TheNewsGuru

Tag: Michael West

  • Attack on Police: Anarchy and Disintegration Imminent!, By Michael West

    Attack on Police: Anarchy and Disintegration Imminent!, By Michael West

    By Michael West

     

    Nigeria’s total collapse and disintegration appears imminent. One does not need a soothsayer to know this. The ominous signs are everywhere for all to see. Apart from the political turmoil instigated by cronyism, misgovernance, leadership failure and incompetence – all of which validated strident calls for restructuring of the polity and self-determination by some ethnic nationalities, the clock is ticking for the implosion of multidimensional internal conflicts that will soon climax in anarchy and splitting of the country into irredeemable fragments. This is not a prophecy of doom; even the visually impaired can see the thick cloud of imminent rain of crisis that “federal might” may not be able to contain.

     

    The incessant attack on, and killing of, Nigeria police officers and men on a daily basis calls for caution. This should not happen in any organised society. Around the world, there is no government without effective, well-equipped, well-funded and loyal police men and women in place. Police is a civil force in charge of internal security in every country. They are well defended, funded, remunerated and compensated in events of accident or death in line of duty as enshrined in each country’s constitution.

     

    But, in recent times, Nigeria police personnel have become endangered species. They are hunted, attacked and killed like preys wherever they are found in hot zones. This is unacceptable.

    There is no other way to confirm that Nigeria is a failing state than the way our policemen and officers have become easy target of attacks. Police is a central factor that holds the fabrics of Nigeria’s forced unity together; and the moment the Police is taken out of the equation, in a short time, the nation will be history.

    Unfortunately, we are fast drifting to the precipice with the way hoodlums, unknown gunmen, cultists, armed robbers, bandits and irate youths attack and kill policemen and officers in some parts of the country.

     

    Incidentally, Nigeria police have not been well appreciated by the public they serve and protect. They are seen from the prism of the bad elements in the force. The rot in the force and the brutality unleashed on civilians do not earn the force deserved corporate respect, support and appreciation. Anybody that has been a victim of police injustice and brutality will not spare a thought for them. The federal structure of the force does not help its situation either. Decent and civil people in the force are either sidelined, transferred to “Siberia” or are even implicated as “risk factors” to covert nefarious operations. Such officers do suffer denial of due promotions and placements. Ethnicity and religion are used against many competent and efficient officers in the force. Did you know that many officers have to bribe their way to the top? The mess and deprivation they experience can be very frustrating. It is believed that these are the likely reasons why they exploit innocent citizens and suspects in their custody. However, these are not justifiable reasons for the unprofessional conduct of some of them, but because the system is not allowed to function fairly, effectively and independently, it mostly accounts for the avoidable pressure and manipulation under which the Nigeria Police operate.

     

    Without trying to rationalise misconducts and illegalities, the fact remains that Police do misbehave everywhere else around the world. We have seen the Police commit murder and brutality in the most civilized countries. What is bad is bad; police are not meant to oppress or kill the citizens they are employed, trained, equipped and paid to protect. As we can also see, such erring officers are brought to justice in the court of law and sentenced accordingly. The same thing happens here, except that our judicial system grinds at snail’s speed.

     

    There are police men that have distinguished themselves in mature, responsible and civil manner. We have seen policemen being harassed, beaten, humiliated and even left half-dead without them retaliating, even when they carry weapons; but chose to endure the assaults without committing murder in the name of self-defence. Kudos to such gallant men and officers of the Nigeria Police wherever they are!

     

    Attacks on the police stand condemned. Statistics show that it is a global phenomenon that must be checkmated at all costs. For instance, a staggering 264 police officers were killed in the line of duty in 2020, representing a 96% increase compared to the previous year’s figure. This is according to a release by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies reported that 60,211 officers were assaulted while performing their duties in 2017. There is hardly a day that passes without us losing a policeman in line of duty in Nigeria. In the last four weeks, over 30 policemen and officers were reportedly killed at different flashpoints in the country.

     

    Nigeria is under-policed. The figure per number of citizens is grossly inadequate. While we are managing to cope with about 350, 000 personnel, half of who are assigned to individuals, private and corporate organisations, the festering insecurity engulfing the country is overstretching the available cops on duty. The time for the establishment of state and local police is now. We have to work the talk.

     

    The poor working conditions is another issue. Apart from the recent adjustment in their salary structure by the federal government following the #EndSARS nationwide protests, their incentives and fringe benefits deserve to be reviewed. A situation where officers and men will have to pay for their uniforms, boots, belts, caps, stationery for their various stations and posts is abnormal. How about the welfare and insurance scheme for them and their families? Ideally, their children should enjoy free education on the bill of the state. This should include the military. Free healthcare and subsidized holiday trips for their immediate family members. With these in place, higher commitment and dedication to duty will be guaranteed and corruption will drastically be reduced in the system. Favouritism, ethnicity and religious biases should give way for merit, seniority and federal character in the administration of the Force. This is possible only if there is the political will to do it.

     

    In the United States, Louisiana became the first state to pass what it called a “blue lives matter” law that added police officers to the hate crime statute. Texas, Kentucky and other states have followed with their own laws. Alabama currently makes it a capital offense, punishable by death, to kill a police officer. But proponents of the bill said it could provide stiffer penalties for people who attack police officers in targeted assaults. Last week, 30 men were sentenced to death for killing just one policeman during an intra-religious riots where several people sustained injuries in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

     

    Government must enforce legal provisions that protect our policemen and officers. Culprits of assaults on policemen must be speedily brought to justice with grim penalty to serve as deterrent. Doing so is the safest way to sanitize our crime-infested society. Propounding this idea does not prevent erring officers from standing trial also. I read about a recent kidnap case where the victims called the police for help and the victims were allegedly told to pay their ransom first. In another case, the policemen were reported to have offered to deliver the ransom to the kidnappers. A kidnap suspect in police net claimed that he and his gang do share the ransom with DSS officials that supplied them weapons. This is aside the cases of extra judicial killings, bribery and perversion of justice against the hapless and the poor. These are grievous offences against God and humanity. It is quite satisfactory that police authorities do not shield such personnel from prosecution; only that our judicial process grinds slowly.

     

    The most annoying are cases of AK47-wielding Fulani herdsmen arrested by vigilantes or community people. As soon as they are handed over to the police, they are released and their illegal weapons returned to them based on “orders from above.” This act of impunity must stop, except we operate a Northern Police Force.

     

    Police are law enforcers and internal security administrators that are accessible, reachable and approachable to the citizens. I stand to be corrected! They still rank among the best in Africa if they go on foreign missions. However, the situation can still be salvaged if the General Muhammadu Buhari-led government decides to be sincere by allowing the police force to operate on merit and in accordance with the principles of federal character.

     

    Quote:

    “There is no other way to confirm that Nigeria is a failing state than the way our policemen and officers have become easy target of attack. Police is a central factor that holds the fabrics of Nigeria’s forced unity together.”

     

    08059964446

    08035304268

     

  • Parents, It’s All About You, By Michael West

    Parents, It’s All About You, By Michael West

    By Michael West

    It appears that becoming single parents either by widowhood or failed marriage makes one vulnerable. This is because quite a number of single parents are perplexed and unhappy due to the opposition they receive from their children in their bid to venture into relationship again. Assertive parents do not hide their desire for companions while some others shy away and conceal their burning longing for love for fear of disapproval by their adult children. It is surprising that some children do not help matters in this regard. They don’t think their parents, most of who are in their late 50s to 70s do not need to have intimate affairs again. Fathers do have their way against all odds than mothers. It is so because mothers practically submit their lives to the dictates and caprices of their children.

     

    From my encounters with many families, I discovered that selfish children do feign ignorance of the emotional need of their aging parents. A 62-year-old woman has a serious issue with her only daughter who does not like to see any man around her mom. Being the only daughter, the mom spends more time in her place looking after her two children while she concentrates on her job. The 34 years old graduate of computer science thinks she’s doing her mom a great deal of favour by keeping her around most of the time. Fortunately, her husband is a well-cultured man who relates warmly with his mother-in-law. She became enraged when her mom told her that she’s considering going into another marriage if she finds a suitable man. The statement sparked a hot, resentful response from her daughter. “What do you need a man for? At 62, do you still need more children or what? It is a disgrace that my mom could contemplate such an idea.” Her siblings sharply disagreed with her. They argued that she’s entitled to live her life as she pleases after all their dad has remarried 12 years ago. As at today, the mom is scared to venture into relationship because “I don’t want trouble with my daughter.” Several of this case abound in our society. While some parents, regardless of what their children think or say, have their way, others bow to the opinions or rejection of the idea by their children.

     

    A man reconnected with me last weekend with a request for a befitting match as a companion. He had signified interest in my Hook Up service in 2018. He later ceased communicating after completing the process. He explained that his children was the reason he suspended his request at the time. “They argued that I don’t need a woman since I’m already a grandfather. Remember I sought your (Michael West’s) counsel on the matter and your advise eventually paid off. It’s a long story but everything has been settled. Now, I’m available,” he stated.

     

    A young woman of 35 years old would not mind to marry a 58 years old divorced single dad but she is stiff scared of the man’s grown up children. She is not particularly bothered about the boys but the two girls. “Men don’t really intrude into their parents’ affairs unlike women. They see you as a gold digger if the man is rich or as an unqualified replacement for their mom. They usually don’t flow well with women in their fathers’ lives. They see the wife as a rival and usurper of their mother’s position. Why the needless acrimony usually arise is what I don’t understand,” she said.

     

    In view of the above situation, it all depends on the man himself. For real, stepdaughters (not all of them though) are difficult folks to relate with. They think their parents might fall victim of the new partners’ antics or deception. The children fear that they may no longer enjoy attention and unrestrained access to their parents as soon as they get engaged or remarried. They become excessively protective because they are not too sure of the safety of their parents in the hands of the new partners. Children are afraid of being ostracized or fenced out of the reach of their dear parents by the new partners. For children that have been enjoying free flow of monetary assistance and confidentiality with their parents, they don’t want to take the risk of being denied such support.

     

    Candidly, some of these fears are real. There are examples and living proofs of families that have become fictionalized and sharply divided courtesy of new partners in the families especially the stepmothers. It is only in rare cases, if any at all, that you see stepfathers cause such division or upset in families. Several families are in shambles and disarray because of the atrocities and shenanigans of stepmoms. So, to a large extent, some of the fears are real and genuine.

     

    However, there are many wonderful women who actually turn out to be a blessing to their families. They reconcile warring members of the family. They go the extra mile to build confidence, love and trust such that they become the rallying force. Recalcitrant stepdaughters are usually the last to accept them. The stepmom would rather befriend the strategic and ‘all-powerful’ stepdaughters than discriminate against them. A wise stepmom won’t act based on advanced negative information she has had about the members of the family. With open and free mind she will relate with everybody. Such a stepmom is usually a positive thinker, prayer addict, patient and wise woman. She’s not easily offended, she ignores minor faults, complains less and commends good deeds a lot. She will leverage on her nexus to advance the progress of the family members, in particular, her stepchildren. I know a woman who was paying the upkeep of her stepchildren in tertiary institutions on monthly basis. After graduation, she used her position and influence to secure employment in choice government agencies for her stepchildren. We still have kind, sacrificial, helpful and generous stepmothers in our society.

     

    It is only fair to acknowledge that the most difficult person to satisfy or convince is an enemy. If someone has constituted herself to be your sworn enemy, even if you sacrifice your soul for her, she will scorn your offer and go ahead with her deeds. A sadist as a stepdaughter may accuse you of trying to entice or ‘bribe’ her with “unsolicited favour” into supporting your relationship with her dad. She and her ilk are usually saucy, arrogant and rude. They utter foul words to spite and disparage their targets. They deride noble intentions and portray good deeds as a veil for intending evil. They are daring, cantankerous and vindictive. Forgiveness is not in their lexicon. They make life miserable and tiresome for whoever they choose to contend with. Even their parents could hardly exercise control over them. Such category of stepdaughters should be left alone. Get along with those who accept and appreciate you in the family. Still, keep open arms and receptive heart. After all, enemy today may become your fanatical supporter tomorrow. Jesus said, let men see your “good works” so they will glorify your Father in heaven. Nothing changes and turns life around faster than good character and blameless lifestyle.

     

    In conclusion, parents should not surrender their lives to the whims and dictates of their children. Their opinions and inputs may count but certainly not to determine whether or not their parents should have new relationships. I believe children should be carried along and be adequately informed but not to rule over the affairs of their parents.

    Quote:

    “Men don’t really intrude into their parents’ affairs unlike women. They see you as a gold digger if the man is rich or as an unqualified replacement for their mom.”

     

  • Marriage, not wedding is priority – Michael West

    By Michael West

    November 27, 2020

    Marriage is a serious business. It is not meant for the immature, irresponsible or ill-prepared. It is not a deal for playboys and “runs girls.” It indicates responsibility and commitment on the couple. It changes their statuses from ‘single’ to ‘married.’ It enhances personal values, enriches experience and confers credibility on the married in the eyes of the society. Being responsible is part of the reasons only the married is qualified to stand as surety or guarantors in serious matters in the law courts. The sum value of marriage is in the sense of responsibility, discipline and value addition to self, family and the larger society. And, above all, in being fulfilled as ordained by God to replenish (procreate), have dominion and rule over the earth.

    Many prospective brides and grooms wish to have a talk-of-the-town wedding. While wedding is just a day event, marriage is a lifetime affair. The pomp that usually headlines the class and glamour of a wedding does not guarantee its success nor induce its failure. Unfortunately, not a few of the celebrated weddings have failed to translate into peaceful and enduring marriages. This has nothing to do with the age, class or tribes of the couples involved. It is traceable to tripartite factors such as parental interest, class obsession and neglect of the spiritual.

    Some failed marriages would have survived but due to parental overbearing, misguided or imposed choices and pandering to the dictates of the class they belong to. This is common with the rich because they think, by that, they are protecting their family interest, business and class by insisting on choices within opulent family circles. Sometimes they could be right because some folks from humble backgrounds have proven to be a disaster in marriage to rich families. However, such cases are not enough for the rich to play God. They should realise that everyone’s future lies with God as many of them were not born with silver spoons in their mouths. Fortunes smiled on them either through hard work, right connections or providence, the same way other people’s children could make it with or without marrying their privileged children. There are basic things parents must check to determine the appropriateness of a prospective spouse for their children.

    • Is the person educated enough to feel good in the midst of their peers? Is the person well behaved, civil, pleasant and mature? Everyone has weak points, so, they should not expect a saint because nobody is. On the average, if the character is adjudged good and tolerable to run a peaceful and stable home, then, the person is a good choice.
    • The person’s parental background in terms of integrity, business or occupation and track record or pedigree not necessarily in terms of financial worth but in values.
    • The prospects of the person is key. What the person hopes to do or is doing as occupational engagement, the ability to excel in their field of speciality and/or the ability to manage business etc., will be an added advantage to the family.

    The highlighted factors in addition to godly upbringing are enough criteria for a spouse-to-be for the children of the rich. We have seen children of the rich kill themselves in marriage. We have seen some of their marriages crash in weeks and months after society weddings. Parents should stop chasing shadows. They should concentrate on the important aspects of life and the wellbeing of their children and not to dwell on a one-day society wedding for their children. Is it wrong to be involved in the affairs of our children? Absolutely not. However, there are key areas parents need to work on to ensure happy and stable homes for their children.

    Class obsession is a serious issue to contend with in this matter. Trying to measure up to the family’s rating has led some people into debts and acrimonious marriages. People should live within their means and celebrate according to their financial strength. There’s no award for the Most Ostentatious Wedding Ceremony of the Year. Therefore, celebrate moderately and spend wisely.

    On the spiritual, it is not everybody’s aura that permits noisy or ostentatious celebration. The need to seek divine guidance in events like marriage is very important. Many homes are in disarray today because they failed to factor the spiritual into their arrangements much earlier. Seeking to know the mind of God concerning the couple and the ceremony is the right step to take. We are all spirit beings living in the physical. The Bible says God is in heaven ruling in the affairs of men. This basically applies to those who allow Him to rule in their own situations. God is a Gentleman, if you don’t involve, consult or invite Him into your affairs, He will stay away, looking.

    From the Mailbox

    Re: ‘My Wife Caused It’

    He’s a useless man. A shameless man who drained his wife’s finances in the name of soft loans. I believe he used the money to service his girlfriend whom he got pregnant because that’s what he wanted. Otherwise, didn’t he know where condoms are sold? The woman should divorce him. – Liz, M, Lagos.

    Most women are happier being single than married. No ordering around, no unnecessary malice, no cooking and serving any man. It’s just freedom for them. For any one (man or woman) who has been in a toxic relationship before, the person will agree with me that it’s a lot better to remain single. – Mrs. Nora O, Lagos.

    I want to agree that infidelity in marriage is very bad. We should always ask for God’s wisdom and divine direction in every aspect of our lives. Many women find it difficult to adapt when things are rough with their husbands. In my home, I’m the bread winner, yet, I live in peace with my husband. Allowing him to enjoy sex is also a key I often use to make him happy. My advice to the man is to pray about it, as we can see the wife’s heart is very far from him. She needs to forgive him as marriage without forgiveness and tolerance may not last. – Julie, M, Enugu.

    It is good he didn’t hide his extra marital affair from his wife. It is good he’s sincere enough not to have justified himself for the wrong doing. It shows he is remorseful. Now he has to allow his wife some time to get herself together. She will forgive him though disappointed he could go that far. Then we have to also consider the other lady, the girlfriend and her baby. While he awaits his wife’s forgiveness, he must first forgive himself. – Dayo, E, Lagos

    Any man who goes to a lady friend and utters statements like “I love my wife, I cannot afford to loose her” would eventually fall a prey to the lady friend’s antics because she would go the extra mile to satisfy the man emotionally, psychologically and physically (supporting him with money, wears and feeding him with sumptuous meals) that his wife (who is bluffing and denying him sex) could not offer. So, I suggest that every man should stop confessing love for their wife outside. They should stop taking loans from their wives to service their businesses; rather, they should look elsewhere. (Spiritual insight in that). Bedroom assignment is a must for the couple. Women should stop using sex as a weapon of punishment against their husbands. Note that what you are denying him would be given freely outside with or without money and the man will feel safer and relaxed where he is welcomed. Proverbs 14 verse 1 says “Every wise woman builds her own home.” – Wunmi, O, Lagos.

    Quote:

    “While wedding is just a day event, marriage is a lifetime affair. The pomp that usually headlines the class and glamour of a wedding does not guarantee its success nor induce its failure.”

  • Oritsejafor, a burdened chief priest – Michael West

    Oritsejafor, a burdened chief priest – Michael West

    By Michael West

    Like or hate him, he will speak out. Regardless of whose ox is gored, he will say it as it is. Pastor Joseph Ayodele Oritsejafor is a man that commands two extreme loyalties: those who love and admire him passionately and those who are critical of his guts. He is well loved by his numerous “sons and daughters” in the faith, followers and admirers. He has had his own fair share of holding sway at the national space as Chief Priest of Nigeria by virtue of being the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, between 2010 and 2016.

    Oritsejafor is a man of consummate passion who have, even in private capacity, still care about his primary constituency which is the Christian community. He is equally interested in the state of affairs in Nigeria as well as in the welfare of the people within his reach. Despite being one of the most criticised faith leaders in Nigeria for his guts and boldness, he holds nobody in contempt or in offence for doing so. “Tell me a successful leader that is not criticised rightly or wrongly for whatever reason? Even Jesus Christ was criticized for being compassionate by healing the sick. He was derided for identifying with the poor, care for the destitute and seeking to save sinners. And that’s what leadership entails. Sacrificing to protect and provide for the needs of the people. When people react or criticise you for almost everything you do or say, it shows that you are effective and impactful. I have never thought about it (criticisms) for a minute. It is part of the cross to carry in leadership at all levels,” he said.

    In 2013, when he was vying for his second term in office as CAN president, a well-known politician in Abuja said he was miffed by Oritsejafor’s gut in speech making. “The man does not know how to be diplomatic when it comes to the issues of alleged imbalance or injustice against his people (Christians). In the history of this country, no Christian leader or leader from the south has ever looked at us in the face and talk the way he does. I wish he does not return to office for the second term. We we’re just tolerating him,” he told a couple of friends at a private dinner in a popular hotel at the federal capital territory, FCT. Oritsejafor eventually won and the silent rage against him continued.

    He has been on ‘sabbatical’ since he served out his tenure of office as CAN president in 2016. Asked why he has maintained a studied silence on the happenings in the country, Papa, as he’s fondly addressed in Christian circle, said “I have never been quiet about the situation in Nigeria. When I was in office as Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and CAN president, the responsibility to speak for the Body of Christ squarely rested on me. Today, I speak as a Church leader and in my private capacity as a citizen of this country. I do this when I’m consulted and offer pieces of advice on the way forward. I’m still actively involved as a leader. Nobody is happy with the way things are going on in this country. Every leader I know, be it political or religious, is doing something to salvage the situation in this country. Don’t forget that we have the mandate of intercession as the Church of Christ to pray for Nigeria. This, I do more than talking to the press.”

    Oritsejafor is a newsmaker. He is a journalists’ favorite because he’s sure to talk whenever the occasion demands. A newspaper editor once said “One thing you cannot take away from Pastor Ayo (Oritsejafor) is his voice. Even at gunpoint, he will tell you his mind. He’s not intimidated or afraid of being called names. I’m not a Christian but I think he has defended and represented his people well.”

    Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, a notable Christian activist and Executive Secretary of Christian Social Movement of Nigeria, CSMN, in his tribute describes Oritsejafor as a rare gift in leadership to the Body of Christ. Emmanuel was privileged to be close to CAN leadership to know and evaluate the contributions of Oritsejafor while in the saddle. “In contemporary Christianity in Nigeria, only one Christian leader has distinguished himself as corporate leader willing to surrender the resources of his ministry for the common good of all, irrespective of Church group, denomination, ministry or tribe. Only His Eminence, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has accomplished this feat.

    “Christianity in Nigeria is yet to raise another corporate leader that would fearlessly confront the adversaries to defend the flock of Christ. He was bold, fearless, and inspired many Christian professionals to rise to support CAN. His tenure as President of CAN witnessed the introduction of some landmark policies that would not only have prevented the current persecution of Christians but would have enabled Christianity to transform Nigeria. Three of those legacies should be noted for historical purposes:

    “The CAN Strategy Document: For the first time since its establishment in 1976, CAN developed a Strategy Document to defend and promote Christianity in Nigeria. This roadmap was approved by the National Executive Committee of CAN in July 2015 during the tenure of his Eminence. Had this Document been implemented, Christians and Nigerians would not experience the current distress plaguing Nigeria.

    “The CAN Trust Fund: To ensure there is funding to implement the Strategy Document as well as take care of Christians (both as corporate and individual entities), his Eminence introduced, during his tenure, the Trust Fund meant to provide N5 billion monthly for CAN. The project started running during his tenure but could not be sustained after he left office.

    “The National Christian Elders’ Forum: Only a committed and inspiring leader could have assembled the caliber of Christian Elders in the NCEF. Today, the NCEF is in the vanguard of resisting the excesses of Islamists and protecting Christianity in Nigeria.”

    Oritsejafor was not ready to comment on the state of the nation because, according to him, “What are they saying now that we have not said earlier? Is it restructuring? There’s nothing new I should say now that I have not said before. Since 2009 till I left office as CAN president in 2016, I have been consistent in advocating restructuring as a feasible approach to achieving peaceful, equitable and balanced society. Let me confess that I have a burden in my heart concerning this country. I love Nigeria and God does, too. I can only continue to pray for God’s mercy and intervention in our national affairs to restore value for human life, enthrone justice and guide our political leaders in the right direction.”

    This week, the bell tolls for the enigmatic and charismatic leader as he marks his birthday every November 10. The day has always been a celebration for the less-privileged, needy and widowed members of his church as he distributes gifts, foods and several relief packages to them. Bosun Emmanuel concludes that “It is right for us to appreciate the Most High God for the gift of a purposeful leadership that He gave to the Church in Nigeria through his Eminence. I join other Christians of good conscience to wish his Eminence, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor a Happy Birthday.

     

    West wrote via mikeawe@yahoo.co.uk, 08059964446

     

    Quote:

    “Let me confess that I have a burden in my heart concerning this country. I love Nigeria and God does, too. I can only continue to pray for God’s mercy and intervention in our national affairs to restore value for human life, enthrone justice and guide our political leaders in the right direction” – Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

  • #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu’s Curfew and Executive Hypocrisy, By Michael West

    #EndSARS: Sanwo-Olu’s Curfew and Executive Hypocrisy, By Michael West

    By Michael West

     

    At last, Buhari has failed! His government has brought self-inflicted uprising despite warnings from different quarters on the need to handle the #EndSARS protests carefully and tactically. Impunity is a blind executive arrogance often used to serve sinister motive than public good. In the context of what happened Tuesday night at the Lekki Toll Plaza venue of peaceful protest, General Muhammadu Buhari has failed both as a father and a leader. As at Thursday morning, the President is yet to yield to pressures from the Senate and some key personalities that he should address the nation on the raging issue.

     

    I watched a Turkish government official video on Twitter lashed out at the President for deploying soldiers to kill innocent and unarmed youths. He rained invectives and insults on Buhari for his unfatherly, brutish and heartless order to mow the protesters. The outrage that is trailing the shooting is expected, and, I guess the President and the military high commanders are fully prepared to stomach vituperations that will be hurled at them from aggrieved and bereaved local and international citizens.

     

    Mr. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu can’t absolve himself from blame in the unprovoked killing of peaceful protesters in his territory. He actually prepared the slab upon which the innocent ones were slain by the military guys on death mission. His blanket ban on protests via imposed curfew without clearly defined delimiter was all that was needed to pump bullets into the congregation of protesting youngsters. Sometimes, I wonder why logical reasoning, critical analysis and evaluation of situations are not often done before pronouncements or executive orders are made. Otherwise, how could government punish violence committed by miscreants in some parts of the metropolis on the well organised, peaceful and civil protesters several kilometres away?

     

    Mr. Governor has been up and doing since the protest started over two weeks ago. He has demonstrated great comradeship with the protesting youths. He visited the President and the Inspector General of Police in Abuja and presented the youths’ demands to them. He briefed them on the situation of things and pleaded for a speedy response from them as a means to contain the protest from dragging for too long. I must commend him for being alive to his responsibility until Tuesday when he announced a 24-hour curfew in the state. That was a big and costly mistake.

     

    Being a cosmopolitan city, Lagos is more complex than other states of the federation. That the protest has been largely peaceful, properly organised and firmly under self-control should have been considered before adopting the curfew option. The truth is there are many jobless and hungry vandals roaming the streets of Lagos than elsewhere in Nigeria. The Governor should not have announced the curfew at all. The situation in Lagos was manageable if proper evaluation and critical thinking were done before the decision to impose curfew was taken taken.

     

    Replicating his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde’s idea would have been ideal for Lagos. Like other states in the Southwest, schools have been shut. Makinde directed security agents to go after the hoodlums wherever they cause violence and skirmishes but they should protect the peaceful #EndSARS protesters and disallow miscreants from mingling with them. Makinde also asked Oyo State citizens to go about their lawful businesses without molestation. As at today, Oyo is peaceful and economic activities are going on while #EndSARS protest continues. This is what Governor Sanwo-Olu should have done and the peace Lagos has enjoyed over the weeks wouldn’t have been truncated.

     

    Sanwo-Olu is rumoured to have acted on the instructions of his ‘big boss.’ Grapevine has it that he was “ordered” to declare the curfew, a directive his co-APC governors in the Southwest have partially adopted. It was alleged that the governor appeared “too complacent and unperturbed” about the daily financial losses to the protest at the toll plaza. This, it was alleged, may have necessitated the hurriedly imposed curfew.

     

    There are footages of videos on social media showing street urchins being ferried and dispatched at different locations in posh black Toyota Prado jeeps by those suspected to be covert security agents or aides to some public officials or politicians with the sole aim of discrediting the peaceful protest in order to prepare a justifiable ground for military deployment so as to crush the agitation. The same tactics were said to have been applied in Lagos through the use of young boys rampaging and attacking police facilities. What is so obvious is that the public is aware that government is sponsoring thugs to disrupt the peaceful protests in Abuja and Lagos in particular. The real #EndSARS protesters are easily identified by their conduct, orderliness and non-violent demonstrations.

     

    Till now, no rampaging demonstrators have been arrested, quizzed and set for prosecution. This underscores the fact that the miscreants were indeed hired for a purpose. I hope the current momentary but uneasy calm would not be mistaken for an end of the #EndSARS protests. It is only a short break to mourn their dead compatriots, reenergise and restrategise. Government should embark on speedy actions on the demands of the youths to keep them out of the streets before a resurgence of restive agitations ensue.

     

    It is very annoying for Mr. Governor to deny casualties from the shooting. It is unthinkable that soldiers will shoot rounds of live ammunitions directly at defenceless youths at such a close range without recording casualties. The soldiers didn’t shoot into the air to disperse or scare the protesters. It was an intentional killing. There are video evidences to this effect. Meanwhile, actions preceding the shooting confirmed that it was carefully planned. The CCTV cameras were earlier dismantled by the officials of the toll plaza. Then, barely five minutes to the arrival of the killer squad, the street lights were switched off. It is therefore heartless and ungodly for Mr. Governor to claim ignorance of the whole plot whereas facts are already emerging on the shenanigans, executive hypocrisy and conspiracy against the youths on peaceful protest. For this sacrilegious and wicked action, only God can forgive the plotters and executors of the evil acts. Sanwo-Olu needs to ask for forgiveness. It is sad for him to stain his garment with the blood of innocent youths cut at their prime.

     

    While Governor Sanwo-Olu is left alone to sort himself out of the problem of indiscretion and decision summersault, those who he did not have “direct control” over but caused the problem for him have been denying knowing next to nothing about the military deployment. It is funny to hear the Nigerian Army deny deploying its men to execute the dastardly engagement on the unarmed youngsters at Lekki toll plaza in Lagos.

     

    As an elected public officer who is accountable to the people on his stewardship, actions and pronouncements, Sanwo-Olu should never agree to serve any parochial interest that is at variance with public good, peace and prosperity. If the fear of losing second term ticket is the reason for doing what is against his conscience and conviction, he should stand for what is right and commit his future to God’s hand. If he serves the people well, his political prospects lie in the hand of God and the support of the people. He should stand on the part of rectitude and take steps to appease the blood of the murdered protesters by reaching out to their bereaved families. And until Nigeria is restructured, reformed or new nations emerged from her, Aluta Continua!

    #EndSARS

    #EndSWAT

    #EndGodfatherism

    #EndBadgovernance

     

    Quote:

    “It is therefore heartless and ungodly for Mr. Governor to claim ignorance of the whole plot whereas facts are already emerging on the shenanigans and executive conspiracy against the youths on peaceful protest.”

     

  • Love, Betrayal and Hushpuppi, By Michael West

    Love, Betrayal and Hushpuppi, By Michael West

    By Michael West
    Reactions to last week’s topic reflect shades of opinions and varied perspectives on the issue. Readers crave to know what can be done to ward off such heartbreaking occurrences and in a situation where it happens, what is the way forward. I will address the issues as requested because, to my amazement, several people called to share their bitter experiences of betrayal and ditching by partners they have built their entire worlds around.
    To start with, any man that drops you for another woman or vice versa does not deserve to have you. To put it succinctly, the insatiable partner does not worth your standard. He may be more privileged or better placed than you, but the virtue you possess cannot be quantified in monetary terms. Even if such a partner tries to retrace their steps, It is risky to give them a chance because their second exit maybe more devastating. I see such characters as fair-weather friends who are in your life for what they enjoy or benefit from you. More often than not, they are parasitic in nature, sly in character and selfish in demands.
    Relationship is about mutual interests, aspirations and benefits of those involved in it. That’s why selfish partners hardly have lasting relationship. They are viewed from the prism of self-centredness. They are happy and romantic only when the milk is flowing and honeycomb is dripping. They are pretenders whose love language is money and what they stand to gain in order to advance their careers, pursuits and ambitions through you. In a twinkle of an eye, they will disappear on your radar of friendship when there’s nothing to benefit from you again. Such people are capable of ditching their partners for another with or without external influence or pressure.
    I discovered that those who jilt their partners without valid reasons are in the category of people one should be wary of. Last minutes disappointment could be shattering, suicidal and devastating. Let’s asume that you find your partner’s friend or relation more appealing or befitting, you should see beyond transient beauty in your partner whose future you cannot predict. One has to be disciplined in areas that will define your integrity and image. No matter how beautiful or handsome your partner is, you will always find a more beautiful person elsewhere. Even talents, skills and brilliance are in levels. Just be contented with the person in your life provided you’re at peace and not enduring or struggling to stay in the relationship.
    Peradventure they do not understand that peace and trust are what matter the most in relationship and ultimately in marriage. Peace of mind is basic. Trust engenders peace while peace breeds prosperity, good health and enhanced productivity. The Word says that a home where peace reigns is much more desirable than a home filled with riches but always in conflict, acrimony and bitterness. This accounts for why many so-called rich families are in shambles. In view of the apparent comfort, yet, separation, divorce and crises are common denominators in their families. Family life goes beyond having money, posh cars, exquisite houses and being fashionable. These luxuries cannot placate sadness, bitterness and regret in marriage. Wealth without the inner peace will result to frustration. Happiness displayed in public by warring couples is feigned and superficial.
    Investing in relationship is a serious business because it is done with the intention of building a future together. It is a good idea to cooperate with your life partner on such worthy ventures provided the trust is assured, but doing that with a greedy, flashy and insatiable partner will be a fruitless effort. When fair-weather friends quit your life, please don’t mourn their exit. You will be better off in the end.
    A Yoruba ideology is that a spouse that will remain with you won’t be a thorn in your flesh. Sometimes the exit of ‘walk-away’ friends are actually answers to prayers. I remember a couple whose wedding was a few days away when the groom-to-be took a walk out of the commitment. Every effort was geared towards ensuring that the wedding took place and it did happen. The following weekend, armed robbers raided their apartment and when the robbers couldn’t find money or much valuable things to cart away, their gang leader decided to rape the wife. In protest, the husband resisted the dare-devil robbers. Without blinking an eyelid, he was shot dead instantly. They also threatened to kill the wife if she screamed. She was gang-raped and they left the young home in ruins. If they had allowed the man to go when he quit and they sought the face of God rather than being emotional and desperate about it, the man might have escaped the untimely death. In this wise, some acts of disappointment could indeed be a blessing in disguise.
    If a partner decides to walk away at any point despite the commitment, and attempts made at reconciliation fail (in case there’s any issue involved) the estranged should be allowed to go. Only God knows what nobody knows. Accept the situation as an opportunity to make a better choice. May the perfect will of God be done. Amen.
    The name, Hushpuppi, was strange to me. I have never heard it until he was arrested by Interpo in Dubai. I started asking around who is Hushpuppi and what is he into. My children gave me information they know about him. I still did not show much interest in his case because it is a sad saga to me as a parent.
    I learnt he has a very humble background. He had vowed to defeat poverty in his life at all cost. Knowing how difficult it is to make it and ‘blow’ in a big way in Nigeria, employment, skilled vocation or contracts will only earn you a little above average living. The chubby guy took to Internet crime. No matter how profitable illegitimate sources of wealth might be, a day of retribution will surely come. Hushpuppi’s own has come.
    Because of the way he acquired his stupendous wealth, ostentatious lifestyle catapulted him into the spotlight for scrutiny. He is Internet savvy. How he was able to breakthrough the brick walls of digital security to hack international bodies’, corporate and individual’s accounts is amazing. I’m of the opinion that Hushpuppi represents a misused energy, misdirected talent and perverted digital wizard.
    Three factors, in my view, are largely responsible for the making of an Hushpuppi in a family. Namely, parental failure, bad peer influence and desperation. An average Nigerian youth does not believe in hard work as a means to prosperity. That’s why online scams powered by diabolical manipulations code-named “Yahoo Plus” became rampant among them. “Who does hard work epp (help)?” Is the watchword on the lips of our youths. To such youths, Hushpuppi is a role model.
    Parental failure occurs through negligence, indulgence and recalcitrance by the ward. “Teach a child the way to go, when he becomes an adult, he will not deviate from the path of honour” says the book of Proverbs. We are also enjoined to instill discipline in our children especially in their formative years. Parental negligence or indulgence at this critical period in the life of children will ultimately define their adulthood.
    However, some notoriously stubborn children become wayward through the negative influence of the company of friends they keep. Some fraudsters have disciplined parents and decent backgrounds. The mixed multitudes that instigated the Israelites to become rebellious in the Bible days are still responsible for moral decadence among the youths. The hub for misdemeanours is usually in academic and social circles.
    Let parents stop overlooking manifest moral compromises in their wards. The ethos of legitimate means of earning a living should be reaffirmed. Never encourage children into crime by celebrating unverified source of ostentatious lifestyle of other people’s children. Encourage them to study, work hard, live right and pray more so that families will stop being a breeding grounds for Hushpuppis.
    Quote:
    “Selfish partners hardly have lasting relationship. They are viewed from the prism of self-centredness. They are happy and romantic only when the milk is flowing and honeycomb is dripping.”
  • ‘Life with Older Men is Better’, By Michael West

    ‘Life with Older Men is Better’, By Michael West

    By Michael West

    mikeawe@yahoo.co.uk

    08035304268 (SMS/WhatsApp)

    Two weeks ago, I read a post on a social media platform that spurred my desire to engage the author. The writer was courageous to write about her ‘mistake’ in the choice of a life partner. She lamented the loss of a better choice in older men that proposed to her one of whom she would have married despite the fear of going into polygamy as second wife. On my request, she offered to share her thought on marrying older men as a good option that assures stability, peace, love and care unlike marriages filled with crisis, infidelity and violence with men of the same age groups. Today, Doyin Ajokeade A. Ilori, contributes this piece as my guest writer. Read on:

    Contrary to the opinions of women who have never had the experience of dating older men, or those who are not observant to x-ray the crisis-riddled marriages of couples within the same age bracket as a case study, the older men are much better an option in matrimony especially for younger women. I dare say that older men are wonderful and more tolerant with manifest understanding. This assertion I premise on my personal experience.

    The truth is that not all young or single women are wired for men of their age group. (I’m referring to age disparity between one and seven years as age group while older men are those in their mid-50s to 60s). Many, like me, prefer the understanding and maturity of the older men who are able to calmly deal with feminine nuances. It is a statement of fact that men mature with age and they naturally develop patience and tolerance in good measures. Because most of them are married, the likelihood of ending up in polygamy is high. Likewise, widowers, separated and divorced are in sizable number in this category.

    By innate endowments, many of us are way mature than men in our age groups and we rarely fit into their pattern of life. I regret marrying a young man. If I knew that things would go awry in my marriage with a man in my age group, I would have opted for an older man who will shower me with loads of understanding, care and pampering with peace of mind. I had that option but I ignored it because I couldn’t imagine myself in polygamy.

    The factors that countered polygamy in my decision-making when I wanted to pick a life partner was that my great grandmother, grandmother and mother were all FIRST wives. I therefore concluded that it was the only position a woman should be in matrimony. Any other, I viewed as an intrusion into the homes of other women. Being the first daughter of my parents, I felt I should not deviate from the norm. Today, I regret it.

    Retrospectively, older men understood, pampered and tolerated me much more than younger men in relationships. I’m not talking in terms of material or financial benefits but in every key area of life. It was more of who my personality worked with. Their maturity, tolerance and understanding were top-notch. I just couldn’t offend or hurt them. Talk of someone accepting you “as you are” without forceful or subtle attempt to change you.

    Candidly, I looked in the direction of younger men only when I decided to settle down into marriage. Kí l’ọmọdé mi mọ? (What does an innocent soul like mine know about men?). I later realised that if you alter your destiny because of ignorance or lack of deep thoughts it will come back to haunt you. Experience of life has taught me to be realistic to myself.

    Wherever you find true love, appreciate it, embrace it, live it and enjoy it. Just like you adore a young man when you fall in love, similarly, you won’t care about other men when you truly find love in an older man. No other man will interest you because they are more caring, tolerant and supportive. You’d simply be at home and at peace whenever you are with him.

    Some of my friends have roundly disagreed with my preference for older men on the premise of age disparity. Many have asked me to consider the consequences of my thought; such issues like the man aging much faster than me and coupled with the possibility of death while I’m still young. They also mentioned the libido and erectile dysfunction issue as well as prostate health challenges which are very common in older men. Also, the “war” from the senior wife along with her adult children who may not like to accept or accommodate me as part of the family are things they said I failed to factor into my decision-making process.

    Sincerely, I did reflect on all these points and I remained truthful to myself in responses to the posers. Aren’t younger men dying now? Don’t younger men have erectile dysfunction? Who are those killing their spouses these days, are they the old or young ones? Let’s be honest for once, how many women in marriage with young men are truly happy or at peace in their unions? How many women can swear that their men’s side chicks are not enjoying their husbands better than them? Is it not better to have a few decades of marital bliss with an older man, than several years of torture and possible divorce at the end of the day?

    Polygamy may not be as bad as someone like me had thought in my dating years as a woman. The basic things we desire in relationships with our partners are love, happiness, peace, care, and comradeship. This idea of polygamy may not work for everyone, but for those who have empathy, contentment and most importantly, those who believe that one’s marital destiny is determined by fate may likely enjoy it if they give it a trial. The twin evils to avoid in polygamy are jealousy and rivalry; they are endemic traits you must consciously eschew.

    And when you go into it, please go with a clean heart. Go into it with a view to love and respect your senior co-wife and her children as you require patience and contentment in the union. My belief is that as a second wife, you come on board to complement the senior wife. I can only hope that the husband will be a man in firm control of his home.

    In conclusion, don’t marry purposely for money or affluence; go into relationship with genuine love for the man. He would protect and provide for your needs but he also expects affection, attention and respect from you. You should give him peace of mind, and not be a catalyst of stress in the home. Believe me, that’s my take on the brighter side of life with older men.

    Quote:

    “I regret marrying a young man. If I knew that things would go awry in my marriage with a man in my age group, I would have opted for an older man who will shower me with loads of understanding, care and pampering with peace of mind. I had that option but I ignored it because I couldn’t imagine myself in polygamy.”