Onoviran's IF I WERE...Series

If I Were State Governors...in 2012

2012-01-11T00:26:00.000-08:00

Listening to the various budgets proposals of state governments for 2012, it comforts to see some clear movement towards capital projects. The devil of course is in both the details and implementation. Over the next 12 months, there is time enough.

The mood of the nation today asks for good governance and sustainable development. The surest way to attain both is for governors and local council chairmen to deliver the dividends of democracy in utmost transparency and full accountability. Not a tall order at all. The starting point of course is to be the people's hand - take away their pains, this excruciating penury, this burgeoning spectre of pauperization of the masses. And to do so with the people's money, the people's resources. Chikena.

If I were Nigerian State Governors, I will pitch with the people. I will pick attainable goals and target areas of most-needs. Why will it not be in my interest to create the infrastructure for life and livelihood? Why will it not be fun to build houses - mass housing - with burnt brisks and other local building materials? Why will foods and drinks not be available and affordable when we can farm all-year-round, and we have hordes of capable but idle hands? Why won't I go for solar energy: to power street lights, boreholes, primary health centres and schools, to liberalize and decentralize domestic consumption, and make things happen in 2012?

If I were Nigerian Governors, I will build one world class health-care complex per senatorial zone in my state - complete with diagnostic, surgical and recovery facilities; complete with human and material resources, including foreign experts where needed.

If I were a State Governor in 2012, I will cut down on the bloated bureaucracy and right-size political and technocratic appointees as well as the wasteful official delegations and government convoys.

From now on, I will look at my worthy peers (ahem... *Babatunde Fashola, Peter Obi, Jonah Jang, Godswill Akpabio, Sule Lamido, Rotimi Amaechi*, I'm eyeing you) and aim to match or surpass them --- pro-rata, of course.

Four years, dear Governor, be not forever!

If I Were President Jonathan...on Fuel Subsidy

2011-11-20T06:02:00.000-08:00

Knowing how tough it can be to lead Nigeria, we should bear with the president as he wades through the murky waters of our "government vs citizens" imbroglio over fuel subsidy. I pity this president.

There was a basic mismanagement in the whole saga: government was not ready! No compelling data. No convincing argument. Bad ambassadors. Bad timing. And some hubris. So far, therefore, the administration has been unable to win parliamentary support. Nor public sympathy.

Then the big spoiler: fuel subsidy benefits a cabal, it says. Really? But the constitution says NO to that. And the government MUST obey the constitution. And defend the constitution. Non?

Then the recycled joke: government agents are polluting the airwaves with poor adverts. Very poor adverts on how all our problems will be solved with the N1.5trillion cash savings from subsidy removal. Really? Where are our 2010 and 2011 budget performance videos - despite all the trillions? Mirage. Stories. Queries.

Now, the polity is polarized. But we must move on. And we must help our president.

If I were Goodluck Jonathan, I'll suspend the matter forthwith and return to reality. Do the maths. Crush the cabal. Deliver on the 2012 and 2013 budgets. Create viable and sustainable alternatives (especially transport and energy sectors). Win back the enthusiasm that heralded the Jonathan-Sambo presidency. Regain the people's confidence. Betray not the trust.

And revisit the issue come 2014.

If I Were African Leaders...on DEMOCRACY

2011-10-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

The wind of democracy is beating all barriers and breaking strangleholds across the Arab and African worlds even as it will soon take its toll on other nations. No question. So, leaders beware!

But we focus on Africa. The AU being virtually absent in all the seismic happenings must now fully reengage if it should become relevant in the new dispensation. The past is the past only when we learn from it. Have we? Not many will say yes to that.

If I were African leaders, therefore, this is the time to face facts and embrace the truth: sit-tight syndrome is bad for all nations. All. Democracy is not a family affair, passed from father to child, to the brutal or benevolent exclusion of other contenders and the electorate. We must follow the lead of ECOWAS in confronting despots and defending democracy. Nothing less. (Thank you, patriots).

If I were African leaders, now is the time to give real bite to the peer review mechanism by asking all leaders to pledge to their nations a total commitment to democracy - in a live broadcast. They should keep fidelity with the law and obey, not manipulate, their nation's constitution.

African leaders must speak out, and promptly act - as one and all - against any violator.

2012 should keep the ugly past away!

If I Were Nigeria's Political Leaders...on Cabinet Size

2011-07-16T12:37:00.000-07:00

Even the most optimistic political jobber knows that there can't be government jobs for everyone! And will not begrudge the appointed. We preach it to our youths, don't we? We say, "Get Entrepreneurial - it is the future!" Pray, we are right.

Now everyone knows how expensive running governments (at all levels) has been in this land - simply insane, period. And we all talk about it, moan about it, decry it, want it stopped. Well, until we get into power!

Our political leaders must cut down the size of government cabinets and infrastructure. There are too many appointees, too many institutions, too many drain-pipes, too many ghost workers! Again, simply insane.

To do so quickly and fully requires some constitutional changes - size of the federal cabinet, for example. And political will. Thankfully, the nation is ready and calling for BOTH. Let's get on with it, and cut the crap!

If I were Nigeria's political leaders - president, governors, LG chairmen, legislators, party chairmen, ministers and commissioners - I will ACT today, as we did with the ELECTORAL ACT!

Our Goal? 60 % Rightsizing of Government and its obscene costs, FREEING resources for REAL Development for Country & Citizens. Overdue.

Less than 1% consuming more than 80% of any nation's resources is simply insane. Let's cut the crap!

If I Were Wealthy Nigerians...on NUJ's HQ Fundraiser

2011-07-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

There is something about the rich or money-bag class in this country: Very few of its members back the right causes. Even fewer do so timeously! Most prefer fanfare and a media blitz when they do give, despite how good this country has been to them.

Key Note: Hey, no bi dem money? Haba, dem fit spend or hide am - wetin concern you? No matter. Just that charity is core to humanity, and native to Africa. It is a central bead in our Extended Family beauty - the cherished code of all faiths. Kwo?

Considering what the media means to this land - from independence through military misadventures to civilian shenanigans to anti-corruption crusade to keeping Nigeria one - it is meet that we all support the Nigerian Union of Journalists comprehensively. It recently launched a One Billion Naira appeal fund to build its headquarters and international training institute in Abuja. It barely raised 100m Naira! Pity. Shame.

Were it a political party (you know which!), our money-bags will be falling over themselves to out-bid and out-donate each other, and hugging the media blitz/limelight to boot! No matter. Just that the media outlives all. Note.

If I were the rich in Nigeria, I will write the NUJ a fat cheque tonight - yes, tonight.

If I Were NYSC Authorities...on Violence and Insecurity of Corpers

2011-06-10T15:58:00.000-07:00

The National Youth Service Scheme will be reviewed, revamped and restructured. No question. We should all join and/or follow the process.

Meanwhile, any state that cannot or will not guarantee our children's safety during their service year must be excused or exempted - for now. QED.

If I were the NYSC authorities, this subject will be non-negotiable - not after what parents, guardians and the nation have experienced and endured in the last 12 months.

To Whom It May Concern: Make no mistake about it, the NYSC stays! QED.

Religious Leaders and 2011 Elections

2011-04-15T02:05:00.000-07:00

Blessed be the truth-sayers for they shall be in Nigerian Pantheon. Be they clergy or laity, especially CLERGY.

We have seen unbelievable scenes of religious perfidy and spiritual iniquities in this land, including lies, frauds, distemper, heresies and hegemony. We have endured murderous teachings and outright murders, incitements and indictments, provocations and invocations, to our utter dismay and disgust. We don see plenty for this kontry!

But see the beauty-in-the-beast: The truth-sayers never gave up! There they were in the minority, but they mattered to justice and God' Deal for the land. So, they stood for the masses, with the masses, by the masses. We thank them. Those who thought truth will never rise are now witnessing the big surprise. They must now arise and bear witness, become witnesses of the TRUTH: God do descend for Nigeria and Nigerians o - no magomago, no wuruwuru again! The truth-sayers are being justified, soon to be edified and publicly robed in "pantheonic glory"! Yes.

If I were Nigeria's religious leaders therefore, I will root for free and fair ballots and give my congregation the education, castigation and motivation they need to choose right. They must troop out and exercise their civic and democratic right to vote. They must take this duty seriously and perform it dutifully.

If I were these revered clerics, I will preach and protest against CORRUPTION - the core problem of the land. I will join in the crusade positively, privately and publicly. I will stand up to be counted, to be known and noted on the side of The PEOPLE!

If that be so, I will urge the clergy concaves to do same...PUBLICLY. What better time than 2011? And these ELECTIONS?

If I Were Nigeria's OPPOSITION Parties...On 2011 ELECTIONS

2011-04-14T01:34:00.000-07:00

It is good news for their individual forays. Kudos!

It is bad news for their group gang up inability! Knocks.

If I were the opposition parties in Nigeria, I would wait for 2015 General Elections. By then all the egos would have expired, all the expired politicians would have retired, all the toxin would have fizzled out, all who lost out would have sobered up, and ...

Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan would NOT be running!

The story is as gory as it is as glory. You can choose, can't you?!

Traditional Rulers on 2011 Elections

2011-03-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Who hasn't seen the beauty of our natural institutions - chiefs, obas, emirs, obis, baales, district heads, et al? Who could dare them in the past? Who wouldn't attempt to dare or ignore them now?

We've had the good, the bad and the ugly. Fair. But we must not diminish or desecrate our traditional rulers and our heritage. Neither education nor religion, travels nor civilization, expects us to. So, when we see our fellow compatriots do things other people/nations won't do to our royal fathers we shudder. Now we must act.

As we prepare to act, let our fathers act. Let it not be said of them that the nation burnt and dissolved under their care and guidance. Let our traditional rulers be, well, traditional rulers - fathers of all. To do so successfully, they must be apolitical. Once they get affiliated to any political party, they compromise their natural neutrality, and become overly partisan. In which case, they become fair game for disrespect, inducements, and political attack!

If I were our Traditional Rulers, I will stop sharing chieftaincy titles and turbanning ceremonials like cookies. Let the honour be earned, hard-earned. I will be in the vanguard of moral rearmament, sustainable development and good governance. How? By backing the electorate, damning the selectorate, by promoting and dutifully defending popular democracy.

When? This April. This 2011 General Elections.

Why? Because without true democracy, no-one can defend and revere tradition, its institutions or leaders - especially our royal fathers. As our elders say, the peace of the tree is the peace of the bird! We saw it all during our tortuous military misgovernance. Never again!

The Media on Nigeria's 2011 Elections

2011-03-03T03:33:00.000-08:00

I have a secret wish: I hope all the friends of Nigeria will help her confront all the enemies of her democracy! And do it fast and furious, faithfully and fearlessly, with pride and honour, as once and future. Oh, I pray for the total routing of those brigands, those unbelievers, those barriers, those barracudas, who have sworn to keep her down for aye! Una don fail this time.

If I were the Nigerian Media, I will be doing what our forebears did in the beginning: they fought the colonialists to a stand-still, and won! The media should be fighting the enemies of state, the enemies of our democracy, the enemies of The Press, the looters and launderers of the nation's treasury. Deny them space and spin. Elevate the just. Celebrate true patriots. Fight, folks, fight the good fight!

Why? Why not - isn't that our constitutional role, out patriotic duty? See how horrendous it costs to consume media products in Nigeria, including ICT which is its modern backbone! Deliberate strangulation to keep the press impotent, and the people ignorant, isn't it? But dem go fail this time.

If I were the Nigerian Media, I no go gree o! We will join the battle to free the land, again. This time, for good.

Our tool? 2011 General Elections.

Expose 'em! Period.

If I Were African Leaders....On LIBYA

2011-02-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

As always, only the international community has stepped up to the plate on the Libyan crisis. Where is Africa?
We are not likely to hear much from this continent because our leaders love to treat their matters as a "family affair"!

Look around the region and see for yourself. Now is the time to stand up and be counted. Africa must move to give all sides the space for a peaceful and violence-free outcome. And the Libyan authorities have the primary responsibility to protect and listen to their own citizens. A civil war must be out of the question.

If I were African leaders, I will send a high-powered delegation to Tripoli TODAY! Its task is to STOP the blood-letting, and broker dialogue. It will bring back critical inputs (including facts and figures) for an urgent AU Resolution/Intervention in partnership with the UN and International Community.

Africa must rise and take a stand in this stand-off on its own soil. We must do so TODAY!

If I Were PDP on the Chairmanship Question

2011-01-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

This is a friendly advice to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The issue of chairman from Chief Ogbulafor to Dr Nwodo has been one big dent to the party’s image. Both suffered from the manner of their ascendancy - appointment rather than proper election.

The post is so crucial that party members must be allowed to VOTE in a special convention for all willing well-canvassed and well-scrutinized candidates. Let the best and most acceptable to the rank and file win.

If I were the PDP, I will give all interested aspirants ONE month to campaign and bring back the same delegates of the presidential primary election to come vote for a new chairman.

This should be over and done with by February ending. He/she will be sworn in at the venue, and preside over a NEC meeting the next day - to take full charge.

As the ruling party, for now, I will do no less.

If I Were ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBAKAR on the PDP PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

2011-01-20T15:05:00.000-08:00

We may not really know what he knows, but the astute politician has lost the ruling party’s presidential ticket for the 2011 General Elections. It was largely expected following the acrimonious manner the zoning issue was made the be all and end all of his campaign, and the unlikely harmony his camp sought from losers in the Northern Consensus Candidate brouhaha.

As an experienced gladiator and statesman, it is surprising that he is yet to congratulate President Jonathan on the landslide victory in the primary. General Babangida beat him to it!

If I were Alhaji Atiku, I will do so immediately; and genuinely mean it.

If I Were Performing GOVERNORS on WORKERS' Welfare

2011-01-12T12:57:00.000-08:00

Nigerians don’t care about non-performing governors: they are on their way out!

If I were a Performing Governor, I will not throw myself out by unjustly victimizing my state’s workers, combatively confronting them, unduly delaying action or arrogantly dismissive of their genuine agitations for better welfare - especially in an election year. I will fully negotiate, period.

This note of caution has become imperative because we do not want to lose good governors. But, hey, it’s up to them! Yet we will advise.

States are in dire need of resources. No question. But most of them are not working to earn more - they simply keep quoting federation account allocations as if that precludes internally generated revenue (IGR). If a governor sits in office for four years and does not know what to do with his state’s natural and comparative endowments, he has no business in government, period! Same for the local government chairmen. Very sad.

Generally, instead in investing in infrastructure, people and power they overload the payroll with political IOUs, hordes of parasitic aides, ghost workers, etc. They set projects aside and concentrate on overheads
costs which drain the treasury. And they travel forever! Ask EFCC, ask the workers, ask their citizens.

Then the cheekiest part: The politicians earn the FULL remuneration set by Abuja, and turn round to deny workers their own pay “because has no right to impose figures on us”! All governors and commissioners, SAs and PAs, perm-secs and DGs, LG chairmen and councillors earn the same no matter how poor their state! After service, they claim and collect their full payoffs, even as they flaunt and quote Abuja Circulars. But when it comes to workers, no dice! Apartheid.

If I were Performing Governors, I will fully negotiate. When I return, if I return, we will TOTALLY restructure government and governance. I will not DARE or DAMN Nigerian WORKERS in an election year. Not within weeks of The VOTE!

If I Were Barack Obama on AFRICA

2010-12-23T00:48:00.000-08:00

Unanimity. Unbreakable unity. Victory for the voters. Defence of democracy. These have played out and are playing well in Cote d'Ivoire. We thank the UN. We applaud World Leaders.

Now, let's do same for anti-corruption and sustainable development in AFRICA. And the Third World. The EU is ready. Asian powers are ready. Is NAFTA ready?

If I were President Obama, this is the next big task to perform - a nut to crack right away! I will join others to tackle the menace once and for all. It is cheaper for the world, better for humanity.

If I were Barack Obama, I will act for depressed Africans TODAY!

Summer Party for Mandela and Tutu

2010-11-26T12:59:00.000-08:00

For the outstanding African Icons and South African Legends they have been, we need to celebrate President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu the African way!

With SA's spectacular display at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it will be a breeze to host the world again - this time for true African Elders.

If I were President Jacob Zuma, I will fix this Gratitude/Thank You Party for the summer of 2011. I will get the African Union to hold a special summit during the One Month Extravaganza, and call for Solidarity Party Zones in all countries for fans and followers to enjoy - using giant T.V screens for live-casts/feeds.

Funding will be open to the world for they be true global gems. The mementos will be out-of-this-world!

I can just see this record-setting event in my mind's video: wow! And the world waits.

If I Were Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

2010-11-26T03:22:00.000-08:00

There is commendation that Nigerian Christians are united under the banner of Christ and CAN. United but understandably not unified. That will await the decades-long unification project still dogged by human and doctrinal differences at the global level! I predict it will come.

But one thing is clear: Every born-again Christian knows that our faith is about salvation through Jesus Christ, and being children of God by this grace qualifies us for eternal life. Peace, health, prosperity and longevity are assets/ingredients of our life on earth, as miracles and missions are elements of our ministry or service. Our Christian purpose is to fulfill God's purpose in the earth.
To be successful in this task means that we must live and lead by example - at both individual and institutional levels.

Families are crumbling and children are suffocating in Nigeria! Many homes are broke and so broken that they can't truly serve as building blocks of society! We are no longer breeding real beads and patriots because we are disabling family & home -against God's original and unshaken purpose/order! Yet, this land has enough for all our needs. Dear CAN, Nigeria is now overdue for a FAMILY-rebirth. Lead the Church there. Now!

Too many Christians in position of authority are living below - far, far below - Christ's standards. It shows in failed governance, failed contracts/projects, gargantuan corruption and frightening levels of crime and criminality across the land. By returning to the "golden bar" of our faith, they can set the tone and tenor of national rebirth. If Christians in cabinet and boardrooms as well as those they lead can be exemplary, Nigeria will be well on her way to true greatness in less than a decade. And we should all be blessed, and proud of this nation. We can't wait, it must start today!

If I were CAN therefore, its new leadership has its job cut out for it. Fortunately and shall we say fortuitously, the 2011 Elections are virtually coinciding with its advent: new leaders for CAN and Country! CAN must lead the campaign for good and God-fearing leaders in the new era. This must be at both elective and appointive positions. CAN must join the campaign against all forms of corruption in Nigeria. CAN must lead the crusade to reform and transform Christian citizens of this great and blessed country. CAN must fight for families, widows, the weak, children, the aged and against poverty in the blessed land.

Finally, preachers and teachers in its fold must lead by example. The craze for material wealth and media hype in the Body of Christ has crept to worrisome heights - almost an epidemic! CAN must stamp out this demon. The gospel of prosperity must give way to the Gospel of Salvation.

Nigeria needs peace, will CAN and Nigerian Christians lead the peace? P-L-E-A-S-E.

Dokpesi vs Jonathan

2010-10-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Nigerians are being treated to a weird drama: A prominent media mogul seems determined to face down the president of the federation! They are both important sons of the Niger Delta region, and are both interested in the 2011 presidential election - one as aspirant, the other as campaign manager for another aspirant; all three members of the ruling party!! Throw the Oct 1 bomb blasts in the mix, including the security-quizzing of Dr Raymond Dokpesi, and we have an intriguing saga in the making!!!

Now, allegations and counter-allegations are flying and clashing around, making things messier and somewhat murkier. The final truth is weeks or months away. Is it years? We wait.

President Goodluck Jonathan must do his job as president and avoid negative politics, Dr Dokpesi must keep his focus on his job as campaign manager of ex-military president Ibrahim Babangida. Let the security agencies do their job on the bomb blasts, and AIT management do their job on the FIFA Under-17 bills charged to the FGN.

If I were these gentlemen, I'll put NIGERIA first in all thoughts, posturing, actions and prayers. Both of them can do with some intervention from GENUINE Nigerian Elders. Now.

If I Were American Voters

2010-10-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

There is something great about believing and doing CHANGE. America has both the capacity and the capability. They must exercise these uncommon qualities NOW, and beyond.

The first test is the November mid-term elections: voters should change the wrong people - as persons, individuals - not scapegoating political parties. There are good and bad legislators in all parties, fair and foul governors in all regions. We read the opinion polls but this is my humble view.

The second test is OBAMA: voters must help him lead America confidently by protecting their mandate - his presidency. This, both within his own party and amongst the opposition. Change is not easy - Americans must endure and persevere.

The final test is REALITY: voters should realize and recognize that our world is changing, and the old order is waning. No nation can go it alone - as the world economic crises have shown. With two wars and low image ratings home and abroad, voters must put America back where she belongs: strong, fair and favoured - promoting justice, prosperity and a true Global Village.

Get the right "politicians" into office and the right policies will verily follow. Technocrats and bureaucrats do what they be asked.

If I were American Voters, meaning ALL AMERICANS, the window opens this NOVEMBER!
As an admirer of this great nation, and a fellow Global Villager, I say "May God Bless America and lead her aright". Amen.

Apologies Again? YES!

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Nigeria and Nigerians knows that we are very passionate about our dear nation, and go the extra mile to mull over her. We will not be put down or held down. Ask the colonialists, ask the military, ask the Third Termists! Read up on the Nigeria vs Niger Delta conundrum. Ask the so-called "cabal" that held our late President Yar'Adua and his regime by the jugular! Just to add a more current scent, ask our soccer (mis)representatives - the Super Eagles (?) – to the just-concluded FIFA World Cup in South Africa: For earning us such a poor grade, and not rising to the challenge of making Africa proud in the first-ever mundial on African soil, they are being roasted! This, despite our criminal and incriminating absence of focus, bad and improper coordination, the palpable fraud in sports administration - not unlike everywhere else - late and inadequate preparation, and an ageing squad!!

Followers of this site may recall my passion and commitment when all was well. So, for me to be off - sort of AWOL - all these months is the most painful and depressing blow my country has dealt me thus far. Recall, dear friends, that we've had hitches and glitches before: Internet Access wahala. And the usual apologies followed. However, this time, it became very clear that there was a plot to "under-DIGITALize" the nation! The official national carrier, NITEL, had been "cornered" along with SAT-3, the submarine cable. As my preferred ISP and Nigeria's Internet backbone, we have been virtually crippled in the last 20+ months! I got very angry and decided to await the Glo-1 and Main One submarine cables being deployed by some great patriots Mike Adenuga (I told you before) and Fola Adeola (founder of GTB Bank) + Ms Opeke (a Telecoms Amazon). I will revisit this subject sometime soon.

If it cost these firms less than US$1.5bn to land their cables in West Africa, we could have wired up the Whole of Africa with US$5bn a few years back. Yet, Nigeria paid over US$15bn to exit her so-called "external debt", to the London and Paris Clubs of Creditors!! Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria & South Africa should have paid US$5bn to put their continent on a 21st Century Internet pedestal, under the proud auspices of the African Union. It would have been easier, cheaper and faster. Thank God for our conscientious compatriots and their likes around Africa, and within the African Diaspora.

Returning to my blogs, and remaining online, was my only condition for re-subscribing to any ISP. I have used most of what was on offer, and, along with other nationals, the story has been sad. So sad. Since you are reading this, it means I'm fairly confident I now have a good deal. Well, I hope!

My apologies to you all. If you had any lashes for my back for going AWOL, spare them: I've groaned under the harshest possible punishment: not being able to "speak" with you, "share" with you, in this privileged and enthralling zone of our Online Commons!!

If I Were Israeli and Palestinian Leaders

2010-10-03T03:23:00.000-07:00

Hardly anyone can feel the absence of peace, and thus the urgent need for it, than the peoples - the natives, citizens and residents - of Israel and Palestine. We their friends and well-wishers can both empathize and sympathize but we can only help them to make peace. We cannot make the tough decisions for them!

The world is changing and the leaders of both peoples must rise to the challenge this intractable project poses. Where will we be in 20 years if we do not make peace today? What will our dear children and their children say of us if we hand them this ticking time-bomb? Pray, who be the ultimate loser of this endless strife? Where else will Israel and Palestine be if not TOGETHER, as two peaceful and cooperating neighbours living side by side, meant to live together in PEACE?

The cost of leadership is pain, excruciating pain. Both Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyahu and President Mahmoud Abbass painfully and personally know this - and thank God they do! We must then assure them that we also know THEY can make the toughest decisions because we know their "strength". We are grateful that the two cabinets have enough links and reach to back them. The peoples are yearning. The world is pledging. What an opening!

If I were these men, I will seize the moment. With the current realities of our globalizing world, they will find unfathomable goodwill in every country for the task. Would there be opposition? Of course. But we must listen to all sides and FIRMLY side with peace. Then, we must proceed to lovingly bring dissenters on board.

Dear Leaders, time is short! May God guide and guard you, help and honour you.

We wait.

Jubilee Knocks!

2010-09-29T23:52:00.000-07:00

Thank God from both big and small mercies! I am writing with great gratitude myself, as with my
dear country Nigeria, for resuming my blogs on the eve of our Fiftieth Independence Anniversary.
Details will follow on why and how I've been off. But I apologize sincerely.

As I write, there is optimism in the air and in my own heart. If we cannot speak for the past, we can certainly play a worthy part in the plans for the future. These are indeed challenging times, exciting times, momentous moments.

Your humble blogger shall do his bit. May God's Plan be fulfilled for country and citizen in Jesus' Name. Amen.

If I Were President Yar'Adua....on Anti-Corruption

2007-12-17T11:46:00.000-08:00

The greed in government is fast becoming a creed! There seems to be no appetite for public accountability or the guilt-function in the consciousness of our public officials. Budgets at all levels are loaded with outragious "recurrent" expenditure to the detriment of "capital" spending which is how development comes!!

It is why we owe workers, penalise pensioners, and pauperise da people...without a shred of shame!!!

If I were President Umaru Yar'Adua, the first place to start is to RECOVER all stolen monies at ALL levels of governance. To do so successfully, a vigorous tasking is due, backed by a robust "whistle-blowers" regime that promotes, procures, profits and protects both "informants and "witnesses".

If I were the president, I will invite, induce and sustain religious and traditional institutions to return to "truth" and "culture" by backing a 5-YEAR Cleansing Crusade.

I will put up a bill to "incentivise" and "subsidise" the media, as we do to the other arms ot the realm, to enable them discharge their constitutional duty as WATCHDOG. Of course, this means that the Freedom of Information Law is a sine qua non!

Finally, I will institute a Nigerian version of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership in governance.

Due process, rule of law, foreign collaboration and exemplary punishment will be rigorous. Any country that aids or abets da looters must pay a stiff globally proclaimed price for such hostile act/sabotage. Our friends and partners must accept that ANTI-CORRUPTION is core, front and centre to our NATIONAL SECURITY.

If I Were Brown (UK), Merkel (Germany) and Sarkozy (France)

2007-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Here is my sense: Africa likes Gordon Brown. Africa is getting to like Angela Merkel. Africa wishes to like Nicholas Sarkozy. Yes. Hey, what about George W Bush? Well, after appointing two successive "Black" secretaries of state with apparently little interest in, and virtually no impact on, their mother-continent, let's pass that question. With Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and the US subprime crises, his plate be full.

Okay, you know I have a soft spot for these three leaders. Which is why I really want them to succeed. If they must fly in Africa, then this be the time to step ahead of the G8 and EU herd, and charge creatively, courageously and substantially forward...in their engagement with the region. Waiting on others, or sinking with their drag is a collective disaster very clear and present!

But the rationale for this distinctive and proactive intervention dates way way back, and is at once moralistic and pragmatic. If I were these conscientious leaders, I will deeply contemplate the following points/posers and act innovatively...and promptly:

Africa was partitioned and colonised at the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884. Beneficiaries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Protugal, Spain and the United Kingdom. See wikipedia on "The Scramble for Africa". Well known story. So Germany, as host, has both an "anchor" stake and genuine "motivator/mobiliser" role in the revival and regeneration of Africa, and its peoples. Dear Chancellor, get on with it!

There is a modern fine reason the country should lead the rebirth, rebuild, of Africa: History and Experience. Getting back from the World Wars, and unification after the Cold War, makes her the mirror of change. Enduring change. Taking these capacities and capabilities to Africa will work magic. Germany knows what it is to be partitioned, down and suppressed! She can very deeply empathise with our continent. So, dear Chancellor, get on with it!!

The UK (Anglophone) and France (Francophone) had and still have the dispropotionate share, colonial legacies, links and influence in Africa. In their own self-enlightened and national security interest, I strongly recommend that they act unilaterally and multi-bilaterally to help redeem the abject poverty and hopelessness in the region. If they are sincere and strategic, their sphere of influence can and should be tackled without recourse to other players, notably the US. See what China and India are doing - warts and all.

If I were Prime Minister Gordon Brown, I will take the Gleneagles & UK Commission portfolios and actualise them for "Anglophonie". If I were President Nicholas Sarkozy, I will do the same for "Francophonie".

Once on track, I will work as a TRIOKA of Brown, Merkel, Sarkozy, to drive the EU and G8 in the same direction - especially Canada, Russia, Japan. Gordon Brown can also attract Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, South Korea and Singapore to the new deal.

The key is simple: Massive investment in Agriculture, Solid Minerals, Infrastructure, Telecoms and MSMEs. Special funds for MICROFINANCE to support women and youths in creating jobs through self-employment. Massive investment in Energy (hydro, solar, wind, bio). All these through public-private partnerships backed by export guarantees, plus brain drain mitigation grants and technical assistance. Finally, a Bilateral Free Trade Zone that favours Africa's farm produce and manufactures. A 10-Year Action Portfolio.

Cost? With 20 Billion Euros per year for 10 years, by each government, as catalytic funding, I believe that this will unleash the power, passion and resources of the private sector, donors and development agencies for an unprecedented turnaround in Africa! No question.

If I were these three leaders, I will sign on TODAY!

If I Were AFRICAN Leaders...on Mo Ibrahim Prize

2007-10-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

PS: Enjoy this....

Execu-Thieves
There is no power
than pen-in-awe
and penury-in-urge
Some must pen the world
some must part with pain
quashing da morrow's gain

As the great designs unfold
they write their name
in gold...
Either as leaders or looters
whether believers or atheists
They have their goons
smashing our moons
even as they soon disgorge

New-comers come for shine
Old-hands lose the fame:
Returning large swathes
and retiring to...
da Hall of Shame

copyright Victor Onoviran 2006

Our own Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Laureate and retired UN Sec-Gen, this week announced the much-heralded and eagerly-awaited first winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. Prize money: $5m over ten years; $200,000 per annum for life; plus an additional $200,000 for good causes they espouse. This makes it the world's biggest individual prize. Thoughtful. As the Sage said ages ago, something new is always coming out of Africa! This is a grand offering by a good patriot to a grand continent. It was, thus, all ears and eyes come da grand day of its award.

And the winner....
Former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique! Bravo.

In celebrating Chissano, we remember Mandela. Da common threat is humility, heritage and selfless service. Simply putting people first!

We are proud of this Son of Africa, and can only commend his outstanding personal qualities and official performance to his other brethren right here, and around the developing world.

Da poem, pray leader, may be ya pocket clip!

If I Were Iranian Leaders (2)

2007-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

The time has come for the people of the great nation of Iran to show the quality of their long and cultured ancestry - as skilled diplomats and tribes. Nothing is more helpful in the long-running nuclear power matter than the goodwill of its friends led by Russia and China.

The visit of President Putin this week, for the Caspian Sea Summit, cements the fact.

The resignation of the chief nuclear resignation should be no excuse or set-back at all. Iran is entitled to choose its officials.

If I were the country's leaders, I will honestly take up Russia's proposals and show absolute good faith in resolving this matter soonest. There is nothing to be gained in either intransigence or ego tripping. Iranian interests must be paramount, and an early resolution, not international isolation, be da KEY.

More than anything else, Iran must not deceive or disappoint its friends and supporters. The world expects its word to be its bond!

Iran wants nuclear power for peaceful purposes? Yes. Then get it by peaceful politics. Period.

The time is NOW.

If I Were Chinese Leaders...on Myanmar

2007-10-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

This is the moment of international footwork on Myanmar. China should not only act it's special role, but must be seen to do so responsibly and respectfully. It has the track record, now, of the "moderating force" - thanks to its role in the North Korean nuclear talks.

If I were the Leaders of China, I will immediately and publicly announce a "Special Envoy to the Myanmar Process", who will work with the both the UN and ASEAN to restore peace and democracy to the reclusive and boiling nation. Things are getting pretty dangerous and tedious.

There is everything to play for in this venture. Including time.

President Hu Jintao should ACT now.

If I Were BOTH Koreas

2007-10-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Even the most of skeptics could not have anticipated the inspiring outcomes of the 2nd Summit of the Koreas. The Summit Declaration, among other specific elements, committed to eventual full unification of the Korean Peninsula - ROK & DPRK.

We shall see the signs early. Prime Ministers will soon meet, defence chiefs will follow. Even the cheerleaders team to the Beijing Olympics will go by train through the North. Most important, however, is President Kim Jong II's personal confirmation to denuclearise the peninsula. It is in this realm that their ambition to work through a four-party talks to formally end the Cold War - with a permanent peace treaty - lifts the soul. Four-party? Yes: ROK, DPRK, US, PRC.

I saw these prospects in my incurable optimism for world peace when President Roh Moo-hyun pointedly asked President George Bush, at the last ASEAN Summit in Australia, to name a date for withdrawing American troops from South Korea. Mr Bush was jolted, but recovered fast to insist on considering such possibility ONLY after the North ends its nuclear programme. Peace, final peace, was in sight!

If I were the TWO Koreas, I will make things move quick, very quick. The North must end its nuclear programme, under the six-party talks, quick. The South will flood the North with new investments, under a special industrialisation programme. China and Japan will invest in both infrastructure and agriculture to upgrade both physical and human capital. The West (EU and US) will support export development. Russia and Canada will guarantee future energy needs of the peninsula. The AU will back strategic raw materials in a Special Africa-Korea Partnership. The UN will move in to secure a rapid & sustainable MDGs programme.

Voila!

Once the land is fully demilitarised, the huge annual costs of keeping 28,000 US troops and its DPRK opposites will be funneled into regeneration and renewal of the Unified Korea.

And by the way, America needs her troops back for homeland security!

If I were BOTH Koreas - leaders and citizens, alike - I will push and push, work and work, like hell; then pray and pray, like heaven; for....full peace & complete unification.

Timeline? Yes:
Peace Treaty - 12 Months.
Complete Unification (learning from the German experience) - 60 Months.

From this day, Pyongyang and Seoul must stay on da same page.

If I Were Opposition Parties...on Local Elections

2007-09-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Let's face it: winning is sweet! In all cases. Okay, in most cases - for, sometimes, there is "hollow victory"! And, on somethings, pray, it's better to let go. Like all them family feuds and all them nasty work-place wars!

In this country, I counsel that you should work to win: fairly and honourably. Then, please work with the mandate, the mantle. That...is sweet victory! Yes, whether business or politics.

The masquerades behind the April Elections' saga have not been legally and finally unmasked. It may yet take a while. No matter. But their space is being squeezed, their pace being punctured, and their face being fattened for the ultimate slammer - da court of justice, and da people's boo!
All matter.

What then were the principal lessons of the rigger's heist from April? Very simple, folks, very very simple:

A) The power of incumbency was used, abused and misused. Opposition parties must weigh their chances. If da ruling party or dominant forces in the state are not serving the people well, the it should be easy to form a winning alliance...to take power.

B) If the ruling party be too strong to be successfully dislodged, wise opposition parties should explore its underbelly for deals: put up superstars with threatening local appeal, and negotiate some working collaboration or "unity government" agreement - without merger or acquisition!

In other words, let's maintain the beauty and benefits of democratic pluralism.

There is no better place and time to display your party's appeal and electoral prospects than at the grassroots polls. If your party be worth anything, show us in the local government elections. Here, costs are lower, seats are many and diverse, and voters are freer and more daring!

Finally, if you truly wish for your party to grow and spread over time, you must start grabbing, holding and growing council seats for grassroots representation. It is a winning formula for all.

So, if I were Nigeria's opposition parties, THIS will be my chance to put up quality candidates and put everything behind them...to win. This is also the chance to prove that opposition politics is not just about personal interests and primitive contestation. Let the best candidates win!

This is THE time...

If I Were Nigeria's Media...on FOI and other Matters

2007-09-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

The Nigerian Press cannot be the friends of Nigerian Politicians. Never...if the political class does not mend its ways!

It is therefore only in the constitution that the press can find and anchor its security, its sanity, its sustenance and ...its salvation. Not with the politician!

I have more robust and ambitious, if provocative, propositions for the future of this Fourth Estate of the Realm. It's for another day...soon. Right now, there is a short agenda the media must pursue - in all our interest, and in the light of the goings-on in the land.

If I were the Nigerian Press, the fearless Nigerian Media, I will send a high-level, high-powered, delegation to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, The Senate & House Leaderships, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria (as the Three Arms of Government) on the under-listed urgent matters:

a) The immediate passing of the Freedom of Information Bill into law
b) The immediate removal of ALL impediments to ICT propagation, Book Development and Printing/Publishing Sector survival, and transportation infrastructure - through fiscal and legislative interventions (starting with zero-taxation)
c) Immediate establishment of a first class "Cluster-Matrix National Library and Archives"
d) Establishment of National Ombudsman Service with States' Counterparts negotiated

These are concise self-evident lapses that need to be redressed/addressed asap.

As a servant-leader, I can see every reason why the president will join forces with the media to actualise this urgent agenda without any qualms or misgiving. With the judiciary, no problem. It is of the legislature that we must be wary and wily! Why? C'mon, I shall not be tempted!

So, if I were the Nigerian Media, I will drop darkly hints - sweet but unnerving - with all the humility in da world, as our delegation departs them legislative chambers!

Since we may not, do not, cannot, and must not trade our integrity, a word shall be enough for the wise. And, pray silence, aren't they WISE in them places!!!

If I Were President Robert Mugabe

2007-09-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

The situation in Zimbabwe has gone beyond a crisis. It is now a catastrophe! The news are so horrifying that we must all be truly shaken and sorry.

It cannot be right to keep blaming the West for the plight of the Mugabe regime, nor can anyone justify the scandalous pains of the citizens on outside forces. The pictures coming out of this sister nation should turn our stomachs in Africa - if we are truly our brothers' keeper!

If our leaders won't act, we, The PEOPLE, must rise in one voice and shout them into ACTION.
Enough should be enough!

Now, to Papa Mugabe. If I were him, there will be no more delays or dribbles. I will make peace possible by announcing my immediate RETIREMENT from politics...in the interest of justice, Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans. That is not weakness. It is statesmanship.

I do not need anyone to tell or cajole or coax or compel me to save my country!

Dear Papa, as a patriot, time is running out...

If I Were President Umaru Yar'Adua

2007-08-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, is in rough waters over its currency re-denomination plan -having been suspended (we hope, NOT cancelled!) by the presidency for failing to follow (and, thus, pending) due process. Quite intriguing, if not hair-raising, I tell ya!

Nothing in the elaborate and expansive announcement by the federal attorney general touched on the merits or demerits of the scheme. Indeed, a few days earlier, the federal cabinet had ordered a fine-tuning conclave of both the CBN and its own Economic Management Team, even as the minister of finance - chair of the team and erstwhile CBN deputy governor - reaffirmed that the policy was within the bank's remit. Some political food-for-thought, isn't it?!

We are told the president was not briefed, and thus did not give express approval, as required by law, on this plan. Okay. Now, what next? Back to the path-of-order, of course.

The CBN has wisely, if inevitably, bowed in obedience and obeisance. It should now follow due process. The governor promptly cut short his vacation to tackle the spiralling inferno! Wise.

If I were the president, I would fast-track the whole matter and get it resolved and on track before it harms the system, and us all.

My personal take is that the scheme is sound and should go ahead. Many of the comments and opposition grandstanding should be viewed within the overall strategic agenda of the CBN from the 2005 banking consolidation days. Change is painful no doubt, but this currency change is inevitable! Period.

If I were President Yar'Adua, therefore, I will ask for all the fine-tuning and final briefings to be concluded within 2 weeks. I will give my approval by mid-September at the latest.

It is in Nigeria's interest.

Nigerian Soccer: Notice To the World!

2007-08-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are huge surprises coming your way...from NIGERIA! This is a notice to the World of Soccer. Ignore it at your pain, your cost!

We have 36 states, an capital territory, and over 800 local government areas. Then the private sector and civil societies. Finally, the schools.

Both by design and default, the ongoing anti-corruption trials as well as the fall-outs from our last very flawed elections, there is a significant move to tackle youth matters head-on. This will definitely involve reviving and revamping sports - with football holding the ace!

If you know anything about Nigeria, you'll know that we are wonders' workers - miracle merchants, if you like. With the worthy examples of the Jay Jay Okochas, Nwankwo Kanus, Obafemi Martins', Yekini Aiyegbenis, Mikel Obis, to mention just a few, there are aspirants and emulators/immitators and many many clones in this land!!!

Now, the clincher: You've seen what Abia State and Orji Uzo Kanu have done in club football. You will soon behold what Lagos State - da centre of excellence - and Babatunde Raji Fashola will do.

If I were those international clubs which love to snap up foreign players, especially European Clubs, I will be launching new and bold "bilateral liaison" with Nigeria straight away! No delay.

If I were FIFA, this is the time to revisit Nigerian Football, and make to work with the leaders to clean things up. Sponsorship is good here - MTN and Globacom and others have been very supportive. We have the talents but lack the high quality/calibre management. There is need for all who wish to reap from Nigerian talents to come on board - get proactive. In 5 years from now, we will be the largest exporters of Soccer Stars on the planet! Yes. The stage is set.

Very again, we serve NOTICE to da WORLD!!!

Engage Moscow, Let Russia Be

2007-08-21T20:25:00.000-07:00

The renewal and regeneration of Russia, out of the rubbles of the defunct Soviet Union should be a thing of joy - not a source of global tension. Prosperity in Russia is good for the world. Just like China, Brazil, India and Nigeria. These are powerhouses in their regions!

Russia is a world power. Always been. There were hard times, as with all nations, and things are looking up now....thank goodness So, why should that be a problem for the West or anyone?

If I were Western Leaders, I will creatively engage Moscow and let Russia be.

Yes, there are issues. When won't there be? Pray, raise and resolve them please. Russia is in the G8, the UN Security Council, the International Space Station, in the WTO, in NATO-Russia Council, in the so-called Quartet (Israel/Palestine Issue), the Six-Party Talks (North Korean Nuclear Issue), etc. Many levels and channels!

Let not the US-Russia rivalry be blown beyond proportion, please.

They should set a Bush-Putin Friendship Summit to fix the rattle and puzzle. Fast.

And, hello Europe, please be neutral!

If I Were The French People

2007-08-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

You know, I kinda like French President Nicholas Sarkozy. He is like da typical boy next-door: no airs, brilliant, experienced and pragmatic. Then, most of all, absolutely passionate about the purpose and positivity of CHANGE!

Because I deeply believe that the Merkel-Sarkozy-Brown combination (The MSB Vaccine!) will be deadly and decisive on World Poverty, we thank the French Voters for employing Sarkozy.

If I were the French People, therefore, I will give him the space and pace as well as my solid vote for his new agenda: Building A New France! From the Libya vs Bulgarian Nurses outing, we can see the value and proactiveness of his world outlook/outreach. Good job.

The European Union should set MSB to work right away - of course, starting from my Dearest Africa. Where else!

If I Were US Leaders TODAY

2007-08-07T19:42:00.000-07:00

The United States deserves our prayers and best wishes in Iraq. It is however its responsibility to rigorously court global support in order to succeed in this war of choice. Strangely but not surprisingly US Leaders are at war, at loggerheads, in Washington! And not strictly along party partisan lines...it is multidimensional and multidirectional. Right now, the polls are truly ugly!

The White House must work with humility while Congress must act with moderation. The current tension on the Iraq Question is at once understandable and unacceptable. Let the voices and passion of reason prevail.

If I were American Leaders right now, I will return fully to the Baker/Hamilton Report and diligently work its profound recommendations.

Then give World Leaders a new chance to help both America and IRAQ.

It's still not late.

I Apologise

2007-08-07T19:30:00.000-07:00

Kindly forgive me for the "break in transmission" and "absence of posts" for many weeks. We were - many of us - victims of our ISP's crisis!

I promise to make up for the lacuna if you will please bear with me.

I'm back!

If I Were President (Papa) Jacques Chirac...(2)

2007-03-14T20:32:00.000-07:00

Now that the grand elder statesman has spoken, we must congratulate him and move on. Papa says he'll not stand for re-election in April, and that he'll continue to fight for social justice, truth, human rights and successful Europe. He will always promote the interests of France. Bravo!

As I have said before, one project of maximum impact for France, EU, AU, UN and the world is ORGANIC Foods, Drinks & Drugs (OFDD). And it is based essentially on nature-based and environmentally-friendly AGRICULTURE. As Papa knows, the world is right now living on junk! Simpliciter. Period. Yes.

No one needs a lecture on the benefits of healthy-living the nature-way. Or the native sense in planting, hunting and fishing the right & sustainable way. We all know the truth: let is set us free! Pleeeeze.

Which is why the Organic Crusade needs the stature & status of an eminent world leader and elder to lead from the front. Which was why I sad before that Papa Jacques Chirac is one of the most qualified persons today for the task. And that he should kindly retire to take charge.

Which is now why I insist that if I were this wise president, I will set up a simple foundation to pursue this waiting dream! I won't tarry a day.

In the interest of full disclosure, who doesn't know that Organic Farming & Fishing will best succeed in the unpolluted and vast terrains of AFRICA & SOUTH AMERICA? And that I am an African? Hey!

If President Chirac drags his feet on this, I am sure Chancellor Angela Merkel will use the power of her combined leadership status (EU & G8) plus her power of newness to "appoint" him right away!

When this works, we will all (especially EU and AU, including ACP-EU) be truly profited by the full rewards.

In 5 short years!

If I Were Iranian Leaders

2007-03-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

The signs are promising, aren't they? North Korea is talking to America! Hmm...

Thanks to the six-party talks and some commonsense, the US and DPRK are in bilateral talks. Tentative as these may be, they head in the direction of a peaceful resolution of the nuclear palaver. It could have been otherwise. Many thanks to all involved, especially Beijing.

We demand the same on the Iran matter. All the parties to the European-led negotiations must know by now that threats and counter-threats will drive wedges into the works, block lanes and channels, and delay any possible peace accord. The US and Iran will ultimately have to talk, willy nilly!

If I were the Leaders in Tehran, I will not take on the International Community as represented by the United Nations. True, there are issues of pride and equity at stake, but so was it with the DPRK. So, let's allow the friends of Iran enough room to help crack the knotty points and move us towards peace. In this regard, I will take note of President Chirac's counsel that there is still a window of diplomatic possibilities, and I will positively exploit the breather.

If I were Iranian Leaders, I will hold IAEA's ElBaradei (Nobel Peace Laureate) as a strategic and balanced umpire, and fully cooperate and collaborate with the nuclear watchdog. Since the country insists that its programme is for peaceful purposes only, then let's get there in peace and not in pieces - using peaceable words and peaceful means

The North Korean example is a worthy lesson to all.

Tehran should note, and act uniquely and wisely.

PTDF Forever!

2007-03-03T17:00:00.000-08:00

Petroleum Technology Development Fund. It is the current metaphor for sleaze in high places, presidential malfeasance and parliamentary tentativeness. The short summary is that the two topmost Nigerian officials (the president and his vice) have been trading accusations and counter accusations on corrupt utilisation and corruptive supervision of the trust fund. Somehow, the president investigated, indicted and convicted the vice president, using an administrative panel.

The VP has challenged these and other actions by his boss in court, winning all the way. These attacks, claims the VP, are meant to taint or stop him from contesting for president in the April elections. Of course the president insists he is only fighting corruption, vowing there shall be no sacred cow. It's been messy, murky, messianic, melodramatic and misty-eyed! Oh, the whole show has been base and badly managed!! Father of all PR disasters for combatants and country.

Okay. Now the Senate has stepped into the whole scandal and its ad hoc committee has just submitted its report for final consideration by the whole house. It basically found both men and the federal cabinet wanting, but was uneven in its suggestions about appropriate punishment. It wants the VP severely sanctioned, but the president and his cabinet merely chided or advised!

The media is agog with reactions from virtually all sections of the polity. The administration has promptly hailed and endorsed the favourable parts of the report, while expectedly disagreeing with the negative aspects. The VP said it is a hatchet job. Ha! Most commentators think there is much more work to be done for balance, equity and justice. And people trust the Senate to act. If I were the parliamentarians, I will not betray this trust.

Without putting too fine a point on it, the report is clearly deficient. There are too many gaps and some very telling illogic. But, hey folks, it is still a "work in progress", alas. Patience.

My take? Let the Senate act in honour of total justice and in defence of the constitution. Let it be transparent in its procedure, elevated in its discourse and sagacious in its dispensation. Let both men get their due. If I were Nigeria's Senate, I will stick to the rules and bond with posterity.

When it shall be over, however, Nigeria and Nigerians must be the ultimate winners. Then this: No matter how it goes or goes not, PTDF shall define their era - all EIGHT years of it!

Tony Blair: Retire Now to lead da DIGITAL Bridge!

2007-02-27T19:59:00.000-08:00

A clarion call of love and respect to my favourite prime minister. Yes. Amongst several things he can do for the world after office, I think the Digital Divide Question needs him most today. See how Al Gore reinvented the environmental crusade on global warming, waking us all up, and clutching an Oscar to boot! Congrats, Mr Gore!

Tony Blair can and should do same for the Information Society, to help the developing world, capture those left behind (outside the loop, as we say) in the developed countries, and support the emerging knowledge economy in tandem with sustainable democracy.

Nothing can better bring humankind together than ensuring equal access to information, just like the genome project, the imperatives for generic drugs, and the wonderful Google Initiative to scan and place zillions of ancient & modern books (in searchable form) on the Internet! More ideas will sure follow in the years ahead. The key: access, access, access.

I believe that our global village will be well served if we had the services of a passionate soul and defender of the poor like Mr Blair in this unsettled business. No question.

If I were Prime Minister Tony Blair, I will retire from 10 Downing right away to lead this huge crusade.

Pray act, brave soul, the moon hums anew!

President Obasanjo: Speak Up Now!

2007-02-26T12:56:00.000-08:00

There is too much talk about a hidden agenda on the April Elections. Hard to believe, but nothing is beyond our people!

If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo I will speak out TODAY: firmly, forthrightly and clearly on this matter - laying it to rest forever. I will honour my oath of office, and uphold the constitution.

As the Third Term saga proved, there is zero tolerance for any elongation of the current tenure of political office holders. Nigerians and the world expect a timely and smooth transition, through free and fair elections. It is his bounden duty so to do.

Dateline: 29 May 2007. Period.

If I Were The UN Security Council...on Iran

2007-02-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Diplomacy has shown its benefits in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear issue. It will do same with the Iranian issue as well.

If I were the UN Security Council, I will press for diplomatic solutions, and place a moratorium on inflammatory rhetorics - especially between the US and Iran.

Russia needs to step up, as China finally did with the DPRK, and come up with a creative cum courageous proposal that everyone can sign up on. Iranian leaders should not underestimate the crisis nor should the United States underplay the need for Iran's support in it's efforts in Iraq. Both countries must back down from their hostile posturing NOW.

If I were the Security Council, this matter will be placed with President Putin right away. He can do it with the tacit support of the French and Chinese. Iran must listen to its friends and backers this time. We all know the problem, and, by Jove, we do know the solution. Why waver?

It is time for peace, alas.

Clinton-Obama Ticket: The Real Two-in-One?

2007-02-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

You must remember the punch line of the early Clinton days "vote one get two!", meaning that Bill was on the ticket but Hillary was a sure bonus to the Clinton White House.

Sure enough, when Bill took office, Hillary swung into action - with the health project. And, surer enough, Americans put paid to the gambit, and put her promptly and squarely in her proper place: as First Lady!

Now, there seems to be a good chance of the two-in-one concept and value giving America what it needs most today: CHANGE.

Without prejudice to their individual prospects and personal efforts, this might be the time for the country to kill two prejudices with one shot: gender and race! The buzz is already out: A "Hillary Clinton plus Barack Obama" presidency will be magical, qualitative and revolutionary.

If I were Senators Clinton and Obama, I will keep this chance in view and work the thin line in a bridge-building way that keeps the door wide open. History, real history may very well be beckoning here. May the voters have their day, say, and way.

While there are other permutations possible and prospective, this ticket is hot! And, why not!!

We wait.
Technorati Profile

I I Were Palestinian Leaders

2007-02-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

King Abdallah of Jordan calls it a shame. We cannot describe it any less: The Shame of Palestine! Their revered martyr, Yasser Arafat, must be aghast in his grave this day!! Why? Because both Fatah and Hamas are now locked in a civil war of sorts. Can you beat that!

Thanks to Egypt we have had some lid on the inexorable tumbling into full-scale war in their Territories. President Hosni Mubarak should please not give up or relent in his heroic efforts. May the peace we so wish Israel and Palestine not remain elusive forever! Let sanity prevail now.

A helping hand must come from the United Nations which conducted the Hamas-won elections. The international blockade of the Hamas government is as unsustainable as Hamas' refusal to recognise the two-states solution and as Israel's confiscation of legitimate Palestinian resources. Let sanity and pragmatism prevail now.

We look forward to the upcoming royal intervention scheduled for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with hope and prayers. If I were Palestinian leaders, I will act responsibly, respectably, justly, patriotically and with utmost honour. The masses deserve nothing less.

With the show of shame among brothers right now, who will Israel negotiate with? How does a civil war benefit the people, and the Palestinian cause? Never ever.

If I were these warring leaders, I will call off this shame TODAY!

Europe and Islam

2007-01-21T03:22:00.000-08:00

The question of migrant and indigenous communities in Europe is a fait accompli. Indeed, the demographics are pointed to upswings around the rich world. This should be worked as golden opportunity for a globalising world rather than a call to intolerance and racist impunity.

Europe should take the lead in integrating our world, from now on. Reason: the United States, under George Bush, is severely handicapped and pressed at the moment. Working through the UN and the Arab block, it is time to take bold actions on behalf of world peace. Step one is to create jobs to fight poverty. Do so for the milling youths and idle women in the region. Boldly commit to and help the poor world. Walk ya talk!

If I were EU Leaders, I will open dialogue with Islamic Leaders of all hues and persuasions in 2007. This should lead to Exploratory Talks with Al-Qaeda. I speak of the Movement rather than the targeted individuals. There can be no military-alone solution to all the contentions and counter-contentions today! One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter! Dialogue is due. Let's bite the bullet, and slay this monster with "contact, counsel & compromise". It be no weakness on either side. It is sensibleness, alas! Sheer sensibleness.

This is a top priority issue that must run pari-pasu the Iraq and wider Middle East matters. No further delays, please!

If I Were Nigerian Diaspora

2007-01-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

2007 is the year of change. It is proving so in many nations, alas! For us in Nigeria, we prepare for political change. We therefore hinge so much on the April General Elections. Sadly, and even
short-sightedly, our leaders failed or conspired not to amend our constitution to provide for the much-desired "independent candidacy" this time around. Not to worry, its time will soon and surely come. Oh yes.

On this day, we must call on our sons and daughters abroad to fully participate in the ongoing electoral process in other strategic and creative ways. Starting with the local government polls, they need to make the home-folks move in the right direction. To support and influence the screening and fielding of credible and competent candidates at that level is very critical to our collective future, without being necessarily partisan. Upgrading the voter-consciousness rather than apathy for political change is best when those "enlightened" souls out there bombard their own "home base" with solidarity and encouragement. Please speak out, and always speak up!

In this regard, I must single out the Yoruba and Igbo sectors of our diaspora. They have been visible in their political crusading. They should keep it up, and expand the foray. The Hausa do need to learn from these groups, to balance the historical tripod. As for the Minorities or other groups, we need to do more than the historical agitation against marginalisation. We must first get good people into elective and appointive offices, so that our home base be secure and robust for further interventions. Especially in the Niger Delta region!

This message is crucial now because we seem to be blaming only the federal government for all the ills in the land, while the huge resources available at the states and local governments levels apparently go down the drain! That cannot be right. Combined, the other two tiers do command more money than the federal. We should put the right calibre of people in charge there rather than cry over spilt (or gluttonous-consumed!) milk. Isn't prevention better than cure? Always!

So, dear compatriots, if I were in the Nigerian Diaspora, I will mobilise and motivate and beg and blackmail and cajole all my brethren back home to act for change, today. I will also task my fellow diasporans to do same.

Once we succeed, one key project post-INAUGURATION will be "independent candidature" with its logical twin of "overseas voting". Simply put, constitution review!

If I Were Nigerian Leaders

2006-12-25T11:00:00.000-08:00

2007 is a heart-beat away. I mean, the 2007 General Elections. From all indications, none of our political leaders, especially in the elected Executive Branch, have enough confidence in their deputies to succeed them! And that is from president to governors!! Food for thought, isn't it?

We don't know if this is deliberate or coincidental. But, hey, this is bad bad news. It makes a full mockery of pupillage and mentorship. It means that we have little regard for orderly succession. Is this politics, or politricks? No matter.

In trying to remove the vice president from office for decamping from the ruling party, the PDP and their leaders must follow due process. That is, through and only at the National Assembly. Period. Not otherwise. The president and his political party simply do not have such powers as they now arrogate to themselves: to declare the post vacant or to sack the veepee. No!

If I were Nigerian leaders - political, spiritual, temporal, business, diplomatic, traditional, civil society - I will rise up to the challenge. This is the time to be real and robust. The PDP has itself not always played by the rules; it has benefited from decamping, defections, cross-carpeting, and anti-party activities at all levels since1999. Despite Supreme Court judgments, it has sought political solutions to several constitutional fiascos when it suited its leaders. Hey, they should come to equity with clean hands!

Am I suggesting political immorality, rascality or shenanigans? Hell, no! The many hell-holes and loop-holes and inconsistencies in the grundnorm must be addressed. The majority PDP-led administration had all of EIGHT years to do so, but chose not to. It suited them to exploit the huge weaknesses in the current constitution. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost!!!

Nigerian leaders need to act right away, to stop this brewing and avoidable crisis. We sure do not need it at all. Let everyone be patient and tolerant until April 2007, when we vote in new political leaders, and then we will make amends. If we didn't correct these ills since 1999 and the heavens didn't fall, we can surely wait a few months! Leave Atiku alone, please.

Let's face it: a PDP that could not muster the needed votes for the botched Third Term Agenda will never be able to do so now. It is therefore incumbent on its leaders, especially the president, to stand back from this fancy flight and simply concentrate on a successful free and fair elections in the few months ahead. President Obasanjo should throw his considerable official weight and boundless energy behind the wobbling/faltering voters registration exercise - which is now running Nigerians really mad, and smelling like a huge political catastrophe-in-the-making!

If I were Nigerian leaders, I will work with our president, and help the PDP, make our civilian to civilian political transition a huge success. Let's leave Vice President Atiku Abubakar alone. We have had, and have tolerated, so many constitutional breaches in this dispensation. Let's learn from the Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, whose deputy is also contesting on a rival party's ticket. He says let it be! The same is happening in Jigawa State, where both the ruling PDP and the opposition are mutually benefiting! So, why not at the presidency? Simply ignore it, or use the proverbial political. It's only a few months! Hey, aren't we living with worse things in other spheres right now??? We called them "the learning process"!!! No matter.

Closing advice for the ruling party: Be careful what you wish. It may happen! If the veepee wins in this avoidable battle, many of your hurt and disgruntled aspirants from the recent primaries will jump ship - unless you do have some special (EFCC?) hold on them!! So, folks, be very very careful.

Pray, President Olusegun Obasanjo and PDP Chairman Ahmadu Ali have to save us all any further heating up of our polity.

Let our leaders join the duo, TODAY, to bring us peace.

Yes, PEACE.

If I Were Niger Delta Leaders (1)

2006-12-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

As we move inexorably towards the 2007 Elections, all bets are now off. The politics of issues and ideas must be forced to the fore. The best way to prosecute this is through special interest groups and pragmatic negotiations. It will be rough and tough, because our politicians are quite crafty and shifty. Many are corrupt, many corruptible. But this is the golden opportunity, now that we know them and their antics, their weaknesses.

First, is to ascertain and aggregate the power of your block-votes as well as the field of political parties. Second, is to survey the sea of contestants/aspirants as well as their temperament for social and economic justice - a thorough review of their pedigree/antecedence. Then, you invite them for dialogue....and a deal. Do so openly, transparently...and a touch of ceremony!

Leaders of our region must rise up to the challenge this time. If I were them, I will draw up a "Contract with the Niger Delta People" which will contain the needs and aspirations of the zone, and demand specific acts and actions across the board. This will be multi-tiered and multiplex, disaggregated/delineated according to office sought, and timelined. It will be heavily canvassed to individuals and parties alike. "If you want our vote, no matter your party, sign on"! The people of the region deserve to get fair-minded and empathetic politicians on their side. So, we must help install them in office...and hold them accountable thereafter.

If and when this is done, the scramble will be instant and contagious. It is a strategic medicine for an old and neglected ill.

Embrace.

If I Were President (The Madiba) Nelson Mandela

2006-12-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

Africa is now at a cross-roads! We can make a complete and confounding positive turnaround or head totally in the opposite direction - depending on what the current crop of leaders choose to do and/or not do. It is that simple, and that tricky! If I were Nelson Mandela, retired president of South Africa, elder statesman, crusading icon, moral barometer and African legend, I will now step in because I do KNOW the dangers, and have always embraced the golden duty to do good.

And here is why: The creeping intolerance, sit-tight tendencies, merciless looting, hounding of all and any opponents, the crude use of power and debasement of democracy make the story of our political leadership and national development on this continent a sorry tale indeed. And we must worry. The statistics and indicators are not good at all. We must all worry. If I were President Mandela, I will be "The Chief of all Worriers"!

Not total woes, though. Two recent meetings on the continent's future give us great hope: The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing and the Africa-South America Summit in Abuja are very promising. They can help us achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, faster. They can also move us into solid sustainable development realms within a decade. And that is both the real promise and the lurking problem! Which is why we need Madiba...now. We must use WHO we have to get and gain WHAT we need/want!

Pa Mandela should summon ALL African leaders to Pretoria immediately, and help us BEG them to give our continent and race the right leadership, the undiluted loyal service, the honour of creation by which we be the "Cradle of Humanity/Humankind", the glory of our rich heritage, and the beauty of our deserved destiny...so that the African Renaissance may become the solid reality we have been yearning and striving for. Papa should also BEG/ASK all our long-serving leaders to kindly step down through immediate systematic and credible democratic transition.

They should all be gunning for world acclaim and our gratitudes, including honours like that of the recently-endowed Mo Ibrahim African Leadership Prize plus the verdict of posterity.

Why Mandela? Because he has done exactly what I ask him to extract from our leaders. Hey, why not Mandela? Is it for nothing that Time Magazine honoured him among the 60 Heroes of our time, in its 60th Anniversary Issue (November 13, 2006).......saying, "with Mandela, and because of Mandela, no noble cause is unachievable"! The tribute was penned, for Time, by Gordon Brown, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer - the man who helped persuade G8 countries to increase debt relief and aid for Africa, and the Prime Minister-in-waiting!!

Papa, I beg o....ACT fast!

If I Were President (Papa) Jacques Chirac

2006-12-02T07:52:00.000-08:00

Papa is our endearing title for ELDERS here in my part of the world. For President Jacques Chirac of France, it is time to serve our recommendations...on his future role(s) as an elder statesman. If I were Papa Chirac, I would ensure that I help France to elect the best leader to succeed me. One who will best heal the nation and lead the country into the 21st century, as a key EU player and a responsible and proud world power. Nothing will better serve the land that gave him ...so much! That done, he can retire in deserved honour.

To achieve this feat calls for a level-playing field for all contestants in the next elections. He must play the role of "Father of the Nation" in this regard. He should not contest as is being speculated. This is the right time to bow out in humility and good grace. 2007 is it.

In retirement, Monsieur Chirac should take up the leadership mantle of "Chief Crusader for Organic Foods & Drinks". He is eminently qualified and suited to succeed.

My recommendations are based on his global stature plus the French legendary taste for good food and excellent wine. He has lived across many decades, has a great spouse and can guide us all on this issue. To do so now will truly help our world. We need to retreat from junk foods and unhealthy drinks. He should teach us some elegance-in-wellness. The world must return to nature, and natural ways. We need to do so TODAY!

Let President Chirac look forward to an exciting future in this area, and join the same global stage where upon President Bill Clinton serves now ...in glory, and to warm acclaim.

If I were Papa Jacques Chirac, I will use the fertile lands of Africa to jump-start the crusade. This will be a well-deserved payback to the ever-loyal and long-suffering FRANCOPHONIE. And it will be so very sweet indeed!

If I Were Nigeria's Judiciary

2006-11-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

The future of our democracy and true federalism is entwined with the integrity, courage and justness of the judiciary - as a key pillar of the "checks and balances" provided for by the 1999 Constitution. Happenings in the polity since 1999 have been worrisome, sometimes despicable. And the judiciary has been at the centre of some really ugly smears, and rightly at the receiving end of public opprobrium. Pretty messy and sad.

From excessive delays in resolving the 2003 elections' petitions, to corruption-induced and curious impeachment meddlesomeness, to other judgements that demean the temple of justice, several judges have muddied the waters. Media reports and editorials have been scathing and relentless, yet things are slow to change.

Now, the golden opportunity has finally been offered by the Oyo State impeachment saga, ruled on by the Appeal Court and appealed to the Supreme Court. All eyes are now on their lordships!

If I were the apex court, I will act on behalf of the JUDICIARY, and save Nigerians from all vestiges of miscarriage of justice and contempt of court judgements. I will use the case to reset the past, cast the present and protect the future of Nigeria's democracy. Our pronouncements will be comprehensive, decisive, deep and robust. No question.

The icing on the cake? This will be a befitting tribute and worthy legacy to the Chief Justice, Alfa Belgore, who retires at year's end. What a chance!

If I Were World Leaders at UN General Assembly 2006

2006-09-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

There is no better moment or platform for world leaders to show leadership than this year's United Nations General Assembly (GA). Their job is cut out for them: World Peace and Ending Poverty. The absence of these is tearing the world apart. It is their lot to sort things out, today.

To achieve these goals, we must stop all crises, conflicts and wars - wherever they may be - and put more resources into welfare, new jobs, better technologies and shared prosperity.

The world is one Global Village now, and world leaders must stop deluding themselves about both this reality and its imperative for mutuality in all its ramifications. That old song about national security, exclusivity-in-sovereignty, zero-game trade and the impunity of power can no longer sell. Multilateralism is it.

And that is what the UN is about, isn't it?

So, why would world leaders not seize the moment...and give us real stuff? Why should we be left wondering why they bother to come to the GA ritualistically, if all we hear are same of the same - with nothing new, nothing profound, nothing uplifting? We must say, "no more!".

If I were these world leaders, I will pursue things and thoughts that will truly develop the world and edify our common humanity. I will be fresh, ambitious, inspiring and ....concrete.

If I were a member of this powerful, but so far unaccountable club, I will openly and proudly challenge my colleagues to ACT in the world's interest NOW. I will stand to be counted on the side of justice, truth, and...honour.

GA 2006 will be my podium, and my pact, with the peoples of the world. Yes, of our common heritage; and, yes, our only Global Village!

If I Were The UN Security Council....On Darfur, Sudan

2006-09-04T17:32:00.000-07:00

Even before the latest bomb-shell from Khartoun, asking the AU peace-keeping mission to leave by end-September when their current mandate expires, it was always going to be quite tricky tackling the long-running Darfur problem. The world waited for too long before its half-hearted response, and very weak intervention.

Despite the Abuja Accord, and the recent Security Council approval for a robust international force to go secure the peace, new impetus was already imperative - for a lasting solution.

As things stand now, confidence must be rebuilt. If I were the UN Security Council, I will set up a Special Commission headed by former Chinese president Jiang Zemin, with the following eminent members: former UN secretary general Boutrous Boutrous-Ghali, former British prime minister John Major, former US secretary of state Colin Powell, Nigeria's former foreign affairs minister Olu Adeniji, and Nobel peace laureates Wangari Maathai (Kenyan) and Shirin Ebadi (Iranian).

Abuja should continue to provide the secretariat, with backstopping by Beijing and New York.

The Jiang Commission should help tidy up the crisis, and oversea the implementation of all UN resolutions in this regard. It will then draw on the critical strengths of the UN, AU, the US, UK and the Arab League, as well the special leverage of China, Nigeria and Egypt. The women will help balance the critical gender and peace elements, bringing the considerable moral weight of the NOBEL mystique as well as the voice of motherhood to the bargain.

If I were the UN Security Council, I will act in this manner within a WEEK. The African Union's mission expires on September 30, remember?

Peace.

If I Were Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany

2006-08-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Not many are lucky enough to start their new jobs the "gift-of-celebrations" way the German Chancellor, Mrs Angela Merkel, got to do recently. Many world leaders must be green with envy!!! And they should.

Okay, here is the gist (as if you don't already know!). She came to office, as Germany's first-ever woman leader, with a confusing and convulsing post-unification electoral indecision by the voting public. They wanted change but didn't want the change to be real change! They wanted Mr Gerhard Schroeder out but wanted his policies in...or something to that effect! Anyway, we now have a Grand Coalition, so-called because it allows Germans to eat both their political cake and sausage, and still have their economic sandwich. Confused? So are many. But it's a clever dice, I admit.

And then the World Cup! What a blast!! Ms Merkel's Germany rode the beast of failure, and so roundly defeated the skeptics' grand scenarios of ultimate regrets, that the 4-yearly soccer fiesta will never be the same again. All its future will be bench marked by Germany 2006. Period.

If I were the German Chancellor, I will build so strongly, proudly and securely on the massive possibilities that this opportunity beams. I will beam more German Love to the world, in a new and ambitious fashion. I will aim higher and bigger for the German Voice in world development
and spend this new soccer-spurned capital absolutely creatively, and courageously - the true attributes of the Beautiful Game!

How? There are no fixed rules, just some sensible routes. Here:

1) Intensify Germany's positive role in helping to secure the long-elusive Middle East peace
2) Continue the country's special relationships with Russia, China and France
3) Rebuild US-German relations, post-Iraq squabbles
4) Tackle the rising race and creed problems in Germany, and help Europe do same
5) Help FIFA use "soccer-power" to fight poverty and hopelessness in the developing world
6) Invest 100 Billion Euros of German capital/business funds in Africa's microfinance industry
7) Lead the "Global Gender Crusade" from January 2007, as the world's leading woman today
8) Get Germany's immigration right, including an innovative work/study visa regime
9) Visit Cuba and Venezuela for strategic talks, and to help "new-friend" George W Bush
10) Pay an urgent Solidarity Working Visit to Nigeria, in support of "Elections 2007"
11) Help Italy's Romano Prodi get his country's economy back on the "Club Big 4" track
12) Convoke an independent Germany-NEPAD Youth Dynamics Forum for biennial actions
13) Help Third World Writers bond and benefit from the legendary German Publishing world, including state-supported significant participation at the Frankfurt Book Fair & Berlin Festivals
14) Help developing countries recover looted funds residing & hiding in Europe, and elsewhere
15) Be so wonderfully German, and make unification work better by revamping East Germany
16) Export East German "expertise and ruggedness" to the Third World, especially Africa, for agricultural, housing and rural development. Get some innovative "twinning schemes" on board.

For these to work successfully, the German economy must grow. If I were Angela Merkel, this is the time to tackle the tough issues. Just make business work! Don't demur, don't dodge, don't fudge. Germany is important to Europe, and to our world. It is tough to be her chancellor, but it will be rough if the tough tasks are left to politics and tricks. When we get things right, the whole world celebrates.

That is the greatest lesson of the World Cup this summer. As German Chancellor, I will take the lesson and run!

If I Were Nigeria's Parliaments and Legislators

2006-08-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

In the remaining months of their current tenure, parliamentarians at all levels have a duty to both self and country. They need to search their conscience, and answer the following questions:

1) Have we served with equity and justice?
2) Have we kept to our oath of office?
3) Have the nation, and our constituencies, had the deserved benefits/dividends of democracy?4) Can I face my God and say I did my absolute best....and have earned my pay/privileges?
5) Am I a worthy and visible example of parliamentarians of honour and dignity?
6) If we did our job, why are the anti-corruption agencies screaming blue murder?
7) Why is Nigeria's corruption and development rating so abysmal?
8) Why are politicians protesting the new regime of scrutiny of their integrity and assets?
9) Why is the Freedom Of Information bill still languishing in the Senate?
10) Why, after 11Trillion Naira of federally-distributed revenue, not to mention internal and other external revenue/resources, in 7 YEARS, is our country still in this socio-economic mess?

If I were a legislator, I will wonder and worry about history. Can I be a healthy part of it, or just a pathetic footnote, as things stand today in this country? I will ask my colleagues and preacher and compatriots for help....to make amends. And here is a key hint:

a) Let's ask the anti-corruption agencies for all dossiers on the executive branch, and ACT now
b) Let's probe our principal officers of ALL the parliaments in the country, and punish the guilty
c) Let's work with the National Judicial Council to sanitize the judiciary before May 2007
d) Let's remove all taxes on education, IT and media materials, to boost public information
e) Let's tackle the worsening state of insecurity in the land
f) Let's pass the law on "Social Security and Welfare Scheme" this year
g) Let's increase the "Derivation Percentage" in our revenue allocation regime
h) Let's roll out Internet Broadband nationwide....before May 2007, and localise home traffic
i) Let's roll out massively on Cassava, Yam, Maize and Aquaculture between now and May '07
j) Let's act with the FEAR of God Almighty.

If I were Nigeria's Parliamentarians, we should be bonding together to tackle these matters, the results of which can be amazingly dramatic, and which fallout will empower our poor voters to be better able to resist money politics and shame electoral charlatans next year!

Because it will be magic, I will act NOW.

If I Were Chinese, Indian and Russian Leaders (1)

2006-08-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

I believe the world has now settled and reconciled with the hard facts of our future world, that China and India are the next economic superpowers, and Russia the energy superpower. Don't mind all the rabble-rousing WTO tiffs - it's mere shuffling. The facts are hard and fast. Simple.

If I were the leaders of these leading countries, I will immediately embark on the most effective cultural human relations of all: Export My Language.

I will launch a 25-year plan with only one official agenda: Promote Peace through our official and some local shades of our Language. Each and every of our diplomatic mission will oversee very extensive and intensive collaborations in this regard. We will bring world citizens home for high quality train-the-trainers and teachers programmes, and also send loads of our brightest bi/multilingual nationals on rotational services abroad. I will start by 1 January 2007. I will do so massively.

The Asian Tigers, including Japan, missed that lesson during their boom years. It was costly. Very much so. No rising power should miss the chance again. Not China, not India, Not Russia!

On this language train, three other countries will need to catch the bug also: Brazil, Nigeria and South Africa. They have to build their own response over the next 3-5 years, and act.

And the best part is its purpose for a truly globalising world - a true Global Village.

For it, I speak.

If I Were Nigeria's Inspector General of Police

2006-08-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

Things are getting tougher and rougher in the area of crimes, criminality, security and law and order in Nigeria. Whether in urban or rural parts, there is palpable anxiety. It is getting even so in politics. Frauds, assassinations, kidnappings, cultism & ritual killing, rape, arson, and drugs. Of course there are more!

Only half-hearted analysts will fail to locate this upsurge, like its root causes, in the full bosom of POVERTY and the feeling of HOPELESSNESS across the land. The culture of violence has been badly accentuated by the "winner takes all" culture that intruded into our polity and policies over the last three decades. Neither military nor civilian governments can be absolved of the full responsibility for this scourge. It is now both a national dilemma, and a global embarrassment. Drastic courageous and creative action is now needed. We be all concerned. Big problem. Ha!

The bulk of the burden for its resolution is dumped, expectedly in a democracy, on the POLICE. If I were the Inspector General of Police, IGP, I will accept the burden without any question at all. Then I will make my demands in a world press conference. It will be personal, and public! Here are the highlights:

a) Bombast Boost of Total Personnel Mix ................... One Million

*** Grassroots Policing------ 400,000
*** Cyber Policing----------- 100,000
*** Anti-Terrorism---------- 100,000
*** Mobile Squad------------ 100,000
*** Marine Organisation----- 100,000
*** Air Command------------- 50,000
*** Special Group------------- 50,000
*** Protection Team---------- 40,000
*** Nuclear Threats----------- 10,000
*** Gender Special------------ 10,000
*** Youth Special-------------- 10,000
*** Juveniles Special-----------10,000
*** Mining Marshalls-----------10,000
*** Campus Connect----------- 10,000

b) Full and Complete National Police Infrastructure

c) Absolutely Modern and Adequate Equipment

d) Total Restructuring and Repositioning

e) New Recruitment and Advancement Policy

f) Millennium Budgetting and Funding

g) Police Multimedia Agency (Radio/TV/Internet/Paper)

h) Police University with Geo-Political (Zonal) and Special Academies

i) Badly-Needed Cooperation: Traditional & Faith Institutions; Students & Labour Unions

j) Strongly-Needed Liaison: Market & Trade Associations; Transporters & Drivers Groups

The bottom line is to create a NEW police service in FIVE years. Minimum qualification will be a university/polytechnic degree. Those in service will be encouraged to upgrade themselves with generous support/incentives, so as to retain institutional memory, and reward long service by the present personnel. All others will be humanely phased out under a special scheme...into neighbourhood protection & information, corporate guards and private/domestic security, etc. or a happy retirement.

We will sign a 10-year unique capacity building and impact-special MOU with the world's best police services, in their areas of specialisation, and tying these up with our technical and general operations.

Once things normalise in the land, technology and other factors will lead to reduced manpower and better citizen-participation in crime management, prevention and control.

If I were IG Sunday Ehindero, I will help Nigeria install the best officer for the above agenda as the next Inspector General of Police, when I bow out in 2007.

If I Were Nuhu Ribadu (Nigeria's Financial Crimes Czar)-2

2006-08-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

The electoral field is wide and open...for the 2007 general elections. Nuhu Ribadu and his commission must be neck-deep in tough, knotty and tricky cases on multifarious financial crimes. Expected. Their plate must necessarily be full....even over-flowing. Expected.

But the guy has also been serving notice of the impending release of earth-shaking revelations vis-a-vis the political class. We wait. And we've been waiting. We must wait.

If I were the anti-corruption czar, this is the time to do so....in style. Do it.

Leaving it too late will be misconstrued, and may be abused. We must give the "indicted" and the courts ENOUGH time to fulfil all righteousness. The law should take its course, while justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.

If I were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, I shall delay no more!

If I Were Nigeria's Electoral Commission

2006-08-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is not being seen or regarded as truly "independent" or "nationalistic" by many in our country! This is a serious matter indeed.

Almost all the opposition parties plus the "fringe" factions of the ruling PDP are complaining. So is the crusading community. Watch and read the independent media, same doubts. And the donor agencies are equally worried about the level of preparedness for the arduous task of the 2007 Elections. Just recently, in far away London, the senate president wondered aloud.

Before these people and bodies, the INEC chairman had severally raised justifiable alarm on the commission's plight. One would have thought finding wholesome solutions by all stakeholders should be paramount right now. INEC needs friends, not more enemies and fifth columnists. It should be tooling and toiling so very hard, and reaching out to all and sundry. There's so much to do....right and rightly. So much!

Alas, what do we have? Instead of concentrating on its job, INEC has been busy tackling all its critics, and abusing Nigeria's sitting vice president! Haba! We must wonder, and we must worry.

The National Assembly must make a parliamentary intervention immediately....especially now that there are raging speculations of some hidden agenda towards a so-called "Interim National Government" (INC), post-May 2007. This devilish orgre must be crushed forthwith. Promptly. Remember the "Third Term" monster? This was how it all started! This time, let's take no chances o!

Prudently, and rightly so, most players - including the PDP and the Presidency - have, so far, distanced themselves from the dastardly idea. Even Dr Ezeife, former governor and Harvard-trained economist, who had unwisely "addressed" a pro-INC press conference on the subject, has also "backed down", by means of a "clarification" statement! Belatedly, but certainly!!

If I were the INEC people, I would retract the "attack" on Mr Vice President, and apologise to the nation. Professor Maurice Iwu, as chairman, should lead an INEC peace mission to media houses, convene a political peace summit and employ these powerful allies to promptly pressure parliament for positive action.....to secure a legitimate, free and fair 2007 General Elections.

History beckons.

If I Were Minister Fani-Kayode

2006-07-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Nigeria goes to the polls in 2007. A new government takes over on 29 May. Commonsense suggests that this is house-keeping time for our political leaders at all levels. That means president, governors, LG chairmen and our legislatures.

If I were the new minister of culture and tourism, youthful Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, I will give verve and soul to the Culture Aspect of my portfolio, in the few months I have to serve.

Reason? Hey, let's be fair: How many tourists will troop to Nigeria now? Where are the real tourist attractions, ready for business, in the midst of all the handicaps and dilapidations? Who is going to turn tourism around in SIX MONTHS - about the active span of his tenure, before the election fever grips us all?!

But he can do things in the area of culture because that is about US - who we are, what we are, and how we are.

If I were the new minister, I will spend every light of the next nine months giving my country's culture the shine.

Goodluck, brother!

If I Were Bill Gates (1)

2006-07-18T16:41:00.000-07:00

Following the unprecedented success of the Microsoft franchise, if I were its founder, Bill Gates, I will place all its offerings on two pedestals: Popular Brand and Premium Brand. I will give the popular(basic) products and services pro bono (free of charge), then we will charge for the premium grade.

This makes business and charity sense. Thank goodness, he is good at both.

If I Were President Obasanjo (4)

2006-07-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

The human rights and civil liberties campaign has become reminiscent of the full-blown military days of dictatorship! No democratic polity nor its president should permit this state of affairs. It is undermining our national cohesion and its global image. It suggests the absence of the rule of law. It is worrisome. And to imagine that we are in an Election Year, it should be double worry.

If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo, I will stop this ugly development TODAY. And make it a point of personal agenda to protect our freedoms under the 1999 Constitution. Doing otherwise diminishes us all.

If I Were The English FA

2006-07-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Football has become as multicultural as nations. European countries have recognised it for long, but not all have embraced that reality in composing their national teams. The farthest behind? England.

If I were the football authorities, it is now time to be realistic. Recruit young vibrant players, and reflect the true colours and nature of both England's population....and Sports in England. Also, grant young successful/promising footballers a fast-track to citizenship. I will Learn from Germany 2006!

If I were running football in England, this will be the key, my joker, for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

If I Were Prime Minister Romano Prodi

2006-06-22T17:55:00.000-07:00

As the new leader of the Italian government, if I were Prime Minister Romano Prodi, I will put premium on a special relationship with AFRICA. It will be creative, ambitious and futuristic. And it will be massively-mutually-beneficial (mmb) and proactively-people-based (ppb).

First and foremost, everyone else is looking or heading there now, why not Italy? Next, we do know that the continent is immensely resource-endowed. It is a traditional European (hate the term, if you like!) colony and ally/trading bloc. Then, as EU President, he dealt with African leaders under the (yes, very unsuccessful!) ACP-EU Cotonou Agreement and the (very slowly emerging!) New Partnership for Africa's Development, NEPAD. Besides, he was prime minister before!

But now the stakes are higher. Italy's economy is in dire straits. It needs an overhaul. It needs to be competitive again. It needs new deals, and thus new partners. Not on previous terms, nor by those measures. Italy needs a new destination of two-way bonds, and bonding. It can find some windows elsewhere; but it will find a gateway in Africa - if it tries anew, and hard enough.

If I were Prime Minister Prodi, I will humbly and boldly engage Africa. I will proudly enlist the leverage of the Vatican in particular, and the Catholic Church in general. I will do so for my new deal with Africa in particular, and for all other outreach zones in general. Know ye that Faith is very potent, and the Church be its vehicle. So are mosques, temples and synagogues - all faith movements around the world. Shy not away.

What's on offer? A million chips and zillion gems. Look hard, my friend....and you'll be dazed! As an economics professor and practised politician, it's hard not to see!! Indeed, it's impossible!!!

For Italy's sake, I will SEE...if I were Romano Prodi.

If I Were Former President Charles Taylor (War Crimes Indictee)

2006-06-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

You know, life is sweet and strange! One day, you're victor; another day you're villain!! Tough and rough. High and low. No matter. But you can choose what to be, even for all time. Yes. In the tops of victory, you can be humble and magnanimous. In the throes of villainy, you can be contrite and cooperative. That is why there's plea-bargain in law, and amnesty in practice.

If I were Charles Taylor, former president of Liberia, now standing trial for war crimes at the UN Sierra Leonean War Crimes Tribunal sitting at The Hague, I will repent and cooperate with the prosecution. Then proceed to plea-bargain on very creative and earth-shattering basis. Here are the gems:

a) Tell all
b) Help expose all others
c) Show the way to stop guerrilla war fares in Africa
d) Point to the hidden vaults in illegal trades of diamonds, lumber, arms, etc
e) Expose hypocrites in the Western bloc and collaborators in the Eastern bloc
f) Serve some prison period for penitence, and serve the UN as honorary consultant later
g) Write my "Truth Commission" expose as a purgative memoirs, passing all proceeds to war victims and kid soldiers rehabilitation/restitution.

If I were Mr Taylor, I will tell the lawyers that it will be wrong to feast on my case. Let's use it as a chance to heal wounds, to heal the world. We all make mistakes, even gruesome ones. And we can all change for the better, and the betterment of the world. And then, our soul.

Ultimately, it is a personal cross, a personal choice. If I were the one, I'll choose as said.

If I Were The Nigerian Media (1)

2006-05-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

It is clear now that the political class would do anything to hold on to their undue advantages gained from the much-maligned 1999 Constitution, which, let's never forget, they helped the military to install.

It is also clear that the ruling People's Democratic Party is not a garrison after the likeness of its now-embattled hierarchs. Much to their utter chargrin and unmitigated humiliation, the good forces within the party helped to kill the Third Term monster. So, if you like, there are good and there are bad people in all the political parties in the land.

How the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill can still be languishing in the Senate, after being passed by the House of Representatives, is surprising. We must now assume that the Senate Leadership, having found its manhood in its defeat of the tenure elongation evil, will proceed to pass the bill forthwith. If not, then we hand the case over to the 2007 Movement - that patriotic group which sowed the seed of our current victory over the dark forces of Third Term Agenda.

If I were the Nigerian Media, however, I would take absolutely no chances. The media should go out on a now-or-never campaign for the success of the bill. Wait no minute!

Just one week of listing all members of the National Assembly, starting with the Senators, on how they voted or now stand on the matter. Every single member should be asked the simple question, and given the space to post their quoted/quotable response. The broadcast media should host live FOI Programmes for the same purpose. Just ONE week, folks....ONE week.

Need I say more!

If I Were PDP Leaders

2006-05-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

These are tough times indeed for the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria's ruling party. It has just lost its over-invested gambit to change the country's constitution so that the president and all its governors may continue in office, after their official two-term tenure expires in 2007.
The senate, which they dominate, killed the bill Tuesday 16 May. It was a deadly blow to both the president and the party.

Officially, they have both conceded defeat and accepted the verdict. They indeed proclaim it as a victory for democracy. Thanks, guys!

Now, unofficially, the signals from the party are worrisome. There is undisguised bitterness and residual hubris in the utterances of their spokespersons. How they expect the senate to cherry-pick the ill-conceived bill is unclear. Built around the tenure-elongation agenda, the bill was full of guises and disguises. It was deliberately booby-trapped to ensure that any attempt to pass a variant of its more noble and valuable provisions, without the "third term" intention, would fail. Clever! Yes, by half. For example, both the Niger Delta question and South East's state-creation request can be settled under extant constitutional provisions. And they will now be done.

That the bill was dead on arrival was so clear. Nigerians were against it. It was immoral and unjust. It was opposed worldwide as a bad example for other African countries. Nigeria is a regional leader, not a banana republic! And, to be fair, the party knows the truth. Just that the bruised ego of its leaders stands in the way of purgatory and penitence, for now. A good tap, however, is the president's idea or directive for intra-party reconciliation after this ugly fiasco. Better.

As part of this rebirth, if I were the leaders of PDP, I would dissolve the executives and call for fresh congresses nationwide. The last re-registration exercise alienated too many loyalists. And the current saga oozed from the leaders' actions. It is time to start afresh. There is price to pay. Real leaders take responsibility. Including biting the bullet. No buck-passing. No cowardice.

If I were the key officers, we would resign to save the party utter demolition at the 2007 polls. The death of the Third Term agenda was a vote of no confidence. Why pretend?

If I Were Nuhu Ribadu (Nigeria's Financial Crimes Czar)

2006-05-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Now that the "Tenure Elongation or Third Term" gambit of President Obasanjo and his ruling party's constitution amendment misadventure have failed, it is imperative to redeem our nation's image. Too much murk had been splashed and spread. We must clean up.

Luckily the president has "disowned" the whole scheme, claiming not to have any hand in it. The sheer scope and depth of the bribery rumours and other alleged infringements are scandalous! And the anti-corruption agencies must step up to the plate.

Considering the wide-spread insinuations and doubts about the impartiality of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which he heads, if I were Nuhu Ribadu, I will deploy EVERYTHING at our disposal to tackle and unravel the Third Term "money-for-votes" saga. Is it true or false? The world needs to know. And pretty fast, too.

There is no hiding place!

If I Were Nigeria's Ruling Party (PDP)

2006-05-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, this be the season of political scandals and stench around the world. From the White House to Downing Street, from France to Brazil, from South Africa to Nigeria, there is something for all bashers to latch-on to. No matter.

But have no illusion that heads or careers won't roll and sink in this season, and in their wake. Oh, it is already happening! More to come. Dirtier, nastier and stenchier. The tumbling will be messy. Including some high-profile impeachment(s). Wait.

In the current business of reviewing the Nigerian Constitution, the debate is wholy detrimental to the establishment. It is particularly unedifying to the executive branch, both president and governors. The live coverage is inevitable, and expectedly pervasive, despite its queer boycott by all government-owned media! Surely they owe Nigerians an explanation, someday, for this blackout. This has pitched them against the citizens and the nation. Do the media organs belong to the STATE or to one arm of government, i.e. the administration (executive branch)? Why do they (TV and Radio) have studios at the National Assembly? At taxpayers' costs? Someday.

Since the People's Democratic Party (PDP) is the chief sponsor of the exercise, and is reported to stake all its being on achieving "Tenure Elongation or Extension or Third Term", the fallout ought to trouble its leaders. We are hearing things that demean and demonize the political class. The president and state governors are being robed, unrobed, enrobed and disrobed, in the most audacious manner. Tones and tempers are oscillating between angst and anger, and amidst boos and banging. Some of the details are truly stupefying. Now, everyone is enmeshed, and certainly entrenched. A truly ugly spectacle.

There are accusations and counter-accusations of inducements, bribery, intimidation, blackmail, threats, etc. God! The world must be aghast and amused. It is eye-opening.

Nigeria is being ridicled. Nigerians are no doubt grateful that the in-fighting is largely within the PDP, which controls the parliament. This shows many flaws in the party. It also reflects the key concern of Nigerians that the PDP is a mere platform of convenience for the grabbing of political power, rather than an organisation for the pursuit of good governance. A "political expression". Pity. And it has ruled for seven years? Oh!

If I were the Party Leadership, I would withdraw the Third Term proposition TODAY. This will bring down the political temperature in the parliament, and douse the palpable tension in the land. It will save the executive further demystification. And obviously save the party the full smear of a certain and ultimate humiliation.

Save the PRESIDENT, today.

If I Were President Obasanjo (3)

2006-05-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Do I wish to be in Olusegun Obasanjo's shoes? Well, no! Okay, let's define things. As a man, a truly endowed and privileged person, I think many people wish they were so blessed. I do. As the president of Nigeria, this same nation of 150 million souls, I also wish I were Olusegun Obasanjo. Now, let's define that bit. As president in 1999? Sure. 2003? With these kinds of elections? Well, by the ultimate grace of the final court clearance, maybe. Status quo? Yes. In 2006? This moment? Hell, NO!!!

So, if I were President Obasanjo, I will stop that Chief Campaigner for Third Term, Col Ahmadu Ali, this moment. Yes, the Chairman of the People's Democratic Party. Oh, you note the irony? So do I. Indeed!

Chief Reason? The Nigerian Labour Congress has finally spoken. On MAY DAY.

Verdict? NO, capital NO, to constitutional or electoral FRAUD.

Call it Third Term, name it Tenure Elongation, tag it Of General Application. Whatever.

If you came in 1999, you leave by 2007. Period.

If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will not build any castle-in-the-air. An anti-corruption crusader cannot be, must not be, associated with double-speak, clever crooks, dagger-cloaks, dragon-spit, and God-in-vain schemes. An African elder knows the rites, upholds all rights, and would rather die than not act right! Elder statesmen, especially world figures, earn their rare rights by damning all wrongs...in their strides. Known stripes.

If I were the president, I will act RIGHT.

If I Were President Putin

2006-04-26T17:26:00.000-07:00

Chairing the G8 is a big deal. And a lot of flaks. Tony Blair found a way. This week, the World Bank announced the $37 billion debt relief for 19 poor countries....all traceable to Gleneagles.

The Russian Chairmanship should do something dramatic and fundamental, especially in its sphere of immense comparative advantage: Oil & Gas. We do not have enough details of its energy agenda yet - on which they had some meetings recently in Moscow. But we know that so much muck is being splashed around by its own customers from the Baltics to the Caucasus to Europe. Problem? Huge and rising energy costs, caused by high oil prices; and Moscow's legitimate desire to earn market rates for its exports.

The world economy is in a bind as far as oil prices are concerned. With China and India joining the American guzzling gang, and the kind of distorted weather wraths we now induce, the costs will only keep rising! OPEC has no extra capacities to exploit in the immediate term. And Russia, with its huge endowments, is not in OPEC....though they cooperate.

If I were President Vladimir Putin, I will use this G8 Meeting to change the world of energy for the New World. And make a few daring exploits with concessions. Here is how:

1. To secure the future of world trade, and the prosperity of Europe, Moscow should grant concessionary rates for its GAS deliveries to all its customers. They need the relief so that they can tackle the environmental problems, especially weather-related like the floods, and more so in Eastern Europe.

2. Russia should lead the G8 to thereafter get OPEC to fix a special rate for crude so that poorer countries can survive, and the debt-relief from Gleneagles may endure. They would soon relapse, otherwise, in the face of current spiralling oil costs.

3. To focalize the search for long-term solutions to this problem, and to preserve something for future generations, the G8 must join OPEC to establish the Global Task Force for Millennium Alternative Energy with a 10-year mandate, under the authority of the UN Security Council. It should learn from, and extend the gains of, the International Space Station.

4. Moscow should bring other oil-producers into a better alliance that will work with OPEC to grant special Tax Credits to airlines and the maritime operators, under WTO, from January 2007. This should guarantee travels and shipments - both necessary for global production and world unity.

5. Moscow, no matter the imputation, should create a unique portfolio for the energy needs of the former Soviet Union members. Their collective history, well highlighted by the Chernobyl memories in Ukraine this week, cannot and should not be wished away. Just do it! What's more: the kids, today and tomorrow, need it.

6. Learning from Chernobyl, the G8, under this chairmanship, should lead the way on the critical safety & security conditions for the re-emerging global rush/return to nuclear energy. It must be water-tight and cross-cutting.

7. If I were President Putin, I will clean up the anti-foreigners saga that is smearing the nation's image, by a tiny group of Russians. I will release those in jail for what has been rightly or wrongly termed political persecution, or personal vendetta. I will use my huge popularity to build a formidable successor-machine, having wisely rejected calls for regime/term elongation, and free up the media space.

8. If I were the Russian president and chair of G8, I will do the unthinkable: Get the presidents of Iraq, China and America to join me at home for a private get-together in May. Then, I will bring them plus the Iranian spiritual leader to an official meeting at the Kremlin in June. After that, we will hold a special security conference with India, Israel, Turkey and Pakistan in attendance! Agenda? Hey, give me a break! If you know not, by now, please return to Mars!!!

9. I will create and endow The Russia-Africa Council in a unique mould, to secure our own patch and ensure due balance in the ongoing inevitable rush for the continent's millennium resources. I will also do The Russia-South America Council for similar purposes.

10. It is now time to formally transform the G8 into G11 by binging China, India and Brazil into the club. Moscow should lead the negotiation, with a 2008 deadline.

11. As the Russian president with huge oil & gas "windfall" earnings, I will promptly pay off all foreign debts and boost the country's stakes in all international bodies, especially the World Bank and IMF as well as the European/Asian/African/Latin American Development Banks.

12. Finally, if I were Vladimir Putin, I will look forward to joining Bill Clinton on the international stage as an elder statesman, working for world peace, the prosperity of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and selling Russia at large. And I will do so courageously, creatively and compassionately,like Jimmy Carter & Mikhail Gorbachev rolled-in-one.

If I Were In The EU Leadership

2006-04-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

There is a rare gem of a politician and leader who may be lost to premature retirement or even resentment. Tony Blair, the innovative, courageous and combative British Prime Minister, is on his way out. Having helped to create New Labour and led the party to three successive general elections, he has bowed to voter-bashings over the Iraq misadventure to announce that he would not stand in the next election. Heir-apparent and prime minister-in-waiting Gordon Brown, his soul mate and finance minister of 10 years, is warming up. Rightly so.

The media is agog with news, gossips, theories and conspiracies about the goings-on within the government and the party at large for and against the early departure of Tony Blair. No matter. May it all end sensibly and sensitively. Both the party and its leader need that. The country must get its due.

As we have seen over the years and around the world, Bill Clinton and Tony Blair are good leaders with their fair share of human failings and trajectories. Clinton is now doing so much good around the globe, like Jimmy Carter before him, and Nelson Mandela out of office. I see Blair in that mould. Except that we need a different way of utilising his immense talent and boundless energy. A way that preserves his legacy and friendship with his party and successor. He is also still young, to boot. Yes, a creative and new way.

If it were possible, he should be the next UN Secretary General. No chance, I hear. And I can understand. The best job for him now is something I suggest is begging to happen: Help the EU transform Europe. Give it any title you like, the kernel is that Europe needs an extra-ordinary intervention package for the new millennium. Using former national leaders has served it well. In Tony Blair, it should reap the same. I think he can help Europe restructure, redesign, retool and reposition over the next five years.

As Transformation Czar, he will bring commitment, courage, content and competitiveness to the block. He will help secure the UK's full embrace of the EU, especially with Gordon Brown in charge. I believe that he can sell the New Europe to the younger generations of Europeans, and help other member states see the need for urgent reforms. And the gains therefrom.

The world needs the EU for balance and security. The EU needs to wake up to the challenges of this millennium in all aspects of its ways and means. No choice. The embattled EU Constitution needs a new salesman. That man, I strongly suggest, is Tony Blair.

If I were in the European Union Leadership, I would move to get Blair out of the way of any acrimonious parting of ways with his party, and whisk him to Brussels with his reputation still in place, so he may serve a wider mandate on a unique world stage. Neither Europe nor the United Kingdom should waste Tony Blair. No!

If I Were President Thabo Mbeki

2006-04-14T00:29:00.000-07:00

There are some things that only families can do. That was why Nigeria was in the fore-front of the liberation movement in Africa. From Angola to Mozambique, Zimbabwe to South Africa, Namibia to Lesotho, and elsewhere, we stood with our brethren and funded their just struggles for independence and self-determination. Now, Big Brother is floundering. Nigeria needs help. Urgently.

If I were President Thabo Mbeki, a distinguished alumnus of the Nigerian Flank/Post of the SA/ANC Liberation Representatives, and now a leading African statesman, I would intervene speedily in the spiralling political brohaha in the country. It is all about two of his friends - President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Subject matter, and crux of the matter? Obasanjo's seeming determination to elongate his tenure in office, which should expire next May, and their political party - PDP's determination to achieve it through a very unpopular crass manipulation of the constitution-amendment process. The PDP has insensitive and unbelievably brazen in its quest. Like most citizens, Atiku opposes. And like all potential candidates for president, he fearlessly disagrees with party and president on this dastardly bid.

The administration has become touchy, tempestuous and intolerant. Security agencies are now perceived as partisan attack dogs of the regime: against anyone and everyone who differ or dissent. The polity is heating up. Things are quite precarious. Even the fearless and independent Nigerian Press, which is veteran of democracy battles, is being pilloried by the pro-Third Term (as they are tagged) apologists. The National Assembly is polarised and under siege, while some thieving state governors seem to be spared investigation/prosecution so that they may help the party attain its tenure-elongation agenda. As I write, the national electoral commission is yet to commence any visible preparations for the 2007 elections! No law. No funds. Nigeria is at a very dangerous crossroads.

Courageously, some politicians have now declared their presidential ambitions. Good news. The worry, however, is that the Third Term bid hangs ominously over their campaigns and the nation's serenity, as well as our deserved march on the path of democracy and good governance. With its history of political in-fighting, violence and vulcanic tendencies, the PDP poses grave tension as things stand. This tension is palpable. All of which can be dispelled, instanta, by only one man: Olusegun Obasanjo! We must now help him to help us.

If I were President Mbeki, I will enlist Former President (Papa) Nelson Mandela, Retired Archbishop (Papa) Desmond Tutu, Former President (Papa) Kenneth Kaunda, Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Former Chancellor Willy Brandt, Former Commonwealth Sec-Gen (Papa) Emeka Anyaoku, Former World Court Judge (Papa) Bola Ajibola and UN Sec-Gen Kofi Annan to persuade and prevail upon Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to please WITHDRAW his interest and involvement in the Third Term project, and free the political cum electoral space, NOW.

As one African Family, the Mbeki/Mandela factor should help. The pressure should come from a cast of distinguished elderstatesmen, led by a sitting president with a shining armour in the subject matter. So, if I were Thabo Mbeki, I won't wait one more second. I will ACT right away:
the untainted, traditional African way. Today!

If I Were President Obasanjo (2)

2006-03-22T18:55:00.000-08:00

Today, let's start the REFORMS talk. Its purpose. Its prospects. Its content. Its continuity. And then, its consequences. Anyone who knows our country, Nigeria, must applaud Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for some of the courageous steps he has taken towards the long-overdue reforms in the economy. Sadly, it is not happening in politics and democracy. And that, to many, is the paradox. Dear me, that is a long story!

With barely 12 months to the official end of their tenure, all political office holders should now be ready to truly sacrifice for Nigeria. They have had their place, their pace and their face. They must now create the space for sustainable reforms and enduring change. The place to start is the PRESIDENCY, within the federal administration. The Nigerian bureaucratic behemoth so-called is an unwieldy conglomeration housing everything from the state house to the cabinet office, from the emergency agency to the boundary commission, from the civil service chief to a pool of conference vehicles their drivers, from civil servants housing and numerous guest houses to obscure parastatals, from the presidential air and land fleet to several research/training institutions. It is a breath-taking octopus and bewildering panorama!

If you thought the manpower needed for running this compelling curiosity were a study in Third World management miracles, you have a mesmerising missile yet coming: There is an unwieldy cabinet of about 50 ministers, scores of special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, consultants and political jobbers, with their own retinues of staffers and hangers-on. The Nigerian Presidency boasts the largest bureaucracy in the universe. And, it's largely believed, wastefully so! Had to dispute.

Well, in defence of the president, our constitution short-sightedly decreed a federal cabinet of at least one member from each state of the federation - which means 36 to start with! But, hey, these guys had 7 years before now to get rid of that nonsense - amend the military-imposed document. They did not. If the president stuck to the minimum, there should be less wastage. He didn't. In fact, he compounded it by his clearly over-bloated and overlapping appointments. Some supporters insist that this was a political expediency. Hard to agree. With this president's legendary obstinacy (ask the labour leaders!) , which he prefers to proudly celebrate as "Owu stubbornness" (i.e. from his ethnic heritage!), his spin-doctor's should try again!

If Chief Obasanjo truly means well for his legacy through the current reforms, he must reform and transform the presidency TODAY. He must get the constitution to reflect the "leaner government" decency of modernity and productive discipline of the new millennium. It is absolutely imperative that a new administration does not inherit this abnormality. What is a sensible and suitable rightsizing level? Look around the globe for lessons and lay your level. But, for God's sake, do it. Thankfully, we have paid enough for his study tours and state visits to equip him with first class case studies and enduring best practices.

If I were the president, I will not ignore the damning publications, in and out of the country, which suggest that The Presidency houses the largest proportion of the nation's corrupt practices. And for good measure, I should unleash the anti-corruption attack-dogs on all such criminals. TODAY! If they find nothing, hurray - one more honour for the reforms. We shame the writers and their paymasters! Sound case for doing it. So I will.

With this baggage off my back, I should begin a redefinition of my roles and reforms for a new Nigeria. If I were President Olusegun Obasanjo, the real reforms starts anew, afresh and ablast! Watch my moves....

If I Were In Forbe's Top 10 Billionaires

2006-03-21T07:40:00.000-08:00

Wealth. What a wind!
In its breadth, we catch our breath
By its storm, stomachs reform
For it sake, our world be staked
Wealth. What a wind!
The rich, and their reach
is the story of niche
or the gory in breach
Remain O'Wealth
for the land to grow
Riches. What a caste!

In honour of the billionaires, we must thank time, chances and reason. May we begrudge not the rich, nor stammer when we praise. I salute them.

Now, the demand. If I were a billionaire, and be in the League of Ten (L10), here is what I'd muse:

a. With so much poverty around the globe, how best can I not add to misery anywhere - but bring smiles to faces by this pouch.

b. Everywhere we turn there are voices and masses. Is anyone listening? Since our Club is about 1000 Members, how can we get talking....and, as Bill Clinton is now insisting through his Global Initiative, get on to walking the talk?

c. The future of our planet demands special talents and new politics. May I be able to join forces with New Thinkers, today!

d. What is this whole "Tales of the Unexpected from Africa" - Cradle of Humankind??? How can I help retrace the Golden Steps? Where be the KEY and the Hidden Gate so missed, this very long???

e. How can we invest in the International Space Station to make it more pro-PEOPLE, including support for a Space Hotel & Conference Resort plus Spiritual Retreat facilities? Can I work with Richard Branson and his BrainWaves goals?? And, why not???

f. Who succeeds me, personally, and us - billionaires - as a block? Would they make our wealth a bother? burden? or blaster? when we be gone?? Can we learn from Bill Gates in this respect??? And, why not????

If I were in the League of Ten, I will love and live the Club, and be at peace with myself. Then, export peace around the world. The wealth so given will ooze soothing breeze, not stir the whirlwind.

If I Were President Bush

2006-03-21T07:29:00.000-08:00

There are moments, and there will be MOMENTS. Not many find the difference, very few spot the current. I believe that George W Bush has a date with history, and he can still make a new deal with HISTORY - the author of all things! If I were President Bush, I will take a personal retreat for self-assessment and legacy-assurance. When I return, it will be new business and never business as usual. Here is why.....

1. The United States of America, US, is too integral and important to our world for it to be taking the kind of bashing it currently endures. It hurts all.

2. There is nothing any country can do successfully alone today in world trade, drugs war, global terrorism, diplomacy and national security. That is why Russia, a cold war foe of the West, is a strategic partner in the international space center, and today chairing the G8. That is why the US embraces Pakistan as an ally despite being essentially a military regime. And that is why Western leaders and world class businesses have embraced China despite being a communist state.

3. The so-called clash of civilisations is seen largely as a war between America and Arabs, such that protests over the "Danish Newspaper Cartoon" saga were usually incomplete without roping in US interests!

4. In this new millenniun, cooperation and collaboration must be the bedrock of our world, to make it the true Global Village.

5. It seems clear that many of those bashing the US are not anti-America as they are anti-Bush Administration. Polls after polls point to this common sentiment.

6. Iraq is not going well at all. And it resonates around the globe as it does in mainstream America. The 3rd anniversary worldwide protests/demonstrations last week speak to this fact. And I suspect that many Americans would be pretty uneasy when the president said, a few days ago, that future US presidents and Iraqi governments will decide the fate of American troops' tenure in the troubled country. They would be there for years, Mr Bush declared! Well, that will hurt, all round.

Now, if I were President Bush, I will make surprise my magic wand. Fresh from my retreat, I will launch a Telephony Offensive. See who I will be calling, charming and challenging....

a. A G4 Meeting of US, EU, China and India to sweeten the sour trade grapes in their relations.

b. A special summit of the UN Security Council and Arab Leaders to deploy Moslem Troops to Iraq, and withdraw current coalition forces - with substantial US Funding - in 12 months.

c. Personal invitations to the leaders of Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria for well-packaged and publicised state reciprocal visits. President Nixon did it with China, and President Reagan with the USSR. The world is better for both.

d. Immediate embrace of the Kyoto Agreement, with fast-track US leadership.

e. Personal dialogue with disagreeing South American Leaders.

After the calls, and while the world is catching its breath, I will disband Gitmo and get my staff to draw up a water-tight Work Schedule for my new offensive. Then, we shall commence the congress rounds.

If I were President George W Bush, you wouldn't have me for Polls Meal any longer!

If I Were President Obasanjo (1)

2006-03-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

Charity, they say, begins at home. I start this series from my homeland. And for very good, topical reason. We are in the election build up to 2007. The president and most of the governors are in their last and final term according to the 1999 constitution which brought them into office.
A long overdue review, inexplicably delayed for all of 7 years, is now being railroaded in what many believe is a blatant attempt at self-perpetuation in office. Beneficiaries? The president and the governors, who are preponderantly of his political party. Losers? Nigerians and the new democratic project.

If I were Olusegun Obasanjo, I will address the nation tonight and reaffirm my oath to protect, preserve and defend Nigeria, her democracy and best heritage. I will forswear and disown the ogre of "Third Term", and slay the dragon of instability it is now breeding in the land. Here is why......

A. The question of legacy. What should Obasanjo be noted and remembered for? Development or Democracy; Unity or Disintegration?

B. Personal Status and Stature. What does the president crave? Tallness of the "Political Iroko" hue? Or diminution of the "Perishable Sunflower" glow?

C. National Image and Black World's Leadership. Does he want to assure the continuity of our "Right & Rising" glory? Or lead Nigeria back to its "Past Pariah" ignominy?

D. The Crowd. Which group is Obasanjo listening to? Or instigating? The sane one? Or the sycophantic one? The voice of dispassionate sincerity or that of self-serving sentiments?

E. History. Has the president checked and rechecked the past? Even the recent past? He should. All those who supported his unjust conviction and jailing by a former dictator, who also sought life-presidency, are now beating the same drums for him! Many of those who came back to disown and betray former sit-tight dictators are now in the president's corner!! Bet, their leopard will never change its spots!!!

If I were President Obasanjo, I will seize the moment. At 70 years in 2007, it will be an oddity and deficit payback (to a nation that gave him so much!) for this president to be blocking others, especially the younger generations, from serving their country at the highest position in political governance. Even he would be the first to admit that Nigeria is blessed with lots of well-exposed, superior-educated, highly successful professionals and businesspeople as well as some decent politicians, who can and should lead their country into the new millennium. It is fraudulent, dishonest, immoral and unpatriotic to claim otherwise - as some "Third Term" proponents are trumpeting. See the sterling performance of Dr Iyabode Obasanjo-Bello, the president's first daughter, as Health Commissioner in Ogun State! And, for that matter, the cerebral and courageous (if impolitic!) press interviews/friendly chatters of his son, Gbenga.

If I were the president, nothing will stand between me and my Christian faith and Christ-like fidelity. My Jesus - the Saviour, Lord & Master - left at the appointed time (despite all temptations at Gethsemane!!!). To ensure continuity, he assured His disciples of the bestowal of the Comforter (Holy Spirit), which will guide them....To do even greater things than He(Jesus, The Christ) did!!!

Remember: Jesus, in overcoming the flesh, declared "Father, thy will be done!". If I were Chief Matthew Okikiola Olusegun Obasanjo, by the grace of God and the will of Nigerians, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I will seize the moment. And in this surprise broadcast, tagged Special Presidential Address For A Greater Nigeria, I will thus declare: Fellow Nigerians, May Your Will Be Done. This Day, I Proclaim A Vacancy In The Presidency Of Our Dear Country, Come May 2007. Let The Race For A Worthy Successor Commence! God Bless The Federal Republic Of Nigeria. A Blessed NIGERIA.