Can Obasanjo and his Cabinet Do Anything Right?

admin · Can Obasanjo and his Cabinet Do Anything Right?

Can Obasanjo and his Cabinet Do Anything Right?

Ever since he was made President, there's been expectations that he would clean up the mess Abacha and the previous rulers left behind, well the first mistake was to disregard the cancerous growth that would lead to the unnecessary murders, spoiling of Nigeria's image, explosion of 419 and various other atrocities. This cancer is Sharia.

I remember when Sharia was first introduced, I stated that " if Obasanjo did not nip it in the butt, it would become a cancer that would cause several traumatic problems". There's no point in saying 'I told you so', since the evidence and results speak for themselve. Reports came back that Obasanjo thought it was a Northern problem and that when the people got tired of mutilating themselves by their barbaric laws, they would find cessation to it's practice.

Well, we all know that Sharia has not been a Northern problem, but a national disaster. Uncountable people have lost their lives due to Muslim intolerance and violent clashes that have arisen since the introduction of the barbaric laws. It's taken world concern for the barbaric acts deemed appropriate punishment by the believers of these laws not to be carried through.

It got so far, that some people in regret have stated that they were better off when Abacha the terror was in power. After all, facts do speak for themselves, less people died during Abacha's reign, than in the first 2 years of Obasanjo's reign. Both dissidents and foreigners alike, even the humane watchdogs have kept watchful eyes.

Yes, people were poor, but most have become worse off, perpetrating the major increase in the practice of 419 crimes and again the smear to the image of Nigeria. Nigeria has been ranked the 26th poorest country in the world.

Dissidents and foreigners alike have been worried about their safety and possibilities of have any world events in Nigeria. Nigeria has been overlooked when opportunities to hold any major events have arisen, but then a world event be it 'not the most desirable' to some as it may be, took place and Nigeria had the opportunity to clean up its image and host a worldwide event.

God gives us opportunities, but what we make of them is what counts. Well, as usual Sharia has raised its ugly head once again, riots began, and through their myopic eyes, some could not see the BIG PICTURE. It wasn't about the nature of the event, but a matter of once again being counted worthy to host a worldwide event. Considering events like Festac, African games etc. are distant history to our present youth, what positive events can they say took place in their own time, what will they try to emulate or supercede when they only know disappointments, shame, instability, demoralization and decay?

As usual, Nigeria and the inability of its leaders to possess leadership skills and actual DO rather than just say, has led to the loss of this opportunity, that could have, a] enhanced Nigeria's worldwide image, b] brought in investment opportunities for dissidents and foreigners alike, c] brought employment opportunities to the masses who are employed (a man who has food on his table, has no valid reason to commit crime, except he is discontent and greedy), d] showed the world that the elected leaders do indeed possess leadership skills, and finally among other less pertinent reasons, e] that Sharia was not going to control NOR determine Nigeria's future.

Have Nigerians failed Nigeria? Has it's leadership failed its subjects? Can the fallen giant ever again rise up to its original status that coined it the name "Giant of Africa" to begin with?

When a giant falls, it takes more than 'murmuring' for it to rise, so when will the leaders and dissidents alike STOP MURMURING and begin to weld their strengths, use wisdom, have long-term vision and actually carry through.

When is it going to be insufficient for Nigerians to be ashamed to be citizens of their own country? When will it be okay to speak of our good deeds to outsiders rather than disgrace ourselves and air out all our dirty linen in public? When will we realize that the moral decay Nigeria is in presently, is because there is very much lacking in the 'moral department' and the 'ungodly love of money' and 'pursuance of wealth at all costs' is indeed the root of all evil? When are we going to know that CONTENTMENT at whatever stage, rather than greed and wealth by all means (the same message we're sending to our youth), is the key to success and happiness? When are we going to realize that Sharia and the reversal of progress can only lead to self-destruction?

When are our leaders going to stop using the government to amass wealth and connections, and instead DO what they were elected to do - provide a] safety from crime, b] basic amenities such as water, electricity, working telephones, good drainage, adequate and safe transportation, c] safe and drivable roads and most especially d] good, useful and uninterrupted education for our youth, so they don't grow despondent, become the next set of Brain-Drain migrants, or 419ers?

When will proper human rights be practiced, so we don't treat our fellow human beings as animals? Will our government and Senators stop for a breathing minute to realize that the majority can't afford to take a trip out of the country, let alone stockpile stolen government funds in foreign countries, but actually do work for their money and would for once like to see the results of their hard earned labour being used to turn around the country and its image?

When will we begin to have a legal system that is just and fair, rather than one based on favours and finances? Yes, the U.S. and some other countries may share similar traits, and some seem to think they are above the written laws, but must we always emulate that which is not beneficial to the average citizen?

Does this mean that we should again switch Presidents considering the only other option we presently have is one very visual in the decay of the country to begin with? Our options may be between a present president without a backbone or a former president with a reputation for contributing to the ills.

What can we Nigerians do to save Nigeria from Nigerians both in and out of power? Can be begin to look at our individual contributions? IN EVERY MESS IS A MESSAGE. What kind of officials do we elect or select as the case is sometimes? What are our motivation and incentives for electing them? After all, they can only produce what they are capable of producing. If we elect known criminals all they can do is live up to their capabilities which is amassing wealth by whatever means, including looting Government funds, rerouting public funds and using them for their personal benefit, what does that say for our wisdom.

Our very own choices reflect our believes. We can't necessarily say we've been fooled by 'ever politician' all the time. The statistics just don't add up. When you elect a family member because of nepotism rather than knowledge, capability or wisdom, then you are a negative contributor.

How can we expect a President to succeed with a cabinet that is motivated purely by self-interest? How can we expect the few upright members of Government to have a voice when they are continuously and persistently overwhelmed by those who have nothing positive to contribute to the well-being, or uplifting of the country, let alone its image.

We need to set our house right, and rightly charity begins at home. We can begin to check ourselves before we trip ourselves. Every time we cheat, lie, bribe or steal; get greedy, badmouth/demean/denigrate our fellow citizens and our country; give business opportunities to foreigners rather to our fellow citizens (because of the 'imported' mentality); misguide or fail to teach our children right from wrong, fail to discipline them when they're misbehaving; condone wrong, greed and evil whether it be in our homes, marriages, work places, churches, schools, courtrooms, or even on the streets; we are contributing to the moral decay of society as a whole.

Are you willing to begin to do what is right, even though it may not be 'politically correct', or seem so 'old-school'? Please be a 'positive contributor' to the restoration; rather than an 'apathetic onlooker' or 'active partaker' in the downfall of Nigeria.

Just an opinion.

Cxsm
25th Nov. 2002

© Cxsm 2002 All Rights Reserved

admin

Dear Niyi,

I'm sure you must have skipped over the part where I said, "It got so far, that some people in regret have stated that they were better off when Abacha the terror was in power." I never stated that 'I said', neither did I state that 'I concur with them', after all we all know the historical records Abacha left behind.

But the people who live day-in day-out in Nigeria regardless of who the president is are the ones who can actually measure the results in terms of their standard of living, safety and other factors that directly affect them, and if some in measurement feel that way, then who am I to disagree.

If anything else, despite the records that Obasanjo has now set, if you reread my write-up you would see that a] I inferred that he cannot run an effective govt. while he's being shorthanded by corrupt officials in cabinet, b] secondly I stated that irrespective of his record to date, it does not in any way mean that Babangida is the better option and lastly c] I pointed out to the fact that it takes each and every citizen to be responsible for the restoration of the growth and image of Nigeria.

If anything, what I criticized Obasanjo and his cabinet for was the mishandling of the Sharia issue at its inception.

If you follow up on news reports and issues on Nigeria, you would concur that the comment he made about the Sharia being a Northern issue is correct (besides the statement was repeated by advisors very close to him), historical records of occurrences to date have indeed proved his prediction was wrong.

Sharia is a religious rather than a political issue, and when a sector is allowed to rise above the national interest of the country, by flaunting the federal laws of humanity that exist in a country, the result is what we presently have in Nigeria. One cannot have 2 masters in a house and the inability of the head of the household to exercise his positional and leadership rights is the reason for the present chaos.

When the body is in schism, obviously the head is not set right, and Obasanjo and his cabinet (which has a historical record of disregarding his leadership, as in going above his head to obtain benefits that were not approved such as in assets, N5 million furniture, accumulation of undeclared and later exposed foreign assets and numerous other acts, against the official decisions he made) are presently the head of Nigeria and their collective acts and decisions affect the well-being of the country.

So dear Niyi, I can candidly say "I am neither ignorant, nor an Abacha sycophant".

Thanks for your feedback also.
Cxsm
26 Nov 2002

admin

Hi Niyi,

Apology accepted. Back to Nigeria, I do concur with you that Nigeria needs major reconstruction. It seems though that all talks about collective efforts have resulted in nothing beyond TALK and our continuous condemnation of our fellowmen and country. I think we can all agree that we have the same goal which is "making Nigeria a better place to live in and to reckon with," what we need as action though is individual devotion to bring about a collective change.

This involves individually assessing our true and measurable contributions to the country we call (or some shamefully avoid calling) home, and then change whatever is within our individual characters that makes us take the country for granted or simply think, the betterment of the nation is someone else's responsibilities. Each man needs to begin to contribute positively, no matter how small, even it be just by standing up for the truth, speaking and broadcasting our positive values, contributions and accomplishments, rather allowing our fellowmen and foreigners to demean, berate, blackball and exploit us.

Standing up as positive contributing Nigerians and letting people know that there are numerous honest, working, forward moving Nigerians in foreign societies including the U.S., from which these countries are benefiting from our talents, skills and experiences. We need to stop being a silent voice and need to start affirming our contributions to society. When we do something positive as a group, we want to be recognized and the media needs to start respecting us, rather than shaming us while the countries they represent simultaneously exploit our resources (oil included) and talents. If it takes developing our own broadcasting vehicles through which we can trumpet our own accomplishments, so be it. It takes a good fire to put out a bad one.

We should stop cheating and stealing from our fellow citizens and (for those who do) foreigners, stop maligning out of envy, stop trying to destroy our fellow human beings with barbaric beliefs and ungodly employs, and start putting such energies into positive endeavours, maybe then we can be more trusting of our fellow citizens and foreigners can trust us more, rather than the negativism they hear on the media.

Then only can we begin to effect individual positive results that others can emulate, for it to roll over into a collective effort that can bring about the magnitude of change Nigeria needs in reconstruction, restoration and revival of Nigeria as we once knew it.

I think it would only be fair for me to reiterate the inherent (but obviously not so obvious) conclusion of my initial article which is "YES, Obasanjo and his cabinet can indeed begin to do things right, 'if and when' they and the citizens of Nigeria at home and abroad individually and collectively make the changes necessary to enable them to be better leaders, and Nigeria to become a better place."

Thanks again.
Cxsm
30 Nov 2002

admin

From: ezekiel mamudu <emamudu@.......com>
Date: Thu, 28 Nov 2002 23:00:23 -0800 (PST)

I am writing to thank you for sending out such thought provoking write up. I believe that every Nigerian that gets to read it will really sit down and think about the state of our beloved nation. I appreciate and concur with your summations of happenings in the Nigerian state and also agree that the problem is with the people and not the state.

I however have high hopes for this nation, it may take us time, but I believe our time will come. I also want to say that I earnestly look forward to a Nigeria where hard work and diligence is applauded and accorded due rewards, where rule of law is jealously guarded, where leaders see themselves not as dictators but servants, where there is equal opportunity for all, irrespective of tribe and religion, where the truth is spoken without fears of reprisal and many more virtues that I can't mention here. I look forward to that time.

I want to thank God for people like you who will always stand up and say it as it is. I wish we will have more Nigerians like you. Our society is so docile with an 'I can't be bothered attitude'. It does not pay and it will not pay. May God bless you my fellow country man, you've sown a seed which has awakened the consciousness of many. Please keep up the good work.

Impressed Nigerian

admin

From: "Ezekiel Ette" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 3:24 am

If Obasanjo is genuinely interested in Nigeria, then he needs to remove his name as a candidate for the presidency. He has done nothing right. His biggest blunder was to ignore sharia. The country is falling apart he needs to take an exit an allow others with better ideas to run the country. He has failed the nation and should help the nation heal by stepping down. The party needs someone with a better grasp of the enormity of our situation. The irony of this is that this is a man who, as a military leader successfully handled Shehu Shagari and other constituent assembly members in 1978 who wanted Sharia in the 1979 constitution. One wonders what happened this time. Perhaps he chose to surround himself with sharia sympathisers. Whatever is the reason Obasanjo should not seek a second term.

The world has changed. The arch conservatives in the middle East and Asia are taking over Islam and the Nigerian national security is at stake. We need more than the usual political victimization response that our president has become famous for. There may be a northern conspiracy, according to him, but the real losers are Nigerians and our yearning for freedom and prosperity.

Ette

admin

From: "ijeoma" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 7:06 am

At this point in Nigeria's history, can a non-Muslim president alter the course of the Sharia implementation without ultimately producing a war? And will a Muslim president be willing to stand up against adherents of Sharia law? There are many moderate Muslims in Nigeria that have been conspicuously silent on the Sharia issue because it presents a great conundrum. And that is exactly what those who introduced it for political and not religious reasons wanted. Can Nigeria split amicably into several countries without a long series of wars over crude oil and our other resources? I doubt it. Not unless we have one hell of a dialogue assuring every new country equal access to the resources of the old. Now any president that can pull that off deserves deification. :)

Lola

admin

From: "antonov" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 11:42 am

[Response to "Ezekiel Ette"]

Hey preacherman, quit knocking my prez... Sharia existed in Nigeria, way long before Obasanjo even dreamt of reaching the rank of a colonel in the Nigerian Army.

The way religious fanaticism swept Nigeria, defies any sort of solution being introduced, since there is no precedent set elsewhere, to use in dealing with the problems created as by-products of the action. Mind you there are outside money-infusion from Middle eastern countries to promote religious fanaticsm in Nigeria. I had mentioned this over a year ago...and now even the Americans are waking up to that reality, when they recently discovered a money trail leading from the Saudi royal family to the 9/11 hijackers.

If you have not figured it out...the Sharia proponents baited Obasanjo to do just exactly what you wanted or expect him to do... crackdown with force on Islam(that is how they would view it and interprete it). And you know the outcome, when moslems are the majority in Nigeria. Do I need to speculate on the outcome?

The first civil war in Nigeria was not fought because of oil, as you had once suggested, but because one tribe saw another tribe of trying to dominate the government and the resources, as you claim "...oppress..." the other tribe.

Had the first coup leaders in 1966, been tried and executed within reasonable time-period, with an immediate call for new elections adopted to replace the toppled elected civilian regime ...Nigeria would have been a better place today.

Sometimes, inaction on the surface, is a good judgement call when disasters are being averted behind-the-scenes.

Obasanjo, though human and subject to some mistakes...is doing a good job. Yeah, thousands may have been killed... but these are growing pains, any up-and-coming country may encounter... Nigeria is no exception. :)

Alafia!
Antonov the saint

admin

From: "Triple O" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 1:39 pm

Many people have been calling for Obasanjo's head, but in a very honest way let us ask a simple question "What has the man done to deserve this hate?" We can go on and on with all our expectations of him but I still do not see anything wrong in this man so far. Perhaps I am seeing things differently. We should not forget that there is stability in Nigeria today because of this man. What am I saying, despite all the problems the nation is facing under a democratic rule, the military would have seized the opportunity to take us back in our most needed democratic reform.

I agree that he should have put certain things in proper perspective but understanding Nigeria should be a major pointer to our reactions about how he governs. He is doing what he could within his own capability. As citizens of Nigeria what have we contributed to her development since Obasanjo mounted the mantle of leadership?

Many of us sat on the fence and the only thing we are good at is criticizing the President. I am privy to a number of private letters being sent to the Presidents by concerned Nigerians advising him on how to steer the country on a regular basis. There are other few Nigerians that are lifting the image of the nation, doing what they think is the best for the country with or without government intervention, using their available resources.

I think it is time we learn to build, encourage our leaders, advise them as at when necessary.

When Sharia was being introduced to the country none of us protested, now that it is taking its toil, we are calling for Obasanjo's head. The man is a human being, he need to balance his act, he is a family man, he wants to return to Ota safe and sound without loosing his life for a nation that does not know how to honor her dead.

Let us table our expectations to really appreciate where Obasanjo has failed us.

Another election is by the corner what are Nigerians expectations? Of all the people contesting who is able to fulfill these expectations. Is it not time we ask for something better - Each party have one or two things in common: Free education, Free health and Free this and free that?

In today's world is anything actually free? How do they intend to sustain free this and free? What quality? What about availability? We need to think and see beyond all the free promises that do not materialize.

I am not giving him a pass mark, just taking a neutral approach without any bias.

Dele

admin

From: "Ezekiel Ette" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 11:14 pm

Dele,
The use of the word 'hate' to describe my assessment of the Obasanjo administration took it a little farther from a discussion of politics to some other level. We are all entitled to our own opinion and I do expect maturity in this forum. Individuals show concern in what is important to them. This is why married partners argue. Obviously, our nation is important to all of us and therefore it is little wonder that we all have an opinion of where the solution and blame lie. Naturally, the way we see the situation is colored by our individual experiences and our background.

Your perspective is that there is peace and stability since the Obasanjo administration assumed power. You maintain that his mistakes should be excused "because he is human', and that he has tried his absolute best "doing what he could within his own capability". Unlike you, I am not privy to the letters sent to the president but like other Nigerians, I have felt the impact of what he has failed to do. I have nothing against the president but in politics when you fail to deliver the rules require that you be held responsible.
You have the right to support anybody you feel will work for you, as the Americans will say. I too do have the right to hold an opinion and if such opinion is politically incorrect so be it.

It is indicative of what is wrong with our country that dissent is seen as hate. It is equally sad that personality cult often overshadows independent thinking and sound judgment. To hold the messianic view that without Obasanjo the country would fall apart is sickening. Nobody has a monopoly on knowledge. The country deserves ideas not personalities. Ideas survive and thrive but humans live a short time.

The president is not above criticism since by his being a public servant he went to Aso Rock to work for you and I. The country deserves an answer regarding the Sharia question. The radical elements in the North went to train in the Middle East for their brand of Islam which is now threatening the country. They returned and took the helms of government and our president who once dealt with this explosive issue in the past simply ignored it and called it "political sharia" that would go away. In Obasanjo's watch the country has seen not only riots but killings by his military commanders.
Perhaps you have seen stability but many Nigerians now live in fear. Perhaps the word "democracy" conjures up for you a feeling that all is well, but to many who live in wants and the shadow of death it means nothing. Many have not been able to make even private decisions, the government has become more an enemy than a security apparatus, my friend there is no democracy in Nigeria.

If you do not believe me go and ask those who are fighting death sentences imposed by extra-judicial committees. Ask those who cannot live in a particular part of the country because of their beliefs. Ask the women who do not have rights like men.

I do understand Nigeria and I do not hold the view that Nigerians are inherently evil or things cannot work in Nigeria. We Nigerians want the same things that others want. We want to be healthy, we want to stay alive and we want freedom. To label us "difficult" is an insult on the men and women who have worked so hard under oppressive conditions. Many of us outside of Nigeria have excelled in different professions. We are not evil. We are not bad and we are not difficult. Survival requires that humans struggle to get what is necessary to stay alive. This is true whether you live in Sweden or in Lesotho. It does not matter if one lives in Boston or Bayelsa. This is why there is government to regulate human behavior and where such government does not function well, humans go back to the survival techniques.

Obasanjo has stood in the way of good government by prohibiting the establishment of state police systems while permitting the federal police force to be used in the enforcement of sharia in the north.

Pursue ideas my friend, and in the words of John Wesley, seek knowledge above all else except God.

Rev Ette

admin

From: "Ezekiel Ette" [Naija-women]
Date: Thu Dec 5, 2002 11:20 pm

Ok, its election time maybe he needs a second term., but he must say first how he plans to handle the mess he forgot to clean the last time.

Ette

admin

From: "Triple O" [Naija-women]
Date: Fri Dec 6, 2002 4:23 am

"I do understand Nigeria and I do not hold the view that Nigerians are inherently evil or things cannot work in Nigeria. We Nigerians want the same things that others want. We want to be healthy, we want to stay alive and we want freedom." - Joe

My dear Joe, we hold the same view on this issue. I even want more for Nigerians going by our available human and natural resources. If you have been reading some of my postings you would have noticed my consistence call that - NO NIGERIAN SHOULD GO TO BED IN THE NIGHT WITHOUT ANYTHING TO EAT. So the issue at hand is far beyond the angle at which many of us are looking at it. In my response, I made a generalized statement without labeling anyone as HATER. Do not take it personal.

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the construction of a nation - We are making a lot of mistake without us knowing it. What is this mistake? We elect officers and surrender our fates into their hands. WE SHOULD BE GOOD AT WATCHING THE GATES.

Just look at what happened in the US in recent time. Though the whole world know that Bush rigged the elections that brought him in, but when it was time for the whole American to queue behind their president, they did to the amazement of the world. Forget about whatever the poll is saying. Let us assume that Bush is planning to invade Iraq because of oil. Is going to drink the oil himself? He is doing whatever he is doing from selfish point of view with the interest of Americans at heart. They will benefit from the fall outs of the war and that is why he was able to get the support of other Western countries in UN.

Say whatever you like, we need as a matter of urgency to understand how nations emerge, the contribution of everyone in that society from a messenger to the top. But in a situation where the only music we sing everyday is that of condemnation and out smarting one another, we are all contributing to the downfall of our nation in one way or the other and as such none of us is better than Obasanjo.

Nigeria will be a better place for you and me the very day every Nigerian knows that they have a stake in the nation. When a messenger stops hiding files, when police stops collecting bribes at road blocks, when salaries are paid and not transfer from one director's account to another one, when NEPA officials will stop collecting bribe to make illegal connection, I can go on.

Please tell me any President in Nigeria that will have all the eyes in this world to monitor the activities of every ministries, states and individuals. People are put in position of responsibility because we think they are responsible. But my brother I am sorry to inform you that some Nigerians are irresponsible human beings.

At the end of my last contribution, I said that I am not giving Obasanjo a pass mark but the same disease that Obasanjo is suffering from is what many Nigerians are suffering from, hence let us stop criticizing but build our nation with or without Obasanjo.

Take care and have a nice day.
Dele

admin

From: Ette [Naija-women]
Date: Fri Dec 6, 2002 7:46 am

You mean 3rd term. His term in the 1970s counts as the first term. When will Nigeria get tired of retreading old tires? And Rev, why do you give in so easily without any reason.

Ezekiel Ette

admin

From: "antonov" [Naija-women]
Date: Fri Dec 6, 2002 9:07 am

Very funny! Nigeria, at the moment deserve experienced, old tires to run on.

I don't see anyone in the horizon with better prospects. This is a problem with African and Middle Eastern countries...hence the sprouting of dictators.

Democracy is at stake here!...the Rev's changing position, is a more
realistic stance to take.

Long live Obasanjo! Long live Nigeria!

Antonov the saint

admin

Date: Fri Dec 6, 2002 12:58 pm

True...if they have what it takes...you don't just put a square peg in a round hole in the ground, because you want to put different pegs in the ground, period.

Obasanjo is in a league of African leaders that is rare. He is up there with the likes of Mandela. How many African leaders in your life-time, has ever voluntarily given up power when the appointed time came? huh?

Tell me. How many? How many? How many? How many? Those others you were referring to, what kind of profile do you expect them to have?

Antonov the saint

admin

It's both enlightening and encouraging to read the feedback given when one provokes thoughts in others and of most of my writings, this is one of the those I've found rather rewarding. May we all continue to learn and grow from history.
Now Obasanjo has won another term, may we see the positive results we expect.

Cxsm
6/23/03