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Mobolaji E. Aluko, PhD
alukome@gmail.com
Burtonsville, MD, USA
January 7, 2008
Introduction
In the shadow of the recent and stupendously successful December 2007 presidential elections of our neighbor Ghana - and bearing in mind that as a result, today January 7, 2009, John Atta Mills of the NDC party takes over from John Kufuor of the NPP party as president - we Nigerians are in a period of intense soul-searching about our identity.
Well, explaining, without excusing, the differences between Ghana and Nigeria, we must understand that:
- geographically, Ghana is one-fourth the size of Nigeria;
- population-wise, Ghana is one-seventh the population of Nigeria;
- ethnically, Ghana is high-majority 45% Akan (with subunits Asante, Fante, etc.), with Mole-Dagbon 15.2%, Ewe 11.7%, Ga-Dangme 7.3%, Guan 4%, Gurma 3.6%, Grusi 2.6%, Mande-Busanga 1%, other tribes 1.4%, other 7.8% (2000 census; CIA information)
- religiously, Ghana is high-majority 68.8% Christian (Pentecostal/Charismatic 24.1%, Protestant 18.6%, Catholic 15.1%, other 11%), with Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5%, other 0.7%, none 6.1% (2000 census)
- historically, its name evokes a once-glorious Ghana Empire (740s - 1250 AD) - even though that empire was nowhere even coterminous with modern-day Ghana - just as another West African country - Mali, that had successful elections in April 2007 despite fighting poverty - evokes also another once-glorious Mali Empire ( 1230 - 1600s AD)
- ideologically, the socialist beginnings of Ghana under Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (1909 - 1972, leader of Ghana from 1952 - 1966) gave the country some discipline, much residual of which exists today. Even the episodic succession of less colorful civilians like Kofi Abresia Busia (1913 - 1978, civilian prime minister from 1969-1972), and Hilla Liman (1934-1998, civilian president from 1979-1981), and John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor (1938 to date, civilian president from 2001-2009) - we omit Jerry Rawlings here (1947-to-date, civilian president from 1993 - 2001) - did not deem that exciting beginning. On January 7, 2009, John Atta Mills (1944-to-date) takes over from Kufuor for the next four to eight years.
- intellectually, the 1988 epic and fearless public lectures by the Ghanaian historical academic Prof. Albert Adu Boahen (1932 - 2006) on “The Culture of Silence” that had descended upon Ghana under the dictatorial rule of Flt Lt Jerry Rawlings, as well as his book on his perspectives on Ghana titled “The Ghanaian Sphinx: Reflections on the Contemporary History of Ghana, 1972-1987″ [the Ghana-Academy of Arts and Sciences J.B. Danquah Memorial Lectures], may have given vibrant impetus for the restoration of multi-party democracy to the country.
- academically, virtually ALL the civilian presidents have been doctoral degree holders and university professors, except soldier-turned-civilian leader Jerry Rawlings
-militarily, the history of military (in)discipline under Generals Joseph Arthur Ankrah (1915-1992, military ruler from 1966-1969), Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (1936-1979; military leader from 1969-70), Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (1931-1979, military ruler from 1972-1978), Frederic William Akuffo (1937-1979, military ruler from 1978-1979) and ending in Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (1947-to-date, military ruler from June-September 1979, then again 1981 - 1993; civilian ruler from 1993 - 2001) clearing the augean stable (as it were) in 1979 by executing (or causing to be executed) Generals Acheamphong, Afrifa, and Fred Akuffo as well as Joy Amedume, Yaw Boakye, Roger Felli, Kotei, Utuka and Major Sam Acquah. Supreme Court Justices Kwadjo Agyei Agyepong, Frederick Sarkodie, and Cecilia Koranteng Addo were also not spared.
- diversity-wise, all the presidents, civilian and military, have over all of the years come from seven of the ten administrative regions (except Northern, Volta and Upper East regions);
- politically, Ghana has a two-tier modern-traditional CONSTITUTIONAL arrangement: parallel to the central-region-district federal modern arrangement (similar to Nigeria’s central-state-local government arrangement), there is still the traditional and constitutional national house of chiefs-regional house of chiefs - traditional councils arrangement that recognizes the traditional matrilineal-patrilineal-chieftaincy traditions of Ghana. That parallel arrangement MAY ( a big qualified MAY) be giving Ghana a stability that Nigeria does not currently have.
- divinely, God has now blessed Ghana with crude oil (to start being tapped in 2010), which He, in his massive mercy and infinite grace, had given to Nigeria rather prematurely since 1959, and which gift has since been ungraciously and ungratefully twisted into a curse by her leaders.
And How Might Nigeria Become Like Ghana?
How might we Ghanaianize Nigeria? This is the million-dollar question. However from the above observations, we might APPROXIMATE Ghana’s conditions as follows:
- we might need to divide Nigeria up up into 4, 8 or 12 more or less autonomous regions, each with about the same geographical area and/or population as Ghana, each with far greater ethnic and religious cohesion, and somehow introduce a traditional admnistrative system that parallels a modern presidential (or I would prefer parliamentary) system.
- we might need to change our name to Songhai,
- organize a hard-hitting Prof. Wole Soyinka national speaking tour.
Other than those, there is nothing we can do with our non-ideological beginnings, or the fact that crude oil was discovered BEFORE our independence, (not AFTER it like in Ghana), or our indisciplined military history, although some would (unwisely) wish a military come-back, bloody or not. We just have to bear those as variables that will for ever make Nigeria distinct from Ghana.
On top of all of that, we should all pray for greater divine intervention in our political and individual lives.
There you have it.
The Ghanaian Leadership Roll Call
Source (Wikipedia)
Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah (21 September 1909 - 27 April 1972; prime minister from March 6, 1957 – 1 July 1960; president of Ghana from 1 July 1960 – 24 February 1966); from Nkroful, Western Region; Nzima ethnic group.
General Joseph Arthur Ankrah (18 August 1915 - 25 November 1992, military ruler from 24 February, 1966 – 2 April, 1969); of the Ga ethnic group, around Accra capital
General Akwasi Amankwaa Afrifa (24 April, 1936 - 26 June, 1979 ; military leader from 2 April, 1969 – 3 April, 1970 ); from Mampong, Ashanti Region;
Dr. Kofi Abresia Busia (11 July 1913 - 28 August 1978, civilian prime minister from October 1, 1969 – January 13, 1972); from Wenchi, Brong Ahafo Region.
General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong (23 September 1931 – 16 June 1979, military ruler from 13 January 1972 – 5 July 1978); from Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
General Frederic William Akuffo (21 March 1937 – 26 June 1979, military ruler from 5 July, 1978 – 4 June, 1979 ); from Akropong, Eastern Region
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, military ruler from June 4 -September 24 1979); born in Accra; mother is Ewe, father Scottish.
Dr. Hilla Liman (12 December 1934 – 23 January 1998, civilian president from 24 September 1979 – 31 December 1981); from Gwollu, Upper West Region
Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, military ruler from 31 December 1981 – 7 January 1993); father Scottish.
Jerry Rawlings (22 June 1947 to date, civilian president from 7 January 1993 – 7 January 2001 ); mother Ewe, father Scottish.
Dr. John Kofi Agyekum Kufuor (8 December 1938 to date, civilian president from 7 January 2001 – 7 January 2009 ); from Kumasi, Ashanti Region
Prof. John Atta Mills (1944-to-date, civilian president from January 7, 2009 to ?); born Tarkwa, Western Region; hails from Ekumfi Otuam in the Mfantsiman East Constituency of the Central region.
mohammed jide.
8 January 2009 15:43As much as i loud your effort sir,i think we should starts by learn from our own mistakes back home here in nigeria.
we can not learn every thing from outside.if i may ask sir,what lessons can other country like Ghana also learn fom nigeria?
we must not make nigeria look as if that is where the devil himself resides.
Nigeria is full of great poeple like your self sir.let us starts by educating our poeple with good morals,self disipline,and respect for others.I leave in Ghana and they have their bad side too.
jide
Ghana.
Babatunde Ayeni
9 January 2009 10:07Jide, u are a typical Nigerian that thinks like our rulers. In this global recession they would be quick to say that its not Nigerians that are suffering. When there was bouyant economy, they were quick to tell us that we cant compare ourselves with the US and UK because our cultures are diffrent from theirs and that they were like us about 100 years ago. What a hypocracy !!. My dear Jide, Ghana should idolize Rawlings. Were the likes of Afrifa, Kuffo and those corrupt judges atill alive today Ghana would have known no peace. Not that the present rulership of Ghana are not evil-minded but the fear of another Rawlings is cowing them. Rawlings was able to do that because he has white blood in him. Thats why he did not care whether Afrifa was his cousin or not. Even his bes friend Lt. Jojo Lee was not spared. The present youths in Nigeria are not helping matters at all they are already polarised along ethnic and religious divides. The only prayer that should be in everybody’s lip is for good God to give us our own Rawlings, anything short of that we would only be dreaming of good govenance in illusion.
Brown
9 January 2009 16:18I think this prof. is just feeling marginalised and talking rubbish. we have seen that each time they are not in power they propound all mmanner of theories about good leadership. Talking about making Ghana a model for nigeria is a discuss for another day. It is an indictment of the nigerian intelligentia that we can not put our country in order. How much support do they give their local areas? even when scholarships are made available they divert it for themselves, those of them in the universities use research grants for other purposes. Everyday you hear them reffered to as renowned professors when the 90% of the books used for instruction in our schools are written by white professors. I beg go siddon, if this is the best you can suggest for nigeria’s development, that the country should fragmented. The EU is formed from different groups who at a point have been enemies, the USA is made up of different groups, where is the saying that together we stand divided we fall. mumu prof.
elijah
12 January 2009 16:57I think we need to do a lot of soul searching here. We do not need to copy models from anywhere. We ourselves can be models of godliness, righteousness, simplicity and integrity. All our rulers that went to Ghana should be ashamed of themselves. Some of them, like I read in the newspaper, adopted the Ghanain simplicity of life while in Ghana, but immediately they get to Nigeria they will start to llive like Lords of Manor. For instance, the U-turn junction in front of the house of former Lagos State Governor, Tinubu, on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi is closed to traffic. Here is a man that will always criticise Obasanjo and he is also oppressing the public. Our rulers should stop this lip service and address issues and then we can have a better society.
Ojo
16 January 2009 18:05Our profs in Nigeria are good at chasing (harassing) female students some half their age.Is Iwu not a prof,Borisade and Grange are they not profs. The prblem in Nigeria is that most of our politicians in AC , PDP ANPP are full of deceit. Look at the way the primaries in Ekiti where conducted
AC- Fayemi the choice of Adebayo was rigged in as AC’s candidate in Protest over 9 other aspirants left the AC fo the PDP
PDP - decided to choose the candidate that came third in the primaries as the party’s candidate
TELL ME WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
The AC’s cpresidential candidate was ATIKU….YES ATIKU of the PDP FAME……..ALL THE TALK ABOUT GHANA IS RUBBISH …CHARITY THEY SAY BEGINS AT HOME!!!!!!!!!!!
Kayode Aluko
24 January 2009 02:24I am really surprised that anyone in his right mind would criticize the voice of reason. It is only a fool who likes to learn from his own mistakes. A wise man will always copy a good thing and even improve on it. That is what Japan did and that country is one of the greatest today. The bible even advises that we should learn from the ant. There is no excuse for any leader in Nigeria who failed to improve the lot of the people, judging by the wealth and rich human and material resources bestowed upon us by God. Our leaders turned themselves into dealers and parasites overnight, siphoning our money to developed countries to further develop the economies of such countries. What foolishness. indeed! How do you excuse a professor of economics during the Shagari era who disagreed that there was inflation in the country? I am optimistic that Nigeria will still become a great nation that we will all be proud of. The future is very bright indeed. However, God will remove and punish all the cankerworms, Cancers and leeches who got us to where we are today. We have prayed long enough for our leaders. I believe that you reap what you sow. Those who sowed poverty into the lives of Nigerians will reap same in greater measure.
LONG LIVE NIGERIA !
Kayode
Ben /MD-USA
27 January 2009 22:13You can not compare an apple and orange,If not nigeria mismanaging our wealth and 419 scammer,Ghana is simply the size of 2 states in Nigeria
Akinjide Agboola
31 January 2009 17:41We have our problems in Nigeria no doubt, but using Ghana as an ultimate standard for Nigeria is out of common sense,we could learn one or two things from them though. Prof. sense of reasoning depicts that of someone who has never traveled to other countries, but base facts on books and news other than direct study of other people’s ways of life. Nigeria’s problems are caused by Nigerians and can only be solved by them as well
Goke
14 February 2009 09:47Let everybody knows that the race is not for those that will or for those that run but it is for those that God shows mercy. I wish you all read about the life and struggle of Martin Luther the King of US. In one of each speech he said ‘I have seen the promise land though I may not get there but we will all get there as people….’ This man was assassinated the following day. The truth here is that we need visionary and selfless leaders who will make himself or herself available for God to use in building Nigeria of our dream according to His will. Let me also say that we should not live like people that have no Hope. Remember, Our Hope is in God who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly and above all that we may think or ask of Him. God has never left or abandon Nigeria and in actual fact, He has started raising his own people. Therefore, each time you pray to God always remember to say ‘God here I am use me’ for your purpose.
paparay a
21 February 2009 18:52pls let our govm due like ghana to cancel contracts workers in our contray nigeria so that every body will work drict to the company he or she belong to thanks god bless our cont nigeria
MOSES ADEKUNLE
25 February 2009 19:06NIGERIA IS A GOOD COUNTRY BUT WITH BAD LEADERS. OUR LEADERS ARE SO EVIL THAT THEY HAVE MORTGAGED THE FUTURE OF THE YOUTHS IN THIS GREAT COUNTRY. ALL THEIR CHILDREN ARE SCHOOLING ABROAD, SO, THEY ARE NOT WORRIED EVEN IF TEACHERS GO ON STRIKE FOR ETERNITY. ORDINARY HEADACHE WILL DRIVE THESE LOOTERS TO UK, US OR GERMANY, SO, THEY CARELESS IF OUR HOSPITALS ARE AS USELESS AS OUR NAIRA. IF GHANA, OF ALL COUNTRIES COULD CELEBRATE SEVERAL YEARS OF UNINTERRUPTED POWER SUPPLY, NIGERIA LEADERS SHOULD COVER THEIR UGLY FACES WITH SHAME, OH! I FORGOT, THEY ARE SHAMELESS PIGS. LET THEM GO ABROAD FOR TREATMENT, THEY WILL BRING THEIR CORPSE TO NIGERIA, BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
Oluwagbenga Ogungbe
28 February 2009 14:07It i is interesting that comparing Nigeria with Ghana has generated so much heated debate to the extent of name-calling. This I must say should be rightly so. But, before anybody hails the professor’s submission or condemns it, let us analayse certain issues to see the justification in this suppossed ‘lopsided comparison’.
Nigeria claims to be the Giant of Africa- so going by this self-acclamation, we may all argue that comparing Ghana with Nigeria is an insult. But, are we sincere with ourselves in that argument?! Is the greatness of a country measured necessarily by its size (land mass), population, potential resources (both natural and human), military powers etc?! An honest answer is NO! What then determines how great a country is?In my well-researched opinion, it is in the way all these factors are woven together to provide the best in a nation. Simply put, having the best of fabrics, the best sowing machines and the best of tailors does not immediately translate to the best of dresses OR having all the ingredients to prepare a food as simple as “Eba” with the best of chef on ground does not guarantee a good meal- a process is needed which unfortunately has eluded us in Nigeria for far too long. The tailor must realise there is a job to be done so also must the chef and this realisation must come from a ’sincere and ready mind’ which enjoys the support and cooperation of all other stakeholders.
Let me break it down. America led the world in the last century not as a result of having “everything”, but because it has ‘it has ordinary people who did extra-ordinary things when they were motivated and led by leaders who knew what they were doing and who were sincerely ready! At the moment, that leadership is about to be lost but it has a hope of being rekindled in president Obama.
So, coming back to Ghana and Nigeria. At a time in the 50’s-70’s (when Nigerian naira valued more than the US dollars), Nigeria was at par with a lot of nations and even better off so many that our citizens all run to today for survival only to be deported, jailed, killed, maimed and disgraced! Then, Nigeria was almost at the same level with - if not better than countries like Japan, India, Malaysia, Spain etc. That time, there was absolutely no BASIS to COMPARE us with the likes of Ghana. Our universities were solid, state of healthcare superb, energy was stable, food was available, people were productive, most of our leaders knew what they were doing and the populace meant business. But, what obtains now? That time, the title Giant of Africa was applicable. NOT NOW!!! - except if we are having illusions or living in grandiose delusions!!!
What are the 3 basic needs of life? food, clothing and shelter! How many Nigerians have these? LESS THAN 30% our over 140 million as over 70% are living below poverty line in a country that is the 8th largest exporter of crude oil in the world!!! We take the rear in all statistics that reflect the ‘health’ of a nation- only ahead of mostly war-ravaged nations!
If Iraq- that has been in war for over 7 years can conduct a relatively FREE & FAIR election, has Nigeria any excuse to present a show of shame- which was the 2007 IWU elections- to the whole world? So, why cant we try to EMULATE GHANA that has achieved this feat in addition to other recent developments they have to their credits?!
To conclude my very short piece, a painstaking, honest and sincere review of the standard of living of an average Nigerian with that of his Ghanian counterpart is likely to convince those who are quick to believe Nigeria as the best nation in the world!
Raymond/TOKYO-JAPAN
28 February 2009 19:06We have our problems in Nigeria, because we have no Leaders! We only have caretakers period.My countrymen this our Nigeria Caretakers,they don`t care about you me, they don`t even care about the youths.They only care about TREASURY!!!!!!!!! THE OIL MONEY.They are all shameless infra HOGS.
Oluwagbenga Ogungbe
1 March 2009 13:32It is interesting that comparing Nigeria with Ghana has generated so much heated debate to the extent of name-calling. This I must say should be rightly so. But, before anybody hails the professor’s submission or condemns it, let us analayse certain issues to see the justification in this suppossed ‘lopsided comparison’.
Nigeria claims to be the Giant of Africa- so going by this self-acclamation, we may all argue that comparing Ghana with Nigeria is an insult. But, are we sincere with ourselves in that argument?! Is the greatness of a country measured necessarily by its size (land mass), population, potential resources (both natural and human), military powers etc?! An honest answer is NO! What then determines how great a country is?In my well-researched opinion, it is in the way all these factors are woven together to provide the best in a nation. Simply put, having the best of fabrics, the best sowing machines and the best of tailors does not immediately translate to the best of dresses OR having all the ingredients to prepare a food as simple as “Eba” with the best of chef on ground does not guarantee a good meal- a process is needed which unfortunately has eluded us in Nigeria for far too long. The tailor must realise there is a job to be done so also must the chef and this realisation must come from a ’sincere and ready mind’ which enjoys the support and cooperation of all other stakeholders.
Let me break it down. America led the world in the last century not as a result of having “everything”, but because it has ‘it has ordinary people who did extra-ordinary things when they were motivated and led by leaders who knew what they were doing and who were sincerely ready! At the moment, that leadership is about to be lost but it has a hope of being rekindled in president Obama.
So, coming back to Ghana and Nigeria. At a time in the 50’s-70’s (when Nigerian naira valued more than the US dollars), Nigeria was at par with a lot of nations and even better off so many that our citizens all run to today for survival only to be deported, jailed, killed, maimed and disgraced! Then, Nigeria was almost at the same level with - if not better than countries like Japan, India, Malaysia, Spain etc. That time, there was absolutely no BASIS to COMPARE us with the likes of Ghana. Our universities were solid, state of healthcare superb, energy was stable, food was available, people were productive, most of our leaders knew what they were doing and the populace meant business. But, what obtains now? That time, the title Giant of Africa was applicable. NOT NOW!!! - except if we are having illusions or living in grandiose delusions!!!
What are the 3 basic needs of life? food, clothing and shelter! How many Nigerians have these? LESS THAN 30% our over 140 million as over 70% are living below poverty line in a country that is the 8th largest exporter of crude oil in the world!!! We take the rear in all statistics that reflect the ‘health’ of a nation- only ahead of mostly war-ravaged nations!
If Iraq- that has been in war for over 7 years can conduct a relatively FREE & FAIR election, has Nigeria any excuse to present a show of shame- which was the 2007 IWU elections- to the whole world? So, why cant we try to EMULATE GHANA that has achieved this feat in addition to other recent developments they have to their credits?!
To conclude my very short piece, a painstaking, honest and sincere review of the standard of living of an average Nigerian with that of his Ghanian counterpart is likely to convince those who are quick to believe Nigeria as the best nation in the world!
Olubunmi Ogungbamigbe
11 March 2009 22:11Nigeria, as presently administered can never achieve Ghana’s feat. If you like divide Nigeria into twenty countries it will still not live up to expectations. If you like take Nigerians to Ghana to occupy it ,and bring Ghanians to Nigeria, sooner than later, Nigerians will breakdown their infrastructures. And Ghana will become Nigeria.
I quite admire the postulations of our eminent professor Aluko. Looking at all the variables adduced, he left out the adventure of Rawlings that reshaped Ghana. Unless ,God give to us that kind of leader and situation,we are all kidding.
How do you justify this yeye democracy , where politicians have learnt nothing. Where the gap between the have & have not are getting wider every day. Where workers are suffering & smiling. Where Pastors, Imams, & Babalawos, are now the richest. Where Professors earn the poorest. Where kidnapping & robbery are beyond the scope of the police. Where the craze for money has become the value system. How do you justify the rate of prostitution among our women generally. I can go on & On & on.
The country is rotten from head to toe. How do we rebrand a rotten fish or egg for sale. Am weeping for a country that has everything except leaders. May Allah, God, Chukwu , Olodumare safe us. Ase.
Ahmed Bakare
16 March 2009 20:14actually i think when trying to learn u try and conside the size and population ratio…expanse of land…diversity of tribes(over 250 ethnic groups) though wise as it is to say that no one is to small to learn from I think the sense of patriotism and diginity of an average Ghanian encompasses that of we Nigerians…the problem of Nigeria is not God,U.S.A.,U.K. or something out there…its “Me and U”.
Michael Olotu
17 April 2009 10:38Just read all the comments before me. I think the Professor’s excerpt should not be taken literarily and warrants serious reflection. Its a shame that those Nigerians abroad in several capacity cannot lobby foreign government to change their influence on Nigeria which validates the careless and irresponsible attitude of Nigerian government. With pressure from outside, they government will know that the world is watching. The western world stand to gain immensely from Nigeria dysfunctional management: brain drain, drain of crude oil and other natural resources, investment by nigerian members of administration past and present in foreign economy, etc. Its never too late. You cannot win a race if you don’t run in it. We must and should always look beyond immediate gratification and benefits and think long term. Only with that will the country have a chance because history will once again repeat itself and Nigeria will be “invaded” by a foreign country for its resources..it may not be in this or next generation but it will happen when western society loses its entire inventory due to population growth.
comrade Sylvester Ukusare
30 April 2009 19:54Well, the analysis with the indifferences between both countries has have exposed by the distinguished Prof Aluko literally shows the inept height of the Nigerian society especially it political how backword is the country towards civilization and moral advancement.
Thus, it is a complete shame to see that between 1958 and 1960 that both countries were able to realised their independent status, although it is a great regret to see that Nigeria is completely behind Ghana in all facets be it economic nor political management.
Even though that Ghana population and its geographical landscape is very meger to its brother Nigeria but the naked fact reveals that the Ghanaian society is highly developed in all ramifications as to be compared to Nigeria which is still fighting to be erased from the infected cankerworm virus which has led to the total underdevelopment of the socio economic. As well as the infrastructure coupled with its healthcare sectors; that have also led to the insecurity state of the nation whereby, the citizenry has become terrorised by impoverishment ,that has cajoled the populace to become a set of sycophants because the conceptuality of competent ,as similar to popular governance, is nolonger in operation. Nontheless that the atom of leadership intergrity were once demostrated by the nationalists and the then leaders of the First Republic.
As recalled, assuming our leaders are still with our past leaders spirit of patriotism with the concept of intergrity leadership thus by now Nigeria would have advanced beyond the height of measurement but the military Generals coupled with cultist individuals with the help of some western forces has betrayed the country Nigeria to be recognised as one of the industralised states in the globe.
However, the fast rate of civilisation in Ghana came about their thrust for moral ethics and total confidence in their country and leaders, as against Nigerians leaders that is mentality corrupted with the hunger for public wealth. Hence you see that Nigerian elections are always controversial and charadely accomplished by rigging, purportedly to achieve their goals to divert the government coffers to their personal sundry accounts, while leaving the people to wallop in total poverty. cum total darkness.
So, the idea of soliciting for external support towards political emancipation wholly cannot be realised because if you fails to fight for your rights the how could an external figure come to fight for? The true concept is that you have to fight your cause before seeking for external sympathizers if not you will be left behind to die in isolation.
OPC
10 May 2009 05:37I completely disagree with this Professor.There is no point comparing Ghana and Nigeria. People like this professor are the ones who destroyed Nigeria. Let him bag a political appointment such as a minister, then he will become another Akunyili. We need people who are ready to make a difference not some coward and good-for-nothing Professors who enjoyed free education the country offered but gave nothing back in return. They hide in States and making useless barking like a toothless dog. Prof if you want us to take you serious come back home lead a campaign against bad governance. The Ghana you keep making noise about also fought their way out of the wood. People like you can make a big difference in Nigeria and not from you remote and unknown location in the States.
Ade
16 May 2009 07:31Prof,
I’ve read your write up and reactions to it. Let me share my personal experience in Accra, Ghana, August 2001. It will partially explain the present situation in Ghana.
THE POLICE
I was in Accra, Ghana for the first time in my life. I arrived at 2 am (mid-night) by air from Lagos. I did not know anybody or anywhere. Remembering Nigeria, I knew it would be a voluntary suicide to enter the city at that time as a complete stranger in the country At the airport, I approached the policeman that was at the airport’s last checking point and explained my situation to him including my mission in Ghana.
He asked me to wait. After checking every passenger from the flight, he went out to arrange a taxi to take me to one of the hotels in my list (Niagara Hotels) . He entered the taxi with me and finally got to the hotel after about 30 minutes drive within Accra. I was given a room at the first floor of the hotel. He followed me up and stopped at the entrance of the first floor and watched me until I entered my room and I locked the door.
Now, change the location to any city in Nigeria and imagine if I might be alive today in the hand of an average Nigeria policeman with dollars in my pocket as a stranger in the country either during the day or night.
TAXI DRIVER
While I was in the taxi, I told the driver same thing. He replied he was the one that attended to Wasiu Ayinde (Fuji musician) when he came to Ghana for the same mission and had enough experience about my mission in Ghana. He advised that I will gain more if I changed my US dollars into Ghana currency to pay for my transaction. He volunteered to take me to the black market the following day to change the money. I agreed. The following day, he came, drove me to black market, changed the money and I gained as he said. I used part of the gain to pay for my taxi fare through out the day and tipped him voluntarily for surprising me. Can any Nigerian say the same thing about average Nigerian taxi drivers?
You probably see why Ghana leadership is like that. From the followers you get leaders.
How do you explain the current Ekiti election and the massive involvement of INEC staff in the bribery scandal that was involved? Like Iwu, like the remaining INEC staff. Iwu presided over the most judicially faulted elections in Nigeria, yet everybody in the ruling party wanted him to remain. Does that not tell you he rigged them to power?
NIGERIA AND GHANA
Nigeria’s is 20 years behind Ghana, 200 years behind other nations. Those respondents praying to see Nigeria that will be better than Ghana in their life time are just dreaming. Ghana has started climbing the development ladder while Nigeria is buried below the ground covered with sand of corruption, greed, ignorance roguery leadership and infrastructural darkness.
A nation that can not provide continuous electricity for the whole nation for ten minutes. Throughout my five days stay in Accra there was no power outage, can you say the same thing about Ikoyi not to mention the whole of Lagos state? Those who probe Aremu,s government of embezzling power money are now in custody for the offense. The level of looting Aremu and co achieved in 8 years, they achieved in two years. Ibori, Igbinedon, Kalu, Odili etc are now enjoying their loots, while Ribadu and El, Rufai are close to jail.
Recently, the police authority in Abuja had to send team down to Abia to close the sale and production of babies by an illegal clinic in Abia when the Abia police command will not act. The offenders were released by Abia police command after the departure of Abuja police and factory resumed production. This is the beginning of a failed nation. The law and order is breaking down gradually.
Institute of kidnapping will soon be established and Kidnapping PLC will soon be listed on the Nigeria Stocks Exchange, yet, to an average Nigerian including their Minister for external affairs they still feel that Nigeria can not gain anything from Ghana. It should be the other way round.
SOUTH AFRICA
What happened between Mbeki and Zuma was similar to what happened between Aremu and Atiku. While that of South Africa was democratically resolved by the people of South Africa through the party and election, the Nigerian leaders fought blindly until they handed over the nation to greater thieves. If not for Yar Ardua and the judiciary the Nigerian C of O would have been sold. by the present rulers
May be they don’t know that the meaning of Nigeria outside non- Nigerian is fraud, scam, and deceit. They even celebrated their no one ranking as the most scamming nation of the world. A musical record was released to celebrate it (Yahooze) to equip the children on how lucrative internet scamming is, yet their leaders expect foreign investments.
They are now re branding instead of repair and want to develop on damaged foundations. Ghana repaired and had no need to re brand.
Prof. forgive them for they know not what they are saying.
Ade
Bashir Are
17 May 2009 13:57I think the article from Prof. Bolaji Aluko is very interesting in one sense and the comments from few people against Prof. Aluko can also be justified. In my own view, the current political arrangement on paper is manageable, but in practice; it lacks good will. This is a country where a primary school graduate can become a councilor and earn more than a college professor; our legislatures are the highest paid civil servants (The Civil Lords). NLC just requested for an increase in minimum wage to N52, 000, what can any Nigeria in the village do with N52, 000 talk less of people living in the metropolitan areas, we all know the cost of living in Nigeria; from food to shelter, school fees, NEPA/PHCN artificial expenses, etc.
With all the aforementioned high cost of living, the minimum wage is being negotiated down to N32, 000, this is another joke. Most of our law makers seat for less than 150 days in a year, yet they get fat income and allowances. Another thing, I do not understand why law makers should have direct access to constituency project funds; I hope somebody can explain that to me with some practical point.
Our leaders or government so to speak have commercializes our political system, but what can a common man do to correct the situation when people in power possess absolute power and absolute power corrupt absolutely. This is where the INDEPENCE OF JUDICIARY SHOULD BE SUPREME as is it done in other great Nations. Until a common man belief in our justice system (I mean absolute confidence) and judges perform their duties by upholding the law, Nigeria will continue to be a JOKE as a Nation.
EFCC have been in operation for few years now, and we know the degree of corruption in government; especially top government officials, how many of those have been brought to justice compared to the numbers of petty thieves in jail. The penalty that is accorded to an armed robber should be applicable to people that embezzled government money, matter of fact it should be stricter because the damage from public fund embezzlement has a longer negative effect on the society. Nigerians are tired of investigation of public officials without lasting punishment such as a ban from active politics once found guilty of corruption. By so doing; Nigerians will get the message, if top government officials are punished openly then every citizen better watch out.
We Nigerians abroad should find a way to participate in building Nigeria. Not all of us can participate in active politics, we can form a formidable lobbying network in Diasporas on behalf of ourselves and our people back home. The article from Prof. Aluko is an example, you may not totally agree with him but the article has created some heated debate that some of us can learn from, or more so contribute to the intellectual discussion. I think we also need some spiritual or mental cleansing, because Nigerians like to acquired wealth in a crazy manner, what can one man do with 10 private (Non-Investment houses), I mean furnished houses for personal use, yet they still patronize hotels regularly, and more than 10 private cars. It is absolutely INSANE.
In conclusion, THERE SHALL BE NO GREAT NATION WITHOUT INDEPENDECECE OF THE JUDICIARY.
world star
22 May 2009 18:26WHY DO NIGERIANS REVEL IN CONDEMNING THEIR COUNTRY AND EXPECT THE NATION TO PROGRESS ? NIGERIANS ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE I KNOW OF IN THE WHOLE WORLD THAT CONTINUOUSLY AND WITHOUT HESITATION CONDEMN , ABUSE , INSULT AND MALIGN THEIR NATION. I HAVE NOT COME ACROSS ANY OTHER NATIONALS WHO DO THIS WITH THEIR OWN COUNTRY. IT GETS SO OVERWHELMING ATHT I BEGIN TO WONDER IF THIS IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF OUR PROBLEMS. YOU GET WHAT YOU PRAY FOR OR PROFESS WITH YOUR TONGUE. A WORD OF CAUTION IS REQUIRED. LET US BEGIN TO PRAY FOR AND PRAISE OUR NATION ONCE IN A WHILE AND MOVE AWAY FROM THE WHOLESALE INCESSANT CONDEMNATION.
Azu Ugo
15 June 2009 19:33A people/civilization that compromises the truth is usually often a failure to itself.To begin with,most professors in Nigeria cannot raise their heads in the gathering of academias because they lack the requisite knowlege;How can you do research in a country with consistent power outage and out dated research materials yet our universities award PhD’s like GCE/SSCE/NECO.
If you think Nigeria is giant of Africa,how come our house commitee on Health went to Ghana on a fact finding mission;why are Nigerians and their businesses now relocating to Ghana(movie industry,publishers……);why are the rich and affluent Nigerians now send their children to school in Ghana;why are nigerians in diaspora now buying properties in Ghana .I can go on and on and on….
My people,make we tell ourselves the truth at least for once!!!!!!!!!!
How many Ghanains do we have in Nigeria? but there are hundreds of thousands of Nigerians resident in Ghana.Of we know that Nigerians can do anything to get to any land flowing with milk and honey
gab
2 July 2009 17:29World star,
Other nationals has reasons not to do so. Why do feel the common American is so proud to be one?
bayo james
3 July 2009 14:51Prof i have been reading about your criticism about Nigeria, for well over twenty years still you refuse to come back to your fathers land to serve maybe you prefer an adage{ bird in hand because i bet it that any goverment that offers you ministeria post you will be the first person to grab it after all we remeber how you brother the senator helps to loot national assembly funds between 1999- 2003, secondly senator its time we stop comparing Ghana with Nigeria the level of illetracy in Ghana can only be compare with the nothern parts in Nigeria , there is a lot of social problems in Ghana too, the result of what Nigerians wants to be a capitalist state is the reward of what we are getting until we moved back to social - welfare state then our nation we know peace firstly by ntionalising many of this common heritage in the hands of the few who are contributing few to nothing to our commonwealth but firstly Prof come back home to serve instead of critizing ,all is aluwala ologbo
ifeanyi orjigbam
7 July 2009 12:47A shameless nation call nigeria,every body knows that but right now let change our mind set by speaking positviely about our nation call nigeria, problems are the price of progress.the obstacles of life are intended to make us better,not bitter.adversity has advantage,let chanel our mind in what nigeria is good about and pray and speak positively it pay off. yes we can
Ben
28 July 2009 14:50You are right obstacles that dont kill you make you stronger but you are presuming rather dangerously that you will survive every obstacle. At the risk of stating the obvious you should realise that obstacles that kill you do not make you stronger, well because you die. It is possible for a country to fail beyond repair and for the fibre of a soceity to irreverseably damaged. I think there is the danger of Nigeria becoming a trully failed state if something is drastically different isn’t done with urgency. Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse a Taliban style war is raged in Nigeria by Nigerians. My only fear is that Nigeria does not explode and become like Melting Magma taking the whole West African region.
I have always thought that Nigeria had the potential to lift the whole of West Africa but the reverse is also a distinct possibilty.
And by the way Bayo James where in God’s name did you come up with the idea that Ghana was an Iliterate country compared to Nigeria? I think it’s the most stupid assertion I have ever heard, you are exhibiting ignorance of the highest kind. And for your information Ghana currently has free primary education, this is going to be extended to secondary education too and ask the many Nigerians studying in Ghana if that is the case. Baseless senseless comments like that will always undermine forward thinking