Goodluck Jonathan... The law breaker

I am truly at a loss for words with respect to this response - “Asset Declaration is voluntary, I don’t give a damn what any one feel about it" Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan. The asset declaration is a policy tool adopted by the Nigerian people to ensure that public corruption doesn't occur. Apparently, President Goodluck Jonathan doesn't give a damn about protecting, defending and most importantly following the constitutionality of the Nigerian government.

                                Nigeria President Goodluck Jonathan being sworn into office

What is wrong with him? A law is a law is a law. If he doesn't like the law then work to change it. It is not okay to simply ignore a law or worse yet openly defy it. What type of role model are you Goodluck Jonathan? You have lost all credibility (not sure how much you still had left). You might as well have opened the gates to greed, crime and corruption in Nigeria. If you choose not to follow the laws...how do you expect anyone else to? Oh that's right you operate under the premise of "Do as I say not as I do." A true leader with outstanding credibility.

So Enamored with Himself

This is a political manifesto if I have ever seen one from Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state, Nigeria: Hear Governor Okorocha:

 "wondered why some children still hawk during school hours despite the state free education programme and construction of 305 model schools in the 305 political wards in Imo". http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89214:imo-drops-six-commissioners-recalls-sacked-teachers&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

While there are many problems with this statement, the biggest one is that it is a blatant lie. See disclaimer from well informed Ndi Imo thereafter:

"I wish to state here that THERE is NO model school built or renovated in my ward, Assa Town in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government as claimed by the governor. Except such is built this morning. If such is the case, it means the governor is economical with the truth. Has LIES become an act of governance?" - Joel Nwokeoma  https://www.facebook.com/#!/joel.nwokeoma/posts/10150952561780750

What I am most disturbed by is the fact that Governor Okorocha would think that he could get by with this lie. Does he not think that this can be proven false? Does he truly believe that his constituents are so enamored with him that they would never check his statements? I am truly worried about someone who is so arrogant and feels that it is okay to lie about this. If he is comfortable lying about a matter that is so matter of fact, what else is he lying about?

Let's send a message to Governor Rochas Okorocha that Ndi Imo elected a governor and not a messiah, and wouldn't tolerate a lying governor.

Hush Money

Ref: http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/anti-graft-lawmaker-accused-taking-bribe#.T9SAuHFLUiE.twitter

                                         Congressman Farouk Lawan (Left) & Femi Otedola

Today I write to you with a new development yet it oddly seems to be the same story...just a different day. We all recall the debacle regarding the oil subsidy, the national uprising, the strikes, etc. Well amid all of this uproar what was Congressman Rep. Farouk Lawan doing? One could reasonably expect that during this time he was working to bring about a peaceful, workable solution to ensure the subsidy be put back into place to bring about resolve for the citizens of Nigeria. Unfortunately...no! He was too busy lining his own pockets rather than advocating for the citizens he represents.  He was approached by the oil executives and decided that it was the right thing for him to extort this problem for personal gain. Rather than exposing the oil executives for who they are, he decided to "take the money and run." He cashed in on $600, 000 USD (about N96 million Nigeria naira)  of hush money to protect the oil company from being exposed. An obvious, yet extremely simplistic question that pops into my mind regarding this is..."What the hell is wrong with you?" or "Who does that?"

At least a redeeming quality here is that his conscious got the best of him and he quickly turned the money back over and reported the situation to his fellow congressmen. Actually, no! The way this was discovered is that an oil executive by name Femi Otedola  testify in the Nigeria senate alleging the bribery and naming names to let them know what happened. The plan for the money was that Congressmen Rep. Farouk Lawan was supposed to use the money to bribe his governmental cronies to cover up the results of the oil company investigation. Congressmen Rep. Farouk Lawan, instead became greedy and pocketed all the money.

Well...at least he admitted to it right away. Once again...no! He lied until he received enough pressure and the evidence was too much against him. Not until he was faced with this reality did he come forward. This story is despicable at best. Where is the justice for our governmental officials? Hold him accountable. He is not above the law!

As in America there are a few names that come to mind. Blagojevich, Madoff, Libby, Hecker. These names are among an "elite" list of corrupt individuals. While the American justice system is not always a beacon of excellence, all of these individuals faced justice. They are now all serving time for the corrupt acts they committed. Two of these individuals were government officials. It doesn't matter, the American justice system took the right action against them regardless of their status. It is essential that the Nigerian government make an example out of this individuals. Make them pay for their actions. This is the only way to curb the corruption that exists in Nigeria.

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.