#DasukiGate: The Real Terror! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Boko Haram was tagged the world most deadly terrorist group in 2014. According to The Global Terrorism Index, Boko Haram killed more people- 6,644 in terror attacks in 2014 than any other terrorist group in the world. The Islamic State, ISIL, which is based in Syria and Iraq, follows closely behind, at 6,073 deaths through terrorism in 2014.

Figure 1: © static.visionofhumanity.org

The Global Terrorism Index is an annual report by the New York City-based Institute for Economics and Peace. It tracks global deaths from terror attacks, which it defines as “an intentional act of violence or threat of violence by a non-state actor.”

In confirming this figure, the highly respected Nigeria Security Tracker, compiled by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations, found that over 6,000 people were killed in clashes between Boko Haram and Nigerian forces in 2014.

On The Trial of Sambo Dasuki By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Before Sambo Dasuki travels abroad for his radiotherapy, before he decides not to come back home for health reasons, before he grants “The Boss”, Dele Momodu an exclusive interview from his home abroad on the many allegations against him, before he sorts public sympathy through his health condition, before Nigeria forgets about all his atrocities, let me remind Nigerians about his activities as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Goodluck Jonathan.

For those that don`t know him, Sambo Mohammed Dasuki, is from a royal family in Sokoto. He is the son of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmed Dasuki, who was deposed by the military regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha. Sambo Dasuki, as he is popularly called is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army and the former National Security Adviser (NSA). He was appointed NSA by the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan on June 22, 2012, following the removal of General Owoye Andrew Azazi. Dasuki was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015.

For a clear record, Sambo Dasuki was the National Security Adviser from June 22, 2012 through July 13, 2015. That means he was the NSA for 3 years 21 days.

Nnamdi Kanu, The Biafra Course And Vision 2023! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

I do not share in Nnamdi Kanu`s ideology, I am not a supporter of Biafra, I never for once bought into Col. Ojukwu`s idea and I will never buy into the idea of Nnamdi Kanu. I am just an Igbo apologist that believes the Igbo community deserves a fair chance in 2023.

Secession is not the way forward for the south east. Secession is a watershed event not only for the new state that is created and the old state that is dissolved, but also for neighboring states, proximate ethno-political groups and major powers. Preaching violence and hate all in the name to discredit Nigeria and justify the need for the creation of Biafra is not the way to go. It will only end up fueling one purpose, just one purpose- war.

If for any reason Biafra must come alive, majority of the people in the south east will decide that with a memorandum. In that case, those involved and all from the south east would have had their say as to what becomes their destiny. It will not be achieved by one man inciting violence with the intention to justify secession.

Vision 2023: @obyezeks, the best option for the south east! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving the south east the opportunity to produce the next president? If no, why?

Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving a woman the opportunity to become the president, especially after 55 years of men dominance? If no, why?

Following the attempt of secession by Biafra in 1967, which brought about the infamous and highly criticized Nigeria-Biafra civil war (July 1967- Jan 1970) and its disastrous effects on the stability on the country, given the bitterness of the war, the restoration of peace and the reintegration of the Igbos into Nigerian life were pertinent. However, since the war was over in 1970, either knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or by coincidence, no one from the south eastern part of the country has held the highest position of the land.

Nigeria, divided into 6 geopolitical regions; North East, North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, has after the civil war produced at least one president from each of the region except from South East and North East. The North generally has had more chances so this piece is about the South East.

Nigeria @ 55: I Choose To Remain Hopeful! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

On Thursday, 1^st October, 2015, Nigeria turns 55. That is quite a milestone, in terms of age. But in terms of achievements, she falls far below her peers with Malaysia (1963) and Singapore (1965) miles ahead of her.

Just imagine Nigeria as a 55 year old human being, with only 10 years left before retirement, the situation will be dire if not bleak. What does she have to show for the many years of running round in circles?  It means the only investments she can boast of; are the many times she spent at the bar on alcoholic beverages, getting drunk and eating away her beauty. Ending up in a bad shape, like a malnourished child in an abandoned displaced refugee camp.

Nigeria gained her independence from the United Kingdom in the year 1960. 1960, is referred to as the Year of Africa, because of a series of events that took place during the year, especially the independence of seventeen African nations that highlighted the growing Pan-African sentiments in the continent. The year brought about the culmination of African independence movements and the subsequent emergence of Africa as a major force in the United Nations. These rapid political developments led to speculation and hope about the future of Africa as a whole.

Nigeria: Learning From The Aylan Kurdi's Tragedy By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Few weeks ago, Aylan Kurdi became the face of the unfolding human suffering.

It took a horror story about a truck full of corpses in Austria, and a poignant photo of a drowned child- Aylan Kurdi, to raise the pity of the world.

Who could not have been moved by the picture of this little boy whose father risked his life and the lives of his family, in search of a better life somewhere in Europe? The Kurdis were not sure how, but they needed to leave Bodrum, Turkey, and get to Kos, Greece, with its promise of a life free of war.

Unfortunately, that was not to be. Aylan Kurdi’s lifeless body washed up onto the shore of one of Turkey’s fashionable beaches as a grim reminder of how unjust and ephemeral life truly is.

For the past months, the refugee crisis has been building in Europe and European Union leaders have seemed divided and at a loss as to how to deal with it. Not since World War II has the world seen such a movement of people in search of safety. The International Organization for Migration has been consistently calling for those fleeing war-zones, dictatorship and devastation to be treated with dignity and within the bounds of international law. Yet, there is very little dignity when men, women and children risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in search of a home and die in rickety boats operated by ruthless smugglers. Images of men and women being numbered as they reach Lampedusa, Italy, show the stark reality of life as a modern-day refugee or asylum-seeker; the loss of a name and identity, only the number, marking one out as someone ‘processed’ and ‘captured’ by a system which seems to be buckling under political, social and financial pressure.

Before Governor Tanko Al-Makura Descends Into Tyranny… By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

On Saturday, 12 September 2015, the news of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura assaults on a road user went viral. After the security operatives attached to his convoy allegedly beat up a road user, damaged her vehicle and destroyed her phones and iPad.

The road user; Ms Lois Lorvihi was traveling through Lafia, the capital of Governor Makura’s Nassarawa, with her younger sister, Joi and her brother Jerry, on their way from Makurdi to Abuja.

From the statements issued by both the accuser and the defendant, it was clear that there was a confrontation between Ms Lois Lorvihi and the governor. It was clear that both of them were at the junction where the said incident happened. It was evident that Governor Al-Makura`s convoy was behind Ms Lois Lorvihi.

What`s not clear in all of these is whether the lady intentionally stood in the middle of the road or perhaps slowed down because of the sharp bend after the bypass at Nasarawa-Eggon.

However, the issue of if the lady had intentionally obstructed the convoy of the governor could have been addressed if the governor had taken the right approach to it. Beating up a road user or a traffic offender is not the right way to go. It`s barbaric, not democratic and shameful! There are legal frameworks clearly stipulated against any road abusers and traffic obstructors.

#100DaysOfChange: A Magnificent Go Slow! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Barely one month after Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was tagged “Baba Go Slow”. Ask me why? Because he decided to address the cumbersome nature of Nigeria`s challenges in a different way. He promised change and has changed his tactics from the usual way that has brought us down and failed us. Since what has been tagged the “norm” has failed us in the last 16 years of democracy, it was important for him to do things differently. He has delayed in appointing members of his cabinet as contrary to the way it`s being done before now that has ended up in failure. He`s taking his time to dissect each Ministry, Department and Agency in the view on taking the right decision on them.

Meanwhile, ask those that tagged him “Baba Go Slow” secretly if they have not started experiencing the change he promised? They might tell you No still, not because the change is not there but because they chose not to see it.

Open Letter To President Buhari: Sir, You May Have To Dissolve The Peace Council By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Your Excellency Sir,

This is the first open letter I will be writing to you since your inauguration as the President and Commander In Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I will go straight to the point and won`t bug you with the facts and figure that you already know. Right now, you have become facts and figures yourself and there is no information that you are not preview to.

Sir, those that voted you and believe in you hold you in high esteem because of your level of integrity, discipline and courage in handling issues. Since you became the president, you have painstakingly taken your time to take every decision you have made. You have deliberately not appointed your ministers and other members of your cabinet because you want the best hands and less partisan Nigerians to work with you.

As you will recall Sir, the reasons why Nigerians voted en-masse for you are for you to wage war against corruption, recover stolen funds from corrupt person or group of persons that have plundered the nation and for you to reposition the nation on the path of excellence. These are the things they believe you can do which informed their decisions to vote for you. This is the more reason I believe you have been careful of the caliber of people you place in sensitive positions and in committees.

However, you are human, and the very fact that you are mortal makes you inevitable to mistakes. But it is one thing to make a mistake; it is another thing to keep making it.

Local Production of Arms: A Mission Long Overdue. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

It is impossible to imagine a world without needs. The history of mankind is the history of his efforts to satisfy his needs. All the discoveries and inventions of science are a proof of man's urge to solve his problems.

Hence, when man feels the pinching need of anything, he begins to think of how he can satisfy his needs. He then sets his mind to the task of invention. Necessity gives the first impulse; the rest is the work of the intellect. The world is changing every day, and we must adapt ourselves to our changing needs and keep pace with them.

We actually may not have seen the need to revive the dead, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) before now. But as the terror of the deadliest terrorist sect- Boko Haram continues and the refusal of the US to sell weapons to us persists, there are many reasons for us to see the urgent need why we should produce our weapons ourselves.

In 1964, an Act of Parliament established the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). It is to operate the ordnance factories for the manufacture and supply of arms and ammunition, as well as inspecting, testing and recommending ordnance materiel intended for use by the Armed Forces and other security organizations. The first Technical Partner of DICON was Fritz Werner (FW). FW designed and built the Kaduna Ordnance Factories with the production capacities of, 5,000 units of BM 59 Rifles per annum, 18,000 units of SMG 12 per annum, 12,000,000 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 per annum and 4,000,000 rounds of 9mm x 19 per annum.

So Why Was Sambo Dasuki Not Arrested? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Government comes and government goes. Politician comes and politician goes. But public institutions remain with us. It is the more reason why we must strive to strengthen them and make them stronger than any individual. Painfully, rather for us to strengthen our institutions and make them strong, we build men. We build men that become stronger than our institutions and abuse them whenever they want to protect their interests and that of their loved ones. Corruption and weak institutions are parts of the challenges facing our nation today and are responsible for many of other challenges. No nation can strive where this duo exists.  If Sambo Dasuki was not stronger than the Department of State Security Service (DSS), he would not have been able to resist its operatives for hours.

Who Is Sambo Dasuki

Our Movement Against Corruption Won`t Last Without The Public Sector Reform. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war has started yielding dividends. Following blockage of leakages, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased from $28.57 billion at the end of May to $31.53 billion as of July 22, 2015.” – CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, during a press brief at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee, meeting, in Abuja.

Since the inauguration of President Buhari, the fight against corruption is being renewed. And the seeming dead anti-graft agencies- EFCC and ICPC, suddenly gained life. Like I have always posited, when the right leadership is put in place, institutions auto-adjust to suit it. The leadership of the anti- graft agencies knows that the President Buhari`s regime will not hold on to that phrase by the last administration, “Stealing is not Corruption” hence, it’s doing all it can to make public office holders accountable.

Meanwhile, you will recall that aside from the act of cluelessness displayed by the last administration; corruption was a bane the people voted against in the last Presidential election. The past administration was popularly known for the phrase; “Stealing is not Corruption and Corruption is not Stealing”.  It was an administration of self-enrichment and patronage, and of illegality. It will be of grave offence to Nigerians if the corruption they thought have been voted out in the last presidential election still rules with impunity.

The Pros and Cons of Negotiating With Boko Haram By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

The debate whether the Nigerian government is weak if it negotiates with the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram is out again. This was as a result of the statement credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina. During an interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), he was quoted to have said: if “Boko Haram is willing to negotiate, why not?”. Following that, a press release was issued from his Abuja office to clarify the government`s position on the matter. Part of the press release reads thus: Most wars, however furious or vicious, often end around the negotiation table. So, if Boko Haram opts for negotiation, the government will not be averse to it. Government will, however, not be negotiating from a position of weakness, but that of strength.

This statement has generated a lot of controversies as it has been widely believed that, it is only a weak government with less military might and poor intelligent gathering mechanisms that negotiates with terrorist. You see, in reality this is almost completely false.

The argument against negotiating with terrorists is simple: Democracies must never give in to violence, and terrorists must never be rewarded for using it. Negotiations give legitimacy to terrorists and their methods and undermine actors who have pursued political change through peaceful means. Negotiations can destabilize the political systems of a government, undercut international efforts to outlaw terrorism, and set a dangerous precedent.

Change: One Month On; The Big Issues. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Monday, 29^th June 2015, makes it exactly a month since President Muhammad Buhari became the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Since then, you cannot categorically say that he has not hit the ground running. It might not just be at the rate that you have anticipated. He has been here and there in search of solutions to the Boko Haram menace. Everywhere he goes; it`s been about finding a lasting solution to this scourge that has plundered our land for far too long.

With terrorism out of the way and with the new commitment against corruption, one can practically say that the President is on the right track towards giving Nigerians a sustainable change.

Although, one cannot shy away from the delay in key appointments, I really hope that the President is taking this into full consideration. With his cabinet readily on the ground, it is expected that the synergies will boost his achievements.

However, over the past one month, it has been from one issue to another. While some Nigerians are still in high expectation of the “Change” to come, some assumed the change has begun and others believe there can`t be any change.

This article will be looking at the big issues since President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in a month ago;

Nigeria: A Hub Of Opportunity Stalled By Greed By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Nigeria is the only place we can call our home; we have not another one to brag about if it fails.

The success achieved from the just concluded elections and the level of maturity displayed by the masses, have clearly shown, that Nigerians are on the move. They are ready to match up globally with the league of patriotic nations. The people went to the polls, conducted themselves in a decent manner, cast their votes and remained peaceful even after the declaration of the winners.

No longer can conversations about African democratic stability by the world stable democratic heavyweights be discussed without mentioning Nigeria. Nigeria is a nation on the move with a hub of opportunity. If nations are not looking towards Nigeria, they are missing out an opportunity to be part of and invest in something potentially great.

However, while the masses are tired of delay, and are no longer comfortable standing at a point with no appreciable growth and development, their leaders have been on the contrary. They prefer to keep the nation at a point as long as their greed is satisfied.

They elevate their own will above the democratic will of the people at the expense of the masses. Before they get elected, they make loads of airy promises and present themselves like the messiah. But immediately they get what they want, they turn around and say something different.

Subsidy Must Go; It Has Done More Harm Than Good! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

In December 2011, I was back in Lagos from Umuahai, Abia State, to celebrate the Christmas break with my family and friends. My plan was to go back within the first week of the new year, 2012. I budgeted ten thousand naira (N10,000) for my transport fare both to and fro. The celebration was on and we were still in the mood of celebration, only for the Former President, Goodluck Jonathan to announce the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise known as Petrol. This removal suddenly increased the price of PMS from N67/L to N145/L consequently inflation hits the economy and everything went excessively expensive.

On getting to the park on the 4th of January 2012, same bus I boarded from Umuahia to Lagos for N3,500, was boarded back to Umuahia for N10,300. This time around it was not about the transport fare, but there were fewer buses that were ready to embark on the journey.

Why Lookest Thou For Change, When Change Is Here? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Eight days after President Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated; a friend called me and asked: Where is the Change President Buhari promised us during his campaign? I responded: Why Lookest Thou For Change, When Change Is Here? I went further and said, Change has begun, haven`t you seen it yet? It started right from the moment President Buhari gave his inaugural speech, when he said: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”

The message in that statement is obvious. It means; we now have a President that belongs to everybody. Everybody that is ready to act according to the constitution of the country and put the nation first before personal interests. It does not matter their ethnicity, region, religion or political affiliations. A President that belongs to nobody, that cares only about how to plunder the nation at all cost. It also doesn`t matter of what their ethnicity, region, religion or political affiliations is.

I know my friend is one of those that thought President Muhammadu Buhari will hit the ground running with a magic wand or miracle oil right from the very first day he was inaugurated, and maintain the paste all through his tenure.

Dear President Muhammadu Buhari, Your Time Starts Now! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

First and foremost, congratulations to you Sir on your election and inauguration as the fourth elected President of the Fourth Republic of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Against all odds, your election has finally proven and shown to many and the world at large that Nigeria is determined to achieve greatness and that with great dedication, commitments and consistency nothing is impossible to achieve.

I must admit, that your ascension to the highest office in the land came at a time when the country is in desperate need of a leader. One devoid of greed and with a strong passion for excellence. It came at a time when everything seems crashing and the centre no longer holding.

However, there is a reason why you were elected, to restore the lost hope to many Nigerians that have believed that it is impossible for anything good to emerge from the country.

Secondly, your leadership is expected to bridge the gap between the northern and the southern part of the nation. To bring about unity, peace and stability between the two major religions in the country and to shrink the wide margin between the poor and the rich. Over 110 million Nigerians live below 2 dollars in a day. That`s a shame to the biggest economy in Africa, the most populated and the largest producer of oil in the region.

By This Time Next Week By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Fellow Nigerians, this is the time to celebrate, the long awaited change that we`ve patiently waited for is finally here. Even though our celebration seems to be taunted by the ongoing fuel scarcity, but there is no reason to panic. The type of transformation we see today, we shall see no more.

You see, as it stands now, Nigeria seems to be on hold. We are in a dormant stage, like we do not have a president in place and a leader to direct our affairs. And as the looming fuel scarcity goes on, it is logical not to expect a meaningful end to the scarcity not until the inauguration of a new administration is over.

 No one in the presidency has “convincingly” told us what we need to know about the continued scarcity and how they tend to resolve it as soon as possible. It`s quite obvious that President Jonathan no longer feels concerned about whatsoever befall us, even though he never did in the last five years. But by this time next week, it is expected that the story would have changed. A President is expected to be in place and the government shall be on his shoulder. He is the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.  He is expected to tell us what we need to know about the looming fuel subsidy and put a lasting solution to this failure of government. May be this is exactly the right time to let go of subsidy. Well this is not the topic for today but for another day.

Can We Bring Back “War Against Indiscipline”? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

In March 1984, a military decree enacted “War Against Indiscipline”, sometimes called WAI, supported by General Muhammadu Buhari and General Tunde Idiagbon. The program's intention was to instil public morality, social order, civic responsibilities in Nigerians, and promote Nigerian nationalism.

One of the objectives of WAI was the encouragement of customers and citizens to line up to board buses and mostly line up or queue for high demand services. Other objectives included the encouragement of women to train their wards, as the culture then considered child raising a predominantly female skill and proper home training would groom future disciplined adults.

The second objective was to encourage hard work, which was introduced in May 1984. This objective like many others was buoyed by the use of government owned media.

While the third and fourth phases focused on patriotism and eradicating economic sabotage and corruption. In July 1985, the General Buhari administration launched environmental sanitation as the fifth phase of the program.

Our Judicial System Is Absurd, The Morbidity Is Becoming Unbearable By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

After my article last week, I had in mind to write on a totally different topic this week. But after a Federal High Court in Benin, Edo State, on Thursday, 30th April, 2015, sentenced Michael Igbinedion, to a six-year jail term or an option of paying N3 million for a N25 billion money laundering related offences, I was forced to write this.

Two convicts and four companies were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), before a Federal High court in Benin, Edo State, on an eighty-one (81)-count charge of money laundering during the tenure of Lucky Igbinedion the ex-governor of Edo State.

The two convicts were Michael Igbinedion, a younger brother of the former governor of Edo State and Patrick Eboigbodin an aide to the erstwhile governor.

Justice A.M. Liman who delivered the verdicts, found Michael Igbinedion guilty of three charges on counts 79, 80 and 81 and was sentenced to 6 years jail. By calculation, that`s 2 years each for the three counts he was found guilty of, or an option of paying N1 million each for the three offences. While Patrick Eboigbodin was found guilty of ten charges on counts 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 and was sentenced to 20 years jail. By calculation that`s 2 years each for the 10 offences, but without an option of fine.

This Is Why President Jonathan Must Be Probed. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Justice is served when those that are found guilty of one offence or another are brought to book. It is no longer news that President Jonathan has been alleged to have led the most corrupt government in Nigeria since the beginning of the fourth republic- The many corrupt cases perpetrated under his watch attest to that. Meanwhile, none of the allegations against his regime has been thoroughly investigated and its report made public. And as long as these allegations go unchecked and investigated, it wouldn`t speak well about the credibility of the nation as its quest to fight corruption that has taken over the entire system.

Firstly, President Jonathan must be probed to clear or establish the rumours about him and his administration. Who knows if after probing him he might be exonerated of the allegations against him.

Secondly, it cannot be over emphasized that probing of an administration or individual improves the sanity of the system. As we know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If individuals or groups know that they will be probed and thoroughly investigated and if found guilty would be made to face the wrath of the law, they will be more cautious, less corrupt and prudent when occupying leadership positions.

Sanitation, A Key To Healthy Living. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

More people today are affected by the negative impacts of poor sanitation than by wars, terrorism, natural disasters, and weapons of mass destruction all combined. This is because most of the world’s prevailing and well reported diseases globally such as Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, Schistosomiasis, Diarrhea, Trachoma, Intestinal worm diseases, just to mention a few are caused by poor sanitation.

Sanitation, as defined by Wikipedia, is the hygienic means of promoting health through prevention of humans contact with the hazards of waste. Hazards are physical, microbiological, or chemical agents of diseases. While wastes that can cause health problems are human and animal faeces, solid waste, domestic wastewater (sewage water), industrial wastes, and agricultural wastes.

Statistics has shown that poor or improper sanitation play a role in more than 80% of the diseases regularly reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly one quarter of all deaths and of the total disease burden. It also shows that about 40% of the world`s population is affected by poor sanitation, which is expected to rise to 50% by 2025 if not properly combated. It is against this backdrop that all important call for proper and effective sanitation is hinged.

Now Is The Time To Fight Corruption And Strengthen Our Institutions. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Politicians will say whatever it takes to get elected. Every one of them swears they’ll be less corrupt, and less corruptible, than the lot in power.

That is, of course, trivially true, if only because being out of power means you have no power to sell. As long as government power exists, private interests will figure out a way to corrupt it. Everyone has their price; hence, a possible cure for corruption is to elect incorruptible politicians. A more certain cure is to withhold power from them in the first place.

However, when people stand up and take a stand, there is something beautiful and powerful about it. It sends the message that nothing will be done or achieved without their involvement. Furthermore, it sends a message to those in leadership positions that people are growing tired of the slow pace of development in the society. Development in all its forms, which includes; the economy, human settlements, alleviating poverty, equality and justice, provision of quality education and healthcare, etc.

As Nigeria enters another phase of its democratic dispensation, we must avoid those things that keep us crawling and that have not made us achieve substantial progress as a developing nation. And act speedily to improve on those things that have helped us record tangible achievements.

In Memory Of The #ChibokGirls: Who Will #BringBackOurGirls? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Like a thief cometh in the night to steal and to kill, the deadly terrorist group, Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad, which in English means, “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad”, otherwise known as Boko Haram, on the night of 14–15 April 2014, stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok Community, Borno State, Nigeria. Broke into the school, pretended to be guards, told the girls to get out and come with them. A large number of students, numbering about two hundred and seventy-nine (279) girls were taken away with them in trucks. Possibly into the Konduga area of the Sambisa Forest where they were known to have fortified camps. Fifty-seven (57) of the girls managed to escape on their own on transits, left with about 219 in the hands of Boko Haram their abductor. Houses in Chibok community were also burnt down in the incident. The school had been closed for four weeks prior to the attack due to the deteriorating security situation in the region, but students from multiple schools had been called on to take their physics final exams. These girls were aged 13 to 18 and were in their final year of school.

Tuesday, 14th April 2015, makes it exactly a year since the abduction of these girls. Their singular offence was that they wanted to be educated and pursue their dreams.

Victory For Nigeria, Change Is Here! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi:

Fellow Nigerians, permit me to use this medium to wish you a Happy Easter celebration in a season of change. Let the reason for the season bring salutary change to your lives.

When we started the struggle for change, some people thought we were just blabbing and being jobless. Some thought we were looking for cheap recognition while others said some politicians have paid us. Some even accused us of just being pointless and unnecessarily crying foul. But today, we are vindicated. History has absolved us!

Saturday 28th March 2015, marks a turning point in the history of our country and democracy. This day will be remembered by Nigerians as the day of Change.

Nigerians went to the polls, made their choice, and for the first time, they voted out an incumbent president in a broadly peaceful election.

The 2015 presidential election was not about any of the two major candidates- President Jonathan and General Buhari, which contested for the highest position in the country. It was about the country. It was about securing the future of the nation.

Election 2015: While We Officially Await The Final Results By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

The voting process in the long awaited Nigerian presidential election has come and has gone except in few places in Yobe state where the presidential election has been postponed indefinitely for security reasons. Our different and various dreams, hopes and aspirations are becoming clearer and more visible to us as we await the official announcement of the final results. There are no doubt that the election was marred with some technical challenges, most especially from the voters Card Readers, and a little violence and terrorist act in some parts of the country which negatively affected the electoral process. Meanwhile, generally speaking, without bias and sentiments, comparing this election to previous elections that had been conducted in the country since the beginning of the 4th republic, one can possibly say, that the country`s electoral process has improved and our democratic system is getting better.

The fact is, although there are still many challenges to be resolved and many more areas where improvements are needed. But, by and large, the 2015 electoral process is commendable as compared to that of the previous years. Also the people have become more tolerant of the system and process, hence, have portrayed themselves peacefully and orderly during the course of the election.

However, while we await the declaration of the final results, I cannot but comment on the following key events that happened during the process.

Goodbye to President Jonathan, Go and Vote him Out! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

You tricked us once, shame on you. If we let you trick us again, shame on us. President Jonathan is on a slippery slope and he`s sliding down. He must have started burning sensitive documents even though no column of smoke is yet visible from the villa.

Saturday, 28th March, 2015 election is a genuine opportunity to change the depressing direction in which Nigeria is headed. A direction that is not in any way good for the country, because as long as President Jonathan continues to remain in office, we cannot talk about development, we cannot talk about peace and stability and we cannot talk of sustainability and excellence. In his past 4 years in office, President Goodluck Jonathan has so far demonstrated absolute impotence and Nigeria has declined in nearly every conceivable respect.

Under Jonathan, the economy continued to stumble and the currency lost shape completely until it finally became valueless. The security situation went worse than it was only a few years back.  The Boko Haram crisis was disgracefully managed, and many Nigerians lost their lives to insurgents. However, the Nigerian Military has finally claimed to have made appreciable gains in combating the insurgents, but it came a little too late after so many Nigerians have lost their lives, millions have been displaced and so many valuable properties worth billions of naira have been destroyed. His government did not do enough to reduce the high cost of living. He did not do anything tangible to increase the standard of living of the people. Majority of the citizens still live below two dollars ($2) in a day

President Jonathan Scents Defeat, Isn't Democracy Interesting? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Regardless of who's heading the government, when they've been doing it for so long and fails to get it right, they must be replaced. The public knows that, and President Jonathan is feeling the replacement coming already. President Goodluck Jonathan seems to have lost touch with the ground rules of democracy and has become a danger to the country. He would be voted out come March 28th 2015, because Nigeria needs to heal.

Out of panic mood, the President embarks on a last-minute blitz ahead of the upcoming election. He visited several places and consulted with many more people within these 6 weeks of postponement than he earlier did before. All in an effort to garner more votes for his re-election bid. He has been to churches and has requested for prayers from pastors. He has visited mosques and has asked for intervention from the “Alfas and Imams”. He has been to the shrine, has consulted with the oracles and has sacrificed to the gods.  He has paid courtesy visits to various “Obas”, requested for the supports of “Emirs” and has persuaded “Igwes”. Even with all that, he is not yet relieved of his panic mood. The truth is President Jonathan has entered the decisive few days of his re-election campaign bid, but he does not have this election in his pocket still.

There Are Two Types Of Eyes: The Jonathan Eyes And The Normal Eyes By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Let me use this medium to remember the innocent job seeking Nigerians that lost their lives about a year ago during the Nigerian Immigration Exercise that took place on 15th March, 2014 across the country. May their gentle souls rest in Perfect Peace. Their country failed them when it untimely cut their lives short. An incident that could have been averted if we had developed the attitude of doing the right thing at all times. Most painfully, it took the President a year before he fulfilled his promises to their families.

In the same country, governed by the same government, within the same period of time, people see different things differently. Some sing praises while others condemn, some appreciate while others criticize and some want change while others prefer to maintain status quo. The various actions and attitudes displayed by individuals to the President Goodluck Jonathan`s led administration cannot be farfetched from the way they see his administration.

I have wondered endlessly why some see the whole gospel of transformation carefully playing out like a master plan working perfectly for the good of the nation and while others do not see same that way. But rather see it as a kangaroo project and a share shame of mediocrity, complacency and gross cluelessness.

In The Name Of God, Mr. President Please Leave Peacefully And Don`t Cause Further Harm! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

It is high time to put an end to your sitting in the Villa, which you have dishonored by your contempt of all virtue. You have defiled every legal practice and broken every legal institution to please yourself and the selfish cronies that surround you. You have become the enemy of the government and of the people that sacrifice all for you in 2011.

By your practice of every vice, actions and utterances; you have divided the nation farther along religious lines and ethnic differences. Is there one vice you do not possess?

Like Esau, you have sold the country`s birth right as the giant of Africa for a plate of porridge. Like Judas, you have sold the country for a few pieces of money to the cabals. Like the prodigal son, you have squandered our savings, drained our reserves and destroyed our economy. I doubt if there is a single virtue now remaining in you!

You cannot transform the nation by pampering all sorts of abnormally, corrupt persons and practices.

Fear of Failure: The Reason Behind Fayose`s and Others` Actions By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

The narrative in this piece is not limited to Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State alone, there are many more that would do anything and say anything just to resist change and make sure status quo is maintained under the watch President Goodluck Jonathan.

But for a sitting governor, his, is particularly becoming unbecoming. One wonders why a sitting governor suddenly decided to be the media propagandist of the President, dishing out all sorts of mal-information and diabolic advertorial against the presidential candidate of the opposition party- All Progressives Congress.

The truth is; Governor Ayo Fayose does not wish Buhari well; all he wants is to see him fall ill and crash out. But God forbid, may the Lord our God behind this course of positive change be with Nigeria and the General.

It is no longer news that President Goodluck Jonathan has been alleged to be leading the most corrupt administration in the history of Nigeria. He surrounds himself with men of no or little integrity that are meant to be facing the wrath of the law for different offences they have at one time or the other committed.

Let The People Win: A Passionate Letter To President Goodluck Jonathan By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Dear President Goodluck Jonathan,

My sincere commendation goes to you- The Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, on the successes made so far by the military in flushing out the insurgents in the North Eastern part of the country. Achievements like this are commendable and the people would appreciate it if the exercise completely achieves total success such that the insurgents are completely wiped out of the region and the country at large.

Perhaps after the end of the ongoing 6 weeks of military operations, if the results achieved are enormous and tangible, the people might be glad that the postponement of the general elections was not in vain, so long it does not affect the elections again.

Your Excellency Sir, I have resulted to using this medium to write to you because it is the fastest and surest medium I can afford. Hence, pick no offence that it was made public and not personally delivered to you.

Four (4) years ago, you were elected by the people in good fate, full hopes and aspirations for a better Nigeria. Four years on, by and large majority of the people have been victims of broken promises. The same set of promises that were used as manifestoes four years ago remains the same four years after. And like so many experiences of the past, the people have been confronted with blasted hopes, and the dark shadow of a deep disappointment settled upon them. Hence, they are now forced to end up with the alternative- Change.

Buhariphobia; The Only Logical Reason For Election Postponement. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

It would be difficult for an ordinary Nigerian that understands the way Nigerian politics is being played to believe that the postponement of the general elections which were earlier scheduled for February 2015, was not masterminded by some group of people for reasons best known to them.

I know that for some reasons, some may wish to argue that the major reason why the elections were postponed were indeed for security reasons as mentioned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Boss- Prof. Attahiru Jega. But the question is; if the Presidency was sure of victory at the polls on February 14, 2015 as earlier scheduled, would it have succumbed to the acclaimed security reasons for postponement? The answer is No!

Also, some may want to buttress the aforementioned that in 2011, the elections were postponed and no one accused the President of having a hidden agenda, so no big deal if it happens again. But the truth is, there is a big deal this time around. The conditions responsible for a postponement in 2011 were different from the conditions being used in 2015. In 2011, elections were independently postponed by INEC itself for logistics failure and were not under the influence of any external conditions or persons. Meanwhile, in 2015, while giving the postponement speech, Prof. Jega mentioned emphatically, that they were fully prepared for the elections but have no choice than to postpone it because the security chiefs said they were not ready. The same security chiefs that are under the control of the Commander in Chief, altered a process which their Boss is actively involved. That could not have been possible without the consent of their boss.

The Presidency`s Desperation Verses The People`s Determination By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Finally, the Presidential election has been postponed, a new date; March 28, has been fixed. Whether some sets of people are responsible for the postponement, I can`t tell, but there are evidences that suggest that some particular sets of people were very interested in the postponement of the election and may have influenced the decision for their selfish gains.

Come to think about this; How do you describe the scenario when a media house- Associate Press, reported on Saturday (7th February, 2015) Morning that an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) told them that the election would be postponed for 6 weeks due to security challenges and that the announcement would be made later on Saturday. Then INEC swiftly debunk this report that there was no official announcement yet as regards that and, it was still meeting with stakeholders to come up with decisions which would determine if the election would be postponed or not.

Then after the meeting and consultations that were expected to influence the decision of INEC, the announcement was made and the election was officially postponed jsut as reported by Associated Press.

This Is Why Buhari Must Debate! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Permit me to use this medium to wish you all a Happy New Month. February 2015 has been declared; the month of change. This is a certainty and the people are determined to see this change come through.

Last week, The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed confidence, that her presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan would defeat the main opposition party, All Progressive Congress’s (APC) Candidate; General Muhammadu Buhari, in the North, in a landslide victory come February 14th, 2015. This was said during their re-election campaign rally in Kaduna.

Although, aside from the reasons they give, that is; being that their party governs more states in the northern part of the country than the opposition party and due to the achievements of the President in the agricultural sector and in building of almajri schools, I do not think there is any other tangible reason for this claim. The statistics that ended up giving them such confidence remains unclear to me but I would like to advice them to go back to the black table, to check and re-validates their methods correctly. While I remind them, that, it is the same northern part of the country that the president will win in a landslide victory that had his convoy and election team petted with stone and other items, not once not twice but thrice by aggrieved citizens, in Bauchi, then Kastina and Taraba.

Give Me Change Lest I Die! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope and delusive phantom of hope, that all is well even when nothing is happening to make all well. Hence, we are apt to shut our eyes against the painful truth, that there might be nothing to hope for if there is no change.

There is only one way of judging the future and that is from the past. And by judging from the past five years there is nothing to justify those hopes with which we have been pleased to comfort and console ourselves.

But why should we continue to live in the false phantom of hope that prolongs our torments and increases our fears with no expectations for improvement?

Our nation at this point in time is faced with numerous challenges which could have been averted or completely solved if we have a president that knows his wrongs from the rights, and his left from his right.

Valedictory Address On Behalf Of President Jonathan By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

For five years, it has been my honor to serve as your president. Today, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.

Tomorrow, 29th May, 2015; the world will witness the vitality of our democracy. In a tradition dating back to 1999, the presidency will be passed to a successor chosen by you- The People. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join the rest of you, in offering my best wishes to the President-Elect; General Buhari, and his family.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your president. There have been good days and tough days. But in all, I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we all love so dearly.

I know from experience that presidents have to face major issues that are controversial, broad in scope, and which do not arouse the natural support of a political majority.

A lot of you perceive that am weak, clueless and incompetent, but the truth is, am not weak, neither am I clueless nor incompetent. Everybody wants to tell the President what to do, but it doesn`t work that way. I came on board when there are numerous challenges facing our dear nation. Top of which are terrorism and insecurity.

Dear President Jonathan, You Can Not Win This Election By Force! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Permit me to use this medium to extend my sympathy to the victims of last weekend fiercely attack by the violent sect- Boko Haram, on Baga- a town in Borno State, North East Nigeria, where about 16 villages were reportedly to have been burnt to the ground.  I have no idea why the report was kept away from the public for days or probably the media didn’t get the report is something worrisome. But to say that the presidency does not know that such a terrible attack happened in a part of its country and yet didn’t condemn it even at the flag off rally of the 2015 campaign in Lagos is weird and grossly inhumane. Well, that’s an issue to be discussed another day.

It`s my birthday and have decided to write this passionate piece as an advice and a cautionary note as my gift to the President. I sincerely hope that he takes every word seriously and thinks about it.

The 2015 general election is just few weeks away, the polity is heating up and every major contender for different positions is doing all they could to secure victories at the polls. On Thursday, 8th January, 2015, President Jonathan was in Lagos where he flagged off the 2015 campaign for his party- The People Democratic Party. In his speech which lasted for approximately 30 minutes, we saw a different President, totally different from the gentleman and easy going Jonathan that we know who spoke in an unusual way full of actions, attitudes and force.

My New Year Wish For Mr. President By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Fellow compatriots, welcome to 2015. Allow me to say, this year promises to be great. It`s a year full of hopes and fulfillment of aspirations. A year we`ve all waited for to drive changes in our political platforms and setups, to correct our wrongs and redefine our choices.

Also, it is a season of good wishes to all. Season of affections and peacemaking, above all it`s a season of giving. Giving to those we love, and also to those we do not necessarily love.

Hence, it is in line with the reason for the season, that I hereby send my humble greetings to all and sundry, most especially to our dear President; Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan. Happy new year to all!

On the first day of the new year, while I was calling and sending my new year wishes to my family and friends, it came to a point that the thought of Mr. President struck my heart and I really wished I could reach him on his mobile, and personally send him my new year greeting and wishes for him. While I was thinking about that, I remembered that alternatively I could also dedicate my first piece of the year to congratulate him and pass my wishes across to him.