Solomon's Column

A good government ought to be able to muster enough strength to enforce obedience, in addition to carrying out the duties of governance efficiently. Justice, perhaps, will flourish when the people who are expected to obey the laws express their opinions on these laws. A rule of good government, revolves around the fact that aside from the State, nobody else should be equipped to secure obedience and conformity. In 1934, Austria was plunged into civil war, partly by the failure of its government to prevent political parties from recruiting armies. Political partiers are already recruting non-state actors. The prosperity of this country is under the overbearing influence of its natural resources, the politics of its neighbors and the conduct of those in government. Take note that the goodness of a Government depends on its fitness to solve the myriad of problems confronting it. Sadly, those in Government have set their personal advantage against and above that of the people, sho

The development of infrastructure in Nigeria has over the years been unsuccessful due to the fact that the country is not an infrastructure-conscious space. In infrastructure development, the quality of the people is crucial,-initiative, prudence, ingenuity and foresight, all combined to guarantee a nation’s development. Indiscriminate taxation would definitely have negative effects on the psyche of the people and certainly not an incentive for higher productivity. A close and critical observation of the Nigerian economy exposes the inexperience, ignorance, mediocrity and docility of Those-in-Charge. The trial and error policies of government has only worsened the coma state of the economy, regardless of the injury time shuttles abroad by government officials to attract foreign investments. The Nigerian economy today, is a patient well over due for surgery.

Government policies revolving around austerity measures, unemployment, stagnant salaries, rising prices of essentials, indiscriminate and multiple taxation among others are all reflections of the extent to which Those-in-Charge are now unpopular. Several people unfriendly policies have successfully rubbished governance. Sadly, officials of the administration have so far been unable to convincingly explain and defend the administration’s actions and policies that have brought about excruciating hardships on the people. Regardless of the poor state of the economy, Those-in-Charge have continued to borrow and spend without recourse to saving. A bad democracy is not good merely because it is a democracy; and any form of government that is not a democracy is bad, for uncontrolled power invariably corrupts those who possess it. They are not always right, but Those-in-Charge have sacrificed national interest as they see it in order to obtain a present political party advantage. The im

Foreign loans obtained for capital expenditure by Governments could be applied for domestic economic development. However, this must be in tandem with a well-drawn-out program of action. Foreign loans primarily serve the needs of the creditor economy and systematically neglect the domestic economy of the debtor country. It is instructive to note that Japan obtained loans between 195 to 1914, externally, and was at liberty to use the funds in accordance with the dominant ideas of national economic development. Interestingly, these foreign loans were a relatively minor and not a major source of capital for the Japanese economy as a whole. During this period, Japan was able to direct between 12 percent and 17 percent of its national income into capital formation. rom the 1920s Japan began to receive some form of direct investments from abroad, while the government borrowing from abroad visibly ceased. The same sequence applies to a number of other countries that have attained a substan

The major discussion among Nigerians in every part of the country revolves around the hunger and poverty in the land. The people continue to complain of the prohibitive cost of foodstuff in the markets, the absence of quality health care delivery, the high rate of unemployment, and the declining productivity of workers as a result of poor conditions of service. Under the present situation, real income is very low due to low productivity. The inducement to invest is also very low as a result of the low purchasing power of the people. What has the government done to ameliorate the situation? This question continues to linger. Foreign investors have continued to observe the trend, which is obviously not favorable and decide against sinking their money in unsafe waters. This in essence suggests that leadership at all levels of government now contend with ignorance, mediocrity, and the prominent lack of initiative to redeem the situation. In this situation, lies, deceit, threats, and oth

A moderate standard of learning must include the ability of a child to be able to spell ordinary words, correctly to write legibly and intelligently, to make out or check a common bill, to have sufficient geographical knowledge to know the position of the countries of the world and above all to be sufficiently acquainted with the Scriptures. In every part of Nigeria today, most children leave school without attaining these standards. The present system of education at all levels of government is not only bad for the children but also for the teachers. The teaching profession has been debased by the government and the devices of the teachers. Parents have a major duty to their children, but most parents habitually neglect this major duty. Untrained teachers and bad methods of teaching, projects by contractors that were not inspected with adequate motive, un-revised or ill-revised policies and the complete absence of all organizations of schools in relation to one another constitu

In this dispensation of insecurity and violent crimes in Nigeria, the urgent need for undiluted news and commentaries for the people cannot be overemphasized. However, the focus of most of the outlets owned by non-professionals revolves around pecuniary,political and self-driven interests. This has resulted in the dissemination of outright falsehood,half-truths and sponsored propaganda. Sadly,a sizable number of professionals have made patronage their guiding lights,even as mediocrity and quackery have now taken over the media space. In Victorian Britain,The Morning Post came into being in 1772 while the Times in 1785,during the period the government launched a campaign of restriction on the Press which resulted in the emergence of six notorious Acts in 1819. William Cobbett published the Political Register and later on Two Penny Trash which infringed the provisions of the publications Act of 1819. Wooller published The Black Dwarf,a miner's newspaper in 1817. John Gast owned The

An official report in Great Britain in 1818 described the overall outcome of education of all sorts in this period as a'' lamentable deficiency'' in education for the poor. Even though the voluntary effort was restricted to the towns, the country districts constituted wells of ignorance. It is to be noted that some districts in London had half of their population in the category of stark illiterates. Sadly, this is the situation in most states in Nigeria today. The vice of ignorance is now a dangerous threat to public order. The deliberate creation of the uneducated by the government at all levels is now the basis for misrule and poor governance. Political reasons for the deteriorated standards of education are visible everywhere in the country, even as political concessions have overwhelmed educational opportunities. The government discrimination at all levels, in public-owned educational institutions, has ensured that indigent children must be held responsible for t

In early Victorian Britain, health and cleanliness were visible challenges in the slums. The outbreak of cholera in 1832 and 1837 prompted the Government to probe the causes of the fever. In 1838, three medical experts-Dr. Southwood-Smith, Dr. Arnott, and Dr, Kay-submitted Reports anchored on the physical causes of Cholera fever in London. This included Dr. Southwood-Smith's worrisome account of the slums of Bethnal Green and White chapel. Indeed, the above mentioned and others-the Report of the Health Towns Committee published in 1840 and the Report by the Poor LawCommission, authored by Edwin Chadwick and published in 1842-the Report on an Inquiry into the sanitary condition of the laboring population of Great Britain, in addition to the Royal Commission which also compiled Reports in 1844 and 1845 revealed that although Britain was blazing the trail in the world in industrial development, living conditions of its citizens were in a terrible and poor state, with typhoid fever

The Poor Report published in 1834 outlined the degradation and inefficiency of the Speenham system that had flourished across England for almost 40 years. The system encouraged demoralization, rude behavior, laziness, thriftlessness, and immorality of the poor. The lack of centralization, dependence on the parish initiative, and the absence of a responsive and responsible authority weakened the system. The resultant administrative anarchy gave rise to the emergence of several petty interests trailed by corruption. Poor relief was a disservice to the poor, a drain on the rich, and a threat to the government. The Poor Law Amendment Act of August 14, 1834, made no difference but established administrative machinery, giving prominence to three remote impersonal Commissioners in London. Their activities resulted in despondency, disillusionment, and anger among the majority poor. In present-day Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management claims that the

In the 19th century in England, children and adults of both sexes were subjected to despicable factory labor. Even though there were several factory-reform movements that led the agitations for an end to inhuman practices in the factories; the stubborn, unscrupulous, and grasping attitude of the factory owners, who were in their private lives often kind fathers and husbands, such as John Bright, resisted reforms in their factories and still engaged children of nine years old to work in these factories. In the same vein in Nigeria today, the exploitation of labor, children inclusive is now very prominent. Underaged children engaged by those in the Organized POrivate Sector(OPS) and government contractors are commonplace in a number of states, while these contractors minimize costs by going further to engage cheap labor and procure inferior materials. However, in England, factories, workshops, and mines reforms became a reality after a long and painful struggle against the resistance o

Nigerians continue to groan as the strangulating grip of the tax regime at all levels of government tightens. The reason for the tax regime by Those-in-Charge is obvious-more revenue-even as Those-in-Charge has decided to take additional loans to finance projects that fall under the category of misplaced priorities. However, during the Napoleonic wars, one of Those in Government in Britain, Pitt, resorted to an income tax to aid the defraying national expenditure. The burden of the war debt was humongous. £ 74,500,000 revenue was required annually to service the debt and other expenditures. This was four times the pre-war budget, which resulted in the multiplication of taxes. During this period, government officials made excusable mistakes or were rather frankly ignorant. Indeed, smuggling and other sharp practices became prominent. There were taxes on the import of manufactured goods and taxes on the export of raw materials. There were also various revenue taxes on consumption wh

The bad harvest of 1792 in England, the grave discontent among the people, the high rate of unemployment, the prohibitive prices of food items, repression by the government among numerous other factors had adverse effects on its socio-economic and political development. In Nigeria in 2021, insecurity, hunger, poverty, the high unemployment rate, violent crimes, incompetence, misplaced priorities, mediocrity, the beautification of lies and falsehood, the condemnable activities of state actors and their agents have visible prints in every part of the country for the people to see. Indeed, the insinuation is that leadership at all levels has derailed. The ignoble roles played by the likes of John Castle, Oliver, and George Edwards, all provocative agents of the government and spies, have further dented the image of the leadership and also eroded its credibility. The actions of Pitt in the House of Commons and Grenville in the Lords resulted in the passage into law of the Seditious Meetin

By the 18th century, iron and coal became examples of industries that were capitalist in peculiar ways. From inception both industries were capitalist inclined,since they required heavy expenditure for the actual process of production. The labor force comprised of wage earners working for a master and were not owners of the forge, iron ore or coalmine. Similarly, as early as the 17th century, a sizable number of comparatively small industries emerged namely,soap,brewing, glass and salt-making industries. However, during this period the interest in agriculture was still very strong,with the handicraft men more prominent than the industrial or commercial capitalist. In the second half of the 18th century, the growth of the population prompting the increase in the demand for goods, improved transportation system, unprecedented mechanical inventions, new materials and improved chemical processes resulted in the industrial revolution. Industries such as coal and hardware made use of incre

Woolen manufacture was England's most prominent industry in 1750,while crude oil has been Nigeria's major income earner for several years.  Stakeholders in the wool industry were based in the West Riding of Yorkshire,here cloths of medium quality were made, In East Anglia, here coarser fustian were produced and in South west of England,where fine and good quality cloth was made. Woolen cloth was a major export product and as a result the industry was closely regulated. Production was still in the hands of small masters in the West Riding and East Anglia. The export price of cloth was fixed as far back as the 10th century,and extraordinary steps were taken to disallow the export of the raw wool. As the market for woolen cloth expanded,the ownership of capital and the control of credit gained prominence. The cottage workers were financially incapable of purchasing large quantity of raw materials neither could they afford to sell the finished product on creditor source for mark

In 1801,1836 and 1854, the General Enclosure Acts were passed. The General Enclosure Act of 1845 superseded the Parliamentary committee which exmained Enclosure Bills by Enclosure Commissioners,who instead of sitting at Westminister, moved tothe scene. The Enclosure Commissioner presented their findings to Parliament inthe form of GeneralBill forpassage into law. The Suqire expanded his holdings and expanded tothe land of ejected tenants, in addition to common land and waste,while the larger freeholders held on to their claims and increased their holdings. But this,washowever, not the case for smaller freeholders. An Enclosure Bill was not enough to drive a freeholder off the landbecause he had legal claims to his holding. Aspects of the Enclosure which negatively affected the freeholder include : He had to pay his share of the expenses of enclosure,which was an expensive process,varying from about 200 Pounds to nearly 500 Pounds.If unable to pay,then he had to sell off the plot

The value of land in England had political, social and economic undertones. Land was mandatory prerequisite for election into Parliament,while in the counties,was a requirement for the right to vote. During this period,the landed class had political power and interestingly, Parliament was controlled by landowners. Furthermore,in the local sphere, the Justice of Peace-the squire-was the most important personality.He was the largest landowner in the village. As Magistrate and leader of the local society,he combined political and social power. In addition,the owner of the land made profits by selling its produce or leasing the land for high rents to tenant farmers. The foregoing resulted in the the emergence of wealthy traders,who bought land as investments which was converted as a means to political power and social ostentation. The House of Commons, influenced by a few big landowners, sponsored bills which became laws. These laws were against the wishes of a large number of small fa

William the Conqueror and Henry 1 of England were leaders whose authorities were to a large extent personal and not in any way attributable to the dynamic structure of the Government. Both of them had the extraordinary force of character with despotic tendencies. Interestingly, when Stephen, a man of feeble traits, succeeded Henry, civil war broke out. This was as a result of a succession dispute, which snowballed into a confusion of an unimaginable dimension culminating in the termination of the royal court. After the demise of Henry 1, the Government drifted into anarchy. However, the Royal court was restored and extended by Henry 11. Henry 11 was the son of Geoffery Plantagenet, Count of Anjou, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. His personality impressed those of his time, while his friends and enemies were of the consensus that he was a man of ways, means, and passions beyond the imagination of average men. Henry 11 had an eye for details of law and administration and indeed relished legal

The Norman conquest of England in 1066-1154 was characterized by the migration of whole peoples who displaced the earlier inhabitants of the land by expulsion or extermination. However, Duke Williams'victory at the Hastings brought about the imposition of a few alien governing classes on the Anglo-Saxon population. In addition, the Conqueror played the role of the lawful successor of Edward the Confessor, even though he was not. Interestingly, the Norman Kings who had very few followers, residing among the conquered population went the extra mile to protect them. This was why William the Conqueror introduced a legal system of communal responsibility for the crime to favor the Norman. Happenings in Nigeria today, have semblance with the Norman period. Illiteracy, ignorance, hunger, poverty, and insecurity have over time emerged as tools of governance by successive leadership in Nigeria, since independence. Indeed, the behavior, choice of words, mode of dressing, hairdo of an unsp

A group, Concerned Igbos Forum, recently called on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, to follow the steps of the Deji of Akure, Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who abolished the title of Ezendigbo in his domain. However, in this interview with Poverty Line, the Ezendigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Eze(Dr.)Alex Anozie counsels that Igbos should be allowed to choose their leader anywhere they reside. Excerpts : What is your reaction to the call by a group to the Olubadan of Ibadanland to abolish the title of Ezendigbo? My brief reaction to that is that the group mentioned is unknown to Igbos in Ibadan and Oyo state. And we are sure that they were sponsored by those who lost out in the court. Thirdly, our Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, is a king whom God has bestowed with wisdom as God bestowed on King Solomon in the Bible. Let us all remember the story of the Bible about the two women who went to King Solomon for th

In a society where justice and the rule of law prevails, the community leaders, members of the Landlords and Tenants Association, law enforcement agents(agencies), and residents of Olorunsogo, Molete, Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami,Oshodi,Scout Camp,Aluko/Barracksand Felele communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria who sponsored hoodlums wielding stones, matchets, and iron rods to attack and injured a resident of 3, Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete ought to be brought to justice. Sadly, this is not the case. These attacks were on several occasions. Indeed, impunity in the above mentioned communities and several others, is the order of the day and way of life. Interestingly, cultists have now gained prominence and recogintion in these communities. In addition, those behind the vandalization and looting of 3, Kehinde Aderibigbe Street, Olorunsogo, Molete are still walking the streets freely full of boasts and acting persistently with impunity. Why is this so? On Tuesday, 4th

Persons in authority in Nigeria have hinted that the re-introduction of toll gates is imminent while at the same time facilitating the increase in the fees payable for vehicle plate numbers and the driver's license. Before now, impoverished Nigerians have been contending with persistent darkness even though at present, electricity bills are strangulating. Indeed, the high costs of foodstuff in the markets, the upward review of the Value Added Tax(VAT), PremiumMotor Spirit(PMS), and Kerosene are solid proofs that governance is on an unstable footing at all levels. The ranking of Nigeria as fifth in the list of countries with high debt risk exposure only confirms that political office holders, both elected and appointed, have done almost nothing to reinvigorate the country's health system, eradicate hunger and poverty, create convincing and satisfactory employment, ensure the growth of businesses. The Debt Management Office(DMO)has stated that Nigeriahasadebt of $11.5 billion t

Most communities in Oyo state among other states in Nigeria have been overwhelmed by criminals, a significant number of whom are residents. These criminals take time to observe happenings in these communities from shops, beer parlors, hotels, and abandoned buildings in these communities after which they facilitate heinous and grievous crimes. In Molusi, Solanke, Oyegbami, Oshodi, Olorunsogo, Barracks, Aluko, Felele, and several other communities in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, electricians, petty traders, barbers, commercial motorcycle operators, and mechanics and beer parlor operators secure accommodation for questionable characters, who no terrorize these communities. Sadly, the Landlords and Tenants Associations in these communities know these criminals but overlook their criminal activities, perhaps because of the pecuniary benefits accruing to them. Although they ensure they facilitate the collection of night guards dues from residents with all vigor. Children of school a

    Impunity in cities, towns, and villages across Nigeria revolves around the fact that those responsible for law enforcement have been heavily compromised. Perhaps, this is the price to be paid to achieve self-centered goals with the coercive powers of Those-in-Charge in a depressed economy. The obsessive lure of power seems too attractive for those involved to be committed to democracy. An unspecified number of citizens are now used as proxies. The Nigerian society is now that of guns, terrorism, kidnappings, killings(for ritual purposes inclusive), contempt for the rule of law, and other violent crimes. The reactionary approach to law enforcement and insecurity has resulted in the massive traumatization of the psyche of Nigerians; considering the increasing rate of abductions and killings in the land.    In saner climes, the structure of the national security system was fumigated, overhauled, and remodeled. This singular action ensured the exit of those lacking in in

  Civil and public servants in a sizable number of states in Nigeria have continued to grumble over the non-implementation of the 30,000 Naira new minimum wage. Indeed, State Governors insist that dwindling allocations and revenues are stumbling blocks that have actively prevented the living wage from becoming a reality in the States. This is just as a big chunk of the monthly allocations continue to drown in the pool of white elephant projects. Most labor unions have maintained a worrisome silence on the issue, just as workers argued that self-centered interests have overwhelmed the mindset of an unspecified number of labor leaders. The workers are disappointed.    Some State Governors have now coopted the confused and disillusioned workers into revenue generation methods that are synonymous with crime, criminality, and sudden wealth. The above mentioned among some other reasons have stimulated agitations by the workers in low tones since their acts of omission and commi