The Sower and then, the Reaper.

Season comes and season goes

Planted seeds has got to grow.

The sower bestrews of her seeds

Patiently courting the harvest time

        

Everyday she attends to her farm,

Keeping watch whilst counting time

The rule books close to her chest:

sower must reap what she sows-rich harvest.

        

Dead was the middle of all night,

A sole reaper appears unaware.

Grabbing much to his delights,

great is the harvest of dew time.

        

For the sower sows to reap but none,

but the reaper takes all that was sown.

Although the harvest was so rich,

Yet the sower was nowhere near nor found

Imagined Freedom

Invisible chains in freedom park

for it is so as we can see.

For lack of knowledge burdens 

as we search freedom ever we can.

Can freedom shines  through non consent?

for what we know we knew no more

freedom isn't what is said to be.

Invisible chains in freedom park,

for more we seek less we see.

No one ever says freedom wasn’t free!

yet non can speak of these in freedom park.

Now, what's ahead we can’t defined

for as we walk so does the park.

No less can freedom ever be spoken nor felt

Rumor has it the park is moved.

could freedom also move like that?

As leads are on the high rise,

so would we ever know how far it’s gone?

Roots and route all points to thee we own

Freedom root is right in us they say!

Maybe it is with the other sides

to know is our achilles hills for,

If we admit, lest be shamed of freedom park

For once lost we seek of thee

But could freedom just be gone like that?

Alone in speeches thy greatness tales

as we sit right in this park seeking freedom.

Rampant Corruption Bleeds Subdued Electorate

Rampant corruption bleeds subdued electorates: An unchanging political reflection of Nigerian state.

A preferred title for this article would have been, ‘corruption 101: effects on the voting age’, but given that this is election season in Nigeria, the need to look at the broader state of affairs elicited a much more wholistic rather than selective approach.

Nigerian situation has reached a point which requires a total relook at where we are going rather what we currently have in place. It requires an honest and whole hearted effort for which not only are the leaders called to take corrective steps but also those who are governed need also be involved an event that  necessity reorientation as a cause of action for corrective measures to be taken. What should this involve, it requires a re-evaluation of what we have accepted as normal practices through conscious effort of self sacrifices and ownership of our collective responsibility so as to achieve the trejactory in our desired development. This includes and not limited to self sacrifice- a rededication of oneself in their respective areas of work/employment for the collective good of all. 

Wouldn’t want to call our drive to democratic imparetives at various level in our institutions a waste of effort given the short falls that continues to impede our movement. This is highlighted in the fact that, the strength of human mind can transcend evil at every given time when they are ready to do so and would always win. A good example would be the case of Arab Spring that took place not to long ago but we must be careful of what we wish for since outcome are not always predictable. This can be seen in the various results from; Tunisia, Egypt,Libya and Syria and the latest drive for democratic outcome in Venezuela.

Back to the situation in Nigeria, the level of corruption is such that most institution are at a state of paralysis. Corruption is defined by Corruption Perceptions Index (www.pwc.com/ng) as “Abuse of public office for private gain”. Imagine going to the hospital and haven had blood samples taken from you, days after you are called upon to retake the same sample because the previous one was misplaced. The question that quickly comes to mind would be, by whom? Given the high level unaccountability, no one gets held responsibility because it is still within the trash hold of normalcy.

A personal encounter with a motorcyclist popularly know as Okada-a popular means of transport in Nigeria, gives a grim picture of life of an ordinary Nigerian who see change as a distant dream. Prior to the election I had the opportunity of riding with an okada man. As has become part of an ongoing re-education drive in this season of elections targeting the masses on how to take back their power during this upcoming election, I decided to engage him on issues related to upcoming election especially poor road infrastructure and on his views about candidates policy based campaign related issues.

“It is election time he said and there is high probability of quick response to impress the voters, a clear indication of directives from above. We see this often, new projects gets started or promised to be initiated with the hope of attracting new voters towards what they say”. The true fact is that, these projects gets introduced and are rarely ever considered until next season for electioneering- use them, dump them mentality. These projects counts as many white elephant scattered across the country where money have been wasted without form of accountability.

The conversation continued towards the readiness to vote in the upcoming election.

How would you vote I know you must have chosen a candidate?

Which election ?

Don’t tell me you aren’t going to vote?

Of course why would I? I don’t have time because they have made arrangements for their friends to occupy various post with or without my vote.

But do you know your vote still counts notwithstanding your dissatisfaction, you have to make your voice heard by still voting from  amongst those available.

There is little I can do, they organize few group, give them money and these guys would unleash terror to anyone who speaks against their benefactor.

That moment the impact of politics and how it has shapes  the life of the people became more of a lived experience.The reality of how Nigerian political situation has reflected badly on everyday life of her citizen became more clearer and this in turn has conditioned the masses, numbed them that they live each day without clarity to what tomorrow brings. Their desire for good governance remains an unending quest, the question remain, for how long and at what cost?

A drive around community within different Eastern states would show high level of despair given lack of basic necessities that should aid them as evidence of good governance. This is reflected not just in words but also through people to people encounter which continues to highlight height of despondency within-absence of policy based issue campaign for which they have little or no say and still are forced to vote. It is this sorrowful state of affairs that has come to dominate everyday life for ordinary Nigerians for which they have no forms of recourse. Electing the same people or their prodigies who continues to loot the system make landfall mockery of the system that let looters get away when corruption is of obvious reality. These experiences vividly explains the negative effects of corruption which burdens the very foundation of accountability.

Corruption weakens the fairness of institutions, since its processes are a misdirection of policies and relevant priorities. Its existence of course allows for illegitimate forms of governance given their low level of trust among voters whose consent are constantly betrayed. It ultimately leads to erosion of human rights and dignity of human person given the governmental inability to continue performing within acceptable trash hold of normalcy. Drive around town and see police officers collecting bribe in the open since the basic norm of acceptable behavior are difficult to obtain and people are ready to give because they are afraid of having their rights violated. 

If there is low voter turn out do not discard the reasons above because people have lost hope on any possibility of near future corrupt free society. So the need to avoid standing in long queues under the scorching sun. But should people vote and retain the same existing system they complain about then know that the system numbness has left them with no option.

People sees a government that is there to serve the interests of those at the corridors of power. Rampant corruption breeds numb electorate because there comes a time when effort to transform is not supported or is strongly challenged. These occurs given the level of abuses which the people have come to accept as well perfect. The people would rather side with the wrong doer because they feel it is there time to cut the slice of the national cake than expose them for fear of victimization.The society becomes numb and continue to close her eyes to wrongdoing that are committed. A motorist ones said ‘it is better to give bribe and continue with your business than been taken to the police station for spurious or trumped up charges which would deny them their daily livelihood. 

Corruptions as an everyday lived experience, is a human right issue as such requires effort aimed at eradicating it. An anti-corruption campaign should encourage greater synergy for protection and promotion of those rights of citizens to seek better governance structure that is accountable and meets their needs. 

This election continues to show and exposed a systemic gate keeping attitude by political office bearers who act not as the people’s mouth piece. They are there to fulfill their personal desires at the detriment of the people they are meant to represent. Pick 100 people from each states within the federation survey then and you would be surprised by their various responses, these similarity are an indication of how spread the system has become entrenched. This empathetic corrupt tendency- numbness towards act of corruption, has become a war that needs to be fought and must be won to get the country’s moral direction right. This victim remorselessness which has taken root allows the perpetrators to continue to live large at the masses expense making mockery of what democracy come really yield.

As an ardent student of good governance and civil responsibility, the truth is, the masses are struggling to make sense of where to draw the lines between what is their right and how to push for such rights to be fulfilled. At every point the odd is stack against them as they struggle to make sense of the complex web of price they pay rather than the benefits of democracy for which they yearn for whilst journeying towards this promised land.

What is wrong with Nigeria Democracy and how can we salvage it.

This article is written with facts in mind and also based on actual situations on ground. It is benchmarked against other equally emerging democratic states as opposed to strong democracies like USA and UK to eliminate possible bias that might results from such comparison. Here objectivity trumps subjectivity as reality is accurately reflected upon given field engagement of real time issues. 

The gap between those who govern and the governed is widening and remains a huge concern if we were to achieve any democratic gains we anticipate or hope for. The recently released Mo Ibrahim index reports says that, there is a backward slide in African governance which indicates an ascendency in autocratic rule as opposed to democratic principles (Mo Ibrahim Foundation 2018). According to Cheeseman and Smith (2018:2) “African political trajectory is moving in the opposite direction”. This so much summaries what is actually the state of affairs in most African states and particularly on the subject matter which is the focus of this article. The big question that this article hopes to address are; what could be the cause for such democratic slide and how can we all be part of the solution?

This article hopes to explore possible causes and a probable way to counteract such negative outcome.
Firstly, Complaisance vis a vis activism in citizens. These two offers parallel view on human behavior. Complaisance equals pleasing at a cost to the followers.It equally entails going out of ones way to do the bidding of others and most often it goes against ones conviction which leads to indirect support of corrupt activity within the palace of power, simply because by tolerating we share in the criminal action because of our inaction. We can identify three set of individuals based on choice of responsibility. The first are those who play a part in keeping or maintaining what is there. The second are those people who do nothing about what is there and lastly, those who change what is there in this case what is good.

Activism implies doing something to change what is there in this case social change.We can choose to be complaisant by either sitting doing nothing or through supporting what is already there, the ultimate choice is yours to make.

Complaisance inadvertently allows for third party participation in the act of crime and this goes without saying “he who elects a corrupt politician is complicit of the crime they commit”. Whilst activism viewed from within these two dimensions ‘repertoires and agencies’ aims to organize society for political expressions to counteract anti progressive activities that set society backward.
These two are diametrically opposed and doesn’t presents a Hobson choice. For the society, a complaisant citizenry ends up bearing the cost of ineptitude given their acceptance as tacit support for their political activity which poses no challenge to their activities as opposed to activist citizenry who seek the best through expression of their choices-actively or pro-actively through social change. So for those at the corridors of power suppression of these rights are essential since those actions cost them greatly in achieving their political desires. These outright challenge remain central in the configuration within institutions of state power and gaging those who dare oppose them is a political strategy an autocrat seeks. 

When an individual expresses despondency in expression of these rights, like “what can we/I do?” It encourages opportunism on the part of corrupt politicians whom sensing victims blood given the weakness within the system coupled with lack of accountability goes on the onslaught for outright benefits derived from such institutional failure.
This question and corresponding responses from citizens reflects a high level of low moral in the political system within the state-despondency, that endures within the  society and this can only reproduce diabolical responses -total breakdown of law and order as is the case in most states within Nigeria. Given the above, the condition has created laws being flouted for the personal benefit for only a few. The question; Why does a politicians get away with murder? These responses gathered indicates the level of apathy expressed by and their eventual involvement in decision making process within the state- survival remains the ultimate goal for people’s coexistence-constant exploitative tendencies arising from total system failure. Each one fears for their lives and such fear becomes each ones archils hill, a single determinant for survival.

 The facts that the masses are denied good roads,hospitals without constant electricity at trauma units for patients, functioning security that does not intimidate nor extort money from them, whilst politicians live large on the masses sweat makes the leaders no better than muderers because their actions equal or are even worse to those who kill.
Secondly, Politics of the Ex’s, this equate to return of ex military personnel to the corridors of power as champions of democracy. The politics of the ex’s is not peculiar to Nigeria alone. With the dawn of democracy and the renunciation of military rule there exist new dawn of Ex’s. It simply means there are great drivers motivating some ex military to continued political activity one of such was to protect their accumulated wealth and this in itself hinder any chance for possible progress in these society with respect to attaining potential goods accruing from democratic rules. The return of these ex’s to officials governance or corridors of power in most cases tells a tale in lost fortune as many analysts would suggest. Since the new democratic dawn, Nigeria has actually not been spared of such ex military involvement and have as a result of this experience just one civilian government with no military link in the combined tenure of Musa Yar’Adua and Ebere Goodluck Jonathan. There are countries we can draw similar experiences with in which military play vital role in deciding how the country is governed like Egypt, Pakistan, Venezuela, Myanmar and recently Zimbabwe. These countries are look alike democratic states but deeper analysis suggests or indicates continued military shadow hanging over politics.The military are so powerful that they are unlikely to exclude themselves from the running of the state. The recent decision to chose sides in Venezuela shows a military that is truly partisan and can’t be said to be neutral. Much as the value of the military in maintaining countries stability should be applauded and should not be underestimated yet their presence in the political sphere remains a troubling factor to democratic sustainability to say the lest within emerging democracies.

The military controls a huge power in any given country but such control should always be aligned with the ultimate goal of nothing other than security from external aggressors. This could be made possible through reemphasizing civilian control in all military doctrine an example we can draw from countries like South Africa or Botswana to permanently instill and install democratic rules thereby eliminating fears that arises from possible military adventure. The unstabstantiated believe on messianic role of military has long been debunked as the Nigerian experience has proven and should be reasons enough to keep them not close to the corridors of power. It is important to reflect reality to the dangers that continued presence of Ex military who have hanged their uniforms to the comfort of power poses by their return to the development of strong democracy. It is important to emphasis that this article does not recommend recusal of Ex military but that given the length of time of their political activity in state like Nigeria building or cultivating strong democracy would always remain a huge challenge given the amount of power they have known to wield.
Thirdly, intersection between religion and politics. The combination of the above roams large and is without saying a magnified factor in states like Nigeria with various belief system that has significantly placed itself and hard to displace. The blind spot that exist between these two-politics and religion, remain very important and huge concern to country like Nigeria with other states with similar situation. For places where it is not properly managed it results into divisive politics as can be situated to Nigeria. Religion and politics cuts across the inner consciousness of every human being but maintaining balance between the two is very vital in the development and stability of any given states. At the heart of the vicious ethnic killings in Myanmar on the Rohingya according to Albert and Chatzky (www.cfr.org.2018) is religion alongside politics. Although Nigeria is not at war but the two factors continued to play a role in governance and can not be separated from issues that continue to plagued the country as a whole. The high level of intolerance given consciousness around nationalism with exploitative political settings gives room to people’s vulnerability within the political grouping as everyone is posed to take advantage to serves their interest.The role that politics and religion play is not one that we should turn a blind eye to given the Nigerian situation. And it plays into critical decision making processes-a selection of key role players in the body politics in decision making process within of the country,a factor that has not arguably gone well in Nigeria.

The other question at the heart of this article is how can we manage the situation so much so that it is curtailed and never remains a setback in sustainable democracy within Nigeria given the high propensity of corruption that affects all and sundry. The Nigeria situation as an emerging democracy is important to the continent drive for good governance, accountability and human rights. How can we achieve that given the current despondency and possible decay in our political life, a situation in which majority are outside the political establishment and only a few as 1% make decision for the rest? The unsustainable nature of the current situation requires all and sundry to re-evaluate the present to arrest the future. We can do this by not being apolitical to matters of accountability and good governance. We must seek change and demand it given the enormous power we wield in the voters registration card to which we can have a say on who represents us. We need to take back power from the corrupt and insist on making sure the constitution works for us.
What can we do?
To the many problems that hinders the sprouting of democratic values and the few mentioned above, one thing needs to be done and that is empowering the judiciary arms of government to be ever stronger, independent and impartial to perform their duty as ascribed by the constitution. This ensures that accountability can read as a rule book to which violators can be held to. An empowered judiciary under the constitutional democratic framework allows the judges to play fair without fear nor favor. In this way the masses can and would obtain justice from governmental actions that those who lead commit under the illusion of being powerful. The judges are crucial in making democracy illuminate the espouse virtue the people desire of. Through this way people can live without fear of being muscled out by thugs whom those meant to lead surrounds themselves with.

The principles of constitutional democracy should be cherished by all and sundry making it possible for both politicians and their fellowship to sign up to accountability. The recent action in South Africa whereby the leadership of ANC has to recall their president is an indication of internal accountability in view of public outcry to total disregard to primary function of governance.
Until such a time that corrupt politicians are treated like mass killers and are meant to wear right prison uniform for their acts with no prospect of abandoning the comfort of their prison rooms under presidential pardon, our democracy would continue to tither, remaining a shambles in the eye of the masses whom are yet to see the benefits of democracy playing victims to less than 1% political elite  who have shared power amongst themselves in a country of over two hundred million with huge well educated population.

Conclusion 

Should we resign to the biblical saying ‘To your tents oh Israel? I don’t think so. Make your mark this voting season and vote with a purpose at heart. 

The Night After Pill: A Rebuke of Populism

The night after pill:a rebuke of populism?

The recent election in the United States which split the two houses between Democrats and Republicans is a manifestation of unresolved issued when it comes to American politics. The big question in most people’s mind is whether this is a rebuke of populism or a clear indication that divided America is a reality. The later seems to hold water given the divisive nature of the process and by all accounts no clear winner emerged. 

The populism from all indication is a manifestation of certain societal inclination to what might ordinarily not acceptable. At the same time it is a reflection of where the society might be pointing to-a rejection to existing way of thought. Over the years we have seen both the elite and those closer to power deliberately drove policy without pulling the society they represent along. This was clear from the push by the people of Great Britain for an exist from Europe(Brexit) and it took other countries in other European States by surprise, not limited to Italy,Greece,Hungary and just like it happened in USA, countries in Latin America have not been spared with the recent election in Brazil.

The big question remains,have the political elites learnt anything yet?

The USA election as it stands shows there is still a long way to go until sanity reigns in the politics of many established democracies. And if such is the case, countries of the South should be asking themselves, are we next? But wait a minute,is there anything wrong in and with populism? Of course/not, the only obvious answer is, that citizens would continue to display displeasure as long as current elite fails to understand their needs,carry them along but are very quick always to find escape goats towards their inability to lead or simply show leadership. The realignment or the people’s alignment with anyone whom they feel offers something credible,something appalling to their senses would continue to shock the future of democracy. People want clarity to where am I going to find job,can I afford to pay my tuition or send my child to school, are their accountability on who and how my tax is used. This is also about taking back destiny of the future, not leaving it in the hands of few opportunistic cronies who are willing to serve their own interests. Trump is a manifestation of rejection by a class marginalized and it is a wake up call to other states.

From climate to societal demand for equality to other burning issues that hinges on everyday bread and butter, this is neither a win against populism or a rebuke rather it  is a clear indication that no one is certain as to where the tide might take us next.

Voices! Within and Without

No matter what they do
may not see you as one with us,
even as they drain off your strength
we are with you.

They may silence you through guns
hold you against your will,
as long as our pens rolls
we shall speak for you.

Humanity is still much alive.
Its only but a few who acts against all,
armed with nothing but destruction.
Still! we shall stand with you

Our pens are your voices,
your voices like a sharp sword.
Within and without from inhumanity.
We shall be for you

Without seeing you, mea culpa!
Silence a monster unattended.
As I search through my soul, seen you.
You keep my soul from dying out.

lessons from South Korea: Rise and Fall in Power.

The recent impeachment of a democratically elected first female president in South Korea is an interest driven topic discussion for one simple reason,the power of the people to reclaim their space-for lack of a better word. A brief summary to why she got impeached,'the suspicion she colluded with her confidante to extort money from businesses and committed other wrongdoings' (Associated Press;2017).

This discussion isn't about how/why she did it but rather about the right to hold elected officials accountable and how system works to ensure an impartial outcome when laws are flouted/despise or disregarded. In most part of the world political leaders get away with anything and everything from bankrupting the state to extrajudicial killing of citizens with no sanction or consequences,a perfect example coming to mind is the unlawful invasion of Iraq by Bush and Blair-b2 factor
The impeachment and eventual court ruling seconding such decision is to me worth highlighting as it shows strong institutional capacity,ability to respond in moment when needed most to avoid throwing the entire state into chaos- moments like these calls for immediate action across parties irrespective of the  party you support,contrast it to some countries or states where such are hard to come by. The ability to rise up to the occasion meant the state is more important than individuals and party they belong to. As a new state practicing democracy after deep long claw of dictatorship,it is worth a spot light.
To the ordinary South Korean,they showed ownership of their destiny as expressed by and through them during their election and when need arose,without abrogating their right of ownership responded accordingly to make sure they retain such ownership to the system they collectively agreed upon. Citizens rights does not cease nor end right after the election but is in continuum requiring constant vigilance at all time. In the case of south Korea, the state's various arms of government reciprocate each other  to keep the wishes of the masses alife irrespective of their divergent views. The state showed it does not depend on solely one arm of government but rather power revolves between the three arms and patronage cannot survive such system.
The right to be referred to as first citizen is everyones concern and the choice should be hotly contested reflecting the high regard such a position occupies in the masses minds as such requisites dedicated individuals who are ready to serve not to be served.
A rhetorical question may well be posed at this juncture: how have you safeguarded/reacted/shown ownership faced with similar situation? How have the other arms of government treated supposed inaction of one of their own. The actions of the presidents fellow party members may worth mentioning,some abandoned the party to vote with their conscience. We have seen situations contrary to the above mentioned example,collusion that aims to wrestle authority away from the people-rise of oppressive regime. We can at the same time draw comparism to events during the Arab spring with that of the aforementioned discussion on South Korea. Power collusion leads to oppressive outcome which back peddles democratic gains/processes and outcome, it results in a scenario of which we say"power corrupts and absolute power corrupt absolutely". Such as highlighted before feeds on patronage which the South Koreans refused to accept.
Power not backed up by authority fades away very fast as it open rooms for challenges not imagined example Syria,Burundi and Central African Republic. Legitimacy of power must have the blessing of the people with an effective three arms working mutually together not in competition of the other. Mutuality as opposed to competition bleeds a healthy democratic process and effective institutions within governance.
Power built on convenience dries up essence of democracy and are detrimental to the people's wishes example Zimbabwe. It is an unhealthy cohabitation of some sort amongst these arms of government  that leads to one arm of government total domination of the rest leaving them as a pawn-in this case used and abused by the executive. This has remained the challenge within the continent- interrupted checks and balances giving room to uncontrolled power exercise by an individual or group of individuals. Uninterrupted investigation an effective working system saw the fall of a sitting president,which is how democracy operates. Accountability of any office is vital to rooting corrupt practices,it is a one way stretch and should apply to all and sundry inspite of their offices or position occupied. We can draw a lot from the incidence in South Korea whom like most African states have seen fair share of dictatorship before and thereafter has made strives to improve for the seek of it's own people. We need to improve on our government and governance structures by eliminating current/future lone wolfism-individual bent on setting us back-capable of impacting us negatively as we continue to master the act of clean government through the practice of democracy. We the people own the government and not the other way round.