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!
Saturday, 28 November 2009
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.
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