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Sunday 26 November 2017

One Party System is not a condition for growth in Nigeria

It was believed that having a centralised form of governance in Nigeria would hasten economic development, unfortunately this is not the case given the experience of nearly six-decades of independence. The current government has successfully exposed the numerous flaws of the unitary centralised system lending support to various accusations of exploitation and domination of one ethnic group over others and widespread agitations for restructuring of the country. Similarly, it has not hidden its actions to foster one-party rule in the country which is interpreted by many as a ploy to deepen ethnic domination and control, the very reason for restructuring. Experience has shown that one party system is an avenue to control, corruption and coercion. According to Margaret Moniyani; "Nation building cannot be achieved where the freedom of members of the legislature, interest groups, local authorities and other avenues of popular participation, the media and the bureaucrats is curtailed". Using Kenya as a case study provides a scenario where the single party system degenerated into authoritarianism and thus becoming a hindrance to economic development. The party became a bud of corruption. Disregard for merit and reward of loyalty manifested in all forms as those that pledged full loyalty to the party and the president ended up holding powerful positions in government. This became a recipe of separatist tendencies especially among the smaller tribes that sought to express themselves through welfare societies. This was in a bid to fill the gap of having no adequate representation in government. This degenerated into some sought of post-colonial struggle which was catalysed by the polarisation of the periphery and most importantly the link between economic rewards and political rewards. Surveillance and the use of watch dogs during the one-party system era in Kenya led to fear and thus no real political competition and debate even within the party itself is allowed"-Margaret Monyani; One Party State: Is it Good or Bad for Governance, May 25 2018. Basically this is what we are currently witnessing in Nigeria. Seeking one-party rule is simply trying to legitimise irrational, unsuitable and unsustainable programmes of this government through the backdoor not minding the future consequences on the society and economy. In the words of  Senator Umar Tsauri, National Secretary of the People's Democratic Party; "Unless Nigerians are under curse, there's no hope for APC in 2023...,the Buhari administration has been given the opportunity to prove itself to Nigerians that the APC is a better alternative to the PDP, but blew its chances of ruling beyond 2023 away, thanks to its dismal performance since coming to power in 2015. No right thinking person would vote for APC, not only in Katsina, but across the country. APC had openly demonstrated its incapability and compounded the woes of the people .Katsina people were disappointed with the grave failure of the ruling party in the state to tackle the prevailing security challenges orchestrated by bandits and infrastructural decay in the state". Luring opposition politicians to the ruling party despite the reality on the ground mocks democracy and citizens who are the victims of misrule: Gross corruption, failed economy, insecurity, land-grabbing, genocidal thrust, economic violence and distress, killings, repression, fear and terror, mass-unemployment, collapsed infrastructure and social services, gerrymandering, destruction of democratic institutions and rule of law, huge debts, devalued Naira, collapsed manufacturing and financial markets, diminished foreign direct investment, ethnic and religious domination, political bias and favouritism, persistence of poverty and stagnation. Of-course, no sane society will reward such a party with a glorified future amidst collosial devastations. The focus should be how to restructure the country to guarantee citizens security and prosperity rather than seeking a one-party state. In the words of Governor Samuel; "the political, economic and security challenges facing the country cannot be solved by people decamping from one political party to another. What is most important at this point is for Nigerians of all walks of life to join hands and surmount the challenges confronting the nation"
 The idea of one-party system is not a condition for performance neither does it offer a path out of misery and disorder that has befallen the country. This is the ideology of ''gutter politicians'' who build their success on hatred using economic and political discrimination as a strategy to remain powerful. A small group of very violent people who are on a mission to grab as much resources as they can by subjecting the rest of the population to unending servitude. Ordinary people need to be properly informed to be on the right side and resist the manipulation by the gods and monsters among us to maintain the status-quo which creates more harm than good. We know in most cases votes don't count however, information is one sure way to provide ordinary people the tool to make the right choices.  The whole idea is very funny. Instead of providing equality of opportunities, restructuring the country to drive equity, social justice and the plurality that comes with democratisation, one-party rules becomes a condition for provision of public goods and services. The people need good governance ,air- hubs, roads, sea ports, improved agriculture, electricity, internet/ broadband, good education and healthcare services,  jobs, security, International Investors, etc, they need social accountability , there is no evidence to suggest that one-party system is fit for the purpose. "there is need to allow some level of freedom and healthy political competition to ensure accountability, transparency, rule of law, equity and inclusiveness, empowerment and broad-based participation"-Nuberger(1974). That's the whole point. The truth is one-party rule deepens autocracy, creates more problems and hastens separatist tendencies. A national dialogue has become very imperative given abundant evidence of what we now know rather than a one-party system. The current political structure is not fit for purpose, the focus should how to change it. Freedom and autonomy agenda not allegiance. The current system is not working and needs changing. A new constitution is required to give Nigeria a "fresh start", this should be the focus.
Uche Okeke is the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation. He lives in London.

Friday 24 November 2017

[Nigeria] Atiku's resignation to strenghten the democratic system by providing the leadership that is currently lacking in opposition

Former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar has finally resigned from the ruling APC Political Party, alleging a draconian clampdown of democracy, a derailment of its set objectives in governance and abandonment of the Nigerian Youth"- (Vanguard Newspaper, November, 24, 2017).

This  is good for our democracy given the totalitarian ideology we are now witnessing. This could be a good move to give the Nigerians wider opportunity to choose a democratic leader come 2019  as it has become obvious that there will be no challenger to President Muhammadu Buhari for the ruling party's ticket.

Furthermore, it will help to strenghten the democratic system by providing the leadership that is currently lacking in opposition. A sensible opposition is very important in a democracy.

 The reasons he alleged for resigning are quite obvious to most of us who have lent our voices to the need for inclusiveness.
See Also: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2017/10/the-reality-of-nigerias-subverted.html

I have written about the possible chances for Atiku Presidency in the past . Click on this link to read: http://www.zurumnewsdigest.com/2016/11/apc-begins-search-for-new-presidential.html

The truth is that the country needs empathic leadership that is educated and posseses the skills to drive a 21st century society. The country needs a leader who understands the ideals of freedom, inclusiveness, equality and prosperity, not anarchy and chaos. It may not just be only Atiku. There are loads of other qualified people willing to offer themselves for leadership. Now is the time to do so.

 Let us conclude by saying that in a democracy, everybody has a fundamental right for political association and a right to seek for the highest office in the land. It's left to the electorates to decide the leadership they want.

Uche Okeke.

Nigeria's Corruption War is Dysfunctional as Senate Probes Re-looting of Recovered Assets

Nigeria's Senate has stepped up efforts to probe allegations of the re-looting of recovered assets by the anti-corruption managers. The legislative body has asked its ad-hoc committee to intensify efforts to probe the whereabouts of 222 properties seized from alleged pension funds criminals kept under the custody of the EFCC, after being alerted by the office of the Attorney General of the federation.

 No doubt, this will not be a good news to the government that has  come under heavy criticism from the public and the opposition political parties who have also described the anti-corruption campaign dysfunctional ; a well-intentioned  power strategy to clampdown on opposition and remain long in power.

I think the government has to really admit that it has lost the plot given numerous blunders. Few days ago the staff of the State Security Services(DSS) prevented the arrest of some of their bosses by the anti-corruption office(EFCC). This is not a good sign. It simply means that even the State Security Services has lost confidence in the scheme which may endanger national security.

According to Matthew d'Ancona; " this symbolised a much greater dysfunctionalism in a failing government".[Hammond has done his best in a dysfunctional government,- Matthew d'Ancona,  London Evening Standard; P.26, Wednesday 22 November, 2017]

We have argued that the government ought to concentrate on what the country actually needs most- Restructuring the political system which is one major root cause of corruption and poor growth,  and the provision of better public services.

The truth is that anti-corruption is a process which must be seen to be fair , transparent and productive. However, the numerous blunders of the government questions its sincerity, intergrity and commitment in the nation building project of inclusiveness, People will not take that.

Till date corrupt politicians are simply joining the ruling party to escape corruption prosecution and the government is harrassing those who refused to join the ruling party. So the mantra is join the ruling party so that we can put your past behind. You're corrupt if you're not a member of the ruling APC Political Party. What an ideology...

This is gutter politics by politicians who build the success on hatred and discrimination and violence.

Uche Okeke

Thursday 23 November 2017

The next election is an opportunity to see the change you want become a reality


Do not be bullied into silence. Technology has empowered ordinary people as never before to make a huge difference. There is a lot of work to be done. The truth is that today you do not need permission to make a difference.
Lend your voice to the important debate about the future. Listen to each other , that is one major way we can help overcome the challenges ahead. Anyone can make a difference. Democracy must be inclusive.
 The politicians do not invest in policies that will benefit ordinary people , rather they invest in traditional rulers, opinion/community leaders ,religious leaders, pilgrimage and political agents/brokers to help them win the next election because it's cheaper. 
No good education, no investment in research and innovation, entrepreneurship,  no adequate electricity, no internet/broadband, no good healthcare services, no jobs, no pensions, no good drinking water, poor transport network, air ports, sea ports, poor urbanisation, insecurity everywhere, etc. 
They clampdown on dissents and opposition , anyone against the government is an enemy. The Political agents and online supporters are only interested in what they will get. Most times you hear them asking their fans to recommend political offices that will suit them,;"attracted by prospects of power and riches".
The political system is designed to serve the interest of the few, their families, friends and political associates. Now look at this scenario: The President is also the Petroleum Minister, his Chief Of Staff is the Executive Director of NNPC, another, is the Managing Director of the country's apex oil company, etc. That's exactly the whole point. It reduces accountability, often in violation of the country's laws. 
Resources at the local level is marred by elite capture thereby killing development. When one leaves office, he wants his son, brother and in-law to succeed him. They like things the way they are. All these happen because of ignorance. They simply want to determine what ordinary people can hear and see. 
"For our future world to be livable the heroes must win their struggle. But the villains have the guns and the money and to date they have usually prevailed. That will continue unless we radically change our approach"- Professor Sir, Paul Collier: The Bottom Billion.
The only weapon for change is Information. Ensure you register to vote. Guard your voter card to support any political party offering the restructuring of the political system and better public services.
Do not sell your voter card to party agents or local politicians so as not to deprive you the opportunity to vote. Your vote is the only power you have to see the change you want in the society. Selling your voter card or collecting money from the politicians will deprive you the opportunity to vote, so change will not happen.
The next election is an opportunity to make a difference. Be your own man or woman, take a better stand for the future.
         Uche Okeke

Tuesday 21 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable: President Buhari and APC ruling party salute Goodluck Jonathan at 60.

The politicians never cease to amuse us. Last week the leader of Nigeria's ruling party, Bola Tinubu told all that cares to know that ex-President Goodluck Jonathan's government won gold in corruption. However, he was widely ignored as people believed  he was certainly not the right person to talk about corruption.

This week President Muhammadu Buhari and his ruling party celebrate ex-President Goodluck Jonathan as a great patriot and a role model for democracy in Africa. It's time we face realities and concentrate on how to address our numerous national challenges. The truth is that blame games is a recipe for disaster and undermines intergrity and competence.

We are all witnesses to the numerous blunders of the government so far. The politicians are the same united in a game of resource control. The main difference between the past and present government is that the other is no longer in power. One day we will be confronted with the scale of shock that is now uncovered, perhaps when a new government comes to power.

 Fairness must be a priority in dealing with sensitive national issues such as corruption. If we treat people differently the result is erosion of public trust . The consequences is always experienced at the polls. Today, voters want to elect competent people to do a good job, not endless blame games that has no impact on their lives. Happy birthday, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

Uche Okeke

HIV is no longer a death sentence but treatable condition , says Dr. Killian Quinn

Dr Killian Quinn, consultant in sexual health at the Kings College hospital, London has said that HIV is no longer a death sentence but a treatable condition especially with the sophisticated medicines now available. According to the Evening Standard newspaper, the consultant said; one of the most common reasons people develop complications is because they don't know they have the infection. Getting diagonised early is one sure way to tackle the disease.
It says London Kings College hospital  A&E department routinely screen patients for HIV after a pilot scheme found 32 people unknowingly carrying the virus.

Liberia's succession battle threatens it's fragile peace

Inconclusive  Presidential elections in Liberia is becoming a great concern to political observers and the International community keen to see the tiny West African country forge a new future.

 A run-off for the Presidential election was due to be held between the two leading candidates, George Weah and the  current Vice-President Joseph Boaki on November 7, but was postponed by the country's Supreme Court due to allegations of electoral fraud.

 However, the country's electoral commission has formally rejected the allegations of electoral fraud during the presidential election described by the local and international election observers as free and fair, thereby creating further uncertainty.

George Weah -Taylor alliance appears unsettling to power holders who had accused former Liberia's President Charles Ghankay Taylor of meddling in the country's politics from detention in London. Whoever emerges as the winner has ernormous task ahead to rebuild a country highly dependent on donor funds and diaspora remittances.

 There is urgent need for the country's Supreme Court to resolve the current impasse which has the potential to threaten the country's fragile peace. This is supposed to be the country's first democratic transition after a protracted civil war.. The conclusion of the electoral process will help consolidate the benefits of integration and kick-start the urgent task of building a new Liberia. Let the people's choice leads.

Uche Okeke

Kenya's Supreme court leads new opportunity for change.

Kenya has always been a model for democracy in Africa. The peaceful process of handling the country's political impasse is highly commendable as it throws new opportunity for change. On November 28, President Uhuru Kenyatta would be sworn-in for a second term in office following the country's Supreme Court ruling.

This is another opportunity to build a new Kenya by reaching out to the opposition for inclusive government. The people want the benefits of good governance and want the country to move forward. The new government needs to work hard to embrace reforms that will help avoid a repeat of the past mistake. Africa needs political and economic stability to lift its people out of poverty.

Email From Africa: It's only in Africa where clique of old crooks want to determine the future of young people.

President Mugabe should listen to the call of his people. After nearly four decades in power, Mugabe should do the needful; go now. At 93 one wonders what he still wants in politics. The time has come for him to quit the stage and leave the people of Zimbabwe in peace.
The political crisis in Zimbabwe is a great lesson for a continent ravaged by political and economic crisis.

Today, there are so many Mugabes in Africa so this is a welcome development creating new opportunity for change in the continent. People need to be ready for it.
 It's only in Africa where clique of old crooks want to determine the future of young people.
 I have just read on Aljazeera television about the resignation of Robert Mugabe. This is a great news for Zimbabwe and the rest of Africa.

Uche Okeke

 Read More:

Kenya's Supreme court leads new opportunity for change. Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2017/11/kenyas-supreme-court-leads-new.html

Liberia's succession battle threatens it's fragile peace

HIV is no longer a death sentence but treatable condition , says Dr. Killian Quinn

President Buhari and APC ruling party salute Goodluck Jonathan at 60.

Nigeria's Ex-Vice President Ekwueme dies at 85.

Monday 20 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable : Question the norm; make your voices be heard.


Do not be bullied into silence. Technology has empowered ordinary people as never before to make a huge difference. There is a lot of work to be done. The truth is that today you do not need permission to make a difference.
Lend your voice to the important debate about the future. Listen to each other , that is one major way we can help overcome the challenges ahead. Anyone can make a difference. Democracy must be inclusive.
 The politicians do not invest in policies that will benefit ordinary people , rather they invest in traditional rulers, opinion/community leaders , pilgrimage and political agents/brokers to help them win the next election because it's cheaper.
No good education, no investment in research and innovation, entrepreneurship,  no adequate electricity, no internet/broadband, no good healthcare services, no jobs, no pensions, no good drinking water, poor transport network, air ports, sea ports, poor urbanisation, insecurity everywhere, etc.
They clamp on dissents and opposition , anyone against the government is an enemy. The Political agents and online supporters are only interested in what they will get. Most times you hear them asking their fans to recommend political offices that will suit their purpose.
The political system is designed to serve the interest of the few, their families, friends and political associates. Now look at this scenario: The President is also the Petroleum Minister, his Chief Of Staff is the Executive Director of NNPC, another, is the Managing Director of the country's apex oil company, etc. That's exactly the whole point. It reduces accountability, often in violation of the country's laws. 
Resources at the local level is marred by elite capture thereby killing development. When one leaves office, he wants his son, brother and in-law to succeed him. They like things the way they are. All these happen because of ignorance. They simply want to determine what ordinary people can hear and see. 
"For our future world to be livable the heroes must win their struggle. But the villains have the guns and the money and to date they have usually prevailed. That will continue unless we radically change our approach"- Professor Sir, Paul Collier: The Bottom Billion.  
The only weapon we have for change is Information. Ensure you register to vote. Guard your voter card to support any political party that guarantees us the restructuring of the present political system and better public services. Do not sell your voter card to party agents or local politicians who are against the change of the status-quo. Your vote is the only power you have to see the change you want in the society. 
          Uche Okeke

        
         

Sunday 19 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable: Anambara State Rejects the One-Party Plague

Voters waiting to cast their votes during the Governorship elections in Anambara State. Photo: Facebook.

This year's Governorship election in Anambara State is very unique; the sudden visit of the president to the state, defection of Ojukwu's son  to APC, IPOB's sit-at-home order, and other numerous efforts deployed for the battle for the control of the state.  . However, the result is a strong lesson to all of us. We don't need tanks in our streets to decide our future. They have always rejected the old way of doing things.

 The people have sent a very strong signal that they don't need the plague of the centre to reach their full potential. The truth is that states must learn to take their destiny in their own hands in order to reach their full potential. This is one sure way to achieve inclusive, sustainable and economic growth; not the idea of depending at the mercy of an individual weilding federal power to determine the destiny of a people.

The time has come to resist this ruthless political system whose legacy is depeened privilege, hypocrisy, sycophancy, brutality, division and gross misrule. We must learn to reject clique of old crooks; agents of the federal power, greedy and willing tools united only by what they'll gain using ordinary people as "photo opportunities". They have found new allies on social media distorting facts and singing lyrics pleasing to their pay masters instead of seeking for a permanent solution to the generational plague.

Let us do more for the actualisation of independence of states for political and economic success.

Congratulations to the people of Anambara State for leading the way. When we talk about independence of states, weak minds simply see it as an attack on the status-quo which benefits just the few:, the big thugs and their huge army. One major way to achieve independence of states is by rejecting the idea of one party state which simply fosters totalitarianism.

Uche Okeke.

Sunday 12 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable : Inclusive democracy; a big challenge that's hard to ignore

President Muhammadu Buhari visits Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria . Photo: Facebook

Suddenly the government has realised we are in a democracy. It has stepped up efforts to build new coalition and reconcile with aggrieved party members. The new Secretary to the Federal Government was quickly dispatched to mend faces with the legislators, amidst numerous blunders. I also learnt the new SGF had just visited ailing Ekwueme in a hospital in London. We're told that the president can now stand for more than ninety minutes to deliver a budget speech and that clears the doubt about his health status. The President has suddenly visited the South-East for the first time in two-years. Everyone wishes the president a good health, that's not the real issue. This sudden self discovery may have come too late.

We have heard of a recent meeting with Christian leaders, despite their opposition to the long list of the country's membership to  some international religious bodies. The government has promised to look into lopsided political appointments. We are also aware of  the various attempts to 'woo' the Igbos, using carrot and stick strategy.  So who is fooling who?.
 This has become very imperative, because we are approaching the next election. So what happens after the next election?  Indeed, this is a time to beware!.

 Inclusiveness is a great challenge that is hard to ignore. However,  what is happening in this dispensation mocks our understanding of democratic governance and questions our commitment to it. We need to be afraid of the future.

 Moving the country forward requires the need to address the gross corrupt relationship between the powerful 'few' and the weaker majority, created by the present political system, but the government seem to hold a contrary view. The Presidency says 'at present the country does not need restructuring as being clamoured for across the country', but the President was leading the voice for the restructuring of the United Nations.

Their preferred option is the status-quo and possibly a one-party state. Every state must bow and belong the ruling party to benefit from the federal power.; a useless and crude ideology sold to ignorant people in the name of crude nationalism that serves the interest of just few people. Anyone that does not agree is an enemy that must be bullied by the federal power.  So why would they earn our trust?

The solution is very simple : 'restructuring 'of the present political system. The government has made it very clear, that it's not going to happen, despite their promise during the last election. The result is obvious. It's up to us to blindly ignore the implications to continue with the status-quo that has denied us a better future. That's the whole point. The choice is obvious. We will all pertake in the devastation. Look around you and see how you have truly benefited from this system.

The government has demonstrated a great lack of understanding of inclusive democracy thus a great danger to the future. Nobody can predict the future, however, another opportunity could be a great misfortune given the blunders so far. It's worst when the government seem to believe that the blunders are normal.

Uche Okeke.

Sunday 5 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable: When a nation declines to think; The people that benefit the way things are want it to stay that way.


Nigeria is a heterogeneous society,. an oil economy, but struggling with the challenges of inclusiveness given a prevalent ethnic/identity politics, always resulting to violence.The country inherited a power structure that concentrated power at the centre, creating unnecessary dependency culture which retards economic development and growth especially at the local levels.
The polity is dominated by few elites unaccountable to ordinary people and making participation very difficult for them. Participation is limited to elections only often determined by the elites by influencing elections outcome. The elites invest in security for control to hold on to power, resulting to high corruption.
There is mismatch of power and identity as there is no unity of purpose. There is no shared identity, so 'the pull of local identity is very strong relative to national identity', always resulting to tensions and violence especially during elections. When one tribe is in power, the other tribe tries to undermine it. 
The future requires the need for restructuring of the country to move power down to identity, but there is no sincere leadership to effect the reform. The state wants it to stay the way it is as the situation suits the government. Most people choose the safest route- ignorance and sycophancy..
There is poor infrastrcture development due to corruption and leadership is lacking in solving corruption , again , due to a mismatch of power and identity. There is lack of good healthcare and educational services whereas the elites promote medical and educational tourism as they're the only ones who benefit from it,  no good connectivity , no smart city, etc, this affects productivity and quality of life of the citizens.
If young people who are the future leaders decline to think, things will remain the way it is: endless future of uncertainty, conflict, violence.corruption, blame games, conspiracy and power. The people that benefit the way things are want it to stay that way.
Uche Okeke

Thursday 2 November 2017

Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis Deliberate, Avoidable: It's time for everyone to listen; We have all voted to end democracy in Nigeria.


Now we have a fuller picture of what our politics has become- deception, tyranny. We have all voted to end democracy in Nigeria. We must beware of vain hope and resist the manipulations of politicians to destroy our collective future. Photo: Uche Okeke

 Restructuring the country is one major way to address our development challenges. If the politicians are keen to maintain the status-quo, they simply want to condem our collective future thereby keeping us in endless conflict. According to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar: "the continued concentration of power and resources in a central government would continue to surpress the advancement of the nation". This is a well established fact.

 The urgent question before us should be how to restructure the country for development , not the next election. 2019 is another opportunity to resist politicians using divisive politics, lies, intimidation and propaganda to commit us to endless future of conflict.
 In the words of Senator Shehu Sani ; "Nobody should decieve anybody and nobody should deceive himself or herself , there will be no restructuring before 2019 elections".

So,if we cannot have restructuring what we will get is the 'grazing bill' with it's devastations of occupation, cruelty and violence.

Now is the time to listen.  Indeed our inability to build a consensus on this policy and put pressure on the politicians will definitely prove that ''powerlessness  paves the road for the acceptance of tyranny'.
Our collective problem continues.

The future recognises the need for restructuring and this requires great leadership, but the leadership has failed to listen to the voice of the majority which is what democracy is about. This will definitely come to haunt them....

Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2017/09/how-to-restructure-united-nations.html

The LEAD Project Foundation