OWOLOWO

June 12: Hope and The 'Dividends' of Democracy  By M.B.O Owolowo A dividend is a derivation from something through the utilisation of some available means. It could be some gain or even share of some sort, generally something beneficial. 20 years after the June 12 1993 struggle we should analyse our polity and assess how the birth of democracy has benefited the masses. Undoubtedly it has benefited a 'privileged' few, but this is about democracy and its collective and not selective benefits. History was made on June 12 1993, the day Nigerians shunned ethnic and religious differences to speak with one voice. Nigerians freely expressed their democratic rights and voted for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (aka M.K.O) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as their President. The victory of M.K.O was symbolic, because it showed the entire world Nigerians could set aside their differences to achieve a greater goal, it also confirmed the climate was conducive for democracy ...

A State of Confusion by M.B.O Owolowo State of Emergency or Emergency in a state? When an emergency isn't really an emergency. President Jonathan declared a "State of Emergency" in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states respectively, good! However his declaration doesn't affect the political appointees in the affected states. Some expected a situation where the executive is suspended and the military assumes command in the interim- as it is assumed 'force' is the best strategy to quell the insurgents for good. But the President has chosen an approach which many are keen to see its implementation, due to its perceived duality of powers. State of Emergency explained: "A state of emergency is a governmental declaration which usually suspends a few normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a ...

Prodding The Change Cause By M.B.O Owolowo "Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle" - Martin Luther King Jr.     The country is atypically restive about the implications of the 2015 elections, the contenders and consequences: the manifestations of the orchestrated polarity and constant reminder for our unity. The youth especially are confronted with the dilemma of being conscientious or being corrupted. Different alliances are being formed by those in Nigeria and those in the Diaspora, all for the purpose of a better society. The saboteurs are also working in unison to sabotage any coordinated efforts that could lead to change.     We must be cognisant of those currently running and ruining the polity, and their desperation to maintain the status quo. This greedy lot would vehemently deter the general progress of the nation, as they would prefer only a select few rotating the common wealth within their cli...

Giant and Dwarf The giant who accedes to the request of a dwarf by grovelling at the feet of the dwarf will return to his heightened position of a giant after the request is granted. - Proverb. Meaning; if for any circumstantial reason a giant seeks the assistance of a dwarf, following whatever transpires during their encounter, the dwarf will remain a dwarf and the giant will remain a giant. Such a situation presents an opportunity. A wise dwarf understands the giant’s situation is only temporal, assists the giant thereby forming a potential synergy for posterity and prosperity. On the other hand, a foolish dwarf confronted with the same situation of a giant needing assistance, would see it has a chance to ridicule the giant, forgetting the giants situation is only temporal, and ruining any opportunity for a mutually beneficial alliance. A contextual aftermath: The wise dwarf is welcomed to the fold of giants and became esteemed amongst giants and revered amongst dwarfs. The fooli...

The Nigerian Revolution Quandary By M.B.O Owolowo "When a person places the proper value on freedom, there is nothing under the sun that he will not do to acquire that freedom. Whenever you hear a man saying he wants freedom, but in the next breath he is going to tell you what he won't do to get it, or what he doesn't believe in doing in order to get it, he doesn't believe in freedom. A man who believes in freedom will do anything under the sun to acquire...or preserve his freedom." - Malcolm X Often when we think of freedom we think of liberties from slavery, detention or oppression. In other scenarios we may consider exemptions from an unpleasant or onerous condition, all according to the many definitions of freedom. In the contemporary Nigerian context, we may be free in the physical sense but still be in socio-economic bondage. We are confined by the absurdities of the political class and encapsulated by the flagrant inconsistencies of the ruling elite. We...

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 ...