"I have no doubts that Mallam Nasir cannot escape some of history's ugly submissions on the Obasanjo years if he must share in its history's finest verdicts ." Lai Labode , 24th Feb 2013 While we must acknowledge and appreciate efforts by many political actors of the Obasanjo years to document their activities while in offices of public trust , we owe it to ourselves , our people and history to dig deeper into the core of what the motivation of these exercises might be especially when there is still a lot to play for politically by the authors . I am definitely not one of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai biggest fans but i can not help but admit that he is one of Nigeria's best known socially relevant intellectuals in his own right . I also know that documentations of this nature are hardly ever written purely for academic purposes . Politics is surely in the bag , either way , the work is desirable . In the last week , at least five friends and a number of political associates have asked me what my thoughts are on Mallam Nasir's TAPS . While i tactically avoided answering the question before i finished reading the book , i have been particularly impressed with the interest of many young people in documented accounts of key players in NIGERIA's democratic years under President OBASANJO . While some of my friends berated Mallam Nasir for been too self righteous , some others talked passionately about his achievements as minister of FCT and as Chairman of BPE , some others contend that irrespective of whatever he wrote in his new book , Mallam unfortunately has very low electability coefficient and would most probably make a better social critic than a politician . The first time i read a tweet from the ever present Omojuwa on Mallam El-Rufai's much anticipate book , I started looking forward to a controversial accounts of Malam El-Rufai's role in the Obasanjo years in power , an abundance of explanations of the rationale behind his actions and a spirited justification of those rationales . I have not been disappointed. I have started to look forward to Mallam El-Rufai's full fledged entry into Nigeria's Political Intellectual Arena . I have no doubts that the reactions , responses and rejoinders to TAPS will inspire Mallam to write another book in no distant time . One thing i however agree with in all i have heard and read so far on reactions to TAPS is that TAPS surely chronicles a struggle between the life of a politician and that of a social critic whose eyes are still firmly on the prospects of a chance to serve again. The combination of politics and the life of a social critic can only be but complicated . I had not read up to fifty pages of the book when i made up my mind to Commision a completely independent and unemotional research into the activities of all the members of Obasanjo's kitchen cabinet during his eight year rule . I feel a compelling need to document an unbiased opinion for the benefit of our people and history . Mallam El-Rufai's TAPS irrespective of its motives and expectations unwittingly challenged anyone interested in public service to dig deeper into the workings of our political system . It's lies , half truths , fictions , conspiracies ,betrayals and achievement are all a part of the wheels that keeps our democracy going . TAPS is definitely a rich resource base for friends and enemies of Mallam El-Rufai . The book opens a floodgate of issues that cuts across an entire system that everyone agrees needs reforms . I have no doubts that Mallam Nasir cannot escape some of history's ugly submissions of the OBASANJO years if he must share in its history's finest verdicts. While Mallam El-Raufai may hope that more people would believe he was telling the 'whole story' to primarily document events that can provide a resource base for aspiring administrators in terms of the possible challenges of public service , he also unconsciously opened a new window for better examination of his character as an administrator and as politician visavis his interactions with other key players in the OBASANJO years . In my humble opinion , Malam El-Rufai is by every means is one of the finest administrators this country has seen , his personal inadequacies not withstanding , he represents an intellectual force that exhibited the better of his prowess in the best days of the undeniably eventful President Olusegun OBASANJO Years . Many have questioned Mallam's political intelligence by contending that Mallam El-Rufai is too short eyed in the management of political relationships which they say relegates him almost permanently in the class of those whose best days politically may find itself harder to come than easier to flourish again. I do not think it is good enough to question Mallam's political intelligence without attempting understand what in our individual opinions he set out to achieve and what he actually achieved with his controversial book . While i am eager to share a detailed opinion or review on TAPS , my intellectual instincts cautioned me against immediate reaction until I had done a little more research on a lot of the submissions made in the book , my political instincts however encouraged me to let out a little of my thoughts about the political character of Malam Nasir El-Rufai and set the stage for my up coming review of the book . Mallam El-Rufai's political character as deduced from TAPS in my fallible political opinion can be summed up in the following four broad headings ; The first is understandable Instinctive Self Preservation , the second is Political Animosity for known and perceived persecutors , the third is Positioning for History's favorable verdict and the fourth is the ever desirable window of political opportunity to serve again. The book began with Pastor Bakare's expected attempt to introduce a 'politically flawless ' politician in the person of Malam El-Rufai that showcases the best of selflessness in Nigeria's history of public administration . Pastor Tunde Bakare may have fallen short of a good enough attempt by his non-acknowledgment of Mallam's inevitable political flaws which would have added more credibility to his submission . Pastor's Bakare's foreword was based clearly on some personally processed facts / opinion and some heartfelt obligation to be politically on the same page as his younger friend ,fellow political co-traveller and fellow social critic . I have no doubt that Omojuwa would have done a more receptive job. I can however live with the choice if the rationale behind Mallam's choice is to find higher profiled personality that understands him 'better' personally and will be willing to defend the postulations in the book more enthusiastically . I dare say that by the time the season of first level analysis of TAPS is over , it would have inspired more intellectual contribution to Nigeria's evolving political landscape from many 'concerned' parties in the Nigerian political terrain . Just before my full analysis comes , i have an advice for those who read . Look out for Madam Obi Ezekwesiki , Madam Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala and Andy Uba's account of the Obasanjo years . Save up for them if possible ! "Politics is too uncertain for both the wise and the foolish" LL Lai Labode , 24th Feb 2013
"The future of every nation is written many years earlier in the hearts of its youth." Lai Labode
I became the Chairman of the PDP Youth circuit after a difficult but successful merger with the League of Young Democrats led by Chief Raymond Dokpesi jnr, a true patriot who later became my deputy . After one of our late night meetings we sat down to ponder on the challenges we faced in our bid to open a new chapter in Nigeria's history of youth participation in politics , leadership and political party management under the umbrella of Africa's largest political party . The People's Democratic Party .
We pondered into the night how to inspire 10 million Nigerian youths and Persons Living With Disabilities to join the PDP and help to start a new era of transparency , responsiveness , institutionalization of clear party ideology and full blown democratic practices . We peeped into the future together and saw a new PDP that became the new rallying point for all Nigerians who want change , good governance and enduring progress .
We contemplated the baggage that came with association with a political party of which despite its unrivaled national outlook and politic successes has ruled nigeria for thirteen years and left a sour taste in the mouths of most if its people . We were saddened that our party like other political parties has not been able to effectively connect with the aspirations of the ordinary NIGERIAN after all these years .
We worried greatly about the poor nature of Nigerias political systems management and the ease at which youths are used to destroy their own future by politicians . We agreed that all NIGERIAs political parties needed urgent reforms and the youth urgently needed a new orientation to harness its potential to facilitate the change .
We reflected on the overall effect of abysmal level of mistrust , animosity and intolerance that has come to form the core characterization of our relationships with one another as a youth constituency .
We shared stories on how hostile the youths are towards one another and how wary we are of ideas that aren't directly generated by ourselves . We realized how much Nigerian youths are largely individual champions who know very little about so much in an age where information comes at a phenomenally fast-pace and makes proper processing painfully difficult .
We easily agreed how shameful the Nigerian opposition parties have faired in their narrow comfort zones of either a one man , ethnic or religious party politics . We discussed ACN and its seeming good records in Lagos and wondered if the largest financial short change of the people in Africa's history isn't happening under the watch of NIGERIA's most 'performing' ACN governor .
We touched on the power of social media , its challenges , illusions , limitations and most importantly its unprecedented , unparalleled potential as a platform that can be used to inspire millions of people to take actions associated with the need for change .
We concluded that the Nigeran Youths from all works of life needed to start a 'Political Participation Revolution' if they really want to quicken the pace of change and set NIGERIA on a 'never to return path of glory' .
We agreed that the Nigerian Youths needed to be more organized and focused , there is need to reduce our desire for change into a clear vision , mission and a set of practical objectives .
We identified the following six items as most crucial for real change to occur ;
1. Strategic and Organized 'Invasion' of all Nigeria's Political Parties by youths .
2. Support the Establishment of the Coalition of Youths in Nigeria's Political Parties to set and manage the standard of youth participation in politics and leadership .
3. Establish clear ideological bases within the political parties and push for institutionalization of ideas that fall along agreed ideological lines .
4. Establish a funding structure that is sustained by the ordinary people who share established ideology .
5. Invest In massive , comprehensive voter education on participation , responsibility and patriotism .
6. Establish debate platforms across the country for cross fertilization of ideas .
Nigeria is a reflection of a morally weakened country with a large number of disgruntled and bitter people been led a largely insensitive political class whose top priority is to hold on to power at any cost .
Nigeria is a country of too many unseen hands , we are a nation so blessed yet so poor , a people so happy yet so sad . NIGERIA has never needed its youth more than at this time to rise up to the challenges facing our country .
Are the people really ready for change you may ask? The truth is that the people have always been ready. History has thought us that the power of the people can be unleashed for positive action by a genuine firm and visionary leadership that runs strictly on the fuel of majority consent of the followers and good example . We cannot expect Change if are not willing to inspire it .
We owe a duty to our people to inspire a new generation of leaders and followers alike in preparation for the challenges and opportunities ahead , we owe a duty to Nigerians yet unborn to build a nation founded on truth, justice, fairness and most importantly on ethics or values we are not ashamed to publicly propagate.
The time is ripe for more practical solutions , the time has come for the youths to take a stand , organize and make sacrifices .Enough of the fault finding and bickering about how bad the leaders are . We must begin to turn our talk to actions that can impact our lives positively .
I have no doubt in my heart that Nigerian youths will eventually rise to the Occasion , there is something big brewing . Social media is helping to build political consciousness and expression as never seen before in our nations history. Social media has become the gasoline of change delicately waiting for a fire to start.
While we all cannot be politicians , we all have different roles to play if we must guarantee a prosperous future for ourselves and generations of Nigerians to come . We all need to Do something , join a political party or some association , register to vote or write write a blog . Join peaceful protest and civil actions . The youths can no longer afford to just talk or criticize , we must start to act collectively and decisively to bring about the change we so desire .
The time of the Nigerian youths have come to rescue the motherland , the youths must embrace the times with great humility , deep sense responsibility and integrity of purpose powerful enough to positively and permanently re-write the story of an emerging World Power !
We have begun that process in the PDP , we encourage all youths who have soft spot for any other political party to do same . We are no longer just criticizing , we are acting to fix our party and our country . We envision a new nation and we are paying the price for it .
We see hope , do you ?
Lai Labode (CRMA , Harvard)
Chairman , PDP Youth Circuit and Chairman National Youth Movement for Constitutional Review .
"Every leader needs a compulsive critic , if you don't have one , you really have not started to lead . " Lai Labode , 29th May 2010
While visionary leadership is not a promise of perfection , it is usually judged by compulsive critics with a malicious eye for it's inevitable imperfections . The confidence of the leader is a source of worry to the compulsive critic , the leader's strengths and resolve are either viewed as arrogance or overbearing , his weakness or weaknesses are forever in the open skies of the compulsive critic , his progress no matter how evident is fiercely denied by the compulsive critic who isn't wired to contend with its reality.
Because the world is a great lover of great tales of success and failure , its ears are ever ready for all colors of lies , truth , rumors ,misfortune or fiction . There is a large room in the palace of the compulsive critic for believability of anything that undermines the leader and his conviction .
A leader is blamed for the childlessness or impotence of the compulsive critic and must take the fall when the critic fails in his duty to self ,family or society. Leadership is the dumping ground of all that is wrong with the compulsive critic and his household .
When the leader speaks with a measure of passion , the compulsive critic sees a man pretending to love his country , when the leader speaks dispassionately , the critic sees an insensitive leader whose only interest is power and its attendant aura. The compulsive critic is a man with a gift of an eye for the worst .
The compulsive critic knows when the leader farts or sneezes , he is unconsciously obsessed with the leader's mien and spreads the leader's message , skill , convictions and prowess without knowing it . He is the town-crier of the leader who never gets paid .
The compulsive critic lives in an illusion of understanding of what is wrong with the leader's style , belief and disposition , he lives in a small world of self deceit and shows himself to any discerning observer as either too critical , little ,bitter , jealous or envious .
The compulsive critic fails woefully to see that the leaders imperfections are evidence of his humanness , he doesn't to see that the leader's humanness is what illuminates his passion and beliefs , his passion feeds his drive , while his belief maintains his resilience.
The leader's resilience is an evidence of the depth of his conviction , it is his conviction that leads him from glory to glory and keeps the compulsive critic in perpetual discomfort .
Time and time again in human history , great leaders are assailed by compulsive critics , the critic is an integral part of the world of the leader , the leader is less than the full measure of his prowess in the verdict of the history when the compulsive critic is absent .
No one assails a piece of art , music or invention that commands little or no value , the intensity of a critic's vituperations many a time is a further proof of the leaders power to influence .
The compulsive critic lives with a measure of insanity because he processes every good , bad and ugly information with the same negative emotion leaving him susceptible to flawed perception or submission.
The compulsive critic copes with deep progressive reasoning disability , once he gets into his mood , he knows no caution , reason or shame. While he may sometimes appear personable , he is a little man forever on the loose .
If a compulsive critic has a gift or a flash of some sort of brilliance , the depth of the gift or brilliance is recklessly exaggerated in his mind and he simply looses the wisdom of tolerance for the points of view of others . The compulsive critic is unconsciously an enemy of self .
The compulsive critic is also compulsively insecure hence his over sensitive reactions when attention is called to the delusions of his characteristic single view of a world viewable from a zillion doors and windows .
Many a time , the compulsive critic is the easiest pawn in the slippery arena of political power . It takes little to start him and guide him to a pre-determined end because he fails to see the superiority of self control over rash bravery.
Every leader needs a compulsive critic , if you don't have one , you have not started to lead .
Lai Labode , 24th Jan 2013
I fielded a lot of questions this past week about what I thoughts about the prospects of a Youth Political Party for Nigerian youths , especially the new Youth Party called SNC .
To begin with , we must commend the different groups and persons who have advocated this for even proffering solutions to the myriads of problems facing the youth constituency and our country .
There thought process isn't so different from ideas
we have toyed with in the past and seen its potential power , challenges and implications .
While many have condemned the idea as a tall dream , I cannot but disagree on the notion that anything is impossible when it comes to politics and the potential of a visionary , consistent and competent united youth constituency .
If you study the Nigerian political system very deeply and dispassionately , you will realize that its successes and failures depends very largely on the ability to mobilize the youths to carry out its bidding .
Since the return of democracy in 1999 , the political class have never failed to 'engineer' youth organization to push its agenda . Under the OBASANJO administration , we witnessed the birth of Grand Alliance of Nigeria led by Hon Abdul- , the group paraded men like Dino Melaye and a host of student union leaders . They were so well funded . While most Nigeria youths perceived the group as pawns for the PDP government and focused only on the monetary gains it would bring to those who ran the organization , they failed to see the opportunity the group missed by not been able to transform the structure to a sustainable platform for youths in politics .
We all remember the negative but powerful movement put together by the young Kanu for Abacha ; Youths Earnestly Ask For Abacha . The demonstrated that a united NIgerian youth constituency could do a lot of good or bad for a country . There has been many groups like that focused on a short term agenda .
The government at different times have successfully courted the lame Nigerian youth council to endorse it at one time or the other to the detriment of what the organization was really meant to stand for . Many Nigerian youths know very well that the Nigerian Youth Council can easily pass for a political arm of our party . It's structure is defective and doesn't represent the Nigerian Youths on this planet . Urgent reforms is needed if the youths are to get any leverage from the Nigerian Youth Council.
The youths have been active tools in the hands of those who plunder and terrorize our people for too many years , there is enough evidence to show that no election has been won or lost without the full endorsement of the youth constituency whether through our actions or inaction .
While we cannot and will never be able to divorce politics from money , the use of money in our political field is predominantly negative , deceiving and morally devious . The politicians simply take advantage of the depth of desperation for survival of the youth constituency .
In a country where less than 5% of its youths are poverty is the surname of many , you do not need a seer to tell you that most people will care less about good governance when they are is pervasive poverty.
While we pursue our vision for Nigeria within the PDP under the PDP Youth Circuit , I cannot but see the possibilities that are there for a political party for the youths even if all it does is to galvanize more youths to get involved . Who knows if the PDP can do the grandest merger that will be the envy of ACN , LP , ALGA and CPC put together !
A youth political party may help rally those who don't like my party or any of the other political parties under one umbrella to participate in politics .
There are many challenges in politics irrespective of the age of the players , the youths even have a bigger challenge ; there is justifiable widespread mistrust , many can not stand the rigors of growing a political platform , many are genuinely concerned but cant fathom the need for consistency , perseverance,discipline , strategy and firm leadership .
Most are unconsciously too cynical and are too focused on the immediate , others share no ideas but focus on compulsive criticisms , many cant stay in an organization if they don't have the position of power they want . There is as much problem and obstacle for youths who lead youth groups as the people who lead the political parties in Nigeria today .
The PDP Youth Circuit provides an opportunity for those young People who want learn the dynamics of politics in a bid to contribute their quota to nation building .
I remember the attacks on Ohimai Godwin , Tomi Araromi , Taiwo Adepoju and my friend Ojugo Onyeluka when they decided to join the PDP , many have called them all sorts of names for frolicking with the PDP without any recourse to their legitimate reasons , drive or convictions . I am happy that many of them have replaced their fear of 'what people have to say' with 'what can we do to make a difference' .
Many have predicted the PDP Youth Circuit will die like other youth organizations , many expect us to be in court soon , many don't know why it isn't dead yet '
The point is irrespective of what happens , men who have character and understand the need to change the status quo will remain resilient , consistent and focus .
Take it to the bank , there will be many obstacles within our the PDP Youth Circuit like any other group , however , the leadership will not blink for a second until our collective dream for our nation is achieved and can be entrenched institutionally for future generations to follow .
Good luck to the advocates of A YOUTH POLITICAL PARTY , the PDP YC will have its does open to you when you think of a merger
"Despite the undeniable humongous potential of today's Nigeria youth , the youths are largely individual champions traveling narrow paths in a very large terrain." Lai Labode
In the late 30s , a few young men who had been lucky enough to have tasted western education decided that all Nigerians deserved to have same . The young men began a coordinated demand for education for all Nigerians and better standards for higher education of the time.
The assemblage of these visionary young men led to the birth of the LAGOS YOUTH MOVEMENT in 1938 . A political movement that would later challenge Herbert Macaulay's Nigeria National Democratic Party for political power had been born . The NNDP prior to the time had dominated Nigeria's politics for many years .
The Lagos Youth Movement possessed the power of organization and resilience to power a political platform that history now remembers very fondly . The power of Nigerian youth and their creativity fused together in an unprecedented manner and within the spate of four years , the Lagos Youth Movement had become the most influential political organization in the country . It's name was changed to Nigerian Youth Movement to establish a truly nationalist credential thereby attracting more vibrant young people and better prepared for coming elections.
By the turn of the next election in 1938 , the candidates of the NYM defeated Macaulay's party in the legislative council elections and thereby kick started a new era in NIGERIA's politics .
We can say unequivocally that between 1938 -1941 the Nigeria youths established Nigeria's first Nationalist movement .
The core focus of the NYM was to unite all peoples across ethnic lines to forge a common front in the bid to get a better deal for the people . Their efforts solidified the foundation that eventually wrestled authority from the colonial masters for the Nigerian people in 1960.
After the Nigerian youths had joined forces under National Youth Movement ,they decided to set-off very powerful campaign for better representation of Nigerians in the civil service , they also demanded better wages and working conditions for the people of Nigeria.
The NYM pan-Nigerian stance spread like wild fire across the country. By 1939 , the NYM had presence in Kano , Ibadan , Zaria , port harcourt , ijebu ode , warri , Enugu , Aba , calabar , jos and kaduna . It had become a leading political force everyone had to reckon with .
The NYM was particularly forward looking , it paraded men like Earnest Okoli , Samuel Akinsanya , Dr JC Vaughan and HO Davies . The young men also recognized the power of the media if they were going to maintain their newly found political leverage , they set up a newspaper called 'Daily Service' . It became the 'This Day' of that era.
These days , too many people are worried that the Nigerian youths cannot pull of any grand and noble idea politically , they say the Nigerian youths do not have the discipline , temperament and conviction to stay cohesive long enough to transform a country like Nigeria .
I do not blame the cynics, after all there too many examples in our history to show that the Nigerian youths have not been able to cohesively progress or chart a common goal in the larger interest of Nigeria . It seems spirit that inspired NYM of the 30s had taken a flight from today's youths .
We have a had more than one faction of NANS for so many years , the National Youth Council has ever been a house of war and disorganization . The Nigerian youths had been reduced to mere tools for political thuggery and other social vices . The Youths in politics are also easy tools in the hands of the ruling class that systemically destroy the future to feed their today's greed and love for power.
Despite the undeniable humongous potential of today's Nigeria youth , the youths are largely individual champions traveling narrow paths in a very large terrain .
Sometime in 2010, the then honourable minister for youth development , Bolaji Abdulahi had selected 50 youths from across the country to a meeting aimed at setting a tone for a new agenda for Nigerian youths . He called the gathering 'Nigeria 50 Youth Champions' .
I had just been elected leader of a Youth political platform called the Peoples Senate at the time . As far as i and many of us present were concerned , it was a great initiative .
I remember many great ideas were shared with the listening minister by different brilliant men and women present . However ,one of the participants said something that seemed to resonate powerfully with everyone . She said "The Nigerian youths can't see anything grow to maturity, they are too eager to pull down . The love of money , mutual hatred ,jealousy and jostle for spotlight will destroy the best of ideas,we can't just seem to come together."
The lady got a thunderous clap from the crowd . I watched the minister closely as the claps thundered , I watched his body language ,he seemed genuinely worried for the Nigerian youths , he shook his head and looked for a second much older than his age. The meeting ended well with a common agreement that the Nigerian youths could rescue Nigeria and we all agreed to work together with the minister to achieve something great for Nigerian youths . The lady's words however stuck with the participants as we left .
There is no doubt Nigerian youths have the potential to bring down the sun if the constituency applies itself . We have the tools that can guarantee enduring progress for our people.
What we must do is to organize and be consistent in our convictions and efforts , we must also begin to reduce the animosities , prejudices , people judgement and mistrust that has driven wedges in our relationships with one another over the years. Our country bears the brunt .
Despite all the challenges faced by Nigerian youths , it still remains the most potent hope for change in this country .
Every nations destiny is written many years earlier in the hearts of its youth .
What do you think is written in the heart of today's youth?
Lai Labode , 8th Feb 2013
