The Phenomenon Called Nigeria.

By Msonter Anzaa

Calling Nigeria a phenomenon sounds disrespectful. But subsequent paragraphs contain the qualities so peculiar to Nigeria that they make her into a phenomenon of her own. I hate admitting that Nigeria is a land of controversy. Controversy characterizes every thing about her. The culture even in government circles is to jump from one controversy to another. The very legitimacy of some of our governments is controversial. A few instances would do for illustration. Some time last year, Nuhu Ribadu was almost prevemted from graduating from NIPSS Kuru, Jos even after successfully completing the course. Reports said the order was from above and was meant to correct some illegalities involving Ribadu’s promotions in the police. When public outcry greeted his exemption, the authorities denied ever demanding that he be prevented from graduating because he was not qualified to enroll for the program in the first place. 

Perhaps nothing illustrates controversy in Nigeria better than the anti-corruption war. Just before Ribadu left the EFCC, he was quoted as saying his commission had cases against over twenty state governors. But when the new chairman took over, few case files were found. The others just vanished. And many of those alleged corrupt governors are free today. The EFCC even took a bold step to clear some of them some time ago. You may probably recall that when the on-going FIFA under-17 world cup was given Nigeria to host, the Local Organizing Committee estimated it would cost such a great sum that the federal government said it could not afford to host the tournament. Then almost immediately, the cost was slashed to a negligent amount compared to its original projection. What happened? And if the tournament could be organized with the latter amount, why the earlier purse-drying projection? 

Constitutional Amendment, Re-branding and the Future of Nigeria

By Msonter Anzaa

At the moment there is a high level of activity in government circles. And this is to be expected because important issues are being handled at the national level. We are handling a major constitutional amendment and vigorous re-branding campaigns are being carried out across the nation. I have seized this opportunity to reflect on the whole amendment process, the re-branding project and what they mean to the future of Nigeria.

It will be improper to discuss the constitutional amendment without first delving into the issues that made it necessary. Nigeria has had a long history of crises - both political and religious. A deep reflection into the causes of these crises reveals flaws in the system in operation. For instance, it is common knowledge that our elections are never free or fair. Elections have come to mean a dangerous period when lives are lost and insecurity worsens. From 1999 through 2003 to 2007, we have had a steadily declining electoral sanity. Series of debates have been held on what is wrong with the system. Changes have also been made to the electoral law after every election. Yet we are not where we desire to be. Another problem is that of corruption. The complexity of this crime suffocates me. But I can say confidently that corruption thrives because of bad or weak leadership. Executives in government offices have been constantly accused of corruption. And it is true that many of them are incurably nontransparennnt. Anti-corruption laws seem slow at catching these offenders. Again some argue that the immunity enjoyed by these public officers hinders speedy arrest and trial of suspects. 

The Niger Delta and Other Issues of National Unity

By Msonter Anzaa

I can bet that there are few people in Nigeria who don’t know the Niger Delta. To the federal government, the region has been a night mare for some time. The issues arising from the Niger Delta also spark series of unending debates. The Niger Delta may be looked upon as just a region but what has happened there has a potential to spread to other parts of the country.

Oil and the Niger Delta have become synonymous with each other. The region is the sole producer of the oil revenue that is the main strength of the national economy. Oil exploration began long ago in that region. And right from the beginning of its exploration, the issues of the relationship existing between oil companies and the host communities; what share of the derived revenue should be given to them and environmental challenges, arose. The struggle for fair terms of dealings in the oil business also has a long history. If we go a few years back, we will remember Ken Saro-wiwa and the other eight Ogoni activists hung by the General Abacha administration. The most recent Niger Delta history is fraught with brutal exchanges between militant groups and the government. Raw exchange of fire between militant groups and government forces; blowing up of oil installations and violent attacks on public buildings, characterize the region’s most recent history.