Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

Politics

RE: Two Years of Real Democracy

Jilomes

On the 29th of May, as Nigerians celebrated “Democracy Day” and the midpoint of the Buhari-Osinbajo administration, I published an article using a selected metric to appraise their performance so far. As we have come to see in the last few years, Nigerians are generally passionate about the leaders they love or hate, and so my article attracted lots of offline reaction in some public chat groups and in personal chats I had with some persons. I have now chosen to do a public rejoinder to respond to some of the issues raised.  Continue reading “RE: Two Years of Real Democracy” →

Change, Politics

Two Years of Real Democracy

Jilomes

For today’s article marking Nigeria’s “Democracy Day”, a quote by Michelle Hodkin should provide a suitable explanatory introduction. The quote goes thus: “Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”  Extending this, Philip Dick concisely says that “Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn’t go away.” Combining these two quotes, I believe there is a strong enough foundation for this essay. Let us begin.

Continue reading “Two Years of Real Democracy” →

Change, Politics

Treating a Healthy President

Jilomes

I understand that the world is going through a lot right now with Trump fencing with his American comrades, Britain uncertain over Brexit, and the continued carnage in the Middle East. That is so much for the world to digest, but I would beg the world’s indulgence to allow me add more to its plate. You see, a president is missing. Well, not exactly missing, but missing all the same. Out of the abundance of my selfishness, I think we need to temporarily ignore the world’s problems and talk about this president. Continue reading “Treating a Healthy President” →

Politics

DSS and Johnson Suleman: Emotions meet Negligence

Jilomes

Former US President Ronald Reagan once said that a government’s first duty is to protect its citizens. All around the world, citizens of different countries look up to their governments to ensure their security. In return, citizens obey societal norms and generally try to be good citizens, whatever that means in their country’s context. When the government fails to provide protection, the contract breaks down, and citizens resort to self-help, setting the stage for a descent into anarchy. That’s the road the Nigerian government seems resolute to take Nigerians through. Continue reading “DSS and Johnson Suleman: Emotions meet Negligence” →

Politics

Righteous Corruption

Jilomes

A 19th century English clergyman, Frederick Robertson, once said that “There are three things in the world that deserve no mercy: hypocrisy, fraud, and tyranny”. It is surprising that a Christian cleric would say something like that. However, we may never know what went on in his mind before he concluded that some persons were undeserving of even a tiny drop of mercy. Nigeria is in the midst of another budgeting process, and at least two of Frederick’s unpardonable sins are being blatantly committed. If Frederick the Annoyed were alive today, what would he say about the 2017 Federal Budget? Continue reading “Righteous Corruption” →

Change, Politics

Future for Sale

Jilomes

In Proverbs 13:22, where it was written that “a good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children”, a good heart and a thinking mind that looks at the future must have been the focus of that verse. Creating the kind of wealth that transcends generations is not in the purview of those the King James translation would tag “simple”. Extending this verse to the realm of countries and leadership, we can say that “a good leader creates a buoyant future for coming generations”. Unfortunately for Nigeria, its leaders have expertise in selling the future, doing what Niyi Osundare would describe as “eating tomorrow’s yam today”. Continue reading “Future for Sale” →

Change, Politics

There Was a Subsidy

Jilomes

The Nigerian political sphere is characterized by intrigues and bizarre plots. In most of these political plots, the plight of the common Nigerian is hardly considered. It’s all about politics. One man removed petroleum subsidy, and fled back after intense opposition. Another claimed subsidy did not exist, yet paid huge sums as subsidy. Mr. Thomas has now seen the light. He now agrees that there was a subsidy. Continue reading “There Was a Subsidy” →

Politics

The 73rd Epistle to President Buhari

Jilomes

My President, today thou art filled with gladness as the Lord has made thee see three-score and thirteen years on this earth. Truly, the miracle of March 28 shewed thee the goodness of the Lord. While thy friends and foes talk about thee on social networks, pay attention to these words and hold on to them with all diligence.

Continue reading “The 73rd Epistle to President Buhari” →

Change, Politics

It’s Time to Move Forward

Jilomes

I must begin by congratulating General Muhammadu Buhari for his victory at the presidential election. For a long time, America’s Abraham Lincoln has been projected as an example of repeated failures not signalling defeat. Today, Buhari has made history, and people would say, “Don’t give up on your dream. Like Buhari, if you fail the first time, try again. Keep trying until you succeed.” As Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo would say, “It is not over until you win!” Continue reading “It’s Time to Move Forward” →

Change, Politics

In Contempt of Stomach Infrastructure

Jilomes

This morning I picked my notebook, waiting for inspiration that would move the pen in my hand along the lines of the blank page staring at me. Inspiration did come, but from a different source. It came from the recesses of my stomach—a growling that dared me to disobey. Continue reading “In Contempt of Stomach Infrastructure” →