Nigeria Govt. unable to win a fight against terrorism

Ref:Abducted German engineer 'killed in Nigeria' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18278740

Edgar Fritz Raupach was kidnapped and killed by the Nigeria Islamic terror group Boko Haram with ties to Al Qaeda, today in the city of Kano Northern Nigeria

To say these situations are disturbing is clearly an understatement. I am alarmed by many facets of this situation. First off, why have three international workers been killed with no resolve? How many more individuals will need to be killed before this problem can be rendered? I am equally alarmed at the lack of coverage and publicity regarding this situation world wide. Has it become so commonplace for individuals to get kidnapped and killed by the Islamic terror group Boko Haram, in Nigeria that it doesn't seem to generate much attention. We should be incensed by this. When the three Americans were kidnapped and held in captivity in Iran they received (and rightfully so) media coverage and frankly there was clear outrage. I worry that with the lack of attention to these killings, we are passively saying to the murderers that this behavior is allowed. We have to rise up and send the message that this behavior is not allowed and that the people responsible will be held accountable. This is a prime example of how the bullies and intimidators reek hell upon Nigeria. Until these actions are swiftly addressed each and every time they occur, Nigerians will live in a state of fear. The nation will be ruled by kidnappers and murderers.

A British Christopher McManus and Italian Franco Lamolinara national killed by the Nigeria Islamic terror group Boko Haram with ties to Al Qaeda during rescue operation http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/9131831/British-hostage-killed-in-Nigeria-live.html   

Access and Exposure

Ref: Court strikes out EFCC case against Emeka Ugwuonye
http://www.elombah.com/index.php/latest-news/11192-breaking-news-court-strikes-out-efcc-case-against-emeka-ugwuonye

Nigeria Government officials who over saw the illegal detention and prosecution of Emeka Ugwuonye: Farida Waziri and Ibrahim Lamorde

This is a story that we have been following for several months. I know this story evicts quite an array of emotions on either side of the issue. Today I write to you about access and exposure. As you can see Emeka was cleared of the charges that were presented against him. You can see this is a battle that has embroiled the life of Emeka for too many months. While it is great news, I beg a deeper inquiry today. Emeka has access and privilege. He has the ability to navigate the legal system with a keen background and experience. He also has the financial means to fight his battle.

I wonder about those individuals that do not have the access and privilege. Who is fighting on their behalf? Who is working to ensure justice for them? I do believe that it is the moral imperative of those of us with the access and privilege to advocate for those that do not. We need to ensure that we keep fighting and pointing out the injustices. It is frankly frightening to think about the number of individuals that are being held against their will and extorted at the hands of the Nigerian government.

Governor Rochas Okorocha Best of Intentions

Rochas rural market scheme launched in Lagos
http://www.tribune.com.ng/index.php/community-news/41240-rochas-rural-market-scheme-launched-in-lagos

 

At first glance this project appears to be a source of relief and encouragement for the residence of Lagos state. When one begins to scratch the surface, however, the truth begins to emerge and the intentions appear to be a bit or total flawed. While the intentions of the Governor Rochas Okorocha seem noteworthy, they are definitely not genuine. He has built this program to help the less fortunate but has implemented it in the wrong demographic. Why is he doing this outside of Imo state his governing territory where he was elected in 2011? He has not implemented this program in his home area Imo state. A very legitimate question may be "What are his intentions?" I believe this action is less about service to others and more about building his political profile. I believe that he has his sites set on something which is why he implemented the program. Who is really financing this project? Governor Rochas Okorocha motivation overshadows the good intentions of the program. Please implement this program in your own territory! Governor Rochas Okorocha does not understand that "charity begins at home".

Cut Government Spending USA Presidential Election Rhetoric 2012

During this campaign season we seem to be hearing a lot of phrases such as "Cut government spending." Okay well that may be a catchy campaign phrase, I haven't really heard the candidates articulate what that would look like. So my question is...where are we going to cut?

                Photo from cut-spending. URL: http://aworldofprogress.com/?p=2531

Let's first talk about Medicare and social security which is where we hear that cuts need to come. So what would this look like? Having the senior citizens of our country without health insurance. Think of the thousands of dollars a month of medical and pharmaceutical bills that our seniors would have to pay for. Worse yet, many would have to go without medical care due to finances. Without social security many of our seniors would be without housing. Would this make us proud as a nation to have our seniors living on the streets?

Cuts to welfare is another area. While I understand that like every other system there are some individuals who are taking advantage of welfare. With that being said, let's look at what cuts to welfare would bring us, we would see an influx of individuals going to shelters which would not be able to handle the capacity. We would see many individuals who rely on welfare as a tool to sustain their family without the ability to provide food or housing. This would again result in countless individuals and families out on the streets.

Cuts in education...so are we looking to have 40 kiddos in a kindergarten class? We will see our students educated in facilities that are below standard? Will we see slashes in educator pay which will result in subpar candidates entering the field which will cause us to slip further and further behind in the global marketplace?

Cuts to our infrastructure. Do we want to see our roadways and bridges not maintained in a quality manner. This would result in unsafe and hazardous conditions for millions of Americans. Do we ever want to see the horrific bridge collapse that occurred in Minnesota in 2007 repeated?

Well I could go on and on and on about government funded programs...you get the picture. My call to the candidates is to put some muster behind your words. If you want to cut government spending, tell us where. Just a word of caution...every cut is associated with a face.

Justifiable Raises???

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria

So I think I stumbled across the bill that got the least resistance getting passed in this year’s Nigerian Legislative session. This new law calls for a N27million naira increase of quarterly allowance of members of the House of Representatives from a former N15million naira per Representative, 80% raise for the legislators. While I know that raises can occur for legislators, this timing seems ludicrous.

Do we recall the removal of the fuel subsidy early this year by the Nigeria Government? Not only did this cause mass pandemonium (which was clearly justified), it is still hampering the livelihood of the poor and middle class. If the government can’t afford to keep the fuel subsidy in place, I think a logical wondering is how can these raises be afforded?

A further commentary regarding this matter is the Nigerian Interdenominational National Day of Prayer and fasting that took place Friday March 16th, 2012. While I believe this is a quality sign of unity, I am wondering if there are other ways in which impact can be made. During the National Day of Prayer the participants were praying for the betterment of Nigeria.

Will the prayers bring the fuel subsidy back? Will the prayers bring a higher level of accountability for government officials? Will the prayers fix Nigeria lack of social infrastructure? Will the prayers stop Nigeria terrorist called Boko Haram?

Unfortunately, I think there are better ways to go about revolutionizing the society to bring about a change. The people of Nigeria need to join forces to let their government officials know that their behavior is not appropriate. It is time to unite and start putting on the pressure. Call, e-mail and visit your legislators, do not cave in to the authorities deploying men and women of the Nigeria Police and Army to break up your peaceful protest for change and accountability of the Nigeria society. As Margaret Mead stated, “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Further reading on related topic: http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/news/40171-house-okays-n38-8bn-jumbo-allowance-for-members.html

Dinner on backs of tax payers

http://premiumtimesng.com/business/4233-sec_boss_arunma_oteh_spent_n850_000_on_food_for_a_day.html

The Director General of Nigeria Security and Exchange Commission, Arunma Oteh

First off I would like to say that I want to know what this government official was eating for #850,000 naira (equivalent of $5391.6907 US dollars) per day. Can we say champagne taste when she is supposed to be on a beer budget. I am curious as to why this official feels that it is okay for her to spend this type of money. As a government official shouldn't she be modeling fiscally responsible behavior?

Let's talk about the checks and balances. First off why was this allowed? Secondly what is the government going to do about this? Is she going to have to pay the money back? Will she lose her job? It pains me to think of all of the ways in which this money could have been spent to ensure that Nigerians receive the goods and services they are entitled to.

There seems to be a feeling of entitlement among some Nigerian officials. Why do they feel they need to live "high on the hog." It seems as though she feels she is better than the people she serves. It seems to me that those that have the most impact in bringing about change and in being leaders in their positions have a servant mentality. She should be prudent in the usage of the government funds she is responsible for managing. If she spends $5391.6907 on food for herself, how can we have any trust that she is being a good fiscal agent in managing any of the budgets which she oversees?

Leading by Example

One of the things that I find very interesting is the attitude of “devout” Christians. I find in too many situations people try to use God in inappropriate ways. What I am talking about is the folks that are in the “front” seat of church every Sunday but yet embody behaviors during the week that aren’t exactly “front” seat worthy.

Bishop Ted Haggard former USA Republican religious adviser to President Bush lost his mega church after admitting to a relationship with a male prostitute while married.

I find that sometimes when people are put into difficult situations they will “pull” the religious card but yet do not embody at all that same principle in their own behavior. I see people posting religious quotes and Biblical passages on a frequent basis on social media networks. Yet some of those same people are not living the lifestyle in which they want others to perceive they are.



There is a trend among pastors and other clergy to have extramarital affairs or inappropriate sexual rendezvous that are definitely not in line with the faith they are preaching. I also see people criticizing others for behaviors such as having children out of wedlock or divorce yet they themselves got married and had a baby 3 or 4 months later.

Bishop Eddie Long settled out of court several allegations of sexual misconduct with young men in his mission at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church while also married.

I am definitely not here to impose a moral compass or to state that I lead a perfectly Christian life, I am here to say however, that one needs to judge their own actions and behaviors before casting judgment upon others. I find those that don’t profess a certain religious practice to oftentimes be just as if not more honest than those that preach of a certain lifestyle yet do not embody it. Let’s stop the hypocritical, judging behavior and encourage each of us to lead a lifestyle that is genuine and authentic according to one’s own moral compass.