THE issue of whether to continue the zoning arrangement of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or to drop it became the subject of heated debates when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan assumed the presidency of Nigeria after the death of Alhaji Umaru Yar’ Adua.

The countryside in any part of the world is an area that is considered more relaxing, comfortable and quiet, compared to the bustling cities that have emerged in the cosmopolitan areas of the world. The countryside is the retiree’s haven, a place to escape the pollution, noise and crime of the major cities.

It is well known that National Assembly members have perfected the art of manipulating federal budgets to satisfy their deadly insatiable appetite for primitive accumulation. Smart Adeyemi, chairman senate committee on federal character and inter-governmental affairs, is so disappointed with the avarice of his colleagues that he has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate federal legislators for corruption.

I am not the coiner of the word ignorancy. Bishop David Oyedepo is. Yes, I have come across the word ignorance, and have met hundreds and thousands who show how ignorant they are on issues of import. Democracy is one issue of import and millions of us in this country are ignorant of it.

President Goodluck Jonathan specifying requirements for the nation’s enduring democracy.
Last week, this series ended with a poser, “how can we ever develop when every four years we go through the orgy of election induced violence master-minded by our political leaders?” In 2007, it was “do-or-die” according to someone who, if he were not the occupant of the innermost corridors of power, would have been considered fit for a straight jacket.

Our own Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has a different kind of fight. He did many revolutionary things. He did some unheard of things in the reformation of Lagos State. Name it: he has done it – environmental, roads, schools, taxes, etc. and all of them in 36 months. And he has 12 months to go.

The result is shoddy work being done for the government with no accountability whatsoever. Inferior materials are used, and the contractor cannot be called to order because palms have been greased. Some contractors get half or full payment even before they lift a finger.

Eastern Nigeria is endowed greatly with human and material resources. The energy and dynamism of its population could propel it, given right conditions, to tremendous economic and social growth that could rival India, China, Brazil, and have implications for the Central West African corridor, right down to the Congo.

The volume of funds made available or is being budgeted for allowances and entertainment of public office holders is scandalous and unpatriotic. Those who thought about it did not think critically. Those who are bent on having more of it are not thinking at all. But those who sit back and endorse the rape are the sick ones who need the greatest help.

It is also about believing in yourself and taking an opportunity when it offers itself.
Coach Lagerback must plot his match strategy with all that the opponents can throw at us in mind. He also must come up with a different plan per opponent. You die in a competition once your team is predictable. They may be largely the same boys but they must be able to respond differently when faced with changing challenges.