GUARDED MISSILES WITH GP
ODE TO A MINISTER OF MIS-INFORMATION
Disclaimer: It is in the words of a sage that I first heard that there are times you speak your mind and there are times you mind your speech. I tender my “reserved” and “insincere” apology to any who may consider this piece a slap on their face. It is in the interest of my fellow Niger-areans who possess a nonnegotiable right to first hand information. It is a fictionalized memoir and thus should not be taken with hard feelings. It is a literary and fictional pogrom directed to change all those concerned.
Once upon a time, there lived in a country called Niger-area, a well respected woman who managed the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) under the administration of an ironical elder states-man who with utmost insincerity fought corruption and has landed the country in her present day of leadership mishap. This woman was a legend and a figure to be reckoned with. Children in schools when asked who they would like to be like in future, they would say I would like to be like Prof. Rado Ayinkuli. That was her name. A name that became a household a name. She fought corruption in the pharmaceutical industries and fought industries that engaged in harmful food items. She saved many lives from death, even at the expense of her and her family security. She lived up to her profession as a veteran pharmacist and a teacher of Pharmacy. Little wonder she received a lot of accolades from within and outside the shores of the Country.
A new book of history was opened for our dear Mama NAFDAC when she was appointed to run the Ministry of Information. The news of her acceptance of the appointment was a startling one on the totality of the countrymen. On hearing this, the first thing that occurred to me was A .E Housman’s poem; “An Athlete Dying Young.” It was in this poem that I first realized that it is better to die holding laurels and praises than to continue to run and be outrun. Prof Rado Ayinkuli thought she would be able to use the same skill, dexterity and enthusiasm she used in her former appointment in this new one. If I were her but God forbid (uwasombaic allusion), I would have resigned from the affairs of politics and go back to classroom. Instead, she opted to be used as a political tool in the hands of the power that be. One of her giant “strides” in the affairs of the country that Niger-areans are yet to recuperate from is the re-run election of a State in the western part of the country. Mrs. Rado Ayinkuli acted in the most brazen way by ordering the Returning officer in that election to come out of her hiding. She had series of close doors meeting with the former refused-to-go- chairman of the Electoral commission. Another Professor of national shame. The “unholy romance” of the two professors during that time led to what we have today in that part of the country: an electoral misgiving.
It was under the nose of this same woman that a particular country abroad described this country as corrupt and symbol of shame yet the minister herself said nothing drastic to retort the statement. The most sickening thing to be thought on planet earth was what she came up with: Re-branding. Prof Rado Ayinkuli came out to deceive us that we are good people and great nation. Yes we are, aren’t we? With the like of the shameless politricians who care less of the common man in the streets, who enrich themselves and impoverish the poor the more. Yes, we are good people and great nation but not with the unreachable election rigging, high rate of militancy, insecurity, corruption and with the signs of world terrorism as manifested in one of our northern brothers very recently in the United States of America. Why won’t this madam re-branding just make us feel bad and corrupt so that we can strive towards change instead of misinforming us, thereby making us disbelieve the evidence of our own eyes. I guess she has forgotten that only the sick need a physician.
Between November 23rd last year and February 23rd this year when the Late President of this “great” country who was sick in body but sound enough in mind to understand the implication of resigning as a President, went on three months “paternity leave,” we understood this minister of misinformation better. All through the President’s “leave” until his demise, the people of this country never knew the true state of his health. It is obviously due to our poor Ministry of Information and Communication that a foreign news agency will broadcast worldwide that our Ex-President was dead even when he was very much alive. “This is an aberration on the letters and spirit of our sacrosanct constitution” as the Union boys will put it. A six man delegate was sent to find out the state of health of the Late President. But on getting there, they found out that our deceased President had been discharged. The Late President of our country was discharged and had begun his journey back home yet the Minister of Information and Communication was not informed and communicated. What a shame! The delegates got there only to be told he had left. What an insult!
At the outset of the Late President’s sojourn, this Minister of Misinformation appeared as a core loyalist of the bedeviled erstwhile President. She antagonized all attempts to impeach him, became the leader of the Federal Executive Council, boycotted attempts to give more powers to the Vice President and insisted that our Late President was still and will still be our President. On seeing the Vice President on the verge of being enthroned Acting President, this madam mis-information carpet-crossed to the side of those supporting the Vice President and began to speak in favour of the Vice President. What manner of woman is this! A political belladonna and a good example of a bad woman. It was just on the 3rd of March, 2010 that some members of the cabinet urged Mr. Acting President (now President) to caution her against what they called persistent inflammatory remarks. This woman is a perpetrator of political rancour in this country. It was in her case I understood the biblical injunction that women should keep quiet in the church. The church here is the political terrain of this country and one of such women is Prof Rado Ayinkuli. Many interest and pressure groups are sick and tired of her motor mouth and dicey attitude. Permit me to quote verbatim what a particular pressure group said about her “we have watched with utter dismay the unrestricted manner that the Minister of Information has become overly vociferous and galloping without breaks into the pathetic arena of political gamesmanship by talking without consideration for the unity of the country." Why won’t this woman just keep quiet or better still be on one side. If the departed President had fully recuperated, definitely this woman would have assumed a new stance. Before the assumption of the erstwhile Vice President as Acting President, this woman acted so swiftly that she escaped the fate that befell the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation. Her attitude is flirtatious and somebody should please help me tell her to change.
The leadership of this country has disappointed me so much to the extent that I feel like crying. But I won’t cry because men do not cry in my father’s village. I almost died of chagrin the day I learnt that this same woman was restored like a deleted document from the recycle bin to the same Ministry were she has failed before. The point however is not that she came back to the Ministry, but that she was not totally dropped from helms of affair in this country. Why on earth are our politricians treating us like this? If we write, they will gaol us for libel, if we speak, they will confine us for slander, if we act, they will detain us for sedition. God please help us to address the case of bad leadership in our country with special attention on the life minister of misinformation. This is my note of supplication.
FINIS
I hope the Minister of Information and Communications of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Dora Akunyili reads this story of mine.
Paul Akpomuje (GP)
08035271972, 08051446022 (sms only).
Monday, May 10, 2010
DESTINY LASHES OUT AT CONGRESS
Great Ife had a congress on Thursday, 6th May, 2010. As expected, the congress was “hot”—it did not disappoint those that that turned out. The congress was mainly called in order to address the numerous issues that are facing the entire student populace of OAU. Rumors had it that the Vice Chancellor was supposed to grace the congress. But to the surprise of many, only the Dean, Division of Students’ Affairs, the Chief Security Officer and the Deputy Vice Chancellor came.
Although many other occurrences happened during the congress, the time Destiny Agogo, the former SUG presidential candidate, came out to talk marked the apogee. He came out amidst the round of applause of students, who had earlier on clamored that he should be given the recognition he deserved. The Students’ Union president, Alaje Paul AKA Prof, refused to call on Destiny to speak until he raised his hands.
Finally, after Destiny had raised his hand, he was called to speak by the Students’ Union president. Destiny, on coming to the podium, was adjudged by many not to have been prepared to talk. So, when he was speaking, some thought he said the right thing at the wrong time. Destiny challenged Prof to come out plain about his alleged role of dissuading some Great Ife student from protesting on Sunday, 25th April, 2010—an action he said totally against the aluta spirit of Great Ife. Destiny accused Prof of quelling the fundamental and inalienable rights of student to speech and expression. This is just one of the challenges Destiny threw at the Students’ Union government. He directly accused them of gross irresponsibility and incapability, which has never been seen from the genesis of student unionism in OAU till date.
At the end of it all, Destiny appeared to have fallen out of favor with those who were formerly supporting him. However, one thing remains sure: the “the battle line” has just been drawn between Destiny and the EXCO of the Students’ Union, Prof, in particular.
Although many other occurrences happened during the congress, the time Destiny Agogo, the former SUG presidential candidate, came out to talk marked the apogee. He came out amidst the round of applause of students, who had earlier on clamored that he should be given the recognition he deserved. The Students’ Union president, Alaje Paul AKA Prof, refused to call on Destiny to speak until he raised his hands.
Finally, after Destiny had raised his hand, he was called to speak by the Students’ Union president. Destiny, on coming to the podium, was adjudged by many not to have been prepared to talk. So, when he was speaking, some thought he said the right thing at the wrong time. Destiny challenged Prof to come out plain about his alleged role of dissuading some Great Ife student from protesting on Sunday, 25th April, 2010—an action he said totally against the aluta spirit of Great Ife. Destiny accused Prof of quelling the fundamental and inalienable rights of student to speech and expression. This is just one of the challenges Destiny threw at the Students’ Union government. He directly accused them of gross irresponsibility and incapability, which has never been seen from the genesis of student unionism in OAU till date.
At the end of it all, Destiny appeared to have fallen out of favor with those who were formerly supporting him. However, one thing remains sure: the “the battle line” has just been drawn between Destiny and the EXCO of the Students’ Union, Prof, in particular.
OPINION POLL
OAU MATRICULATES FRESH STUDENTS
After the post-UME screening exercise, the management of OAU matriculates fresh students on May 5, 2010 at the well known African Amphi Theatre. To this end, SOCIOSCOPE correspondent, Niyi Itiola, went around to get the views of some fresh students.
SOCIOSCOPE: How are you doing? Please what is your name?
AYOOLA: Ayoola Michael is my name.
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
Ayoola: This is my happiest moment. I feel on top of the world.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have you had any challenges since your admission into this university?
AYOOLA: The challenge so far has been the rigorous lectures and how to get my 5 point GP this semester.
SOCIOSCOPE: Any wise word for your colleagues?
AYOOLA: I’m using this medium to implore them to face their academic exercise with a serious mind and cooperate with the management.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, can I meet you?
OLAWOORE: My name is Olawoore Ephraim
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you tell me about your admission into Great Ife?
OLAWOORE: In fact, my brother, it was not easy because I did post-UME into OAU in 2008 but because of the wrong choice of subjects, I was not admitted. However, in 2009, I was given the opportunity to become a bona fide student.
SOCIOSCOPE: Where will you be in the next five years?
OLAWOORE: By His grace, I will come to the university again to take a law degree.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank you for giving me your prompt attention. Have a nice day.
SOCIOSCOPE: You are looking great today. Can you introduce yourself to me?
OYINDAMOLA: Oyindamola is my name. I am a student of Public Administration.
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you share with your admission process into OAU?
OYINDAMOLA: In the first instance, I did Pre-Degree. Then, I wrote JAMB, then, Post-UME. That’s all.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you want to share with me your future ambition?
OYINDAMOLA: At the end of my programme here, I want to become a secretary in an organization.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you mean in a political organization?
OYINDAMOLA: I don’t like politics because of its complexity.
SOCIOSCOPE: But going by the words of Aristotle, every human being is a political animal, that is, every human being should take a position in decision making.
OYINDAMOLA: That was then compared to this present moment of politics of assassination, thuggery and the like.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have a wonderful day.
OYINDAMOLA: Thank you very much.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please introduce yourself to me?
MICHAEL: Odeyemi Michael
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
MICHAEL: This is a nice day, happiest day for me. I give gory to God Almighty.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please tell me about the challenges you faced before your entry into OAU?
MICHAEL: It was a big task because after five years since I left Secondary School, I was unable to gain admission into any university. However, I give praises to God for this momentous day.
SOCIOSCOPE: Will like to share future ambition with me?
MICHAEL: By God’s grace, after my programme, I wish to work with a multinational telecommunication company.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you have a word for your colleagues?
MICHAEL: I will say they should put more effort into their academics.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, please what is your name?
ANONYMOUS: Please why are you asking about my name?
SOCIOSCOPE: I want to know because you can use this medium to express your feelings.
ANONYMOUS: Please I don’t have time because I have a practical
After the post-UME screening exercise, the management of OAU matriculates fresh students on May 5, 2010 at the well known African Amphi Theatre. To this end, SOCIOSCOPE correspondent, Niyi Itiola, went around to get the views of some fresh students.
SOCIOSCOPE: How are you doing? Please what is your name?
AYOOLA: Ayoola Michael is my name.
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
Ayoola: This is my happiest moment. I feel on top of the world.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have you had any challenges since your admission into this university?
AYOOLA: The challenge so far has been the rigorous lectures and how to get my 5 point GP this semester.
SOCIOSCOPE: Any wise word for your colleagues?
AYOOLA: I’m using this medium to implore them to face their academic exercise with a serious mind and cooperate with the management.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, can I meet you?
OLAWOORE: My name is Olawoore Ephraim
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you tell me about your admission into Great Ife?
OLAWOORE: In fact, my brother, it was not easy because I did post-UME into OAU in 2008 but because of the wrong choice of subjects, I was not admitted. However, in 2009, I was given the opportunity to become a bona fide student.
SOCIOSCOPE: Where will you be in the next five years?
OLAWOORE: By His grace, I will come to the university again to take a law degree.
SOCIOSCOPE: Thank you for giving me your prompt attention. Have a nice day.
SOCIOSCOPE: You are looking great today. Can you introduce yourself to me?
OYINDAMOLA: Oyindamola is my name. I am a student of Public Administration.
SOCIOSCOPE: Could you share with your admission process into OAU?
OYINDAMOLA: In the first instance, I did Pre-Degree. Then, I wrote JAMB, then, Post-UME. That’s all.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you want to share with me your future ambition?
OYINDAMOLA: At the end of my programme here, I want to become a secretary in an organization.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you mean in a political organization?
OYINDAMOLA: I don’t like politics because of its complexity.
SOCIOSCOPE: But going by the words of Aristotle, every human being is a political animal, that is, every human being should take a position in decision making.
OYINDAMOLA: That was then compared to this present moment of politics of assassination, thuggery and the like.
SOCIOSCOPE: Have a wonderful day.
OYINDAMOLA: Thank you very much.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please introduce yourself to me?
MICHAEL: Odeyemi Michael
SOCIOSCOPE: How do you feel today?
MICHAEL: This is a nice day, happiest day for me. I give gory to God Almighty.
SOCIOSCOPE: Can you please tell me about the challenges you faced before your entry into OAU?
MICHAEL: It was a big task because after five years since I left Secondary School, I was unable to gain admission into any university. However, I give praises to God for this momentous day.
SOCIOSCOPE: Will like to share future ambition with me?
MICHAEL: By God’s grace, after my programme, I wish to work with a multinational telecommunication company.
SOCIOSCOPE: Do you have a word for your colleagues?
MICHAEL: I will say they should put more effort into their academics.
SOCIOSCOPE: Good afternoon, please what is your name?
ANONYMOUS: Please why are you asking about my name?
SOCIOSCOPE: I want to know because you can use this medium to express your feelings.
ANONYMOUS: Please I don’t have time because I have a practical
एडिटोरिअल
Life is full of ups and downs. In life, there are times when the expected becomes unexpected and the unexpected, expected. However, for the students of OAU that had their matriculation some days back, it was a case of the expected turning out as expected. It was a day of joy for the matriculating students. The evidence was written all over them. It lends credence that one asks the freshers if they know what lies ahead of/for them. Do they know that the ground of OAU could be extremely thorny? Do they know that the joy of matriculation is nothing compared with the joy of convocation? One can only wish them all the best in their academics.
On Wednesday last week, Amphi theatre reverberated with the OAU anthem i.e our aluta song (Where is the ‘Iroko’ song that was composed by the school authority?). On hearing the new-takes singing the aluta song, many stalites were left to wonder if they indeed knew what ‘aluta’ indeed means. Do they know they that alutarism is more than the words of the mouth? Are they ready to sacrifice some part of their academic years in pursuit of aluta? In case a Fresh Year Brethren is reading this editorial at the moment, never should you forget to remember that OAU has a strong history of aluta. But it is advisable that you do not get lost in the muse of aluta.
Everyone knows that the primary purpose of any student on this campus is academics. But watch it! Perchance you never knew; please know that there is more to OAU beyond books. This is a university where you can become a millionaire legally (even as a student), if you can work at it. More than any other higher institution in Nigeria, this land expands your horizon even in ways that would surpass you imagination. So, SOCIOSCOPE strongly advises to you to look beyond books but don’t forget your book. Enjoy your studentship at the Only Authentic University (OAU).
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editorial-In-Chief
On Wednesday last week, Amphi theatre reverberated with the OAU anthem i.e our aluta song (Where is the ‘Iroko’ song that was composed by the school authority?). On hearing the new-takes singing the aluta song, many stalites were left to wonder if they indeed knew what ‘aluta’ indeed means. Do they know they that alutarism is more than the words of the mouth? Are they ready to sacrifice some part of their academic years in pursuit of aluta? In case a Fresh Year Brethren is reading this editorial at the moment, never should you forget to remember that OAU has a strong history of aluta. But it is advisable that you do not get lost in the muse of aluta.
Everyone knows that the primary purpose of any student on this campus is academics. But watch it! Perchance you never knew; please know that there is more to OAU beyond books. This is a university where you can become a millionaire legally (even as a student), if you can work at it. More than any other higher institution in Nigeria, this land expands your horizon even in ways that would surpass you imagination. So, SOCIOSCOPE strongly advises to you to look beyond books but don’t forget your book. Enjoy your studentship at the Only Authentic University (OAU).
Olofinlua Oyindamola
Editorial-In-Chief
OAU, DEN OF ARMED ROBBERS
There is the need for all concerned to take caution whenever anomaly becomes the norm. In OAU, for the last couple of weeks, everything seems to have been fallen apart the centre can no longer hold. The rate of crime on campus has risen to an astronomical level—one that has never been witnessed in the history of OAU. A car was snatch at UNIFECS some days back. One of the cars that were parked outside Ajose Lecture theatre some days ago also ‘disappeared’ from where it was parked. The owner was said to have been dumbfounded when it is discovered that the car had disappeared. As a part of this emerging ugly trend of theft on campus, last week, a laptop was also stolen at Ajose.
All of these raise a lot of issues about the safety of life and property of students and their property on campus. “Se Na like dis we go dey dey?”
All of these raise a lot of issues about the safety of life and property of students and their property on campus. “Se Na like dis we go dey dey?”
READERS COLUMN
Last week’s comment on the article “Should I agree?”
Igbasan Caleb LLB II—Love is a continuous feeling of affection towards someone special. It burns and bleeds every second. It doesn’t stop. If it does, it is quenched. Moreso, “you don’t marry a person you can live with, you marry a person you cannot live WITHOUT.” Since the guy has told you to give him a break, it shows that he can live without you. His love for you has been quenched. I advise you to make yourself attractive and tempting as a new and responsible guy that will appreciate the sanctity of your fragile and loving heart will come your way very soon. Everything works together for those that love God. Cheer up!
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Igbasan Caleb LLB II—Love is a continuous feeling of affection towards someone special. It burns and bleeds every second. It doesn’t stop. If it does, it is quenched. Moreso, “you don’t marry a person you can live with, you marry a person you cannot live WITHOUT.” Since the guy has told you to give him a break, it shows that he can live without you. His love for you has been quenched. I advise you to make yourself attractive and tempting as a new and responsible guy that will appreciate the sanctity of your fragile and loving heart will come your way very soon. Everything works together for those that love God. Cheer up!
LATEST BLOG
This is to inform our esteemed readers that Socioscope news agency has launched her blog.
www.socioscopenews.blogspot.com
Follow us online to get the best of the best collections of our write-ups. WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS.
You can also follow us on Facebook by just searching for SOCIOSCOPE NEWS AGENCY. We promise to serve you better.
For this week…
1) Is the presidency of Umaru Musa Yar’adua an asset or a liability?
PLEASE DROP YOUR OPINION IN THE ENVELOP ON THE BOARD.
NOTE: Your opinion will be published next week.
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