Who is deceiving who in NUJ?
When I read a letter to the Senate President, written by the President Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Ndagene Akwu complaining about a plot by Senator Smart Adeyemi to destabilise the Union, I keep wondering who that letter is out to serve. To be sincere that letter is not written with the interest of NUJ at heart and whoever authored this letter was trying to protect his interest, not the interest of the Union members. For long, I keep wondering and asking myself; is NUJ really for journalists or for few opportunists who hold their members to ransom?
I have written several times on how this noble profession was bastardised by quarks and group of opportunists who parade themselves as journalists. I also wrote on how editors in several news organisations connived with publishers to exploit their members, but the leadership has not found that relevant to write to the National Assembly seeking for redress, or to address the problem of its members. In fact, as I am talking to you a lot of journalists who registered as members of NUJ since 2007 don’t know their fate. To my surprise it was only now when their leadership was threaten that they find it relevant to talk. If NUJ is really professional union as Akwu claims, why the fear of it been destabilise by one individual?
NUJ has a lot to fight for, not trivial issues like this. First, the National Leadership has lost touch with its branches in various states of the federation. And little has been done over the years by the Union to satisfy the yearnings and aspiration of its members. A clear example is how members are left on their own when in crisis. Remember the story of a Journalist who was humiliated and demoted from grade level 10 to 7 in one of the North-Eastern states? Mr Akwu what have you done to save that member? Smart Adeyemi is not the problem of NUJ and he can never be. Do not try to divert the attention of Nigerians and the members of NUJ from your dismal leadership failures; rather the best thing to do is to resign in order to give way to young and energetic individuals who have the Union at heart to move it forward.
The NUJ leadership has failed to provide needed leadership at all levels of the Union. And with allegation of corruption and mismanagement of Union funds, Akwu should have explained to the Union how he managed their finances during his stewardship. As a leader one has to learn to carry everybody along and should as much as possible try to be impartial. Failure to do that will create suspicion and lack of confidence from followers.
The Union has been turn into a business venture, where the leaders organise media jamborees or tours to various states with a view to get gratification from State Governors. Do you see any hope for the Union with this attitude? What hurt me most is the way our veteran journalists show non-challant attitude towards the activities of the Union. NUJ needs intervention and serious one. It was Abdullahi No-Sweat that wrote in People’s Daily how today’s journalists, who (almost 90% of them) are incompetent and undisciplined freelancers, simply walk into a newspaper house and offer their services, much as a mercenary would, without pay. Their buccaneering journalism will pay them. They only need a platform which only a newspaper will provide. They have nothing to loose; they only want to use the pen for extortion, blackmail and character assassination. What they do with their pens and their merchants ships on the high seas in those days of old.’
No-Sweat said these kinds of journalists are no different from armed robbers because robbers might not kill but these nasty characters deliberately, calculatedly, wantonly and malevolently assassinate the character and worth of their victims; utterly destroy them on the demand for a brown envelope or what is commonly referred to as Choppe. For how long can we allow some few individuals, majority of who are not even journalists to continue bastardising this noble profession because of failure of leadership? Journalism and journalists is too expensive to be left in the hands of crooks and ravenously greedy people to soil it and drag its name into a stinking cesspool. Most journalists in Nigeria prefer to go for news stories that divide the people instead of uniting them, spread hatred instead of love, cause and promote, riots, and give support to their ethnic and regional interests. It has always been this way since after the independence through the dark days military dictatorship.
It is time we salvage this profession and take a new direction, the country needs our services. Nigeria can only be saved from the moral decadence – corruption, bad leadership, election rigging, unemployment, and many problems bedevilling the country if journalism profession is redirected from reporting to satisfy the whims and caprices of leaders, our ethnic and regional interests to taking an approach based on reporting issues, critiquing and proffering solutions. For the past twenty years or so journalists have suffered a lot, from military dictatorship to another form of abuse – of poor remuneration, very bad condition of service and so on. But we can do ourselves good if we ensure good, transparent and accountable leadership in NUJ. Nobody can do that for us. The Profession and its members have to change the acronym GMT (Giya, Mata, Taba) to PAT (Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency).
Mr Akwu is better you resign and open a way for dialogue and reconciliation. Don’t take the path of African leaders who prefer to remain in power even if they are irrelevant. A word is enough for the wise.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village, KM25,
Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State,
Nigeria.
http://us.mc519.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kblondon2003@yahoo.com
08054546764,08035150369
Monday, February 23, 2009
Co-opting Media in the Anti-Corruption Revolution
Theologically or philosophically corruption refers to spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal. This in so many cases takes the form of contrasting the spiritual form with a corrupted manifestation in the physical world. That is why many philosophers, including Plato, regarded this world as inevitably corrupt. Morally speaking corruption is decadence or self-gratification. It is a concept which is used in political and theological debates when describing a deviation by some people from the older correct view.
There is also political corruption which refers to using political office for private gain. Corruption is generally defined as the use or abuse of public office for private gain. From an economic perspective, undesirable consequences of corruption involve increases in the costs of legal dealings and distributional concerns associated with favouring haves over have-nots. Conversely, corrupt acts might lead in some instances to efficiency gains for the haves. Its forms include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism; patronage, graft, and embezzlement which all combined to breed money laundering, 419, stealing of public funds and in our case looting it altogether.
Corruption has been the main cause of poverty, deprivation, illiteracy and underdevelopment in most countries of Asia and Africa. The World Bank has estimated that about $1tr are paid every year in bribery, a fairly substantial figure, given that e.g. the total size of the world economy in 2001-2002 was $30 trillion, (Goel and Nelson, 2004). Realising the menace of corruption around the world, the United Nations seek cooperation of all countries of the world to fight this scourge. In December 2003 it adopted the UN Convention Against Corruption which was signed by over 140 countries, including Nigeria. This translated to the formation of anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC to tackle one of the problem regarded as epidemic in Nigeria; corruption.
It is very difficult to list the major causes of corruption in our society, first tracing the beginning of corruption in our political life is like tracing the origin of our transition from traditional society to a more modern and sophisticated life. Scholars like Smith and Wraith (1963) are of the view that corruption has been with societies throughout history, for instance they argue that corruption in many societies in Northern Nigeria for instance was an adaptation of traditional gift-giving to meet new circumstances. But others like Bryce (1921) argue that corruption is greatly caused by inequality in distribution of wealth, regarding of political office as the primary means of gaining access to wealth, conflict between changing moral codes, the weakness of social and governmental enforcement mechanisms and the absence of a strong sense of national community or patriotism.
Others argue that our need to be corrupted is driven by obligation to help others in need, to educate our children and those of the relatives; feeding kinsmen, and organised feast and funerals etc, which in essence means either the government has failed in its obligation or our Nigerian factor of free for all market or jungle where anything goes, as each trying to grab his own share by all means is fully in work.
There is no justifiable explanation for corruption in our society from the least to the greatest amount and in any capacity. Corruption is so entrenched in our society that it has become very hard to eliminate, it is sort of like a trap, that hooked the nation and we find it very difficult to get out of it. Whenever we try to get out we get even more trapped. There are many countries that have been trapped by corruption with no clear end in sight, Nigeria inclusive. Corruption is so rampant and well-established in almost all facets of our lives – the police, media, civil service, politicians, and ordinary people on the street and what have you. It has gone to the extent that receipts are issued for bribes with no guilt. The enormous impact of corruption is felt especially by the ones who don't have enough money for their daily needs; the poor who are daily struggling to survive.
Without getting ahead of our story, we can aptly point out the important role the mass media can play in the war against corruption. Media is an integral part of our society and contribution of media to societal development cannot be overemphasized. Scholars like Schramm (1962 and 1979) have identified how media can be effectively used in societal transformation and change. Schramm specifically argued that rather than seeing the media as an independent force to bring about change, it should be seen as part of communication system. Although he was quick to point out that the media alone cannot be very effective in changing strongly held attitudes or values, they help in building a climate of change. In this sense the media could be seen as playing a supporting role not a leading role in changing the society.
Recently, the EFCC launched what will be regarded as a well coined and down to earth campaign meant to involve all Nigerians in the fight against corruption and secure their input at every stage of the war; the Anti Corruption Revolution. The crusade as commendable as it is however, we have to point out that programmes like this usually start with a fanfare but end right there where they were launched. This is largely due to political reasons and the way corrupt and dishonest leaders filled our political landscape. Remember the Fix Nigeria Initiative (FNI) employed by Nuhu Ribadu when he was at EFCC. Secondly, because the very people these programmes are meant to serve have no idea about them. This is where the media and the civil society organisations can play a vital role in this revolution.
The media especially can play an important role in the Anti Corruption Revolution. It is the best tool to inform people of corruption. When we say media here we are not referring to only the conventional form of media – the newspapers, radio or television, but we should go further to look at other options like traditional communication; inter-personal and group communication, which are the most effective but costly, and the new media; the internet and mobile phones. The convergence between the traditional, modern and the new media - newspaper editorial columns, serious political debate and hard-hitting, watchdog journalism can reach large audience, uninterrupted and with less gate-keeping via the internet and the mobile phone.
Newspapers, TV and radio today seem to be more about celebrity reporting or what we call protocol reporting here in Nigeria, complete with entertainment news, film reviews and fashion. Needless to say, serious news, debates and hard hitting journalism can reach the well-wired elite that used to take newspapers seriously via the Internet. With a more focused, better written, and alternative to legacy media, cyber news can serve as an alternative or subordinate to the conventional media when it comes to real debate, policy analysis, and political journalism.
Therefore, the Nigerian government and the anti-graft agencies success in relaying the Anti Corruption Revolution message will largely depend on the approach taken and their seriousness about the revolution. The government depends on the media to enlighten people and to present them with the correct information that will help them to reveal fraudulence and expose the dishonest.
We have no reason for now to dismiss the latest anti corruption revolution as another diversionary tactics employed by the ruling elites to make the people believe they meant well for the country, but we have to state that corrupt people will try all what they can to get media on their side, either by threats, buying them or other ways until the media sometimes falls in with their racket. Considering the low income of most journalists, they could easily fall victim to bribery and the financial gain possible, but if other suggestions are followed like the Internet, mobile phones and the inter-personal communication, from top to bottom the revolution will succeed. Corrupt people will never fight corruption, but with determination, sincerity of purpose the media can do a lot to spread the ills which corruption brought in our society. If that fails then we are bound to loose one of the most important weapons in the fight against corruption. The work of the media in revealing corruption is no less than that of the laws or committees that observe and follow corruption. When media discovers secrets, it will not keep them. If any act of corruption happens it should be exposed in an open and transparent environment and be subject to inquiries. The media’s efforts to gain people’s confidence fails because of the contradiction and corrupt behaviour of high ranking figures in society who loot public monies and go free unquestioned, we have to use confident media and credible people to deliver the message of fighting corruption.
To say corruption undermines the moral standards of society, endangers democracy, deprives citizens of their rights and blocks development is an understatement. The media’s role is not only to inform the public about facts and statements. An active role in public education and supporting the fight against corruption is necessary. This can only be achieved if our political and public representatives – especially the National Assembly, do clearly state their attitude about the fight against corruption before entering political elections. They can do this by setting an example through publicly declaring their assets and income. They should also understand that the public has a right to be informed about their work and private life.
The government has to embrace openness towards the media and public as well as a transparent decision making process. Appropriate timing is essential for complete and just access to information about public matters. Full support, both institutional and legal has to be provided to the media in their role of public criticizers. This includes the right to access to information that is given with full responsibility, correct, complete, checkable and official. That is why it is very important for the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information Bill. The belief is that, passing the Bill will make government and governance open and transparent. It will also make budget monitoring and tracking simple and easier. Nigerians should be able to question the activities of their elected representatives.
Nigerians are ready to support any sincere and honest move to fight corruption. The Anti Corruption Revolution if judiciously followed will salvage the country from the present predicament it finds itself and bring about honesty, transparency and accountability in government.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village, KM25,
Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State,
Nigeria.
kblondon2003@yahoo.com
08054546764, 08035150369
Theologically or philosophically corruption refers to spiritual or moral impurity or deviation from an ideal. This in so many cases takes the form of contrasting the spiritual form with a corrupted manifestation in the physical world. That is why many philosophers, including Plato, regarded this world as inevitably corrupt. Morally speaking corruption is decadence or self-gratification. It is a concept which is used in political and theological debates when describing a deviation by some people from the older correct view.
There is also political corruption which refers to using political office for private gain. Corruption is generally defined as the use or abuse of public office for private gain. From an economic perspective, undesirable consequences of corruption involve increases in the costs of legal dealings and distributional concerns associated with favouring haves over have-nots. Conversely, corrupt acts might lead in some instances to efficiency gains for the haves. Its forms include bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism; patronage, graft, and embezzlement which all combined to breed money laundering, 419, stealing of public funds and in our case looting it altogether.
Corruption has been the main cause of poverty, deprivation, illiteracy and underdevelopment in most countries of Asia and Africa. The World Bank has estimated that about $1tr are paid every year in bribery, a fairly substantial figure, given that e.g. the total size of the world economy in 2001-2002 was $30 trillion, (Goel and Nelson, 2004). Realising the menace of corruption around the world, the United Nations seek cooperation of all countries of the world to fight this scourge. In December 2003 it adopted the UN Convention Against Corruption which was signed by over 140 countries, including Nigeria. This translated to the formation of anti-graft agencies, including the EFCC to tackle one of the problem regarded as epidemic in Nigeria; corruption.
It is very difficult to list the major causes of corruption in our society, first tracing the beginning of corruption in our political life is like tracing the origin of our transition from traditional society to a more modern and sophisticated life. Scholars like Smith and Wraith (1963) are of the view that corruption has been with societies throughout history, for instance they argue that corruption in many societies in Northern Nigeria for instance was an adaptation of traditional gift-giving to meet new circumstances. But others like Bryce (1921) argue that corruption is greatly caused by inequality in distribution of wealth, regarding of political office as the primary means of gaining access to wealth, conflict between changing moral codes, the weakness of social and governmental enforcement mechanisms and the absence of a strong sense of national community or patriotism.
Others argue that our need to be corrupted is driven by obligation to help others in need, to educate our children and those of the relatives; feeding kinsmen, and organised feast and funerals etc, which in essence means either the government has failed in its obligation or our Nigerian factor of free for all market or jungle where anything goes, as each trying to grab his own share by all means is fully in work.
There is no justifiable explanation for corruption in our society from the least to the greatest amount and in any capacity. Corruption is so entrenched in our society that it has become very hard to eliminate, it is sort of like a trap, that hooked the nation and we find it very difficult to get out of it. Whenever we try to get out we get even more trapped. There are many countries that have been trapped by corruption with no clear end in sight, Nigeria inclusive. Corruption is so rampant and well-established in almost all facets of our lives – the police, media, civil service, politicians, and ordinary people on the street and what have you. It has gone to the extent that receipts are issued for bribes with no guilt. The enormous impact of corruption is felt especially by the ones who don't have enough money for their daily needs; the poor who are daily struggling to survive.
Without getting ahead of our story, we can aptly point out the important role the mass media can play in the war against corruption. Media is an integral part of our society and contribution of media to societal development cannot be overemphasized. Scholars like Schramm (1962 and 1979) have identified how media can be effectively used in societal transformation and change. Schramm specifically argued that rather than seeing the media as an independent force to bring about change, it should be seen as part of communication system. Although he was quick to point out that the media alone cannot be very effective in changing strongly held attitudes or values, they help in building a climate of change. In this sense the media could be seen as playing a supporting role not a leading role in changing the society.
Recently, the EFCC launched what will be regarded as a well coined and down to earth campaign meant to involve all Nigerians in the fight against corruption and secure their input at every stage of the war; the Anti Corruption Revolution. The crusade as commendable as it is however, we have to point out that programmes like this usually start with a fanfare but end right there where they were launched. This is largely due to political reasons and the way corrupt and dishonest leaders filled our political landscape. Remember the Fix Nigeria Initiative (FNI) employed by Nuhu Ribadu when he was at EFCC. Secondly, because the very people these programmes are meant to serve have no idea about them. This is where the media and the civil society organisations can play a vital role in this revolution.
The media especially can play an important role in the Anti Corruption Revolution. It is the best tool to inform people of corruption. When we say media here we are not referring to only the conventional form of media – the newspapers, radio or television, but we should go further to look at other options like traditional communication; inter-personal and group communication, which are the most effective but costly, and the new media; the internet and mobile phones. The convergence between the traditional, modern and the new media - newspaper editorial columns, serious political debate and hard-hitting, watchdog journalism can reach large audience, uninterrupted and with less gate-keeping via the internet and the mobile phone.
Newspapers, TV and radio today seem to be more about celebrity reporting or what we call protocol reporting here in Nigeria, complete with entertainment news, film reviews and fashion. Needless to say, serious news, debates and hard hitting journalism can reach the well-wired elite that used to take newspapers seriously via the Internet. With a more focused, better written, and alternative to legacy media, cyber news can serve as an alternative or subordinate to the conventional media when it comes to real debate, policy analysis, and political journalism.
Therefore, the Nigerian government and the anti-graft agencies success in relaying the Anti Corruption Revolution message will largely depend on the approach taken and their seriousness about the revolution. The government depends on the media to enlighten people and to present them with the correct information that will help them to reveal fraudulence and expose the dishonest.
We have no reason for now to dismiss the latest anti corruption revolution as another diversionary tactics employed by the ruling elites to make the people believe they meant well for the country, but we have to state that corrupt people will try all what they can to get media on their side, either by threats, buying them or other ways until the media sometimes falls in with their racket. Considering the low income of most journalists, they could easily fall victim to bribery and the financial gain possible, but if other suggestions are followed like the Internet, mobile phones and the inter-personal communication, from top to bottom the revolution will succeed. Corrupt people will never fight corruption, but with determination, sincerity of purpose the media can do a lot to spread the ills which corruption brought in our society. If that fails then we are bound to loose one of the most important weapons in the fight against corruption. The work of the media in revealing corruption is no less than that of the laws or committees that observe and follow corruption. When media discovers secrets, it will not keep them. If any act of corruption happens it should be exposed in an open and transparent environment and be subject to inquiries. The media’s efforts to gain people’s confidence fails because of the contradiction and corrupt behaviour of high ranking figures in society who loot public monies and go free unquestioned, we have to use confident media and credible people to deliver the message of fighting corruption.
To say corruption undermines the moral standards of society, endangers democracy, deprives citizens of their rights and blocks development is an understatement. The media’s role is not only to inform the public about facts and statements. An active role in public education and supporting the fight against corruption is necessary. This can only be achieved if our political and public representatives – especially the National Assembly, do clearly state their attitude about the fight against corruption before entering political elections. They can do this by setting an example through publicly declaring their assets and income. They should also understand that the public has a right to be informed about their work and private life.
The government has to embrace openness towards the media and public as well as a transparent decision making process. Appropriate timing is essential for complete and just access to information about public matters. Full support, both institutional and legal has to be provided to the media in their role of public criticizers. This includes the right to access to information that is given with full responsibility, correct, complete, checkable and official. That is why it is very important for the National Assembly to pass the Freedom of Information Bill. The belief is that, passing the Bill will make government and governance open and transparent. It will also make budget monitoring and tracking simple and easier. Nigerians should be able to question the activities of their elected representatives.
Nigerians are ready to support any sincere and honest move to fight corruption. The Anti Corruption Revolution if judiciously followed will salvage the country from the present predicament it finds itself and bring about honesty, transparency and accountability in government.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village, KM25,
Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State,
Nigeria.
kblondon2003@yahoo.com
08054546764, 08035150369
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Katsina: Hospitality at its best
Katsina is being described as Home of Hospitality, but you need to be in Katsina to understand that the statement is not just an empty slogan. I have never been to Katsina town all my life until last week. One of my greatest challenges was that, I was visiting a town, for the first time in my life, where I knew nobody, not that I don’t have Katsinawa friends, but most of them are mainly from other towns like Kankara, Kurfi, Dutsimma, Daura, Sandamu and Funtua.
I left Abuja on Wednesday heading for Katsina for a special assignment with so much in my mind, where I was to start? And the most challenging aspect of the work was that, I needed somebody to be my guide, but in reality there was none. On my way I made desperate calls to old friends, however, after exchanging pleasantries, if I present my case, they would tell me that they are not living inside Katsina town.
It was until few kilometres to Katsina that an old friend text me Kankara’s number and told me that he is lecturing at the Katsina State University. I heaved a sigh of relief and started trying Kankara’s number, trust our GSM service providers; it was not until after like thirteen minutes that I reached Kankara. I told him my mission to Katsina.
Upon reaching Katsina I lodged in a hotel and called my friend. He told me to take an Okada to Geography Department, Katsina State University. Thank God, Okada riders are still operating in Katsina town. It was from there that I started experiencing the hospitality of the people of Katsina. After like a thirty minutes ride on okada to the state university I was told to pay sixty naira. That was rather surprising to me, because if not Bauchi town I would have said, Katsina has the cheapest fares for okada.
My friend took time throughout that evening to introduce me to the people he felt could be helpful to my work. First he took me to NAN office where I met Lawal Saidu and other journalist friends. However, Saidu told us why not see the SA media to the Governor.
We headed for his house inside town, (pardon my not mentioning the name of these places). There we met a humble and religious man who offered us dinner, after the dinner I present to him my mission. Having work with press secretaries and SAs Media in some places, it was rather surprising for me to have access to this man without much difficulty. First he answered my call without knowing my number. I worked in a state where the press secretary does not pick calls and find it very difficult to mingle with people. Some people call it arrogance while I prefer to call it lack of exposure or having little knowledge of publicity.
We discussed at length on so many national and international issues and our discussion were very interesting because my host is a well read journalist and has worked for various media organisation including the News Agency of Nigeria.
After hours of discussion he politely told me that he was to leave on a mission to somewhere the next day but he sent me to somebody to assist me to carryout my mission.
The man told him that they were to travel to Jibiya with the Governor the next day but I should try to make it to the Government House before 10:00am. I was on time, where at the gate I was warmly welcomed by one Shehu, who directed me to his office. He was not in the office but called me to tell me to wait for him at the Press Centre. He came in some few minutes after 10:00am and he called me to his office. We discussed and the gentleman called his aide to take me round all the places and ensure that I get all what I needed. These people were kind and wonderful. Home of hospitality is not jus an empty slogan to Katsina, but a statement that described people so friendly, so courteous and always willing to assist their guest. My sincere thanks to the Sa’in Katsina, Alhaji Ahmadu Na Funtua, the SSA Media, Government House Katsina, SA Media to the Governor, Officials of the Ministry For Rural Youth Development, Secretary of the CDC Committee, also I would like to thank the person who took it upon himself to take me round Katsina and my friend Aliyu Ibrahim Kankara.
Barrister Danlami Alhaji Wushishi I have to apologize that I dwelled so much in thanking iyayen gidanka, but it has to be so. I have the intention of writing a piece on the Katsina State University may be next week. But as I leave Katsina this evening, I told myself I pray that I will be back again may be that time to do what Yuguda has done, not in strict sense of the word but something similar.
Katsinawa nagode.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village, KM25,
Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State
08054546764, 08035150369
Jos crisis: When sentiments becloud reason
When my lecturer, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, of the Political Science Department, ABU Zaria, wrote ‘The Role of Chief Bola Ige in the Destabilisation of Nigeria’, few took him serious; others like Femi Awomiyi accused him of misrepresenting history. But in actual sense what happened in Nigeria in the last ten to fifteen years reflects what Doctor wrote in that essay. The person in question, the late Bola Ige compared Fulanis with the Rwandan Tutsis. As quoted by Dr. Sadiq, Bola Ige, provocatively proclaimed that the Fulani of Nigeria are likely to end up sharing the same bloody fate with the Tutsis of Rwanda! Nothing is farther from the truth. These incisive essays, like the one written by Bola Ige, and other ethnic chauvinists like him, gained momentum in the Lagos/Ibadan axis press throughout the independence years, to military dictatorships. That paved way for ethnic minorities, whether in the South or North, to see the Hausa/Fulani as foreigners and enemies and easy target for killing, who according to sponsors of that evil agenda, for centuries exploited their grandparents and now the children of those oppressors are ensuring the continuation of the hegemony.
From the Kafanchan crisis, Zangon Kataf, Tafawa Balewa, Shagamu, Aba to Taraba crisis in the late 80s to early 90s, and the recent bloody mayhem in Kaduna and Jos, it is very easy to say that the University don is right for making the assertion. Like Fulanis the Tutsis - traditionally herdsmen - from northern Africa lived with their neighbours the Hutus. For 600 years the two groups shared the business of farming, essential for survival, between them. They have also shared their language, their culture, and their nationality. There have been many intermarriages between the two groups also.
Today, just like the built-up to the Rwandan genocide, the signs are glaring that there is agenda by some elements within the minority groups in Northern Nigeria, especially the so-called Middle Belt to exterminate the Hausa/Fulani in their midst. Some might liking me to prophet of doom, but if a simple local council election, could lead to the wanton killing of innocent people and destruction of property, then I can’t imagine where the country is heading to. Jos, until September 2001, had always been viewed as a peaceful city. To many Nigerians, the Plateau State motto of "Home of Peace and Tourism" was more than an empty slogan. Indeed, many people fleeing conflicts in their own areas had sought protection and safety in Jos; some had even settled there. But this rather peaceful city is taken over by hoodlums, gangs of terrorists, who believe that the country Nigeria belongs to them alone.
I can’t imagine after living in a town for more than 100 years, where even your great grandfather was born, having no other town than it, just for someone, whose identity is even questionable, to tell you that you are a settler, in century where a son of black Kenyan is elected as the President of the most powerful country on earth. Whether these spate of ethnic cleansing were planned or not, one thing is quite clear, all these crisis are masterminded by leaders of the various ethnic groups, who find pleasure in killing their fellow human beings. As many writers said, the Jos crisis is as a result of failure of leadership which the Northern country suffered after the death of our great leaders in the 1966 bloody coup. Worst affected by this syndrome are the Middle Belters, who for years are being exploited by their leaders.
One person needs to be commended; this person is no other but General Ibrahim Babangida. Apart from Sardauna, no any other leader in Northern Nigeria empowered the people of this area like Babangida. He made their sons and daughters governors, ministers, advisers, and ambassadors. Unfortunately these people misused the opportunity given to them, for them now to come back and start blaming Hausa/Fulani or Muslims for their woes. They left their people wretched, with no basic amenities, no education or social services. Therefore, the people became very easy to mobilize in slightest provocation.
Of all the Generals, former ministers, Ambassadors, and top government functionaries the region had, little could be shown to tell that the region produced these set of people. But one thing I want to assure the Jos ‘indigenes’ is that even if all Hausa/Fulani eventually decide to go back to their roots in Katsina, Zaria, Kano and elsewhere, the poverty of the region or their condition will not change. The problem they face today whether in Mangu, Langtan or Quanpan, is a general problem all over the country. There is no different between a poor man in Jesu, Balanga LGA Gombe State with that of Jengre of Plateau state or those leaving in remote areas of the South-west or South-east or the Niger-Delta. Therefore, instead of directing our anger to our fellow countrymen, why can’t we go directly to the root of the problem?
On the part of the government, enough is enough! The government has to take drastic measures to address the indigene/settler issue once and for all. The constitution is categorical about that, so is left for the government to implement it. One other issue is how to avoid the repetition of what happened. Here I think we need the input of people like the former Governor of Kaduna state, Senator Ahmad Muhammad Makarfi, Former Governor of Taraba State, Rev. Jolly Nyame, and Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau. The Federal Government and the Government of Plateau State need the assistance of these people to address this issue once and for all. Makarfi was able to bring peace to hitherto the most volatile state in the whole of the federation, likewise Rev. Nyame. On the other hand Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau was able to contained Kano which is well known for the wave of reprisal killings.
I think with the involvement of these experienced people, the security agents and well meaning Nigerians something tangible might come up. But I have to emphasize that unless people like Jonah Jang express willingness to involve everybody in his government, ba’a rabu da Bukar ba. Religious and traditional rulers have to be seriously warned that anyone found to be involved in any ethnic or religious riot should be executed. That worked in Kaduna and I think if that method is adapted in Jos or Plateau State in the next one year you will not hear any problem.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village,
KM25, Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State.
Kblondon2003@yahoo.com
080854546764, 08035150369
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Between the Kano Censorship Board and Kannywood
Mallam Abubakar Rabo Abdulkareem, Director-General, Kano State Censorship Board, is many thing to many people. He will be regarded as the most hated man in the Northern Nigerian Movie Industry, popularly known as Kannywood. Recently, in what is viewed as the immoral attitude of some film makers in the Kano film industry, since the release of a video clip, sometimes in 2007 showing one actress in an orgy, the Kano State introduced tougher measures to stop this unruly behaviour of these Indianised Hausas.
Kano State Government is very late, because the damage has already been done and that is even the reason why the film makers and their supporters are bold enough to challenge the legality of what the Censorship Board is doing. To my surprise even respected writers are of the opinion that these people should be allowed to continue the destruction of our inherent religious and cultural values. So many things were written and said about Mallam Rabo that I thought by now something evil might have strike this gentleman, but firm and determined he marched on and to my pleasure he did not flinch a bit.
Their argument was that Mallam Rabo is a person who does not respect literature and he is killing creativity through his actions. I wonder what creativity was there in the kinds of pamphlets we see that flood market in Northern Nigeria, written in poor Hausa that myself, who learned Hausa in primary school is offended by the kind of language used. For goodness sake can you compare these so-called literatures with books like Magana Jari ce, Kitsen Rogo, Shehu Umar or love novels like Soyayya Gamon Jini, So Aljannar Duniya, Inda So Da Kauna? What literature are we talking about? Continue the good work Mallam Rabo, we are behind you. If I have the opportunity, all these so-called film makers and writers will be behind bars for the rest of their lives.
Some writers have even gone further, with active connivance from some journalists, within and outside Nigeria to attack the personality of the Kano State Governor and some respected ulema from the state. They likened the arrest of Dan Ibro, Iyan Tama and other film actors as trampling on fundamental human rights, freedom and liberty of ordinary citizens. Dan Ibro and all those arrested for that matter are not ordinary citizens, they are role models, there actions or inactions affect the very people that gave Mallam Shekarau the mandate to protect their lives, property, social, moral and religious values. I don’t condone any form of immorality no matter small, and blackmail, intimidation and outright lies cannot deter Mallam Shekarau or Rabo from performing what they believe is good for the society. And Mallam Rabo himself said this in an interview with journalists recently. From his words I believe Mallam Rabo is sincere and doing what he is doing for the good of his society.
Do the film makers and their fans ever pause to think of the damage these so-called movies and literature have done to our already disorganised and morally bankrupt society? How can a learned Bahaushe support the publication of these literatures and or promote the kinds of film produced by these people? I wonder. The Kano State government is very right to put a stop to this. The law that prohibits indecency, immorality, close dancing between men and women is very clear, thus, ‘Any person who... publicly exhibits any indecent stage show or performance, play or any show or performance tending to corrupt public morals, is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for 3 months or to a fine or to both such imprisonment and fine.’ The Hausa film makers, directors and producers are very much aware of this prohibition, but the other day I heard one of them talking on Supreme FM that they have to do some of these things because according to them that is the only way they can attract market and their viewers like it.
In essence what these people are telling us is that, since they can earn money through the destruction of our moral and religious values to hell with anybody who feels the future of his offspring is threatened. This is not fair and the government of Kano State and its energetic Kano State Censorship Board DG intervention is commendable, may Allah reward them abundantly.
But we have to admit that this upsurge of film making business is a failure of our governments at all levels to provide the citizenry with a decent means of livelihood. Nigerians are left on their own to fend for themselves. That is what our brand of capitalism brought to us; our people are daily invited to partake in lotto, ‘who want to be a millionaire’ ‘treasure hunt’ ‘free recharge cards’ etc. our graduates are left roaming the streets, beggars and street children/almajiris in every motor park and streets of our major cities, the airtime in our television and radio are filled with messages aimed at luring youth to partake in dancing or music competition. Are we sure with this kind of attitude Nigeria can be one of the leading industrious countries of the world by 2020?
What the Hausa film did and is still doing is to divert the attention of our younger ones from their real problems. Go to any city or village in Northern Nigeria and ask them what are they aspiring to become in the future, they would all tell you Ali Nuhu or Sani Danja. To them that are the highest one can attain in life, that is, to become a movie star. On the other hand, ladies are the worst affected because instead of directing their energies to what will benefit them, you find them engrossed by these films. Believing in every scene they watched – the actors speak their language, what the Hollywood and Bollywood failed to achieve in over thirty years has been easily achieved in few days.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village,
KM25 Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State
kblondon2003@yahoo.com
080854546764,08035150369
Mallam Abubakar Rabo Abdulkareem, Director-General, Kano State Censorship Board, is many thing to many people. He will be regarded as the most hated man in the Northern Nigerian Movie Industry, popularly known as Kannywood. Recently, in what is viewed as the immoral attitude of some film makers in the Kano film industry, since the release of a video clip, sometimes in 2007 showing one actress in an orgy, the Kano State introduced tougher measures to stop this unruly behaviour of these Indianised Hausas.
Kano State Government is very late, because the damage has already been done and that is even the reason why the film makers and their supporters are bold enough to challenge the legality of what the Censorship Board is doing. To my surprise even respected writers are of the opinion that these people should be allowed to continue the destruction of our inherent religious and cultural values. So many things were written and said about Mallam Rabo that I thought by now something evil might have strike this gentleman, but firm and determined he marched on and to my pleasure he did not flinch a bit.
Their argument was that Mallam Rabo is a person who does not respect literature and he is killing creativity through his actions. I wonder what creativity was there in the kinds of pamphlets we see that flood market in Northern Nigeria, written in poor Hausa that myself, who learned Hausa in primary school is offended by the kind of language used. For goodness sake can you compare these so-called literatures with books like Magana Jari ce, Kitsen Rogo, Shehu Umar or love novels like Soyayya Gamon Jini, So Aljannar Duniya, Inda So Da Kauna? What literature are we talking about? Continue the good work Mallam Rabo, we are behind you. If I have the opportunity, all these so-called film makers and writers will be behind bars for the rest of their lives.
Some writers have even gone further, with active connivance from some journalists, within and outside Nigeria to attack the personality of the Kano State Governor and some respected ulema from the state. They likened the arrest of Dan Ibro, Iyan Tama and other film actors as trampling on fundamental human rights, freedom and liberty of ordinary citizens. Dan Ibro and all those arrested for that matter are not ordinary citizens, they are role models, there actions or inactions affect the very people that gave Mallam Shekarau the mandate to protect their lives, property, social, moral and religious values. I don’t condone any form of immorality no matter small, and blackmail, intimidation and outright lies cannot deter Mallam Shekarau or Rabo from performing what they believe is good for the society. And Mallam Rabo himself said this in an interview with journalists recently. From his words I believe Mallam Rabo is sincere and doing what he is doing for the good of his society.
Do the film makers and their fans ever pause to think of the damage these so-called movies and literature have done to our already disorganised and morally bankrupt society? How can a learned Bahaushe support the publication of these literatures and or promote the kinds of film produced by these people? I wonder. The Kano State government is very right to put a stop to this. The law that prohibits indecency, immorality, close dancing between men and women is very clear, thus, ‘Any person who... publicly exhibits any indecent stage show or performance, play or any show or performance tending to corrupt public morals, is guilty of an offence and is liable to imprisonment for 3 months or to a fine or to both such imprisonment and fine.’ The Hausa film makers, directors and producers are very much aware of this prohibition, but the other day I heard one of them talking on Supreme FM that they have to do some of these things because according to them that is the only way they can attract market and their viewers like it.
In essence what these people are telling us is that, since they can earn money through the destruction of our moral and religious values to hell with anybody who feels the future of his offspring is threatened. This is not fair and the government of Kano State and its energetic Kano State Censorship Board DG intervention is commendable, may Allah reward them abundantly.
But we have to admit that this upsurge of film making business is a failure of our governments at all levels to provide the citizenry with a decent means of livelihood. Nigerians are left on their own to fend for themselves. That is what our brand of capitalism brought to us; our people are daily invited to partake in lotto, ‘who want to be a millionaire’ ‘treasure hunt’ ‘free recharge cards’ etc. our graduates are left roaming the streets, beggars and street children/almajiris in every motor park and streets of our major cities, the airtime in our television and radio are filled with messages aimed at luring youth to partake in dancing or music competition. Are we sure with this kind of attitude Nigeria can be one of the leading industrious countries of the world by 2020?
What the Hausa film did and is still doing is to divert the attention of our younger ones from their real problems. Go to any city or village in Northern Nigeria and ask them what are they aspiring to become in the future, they would all tell you Ali Nuhu or Sani Danja. To them that are the highest one can attain in life, that is, to become a movie star. On the other hand, ladies are the worst affected because instead of directing their energies to what will benefit them, you find them engrossed by these films. Believing in every scene they watched – the actors speak their language, what the Hollywood and Bollywood failed to achieve in over thirty years has been easily achieved in few days.
Kabiru Danladi,
Lawanti Village,
KM25 Along Gombe-Bauchi Road,
Akko LGA, Gombe State
kblondon2003@yahoo.com
080854546764,08035150369
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