Budget 2008: Wey De Cooperation?

From all we see and hear, it seems both citizens and their representatives are in the dark about the federal government's 2008 Budget Proposals.

That is why the parliamentarians are lost and furious over the content or lack of it. It is also why their preliminary comments have been largely characterised by dismay, disgust and disbelief.

If the same party controls both presidency and parliament, how come we are saddled with this mystery? Why aren't they on da same page? And why is the administration short on requisite details in what the president laid before the national assembly?

Alas, there is this joke of "passing" the BUDGET by 20th December - i.e. within barely 30 days! We don't know how that provides for "harmonisation" by both chambers of parliament.

Pray, if the legislators can't debate the budget sensibly, how then do the Nigerian people do so? Have a feel? Even the media has been dry! Where now is the chance and need for public data, public scrutiny, public input, and public passion plus ownership?

Most of all, for a servant-leader, where is da consultation???

Niger Delta: Senate on the Move!

We must commend the Nigerian Senate for holding their 2007 Retreat in Port Harcourt, right in the Niger Delta...and its "Theatre of War"! Courage.

We must double the kudos for their "limited creeks' tour" of the region...... to see things for themselves! And, did they see!!

They were so depressed, disappointed, disgusted and charged-up by their firsthand discoveries! Some wept!!

In the end, our senators returned to Abuja, DETERMINED to right da wrongs - the heartless and relentless rape of the people and their land! Bravo.

Now, we must ask the House of Reps to do same: Take a freehanded tour, like the Senate, so you can all be on da same page!

Change is at hand. CHANGE be afoot. Thank God.

Hail da COURTS!

The judgements from the Election Petitions Tribunals as well as the Superior Courts are so calming and comforting, that the masses now believe that justice is attainable and obtainable in the land!

Bravo to Their LORDSHIPS!

Especially the Supreme Court if Nigeria.

After Ettehgate

Now that the House of Representatives has put the Ettehgate saga behind it, and with the generally welcomed election of Speaker Oladimeji Bankole, let the people's work begin!

While the crisis lasted, it brought out the good, the bad and the ugly of the crowd in the House. Nigerians never had it such putrefying. Now, dear reps, purify yourselves!

Start with fast-tracking the Freedom of Information Bill. Send it to the president next week! Nigerians are clamouring, and waiting.

Next, tackle the 2008 Budget just presented by the president (which was sadly delayed by Ettehgate!), as if your physical and political lives depend on it! In doing so, revisit and evaluate the 2007 Budget/Appropriation Act for full reporting/accountability.

Be firm: You be da People's Representatives!