Scheduled Debates

Lagos and Oyo States have led the way in public debates by gubernatorial candidates. Bravo! All other states should follow suit. Time is short.

While the electronic media hold the ace, it is worthy that the print media get creative by using their online presence to stream their own debates. This way, the products can be on-demand and remain archived on the web. While rebroadcasts are needed, the electronic media should upload their tapes for the same reasons/purposes: permanent access and record.

It is time also to take on the big one: presidential debates. The field is crowded no doubt, which is why we need to get them talking in structured settings soonest.

In this constitutional duty of the media, we need well-researched and highly pragmatic debates. We need accountability - those seeking reelection or higher office must defend their past. This is the time and place to hold them to full disclosure. What have they done with previous mandates. How can they defend the present state of affairs: e.g. how can we not treat catarrh or a torn tendon in Nigeria?!

Local media should take on the parliamentary candidates' debates as well as the numerous local government contestants, when the time comes. This must include village square and town hall debates nationwide. We are AFRICANS!

Bottom line: Let no one get to office without public scrutiny.

"Defending" da Constitution!

Nigeria's Supreme Court ruled that the federal government has no power, authority or right to withold, hoard or impound statutory revenues/allocations due and belonging to states and local governments (re - Lagos v FG case). The president proudly ignored the order, claiming he was defending the constitution!

An Abuja High Court ruled that INEC has no power or authority or right to disqualify or bar any political aspirant from the April general elections - such powers lie only with the courts. The commission proudly ignored the order, claiming it is defending the constitution!

Pray, which constitution? Hahaha.

Professor Maurice Iwu, the INEC chairman, is certainly matching his appointer and boss order for order, hubris for hubris, law-trampling for law-trampling! Except that a President Olusegun Obasanjo has an armada of sorts (forces, praise-singers, pretenders and resources) to shield him awhile. As for the professor, oh bells! Hope all members of the commission are part and parcel of that decision o! Hope? Well, the press has been speculating...

Building our democracy and the so-called learning process, constantly mouthed by our leaders, surely has its limits. Aren't we taking this proverbial handshake beyond the elbows? Haba.

The beauty is that our courts are primed and proper these days, and the nation has absolute confidence in the unflagging integrity of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Wait and see!

I'm Upbeat....on this Transition!

Perish the thought! Who says the forth-coming elections will not hold? Who thinks they can derail this long-awaited TRANSITION? Who? How? Where? What is it that surpasses the will and manifest destiny of THE PEOPLE? None. Period.

I'm upbeat. I'm positive. I'm possessed of the incurable optimism that holds true for all nations whose time has come. And come to stay. EIGHT YEARS of all that can possibly go wrong be now over. Over! Truly over.

Hey, beyond them spirit and conviction of positive goodness, just look around: What we see is magic! Institutional renewal. Independence of the "Branches of Government". Sharpening of the Media thru' Freedom of Information Bill. Pressure from the International Community. Fatigue of Blind-Followership. Vehement Renaissance at "Tiers of Government". Bold Questions. And the Hand of Retribution. Times!

So, dear doubter, relax! With the Parliament and the Supreme Court clearly on the side of due process and the rule of law, both our constitution and this fledging democracy it under-girds will come to no grief. Not anymore.

Then, the clincher: I see a sweep. I see some hand-in-glove journeys. Mutual. Joint and Glued. I see envy, mirrors and minds. I see hunger for legacy and the fear of posterity. Oh, dear seeker, I see laughter, alas! Yes.

Count the "Weeks to Freedom"! Yes, yes.

Hail Nigeria! Yes, yes....and yes.

Campaigns: Content & Style

At last, things are picking up. Yes. And, oh yes, I know the complaints: we need substance, not substandard electioneering! Manifestoes, not maligning of opponents. Canvassing, not cheap or creep condemning.

It's early days yet; so, patience. Things will soon start heating up - when they exhaust all dem crudity and expletives!

Soon, the media will goad them, guide them, grill and grind them. The wise better beware!

As for us, the people, our turn is nigh. Let's use this "power to choose" firmly and fairly. We must not fail again!! No.