Before Metuh Becomes Methuselah... By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Ridding a corrupt country like Nigeria of corruption will take a little while, but it has to start from somewhere and by someone.

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. It undermines democratic institutions, slows down economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundations of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes and conducts, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is for soliciting bribes.

Economic progress is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the "start-up costs" required because of corruption.  Corruption threatens our national security and gives rise to a safe haven for terrorist. This is the scenario we find ourselves as a nation.

Frankly Speaking, Electoral Violence In Nigeria Is Becoming Unbearable! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

First of all, congratulations to Governor Seriake Dickson for his hard earn victory to secure his second term in office in the just concluded Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.

But like many other Nigerian elections, it was not without violence and loss of lives. No fewer than 5 people lost their lives in the just concluded Bayelsa election. A process naturally that has nothing to do with arms and terror turned out bloody.

Nigeria, 17 years into democracy still struggle to hold a peaceful, free and fair election. Worse as it was, even in a state like Bayelsa- one of the smallest states in Nigeria both in land mass and population, the just concluded gubernatorial election was marred with violence and loss of lives.

By now, Nigeria should have come of age democratically. Elections are not war and should never be seen as a do or die affair.

It seems to me, that since the day of Nigerian independence, political positions suffer violence and the violent takes it by force. But this shouldn’t be so!

Beginning from the 1964–65 general elections, violence has been a major feature of electoral politics in the country.

#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.