Breaking: President Buhari appoints Mrs Amina Zakari as Acting Chairman of INEC

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Mrs Amina Bala Zakari as the Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following the conclusion of the term of Office of Prof. Attahiru Jega. This was disclosed in a statement signed by Haruna Imrana, Director of Communications for the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. According to the statement, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Barr. Danladi Kifasi who conveyed the appointment in a letter, said it is with effect from June 30, 2015 until the appointment of a substantive Chairman. Mrs. Zakari is presently a National Electoral Commissioner at INEC. Amina Bala Zakari, a pharmacist by profession hails from Jigawa State. She completed her Secondary Education from the prestigious Queens College Yaba, Lagos. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.sc) degree in Pharmacy with Second Class upper (Best Graduating Student) in 1980 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. After completing the National Youth Service, she worked as a Professional Pharmacist in various hospitals from 1983 – 1996. She then moved into the consultancy field to serve in various capacities as a consultant in Health and Social Services from 1997 up till her appointment as National Commissioner, INEC. She has also served as a Special Assistant to the President and was posted to FCT where she served as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Social Development and Agriculture and Rural Development from 2004 – 2007. Her Consultancy services covered Federal MDAs (FMWH, NAFDAC, NPHCDA etc) MDGs and the Private Sector. Amina Bala Zakari is a registered Pharmacist and Member Pharmacist’s Society of Nigeria as well as Member of Nigeria Institute of Management (MNIM). Other qualifications obtained include, Certificate in Managing Drugs Supply for Primary Health Care from MHS Amsterdam in 1997, Certificate in Project Management 1998, Certificate in Senior Management from Crown Agents London in 2005 Certificate in Executive Education in Business Management from Harvard Business School.

Gays and Lesbians can now live legally in the US.

The US Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal throughout the nation Friday in a much-awaited landmark decision that triggered wild jubilation and tears of joy across the country. In a 5-4 ruling, the highest court in the United States said the Constitution requires all 50 states to carry out and recognize marriages between people of the same sex. President Barack Obama praised the ruling as “a victory for America.” The court decision marked a fresh coup for the White House, coming a day after the Supreme Court upheld an important and disputed section of Obama’s signature health care reform. “Today we can say in no uncertain terms that we’ve made our union a little more perfect,” Obama said at the White House, which was later lit up in the rainbow colors of the gay rights movement. “This decision affirms what millions of Americans already believe in their hearts — when all Americans are treated as equal, we are all more free.” The Supreme Court ruling made the United States the 21st country or territory in the world that recognizes same-sex marriage as legal. Flag-waving LGBT advocates on the packed Supreme Court forecourt — some in tears — cheered, danced, shouted “USA! USA!” and sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” in celebration. Prominent in the crowd was Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the case, clutching a photo of his deceased husband John Arthur. He took a brief phone call from Obama, who told him: “Not only have you been a great example for people but you’re also going to bring about a lasting change in this country. “And it’s pretty rare where that happens, so I couldn’t be prouder of you and your husband. God bless you.” Obergefell, who was live on television at the time, replied humbly: “Thank you, sir. That means an incredible amount to me.” Also in the vast crowd outside court as the life-changing news filtered through were Robert Westover, 51, and Tom Fulton, 57, who hugged and kissed. “It feels like my birthday, the prom, our wedding day. It’s hard to express the intensity of this moment, that our love now is equal,” Westover told AFP. The decision was applauded across the country, with Hollywood celebrities such as Katy Perry and Ben Affleck offering praise, while in New York revelers waved rainbow flags and gathered at a famed gay bar to celebrate. – Dissenting voices – The case was brought by 14 same-sex couples, and the widowers of two gay couples, including Obergefell, who had challenged de facto bans on same-sex marriage in Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. All four states had insisted in their respective constitutions that marriage could only be a union between a man and a woman. “The Fourteenth Amendment (providing equal protection under the law) requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state,” the court ruling said. Marriage has been a core institution in society since ancient times, “but it has not stood in isolation from developments in law and society,” reasoned Justice Anthony Kennedy, who delivered the ruling. To exclude them from marriage, Kennedy said, would deny same-sex couples “the constellation of benefits that the states have linked to marriage.” Voicing dissent was Chief Justice John Roberts, who expressed concern that the court was making a decision better left to elected state legislatures. “If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision,” he said. “Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. “But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.” The decision came two years to the day after the Supreme Court, in another major ruling, struck down a controversial federal law that denied US government benefits to wedded gays and lesbians. – ‘A tragic error’ – While some praised the ruling, others were eager to voice disapproval. The conservative Family Research Council expressed outrage, saying “no court can overturn natural law.” “Nature and nature’s God, hailed by the signers of our Declaration of Independence as the very source of law, cannot be usurped by the edict of a court, even the United States Supreme Court,” it said. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose state has also prohibited same-sex marriage, said the fight going forward was now one of “religious liberty.” “No court, no law, no rule and no words will change the simple truth that marriage is the union of one man and one woman,” he said in a statement. The US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which champions the Vatican’s opposition to marriage equality, called Friday’s outcome “a tragic error.” “Jesus Christ, with great love, taught unambiguously that from the beginning marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman,” it said.

I did not remove DSS from Aso Rock - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday dispelled rumours that State Security Service operatives have been expelled from the Presidential Villa. Mr. Buhari, who spoke through his Senior Adviser, Femi Adesina, said the speculations on the expulsion of the SSS operatives were unfounded. A statement from the presidency said: “Rumours that personnel of the State Security Service have been expelled from the Presidential Villa are unfounded. “President Muhammadu Buhari has given no such order. “While it is true that a reorganization of security at the Presidential Villa which involves the realignment of personnel from various services is underway, the exercise does not translate to the expulsion of DSS personnel from the premises in any way. “The changes being made are routine adjustments which are not unexpected in any dynamic environment from time to time.” There had been claims that Mr. Buhari barred SSS personnel from serving as part of his security team. The presidency denied the reports.

James Horner, Titanic music Composer die in a plane crash

James Horner, the celebrated composer of the scores of several Hollywood smash-hit films including “Titanic” and “Avatar,” died Monday in a plane crash at the age of 61, US media reported. Hollywood trade magazine Variety reported the composer died when his private aircraft crashed in Santa Barbara, California. “Brilliant Composer James Horner, friend & collaborator on 7 movies has tragically died in a plane crash. My heart aches for his loved ones,” wrote director and colleague Ron Howard on Twitter. Horner won two Oscars for his work on “Titanic” – one for its theme song “My Heart Will Go On”, performed by Celine Dion, and another for the film’s score. He also won Oscar nominations for the music of numerous other box-office hits, including “Apollo 13,” “Braveheart” and “Field of Dreams.” His first nomination came in 1986 for the sci-fi horror film “Aliens.” Horner’s most recent Oscar nomination was for another sci-fi epic, James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster “Avatar”. With expansive and emotive soundscapes, Horner’s scores carried films to their climax and accompanied top actors as they delivered some of their most moving performances. Tender kisses in “The Amazing Spider-Man,” grand battles in “Troy” and moments of stirring drama in “A Beautiful Mind” were all set up by Horner’s hand. American film touchstones of the 1990s such as “Patriot Games”, “Searching for Bobby Fischer” and “Jumanji” were also composed by Horner. Top actors and directors in the film and television world paid tribute to Horner online. “Incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of James Horner. I grew up loving his work. He leaves behind a spectacular musical legacy,” television series creator Seth MacFarlane tweeted. “There is nothing that shaped my movie-going experience more than the musical genius of James Horner. He will live on through the ages,” tweeted actor Rob Lowe. Actor Ron Perlman, who starred in “Enemy at the Gates”, said he was “lucky to be able to say I was in a movie that was scored by James Horner.” “Flights of angels dear sweet beautiful mind…,” he wrote on Twitter. Other composers also spoke of Horner’s lasting influence on their careers. “James Horner, thank you for inspiring a young me to pursue a career in film music. Thank you for your music. Rest in peace.” wrote Steve Jablonsky who composed music for the “Transformers” film series. Horner also scored popular animated films “The Land Before Time” (1988) and “An American Tail: Fievel Goes West” (1991). He was nominated for an Oscar for the song “Somewhere Out There” in “An American Tail.”

[UPDATED] Why I stopped the Tradition of Feeding/gifts during Ramadan, Xmas – El-Rufa’i

Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i of Kaduna State, on Tuesday reacted to criticisms over state government’s stoppage of gifts during festivities, saying it was due to poor finances of government. El-Rufa’i said in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Samuel Aruwan that the government was broke and needed to conserve resources for development. The decision of the governor came under serious criticism from civil servants especially those in the lower cadre over the stoppage of the annual gift. “Kaduna State is broke and needs to tighten its finances to serve the people better in a manner that befits their massive support for change,’’ the governor said. He explained that the practice had been used to siphon “government resources in the guise of gifts to prominent politicians, public servants and famous figures, or the feeding of indigent persons during religious occasions.’’ The governor stressed that his administration would no longer play to the gallery to score cheap political goal and fraudulently enrich few individuals by continuing with the scheme. “Findings have revealed how it is mainly prominent politicians and influential personalities that benefit from the Ramadan and Christmas gifts instead of the so called poor. “Food stuffs, bought with public resources, are distributed to prominent government officials and other personalities, while the poor in whose name those foods are procured queue in droves for crumbs,’’ he said. El-Rufa’i challenged prominent individuals benefiting from the gesture to deploy their wealth to support the poor instead of taking from them. The governor said, he was coordinating with some of his friends to pool resources “to provide Ramadan feeding as private individuals to the vulnerable in our society.’’ “This is a healthy way of building a caring society, and if more widely adopted by people of means, will certainly provide for more persons than a fraudulent system of government provision that at best reaches only a few,’’ he added.

Is there Hope for Nigeria? - Chinedu Opara

By Chinedu Opara - There is no doubt that many Nigerians have wondered and are still wondering where the nation is heading to and if there is any hope for recovering from the present problems. Any nation weighed down the way we are by the enormity of problems confronting us should worry for its future! Nigerians follow the politically correct nuance of referring to problems as challenges. Good! But where challenges are not confronted and dealt with, they remain problems! These challenges could be seen as: issues of security of life and property, political stability, economic development, degraded infrastructure of power, transportation, educational and health facilities; all pervasive corruption and excessive greed and self-seeking amongst the three tiers of government, unresponsive governance and growing pessimism amongst the vast majority of the country’s population. Yes I am Young, But since I was born and come of age to know right and wrong, I have continuously been hearing of Nigeria’s glory in the past! I can’t help but wonder where it all went wrong. Was Nigeria ever really the giant of Africa? What really happened? Given the level of individual and group self-seeking, and pessimism about our country, the real questions to ask today are: Are there true Nigerians left out there? Are there believers in Nigeria out there? What are the values on which this country is rooted? Are there people standing up for such values? Corruption and infrastructural deficit, failure of educational and health institutions and the prevalent insecurity are symptoms of a citizenry that has turned its back on the nation. The problems confronting us today are symptoms of lack of belief in any value and indeed, a resistance to all laws that protect our common citizenship while we pursue self and group aggrandizement. Young people only care about their stomach. No jobs for the Youth. Maybe things has worked before now, But it is not accurate Nigerians have abandoned merit, law and order, and is aggressively pursuing obsessive tribal, religious, sectional and regional interest. This is even more prevalent among our Youths. Leaving me to wonder what the future of Nigeria will be. The Nigeria I see today is no more than a goat owned by all but no one takes responsibility to feed it. Everybody wants to milk the public goat for self-enrichment. It is, therefore, unrealistic to expect that the economy would not collapse under such mindless rapacity that has unleashed on us politics of do-or-die. Thus, yesterday’s champions of nationalism are today’s strident ethnic champions. People I looked up to are now Fans of individuals just cause of politics. These ethnic champions are proud of their role. Some are celebrated and bestowed with our national honours for being ethnic nationalists while the young tow that line to achieve likewise! Can you feel the shame? Any nation where a few or any group places its interest above everybody else’s or above the nation, any nation where the operating philosophy is everyone to himself, nothing can work. And so it has not worked for us and even that which worked in the past if at all it did have been lost to selfishness and excessive greed. It is unrealistic, in fact, a pretence, to think that once our self or group interest is taken care of, Nigeria will be okay. That has not happened; that cannot happen. The Nigeria that will work for any individual or group is a Nigeria that works for all! Man is the only agent of change for good or bad. The economy of a nation can collapse and the citizens take collective responsibility and rebuild it. But any nation where the citizenry is destroyed by excessive greed, self-seeking, loses the capacity for self renewal. That is the reason why Nigeria is reeling from crisis to crisis. That is why we have gone from a strong economy to a weak economy. Our oil resources, notwithstanding. That is why all the fine documents, from Vision 2010 to 20:2020, have failed to transform our economy. That is why every aspect of our national life has collapsed. That is why we have gone from being the giant of Africa to a whimpering mouse. Just yesterday We topped Africa’s Economy, today President Buhari is crying of empty treasury with Billions of dollars deficit. Nigeria is being shot to pieces and we are sitting, hoping for a miracle to stop it. No people have paid so much lip service to their country like Nigerians. Whatever Nigeria is today is what we made of it. Whatever Nigeria is not today is what we have failed to make of it. It is absolutely in our hands. Can President Buhari make the difference? Can he rise above himself, to put Nigerians to work for Nigeria? Can President Buhari reinvent the Nigerian citizenship that is patriotic and passionate about our country? I believe in Nigeria

President Buhari orders removal of all Military Checkpoints in Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday ordered the removal of all military checkpoints set up in the wake of Boko Haram activities across the country. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Aliyu Ismaila, disclosed this to State House correspondents after a meeting Buhari had with service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Ismaila said the meeting had further encouraged the security chiefs to do more in the war against insurgency because of the leadership being provided by the President who is a retired military officer.

Benin Airport Closed till July 10

The Federal Government yesterday said that it will shut down the Benin airport’s runway on Saturday, June 20 to Friday, July 10, 2015 for the purpose of repair and maintenance. Disclosing this development to newsmen, Deputy General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Onyekwere Nnaekpe pointed out that the temporary closure was to facilitate rehabilitation work on the airport’s runway. Mr. Nnaekpe however added that the agency NOTAM had been sent to adequately inform airlines’ operators and passengers of the development. He said “The Management of the Federal Airports Authority Nigeria wishes to inform members of the public, especially airline operators, airline passengers and other airport users, that the Benin Airport will be closed to flight operations from Saturday, June 20 to Friday, July 10, 2015 to facilitate rehabilitation work on the airport’s runway” “A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has already been issued to all operators of scheduled and non scheduled flights to the airport, to enable them make alternative arrangements for their flight operations during the period of the closure of the airport” The FAAN Deputy General Manager said that airlines’ operators could use the Asaba airport and the Osubi airstrip in Warri as alternates airports to the Benin airport. “The runway rehabilitation work is part of a routine maintenance programme designed by the Authority to ensure that airport runways and other ancillary facilities do not fall below standards recommended by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)”. “The Authority regrets any inconvenience the closure of the Benin Airport for this period will cause airline operators, airline passengers and other users of the airport” Mr.Nnaekpe said.

Unknown Gunmen kill 13, injure others in Kaduna

No fewer than 13 persons have been killed by invading gunmen in separate attacks at Katsak Village in Jema’a Local Government Area and at Ungwan Danborno in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area both in Kaduna State on Thursday. They (gunmen) also injured about 15 persons who are presently receiving treatment at different Hospitals. The state governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, told the executive members of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Friday but failed to give the number of those killed during the separate attacks in the state. He, however, said he was in a crucial meeting with security chiefs in the state over the attacks. Some residents of the areas explained that the gunmen stormed Katsat village, when they were celebrating an annual cultural festival at about 9pm(Thursday) night and opened fire on them, thereby disrupting an event that started peacefully. Our correspondent gathered that although the identity and mission of the gunmen were unknown by the villagers, the latest attacks had created tension in the villages as the indigenes have remained indoors for fear of further attacks. Meanwhile, the governor has condemned the attacks in the two local government sreas of the state. El-Rufai, who spoke through his spokesman, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, assured the citizens that the state government would adopt a comprehensive measure to tackle the problem and ensure sustainable peace and security across the state. El-Rufai said he was determination to work with the security agencies and the judiciary towards ending the perennial killings in the state. He said, “The Kaduna State Government has condemned the recent killings in parts of the state. While expressing its sympathy to the victims, the government said a series of comprehensive measures are being designed to tackle the problem and secure sustainable peace across the state.”

Democracy is a lifestyle not a system, embrace it - President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari said on Friday that Nigerians should be patient and accept democracy not as a system of government but as a lifestyle in order to ensure development of the country. The president said this when he paid homage to the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, after attending the Juma’at prayer at the Lowcost Mosque, in Daura, Katsina State. “If Nigerians continuously follow the tenets of democracy the country will always be at peace since democracy on its own with its institutions has the mechanism for resolving conflicts peacefully,” he said. The President, who delivered his speech in Hausa, urged those who were aggrieved after the 2015 elections to seek redress through democratic means and institutions. Buhari noted that Nigeria was adopting democracy from the western nations and learning fast by avoiding mistakes made when studying the weaknesses and strengths of those nations. According to him, if Nigerians decide to be hasty, some avoidable mistakes can be made. Buhari urged that elections at all levels must be conducted based on democratic principles. He urged those interested in elective positions to look for a political platform of their choice, declare their interests and the party would support them. The President said that in 2002 when he joined politics, many people did not give him a chance because they knew his antecedents as a military officer. He added that the 2015 polls had clearly shown that it is God that chooses who becomes a leader. “It is not by power, it is not by wealth but by the Grace of God that I won the election,’’ the president said. Buhari said he decided to contest elections because of his commitment to serve the people and not to be served or to amass wealth. He added that he had served the nation in different capacities in the past and had not had so much money in the banks either locally or abroad or anywhere in the world. He said all he had over time “is integrity and commitment to serve the people” and said that he would fulfill his promises to the people. Earlier, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, said he had known Buhari for his consistency which had become the hallmark of his integrity. He said he was happy that Buhari was eventually elected as the President of the country after some trials. The Emir observed that the President was not new in government and wherever he had served he always distinguished himself with integrity and in all he had returned home without a Kobo. The Emir urged Nigerians to be patient with the administration so that they could allow Buhari to deliver on his promises. He also urged Nigerians to support the administration with prayers in its new responsibility. We gathered that President Buhari had attended the Juma’at prayer with his kinsmen at the Lowcost Mosque in Daura where the Chief Imam, Alhaji Musa Mansir, prayed for peace and development in the country. The cleric also urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders at all times. He also spoke on the benefit of Ramadan and urged all to extend the hands of fellowship to others as well as give support to the less privileged persons in the society. Many residents of Daura thronged both the mosque and the Emir’s palace to have a glimpse of the President.

Senate President Saraki reports APC to Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki and others, Friday, were reported to be in a closed-door meeting at the Obasanjo’s Hilltop Mansion in Abeokuta. The meeting which took place earlier today is in connection with the battle to retain his election as Senate President. Yesterday it was learnt that there were attempts by the National Working Committee, NWC, of the party to diminish the power of the Senate President and the Speaker in the appointment of principal officers of the legislature. The principal offices to be filled by the APC in the Senate and the House of Representatives are Senate/House Leader, Deputy Senate/House Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip. Amongst those sited in Abeokuta are Senators Ahmed Yerima, Tayo Alasoadura, Andy Uba, Danjuma Goje and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. More details later

President Buhari or Mrs Buhari; Who is Scrapping the First Lady's Office?

By Chinedu Opara In many developed democracies with functional public institutional infrastructure and social welfare schemes for delivery of services to the ordinary people, first ladies have continued to play invaluable charitable and social roles. Some even help in giving expression to particular government policies of special interest. Eleanor Roosevelt and Rosalyn Carter played active roles in the government of the United States. A reasonable presumption would be that the office of the first lady is relevant and helpful in Nigeria. Even without statutory grounding, any intervention aimed at delivering succour to the poor especially in a weak society will be welcome. The grim circumstances that have led to a proliferation or rather mushrooming of NGOs justifies that office. In Nigeria, however, many incorrigibly selfish and greedy people have scammed International donors severally by using phoney set ups and this has adversely affected international support flowing to those in need. Ordinarily, this necessitates establishment of efficient charities that can gather and channel funds and energies altruistically. To me, The office of the first lady should be such an institution. It’s widely assumed that the wife of a president anywhere wields power and influence. She will wield even more power in jurisdictions where democratic checks and balances are weak and where democratic institutions are almost non - existent. The office should then be able to circumvent bureaucracy and meet disadvantaged groups or push policy on their behalf. But now, is it President Buhari or the Wife that want the office abolished? In his campaign days, President Buhari said he views the office of the first lady as an extra constitutional profligate agency. He believes that the office has come to be a symbol of vanity, ostentatious living and perhaps political meddlesomeness. A man reputed for probity and frugality who seeks to run on strict anti - corruption stance and public discipline can be expected to touch that office . President Buhari is a man of few words, he doesn’t give details. His sentiments are shared by many. It is unconscionable to engage in a supposed philanthropic enterprise for personal aggrandizement. And nothing points to this tendency more than that every first lady ushered into office in Nigeria abandons projects initiated by her predecessor and engages in new projects . Their sense of philanthropy is never self effacing, it is nearly always geared towards vain glory. They mobilise funds, they mobilise other women into subservience, and they become empresses. They revel in extravagant gatherings of cronies, embracing frivolities in furtherance of their class distinction. They pay lip service to the poor and the marginalized through shameless tokenisms, like sharing bags of rice in Abuja. Funds are wasted inviting all manner of people from all over Africa and beyond. In promoting tastes that are manifestly sybaritic and hedonistic they reveal an inner contempt for the poor and make a mockery of moderation and contentment the very values they should embrace. The hidden motive of these projects is to massage their swollen egos and they do it in a manner so coarse that it irks and disconcerts. Since the constitution was ’ daft’ enough not to provide official trappings for the presidents’ wife they would exploit charity and appropriate officialdom, create their own empire and reign supreme. Also we have In the past seen how office of the first lady extend her influence into government and party structures to cajole, harass , intimidate and subdue government and party officials. Often operating in the shadows; they facilitate high profile appointments, procure mouth-watering contracts, make and unmake people. Always dispensing patronage and often taking commissions. Now having seen all these, Can it be said that the President is scrapping the office of the First Lady or Mrs Buhari just removed the name? President Jonathan believed that the office promotes women and empowers them. And that its scrapping would amount to sending women back to the kitchen. He debunked the suggestion that the office and its activities have been a drain pipe on the nation’s resources, noting that the office gets nothing from the public treasury. Not many believe the assertion though. He touted programmes the immediate past first lady initiated and their benefits to women, children and the poor as evidence to support the utility and retention of that office. A president who regularly lays claim to women empowerment and liberty and who is generally easy- going would be expected to retain the office. Some may argue that in a male dominated society where women suffer grave , widespread, socio -cultural , systemically structured limitations and disadvantages, any opportunity, whether tokenistic or substantive, that throws power or influence the way of women, in some sense and to some degree , alleviates gender inequality . However, even moderate feminists would counter that any empowerment of women that flows from a kind political gesture of men to their ‘appendages’ or ‘ornamental objects’ perpetuates rather than alleviates gender inequality and discrimination. If women are in the kitchen they will not come out of it until definitive processes and policies that will correct societal structures and conceptions that impair gender equality are consciously and diligently entrenched. While the suggestion that the scrapping of the office furthers the subjugation of women can be labelled mere political gimmickry, it can be argued that, if occupied by a truly self-effacing lady, imbued with sense of philanthropy and patriotism, the office will immensely benefit the society. So can we now say that regulation can cure the mischief? But how do we identify a potential President? And if we do how do we vet his choice of partner? Haven’t ambitious and intelligent people surprised many with the type of wives they choose? Some exceptionally gifted women have also surprised many in choosing queer men. The office cannot be regulated in any case by law since its existence in Nigeria is unknown to law. I now wonder if our President has, despite his posturing, addressed his mind to the seemingly general negative public perception of that office in Nigeria. If the office has been abused, as many believe, Is he removing it? Is he insistent on retaining it? Does he intend to effect a reformation to make it useful?

SELF-MOTIVATED YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: THE WAY FORWARD by Yusuf I Goje

Without doubt our youth, majority of them, have been enslaved with both mental and physical indolence, which has reduced them to victims of idleness, despondency, perpetual blame-trading, blind agitation, political machineries and sycophants. These has been buoyed by the get-rich quick attitude and something for nothing mentality. They no longer subscribe to the notion which emphasizes the existence of dignity in labor, but they hope towards attaining the financial altitude reached by, more often than not, individuals whose affluence cannot be justified on the basis of the positions they occupy.

Our youth, among many other natural fears, are afraid of hard-work; they are quick to fall at the feet of materialism, luxury, pleasure and promiscuity which are by-products of immediate gratification.  Delayed gratification is a dreaded word, hard-work is equated with poverty, and honest wealth is seen as an illusion.

It is this mentality that we must begin to reshape for our youth to begin the process of true empowerment and self-actualization; this brings us to the issue of poverty, which is a coin with two sides. One of the sides of the coin is termed mental while the other side is the physical form of poverty. We focus more on the physical manifestation of poverty, including the failure of government to cater for our welfare, while forgetting that it has a lot more to do with an individual’s belief and thought pattern. While we agree that the government’s effort has been so far insufficient in reducing poverty; in most cases it is self-inflicted, as a result of the choices and decisions made and taken by the individual.

While our talent, potential and zeal are in waste; we make of ourselves dependents of a system that has no regards for our growth and progress. What does it really take, in the real sense, to provide qualitative and free education for our teeming despondent youth population, or to put in place critical infrastructure and pro-poor policies that would open-up opportunities for the army of unemployed youth to get meaningfully and productively engaged. Is it that we do not have the money or the expertise to provide the necessary basic needs? As for me, it is just the absence of sincere-hearted political will to bring it to fruition.

The youth must begin to look inwards, rather than blaming their circumstances on leaders, through self-realization and belief. We must find what we love and do what we love, by building careers rather than becoming job seekers. We should be solution-providers in our communities, by identifying needs and fulfilling it. Our youth must put on their entrepreneurial thinking cap, in generating innovations that would change their lives and the world at large. We must become too ambitious to wait on the government or any individual to empower us, before we can give meaning to our lives. After all, no government can provide jobs for all its citizens, in advanced countries such as America and China; it is businesses owned by young entrepreneurs that stimulate their economies.

Times for blame-trading and excuses are over, our economy is in bad shape, so our youth should not expect manna from the government, they must hit the road and put on our thinking cap in building a life of their heart desires. Let’s begin to initiate businesses, innovations and also engage in volunteerism to bring about a greater future for ourselves and nation.

EL-RUFA’I AND THE TASK AHEAD – By Yusuf I Goje

Kaduna is among the states that fell flat in the face of the ravaging avalanche of the change tsunami of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the just concluded general elections across the nation; especially the governorship elections that took place on the 28 April. The outcome of which the candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Mallam Nasir Ahmed El-rufa’i hit the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero under the belt; with one million, one hundred and seventeen thousand, six hundred and thirty five (1, 117, 635) votes as against four hundred and eighty five thousand, eight hundred and thirty three (485,833) votes. 

The result as declared by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in charge of Kaduna state, Professor Ja’afaru Kaura, revealed that the APC won in seventeen (17) out of the twenty three local governments in the state, leaving the incumbent PDP with a meager six (6) local governments. The icing on the cake was when the incumbent governor of the state, Alhaji Muktar Ramalan Yero, ate the humble pie by phoning and congratulated the governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-rufa’i, which went a long way in dousing the tensed atmosphere, whereby the peace was unstable.

The massive votes generated by the candidacy of Mallam Nasir El-rufa’i are the symptoms of the intense expectations, in some instances unrealistic; the electorates have, especially those that voted for him. Even those that voted against him are watching keenly every step of the way, expecting him to justify why they did not vote for him. Since the return of democracy in 1999; the PDP has held sway with four governors in succession.

While it would be unfair to say that the PDP has done nothing in the area of developing the state, especially during the administrations of governors Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi and late Sir Patrick Yakowa, its effort seems too little too small in the face of the myriad of challenges facing the state, which include infrastructural decay, insecurity, unemployment, poverty, among many others. Most of the projects embarked by the PDP have been seen to be white-elephant,  propagandist and elitist by the residents of the state; while its sixteen (16) years reign is believed to have superintended over the enrichment of a few and the impoverishment of the majority.

 Kaduna state has been the administrative headquarters of northern Nigeria since pre-colonial times, and presently boast of a population of six million, one hundred and thirteen thousand, five hundred and three (6,113,503) people spread across the twenty three (23) local governments of the state, the third largest in the country. With a land mass of forty six thousand and fifty three (46, 053) square kilometers, the state is cosmopolitan and is largely agrarian.

 It houses the first inland petroleum refinery in the north, which was built in 1981, textile mills and numerous other factories, industries and businesses. It is also blessed with abundant mineral resources, historical and cultural sites that could be huge sources of revenue to the state. With these potentials and more, the state has been plagued with unemployment, low revenue generation, poverty and underdevelopment due mainly to mismanagement and absence of visionary leadership. These and many more have heightened the expectations of the residents of the state of a leadership that is not only credible and competent, but that which is pro-people and development oriented. No one wonder the electorate across the state came out in large numbers to be part of the train of change that penetrated through nook and crannies of the state.

The inspiration behind this write-up came to me when I was on transit from Abuja to Kaduna last weekend; in a commercial vehicle, when a discussion was ignited by one of the passengers and engaged the other passengers including myself and the driver. The discussion centered on whether Mallam Nasir El-Rufa’i can replicate the monumental feat he achieved as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Kaduna state as a governor.

While almost everyone in the vehicle was unanimously optimistic, due mainly to his track record of excellence, the key questions that seem to have taken every one aback are the enormous expectations with which residents of the state greeted his victory, and what areas should he focus on in meeting some of these expectations. My opinion was that he should focus on social reintegration, balancing stomach and physical infrastructure, revamping the economy, resuscitating the educational sector, and should be conscious of the acidic impact of sycophants that would be coming around him.

Without doubt, Kaduna is no longer the once peaceful and socially integrated state it used to be; when religion and ethnicity meant little in how we interacted with each other and also in determining where we resided. Over the years, Kaduna state has witness series of violent crisis between and within ethno-religious, political and socio- economic divides.

It is today evident that the state has been polarized; a situation where Christians can no longer reside or even visit without fear Rigasa or Tudun Wada; likewise Muslims cannot reside or freely visit Goningora. So much mistrust and suspicion have taken over the state; a situation whereby, for instance, during elections ethno-religious affiliation was a huge determining factor in the voting pattern. The governor-elect, am sure, is aware that he cannot effectively achieve much in a divided state; so he must display equity, fairness and justice in his actions and inaction for there to be accelerated and complete healing of the wounds of our antagonistic and belligerent past.

This is more so, because without peace there cannot be meaningful development; therefore the governor-elect must create and strengthen peace-building structures and processes that would enhance social reintegration in the state. He must also call some of his overzealous aids and supporters who overtly or covertly see and project his victory as a religious one to order; which have made people of other religions uncomfortable.

The governor-elect has an enviable record of city beautification and infrastructural development; with the point of reference being the FCT, which is yet to have a minister with his achievements before or after him. No wonder, he has been given the nickname Mai-Rusau by his admirers in the state. As it is with our mentality, of which I know he is well aware of, the masses only translate meaningful development to mean food on their table and money in their pockets. So keeping the balance would be one of his most herculean task, without which the goodwill he presently enjoys would evaporate in front of his very eyes and he would become public enemy number one. I belief former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has a lot of experience to share with him in that regards.

I believe the governor-elect is up to the task, as he has assured residents of the state on many occasions that their welfare is high on his priority list, one of such events was when he had a round-table discussion with some selected southern Kaduna youth groups at the Holiday Conference Hotel at Ungwan Rimi, before the APC primary elections. I was privileged to be in attendance, and I asked him the question of how he intends to balance physical and stomach infrastructure. He then reassured us of why he is running for the seat, which he said was not for personal aggrandizement, because he has almost all he needs for himself, but was in the race in order to uplift the living standard of the residents and bring back the lost glory of the state. Now is the right time to transform promises into reality having won the governorship elections.

It is obvious even to the blind that Kaduna state is in a bad state economically; with a high debt profile which is only second to Lagos, shortfall in internally generated revenue, dwindling federal allocation and poor infrastructure; we are surely in for hard times. At this point I do not admire the governor-elect; with the huge expectations, most of which are unrealistic, and an almost empty treasury with huge debt to service; the governor-elect really needs our prayers. The focus now has to be on internally generated revenue, which has over the year’s fallen victim of crass mismanagement and official corruption. The task ahead is putting a viable system that would block all the leakages that are hindering effective revenue mobilization, thereby reducing over dependence on the federal government monthly allocation.

The governor-elect must break the jinx and change the culture of paying lip service to the revival of our non-functional industries and factories; which have the potential of generating revenue and jobs for the teeming unemployed people in the state. The state presently has a poverty rate of 52. 4% as core poor and 38.2% as moderately poor, the second highest incidence of poverty in the North-western zone just behind Zamfara state. While the unemployment rate is put at 25.7%, which is well above the national average of 23.9%; this is a time bomb that he must defuse, if we are to avoid the disaster waiting to happen. This is the more reason why he must focus his attention on agriculture, which presently engages 80% of its work-force. It is the only sector that has the capacity to absorb majority of the teeming unemployed. This he can achieve by working closely with the federal government, International Donor Agencies, Development partners, private sector and Non-governmental Organizations.

The governor-elect must also look towards the direction of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) due to its potential to create wealth, generate jobs, reduce poverty, mobilize revenue and boost economic growth in the state. The United States of America and China are presently enjoying the fruit of investing in and creating a conducive environment for MSMEs to thrive. In achieving this, the governor-elect can also borrow the One Village, One Product (OVOP) from China or the One Local government, One product (OLOP) programme by SMEDAN. This would go a long way in developing especially rural businesses and economies in the state.

Other areas that have suffered neglect over the years that need the governor-elect’s full attention include but not limited to education, healthcare, community development, critical infrastructure, security, among many. These and more he must do to justify the massive support and votes he got from the residents of the state, alibis would not be tolerated due to the high expectations. We know the state has challenges and that is why we voted for him, and we would not be passive this time around, because the mandate he is riding on is ours. While we would give him all the support he needs we would also constructively criticize him when he is derailing. We call on him to be wary of sycophants that can create a gulf in between him and the people that gave him their mandate in trust. We pray that God would grant him wisdom.