RUMBLE IN THE HOUSE

I was not surprised to see the pictures (in the papers) of the House of Assembly members engaged in a brawl during the sitting of the committee currently investigating the contract scam rocking the House of Assembly. The scam involving the "Speaker" and her assistant, has without any doubt created a lot of problems and there certainly will be more to come. In an ideal situation, the "Speaker" and all involved would have been asked to step aside in order to allow an impeded investigation, unfortunately, ours is not an ideal situation. Rather than call the "Speaker" to order and ask her to do what is right, the PDP seems to believe that their trademark attitude of "its a family affair" will sort out this mess on the ground.

The evidence arising from those who have testified so far clearly indicate that the whole deal was bogus. Its still surprising that such a huge contract was awarded even before the so called committee even approved it. If there wasn't an intention to steal, why wasn't the normal process followed? Why wasn't the FCDA allowed to carry out the renovations or "upgrade" (who cares about the semantics they are now using), Why wasn't a tender called for openly? Those in the camp of Etteh seems to be overlooking the basics in this whole case. Some of her supporters have stated that she has saved the nation a lot of money by operating from her home instead of the NICON-HILTON hotel where the government would have paid as much as 244 million for 107 nights!!! At least this scam is bring up a lot of rubbish and wastage in our government. When the majority of Nigerians have become victims of those that are supposed to bring them the very much desired Uhuru.

The "Speaker has at last given her own side of the story. Here is an excerpt culled from THISDAY

" the Official residence of the Speaker is not an ordinary residence; it is also a symbol and reflection of the status of the House of Representatives. It is common knowledge that the official demands of my office as presiding Officer of the House and, by the special grace of the almighty God, the official number four citizen of our country, make it practically impossible to play host to all important national and foreign personalities during official hours. As the Speaker, I am entitled to a decent and secure environment where these categories of people can be received and hosted.
It therefore, became imperative to expedite work on the official residence of the Speaker, since my private residence at Gwarinpa was not suitable.
It is worthy of note that after my election as the Speaker I should have enjoyed the privilege of moving immediately into a Presidential suit in a five-star hotel for 107 days which would have gulped over N244,000,000.00. but I rejected this official hotel accommodation provided for me and elected to stay instead in my Gwarinpa private residence. I also directed the Deputy Speaker and all our aides to follow suit. We equally refused to take any money in lieu of hotel accommodation and none of our aides did.
As a member and now as Speaker, I am committed to service. I am not in any way driven by extravagance, comfort or personal gain. Any responsible officer eager to eager perform would definitely keep on their toes all those whose duty it was to ensure that the renovation and upgrading works were completed on time to enable us move into our official residences."

The "Speaker" has stated that no vehicles have been purchased but there was an intention to purchase them if not for the contract coming into question. How can the "Speaker" justify the order for 2 Mercedes benz cars and 10 Toyota Landcruiser jeeps for herself and her Assistant? I guess she wanted to also join the league of our public office holders who drive in a convoy of exotic jeeps at the expense of the suffering masses, a group of people who have almost become irrelevant to those in power. How can she and her camp justify spending 620 million (though they claim its 220 million) in renovating houses for only two officers? I wonder why a chapel or mosque has to be built as part of the house in the first place. SO these officers cannot prayer within the precinct of their large houses. I wish the very much touted spirituality in our country can be transferred into the practical physical realm.

There is no doubt that those in public office deserve good accommodation, so does every other Nigerian. Is it how expensive or impressive the accommodation is that facilitates good governance? It would be nice to see the houses parliament leaders in European countries and other western nations live in. I really believe that our current political structure encourages a huge waste of resources. Why do we even have the House of Assembly and Senate? There has been some much spent and is still being spent on these institutions with only little results. What impact have they had on the lives of the everyday Nigerians?

This contract scam should really make us examine our system of accountability. Those involved should simply ask themselves the question, "Did we satisfy the basic requirements and ideal procedures for the award of these contracts in question?" If their answer is "YES", they should not in anyway be affected by what is being said but if their answer is "NO", the right thing should be done, apologise to Nigerians and step down from that position.

HYPERTENSION: Fighting the scourge

Judging from clinical reports emanating from our country, Nigeria, it is common knowledge that incidences of hypertension related problems are very much on the increase as there has been an increase in the number of stroke cases. As most working age Nigerians continue to live a very hectic lifestyle devoid of quality time for good rest and time to "chill out", exercise, and even eat healthy, the doors have been thrown wide open for this unwelcome visitor. The struggle to swim in the midst of the economic, social and infrastructural problems has further compounded the situation.

As an example, the schedule of an average banker living in a place like Lagos kicks off at about 4.30 am (depending on the place of residence) if he intends to beat the gruesome and dreaded early morning traffic. He is lucky to arrive at the office at 7.30 am before the work begins at 8.00 am. The work continues throughout the day with an hour lunch break at 1.00 pm before closing at about 6.00-7.00 pm. Getting home before 8.30 pm for some, is a cause to rejoice. This circle continues throughout the week and sometimes spilling over to the weekend, thus leaving little or no room for quality time of rest, family rendezvous and not to talk of the luxury of exercise. There is little room to release the built up work stress especially as most employers are more interested in high returns and not very much the physical and psychosocial welfare of their employees.

The environment and our upbringing have not helped in enhancing our interest in participation in sports and exercise. It has been seen as cool to be chubby or have a "pot belly"that announces your entrance even before you are seen, as some would say that it is a good sign of a "chopper". The result of this is nothing appealing.

The time to act by the government, employers, private sector and individuals is now. In order to influence attitudes towards bringing about better health habits, all stakeholders need to rise up to their responsibility. Fitness and sports should be made more appealing with local content, the necessary facilities and equipment should be provided to enhance participation. The government need to make the environment condusive for outdoor and indoor sports. The "build all the space" mentality should be changed parks and play grounds should be provided. Population education addressing healthy eating habits and lifestyle should be embarked upon. Primary health care settings should be organised in such a way that it provides possibility for health screening which will help detect and check hypertension and other common health problems in their early stages. Though hypertension do not usually express itself in a glaring manner, the family history and an elevated blood pressure are red flags. Employers should encourage their workers to exercise by providing gyms and allowing time for exercise during office hours. The government should live up to its name in all areas and thus reduce stress on the citizenry.

I believe it is time to change the tide and take responsibility for how we live. The approach should be holistic, let's take time to relax, dump that cigarette and alcoholic drinks, worry less (worrying changes no situation), have a good laugh, take balanced meals with lots of fruits and vegetables, which are ubiquitous all year round. Take at least thirty minutes, three-to-four times a week to move that body. Exercise can be a way for family and friends to have fun together. You don´t really need much to exercise and stay in shape, watch your weight and keep track of your blood pressure. If you already have a high blood pressure problem, it will be wise to religiously follow the simple steps above and abide by your physician's directives. You family needs you around. Live right today and save that heart tomorrow.
(Runners picture credit- Classroomclipart.com)

THE "PURE WATER" ATTITUDE

I think the problem with our Nigeria is that many of us are just too obsessed with material things and desire power at all cost. This has allowed evil and nepotism to take its roots. The problem is a hydra headed one.

Our taste for expensive things is just outrageous. Many of us don't have value for things, work and people. That is why people with money are exalted without questioning how the money was made. That is why many thieves have become chiefs, that is why criminals have become occupants of front seats at occasions and sadly even in some churches. That is why there is now a rise in membership and number of occultic groups like never before.

As an example, it is common to hear a person back home call mid-range or low-end priced mobile phones "pure water" to make it look common when such a person has no work and cannot afford to buy such phones. The people who live in countries where these phones are made are contented with a phone as long as they are able to make their calls and send text messages.

Surprisingly, this group are the ones who will want to have the most expensive stuff because they feel that is what make them the "happening person" if I may borrow another of their slangs. Not until we begin to criminalize those who have made their money illegitimately, things will not make a turn-around.

Corruption and cheating is rife in our society because many in our country lack the courage and moral strength to say "NO". Many have become professional sycophants because of money. The institutions that used to question illegality are now at the fore of promoting it. Many of those who have been abroad are even worse-off, because they come with an attitude of superiority and are not able to influence the orientation and attitudes of the people positively.

These "I don go oyinbo landers" are seen frolicking in extravagant parties, blaring loud music in their cars, devoid of basic respect and other positive local values they used to embrace before "dem travel". They are not quick to give the real perspective of life overseas and what those desperate to leave should really know before leaving. They are not quick to share the positive values they have experienced abroad: the attitude towards time, appreciation of honest work, appreciation of environment, well developed infrastructural system, good tax system, functional upright justice system which largely do not give preferences to "sacred cows"...

Nigeria will truely change when we all decide to change and not compromise on any issue no matter who is involved. It will change when our attitude to money and material things change. Ideally we should control money but it is sad that it is the other way round for many of us. This die-hard quest for wealth has driven many a heart ice cold and insensitive to how their actions will impact the lives of those at the recieving end. Rather than solve the problem we try to get around it. The governors and others in power are buying expensive 4X drive vehicles to cope with horrible state of the roads rather than fix the roads...what a mentality.

The solution is simply choosing that which is right (not to our greedy selfish part) and following through in action. That is simply the key because if we don't first change, there is no way we can change our country.

RE:NIGERIAN ELECTIONS:IDEALISM, FACTS & REPORTAGE

This is a response to the article posted on the Nigeriaworld page on 26th April 2007, by Leonard Karshima Shilga an Asst. Prof at the ABTI University. It would be ideal if you peruse that article as it will give you a better understanding of this posting.

http://nigeriaworld.com/feature/publication/shilgba/042607.html

I will start off by stating that someone like Umaru Yar´Adua winning the election is not the question, he stands among the few whose credibility and integrity leaves little for questions. Buhari sold out when he tried to play the muslims against the Christians (a true leader unifies) and Atiku has personally not been able to proffer convincing explanations for his massive wealth just like many other Nigerian politicians.

However, the problem comes down to how the elections (Presidential and otherwise) were conducted. Prof. Shilga seems to be of the opinion that Nigerians are unintelligent and immature to make informed and independent decisions of theirs thus suggesting that we have been brainwashed to believe what is fed to us by the international community or the local press without our own critical assessment of the reality.

He stated, " Neo-colonialism simply means mental colonization. Many Africans are still suffering from this. Self-doubt and foreign-reliance even for littlest of processes like democratization, is a symptom of mental colonization."

I STRONGLY disagree with his stand. If the truth be told, We do not need any foreign body or political analyst to tell us that the strategies to sabotage and tilt the scales in the last elections was preplanned, rehearsed and executed by PDP. Even the least informed Nigerian knows that. OBJ personally accepted that the elections was flawed, so did ASUU, Gani and many other Nigerians (organisations and individuals alike). Are all these people and organisations wrong?

How would Prof. Shilga explain the situation in Ondo state where PDP won a seat in a constituency in which they never fielded a candidate, the announcement of a victor in Delta when some of the electorates were still in the queue to satisfy one of their most important civic duties? How would the Prof. explain the outright snatching of ballot boxes or the announcement of a winner where elections never took place...?

Shilga also stated that "Violence in a handful of places does not mean "elections in Nigeria have been marred". Both domestic and international media should stop misinforming readers about Nigeria."

I do not know the source of his information but reports from across Nigeria originating from Nigerians and witnessed by Nigerians clearly prove otherwise. More than 250 lives were wasted during the last elections, serious harassment of candidates and voters took place, properties worth millions were destroyed apart from the electoral fraud outlined above and yet it beats my reasoning why Prof. Shilga would want to make Nigerians believe that it is the International community that is prompting us to believe that the elections did not go well.

Sir, "have you followed the French elections or the just concluded Finnish elections?" These countries both make electioneering process very alluring and beautiful, not the sham elections we had. It made you feel proud to be a part of the electorate in these places because your vote COUNTED. No one can tell you "whether you vote or not, I will get the ticket."

Justifying the results of the elections by the fact that it was accepted by SA election commission and the governors forum does not in any way hold water. Most of the governors in Nigeria in the first instance lack any credibility and as such have become "YES MEN" in an attempt to protect themselves from the onslaught of OBJ. The fact that Nnamani said that the elections were rigged was nothing but the obvious truth, though one would say it was a "diplomatic mistake" but he did have the guts to come out and say in unequivocal terms that our elections was dubious.He can´t be crucified for that.

We seem to be quick to blame all our problems on the colonial masters. When leaders steal money, it is colonial masters that takes the buck, when there is religious crisis it is the colonial masters...... it is time we wake-up and accept responsibility for our irresponsibility, poor leadership and total squander of opportunities. We have had our independence for over 45 years , we need to grow up. I can´t even imagine why we could not even print our own ballot papers and have to contract it to a SA firm!!!!!!!!! I am ashamed that Malaysia we assisted in setting up some its oil plantations, as an example, has long made a head way while we continue to grapple with the very basics. It is time we stopped deceiving ourselves. We are our problem.

THAT THEY MAY HAVE A VOICE

As I send my first posting, I dedicate it to those who remain unspoken for, those whose interests are neglected outrightly or relegated to the background, those who have become victims of the greed and avarice of the political class, those who continually live in substandard conditions in the midst of the plenty that we have been blessed with in Nigeria.

Someone in response to my posting on Youtube on the Nigeria elections, wrote "you are one of those whose parents have plundered the oil money", I wanted to respond to him in anger but I knew better. I asked him a few questions which I will repeat here

• Have you been embarrassed before other students due to inability to pay your fees on time?

• Have you had to watch your own mum go hungry as a child that you might eat, not because of laziness but because of accumulated unpaid salaries...?

My answer to all is YES, but he never responded. I do not for once envy the rogues or their associates because there is nothing like money earned through honest hard work. I have come this far through uncompromised hard work and I have put my trust in the one who specializes in the impossible, the unchangeable changer, GOD. I have been blessed with parents who in the midst of near nothing chose to invest in education. As they will always say "that´s the lasting legacy we can offer you".

As I send out my first blog, there is no better way to begin but remember all those who continue to suffer in the midst of our immense resources due to irresponsible and reckless "leadership" in Nigeria. A change will certainly come. However, You must never say die not even when all might seem utterly hopeless. To all my people striving to keep your heads and live honestly amidst the barriers created by those who are supposed to chart the course of advancement, you remain my UNSONG HEROES.