Dear President Goodluck Jonathan You Cannot Reformat Our Memories. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Dear President Jonathan, I never thought I was going to write to you again since your eviction from the “Rock” because it was no longer worth it. But seeing how ardently you are trying to invade our memories with “Ebele-Trojan Virus”, in a bid to reformatting it- clearing off and replacing existing data, in an attempt to rewrite history thereby playing on our intelligence, it became increasingly incumbent on me to pen this short note to you.

Mr. President, in a speech you delivered at the Annual Gala Dinner of Nigerian Lawyers Association in the US.., you said and I quote: “Under my watch, not a single Nigerian was sent to prison because of anything they wrote or said about me or the Administration that I headed.”  You must have forgotten about the military attack on Nigerian newspapers that happened right under your watch on the 6^th and 7^th June 2014. An event that saw Soldiers seized and in some cases destroyed thousands of copies of several newspapers including Leadership, The Nation, and Punch Newspapers. The general distribution centre for all newspapers in Area 1, Abuja, was also sealed by soldiers and several newspapers circulation staff were also harassed and detained in the process.

JOB VACANCY: COOLING COMPRESSOR TECHNICIANS AT PHARMA DEKO PLC

Vacancy exists for the position of Cooling Technician at Pharma Deko Plc

Key Responsibilities:

·        Responsible for the proper start-up and shut-down of the cooling compressor as specified in its manual or laid down procedures.

·        Responsible for the monitoring of the efficient and effective functioning of this machine and flag off issues immediately such is noticed.

·        Perform maintenance and shutdown jobs on Screw Cooling Compressor & Reciprocating Cooling Compressor.

·        Perform maintenance and shutdown jobs on cooling towers, pumps and heat exchangers.

·        Initiates and champion health safety improvement as regards the use of cooling and other similar utilities within the Factory.

Dear Mr. Femi Adesina; Your Vulgarity Is Fast Becoming Unbearable, Take Heed Lest You Fall. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Dear Mr. Femi Adesina; I bring to you this passage from the Holy Bible: “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls- 1 Corinthians 10:12”. That is my message for you today. Meanwhile, I will try as much as I can, to keep it brief but concise, lest you call me a wailing wailer.

Sir, may I remind you that your appointment into your present position came on the 31^st May 2015, you resumed officially into office on the 9^th June, 2105 and on the 1^st July, 2015, barely a month after your resumption into the President Buhari`s led administration as the special adviser on media & publicity to the president, you coined the phrase- “wailing wailers”.

Dear President Buhari, The Last Time I checked, You Are Still The Minster Of Petroleum Resource. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Your Excellency Sir, I write you this piece not as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but as the minister of petroleum resources appointed by yourself on the 11^th of November, 2015.

You seem to have forgotten that you are the minister of petroleum resources and may have completely relinquished your responsibilities to the minister of state of petroleum resources- Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who to me, to a reasonable extent has been up and doing.

You seem to have neglected the fact that you are directly answerable to Nigerians as the Minister of petroleum resources, and owe it to Nigerians to make the product readily available and affordable.

As a reminder of what you already know- the fuel scarcity has fully gripped major cities in the country and contributing negatively to an economy that is still struggling to pick its stand.

Ese Oruru, Yinusa Dahiru And The Tragedy Of A Divided Nation. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi.

We may not have been together if not for the 1914 amalgamation. But since the artificial wedding took place over a century ago, it is quite surprising how and why we remain divided in the face of various integration plans and programs to keep us united.

Few weeks ago when the Ese Oruru saga broke out, it again showed to the world how divided a nation amalgamated over a hundred years ago is. The Ese Oruru saga, prove once again that we have only been struggling to live in harmony with one another and always looking for the slightest opportunity to go against each other.

Worse as our division is, we are not only divided along regional or ethnical line, but we are so divided along numerous lines and that only calls for concerns for a nation dreaming of development and prosperity. One wonders how we have managed to stay together as a nation in the midst of these divisions all these years.

Let`s Talk Frankly, All Lives Matter! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

You must have noticed that it has gradually become a norm that we almost completely overlook and feel very much less concerned when there is a terrorist attack or violence that claimed the lives of innocent people especially in some particular part of the country. For the government, all it does is to wait for about 24/48hrs before condemning the attack just casually and mildly sympathize with the victims or with their families and loved ones. For the people, all they say is- “Eh yah… Na wa o…” and move on. While those on the social media especially Twitter, continue their normal political racketeering and sides taking and showing fewer concerns for the victims of the incidents as long as they are not directly or indirectly a victim. Worse as it were, our media houses only report the attack like a flash. Like- “BREAKING NEWS: Boko Haram attacks Maiduguri”. And to me it appears like, don`t worry it`s nothing serious, people died though but no big deal…

Before Metuh Becomes Methuselah... By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Ridding a corrupt country like Nigeria of corruption will take a little while, but it has to start from somewhere and by someone.

Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. It undermines democratic institutions, slows down economic development and contributes to governmental instability. Corruption attacks the foundations of democratic institutions by distorting electoral processes and conducts, perverting the rule of law and creating bureaucratic quagmires whose only reason for existing is for soliciting bribes.

Economic progress is stunted because foreign direct investment is discouraged and small businesses within the country often find it impossible to overcome the "start-up costs" required because of corruption.  Corruption threatens our national security and gives rise to a safe haven for terrorist. This is the scenario we find ourselves as a nation.

Frankly Speaking, Electoral Violence In Nigeria Is Becoming Unbearable! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

 

First of all congratulations, to Governor Seriake Dickson for his hard earn victory to secure his second term in office in the just concluded Bayelsa State gubernatorial election.

But like many other Nigerian elections, it was not without violence and loss of lives. No fewer than 5 people lost their lives in the just concluded Bayelsa election. A process naturally that has nothing to do with arms and terror turned out bloody.

Nigeria, 17 years into democracy still struggle to hold a peaceful, free and fair election. Worse as it was, even in a state like Bayelsa- one of the smallest states in Nigeria both in land mass and population, the just concluded gubernatorial election was marred with violence and loss of lives.

By now, Nigeria should have come of age democratically. Elections are not war and should never be seen as a do or die affair.

#DasukiGate: The Real Terror! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Boko Haram was tagged the world most deadly terrorist group in 2014. According to The Global Terrorism Index, Boko Haram killed more people- 6,644 in terror attacks in 2014 than any other terrorist group in the world. The Islamic State, ISIL, which is based in Syria and Iraq, follows closely behind, at 6,073 deaths through terrorism in 2014.

Figure 1: © static.visionofhumanity.org

The Global Terrorism Index is an annual report by the New York City-based Institute for Economics and Peace. It tracks global deaths from terror attacks, which it defines as “an intentional act of violence or threat of violence by a non-state actor.”

On The Trial of Sambo Dasuki By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Before Sambo Dasuki travels abroad for his radiotherapy, before he decides not to come back home for health reasons, before he grants “The Boss”, Dele Momodu an exclusive interview from his home abroad on the many allegations against him, before he sorts public sympathy through his health condition, before Nigeria forgets about all his atrocities, let me remind Nigerians about his activities as the National Security Adviser (NSA) to President Goodluck Jonathan.
For those that don`t know him, Sambo Mohammed Dasuki, is from a royal family in Sokoto. He is the son of the former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ahmed Dasuki, who was deposed by the military regime of late Gen. Sani Abacha. Sambo Dasuki, as he is popularly called is a retired Colonel of the Nigerian Army and the former National Security Adviser (NSA). He was appointed NSA by the former President of Nigeria, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan on June 22, 2012, following the removal of General Owoye Andrew Azazi. Dasuki was sacked by President Muhammadu Buhari on July 13, 2015.
For a clear record, Sambo Dasuki was the National Security Adviser from June 22, 2012 through July 13, 2015. That means he was the NSA for 3 years 21 days.

Nnamdi Kanu, The Biafra Course And Vision 2023! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

I do not share in Nnamdi Kanu`s ideology, I am not a supporter of Biafra, I never for once bought into Col. Ojukwu`s idea and I will never buy into the idea of Nnamdi Kanu. I am just an Igbo apologist that believes the Igbo community deserves a fair chance in 2023.

Secession is not the way forward for the south east. Secession is a watershed event not only for the new state that is created and the old state that is dissolved, but also for neighboring states, proximate ethno-political groups and major powers. Preaching violence and hate all in the name to discredit Nigeria and justify the need for the creation of Biafra is not the way to go. It will only end up fueling one purpose, just one purpose- war.

If for any reason Biafra must come alive, majority of the people in the south east will decide that with a memorandum. In that case, those involved and all from the south east would have had their say as to what becomes their destiny. It will not be achieved by one man inciting violence with the intention to justify secession.

Vision 2023: @obyezeks, the best option for the south east! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving the south east the opportunity to produce the next president? If no, why?

Have you ever thought of Nigeria giving a woman the opportunity to become the president, especially after 55 years of men dominance? If no, why?

Following the attempt of secession by Biafra in 1967, which brought about the infamous and highly criticized Nigeria-Biafra civil war (July 1967- Jan 1970) and its disastrous effects on the stability on the country, given the bitterness of the war, the restoration of peace and the reintegration of the Igbos into Nigerian life were pertinent. However, since the war was over in 1970, either knowingly or unknowingly, intentionally or by coincidence, no one from the south eastern part of the country has held the highest position of the land.

Nigeria, divided into 6 geopolitical regions; North East, North West, North Central, South South, South East and South West, has after the civil war produced at least one president from each of the region except from South East and North East. The North generally has had more chances so this piece is about the South East.

Nigeria @ 55: I Choose To Remain Hopeful! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

On Thursday, 1^st October, 2015, Nigeria turns 55. That is quite a milestone, in terms of age. But in terms of achievements, she falls far below her peers with Malaysia (1963) and Singapore (1965) miles ahead of her.

 

Just imagine Nigeria as a 55 year old human being, with only 10 years left before retirement, the situation will be dire if not bleak. What does she have to show for the many years of running round in circles?  It means the only investments she can boast of; are the many times she spent at the bar on alcoholic beverages, getting drunk and eating away her beauty. Ending up in a bad shape, like a malnourished child in an abandoned displaced refugee camp.

Nigeria gained her independence from the United Kingdom in the year 1960. 1960, is referred to as the Year of Africa, because of a series of events that took place during the year, especially the independence of seventeen African nations that highlighted the growing Pan-African sentiments in the continent. The year brought about the culmination of African independence movements and the subsequent emergence of Africa as a major force in the United Nations. These rapid political developments led to speculation and hope about the future of Africa as a whole.

Nigeria: Learning From The Aylan Kurdi's Tragedy By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Few weeks ago, Aylan Kurdi became the face of the unfolding human suffering.

It took a horror story about a truck full of corpses in Austria, and a poignant photo of a drowned child- Aylan Kurdi, to raise the pity of the world.

Who could not have been moved by the picture of this little boy whose father risked his life and the lives of his family, in search of a better life somewhere in Europe? The Kurdis were not sure how, but they needed to leave Bodrum, Turkey, and get to Kos, Greece, with its promise of a life free of war.

Unfortunately, that was not to be. Aylan Kurdi’s lifeless body washed up onto the shore of one of Turkey’s fashionable beaches as a grim reminder of how unjust and ephemeral life truly is.

For the past months, the refugee crisis has been building in Europe and European Union leaders have seemed divided and at a loss as to how to deal with it. Not since World War II has the world seen such a movement of people in search of safety. The International Organization for Migration has been consistently calling for those fleeing war-zones, dictatorship and devastation to be treated with dignity and within the bounds of international law.

Before Governor Tanko Al-Makura Descends Into Tyranny… By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

On Saturday, 12 September 2015, the news of Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura assaults on a road user went viral. After the security operatives attached to his convoy allegedly beat up a road user, damaged her vehicle and destroyed her phones and iPad.

The road user; Ms Lois Lorvihi was traveling through Lafia, the capital of Governor Makura’s Nassarawa, with her younger sister, Joi and her brother Jerry, on their way from Makurdi to Abuja.

From the statements issued by both the accuser and the defendant, it was clear that there was a confrontation between Ms Lois Lorvihi and the governor. It was clear that both of them were at the junction where the said incident happened. It was evident that Governor Al-Makura`s convoy was behind Ms Lois Lorvihi.

What`s not clear in all of these is whether the lady intentionally stood in the middle of the road or perhaps slowed down because of the sharp bend after the bypass at Nasarawa-Eggon.

#100DayOfChange: A Magnificent Go Slow! By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Barely one month after Muhammadu Buhari was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was tagged “Baba Go Slow”. Ask me why? Because he decided to address the cumbersome nature of Nigeria`s challenges in a different way. He promised change and has changed his tactics from the usual way that has brought us down and failed us. Since what has been tagged the “norm” has failed us in the last 16 years of democracy, it was important for him to do things differently. He has delayed in appointing members of his cabinet as contrary to the way it`s being done before now that has ended up in failure. He`s taking his time to dissect each Ministry, Department and Agency in the view on taking the right decision on them.

Meanwhile, ask those that tagged him “Baba Go Slow” secretly if they have not started experiencing the change he promised? They might tell you No still, not because the change is not there but because they chose not to see it.

Open Letter To President Buhari: Sir, You May Have To Dissolve The Peace Council By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Your Excellency Sir,

This is the first open letter I will be writing to you since your inauguration as the President and Commander In Chief of The Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I will go straight to the point and won`t bug you with the facts and figure that you already know. Right now, you have become facts and figures yourself and there is no information that you are not preview to.

Sir, those that voted you and believe in you hold you in high esteem because of your level of integrity, discipline and courage in handling issues. Since you became the president, you have painstakingly taken your time to take every decision you have made. You have deliberately not appointed your ministers and other members of your cabinet because you want the best hands and less partisan Nigerians to work with you.

As you will recall Sir, the reasons why Nigerians voted en-masse for you are for you to wage war against corruption, recover stolen funds from corrupt person or group of persons that have plundered the nation and for you to reposition the nation on the path of excellence. These are the things they believe you can do which informed their decisions to vote for you. This is the more reason I believe you have been careful of the caliber of people you place in sensitive positions and in committees.

Local Production of Arms: A Mission Long Overdue. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

It is impossible to imagine a world without needs. The history of mankind is the history of his efforts to satisfy his needs. All the discoveries and inventions of science are a proof of man's urge to solve his problems.

Hence, when man feels the pinching need of anything, he begins to think of how he can satisfy his needs. He then sets his mind to the task of invention. Necessity gives the first impulse; the rest is the work of the intellect. The world is changing every day, and we must adapt ourselves to our changing needs and keep pace with them.

We actually may not have seen the need to revive the dead, Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) before now. But as the terror of the deadliest terrorist sect- Boko Haram continues and the refusal of the US to sell weapons to us persists, there are many reasons for us to see the urgent need why we should produce our weapons ourselves.

So Why Was Sambo Dasuki Not Arrested? By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

Government comes and government goes. Politician comes and politician goes. But public institutions remain with us. It is the more reason why we must strive to strengthen them and make them stronger than any individual. Painfully, rather for us to strengthen our institutions and make them strong, we build men. We build men that become stronger than our institutions and abuse them whenever they want to protect their interests and that of their loved ones. Corruption and weak institutions are parts of the challenges facing our nation today and are responsible for many of other challenges. No nation can strive where this duo exists.  If Sambo Dasuki was not stronger than the Department of State Security Service (DSS), he would not have been able to resist its operatives for hours.

Who Is Sambo Dasuki

Our Movement Against Corruption Won`t Last Without The Public Sector Reform. By Ogundana Michael Rotimi

“President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-graft war has started yielding dividends. Following blockage of leakages, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have increased from $28.57 billion at the end of May to $31.53 billion as of July 22, 2015.” – CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, during a press brief at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee, meeting, in Abuja.

Since the inauguration of President Buhari, the fight against corruption is being renewed. And the seeming dead anti-graft agencies- EFCC and ICPC, suddenly gained life. Like I have always posited, when the right leadership is put in place, institutions auto-adjust to suit it. The leadership of the anti- graft agencies knows that the President Buhari`s regime will not hold on to that phrase by the last administration, “Stealing is not Corruption” hence, it’s doing all it can to make public office holders accountable.

Meanwhile, you will recall that aside from the act of cluelessness displayed by the last administration; corruption was a bane the people voted against in the last Presidential election. The past administration was popularly known for the phrase; “Stealing is not Corruption and Corruption is not Stealing”.  It was an administration of self-enrichment and patronage, and of illegality. It will be of grave offence to Nigerians if the corruption they thought have been voted out in the last presidential election still rules with impunity.