Tag: National Assembly

NYSC, Politics

Kemi Adeosun: Beyond a Resignation

Jilomes

It is no longer news that Mrs Folakemi Adeosun is no longer the Nigerian Minister of Finance. If like Jesus on the way to Emmaus, you are unaware of the events surrounding her exit, you might want to read the Premium Times (PT) article that set off the stack of dominoes. While Nigerians continue discussing her exit, amidst insinuations that the announcement was timed to obfuscate President Buhari’s latest SSS appointment, my view is that her resignation should not be an end in itself but rather, the start of a reflective process.  Continue reading “Kemi Adeosun: Beyond a Resignation” →

Change, Politics

None of Two Evils

Jilomes

Let me begin with a quote attributed to Howard Dean: “I’m just disappointed that once again, we may have to settle for the lesser of two evils.” This quote was issued with respect to the 2004 US Elections. Applying this quote to Nigeria, especially in light of the fast-approaching general elections, a reader would be forgiven for quickly linking it to the presidential election. However, that is not my intention here. The presidential election, unlike some would argue, is not a choice between two evils.  Continue reading “None of Two Evils” →

Change, Politics

Yet Another Trojan Horse Bill

Jilomes

Let’s begin with a quote attributed to Emily Thorne: “If we choose to, we can live in a world of comforting illusions. We can allow ourselves to be deceived by false realities. Or we can use them to hide our true intentions.” For some reason, this quote reminds me of the Greek trojan horse, the famed peaceful gift that led to the downfall of a city. My mind also links the quote to a bill being considered by Nigeria’s legislative arm. Some may consider the NGO bill as well-intentioned, but what I see is disguised evil waving a white flag.  Continue reading “Yet Another Trojan Horse Bill” →

Politics

All Eyes on Paddington

Jilomes

Contemporary dictionaries list “Paddington” as “a surname”, “a district of London”, and “a railway station” in London”. However, seeing that some dictionaries have given special privilege to Nigeria, by providing another definition for “bunkering”, consistent with the Nigerian reality, it is time to extend such special status to “Paddington” to reflect its Nigerianness. 

Continue reading “All Eyes on Paddington” →

Inspiration, Politics

​The Heaven Called Immunity

Jilomes

Intro: This piece is about the drive by federal lawmakers to grant themselves immunity from prosecution. Although this form of writing isn’t my forte, I felt like doing something different from my usual direct articles.

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My name is Peter Mohammed Ifa. I am a full-blooded Nigerian representing my people, Nigeria Constituency I at the Senatorial Council of Representatives. On March 28, 2015, I made my people think they willingly chose me as their sole ambassador at the distinguished council. Since then, I and fellow council members have been on a journey to get heaven’s key.

Continue reading “​The Heaven Called Immunity” →

Politics

National Award for Laziness

Jilomes

For many years, self-righteous private sector players have looked down on Nigeria’s civil servants, seeing them as icons of employed joblessness. Hardworking civil servants have suffered for long under this despicable tag. Respite has now come the way of the civil service, as the national assembly has gobbled up all laziness-themed awards for 2016. With outstanding performance in the first quarter, the rest of the year is irrelevant. The “ayes” have it—our reps have won. Continue reading “National Award for Laziness” →

Change, Politics

Much Ado about Cars

Jilomes

Someone once said that leadership involves leaders making sacrifices for the greater good of the organization, just as many parents deny themselves of certain rights and privileges in order to make a better life for their families. That someone obviously had no inkling of Nigerian leadership. In Nigeria, sacrifices are the exclusive preserve of the followers. Continue reading “Much Ado about Cars” →

Change, Politics

The New Opposition

Jilomes

Recently, I chanced upon a TV programme in which contemporary national political issues were being discussed. Much of the discourse filtered through my ears except for one statement that struck me. One of the panellist said, “Nigerians are the new Opposition”.  That statement is the seed for this article. Continue reading “The New Opposition” →