A Battle Cry To Reverse The Poor State Of The Nation - Part 2
http://www.nigeriansinamerica.com/articles/1436/1/A-Battle-Cry-To-Reverse-The-Poor-State-Of-The-Nation---Part-2/Page1.html
Bode Eluyera
Studying, living and working in Russia has always been a challenge and battle for many of us here. In general, coming to Russia to study is a big experience and exposure for me. I had the very rare opportunity - elusive to millions of Nigerians - to see both the West and the East, witnessed the whole transformation, and undoubtedly historical events that took place in the former Soviet Union, and how they relate to Nigeria. I have vowed never to get hooked formally neither to a Russian lady - though they are quite very beautiful - nor any lady not from Naija so that my plans of relocating back to Naija in order to contribute my quota will not be derailed. East or west, home is the best. Moreover, I simply can't imagine speaking Russian or English to my wife and children at home. Olorun ma'je! How I wish that our Naija sisters could read between the lines and decode my message.
From Russia with love. abm1900@mail.ru
By Bode Eluyera
Published on 01/13/2007
For every Northerner occupying a federal government post at any level, there are at least 100 Southerners that are more qualified but are being denied the opportunity...
Never Again To The North!
We must never, never and never entrust our destinies, lives, politics and economy into the hands of the North to toy with again. Enough of the sorrows, pains, and tears that their reigns have brought the South - and even their own people - which we are yet to recover from up till today.
Just look at the presidential candidates from the North: IBB, Atiku, Buhari, e.t.c. They want to complete their evil experiment that will consequently destroy the South totally; and send the whole of the South into perpetual immigration.
Compare the presidential candidates from the North to the calibre of the list of the potential presidential candidates from the South-South and South East alone being proposed for voting on. What if we add another list from the South-West to the list? Can you see the difference?
Do you understand what I mean now when I say that for every Northerner occupying a federal government post at any level, there are at least 100 Southerners that are more qualified but are being denied the opportunity. This assertion applies to all posts; ambassadorial, ministerial, diplomatic, secretarial, legislative, advisory, clerical, e.t.c.
OLD WINE IN OLD BOTTLES
The North has no other people to present to Nigeria except IBB, Atiku, Buhari, Mua'zu, Makarfi, Gana, Abdullah, Sonunu Turaki, e.t.c. Coup plotters, old cargoes, political opportunists, prostitutes and thieves that looted our treasury and destroyed our economy are being recycled all over again for us to consume. Thank you! NO!
NO PRINCIPLE.
People without principle and party allegiance are bracing up to rule the country. What can you say about Sonunu Turaki, Governor of Jigawa state, who was voted into power on the platform of ANPP, but in order to achieve his presidential ambition has been recently attending caucus meeting of the PDP at gubernatorial level?
What about Atiku, who has decided to dump the PDP - that he was among founders - for another party in order to accomplish his selfish political ambition.
SOUTHERN PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT.
The South must insist on producing not only the next president, V.P. and key ministerial posts, but equally demand to rule the country for at least 20 years in order to correct the economic, political and social disasters that the misrule of the North for more than 35 years has brought the country.
If they refuse or reject our demand, then we should tell them to go to hell! We should break away! It's for the better. We won't miss them. We are tired of subsidizing them. They are a pain in the neck to the South.
I honestly can't understand why a region that is heavily subsidized is insisting on producing the next President? Can somebody please explain to me why a region whose contribution to our economy is virtually nothing lay claim to power, or at any moment in time always produce either the president or the vice president? On what basis?
On a serious note, it's high time we started asking these questions openly. What a bunch of ingrates. Personally, I regret that Ogboru did not succeed in his coup. I'm sure that had Ogboru succeeded in cutting the North away from the South, the North in a couple of weeks would have crawled on their knees and begged the South to take them back. If we decide to take them back, we would have done so on our terms. They are very lucky to be part of Nigeria and not Chad or Niger republic that live in abject poverty.
PRESIDENT OF CATTLE REPUBLIC
If the North wants to be president, let them be president over their cattle, long non-existing groundnut pyramids and their Talakawas or beggars that are all over the country. We don't have to be diplomatic about these issues with them anymore! We should tell them right to their faces. 'T'eni ba d'ake tara e a ba dake.'
ATIKU-CIVILIAN MARADONA AND 419 MAN
It was announced recently in the news that Atiku while unveiling his presidential program said that no sacred cow in the war against corruption will be spared. Atiku was also quoted to have said that he intended to focus on the economy, with emphasis on wealth and job creation through agriculture, and small and medium scale industries; infrastructure development and maintenance.
Thank you very much for your kindness Alhaji Atiku. Civilian Maradona in waiting!
First, let Atiku give Nigerians details of his activities at the Nigerian customs: which is considered the second most corrupt government establishment; after the military of course. What are his achievements there? How did he fight corruption there? Second, let Atiku give us details of the sources of his wealth. Where did he get the money to purchase a house in the U.S.? Where are his companies located? What do they produce or deal in? Did any of his companies benefit from federal government contracts at any point in time? How did he get the capital to set them up? Can he publish a detailed financial statement of his companies for the last 10 years for public scrutiny?
JOKES APART - THANK YOU! NO!
On a serious note, why do Atiku, Buhari, IBB and his Northern brothers think that they have the brains to rule 'successfully' such a sophisticated country like Nigeria when his (Atiku) impact was not felt when he was at the Nigerian customs?
Alhaji Atiku, I want to inform you that the South does not need you to create wealth or develop infrastructure for us. We have more than enough people from the South who are much capable than you and can provide for us what you promised us. We don't believe you Alhaji and thank you, we don't need your service. Try another joker. That won't work. Your brothers IBB, Buhari and Abacha had promised Nigerians much more than you, and we still remember how it all ended. We don't want to experience 'such happiness' again.
However, if Alhaji Atiku and Buhari are determined in serving Nigeria, then, let them gather all the Northern beggars that are scattered all over the country and create jobs for them in agriculture and cattle rearing. We in the South can take very good care of ourselves without you.
BUHARI - A DREAMER
Buhari while declaring his intention to contest for the President said: 'The issue of the country's corporate indivisible existence has been overcome, despite increasing threats" Undoubtedly this statement show how myopic the former Military dictator is in his views as regards to the real political situations in the country.
I will like to advise coup plotter Buhari, who was lucky to escape firing squad for staging a coup against an elected and legitimate civilian government to take some courses in world history.
I am a living evidence of history. I came to The Soviet Union, but now live in Russia. I want to remind Buhari that the Soviet Union consisted of 15 independent republics and co-existed as one country for about 70 years. However, it took just 3 people; the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine and Byelorussia respectively, and 10 minutes for them to dissolve the Soviet Union!
Mr. Buhari needs to take lecture in the Balkan history too especially 'The modern history of Yugoslavia.' There are now more than 6 countries; with Montenegro and Chernogore being the latest, to have emerged from the former Yugoslavia.
What about Czechoslovakia? The two republics, Czech and Slovakia decided to part peacefully without firing a single shot. And Buhari let me tell you Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union were much united countries than Nigeria. Nevertheless, they broke up eventually.
MORE GROUNDS TO BREAK UP NOW THAN BEFORE
Who could ever imagine that the invincible Soviet empire could break up without a single bullet being shot. Buhari must either be daydreaming or has lost touch with reality in Nigeria to have made such a useless statement. There are more grounds and reasons for Nigeria to break up now than ever before.
If the Ibos were happy with the union there would have being no need for MOSSAB and the circulation of Biafran currency at Onitsha market. After the civil war the Ibos were totally purged from the military and all influential positions, and were marginalised despite the 'No Conqueror, No Victor' declaration made by Gowon.
In addition, they are fed up of being slaughtered by the North, and playing the role of 'ball boys' or '3rd class citizens' in Nigeria.
MONKEY DEY WORK, BABOON DEY CHOP.
Nigeria is a country where monkey dey work baboon dey chop. Of course, the monkey is the South and the baboon is the North. Now the monkey is aware of his situation and wants to put a stop to this exploitation once and for all.
The North has for long been stealing the oil revenues from the South, using part of it to develop their territory, winning/rigging elections or/and destabilising the country.
THE FIRE THIS TIME FOR THE INJUSTICE!
The eyes of the Delta people are open now, and they are also saying enough is enough. Even Abacha's cold and callous murder of Saro Wiwa has not dissuaded the people, instead they are more than determined now to fight and die for their economic and political rights that the North has for long ignored or denied them.
They are tired of living in abject poverty!
They are tired of living in darkness; 50 years after the discovery of oil at Oluobiri!
They are tired of walking hundreds kilometres to bore holes just to get drinking water; despite the fact they are virtually surrounded by water!
They are tired of not been able to farm or fish because their land and water are polluted!
They are saying enough is enough! They are registering their protests in different forms.
Taking foreigners hostage is just the least of what could happen later. The Niger Delta militias are not only well armed to the teeth, but are also well trained and are now challenging the federal government openly. The whole delta region and country as a whole are tensed up because of injustice. The country is sitting on gunpowder of injustice and marginalisation that may explode anytime from now.
Therefore based on this analysis, I think Buhari must be either be deceiving himself or be daft to have said that 'the country's corporate indivisible existence has been overcome, despite increasing threats.' Buhari, please always think before you speak.
Just look at the presidential candidates from the North: IBB, Atiku, Buhari, e.t.c. They want to complete their evil experiment that will consequently destroy the South totally; and send the whole of the South into perpetual immigration.
Compare the presidential candidates from the North to the calibre of the list of the potential presidential candidates from the South-South and South East alone being proposed for voting on. What if we add another list from the South-West to the list? Can you see the difference?
Do you understand what I mean now when I say that for every Northerner occupying a federal government post at any level, there are at least 100 Southerners that are more qualified but are being denied the opportunity. This assertion applies to all posts; ambassadorial, ministerial, diplomatic, secretarial, legislative, advisory, clerical, e.t.c.
OLD WINE IN OLD BOTTLES
The North has no other people to present to Nigeria except IBB, Atiku, Buhari, Mua'zu, Makarfi, Gana, Abdullah, Sonunu Turaki, e.t.c. Coup plotters, old cargoes, political opportunists, prostitutes and thieves that looted our treasury and destroyed our economy are being recycled all over again for us to consume. Thank you! NO!
NO PRINCIPLE.
People without principle and party allegiance are bracing up to rule the country. What can you say about Sonunu Turaki, Governor of Jigawa state, who was voted into power on the platform of ANPP, but in order to achieve his presidential ambition has been recently attending caucus meeting of the PDP at gubernatorial level?
What about Atiku, who has decided to dump the PDP - that he was among founders - for another party in order to accomplish his selfish political ambition.
SOUTHERN PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT.
The South must insist on producing not only the next president, V.P. and key ministerial posts, but equally demand to rule the country for at least 20 years in order to correct the economic, political and social disasters that the misrule of the North for more than 35 years has brought the country.
If they refuse or reject our demand, then we should tell them to go to hell! We should break away! It's for the better. We won't miss them. We are tired of subsidizing them. They are a pain in the neck to the South.
I honestly can't understand why a region that is heavily subsidized is insisting on producing the next President? Can somebody please explain to me why a region whose contribution to our economy is virtually nothing lay claim to power, or at any moment in time always produce either the president or the vice president? On what basis?
On a serious note, it's high time we started asking these questions openly. What a bunch of ingrates. Personally, I regret that Ogboru did not succeed in his coup. I'm sure that had Ogboru succeeded in cutting the North away from the South, the North in a couple of weeks would have crawled on their knees and begged the South to take them back. If we decide to take them back, we would have done so on our terms. They are very lucky to be part of Nigeria and not Chad or Niger republic that live in abject poverty.
PRESIDENT OF CATTLE REPUBLIC
If the North wants to be president, let them be president over their cattle, long non-existing groundnut pyramids and their Talakawas or beggars that are all over the country. We don't have to be diplomatic about these issues with them anymore! We should tell them right to their faces. 'T'eni ba d'ake tara e a ba dake.'
ATIKU-CIVILIAN MARADONA AND 419 MAN
It was announced recently in the news that Atiku while unveiling his presidential program said that no sacred cow in the war against corruption will be spared. Atiku was also quoted to have said that he intended to focus on the economy, with emphasis on wealth and job creation through agriculture, and small and medium scale industries; infrastructure development and maintenance.
Thank you very much for your kindness Alhaji Atiku. Civilian Maradona in waiting!
First, let Atiku give Nigerians details of his activities at the Nigerian customs: which is considered the second most corrupt government establishment; after the military of course. What are his achievements there? How did he fight corruption there? Second, let Atiku give us details of the sources of his wealth. Where did he get the money to purchase a house in the U.S.? Where are his companies located? What do they produce or deal in? Did any of his companies benefit from federal government contracts at any point in time? How did he get the capital to set them up? Can he publish a detailed financial statement of his companies for the last 10 years for public scrutiny?
JOKES APART - THANK YOU! NO!
On a serious note, why do Atiku, Buhari, IBB and his Northern brothers think that they have the brains to rule 'successfully' such a sophisticated country like Nigeria when his (Atiku) impact was not felt when he was at the Nigerian customs?
Alhaji Atiku, I want to inform you that the South does not need you to create wealth or develop infrastructure for us. We have more than enough people from the South who are much capable than you and can provide for us what you promised us. We don't believe you Alhaji and thank you, we don't need your service. Try another joker. That won't work. Your brothers IBB, Buhari and Abacha had promised Nigerians much more than you, and we still remember how it all ended. We don't want to experience 'such happiness' again.
However, if Alhaji Atiku and Buhari are determined in serving Nigeria, then, let them gather all the Northern beggars that are scattered all over the country and create jobs for them in agriculture and cattle rearing. We in the South can take very good care of ourselves without you.
BUHARI - A DREAMER
Buhari while declaring his intention to contest for the President said: 'The issue of the country's corporate indivisible existence has been overcome, despite increasing threats" Undoubtedly this statement show how myopic the former Military dictator is in his views as regards to the real political situations in the country.
I will like to advise coup plotter Buhari, who was lucky to escape firing squad for staging a coup against an elected and legitimate civilian government to take some courses in world history.
I am a living evidence of history. I came to The Soviet Union, but now live in Russia. I want to remind Buhari that the Soviet Union consisted of 15 independent republics and co-existed as one country for about 70 years. However, it took just 3 people; the Presidents of Russia, Ukraine and Byelorussia respectively, and 10 minutes for them to dissolve the Soviet Union!
Mr. Buhari needs to take lecture in the Balkan history too especially 'The modern history of Yugoslavia.' There are now more than 6 countries; with Montenegro and Chernogore being the latest, to have emerged from the former Yugoslavia.
What about Czechoslovakia? The two republics, Czech and Slovakia decided to part peacefully without firing a single shot. And Buhari let me tell you Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union were much united countries than Nigeria. Nevertheless, they broke up eventually.
MORE GROUNDS TO BREAK UP NOW THAN BEFORE
Who could ever imagine that the invincible Soviet empire could break up without a single bullet being shot. Buhari must either be daydreaming or has lost touch with reality in Nigeria to have made such a useless statement. There are more grounds and reasons for Nigeria to break up now than ever before.
If the Ibos were happy with the union there would have being no need for MOSSAB and the circulation of Biafran currency at Onitsha market. After the civil war the Ibos were totally purged from the military and all influential positions, and were marginalised despite the 'No Conqueror, No Victor' declaration made by Gowon.
In addition, they are fed up of being slaughtered by the North, and playing the role of 'ball boys' or '3rd class citizens' in Nigeria.
MONKEY DEY WORK, BABOON DEY CHOP.
Nigeria is a country where monkey dey work baboon dey chop. Of course, the monkey is the South and the baboon is the North. Now the monkey is aware of his situation and wants to put a stop to this exploitation once and for all.
The North has for long been stealing the oil revenues from the South, using part of it to develop their territory, winning/rigging elections or/and destabilising the country.
THE FIRE THIS TIME FOR THE INJUSTICE!
The eyes of the Delta people are open now, and they are also saying enough is enough. Even Abacha's cold and callous murder of Saro Wiwa has not dissuaded the people, instead they are more than determined now to fight and die for their economic and political rights that the North has for long ignored or denied them.
They are tired of living in abject poverty!
They are tired of living in darkness; 50 years after the discovery of oil at Oluobiri!
They are tired of walking hundreds kilometres to bore holes just to get drinking water; despite the fact they are virtually surrounded by water!
They are tired of not been able to farm or fish because their land and water are polluted!
They are saying enough is enough! They are registering their protests in different forms.
Taking foreigners hostage is just the least of what could happen later. The Niger Delta militias are not only well armed to the teeth, but are also well trained and are now challenging the federal government openly. The whole delta region and country as a whole are tensed up because of injustice. The country is sitting on gunpowder of injustice and marginalisation that may explode anytime from now.
Therefore based on this analysis, I think Buhari must be either be deceiving himself or be daft to have said that 'the country's corporate indivisible existence has been overcome, despite increasing threats.' Buhari, please always think before you speak.
Page 2 of 2
THE NIGER DELTA IS THE WATERLOO IN WAITING.
The federal government may meet its waterloo at the Niger Delta. If the Federal government is stupid enough to use force in resolving the problem, it may lead to war. It will be a wrong and stupid calculation on the side of the federal government if it thinks that it has the military prowess to force the Niger Delta militants to submission.
TO BE FOREWARNED IS TO BE FORE ARMED.
There are many countries waiting to arm the warring sides. The Russian mafia is looking for new regions to sell arms. There are more than enough ammunitions in Russia alone to fight wars in the whole of Africa for the next 100 years. To them, it's just business and nothing more. Nothing personal. The access of the Niger Delta to the ocean is a strategic advantage. Large amount of arms could easily be shipped to them. Moreso, the militants have mastered the act of guerilla warfare in the creeks.
What kind of information do you think that the Israeli spy that was arrested recently for espionage by the federal government was interested in? Please think very well. Your guess may be as good as mine.
If war is allowed to break out in the Niger Delta, it's going to be a totally different coalition. The Ibos are just waiting. They will definitely join the Niger Delta people in their liberation struggle from bondage. The Yorubas will not be on the federal government or to be precise the North's side this time around. It will not be like 1967, when people that fought on the federal side thought that they were fighting a just war and for the unity of the country. People's attitudes have not only completely changed, but are much more enlightened and aware of the present socio, economic and political situations in the country.
To be sincere, based on the North's attitudes to the plight of the Niger Delta people, it will be no exaggeration to say that they are 'a colony' of the North. By definition, a colony does not have a say in how its resources are used or exploited, most importantly, it practically does not derive any benefits nor receive any compensation for its use and exploration. In general the North's policy to the rest of Nigeria has been that of Modified Black Apartheid (M.B.A.) like in the racist Peter Botha's South Africa many years ago. The Federal government instead of addressing the genuine grievances of these long deprived people - that are also not only human beings but fellow Nigerians as well - has chosen to label them 'terrorists' for its own selfish reasons. What all this means is that all along, we are being ruled by heartless and arrogant military leader, who is also out of tune with the situation.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP: LEARN FROM HISTORY.
If we ever have military historians in The Nigerian army, then, I want to implore them to read about the two very bloody civil wars that were fought within the past 10 years between Russia and Chechnya republic - the oil rich Russian territory - that wanted to break away from Russia.
Let them read about the heavy casualties from both sides including the ethnic hatred and demographic catastrophes that were the consequence of the war. Russia paid a very big price for victory - if we can really call it so - over tiny Chechnya; despite its huge financial resources and military prowess. Actually, It was a victory 'without triumph' for Russia.
If not for its huge financial resources, the Chechnya war would have brought Russia down to a state of no repair. But thanks to its huge energy resources, it is gradually recovering from the war. It will take not less than 50 years for Russia to recover fully from the economic, political and social damage the Chechnya war caused it. Up till now, The Kremlin is still leaking its wounds from the war.
GANGRENE
In my opinion, the North is like a gangrene that needs to be cut off by the South.
If you have gangrene and you don't cut off your leg to save your life, the gangrene will eventually spread to all parts of your body, paralyses you and eventually kill you.
Try to imagine the South as an overweight athlete full of fats or as a bird eager to fly but being held down by a rope. The North is the fat that the overweight athlete needs to get rid of if he wants to be healthier and run faster.
The North is the rope that the bird needs to get rid of if it wants to fly higher.
I strongly believe that a Nigeria without the North will be much better: better managed, stronger, richer and command respect all over the world. The British purposely merged them with us as a strategy: to cause chaos and slow down our development and most especially, to have a control over our economy.
There's the need to redress the evil act of the British. After all, when we were merged there was no referendum and neither was the consent of our leaders sought on this issue. They just put us before the fact.
ANTIDOTE AGAINST THE NORTH-REGIONAL GOVERNMENT
In case we're not able to get rid of the North and are compelled to live with them, then, we must put in place some mechanism that will minimise the damage that may be inflicted on the South, in case either through hook or crook method any lunatic ruler or dictator like IBB or Buhari or an incompetent Northern civilian president - like Yar'Adua - comes to power again.
In my opinion, one of these protective mechanizm is the PRONACO recommendation which advocates for a real confederation or regional form of government.
IBB: NO MORE HIDING PLACE!
It is our collective responsibility and duty to make sure that people like IBB - alias evil genius and his other Othman Dan Fodio evil brothers like Buhari, Yar'Adua or Atiku -who is a product of one of the most corrupt institutions (the Nigerian customs) in Nigeria, never, never, never again rule the country or manipulate the political process to their advantage again.
IBB symbolises evil in all its ramifications.
It's still unbelievable that that this evil man whose reign brought immeasurable sorrow, sufferings, deaths to many Nigerians and caused irreparable harm to the economy is traveling the length and breath of the country playing the role of a kingmaker, statesman and now a potential presidential candidate!
I was embarrassed to read an article on a Nigerian web site titled: 'Why IBB can't be president again.' That is not the issue that we should be discussing now.
At this stage, the question we should be asking ourselves is:' Why is IBB not in prison or hell by now after all the atrocities that he committed while in power?'
Each day spent by IBB in freedom and not in prison or hell is not only an insult to Nigerians, but a ridicule to any government in power; most especially the EFCC that is claiming to fight corruption.
How long will it take Ribadu and his team to gather enough evidence against IBB? Is Ribadu playing politics with Nigerians? If he wants to be taken serious about fighting crime and he intends to leave a legacy as a genuine economic crime fighter - and not the federal government's puppet or another Maradona - then he should understand that IBB is 'the biggest criminal/fish' he needs to go for and have in his net. Ribadu's credibility depends on arresting and bringing to trial IBB.
WHERE ARE YOU JUSTICE?
Charles Taylor is presently awaiting trial for crimes committed against humanity. Ironically, IBB whose crimes surpass Taylor's in terms of sufferings and deaths inflicted on Nigerians is not only plying our streets with confidence and presidential escort, but is as well flaunting his wealth and using it to destabilise the political, economical, military and social structures of the country, and dears Nigerians to do their worst!
MATTER OF PRINCIPLE
Arresting IBB and making him accountable fully for his evil deeds should be a matter of principle for Nigerians, no matter how long and difficult it is going to take.
In any case, I strongly believe that his days are already numbered. He had deceived some Nigerians some of the time but he can't continue deceiving all Nigerians all the time.
The day Ribadu presents IBB to Nigerians handcuffed and in prison uniform, I can bet with anything that on that day Nigerians will troop out with joy and shout 'Ribadu for president!'
However, no matter what IBB does, no matter his entire Maradona maneuver, he can't escape arrest and prosecution. There's no hiding place for him any more. According to the Yoruba proverb: 'Ti iro ba s'are fun ogun odun, otito a ba lojo kan,' which literaly means that: 'if deceit runs for 10 years, it will take the truth just a day to catch up with him.'
If Ribadu is not bold enough to do it, somebody else will definitely do it when the time comes. In my opinion, arresting IBB will boost his chance of becoming Nigeria's president if he ever intends to. And, definitely that will be a turning point and unifying force in our relationship.
BETRAYAL.
It's very sad to read the news that Bisi Abiola - one of Abiola's wives paid a visit to IBB together with other IBB well wishers and even declared their support for his presidential ambition come in 2007. It just sounds incredible!
Taking into consideration the fact that it was the same IBB that annulled the freest and fairest election held in Nigeria's history. Abiola eventually lost his life during the struggle to claim his right and restore democracy. It's 10 years exactly today since the cold murder of Kudirat Abiola by Abacha - another devil from the North - hit squad during her defense of democracy.
Kudirat Abiola stood firmly and boldly by her husband despite the danger, numerous threats and intimidation. It's very sad and disappointing that Bisi Abiola has not borrowed a leaf from Kudirat Abiola, but has instead decided to sell her conscience for a pot of porridge. She has not only betrayed her late husband, but has as well betrayed the Yorubas and the democratic cause.
Undoubtedly, Bisi Abiola is one of the Judases among us that need to be curtailed in any form before they inflict more harm to our course. Nemesis will definitely catch up with her too! In Yoruba land, such people are referred to as 'omo-ale.'
TO BE CONTINUED
The federal government may meet its waterloo at the Niger Delta. If the Federal government is stupid enough to use force in resolving the problem, it may lead to war. It will be a wrong and stupid calculation on the side of the federal government if it thinks that it has the military prowess to force the Niger Delta militants to submission.
TO BE FOREWARNED IS TO BE FORE ARMED.
There are many countries waiting to arm the warring sides. The Russian mafia is looking for new regions to sell arms. There are more than enough ammunitions in Russia alone to fight wars in the whole of Africa for the next 100 years. To them, it's just business and nothing more. Nothing personal. The access of the Niger Delta to the ocean is a strategic advantage. Large amount of arms could easily be shipped to them. Moreso, the militants have mastered the act of guerilla warfare in the creeks.
What kind of information do you think that the Israeli spy that was arrested recently for espionage by the federal government was interested in? Please think very well. Your guess may be as good as mine.
If war is allowed to break out in the Niger Delta, it's going to be a totally different coalition. The Ibos are just waiting. They will definitely join the Niger Delta people in their liberation struggle from bondage. The Yorubas will not be on the federal government or to be precise the North's side this time around. It will not be like 1967, when people that fought on the federal side thought that they were fighting a just war and for the unity of the country. People's attitudes have not only completely changed, but are much more enlightened and aware of the present socio, economic and political situations in the country.
To be sincere, based on the North's attitudes to the plight of the Niger Delta people, it will be no exaggeration to say that they are 'a colony' of the North. By definition, a colony does not have a say in how its resources are used or exploited, most importantly, it practically does not derive any benefits nor receive any compensation for its use and exploration. In general the North's policy to the rest of Nigeria has been that of Modified Black Apartheid (M.B.A.) like in the racist Peter Botha's South Africa many years ago. The Federal government instead of addressing the genuine grievances of these long deprived people - that are also not only human beings but fellow Nigerians as well - has chosen to label them 'terrorists' for its own selfish reasons. What all this means is that all along, we are being ruled by heartless and arrogant military leader, who is also out of tune with the situation.
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP: LEARN FROM HISTORY.
If we ever have military historians in The Nigerian army, then, I want to implore them to read about the two very bloody civil wars that were fought within the past 10 years between Russia and Chechnya republic - the oil rich Russian territory - that wanted to break away from Russia.
Let them read about the heavy casualties from both sides including the ethnic hatred and demographic catastrophes that were the consequence of the war. Russia paid a very big price for victory - if we can really call it so - over tiny Chechnya; despite its huge financial resources and military prowess. Actually, It was a victory 'without triumph' for Russia.
If not for its huge financial resources, the Chechnya war would have brought Russia down to a state of no repair. But thanks to its huge energy resources, it is gradually recovering from the war. It will take not less than 50 years for Russia to recover fully from the economic, political and social damage the Chechnya war caused it. Up till now, The Kremlin is still leaking its wounds from the war.
GANGRENE
In my opinion, the North is like a gangrene that needs to be cut off by the South.
If you have gangrene and you don't cut off your leg to save your life, the gangrene will eventually spread to all parts of your body, paralyses you and eventually kill you.
Try to imagine the South as an overweight athlete full of fats or as a bird eager to fly but being held down by a rope. The North is the fat that the overweight athlete needs to get rid of if he wants to be healthier and run faster.
The North is the rope that the bird needs to get rid of if it wants to fly higher.
I strongly believe that a Nigeria without the North will be much better: better managed, stronger, richer and command respect all over the world. The British purposely merged them with us as a strategy: to cause chaos and slow down our development and most especially, to have a control over our economy.
There's the need to redress the evil act of the British. After all, when we were merged there was no referendum and neither was the consent of our leaders sought on this issue. They just put us before the fact.
ANTIDOTE AGAINST THE NORTH-REGIONAL GOVERNMENT
In case we're not able to get rid of the North and are compelled to live with them, then, we must put in place some mechanism that will minimise the damage that may be inflicted on the South, in case either through hook or crook method any lunatic ruler or dictator like IBB or Buhari or an incompetent Northern civilian president - like Yar'Adua - comes to power again.
In my opinion, one of these protective mechanizm is the PRONACO recommendation which advocates for a real confederation or regional form of government.
IBB: NO MORE HIDING PLACE!
It is our collective responsibility and duty to make sure that people like IBB - alias evil genius and his other Othman Dan Fodio evil brothers like Buhari, Yar'Adua or Atiku -who is a product of one of the most corrupt institutions (the Nigerian customs) in Nigeria, never, never, never again rule the country or manipulate the political process to their advantage again.
IBB symbolises evil in all its ramifications.
It's still unbelievable that that this evil man whose reign brought immeasurable sorrow, sufferings, deaths to many Nigerians and caused irreparable harm to the economy is traveling the length and breath of the country playing the role of a kingmaker, statesman and now a potential presidential candidate!
I was embarrassed to read an article on a Nigerian web site titled: 'Why IBB can't be president again.' That is not the issue that we should be discussing now.
At this stage, the question we should be asking ourselves is:' Why is IBB not in prison or hell by now after all the atrocities that he committed while in power?'
Each day spent by IBB in freedom and not in prison or hell is not only an insult to Nigerians, but a ridicule to any government in power; most especially the EFCC that is claiming to fight corruption.
How long will it take Ribadu and his team to gather enough evidence against IBB? Is Ribadu playing politics with Nigerians? If he wants to be taken serious about fighting crime and he intends to leave a legacy as a genuine economic crime fighter - and not the federal government's puppet or another Maradona - then he should understand that IBB is 'the biggest criminal/fish' he needs to go for and have in his net. Ribadu's credibility depends on arresting and bringing to trial IBB.
WHERE ARE YOU JUSTICE?
Charles Taylor is presently awaiting trial for crimes committed against humanity. Ironically, IBB whose crimes surpass Taylor's in terms of sufferings and deaths inflicted on Nigerians is not only plying our streets with confidence and presidential escort, but is as well flaunting his wealth and using it to destabilise the political, economical, military and social structures of the country, and dears Nigerians to do their worst!
MATTER OF PRINCIPLE
Arresting IBB and making him accountable fully for his evil deeds should be a matter of principle for Nigerians, no matter how long and difficult it is going to take.
In any case, I strongly believe that his days are already numbered. He had deceived some Nigerians some of the time but he can't continue deceiving all Nigerians all the time.
The day Ribadu presents IBB to Nigerians handcuffed and in prison uniform, I can bet with anything that on that day Nigerians will troop out with joy and shout 'Ribadu for president!'
However, no matter what IBB does, no matter his entire Maradona maneuver, he can't escape arrest and prosecution. There's no hiding place for him any more. According to the Yoruba proverb: 'Ti iro ba s'are fun ogun odun, otito a ba lojo kan,' which literaly means that: 'if deceit runs for 10 years, it will take the truth just a day to catch up with him.'
If Ribadu is not bold enough to do it, somebody else will definitely do it when the time comes. In my opinion, arresting IBB will boost his chance of becoming Nigeria's president if he ever intends to. And, definitely that will be a turning point and unifying force in our relationship.
BETRAYAL.
It's very sad to read the news that Bisi Abiola - one of Abiola's wives paid a visit to IBB together with other IBB well wishers and even declared their support for his presidential ambition come in 2007. It just sounds incredible!
Taking into consideration the fact that it was the same IBB that annulled the freest and fairest election held in Nigeria's history. Abiola eventually lost his life during the struggle to claim his right and restore democracy. It's 10 years exactly today since the cold murder of Kudirat Abiola by Abacha - another devil from the North - hit squad during her defense of democracy.
Kudirat Abiola stood firmly and boldly by her husband despite the danger, numerous threats and intimidation. It's very sad and disappointing that Bisi Abiola has not borrowed a leaf from Kudirat Abiola, but has instead decided to sell her conscience for a pot of porridge. She has not only betrayed her late husband, but has as well betrayed the Yorubas and the democratic cause.
Undoubtedly, Bisi Abiola is one of the Judases among us that need to be curtailed in any form before they inflict more harm to our course. Nemesis will definitely catch up with her too! In Yoruba land, such people are referred to as 'omo-ale.'
TO BE CONTINUED