SOLOMON DALUNG: FINALLY A GLIMMER OF HOPE TO PLATEAU STATE.

Solomon Dalung, aka Igbarman Otarok need no introduction in Nigeria and even beyond. Probably the youngest member of Northern Elders Forum (NEF) an umbrella body of respected Northern elders, Dalung typifies what virtues like courage, honesty and patriotism could make out of a simple man. He stand alone among his peers as the one with the cleanest hands and already dining with kings.

It's not for nothing that Barr. Solomon Dalung earned his people's celebrated title of 'Igbarman Otarok' meaning the 'thunder of Tarok nation. From a very early stage of his life, when most people his age should be struggling with adolescence related tendencies and youthful exuberance, Dalung was already identified as an elder and a potential leader through his exceptional organizational skills, unquestionable integrity, unbiased honesty, rare humility and unmatched selflessness.

His first public outing as politician was when he served as Chairman, Langtang South Local Government in 2007 where he is still being referred to as "the man who brought colored roofing sheets", due to his massive successful transformation agenda that, by the way still remain a record to beat in Langtang South LG proved him as the 'people's servant' his character suggest. Perhaps, this might explain the enormous confidence his colleagues had in him by first appointing him as the Plateau State Deputy Chairman and later Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON).

All this may say little about the impeccability of the 'Igbarman Otarok'. The best testimony to his quality as a potential leader came from no less a person than late Chief Solomon Lar (CON), the indisputable lion of the Plateau. Chief Lar, a Northern light by all standard was quick to identify the burning fire of service to humanity raging in Dalung hence, brought him closer - probably to horn and develop his skills. It was this belief in Dalung's potentials that led to his appointment as Personal Assistant to late Chief Lar when the later was appointed Adviser Emeritus to President Olusegun Obasanjo. By God grace, today Dalung is a national figure with a voice reaching all the four corners of Nigeria.

Anybody who had the opportunity of a close encounter with Barr. Dalung will attest to his nationalistic instincts, patriotic disposition and humility. A call to his humble home, that in no way suggests the trappings of fame and power as Dalung controls will convince even his staunchest enemies about his simplicity and immunity to the allure of modern life. The endless chain of visitors to his home leaving with smiles on their faces is a very rich and touching story for another day.

It is not accidental that he is a household name in Nigeria. From the poor traumatized water vendors whom he eats with from the same bowl to the mightiest of highly placed inaccessible government appointees whom he dines with on prestigious tables, Dalung is a celebrity in a class of his own. He is a bridge between the voice and the voiceless.

His membership and leading role in "Muryar Talaka" - loosely translated "Voice For The Voiceless" - says a lot about his passionate concern for the downtrodden. Perhaps, it's this close affinity and feeling of comradeship in protecting the weak that explains a personal early morning call to the Barrister by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to encourage and wish him well on his birthday. Yes, Dalung is that important in the circle of warriors to the weak.

As if to prove Barr. Dalung's global prominence and worthiness, in 2012 he was nominated alongside prominent world leaders to contest a prestigious Radio France International (RFI) "Man of the Year Award" together with Barrack Obama, President of USA, Francole Hollande, President of France, steliff Johnson, President of Liberia, late Attah Mills of Ghana, Abdullah Wade, former President of Senegal, Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote, Mo Ibrahim, Fashola, Lagos State Governor, Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, Rochas Okorocha of
Imo State amongst others.

After three months of electronic voting, by emails, facebook and text mesages, Dalung emerged winner beating all contenders with overwhelming margin. On 3rd October 2013, Dalung was coronated at an elaborate ceremony where he was presented with a gold plated award in Lagos. Dalung is the first person to be honored with such an international award from Radio France International.

The constant referral to Dalung's views on contemporary issues by majority international media outlets like VOA/BBC/RFI and majority local print and electronic media is further attestation to his quality of character and the huge public confidence he enjoys. With the power of his character, he makes and destroy kings. His seal of approval convinces more than carefully scripted albeit, deceptive jingles and beautiful billboards. He's simply an authority in matters of honor.

Deficits in various stages of governance must have informed Barr. Dalung's decision to vie for the office of Plateau State Governor. It is an "enough is enough" decision necessitated by the continuously declining affairs of the state. It was a laudable and courageous decision and, of course a shift from the usual nonchalant attitude to governance by the elite class.

This is a new vista opened by the indefatigable Dalung aimed at reawakening public consciousness and awareness to its corporate responsibility of ensuring quality leadership. This is a project with potentials to break the barrier of leadership selection between 'haves and haves not', between the old destructive and the new constructive order. With decent people like Barr. Solomon Dalung offering themselves for this onerous task, it's easy to assume Nigeria is well on its way to recovery.

By no means should this reformatory opportunity offered by Dalung be allowed to die in infancy. The people of Plateau state should nurse this pregnancy to maturity through safe delivery. It is the answer to the inexplicable transmogrification of a once "Home of Peace" into a land of blood and tears; a state once an envy of its peers but turned into a human abattoir through sheer carelessness and selfish agendas.

Dalung's gubernatorial ambition is the first genuine step to a process of total reconciliation, recovery and healing among the more than 40 ethnic nationalities of the beautiful Plateau. This is the time for people to support the idea that hold the keys that could open their doors and unleashed a transformational all inclusive regime that will return Plateau to its lost glory. This is an idea that knows no boundaries. It's an idea which time is ripe.

WE MUST ACT BEFORE WE ARE ALL CONSUME:

There is no doubt everybody in Nigeria is a potential victim of ravaging violence that placed us under siege. Whether we are aware is out of the question, because we all have submitted to evil because of sentiments. I say this without apology because when boko haram's campaign of blood letting started in 2010. I alerted on the consequences of ascribing religion to their mission. I recommended dialogue as crucial to engaging the up coming ideological extremism. Also, I called on all faiths to close ranks because we shall all be casualties if we play to the gallery. This was not only rejected but I was called names and referred to as been part of it.

My fear was informed by experiences of such Movements from my research and how it was tackled. Countries that survived extremist arms carrying movements conquered it with diplomacy and dialogue while use of might was reserved as potential monster. Well, the rest is history.
Who is safe in Nigeria of today? May be those who lived in fortified mansions enjoying protection of heavily armed security relocated to them as political leaders or their friends or allies or surrogates or military or other security chiefs etc.

For the little mortals like us we must say our last prayers daily, because surviving a day is quite uncertain.
We are collectively responsible because we dishonestly used religion to escalate it. Some Christians assisted in promoting violence anytime they church was attacked, reprisal is targeted on any available innocent or culpable Muslim. It is believed that boko haram is a Nigerian Muslim agenda to Islamisize the country . Some clergies were front liners in spreading this religious vector of disharmony harmony. Majority of Nigeria Christians keyed into it due to either past experiences or hatred for Islam.

The Muslims on their part did not do much to extricate these misgivings of the Christians, rather there was blanket denials of complicity tinted with suspects. Some Islamic clerics compounded the situation with jihad sermons which referred to non Muslims as infidels subject to boko haram rampage. It was like Muslim leaders were waiting for the gains of extremism if it succeeds in installing an Islamic state. Those few that raised their voices against it paid the supreme prices. Here Mallam Ja'afar stood out to be counted and Mallam Abani recently, may their souls rest in peace.

The political class took advantage of the division between the two major faiths. They aligned themselves strategically with either faiths, widened the gap to keep people permanently divided to entrench misrule. While trading of blames exists between both faiths politicians were engaged in looting public funds in the name of security votes. They have been so heartless with the question of insurgency because non of them or their own has been directly affected. All they did was to rolled out troops stationed them on the high ways to harass and exploit innocent citizens. The presence of the military littered all over Northern states with state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states is not a threat to boko haram at all rather it has strengthen their resolve to fight gallantly.

The Nigerian security outfits has not demonstrated requisite professionalism. Corrupt practices is the success story recorded so far. The manner which some soldiers collect monies at check points explains their failure. The use of unnecessary hold ups created just to facilitate extortion is notorious. Indeed, the conduct of our security men coupled with some of their outbursts is intimidating. A soldier once told a man at the check point in Jos in my presence that, "if I shot you I kill boko haram" meaning so many innocent Nigerians have been wasted by over zealous security men in the name of war against terrorism. Therefore, the success story of the counter terrorist force of killing so many boko haram may be security gimmick since the definition of who is boko haram is subject to the opinion of soldiers. If report of huge success is believable, certainly we would not be having all these heart piercing reports of hundreds of people killed under the watchful eyes of our soldiers.

The security challenge is a big enterprise where billions of tax payers money is spent. The major stakeholders are top security chief, arms contractors and political benefactors. This lucrative enterprise is sustained at the peril of national security. Those benefiting will do anything to justify their fang on the public treasury not minding the consequences. That the insurgency flourish unabated despite huge budgetary allocations is evidence of insincerity of the war against terrorism.
What is happening in the North Eastern parts is lamentable. People are killed daily like flies. Also, the carnages in North central and Southern Kaduna is worrisome. There are pockets of violence spread all over the Southern parts including kidnaping, armed robbery and bunkering. All these are indices of a failed state. A state is said to be failed when it cannot discharge its basic responsibility of protecting lives and properties. Nigeria has fulfilled this requirement.

Now that boko haram has turned their war on fellow Muslims do we still believed that they are fighting a jihad? To covert them from Islam to what? Alternatively, can we mention who are the targets of the jihad, Christians or Muslims? As it is every body is a target and it's fire on the mountain. This is where we were all fooled. We initially undo our selves by playing into the hands of evil, we are all under fear of extermination.

Instead of collaboration against common enemy, we resorted to primordial cleavages against each other, today we are all
casualties. We cannot survive this situation as it is unless we close ranks sincerely to face it. It will be of advantage for our religious and political leaders to restructure their sermons, machinery. Instead of hate, let's preach love, instead of war, peace, instead of corruption, probity, instead of blame game, performance, instead of looting, accountability, instead of bigotry, tolerance and so on.

May the blood of those fallen be the supreme sacrifice for peace, unity and progress of this nation of ours.

Valentine Day from Tarok Perspectives

February 14th every year is celebrated all over the world as lovers day.This day was first associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards
known as "valentines". Valentine's Day symbols that are used today include the heart-shaped outline, doves and the figure of the winged Cupid.

Since the 19th Century, handwritten valentines have given way to mass-produced greeting cards.Saint Valentine's Day, commonly known as Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is observed on February 14 each year. It is celebrated in many countries
around the world, although it remains a working day in most of them. St. Valentine's Day began as a liturgical celebration of one of the more early Christian saints named Valentinus.
The most popular martyrology associated with Saint Valentine was that he was imprisoned for performing weddings for soldiers who were forbidden to marry and for ministering to Christians, who were persecuted under the Roman Empire. During his imprisonment, he is said to have healed the daughter of his jailer, Emperor Asterius. Legend states that before his execution he wrote "from your Valentine" as a farewell to her.

Today, Saint Valentine's Day is an official feast day in the Anglican Communion, as well as in the Lutheran Church. The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Saint Valentine's Day but on July 6th and July 30th respectively. The concept of love and sharing is not restricted to only Western philosophy. It existed long in other societies but today its appreciation is limited to modern western civilisation based on religious affinity. Since christianity came alongside with western
civilisation, ignorance of African Scholars about origin and pactices is permissible.
In its natural form, love, care and sharing known as Valentine today is a religious evolution. It is not a monopoly of any specific religion.Valentine has developed into a day where love as emotional instinct is celebrated publicly. Secret admirers exploit this day to convey state of minds and feelings towards each other, especially opposite sexes. It can be argued that Valentine is a day to over
come every social restraints by sending gifts and messages to love ones including un expressed lovers.

It is established that this practice of shariing love and care eisted in ints advanced form in the culture of tarok people in Plateau State of North Central Nigeria long before the advent of colonialism. Valentine is the equivalence of "nkpang izem". It is celebrated annually as part part the festival of "nche orim", which is a major masquerade festival. This festival plays a significant in the traditions and culture of tarok people. It has no fixed date but fixed period of farming season which varies with clans and sub clans. While the Selyir Clan celebrates nche orim during dry season betweenthe months of March to May, the Gunnung of plain tarok observed theirs from June to September. For the Iwan of Hill tarok, the festival period is October to November of every year. Orim bin or ndangmar is celebrated periodically depending on the disposition of the Chief priest and the council of elders.
During this festival, the Orim will visit every compound of adherents and demand that unmarried ladies disclose their lovers. This has to do with un expressed admiration, where no gesture of such has been exchanged. The lady through her mother or female guidian mention the name of her secret lover then it is communicated to orim masquerades who in turn make it public. If the person mentioned by the lady is very popular within the community, then Orim will immediately couched a song with his name.
The lover mentioned now is required to bring gifts but the different here is not to the lady but to orm bearers.The joy and satisfaction accompanying such declaration is usually unprecedented amongst the lovers and the community in general. 

Subsequently, the man will send personal gifts to the lady who will accept and present same to her mother. This follow up with gifts established datingrelationship which ultimately terminates with marriage. Although the practice may differs, but the intention is unanimous. While Valentine of today revolves around show of love to all. In practice, it is dominated mostly by moral perversion which creates more pains thereafter instead of anticipated pleasure. The tarok traditional philosophy of valentine encourages the evolution of family units through carefully supervised process. However, the western traditions of Valentine can best be described as day of legitimate immorality where sexual pervasion is licensed. Human relationship is brought under intense economic strains just to up set emotional budgets. Secret lovers will be unmasked through wonderful presentation of gifts. So many relationships will emerge but will not survive the next Valentine because it is based on fraudulent emotional foundations. In all, the tarok concept stands taller compared to contemporary practices of
Valentine because of its utility value which contributes positively to social advancement.
As the world celebrates lovers day, I challenge all to unveiled secret relationships that will benefit humanity and promote peace, joy and care, any thing on the contrary reduces its intent to mere immoral jamboree.
Who is my secret lover, disclose it today.
Happy Valentine

Amalgamation of Nigeria, Problems amd Prospects.

Being Paper presented by Barrister Solomon Dalung at Centennial Celebrations organised by Taraba State Government to commemorate 100 years of Amalgamation of Nigeria held on February,  12th 2014 at Jolly Nyame Staduim Jalingo.

Iam indeed grateful for the privilege accorded me to cross pollinate ideas on a concept amalgamation of Nigeria, amalgamation. This discouse to me is equivalent to probing the circucumstance of one's birth. I wonder greatly about my choice as a resource person, perhaps, because of my back ground of crusader for social justice and equity, which place me on a better pedestal to provoked reasoning that will set the tone for appraisal of burning issues generating national debate.

I will attempt doing justice to this discouse by stimilating thoughts for self reflections.Iam not oblivous of the fact that occasions of this nature demands stock taking to assess progress made in our journey to nationhood.May I join other scholars in asking "is Nigeria a nation or mere geo-political colonial creation? It is been contended that the unholy matrimony of 1914, where the political architect, Sir Lord Lugard amalgamated two distinct territories with little or no regards to consent or consultation may be the origin of mistrust that robbed Nigeria of stability.

No wonder, Anderson (1983) disputed its existence when he stated that “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a mere geographical expression. There are no “Nigerians” in the same sense as there are “English,” “Welsh” or “French.” He further srgued that, the word ‘Nigerian’ is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria from those who do not”.Even Nigerians lacked confidence in amalgamation and had did little to enhance national intregration, According to Clifford Imasuen, “More than the past a number of decades, Nigerians have sought to create cheap printing company. Nevertheless, the nation constructing process has been largely difficult by Nigeria’s tremendous ethnic diversity and uneven distribution of resource. Since independence in 1960, the geographical expression known as Nigeria has striven without success to bring together the diverse ethnic nationalities into a single".When people speak of Nigeria derisively as an ‘accident,’ they could not, in some sense, have been more correct in their descriptions.

All nations are in some sense ‘accidents ‘of history, ‘imagined communities ‘that could potentially develop broad national spaces by subsuming sub-national spaces.There has been no any positive change in this regard since then. Instead, the relationship among the constituent ethnic nationalities and religious groups has worsened drastically in spite of all pretenses to the contrary. Nigeria is not an ethnically homogenous society, having come into being accidentally, as it were, as a product of British imperialism. Today, rather than integrating into a cohesive community with a common sense of national identity and destiny, citizens of Nigeria are returning more and more to primordial affiliations for identity, loyalty and security. Instead of forging a united front and presenting a concerted effort to face the challenges of development in an increasingly competitive and globalized world, Nigerians are busy waging ethnic and religious wars, struggling for control over resources, resisting marginalization by dominant ethnic groups, and contending with diverse problems of basic survival. (Ekanola 2006).

The adventure of the discovery of the dark continent embarked upon by Europe four or five hundred years ago, starting with transatlantic slave trade,  the pacification of extracting controversial treaties and the Berlin conference of 1885 set the agenda of colonialism. An African Scholar, Chinua Achebe argued that controversial gathering of world's European leading powers precipitated what we now called the scrabble for Africa, which created new boundaries that did violence to African ancient societies and resulted in tension-prone modern states. It took place without African consultation or representation, to say the least [1].

Many Scholars opined the origin of political instability in African modern states is traceable to this conference, which to say  the least planted seeds of discord at the expense imperial interest. No doubt the principles of natural justice was integral components of European philosophy, however, unjust methods of partitioning Africa using maps was adopted, which laid down the foundation of injustice  of modern African states.

Former Nigerian leader concured that, the failure of the colonial powers to graft such desirable aspects of the past on to the present rather than super-impose their own experiences on us and our perpetration of this practice in the post independence period has in part led us into the quagmire of governmental instability. It is needless to reiterate the fact that such instability has diverted our attention from the fundamental goal of ensuring a better life for our populace. (Obasanjo 1989).

Great Britain was handed the area of West Africa that would later become Nigerian,  like a piece of chocolate cake at a birthday party. It was one most populous region on the African Continent, with over 250 ethnic groups and distrinct languages. The northern part was the seat of several ancient Kingdoms, such as the Kanem- Borno to which Shehu Usman dan Fodio and his jihadists absorbed into the Muslim Fulani Empire.The middle belt was the locus of the glorious Nok Kingdom and its world renowned terra-cotta sculptures. The southern protection was home to some of the region's sophisticated civilisations. In the west, the oyo and the ife Kingdoms once strode majestically, and in the Midwest, the incomparable Nri Kingdoms flourished.

In the Berlin conference sealed her fate, the amalgamation of southern and northern protectorates inextricably complicated Nigerians destiny. Animist, Muslims and Christians were held together by delicate, some say lattice.The indirect rule introduced by the British succeeded in the North and the West because administrative milieu was favourable to the modern African states which has Great Britain as the new sovereign. In Igbo land,  indirect rule confronted challenges of implementation,  as results, the creation of  institutions of "warrant chiefs", an abnormality believed by some as responsible for corrupting Igbo democratic spirit.

Consequently, post colonial Africa was a conglomerate of people who have lost their the tradition of managing their affairs. The new system foisted upon at the dawn of independence was difficult to administer by the emerging national leaders. These were the crisis that breed mutual suspicion which ultimately gave rise to sectionalism and regionalism in the polity.Southern Nigeria was a British protectorate in the coastal areas of modern day Nigeria, formed in 1900 from union of the Niger Coast Protectorate with territories chartered by the Royal Niger Company below Lokoja on the Niger River.The Lagos colony was added in 1906, and the territory was officially renamed the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.In 1914, Southern Nigeria was joined with Northern Nigeria Protectorate to form the single colony of Nigeria. The unification was done for economic reasons rather than political. Northern Nigeria Protectorate had a budget deficit; and the colonial administration sought to use the budget surpluses in Southern Nigeria to offset this deficit.

The Governor-General, Frederick Lugard who took office in 1914 was responsible for overseeing the unification. He established several central institutions to anchor the evolving unified structure.A Central Secretariat was instituted at Lagos, which was the seat of government, and the Nigerian Council, later it became the Legislative Council, was founded to provide a forum for representatives drawn from the provinces. Certain services were integrated across the Northern and Southern Provinces because of their national significance, these were, military, treasury, audit, posts and telegraphs, railways, survey, medical services, judicial and legal departments.

They were brought under the control of the Central Secretariat in Lagos.The process of unification was undermined by the persistence of different regional perspectives on governance between the Northern and Southern Provinces and by Nigerian nationalists in Lagos.While southern colonial administrators welcomed amalgamation as an opportunity for imperial expansion, their counterparts in the Northern Province believed that it was injurious to the interests of the areas they administered because of their relative backwardness and that it was their duty to resist the advance of southern influences and culture into the north. Southerners, on their part, were not eager to embrace the extension of legislation originally meant for the north to the south.

After amalgamation, Nigeria continued to be governed as separate political entities. While there was a legislative council legislating for Southern Nigeria, Northern parts were governed by executive proclamations through the instruments of direct rule,  a cost saving policy adopted at the convience of colonialism. There was developed bureaucracy with government officials with adequate renumerations.On the other side of the coin, traditional institutions constituted into Native Authority were exploited as administrative machinery with hand picked officials recruited and trained to service the colonial machine. Their roles basically was tax collections with limited powers to motive zeal. British Colonial administrators appointed as Residents and Districts officers who were either retired military officers or public servants who welded maximum authority to enforce royal proclamations.

It was quite authoritarian in nature which employed brute force to sanction compliance. Many dissenting elements that challenged legitmacy of colonial policies were either banished into exiles or outrightly killed. These state of affairs re in force disparity in post amalgamation Nigeria.The Clifford's constitution of 1922 introduced elective principles in Nigeria but it was limited to the South. Two prople were elected into the Nigerian Legislative Council from Lagos,  one from Calabar. The legal frame work opened way for democratisation of colonialism.

For what its worth, it addressed partially the demands of  participation in governance. It also coated the zeal of further agitation for reforms by emerging nationslist movements.Even though, the reactions of Colonial authority to Nationalist Movements was oppresive, it rather fueled the spirit to pressed further for better reforms.The Richardson Constitution of 1946 introduced radical reforms, amongst which were creation of regional governments maned by Lieutenant Governors, while the crown was represented by Governor-General who oversee the government.

Regional Assemblies were established for the North, East and West with capitals in Kaduna, Enugu and Ibadan respectively. Lagos remained federal capital which housed the Nigerian Legislative Council. Majority of Members of regional assemblies from the South were elected but members from the North were nominated. This constitutional development for the first time since amalgamation attempted to bring the distict components under different administrations together. It was this arrangement that brought the first set of northern leaders to the Legislative Council in Lagos in 1946.

Therefore, Richardson constitution was considered as genuine commitments to national integration.  It also introduced regionalism, a confederal constitutional arrangements which recognised the diversity of Nigeria.The reforms brought about even though far reaching was short lived as agitations for federal power arrangements frustrated its implementation, another constitutional reforms was embarked upon by Lyttleton in 1954. Federal system of government was introduced with power sharing arrangements between the federating unit. A Federal Parliament was established for the federation in Lagos.

The tone for self rule was heightened which resulted into the independent motion of 1956. Chief Anthony Enaharo moved a motion for independent in 1956, but Sir Ahmadu Bello opposed the used of "immediately" and varied it with "independent should be granted as soon as it was practicable.There was a parliamentary stalement which resulted on attack ofbnorthern leaders outside the Parliament building in Lagos. Consequently, northern leaders refused to return to the Parliament expressing lack of confidence in amalgamation of Nigeria. To resuscitate confidence,  Chief Awolowo led delegation of southern leaders to assauge nothern leadership.

Sadly, they were equally attacked in Kano. On their return to south, they expressed lost of confidence in the arrangement. This was the last straw that broke the Carmel's back. The unwholesome political development created a national stalement conveying the collapse of amalgamation after 42 years experiment. The two components expressed their lack of confidence in continuing as indissoluble entity. It was sufficient signal to Britain that the union was unworkable and destined to fail.However, the insincere commitments of imperial powers prevented them from giving the issues proper attention. Rather, Great Britain opted for diplomatic subterfuge of interference. As a result, the first constitutional conference was held in London in 1957.

The conference resolved contentious constitutional questions but evaded the future of the union as non negotiable.In my opinion, Nigeria lost the apportunity to determine her future at this point. It was not in doubt,  the amalgamation had collapsed and lip service was not going to redeem it. In conclusion, delegates to the conference were pacified to adopt status quo as it was contended as capable of altering the independent road map. Independence was agreed for October, 1st, 1960, self rule was granted to the East snd West, while self rule for the North was delayed till 1959. Federal elections were scheduled for December, 1959. Lagos was resolved to remain federal territory,  while the yoruba speaking areas of Kabba province remains part of northern region. These resolutions were bitter political pills difficult tou swallow by leaders of the West,  however, it was decided by a majority vote. Again, another seed of disharmony was planted.

A dynamite that will explode with time.October 1st, 1960 saw transfer of power to Nigerians which to many was mere flag independence without comiserate economic power. The emerging leadership had numerous challenges of forhing national intergration. Instead regional interest dominated the struggle for power which resulted into political crisis, from the 1963 census, the disputed polls of 1964, the declaration of state of emergency in Western region and bloody military coup of 1966. The aftermath of military intervention further heightened regionsl acrimony within the armed forces.Consequently,  a counter coup which was a reprisal of a sort brought another change in government. Things continued to deteriorate until it exploded into civil war.

As if the nation will not survived the 30 months war but it ended in 1970. Efforts were made at national reconciliation to heal the wounds of the civil war.There was relative progress accompanied by oil boom stimulated massive transformation with economic growth. The post war Nigeria was a pride of the black race. According to General Yakubu Gowon, former military Head of State, the problem of Nigeria was not money but how to spend it.In 1979, Nigerian returned to the presidential system of democratic rule, it lasted to 1983. Again,  the general elections with other malignant political conduct necessited another military intervention.Few months later, another military power change which mismanaged national confidence with endless transitions that resulted into the annulment of June, 12 1993 Presidential election popularly adjudged to be free and fair.

Again the country erupted into another political crisis which shaken the foundation of coperate existence. Regional amd ethnic tensions was re enforced to destabilize the nation. Lives and properties were destroyed. In agitation for revalidation of annulment,  the culture of struggle evolved with non governmental and civil societies group piloting.The military was finally conceded power to civil authorities in 1999. Since then there has been rrlative stability with outrageous security challenges,  corruption,  unemployment,  hunger,  religious intolerance,  hatres, atm robbery,  kidnappings,  oil bunkering etc on daily increase. Violence has been domesticated in every community.

Every day there is tremendous erossion of public confidences in the nation.The state of uncertainty has generated the debate for conveying Sovereign National Conferences to discuss the future of the nation.In recent times these clamour has been backed up by violent campaigns of the different arms carrying militias. Whether,  OPC, MOSSOB, MEND or boko haram, all are reflections of inherent injustices occasioned by failed leadership created by the controversial amalgamation. Indeed, that singular act laid the foundation of an unworkable political community which has mutual suspion entrenched in their minds. Most Nigerian leaders sees themselves as messiahs of their local communities and not the nation.

The fear of loosing power has encouraged insincerity in resolving the political long jump. Nigeria has held nine different constitutional, national conferences or constituent Assemblies. The only one left is the sovereign national conference.At all these conferences,  the traditions has been "the unity of the country is not negotiable". If all these efforts have failed then why avoiding the sovereign national conferences?In conclusion,  the future of this country lies in conveying SNC with full powers to discuss everything. Delegates should be elected from the various ethnic nationalities that constitutes the Nigerian federation.

It is fraudulent for any person to argue that the number of ethnic nationalities are unknown. The incumbents must make sacrifices of relinquishing power to the conference.The Chairman of the conference shall be the Head of state and Commamder in Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The conference shall have powers to make laws for peace and good governance within the period of the debate. The resolutions of the conference shall be subjected to a referendum. Thereafter a new constitution and elections.

On the other hand, elections should be suspended for the conference if the incumbents are not disposed to making sacrifices. Then the 2015 elections should be for delegates to the conference. Anything to contrary will be delaying the evil day. Therefore,  the prospects of amalgamation is to hold a SNC to discuss the future of the nation.
Thank you for the audience.

WHAT HAS OUR SOCIETY TURNED INTO?

   What is our society turning into? may I begin this way.Iam personally worried at the collapse of moral and religious values. Any
society without sound value system is merely gloried animal kingdom which though human but a conglomerates of animalistic
tendencies. It calls for concern because humans are distinguished from monkeys and baboons because of rational reasoning. And
so are supposed to be advance than them.
   However human behaviour especially in our contemporary society is abhorrent. If not how can thew happenings be justified? We are very religious and but yet very ungoldy. Nigeria is blessed with abundance of natural and human resources yet one of the poorest countries of the world. Even to organise our society appears unattainable. Our youths remains perpetually unattended to even after aquiring the requisite education.
   It is criminal to complain against corrupt leadership for the fear of been tag anti-Christ. It is fashionable to sleep with women in the open on the streets because it's evidence of gteatness. Our service to God now is not to do his will but to kill other human beings who are not the same faith us. Hatred has replaced love as a value and preached in our worship places. Corruption is the new religion of leadership that is worshipped by us.
   Our society today stands for anything evil evil and good is an unwanted stranger. Selfishness togwther with self centreness is deep rooted in our sub concious minds thereby dividing us into micro social units. Self greed is the new article of faith. In all these too is perverse self righteousness of evil mind which hinders us from humility. Where will this lead us?
We need change in our society, not only political change but attitudinal paradigm shift. Although, the leadership is expected to
provide guide but much is behavioural. There is urgent demand for radical reorientation of our social life. We must return to core
values of love, peace, unity, hardwork, honour, intergrity, accountability, transparency, etc. We must return to the doctrines of the Holy scriptures and de-emphasize extremism. God created man in his imagine and likness and "thou shall not kill" says the
scriptures.
   Therefore, the sanctity of human life must be uphold. Vengeance and all forms of reprisal must belongw to Almighty God
and no any human being owns it. Forgiveness will have to flow like the ocean to clean all atrocities which we are all guilty. We need
sober reflection in order to bring our roles in making negative history to end. To achieve this, nobody should appropriate moral high
ground rather than humility so as to ponder on what we are supposed to have done or not done which contributed in bringing us to
this state of affairs.
   "God is spirit and all those who worship him must worship Him in truth and in spirit, personally, I have also fallen short of the glory of God in contributing in one way or the other to plagued this society of ours into this stage. I ask that God should credit our shortcomings into the fix deposit account of forgiveness. May the Almighty God the Most Beneficient forgive us and heal our land in the
Mighty Name of Jesus.
If you believe in this then support it by typing AMEN.

WHAT IS TRUE RELIGION?

There is a worrisome phenomenon amongst the sons of Adam today especially in Nigeria, and that is true religion. What is religion? The meaning of this concept means differently to many people. To some, religion mens th worship of the Surpreme being, the author and finisher of all cretions Who demands faithfulness in service and worship. All mortals shall return to Him on the day of judgement.
He is God Almighty. While, others dispute His existence by arguing that universe is a product of evolution. May be this explains the divergent religious practices amongst mankind. So many things are considered as religious acts in Nigeria including killing anybody who differ with your faith. The killing and looting of the properties of any person of opposite faith is regarded as one of the highest
forms of religious obligations in contemporary society. Sometimes artifical crisis situations are created for hunting of the sons and daughters of mankind with ochestrated zeal and fanfare. Road blocks are mounted on the high ways where fellow human beings are compel to recite article of faith depending on the one in control, failure to comply, means the victim will be slaughter with shouting of "Allah wah akbar" or "In Jesus Name".

Or on the alternative, the house of a so called non believer is surrounded, the entire family is completely burnt down with innocent children crying in excruciating trauma to death under the supervision of a jubilating religious or ethnic army. Or under the watchful eyes of the victims their properties are looted, then their women and daughters raped to death by overzealous young men taking turns. While the men after all these atrocities may be slaughter one after the other. All these are celebrated acts considered as religious believing that it will catapult them automatically into eternity. The Muslims and Christians especially in Northern Nigeria cannot claim ignorance of these new short cut to paradise. Anybody who share contrary opinion to shading innocent blood and dare express such is considered an enemy worthy of death. Such Muslims will declare fatawah while the Christians call him enemy of Christ, un quote. Recently, a group of ethnic chauvinists on one of the indigenous social networks declared me an enemy of Plateau and by extension their christ and called on members of their group to raze down my house with my entire family because of my opinions and stand against organised injustice against fellow human beings.

This is how bad our new religious practices have gone. Personally, I have tested the goodness of Almighty God, having survived an ambushed by three men armed with AK-47, who rained bullets on my car, so many assassination and kidnapping attempts including exclusions and deprivations, Iam no longer afraid of death. I want to assure all that I will not leave this earth planet early than it is ordained by my God therefore no weapon fashion against me shall prosper. I will continue to fight against injustice, blood letting, criticise bad leadership, oppose inequality, campaign against corruption, preach and promote peaceful existence, resist religious and ethnic manipulations, above all continue to pray for a better society. If this is against your own religion then we may not have common grounds to meet even before God. 

Sincerely can we claim that what is happening has justification from the Holy Books? I have preoccupied myself with reading the Holy Bible and translated Quran and Hadith to discover the origin of these attrocities perpetuated in the name of religion but Iam yet to find one. Can anybody assist me with relevant verses from either the Bible or Quran to help me form a different opinion? What verse of the Holy Books support discrimination, nepotism, corruption, or even leadership failure? Who created Heaven and earth and everything that is in it? Who created the Muslims, Christians and traditionalist? My Bible told me that Almighty God created all these and finally created man in His image and likeness. And that all human beings are from common origin through Adam. Where do we find these new religious practices that preach hatred instead of love, kill fellow human beings instead of leading them to salvation, dispense injustice instead of justice, discriminates instead equity?    

Sadly, we have even indoctrinated our innocent children into these negative traditions which made them potential time landmines. Was this the original plan of God for man on earth? I seek to differ in answering this questions. As a Christian, I have a burden of carrying the cross of Christ, which requires me to love my neighbour like my self. While preaching, Our Lord Jesus Christ, said blessed are the peace makers for they shall be call children of God, but not blessed are those who kill others for they shall inherit the kingdom of God. The Holy Quran states that leave in peace with non muslims until they aggress you and seek to prevent you from doing your religion. When you declare jihad on non Muslims without justification who has stop you from practising your religion? In any case, is jihad self defence in Islamic jurisprudence or an attack? In my considered view jihad is self defence, when you are attacked and prevented from practicing your religion then the reaction may be a holy battle to regain religious freedom. Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, (peace be upon him) utilised jihad as a wepon of self defence against those who attcked Muslims or conspired against the religion. When he and his followers were forced out of Mecca to Medina on hijira, he declared jihad against them to established freedom of worship of true God. There were christians in Medina living under Islamic rule with their rights and privileges guaranteed. So where are we comming from with these destructive practices? Will killing of each others in the name of religion add value to the kingdom of God?

We have lost our sense of worship and fall victims to manipulations of politics. All these bad practices are political tendencies but not religion. It is politics that has rivalry, competition, hatred and get it at all cost as integral components in Nigeria. For God is Spirit and all those who worhip him must wohip him in truth and in spirit. No true belielieve in Almighty God will hate another human being.
Our worship places have been hijacked for worship of money, the rich dominates and dictates with questional wealth while the poor are mere servants of manipulations. Ethnicity is the vehicle of the crusade while corruption is the fuel driving the machine of hatred and extremism. No wonder, Karl Max argued that religion is the opium of the people.

We have done sufficient harm to ourslves, let reasoning prevail so that we can build a better society for the generations yet unborn. But if killing of each others, corruption, injustice, hatred, discrimination, looting, inequality etc is the religious practices, then I will remain the enemy of this so called Christianity and will prefer hell instead of their heaven. As a mortal, Iam not perfect but will die with my finger up against evil.
May God show us the way to true worship in Jesus Name. Amen.

WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IN NIGERIA: MATTERS ARRISING

It was black Sunday in Borno, the epicentre of the Boko Haram murderous attacks, when gunmen numbering over 50 invaded Kawuri
District of Konduga Local Government Area of the state and set ablaze over 300 houses and shops after killing 52 people including
a soldier, and wounding several others including policemen and civilians. While in neighbouring Adamawa State, several people,
including two policemen were also feared killed as gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members attacked a church in Chakawa
village of Madagali Local Government Area. It was reported that the village was attacked during the Sunday service in the morning.
The re-enactment of unwholesome blood letting is coming at the heels of the visit of the former governor of Borno, Senator, Modu
Sheriff, whose role in the conception of the boko haram phenomenon left many tongues waging. Protests trailed the visit but it failed
on deaf ears, consequently, the peace of Maiduguri town was raptured by multiple explosions leaving many dead and wounded. It is
open secret that the Senator belongs to the class of untouchables and their fear is the beginning of personal safety in Nigerian.
Those who fled from the villages narrated to newsmen how fellow Nigerians were gruesomely murdered in grand style. The invading
gunmen operated in field day fanfare without any challenge from the counter terrorist garrison or security agencies. The casualties
were both young and old, women inclusive. Unfortunately, mankind has been thrown into state of extreme pains again. Sadly, too, it
is a recurrent decimal taking place under the supervision of state of emergency anti-terrorist division stationed in North East. The
blame has been put on the dread Jama'atu alih sunnah liddah watti wal jihadi, popularly refered to as boko haram. The question is
what has become of our security system? Certainly, our police are professionals when it has to do with brutality, cracking down
opposition rallies, extortion, or even attack dogs of disgruntled power drunk politicians. Give then order to dispense meetings even
of people with immunity, an overzealous Divisonal Officer will execute it GSM speed. Worst still give them order to open fire on
Governors or Senators at opposition rally, there will be willing Mbu, but report an armed robbery or boko haram attack, there will be
no fuel in their vehicle to move to the scene until it is over.
To my understanding, the boko haram campaigns has lost focus from the initial declaration of war against the state for the injustices
of 2009 in Maiduguri where their leader, Mallam Mohammed Yusuf and others were extra-judicially murdered after been arrested by
soldiers then handed over to the police. At inception, the campaign targeted the security, corrupt political class and their
collaborators. Many Nigerians had some sympathy for the group then, but I doubt if this exist again. The sect has over reached the
bonds of its goodwill by squandering the sympathy when religion was introduced into the whole concept. No doubt, this misguided
focus has correlations with international terrorist movements which exploited opportunity offered for extension of jurisdiction. Of
course, the situation was not managed properly and sincerely too by the Nigerian authorities. Instead of considering the multiplier
consequences on national security, the situation was politicised for electioneering advantages. Even the culture of trading blames
between the two major faiths contributed in escalating the frontiers of divide for the benefits of the insurgents. No doubt, the country
is in a state of delima, even though, government kept making assurances for ending the insurgency, but each time, the sect proved
such as empty threats.
It is on record, that the former Inspector General, Ringim, while taking possession of police vehicles in Maiduguri in 2012, declared
that the days of boko haram was numbered. In a response, the sect promised taking the battle to his door steps. Few days latter,
Louis Edet House, the headquarters of the Nigerian Police was attacked, while Ringim survived through the whiskers. Not too long
thereafter, the former Chief of Army Staff, Major General Ihejirika stated that boko haram are cowards and they will be crushed soon.
Again, the insurgent relocated the battle ground to first division, Nigerian Army headquarters Kaduna with an attack.The Abuja Office
of the United Nations, Churches, Mosques, Schools, Markets and financial institutions has all come under the rampage of the group
as results. This is outside shootings and killings of both low and high profile personalities. The current campaigns in Maiduguri and
Adamawa States may not be unconnected with the statement accredited to the new Chief of Defence Staff, who stated the insurgent
will end by April, 2014. I still cannot find justification for such security outburst, could it be expression of joy provoked by the new
appointment or demonstration of unprofessionalism? How can a three star General make such blunders even when he has not
assume responsibilities or even been brief about the situation on ground? I used to know that Generals talk less, laugh once a while
and act more. Their actions speak results and not hollow assurances that turn to jeopardise the lives of citizens. Now that he has
murdered sleep will he sleep any more because the sect has welcome his statement with unabated rampage. This development to
my mind has placed the intergrity of the Chief of Defence Staff on trial in the court of public opinions in the days ahead.
It is unfathomable, when the report of huge success aluded by the military. Every week, the news has been that so, so, number of
boko haram has been killed of huge arms have been recovered. Infact, such statements misled Nigerians into believing that the
sting of insurgency has been broken. Suddenly, sometimes late last year, there were sporadic onslaught on security outfits
including Mobile Police Base in Damaturu. Another on the Airport in Maiduguri, where two jet fighters belonging to the Nigerian
Airforce were destroyed, leaving many death. Also, there were reports on multiple siege on military barracks accompanied by
hostage taking of wives and children of officers. These developments make the heart to loose its normal beat, the question is what
is the authencity of the success story of the military operations? Could it be true that most the victms of these millitary operations
are assumed to be members of the sects hence killed. There is furore about the conduct of the occuppy force in the affected areas.
So many instances of grave human rights volaitions have leveled against the operations. The in human approached in the
management of the war falls beyound the requirements of Geneva Conventions. Granted, there is need for some sort of ruthlessness
while dealing with war on terror, but it cannot be licence for reckless brenches. The counter terroists coalition must introduce some
civil methods in the conduct relying more on effective intelligence gathering to produce positve results. Indiscipline amongst officers
is also responsible for the abysmal outing of the operations. Without discipline it is impossible for the military to win the war.
The society has also been fueling the crisis with sentiments. Instead of confronting terrorism, others conceived it as conspiracy to
islamise the Nation. Realising these social lapse, the insurgent capitalised on the differences to wreak havoc on everybody. It has
been that once the Church is attacked, then every available Muslim will pay the price and vice versa. Common sense has never been
employ in assessing terrorists situations, instead old prejuices are mobilise to fan embers of hatred against each others. The
question still remains that does boko haram sect has the mandate of Nigerian Muslims to embark on these outrageous carnages. If
the response is speculative, then may I on the strength of such reasoning ask whether the armed robbery and kidnappings going on
in the South East has the blessings of Christians. Certainly, the answer is No. Therefore, Nigerians must refrain from ascribing
religious or ethnic values to evil by isolating it as such. The insurgents has been exploiting the rift between the two major faiths as
fuel for their campaigns. There is need for both Christians and Muslims to discard the blame game by closing ranks against
common evil. It is time we walk out of the fools paradise or else we all perish. There is nothing religious about what is happening,
rather I considered it as blackmail by extreme idelogy taking cover under islam to impose their ideological variant on the society.
The role of leadership is tinted with suspect because instead of facing the security challenge with vigour and determination,
insurgency question has been reduced to campaign strategy for winning elections. Even Mr President cannot be exonorated from
this divide and rule antics. What was the rationale behind statement made in the Christian Centre Abuja to the effect that there boko
haram in his government, and thathe even eat with them.Yet he cannot expose them or order for their arrest. What was the essence
of this statement, to incite the Christians, or to cause national panick? To be fair, Mr President has not demonstrated the political
will power to address the insurgency question either because of ill advise or better still insensitivity to the predicaments of affected
citizens. The President has spent most of his time travelling outside leaving crucial state matters crying for undue attention. His
policies on security challenges are generally sugar coated with little or no results. Look at the situation in Plateau State and other
North Central states. There has been carnage going on in those places for long but mute has been the action. As acting President,
Mr President created false hope of looking into the Plateau crisis, since his election, niether had he visited the area to reinforce hope
for the citizens or send some forms of assistance to the State. Even the Chief Solomon Lar's Elders Committee report on Jos crisis is
cooling in the archives without attention. What is happening in Plateau State, to say the least is worst than boko haram, but the
federal government down played it for unkown reasons. In Wase Local Government Area, thousands of people have been forced out
their houses and presently scattered as displaced persons all over Southern Senatorial Distribution. How can peace be sustained
under these types of official neglect.The nation is navigating serious into chaos while all that concern leadership is how to retain
power in 2015, at whose expense may I ask?
It is an established fact that might has might has not solve any human conflict. All wars fought by man has ended at conference
tables. Despite, the victory of the allied forces in the second world war, dialogue was employ to restore global stability. Recently, tne
Americans adopted diplomatic warfare in its war against terror. it is philosophical that what the tongue can do the sword should not
be used. Therefore, the Federal Government should review its war on terror policy. Special attention should be given to the Amnesty
template of the Northern Elders Forum, which provides for granting reprieve to willng insurgents to drop their arms for reconciliation,
while, the second aspects refers to payment of compensation to victims of terrorism, including reconstruction of destroyed worship
places, schools, markets and other public institutions. This gesture in my thinking will heal the wounds and give victims sense of
belonging. Amnesty should be viewed as a Nigerian concept and not its generic meaning. It was developed as a post war strategy
and latter used to address the militancy question. For it to work, the Federal Government must demonstrate sincere commitments.
Mr president must resist the temptation of the beneficiaries of security votes who would used all forms of sentiments to blackmail it.
The Nation is greater than any individual, therefore national interest should be paramount.
Leadership is selfless service which requires transparency and accountability in public affairs.There is a complete drift from this
corporate responsiblity which cannot be defended. A Leader is a human god that pilot affairs with justice and fairness. Leadership
must engage its primary responsibilities of protecting lives and properties, anything below the margin is failure. In the
circucumstance can assessment be place on balance of positive values? To me, Leadership takes the lion share of the present
predicaments because instead of concentrating on these issues it is engaged in self extrication.The argument has been that these
problems were inherited. This looks like the case of a lazy workman blaming his tools. Mr President has everything it takes to
succeed, he is young, agile, educated and strong, the nation expects nothing from him less than performance. He must concentrate
on his job very well because the bulk ends at his table. Nigerians care less about who rule them once there is food on their
tables.The clamour for power shift is fuel by non performance and injustice which if attended to will dose the tension in the polity.
There is no pretence injustice ravages the entire social fabric. The political class has not demonstrates enough responsibility with
leadership and a rethink will save the future.