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Samuel Zubby Duru - My Blog
Samuel Zubby Duru - My Blog


Leadership and Good Governance in Africa: “Questioning the verity and efficacy of modern democracy in Africa.”
Related to country: Nigeria

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

While emphasizing on the increased sense of efficacy of man and his ability to fulfill his needs, theories of modernity are also concerned with the systems in which men of the modern times rule themselves. Among other systems, worldwide most cherished system is democracy. Today, most nations of the world believe that it creates a great positive impact on governance, national growth, development and solidarity, even though it is not itself an elixir to all societal maladies. Since these which democracy is believed to ensure are indispensable in a world that has become a global village, democracy becomes considered as the measure of international integrity of national communities.

Also, many people are convinced that democracy is a tool that liberates the masses from oppression and exploitation – i.e. serves as an ideological testing ground for the application of the modern definition of some cherished principles like the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom.

In a romantic but significant manner, Abraham Lincoln defined democracy as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. In another development, Appadorai defined it as “a system of government under which the people exercise their governing power either directly or indirectly or via representatives periodically elected by them.”

Democracy is a system of government that promotes and encourages the right of citizenship such as freedom of speech, of religion, of expression, of association, the assertion of the rule of law, majority rule accompanied by respect for the rights of minorities. “Democracy recognizes the inherent worth of every individual or group, and strives for political order in which all could live with a measure of dignity”, remarked Rev. Fr. Dr. Jude Uwalaka.

The continent of Africa has been bedeviled by abject misrule. Leadership in Africa leaves a lot to be desired. Over the years, African politics had been characterized by unhealthy tussles and skullduggery. In fact, “a polity of anything goes”, is the veritable clause to explain the leadership fiasco in the continent. The hanker for re-election and continuity, is apparently the villain of the piece, as far as leadership in Africa is concerned. Sad enough, Africa has witnessed avalanche of political instability to this end. In December 2008, a political turmoil erupted in Kenya, East Africa, sequel to the re-election of Mwai Kibaki. Ugly developments like this get in the way of national, regional and continental progress and productivity. Thus, it cannot be improper to say that Africa is a continent of democratic experiment.


However, just like the case with every other concept and practice, democracy has come under censure over the years. In recent times, one of such criticism was proposed by Professor G. Onah. Prof. Onah’s major problem with democracy is the polarity of its ideal values and the vulnerability of its real practice. According to him, if one is to follow the popular Lincolnian definition, while it promises to be a government of the people, democracy does not and cannot address its whole people, or else, as Rousseau would suggest, it would be a human government no more. By saying this, Onah does not however imply that democracy must be ideal to be real, he rather exposes that in the modern practice of democracy, the yawning gap between the real and the ideal has so much been extended to the extent that one will start to argue if democracy means anything at all.

There is no place this estimation of modern democracy is more vivid than in its experience in Africa. To be factual about it, “Africa’s experience of democracy has been horrendous, and the gist of the problem is that in Africa no process has ever been set in motion taking account of the continent’s specific context”.

As a matter of fact, there is no reason why Professor Onah’s diagnosis of the African political problem, would not appear plausible to any responsible mind. For more than two decades, Africa has been incubating a grave leadership crisis within her frontiers. The nature and level of this crisis is such that it has affected the whole gamut of African attitude to religion, politics, economics, education and even technology. For some time now, politics in Africa has meant nothing less than wide and prolonged social belligerence. For instance, in just the sub-Saharan part of the continent, there are no less than six countries in persistent territorial turbulence. These socio-political outbursts have left at their wake in Dafur, Angola, Liberia, Rwanda, Sudan and Nigeria, scarce means of livelihood, morbid economic standards and moral decay.

It is not only this; most unfortunately, governance in Africa has paid little or no attention to the intellectual growth of her citizens and the survival of the civilization in general. This is easily evident when one compares the face of education and industry in Africa to what obtains in most Western countries. Unlike in Africa, almost all Asian countries have invested much time to the collective activation of their education sector, which has preeminently resulted in their most recent experience of industrial revolution. In all these perplexities, one thing is clearly evident: Africa cannot be like it is and yet claim that nothing is wrong with her governmental structure. Perchance, it is also for this evident quagmire in African leadership that she has always been left behind as an underdog in matters of global development.

It may however be quite interesting to comment that unfortunately enough, a lot of pundits who have diagnosed the African leadership malaise have not given it a fair trial. This is definitely the reason why around the 1990s, many people started to prescribe the so-called democracy as the ultimate Rx to leadership in Africa. No doubts, these people while venerating the conceptual virtues of democracy and its relative success in some Western countries, never considered the predisposition of Africa to a genuine democratic practice. And it will be scarcely illogical to think along with this discourse that the long experience of crises in African leadership is a quick response to such an inept embrace of democracy.

It must be called to mind that Africa inherited a very ugly complex from her imperial overlords – that of dominance, unhealthy competition, egocentrism and egotism. The nature of colonial government in many African nations was such that African people were divided and merged against one another, and this gave room for wide competition in different African parliaments. During those hey days, a lot of people who were not favoured, fought doggedly for independence and this really accounts for the kind of political struggle witnessed in many African countries immediately after independence.

It was indeed not a surprise that people who finally found themselves at the corridors of power in many African countries after post independence struggles, like their colonial models, held tacitly and parasitically to power for donkey’s years. In some African countries like Nigeria, military rule had to be enthroned in a checkered manner in an attempt to bring former strangers to live together as one people. Where military incursions were not possible like in Zimbabwe, many interested bloc zealots merely saw the victory of leadership as an opportunity for the practice of the lessons of imperialism. In fact, it is not untrue that no African country was really ready or could have been ready for democracy by 1989.

This historical analysis assumes much relevance if considered alongside what one might call the professed prerequisites for democracy. Supposedly, democracy should be a kind of government that respects the dignity of all human persons regardless of race, colour or class, restoring to everyone in the human family certain inalienable rights.

Indeed, such factors as “high literacy rate and higher education for more persons, a large and influential commercial or industrial middle class, dispersion of political and economic resources among the populace, higher living standards for more persons, consciousness of basic human rights founded on the dignity and equality of all citizens, a virile and stable society, some form of cultural homogeneity or at least a non segmented cultural heterogeneity and the rule of law”, should mark out a democracy in the modern state (R.Dahl, Democracy and Its Critics, pp.316, 344-364).

Matter-of-factly, it will be overlabouring the fact to state that practicing such a kind of government demands a level of collective exposure, experience and maturity (which took Western Europe many centuries to develop); these, no African country ever had before embracing their version of democracy. Democracy had to become one of those psychological gadgets Africans adopted by imitation from the Caucasoid and so unfortunately, its critical adoption remains one major modern political mistake in Africa.

Alas, one very big problem with the so-called modern practice of democracy is that just like modernism itself, it has so much been expanded by excessive freedom to fit almost every human caprice. Its field of operation is such that it is no longer discernible what is really democratic and not. Though pointing out this divide is supposed to be the function of law, modern law has most times lacked proper specification, giving space for a lot of manipulation. This lack of proper specification even in global politics is often most felt in international relations between democratic nations and in the administration of hydra-headed international democratic organizations - (under the cover of the jargon of diplomacy.)

Truly, if one matches this general problem with the practice of modern democracy together with the ordinary historical ineptitude of most African governments, one will understand why crisis in leadership is assuming unimaginable proportions in Africa. Little wonder, African democratic politics has been a sham; elections are massively rigged, party politics are left secure for the enslavement of the polity; the rule of law has lost every capacity of redress (and this has survived for long.)

Sensitively enough, for the very many reasons that appertain to her unique history, Africa is not in the best position to manage this problem while professing to be democratic. She needs first to acquire all or some of what it takes to be a democracy. It is only regrettable that if Africa does not shed away the coat of democratic pretense and unreality now, she will continue to experience obnoxious reviews and counter reviews of her constitutions, individual privatization initiatives, wild marginalization and torrential wars.

This is the most pressing challenge of modern African politics. Considering what options are available and deciding from which alternatives to choose, will be determined by very many variables whose discussion lie outside the scope of this construction.

Nevertheless, Africa needs men with credible and superlative profile like Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa; “Papa Africa”, who doggedly championed the freedom of South Africa from imperialism, and eventually romped to victory amid torpedo and confinement. Subsequently, he ruled South Africa with the ideals of a true democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and equal opportunity. After his tenure, he relinquished power, and never sought a re-election.

Conclusively, at this present political dispensation, nothing is as paramount as a responsible, accountable, sensitive and transparent leadership to Africa.

October 6, 2009 | 11:05 AM Comments  0 comments

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WHAT EVERY YOUTH NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)
About this event: Abia State Children And Youth Forum On HIV/AIDS, TB And Malaria (ATM)
Related to country: Nigeria


Any individual who makes the decision to be sexually active needs to learn more about SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs). You may have heard about STD or VD in the past, but they all refer to infections that can be spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact and sexual activity including (but not limited to) oral, vaginal and anal intercourse.

There are over 30 different types of STIs, which are spread through sexual contact. Most STIs can be cured if treated easily. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, STIs can cause serious lifelong medical complications and even death.

What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)?

Sexually transmitted infections are infections which are passed on during sex from infected partner to an uninfected one. Some STIs are also spread from mother to child before, during or after birth. They are caused by germs, which leads to different specific diseases. However, most common STIs can be cured if correct and adequate treatment is given without delay. (Commonest among STIs are Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Chancroids, Genital Warts, Candidiasis, Genital Herpes, Chlamydia and HIV).

Why Should You Worry About STIs?

If you have sex, especially unprotected sex, as it does not matter what age, race, or gender you are, you stand the risk of getting infected by one or more STIs.

• If they are not treated, certain STIs can make you unable to have children (infertile).

• STIs can be painful or even deadly.

• STIs greatly increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV.

• There is no known cure for HIV, which is also an STI.

• STIs e.g. Syphilis can lead to mental disorder if left untreated.

• It can cause blindness in infants e.g. Gonorrhea.

• Many STIs can lead to abnormality of the unborn baby.

How Do You Know If You Have An STI?
Some general signs that may suggest an STI:

• Bumps, sores or warts (small growths) near the genital, anus or mouth.

• Severe itching at the genital areas…Swelling or redness near the genitals.

• A sting or burning sensation when urinating.

• Frequent urination.

• Fever, chills, aches and pains, vomiting.

• A discharge with foul smell from the vagina of penis.

• Vaginal bleeding other than a Menstrual Period.

• Deep vaginal pain when you have sex.

• Pain between the hips and genital in women.

Is It Easy To Know If Someone Has An STI?

Men

Most common STIs show signs, which can be felt and seen on the penis e.g. pus (discharge) from the penis and sores, swelling or growth around the penis and severe itching.

Women

In women, the signs of an STI especially Gonorrhea takes a long time to appear although the STI germs is in the vagina.

The only time a woman may suspect she has an STI is when she begins to experience abnormal discharge from the vagina, or lower abdominal pain. Sometimes, an STI is suspected in a woman when she gives birth to a child who has signs of STI or when her partner develops signs of an STI especially Gonorrhea.

Remember that a person with HIV may not show any signs for many years, but can pass it to others during this period.

It is therefore pertinent to note that if one has an STI, his/her partner should be treated too, even if they show no signs of an STI.

If You Experience Any of the Above Signs/Symptoms

1. Visit the nearest clinic/hospital for prompt and proper treatment.

2. Always tell your partner so that he/she can get treatment.

3. Follow the doctor’s instruction and complete your treatment.

4. Abstain from sexual intercourse during the period of treatment, if you must have sex, use condom.

In What Way Is HIV Associated To STIs?

HIV, the germ that causes AIDS is passed on from an infected person to another person mainly through sexual contact, making HIV a sexually transmitted disease. Like some STIs, HIV can be passed from an infected mother to her child before, during or after birth.

STIs that lead to sores and severe itching on or leakage (discharge) from the penis of a man or the vagina of a woman increase the risk of passing on HIV. When a person who has HIV contacts an STI, the situation becomes complicated.


ADVICE FOR YOUTHS

Reduce Your Risk:

1. Remember that ABSTINENCE or not having sexual intercourse is the only 100% safe way of preventing yourself from STI infection. However, if you must have sex, then consider the following tips:

2. Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs as these cause impaired judgment and influence people to take sexual risks that they would not take ordinarily.

3. Limit your sexual partners. Unprotected sex with one partner puts you at risk of infection if that partner is having sex with others. It is always best to be faithful to one sexual partner in order to reduce your risk.

4. If possible, obtain your partner’s sexual history to assess your own risk.

5. If you are sexually active, obtain regular medical check up. Many STIs show no signs at all or may disappear without treatment and be spread without the person knowing it. Be informed that STIs are not pleasant gifts to be spread around and is quite dangerous to your health if left untreated.

6. Obtain prompt and proper treatment. Do not be deceived about supposed cure for STIs; obtain proper treatment from a qualified health practitioner after diagnosis has been made to determine the specific infection.

7. Recognize the signs of STIs for prompt treatment.

8. Always use protection every time you have sex.

9. Do not have sex with people you do not know or are not sure of. Do not douche the vagina after sexual intercourse if you suspect your partner. Douching may push the germ higher.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT. CHOOSE TO LIVE WELL. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE.

October 6, 2009 | 10:43 AM Comments  0 comments

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Proposals to stop global warming
Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

"When two Englishmen meet, their first talk is of the weather", so quipped the famous writer Samuel Johnson. In recent years, the weather has become more than just a conversation starter. It has become a matter of grave concern to people all over the globe. Why? Because the weather seems to be increasingly erratic. The earth is our home. We all dwell on the planet earth; thus, its destiny is ours. Contemporary man has spewed billions of tons of pollutants into the air, in his quest for comfort, speed, and commercial gain.

Global warming per se is as old as industrial revolution. It refers to the rise in average global temperature that our planet has undergone, since the inception of industrial revolution in the eighteenth century. This warming is largely due to an atmospheric blanket of heat-trapping pollution that grows thicker as we burn fossil fuels, to produce electricity and power our vehicles. Certain potent greenhouse gasses are responsible for this excess trapping of heat in the atmosphere. For example: water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur dioxide and methane. Without these gases, heat would escape back into space, and earth's average temperature would be about thirty-three degrees Celsius colder.

Admittedly, this nightmarish phenomenon runs amok on the planet earth today. It is an environmental challenge that faces mankind - hence, I think, the governing bodies of nations that dwell on this earth, ought to brace up and zap this challenge. Though, taking efficacious preventive actions, may be far easier said than done - ignoring it either, is at man's peril, because, it is a portent of grave danger to posterity.

Actions towards alleviating the pollutants that gives rise to warming have to be global, since pollution is a global problem. To this end, I think, the best-intentioned leaders of indigent nations, should be obliged, and duty-bound to merge with other poorer nations, who simply cannot afford antipollution measures single-handedly, because of the cost. With this synergy, I think, they will make headway in ameliorating global warming pollutants.

Furthermore, I think the government of the First and Third worlds, should sign international treaties compelling them to reduce their pollutants emission. Economically wealthy countries, ought to take the lead in mitigating these pollutants, not using scientific uncertainty, about some aspects of climate change, as the cause of their dilatory approach in giving an immediate response. Clearly, entente cordiale is a sine qua non for addressing this global threat. To achieve this amity, the government of the sundry countries on the planet earth, should ratify international agreements; pass legislations, aimed at ameliorating greenhouse gas emissions.

Moreover, the government has to work overtime with its resources, to encourage alternative means of cleaner energy generation. To this end, the government should see it as its mantle, to fund sufficiently any emerging technological breakthrough - such as, fuel cell. This newly born technology needs to be refined for more down-to-earth uses. In essence, the government should encourage the development of this emerging technology, since it could replace the internal combustion engine in motor vehicles; produce electricity for commercial and domestic buildings; power small electric devices, such as: mobile phones and computers.

As a matter of necessity, the government should take major part in pollution management, by providing sewage pipes and refuse dumps far away from human habitation. The government should also set up a task force, which will ensure that pollutants from houses and factories are properly disposed of. Similarly, the government should set up a monitoring team that will visit the industrial areas and bring their reports and findings, as regards to the industrialists' allegiance to the existing environmental laws. In addition, individuals and corporate bodies wishing to open up companies and factories must be legally registered. Laws ought to be enacted, as regards to limitation of pollution emissions. The emitters of these pollutants must have mandatory limitations.

Attention and funding should be given to all environmentalists, to enable them work overtime with their ingenuity, and come up with more lasting technological solutions to environmental threats, such as: warming. More so, the government should prohibit the use of any machinery, engine, etc., capable of sprawling greenhouse gases - like: fairly used vehicles, aircrafts, industrial plants and generators, hydroplanes and ships, motorboats and motorbikes, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.; and encourage the use of those that are chlorofluorocarbon(cfc) free. There should also be funding by the government for the development of energy-efficient mass transit - and by extension, encouragement of urban planning that alleviates urban sprawl of toxic, and radioactive wastes.

Since charity begins at home, the government should enlighten the general public, via the media, on how to make less-polluting choices - like: walking, biking, carpooling, and using mass transit, as well as limiting travel by using communication technologies. Secondly, planting of deciduous trees to shade houses, since trees can remove fifty pounds of carbon from the air each year. Thirdly, replacing incandescent lights with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs or light fixtures. Fourthly, purchasing energy efficient appliances that display the Energy Star Label. Fifthly, turning off lights, televisions and other electronic devices when not in use. Sixthly, purchasing a fuel-efficient car or alternative fuel vehicle, like fuel cell vehicle; and persuade them to model these practices by committing to a life of voluntary simplicity and earth stewardship.

Finally, the government should expedite actions intended for the mitigation of these pollutants, bearing in mind that action is of the essence. If we knowingly continue to live in a manner, which harms and jeopardizes life, we will continue to transgress the hallowed web of existence. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

April 4, 2008 | 9:29 PM Comments  0 comments





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