CPC

In a move that shouldn't surprise anybody, a US advisory commission on international religious violence has recommended that Obama dub Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" with regards to its out of control religious violence. Apparently, 12000 people have been killed in the last decade in only a dozen incidents. I would normally assume that this is the sort of thing Nigeria would get huffy about, but the article claimed that the top brass in Nigeria welcomed the prying committee when it went to see Nigeria's dismal religious community relations for itself, and looked forward to working with the US to eradicate the problem. The article was fairly silent on how the country should actually go about finding a solution, it only gave this pithy line, "more violence should be expected in Nigeria except there is a change."
Come to think of it, I don't know of one single country that has successfully resolved deep religious schisms. The United Kingdom is probably the closest, but even there people still kill each other over religion. In India, Hindus and Buddhists seem to get along (hindus and muslims definitely do not though), but I am not aware of any insuperable doctrinal schism between the two. Actually the relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism is similar to that between Christianity and Islam, in each case both religions are similar in their roots and teachings.

Vanguard article

Taste of Africa! Unbelievable Rates! Visit Nigeria's Poorest Slum!!

Article

Nigerian officials are facing an interesting predicament. Slums are usually viewed as demolition targets to make way for useless" infrastructure projects or projects that benefit only the rich. But apparently many people think "poverty in Nigeria is good business." The article claims that this call for exploitation of the business potential of slums is not a call for "anti-modernization". At first it seems a disturbing comment on the unequal state of affairs in this world that Nigerians wish to prostitute themselves to the curiosity of "affluent tourists from the Western economies who yearn to catch a glimpse of what it is like to live in poverty." But then again, it might be pure pragmatism. I feel that I cannot comment on Nigerian behavior because my opinions are influenced by my western upbringing. Africa, or at least West Africa should rally around a set of principles, in a manner similar to the founding of the United States on our political and moral foundation. I don't know which principles they would choose, or what would be best for them, but I do know that they need some sort of ideological unity on which they can launch their fledgling democracies.

Education Abroad Soon to Be History

In a country where sectarian violence causes daily riots and mobs, the GDP per capita is $2100, slums are prevalent, the AIDS virus is rampant, and the government is confused about who actually runs the country it's no surprise that education in Nigeria isn't exactly doing so hot. In 2009, Nigerian Universities were shut down for 5 months, affecting an estimated 10 million students. It was no surprise then, that 2009 saw some of the worst exam results for Nigerian students. Only 25% of Nigerian students passed the Senior Schools Certificate Examination (SSCE) and a stunning 98% of Nigerian students failed the NECO. As a result over N295 billion is spent in the education of Nigerian students abroad in the UK and Canada. This in turn worsens conditions of schools in Nigeria. Thus, a bill has been proposed to outlaw the education of Nigerian Public Officials' children in other countries. The bill passed its first reading in the House and awaits a second reading. If formally made into law, it would require public officials to educate their children at Nigeria's primary and undergraduate institutions. In order to educate their children abroad, all public holders would have to obtain a waiver from the Minister of Education. The issuance of a waiver would be guided by the following -

1. the "nature of the proposed course of study for an undergraduate applicant"
2. the "medical condition [of the undergraduate applicant]"
3. the "general national interest"

Any qualifying children already studying abroad before the bill becomes law, will automatically qualify for a waiver.

"YarÁdua, A Victim Of Spousal Abuse- Soyinka"

Efforts to see President Yar’Adua are being hindered by a cabal led by his wife, which constitutes spousal abuse, according to Professor Wole Soyinka. Soyinka has made this claim multiple times. Apparently, Yar’Adua has granted the BBC rights to an interview, and Soyinka thinks that he should also address the nation.
Soyinka is calling the people of Nigeria to action to take more control over their own country. He wants to remind them of their duty to themselves and their country to demand accountability from the government, because the government and the governed have a shared responsibility. In one of his talks, he said that “every Nigerian had the responsibility to protect his or her vote” and urged Nigerians to support the Save Nigeria Group along with other civil society groups. His main point is that “The system is geared towards large scale corruption. It is not beneficial to the country and it needs to be overturned”. Quite intense.
For more information, click here.

candidate search

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/news/article02/070410?pdate=070410&ptitle=Presidency:%20Search%20begins%20for%20best%20from%20the%20North

The New

Quashing any doubts that he would merely serve as a figure, acting Jonathan recently approved the changes to the cabinet. The government is now his, and will remain his until President Yar'Adua returns or voters bring in a new leader next year. In his most recent speech, Jonathan spoke of how his country must hit the ground running - a portent of Jonathan's plans to try and get things done with his remaining year in office. Whether or not he will make good on that promise remains to be seen. For more information click here

Nigeria: Truly Backwards or Oddly Progressive?

The North of Nigeria is generally characterized as a harsh area dominated by draconian Shar'ia Law and heavily conservative views. Shar'ia is a law system dictated by the fundamentalist readings of the Qua'ran. For instance the beating of adulterous persons is fully justified; "The woman and the man guilty of adultery or fornication—flog each of them with hundred stripes: Let no compassion move you in their case, in a matter prescribed by God, if ye believe in God and the last day.”, as is the execution of an apostate. Women are barred from ruling.
Except in the case of the Kingdom of Kumbwada, Nigeria in which only a female may occupy the throne thanks to an ancient curse that prohibits the crowning of males.
Queen Hajiya Haidzatu Ahmed is making strides in the generally oppressive air of Northern Nigeria. She lends an ear to women who come to her unhappy in arranged marriage or complaining of domestic violence in a region that typically disregards such grievances.
The one thing Queen Ahmed does not like but grants in necessary circumstances is divorce. She generally likes to engage in a sort of couples-counseling. "But if that's not possible, if there's no way she can have any compassion for him or love, it's not her fault or his fault. It's just natural." She says.
The queen hopes to see a female president of Nigeria one day,
"It's my most ardent wish. I think the problems in Nigeria have become intractable. Let's try a woman. Men have failed."

Link : LA Times