OVERCOMING THE ETHNIC DIVIDE By Yemi Obideyi

Attempts at solving the ethnic issue bedeviling Nigeria dated back to the pre-independence era. At its take-off in 1914, it was obvious the regions merged together by the British Colonial Administration under Lord Lugard, were at different levels of civilization and social evolution.

Besides, the three major ethnic groups in the merged territories of the Northern and Southern Protectorates known as Nigeria, differed markedly in culture, perspective, socio-political temperament, character and aspiration.

PATH TO GENUINE CITIZENSHIP by Yemi Obideyi

The Vision of the New Nigeria provides for a re-definition of citizenship of the country. A new name, a new orientation, a new method or approach to governance. A shift from the mentality of old because the new is conceived of and constructed on ideals that connote higher values than the usual ethnic background, biological history or any of such things that marked out the old pattern as a mere shadow.

WHEN THE LAW IS BLIND By Yemi Obideyi - Part 1

The heavens and earth are positioned on the strength of law. Freedom and bondage are both functions of one law or the other.

Law making is an essential part of life for it is the bedrock of nationhood. The birth of a nation, the composition and running of its arms of government- the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive- are all derived from the instruments of the law.

Essentially, the law provides the framework upon which the institution of government is situated; it guides citizens’ daily activities and gives a clue on the nature, features and direction of a government in focus. 

THE NIGERIAN TRAGEDY by Yemi Obideyi

The troubles with governance in Nigeria are not only inherent but hydra-headed. A plunge into the parliamentary system of government in the 1950s (an inheritance from Britain, our colonial masters), could not tackle Nigeria’s basic problems. Three or more attempts at the American presidential form of government had brought her more woes. Shall we then talk about the military intermittent incursions that held the country for over a quarter of a Century and bruised our national psyche, fractured Nigeria's seed of nationhood with corruption missile. It is said commonly that the Nigerian situation is a tragedy. 

Tragedy  because, her plethora of human and material resources are easily dwarfed by her mounting and daunting leadership problems.

Selection or election of rulers into various arms of government had become a recalcitrant challenge to various political actors, parties and political organizations. In this regard, there had been several experiments including mergers of political parties, absorption, political plea bargaining, electoral reforms, unity government etcetera, yet, all to no avail.

LORD LUGARD ON NIGERIA – A Realist or Illusionist? By Yemi Obideyi PART 3

Judging by the high scale of optimism and enthusiasm with which Nigerians (in particular the educated), embraced the cause of action towards self-rule in the 1950s, any rational thinker would have declared Lord Lugard’s position or viewpoint as a product of illusion and concentrated hallucination.

That the Nigeria of the 1960s would turn round into what it is today was simply unthinkable. But it appeared Lugard saw it. He saw beyond the façade and the superficiality, getting deep down into the personality make-up of the Nigerian. 

AUDIO : LIBERTOCRACY is the answer by Yemi Obideyi

From the album, "The New Nigeria, -Special Songs that extol the virtues in Libertocracy as a new socio-political concept aimed at correcting age-long anomalies in constituting Representative Government. It speaks of Liberty, Oneness & Purposefulness in real terms between  government and the people.

The CD is available for sale.

LORD LUGARD ON NIGERIA – A Realist or Illusionist? By Yemi Obideyi PART 2

Can Nigerians and Africans in general, work with fewer or less incentives than other races? The answer is yes indeed. Right on Nigerian soil, foreigners especially Asians like Indians, Lebanese and Koreans do employ Nigerians, keep them as casual workers for years and do treat them as sub-humans. Poor condition of work, unbridled exposure to high risk and danger in workplaces, inaccessibility to first aid or primary health care, poor wages, job insecurity, inaccessibility to staff discount on company product among others are common or daily experiences of Nigerians.

In many cases, some (opportunists) Nigerians do collaborate with these foreigners to under-pay workers who are Nigerians. These ills found in different sectors of the economy, notably textile, manufacturing, communication, commodities, aviation and hospitality “are not enough to discourage Nigerians” for, as a set is dispensed with unceremoniously, another is ready on the queue “begging to apply”.