Why is it complicated. Maybe we are the ones to blame for it. I guess life was really simple when man wanted it to be but as we evolved, we decided to make it more difficult for ourselves. I guess we should all after the count of 3 agree that we are going back to the roots. Where we lived in small mud houses and had little farms to produce food for ourselves and families.
I can imagine they didn't have to worry about so many unnecessary things those days. We were truly free. Some might say, these are the words of a failed man but I am thinking that after all these so called luxuries that I am enjoying today, I am still not happier than when I was a kid living in my dads house and sharing a room with all my sisters. We didn't have satellite TV then but we still managed to smile. There were no mobile phones but we still managed to communicate. Now we have all these things and we think it is making our lives better. I dare say no. I think it is making our lives more complicated. If only if this madness will stop. We don't need anymore innovations or inventions. Look at what the cellular phone has done to relationships, kids now communicate via text messaging. The have totally forgotten how to talk and build meaningful relationships. I say we are raising a generation of zombies. It doesn't make sense again. I have told myself that I am not learning anymore of this new stuff again. I have had enough. Please lets all join and say enough of this madness. LOL
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Friday, 6 November 2009
The Nigerian Republican
I remember when a friend of mine say that I was a fan of John Mccain on my facebook page, he almost freaked out. How can you support John Macain he seemed to scream. I told him the best way I could explain myself, Ï AM A REPUBLICAN". Now some might not know it but it is not a sin to be a republican.
I have to admit that I wasn't born the United States and I do not even consider it my country even though I have lived here for years, but I have become fascinated with the way in which the run their political process. I came to take sides like many of us but I was not swayed by what I would call the aesthetic look of the parties but was more interested in what kind of values which the parties stood for.
I am not writing this blog to argue which political party is better but just to express my views on why I am a republican.
After living in Nigeria till my early 20s, I left for the United States only to visit again last year ( I am almost 30). I was not impressed at all with the development in the country. In fact I was really disappointed. You see, I had expected much more because I saw a lot of positive things in the Nigerian that I met who were visiting from Lagos and Abuja. The all seemed to me to be doing very well and I even wondered if life was better in Nigeria. However, all my expectations were dashed when I arrived home. First of all, there was no electricity and the police were so determined to collect a bribe from you.
I started thinking, what can be done to improve the situation in this country. I mean, Nigerians are intelligent people. In the US, many Nigerians are doing well, so why can't this be translated to the motherland.
The solution for Nigeria is a republican solution. This basically means limited government. The Federal Government is too powerful in Nigeria and control too much power. I feel that until we have limited government, not much will be done in the country. Government worldwide is known to be slow, corrupt and incompetent. This is clearly evident in Nigeria.
The government officials most of who have questionable backgrounds control too much power, infact they are practically worshipped since they are the only source of income for so many people. This was a case I saw first hand when the governor of my state attended a wedding which I was also in attendance. The huge crown got on their feet and practically bowed to the governor. I was shocked. If you are loyal to him, he can make you a millionaire I was told.
Why should government be this powerful. The belief that government will distribute the wealth equitable is a fable and the sooner we understand that the better for us. It has never worked and has usually left the people poor and dependant, which is usually the only way to ensure control.
We should learn from the what is going on in China and see how wealth has been created ever since government allowed for free market capitalism in certain parts of the country. It is also evident in the city of Lagos where most people do no depend on the government, the have managed to make things for themselves. The situation in the interior states is extremely bad because the are almost 100% dependant on the governor or his commisioners or his numerous adivcers which seems to be the most sort after position among the youths. In my state, the governor had tons of special advicers and personal advicers.
Well, I hope I have made my case for limited government in Nigeria. The Republican model.
I have to admit that I wasn't born the United States and I do not even consider it my country even though I have lived here for years, but I have become fascinated with the way in which the run their political process. I came to take sides like many of us but I was not swayed by what I would call the aesthetic look of the parties but was more interested in what kind of values which the parties stood for.
I am not writing this blog to argue which political party is better but just to express my views on why I am a republican.
After living in Nigeria till my early 20s, I left for the United States only to visit again last year ( I am almost 30). I was not impressed at all with the development in the country. In fact I was really disappointed. You see, I had expected much more because I saw a lot of positive things in the Nigerian that I met who were visiting from Lagos and Abuja. The all seemed to me to be doing very well and I even wondered if life was better in Nigeria. However, all my expectations were dashed when I arrived home. First of all, there was no electricity and the police were so determined to collect a bribe from you.
I started thinking, what can be done to improve the situation in this country. I mean, Nigerians are intelligent people. In the US, many Nigerians are doing well, so why can't this be translated to the motherland.
The solution for Nigeria is a republican solution. This basically means limited government. The Federal Government is too powerful in Nigeria and control too much power. I feel that until we have limited government, not much will be done in the country. Government worldwide is known to be slow, corrupt and incompetent. This is clearly evident in Nigeria.
The government officials most of who have questionable backgrounds control too much power, infact they are practically worshipped since they are the only source of income for so many people. This was a case I saw first hand when the governor of my state attended a wedding which I was also in attendance. The huge crown got on their feet and practically bowed to the governor. I was shocked. If you are loyal to him, he can make you a millionaire I was told.
Why should government be this powerful. The belief that government will distribute the wealth equitable is a fable and the sooner we understand that the better for us. It has never worked and has usually left the people poor and dependant, which is usually the only way to ensure control.
We should learn from the what is going on in China and see how wealth has been created ever since government allowed for free market capitalism in certain parts of the country. It is also evident in the city of Lagos where most people do no depend on the government, the have managed to make things for themselves. The situation in the interior states is extremely bad because the are almost 100% dependant on the governor or his commisioners or his numerous adivcers which seems to be the most sort after position among the youths. In my state, the governor had tons of special advicers and personal advicers.
Well, I hope I have made my case for limited government in Nigeria. The Republican model.
Maybe its our fault
I remember when a governor of a Niger Delta State was arrested in London for embezzlement of millions of Naira, there was a lot of outcry in the Country. However, what surprised me the most was that there were many people who were sympathetic towards the governor. This is a man who had allegedly stolen money from the poor getting sympathy from people who didn't stand to benefit in anyway from the stolen loot.
I tried to understand the reason for their sympathy and the only excuse that kept coming was that he was not the only one who was stealing money in the country. As if that was a good reason to steal money. After trying unsuccessfully to make my point, I gave up since it seemed I was talking to a brick wall.
Not long ago, there was a report that my country is becoming a failed state. Now the definition of a failed state is a subjective one and can be determined by people differently, but going by the fact that law and order is almost totally broken down, kidnappings are up (something that was unheard of in the past), massive mismanagement of government funds, lack of basic infrastructure most notably electricity etc. Now, it is still possible to make a case that Nigeria is not becoming a failed state but I was so surprised when the Speaker of the House of Representatives said that there was a case of bribery in Canada a couple of years ago so by that fact, Nigeria was not a failed state.
How can Nigerians be this numb to their responsibilities. The Speaker didn't even try to talk about the positive things that they have done since they came into power over 2 years ago. Why do we keep looking into other peoples shortcomings and justify ours.
Until the crazy ideology is cleansed from our mentality, I don't see how this country would make any meaningful development. This country is in dire need of honest and credible leaders who can tackle our enormous problem not jokers are are willing to point fingers at the slightest chance
I tried to understand the reason for their sympathy and the only excuse that kept coming was that he was not the only one who was stealing money in the country. As if that was a good reason to steal money. After trying unsuccessfully to make my point, I gave up since it seemed I was talking to a brick wall.
Not long ago, there was a report that my country is becoming a failed state. Now the definition of a failed state is a subjective one and can be determined by people differently, but going by the fact that law and order is almost totally broken down, kidnappings are up (something that was unheard of in the past), massive mismanagement of government funds, lack of basic infrastructure most notably electricity etc. Now, it is still possible to make a case that Nigeria is not becoming a failed state but I was so surprised when the Speaker of the House of Representatives said that there was a case of bribery in Canada a couple of years ago so by that fact, Nigeria was not a failed state.
How can Nigerians be this numb to their responsibilities. The Speaker didn't even try to talk about the positive things that they have done since they came into power over 2 years ago. Why do we keep looking into other peoples shortcomings and justify ours.
Until the crazy ideology is cleansed from our mentality, I don't see how this country would make any meaningful development. This country is in dire need of honest and credible leaders who can tackle our enormous problem not jokers are are willing to point fingers at the slightest chance
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