A Nigerian Socio-Political commentary

Nigeria is a house of cards and everyone is playing the ostrich. We are a nation of people who love to talk. We love talk about the problems, issues, and even solutions. But we are also a people steeped in self deception and grand standing. We love not to act. We refuse to change or do the needful. We sacrifice the expedient on a platter of the convenient, and pecuniary. Or are we simply living in denial and self delusion of the enormity of our challenges? The Constitution Nigeria's constitution is seriously flawed and fraudulent. A document foisted on the people for the pleasure of a few, and meant to foster maximum and perpetuity of control. It is a document which rejects self determination, self empowerment and entrepreneurial excellence. It usurps the power of the people to subdue and fill the earth. It strips the citizens of access and use of the God given  resources in her domains. It is an instrument of rape and plunder. It is in light of this that fundamental and fa

http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/blog/moffic/content/article/10168/2106458

The West Africa College of Physicians concluded the second diet of exams recently. The faculty of psychiatry declared a pass rate of 13.8% at its part one membership exams (8 of 58 candidates). The faculty of public and community health recorded a 32% pass rate (23 of 70 candidates) Twice every year, candidates from all over the country converge in Ibadan and Lagos for the West Africa college of physician and National post graduate medical college exams respectively, each diet of examinations consisting of written, objective structured clinical exams, picture tests and oral/long case exams as the case may be. It is usually a very grueling and trying time for any candidate with psychological, emotional, financial and sometimes physical consequences. A minimum of sixty thousand naira (#60,000) is paid for each exam attended without consideration of transportation, feeding, and other ancillary expenses incurred. It is funded by the candidate after an initial one time sponsorship by the t

1. Nigeria is awash with money, floating literally, free and up for grabs by anyone who has the audacity, way and means to dip into the till. This is partly because these moneys are not tied directly to structures or programs which benefit Nigerians personally and directly, and little impact is made in the lives of Nigerians. 2.Also as a result of the huge budgetary allocation yearly to little more than white elephant projects, the avenues to steal are teeming, consequently the very high rate of corruption. 3.70% of Nigerian’s live in penury and poverty, mostly abject. 4.There is presently no benefit the average Nigerian derives from its government-no social welfare/security, no social housing and no formal (official) succor. Nigerians are left entirely to their own vices; if you die, you die. 5.Related to point number one is the need to curb crime and insecurity through a national fingerprint database. The data base will help the police for forensic purposes, crime detection etc. 6.

Subsidy removal has engendered certain discourses which hitherto were an open secret, but were somehow forbidden, never received due attention, or conveniently swept under the carpet because people never had the platform, opportunity or cohesiveness to push them. The debate over Fuel subsidy removal and the attendant wide spread protest however has provided a platform and opportunity to speak. For me, these are issues that have been nagging, and fuel subsidy removal pales into insignificance. If the Nigerian Labor congress would bring these to the table as a bargaining chip, and demand change, it would have achieved much. What are the issues? 1. Operation of a constitution bequeathed to us by the military. Until now, the people of Nigeria have not sat at a table, freely of themselves, in a democratic dispensation to discuss the basis of their existence, cohabitation, and nationhood. An article of faith, stating that “we the people of Nigeria declare….” freely debated, freely entered in

Nigerians are a complex and curious lot. So vocal, so vociferous and passionate about issues they sometimes little understand, if only to be seen saying something! The punching bag of any and every baby that can blab is the government. The recent menace of Boko Haram brings this to the fore. Most associates of mine severely castigate the president, Goodluck Jonathan as being weak, lame and unprepared for leadership of this country. Their assumption is that he is doing less than required since we still hear of bomb explosions every now and then. He inept they surmise. They posit that former President Obasanjo would have crushed the menace of Boko haram by now! I never knew Nigerians could be this nostalgic for Baba Iyabo! What they fail to see however, is that Nigeria is is not alone in this experience and that the government is doing her very best in these situations. The IRA held North Ireland hostage for generations, detonating bombs at will, even killing the much revered Lord Mountb