not fighting, and he is not protecting the just and the righteous ones. 

Merry Christmas, brother. And thanks as always for stopping by. 

Papa Awo, Buhari, Adamu Adamu and the Destruction of the Nigerian University Education.

"In the 21st century, twelve years of school isn’t enough. That’s why under the Biden-Harris plan, community college will be free — and public colleges and universities will be tuition-free for families earning less than $125,000 a year." Joe Biden, the President-elect of the United States of America.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria would have done a similar thing (Fee Education at All Levels) if given the chance. Unfortunately, the system rigged him out of the Presidency on the few occasions that he tried. A few years ago, a one time Guardian Newspaper Columnist or a Reporter, wrote how Chief Obafemi Awolowo mesmerized the men of the pen with the nuts and bolts (details) of the funding process and implementation mechanisms of his free education at all levels proposal.

In fact, he was tested, based on his sterling performance in the old Western Region between 1952 and October 1960. The Western Region was, indeed, ahead of most European countries in terms of western education and infrastructural facilities. You are already aware of the numerous "firsts" of his administration, so I am not going into that here.

Between 1952 and 1954, he concentrated on building colleges of Education and training future Teachers. And between 1954 and 1956, the admission rate of new students in the Western Region took a dramatic surge. He laid the foundation. And he went for the gold. He didn't say, Boko is Haram. He made his people accept Boko and the nitty-gritty that it entails side by side with the Yoruba creeds and values. He was first among equals. But he was too sharp to be believed and accepted.

The Ikemba of Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ndigbo), once wrote about Chief Obafemi Awolowo: 'when he dies, he would be remembered as the best President Nigeria never had.' And when death did come upon the sage about a week later, Mr. Dan Agbese of the Newswatch Magazine (a Northerner), wrote, "He was the best President Nigeria never had."

And in one of his few essays in the Guardian Newspaper, Dr. Stanley Macebuh, the overall boss of the Guardian establishment, besides Chief Alex Ibru, stated that Chief Obafemi Awolowo is the best of among his peers on the question of how to manage the Nigerian affairs. Papa Awo was with us when Dr. Macebuh wrote that Op-Ed. Not to be forgotten, was the condolence message from a former British Prime Minister at the time, Mr. James or Callaghan when the death of Chief Awolowo was announced, he was quoted saying, "If Chief Obafemi were to be English, he would have ruled the great kingdom over and over again before his death."

He was known at home and abroad as the best any country could hope for. Yet, he did make it to the top. Whatever they were that prevented Papa Awo from governing Nigeria, genuine or otherwise, are still with us today. And they are the reasons the best among us cannot make it to Aso Rock as President.

The Uncomfortable Truth.

A few days ago, my niece told me that the present 100 level students of the 2019/2020 class, have not taken their final exams. So, the real or supposed 100 level candidates of the 2020/2021 class, that should have started classes in September this year (2020), are still at home and have just taken their post-JME. December 2020, Government Schools in Nigeria are yet to release the names of their intake for the 2020/21 academic year.

Now, let me repeat that: Candidates who should have matriculated in October or November of 2020 and be done with the Summer Semester are still not sure of their admission. And at the same time, students who, ought by now, should have completed their First Semester of 200 Level, are also at home, yet to take their final exam of 100 Level classes.

I am not here to do news analysis or entertain you with fine vocabulary. But to tell you the uncomfortable truth that you don't want to hear.

Where are President Mohammadu Buhari's children and where are they going to school? The same question applies to those of his kids who have already graduated from college. They went to school in the UK. The problem confronting the Nigerian educational system is not funding. The School of Basic Studies with branches at Abuja and all over the Northern region of Nigeria that is funded by the Federal Government is never short of funds. Our educational crises are political and not funding related.

Take it or leave it, as long as we remain one country and as long as Education remains on the Federal Exclusive list, our educational system will not know peace. I am not agitating for the dismantling of Nigeria. I am agitating for truth. I am agitating for an understanding. And I am agitating for equal rights and justice.

A community of intellectuals and political leaders who tolerate the Almajiri culture for years and continue to celebrate it as a culture worth sustaining are NOT FIT AND DO NOT DESERVE TO PRESIDE OVER OUR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. This is not about hate or liking one region more than the other, it is about confronting Northern animosity towards popular education for every Nigerian.

Their children are not in Schools in Nigeria. Their wives and kids are overseas. Popular education is not their priority. The stability of our educational system is a threat to their hold on power. And as long as the few who they want to educate are doing so in the UK and North America, and at the same time, getting the best of western culture and values, whatever is going on at home is a nonstarter.

Those they are educating overseas (the ones Booker T Washington dubbed the talented ten) are the ones who will come back home to CBN, NNPC, EFCC, DSS, just name it, to continue where their Dads and Uncles left off. All they need is just one - just one intellectual or a Ph.D. holder to write the policy or occupy the vantage position. All General Sani Abacha needed was one Dr. Yadudu, to write the 1999 Constitution with the support of those bred to think alike and think dominance.

I am not writing this because I hate the North or Northerners. It has nothing to do with the dismantling Nigeria narrative. I am doing it so that our educational system should be free. I am doing so because what you are doing to the Nigerian educational system for fear of Southern dominance is creating a bunch of unlettered outlaws all over the North. And they are the kidnappers, terrorizing Edo State today.

It has gone beyond the emergence of Igbo, Yoruba, or Esan President. They are so entrenched in the system that even a President of southern extraction will find it difficult to stabilize the educational system in the face of the unseen hands orchestrating defeat of the purpose. Obasanjo was the Military Head of State when they orchestrated the removal of subsidies from students' feeding. As long as those who are benefiting from the policy or likely to benefit from the policy are Southerners, the policy will die. Period. That's the modus operandi of the unseen hands of the Northern establishment.

They do not care about the collapse because they have ready access to whatever amount of our national resources to educate those who they want to educate, even to Ph.D. level. And they are doing the funding and sponsoring with the crude oil money from the Niger Delta. The issue is more than they are doing it with the proceeds from the crude oil from the Nigeria Delta. It is because of the outcome (what is being produced). A divided country, illiteracy unlimited, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, insurgency, armed forces recruits who cannot read or write, etc, etc.

A Historical Overview.

In the First Republic (1960) the coalition talks between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the Action Group (AC) on the one hand and Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) on the other, collapsed because the two gentlemen from the North and their political party, the NPC, did not buy into Chief Awolowo's demand for Free Education at all levels. They didn't consider Free Education at all levels and free Healthcare national priorities.

And it was a similar story in the Second Republic (1979) between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Uniparty of Nigeria (UPN) on the one hand and the President-Elect Alhaji Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) on the other. Their rejection of Awo's proposals had nothing to do with funding. They always anchor their rejection of popular education on unproven Northern aversions towards the program. Free education at all levels, they argue, will widen the already educational gaps between the North and the South. Therefore, is not a national priority. By now you have seen Dr. Aminu's thesis on that assumption.

But this is where it gets tricky. They dwell on the unproven theory of aversion to western education by Northerners. Therefore, the question begs asking, if Boko is truly Haram in the North, why is it only Haram with respect to the aspirations of the children of the less privileged - the Talakawas and the Almajiris? This lie, this unproven theory is entrenched in the philosophy of feudalism - the caste system. Some are born to be great, why many others are born to be poor and subservient. That is the theory, the mindset that they are bringing to the Nigerian educational system, and the overall leadership or governance of Nigeria.

The Minister of Education is a Northern Aristocrat like President Buhari. He is a graduate of ABU. And, like most "talented ten" of the North that he is, he has a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from Columbia University in New York, New York, United States of America - one of the eight Ivy League institutions. To him and his fellow Northern intellectuals, as well as all the Buhari of the North, Boko is NOT Haram.

Therefore, their children must get the best of it, not in Nigeria, but in the UK and God's Own Country, America. But when it comes to the Talakawas and the Almajiris, Boko is UNQUESTIONABLY Haram. And that is the Nigerian educational tragedy.

Conclusion.

I am not asking or demanding the dismantling of Nigeria. I am writing about the ills in the system, knowingly and unknowingly perpetrated in the political system by Northern political leaders. And these are the ills that are undermining our greatness and, at the same time, exacerbating our political divide. Unless, of course, you're saying you don't know what's wrong with Nnadi Kanu of IPOB and why he is doing what he is doing. No one has faulted the guy, except, of course, his approach.

The unseen Northern political leaders who are behind most of our public policies do not see Nigeria as one political entity - but North first, before the others. Why can't, for instance, a Ndigbo be appointed the Chairman or Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, or the Boss of Customs and Immigration Services? Enough of the denial, we are a fake country. There is nothing one nation about us. Northerners are not going to change, they love the power and they love the obscene wealth that it gives.

Before you forget what this essay is about, I want to remind you that Nigerian students in Government Universities in Nigeria of the class of 2019/2020 academic year have not taken their final exam. Also, the first-year students or Jambites of the 2020/2021 class are yet to be offered admission or registered for classes. Meanwhile, Summer Semester is already gone. Mr. Adamu Adamu, the Minister of Education had it on a platter of gold when he was a student. Nigerians should tell him to do the same for our children.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance, folks.

Most People Settle For Less Than They Deserve (Motivational Video)

 The White House Chef and the Dignity in Labor of Love.

"Having you here is something you don't want to know."

This video reminds me of something. And it is a vivid manifestation of the different world that we live in. It is about our definition of a sense of fulfillment, joy, and happiness. 

I attended the end of year party of an Alumni association while living in New Jersey. At the time, I was working in Manhattan, New York. And it was my first time attending such an event. I joined the association a year earlier, after a series of invitation letters from them, welcoming me to the Garden State.

The event was at a hotel, located in an affluent community. I was not the only black in the audience, but I was the only African. There were more brothers than sisters in the audience and about four of us (Blacks) were on my table. With us, were five other guests - Caucasians. One of the brothers, in an earlier chat with me, told me that he had lived and worked at Ibadan, Oyo State, for a few years as a consultant for a multinational in the 80s. The third black guy came with his wife. Sitting to my right, was a caucasian lady, the Vice President of the association. And on my left was a gentleman, also a caucasian. The majority of us ordered baked salmon with green beans.

When the food arrived, mine was conspicuously and intimidatingly extraordinary - larger and looked more appetizing than what I saw on the plates of the other guests at my table. As I was going for my folks and knives, I used corner eyes to peep at the plate on my right and the one on my left, boy, no comparison. Why me, I asked rhetorically. I hope they are not mistaking me for someone else? I kept on soliloquizing, not expecting any response. I had a regular supply of red wine to boot. And every now and then, there is a waiter by my side, bending and whispering to my ear if I need something.

As the dining progresses, I noticed a gentleman in a black suit and tie, working around, greeting guests, and ensuring that all is well. My mind told me that he must be the Manager of the Restaurant Department. Though he is Black, he looked Trinadian or Afro-Caribean. When our eyes met, he nods his head and I responded gladly, nodding my head in return, without uttering a word. That was the first culture, prominent amongst "Brothers" that I cultivated when I began working in Manhattan. When you walk by another black dude, and once your eyes meet, you just nod and he would respond amicably. It is unforced.

When the party was coming to an end and guests were now moving around, chatting and exchanging phone numbers, the gentleman and I met. The moment he grabs my hand for a handshake, the first thing that came out of his mouth was, "you don't know how happy and proud I am to see you here, sitting down with them at the same table, chatting, and eating." "We don't see that often when they come around."

(Hearing that reminds me of the trouble or the dominant thought in my mind that I was fighting prior to my joining the association. I was the only Black student in nine out of the twelve graduate-level courses that I took in that school before my graduation. And I didn't want to join an association again where I will be the only or one of the few black faces in the audience. So, I knew what the restaurant manager was talking about, when he said, we don't see that often when they come around).

Then, he asked, with a smile all over his face, you must be an African. And I said, no doubt, I am. A Nigerian, to be precise. He said, "I thought as much but wasn't so sure which country." He introduced himself. And I was right, he is of the Caribean Island. Here I am with an elderly gentleman who is not even an African like me, yet, happy to identify with me. He made a tremendous effort to ensure that his staff serves me the best-baked salmon fish I have ever tasted in the States. The hospitality was one of a kind, not because I paid for it, but because my presence means a lot to him.

As I was driving home after the party, the thought of that gentleman and the celebrity service he encouraged his staff to give me, just by seeing me in the midst of the usual masters, the big guys of the big industries, the legal titans, and Wall Street moguls, overwhelmed me tremendously.

For me, it was a moment of epiphany; here I am, always critiquing myself and worrying my head unceasingly for not meeting the goals I set for myself. But here comes a gentleman, a Restaurant Manager, having a marvelous moment of his life, happy, just by meeting, seeing, and serving someone who looks like him, though from the motherland, dining with the big guys from the big university.

Yes, I know the joy and the feeling of the African American Brothers who were happy to see one of their own, President Barack Obama, in the White House, not as a Buttler or Chef, but the Master in charge.

 “Ask me for a loyal man, who never forgets a good turn, and I’ll show you Muhammadu Buhari. Among the last class of Ambassadors, he had personally picked Justice George Oguntade, who was sent to the United Kingdom, and Justice Sylvester Nsofor, who he deployed to America. The latter died only last week, aged 85.

“How did the two men gain the favour, loyalty and respect of the President? In his many legal battles after disputed election results in 2003, and 2007, they had given dissenting judgements at both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, nullifying the election results, saying Candidate Buhari had been cheated. The man never forgot, and sought them out in due time. The same also happened to some of us working with him today”, Adesina said.

“And in January 2017, I was to receive the traditional title of Nwanne di Namba of Mmaku Kingdom, in Enugu State. Courtesy demanded I tell the President. This man, who prides himself as ‘very stingy’ gave me a handsome amount of money to ferry my friends and family to the ceremony. How much? I won’t tell you, lest you ask for a belated share.

“And in May 2018, I was billed for China for a 12-day course for senior government officials from Africa. He said when the journey was two days away, I should come to see him. I did. You know what he said? ‘Adesina, I know that you don’t have money. But you are too shy to ask.’ We both laughed, and he gave me an envelope which contained foreign currency. How much? You think I’ll tell you? For where?

It is about loyalty to the country and their ability to project and protect our national interests. Those are the measures of Presidential appointments, whether for a domestic beat or foreign engagements. I am appalled.

 Arewa and the Symbolism of Greed and Unfounded Fear of Domination.

Greed is a specificity of feudalism. The Propagation of religion and ethnic superiority cards (disinformation mechanisms) is rooted in the fear of regional domination (second colonization). That domination is a hoax. It is the survival instinct of all the Buharist Oligarchs of the North. The lies are not propelled by the love of the people. It has no moral component. And certainly not for the liberty or protection of the talakawas, the almajiris, or the toiling abokis of our world. President Buhari, a Northern Muslim, discontinued the Almajri Integrative Educational Initiative began by President Jonathan. That's a fact.

That punches holes in the fear of domination influenced by the lust for power. Economic freedom is rooted in educational or mental emancipation. No Southerner is interested in the colonization of the North. Northern Oligarchs and their overpampered and privileged intellectuals are the colonizers of the North. Consequently, complicating our economic development.

Northern intellectuals, the beneficiaries of the feudal culture, are the authors of Boko Haram's theory. So, before the birth of Boko Haram the terrorist group, there were sympathizers of that philosophy within the Northern academics. Simply put, the theory anchors on the alleged aversion of the western-style educational system by, presumably, all Northern children and their parents. That argument was deployed to fight the implementation of Free Education at all levels, proposed by the Obasanjo Military Government. It will widen the educational gaps between North and South, they argued.

Where are we today? The disappearance of Chibok Girls is chicken coming home to roost. The kidnapping of more than 333 students at a boarding High School in the Katsina State is chicken coming home to roost. The Buhari's rejection of the Almajiri Education Initiative is a continuation of the colonization of the North by the North. And the colonization of the North provides the bulwark, numerical strength, and the voting power to lord it over the entire country.

To move Nigeria forward, you must, first, tackle that religious lies, the race lies, and the colonization of the North by the South lies. You take of these three lies, you will be able to eliminate the census lies, and ultimately, stop the Oligarchs Buharists of the North from hijacking power at the center. They don't care who they recruit from the West, South-South, Middle Belt, or Southeast into public offices as long as they (the oligarchs) remain untouchable, mismanaging our resources and disgracing our armed forces before the world.

The Lies of Relion and Race in Nigerian Politics.

Can you possibly force a Northern Fulani Muslim to voluntarily relinquish political power in Nigeria in favor of a Yoruba Christian from the South? Also, can you deprive Northerners of their turn to rule Nigeria for eight years when the Yoruba tribe under President Obasanjo was the President for eight years and a Niger Delta President Jonathan for five years? It has never been about the ability to govern, but more about race and religion.

It is irrelevant that President Jonathan did more for Kano State in terms of infrastructural facilities than he did for Niger Delta. It is irrelevant that President Jonathan introduced the Almajiri Integrative Educational Initiative that benefited Northern Youths. It is irrelevant that President Jonathan appointed more Kano indigenes into Ministerial posts than he offered his state.

And it is irrelevant that thousands of Northerners are dying every year from the hands of Bandits and the Boko Haram sect. Yes, it is irrelevant that the Service Chief appointed and kept in office by President Buhari are indisputably incapacitated by the weight of the unceasing atrocities of Bandits and the Boko Haram sect.

Can I, an Esan man, for instance, in the capacity of a Minister of Interior, recruit mercenaries from South Africa to decimate Bandits, Boko Haram sect, and the kidnapping cell who are predominantly Hausa/Fulani without garnering the wrought of Hausa/Fulani political leaders? By the way, can an Esan man be trusted with the Interior or Internal Affairs Ministry under a Buhari's administration or a Presidency headed by a Northern Hausa/Fulani?

In Nigeria, it is politically incorrect to frame these questions or scenarios without falling victim to being labeled a bigot. And you are more likely to be blacklisted from Federal Government jobs or appointments in Nigeria for having the audacity complain about the impacts of Hausa/Fulani nepotism and ethnic chauvinism.

Ethnic chauvinism and religious factors are keeping President Buhari in office while bloodshed eats our land unabated. And they are the reasons why Northerners are grieving and weeping with no end in sight. The enormity of the grief is a translation of the financial haul benefiting the instigators and the combatants. And it is in a sharp contrast to what Utham dan Fodio stood for and fought for.

These ones are greddy. It is about them. And it is about their family members, friends, and cronies. Boko is Haram, yet their children and grandchildren are in the UK and North American imbibing Western culture and quality education. They were the finest colone and order their breakfast from Dubai. They drive exotic cars at Abuja and line the corridors of power at NNPC, CBN, EFCC, ICPC, CAC, NPA, as well as the rank and file of our armed forces and Customs and Immigration Services. And they are the special ones on standby to be betrothed the scion of that Governor, that Minister, that Senator, or that business magnate. And it is historical.

On the other hand, the Abokis, Almajiri and Talakawas live in a diffrent world, where Boko is strictly Haram and where Sharia Law trumps the countrys constitution. with hoe and willbarrow in hand, are toiling daily for stipends to keep body and soul together. The Almajiris remain homeless, wondering, soliciting for favors to survive, while praying for another election. They are the tools for riging and mass thomprinting. Finally, the breeding Talakawa - the joblessman with three wives, the man most often, the beneficiary of state-sponsored marriages, the man certain to have his name on the payroll as one of the thousands aides to a State Governor, doing nothing, but collecting salry every month. And of course, a part of the recruitment reservoir for chatic ends - banditry and kidnapping.

Until Nigerians start asking and answering the impacts of religion and race questions in our leadership struggle, President Buhari will remain in office. And the untouchable foreign Fulani killers, bandits, and kidnappers will continue to roam our landscape killing and kidnapping for ransom with enthusiastic abandon.

We must be willing to reject political correctness and confront the uncomfortable truth. We do those we are on the path to overcoming the emergence of a leadership structure defined by third-rated performers. And that is the unmaking of a great nation-state - the perpetuation of mediocrity in satisfaction of religious and ethnic ends. Nigeria will stop burning when real and true patriots are given the chance, irrespective of their religious background, ethnic label, or social-political views.

 Unraveling the Nigerian Question and Ending the Greed and Lies of the 1% of Us. Part Two. 

The ongoing blood in the land is no longer about North vs South or about Hausa/Fulani vs the rest of us. It is about the vulnerable ones in our midst who have no one to cry to or seek protection in the face of perils or clear and present danger. That a lady who newly put to bed was made to watch while bandits took turns to rape her Mom and her Mom was also made to watch while she was also subjected to the same rape ordeals is beyond the pale.

For a start, we should rise above Buhari and whatever our mind tells us that he represents. We know what he represents. And we also know that what he represents is not in our best interest or our national best interest. His children, like those of his cabinet team, as well as those of his Service Chiefs, are in private schools in the UK.

Now, it is time to confront the facts on the ground, devoid of political correctness. And as I wrote a few days ago, solving the Nigerian GDP and related wahala are outside the realm of economics or economic theories. It demands a social-cultural approach. Trust me, no amount of IMF or World Bank funding supported by their expertise can help us to experience real economic growth.

It is about greed, hypocrisy, and unfounded fear, ensconced in race and religion cards in the hands of a powerful influential few. You solve that question, you solve the Nigerian problem permanently. And until we confront it frontally, outing those behind it, there is no end in sight to the bloodshed and barbarism ravaging the North and spreading to the South like the Harmattan wildfire.

Confronting the Unfounded Fear.

Can a Northern Muslim President of Nigeria resign due to obvious evidence of mental infirmity and physical incapacity for a Southern Christian to emerge as the President, no matter how weighty the infirmity and incapacity are?

Also, can a docile and highly compromised NASS impeach a Northern Muslim President for a Southern Christian to step into the vacuum, in spite of the overwhelming facts on the ground that satisfy the constitutional threshold?

Finally, if given the chance to take a vote and decide on moving Nigeria forward, will the two gentlemen (Northern Muslims) on the video that is playing in Part on of this essay, vote to impeach one of their own (President Mohammadu Buhari, a Northern Muslim) for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (A Yoruba Southern Christian like Obasanjo) to become President? Can they conscientiously traverse that noble path, in spite of the unceasing bloodshed suffocating their once-peaceful lifestyle?

Confronting the Greed and Lies Factors.

Does it matter that Northerners have actively dominated the helm of affairs since 1967; created all the newer states and local government councils advantaging the North, which is no doubt benefiting and enriching a lot via allocations from the Federation Account?

Also, does it matter that Northerners dominate the leadership of most of the strategic and lucrative MDAs, making them and their family richer for life?

And finally, does it matter that Northerners have a lot to benefit and nothing to lose if less than 1% of their population loses its hold on our National Treasury so that the 99% of them who are susceptible to attacks from bandits can live in peace. Is it morally wrong for the 99% of the Northern population to enjoy a few of the good things in life in the serenity of their ancestral home and villages just as those in the 1% category are doing at Abuja and Dubai?

The truth as we all know is that the Northerners in the 99% bracket have no say in all the stuff I am writing here. Not even their vote matters. They are helpless as the rest of us in the South and Middle-belt. It is the stupendously rich and influential 1% that is holding the two gentlemen on the video hostage. They behind the unrest throughout Nigeria and the architect of the wrought that characterize our MDAs and the entire Federal system. And it trickles down to the local government level.

If we can take care of that one percent, we will succeed in taking care of the religious lies and the race card they play. It would signal the end of the meaningless war and the insurgency of our economic and sociopolitical emancipation.

Let me use one example - just one example - to drive home my point and explain the thesis of this essay.

Go and do a review and arithmetics of the Nigerian budgetary allocations for fighting Boko Haram in the last five years vis-a-vis the budget for our Educational sector for the same period. As well as how much it cost President Goodluck Jonathan to fund the Almajiri Integrative Educational Initiative for the number of years it lasted before it was discontinued by the Buhari Administration. Then you will begin to understand the extent of the greed of that 1% and what they can do to remain relevant.

And they are relevant, dominating, and thriving today because they have perfected the deployment of race and religion cards when push comes to shove. Even if Nigeria is burning today, they have nothing to lose. They have accumulated so much money and wealth stockpiled at Abuja and Dubai that will last them and their future generations forever.

Moving Forward

With true federalism in place and special emphasis on resource control and State Police, the urge to dominate power at the federal level, with all the associated bloodshed and intrigues will be drastically reduced. I must warn you, we don't need the NASS or the Constitution to put True Federalism in place. You don't need the approval of anyone.

The right to it is akin to the right to self-determination and it is outside the constitution. Whatever you do, never bank on the cooperation of the Southern members of the National Assembly. They are not on your side.

Persuaded by greed and in pursuit of bourgeoise paraphernalia, they are knowingly and unknowingly in cahoot with the 1% Northerner oligarch that is holding the North in bondage and perpetuating the bloodshed in the land.

They are the enemies of the people. The troubles with Nigeria. And the facilitators of the Shame of a Nation. A geographical expression or not, they don't deserve a part of its heritage. Not any more. Peace. And no longer in my Father's land. Peace.

To be continued.

 

Nigerian House of Rep vs President Buhari. 

The Charles-Louis Montesquieu Theory of Separation of Powers and Check and Balances is still intact. 

His Spirit of the Laws, according to NCSL is considered one of the great works in the history of political theory and jurisprudence, and it inspired the Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Constitution of the United States. Under his model, the political authority of the state is divided into legislative, executive, and judicial powers.

Separation of powers, therefore, refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.  The intent is to prevent the concentration of power and provide for checks and balances.  

• The traditional characterizations of the powers of the branches of American government are:
• The legislative branch is responsible for enacting the laws of the state and appropriating the money necessary to operate the government. 
• The executive branch is responsible for implementing and administering the public policy enacted and funded by the legislative branch. 
• The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting the constitution and laws and applying their interpretations to controversies brought before it.

They are co-equal. And no one branch can compel the other branches to act. Therefore, the House of Rep can demand the attention of the President before it. And the President has the right to decline to appear before them. 

 My first case was before the Registrar of the University. I've met the Registrar twice. The first time was when I was at 100L. I went to his office to process the transcript for my cousin, Mr. A.O. The second time was when he packed his car at the University Pavilion after school one afternoon and gave about three of us a ride home in his car. I remember sitting with him in the back seat. Will he remember any of these past meetings? My mind was beating hard as his Secretary ushered me into his. 

As I greeted him, he asked if know why I am in his office and the charges against me. I said, no sir. He said the petition against you is that you went to the house of another student with your cult members to intimidate him and force the entire family out of their house on the allegation that he stole your shirt.

Which of them did you pledge to? None, sir. Seriously, none, sir. Did you go to his house with your members? In my mind, I kept on saying, God, why can't this man believe that I am not a cult member. Sir, I did not go to his house with members of anything. When I was going to his house two students were in the same complex as me, one a 200L law student and the other one a 400L Engineering student. They accompanied me for my safety. He asked the students who accompanied me are your flatmates? I said, yes, sir. Why did you go to his house? To plead with him to reveal to me how he got the shirt. I knew he didn't participate in the breaking into my room, but to tell me who sold the shirt to him. Was there a fight? No, sir. 

As I look on, he grabbed the petition, squiz it with his right palm, and dump it in the waste paper basket. He said get out of here, the people I asked to look into your case, said exactly the same thing you said. And I left, thanking my God.

 Remembering Apostle Debrah Eunice Osagiede: The Lady Who Taught me How to Pray.

It came by accident. I was robbed. And in the process of seeking revenge, I found myself contending with expulsion. Three petitions were filed against me. The first was filed in the office of the University Registrar, the second was with the Director of Student Affairs and the third was before the Dean of the Law Faculty. The hearings were on a Friday, Monday, and Wednesday. My mind told me to go to the village to discuss with my sister. But my heart said no. I don't want her to cry. And to Benin City, I went, to meet with my cousin, Sunny. He attends a white garment church somewhere in Benin City. And he is a good recipe for my anguish, so I thought.

I got to Benin City on time. And Sunny was home from work when I arrived. I repeated myself over and over again about what happened. And he assured me that all will be well and his Pastor will take care of me and my problem. We arranged to meet with the Pastor the next day at about 6 p.m. He promised to pick me up at about 5.p.m.

In the afternoon on the day of the arranged meeting, Bendel Television or Edo Television was doing its weekly telecast of two hours paid religious program, featuring about four different pastors. Each of them has 30 minutes. I was watching without following. My mind was afar, reminiscing on the sacrifice I made accepting the admission to study law at Ekpoma instead of traveling to London, England.

As my mind was wandering aimlessly, came this gorgeous lady on the screen. She was the third pastor to preach. I have never seen her before on TV or heard about her. Her name was Eunice Osagiede. For the first five minutes, I kept on asking myself, what is this beautiful lady doing on the pulpit, "I beg make she go set up a beauty salon and leave the preaching job for men," I whispered out loud. (God forgive me). And I kept on flipping through the pages of my huge Guardian newspaper, not concentrating on any story. Then like a bolt from the blue, the Preacher hit a high note that rhyme with me. I stood up transfixed in amazement, motionless.

She said two things that changed my life forever. It was as if God send her to minister to me that very moment. She said why do you have to patronize fortune tellers to create fear in your mind about who is troubling you. What is the difference between going to Pastors to foretell your problems or going to a traditional native doctor to play oracle for you? The only difference, if at all, is in the process. One is holding the Bible while he or she indulges in prophecies, and the other is throwing cowries on the floor. If you cannot patronize the native doctor, why would you patronize the other?

Hearing that, I went for the refrigerator to grab a bottle of coke and sat down. She was not done yet. She said what you have to do is take your problems to God by yourself. You don't need me and you don't need anybody to talk to God for you. The pastor doesn't know your problems. I don't know about your problems. I can only guide you on how to pray, how to study your Bible, and how to connect with God. That's my responsibility as a Pastor. To teach the gospel and bring repentance to Christ. All that is required of you is faith. Faith. If you have to go into your room and lock your door and pray to God, do it. Talk to Him from your heart. You can do it. The power is in your mouth. Use it.

When she was done, I grabbed my briefcase and headed for the staircase. I went straight to my cousin's workshop to tell him I saw an angel. The moment he saw me, he looked at his watch. I said you don't have to look at your watch. I have changed my mind. I am going back to school right now. He asked in amazement, why? Is there any problem? I replied no. There is something I have to do in school this evening. He pleaded with me to be patient and go with him. I insisted on going back to school. Eventually, he relented and gave me some money for my transport back to school.

I got to Ekpoma on time and went straight to the Library to take care of the missed lectures. As nightfall approaches, I left the campus and went home. I sat down, closed my eyes to do a recast of the video over and over again in my mind. I knelt down and pray my heart out. That was my first time praying alone and for something. Apart from the prayers in churches, I have never done anything like that in my life.

My first hearing was before the Registrar of the University, Dr, Omonbude. And the second hearing was before the Director of Students Affairs, Dr. Edokpayi. The first two hearings came and both of them were dismissed. To my amazement, something dramatic happened at the office of the Director of Student Affairs.

I was ushered into his office at the exact time slated for the hearing. As I walked in, he was already holding the petition. He looked at me and shouted, no, it can't be you. Mr. Aidaghese, what are you doing here? I looked on, not knowing what to say. Mr. Aidaghese, he repeated again, you of all person, in this campus, using cult members to harass another student and his entire family? His last statement stunned me to no end: "If you are a cultist and I don't know about it, that means I've failed in my capacity as the Director of Student Affairs in this University."

After hearing that, I had enough courage to talk. I started by greeting him. Good afternoon sir. You did not fail in your duty as the Director of Student Affairs in this school, because I am not a cultist and I did not go to the petitioner's house with cult members. My cousin and another student in the same house with me accompanied me to the Petitioner's residence for my safety. That was it, not to harass or fight.

He asked if I am aware that the entire family moved out of the house? I didn't know about that, sir. Adding that I met the Mom at the Police Station a few days ago. As I was still talking he was already squeezing the petition. He asked if I have met with the Registrar. I told him yes and he dismissed the petition. He said, okay, this hearing is over. The case is dismissed and you are free to go.

The final hearing was before the Dean of the Law Faculty. That night, I revisited the Pastor's video and pleaded with God to continue His miracle and protection upon me.

The Dean of the Law Faculty, Professor Aihe is an Ekpoma man. The Faculty Officer, who is like the Chief of Staff of the Faculty is also an Ekpoma indigene. And I was scared. The crime was not a joking matter. The allegation was that I forced the entire family out of their private home, using cult members. Will the Faculty Officer consider the case frivolous and dismiss it just as the Registrar and the Director of Student Affairs did? That was a question I couldn't answer.

As I walked into the Faculty office, the Petitioner was already at the reception, waiting. He was a 200L Law Student. We've been told that the Faculty Officer will hear the case. He is an elderly guy and highly respected in the Law Faculty. They took us in and he was ready to hear the case. The Petitioner was the first to speak. His story was that I accosted him at the Law Library and accused him of wearing a stolen shirt. Adding, I also came to his house twice to harass him and his family members. And later contacted the Police who came and arrested his younger brother.

When did Mr. Aidaghese come to your house, before or after the arrest of your brother? Before the arrest. So, he didn't come after the arrest? He did not. Did he come alone?. The first time he and his friend accompanied me home from the campus. The second time, he came with two other students? Two other students? Yes, sir. When did he come with the gang or the cult members? The Petitioner didn't answer the last question.

His case was brief. The Faculty Officer looked at me and asked, do you understand the weight of the allegations against you? I replied, yes, sir. Okay, go ahead and tell me your side of the story.

Sir, I went to his house twice as he rightly stated. So, I have nothing to add to his story.

That's okay. What about the shirt and the altercation at the Library.

When I saw him with the shirt, I went to him and told him politely that the shirt he is wearing is mine. I told him upfront that I am not accusing him of participating in the robbery. All I wanted from him is how he got the shirt. I want my school fees, my briefcase, and the value of my stolen properties.

He told me that the shirt belongs to his younger brother who is a student in the Faculty of Arts. When I met with the junior brother, I pleaded with him as well to tell me how he got the shirt. But he wasn't forthcoming as well. The next day, I went to the Police station to file a complaint against the two of them and the younger brother was arrested.

Is that it? The FO asked me. And I replied in the affirmative. The FO said, this black suit that I am wearing, I bought it about ten years ago. If you place it among other hundred black suits, I can easily identify it. Be that as it may, seeing your shirt with another student, doesn't give you the right to take the law into your own hand or the audacity to invade his residence, and forcing the entire family out of the house as he alleged. Do you understand that, Mr. Aidaghese? And I replied yes, sir. He said okay, I will brief the Dean and get back to you in a few days. You guys can go.

As we were passing through the Secretary's office, her phone rang and she answered. Then she said, Mr. Aidaghese, Oga wants to see you. I said we've just finished with him. She said he wants you back right away. I took a deep breath and followed the Secretary as she opened the door for me again. As I closed the door behind me, he said sit down my son. Hearing the word "my son," tears dropped down my cheek. He said it is over. Clean your face - pointing at the paper towel on his desktop - and listen to what I am going to say. I grabbed one sheet and wiped away my tears.

Then, he began. I have been here as the Faculty for many years and I have seen many students come and go. If not for this case, there is no way the Dean or myself would have known that a child like you is a part of the student body of this Faculty. Most often, we focus only on students we perceived are likely to be problematic or who are problematic. But we don't care to concentrate on the real gentlemen we have. Mr. Aidaghse, I believe everything you said. I also believe the shirt is yours. And I believe you didn't go to his house with cult members. So, the petition against you is dismissed.

But there is something I want you to do for me and for your family. As you are working out of this office, I want you to go straight to the Police Station and withdraw the case. I don't want you to fail and I don't want you to miss a class because of this case. Do you understand that? I replied, yes sir.

Then he asked if I have enough white shirts and ties for your class, I said, yes sir. One of my classmates gave me five longs sleeves shirts and three ties already. Who must that be? And for the first time, I saw him smile. I replied, Mr. Lateef Ajayi. He said, the gentleman with the Beetle car? I replied yes. What about black suits? I have one left, sir. He said you can wear any suit or long sheet shirts to class until further notice. If you need enough shirts you let me know. The case is over and I will brief the Dean accordingly. As I was going for the door, he repeated: go straight to the Police Station and drop the case. I bow my head to that, thanking him once again.

As I walked out of the Faculty office, the Petitioner and two ladies were waiting for me outside, not knowing the case is over. One of the ladies, as I was told later, is a lecturer in one of the Departments in Sciences and she is the elder sister of the Petitioner. She looked at me and said, you think you are a tough guy, I will use everything I have to ensure that you are kicked out of this school. I looked at her and said: I don't have a godfather, God is my God Father. I wanted to tell her the case is over, but I demurred.

A lot happened after this case. The lady and I became friends as well as her younger brother (the English student who arrested). The Petitioner? His case is totally bizarre as you will see later.

A few months after the case was over, I bumped into the Petitioner's younger brother, the English student who voluntarily agreed to pay for the crime he did not commit. We greeted each other and I told him that I knew he was not the owner of the shirt, but his brother. He said, well it one of those things. I asked about his Mom. He told me that his Mom died a few weeks ago after a brief illness. Hearing that, I was moved and expressed my condolences to him. I told him that his Mom reminded me of my Mom. The last time we met at the Police Station she pleaded with me to drop the case. And I told her that it is not my fault that you volunteered to go to trade places with your elder brother. The guy didn't say much and he didn't exhibit a hostile demeanor, either. We shook hands and parted ways.

About a week later, it was her big sister, the Lecturer Isaw. I have never seen a lady as beautiful as that woman since my matriculation. It was just the two of us. As we walk by each other, it appears she didn't see me. And I pretended I didn't see her, too. We didn't say a word to each other. After a few seconds, I didn't hear the sound of her shoes on the ground again behind me. Then, I stopped, looking back, I saw her not moving, but staring at me. She is older than me, so I must give her respect.

I walked back to meet her and said, good morning, Ms (mentioning her last name). And she was still staring at me, not saying a word. I said, you are a very special person, and I don't like having trouble with people like you. I said something I don't want to repeat here. As I pause, she said, who are you? Hearing that, I pretended I didn't get the gist of her question. I said Madam, it seems you have forgotten me, I am Alex Aidaghese. She said stop it, of course, I know you are Alex Aidaghese. Who are you, she asked again.

Now, acting from a position of strength, I said, okay, I remember telling you the last time we met at the Law Faculty that I have no godfather and that God is my God Father. That's who I am. God is my God Father. And I am untouchable. My hands are clean. Always clean. I won't initiate a fight. But, when one comes, I don't run and I won't relent, until my adversary surrender. She said I can see that.

Later in the discussion, she said, my younger brother told me that the two of you met a few days and how you felt hearing the death of my Mom. And I said, yes, the news of her death troubles me greatly. Adding, I would have attended her funeral if I knew beforehand. She said for the little I know about you now, I trust you would have attended. Surprisingly, she apologized for not advising her brother (the Law student) to be forthcoming with me about how he got the shirt the first time I came over to their house.

Before we parted ways, she asked about the three petitions and how I handle them. I told her God did. She said I believe you, there is nothing He can't do. And she walked away.

What actually happened was that the 200L Law student who I saw with the shirt was already holding a position in the Law Student Association. Knowing the precarious position that he was in if it is reported that he was arrested for or prosecuted for being in possession of stolen goods, he decided to approach his immediate younger brother to claim ownership of the shirt. His brother did and paid for it, spending about a month in Police custody.

But God has a unique way of dispensing judgment. The law student failed the final exams and repeated 200L. That was not all. His class was the last class to spend four years for the LLB program before the National University Commission increases it to five years of pre-Nigerian law school. So, when he repeated 200L, he automatically becomes a classmate of the first class of the five-year program. Meaning, all things being equal, he will be spending six years for his LL.B program before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School.

Anyway, when I was cleared by the Registrar, the Director of Student Affairs, and the Faculty Officer of the Law Faculty, I traveled to Benin City to attend the Church of the Super Preacher who saved me. When I got to Benin City, I asked about her and her church, and a family friend told me that her church is more like a women's ministry and she has no building yet. Not many people knew about her at the time outside of the GRA axis in Benin City.

My plan was to tell this story as a testimony in her church one day when I am back in Nigeria, but I waited too long. She did not only save me, but she also taught me how to talk to God and believe in the power of prayer. When I reminisce on the journey so far, surviving all the temptations and the victory over satanic forces and enemies of progress, I can only thank the Beautiful Lady Pastor who introduced me to Jesus Christ in the true sense of it and made me believe I can talk to God myself. And He will respond positively to my request. That has enriched me with unquantifiable confidence in what I do, say, or write, guided of course by the legal maxim that he who comes to equity must come with a clean hand. Truth. May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

- December 08, 2020