ON CITIZENSHIP
There is a need to promote a sense of good citizenship and fair play in the mind of the typical Nigerian. We must learn to take responsibility for our actions and consider their consequences not only on our own interests but also on the interests of others.
4th August 2009
ON THE NEED TO PRESENT A UNITED FRONT
United we stand, divided we fall. We can only achieve the seemingly impossible by tackling the seemingly improbable. Our dreams, our goals, our lives, and our future depend on the decisions we make today. History will not be kind to those that fail to act.
21st July 2009
ON THE INDIVIDUAL
Until we change our individual perspectives we cannot effectively change the status quo.
19th July 2009
ON RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
'Serve God your Creator with all your heart, love your neighbour as the Good Book says and it shall be well with you'
11th August 2009
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FACEBOOK
The positive effects of Facebook as an instrument of social and family networking cannot be ignored. Critics who deride it as addictive might be a litttle bit misguided. Is your mobile phone addictive? No! It is necessary and valuable just like FB. Facebook has afforded me the opportunity of reaching out to my friends and family far and wide. Suddenly, people I have given up for lost are showing up on the radar.
16th August 2009
ON THE CRY FOR CHANGE
Everbody is crying 'change' but do they really desire change? People tend to change their minds in the face of sustained persecution or a tremendous gratification! First, we put the cat in charge of our meat and then we prosecute the chicken for the missing meat! We glorify the same people that tread on our heads and shout down the men that attempt to salvage our sunken boat. Which way Nigeria?
23rd August 2009
ON JESUS
When you have Jesus you have everything. His words are true and His promises are always delivered. Happy is the man or woman who puts God first in all things. He reigns!
22nd September 2009
ON THE TRUTH
The truth is greater than fiction
7th September 2009
ON GRATITUDE
Eni to ba mo inu ro, a mo ope da. Thank you Jesus.
15th September 2009
ON THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT DEBATE
Freedom is not something that we need to fight for as it is the residual nature of all that is not proscribed. It is the Right to express ourselves without fear of persecution or recrimination that should be entrenched in our constitution!
7th July 2009
ON GENTLEMEN
Peace, not War. Love, not Hate. Those are the ideals of a true gentleman!
30th June 2009
ON THE PRESS
The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression. I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression.
However, the freedom to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel. Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. The restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty!
5th July 2009
ON THE NEED TO ACT
Should we leave things like that, ‘SAD’ as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of people like Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Barrack Obama in the United States of today. Perhaps likewise ,our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That, will be our legacy!
5th July 2009
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Peace in Ogun State (Revisited) FB 05/07/2009
DELE OKENLA
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
Sunday, 6 December 2009
On praise
When I wake up every morning and I kneel down to pray, it is not to ask God for anything new but to thank Him for keeping me alive in good health and in good spirit. If only for the gift of life, our Lord is worthy of praise!
Saturday, 5 December 2009
On Man
Man is the apex of God's creation. We were made perfect in His image. So much so that if we truly connect with Him in spirit, we too can create our own miracles.
Support or Anarchy? (FB forum) 22/11/2009
Dele Okenla
My stance on politics is that even though we desire change we must still support the government of the day at all levels, offering positive collaboration whenever and wherever we can. Our overall aim is to achieve a stable and progressive governance and not to create anarchy or merely pursue an egoistic agenda.
La Amzat
Even if the govt is diabolical and unprogressive we should continue to feign stupid cos of a pot of porridge!
Dele Okenla
Dear Amzat, I wonder whether your reference to a pot of porridge is intended as a veiled assault on mine or anybody's integrity for that matter. If it were, then it shows justification for my call for our so-called political pundits to re-orientate their surprisingly narrow perspectives. There is a need for would-be critics not only to know what they are fighting for but also to be able to justify why they are using any particular method of engagement.
Tell me my learned friend, what is stupid in supporting your government at any level? Is anarchy preferrable to stability? Must you always be a gladiator at the expense of peace and progress? I think not!
As for porridges, I only eat Ikokore prepared at home. I am nobody's lackey and seek neither grace nor favour from anyone except God. However, I would rather work with a bad government that we hope to replace in order to make things work better for the masses in the meantime than to engage in meaningless and sometimes directionless and self-serving antagonisms that bring forth nothing fruitful.
Stay blessed and focussed.
La Amzat
Good political tirade and swan-song, as the time of change draws near more of the above political rhetorics will come forth from accalimed agents of change, nothing personal here but a surged mud can hit anyone, conscience permitting but then criticism is part of the horse saddle in the manger, salt of life no matter how detested.
La Amzat
My bro, i understand where u coming from and your target, I have nothing against u, u have a plan to contest soon, so whatever u say is prejudiced, cos u have a burning desire. Moreso, there was a comment I made couple of weeks back during a heated OGD discussion which u had to unwittingly delete in order to preserve your political bed. I didnt find it funny but played along cos ojo mbo LOLUWA wi. For affiliations, note am a free-lance and not interested in any savvy or suavy position. Good thing about your response is that you have declared your ambition! Its your right.
Dele Okenla
Good and noble Amzat, I would very much like to believe that you are writing all these without prejudice or any misconception as I rather fail to see the main gist of your outburst other than it being a valiant attempt at good essay-writing.
I am further worried by your choice of words like 'swan-song', 'tirade', etc, as they have either been unwittingly used out of context or perhaps were not meant to be directed at my person since I cannot fathom any issue/situation that could have warranted such, try as hard as I could.
Nonetheless, I must thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to unravel my mind a bit and maybe in the process we might hopefully become better acquainted with each other's perspectives.
First and foremost, be rest assured that I am not part of the status quo, not in the least, and in fact far from it.
Secondly, when I was younger and less informed, I too have felt the same kind of heat and passion to fight the government of the day, for whatever reason for that matter, whether justifiable or not! So you are not alone
As we grow older, age and reason demand that we should always weigh our immediate options against our long-term objectives in every sphere of life, politics not excluded, and we should act only to further peace and progress.
Change as a progressive tool cannot be an end in itself but rather the means to an end, where the overall aim in bringing about such a change would be to improve the prevalent situation. It follows therefore that if the current situation can be significantly improved upon without necessitating a change of guard then such an opportunity cannot be ignored by a true progressive.
Another aspect of change is that it must be positive and purposeful. It is unthinkably malevolent to desire change only for worse individuals to assume control of the situation especially when bearing in mind that real-life politics does not necessarily have anything to do with morality. To expect politicians to be latter-day saints is a bit utopian and absurd in the very least.
Governance is never easy and those that criticise the government blindly are akin to the Volkswagen Golf driver who imagines that he could as well probably drive a Formula One car just as easily. Only a true test can tell.
I refuse to regard you as a rebel without cause and you definitely do not strike me as someone hoping to score cheap points by unduly attacking the establishment. So therefore, I will advise you to try and weigh both sides of an option at all times before accepting or rejecting it. Try to build up and edify rather than pull down or dismantle. There are no specially acclaimed agents of change anywhere except yourself, myself, and the man on the street. Have a good day.
La Amzat
Dele, let me refer u to an article in today's THISDAY 22/11/09, by Audu Ogbeh on Ngige, where the sage addressed some germane issues.
Dele Okenla
Thank you my dear brother. I will surely find time to read it. In the meantime, stay blessed and extend my warmest regards to your family.
My stance on politics is that even though we desire change we must still support the government of the day at all levels, offering positive collaboration whenever and wherever we can. Our overall aim is to achieve a stable and progressive governance and not to create anarchy or merely pursue an egoistic agenda.
La Amzat
Even if the govt is diabolical and unprogressive we should continue to feign stupid cos of a pot of porridge!
Dele Okenla
Dear Amzat, I wonder whether your reference to a pot of porridge is intended as a veiled assault on mine or anybody's integrity for that matter. If it were, then it shows justification for my call for our so-called political pundits to re-orientate their surprisingly narrow perspectives. There is a need for would-be critics not only to know what they are fighting for but also to be able to justify why they are using any particular method of engagement.
Tell me my learned friend, what is stupid in supporting your government at any level? Is anarchy preferrable to stability? Must you always be a gladiator at the expense of peace and progress? I think not!
As for porridges, I only eat Ikokore prepared at home. I am nobody's lackey and seek neither grace nor favour from anyone except God. However, I would rather work with a bad government that we hope to replace in order to make things work better for the masses in the meantime than to engage in meaningless and sometimes directionless and self-serving antagonisms that bring forth nothing fruitful.
Stay blessed and focussed.
La Amzat
Good political tirade and swan-song, as the time of change draws near more of the above political rhetorics will come forth from accalimed agents of change, nothing personal here but a surged mud can hit anyone, conscience permitting but then criticism is part of the horse saddle in the manger, salt of life no matter how detested.
La Amzat
My bro, i understand where u coming from and your target, I have nothing against u, u have a plan to contest soon, so whatever u say is prejudiced, cos u have a burning desire. Moreso, there was a comment I made couple of weeks back during a heated OGD discussion which u had to unwittingly delete in order to preserve your political bed. I didnt find it funny but played along cos ojo mbo LOLUWA wi. For affiliations, note am a free-lance and not interested in any savvy or suavy position. Good thing about your response is that you have declared your ambition! Its your right.
Dele Okenla
Good and noble Amzat, I would very much like to believe that you are writing all these without prejudice or any misconception as I rather fail to see the main gist of your outburst other than it being a valiant attempt at good essay-writing.
I am further worried by your choice of words like 'swan-song', 'tirade', etc, as they have either been unwittingly used out of context or perhaps were not meant to be directed at my person since I cannot fathom any issue/situation that could have warranted such, try as hard as I could.
Nonetheless, I must thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to unravel my mind a bit and maybe in the process we might hopefully become better acquainted with each other's perspectives.
First and foremost, be rest assured that I am not part of the status quo, not in the least, and in fact far from it.
Secondly, when I was younger and less informed, I too have felt the same kind of heat and passion to fight the government of the day, for whatever reason for that matter, whether justifiable or not! So you are not alone
As we grow older, age and reason demand that we should always weigh our immediate options against our long-term objectives in every sphere of life, politics not excluded, and we should act only to further peace and progress.
Change as a progressive tool cannot be an end in itself but rather the means to an end, where the overall aim in bringing about such a change would be to improve the prevalent situation. It follows therefore that if the current situation can be significantly improved upon without necessitating a change of guard then such an opportunity cannot be ignored by a true progressive.
Another aspect of change is that it must be positive and purposeful. It is unthinkably malevolent to desire change only for worse individuals to assume control of the situation especially when bearing in mind that real-life politics does not necessarily have anything to do with morality. To expect politicians to be latter-day saints is a bit utopian and absurd in the very least.
Governance is never easy and those that criticise the government blindly are akin to the Volkswagen Golf driver who imagines that he could as well probably drive a Formula One car just as easily. Only a true test can tell.
I refuse to regard you as a rebel without cause and you definitely do not strike me as someone hoping to score cheap points by unduly attacking the establishment. So therefore, I will advise you to try and weigh both sides of an option at all times before accepting or rejecting it. Try to build up and edify rather than pull down or dismantle. There are no specially acclaimed agents of change anywhere except yourself, myself, and the man on the street. Have a good day.
La Amzat
Dele, let me refer u to an article in today's THISDAY 22/11/09, by Audu Ogbeh on Ngige, where the sage addressed some germane issues.
Dele Okenla
Thank you my dear brother. I will surely find time to read it. In the meantime, stay blessed and extend my warmest regards to your family.
Saturday, 28 November 2009
On Social Critics 28/11/2009 (FB)
Dele Okenla
The major obstacle to political progress in Nigeria may not be the corrupt leaders alone but also the so-called social critics who, unwilling to act themselves and perhaps mindful of the risk of becoming redundant, are unwittingly preserving the status quo by unduly and relentlessly chastising those who dare venture to act.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, I hope you are not allergic to criticism. No society, organisation, institution or even individual can attain excellence without the so called social critics.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Abbey you are seconded. No matter how advanced a democracy is, you will still need social critics to keep the govt on it's toes....power corrupts.God has also given different people different gifts....and believe it or not principled social criticism is a God given gift....you only need to look at people who have brought about real change in their societies by being social critics.If you spend one week in Nigerian Law School, you will hear Gani Fawehinmi's name in various cases everyday...and yet the man never served one day in govt.
Abbey Odukoya
Thank you Mr. fawehinmi, the bane of one of our leadership short comings is the fact that they regard social critics as adversaries while they are surrounded by sycophants that tell them what are euphonics to the hears.
George Ashiru
Dear Cousin...the Japanese say, "Good Thinking...Good Product". Until the value system of the political process is properly established then venturing into active politics fits a certain character type. However, the likes of Obama benefited from the activism of MLK, Ghandhi, Rosa Parks, etc, who were careful not to go into partisanship. Unfortunately, 90% of Nigerians who venture into the political process soon get derailed because the system is too well entrenched for them to change from within.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Very true.....it's possible for a very good man to enter Nigerian politics now and through no fault of his own, will come out of the experience a completely broken man with his reputation in tatters.The odds are so heavily stacked against good people....and this deterioration did not happen overnight...it's been happening gradually over the years.Therefore changing it is not going to happen by going into politics in 2011.For starters we need electoral reforms that will allow good people to compete and win without resorting to godfathers and all sorts.We are nowhere near that yet as things stand.But God does not sleep....
Dele Okenla
Feyi and Abbey, thanks for the concerns raised but be re-assurred that I am not against social criticism, in fact I am all for what Feyi aptly termed 'principled social criticism'.The kind of criticism I hope to discourage is the common and often misdirected baseless negative criticism lacking in merit or justification, especially where an alternative view is not tendered and might, in any case, not be feasible.There is also a general tendency among our so-called progressive elements to shy away from actually involving themselves in the field of play where their criticism is directed.For example, most political critics dont want to be politicians, because they reason it is a dirty job, so who is left to run things? The bad guys!More worrying is the fact that when occasionally a progressive element eventually breaks rank and offers to take on this 'dirty job' he is, more often than not, instantly regarded as a prospective judas and rather than being given the support needed to bring the collective spirit of progress into the system, he is treated as if he were part of the prevalent problem. The result is that good guys continue to be discouraged from participating, and the bad guys continue to have a swell-time plunging our beloved country deeper into abysmal mess.
Feyi Fawehinmi
I promise you, the moment the playing field is proper leveled, Nigeria will be spoilt for choice in terms of the quality of people available to serve the nation.Mark my words.I know many people who are willing to serve and have very good ideas for Nigeria...but given a choice of entering a system that immediately compromises all your values and conscience, you cant blame good people for staying away or fighting from the outside.Let those who have floor now continue to do as they please.Their time will soon be up sha.
Abbey Odukoya
@George: The Americans say "when good people leave politics to bad people, politics become bad". The system cannot change if good people -like your cousin, is being dissuaded form getting involved.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, Rome was not built in a day and unless people start acting now by getting involved regardless of other factors our dream for a better Nigeria will remain just a dream. God works through the minds and hands of men!
Dele Okenla
God works THROUGH the minds and hands of men!
Feyi Fawehinmi
You miss my point....like George has pointed out above, you dont have to be part of the system or in govt to bring about change.MLK's greatest work was done outside govt.So much can be achieved in civil society without spending a day in govt or getting 'involved'.That's what a lot of Nigerians dont understand.The problems with our nation are so myriad that if the only way to bring about change is by 'getting involved', govt will be so overcrowded....we already have 369 reps and 109 senators!.....far more than America.Let us not make the mistake of assuming that change can only come about through govt or by getting involved.If you permit me to go back to Gani...I was priviledged to be at his burial in Sept....you should have seen the crowds and outpouring of emotions and he was never in govt.People also dont know that around 80% of the cases handled by his chambers were completely free...usually involving defenceless people whose rights had been trampled on.Getting involved in Nigeria today will not bring about any meaningful change...I mean the whole thing as presently stands is built on illegality where do you want to start from.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, I am afraid you missed THE point.It is not about heroes and villains or about increasing the number of political offices available. 100 million people can be involved in politics and still there will be no overcrowding.I do not entirely understand the point you made about not being part of the government in order to bring about change. Of course, that is a self-evident truth! However, does that mean that all the good guys should stay out of politics and allow only the bad guys to run the government? Then, why are we complaining? Please enlighten me further on this point.
Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth
The progress in other nations is watered by the blood of and sweat of matyrs not the voice of Social critics
Dele Okenla
To George:Good and valiant cousin, I know where you stand on issues like this for we were both brought up to defend good against evil. And did we not grow up together learning the self-same arts of martial combat in which you so much excel, so that we might not only defend ourselves effectively, but also protect others? Tell me then, what chilvary is there in fighting a war that already has been fought and won or lost? How can we as men of valour in spirit fold our arms and say the atmosphere is not yet conducive for honourable men like us to wade in?Feyi said 'the moment the playing field is properly levelled' we will see the marching in of the 'saints'. Excuse me, who are the ones going to do the unenviable task of levelling the playing field for the coming of the 'Quality band'?Should we then rather only concern ourselves with enjoying the goodies of victory after some other poor souls have possibly given their lives to achieve it? I think not!
George Ashiru
Thanks Dele...As a trained engineer, I also learnt that when a product is bad from the design stage, you redesign the product altogether and represent it to the market rather than merely changing its name or white-washing its exterior. Nigeria does not need more change agents, what we need is changed values. MLK fought to change the segregation laws, which today gave Obama his opportunity. In Jesse Jackson's time, it was still a promise.What I expect is for change agents to campaign first for a better constitutution, electoral laws, anti-corruption methodologies, social values and cultural attitudes, which, when activated, will allow change agents to prosecute their agendas. Failing this, we will just be going on a merry go round for another 50 years; different people, but more of the same.
Adetayo Alausa
Well said Dele, but bear in mind not only the desire but the resources at the disposal of this mediocre and heartless politicians to instill fear in people they see as threat. The Life of their political rival to them is like a chess piece and definitely not the Queen or the King but a pawn. You can waste one and the game continues.However some people can fight on the sideline and stay alive especially thoe who don't know the scheming in the political terrain in Nigeria.
Feyi Fawehinmi
@George: Your reference to the need for a new constitution is perhaps one of the most important things we need in Nigeria.We so badly need one.....working with the present document is almost an exercise in futility.But the people who are afraid of changing the status quo continue to block such change.You just need to go back to the circumstances in 1999 when the current document was written to know why it cant work.
Dele Okenla
To George:Dear Cousin,As you may well know, I have had no training in engineering designs whatsoever and therefore cannot offer any expert rejoinder to your metaphor as expressed. However, since most of my limited knowledge and understanding is derived directly from the pages of the Bible, which itself was authored under inspiration from God the Creator and Designer of all things, allow me to indulge myself a bit.Nothing created in nature was ever bad in 'its design stage'. Nigeria was not bad in its design stage, it is bad now because bad people were opportuned to seize and maintain control over it. To turn things around, we now need good people to actively join in the process of nation-building.Change is a very practical issue, not a theoretical process. To bring about change you need in place a change-oriented personnel. It is no use trying to fly an aeroplane with a truck-driver as pilot, unless of course you actually re-train the truck-driver or else simply use a properly trained aeroplane pilot!I noted the apparent contradiction in your conclusion that we do not need more agents of change while you then went on to define the roles of the so-called agents of change and even acknowledged celebrated agents of change like MLK in the process. Funnily enough, I totally agree with you.There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian constitution. I have read it several times over and over again and I am of the reasoned opinion that it is quite workable in the current dispensation. We cannot ignore the substance and start chasing the shadow. My message is clear and simple enough. Social critics could go on criticising as much as they would, bad guys could go on ruling as long as they want, or perhaps change their disposition if they could, but, DO NOT DISCOURAGE GOOD PEOPLE FROM ENGAGING IN ACTIVE POLITICS!
The major obstacle to political progress in Nigeria may not be the corrupt leaders alone but also the so-called social critics who, unwilling to act themselves and perhaps mindful of the risk of becoming redundant, are unwittingly preserving the status quo by unduly and relentlessly chastising those who dare venture to act.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, I hope you are not allergic to criticism. No society, organisation, institution or even individual can attain excellence without the so called social critics.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Abbey you are seconded. No matter how advanced a democracy is, you will still need social critics to keep the govt on it's toes....power corrupts.God has also given different people different gifts....and believe it or not principled social criticism is a God given gift....you only need to look at people who have brought about real change in their societies by being social critics.If you spend one week in Nigerian Law School, you will hear Gani Fawehinmi's name in various cases everyday...and yet the man never served one day in govt.
Abbey Odukoya
Thank you Mr. fawehinmi, the bane of one of our leadership short comings is the fact that they regard social critics as adversaries while they are surrounded by sycophants that tell them what are euphonics to the hears.
George Ashiru
Dear Cousin...the Japanese say, "Good Thinking...Good Product". Until the value system of the political process is properly established then venturing into active politics fits a certain character type. However, the likes of Obama benefited from the activism of MLK, Ghandhi, Rosa Parks, etc, who were careful not to go into partisanship. Unfortunately, 90% of Nigerians who venture into the political process soon get derailed because the system is too well entrenched for them to change from within.
Feyi Fawehinmi
Very true.....it's possible for a very good man to enter Nigerian politics now and through no fault of his own, will come out of the experience a completely broken man with his reputation in tatters.The odds are so heavily stacked against good people....and this deterioration did not happen overnight...it's been happening gradually over the years.Therefore changing it is not going to happen by going into politics in 2011.For starters we need electoral reforms that will allow good people to compete and win without resorting to godfathers and all sorts.We are nowhere near that yet as things stand.But God does not sleep....
Dele Okenla
Feyi and Abbey, thanks for the concerns raised but be re-assurred that I am not against social criticism, in fact I am all for what Feyi aptly termed 'principled social criticism'.The kind of criticism I hope to discourage is the common and often misdirected baseless negative criticism lacking in merit or justification, especially where an alternative view is not tendered and might, in any case, not be feasible.There is also a general tendency among our so-called progressive elements to shy away from actually involving themselves in the field of play where their criticism is directed.For example, most political critics dont want to be politicians, because they reason it is a dirty job, so who is left to run things? The bad guys!More worrying is the fact that when occasionally a progressive element eventually breaks rank and offers to take on this 'dirty job' he is, more often than not, instantly regarded as a prospective judas and rather than being given the support needed to bring the collective spirit of progress into the system, he is treated as if he were part of the prevalent problem. The result is that good guys continue to be discouraged from participating, and the bad guys continue to have a swell-time plunging our beloved country deeper into abysmal mess.
Feyi Fawehinmi
I promise you, the moment the playing field is proper leveled, Nigeria will be spoilt for choice in terms of the quality of people available to serve the nation.Mark my words.I know many people who are willing to serve and have very good ideas for Nigeria...but given a choice of entering a system that immediately compromises all your values and conscience, you cant blame good people for staying away or fighting from the outside.Let those who have floor now continue to do as they please.Their time will soon be up sha.
Abbey Odukoya
@George: The Americans say "when good people leave politics to bad people, politics become bad". The system cannot change if good people -like your cousin, is being dissuaded form getting involved.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, Rome was not built in a day and unless people start acting now by getting involved regardless of other factors our dream for a better Nigeria will remain just a dream. God works through the minds and hands of men!
Dele Okenla
God works THROUGH the minds and hands of men!
Feyi Fawehinmi
You miss my point....like George has pointed out above, you dont have to be part of the system or in govt to bring about change.MLK's greatest work was done outside govt.So much can be achieved in civil society without spending a day in govt or getting 'involved'.That's what a lot of Nigerians dont understand.The problems with our nation are so myriad that if the only way to bring about change is by 'getting involved', govt will be so overcrowded....we already have 369 reps and 109 senators!.....far more than America.Let us not make the mistake of assuming that change can only come about through govt or by getting involved.If you permit me to go back to Gani...I was priviledged to be at his burial in Sept....you should have seen the crowds and outpouring of emotions and he was never in govt.People also dont know that around 80% of the cases handled by his chambers were completely free...usually involving defenceless people whose rights had been trampled on.Getting involved in Nigeria today will not bring about any meaningful change...I mean the whole thing as presently stands is built on illegality where do you want to start from.
Dele Okenla
Feyi, I am afraid you missed THE point.It is not about heroes and villains or about increasing the number of political offices available. 100 million people can be involved in politics and still there will be no overcrowding.I do not entirely understand the point you made about not being part of the government in order to bring about change. Of course, that is a self-evident truth! However, does that mean that all the good guys should stay out of politics and allow only the bad guys to run the government? Then, why are we complaining? Please enlighten me further on this point.
Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth
The progress in other nations is watered by the blood of and sweat of matyrs not the voice of Social critics
Dele Okenla
To George:Good and valiant cousin, I know where you stand on issues like this for we were both brought up to defend good against evil. And did we not grow up together learning the self-same arts of martial combat in which you so much excel, so that we might not only defend ourselves effectively, but also protect others? Tell me then, what chilvary is there in fighting a war that already has been fought and won or lost? How can we as men of valour in spirit fold our arms and say the atmosphere is not yet conducive for honourable men like us to wade in?Feyi said 'the moment the playing field is properly levelled' we will see the marching in of the 'saints'. Excuse me, who are the ones going to do the unenviable task of levelling the playing field for the coming of the 'Quality band'?Should we then rather only concern ourselves with enjoying the goodies of victory after some other poor souls have possibly given their lives to achieve it? I think not!
George Ashiru
Thanks Dele...As a trained engineer, I also learnt that when a product is bad from the design stage, you redesign the product altogether and represent it to the market rather than merely changing its name or white-washing its exterior. Nigeria does not need more change agents, what we need is changed values. MLK fought to change the segregation laws, which today gave Obama his opportunity. In Jesse Jackson's time, it was still a promise.What I expect is for change agents to campaign first for a better constitutution, electoral laws, anti-corruption methodologies, social values and cultural attitudes, which, when activated, will allow change agents to prosecute their agendas. Failing this, we will just be going on a merry go round for another 50 years; different people, but more of the same.
Adetayo Alausa
Well said Dele, but bear in mind not only the desire but the resources at the disposal of this mediocre and heartless politicians to instill fear in people they see as threat. The Life of their political rival to them is like a chess piece and definitely not the Queen or the King but a pawn. You can waste one and the game continues.However some people can fight on the sideline and stay alive especially thoe who don't know the scheming in the political terrain in Nigeria.
Feyi Fawehinmi
@George: Your reference to the need for a new constitution is perhaps one of the most important things we need in Nigeria.We so badly need one.....working with the present document is almost an exercise in futility.But the people who are afraid of changing the status quo continue to block such change.You just need to go back to the circumstances in 1999 when the current document was written to know why it cant work.
Dele Okenla
To George:Dear Cousin,As you may well know, I have had no training in engineering designs whatsoever and therefore cannot offer any expert rejoinder to your metaphor as expressed. However, since most of my limited knowledge and understanding is derived directly from the pages of the Bible, which itself was authored under inspiration from God the Creator and Designer of all things, allow me to indulge myself a bit.Nothing created in nature was ever bad in 'its design stage'. Nigeria was not bad in its design stage, it is bad now because bad people were opportuned to seize and maintain control over it. To turn things around, we now need good people to actively join in the process of nation-building.Change is a very practical issue, not a theoretical process. To bring about change you need in place a change-oriented personnel. It is no use trying to fly an aeroplane with a truck-driver as pilot, unless of course you actually re-train the truck-driver or else simply use a properly trained aeroplane pilot!I noted the apparent contradiction in your conclusion that we do not need more agents of change while you then went on to define the roles of the so-called agents of change and even acknowledged celebrated agents of change like MLK in the process. Funnily enough, I totally agree with you.There is nothing wrong with the Nigerian constitution. I have read it several times over and over again and I am of the reasoned opinion that it is quite workable in the current dispensation. We cannot ignore the substance and start chasing the shadow. My message is clear and simple enough. Social critics could go on criticising as much as they would, bad guys could go on ruling as long as they want, or perhaps change their disposition if they could, but, DO NOT DISCOURAGE GOOD PEOPLE FROM ENGAGING IN ACTIVE POLITICS!
Friday, 27 November 2009
A typical political forum. 25/11/09 (FB)
Dele Okenla
Politics need not be a stand and fight situation in every instance. Dialogue/negotiation rather than confrontation have been proven to be more effective in bringing about positive and progressive change. The peaceful agitation of men like M King resulted in the emergence of today's Obama. We may therefore need to rationalise our individual perspectives and review our methods of engagement with our perceived opponents.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, politics, they say, its the alternative to war.
Dele Okenla
Very true comrade. War is perennially a win-lose scenario, but in politics we could still manage to somehow contrive a win-win situation.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
I agree with you to every large extent. This is particularly true in egalitarian societies. The rules of engagement are clearly defined and based usually on dialogue/superior arguement and negotiations to bring about win/win situations for all. The reverse is the case in Nigeria largely because those in the corridors of power have a disconnect with the people they are supposed to serve and virtually all critics are are seen as either trying to position themselves to take their posts or alternatively looking for "Food for the boys". I commend you on this step and hasten to add that Im in your corner on the need for dialogue/engagement.
Dele Okenla
Dele, ACTION2010 needs you! With every voice of reason is our hope rekindled. Glad to be on your side.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
@Dele, My brother from another mother, let me know what ACTION2010 stands for and your own personal goals so we can reason together
Ayo Fasanya
The big issue for determination is how do we dislodge the pretenders and how do we ensure their successors do not derail? Comments are welcome along this line
Dele Okenla
Dele, thank you for your kind and direct questions. I will also make my answers simple and direct.
ACTION2010 is a multi-party coalition which aims to promote and support progressive individuals within the framework of existing political structures.
As for me, I am certainly no masquerade and I make no secret of the fact that I am an active politician. Since it is rather immodest for one to discuss his own personal merits (or demerits), suffice to say here that my goal is to see a better Nigeria where Peace, Progress and Justice prevail.
Oludotun Shobande
@Ayo,you have certainly hit the nail on the head.Your submission is actually what worries me a lot as some of the guys that had good jobs in the diaspora and those who were not but left for naija to be politicians have turned out to be more corrupt and vicious than some of the people they met back home.How can we save our fatherland without having deep pockets and with the climate of utter violence that permeates our land.Who can we trust.@Dele,these are some of my fears
Dele Okenla
Ayo, I think the way, perhaps the only way, to ensure that we dance to a different tune come 2011 is if all Nigerians realise that it is not just our right to vote, it is our duty! We have a moral and civic duty to register and vote according to the dictates of our hearts. Never mind that our votes might not count, never mind that it more often than not comes down to choosing between two perceived evils. We should really just do our bit and choose that which we perceive to be the lesser evil. We cannot leave the destiny of our country in the hands of the 'others'. Rather be a player than be a spectator. That, is the way forward.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
@dele, im no politician but i believe in the better of my immediate society (akute), ogun state and a Nigeria of our dreams, where utilities will work, there will be infrastructure, no corruption nor division along ethnic lines and a level field for all.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
So long as these feature prominently in your plans and there is transparency and integrity of purpose and action among the leadership, we can work together.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
Sir Dele, i cannot agree with you more!
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
Thank you
Daniel Sync Olusanya
“Dele, I totally agree with you. You see, the generation of Political fighters has gone. Awolowo and co fought a good fight with all their might. Yes, we must assume their role; but we must never repeat their mistakes. We must apply great WISDOM in our entire Endeavour’s if we are to impact lives positively. Hear this; a leader who focuses on the NEEDS of its citizens is simply a Winner! You get me.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
Dele, i really think that you will be a great leader in Nigeria!!! You have the BRAIN!!!
Dele Okenla
Dele, if integrity of purpose is on your political menu and you are against any kind of prejudice based on ethnicity, creed or class, then you have in me a willing collaborator. I make no personal pledges and I cannot promise anything other than that which we can achieve by working together as a team forever mindful of our altruistic objectives. Welcome aboard.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
“NIGERIA, THE SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGES WE FACE TODAY CANNOT BE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE YORUBAS, HAUSAS AND IGBOS; NOR BY POLITICAL PARTIES. THIS IS NOT ABOUT PDP OR MILITARY REGIME NEITHER IS IT ABOUT CIVILIAN RULE. THE FACT OF OUR DILEMA IS SIMPLY ABOUT US GREAT CITIZENS OF NIGERIA COMING TO REALISE THAT EVEN THOUGH WE SPEAK IN DIVERSE LANGUAGES, WE MUST LIVE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION. WE MUST ALSO BE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER. WE ARE ALL NIGERIANS.”
Ayo Fasanya
Talking relatively and more in pratical terms,Lagos has been more fortunate than Ogun with visionary and pragmatic leaders-Jakande,even Marwa then Fashola.Are there things Lagosians do to ensure good governace we the Ogun people are neglecting to do. Really i want to be sensitised Dele Okenla et al
Dele Okenla
Ayo, our time will come.
Jerry Sodipe
So many issues lumped up together here, but i should say that even in an ideal society, the law allows actions such as civil protest, strikes and sit ins by unions and members of the public. It is simply part of their inalienable right. Even GOD gave us free will to do things and when we get our fingers burnt we return like lost sheep. I disagree that people must vote just for the sake of voting. I believe we have gone a step further than that and ie. we shall not only vote we shall guard our votes. we shall not allow our votes to be hijacked by money bags or aristo politicians who have now discovered their original roots after spoiling eko ile.As for those comparing lagos with Ogun, you need understand that lagos is a mini naija and cannot compare at all. Even many of those who have ruled Ogun actually came in from lagos.Many of those who actually liberated lagos came from Ogun and outside lagos but are now returning back to base.
Dele Okenla
Jerry, Lagos also generates much more IGR than Ogun State. We have been somewhat limited by a rather tight budget constraint over time. The federal government out to be more open-handed towards the states. Lagos is specially endowed and above parallel comparison.
Ayo Fasanya
@Jerry,novel submission worth expanding.I submit lagos voters are more enlightened,remember Otedola protest votes,il call it electorate vigilance.@Okenla,respectfully its nt abt funds.Rivers had funds than Lagos it was stolen b4 Amaechi came along.Kwara has less funds than Ogun but will soon earn forex tru white farmers.There is cooperatn in Edo n Ondo a multy party state.Our politicians are dividin d state selfishly,lets work on dat.
Dele Okenla
Yes Ayo, I agree with you that there is room for massive improvement in other areas. All avenues must be explored and all options considered. I think with the current trend of awareness among our peers, the course is set for better things to come.
Abbey Odukoya
The truism is that politics in our part of the world is not based on ideology, majority of our folks get into politics so as to enable them to enrich their pockets. It had become far less about service and governance and more about avarice. Enough of our Governors and Gubernatorial contenders do not have any manifesto not to talk about bunch of our Senators that cannot be proud of any legislation that had helped their constituencies. In such scenario, you cannot expect more from politics. Instead of its supposed function as the authoritative allocation of values in a social system it becomes the struggle of who and how to get what and when to get it. But all said, I strongly agree with Mr. Dele Okenla that come 2011 we all need to get democratic and vote according to our conscience even if we believe that our votes might not be properly accredited. God bless Nigeria!
La Amzat
Nigeria is an utopian State where both possibilities and impossibilities are endless. We have more brains at home than abroad, even better ones but the system is dire and the platform is unpalatable, for those in diaspora my word is watch the waters before u set sail except u want to feed the desperadoes and at the end of the day return to your abode with tails between your legs, ask those who tried it. They abound with tales of woe, the above messages are not new, people at home propound it too even with a better flair but a typical Egba or Ijebu core voter is not interested in semantics.
Dele Okenla
True words La Amzat, there is no doubt that yours is a honest and sincere appraisal of the real-life situation in our country and I find myself nodding in near-total agreement. ie. "Leave politics alone, it is risky, it is only for the bad guys, you may lose your money, you may lose your life" etc.
I was half hoping that having concluded on what might not interest a typical Egba or Ijebu voter you would have gone on to shed some light on what could really catch their interest as that would have made your appreciable contribution even more constructive and beneficial to the current forum. Nonetheless, thank you very much, but allow me to differ.
A man's son falls into a raging stream, chances are the child could drown, if the man attempts to save the child, chances are the man could drown. So what does the man do? Leave the child to drown? Or attempt a rescue, risky as it is? Your answer should make an interesting reading!
I personally think that progressives should never be discouraged from participating in active politics. It actually amounts to mere 'semantics' only when much talk-talk is not accompanied by or followed by actions. The greatest obstacle to progressive participation in politics in the current dispensation are not the current leaders nor the much maligned electorate, but it is rather the complacency of our so-called fellow progressives who prefer to write all day long about the need to bell the proverbial cat and even discuss the best ways to bell the said cat and yet do absolutely nothing about it.
In the cherished words of my very good friend and fellow agitator, Rufus Kayode Oteniya, 'all that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing'. I am not interested in condemning the Bode Georges of this world nor the Iboris of this world, for they too have their lives to live and are morally and legally entitled to living their lives as they see fit as bonafide citizens of the country, given the opportunities available to them. Anyway, we will always have the Iboris amongst us just like we have the likes of Mandelson in the United Kindom. I am rather more concerned about the reluctance of the 'good guys' to fill in the space and systematically flush out the 'bad guys'.
The fear of death or personal loss should not deter us from attempting a feasible rescue operation within a legitimate formula in our society. I am no hero nor am I a man keen on matyrdom, yet my personal political philosophy in the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the socio-economic problems of my beloved country was borrowed from the courage and utterance of a little Jewish slave-girl called Esther. 'If I die, I die'.
Ayo Fasanya
Dele, lets start the evaluation right away. If given the opportunity to serve what are your core values and priority areas you may wish to work on?
Dele Okenla
Ayo, thank you for humouring me. I must confess that I think it is a bit premature to start discussing election issues but nonetheless since this forum has managed to unravel my mind so far I will further oblige a bit more.
I actually have a manifesto which I have drawn up over the last few years. It was my initial plan to submit this manifesto to those in government without actually being part of the government myself. I have even concluded that inthe event of me contesting and losing an election, I will find a way to hand over this manifesto to my victorious opponent with a fervent plea for its implementation.
My main concerns are to provide the common man with an affordable and stress-free access to fundamental services such as good and proper health facillities, gainful employment, and habitable shelter. The persistent scourge of poverty could be seriously tackled through a welfarist policy as practiced in most parts of Western Europe.
Government should be accessible, transparent, and accountable. A well-ordered complaints procedure and feedback system in every government department at all levels will boost the confidence of the electorate.
Our educational curriculum should be reviewed to see what subjects could be introduced that will instil the sense of good citizenship into the hearts and minds of our children from an early age and help mould them into responsible members of the society.
Security is paramount and should be addressed as such. The introduction of well-trained community support officers on our streets will make us relatively safer, enforce social discipline and remove the need for vigilante justice in our society while complementing effective policing. The sanctity of human life will be upheld in law and practice.
Continuing Personal Development programmes will be made compulsory for all practising professionals and those in government employment in order to boost work-rate efficiency and ensure a standard quality of public services in all spheres.
Jerry Sodipe
@Dele, i did state that lagos cannot be compared with ogun in terms of economic prospects, but in the last 10 yrs, Ogun stands to benefit from the spill over effect of the numerous tax regime and chaotic traffic in lagos. Hence the rapid dev of satellite towns like Agbara, Ikorodu/Epe and Sabgo. Meanwhile Ogun state is classified as a solid minerals state and again the discovery of oil in yelwa have changed the dynamics. Segun Osoba will tell you he did not receive a quarter of what OGD received and he still made an impact in terms of good roads. My take is let whoever gets there just take on just two or three core programmes and achieve something. We all remember AWO for free education..what you will be remebered for having achieved is what matters. As much as people hate OBJ, he ensured that we all knew how much was accruing to all state govts and local govts , and as such politicians no more lie that the fed govt has not released monies to them. So who is fooling who..?@ Amzat, atleast 50% of all those who were scattered in the diaspora actually went back to naija and became something. Unfortunately, many of them are really bad bad examples and many of them are heavily indebted abroad despite their ostentatious lifestyles in naija. We are resolved to doing something about that contraption called naija and nothing will stop us, if it is just a question of making a difference in a local community then we would have achieved something.@Dele, you can imagine the difference it will make if in ijebu-ode there is a first class diagnostics centre, with state of the art equipments, will people have to go to lagos or ibadan..? and many other things like that.Look at how Yisade hotel made a difference in Ijebu-ode, now every tom dick and harry wants to be an hotellier.
Dele Okenla
Jerry, I am definitely thinking along the same lines as you but can I quickly add one rejoinder even though I know that this has got nothing to do with you. I AM NOT CONTESTING FOR GOVERNOR. In fact, I HAVE NOT CATEGORICALLY STATED ANYWHERE THAT I AM CONTESTING THE ELECTIONS. What I have said is that I cannot, as an active progressive, rule out my involvement altogether. Comrades Ayo, Dele and LA should take note of this fact. I AM WILLING BUT NOT NECESSARILY READY. Thank you Jerry. I just thought I should clear the air on that.
Jerry, like I said before, my views are similar to yours and talking of who is fooling who, consider this; Lagos makes about 3 billion naira a month and gives almost half to an elusive consultancy firm of dubious affinities every month still leaving quite plenty enough to spend on various projects. That seems to me to be a brilliant thieving ploy. A simple case of a rat eating your feet away and puffing fresh air on it. Ogun State has no such luxury with far less than 1 billion naira generated monthly. No wonder, any well-schooled thief could govern Lagos, rob the treasury wholesale and still look good in the public eye. Can one really fool all the people all of the time? Personally, I do not condemn people just for fun but I also dont choose my heroes lightly.
Politics need not be a stand and fight situation in every instance. Dialogue/negotiation rather than confrontation have been proven to be more effective in bringing about positive and progressive change. The peaceful agitation of men like M King resulted in the emergence of today's Obama. We may therefore need to rationalise our individual perspectives and review our methods of engagement with our perceived opponents.
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, politics, they say, its the alternative to war.
Dele Okenla
Very true comrade. War is perennially a win-lose scenario, but in politics we could still manage to somehow contrive a win-win situation.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
I agree with you to every large extent. This is particularly true in egalitarian societies. The rules of engagement are clearly defined and based usually on dialogue/superior arguement and negotiations to bring about win/win situations for all. The reverse is the case in Nigeria largely because those in the corridors of power have a disconnect with the people they are supposed to serve and virtually all critics are are seen as either trying to position themselves to take their posts or alternatively looking for "Food for the boys". I commend you on this step and hasten to add that Im in your corner on the need for dialogue/engagement.
Dele Okenla
Dele, ACTION2010 needs you! With every voice of reason is our hope rekindled. Glad to be on your side.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
@Dele, My brother from another mother, let me know what ACTION2010 stands for and your own personal goals so we can reason together
Ayo Fasanya
The big issue for determination is how do we dislodge the pretenders and how do we ensure their successors do not derail? Comments are welcome along this line
Dele Okenla
Dele, thank you for your kind and direct questions. I will also make my answers simple and direct.
ACTION2010 is a multi-party coalition which aims to promote and support progressive individuals within the framework of existing political structures.
As for me, I am certainly no masquerade and I make no secret of the fact that I am an active politician. Since it is rather immodest for one to discuss his own personal merits (or demerits), suffice to say here that my goal is to see a better Nigeria where Peace, Progress and Justice prevail.
Oludotun Shobande
@Ayo,you have certainly hit the nail on the head.Your submission is actually what worries me a lot as some of the guys that had good jobs in the diaspora and those who were not but left for naija to be politicians have turned out to be more corrupt and vicious than some of the people they met back home.How can we save our fatherland without having deep pockets and with the climate of utter violence that permeates our land.Who can we trust.@Dele,these are some of my fears
Dele Okenla
Ayo, I think the way, perhaps the only way, to ensure that we dance to a different tune come 2011 is if all Nigerians realise that it is not just our right to vote, it is our duty! We have a moral and civic duty to register and vote according to the dictates of our hearts. Never mind that our votes might not count, never mind that it more often than not comes down to choosing between two perceived evils. We should really just do our bit and choose that which we perceive to be the lesser evil. We cannot leave the destiny of our country in the hands of the 'others'. Rather be a player than be a spectator. That, is the way forward.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
@dele, im no politician but i believe in the better of my immediate society (akute), ogun state and a Nigeria of our dreams, where utilities will work, there will be infrastructure, no corruption nor division along ethnic lines and a level field for all.
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
So long as these feature prominently in your plans and there is transparency and integrity of purpose and action among the leadership, we can work together.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
Sir Dele, i cannot agree with you more!
Dele Adebayo-Oyetoro
Thank you
Daniel Sync Olusanya
“Dele, I totally agree with you. You see, the generation of Political fighters has gone. Awolowo and co fought a good fight with all their might. Yes, we must assume their role; but we must never repeat their mistakes. We must apply great WISDOM in our entire Endeavour’s if we are to impact lives positively. Hear this; a leader who focuses on the NEEDS of its citizens is simply a Winner! You get me.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
Dele, i really think that you will be a great leader in Nigeria!!! You have the BRAIN!!!
Dele Okenla
Dele, if integrity of purpose is on your political menu and you are against any kind of prejudice based on ethnicity, creed or class, then you have in me a willing collaborator. I make no personal pledges and I cannot promise anything other than that which we can achieve by working together as a team forever mindful of our altruistic objectives. Welcome aboard.
Daniel Sync Olusanya
“NIGERIA, THE SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGES WE FACE TODAY CANNOT BE BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE YORUBAS, HAUSAS AND IGBOS; NOR BY POLITICAL PARTIES. THIS IS NOT ABOUT PDP OR MILITARY REGIME NEITHER IS IT ABOUT CIVILIAN RULE. THE FACT OF OUR DILEMA IS SIMPLY ABOUT US GREAT CITIZENS OF NIGERIA COMING TO REALISE THAT EVEN THOUGH WE SPEAK IN DIVERSE LANGUAGES, WE MUST LIVE TOGETHER AS ONE NATION. WE MUST ALSO BE OUR BROTHERS KEEPER. WE ARE ALL NIGERIANS.”
Ayo Fasanya
Talking relatively and more in pratical terms,Lagos has been more fortunate than Ogun with visionary and pragmatic leaders-Jakande,even Marwa then Fashola.Are there things Lagosians do to ensure good governace we the Ogun people are neglecting to do. Really i want to be sensitised Dele Okenla et al
Dele Okenla
Ayo, our time will come.
Jerry Sodipe
So many issues lumped up together here, but i should say that even in an ideal society, the law allows actions such as civil protest, strikes and sit ins by unions and members of the public. It is simply part of their inalienable right. Even GOD gave us free will to do things and when we get our fingers burnt we return like lost sheep. I disagree that people must vote just for the sake of voting. I believe we have gone a step further than that and ie. we shall not only vote we shall guard our votes. we shall not allow our votes to be hijacked by money bags or aristo politicians who have now discovered their original roots after spoiling eko ile.As for those comparing lagos with Ogun, you need understand that lagos is a mini naija and cannot compare at all. Even many of those who have ruled Ogun actually came in from lagos.Many of those who actually liberated lagos came from Ogun and outside lagos but are now returning back to base.
Dele Okenla
Jerry, Lagos also generates much more IGR than Ogun State. We have been somewhat limited by a rather tight budget constraint over time. The federal government out to be more open-handed towards the states. Lagos is specially endowed and above parallel comparison.
Ayo Fasanya
@Jerry,novel submission worth expanding.I submit lagos voters are more enlightened,remember Otedola protest votes,il call it electorate vigilance.@Okenla,respectfully its nt abt funds.Rivers had funds than Lagos it was stolen b4 Amaechi came along.Kwara has less funds than Ogun but will soon earn forex tru white farmers.There is cooperatn in Edo n Ondo a multy party state.Our politicians are dividin d state selfishly,lets work on dat.
Dele Okenla
Yes Ayo, I agree with you that there is room for massive improvement in other areas. All avenues must be explored and all options considered. I think with the current trend of awareness among our peers, the course is set for better things to come.
Abbey Odukoya
The truism is that politics in our part of the world is not based on ideology, majority of our folks get into politics so as to enable them to enrich their pockets. It had become far less about service and governance and more about avarice. Enough of our Governors and Gubernatorial contenders do not have any manifesto not to talk about bunch of our Senators that cannot be proud of any legislation that had helped their constituencies. In such scenario, you cannot expect more from politics. Instead of its supposed function as the authoritative allocation of values in a social system it becomes the struggle of who and how to get what and when to get it. But all said, I strongly agree with Mr. Dele Okenla that come 2011 we all need to get democratic and vote according to our conscience even if we believe that our votes might not be properly accredited. God bless Nigeria!
La Amzat
Nigeria is an utopian State where both possibilities and impossibilities are endless. We have more brains at home than abroad, even better ones but the system is dire and the platform is unpalatable, for those in diaspora my word is watch the waters before u set sail except u want to feed the desperadoes and at the end of the day return to your abode with tails between your legs, ask those who tried it. They abound with tales of woe, the above messages are not new, people at home propound it too even with a better flair but a typical Egba or Ijebu core voter is not interested in semantics.
Dele Okenla
True words La Amzat, there is no doubt that yours is a honest and sincere appraisal of the real-life situation in our country and I find myself nodding in near-total agreement. ie. "Leave politics alone, it is risky, it is only for the bad guys, you may lose your money, you may lose your life" etc.
I was half hoping that having concluded on what might not interest a typical Egba or Ijebu voter you would have gone on to shed some light on what could really catch their interest as that would have made your appreciable contribution even more constructive and beneficial to the current forum. Nonetheless, thank you very much, but allow me to differ.
A man's son falls into a raging stream, chances are the child could drown, if the man attempts to save the child, chances are the man could drown. So what does the man do? Leave the child to drown? Or attempt a rescue, risky as it is? Your answer should make an interesting reading!
I personally think that progressives should never be discouraged from participating in active politics. It actually amounts to mere 'semantics' only when much talk-talk is not accompanied by or followed by actions. The greatest obstacle to progressive participation in politics in the current dispensation are not the current leaders nor the much maligned electorate, but it is rather the complacency of our so-called fellow progressives who prefer to write all day long about the need to bell the proverbial cat and even discuss the best ways to bell the said cat and yet do absolutely nothing about it.
In the cherished words of my very good friend and fellow agitator, Rufus Kayode Oteniya, 'all that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing'. I am not interested in condemning the Bode Georges of this world nor the Iboris of this world, for they too have their lives to live and are morally and legally entitled to living their lives as they see fit as bonafide citizens of the country, given the opportunities available to them. Anyway, we will always have the Iboris amongst us just like we have the likes of Mandelson in the United Kindom. I am rather more concerned about the reluctance of the 'good guys' to fill in the space and systematically flush out the 'bad guys'.
The fear of death or personal loss should not deter us from attempting a feasible rescue operation within a legitimate formula in our society. I am no hero nor am I a man keen on matyrdom, yet my personal political philosophy in the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the socio-economic problems of my beloved country was borrowed from the courage and utterance of a little Jewish slave-girl called Esther. 'If I die, I die'.
Ayo Fasanya
Dele, lets start the evaluation right away. If given the opportunity to serve what are your core values and priority areas you may wish to work on?
Dele Okenla
Ayo, thank you for humouring me. I must confess that I think it is a bit premature to start discussing election issues but nonetheless since this forum has managed to unravel my mind so far I will further oblige a bit more.
I actually have a manifesto which I have drawn up over the last few years. It was my initial plan to submit this manifesto to those in government without actually being part of the government myself. I have even concluded that inthe event of me contesting and losing an election, I will find a way to hand over this manifesto to my victorious opponent with a fervent plea for its implementation.
My main concerns are to provide the common man with an affordable and stress-free access to fundamental services such as good and proper health facillities, gainful employment, and habitable shelter. The persistent scourge of poverty could be seriously tackled through a welfarist policy as practiced in most parts of Western Europe.
Government should be accessible, transparent, and accountable. A well-ordered complaints procedure and feedback system in every government department at all levels will boost the confidence of the electorate.
Our educational curriculum should be reviewed to see what subjects could be introduced that will instil the sense of good citizenship into the hearts and minds of our children from an early age and help mould them into responsible members of the society.
Security is paramount and should be addressed as such. The introduction of well-trained community support officers on our streets will make us relatively safer, enforce social discipline and remove the need for vigilante justice in our society while complementing effective policing. The sanctity of human life will be upheld in law and practice.
Continuing Personal Development programmes will be made compulsory for all practising professionals and those in government employment in order to boost work-rate efficiency and ensure a standard quality of public services in all spheres.
Jerry Sodipe
@Dele, i did state that lagos cannot be compared with ogun in terms of economic prospects, but in the last 10 yrs, Ogun stands to benefit from the spill over effect of the numerous tax regime and chaotic traffic in lagos. Hence the rapid dev of satellite towns like Agbara, Ikorodu/Epe and Sabgo. Meanwhile Ogun state is classified as a solid minerals state and again the discovery of oil in yelwa have changed the dynamics. Segun Osoba will tell you he did not receive a quarter of what OGD received and he still made an impact in terms of good roads. My take is let whoever gets there just take on just two or three core programmes and achieve something. We all remember AWO for free education..what you will be remebered for having achieved is what matters. As much as people hate OBJ, he ensured that we all knew how much was accruing to all state govts and local govts , and as such politicians no more lie that the fed govt has not released monies to them. So who is fooling who..?@ Amzat, atleast 50% of all those who were scattered in the diaspora actually went back to naija and became something. Unfortunately, many of them are really bad bad examples and many of them are heavily indebted abroad despite their ostentatious lifestyles in naija. We are resolved to doing something about that contraption called naija and nothing will stop us, if it is just a question of making a difference in a local community then we would have achieved something.@Dele, you can imagine the difference it will make if in ijebu-ode there is a first class diagnostics centre, with state of the art equipments, will people have to go to lagos or ibadan..? and many other things like that.Look at how Yisade hotel made a difference in Ijebu-ode, now every tom dick and harry wants to be an hotellier.
Dele Okenla
Jerry, I am definitely thinking along the same lines as you but can I quickly add one rejoinder even though I know that this has got nothing to do with you. I AM NOT CONTESTING FOR GOVERNOR. In fact, I HAVE NOT CATEGORICALLY STATED ANYWHERE THAT I AM CONTESTING THE ELECTIONS. What I have said is that I cannot, as an active progressive, rule out my involvement altogether. Comrades Ayo, Dele and LA should take note of this fact. I AM WILLING BUT NOT NECESSARILY READY. Thank you Jerry. I just thought I should clear the air on that.
Jerry, like I said before, my views are similar to yours and talking of who is fooling who, consider this; Lagos makes about 3 billion naira a month and gives almost half to an elusive consultancy firm of dubious affinities every month still leaving quite plenty enough to spend on various projects. That seems to me to be a brilliant thieving ploy. A simple case of a rat eating your feet away and puffing fresh air on it. Ogun State has no such luxury with far less than 1 billion naira generated monthly. No wonder, any well-schooled thief could govern Lagos, rob the treasury wholesale and still look good in the public eye. Can one really fool all the people all of the time? Personally, I do not condemn people just for fun but I also dont choose my heroes lightly.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Peace not War! ( First published 05/07/2009)
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government are subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but democracy in action, so why so much hulla-balloo? There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of government are too pally!It is the essential duty of the Executive to come up with huge budgetary proposals and it is equally the duty of the Legislature to check the proposals for accountability. There is absolutely no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by some overzealous supporters of both sides. The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate arguments, believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.The main culprits in this whole fracas then, as far as I can see, are the poison-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and apparently think to some degree that 'patriotism' is the same thing as 'activism' (Apology to Omo Omo). For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and would rather see all of them replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals. However, as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are and no matter our own individual political bias. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature as well, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun). Meanwhile, my firm suggestion is that agents of the Governor should stop personal attacks of any kind on members of the legislature while agents of the G15 should also stop demonising the Governor. What we need in Ogun State is peace not war! God bless our motherland.
Thursday, 1 October 2009
MEMOIRS OF A FILIAL SON
Exactly twenty eight years ago on Tuesday 29th September, 1981, in a private wing of the University Of Nebraska Teaching Hospital in Omaha, United States of America, my father,Chief Olanrewaju Adesina Okenla, Bsc (Econs), LLB, ARSH, SAN, Member Body of Benchers(Nigerian Bar Association), Barrister-at-Law/Solicitor, Oloja-Bara of Isoku, Otunba Moloda of Odogbolu, Balogun Agbaku-Onida-Orara of Ijebu-Imushin, Founder/Chairman, Okenla Paramount Establishments, hotelier and cinema mogul, breathed his last sigh. He was in his fifties.The report in the subsequent edition of Omaha World Herald newspaper might have been a bit exaggerated. It occupied an entire page and spoke robustly of a Paramount Chief from Africa with substantial influence among his people. The US government felt concerned enough to offer a plane to bring the patriach home. The cause of death was cancer.My father really loved children and liked to be surrounded by children always. He was always giving us sweets, biscuits, fruits and playing games with us. He would even distribute sweets around the town so that other peoples' children too can have some fun. He liked to organise large family meetings so that we could share love and have fun together with our cousins and extended family members. He even adopted an Ibo man whom he gave an apartment in our house. My father was very adventurous.On every school-break he would take us turn by turn on extensive trips to see the rest of the country and familiarise ourselves with their different cultures.By the time I was fourteen we had visited Benin City and the Ogbe Stadium, explored and photographed the hills around Jos, ridden donkeys in Zaria, shot bows and arrows in Minna, swam at the famous Hamdala Hotel swimming pool in Kaduna, visited the site of the Ogbunike pipe-bombs in Ihiala in the Eastern region, bought items at the great Onitsha market, flew over the oil-fields of Port-Harcourt in a chopper, visited numerous zoos and climbed numerous mountains throughout the country. Ilorin, Bida, Lokoja, Enugu, Kano etc were also visited by us at various times with our father taking us on these fun-trips which would typically last for weeks and sometimes involve us camping along the way like some real-life adventurers.My father was able to recognise and acknowledge talents. He encouraged us to be hardworking and to always put our best efforts in whatever we do. He used to give periodical prizes to his children for academic brilliance, politeness, neatness etc. He was also a strict disciplinarian and we had a Ten Rules of dos and donts for Okenla Children.My father was a devoted Christian and we had a church in our house complete with a piano. We used to refer to the church as the Sanctuary. Every morning the bells of the Sanctuary will ring twice. Once to wake us up and secondly to ask us to come up and worship God.We were encouraged to memorise Bible verses and study the book of Proverbs.My father enjoyed his work as a lawyer and he only worked to defend people, never to prosecute them. He would represent even clients who did not have any money for free. In fact, one grateful client was so happy that he offered his eldest daughter to my father as a wife. My father politely declined. Most of my father's academic works were never published. They included a research into the development of Yoruba as a written language and the influence of Latin/English on the Yoruba lexicon.My father was a politician. He was a founding member of the Action Group in London in the fifties.He was also an actor. He started the Yoruba Operatic Drama Club with Chief Hubert Ogunde while together in Sapele. My father trained and qualified as a nurse in England, he studied Economics at the famous London School Of Economics (LSE) before bagging a University Of London law degree and eventually getting called to the Inner Temple Bar in England as a barrister. He left England and ignored all the lure and glamour of the big cities in Nigeria preferring instead to settle down in his beloved native hometown Ijebu Ode.We miss him greatly. May his soul rest in perfect peace (IJN) Amen.
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Politics: Why get involved?
Why get involved in politics, some may ask? Politics is a dirty game no doubt, but that is only because most people with genuine altruistic intentions are often too afraid to get involved lest they themselves be hurt, tarnished, or worse. Politics of violence, non-tolerance, character assasination, money-mongering is now the order of the day. Nigeria is in such abject shambles today mainly because unprincipled actors are playing the stage. Absolute mediocres are having a field day playing kings and queens! Votes for cash has somehow been accepted as a norm. To advocate any crusade against corruption is to invoke the wrath of the powers that be. We remain a nation devoid of conscience or any sense of duty. One can continue to lament over all these mishaps, or one can do something about it. And that is why me, you, and indeed every one of us should be actively involved in the political process.
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