22/04/2014
Consultations are on with youth groups across the entire North, NGO's, Okada riders, Taxi drivers, journalist, human right groups, labour unions, activists, local and international medias concerning the upcoming "SIT AT HOME PROTEST" organized by Northern youths to voice out our discomfort regarding the less care attitudes exhibited by the Federal Government in the so-called fight against terrorism.
The North today is lagging behind in all aspects of human and social endeavors. Above all, the insecurity in northern region has crippled all corridors of life and thousands upon thousands innocent citizens irrespective of tribe, religion, gender or age are continuously being massacred by some few enemies of Nigeria and the Northern region.
We all need to speak collectively with one voice and raise our anger to the authorities and the international communities concerning the fatal level of insecurity in the Northern region, extending across the whole country but yet, government has done nothing about except blames and shifting the cause to others.
There must be some sort of conspiracy or foul play within the leadership of this nation toward the so-called fight against terrorism and we will not continue to fold our arms and assume terrorism or tribal killings are part of our daily lives. We must rise and defend our country no matter the cause, we must all reject and say no to the killing of innocent citizens, enough is enough and we want proactive measures not political measures in dealing with terrorists in this part of the world.
Many attempts were made to call a street protest but all proved abortive due to one reason or the other, manning the street in an unsecured environment may cause danger to the lives of the protesters can be a reason why street protest won't work, the high level of illiteracy in our societies which created blind obedience and brainless sentiments for our leaders may also be another reason and the artificial fear in us of extra-judicial killings which is a well-known practice by our government forces must be the main point behind the lack of patronage we are having for street protests.
Based on this, we have designed a proactive way of raising our voices through the "Sit At Home Protest" which will be a key instrument in approaching the right direction toward achieving a peaceful Nigeria and will also symbolize the unity we have by coming together to fight with a single voice and say no the wanton killings of our citizens.
The protest will also send a strong alarming signal that the youths are one and that the long silence by the youths will soon be over to confront those in authority and hold them responsible for ruining their future through bad leadership.
It is on this note, Social Movement for Change and the coalition of all youths organizations in Northern Nigeria wishes to inform that all preparations for the "Sit At Home Protest" are in top gear which include Prayers, Fasting, Mourning and protest against the careless handling of our lives and properties. There will also be press conference with local and international medias in attendance, including all human right groups and organizations, labour unions, NGOs, student unions and market unions.
Nigeria is the only home we can proudly call ours, the responsibility of compelling the authorities to protect our lives and properties solemnly lays on our very own selves. Our inaction and silence is motivating the terrorist to attack us and also motivating the government to politicized our lives.
Lastly, the Social Movement for Change wish to call on all other Northern youth groups or organizations who haven't submitted their informations should please do that and mobilize all the people in their various states across the North to participate in this protest via all means of communication available to them.
The Social Movement for Change also wishes to commend the gigantic efforts of Arewa Youths Summit and the Coalition of Northern Youth Groups for their selfless services and efforts toward making this non-violent protest a success, we want to assure you the total support and patronage of SMC in realizing the "Sit At Home Protest."
Details regarding the date will be announce soon and please kindly ignore detractors.
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL, AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator,
Social Movement for Change (SMC).
@smchangee
www.smchange.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Thursday, 17 April 2014
ANNOUNCEMENT! ANNOUNCEMENT! SIT AT HOME PROTEST!! SIT AT HOME PROTEST!!
17/04/2014
Part of our plans to actualize the SIT AT HOME PROTEST throughout the whole Northern part of Nigeria, Social Movement For Change (SMC) is calling on all patriotic youths in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States whom are willing to participate in the organized protest to register as follows:
Kindly inbox the National Coordinator of SMC, Usama A. Dandare on Facebook, or text 08081127190, or send an email to socialmovementforchange@gmail.com with the following informations:
1. Your Name & Tel. Number.
2. Name of Organization & Contact Address.
Let us do it for Nigeria, the North and for our future!
Please kindly rebroadcast, we are targeting alteast 5 to 10 million youths across the entire North.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC)
www.smchange.blogspot.com
@smchangee
17/04/2014
Part of our plans to actualize the SIT AT HOME PROTEST throughout the whole Northern part of Nigeria, Social Movement For Change (SMC) is calling on all patriotic youths in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States whom are willing to participate in the organized protest to register as follows:
Kindly inbox the National Coordinator of SMC, Usama A. Dandare on Facebook, or text 08081127190, or send an email to socialmovementforchange@gmail.com with the following informations:
1. Your Name & Tel. Number.
2. Name of Organization & Contact Address.
Let us do it for Nigeria, the North and for our future!
Please kindly rebroadcast, we are targeting alteast 5 to 10 million youths across the entire North.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC)
www.smchange.blogspot.com
@smchangee
17/04/2014
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT!! SIT AT HOME PROTEST!!
17/04/2014
In its unending struggles in search of justice, accountability and good governance, the Social Movement For Change in collaboration with Arewa Youths Summit, is soliciting the full cooperation and participation of all Northern youths in a one day SIT AT HOME PROTEST organized by Arewa Youths Summit.
The protest which all Northerners especially Northern youths are requested to stay at home (indoors) for 24hrs is to demonstrate our discomfort against the poor handling of the security issues currently ravaging most part of the North and to protest the high level of insensitivity by Federal Government toward the fight against terrorism.
It should have been a street protest, but for the fact that most Northern states affected by the crisis are volatile and very unsecured for protesters, we sought it to be an indoor protest to enable everyone to be fully involved including those in states highly affected by the insurgency.
It's on this note that the Social Movement For Change and Arewa Youth Summit are calling on all well meaning Nigerians to join in a one day SIT AT HOME PROTEST against what SMC can called Federal Government's lack of direction and ideas on how to solve the lingering security lapses in the North and Nigeria as a whole.
As you await further informations detailing the date and time of the protest, Social Movement For Change is assuring you it continuous commitment and total support toward realizing a true and one Nigeria, where justice, peace and unity shall excel.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC).
socialmovementforchange@gmail.com
@SMChangee
In its unending struggles in search of justice, accountability and good governance, the Social Movement For Change in collaboration with Arewa Youths Summit, is soliciting the full cooperation and participation of all Northern youths in a one day SIT AT HOME PROTEST organized by Arewa Youths Summit.
The protest which all Northerners especially Northern youths are requested to stay at home (indoors) for 24hrs is to demonstrate our discomfort against the poor handling of the security issues currently ravaging most part of the North and to protest the high level of insensitivity by Federal Government toward the fight against terrorism.
It should have been a street protest, but for the fact that most Northern states affected by the crisis are volatile and very unsecured for protesters, we sought it to be an indoor protest to enable everyone to be fully involved including those in states highly affected by the insurgency.
It's on this note that the Social Movement For Change and Arewa Youth Summit are calling on all well meaning Nigerians to join in a one day SIT AT HOME PROTEST against what SMC can called Federal Government's lack of direction and ideas on how to solve the lingering security lapses in the North and Nigeria as a whole.
As you await further informations detailing the date and time of the protest, Social Movement For Change is assuring you it continuous commitment and total support toward realizing a true and one Nigeria, where justice, peace and unity shall excel.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC).
socialmovementforchange@gmail.com
@SMChangee
A Call To Action.
17/04/2014
Social Movement For Change (SMC) is calling on all Nigerian youths to come out in mass and fight injustice, oppression, misgovernance, corruption and insensitivity in our dear Nation.
We need a new Nigeria, a different Nigeria.
Look at Nigeria today, our Nation is destroyed, our Youth are robbed off their future by few opportunist, we are "presumed guilty" for being patient, we are been hounded and shot down by government forces and political thugs in the name of fighting terrorism, incarcerated in huge numbers. Our women are raped, battered and murdered, they are denied their basic humanity and their full potential as human beings. Nigerians are scorned, bullied, brutalized for being tolerant, or just being "cowards." Thousands of our children are dying every day from starvation and diseases.
Things are this way because of the corrupt system that rules over us and has declared its intention to rule us forever. A system like this is a system that no one should put up with or go along with. It needs to be swept off the face of the earth. And it can be.
This government is not a mystery, or something that only a few people can understand. And it is not all-powerful.
SMC understand that this regime is full of contradictions, an economy rebased on ruthless exploitation and dog-eat-dog competition, repeated crisis, unemployment and poverty... savage inequalities... claims of "peace" and "justice for all" that are bitter lies, there are strong believes that this government cannot resolve our differences. All this are the basis to bring this government down and bring something much better into being.
Nobody cares what we think. Those who have the power don't give a damn about us." Yeah, they don't but so what! Their power is illegitimate anyway, a law and order of injustice and exploitation, enforced with brutality, murder, high-tech assassination and devastation, here and there. It needs to be overthrown.
And what we do matters a great deal.
Our lives should be, and can be, about something with meaning and purpose that is really worth living for and fighting for. Why should we do what they want us to do, killing and crippling each other, trying to beat down or beat out each other, ending up in jail, or paralyzed, or dead at an early age, instead of joining together to go up against the government that has got us in this mess in the first place?
Why should we go along with the sickening culture of this government which says ill-gotten wealth is more important than people's lives, and government is only a means to make quick riches? Why should we believe that "it's all normal," when all this horror and suffering is completely unnecessary and could be ended? Why should we accept things the way things are, still living within this system that will keep on destroying the lives of human beings, and denying a decent future to the youth?
Social Movement For Change is therefore calling on all patriotic Nigerians to come out and fight those in Power, and Transform the People through massive PROTEST.
Revolution is not an impossible dream. It is not "unrealistic." Changing all of society, changing the whole Nation, is not a crazy or dangerous idea. What is crazy, and dangerous, is going along with the way things are, and where things are heading, under this government.
This is Social Movement For Change (SMC), with a message of revolution. The challenge is here. The leadership is there. What's we needed...is your full cooperation and participation.
Note: Date and Venue will be announce soon, just have it at the back of your mind that inevitable change is on the cards.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
GOD BLESS NIGERIANS.
GOD BLESS SMC.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
17/04/2014
Social Movement For Change (SMC) is calling on all Nigerian youths to come out in mass and fight injustice, oppression, misgovernance, corruption and insensitivity in our dear Nation.
We need a new Nigeria, a different Nigeria.
Look at Nigeria today, our Nation is destroyed, our Youth are robbed off their future by few opportunist, we are "presumed guilty" for being patient, we are been hounded and shot down by government forces and political thugs in the name of fighting terrorism, incarcerated in huge numbers. Our women are raped, battered and murdered, they are denied their basic humanity and their full potential as human beings. Nigerians are scorned, bullied, brutalized for being tolerant, or just being "cowards." Thousands of our children are dying every day from starvation and diseases.
Things are this way because of the corrupt system that rules over us and has declared its intention to rule us forever. A system like this is a system that no one should put up with or go along with. It needs to be swept off the face of the earth. And it can be.
This government is not a mystery, or something that only a few people can understand. And it is not all-powerful.
SMC understand that this regime is full of contradictions, an economy rebased on ruthless exploitation and dog-eat-dog competition, repeated crisis, unemployment and poverty... savage inequalities... claims of "peace" and "justice for all" that are bitter lies, there are strong believes that this government cannot resolve our differences. All this are the basis to bring this government down and bring something much better into being.
Nobody cares what we think. Those who have the power don't give a damn about us." Yeah, they don't but so what! Their power is illegitimate anyway, a law and order of injustice and exploitation, enforced with brutality, murder, high-tech assassination and devastation, here and there. It needs to be overthrown.
And what we do matters a great deal.
Our lives should be, and can be, about something with meaning and purpose that is really worth living for and fighting for. Why should we do what they want us to do, killing and crippling each other, trying to beat down or beat out each other, ending up in jail, or paralyzed, or dead at an early age, instead of joining together to go up against the government that has got us in this mess in the first place?
Why should we go along with the sickening culture of this government which says ill-gotten wealth is more important than people's lives, and government is only a means to make quick riches? Why should we believe that "it's all normal," when all this horror and suffering is completely unnecessary and could be ended? Why should we accept things the way things are, still living within this system that will keep on destroying the lives of human beings, and denying a decent future to the youth?
Social Movement For Change is therefore calling on all patriotic Nigerians to come out and fight those in Power, and Transform the People through massive PROTEST.
Revolution is not an impossible dream. It is not "unrealistic." Changing all of society, changing the whole Nation, is not a crazy or dangerous idea. What is crazy, and dangerous, is going along with the way things are, and where things are heading, under this government.
This is Social Movement For Change (SMC), with a message of revolution. The challenge is here. The leadership is there. What's we needed...is your full cooperation and participation.
Note: Date and Venue will be announce soon, just have it at the back of your mind that inevitable change is on the cards.
GOD BLESS NIGERIA.
GOD BLESS NIGERIANS.
GOD BLESS SMC.
Signed.
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator, (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
17/04/2014
Monday, 14 April 2014
Sack Olisa Metuh Now
The Social Movement For Change noted with utmost shock and great discomfort, a shameful statement credited to the publicity secretary of the People's Democratic Party, Mr Olisa Metuh in connection with the bomb blast that occurred in the early hours of Monday, 14th April 2014 at Abuja.
Olisa Metuh was reported to have issued a press statement on behalf of the People's Democratic Party accusing the opposition of being responsible for the inhuman terror attack that killed over 200 innocent Nigerians and injured dozens, with several others displaced.
It is unhealthy and against the rule of law to be politicizing with the blood of innocent electorates, at same time institutionalizing some fabricated claims aimed at destabilizing the long enjoyed peaceful coexistence among the peace loving people of Nigeria and to further create hatred against the sustainability of peace and harmony.
The Social Movement For Change condemned in strongest terms, the inciting comments made by Mr Olisa Metuh and whoever he may be speaking on his behalf, the remarks are not only worrisome but capable of innovating violence that can alter the lives and well-being of innocent Nigerians all in the name of politics and 2015.
Mr Metuh's statements shouldn't just be seen as mere propaganda or allegations, they are serious violently inciting remarks and can do more harm to the existence of Nigeria than the so-called terrorist group (Boko Haram) and all other rebel groups combined.
On this note, the Social Movement For Change is calling on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the People's Democratic Party to urgently fire Olisa Metuh with immediate effect and charge him for treason, he should also be force to clarify his allegations, he must be made to testify against his false claims so as not to leave million Nigerians under the burden of his baseless lies.
Social Movement For Change is urging all it sister movements to join SMC in demanding the sack of Olisa Metuh as a matter of now. SMC also call on all well meaning Nigerians to reject Olisa Metuh and call for his resignation for the love of peace.
Signed
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator,
SMC.
@osadaby
osadaby@yahoo.com
Olisa Metuh was reported to have issued a press statement on behalf of the People's Democratic Party accusing the opposition of being responsible for the inhuman terror attack that killed over 200 innocent Nigerians and injured dozens, with several others displaced.
It is unhealthy and against the rule of law to be politicizing with the blood of innocent electorates, at same time institutionalizing some fabricated claims aimed at destabilizing the long enjoyed peaceful coexistence among the peace loving people of Nigeria and to further create hatred against the sustainability of peace and harmony.
The Social Movement For Change condemned in strongest terms, the inciting comments made by Mr Olisa Metuh and whoever he may be speaking on his behalf, the remarks are not only worrisome but capable of innovating violence that can alter the lives and well-being of innocent Nigerians all in the name of politics and 2015.
Mr Metuh's statements shouldn't just be seen as mere propaganda or allegations, they are serious violently inciting remarks and can do more harm to the existence of Nigeria than the so-called terrorist group (Boko Haram) and all other rebel groups combined.
On this note, the Social Movement For Change is calling on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and the People's Democratic Party to urgently fire Olisa Metuh with immediate effect and charge him for treason, he should also be force to clarify his allegations, he must be made to testify against his false claims so as not to leave million Nigerians under the burden of his baseless lies.
Social Movement For Change is urging all it sister movements to join SMC in demanding the sack of Olisa Metuh as a matter of now. SMC also call on all well meaning Nigerians to reject Olisa Metuh and call for his resignation for the love of peace.
Signed
Usama A. Dandare
National Coordinator,
SMC.
@osadaby
osadaby@yahoo.com
PRESS RELEASE
The Social Movement For Change condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attack on Monday, 14 April 2014, at Nyanya Bus station, Abuja, which has caused numerous deaths and injuries of innocent civilians claiming the lives of over 200 innocent souls trying to earn a living.
On behalf of all the staffs and members of the Social Movement for Change (SMC), we wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolence to the victims of Abuja bomb blast and their families who suffered from such most heinous terrorist attack, as well as to the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In what SMC can call completely hypocritical and callous, some scrupulous elements ran into the ever busy peaceful Nyanya bus station and unleashed mayhem, under the byline of Boko Haram, a possible pseudonym. SMC therefore, accused the government of soft-pedaling terrorist attacks in the country and failing to act directly to apprehend the culprits involved while shifting blames to the opposition.
This violent attack shows the fundamentally anti-humane, anti-civilized, anti-social nature of the attackers. They are out-and-out terrorists, they are out against the existence of a peaceful Nigeria and government must do something now.
Nigeria is confronted with a daunting challenge in eliminating terrorism and guaranteeing public security. The Nyanya attack (right in the federal capital city) serves as a sober reminder that anti-terror efforts should be exerted across the whole country by increasing public awareness and education, exploring and sharing terror-related intelligence, and promoting collaboration with the international community.
The Social Movement For Change also notice with utmost shame, remarks credited to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) through it publicity secretary Mr Olisa Metuh, and how the party continue to publicly defend the terrorist attackers and accused the opposition of being responsible for such an inhuman act. A possible sabotage and conspiracy against Nigerian states by the PDP may possibly be on the cards.
It is well shameful and embarrassing for the PDP to be politicizing with the blood of innocent electorates and same time, keeping ill-hearted people like Olisa Metuh in its midst. Mr Olisa Metuh's comments shows how insensitive the ruling People's Democratic Party may be in it flirt to saving the lives of innocent souls, and further stretch his allergy to the rule of law and the sustainability of peace in the country.
We call on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to immediately order the sacking of Mr Olisa Metuh and quickly design an anti-terrorism Roadmap that will sustain peace and halt the daily lost of lives all across the country, and that his government should further create more employment opportunities for the youths to be engage, which will surely curtail the massive patronage these terrorist enjoyed from our jobless youths in terms of membership and other logistic supports.
In our capacity, the Social Movement For Change will continue to oppose injustice and support justice in whatever form by who so ever.
SMC may be force to stage a mass rally or protest against the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for failing to protect the lives and properties of the innocent Nigerian citizenry. Through our members nationwide, SMC can cause tension to the leadership of any corrupt regime and demand it eviction out of the system.
We are calling on the government of Nigeria to immediately address the menace of insecurity currently ravaging our Nigeria as a matter of now or face the anger of SMC and that of the Nigerian youths.
Signed.
Usama A, Dandare
National Coordinator,
SMC.
@osadaby
osadaby@yahoo.com
On behalf of all the staffs and members of the Social Movement for Change (SMC), we wish to extend our deepest sympathy and condolence to the victims of Abuja bomb blast and their families who suffered from such most heinous terrorist attack, as well as to the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In what SMC can call completely hypocritical and callous, some scrupulous elements ran into the ever busy peaceful Nyanya bus station and unleashed mayhem, under the byline of Boko Haram, a possible pseudonym. SMC therefore, accused the government of soft-pedaling terrorist attacks in the country and failing to act directly to apprehend the culprits involved while shifting blames to the opposition.
This violent attack shows the fundamentally anti-humane, anti-civilized, anti-social nature of the attackers. They are out-and-out terrorists, they are out against the existence of a peaceful Nigeria and government must do something now.
Nigeria is confronted with a daunting challenge in eliminating terrorism and guaranteeing public security. The Nyanya attack (right in the federal capital city) serves as a sober reminder that anti-terror efforts should be exerted across the whole country by increasing public awareness and education, exploring and sharing terror-related intelligence, and promoting collaboration with the international community.
The Social Movement For Change also notice with utmost shame, remarks credited to the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) through it publicity secretary Mr Olisa Metuh, and how the party continue to publicly defend the terrorist attackers and accused the opposition of being responsible for such an inhuman act. A possible sabotage and conspiracy against Nigerian states by the PDP may possibly be on the cards.
It is well shameful and embarrassing for the PDP to be politicizing with the blood of innocent electorates and same time, keeping ill-hearted people like Olisa Metuh in its midst. Mr Olisa Metuh's comments shows how insensitive the ruling People's Democratic Party may be in it flirt to saving the lives of innocent souls, and further stretch his allergy to the rule of law and the sustainability of peace in the country.
We call on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to immediately order the sacking of Mr Olisa Metuh and quickly design an anti-terrorism Roadmap that will sustain peace and halt the daily lost of lives all across the country, and that his government should further create more employment opportunities for the youths to be engage, which will surely curtail the massive patronage these terrorist enjoyed from our jobless youths in terms of membership and other logistic supports.
In our capacity, the Social Movement For Change will continue to oppose injustice and support justice in whatever form by who so ever.
SMC may be force to stage a mass rally or protest against the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for failing to protect the lives and properties of the innocent Nigerian citizenry. Through our members nationwide, SMC can cause tension to the leadership of any corrupt regime and demand it eviction out of the system.
We are calling on the government of Nigeria to immediately address the menace of insecurity currently ravaging our Nigeria as a matter of now or face the anger of SMC and that of the Nigerian youths.
Signed.
Usama A, Dandare
National Coordinator,
SMC.
@osadaby
osadaby@yahoo.com
Friday, 11 April 2014
Boko Haram, Possible Christians Involvement And The Bitter Truth By Usama Dandare.
Let me make it clear that i don't intend to criticize or abuse anyone's faith or believe, i am writing this in the spirit of patriotism, to set records straight and to clear the air on the misconceptions sold to Nigerians by some mischievous agents of continuous destruction to Nigerian states, with reference to terrorism and Islam, which seems to have abolished the long enjoyed unity in Nigeria.
It's no longer news that ethno-regionalism in Nigeria has always been played out alongside ethno- religious politics and this dimension makes no meaningful amelioration to the realization of a peaceful Nigeria and yet, we are tediously endangering our national unity for some selfish political lucidities.
For many years, series of terrorist attacks in Nigeria led to the death of thousands innocent souls irrespective of tribe, religion, gender or age and has also annihilated properties worth billions including places of worship, schools, hospitals, markets, government buildings and still counting, these in turn hatched big demarcation between Christian and Muslim settlements, our experiences are bitter, and they have created deep mutual distrust amongst the peace loving people of Nigeria.
Some mischievous elements (mostly politicians) have refined and sold out a common avowal that Islam orders it followers to kill Non-Muslims as a way of Jihad which is totally not in congruence with the tutelages of Islam.
This indeed procreate high level of hatred and dislike most ignorant Christians composed for Muslims and Islam, they are often fond of accusing Muslims for committing several honor killings in the name of Islam and to my whammy, many gave carte blanche; they then mileage this line of argument as a reason to discredit Islam in the eyes all and pauperize support of Christian voters for Muslims politicians.
In this write-up, i set to shatter the glass houses that most Nigerians lives and adulterate the myth that Muslims have ganged up to crushed out Christians and Christianity in this Northern part, and to divulgence how Christians fully cooperate in attacking Christianity and yet, only Muslims are tagged terrorist.
Lest we forget, It's on records, the many scenarios Christians were apprehended during the cause of their attacks with explosives and many weapons, some even arrested while trying to attack churches and yet only Muslims are called terrorist. I hardly recall any Muslim terrorist that was arrested on the verge of an attack since the start of Boko Haram insurgency in 2009, all those in detention were suspects linked during the procedure of investigations.
Sit up and read how Christians unleashed terror in Nigeria but yet, nobody conveyed the impression to enshrine them because they don't harmonize to the critical theorem of suspicion.
* On the 1st Oct. 2010, the independence day bombing, the first bomb attack Nigeria was sworn to which MEND assumed responsibility. Are MEND fighting for Muslims or Islam?
* Another on the 26th Feb. 2012, nine christians were apprehended attempting to bomb COCIN church at Miya Barkate, 20 kilometres along Jos-Bauchi Highway in Bauchi State including a former secretary of PDP in the local government. Are this nine terrorist hired by Muslims?
* Again on the 23th June 2012, four Christians were arrested trying to plant a time bomb at Waje Friday mosque in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.
* The suspects that sprayed bullets on the Gombe Deeper Life Church worshipers of which the suspects caught were Igbos and all Christian.
* There was also the Gombe township bombing involving two men, named Hassan Ojudu and Samaila Yakubu, all of them northern Christians.
* Another woman Miss Lydia Joseph, a Christian prostitute was also arrested while trying to bomb St. John Catholic church in Bauchi.
* Also arrested was a Christian named Emmanuel King, who disguised as a Muslim wearing a turban and kaftan, attempting to bombed down the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Yenagoa the Bayelsa state capital. This is how they disguise to carry out terror attacks pretending to be Muslims.
* There was also the arrest of one Madam Ruth trying to bomb down the ECWA church in the Kalarin area of Kaltungo in Gombe State who is also a Christian.
* On January 11, 2012 two Nigerians named, Sunday Eze from Anambra State and Samuel Taiwo from Ogun State and some three Ghanaians were arrested in Ghana with some heavy weaponry carefully concealed in a truck, which was to be brought to Nigeria.
* On Tuesday, April 10, 2012, a 38 year old man named Monday Davou, a Christian was arrested while planting a timed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or time bomb, at the Makera weekly market in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
* The DAILY SUN newspaper of Monday, February 20, 2012 on page 12 reported the arrest in Akure, Ondo State of a gang of five armed robbers led by one Evangelist Wale Adelu, an evangelist of one of the old generation churches, which has branches in the state capital and they were said to be meeting in his church before they proceeded on any robbery operation. Wouldn't this evangelist and his gang agree to bomb churches for a fee?
* Similarly, the SATURDAY SUN newspaper of Saturday, March 10, 2012 on page 10 reported that 11 cartons of explosives imported from South Africa and carefully packaged to beat security checks were intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The consignments were said to be for Miero Marble Granite and Stones Limited in Kaduna State, with one Mr. Michael Awara Ernest as the representative to collect the explosives at the cargo terminal. Is Miero Marble Granite own by Muslims?
* The THISDAY newspaper of Friday, January 13, 2012 on page 6 culled a news report from the BBC in which a British-based arms dealer, Gary Hyde was being prosecuted in a London court for unlawfully arranging the shipment of about 80,000 guns and 32 million rounds of ammunition from China to Nigeria in 2007. But, the big question is, to whom did he make his shipment? To Muslim radicals or to some churches going criminals?
* On Sunday, February 19, 2012. Four Christians were arrested while trying to detonate explosives at the St. Theresa's Catholic Parish, High-level in Makurdi the Benue State capital.
* A Christian was also arrested while trying to drive past the gate of Thisday office with loaded explosives in his car at Kaduna.
* On the 29th May 2011, about four Christian women were arrested in connection with the Mami market bombing of Artillery brigade barracks in Bauchi state.
* On the 21st May 2012, a Christian called John Akpabu, a suicide bomber who targeted ministerial briefing, arrested with 37 rounds of live ammunition and 3 hand grenades and other explosives at the National Press Centre, Radio House in Abuja.
* The SSS command in Bauchi arrested one Mr Dokogel from Plateau state with arms loaded in his car and confessed to have made five trips for one Igbo man based in Jos.
These are just few episodes of Christians involvements in betraying the churches, Christians, Christianity and Nigeria.
Usama A. Dandare
Nat. Coordinator (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
It's no longer news that ethno-regionalism in Nigeria has always been played out alongside ethno- religious politics and this dimension makes no meaningful amelioration to the realization of a peaceful Nigeria and yet, we are tediously endangering our national unity for some selfish political lucidities.
For many years, series of terrorist attacks in Nigeria led to the death of thousands innocent souls irrespective of tribe, religion, gender or age and has also annihilated properties worth billions including places of worship, schools, hospitals, markets, government buildings and still counting, these in turn hatched big demarcation between Christian and Muslim settlements, our experiences are bitter, and they have created deep mutual distrust amongst the peace loving people of Nigeria.
Some mischievous elements (mostly politicians) have refined and sold out a common avowal that Islam orders it followers to kill Non-Muslims as a way of Jihad which is totally not in congruence with the tutelages of Islam.
This indeed procreate high level of hatred and dislike most ignorant Christians composed for Muslims and Islam, they are often fond of accusing Muslims for committing several honor killings in the name of Islam and to my whammy, many gave carte blanche; they then mileage this line of argument as a reason to discredit Islam in the eyes all and pauperize support of Christian voters for Muslims politicians.
In this write-up, i set to shatter the glass houses that most Nigerians lives and adulterate the myth that Muslims have ganged up to crushed out Christians and Christianity in this Northern part, and to divulgence how Christians fully cooperate in attacking Christianity and yet, only Muslims are tagged terrorist.
Lest we forget, It's on records, the many scenarios Christians were apprehended during the cause of their attacks with explosives and many weapons, some even arrested while trying to attack churches and yet only Muslims are called terrorist. I hardly recall any Muslim terrorist that was arrested on the verge of an attack since the start of Boko Haram insurgency in 2009, all those in detention were suspects linked during the procedure of investigations.
Sit up and read how Christians unleashed terror in Nigeria but yet, nobody conveyed the impression to enshrine them because they don't harmonize to the critical theorem of suspicion.
* On the 1st Oct. 2010, the independence day bombing, the first bomb attack Nigeria was sworn to which MEND assumed responsibility. Are MEND fighting for Muslims or Islam?
* Another on the 26th Feb. 2012, nine christians were apprehended attempting to bomb COCIN church at Miya Barkate, 20 kilometres along Jos-Bauchi Highway in Bauchi State including a former secretary of PDP in the local government. Are this nine terrorist hired by Muslims?
* Again on the 23th June 2012, four Christians were arrested trying to plant a time bomb at Waje Friday mosque in Fagge Local Government Area of Kano.
* The suspects that sprayed bullets on the Gombe Deeper Life Church worshipers of which the suspects caught were Igbos and all Christian.
* There was also the Gombe township bombing involving two men, named Hassan Ojudu and Samaila Yakubu, all of them northern Christians.
* Another woman Miss Lydia Joseph, a Christian prostitute was also arrested while trying to bomb St. John Catholic church in Bauchi.
* Also arrested was a Christian named Emmanuel King, who disguised as a Muslim wearing a turban and kaftan, attempting to bombed down the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Yenagoa the Bayelsa state capital. This is how they disguise to carry out terror attacks pretending to be Muslims.
* There was also the arrest of one Madam Ruth trying to bomb down the ECWA church in the Kalarin area of Kaltungo in Gombe State who is also a Christian.
* On January 11, 2012 two Nigerians named, Sunday Eze from Anambra State and Samuel Taiwo from Ogun State and some three Ghanaians were arrested in Ghana with some heavy weaponry carefully concealed in a truck, which was to be brought to Nigeria.
* On Tuesday, April 10, 2012, a 38 year old man named Monday Davou, a Christian was arrested while planting a timed Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or time bomb, at the Makera weekly market in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
* The DAILY SUN newspaper of Monday, February 20, 2012 on page 12 reported the arrest in Akure, Ondo State of a gang of five armed robbers led by one Evangelist Wale Adelu, an evangelist of one of the old generation churches, which has branches in the state capital and they were said to be meeting in his church before they proceeded on any robbery operation. Wouldn't this evangelist and his gang agree to bomb churches for a fee?
* Similarly, the SATURDAY SUN newspaper of Saturday, March 10, 2012 on page 10 reported that 11 cartons of explosives imported from South Africa and carefully packaged to beat security checks were intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The consignments were said to be for Miero Marble Granite and Stones Limited in Kaduna State, with one Mr. Michael Awara Ernest as the representative to collect the explosives at the cargo terminal. Is Miero Marble Granite own by Muslims?
* The THISDAY newspaper of Friday, January 13, 2012 on page 6 culled a news report from the BBC in which a British-based arms dealer, Gary Hyde was being prosecuted in a London court for unlawfully arranging the shipment of about 80,000 guns and 32 million rounds of ammunition from China to Nigeria in 2007. But, the big question is, to whom did he make his shipment? To Muslim radicals or to some churches going criminals?
* On Sunday, February 19, 2012. Four Christians were arrested while trying to detonate explosives at the St. Theresa's Catholic Parish, High-level in Makurdi the Benue State capital.
* A Christian was also arrested while trying to drive past the gate of Thisday office with loaded explosives in his car at Kaduna.
* On the 29th May 2011, about four Christian women were arrested in connection with the Mami market bombing of Artillery brigade barracks in Bauchi state.
* On the 21st May 2012, a Christian called John Akpabu, a suicide bomber who targeted ministerial briefing, arrested with 37 rounds of live ammunition and 3 hand grenades and other explosives at the National Press Centre, Radio House in Abuja.
* The SSS command in Bauchi arrested one Mr Dokogel from Plateau state with arms loaded in his car and confessed to have made five trips for one Igbo man based in Jos.
These are just few episodes of Christians involvements in betraying the churches, Christians, Christianity and Nigeria.
Usama A. Dandare
Nat. Coordinator (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
Thursday, 10 April 2014
A Nation Of Prosophobia - Usama Dandare
The most populous country in Africa, seventh most populous country in the world and the most populous black country on earth, the country is one-third larger than Texas, situated on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, neighboring Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and Chad and the lower course of it River flows south through the western part into the Gulf of Guinea while swamps and mangrove forests border the southern coast.
Over 250 ethnic groups co-exist peaceful over the last decade in what was the most peaceful diverse nation which presents a mixture of traditions, a land of remarkable opportunities and warm, friendly people. A nation of about 170m people mostly Christians, Muslims and traditional animists and have co-existed for years, many times with adherents of these three religions being members of the same family.
Its populace have their languages, histories, and religions, all rubbing shoulder to shoulder in a hectic, colourful and often volatile republic, the country is known for its abundant natural resources, a warm and healthy environment, its exotic cuisines, beautiful flowers and adventures.
A historic nation with great history of men and women, known for their wonderful cultural diversity and unique heritage, a nation blessed for it cash crops and many investment opportunities.
WELCOME TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Nigeria as a nation was amalgamated between the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 by the then colonial masters, and came into existence as a nation on the 1st Oct. 1960 having gained independence from British colonial rule. Since then, it gradually began moving as an independent country experiencing civil war and many crisis, but it identity as one entity continue to be partially maintained.
Nigeria from independence had experienced many forms of leadership transferring from military to Civilian rule and from civilian back to military, until when democracy was well and firmly reintroduced in 1999. Has Nigeria achieved desirable goals any democratic nation will wants to achieve? Is democracy a curse or a blessing to Nigeria?
From one of the richest and most promising 50 countries in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nigeria is today among the 20 countries in the world with the widest gap between the rich and the poor, it has gradually declined in fortunes, its citizens are now among the poorest in the world.
As one of the world's top 10 crude oil producers, Nigeria currently fares very poorly in all development indices. I can tell you this for free, the average annual percentage growth of GDP from 1990 -2000 was 2.4, the Gross National Income, GNI, per capita is less than US $260; under-five mortality rate per 1,000 live births is 153; average maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births is 545; and life expectancy at birth is 48 years for males and 49 years for females.
Even as a signatory to the United Nations Millennium Declaration to eradicate poverty, promote human dignity, equality and achieve peaceful democracy with environmental stability but the Nigerian context and progress still remains a real cause for concern.
Nigeria as a nation has failed in all aspect of human endeavors, being among the top exporters of Crude but failed to give it citizens the services that can improve their lives and protect their properties. The nation's economy is moving without magnitude neither direction (despite claims to be Africa's biggest economy after a rebase), an economy that has crude but import fuel, an economy that has Gas but lacks power, an economy that has abandoned fertile land but imports food, an economy that has talents but lacks innovations, an economy that has abundant resources but lacks industries, an economy that has missions but lacks visions, an economy that has aims but lacks objectives, an economy that has human capital but lacks manpower, an economy that has goals but lacks target, an economy that has everything but lacks everything. I pity the electorates for wasting their votes, time, energy and resources to stand not to be counted.
Our leaders have successfully hijacked the nation's wealth and transformed it into their personal belongings and properties, government investments have been turned into family businesses.
The amalgamated Nigeria had since divided with every group trying to dominate and marginalize the other, our dominant tribes have became enemies overnight, the two dominant religions are raging war against each other. Unity no longer exist unless within one ethnic group, tribal killings had became part of our daily routines, spiritual killings unabated.
Nigeria only exist by name but the people in it have long separated, the long nurtured brotherhood by our founding fathers has now been submerged and the two regional parts (north and South) exist as undeclared nations.
Government which is responsible for the protection of it citizenry and their property have became angel of death, ordering security forces to take away people's lives and destroy their properties all in the name of fighting terrorism, thousands unaccountable lives were killed and still counting, but the poor man's voice has never been heard.
From Boko Haram in the North to oil bunkering and sea piracy in the Niger Delta, from kidnapping and baby factories in the East to armed robbery and spiritual killings in the West, not forgetting the tribal killings in the middle. From unemployment among talented youths to illiteracy and force labour among children, from poverty among citizens to malnutrition among infants.
The old are deprived off their pension, the dead are denied their benefits, the innocents are wasting in jail without trial, the sick are left without care, the weak are abandoned without motivation and the needy left without help.
Billions Dollars oil funds missing, billions pension money still missing, billions subsidy funds still missing, billions got lost daily and nothing serious has ever been done to retrieve it back because the looters are the detectives investigating the looted funds.
Corruption in economy, insecurity in polity, chaos in politics, immorality in society, frustration in art and lack of creativity in literature.
Our collective efforts must be put on desk to salvage our dear country from the devilish alcoholics suffering from "Kain-Kain selective induced anemia." There's no safe place for the common man to feel protected than sit calmly and wait for his killers to come knocking. Our so-called leaders turned deaf ears, cruising in bulletproof vehicles not minding what their electorates are going through.
Electricity is present in many parts of the country only in structures. Power which brings about development and services for the livelihood of any nation is becoming extinct in Nigeria. A nation blessed with abundant gas, sunlight and dams but still clueless in generating power, making Nigeria the highest user of power generating sets in the world. Our industries are endangered with less operation due to shortage of power and many have become warehouses for smugglers. Nigeria and it failed government officials are looting huge sum of money all in the name of providing power. A nation where it national power company rely on power generators as an alternative source of energy. What a failure?
Education is giving less or no priority as public schools are left vacant for only the poor man's child while those in government have their children schooling in the most expensive schools overseas. The talented Nigerian child is left wasting in the hands of the so-called leaders that know nobody but their sons and daughters.
The poor Nigerian youths have turned criminals at a blink just to raise some token for food and their social demands. Our girls turned prostitutes giving out sex for money to cater for their well-being, the unlucky child to be born in Nigeria will surely loose hope for a prosperous future immediately after birth. The high rate of maternal and child mortality is becoming uncontrollable with government not really so serious about saving the lives of our children.
Our healthcare system has since lost accreditation resulting into massive death with no medical care or facilities, our hospitals will soon be commission as museums to preserve the ancients medical structures and equipments build during the first republic. The health of a common Nigerian who could not afford medical treatment abroad or in private hospitals will always be at risk.
With an Infant Mortality Rate at 86/1000, Nigeria is ranked lower than war-ravaged countries like Iraq and Congo fifty four years after independence, exhibitions of poor development, consistent backdrops, especially at the Primary Healthcare level, with inadequate functional surveillance systems in tandem with the modern era are just a few of several flaws that punctuate fortunes of healthcare in Nigeria today.
In today's Nigeria, one of the Major Problems of Food Production is Poverty and lack of good leadership. On the other hand, one of the Simplest and a doubtless truth that you can easily know about Nigeria is the fact that over 75% of her rural dwellers are full-time Farmers.
A very Great Variety of Delicious Species of Organic Foods, Fruits, Vegetables and Cash-crops abound in the Country. In fact, the Nation is so Highly Blessed, and there are very large Acres of Fertile Agricultural Lands all around the Country. One of the Most Serious of all the Major Problems of Food and Agriculture in Nigeria is Lack of Leadership, Mismanagements, Corruption and Embezzlements of Public Funds which are very common within Nigeria's Government Officials.
And as you may all know, Patriotism; Trust, Honesty; Organization and Careful Management has often Led to the Success and Prosperity of Modern Man. But here in Nigeria, all you can easily see or notice is the Plain Fact that the Nation has “ No Leaders ". What a tragedy?
Our braved men and women have became cowards overnight, jobless Rate in Nigeria increased to 23.90 percent in 2011 from 21.10 percent in 2010. Unemployment Rate in Nigeria is reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. Historically, from 2006 until 2011, Nigeria Unemployment Rate averaged 14.6 Percent reaching an all time high of 23.9 Percent in December of 2011 and a record low of 5.3 Percent in December of 2006, unemployment rate measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force. There is some evidence to suggest that the lack of economic opportunities for young people has created enough discontent to start wars that tear nations apart, Sierra Leone provides a possible example. Nigerian youths in the diaspora excel in all aspect of life, demonstrating how gifted the poor nigerian youths are. What a lost?
The all-embracing phenomenon called transportation is a measure of relationship between places, it performs the role of linking supply and demand, and as a means of conveying people, goods and information through places, the provision of transport facilities and services is very crucial to the economic, political, social and cultural life of any seriously minded country or nation. Decaying infrastructure in transportation is one of the deficiencies that Nigeria’s government need to address because score of lives are lost everyday as a result of inadequacy of our nation's transport system. Nigeria is the only living nation operating without a transport policy or a transport master plan.
If Nigeria was truly a democratic nation, it will have since revolt against it leaders. The only credit to Nigerian government is the wonderful development our Capital Territory Abuja has attained, which is now being rank top among the fastest developing cities in the world. Kudos to the efforts of the men of yesterday.
Nigerian youths have made an alarming signal to the government to get on it toes or faces an uprising to regain their nation's lost values and history. One of the warning signal was the Occupy Nigeria protest ( a socio-political protest movement that began in Nigeria on Monday, 2 January 2012 in response to the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government of President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday, 1 January 2012), protests have taken place across the country, including the cities of Kano, Ojota, Abuja, and at the Nigerian Embassy in London, at least 16 people have been killed in Nigeria, all shot dead by the Nigeria Police Force during the protest. The protests have been characterised by civil disobedience, civil resistance, strike actions, demonstrations and online activism, the use of social medias such as Twitter and Facebook has been a prominent feature.
As of today, Occupy Nigeria had continued to engage in organized meetings, events and actions. We are never relax to reclaimed our lost values. It's a privilege to be involved in the organizing team of occupy Nigeria protest.
It still is a mystery how the cost of subsidy shot up to 1.3 trillion naira in just one year of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, especially since ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration spent 300 billion Naira per year. When the Obasanjo government left power in 2007, the country was no longer in debt and the 30 billion dollar foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off. Today, under the administration of Jonathan, the country owes debt to the tune of more than $30bn and is still borrowing.
What baffles me was in the midst of these, the leadership had mischievously gone ahead to share some huge funds in the name of Excess Crude revenue when it should have stored it up for the Foreign reserves that have been depleted from $80bn during the Obasanjo administration to less than $33bn under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
It was reported that when the Obasanjo left power in 2007, $23bn was left in the Excess Crude Account after he built it up from nothing in 1999; by January 2012 the account was empty because the money has been squandered and the account scrapped. Is this the transformation Nigerians were promised?
Permit me to conclude with quotations from Yusuf Maitama's statement, an elder statesman and a former minister during the first republic, "What we want is a leader, a true leader with all the qualities of leadership. A true leader who will lead by example, a leader whose leadership will transform the lives of all irrespective of tribes or religions. A leader who will lead with the philosophies of a herdsmen, the herdsmen who sacrifices his life, his health and his comfort for his cattle. A political leader that will came into politics to serve but not to be served, to give but not to take. A leader whose philosophies could solve all the problems of Nigeria being political, economic and social. A leader whose leadership values will cut across tribal and religious boundaries. A leader who believed in the vision of responsibility. A leader who stated the problems of his own people and wants to solve those problems. A leader who will united all the tribes in Nigeria. We need leadership where all Nigerians will not call their selves by their tribes but Nigerians."
FAREWELL FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Usama A. Dandare.
Nat. Coordinator,
Social Movement For Change (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
www.smchange.blogspot.com
Over 250 ethnic groups co-exist peaceful over the last decade in what was the most peaceful diverse nation which presents a mixture of traditions, a land of remarkable opportunities and warm, friendly people. A nation of about 170m people mostly Christians, Muslims and traditional animists and have co-existed for years, many times with adherents of these three religions being members of the same family.
Its populace have their languages, histories, and religions, all rubbing shoulder to shoulder in a hectic, colourful and often volatile republic, the country is known for its abundant natural resources, a warm and healthy environment, its exotic cuisines, beautiful flowers and adventures.
A historic nation with great history of men and women, known for their wonderful cultural diversity and unique heritage, a nation blessed for it cash crops and many investment opportunities.
WELCOME TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Nigeria as a nation was amalgamated between the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 by the then colonial masters, and came into existence as a nation on the 1st Oct. 1960 having gained independence from British colonial rule. Since then, it gradually began moving as an independent country experiencing civil war and many crisis, but it identity as one entity continue to be partially maintained.
Nigeria from independence had experienced many forms of leadership transferring from military to Civilian rule and from civilian back to military, until when democracy was well and firmly reintroduced in 1999. Has Nigeria achieved desirable goals any democratic nation will wants to achieve? Is democracy a curse or a blessing to Nigeria?
From one of the richest and most promising 50 countries in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Nigeria is today among the 20 countries in the world with the widest gap between the rich and the poor, it has gradually declined in fortunes, its citizens are now among the poorest in the world.
As one of the world's top 10 crude oil producers, Nigeria currently fares very poorly in all development indices. I can tell you this for free, the average annual percentage growth of GDP from 1990 -2000 was 2.4, the Gross National Income, GNI, per capita is less than US $260; under-five mortality rate per 1,000 live births is 153; average maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births is 545; and life expectancy at birth is 48 years for males and 49 years for females.
Even as a signatory to the United Nations Millennium Declaration to eradicate poverty, promote human dignity, equality and achieve peaceful democracy with environmental stability but the Nigerian context and progress still remains a real cause for concern.
Nigeria as a nation has failed in all aspect of human endeavors, being among the top exporters of Crude but failed to give it citizens the services that can improve their lives and protect their properties. The nation's economy is moving without magnitude neither direction (despite claims to be Africa's biggest economy after a rebase), an economy that has crude but import fuel, an economy that has Gas but lacks power, an economy that has abandoned fertile land but imports food, an economy that has talents but lacks innovations, an economy that has abundant resources but lacks industries, an economy that has missions but lacks visions, an economy that has aims but lacks objectives, an economy that has human capital but lacks manpower, an economy that has goals but lacks target, an economy that has everything but lacks everything. I pity the electorates for wasting their votes, time, energy and resources to stand not to be counted.
Our leaders have successfully hijacked the nation's wealth and transformed it into their personal belongings and properties, government investments have been turned into family businesses.
The amalgamated Nigeria had since divided with every group trying to dominate and marginalize the other, our dominant tribes have became enemies overnight, the two dominant religions are raging war against each other. Unity no longer exist unless within one ethnic group, tribal killings had became part of our daily routines, spiritual killings unabated.
Nigeria only exist by name but the people in it have long separated, the long nurtured brotherhood by our founding fathers has now been submerged and the two regional parts (north and South) exist as undeclared nations.
Government which is responsible for the protection of it citizenry and their property have became angel of death, ordering security forces to take away people's lives and destroy their properties all in the name of fighting terrorism, thousands unaccountable lives were killed and still counting, but the poor man's voice has never been heard.
From Boko Haram in the North to oil bunkering and sea piracy in the Niger Delta, from kidnapping and baby factories in the East to armed robbery and spiritual killings in the West, not forgetting the tribal killings in the middle. From unemployment among talented youths to illiteracy and force labour among children, from poverty among citizens to malnutrition among infants.
The old are deprived off their pension, the dead are denied their benefits, the innocents are wasting in jail without trial, the sick are left without care, the weak are abandoned without motivation and the needy left without help.
Billions Dollars oil funds missing, billions pension money still missing, billions subsidy funds still missing, billions got lost daily and nothing serious has ever been done to retrieve it back because the looters are the detectives investigating the looted funds.
Corruption in economy, insecurity in polity, chaos in politics, immorality in society, frustration in art and lack of creativity in literature.
Our collective efforts must be put on desk to salvage our dear country from the devilish alcoholics suffering from "Kain-Kain selective induced anemia." There's no safe place for the common man to feel protected than sit calmly and wait for his killers to come knocking. Our so-called leaders turned deaf ears, cruising in bulletproof vehicles not minding what their electorates are going through.
Electricity is present in many parts of the country only in structures. Power which brings about development and services for the livelihood of any nation is becoming extinct in Nigeria. A nation blessed with abundant gas, sunlight and dams but still clueless in generating power, making Nigeria the highest user of power generating sets in the world. Our industries are endangered with less operation due to shortage of power and many have become warehouses for smugglers. Nigeria and it failed government officials are looting huge sum of money all in the name of providing power. A nation where it national power company rely on power generators as an alternative source of energy. What a failure?
Education is giving less or no priority as public schools are left vacant for only the poor man's child while those in government have their children schooling in the most expensive schools overseas. The talented Nigerian child is left wasting in the hands of the so-called leaders that know nobody but their sons and daughters.
The poor Nigerian youths have turned criminals at a blink just to raise some token for food and their social demands. Our girls turned prostitutes giving out sex for money to cater for their well-being, the unlucky child to be born in Nigeria will surely loose hope for a prosperous future immediately after birth. The high rate of maternal and child mortality is becoming uncontrollable with government not really so serious about saving the lives of our children.
Our healthcare system has since lost accreditation resulting into massive death with no medical care or facilities, our hospitals will soon be commission as museums to preserve the ancients medical structures and equipments build during the first republic. The health of a common Nigerian who could not afford medical treatment abroad or in private hospitals will always be at risk.
With an Infant Mortality Rate at 86/1000, Nigeria is ranked lower than war-ravaged countries like Iraq and Congo fifty four years after independence, exhibitions of poor development, consistent backdrops, especially at the Primary Healthcare level, with inadequate functional surveillance systems in tandem with the modern era are just a few of several flaws that punctuate fortunes of healthcare in Nigeria today.
In today's Nigeria, one of the Major Problems of Food Production is Poverty and lack of good leadership. On the other hand, one of the Simplest and a doubtless truth that you can easily know about Nigeria is the fact that over 75% of her rural dwellers are full-time Farmers.
A very Great Variety of Delicious Species of Organic Foods, Fruits, Vegetables and Cash-crops abound in the Country. In fact, the Nation is so Highly Blessed, and there are very large Acres of Fertile Agricultural Lands all around the Country. One of the Most Serious of all the Major Problems of Food and Agriculture in Nigeria is Lack of Leadership, Mismanagements, Corruption and Embezzlements of Public Funds which are very common within Nigeria's Government Officials.
And as you may all know, Patriotism; Trust, Honesty; Organization and Careful Management has often Led to the Success and Prosperity of Modern Man. But here in Nigeria, all you can easily see or notice is the Plain Fact that the Nation has “ No Leaders ". What a tragedy?
Our braved men and women have became cowards overnight, jobless Rate in Nigeria increased to 23.90 percent in 2011 from 21.10 percent in 2010. Unemployment Rate in Nigeria is reported by the National Bureau of Statistics. Historically, from 2006 until 2011, Nigeria Unemployment Rate averaged 14.6 Percent reaching an all time high of 23.9 Percent in December of 2011 and a record low of 5.3 Percent in December of 2006, unemployment rate measures the number of people actively looking for a job as a percentage of the labour force. There is some evidence to suggest that the lack of economic opportunities for young people has created enough discontent to start wars that tear nations apart, Sierra Leone provides a possible example. Nigerian youths in the diaspora excel in all aspect of life, demonstrating how gifted the poor nigerian youths are. What a lost?
The all-embracing phenomenon called transportation is a measure of relationship between places, it performs the role of linking supply and demand, and as a means of conveying people, goods and information through places, the provision of transport facilities and services is very crucial to the economic, political, social and cultural life of any seriously minded country or nation. Decaying infrastructure in transportation is one of the deficiencies that Nigeria’s government need to address because score of lives are lost everyday as a result of inadequacy of our nation's transport system. Nigeria is the only living nation operating without a transport policy or a transport master plan.
If Nigeria was truly a democratic nation, it will have since revolt against it leaders. The only credit to Nigerian government is the wonderful development our Capital Territory Abuja has attained, which is now being rank top among the fastest developing cities in the world. Kudos to the efforts of the men of yesterday.
Nigerian youths have made an alarming signal to the government to get on it toes or faces an uprising to regain their nation's lost values and history. One of the warning signal was the Occupy Nigeria protest ( a socio-political protest movement that began in Nigeria on Monday, 2 January 2012 in response to the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government of President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday, 1 January 2012), protests have taken place across the country, including the cities of Kano, Ojota, Abuja, and at the Nigerian Embassy in London, at least 16 people have been killed in Nigeria, all shot dead by the Nigeria Police Force during the protest. The protests have been characterised by civil disobedience, civil resistance, strike actions, demonstrations and online activism, the use of social medias such as Twitter and Facebook has been a prominent feature.
As of today, Occupy Nigeria had continued to engage in organized meetings, events and actions. We are never relax to reclaimed our lost values. It's a privilege to be involved in the organizing team of occupy Nigeria protest.
It still is a mystery how the cost of subsidy shot up to 1.3 trillion naira in just one year of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, especially since ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo's administration spent 300 billion Naira per year. When the Obasanjo government left power in 2007, the country was no longer in debt and the 30 billion dollar foreign debt that Obasanjo met when he came to power in 1999 was fully paid off. Today, under the administration of Jonathan, the country owes debt to the tune of more than $30bn and is still borrowing.
What baffles me was in the midst of these, the leadership had mischievously gone ahead to share some huge funds in the name of Excess Crude revenue when it should have stored it up for the Foreign reserves that have been depleted from $80bn during the Obasanjo administration to less than $33bn under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
It was reported that when the Obasanjo left power in 2007, $23bn was left in the Excess Crude Account after he built it up from nothing in 1999; by January 2012 the account was empty because the money has been squandered and the account scrapped. Is this the transformation Nigerians were promised?
Permit me to conclude with quotations from Yusuf Maitama's statement, an elder statesman and a former minister during the first republic, "What we want is a leader, a true leader with all the qualities of leadership. A true leader who will lead by example, a leader whose leadership will transform the lives of all irrespective of tribes or religions. A leader who will lead with the philosophies of a herdsmen, the herdsmen who sacrifices his life, his health and his comfort for his cattle. A political leader that will came into politics to serve but not to be served, to give but not to take. A leader whose philosophies could solve all the problems of Nigeria being political, economic and social. A leader whose leadership values will cut across tribal and religious boundaries. A leader who believed in the vision of responsibility. A leader who stated the problems of his own people and wants to solve those problems. A leader who will united all the tribes in Nigeria. We need leadership where all Nigerians will not call their selves by their tribes but Nigerians."
FAREWELL FROM THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
Usama A. Dandare.
Nat. Coordinator,
Social Movement For Change (SMC).
osadaby@yahoo.com
@osadaby
www.smchange.blogspot.com
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