Nigeria's President Buhari's 2018 Democracy Day Speech

Nigeria Should Embrace Social Change Not Celebrating Democracy Failure

"It is relatively less expensive to manipulate elections than embracing equity and justice''-Uche Okeke.

Another democracy day is here. Nobody knows how much it costs the government to celebrate this occassion anually. No doubt, one of the country's unending litany of wastes and  grand ruse for citizen manipulation for business as usual,  while the majority of the citizens wallow in abject poverty. To a great majority of Nigerians, Democracy is routine theatrerical election every four years- 'amusement and confusion'. Election period is the only time that politicians engage ignorant electorates to buy their votes off them and use them as 'authoritarian thugs'. Elections are not expected to be free and fair.

The truth is there is NO democracy in Nigeria despite acquiring democratic institutions. What we have is just a post military- political system designed to keep them in power permanently while manipulating the rest of the society with lies, propaganda, bribe and bullet to destroy anyone who disagrees.The system is sick driven by ruthless individuals each pursuing their own interests-families, friends and associates. On a daily basis what we witness is "frustration, disappointments, human actions that are 'outrageous, immoral and wicked'.[Understanding Classical Sociology-John A Hughes, etal,..]

 We have just seen a new report by anti-corruption civil society group -Transparency International on Unaccounted funds described as ''Security Votes''. According to the report Nigeria government spends about $670 million dollars on Security votes- "a relic of military rule , mainly disbursed in hard cash and nominally released for dealing with unexpected security issues". In the words of Kathrine Dixon; Transparency International's director for defence and security; "the security votes is one of the most durable forms of corruption operating in Nigeria today"- [Anti-Corruption Group says Nigeria expanding use of opaque $670million 'slash fund'-reuters, May 28 2018]. Its worthy to note that defence takes the largest share of the country's budget till date.

There are many other global reports on insecurity, rule of law, human rights abuse, refugee, migration, HIV/AIDS, education, healthcare services, electricity and other infrastructure,high cost of doing business, lack of access to capital, terrorism, African Development report on poverty, National Bureau of statistics report on unemployment, etc. The Founder of Microsoft. Bill Gate says Nigeria is one of the worst places for child birth.

 We have seen the report on Senators wages as the members of the House of Representatives have declined to make theirs public. Some of these legislators also receieve state pensions and other allowances in their various states. Nobody knows about the wages of the Executives and this is replicated among the three tiers of government, yet jobs not created, pensions are not paid and the various governments cannot implement a living minimum wage, etc.

Democracy in Nigeria is exploitation, discrimination, oppression, exclusion, inequality, poor resource management, corruption, lack of accountability and transparency, no citizen engagement, wastes on white elephant projects, lack of regard for the rule of law, and constitutional checks and balances, kidnapping, killings, selective justice, violent repression of civil liberties and minority rights, opposition clampdown, poor public services including infrastructure, cult-like political party system, Government control of democratic institutions, etc.

 Today, it's worst with the Mistake of Destiny; domination-'reassertion of traditional rights 'instead of reforms, the peril of the herdsmen. The current populist government is totally opposed to ''revolutionary change'' despite 'inequities and injustices' in the system. Its motto is ''unity and continuity''. The government is playing political football with restructuring which was election promise to win the last election in 2015. The  ruling party's position now seems to be restructuring after the next election in 2019. Everyone knows this is not an honest point of view.

The purpose of democracy is to improve the human condition-poverty alleviation, human security, human happiness and human freedom. What's the point of democracy if its not achieving this objective and overseeing a fair and just society?.

In the Golden Age our society needs changing for stability, peace and prosperity. There is urgent need to restructure this dysfunctional political system to ensure greater devolution of resources and responsibilities to create more opportunities for ordinary people especially at the local level. There is no more need for a bogus political system that concentrates economic and political power at the centre-yields only losses, inequality, insecurity and instability. Thinking needs to change. All the societies that have taken this route are peaceful and prosperous, they celebrate democracy everyday.

In a heterogeneous society like our own, there is urgent need for adjustment to address the needs of the 21st century. Our idea of democracy should be emphasis on equity and justice, creativity, individual freedom, human dignity and individual autonomy. In the words of Professor  John A Hughes, "Social change is very important and necessary to eliminate social inequality and address numerous social ills in the society".

We should use today's event as stock taking event to reflect on the issues confronting us as a nation. To celebrate democracy we need people of expertise and experience to be incharge and have the political will to carry out the much needed adjustment. In this regard, we can celebrate democracy on a daily basis. Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/03/nigerias-democracy-and-its-crisis_27.html

Uche Okeke.

Breaking : Buhari’s Bill On Water Resources Splits Northern, Southern Se...

The Reality of Nigeria's Democracy; Abdication of Morality, Broken Morals

"The society is a moral phenomenon"-Durkheim. In every society the emphasis on mutual co-existence should be on 'equity and justice' not 'unity and continuity'. The status-quo will never guarantee a 'fair and just' society , people need to be well-informed . The time for adjustment is now, else we all regret tomorrow. Constitutional Change is Overdue in Nigeria. Photo: Uche Okeke .

The current political system is depriving Nigeria 'proper and transparent' democracy- sound government. It denies the citizens the chance to enjoy the dividends of democracy, rather violent repression of civil liberties, incompetence, inequality, poverty, tyranny, corruption, poor resource management,sycophancy, stagnation, political instability, hardships and dangers, etc.

Elections are not free and fair. There is urgent need for Restructuring to guarantee liberty and equality, total freedom for prospect of a prosperous and stable future. There is urgent need for a radical shift in our thinking if we really want change. We must allow reason and common sense to prevail.

See the breakdown of Legislators wages: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/p/breakdown-of-salaries-of-senators-and.html

Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur. He's the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation and the Author of : Nigeria's Democracy And Its Crisis, Deliberate, Avoidable. What Can Be Done About It.

Why We Think The Ruling APC Party Is Not Sincere About Restructuring Nigeria

"Nobody should deceive anybody and nobody should deceive himself or herself, there will be no restructuring before 2019 elections"- Senator Shehu Sani

Here are some of the reasons why we think the ruling APC party is not sincere about the widespread call for Restructuring of the Nigeria's current political structure given its strategic importance to growth and stability of the country.

 -A recent Water Resource bill by the Excecutive despite opposition from the South West, Middle Belt, South-South and South-East Legislators.
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 -The Defence Minister has just repeated his call for states to suspend the anti-grazing law.

 -The Government is only interested in the next election insisting they have kept their campaign promises.

-The Vice-President, Professor Osibanjo said ''some states will collapse without  monthly federal allocations".

 -The APC-ruling party says it could not implement the El-Rufai -led panel report on Restructuring before the 2019 General Elections.

-Sour Executive-Legislator Relationship.

-Systematic Elimination of Key Party Stakeholders who favoured Restructuring from the party,

-No Budgetary Allocation For Restructuring.

-Nigeria Sponsoring Morrocco's ECOWAS Membership.

 According to the party spokesperson, the party, "said although it remained committed to implementing the El-Rufai-led panel report on true federalism, it could not do so before the 2019 general elections". The Party said ; "it was uncharitable for anyone to suggest that it was using the issue of restructuring to canvass for votes in the forthcoming general elections because it had demonstrated sufficient resolve to fulfilling its promise to Nigerians on the issue"-[Restructuring: Presidency Gives Condition For Implementing El-Rufai Panel's Report; Punch, May May 26 2018]. 

We have argued that the time has come for the government to listen to the voice of the citizens to embrace the call for adjustment-reforms-restructuring of the current political structure which is the reason for stagnation and political instability in the country.

 The reform of this dysfunctional political structure-  'wasteful, expensive and dictatorial' is long overdue. Fderal Power duplicates autonomous functions, wastes resources, kills independence, energy and hardwork, promotes sycophancy and corruption. 

Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur..

 Read More: 

-The Reality Of Nigeria's Democracy: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/05/the-reality-of-nigerias-democracy.html

 -Olu Falaye on Restructuring:  https://zurumnews247.chayns.net/ticker?M=68618631

- The Way Things Are: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/03/new-book-nigerias-democracy-and-its.html

-New Book: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/03/nigerias-democracy-and-its-crisis_27.html

-Why Decentralisation: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/03/restructuring-nigeria-big-political_8.html?spref=fb

-Igbo Presidency is Not The Answer To Equality And Liberty: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/04/igbo-presidency-is-not-answer-to.html

-Nigeria Should Embrace Social Change: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/05/nigeria-should-embrace-social-change.html

-Election Rigging: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/05/2019-elections-in-nigeria-and-plague-of.html

2019 Elections in Nigeria and the plague of mistake of destiny-'Election Rigging

The Plan to rig 2019 elections in Nigeria- "Blame Government not INEC, if 2019 Polls are not credible"- Dr Bukola Saraki, Nigeria's Senate President. Photo: Uche Okeke

As expected, It's becoming very obvious that there will never be credible elections- free and fair elections in Nigeria come 2019;  given the desperation of the government to consolidate their grip on power.  One of the crude strategies is to 'demonise' political opponents. We have witnessed increasing witch-hunting of strong opposition members using the anti-graft agency-EFCC,  INEC's inability to accept responsibility on under-aged voters in some states,etc.  As we are aware, the National Assembly is already rendered impotent, we dare not talk about the Judiciary- rule of law is also now impotent, violent repression of civil liberties, ethnic minorities, killings, mass propaganda, fake news, authoritarian thugs-e-rats, etc. Governor Yesom Wike of  Rivers State has recently raised alarm about assasination plans on his life. If such allegation can come from a sitting Governor, then all is not safe. Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has also raised alarm alleging plot to 'Pre-load smart cards, defranchise about 50% of the voters in his state'. The Government seems very confident it's policies will win them elections despite widespread opposition from Nigerians, due to 'economic insecurity and hardship'.The Christian Association of Nigeria has cautioned against re-election of the current leadership due to several killings in various states including two Catholic Priests and their parishoners. If the Christians who are more than half of the population vote against the leadership it would definitely be very difficult to win the elections. However, leading APC Governors including Mallam El-Rufai of Kaduna State insists that the ruling APC government has kept their 'campaign promises' while the Government Information minister Mr Lai Mohammed; was cocksure that the ruling APC party won't lose the 2019 polls. Government control of election institutions is one major reason for insistence on winning the next election despite the realities on the ground- weakend party, imminent mass defection, mass rejection,etc. The events of a  recent recall election in Kogi state sends a strong signal to what should be expected at the polls come 2019. Meanwhile the ruling APC party doesn't seem very sure that their candidates will participate in future election debates citing constitutional flaws, despite the vital importance of such a democratic practice. The party wants to implement the burning issue of restructuring after the next election in 2019. These adds to their already dented image as trust is now eroded. Acording to Professor Nic Cheeseman; Professor of Democracy at the University of Birmingham; "Elections are often the frontlines in a global battle for democracy. Dictators, despots, and counterfeit democrats hold elections to legitimize their regime, but then rig them to ensure that they maintain their iron grip on power-"[How to rig election, LSE, 01 May 2018]. Electionis one of the most crucial part of the democratic success for democracy to be translated into 'sound and stable' government. Rigging the next election would mean full blown dictatorship with its unending implications on the polity-Absolutism, loss of liberty and freedom, selective justice, loss of seperation of powers, violent repression, killings, discrimination, division and destruction, mass corruption, lack of transparency and accountability, stagnation, instability, violence, etc. Our current experience is enough to make everyone to think twice. In the words of Professor Nic Cheeseman some of the crude tactis deployed by dictators and anti-democrats for election rigging include: "Vote buying, Violent repression, Assasinating rivals, Gerrymandeing, Voter Suppression, Ballot box stuffing, the digital frontier of hacking and disinformation campaigns". These are now evident in this dispensation. The unanswered question now is how do we ensure that our votes count come 2015 elections? What will happen if the votes don't count. The opposition PDP says the major issue now is how to get the President to concede defeat in 2019, due to his unpopularity.  According to Amanda Taub: "Today the most common way for a democracy to collapse is through the actions of an elected incumbent , not a coup or a revolution. Once in power, unscrupulous leaders can sometimes manipulate the political enviroment to their own benefit, making it more likely that they will be victorious in future contests. By winning those elections, they gain the stamp of democratic legitimacy-even for actions that ultimately undermine democratic norms"-[How Autocrats Triumph in Democratic Countries; The New York Times, April 18 2017].

 Read this blog regularly as we continue to search for the best answers to keep ordinary people well informed and help drive a new society that is just and fair.

Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur.

Thoughts on the Future of Nigeria-'Equity And Justice', Not 'Unity And Continuity'

"Man is born free but is everywhere in chains"-Jean Jacques Rosseau. Photo: Uche Okeke.

The purpose of politics is to improve the human condition, poverty alleviation, human security, human freedom. Today, Inclusion is very important in the conduct of social life. Our current system  has demonstrated incapacity to realise the human potential of people, this is an honest truth that must be acknowledged. The era of domination is over, as we are in a new era of individual freedom and autonomy. Those who want to be in-charge of us are expected to respect and honour their obligation to us. How do you expect us to obey your orders when the leaders do not do the same, or obey orders without questioning.

 Complete control over people and resources is no longer accepted in the 21st century. Thinking needs to change. The number of functions exercised by the centre needs to be reduced to create more opportunities at the local level. There is urgent need for adjustment to reduce the 'stifling' of states and local areas by oppressiveness causing them inevitable development setbacks.
Greater devolution of resources and responsibilities is the key to reducing corruption, and unlocking local economic development.

 Raising awareness of inequities, injustices and advocating for the reform of the society to end human misery and realise human potential of people is a civic duty that should involve everyone, not labelling people. Society like our own is in great need for restructuring. In changing times, the emphasis on membership of any society should be ''equity and justice'' not ''continuity and unity''. Deviation from this moral phenomenon is continued political and economic chaos, insecurity and instability.

Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/03/nigerias-democracy-and-its-crisis_27.html

Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur.

A warning from history-Beware of Populist Dishonesty in Nigeria's democracy

"President Buhari does not have the physical and intellectual capacity to govern Nigeria. I had the opportunity to speak with the president to tell him what was wrong but the president told me that things were wrong before but with his election everything is right now. The president does not work with party members because he believes party members are evil. He doesn't work with anybody neither does he consult with anybody in the party.  The president only decided to appoint party members into board because he was seeking re-election. I won't support Buhari in 2019 if he seeks re-election"- Ghali Naabaa, Former Speaker of the Nigeria House of Representative and APC ruling party chieftain. Photo: Uche Okeke

Polpulist leaders are described as anti-establishment, anti-democratic elements, desperate, angry, frustrated,  often using dishonest means of persuassion and influencers-PR to target voters with lies, fake news, propaganda, and misinformation to enable them make wrong choices. Populists claim that they alone represent the people and they alone are not corrupt.  According to Professor Jan-Werner Muller; "their voters are also frustrated or suffer from resentment..., when running for office, populists portray their potential competitors as part of the immoral, corrupt elite, when ruling, they refuse to recognise any opposition as legitimate. The populist logic also implies that whoever does not support populist parties might not be a proper part of the people-always defined as righteous and morally pure".- Professor Jan-Werner Muller[ What is Populism?- Jan-Werner Muller, 2017, Penguin Books, London]. They are always dictators violently repressing civil liberties, cracking down on opposition and constitutional checks and balances. They destroy democracy. In the words of Professor Jan-Werner Muller; "They pay lobbyists and public relations experts enormous sums of money to ensure that they are recognised by international organisations and "western elites as genuine democracies". We have seen this play out in a recent US visit, where President Buhari was keen to down-play the activities of the Herdsmen killings in Nigeria. He was on mission to convince the US President that his government is genuine despite widespread flaws including gross-human rights abuse. We are aware of the Fake- Martin Luther awards, Naomi Campbell,  the appointment of Festus Keyamo, etc. The personalities associated with populism include: those opposed to modernity, uneducated, those seeking personal gains, ''losers in the process of modernisation''.intellectuals with out-dated knowledge- ''village commune as a political model''. In the words of Seymour Martin Lipset; they are; " the socially isolated, psycologically homeless, personal failures, the economically unsecure, the uneducated, unsophisticated and authoritarian personalities"They are against the new way of doing things, often resorting to baseless smear to attack educated elites and political elites who are deemed corrupt. They oppose anything that is not in their favour. If you are not with them, you are against them- they alone are the true representatives of the people and they alone possess the idea to transform the society. They do not accept legitimate competition nor legitimate opposition- ''micropolitics as opposed to a forum for reasoned debate".They always act as victims often using blame games as excuse for failures while manipulating to 'colonise' the state by using bribe and violent repression. Anyone who critizes their government is labelled 'traitors'. Political appointments or favours for mass political support. Selective Justice-"Only some of the people should get to enjoy the full protection of the laws; those who do not belong to the people or who might be suspected of actively working against the government should be treated harshly"-Professor Jan-Werner Muller. Lastly he concluded that Populists  do not just thrive on conflicts and encourage polarization ; they also treat their political opponents as enemies of the people and seek to exclude them altogether. Populism tends to pose a great danger to democracy. Democracy must be inclusive to deliver dividends-'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. It requires "pluralism and the recognition that we need to find fair terms of living together as free, equal but also irreducibly diverse citizens"- Professor Jan-Werner Muller[ What is Populism?- Jan-Werner Muller, 2017, Penguin Books, London]. We will remain resolute in this uncommon commitment to help ordinary people discover how democracy is  being attacked in Nigeria to enable them make better choices for the future. Today democracy in Nigeria is under serious attack do not be deceieved.  Attack on democracy is development in reverse- no meaningful economic development. You cannot be attacking constitutional checks and balances and expect national budget to be passesd- the result is political deadlock, so voters beware. The bell tolls for all of us who believe in democracy, liberty and freedom. Dictatorship is evil that must be rejected- violent repression, loss of liberty, stagnation, instability, lack of development, massive corruption, poor resource management, no accountability, no transparency. You need to be properly informed.. In the words of President Donald J Trump: "No nation can succeed in the long-run by promoting rogue states, brutal tyrants and muderous dictators. We must decide if we will continue down this dark path or join with civilized nations as a force for stability and peace". Professor Jan-Werner Muller said Populist government exhibits three distinct features,- they are all evident in this government. They include: 
a) Attempts to hijack the state apparatus
b) Corruption
c)Mass Clientelism-Political support by citizens who become the populists clients. How much more evidence do we need?- Instead of implementing Constitutional change-Restructuring which was a false election manifesto to win votes, they prefer a return of the society to the primitive state where life is 'nasty, brutish, short. We have seen citizens including Senators and opposition members brought to court on hospital stretchers even when not fit to attend the court whereas others are given state assistance to seek overseas treatment.The inescapable truth about demagoguery/populism is that the supporters are always the first casualties anytime they tend to disagree or hold contrary opinion. This is a tragedy.
                               
 See Comments: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/p/blog-page.html

Uche Okeke is a Social Entrepreneur. He's the Founder of The LEAD Project Foundation.

Read More: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/2018/02/today-nigeria-is-not-democratic-country_26.html

Self-Inflicted mistakes and 2019 elections in Nigeria

Nationwide Protest Against The Killings of Christians in Nigeria. Photo: Facebook

"It is rather unfortunate that President Buhari has demonstrated very low capacity in providing the essential leadership that could hold Nigeria together. He has clearly shown that he is not the father of all parts of Nigeria as he is expected to be, and cannot provide security for all citizens. It has been seen so far that he lacks innovative ideas that can grow our economy. He has by all these and many more given the electorate enough reason for him to be roundly rejected in the coming election.”- Prof. Adeniran; Former Minister of Education in Nigeria and Former Nigeria Ambassador to Germany.
[2019 Nigerians wil drive Buhari's government out of power; Vanguard, May1 2019]  .

 A keen observer of the political events in Nigeria  will definitely agree with Professor Adeniran's inescapable conclusion above. The recent nation wide congress of the ruling APC political party simply shows that the clock is ticking for the party as the deep internal divisions seems to defy any sensible solutions.

We set out to explore how self-inflicted mistakes affect the chances of the leading political parties in key Nigeria states come 2019 elections. Find out soon.  

 Comments: http://www.theleadprojectfoundation.com/p/blog-page.html

President Buhari downgrades the herdsmen killings in Nigeria, blames the late Gadaffi

President Muhammadu Buhari and President Donald Trump during a recent visit to the US. Photo: Facebook.

President Muhammadu Buhari has downgraded the horrendous activities of the herdsmen in Nigeria, during his recent visit to the United States blaming the late Gadaffi of Libya for the atrocities of the herdsmen, saying that the herdsmen simply carry sticks not guns despite abundant evidence of herdsmen parading the streets of Nigeria with guns..

 What marvels everyone is the inability of the government to arrest and prosecute the invading killers since the government claims they are not Nigerians. Thanks to President Trump for his urgent intervention to end the 'heartlessness and hopelessness' in Nigeria- the senseless killings of innocent people and 'tyrannical crackdowns' on opposition.

President Trump has described the burning of churches and killing of christians in Nigeria as a ''horrible story'' and called for an immediate stop to this senseless killings. He has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to secure the affected communities and work with local leaders to bring lasting peace in the affected states.

 We hope that President Buhari will take your advice to embrace the new age of peace and build a just and fair society that will share the wealth of the country equitably while guaranteeing liberty and freedom of all the citizens. The government must take full responsibility of the security and safety of the citizens which is the primary duty of government.

Uche Okeke