By Akubue Henry-Lagos

henrydking2000@yahoo.co.uk

 Decades have long passed yet Africans still wallow in the memories of colonization. The devastating effect of colonization dwindled the development of Africa due to the export of both human and material resources needed to achieve development in Africa.

Western world see Africa as a continent without any meaningful contribution to global growth. Hence, after the Second World War, United States embarked on a marshal plan to develop the devastated Europe leaving Africa to its fate. From the abinitio, the relationship between the West and Africa is of a feudal resemblance.

Therefore, the whole jamboree about the need to develop Africa by the West is a total fiasco meant only to prey on the continent’s resources. There is often the feeling of disgust and hatred towards African agenda; a continent of inherently inferior and savaged people only meant to be exploited other than explored.

As bad as their thoughts may be towards Africa, Pliny a Roman Philosopher is of the opinion that “ex Africa simper all quid novi” (There is always something new out of Africa). Despite the potentials and possibilities that abound in the continent, the antics of the West hinder its full utilisation.

Undoubtedly, the western antics have always come to lime light through the cooperation of Africa especially her leaders. African is a nation imbued with strong leadership potentials however it is most unfortunate that this important trait is far from being fully harnessed. Africa is viewed in this wise as a NATION due to one relevant semblance; BAD LEADERSHIP. Sad as it is, most of the leaders in Africa have over time turned themselves into vultures feeding on the cadaver of their citizens.  Usurping of the country’s wealth to the detriment of the masses has become the stock in trade of most African leaders. For every looting that takes place within the continent, there is an element of western influence in whose countries these loots are held in trust for the corrupt leaders.

We will not deny the fact that the west champions the campaign against corruption but are paradoxically the beneficiaries of such corrupt practices. Most of the ill acquired wealth which is stashed in western financial institutions has a replicate value on their economy. The succor provided by Swiss bank and other of such banks to these selfish African leaders serves as a comfortable nest for laying their ill gotten wealth.

Pertinently, leadership has to do with good stewardship. However, African leaders have been used to plunge the continent into further hardship and poverty. Therefore leadership deficiency has over time become a thorn on the flesh of Africans.

Unworthy of note is the economic tie between Africa and the West. It is ironic that Africans are still dependent on the west for their economic growth and development after many years of colonialism. Aids, loans and unequal economic ties between Africa and the West pose more dangers than benefits to Africans. There is a fundamental problem with development aid. It leads to dependence, thus leading to subtle subjugation of the receiving country to the lender. Flocking of the African market with western commodities creates an unhealthy rivalry with the home made ones. A developed western economy, flocking the developing or under developed African economy with their goods does nothing but inflate the dependency ratio of the continent on foreign goods. It is our onus as Africans to be diplomatic with most of the trade pact we sign with the west, as juicy as they may appear on the surface, have some subterranean adverse outcomes.

One of the detrimental aspects is the conversion of the continent into a dumping ground for most of the wastes produced in the western countries as can be seen in Cote d voire and Somalia, often with health hazards associated with them. In Somalia, the sea which is one of their greatest resources especially for sea food has been contaminated with the dump of nuclear waste.Also, Cote d’voire has its own side of the sad story where hundreds of tons of toxic waste were illegally dumped and has posed a serious health hazard.

 More so, foreign aids and loans will not in any way lead the continent out of poverty. In this regard, the Rwandan president Paul Kegame; in German tabloid, Handelsblatt said that,

The Europe and American relations with Africa had not helped to develop the continent. Rather, the continent needs real partnerships with foreigners who have the know-how and capital, who would share same with local companies. I would wish the western world invests in Africa rather than give development aid. We are not ignorant of the fact that there is need for aid – however it should be used to allow trade and build up companies.”

 Another aspect of our Africa’s nationhood where the west exerts its power and influence is in our education. Education is a veritable tool towards a people’s development but should be embellished properly with native content. African acquired a form of education that does not reflect the reality of the time, thus making our youth cultural albinos. Africa need to embibe a form of education with an African content, which duly reflect the realities of the time. Asians have learnt to embed the Asian content in their education hence are beginning to reap the benefits. The form of education in Africa glorifies the Western ideals, values and views thereby deempahsising the African spirit with its values.

 The first step towards actualizing our development is by building self confidence through our education. This will further replicate itself in growth and development of the continent. As true Africans, we need to embrace just like David Diop the African spirit of Africa, My Africa.

 Rightly said by President Barrack Obama; the development of Africa lies with Africans. Several other clarion calls have been made by Africans who believe in the African course ranging from the likes of Nkwame Nkrumah, Dr.Nnamdi Azikiwe, Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey, and Martin Luther to contemporary icons like Lucky Dube, Gani Fanwehenmi, and Femi Kuti who have fought bravely to liberate Africa from the shackles of post-colonial westernism.

All things being equal, our resources should be leverage for the development of the nation and not to be exploited for serving the West.

Therefore there is a clarion call for us to unify and fight the tsunami of bad leadership rocking the continent or rather nation to a stand still and liberate ourselves from the shackles of modern day slavery. If all hands be on deck, Africa will enjoy the joy of nationhood.

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By Henry Akubue/Nigeria

 Nigeria has not lived up to the expectations of the international community and has not been able to play the ”big brother” role that was accorded her. A lot of great expectations are placed on the country at the international level because of the supposed confidence reposed on her. Such expectations gave rise to the name ”Giant of Africa” but as sad as it may be we are yet to live up to the expectations. The bad leadership that has always been an issue in the internal affairs of the country is taking its toll on the external affairs. It won’t be wrong to say that Nigeria is viewed as a leadership deficient country. The inability to carry out the leadership role is bringing about the search for other options.

And on this note, it will be no news that South Africa which is strategically placed in the southern part of the continent like Nigeria is in the west is gradually making its impact felt. The obvious truth is that much attention from the international community is now going to South Africa since she stands as a child of promise. As painful as it may be, Nigeria seems to be comfortable and no measures are put in place to regain the country’s glory that is slowly eluding her.

 However, South Africa which clearly understands what it takes to be an active player in the international polity made democracy their watch word in their internal politics. Democracy is the world most acceptable form of governance which was greatly practiced in the South African recent election that brought Jacob Zuma to Power. The foreign observers in which one of our “undemocratic” leaders Olusegun Obasanjo was a member laid credence to that election. The people wielded the power to elect the leader of their choice and admirations from other countries especially African countries went to South Africa.

United nations delegate led by the deputy secretary Dr. Asha –Rose Mogiro graced the inauguration of the President Jacob Zuma with other dignitaries from within and outside the continent. South Africa democracy has been enjoying 15 years of consistency whereas Nigeria celebrates 10 years of democracy under duress.

They are determined to make things right after the long years of apartheid regime than we are trying to put the military off our democracy. Thus South Africa became the first African country whose leader resigned from office just to prove his innocence.

 The G-20 summit which brought together leaders of both developed and emerging economies together had South Africa as the only African country in attendance. Nigerian’s exclusion from such a high powered meeting led to lamentations from both the President and the cabinet members. I believe that is the moment of truth for the country as against sycophancy which is largely practiced. The truth has to be told. Other than lamenting, we have to look inwards to see where we are getting it all wrong. Nonetheless even at that, complacency, as usual will still be the order of the day. South Africa, understanding the international politics and demands engaged in nation development programmes and diversification of economy. The diversification of economy became what can be tagged a mature economy of South Africa unlike the monotonous economy operated in Nigeria. South Africa function is representing the continent in such vital decisions taking platforms.

The Nigeria quest for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council is having serious threat with South Africa bid for same. It may not be surprising, if at the end of the day it is allocated to them. I strongly believe they have the zeal to achieve their aim more than Nigeria does. It is noteworthy that the ticket to host the world cup is not by accident. It was honourably that Nigeria dropped out of the FIFA hosting race because obviously we would have lost. The state of infrastructure in Nigeria is nothing to write home about and can not be equaled with what is on ground in South Africa.

 It is a carefully crafted diplomatic offensive other than mere coincidences that South Africa has been marching words with actions. It should be an awakening call on Nigeria that we are missing out from within and outside the continent.

Therefore, Nigeria identity as Giant of Africa is threatened and vanishes by the day.

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Democracy and Kaakhi Mentality

By Henry Akubue/Nigeria

Democracy in a lay man’s understanding is defined as the government of the people, for the people and by the people. Democracy in its entirety is seen as the generally accepted form of governance and hence has to be practiced both in governance and attitude.

Basically, this form of government creates a liberal and free society where people’s rights are respected and they co-habit peacefully. In line with the above countries like the United State of America, United Kingdom etc are seen as nearly a perfect society. This I know is   unconnected with the disposition of their natural resources or technological know-how but with its value for life and respect of the citizens, which in turn impacts on the commitment of its citizen towards the development of the country.

Contrary to this view, the most populous black nation Nigeria upholds an ideology of democracy that contradicts its real definition. The advent of the modern democracy since 1999 till date has constantly been characterised with all sorts of human rights deprivation.

 I rather see a Plutocratic form of governance than Democracy. A neo-colonial rule I would rather say.

At this juncture, I tried to deduce the reason behind all these and what came to mind was the devastating effect of the long military rulership via Coup and counter Coups. This has eaten deep into the psychic of the society. Little wonder why at the slightest attainment of an exalted position it is used in such a cruel and mean manner, it is the form of mentality I choose to call the “Kah-ki Mentality”. Such a mentality we experience in the day to day running of the affairs in government.

The barbaric experiences of the civilians in the hands of the people they entrust their lives like the police, military etc is continually increasing. It becomes rather ironical that the tax payers’ money with which these people are paid turns around to be at the detriment of the tax payer. This inhumane treatment ranges from the various murder, rape, molestations, intimidations and bullying cases. The annoying part of the situation is that the offenders go scout free with little or no punishment to serve as a deterrent to others.

Consequently, the civilians in order to avoid this try to identify with them and this occurs in such a way that the quest for the military and other Para-military identity cards, stickers etc increases. Sacrifices of any type are made as a quid pro quo for the identity, this I term the “Kah-ki Mentality” that prevails in our society.

Democratic governance should ensure both attitudinal and technological development. However within this context, the several electoral malpractices experienced in the country constitute what one may describe as failure in the development of our behaviour over the years. It does nothing but to make one ponder if we actually practice democracy. No thanks to the election that saw some of the office holders into power.

Series of electoral killings, ballot box snatching, duplication of votes etc most times were recorded as this purports that we have lost the track.

The election that saw Barrack Obama as the president of America clearly shows how the vote of the masses can bring about a credible election and candidate. Although some may argue that this example may be far fetched, on the home front of Africa, however the recent Ghana election that crowned Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, president has enjoyed a lot of commendations from both Africa and the Diaspora.  

The attributes seen in the Nigerian election is akin to a military regime in which power is forcefully taken as against the will of the electorate. This can more or less be referred to as Quasi Coup d etat.

Optimistic reasoning has made me believe that things will soon improve at least with the recent court declarations that saw the return of the stolen mandates of some governors like Mr. Peter Obi of Anambra State, Comrade Adams Oshiomole of Edo State and Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State. It is therefore pertinent to enjoin politicians who has or is treated unfairly in elections to seek redress through the judiciary since our electoral system has failed in its role.

The Machiavellian method of achieving power has greatly led to the enthronement of people with such a kaki way of reasoning. Our leaders pay little or no attention to the yearnings of the people who they are supposed to be leading. In a real democratic setting, the masses wield the greatest power of decision making. Although decisions are meant to be taken collectively however they contrarily accord themselves the sole right of decision making. if not ,why will a government that is assumed to be people friendly  not listen to their plights or even make policies against the popular wish of the masses.. An illustration can be drawn from the agitation for the increment of the salaries of the Nigerian workers. The government on its own part used the economic crisis and deregulation as these have become a cliché in the Nigerian polity. However, the various promises made before the assumption of office becomes that of a poacher turned gamekeeper.

Power gripping is characteristic of every military regime i.e. the attitude of not relinquishing power even when it is against the wish of the masses. In a democratic dispensation on the other hand, the populace determine who leads them or not and in a situation whereby an office holder is declared Persona non grata such a fellow gives up such power. In a country such as ours that prides itself as a democratic community, power is a Willy nilly affair and there is little or no consideration on how it affects the populace. It is disheartening that our democracy has borrowed this military tendency. The opprobrium against the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the 2007 election to quit his position. And his counter refusal to do so makes it very obvious that some people are willing to sacrifice the country for their selfish interest. Also the third tenure syndrome that pervaded the former president’s administration is another good example. This democratised military government should be done away with so that the interest of the masses will prevail.

Therefore, the practice of true democracy should be imbibed in the daily activities of the government in such a way that   its impact be felt in every nook and cranny of the society. As aforementioned, I am very optimistic that by the time the military psychology which has engulfed our sense of reasoning in our nascent democracy fizzles out then we will begin to enjoy the values that democracy holds.

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AKUBUE HENRY ABUMCHUKWU

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 Over the years, I have grown with the illusion that Nigeria is the giant of Africa. Since then I tried to confirm d authenticity of such an ideology. Rather than being given cogent reasons, what I understood for such a eulogy to my beloved country was that of our size i.e. population, asides which there no other reason is.                                                                                                           

Giant we know in reality have massive physiognomy and do great things. Their gigantic nature often makes them to be at fore fronts in action times. A classical example can be drawn right from the Greco-Roman war periods during which giants were war Lords. Also another example can be seen from the Bible where nations chose their Kings and war generals   according to their body physic.

This same metaphor cannot be used in the case of Nigeria that possesses all the endowments capable of achieving a gigantic status in the world but still struggle to survive. Nigeria as a nation is highly blessed with both natural and human resources even to the envy of most developed countries. However, these    resources poses as threats in disintegrating the fabrics that holds the country because of the corrupt practices that characterise the sharing of the national cake.

 The exit of the colonial masters resulted in our taking over the helm of affairs. Prior to their exit, the nation was seen as one with a very bright chance of becoming a formidable force to reckon with in the world. Because of the long term goal and vision set so as to become a great nation. If there were such   glimpse of Nigeria being the giant of Africa, it would probably be during the colonial period and a little time after it. This era in Nigeria was characterised with organisation, planning, discipline and integrity.

  I stand to be corrected on this but I feel that the period the military took over power was the melting point of the vision our founding fathers had. The “Operation gather it all” syndrome started and gradually culminated into what we see today as a total break down of the system.

In recent times, Nigerians have suffered due to the dearth of visionary leaders we had in the past and our founding fathers like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, and Sir Ahmadu Bello etc will all be turning in their graves because the zeal which they had to make the country great has died a natural death. These set of leaders I call the first generation leaders were full of laudable visions and dreams however these visions and dreams suffered a set back in the hands of the second generation leaders characterised mainly by the military.

 The juxtaposition of certain aspects of our nation with what is obtainable in other nations can be used as a yardstick to buttress more on the subject matter so as to give a clearer view:

 As we know the modern world is power driven and it is one the factors that boost development and growth of an economy. Through a good and steady power source industrialisation is highly encouraged and thus employment is provided.

The issue of power supply in recent times is common to all and sundry and it is therefore an open secret that we have woefully failed in this aspect. Huge amount of money have been pumped into this sector yet its impact can hardly be felt. Nigeria in its acclaimed gigantic nature supply power to other countries yet our dependants enjoy the source more than we the providers. An illustration can be drawn from our neighbouring country Ghana, where power supply is relatively steady at least to the extent that one can see seriousness and sincerity of purpose. To this end, Ghana recently celebrated their ten years of steady power supply. The negative aspect of this erratic power supply in Nigeria is numerous but to suffice it down to the fact that most industries are fleeing Nigeria for other places where they can incur lesser debt in terms of power generation compared to what we have here. Labour reduction is often the aftermath.Moreso; citizens are exposed to the hazards associated with inhalation of smoke coming from the generating sets. The devastating effect of this has resulted in the death of many families. And I ask where the love for fellow compatriots is.

It has become very obvious that some powerful people are holding the sector hostage in their own interest. Nigeria needs God’s intervention and our sincerity to tackle the menace of power supply.

Expectations are high now with the recent promise by the President Umaru Musa Yardua administration of a steady power supply by December 2009 and we hope that the scheme will come into fruition unlike previous ones.

   The economic strength of any nation is determined by the number of its workforce. This entails the number of people who are willing and able to work that are gainfully employed. Developed countries of the world knowing the importance of this attach much importance to human potentials and as such try to tap them to the fullest. From the aforementioned, the situation in Nigeria is totally different in the sense that human potentials are seen as a source of freedom from economic and political bondage therefore efforts are made to suppress such.

The policies made for the empowerment of the youths in Nigeria are bedevilled by the high level of corruption. And it stands out to be the bed rock upon which every policy made to boost employment meets its untimely death.     At this point, it is pertinent to note that the future of any nation lies in its younger generation and they are the hope of tomorrow.

The outburst on the evil effect of crimes like arm robbery, militancy and kidnapping in Niger Delta, the Boko Haram saga and other delinquencies were necessitated by the high level of unemployment and negligence of the youths. An argument can erupt from this as to why taking to these nefarious activities instead of engaging in more rewarding ventures. Although am not trying to justify these acts but the question is, if all things were rightly put in place would situations like these occur? The surprising thing is that it is becoming virtually impossible combating these crimes, because the best brains are now channelling their knowledge to these despicable ventures since no meaningful job is forth coming. Economically, the nation is being affected since most of the companies seek for other greener nations for their operations. This has a negative effect such that the revenue generation is on the decline and unemployment still on the increase.

With this characteristic I see no real sense in Nigeria claiming a giant status among other nations in Africa whereas unemployment rate grows at a geometric order while job availability grows at an arithmetic order. The economic meltdown in its own bit see to the closure and downsizing of even the few employed. Going by this, statistics show that the crime rate has likely increased and this simply meant increase in hostage taking, armed robbery etc amongst other social vices.

To tackle the unemployment rate the nation needs to be more of a producing nation than a consuming one. Secondly, policies made should be youth friendly and its implementation done judiciously. Labour leads to human development which is a vital aspect of nation building and growth.

Development of a country is dependent on the level of education and the availability of information. It brings about tremendous development in any economy in such a way that it tends to create an opportunity where ordinarily there wont be. Therefore is the pivot on which the development of any nation is hinged hence the developed nations invest in it because of the accrued benefit in human resource and capital development hence nation building.

Contrarily, Nigeria has over the years deemphasised the importance of education in its quest for self aggrandisement. At the different levels of our educational life we are experiencing a gradual decay despite having the best brains amongst us and if not checked can be very disastrous to the society at the long run. Government at all levels play down on the essence of education and this can be referenced with the poor salary package of teachers. Teachers are vital tools in nation development since we have contact with them at the different stages of our lives and they help to mould behaviours and talents.

 Developed countries hold their teachers in high esteem and treat them as a means to an end in nation development. As against this backdrop, in Nigeria teachers are treated with little or no regard since they are not seen as agents of nation building. Its resultant effect is the lackadaisical attitude which they display in carrying out their duty and the after effect is the poor performances experienced in schools.

I was greatly embittered when I heard over the radio on the setting up of a committee by the minister of education to investigate the reason for the poor performance of students in the concluded SSCE/WAEC examination especially in English Language and Mathematics. On this I know that a market woman will comfortably pin point the incessant strike actions that sent their wards away from school for a period of time as serious contributory factor to this decline. The recent Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike for the past three to four months has put the dilapidated university system in comatose. And as usual poor performances of student will equally make the hypocrite government especially minister of education want to set up a committee to look into the issue. For the first time in history of the country we have presidential post occupied by educated people yet the music is of the same tune.

The United Nations sees education as a sine qua non to the development of any nation, therefore a good part of a country’s budget should be channelled towards encouraging literacy amongst the masses.

  Health is synonymous with wealth, thus the saying that a healthy nation is a wealthy one. The well being of the citizen of any nation surpasses all other issue or agenda pursed by the government. This is simply because their mandate gave rise to such a government and as such the health of the citizen should of utmost importance and priority to the government.

  At present, the health sector is basically suffering from the poor state of medical equipments and lack of technical know-how to handle certain tasks. This is charcterised by the incessant travels to developed countries for better medical treatment by our leaders and other affluent citizens.

The bad attribute of the health sector has greatly contributed to the embezzlement and diversion of funds to such irrelevancies by our leaders.

The common man who cannot afford the huge amount of foreign medical check up is left at the mercy of the corrupt and bastardised health care system in the country for their treatment whereas the wealthy ones who contribute to the dilapidated state employ the services of foreign professionals.

It is also appalling that even some of the medical professionals abroad come from within the African continent especially Nigeria. The question then is, why can’t we use the millions of dollars spent yearly on foreign medical check ups to revitalize our health sector.

 By this short coming on our health care standard, one can refute the claim that Nigeria is the giant of Africa.

In conclusion, I believe strongly that Nigeria has what it takes to be a great nation vis – a – vis its human and natural endowment. The militating factor towards attaining this greatness is the corrupt practices that hold the country hostage.

Until corruption is highly checked and curtailed we are still day dreaming about being the giant of Africa.

Secondly, all necessary factors both human and natural resources must work in tandem to achieve the desired aim since one cannot work in isolation of the other. Human capital needs to be given the main attention since other factors depend on it for its coordination and when this is done our dream will surely come through. 

Therefore, I sincerely look forward to Nigeria being the GIANT OF AFRICA if all hands will be on deck. We will thus work together with one mind and sincerity of purpose and as such this illusion will metamorphose into reality.

GOOD PEOPLE, ONE NATION

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