Update with Solomon
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President Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In 2002, President Gnassinbe Eyadema of Togo ordered the release of 5000 prisoners.
174 of the prisoners were from Lomé Civil Prisons, 82 from Kara in the North and 62 from Aneho in the South.
Although a cross-section of Togolese citizens insisted that most of those freed were political detainees, the government stressed that they were common law offenders.
President Eyadema took over the reign of power in a coup in 1967.
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Attributes of Leadership 5-Experience
- By solomon2day
- On 06/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Experience is the definite foundation for courage in addressing crucial and fundamental matters in ensuring a background of success in solving a great number of relatively unimportant matters.
It also includes decision-making skills devoid of delay and initiative in implementing crucial decisions that revolve on the wealth of experience an individual has garnered over time.
Experience is the basis of all that would be successful.
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Lessons in Insecurity : The Nigeria Model
- By solomon2day
- On 04/09/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Adolf Hitler labeled the extermination of the Jews in Europe,''the Final Solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina, which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens, code named the same ''The Process of National Reorganization''.
The activities of bandits, insurgents and herdsmen in Nigeria which have claimed thousands of lives are similar to the above-mentioned.
Between 1976 and 1983, millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina.
Death squads operating under secret circumstances and under the cover of the state, murdered about 11,000 people, which is now described as ''The Disappeared''.
Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'' were either sold, bartered or murdered.
Indeed, happenings in different states of Nigeria, including, Borno, Benue, Taraba and Plateau and Zamfafra states, among several others, indicate the Government's adequate knowledge of the situation, while unabated killings go on.
The relocation of the Inspector General of Police to Benue state, one of the troubled spots then, did not reverse the status quo.
On March 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army, overthrew the Government of Isabelita Peron, a former nightclub dancer. In this country, no civilian government has completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron, who spent only one tenure in office.
However, in Nigeria, a two term governor of Lagos state, is in charge, even though the country still experiences symptoms of economic hunger, poverty, mass unemployment, corruption and a high level of insecurity.
The Ejercito Revolucionario de Pueblo and the Montoneros, leftists, took to kidnapping and killings to express their displeasure over bad governance in Argentina. In Nigeria, kidnappings and killings have gone on unabated. Political watchers put the blame at the doorstep of government.
Presently, Nigerians are worried over the government's inaction, as the country gradually slides into anarchy.
Sadly, the open stealing of smart phones has become bibg business in Ibadan, Oyo state and other states of the federation
Accusing fingers are being pointed at political office holders who have failed to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Interestingly, the body language of the National Assembly, is an indication that the lawmakers are yet to realize the need for the entrenchment of the rule of law and due process in the polity, just as impunity is now the order of the day
In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorohanta, resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not be part of a government that kills its citizens.
Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land to a Korean firm, Daewoo, for intensive farming.
The people have deep ties with their land and, as a result, view the President's action as a betrayal.
The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria.
The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look into the gloomy future for reprieve.
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General August Pinochet of Chile
- By solomon2day
- On 30/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In 1973, General August Pinochet facilitated a coup d'état, in which the Socialist President, Salvador Allende, was murdered.
In 1990, when General Pinochet ended his rule, the country's treasury had been greatly depleted.
He passed on to glory at the age of 91 on the 10 December 2006, with charges of corruption trailing his death.
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Revenue Generation as a Priority
- By solomon2day
- On 30/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In 1974, the committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities put in place a panel of the two admissions experts-Mr. L. R Kay, Secretary, Universities Central Council on Admissions of the United Kingdom and Mr. Pettipierre, Director of Ontario Universities Application Center of the province of Ontario, Canada-to examine issues and problems arising from the system of admissions into universities then.
The panel submitted its report to the committee.
Sometime in February 1976, the Federal Military Government also put in place the National Committee on University Entrance, with Mr. Michael. S. Angulu as Chairperson, the committee comprised of 14 other members, who represented various other interests and bodies related to matriculation examinations, university placement and post-secondary education in the country.
In February 1977, the Angulu-led committee submitted its report and recommendations.
After going through the recommendations, the committee of Vice Chancellors, the National Universities Commission and the officials of the Federal Ministry of Education made their own recommendations to the government.
Again Decree 4 of 1993, now mandated the board to conduct admissions in collaboration with higher institutions.
And in March 1977, the Federal Government accepted the recommendations and went on to constitute the Board now known as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while a year later the board became a legal entity with the promulgation of Decree 2 of 1978.
The Federal Government then went on to appoint Mr. Angulu as the first Registrar and Chief Executive of the Board in 1977.
The mandate of JAMB is to ensure uniform standards in the conduct of matriculation examinations and placement of suitably qualified candidates into higher institutions in Nigeria.
In December 1989, the Federal Government repealed Decree 2 of 1978 and, in its place, promulgated Decree 33, which empowered the board to conduct admissions into Polytechnics and Colleges of Education all over the country.
Although the functions of JAMB do not include revenue generation, with over one million candidates purchasing the entrance examination forms in recent times, the Board is now a major revenue earner for the government, while several other irregularities shadow the operations of the board.
A cross-section of Nigerians are of the belief that limited educational exposure could be an obstacle to achieving positive results.
However, today, higher institutions conduct independent post UTME tests, which have been trailed by lamentations by parents and guardians of the enormous costs about implications for their children and wards in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.
Despite the rigorous process of admissions, the end products are not of satisfactory quality.
Without doubt, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) seems overwhelmed by its challenges, most especially after the introduction of the Computer Based Tests(CBT).
These challenges, which are enormous, have characterized every examination the board has conducted in recent times.
With no hope for a possible reversal in the near future.
Even though the results of its most recent examinations have been released, thousands of candidates insist that a lot is wrong with the conduct of the examinations, which the board has consistently ignored.
The dynamism and vision of the present leadership of the Board is debatable, if the comments, remarks and questions of candidates and their sponsors are anything to go by.
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In the Interest of Digital Literacy
- By solomon2day
- On 23/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In Nigeria, millions of citizens, most especially the poor and vulnerable, remain without internet access.
For a long time, internet users have had to put up with very substandard services.
This is as a result of inefficiency and inadequate infrastructure.
Sadly, most of those who are fortunate to have internet access use it negatively.
Indeed, digital literacy is a major challenge across the country and this has translated to limited internet use in most sectors of the economy.
Youths have taken to crime due to the attitude of the leadership at all levels of government, while pornographic content has exposed minors to immoral acts.
Of worry, is the lack of funding for research and infrastructure for Information and Communication Technology(ICT) by today's leadership.
The Backbone
The Nigerian youth involved in crime is not acting alone, some of those in positions of authority are his or her backbone.
This becomes glaring when an individual takes a keen interest in unfolding events.
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The Leadership Challenge
- By solomon2day
- On 20/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
What would aid good governance is not in place. Rather, unnecessary criticism and condemnation of trailing the activities of Those-in-Charge visible are setbacks.
Unguarded remarks, utterances and reckless statements and comments amplify the leadership abilities of an individual, positively or negatively.
Sadly, the trend among leaders in most climes, is to take positions on sensitive issues without thoughtful analysis of available facts.
Indeed, paying attention to details and aspects considered to be irrelevant ensures a very high degree of intelligent fairness that is essential for success in leadership.
Mao Zedong, popularly known as Chairman Mao, was successful with his noble goals for China through despotic means.
His leadership was severe, dictatorial and personalized.
For as long as Chairman Mao's Cultural Revolution lasted, thousands of Chinese died of starvation and inhuman labor.
Mao and his co-travelers argued that the same was the price their people had to pay for re-education.
This brand of governance ensured the extermination of the heroes of the civil war and the old party chieftains by the President's armed squad.
Chairman Mao is perhaps the role model of those who hold sway in Nigeria today.
Indeed, the Senate President is among several other political office holders who adore President Ahmed Tinubu.
Those in support of this argument insist that the lawmaker is a regular visitor to Aso Rock for unknown reasons.
However, those against this order of things, stress that the underlying factors revolve around hypocrisy and boot licking.
Nigerians are yet to stop complaining of constitutional breaches and the unabated trampling of the rule of law in the dust, without noticeable changes by the powers that be.
From recent events in the country, the economic reform programs of the All Progressives Congress(APC) led government at the center and in the states, are modeled along the thinking of a free market economy.
It is doubtful if the government, in most recent times, has managed the economy for the benefit of Nigerians.
Of worry is the state of manufacturing industries, which could be said to be epileptic, even as food security is a mirage, insecurity is the chorus everywhere, while crude oil remains the major hope of the present administration.
Interestingly, the future growth of the Nigerian economy rests comfortably on diversification and focus on visionary and creative people-friendly economic policies, although the government still over-relies and over-depends on crude oil to fund its programs.
Can the present administration turn around the troubled economy ? Nobody knows.
Donate
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The Perpetual Absence of Visionary Leadership
- By solomon2day
- On 19/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The improvement in the system of transportation, to a very great measure, increases the physical extent and economic size of a country.
However, in the Nigerian context, a number of factors have negatively affected the transport system and this has resulted in an astronomical rise in the prices of goods and services beyond the reach of a majority of the population.
The prohibitive transportation costs coupled with the multiple taxation across the country and the unabating insecurity have all succeeded in ensuring that Nigerians remain in a perpetual state of hunger and poverty.
Curiously, levels of government have channeled generated revenue from multiple taxes, unproductively, to real estate, while Nigerians continue to daily count their landed property losses.
Indeed, the government at all levels have always contended with inadequate financial organization and the relevant knowledge.
Sadly, economic stagnation is now a major characteristic in most cities that are contending with overpopulation. Petty trading and individual investments in consumables have become the preference of the people, in the absence of proactive, visionary leadership.
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Calming Frayed Nerves
- By solomon2day
- On 15/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The burden of a nation is too multi-dimensional for a single power broker to manage.
There are entrenched interests in the military, security services, a section of the judiciary and also the bureaucracy, while the population at large remains distraught and impoverished.
Indeed, to inherit a badly managed and shattered economy is disturbing to those who know what is in stock aside from the high level of insecurity.
Those-in-Charge need not feign ignorance about the pressing issues at stake, but go all out to tackle the issues, even as reservations, doubts and suspicions grow among the populace by the day.
The Situation
It is now very glaring that millions of Nigerians-outside the workforce- are contending with hunger, poverty, unemployment and a number of other hardships.
This has resulted into a sizable number the citizens embracing crime as a means to an end.
Those -in-charge are only scratching the surface while the situation deteriorates daily.
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Living with Evil
- By solomon2day
- On 11/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The evil deeds of some state governors are limiting factors when they involve interfacing with law enforcement agencies.
Indeed, the situation has become so bad to the extent that the people no longer trust political office holders to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
Sadly, a number of state governors are very reluctant to move against cultists who have continued to wreak havoc in the affected states.
Interaction is preferably by representation, because a lot is still hidden, that is gradually coming to light.
Indeed, the evil that men do lives with them and has become their shadows.
No responsible law-abiding and right-thinking Nigerian will subscribe to calls by some individuals to cooperate with criminals. Perhaps -
Good Governance
- By solomon2day
- On 10/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
It is to the knowledge of millions of Nigerians that the basic social-economic institutions have been destroyed.
The challenge now is how to fix the nation's health, education, judiciary and other institutions or ensure a satisfactory turn around.
In developed countries, economic activities are the backbone of politics and, as such, distortions or reversal of economic policies or long-term strategic national objectives are rare.
Sadly, little or nothing has been achieved to guarantee a good economic foundation, which ought to be the back-rest of politics.
This is reflected in the awkward power-sharing, power rotation and inequitable distribution of resources and good governance.
The kind of economic reforms by the government would go a long way in determining if Those-in-Charge are neophytes in the Herculean task of governance.
Aiding and Abetting Criminals
For so long, cultists such as one Wolex and Lekan Adewale of 8 Kehinde Aderibigbe steet, Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, have been terrorizing, robbing and attacking innocent Nigerians in the above-mentioned community and so many others. Although the law enforcement agencies feign ignorance, the confidence exuded by the criminals, who have continued to commit heinous and grievous crimes with impunity, exposes the deep involvement of the police in violent crimes, not only in Oyo state but in different parts of the country.
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Education in a Democracy
- By solomon2day
- On 05/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The future seems bleak for children and the youth in Nigeria as the cost of education at all levels goes beyond reach.
The leadership at all levels may not be sensitive to the difficulties the citizens are passing through to meet the increasing cost of education.
Sadly, the children of these leaders are in choice schools around the globe.
Democracy ensures that citizens have access to uninhibited and quality education.
But in this case, the cost of education may not justify the service delivery in the education sector.
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Before it is too late
- By solomon2day
- On 02/08/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The use of alcohol, illicit substances and hard drugs by students and youths has reached an all-time high in different parts of Nigeria.
It has in fact become a social problem and menace.
Indeed, in states where Those-in-Charge generate revenue from illegal structures, illicit substances and alcohol are sold in makeshift kiosks along the road, under bridges and motor parks.
The insinuation is that the cream in society may be benefiting from the sales.
That is why it goes unabated.
These hard drugs have negatively affected the behavior and appearance of students and youths.
Of worry are the grievous and heinous crimes that are committed on a daily basis under the influence of alcohol and hard drugs.
It is high time the government at all levels take decisive steps to salvage those affected before it is too late because it has started having adverse effects on the socio-economic fortunes of the giant of Africa.
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Wishes and Expectations
- By solomon2day
- On 27/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The key elements of tyranny include, but are not limited to, insensitivity, brutality, random arrests, incarceration and unresolved cases of killings.
Curiously, the prohibitive price of the Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) is already having multiple negative effects on the economy, even as Nigerians persist in their daily lamentations of the unbearable hardships that have been their lot in recent times.
Indeed, governance on the platform of deformed democratic institutions attracts tyranny, which is not in tandem with the wishes and expectations of Nigerians.
Interestingly, the people are yet to identify any conceivable reason for the policy direction of Those-in-Charge towards the worrisome and disturbing situation that called for urgent deliverance.
The cost of living is on the rise on a daily basis and Those-in-Charge continue to appeal and cajole citizens to take their sufferings as sacrifices that must be made for the anti-people policies that are ravaging the land.
Self Preservation in the Midst of Evil
These are very dangerous times in so many states in Nigeria, which have, long before now, become the Biblical Sodom and Gomorrah.
Indeed, the overlords in the states have succeeded in remodeling their domains into havens of all that defies morality and decency.
Of worry is the increase in the cases of death revolving around drink and food poisoning, in addition to sexually transmitted diseases. All the afore mentioned are weapons of destruction by those obsessed with temporal power.
Curiously, the services of migrants from other states are engaged to carry out the unthinkable and unbelievable. The only option now open to Nigerians is to adopt measures that would ensure self-preservation in the midst of evil by Those-in-Charge.
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The Housing Problem
- By solomon2day
- On 25/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Nigerian workers are increasingly giving up hopes of owning their own homes, as issues of poor salaries, unfavorable working environment and conditions linger.
Most workers have for long contended with the exploitative tendencies of house owners, who increase rents randomly.
This is in addition to the soaring cost of land and building materials.
Indeed, the workers have taken their destinies into their own hands when it comes to the fundamental issue of housing.
The beauty of working is to retire into one's own home, with the assistance of the government.
The provision of housing loans to be paid back installmentally is desirable, but this is not the case.
Interestingly, the National Housing Fund(NHF) seems to be a method the government introduced to evade its responsibilities.
The housing fund without doubt is an imposition by the Federal Government of Nigeria, in a bid to run away from its responsibilities to provide either affordable housing schemes for Nigerian workers or giving out housing loans to the workers.
The NHF is used to scooping cash from already impoverished workers because the deductions are mandatory and almost non-refundable until probably after retirement.
The interest on the deductions collected from the workers is equally ridiculous.
More painful is the fact that the process of obtaining housing loans is very cumbersome and workers are usually frustrated, making them resign to fate and allow the deductions to continue without attempting to take the loans.
Workers feel cheated and, due to the fact that they have no options, and are not transparently represented by their industrial unions, have resigned to fate.
Sadly, the NHF has never given an account of the contributions and balance of workers on a monthly basis for a long time.
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The Precarious Situation
- By solomon2day
- On 22/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Lawlessness is now the way of life in Nigeria, due to the lingering poverty and hunger in the land.
A review of the economy and security architecture will unravel the untold story, only if a transparent probe is conducted in the days to come.
A number of the crises in the last eight years have generated revenue for a few pockets, with millions of Nigerians always contending with the sufferings and hardships during such crises.
Indeed, the interests of Nigerians have been undermined or destabilized based on ethnic, religious and gender considerations.
Sadly, the political leaders in the states, have failed to convincingly ensure a conducive environment, but are in the nick of time, seeking direct investment.
Investors can only develop confidence in the economy when there is regular electricity supply, free flow of potable water, good and motorable roads, security of lives and property, skilled and trained power and favorable incentives for startups. -
U.S. Attorney Secures 87 Month Prison Sentence for Violent Attack on Family Home
- By solomon2day
- On 14/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Donate– A Fruitland man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for firing 18 rounds at a family home occupied by eight people, including five young children– A Fruitland man was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for firing 18 rounds at a family home occupied by eight people, including five young children
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court records, on April 28, 2022, Nathaniel Begay, 31, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to a residence within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation after becoming angry while swimming at Morgan Lake. Armed with two semi-automatic handguns, Begay fired multiple rounds at the home, which contained eight family members including five young children.
After briefly leaving, Begay returned and fired a second volley of shots at family members as they attempted to take cover. No one was injured.
Begay was arrested later that night following a domestic dispute with his wife. A knife and 9mm bullet were found on his person at the time of arrest.
Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to three years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.
Source-FBI
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In Search of Good Government
- By solomon2day
- On 14/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
A good government ought to be able to muster enough strength to enforce obedience, in addition to carrying out the duties of governance efficiently.
Justice, perhaps, will flourish when the people who are expected to obey the laws express their opinions on these laws.
A rule of good government, revolves around the fact that the state, nobody else, should be equipped to secure obedience and conformity.
In 1934, Austria was plunged into civil war, partly by the failure of its government to prevent political parties from recruiting armies.
Political parties are already recruiting non-state actors.
The prosperity of this country is under the overbearing influence of its natural resources, the politics of its neighbors and the conduct of those in government.
Take note that the goodness of a government depends on its fitness to solve the myriad of problems confronting it.
Sadly, those in government have set their personal interests against and above those of the people, shown undeserved favor to particular groups and refused to permit the people to attain their heart's desires.
The foregoing goes against the principles of good government.
In Olorunsogo, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, children who have been well groomed by their parents in the act of criminality, led by one Joshua, a child of a disabled white garment church-owner at No.1 Kehinde Aderibigbe street, (unpainted building by the junction), now burgle houses in the community. This is in addition to the disturbing activities of under-aged prostitutes, who operate with the consent of their parents
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The Adventures of the Powerful
- By solomon2day
- On 13/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The action and inaction of state governors in Nigeria have for long been trailed by a plethora of promises.
Donate
Even though a number of them are not foundation members of the parties in question, they were given the opportunity to ascend the exalted position.
Sadly, they have destroyed these political parties.
The results of the ward, Local Government and State Primaries were manipulated to satisfy the self-centered interests of these State Governors. Interestingly, consensus has replaced election, to the chagrin of the people.
This abnormality revolves around greed.
Indeed, in the present time, the party leadership is now vested in the affected state Governors while the party Chairmen have since become ceremonial heads.
These state governors are now in full control of the structures at the national, state, local government and ward levels. Most of the political parties have been decapitated, while delegates who elected candidates for various political offices were strictly the choice of the powerful.
Note-
Nigerians have continued to fall victims of criminals, who dispossess them of their landed properties in connivance with certain corrupt officials in the Executive and the Judiciary.
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The National Debt
- By solomon2day
- On 12/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Nigeria's chronic budget deficit has brought about an unhindered increase in the national debt.
Indeed, the multiple taxation by the government at all levels may now be too embarrassing for an economy that majorly revolves around the motive of personal gain.
Without doubt, the redistribution of disposable income from the well-to-do to the indigent would increase the average propensity to consume, since the marginal propensity of the indigent to consume is higher than that of the well-to-do.
Sadly, this approach is not in the thoughts of the government, although the budget deficit may have stimulated private investments.
The government ought to cut down on expenditure on political office holders.
However, in view of the fact that the economy is ailing, the government at all levels must be decisive and proactive in interventions in health, transport, electricity, unemployment, hunger and poverty.
Of course, the protection of sectors such as education, health and agriculture which have direct bearing on the survival of citizens from unpredictable price mechanisms is desirable, but largely depends on the mindset of those in charge.
Bad Eggs in Uniform
The crime-friendly mindset and attitude of a number of those in law enforcement agencies in certain states, including Oyo, justifies the unabating lawlessness, criminality and violent crimes in the land. Curiously, the high levels of insecurity in Nigeria is partly due to unprofessional conduct and despicable acts of bad eggs in uniform.
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Unimpressive Attitude
- By solomon2day
- On 09/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
In every part of Nigeria today, most children leave school without attaining these standards.
The present system of education at all levels of government is not only bad for the children but also for the teachers. The teaching profession has been debased by the government and the unimpressive attitude of the teachers.
Parents have a major duty to their children, but most parents habitually neglect this major duty.
Untrained teachers and bad methods of teaching, projects by contractors that were not inspected with adequate motive, un-revised or ill-revised policies and the complete absence of all organizations of schools in relation to one another constitute an unspecified number of evils of public and private schools in Nigeria.
The allocations in the budgets of the Federal and State governments over the years to the education sector has had little or no impact on the sector.
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The Priority
- By solomon2day
- On 06/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
The value of land in England had political, social and economic undertones.
Land was a mandatory prerequisite for election into Parliament, while in the counties, there was a requirement for the right to vote.
During this period, the landed class had political power and, interestingly, Parliament was controlled by landowners.
Furthermore, in the local sphere, the Justice of Peace-the squire-was the most important personality. He was the largest landowner in the village.
As Magistrate and leader of the local society, he combined political and social power.
In addition, the owner of the land made profits by selling its produce or leasing the land for high rents to tenant farmers.
The foregoing resulted in the emergence of wealthy traders, who bought land as investments which were converted as a means to political power and social ostentation.
The House of Commons, influenced by a few big landowners, sponsored bills which became laws.
These laws were against the wishes of many small farmers.
Among those bills that were passed into law, was the Bill of Enclosure
The economically marginalized landowners had inadequate means to off the desperation and determination of their more substantial neighbors to enclose the land.
In Nigeria today, land grabbing and dubious estate development by all available means is an unwritten policy by Those-in-Charge at all levels of Government.
The priority of those that call the shots is land annexation and estate development, at the expense of agriculture.
Presently, there is hunger and poverty in ther land.
Private properties have been annexed, structures demolished, and alternative ones erected in an amazing time frame.
Indeed, looted funds and funds from doubtful and questionable sources are now channeled to land-grabbing and estate development.
Sadly, the deliberate compromise of the legal and security system, indeed, encouraged this unwritten policy, while violent crimes have trailed events in the land and property sector.
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The Corruption Impediment
- By solomon2day
- On 02/07/2024
- In Update with Solomon
At a point in Nigeria's history, former President, Chief(Dr.)Olusegun Obasanjo stated ''it is a matter of regret that most public servants tend to subdue their political discipline in the face of personal aggrandizement''.
When Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo was in the saddle as President, he set up the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to rein in fraudsters, money launderers, corrupt government officials and several others.
At a point in Nigeria's history, former President, Chief(Dr.) Olusegun Obasanjo stated ''it is a matter for regret that most public servants tend to subdue their political discipline in the face of personal aggrandizement''.
When Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo was in the saddle as President, he established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to rein in fraudsters, money launderers, corrupt government officials and several others
Perhaps, the EFCC, was to strengthen the activities of the Nigeria Police Force, while the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission(ICPC) was established to boost the work of the Code of Conduct Bureau.
During this period, high profile personalities, like former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun showcased the fight against corruption.
Sadly, happenings today, is a total and fierce departure from when Chief(Dr.) Obasanjo called the shots.
Interestingly, in an interview in 2007, a prominent lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana(SAN), who was then a member of the National Conscience Party(NCP) had stated '' you in the media, you must challenge politicians, you must ask them for their programs for our people, as opposed to celebrating criminals. If somebody says he is a thief, you should ask him to resign''.
Unfortunately, Nigerians have continuously asked ''thieves'' to resign in this present administration without positive results.
Of worry, however, is the fact that the youth now have the impression that corrupt practices are the only reliable path to success.
The young people readily make reference to the present administration's choice of Ministers as a source of inspiration to them.
Nigerians express anger over the claim of the powers that be, that they have fought corruption to a commendable extent, even when it is very glaring that several officials of the present administration have cases of corruption trailing through their daily lives.
Everywhere within the borders of Nigeria, fraudsters, corrupt government officials and related categories of criminals are celebrated by their people, who believe these individuals are the heroes of this time.
The EFCC is now a shadow of its old self, only barking but not biting those it ought to bite.
If only the leadership had made transparency the guiding light to its activities, all the negatives trailing the country at home and abroad would never be the signposts of governance.
The removal of the subsidy on Premuim Motor Spirit(PMS) has been described as a kite flown by government officials to deny Nigerian workers a new national minimum wage.
A former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze, opines that ''the government has a sinister agenda to strangulate the Nigerian workers and the generality of Nigerians. The question we ask is that even if the government had to take the increased salaries back from the workers, what about the unemployed, the retirees and all those who don't receive salaries from any source ? It means that the government would visit them with unprecedented agony and pain.''
Nigerians express sadness that despite the unconstitutional annexation of $1 Billion by the Federal Government for the procurement of all that is needed to checkmate the insecurity in the land, kidnappings, killings and other violent crimes are not abetting, even though the government has developed a new culture of commiseration and condolences to families who lost their loved ones to the reactionary approach by government to the disturbing insecurity in the country.
Indeed, millions of Nigerians have been dehumanized, exploited and extorted to the extent that they have now resorted to pick-pocketing, ritual killings and homosexuality to make ends meet.
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Indiscipline as a Teaching Method
- By solomon2day
- On 30/06/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Most public primary and secondary school students learn in environments that are not encouraging in Nigeria.
The facilities have been stretched to obsolete conditions as a result of improper planning by the government at all levels.
Considering the dilapidated toilet facilities in several of these schools and the absence of potable and drinkable water, the potential outbreak of an epidemic cannot be ruled out. Teachers are no longer dedicated to duty due to their nightmarish working conditions.
Cultism has taken root in most of these schools, while ''armed robbers'' in school uniforms dot the nooks and crannies of every part of the country.
Of worry, is the lack of sincerity on the part of the government in the implementation of programs and policies.
On the part of private schools, moral decadence, which is a major feature in public schools, is the issue, while examination malpractices and fraud are also noticeable signposts. Furthermore, the attitude of the government and people in a number of states in the country downplays the reality of the coronavirus pandemic, while the present state of several schools in these states, the non-availability of potable water, and the dilapidated facilities could expose students and teachers alike to serious health hazards, the coronavirus pandemic inclusive. Our worry also is the fact that several communities in Nigeria are under siege by various categories of criminals.
The sight of young boys, in the midst of adults, smoking Indian hemp is now commonplace, majorly at primary schools without perimeter fencing.
In addition, young girls have now taken to prostitution on the prompting of their mothers and guardians to make ends meet. A visit to several beer parlors, ''Ogogoro'' joints scattered all over the country should be instructive. Such communities include Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Olorunsogo, Aluko/Barracks, Felele, Scout Camp, and others in Ibadan, Oyo state. If an urgent step is not taken to salvage the almost hopeless situation, millions of Nigerian children may no longer have a place in a sane society.
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Law Enforcement: The Reactionary Approach
- By solomon2day
- On 28/06/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Impunity in cities, towns, and villages across Nigeria revolve around the fact that those responsible for law enforcement have been heavily compromised. Perhaps, this is the price to be paid to achieve self-centered goals with the coercive powers of Those-in-Charge in a depressed economy. The obsessive lure of power seems too attractive for those involved to be committed to democracy. An unspecified number of citizens are now used as proxies. The Nigerian society is now that of guns, terrorism, kidnappings, killings(for ritual purposes inclusive), contempt for the rule of law, and other violent crimes. The reactionary approach to law enforcement and insecurity has resulted in the massive traumatization of the psyche of Nigerians, considering the increasing rate of abductions and killings in the land.
In saner climes, the structure of the national security system was fumigated, overhauled, and remodeled. This singular action ensured the exit of those lacking in integrity and credibility. Sadly, today, state actors are not working towards leaving behind enduring legacies. Instead, their energy dissipation points to monetary inducement by erstwhile credible commentators in a desperate bid to cover up the rot in the midst of non-performance.
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Violent Crimes- The State Approach
- By solomon2day
- On 25/06/2024
- In Update with Solomon
Adolf Hitler labeled the extermination of the Jews in Europe '' the final solution'', while the military dictatorship in Argentina, which embarked on an unprecedented killing of its citizens, code named the same ''The process of National Integration''. The activities of insurgents and armed herdsmen, which have claimed thousands of lives, are similar to the above-mentioned.
Between 1976 and 1983, millions of citizens lost their lives in Argentina.
Death squads operating under secret circumstances and under the cover of the state murdered about 11, 000 people, which are now described as ''The Disappeared''. Two million people escaped persecution, while hundreds of babies born to ''The Disappeared'' were either sold, bartered or murdered.
Indeed, happenings in several states of Nigeria, including Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kaduna, indicate that the government is fully aware of the insecurity, even as the killings continue.
This calls for concern.
On March, 23, 1976, General Jourge Videla, Head of the Argentine Army overthrew the government of Isabelita Peron, a former nightclub dancer.
No civilian government had completed its tenure, except for Juan Peron's first term in office. General Videla hinged his action on the chronic inflation and high rate of unemployment that trailed Isabelita's government.
However, in Nigeria, a retired Army General calls the shots, even though the country still experiences symptoms of economic recession, mass unemployment, corruption and insecurity.
The Ejecrcito Revolcionario del Pueblo(ERP) and the Montotneros, took to kidnapping and killings.
This plunged Argentina into crisis. In Nigeria, kidnappings and killings have gone on unabated. Political pundits put the blame at the doorstep of the present administration.
Nigerians are worried that the government has done nothing noticeable to ensure that the country does not slip into anarchy.
In 2009, the Defense Minister of Madagascar, Cecile Manorantha, resigned her appointment on the grounds that she would not continue to be a part of a government that kills its people.
Also, the people of Madagascar vigorously opposed the attempts by President Marc Ravalomanana to lease one million acres of their land in the south of the country to a Korean firm, Daewoo, for intensive farming.
The people have deep ties with their land and consequently view the President's action as a betrayal. The same scenario is playing out in Nigeria.
The insecurity in the land has made foreign investment impossible, while the disenfranchised and poor majority look to the gloomy future for reprieve.