OWOLOWO

Politics of 'Ghosts' and Collateral Damage (2) By M.B.O Owolowo The first part of this article highlighted the local dynamics of terror groups operating in Nigeria and the challenges of tackling the menace. This aspect concentrates on international dynamics, anti-subsistence theories and our potential struggle for survival. We have undoubtedly established Boko Haram aren't ghosts, they do exist- the collateral damage is proof of that. I have been discussing with some locals in parts of these affected regions and there are not exactly happy with the government, neither are they excited about the insurgency. They are caught in-between the perceived insouciance of the supposed Commander-in-Chief coupled with the ineptitude of JTF (Joint Task Force) and the mayhem of Boko Haram. As some Jonathanians continue to praise the government's approach to fighting terrorism, including the ironic sending of troops to Mali- not to mention their alleged starvation, it may be inter...

Politics of 'Ghosts' and Collateral Damage (1) By M.B.O Owolowo Following the recent tragic Kano bombing, I have been in a sombre and reflective mood. I have been wondering how such atrocious incidents have become commonplace in our environment, when did our polity become so accustomed to these peculiar tragedies. If one has a heart, one cannot but feel or imagine the pain of those who have been directly affected by these dastardly acts. Inadvertently, we shouldn't wait till we are directly affected before we are vociferous about the declining situation and possible engagement strategies. Some have resorted to prayers, though helpful, but I believe this calamity has gone beyond that. Some other people are comforted by the fact that the bombings have been concentrated in certain parts of the North. To a few of those who reason like this, they say 'these people' can continue to kill 'themselves' and damage 'their region', as long as it doesn't ...

Pardon Me: A Condonation, Condoning Criminality By M.B.O Owolowo And the President pardoned! On the latest list of those granted State Pardon is a name that has generated some expected furore from the concerned public- DSP Alamieyeseigha, the former governor of Bayelsa state. There's nothing new about such gestures from the presidency, at least we are aware of how the destiny of the nation was changed when a certain Otta farmer was granted such a privilege in 1999- how he blew the golden opportunity after returning to power is a topic for another day. So a President has the executive fiat to take such actions, but should such a privilege be abused and under what circumstances was it granted. By some legal interpretation, unless a pardon expressly states that it is issued because of a determination that the recipient of the pardon was innocent, a pardon does not imply innocence. However, it is generally assumed that acceptance of a pardon is an implicit acknowledgment of guilt,...

LOVE, SUCCESS & FAILURE by M.B.O Owolowo Love, the consequence of success and the manifestation of failure. It is very difficult or nearly impossible to determine if the relationships you are involved in are real or fake. Let's take Mr X; he has always been extraordinary at what he does. Good student, posh education, good job. He gets people around to laugh even to the driest of jokes. People were always willing to do favours for him. He mentions his last name in some quarters and requests are met, he didn’t need to stress himself for anything. He meets a beautiful woman who professes love to him, and they later had an elaborate wedding. His new wife has all the money she can spend and he keeps her happy by meeting all her financial demands. She calls him ‘honey’, ‘sweetheart’, ‘baby-boo’ and all the lover monikers under the sun. He often boasts about how much his wife loves him to his friends and colleagues. Then there's Mr Y; he is wondering why his life ...

Where Are The Patriots Of Nigeria? Patriot. We often read about it, we were taught in school, we use it as part of our daily lexicons and in political slogans. But do we really appreciate the essence of the word as citizens? Do some of the conceited fops in government and opportunistic opposition even know what a patriot is or what patriotism really entails? Patriotism is love and devotion to one’s country, nation or land. Patriotism is being ready to make sacrifices for one’s country, it is reciting the words of the national anthem and actually meaning it. Do the powerful words contained within the nation’s anthem still mean anything to most Nigerians anymore? “Arise O Compatriots...” I watched a programme recently about a successful Somali restaurateur in the UK who went back to Somalia to set up a restaurant. Some didn’t understand the rationale behind his decision as he wasn’t pressured into it. But he was convinced that after being successful in the UK, it was proper for him to do...

A CNN Interview & The Waffling “bulb lighting” President by M.B.O Owolowo The nation was agog about the President’s interview for obviously different reasons, both supporters and critics alike were waiting to hear their President discuss cogent national issues with Christiane Amanpour of CNN on Wednesday, January 23 2013. Initially I had mixed feelings before the interview, deciding whether to prepare for a laughter fest or watching-wall-paint-dry boredom. Though I must confess the Clinton- U.S Embassy in Libya Inquiry coming up at the slated time of the interview almost took off some of the steam. There were already jokes of the interview being so petrifying it was invariably postponed to discourage viewership.   After waiting an additional 2 hours, the interview got on the way. As usual President Goodluck Jonathan didn't disappoint his teaming “fans” with another coxcombical showing.   Below are excerpts from the interview with Christiane Amanpour, among the key ...

A Better Nigeria, 2013 and Beyond Nation building and development takes a lot of laborious time and consistency of effort. Only the sincere and steadfast will patiently persevere against all odds to achieve selfless aims and collectively progressive objectives. Only time will tell those who will toe the honourable Gani Fawehinmi path of genuine criticism fuelled by patriotism and those who will end up the attainted 'Abati' way. Individuals from all social strata must unite to challenge the dissipation, sending a stern warning out to all that Nigeria is evolving rapidly and socially diverse youth have come of age. The Occupy Nigeria movement of 2012 is a testament to the possibilities of social unity. If you are wealthy by sheer luck, genius, hard work or inheritance and you think the social decay doesn't concern you, you have a problem. Sooner or later the rot will affect or consume you, directly or indirectly. If you are wealthy by means of looting public funds, you ha...