By Adisa Adeleye
I love my country, Nigeria dearly and I cherish its loving people immensely. In Nigeria, there is no dull moment as everyday brings its own contrasting news from sadness and hopelessness to happiness and hope. That is Nigeria for you and its own peculiar characteristics. Unlike Denmark which contains the happiest people in the world, Nigeria portrays a delightful mixture of sadness and happiness.
As the country mourns the loss of lives in the unfortunate collapse of the hostel in T. B. Joshua‘s own local ‘Vatican‘, there came the news of death sentence on the soldiers who were involved in shooting the vehicle of their Commanding Officer in the war-fair area of the North-East. That sentence, it is said, is subject to confirmation by Chief of Army Staff. Thus, a soldier could be killed not only at the Boko Haram war front, but also by engaging in mutiny.
On the Boko Haram insurgency, the apparently well remunerated legislators, after their well deserved recess, have returned to Abuja to remind the country about the seriousness of the raging war. The amazing law makers described the insurgency as a total war on the country and promised to meet Mr. President to discuss on the seriousness of the situation.
Serious dialogue
There is no doubt that many patriotic Nigerians will support a serious dialogue with President Jonathan and if convenient, make a trip to the forbidden insurgents‘ haven – the Banbisa Forest – to show support for the gallant ecurity forces.
There is no doubt that many patriotic Nigerians will support a serious dialogue with President Jonathan and if convenient, make a trip to the forbidden insurgents‘ haven – the Banbisa Forest – to show support for the gallant ecurity forces.
But all is not dismal news. There is the pleasant news that a sum of N611 billion has been injected into the Nigerian economy as the monthly (August) sharing of oil money. There is no doubt that the states and the local governments would welcome the pleasant news with jubilation for the unearned income.
As usual, the curious but eagle-eyed anti development officials of the Central Bank would be actively preparing for the mopping up of excess liquidity through the famous technique of issuance of the Treasury Bills. As expected, the local banks who are the recipients of fresh injection of funds through the monthly sharing would prefer investing in the safer and profitable government bonds to lending to the risky real sector of the economy.
At times, questions are being asked if it is economically rational to seek a foreign loan of $1 billion (no matter how low the interest is) when the country could distribute freely a whooping sum of N611 billion (about $4 billion) to all the tiers of government. There is little doubt that the monthly distribution of booty (oil money) is the greatest drawback to serious approach to interrmally generated revenue.
Some readers of my column often wonder why many articles and newspaper reports appear to be negative in assessing the efforts of federal government in its attempts to grapple with the country‘s many complex problems. Many apologists of the present federal government have erroneously branded some columnists as “enemies” of President Jonathan.
I think the answer lies between what is factual and what is regarded as the truth by the affected parties. Also, newspapers‘ respected colomnists would be expected to be dispassionate in analyzing national events. In reality, sycophancy should be ruled out of the dictionary of any good journalist, even if occasional praise worshipping could be tolerated.
As it has been mentioned in this column several times, critical analysis of national events should not be seen as abuse or personal attack on officials excersising authority or discharging responsibilities A journalist like a good citizen, is addicted to his profession that, “A man who is ignorant of the society in which he lives, who knows nothing of its place in the world and who has no thought about his place in it, is not a free man even though he has a vote”.
It is normal that any elected government, wether at the federal, state or local government level, should be able to defend its policy and fulfil promises made to the electorate as a whole. For example, if a party has promised provision of security and mass employment for the people to get elected, that party is under the obligation of political expediency (re-election) to deliver and answer some reasonable and related questions on its methodology, even if there is clear evidence of hardwork (consencious mediocrity) always.
It is obvious to all Nigerians (except some reactionary politicians) that the country is in a real civil war engineered by the seemingly well organized but ‘foreign‘- backed insurgents. It is also true that the current politicians (with the alluring prospects of 2015) are not fully aware of the dangers ahead. The political panorama at present, purviews rallies of support for those to be re-elected and those wishing to usurp power in the electoral system which is yet to be perfected and which is under serious suspicion of regional loyalty.
The pertinent question could be, is this the right time to be playing politics with the destiny of the country? Perhaps the distinguished legislators of both Houses would have enough courage and grace to engage Mr. President in a useful discussion on the current issues of national interest. Or perhaps, the tireless Minister of Finance and the Co-ordinating Minister for the Economy would join the delegation to convince the President that economic transformation programme would not work efficiently under a tough monetary stance with depreciated currency and increasing unemployment rate.
Some analysts are sceptical about the type of economy which Dr Okonjo Iweala is co-ordinating, if her alleged liberal fiscal policy is being clearly undermined by the inexplainable restrictive stand of the Central Bank and its Monetary Policy Committee whose members seem to resemble old economists of depression in an affluent society. This is not an abuse but a rational reflection on the national economy.
The Black Scorpion
The passing away of Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle last week has, as expected, elicited sympathy from many Nigerians including President Jonathan and former President, Chief Obasanjo (his successor as the Commanding Officer, 3rd Marine Commandoes). There is no doubt that Bri-General Adekunle (Black Scorpion) was one of the gallant military officers who were responsible for the successful prosecution of Nigeria civil war. He operated with unqualified success in the difficult and dangerous terrain of the present South South zone of the country
The passing away of Brigadier General Benjamin Adekunle last week has, as expected, elicited sympathy from many Nigerians including President Jonathan and former President, Chief Obasanjo (his successor as the Commanding Officer, 3rd Marine Commandoes). There is no doubt that Bri-General Adekunle (Black Scorpion) was one of the gallant military officers who were responsible for the successful prosecution of Nigeria civil war. He operated with unqualified success in the difficult and dangerous terrain of the present South South zone of the country
Brigadier Adekunle became Director of Training at the Army Headquarters and later undertook the difficult assignment of clearing the over crowded wharf. It is to his credit that he did all assignments given to him before his retirement with zeal and diligence. May his soul rest in undisturbed peace.
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