Solomon's Column

-Allegations Baseless-chairman Worried members of the Non Academic Staff and Associated Institutions Union(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH)branch,Ibadan, Nigeria have accused the executives of the union of promoting self-designed and self-centered interests to the detriment of the union. The members, who spoke incognito, also lamented the lack of accountability and transparency on the part of the executives. ''The executives of our union have continued to channel the resources of our union to self-driven and self-centered projects and interests. They have been so smart about it, but we have detected the infractions. In addition, they hide under the name of the union to seek pecuniary benefits from politically exposed persons, whom everybody knows have had engagements with the union leaders.'' ''And of great worry, is the fact that we, the members of NASU are not carried along in the scheme of the union's activities. There is the need for inclusi

Unfolding events that have characterized the last few weeks until the general elections have been described as a written script by Those-in Authority being played out. This was made known by a former chairman of the Oyo state council of the Trade Union Congress(TUC), Comrade Andrew Emelieze. ''Nigerians should be very vigilant and resist any attempts to either manipulate or postpone the general elections. Happenings have indicated that the government is desperate to scuttle democracy regardless of denials. What is happening is very suspicious and calls for worry and vigilance.'' Illicit and Outlawed substances The use of illicit and outlawed substances is now the status quo in several communities in Nigeria. Indeed, it has become a source of livelihood for a sizable number of Nigerians. The inaction of Those-in-Authority to reign in those involved suggests that there is clandestine support for their activities.

The general elections have been described as a good opportunity to establish functional education in Nigeria. This assertion was made on Tuesday by the Founder, Spiritual head and Grand Imam of Shafaudeen-in-Islam Worldwide, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke in his address titled, ''SHAPING THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA-THE FUTURE IS NOW'' at the 3oth Annual Shafaudeen-in-Islam stakeholders' Conference in Ibadan, Nigeria. ''Functioanl education is deserved by a nation like Nigeria to promote inclusive society, civility and patirotism, credible leadership and good governance driven through zero tolerance to corruption and institutional indiscipline. Education will make us realize achieving this sanity-prone environment for development. Luckily for us, the 2023 general elections will avail us the opportunity to achieve this if we make give the right choice of a visionary leader that would be spirit led to operationalize democracy through justice and equity to prope

The moment we open our hearts to the Lord, He will open our hearts to the lost 2 Corinthians 5 : 12-17 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Nigerians are hopeful that the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) will justify the mind-boggling money the Federal Government set aside for the successful conduct of the general elections. This will become a reality if the elections are free, fair and credible. However, the violent crimes occurring on a daily basis in different parts of Nigeria is a major threat to the smooth conduct of the elections. Of worry, is the safety of lives and property. The electoral umpire has already made public, selected observers for the elections and part of that allocation will be for the observers. The journey so far, has been a far cry from what Nigerians envisaged when the present administration mounted the saddle in 2015. Indeed, the chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners(REC) in the states where elections will take place should be above board and ought to maintain a non-partisan attitude before, during and after the elections, to ensure that the confidence reposed in them by