The Bankers Saga...

A colleague once made a statement that..."You would know a true Christian or a True Moslem when money comes in between." Then, I neither took the statement serious nor from its face value. But really truly that five years old statement had made endless meaning to me. And as the days goes by incidence arose that often give me cause to reflect on that very statement.

Interestingly the banks witnessed what in the calculations of many Nigerians was a good omen, while to some it was a vindictive step to retaliate or present an agenda of a kind. So here the statement of old...when money comes in between, then you would know a true and patriotic Nigerian as well as a true religious. The question could then be: Why the sudden sentiments attached to the sack of some top Nigerian Banks Executives? Perhaps those of us rejoicing of the lost of their plum jobs have found some kind of retaliatory push for the loans they refused us from those with the might to chase them out.



Whilst we celebrate the mistake of another, we should be mindful of the fact that, the same challenges that pushed the perceived victims into that fall awaits their successors. Again, their fallibility as humans is incontestable. So, instead of rejoicing so much about the fall of another, we should be praying for repentance of the fallen and for the survival of their successors.

In truth we are all guilty of the same offence of corruption, avaricious lives, under pressure on those in privileged positions, ill advice and our inactions. Meanwhile, we must make bold to condemn what is wrong so that we can be able to deter others from falling victims. At the same time, we must collectively build a vibrantly financial sector in sector in Nigeria, devoid of sentiments, favoritism, ethnicism or tribalism or even robbing Peter to pay Paul. It is only when we do things with the full realization of those obvious facts that we can overcome challenges posed by the economic realities of our times.


I must confess that the likes of Ibrahim Jimoh has proved to his critics that he is credit worthy through his singular action of not only meeting the deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for debtors to pay back their loans, but also by paying over N3 billion at a point when so many investors needs to be liquid. Additionally, his comments during an interview with Mike Mba, the BBC correspondent is worthy of note. And that is one statement of fact which Nigerian banks have seriously ignored... the statement about foreign banks giving loans based on trust and seriousness. Unfortunately the reverse is the case here where our local banks ask for an arm and a leg, plus all that you have for just a loan. Thus making loans acquisition difficult for the average Nigerian business. And the multiplier effects of their stringent measures are often seen in the stagnation witnessed generally in the Nigerian economy.

What an irony of faith to have loans granted by our banks only to those who rarely need it at the utter neglect of those who are dying for it to grow their businesses. We truly need a rethink and town-hall-meeting to resolve our differences if we must grow our ailing economy.

The Rights of Women

It is interesting to know that in this age and time, some men somewhere are frighten by the rights of women. I can't stop pondering over the fact that some people on earth are arguing that if women are given their due rights, their's (Male folks) would be threatened. Indeed it sounds weired and bizaare.

I honestly didn't believe my ears hearing it on BBC network Radio under the Network/Day Break Africa Program this morning. I would suggest that the women in that part of the world engage the men who are opposing their rights under the pretends of religion or whatever reason into some kind of protest.

Possibly, they should starve their men with just about everything. The women's folk have contributed imensely to the growth and development of our world. So they deserve every rights to participation, leadership, association, expression, etc. Without equivocation, our women deserve restitution for the injustices they've suffered in the hands of men all of the world.

Ladies! Go all out to fight for your rights, many of us are behind. And shame to any man is still sees women as second fiddels....

The Banking Quake...

What seem like an earthquake just struck the Nigerian Banking Industry and the follow up to that has been panic withdrawal, Monday morning of August 17, 2009. But it will be worst by the time many will begin to lose the confidence they've all bestowed on the banks in Nigeria. Everyone that wishes the Nigerian economy well will definitely pray it doesn't get to that level.

It sounds like an interesting news to opponents, but many can attest to the fact that it doesn't speak well of the integrity the Nigerians banks have built over the years. Interestingly big names like Union Bank Plc, Afribank Plc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc and Finbank Plc are involved. This ugly development compelled the apex bank – the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Boss Sanusi Lamido to fire the affected banks board last Friday.

To many, the ideal thing to do right might be to apportion blames or prove innocence. But I think what matters now is that we do a thorough investigation of what went wrong, who are those involved; how do we set a deterrent?

If we must move forward, then we must put a complete stop to the clog many have succeeded in putting on the wheels that were supposed to take us across economic meltdown and the almighty path of corruption that seem invincible in the face of the bragging and self-praise of the anti corruption agents. It’s even painful if those billions naira we hear has gone into the drains are not in any production venture. What can be more annoying than the fact that the same people who are supposed to grow the economy are the very ones helping to wreck it?

How do we explain the stringent conditions we put across to the small lender that makes it also impossible for them to access common soft-loans and the very mess to lending only to our "Big Friends" without any request for collateral? I pray that we learn a lesson from this one, and then put for preventive and punitive measure to arrest this crazy for greedy wealth and awesome corruption that reigns with reckless abandon.

Quotes of the day

"The challenges of men increases by day, but the smartest of all men devices new ways of handling them." - Clement Icha


"Patience is an uncommon virtue, only those who understands what it brings in the end can keep it." Clement Icha - August 2009

Aftermath of US Secretary of State's Visit

As it customary of every epoch making events, the post visit evaluation was made by Nigerians. Thus many Nigerians responded in the usual diverse manner with some applauding the boldness of Mrs. Clinton, yet "others" condemned "her outspokenness and her being unappreciative of the effort the current democracy is making." You can trust the caliber of people that falls into the category of the latter.

It's a pity that in this information age, some people in authority here in Nigeria still thinks like they're still in the Stone Age. Perhaps they don't realize that technology has succeeded into exposing just about anything, and that it created a virtual proximity that makes it impossible to live in isolation. Just because the US Secretary of State told the Nigerian Government the truth about how corruption, fuel importation, political inequality, injustice and rights abuses especially that of women and many more have done them more harm than good. The people in authority are flaring nerves.

First, it was the spokes man of the Nigeria anti-corruption agency - Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC): Mr. Adeniji that came on air to berate Mrs. Clinton for not giving his commission a pat on its back; who according to him in a spate of one year recovered N50 billion, made about 60 arrests and filed 400 cases in court. And just as soon as the US Secretary took off to her next port of call in the African States visit - Liberia; Nigeria's Senate President - David Mark came next lambasting Hillary Clinton, saying her claims about the Nigeria's democracy performance were baseless.

You can trust Nigerians; some reacted to his illogical and irrational comments saying, and where were you when she was here with us? Who is fooling who? We've always known you for being inconsiderate to the yearnings of Nigerians. Well the facts remains that many of our political leaders have failed us, so just like they're saying that Mrs. Clinton’s statements of facts are baseless, so also are Nigerians are saying to hell with those leaders who don't care about the true needs of the Nigerian people. And that the defenses of this same people (some leaders) are baseless as well.

Many are indeed consoled by the fact that the US Secretary States (Hillary Clinton) told them the truth, and true to the conscience of the Nigerian President: Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar 'Adua, he admitted what went wrong. We've all read both messages and can point to those who are responsible. We implore others to follow suit perhaps the conscience of all in authority shall be pricked to do the right thing pretty soon.

Understanding Islam...Gaza

I'm not a Muslim, but by association I can claim one. Thus, I've come to understand Islam as one peaceful religion much like any other religion. Interestingly some opportunists have succeeded in using selfish and personal interests to pollute that all important religion, and so the impression left by these set (fanatics and bigots) about Islam is that of violence and peace hating.

In fact, this same bane is silently trickling into Christianity. It therefore behooves everyone who cares about global peace to get involve in what can be rightly called the campaign, awareness and general education of the ordinary people. Because the mischief makers have understood that illiteracy and poverty offers a gullible and handy group to use as a tool for attaining their rootless gains and for vendetta.

Rather than serving as opium of a harmonious and tranquil society, the Islamic religion has been turned into a tool for division, destruction, racial and class dichotomy.

If only we can wipe away idleness from among the people, the actors who sit from far and secluded places to tele-guide evil operations/mayhem would have had cause to take the battle in their hands and in no time, with their very hands they will send…souls to the great beyond. So it’s a global call to duty by all peace loving citizens….

Hillary Clinton in Nigeria

Nigeria has been playing host to the US Secretary of States - Hillary Clinton since August 11, 2009 at 8:45 pm when she touched down at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja. Every other thing that went amidst in the course of her visit forms part of our history.

Meanwhile, criticism trailed what some Nigerians have described as a snob or diplomatic slight on the part of Mrs. Clinton, who was said to have boycott the executive banquet set for her at the Presidential Villa - Aso Rock, Abuja. Indeed many Nigerians are displeased with the US Secretary of States action. Antagonists or international diplomacy critics, you may say are at work. But trust Nigerians and their diversity in all matters, especially in opinions and views about issues like the one involving Hillary Clinton.

First, media reports had it Wednesday morning of August 12, 2009 that the Speaker of the National Assembly - Honorable Dimeji Bankole and other top Nigerian officials condemned the way and manner the US Embassy arranged the Secretary of States' visit and her travel itinerary. There were also threats of boycott and some grumblings from government quarters over the dinner/banquet boycott and the private security arrangement.

Now the question some Nigerians are asking is: how does anyone expect someone on a long trip arriving late to go for one dinner or banquet instead of going to take a good night rest, in order to face the following morning assignment with a well refreshed mind? While some are complaining about the absence of top government officials at the airport to welcome her on arrival, others complained about her failure to make at a stop over at the Presidential Villa. Yet, they're some who are saying they have issues with the heavy presence of US Security Officers guiding her as against that of the Nigerian government.

So many issues you may say; but let's examine them one after, another. First the unceremonial welcome of Mrs. Clinton who is making a second visit to Nigeria, beginning with the one she made when she was the First Lady of the United States of America and this second time. It was reported on the African Independent Television (AIT) that only the Nigerian High Commissioner to the US and a representative of the Minister of Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs were on ground to welcome her. This development actually sends some heart warming message to issues the needed to be resolved between the two countries.

Again the issue of security was another one that attracted so much of public comments. While some were saying that the US Embassy or government improvision of security details for her Secretary of State goes to tell what security lapses exist in our dear country Nigeria. And then the issues of banquet has equally raised some moral question as to why a guests should be given an impression that all is well about everything in Nigeria; when the whole world is aware that majority of Nigerians are hungry in the streets.

In fact there are issues which Special August visitors like Mrs. Clinton need to help us talk over with our government. For instance, issues that bothers on security, violence and other chronic political matters. Only four days ago, two Local Government Chairmen were kidnapped in Kogi State for a ransom of N60 million before they were freed. Also the incessant violence and spate of killings are among issues that countries like America that doesn't toil with the lives her ordinary citizens would not even attempt with a senior citizen like Hillary Clinton.

Already, Mrs. Clinton has met with Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Nigeria's Foreign Affirs Minister...later in the day, she'll be meeting President Umaru Musa Yar' Adua. Nigerians look forward to her confronting the CEO of Nigeria (President Yar' Adua) with issues like those of Fuel Importation, Corruption and Political crisis, which we heard from the grapevine that she was going to address squarely with the authorities.

Redefining Career Path

I almost burst into tears after listening to a set of New Yorkers on a Vox Pox with CNN - last Friday, where the sudden jump in the unemployment rate in the US and in some European countries were being discussed. Young people like me were pouring out their sad experiences in the face of an alarming unemployment situation. I listen to some fast thinking students who were able to proof that they're tougher than the prevailing situation by the kind of answers they gave the CNN interviewer.

Indeed those who answered to "redefining their career path" actually bought my heart and respect. It is not unusual to have some people get carried away by times reality. Yet there are some who are tenacious and resilient in their quest for survival. So for those of us who are yet to find our footings in the prevailing circumstance; the answers of the said wise youths could serve as a lesson for us all.

It is true that the global economic crisis is the handiwork of some reckless policy formulators and implementers, and the impact or mistake is of course suffered by all. But the question of how we'll all survive it is rather a general one, yet with individual answers and solutions. So how do we address a problem caused by some public officials whose mistakes’ repercussion is suffered by all and sundry? But I think it shouldn't be so. Instead the bailout, which in no small measure could savage the situation if properly managed, should be used judiciously and pragmatically to address the general problem arising from the meltdown.

And the question again is; is anyone following the performances of the bailout funds? Are people listening to the yearnings and aspirations of the global citizenry? Can we do something of a radical difference instead of politicking with the fund? Something like setting up functional micro finance institutions in all shops in our globe with an interest free loan offered to as many people as possible?

There's no doubt that in the face of this global financial crisis, many out there are still making millions of cash weekly if not daily. Well we must all realize that, as the unemployment rate jumps, national wealth plummets, while poverty goes hay-wire. And if after four months of a bailout of $3 trillion pronouncement, young men out there in the streets are that confused and hopeless, and then I'm afraid a great danger is looming in the air, which of course portends danger to the future of many of our wards. We may have provided so much protection and security for many of them; but who can predict what may happen when we are no more? Did anyone imagine or envisage the mammoth crowds that protested at the London G20 Summit early this year?

We honestly don't need a prophet to tell us that, if we don't do something drastic to salvage the situation or help the needy at this biting moment, then we may as well be heading to an unimaginable jeopardy. But all the same, we can all heal our individual situations if we do the right thing at the right time, especially the beat of redefining our career paths at a time when we need to do something to survive the hard time we're all in.

Issues in Politics...

All over the world, people play politics in different forms and manner. Some play it actively or passively, yet others play it talking about what the key actors are doing. We have again, those who're docile in the game of politics; they know not whether they have a stake in it or their actions matters in the political framework of their home-zone. But in all these categorization of activities, we all play politics in what we do either at home or outside our locale. Also, in what we get and how we get it.

The political scholars of old were no small thoughts crafters; we cannot in anyway value their assertions on the term politics. What we may do however is to see how we can make good meaning from those sound definitions of theirs and possibly make it work for us. Where am I heading? Yes, I'm heading towards the direction I think we should be beaming our search light to. And that is the direction of Active Political and Democratic participation.

If there was anybody, who knows how best to criticize or analysis political performance on a local pedestal though; it is me! But I'll tell you what; I got this orientation change two weeks ago. What was that? I got involved and that's exactly what I profess right now, by implication. My concerns are enormous as far global politics is involved; but the questions I asked before now were: What do people go into politics for? Can I ever be involved in Politics? Why do people go into such a dirty game? And what satisfaction do political actors get?

Well, I tell you what, those who go with the mission to serve, are pleased that they avail themselves for service. Meanwhile those who go with a personal agenda are those who often get lust in the frenzy of political haze and pleasure. In fact, most of them relish the sadist and bigot posture; unfortunately, they see the opportunity or privilege to serve as a right.

Let's hit the nail on the head and stop this stylish political merry-go-rounding or Dove-tailing, because that is what they use in confusing people. So what are we talking about? We should be talking about a political practice that often exhumes local rays, yet with a global implication. Thus, Local or International politics with its international repercussion or problem no longer require a country approach or solution. What it requires now, is what we may call Global Active Citizenship and Participation.

Granted, that most of us doesn’t like politics and won't even dream of getting involved. But one thing, we must as well remember is that, if we leave it all for the actors, what we would see, is what we would get. In other words, whatever they chose to do for you and me is what matters. So how do we explain it, when they do something that goes against our interest? What moral grounds do we have to question what they've done wrong, when we all left it to their personal judgments or choices?

What I'll implore every global citizen to do now, is to begin to ask questions, get involved, and let your voice/opinion count in the fashioning or formulation of national or international policies. Many in the past made mistakes and went free; we must not let that happen again. Rather, let's hold them accountable to every of their thoughts, words and actions through our participation and involvement. How you'll get involved or participate is yet another day's discuss.

But hey, let's spare Obama and other fresh minds in the political ring some air of freedom, if for no other reason, at least for the sake of the global economic and social pressures we’re all passing through. That is not say that, we cannot question his/their actions, but at the same time, we need to apply wisdom and understanding, and above all ask the right question. Indeed the solution to our humongous/mammoth global politics and problems lies in our collective hands, so it's either I stay in it with them or we quit complaining.