THE RETURN OF BLOOD LETTING IN PLATEAU SOUTH.

In 2001 the peaceful atmosphere of the capital city of Peace and Tourism was enveloped in billows of

smoke inflamed by ethnic-religious passion which started in Jos, later spread to Yelwa town in Shendam

Local Government Area, then relocated to Wase Local Government Area before escalating across the

entire Southern Zone and Kanam Local Government Area in Central Zone of Plateau State..

The multiplier effects of the crisis has adverse consequences on social stability. Many settlements were sacked due to attacks and counter attacks by waring communities. Human lives with properties were

destroyed. Many people fled from their homes for safety in neighbouring States. The International

community expressed concerns that the deplorable humanitarian conditions deserved urgent intervention

to forestall another civil strife.

Consequently, the Federal Government declared state of emergency, dissolved political structures which

was replaced with Sole Administrator. To ensure restoration of peace and reconciliation, Peace Summit was held. After exhaustive deliberations the resolutions of the Conference was gazetted in a document

titled "Plateau Speaks".

Following this Law, the State Government in 2006 created Kadarko Chiefdom from Wase Emirate with a

Second Class. Then in 2007, the Government suspended the Chiefdom and Districts. Sadly too is the

fact that far reaching decisions contained in this piece of legislation has been banished in unattended

archives. Southern Plateau has witnessed considerable harmony since 2005 until recently when developments in

Wase Local Government Area contradicted it. It all started with reports of isolated killings of people by

what is termed unknown gunmen, which revolves around Tarok and Fulani people.. One thing that

remains notorious of all these killings was the criminal element because almost all the victims were

dispossessed of their properties.

The killing of nine Fulani herdsmen who were returning from Wadata Garga Market in Kadarko Chiefdom but were ambushed in Kurmi village of Taraba state. Media reports of this ugly scene insinuated ethnic

dimension instead of evaluating the patten of the attack which concentrates on material dis possession

of the victims. The media report introduced suspicion by fanning embers of discord between the tarok

and Fulani in Kadarko Chiefdom as people started fleeing from their houses to safer places for fear of

reprisal attacks. As this state of uncertainty continues, leaders of both sides engaged themselves in

efforts aimed at fostering understanding. The security from both Taraba and Plateau States took steps to forestall outbreak of any crisis. Indeed, it paid off as calm returned while those who fled had started

returning back to their houses..

Suddenly on Saturday, 16th March 2013, two Tarok men were killed behind Wase Rock along Kadarko

road while returning from annual cultural festival of Lyangyit people. They were disposes of their

motorcycle. The following day Security agents with families of the deceased visited the scene of the

incidence, while tracing the tyre marks of the stolen motorcycle it led them to a nearby settlement. On approaching it the people organised and repelled them. Pandemonium later enveloped subsequently

resulting into siege until Area Commander re-enforced from Langtang to rescue them.

Thereafter two copses of Fulani herdsmen were found around Mavou area also killed by unknown

gunmen. The next day another Tarok man was also found dead along the same axis. Then came an

incidence where Tarok people were attacked in Mavo market place leaving many dead while some

injured. This was the last straw that broke the Carmel's back. Consequently, Mavou village was set ablaze by unknown gunmen leaving high human casualties. Since then it has been attack of one village

or the other with casualty toll on the increased. The situation has degenerated into humanitarian crisis

while anarchy is gradually taking the centre stage. As it is now the crisis has escalated to Langtang

North, some parts of Shendan and Langtang South Local Government Areas. It is clear that agents of

disharmony had taken refuge under criminal activities to puncture the fragile peace enjoyed in Plateau

South. If Caesar has murdered sleep then he will sleep no more. Whatsoever the grievances that existed it is no justification for resumption of blood letting.

Another factor at play is politics of self determination which has been responsible for re-occurance of

instability in the area. It is worthy of note that the on going Chiefdoms and Districts creation appears

contributory to fueling mutual distrust amongst the people. The revisiting of the exercise by the State

Government is more or less dangling campaign carrot for the forth coming local government elections.

There is indeed no moral justification for this carnage except political reasons. It is incumbent that all waring groups sheath all swords by embracing peace. The shedding of innocent blood will only desecrate

the sanctity of human life which will do us no good. Infact, there is no alternative to peaceful co-

existence. Therefore, I challenged the traditional and political leadership to be sincere in addressing the

conflict, as deceit will only aggravate the situation. We must embrace the value of tolerance as

foundation for genuine reconciliation.

Iam appealing to the media to demonstrate professionalism in managing the situation as desirable service to humanity. I paid tribute to all the victims of this man made conflict and pray God to repose

their souls, amen.

THE TAROK PERSPECTIVE OF VALENTINE:

February 14th every year is celebrated globally as lovers day.

The 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 or 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 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, albeit on July 6th and July 30th.

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 its origin 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 expressed publicly. Secret admirers exploit the 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.

In is established that this concept is well advanced in the culture of tarok people in Plateau of North Central Nigeria before the advent of

Western traditions. Valentine is known as Nkpang Izem. It is celebrated annually during the festival of Nche Orim which is a major Masquerade festival. This festival is very 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 of tarok. While the Selyir Clan celebrates their

Nche Orim during non farming season of March to May, the Gunnung of plain tarok observed their own from June to September. For the

Iwan of Hill tarok, the festival period is October to November.

During this festival the Orim will visit every compound of adherents and demand that unmarried ladies disclose their lovers. This has to do

with an un expressed admirer where no gesture has been exchanged. The lady through her mother or female guidian mention the name of her secret lover then its communicated to the Orim masquerade who in turn make it public. If the figure 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 Orim 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 creates a dating

relationship which ultimately terminates in marriage. Although the practice may differs but the intention of the concept is unanimous. While Valentine of today revolves around show of love to all, in practice it is mostly dominated by moral perversion which creates more pains

thereafter instead of joy. However, tarok traditional valentine encourages the evolution of family units through a carefully supervised

process.

The western tradition of Valentine can best be described as day of legitimate immorality where sexual pervasion is licensed. Human

relationship is brought under intense economic strain just to meet 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 originated on biased emotional foundations.

In all the tarok concept stands taller compared to contemporary practices of Valentine because of its ultimate utility value which is

contributes positively to social advancement.

As the world celebrate Valentine, I challenge all to unveiled secret relationships that will benefit humanity any thing on the contrary reduces

its intent to mere immoral jamboree.

Who is my secret lover, disclose it today.

Happy Valentine

CHRISTIANS ARE AHLUL KITAAB AND NOT KAFIR"

   Knowledge as a phenomenon is a continuous social process. This was my Experience when I attended an International Peace Conference organized by Sokoto State Government in conjunction with Muslim World League held at the Auditorium of Sultan Maccido Institute for Quar'an and General Studies Sokoto from 29th-30th March 2013 under the theme, "Islam and the fundamentals of peaceful co-existence in Nigeria".

    While speaking on the topic "Non-Muslims Rights within Muslim Society" an African Scholar, Dr. Almukashifi Taha Al-kabbashi, Member of the Scholars’ Council of Sudan stated that Christians are "ahlul kitaab and not kafir" meaning "men of the book and not infidels". He defined the rights of Christians within an Islamic society which includes, the freedom to practice their religion. He stated further that "there is no compulsion in religion". To buttress this point he cited relevant provisions in the Holy Qua'ran and Hadith. "There is intermarriages between Muslims, ahlul kitaab and the Jews. You cannot attack them unless they aggressed you and seek to prevent you from practicing your religion", he submitted.

 Almukashifi lamented the degenerating social harmony in Nigeria especially the growing rift between Christians and Muslims. According to him, Islam means peace, but contemporary developments misconceived Islam as synonymous with violence based on negative trends associated with it. Islam abhorred violence and no true Muslim will embrace violence as crusade mechanism for Islam, he argued.

   It was an interesting eye opener for me because I was also guilty of this negative stereotype that violence has some established traditions in Islamic history due to the way and manner some clerics propagates Islam. The concept jihad has created serious misgivings between Nigerian Christians and Muslims because to non Muslims it simply means the killing of kafir (infidels) in prosecution of holy war. I had listened to some clerics making derogatory remarks about Christians in their sermons. It now baffles my imagination from where did such clerics derived their own revelations which contradicts the teachings of the Holy Prophet, (Peace be upon Him). I believed fundamentally something is wrong with our religious values.

   There is no doubt the answer to this moral decadence lies within the circumference of our socio-political traditions. Religious leaders are first degree culprits of the growing divide between both faiths. Instead of promoting social harmony and peaceful co-existence they have offered themselves as mere tools in the hands of corrupt politicians. As an enterprise for advancing material advantages, religion is central in manipulating the people along primordial sentiments to facilitates their control. Our religious leaders cannot confront political  leaders with any question bordering on injustice or corruption rather they preferred night visits to country homes for material considerations which ultimately determine contents of their sermons. He who plays the piper dictates the tune according to African adage. As a result of compromise of obligations, the polity has been contaminated with negative religious sentiments to the extent that non performance, impunity and corrupt practices is celebrated only if culprits belongs to any of the faiths. It's so bad that we have sacrificed credible leadership on the alter of cheap religious bigotry.

   Our Muslim brothers must do much to disassociate Islam from these negative image building. Clerics with the penchant for calling Christians kafir (infidels) must be admonished because it is un-Islamic to refer to ahlul kitaab as such. Also, Muslim leaders should explore interfaith dialogue to promote better understanding with other faiths. The use of derogatory words on Christians, no doubt contributed in no small measure to escalates misgivings between them. The exploitation of extremism as vehicle for promotion of militant movements has no scriptural foundations. What also fuel negative impressions amongst Christians is the undignified silence of some influential Muslim leaders to dis associate Islam from activities of arms carrying groups taking cover under religion to prosecute what is purely political agenda

    All that is expected from muslim leadership is to distant itself from these criminality and extend hands of friendship for collaboration to contend with these challenges. We cannot achieve any meaningful progress without peace. Experiences of other secular societies should be good guide for our search for peaceful co existence. Here Kenya and America provides good templates for our peace studies. When these countries were attacked both Christians and Muslims united against a common enemy. Indeed they succeeded, but in Nigeria, once there is an attack on the Church, Christians will raise to kill and maim more people than the terrorist attacks, so also the same thing with Muslims. The shout of Allah akabar can send so many innocent souls to heaven or hell. Can we pretense to be serving God when we shed innocent blood? I think there is no justification for it.

   To the Christians there is need to shift grounds from antagonist reactions because the Bible enjoys Christians to love their neighbors as Christ love them. We cannot compromise the teachings of Jesus Christ for any other thing else. The Bible says without love nobody can please God.  Imagine Our Lord Jesus stating how many times a Christian is entitled to forgive any person that offends him, seventy times seven in one single day yet Christians today disregard this teachings for self seeking vengeance. There is no doubt that any body who wants to follow Christ must carry His cross which the Bible says is heavy. Obviously there is problem with our reactions to perceived persecutions which Jesus clearly defined as part of the price for followership, therefore all that is happening today is devine prophesy for those that believe. Therefore, If we are not watchful many may fall off tract of discipleship.

   Gone are the era where followers should blindly submits to teachings without cross checking same with Scriptures. Especially with globalization were the speed of information is without bounds. Both Christians and Muslims alike must purge themselves of the spirit of hatred which is deep rooted in our social interactions. That you left your house for a journey is not conclusive that you may reach your destination. Once there is terrorist attack, then your faith must be reconcile with your route other wise you are a living dead man. Ethnic and religious militias mount road blocks hunting for people of opposite faiths. Religious creeds are used as parameters to determine faith.

   I was faced with the same situation in 2001 in Jos,  when even as a Christian, I was compelled at a road block to recite the apostle creed at gun point. Of course, such recitations are done usually under solemn situation of worship and not mob guided conditions. Ironically, I could not complete it correctly however, by devine providence the mob concluded that I was one of their own and allowed me to go. We have lost so many lives under these circumstances, so how long shall we continue like this?

   We must be honest and sincere enough to admit that both Christians and Muslims are guilty of these carnages in the name of religion. We have enjoyed people co-existence before now therefore it is incredible for spiritual leadership to sacrifice peace for mundane considerations. Once we are able to conquer self greed, the battle line will be drawn for the corrupt political system which benefits greatly from crisis. Imagine resources meant for developments are been cornered in the name of security votes yet Nigerian still sleep with eyes opened. Simply put it we created the atmosphere for bad leadership to exploit it for their personal advantage, then why can we stave them by leaving peacefully? May I conclude that will God admit perpetrators of these atrocities into Heaven as their service to Him on the day of judgement? May God grant us the grace to accommodate each other so that peace and social harmony can prevail in our society amen.

Written by Solomon Dalung and published in Leadership Friday of 

October, 18th, 2013.

MULTIPLE DATING RELATIONSHIPS OF TAROK TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE:

   The family is the basic unit of the social system. The process of establishing the family unit under Tarok traditions begins with the dating of a lady. Dating is defined as a process of cultivating a lasting confidence by earning the good will of a woman. This begins with seeing the lady, admiring and appreciating her personal attributes as a woman. Subsequently, the gesture of advances is either made by conduct or direct verbal approach to secure her attention and state of mind. If the gesture is by conduct then the general communication is reduced to body language until such a time that it will no longer be concealed where the parties actions will present their commitments to each other openly for people to see and judge. At this stage, one can hear people commenting publicly that the parties are in love with each other without necessary having establish the gesture of approach.

   Dating is known as ngya in Tarok traditions while multiple dating is referred to as nbak ngya. Multiple dating is a process where a young lady of married age is allowed to keep as many suitors as possible before taking the final decision of choice amongst them. Nbak ngya as a dating process creates room for healthy competition between admiring suitors. At this stage every one of them struggles to proof his capacity to protect her interest better. It can be very rancorous but the more the merrier for the lady. In this healthy traditional competition, the admiring men brings assorted gifts to the lady who even though does not document but keeps records of all gifts in tact and does not utilize them until the day of decision making has come and gone.

   In the time past, the  process of dating begins with  nvok ngya, which means testing acceptability which normally is by presenting a mat (ndakal) to the lady who will accepts and keep it. Another person can also bring his own she will do like wise. In some circumstances, the lady may accepts as many as seven to eight toasters. These toasters are free to visit her anytime to canvass her confidence to choose them on the day of decision making. These mats collected by her are kept meticulously by her mother in her room know as nbuk. The relationship between a tarok woman and her daughter is quite intimate that there is nothing she does with toasters that is kept out of her knowledge. She is the custodian of every gift presented to the lady and remains the only witness in event of any dispute arising after she determined her choice. 

   When a lady is convinced that out of the numerous toasters she has found her would be husband she will inform her mother who in turn communicates the father. The father will commune with his extended family thereafter,  a date is agreed upon for public decision making. On the appointed day all the toasters will be on ground while the lady together with the extended family members will assemble in front of Nkalang. Nkalang is a round hurt with two doors which serves both as exclusive office of a Tarok man for meetings with fellow men and also as main entrance into the compound. Men usually gather their to receive orim (masquerades) during nche orim (masquerade festival). The orim will advance to Nkalang to bless the men which is known as nak nrusok.

  When all are gathered, then all the mats collected by the lady are displayed one after the other depending on the number collected. After that the lady is invited the elderly female of the family to exercise her right of choice. At this point the lady who would have been seated amongst the women will walk out and remove the mat of her choice. The anointed toaster from that point becomes responsible for every of her material needs which also involved providing communal labour to work on her mini farm. He can visit her, even spend the night with her but to the extend that he does not attempt to have sex with her. They will sleep together on the same mat but he cannot extend his hand to touch her. Any corrupt gesture made in the night to the lady will be related to the mother the following day which will nullify the entire covenant to marry her.  When that happens, the chosen suitor is considered as irresponsible, who is not worthy of been trusted. This singular act automatically annuls the confidence of the lady and her family. It also ends the relationship. Then the lady's family will be convey the annulment to the suitors family.

   From every indications the Tarok traditional dating system reveals interesting values. The Tarok lady has the right of keeping many toasters pending when she settles for a reliable one based on her judgment. Secondly, the men are kept in a healthy competition of establishing their capacity of taking matrimonial challenges by courting the confidence of the lady. Lastly, when the decision is finally made the anointed suitor has un impeded access to the lady but must prove his worth of having self control over his emotions. The period of dating avails the parties opportunity of cultivating intimacy with the lady reserving the rights of her pride of womanhood. An average traditional Tarok dating is full of hope and has little or no room for pains or heart breaks because sex remains unexploited until in marriage. This aspect of the dating relationship is carefully monitored by the mother of lady with daily counseling about the hazard or temptation of giving in to the man before marriage. This was the dating system of Tarok people which has been affected considerably by western values. Even though there are relics of these rich culture but obtainable among people considered as primitive Tarok or at best traditionalists where the authority of orim cult (masquerades) still dictates the course of events. 

  Contemporary dating practices amongst the modern Tarok has been diluted by mostly borrowed traditions that lack roots amongst the heritage of the people. Dating has taken the western pattern of monogamy, the one man, one wife philosophy of he who created them created them man and woman. It has limited the rights of the lady of maintaining multiple toasters to the dictates of only one person. It is considered immoral for a lady to maintain multiple toasters because of the simple fact that modern dating is anchored of sexual exploit of the lady therefore it cannot accommodates rivalry. This development has introduced suspicion in dating instead of building confidence in the prospective lovers as every gesture from the lady is interpreted with moral binoculars. Dating relations of today is characterized by bitterness, heart breaks, fail promises, sexual exploitation and unprecedented pains witnessed on both sides. The modern practice appears not to protect the lady any more rather it keeps her on the defensive thereby promoting the attitude of pretence and deceit to sustain a relationship.

   Worst still the modern young man enjoined undue advantages in dating compared to the traditional multiple dating system. He determined the contents of the relationship depending on the size of his pocket. He hires and fires ladies at will even after exploiting the pride of womanhood yet no available sanctions except may be the day of judgement. Who knows such men may find Favour with God like the arm robber who died with Christ on the Cross but made Heaven at the last minute. There are so many female victims of such failed relationships scared all over Tarok land. Sadly, most of them with these bitter experiences had lost confidence in men, hence little prospects of even marrying. The inability of the modern dating to develop check mechanism to protect rights of both parties is responsible for most of the social crisis bedeviling Tarok society. 

   It is my candid opinion that the modern dating relationship is exploitative and does not protects the Tarok lady. Even though there are some immoral practices blamed on the ladies, the system deprived them of rights of self discovery. Therefore, there is the need for review the entire dating system to bring it into conformity. Any person that dis virgins a lady should be made to marry her of pay some sort compensation to her as it was the tradition. It is unfair to subject a lady to such situation sometimes resulting into pregnancy without any responsibility. The payment of this compensation in my opinion will in no small measure reduce the exploitative tendencies of the modern Tarok man. 

   It should be noted that the future of every society depends solely on the nature and experiences of dating system which ultimately is the process of family formation. The current moral decadence is worrisome which requires the attention of all.

Written by Solomon Selcap Dalung, LLB, LB, LLM

CELEBRATIONS OF A BANANA REPUBLIC:

   Fifty three years ago the Union Jack was lowered for green white green flag, it was celebrations of great hope, which ushered a nation considered to be the home for the black race. It was characterized by goodwill messages from world leaders projecting the aspirations of the negroid race.

   The emerging leadership dedicated themselves to selfless service. Nigeria's independence struggle like others was characterized by minimum bloodshed but predominantly it was incarcerations of the nationalists. On departure, Britain bequeathed legacies of unity in diversity, hard work, transparency, accountability, justice, equity and qualitative educational structures which were assets for national development. However, it was mere political liberation with the economy still manipulated for neo-colonial advantage.The Marxist theory of the economic super-structures determines the political structure underlies the nature of economic relations of the new World order. The concession of a flag independence might have been necessitated by budgetary pressure of sustaining colonialism as a policy.

   To the founding fathers, leadership was service to humanity. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Tafawa Balewa etc embraced the challenges of building a new nation despite their differences. To them leadership is responsibility given to man by God for the benefit of all. Even though their visions were short lived they laid the foundation of a great nation. 

   They archived great feats without Oil but foreign reserve earners were groundnuts, cotton, skin and hides, tin, etc from the North, cocoa from the West and coal from the East. These great minds never corrupted themselves with personal greed but considered the interest of the nation as paramount. Free education was introduced with foreign scholarships to build the people that will build the new nation. The judicial system was effective and re-positisioned to resolve all forms of conflict. while Impunity as an aberration was not found anywhere in leadership. There was conducive economic environment, agriculture was strengthened to produce sufficient food for the people. Unemployment as a concept was imaginary obtainable while every young person was hopeful of realizing his potentials. This was the Nigeria then.

   The situation today is despicable characterized by despair. The degree of frustration is alarming that many preferred colonialism. Nothing looks working well again. Hunger has been domesticated as an epidemic yet few are living in undesirable abundance without justification for such status.As further leaders, the youths has lost hope of tomorrow on earth rather they look more to better lives in heaven. As for leadership roles, they may be qualified oto lead in their graves, if Chief Tony Anenih at 80 is still Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority, while the former National Youth leader of the ruling party came to office at the age of 61then where lies the future for the youths?

    Today's  rulers benefited from free education with scholarship but there is no functional educational system at the moment. Sadly, the attitude of leadership portrays conspiracy against the people, otherwise how can the closure of Universities be explained, yet Minister for Finance arguments has been the country has no money. Could this be that since their children are schooling abroad then the educational system here should be training camps for producing insurgent, ethnic and religious militias to be commanded by their children?

   Our hospitals are no more mere consulting clinics but routes to transit to mortuaries, where once on admission, the family will start raising funeral rites funds. In the face of these our public officials, their children and immediate families treat headache in foreign hospitals. The First Lady, in a thanksgiving service in Abuja said she died seven times and raised seven times but in a German Hospital. If it were to be here she would have since been voicemail. 

   The Nigerian road networks remains death traps characterized by potholes, while our leaders acquired private aircrafts, therefore, they are  immune from road mishaps. Infact, there are about ten aircrafts in the presidential fleet, the highest ever in the world. Even American President has only two while British Prime Minister has only one. It is no more secret that most public officials owns private jets. Some of them even abandoned their responsibilities to be trained as pilots just to pilot themselves.

   The Energy sector as fulcrum stimulating the economy is epileptic with trillions of Naira been siphoned with fanfare yet generating sets flourished in donating cancer from hydro carbons pollution. Every administration promised fixing the sector within short period but ended up leaving it worst than before. Even the ongoing transformation agenda has produced adverse consequences including auctioning of PHCN with failure to pay staff benefits, instead blackmail and propaganda is mobilized to silence them.

   Even Mr President's fresh air promise to Nigerians cannot showcase stewardship of any meaning progress, but in desperate zeal for 2015 general elections, the foot soldiers defence for non performance has been that the problems were not created by him. Granted, but what has he been able to do? Their inability to explain the monumental looting that bedeviled the pensions and petroleum industries is shameful. May I ask, did Mr President inherited his ministers or he appointed them?

   Instead of good governance, religious and ethnic sentiments dominates the political landscape to the extend that a failed leader is a hero in his place of worship. He is even celebrated instead of been admonished. I believed that If the devil comes with either Quran or Bible he can be elected as the life President of Nigeria because the Constitution will be amended to accommodate him. The worship of money is the new religion in our nation while corruption is the article of faith. In future, corruption credentials may be requirement for appointment as Minister. In Nigeria, life has no meaning again, that one is living is devine grace but certainly not efforts of the state. The security system is a monopoly of privilege class and their families while the people die like flies daily without any form of protection. Imagine, the acclaimed success of the Nigerian military with war against boko haram yet innocent students were murdered in cold blood yet Mr President did not even address the nation to sympathies with Nigerians. Also look at how a pastor and his whole family was wiped out in Yobe state, while the church razed down. Then, the massacre of over 50 worshippers in a mosque in Borno state. What of the recent killing of over 80 soldiers in Benishike in Borno state. Meanwhile all these took place under the watchful eyes of Anti-terrorist garrison in state of emergency areas. Yet, Mr President's response to security challenges during media chat was merely evasive. He even cannot confirm wether Abubakar Shekau is alive or dead.

   As Nigeria marks the 53rd independence, it is celebration of freedom in a banana republic, where corruption, failed and bad leadership, religious bigotry, ethnic chauvinism, poverty, hunger, unemployment, insecurity, armed robbery, kidnapping, etc flourish under official patronage. May God grant the souls of those who died in all man made atrocities eternal reprieve, amen.

PRESENTATION BY NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM AT ZONAL HEARINGS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE, 21ST OCTOBER, 2013

Terms of Reference 1:    Structure of the Dialogue Conference

We call for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) with no preconditions or limitations as to its mandate, powers and freedom of action in any form or manner. 

We consider the call for the establishment of a very vague and undefined National Dialogue/Conference as being half-hearted, and diversionary. We view it as inadequate and a potential waste of time and resources.  

We are aware that going by the provisions of our existing Constitution and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ethnic nationality is not recognized as a criterion for any political or democratic representation. Consequently, we demand that representation to the SNC should be on the basis of the provisions of the existing constitutional and other legal provisions currently in force in Nigeria. If however, it will serve the interests of all Nigerians better by adopting ethnic nationality as a category  and basis for representation to the SNC, we demand that such representation should be determined proportionate to the figures of the last national census (2006), as well as other existing demographics for constituency delimitations. 

Term of Reference 2: Legal Framework 

We note that the current constitution and other laws do not envisage the convocation and existence of SNC. Similarly, we aware that Fundamental structural changes to the polity, structure of the federation etc would of necessity require a constitutional readjustment. We therefore urge the National Assembly, as a matter of high priority, to effect all necessary amendments be made to the constitution to accord legitimacy for an SNC which we envisage. Specifically, we call upon the National and State Assemblies to, as a matter of utmost urgency, undertake steps to amend the constitution to recognize the convocation of an SNC with full executive and legislative powers.

To give effect to the convocation of an autonomous SNC we demand for current holders of executive and legislative offices at both federal and state levels to relinquish all such powers immediately upon the coming into effect of the amendment referred to above. The leadership of the 

SNC should be vested with the mandate to assume such powers. 

In particular, we demand that the amendment to the constitution should vest in the SNC all necessary powers to exercise all executive and legislative powers at all levels of the federal system while the SNC is in place.

The SNC should have the power to appoint its own leadership and to establish and designate any of its organs to exercise legislative powers. 

For the avoidance we recommend that the judiciary at all levels should continue to exercise its constitutionally-guaranteed role to adjudicate disputes, uphold the rule of law and interpret the amended constitution. This will ensure continuity and stability during the currency of the work of the SNC. We make this recommendation without prejudice to the outcome of the SNC which may recommend a restructuring of the judicial institution itself. 

Term of Reference 3: Other Matters. 

i.    The current federal structure should be amended to have a central government and six regions representing the current six geo-political zones as federating units. 

ii.    There should be a unicameral structure and a parliamentary system which should replace the current bicameral presidential system of government. 

The SNC should last for as long as it is necessary to complete its task.

Signed:

Barrister Solomon Dalung

For: Northern Elders Forum

THE MACABRE DANCE OF POWER CULT IN NIGERIAN POLITICS :

  History is cherished for its rich lesson to humanity but certainly not with Nigerians. Even though history is taught at all levels of disciplines, yet it lacks any lesson for the future, otherwise where will the unwholesome power tussle  in Taraba State be located within  historical perspective of Nigeria power chess board?

    To my mind, the ugly game is uncalled for, if key actors are aquatinted with good knowledge of history. There is no distinction between the Yaradua saga with the unfolding developments in Jalingo except may be the mental conditions of the duo, memory was not in question for Yaradua, but Governor Suntai suffers memory crisis, which is even worst off. The Yaradua power drama actually threatened the foundations of our democratic stability. Thank God for ingenuous manipulation of "doctrine of necessity"by the National Assembly, though not within the contemplation of 1999 Constitution as Amended. In law any gesture outside the spirit of Constitutionalism is rape on the Constitution, therefore, the coronation of Acting President in 2010 by the National Assembly was a revolution per excellent.

    Be that as it may be, the ghost of negative history still hunts us despite the Constitutional amendment of the provisions which addressed the question of non transmission of executive power by either the President or Governor. In 2009, President Yaradua suddenly collapsed at his duty post in Aso Rock, he was flown to Saudi Arabia for treatment. He spent over three months without tramission of intention to be away for either holiday or incapacity to discharge the functions of his office.The country navigated ominous political storm without proper leadership. Consequently, the Save Nigeria Group, (SNC) a coalition of concerned Citizens emerged, championed and organized protests against the power cult milking the situation at the expense of the nation. This power group shielded the late President from public glare including the then Vice President from even assessing his boss. They also concealed credible information about the President's health status. It was the activities of the self-seeking group that evolved the concept "power cabal". To re-enforced power grip, Yaradua was ferried back from Saudi Hospital under the cover of dark, eventually, he died in Office. The rest is not yet history any way for Taraba State.

    On the 25th October, 2012, Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai crashed close to Yola in self-piloted personal  aircraft. Initial reports indicated he might have been dead but latter confirmed to be prolonged coma. He was evacuated to National Hospital Abuja, later Germany and finally to a Rehabilitation Hospital in the United States of America. There is medical indications that Suntai suffered serious brain damage as a result. Danbaba Suntai was away from his duty post as Governor of Taraba State for over ten months. After twenty one days of his absence, the State Assembly invoked Section 190(1) where the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar was sworn in as Acing Governor. It will be recalled that Danbaba impeached his elected Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi about nine days before his plane crashed. 

    In pursue of 2015 power scheme calculated at stoping the Acting Governor from taking over as Governor due to Suntai's protracted ailment, a power cult led by his wife backed up by members of his kitchen cabinet  re-enacted the Yaradua power drama but with a more crude desire to subvert the sanctity of the Constitution. Without fear of contradictions, this power cult manipulates religious sentiments instead of the rule of law or Constitution. Imagine,  the dramatist personae  involved in evacuating Governor Danbaba at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja on return to Nigeria.  Jerry Gana, a professor of geography and John Dara, a middlebelt leader made press statements confirming the health status of Governor Suntai,  attesting to the mental capacity of Suntai to govern, yet, none of them is a medical expert. What an irony?  if Danbaba was normal as claimed why was he evacuated from the aircraft instead of disembarking normally? In any case, What business has Jerry Gana and John Dara, who hails from Niger and Kwara states respectively in the internal affairs of Taraba State if not for dirty religious schemings? They were front liners in mobilizing support for the sanctity of the Constitution during Yaradua's saga but here they are conspiring with a power cult to subvert the constitution, why?

   It has been argued that they were at the Airport in their capacities as (PDP) Party leaders, granted but why was the Acting Governor and the late Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly not informed about the arrival of Governor Suntai? Are they not government officials or stakeholders in their own rights? Or can you cry more than the bereaved?  I think Professor Jerry Gana and co-travelers have overstreched their limits and cannot be more catholic than the Pope. 

    The situation took a dangerous dimension when Suntai purportedly tramission of letter of intention to resume office to the State Assembly, The State Assembly with a majority of 16 members led by the Speaker backed the Acting Governor to continue in office while 8 members led by the Majority leader contended that Danbaba should resumed office without any debate. Then came the purported dissolution of the State Executive Council accompanied by a controversial swearing-in video of Governor Suntai's new officials. The events happened with GSM speech thereby beating human logic. From every indications the battle line is drawn between the State Assembly supporting the Acting Governor against the manipulated ailing Governor.    

According to Sahara Reporters of 26th August 2013,  " We have learnt that the main personnel behind the unfolding drama include retired general Theophilus Danjuma; Damian Dodo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who will provide the legal firepower for the maintenance of political power in the hands of a man who is clearly incapacitated; and Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, who will be the main political operative.  They are being joined by some government officials led by the Secretary to the Taraba State Government, who will likely be used to form a parallel power structure in the state to keep Mr. Suntai in power. A junior Minister in President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, Darius Dickson Ishaku, along with Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, are the other actors in the political power heist in Taraba which offers moment-to-moment reminders of the fading days of President Umaru Yar’Adua".  

But where do we place God, may I asked?

    In the eyes of the law, the Acting Governor remains in charge of the affairs of the state because the import of Section 190(2) in the amended Constitution is to safeguard against vacuum and not to create anarchy. The proviso contemplates a physically competent  Governor who on arrival would be able to discharge state functions and not a stage managed chief executive that will govern by proxy. 

 The statement issued by the State Assembly members after meeting ailing Governor Suntai suggesting unfitness to continue in office is not within their competent to confirm medical fitness but the legislature is saddled with the powers to maintain law and good governance in the state which had been exercised by refusing to give effect to the controversial letter transmitted to the House. The legislature to me, was right in upholding the Acting Governor's position as having not changed even with the arrival of Danbaba Suntai. If transmission of letter of intention means resumption of office, then  he should address the State Assembly as demanded by members. Since Governor Suntai has approached the courts to seek interpretation, then his foot soldiers should  refrain from acts capable of plunging the state into anarchy.

   There was an attempt to remove the Speaker of the State Assembly which failed, thereafter, Hon. Haruna Tsokwa was attacked by unknown gun men on his way from Abuja, he also survived it, but fews days ago he surrendered to the cold hands of death in Federal Medical Centre Jalingo after brief illness. May His soul find favour with paradise, amen. With the exit of Hon. Haruna Tsokwa, the chemistry of Taraba State politics has altered, uncertainty looms over the political landscape, because "any slave that goes to a requiem of a fellow slave and sees that the grave was dug shallow show know that his will be the same" Therefore, the Acting Governor must concentrate more on reconciling the different interests in the state and refrain from acts capable of giving wrong signals about his future ambition. Meanwhile, Governor Suntai should be given adequate medical attention to facilitate speedy recuperation. I hereby appeal to all political war lords to demobilize all garrisons in the overall interest of peace and harmony. We cannot afford another round of politically motivated crisis inflamed by religious passion in Taraba State. This is macabre dance of another power cabal.