Why is Nigeria left behind?

As a Nigerian have you ever asked yourself why we are left behind in terms of modern development and why we are deemed as one of the most corrupt nations in the world? Yet we are one of the most materialistic citizens. Nigeria is one of the most popular and richest countries in Africa, blessed […]

As a Nigerian have you ever asked yourself why we are left behind in terms of modern development and why we are deemed as one of the most corrupt nations in the world? Yet we are one of the most materialistic citizens. Nigeria is one of the most popular and richest countries in Africa, blessed with several mineral resources ranging from oil, fertile lands for farming, rivers and we are very close to the Atlantic Ocean. But the absence of the ethics of discipline, punctuality, respect for rules and laws is our bane. It is interesting to note that Nigeria can be a better and greater nation when we imbibe the right values as a paradigm for building a new generation. We must unite to make our country great and stop killing and fighting ourselves. If Nigeria is to be a great nation, we must say no to tribalism, nepotism, corruption and other social vices.

Mubarak Mahmood, Mass Communication Department, University of Maiduguri

Immunity (impunity) is the bane of  Nigerian  governance

Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) is one of the few Nigerians who are consistent with advocacy for good governance. He was at his best again from what I read in the Saturday Mirror of 1st January 2011, maintaining that impunity will continue to encourage rigging in Nigeria elections. When the Lady of Songs Christy Essien Igbokwe (MFR) got a clue that the late President Umaru Yar’adua requested the National Assembly to amend the Immunity Clause, she offered to lead a campaign in support if the President was serious, but the courage from the Presidency soon waned. At that time and in support of the cancellation of the Immunity clause, Chief Akintola advocated total revolution in Nigeria, in the style of Ghana’s. All this is to instill some discipline in the polity at which any insincere politician would be discouraged from putting self forward for election. Why must the Immunity (Impunity) clause in our nation’s Constitution continue to lead us blindly?

Udy Etop Akpabio, Umuahia Road, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom [email protected]

Women for change initiative?

It is ironic for someone observing the recent happenings within the ruling party, PDP and the absolute silence of a group which claim and parade itself as one fighting and advocating for female representation in Nigeria’s politics. It is now obvious that the group kept mute and left a female presidential aspirant to slug it. Sarah Jibril, a female, was not catered for by the group. This goes to show you that the body is just an extension of Goodluck/Sambo organisation.

Abubakar Kaka Sanda, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Reviving Sardauna’s legacies

Today, we are very sad to mark 45 years after the gruesome assassination of our hero Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sardauna of Sokoto. His memory is always fresh in our minds simply because of his deeds when he was alive. We will continue to remember this quintessential icon generation after generation. We will continue to emulate his honesty, sacrifice and unusual commitment to service to humanity which has impacted on our lives tremendously. As a young man who was born long time after the demise of this great man, I can still look at what he did as a manifestation of his great leadership. I can still look at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; I can still look at New Nigerian Newspaper (NNN) and I can still look at NNDC and other numerous legacies he left behind, which is the reason why we will never forget him.

What is very unfortunate is the fact that all those who claim to be successors of Sardauna have failed to uphold Sardauna’s dream. These people are unlike Sardauna when it comes to public service. They lack his honesty, commitment and charisma. For us to revive Sardauna’s legacies, we must go beyond organizing lectures and symposia. We need to come out in the streets and fight against those looters who have turned majority of us to the status of beggars.

Comrade Bishir Dauda, Sabuwar Unguwa, Katsina. [email protected]