Summer school within
the context of this essay refers to academic or semi-academic sessions which
most private schools in Nigeria
organise for crèche, primary school pupils and secondary school students during
the long vacation. Outside its contextual reference are the JAMB preparatory
schools or institutes organised for special topics during the long holidays
between July and September every year when the new session starts.
My query is on the
abuse of the concept by some school proprietors to the detriment of the health
of kids, the overall well-being of teachers and the abdication of parental
responsibilities. There is a great deal of economic exploitation, ignorance,
vanity and outright irresponsibility. It further promotes the poor bonding
between parents and their kids in their growing up years. As a parent I have
never sent any of my kids to the so-called summer coaching. And by God’s
providence they have all gone through university! Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Roadblocks Against Women
By Ray Ekpu
Since Sirimavo Ratwatte Dias Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka became the first elected
leader, women have come to the realisation that it is possible for them to
break the male dominance in the high leadership sector.
*Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
Women such as Golda Meir of Israel, Margaret
Thatcher and Theresa May of Britain, Angela Merkel of Germany, Ameenah
Guib-Fakini of Mauritius and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, to mention but a
few have risen to the pinnacle of political power in their countries. The
number still remains negligible because women have had formidable roadblocks
placed on their path to the top by men and society generally.
Monday, August 20, 2018
Checking The Menace Of Expired Drugs
By Kayode Ojewale
Nasarawa State . Just last month, NCS and NAFDAC
destroyed N100 million worth of expired medicaments and other items at Seme
command of NSC. Some N80 million worth of expired goods were destroyed also in Abuja last month by
NAFDAC. It was revealed that some of the products were voluntarily submitted by
companies and individuals while others were seized through enforcement.
Lately, Nigeria
has witnessed increased cases of some heartless human beings with dead
conscience relabelling and revalidating dates of expired foods and drugs. The
arrests of the perpetrators and confiscations of relabelled expired drugs were
carried out by the officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and National
Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The news media has
thus been awash with stories of seized expired foods and drugs. It was recently
reported that N15 million worth of fake expired products was confiscated in Before Buhari Tampers With Press Freedom Again
By Martins Oloja
Even if we encourage ourselves by wishing for peaceful coverage of
the 2019 election processes, as journalists, there are warning signals for us
to prepare for war with this administration. Reason: most of us are beginning to discern
that despite their assurances since May 2015, they are set to tinker ruthlessly
with press freedom for their ‘Project 2019’ .
On March 16, 2015, the then candidate
Muhammadu Buhari told the newspapers’ proprietors and editors: “I won’t tamper
with press freedom…”
*President Buhari and his adviser on media, Femi Adesina |
Buhari, who then said a change revolution was imminent in the country without
firing a shot also assured the influential members of the
Newspapers’ Proprietors Association of Nigeria( NPAN) and the Nigerian
Guild of Editors ( NGE) at an interaction in Abuja:
Understanding Adams Oshiomhole
By Abraham Ogbodo
The National Chairman
of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Adams Oshiomhole is used to public
shows. He lives as if every situation in life is a
piece of drama that must be acted out. Even at that, he does not respect the rules of
the stage and stay within his role. For no clear reason, he loves to be the lead actor always, even if the director
casts him to merely play a supporting role.
As president of the Nigeria Labour Congress
(NLC) when Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the President and Commander-In-Chief of
the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it seemed Nigeria had two
presidents. Then, if a man or woman only mentioned the
‘President’ in describing the head of state and number one citizen of Nigeria,
he or she would be required to give further details so that it would be known
if the description applied to Obasanjo or Oshiomhole.
*Adams Oshiomhole |
2019: Tinubu Said He Would Support Buhari Even On A Hospital Stretcher – Saraki
"...However, during those meetings, the point of disagreement between Tinubu and I is that while I expressed my worries that there is nothing on ground to assure me that the administrative style and attitude would change in the next four years in a manner that will enable us to deliver the positive changes we promised to our people, he (Tinubu) expressed a strong opinion that he would rather 'support a Buhari on the hospital stretcher' to get a second term because in 2023, power will shift to the South-west. This viewpoint of Tinubu’s was not only expressed to me but to several of my colleagues. So much for acting in national interest..."
*Saraki and Tinubu |
-----------------------------
Full text of Saraki's Statement
The Tinubu Rhetoric: My Response
By Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki
I have always restrained from joining issues in the
media with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and this is based on my respect for him.
However, I will not allow him to create a wrong, false and mischievous
impression about the reasons for my decision to exit the All Progressives
Congress (APC) and present his prejudice as facts for public consumption.
I have been consistent in my complaints to all leaders
of the APC, including Tinubu, that a situation where the National Assembly is
not constructively engaged or carried along in key policy decisions,
particularly those that will eventually require legislative approval, is not in
the best interest of the nation. No genuine leader of the legislature will be
comfortable that the Presidency will simply write a terse letter to the
National Assembly on key issues which the federal legislature is expected to
later deliberate upon and give its approval. The Buhari administration
consistently treats the legislature with contempt and acts as if the lawmaking
body should be an appendage of the Executive. To me, this is unacceptable.
Saturday, August 18, 2018
In Nigeria Truth Is A Distraction
By Eugene Onyeabo Aligbe
In May 2018, the
Nigerian airwaves were awash with musical lyrics from Folarin Falana, popularly
called Falz. Some persons could not accept the obvious truth in the song that
there was a dent on the image of Nigeria and by
extension every citizen of Nigeria .
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) in their
reaction threatened to slam a law suit on the musician, Falz for his song
titled, “This is Oshiomhole Is Making Saraki Popular!
By Ifeanyi Izeze
Hitherto, we all thought that the former Edo state governor had
some quality stuffs upstairs but in less than two months of being incorporated
into the national politics from his little labour and Edo state enclaves, he
has quickly shown that he lacks the capacity to think deep and plan
strategically on issues especially as concerns engagement strategies against
political adversaries-real and perceived.
*Oshiomhole greets Saraki |
With
every pronouncement, action, and even body language, Adams Oshiomole, the newly
enthroned National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress party (APC)
displays himself as a big mistake for the Buhari political strategists. The man
seems power drunk or at best in a hurry to prove something that he has not. Does
Oshiomole not know that majority of the ordinary Nigerian people would rather
go in support of anyone perceived to be victimized by the government whether
state or federal? If you like don’t believe this but that is the absolute truth
of how the psyche of the Nigerian electorate works.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Nigeria’s Democracy And Clouds Of Uncertainty
By Matthew Ozah
A common way to describe Nigeria ’s democracy is to liken it
to a gilded tea-cup made for a specific type of people. Hence, Nigeria ’s political elite usually
see themselves as special breed, who are larger-than-life and most often above
the law.
*President Buhari |
They need no introduction in the public sphere
as their ego and brocade dress speaks volume of them. The political class is witnessing a cycle of twisting events in its chequered
history that is embedded in nepotism, poor performance and washing of dirty
“political” linen in public.
Nigeria: Democracy In Trouble
By Raymond Oise-Oghaede
The fact that
democracy is the most vibrant and progressive system of governance in today's
global politics is indisputable. Little wonder why our nationalist and
political leaders toiled day and night to ensure its sustenance since the
attainment of independence in 1960. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement, the
polity was plunged into crises which consequently gave birth to military
intervention in 1966.
Thence, the country
experienced unstable democratic rule until 1999 when the present disposition
was installed after much resilience and unquantifiable human and material
sacrifices. Since 1999 to date, the country has witnessed over 19 years of
uninterrupted democratic governance. This feat was made possible by the show of
understanding by the citizenry which unpopularised the politics of tribal and
religious bigotry. Nigeria: Worn Nation, Worn Destiny
By Alade Rotimi-John
Writing about Nigeria
in these days of a menacing or threatened enactment of a Hate Speech law can be
irksome. The writer may be unable to properly delineate the terrain of a
possible infraction of the law even as he attempts to give rein to free speech
or truthful exposition. There is also the difficulty of plotting the graph
between transcendental truths and the fraying of irritable nerves or temper of
persons in authority.
An accustomed tendency to be infatuated or be deprived of
judgement regarding the passion to speak the truth about the actual state of
affairs in the country is thereby unfortunately hampered or put on hold.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
Kemi Adeosun: When Forgery Is Elevated To A Cardinal Virtue
By Jude Ndukwe
“Whatever is true,
whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy
of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
Let me
start this week’s essay on a spiritual note. This is because we are a country
of religion, sometimes to its extreme, but most times in hypocrisy. We mouth
virtues with the enthusiasm of a priest or imam but act out vices with the
fanaticism of an extremist. Some of our political leaders are so shameless that
they thrive in evil but pay putrefying obeisance to God either on Fridays or on
Sundays with celestial mien and heavenly gait. Most unfortunately, these same
set of people commit various crimes with audacity, cover or even encourage
others to do so one way or the other.
*President Buhari and Kemi Adeosun |
Invasion Of The National Assembly And Its Implications
By Henry C. Onyema
Dear Nigerians, do we
really understand the implications of the invasion of the National Assembly by
the DSS? Can we reflect and understand that the soul of Nigeria is at
stake?
*Saraki and Dogara |
To those
politicos misusing our security agencies, please do not forget that the sword
you wield to cut off your enemy’s head can slice off yours easily. A little
history may help. Back in the 1960s, the almighty ruling Northern People’s
Congress turned the army into its personal weapon of terror. It unleashed the
army on political opponents. Unfortunately, among the commanders of operations
to crack down on the Tiv were officers who got pissed off by the whole thing
and turned their guns on the government on January 15 1966, namely Majors
Adewale Ademoyega, Christian Anuforo and Timothy Onwuatuegwu. You think all
those masked operatives are conscienceless robots?
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Interrogating The Senseless Impunity Of Buhari Regime
By Simeon Nwakaudu
Pure and simple, the sack of Lawal Daura is simply a face saving
measure by the most tyrannical administration since the nation returned to
democracy. Nobody should be deceived, Daura was simply a scapegoat in a failed
coup against the country.
*President Buhari |
The
courage to hijack the National Assembly was way beyond what a service chief
would do without executive directive. The invasion of the National Assembly was
a continuation of the Failed APC Federal Government’s horrible soap opera to
arm-twist political opponents, using pliant security operatives. The
brazen manner the APC Federal Government overthrew the National Assembly
Complex embarrassed all black people across the universe and made us a laughing
stock.
Nigeria: Siege, Plot Against Democracy
By Oshineye Victor Oshisada
The recent siege on the National Assembly was an aberrant
behaviour. The institution is an august law-making organ of governance.
However, its hallowed status was disdained when the Department of State
Services (DSS) barricaded its gates to shut out the law-makers on August 7,
2018. That occurred on the assumption that the ruling All Progressives Congress
(APC) was contemplating of sacking the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his
deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.
The hooded security men shouted that they were on the orders not
to permit anybody –members or staff- to have entrance.
Assumption of the removal of the Senate
President by the APC is not tenable. In law, one cannot take assumption for
reality; it is not evidence. An assumption is based upon suspicion. Chapter V,
Part I Section 50 (2) takes care of the removal of the President or Deputy
President of the Senate. The Constitution of 1999 is supreme, and not a
kangaroo method of removal.
Monday, August 13, 2018
Nigeria: Dancing Naked In The Market
By Sam Ohuabunwa
Those who are familiar
with how madness begins to manifest in a person, will tell you that no man
becomes mad in just one day. Madness follows a sequence. Of course
psychiatrists and those who work in the mental health area can easily notice
when a patient goes through the stages or sequence. But for the ordinary folks
like us, we also sometimes notice this sequence more so when the subject
is closely related to us. Signs of mental illness may start with the subject
being unusually moody which could represent depression or in some cases the
subject may become unusually aggressive and hyperactive called hyperactive
disorder.
If the subject is subjected to treatment at
these early stages, psychiatrists tell us, the mental health can be corrected
but if not, the situation could deteriorate. Soon the subject begins to neglect
his personal hygiene and then may begin to speak incoherently similar to what
is called psychotic disorder. I am told that even at this stage the situation
can still be remedied if urgent medical attention is sought and the patient can
be persuaded or compelled to take the prescribed medicines. ‘Redemption Songs For Buhari’s Presidency’
By Martins Oloja
In an ancient political
plot captured by Shakespeare in his classic, Julius Caesar, a minor character, Artemidorus, prepares what he
calls a caveat for Caesar.
*Buhari |
He reads the warning aloud that he (Caesar) may
escape an evil plot by his friends and members of his ‘inner circle.’(Reading
aloud from the letter) Artemidorus warns in clear terms:
“Caesar,
beware of Brutus. Watch Cassius. Don’t go near Casca. Keep an eye on Cinna.
Don’t trust Trebonius. Pay attention to Metellus Cimber. Denius Brutus doesn’t
love you. You’ve wronged Caius Ligarius. These men all have one intention, and
it’s directed against Caesar. If you aren’t immortal, watch those around you. A
sense of security opens the door to conspiracy. I pray that the mighty gods
defend you! Your friend, Artemidorus.”
Believe APC Govt, You’ll Believe Anything!
By Reno Omokri
There is only one thing worse than the show of shame that
took place at the National Assembly on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, when the Buhari
administration laid siege on the National Assembly. The one thing worse than
that despicable is the attempt by the executive to spin the whole thing as a
conspiracy between Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the bow sacked DSS Boss,
Lawal Daura.
If you believe that tale, then I can assure you that you will
believe anything. So preposterous is the allegation that I would have wondered
why anyone will tell such a monumental lie. And then it hit me. The tactic now
being employed by the Buhari administration to spin the National Assembly siege
as a conspiracy between Senate President Bukola Saraki and the now disgraced
DSS Director General, Lawal Daura is known as the Big Lie.
Oshiomhole and Buhari |
Saturday, August 11, 2018
Oshiomole And The Sinking Ship That He Captains!
Press Release
Senate President Bukola Saraki Replies APC Chairman Adams Oshiomohle
1. It is rather surprising that Mr. Adams Oshiomhole
is behaving like a rain-beaten chicken, crying all over the place about Dr.
Abubakar Bukola Saraki, as if the Senate President is the apparition haunting
his life and the sinking ship that he captains.
Senator Saraki and Mr. Oshiomhole |
2. Having decided not to join the pigs in rolling in
the dirt; we would not like to be involved in any meaningless exchange with the
demagogue now in charge of APC. However, because he claimed that he was
reacting to the issues raised by the Senate President during his World Press
Conference, we thought it necessary to give the APC chairman some
attention.
Friday, August 10, 2018
Heart-Wrenching Tales Of An African Illegal Immigrant In Europe
By Joel Savage
Europe
is not paradise, a perfect place of riches, peace, and happiness. After reading
this story, any African who wants to come to Europe
must think twice. As
a child growing up in a strongly religious family, I was taught that everything
which is opposite to the teachings of the Holy Bible, including laziness is a
sin. I tried my best to live a clean life. We were taught to believe that Israel , Jerusalem ,
and other Biblical countries were all in heaven, without a slight knowledge
those countries were all on the same earth we are living.
It's hard for many
Africans in Europe, to tell Africans at home the truth about the hard living
conditions in Europe . In the midst of
suffering, many Africans in Europe take
pictures sitting behind a table covered with bottles of beer, creating a false
impression that they live in comfort and luxury.
I
share my stories to warn Africans that
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