Dr Kassim Alli:
Happy New Year! First, you would find below tthat I have repeatedly conceded the point that the notice of school closure for the national operation did not benefit from adequate time for the schools to plan. Second, my point is that it is not an un-thinkable aberration for schools to be close for a State or national imperative, depending on the Govt incharge of the operation. Third, the Minister of State (Ken Agali) has emphasized the national imperative at hand in Nigeria (a credible free and fair democratic elections!) that would require the resources and safe environment of the schools selected. As you rightly said is done in the State of GA, USA, the Minister recognized the disruption in time and school schedule and has promised to make up for it. So the Govt basics have been covered on this issue, except the short notice.
On the length of time for the exercise (2 weeks), I guess this can be understood and accommodated because this is an infrequent event. Subsequent updating of the registration and voting may only take one day as you agreed is done in the State of GA and in several States in the US.
Let us give our Govts the chance to prove their seriousness, so that they dont have excuses when we blame them for inadequacies. Take care. JUI
From: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com on behalf of Klalli
Sent: Mon 10-Jan-11 2:26 PM
To: usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
Joe:
You are missing the point. I too live in GA. The point is that: Nobody (not any serious person or government) closes schools for two weeks for any reason. And in those cases when schools (and only public schools are mandated to do this) are closed for a day or so, it is almost always preplanned. Even in situations when schools are closed for severe weather as is the case today, the schools are mandated to make up the instructional days. Besides, the choice of institution (schools and teachers) to bear the full burden of this is indicative of the lack of priority accorded to education by this decision makers.
Kasim (Lekan) Alli.
Atlanta, GA
You are missing the point. I too live in GA. The point is that: Nobody (not any serious person or government) closes schools for two weeks for any reason. And in those cases when schools (and only public schools are mandated to do this) are closed for a day or so, it is almost always preplanned. Even in situations when schools are closed for severe weather as is the case today, the schools are mandated to make up the instructional days. Besides, the choice of institution (schools and teachers) to bear the full burden of this is indicative of the lack of priority accorded to education by this decision makers.
Kasim (Lekan) Alli.
Atlanta, GA
-----Original Message-----
From: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID) <jbi8@cdc.gov>
To: naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com <NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com>; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com
Cc: naija politics <NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com>; Nigerian World Forum Nigerian World Forum <NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>; NigerianID@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, Jan 10, 2011 11:33 am
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
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-- From: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID) <jbi8@cdc.gov>
To: naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com <NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com>; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com
Cc: naija politics <NaijaPolitics@yahoogroups.com>; Nigerian World Forum Nigerian World Forum <NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>; NigerianID@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, Jan 10, 2011 11:33 am
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
In the apt words of former Prez Obasanjo: when Nigerians don’t have a reason for complaining or blaming others, or anything to complain or blame people for, they can blame somebody if they have twins when they expected one child on delivery. I agree totally that there was the need to give adequate notice to schools and teachers on the need to use of their facilities for national preparedness. But there is intrinsically no aberration in the policy to use those facilities for national initiatives or purposes. For example, I reside in the State of Georgia, USA, and for one national, State or County reason or another, my children have been home from school to allow for a smooth preparation or operation. That is the USA I am talking about; it happens in Germany as well. Let us not push our Govts over the board for flimsy excuses and turn around to blame them for inadequacies. Take care. JUI
From: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com [mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Arit Onobo
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 10:41 AM
To: naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2011 10:41 AM
To: naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
He is a German but a principal of a school in Nigeria. No need telling parents to get value for their monies cos they've not been yet! Let him wait until the children are back.
We cannot get free and fair elections without proper inec registration. Some of the inec adhoc staff are teachers. We that will be involve in the registration exercise are mothers who will not be able to shultle btw work, registration, picking and dropping the children from school. Above all the children need atleast 6weeks rest before resumption.
Favour.
On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:41 EET mikeogarasu@yahoo.com wrote:
>Arit,
>How can you so calmly shove aside the principals letter on the basis of school fees? He has shown concern as to the arbitrary imposition of holidays on his school which in his candid opinion is bound to negatively affect the children.
>It is a private school and he feels parents must get value for their cash.
>Wherein lies your challenge with his position? He is not a Nigerian, only a concerned German school principal.
>MA
>Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Zain Nigeria
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Arit Onobo <aritonobo@yahoo.co.uk>
>Sender: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
>Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:59:38
>To: <naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com>
>Reply-To: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>
>David is missing school fees from pupils. Tell him to wait. That it's just a matter of days, he will start collecting!
>
>Favour.
>
>On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:11 EET Ibukunolu Alao Babajide wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Wilson Iguade and Joe Igietseme,
>>
>> Read below the letter a teacher who loves education and the students under his care wrote to Goodluck Jonathan. That is how people who want a brighter future for their children and their country should think and behave. Read and be wise:
>>
>>
>>A LETTER TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN
>>
>>Monday 10th January 2010
>>
>>Dear Mr President,
>>
>>Having returned from a three week vacation, I was exasperated to find that
>>the Federal Government has extended the schools resumption date until the
>>end of January, adding an additional three weeks to our Schools vacation.
>>This decision lacks both rationality and an adequate explanation, and of
>>which the full consequences have clearly not been considered.
>>
>>While I applaud and support the Governments efforts to provide free and
>>fair elections, I think it is regrettable that so little consideration has
>>been given to the education of our children, many of whom are foreign
>>nationals as well as Nigerian. As the Principal of an International
>>School, in which we have adopted educational standards and policies which
>>are recognised in international schools worldwide and in which we prepare
>>children at different levels for international examinations: Cambridge
>>IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, Cambridge Checkpoint examinations in Year 9, UK
>>SAT examinations in Primary Years 2 and 6, I have serious concerns. We
>>teach solely the English National Curriculum which provides a well
>>structured educational progression throughout a childs life in school. To
>>deprive children of structure and progression for such long periods in
>>their education will surely have a significant effect on their academic
>>performance and future life chances.
>>
>>Education is the bedrock upon which successful nations build their
>>prosperity and produce enlightened people to drive a nation forward.
>>Without it, people are destined to live in ignorance and without hope for
>>their future development. It is important for Government to recognise the
>>value of education in all its future planning and to acknowledge that
>>decisions which concern a childs education should never be taken lightly
>>nor taken for granted.
>>
>>I urge the Government to reconsider their decision to extend the
>>resumption date for all Schools until January 30th and to let common sense
>>prevail so that our children can continue with their education and do not
>>suffer unnecessarily.
>>
>>Yours sincerely,
>>
>>David Ogburn
>>Principal
>>Avi-Cenna International School
>>GRA Ikeja
>>Lagos
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>------ Original Message ------
>> Received: 08:24 AM EAT, 01/10/2011
>> From: Wilson Iguade <Iguade@Hotmail.com>
>> To: <naijaintellects@googlegroups.com>, <itna@mail.ccs-africa.co.za>
>> Cc: <naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com>, <nigerianworldforum@yahoogroups.com>, Naija Politics <naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com>, Nigerian ID <nigerianid@yahoogroups.com>, <afenmai@yahoogroups.com>, <edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com>, <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>, Esan Community <esan_community@yahoogroups.com>, <edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com>, Wilson <iguade@hotmail.com>
>> Subject: NigerianID | RE: [Naijaintellects] RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for posting below, here we go
>>
>> quote "Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.: unquote.
>>
>> response: i have already made my position clear on this particular point. the notice came too late, demonstrated poor planning and execution by INEC, and created unnecessary stress on the Nigerian families that have to deal with this last minute announcement.
>>
>> follow-up quote by DR. JUI "Now, although INEC has been in place for a while, Prof Jega was appointed by Pres Jonathan last year (2010), so he is not even a year on the job yet, not to talk of 4 years you associated with him below."
>>
>> JUI, you always like to say stick with the facts and argue points on specifics but you continue to annoy me as you do the same thing, that is, you do not stay on facts and you do not argue on specifics. for example, please show me where i associated 4 years with Prof. Jega, please, i beg you to do this or stop your lack of attention to detail accusations you are fond of making on others, while doing the same thing. you said cost-benefits analysis was "key" and i wondered on what "specifics" you based that on, you backed off it respectfully, i might add. please, learn to make your point and move on. thanks.
>>
>> Now, to be specific on your quote above, Prof. Jega is NOT INEC and will never be such institution. Prof. Jega was brought on board to provide leadership. i am saying that the results of his leadership to date has not being impressive, given the manner in which the school holiday matter has been handled. since, you , JUI, are going to defend the limited time that Prof Jega has been in office, please defend this - did he not know that the country was planning for a presidential election in 2011 before he took the job? the fact is, we are not learning to use our institituions to provide services but personalities as demonstrated in your presentation that since Prof. Jega was recently hired he cannot do a good job, what about the agency - INEC? (see why i say Prof. Jega is not INEC or vice versa). moreover, are you JUI, suggesting that without Prof Jega INEC is a failure?
>>
>> JUI, you like to cite advance countries in your examples, let me give you examples in advance countries and i know advance countries more than many in these listservs as someone who schooled here (high school to university, meaning i never attended Nigerian yeye universities, where una dey like to memorize stuffs and no aplications), and have lived here for over a generation (30 years). in the USA, for example, agency heads are not in place sometime up to a year, if not years, yet the American public do not expect less of service from the agency. even, The Obama administration is still filling the heads of agencies after two years in office, i guess those agencies will fold their hands and make excuses for doing a poor job because there was no figure head. btw: is it not true that Permanent Secretary or its equivalent actually runs the agency/ministry in Nigeria. why, yes WHY exactly are
> you defending Prof. Jega? listen, man! i need nothing from Prof. Jega but for him to do his duties. please feel free to defend him all you want it is your right. as far i am concern, i am defending the Nigerian people whose lives have been turned upside down based on INEC's poor planning and execution under the leadership of prof. Jega. Prof. Jega needs to wake up and get on the balls because the country is watching his every moves as we get closer to the elections. if he cannot take the heat, please JUI, advise him to quit. furthermore, we must not use the slogan of free and fair election to necessarily disturb lives and events of the Nigeria people.
>>
>> Quote "He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise."
>>
>> response: yes, pick on the most vulnerable segment of the our educational system. he knows better not to mess with the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education etc. because, something bad might happen if this segment was picked up.
>>
>> quote "For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar."
>>
>> response: my point here is and still remain, why the late notice, period.
>>
>>
>> quote "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>>
>> response: again, the issue is not the request for national sacrifice if that was intended, the point is the short notice and the unnecessary inconveniences borne out of the poor planning and execution. a significant section of the economy will be affect because of this stupid planning disguise as national sacrifice. the Nigeria people have been sacrificing for a long time. now, they need govt to move out of its ways and allow them to survive.
>>
>> i tire for the yeyeness prevailing in our elite class. i bet ya, if someone dig deeper you will find that money was allocated for the registration process. now, they want to use "private" schools to make up for the money when dem don steal finish, hehehe! Iguade
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years.”
>>
>> “Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage.” Unverified Authors
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Subject: [Naijaintellects] RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> > Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:30:52 +0200
>> > From: jbi8@cdc.gov
>> > To: itna@mail.ccs-africa.co.za
>> > CC: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; esan_community@yahoogroups.com; edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com; iguade@hotmail.com
>> >
>> > Wilson Iguade:
>> > When the specifics of an issue rather than the general concept or idea are at stake, it becomes CRUCIAL to pay attention to the details we ascribed to people or institutions so that we dont't misrepresent or misquote others. As clearly shown below, I addressed`the general notion of the need for free, fair and credible in Nigeria and how a litlle time off from school (that will be made up) would be reasonabl; this is done even in industrialized nations where democratic processes are already established, underscoring the significance of the electoral practice in democracy. Check the practices in the US and elsewhere. In the words of the Nigerian Minister delivering the message: >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will
> make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar."
>> >
>> > Now, although INEC has been in place for a while, Prof Jega was appointed by Pres Jonathan last year (2010), so he is not even a year on the job yet, not to talk of 4 years you associated with him below. Besides, preparing the School Centers for registration, and possibly voting later, to ensure student security and to allow for a smooth registration is not a bad idea, to me. I will even advised that the entire nation takes a holiday on the day of the Presidential election. There is precedence for that practice in developed nations we have copied their political systems. Finally, I have reposted the Original news report here, so that we can follow the specifics, if they interest you. Take care. JUI
>> >
>> >
>> > [[[[>2011: FG orders closure of schools till Feb [for Politics]
>> > >From MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, Abuja
>> > >Friday, January 07, 2011>
>> >
>> > >Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.
>> > >
>> > >Both public and private schools will be affected.
>> > >Minister of State for Education, Kenneth Gbagi who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday said the decision was informed by government's determination to ensure that INEC was supported in its effort to see that Nigerians get a credible election in 2011 general.
>> > >
>> > >Gbagi explained that only Senior Secondary School class 3 pupils would be allowed to resume school because of their examination, but added however, that arrangement had been concluded with the principals of the affected schools on how to ensure proper security measures for the students. He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise.
>> > >
>> > >Although the minister said he did not envisage any disobedience from any school especially the private schools, he promised to monitor compliance to ensure the directive was carried out nationwide.
>> > >For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar.
>> > >
>> > >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>> > >The INEC it was disclosed wrote the Federal Ministry of Education requesting that schools be prevented from resuming after the Christmas and New Year vacation to allow its officials use the schools nationwide as voters' registration centres.]]]]]
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Wilson Iguade
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 6:49 PM
>> > To: Esan_Community@yahoogroups.com
>> > Cc: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; Esan Forum; Edo-ciao Forum; iguade@hotmailcom
>> > Subject: Edo-ciao Re: [Esan_Community] RE: NigerianID | RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks Dr. JUI for taking time to answer my questions. First, we can agree that we are not in dispute over free and fair election. Second, we can agree that Nigeria is not an advance country therefore expectations can be different. Third, we can agree that give time off to participate in the democratic process is not an issue.
>> >
>> > However, your argument as I understand it makes a case for closing down ALL primary/secondary schools not including higher institutions such as universities (private and public) in order to complete voters registrations for about TWO weeks. This argument of yours, based on my understanding, prompted my questions to you. Even though you have answered to the best of your ability, I am disappointed that the current plan is the best that Prof. Jega and his team or whatever agency responsible for this assignment can come up with after about 4 years of planning.
>> >
>> > Assuming it is the best we can do, why was it not announced much sooner so families can make appropriate plans? Why include private schools that are paying appropriate taxes? Why not use police stations as registration centers?
>> >
>> > It seems to me that the planners, on purpose, based on inferior planning and last minute decision picked on the most vulnerable population in our society to remedy their incompetencies.
>> >
>> > JUI, those advance countries you wish we are give notice months and months ahead for such events and the people plan accordingly. Thanks for your time God bless. Iguade
>> >
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> > On Jan 9, 2011, at 4:12 PM, "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" <jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > """we want free and fair elections and institute democratic elections as the basis of governance and national advancement, an important priority for Nigerian progress; yet we dont think all stops should be pulled at this time, including taking a national holiday for the purpose of registration and voting; even in the advanced industrialized nations where the fundamentals of registration, voting and democratic practices have been laid down, Govt still give free time (and in some cases holidays) for voting and elections. Nigeria is just starting out and it is my belief that taking some time out to get things done properly is not too much. We have to minimize the confusion and misleading signals we issue on Govt pollicy and executive matters so that we dont confuse or leaders. There is a STRONG RATIONALE for taking some time off for registration, voting and other election-related matters in Nigeria at this time, so that
the
> fundamentals of the democracy can be well laid..........This stort-term time-off to get the basics of democracy right is a small price to pay for Nigerian progress, instead of muddling things up and NEVER get it right."
>> >
>> > I am not sure of how to derive a mathematical equation for the cost-benefit analysis of this issue; but if the above statement does not provide the rationales and benefitf for the time-off for the democratic process in Nigeria, which can be supported by similar practices in developed nations, then I have nothing else to say on this issue. I trust there are people who would verify my claims and find merit in my position on this issue. Take care. JUI
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: Wilson Iguade [mailto:iguade@hotmail.com]
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 2:08 PM
>> > To: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)
>> > Cc: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; Esan Forum; Edo-ciao Forum; <mailto:iguade@hotmail.com> iguade@hotmail.com
>> > Subject: Re: NigerianID | RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> > Dear Dr. JUI,
>> >
>> > You said "We must operate MATURELY and realize that cost-benefit analysis is key to moving forward on some issues of our lives where we have to give and take. " unquote
>> >
>> >
>> > Questions:
>> >
>> >
>> > 1) What is the cost-benefit analysis key to closing schools down for voters' registration?
>> >
>> >
>> > 2) We had 4 years to plan for this coming presidential election - is it your position that, the closing of our schools down to register voters, is the best organizational plan our leaders can come up with?
>> >
>> >
>> > I would appreciate your answers if you care to answer in earnest. You reserve the right not to answer my questions. Thank you, sir. God bless. Iguade
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> > On Jan 9, 2011, at 7:48 AM, "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" < <mailto:jbi8@cdc.gov> jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Ladies and Gentlemen:
>> > It appears Nigerians are VERY CONFUSED and CONFLICTED on the vital issus; and this may partly explain the oftentimes hapharzard behaviors of the leaders who are under these contradictory pressures. Nigerians want corruption wiped out regardless of the ethnic base of perpetrators; yet we constantly clamor for ethnic-this, ethnic-that, in ways and manner that provide refuges for corrupt Nigerians; we want free and fair elections and institute democratic elections as the basis of governance and national advancement, an important priority for Nigerian progress; yet we dont think all stops should be pulled at this time, including taking a national holiday for the purpose of registration and voting; even in the advanced industrialized nations where the fundamentals of registration, voting and democratic practices have been laid down, Govt still give free time (and in some cases holidays) for voting and elections. Nigeria is just starting
out
> and it is my belief that taking some time out to get things done properly is not too much. We have to minimize the confusion and misleading signals we issue on Govt pollicy and executive matters so that we dont confuse or leaders. There is a STRONG RATIONALE for taking some time off for registration, voting and other election-related matters in Nigeria at this time, so that the fundamentals of the democracy can be well laid. We must QUIT unnecessary and unprovoked complaints that do nothing but perpetuate the miseries in the society. We must operate MATURELY and realize that cost-benefit analysis is key to moving forward on some issues of our lives where we have to give and take. This stort-term time-off to get the basics of democracy right is a small price to pay for Nigerian progress, instead of muddling things up and NEVER get it right. This is my candid opinion on this matter. Take care. Joe Igietseme (recollecting the apt words of Ralph Obiora of
> NADECCO fame, that the Nigerian is the only human being who would like eat his/her and still hold it in his/her hand!)
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: <mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com> NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Arit Onobo
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 8:06 AM
>> > To: <mailto:naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com> <mailto:naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com> naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com
>> > Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > This is totally acceptable to us mothers. We can not afford to risk the lives our children at this time. They are safe with us at home these few weeks!
>> >
>> > On Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:11 EET tony egbe wrote:
>> >
>> > >NIGERIANS,
>> > >
>> > >Yes indeed, People will always have their Most in Priority come First!! As far as the Nigerian Political Class is Concerned, they will have to settle the Matter that is seen as their First and Best in Priority. This is their source of survival and livelihood!! Definitely, this comes first as far as this political class is concerned!! Nothing else matters!!
>> > >
>> > >Through the Elected office, this Bunch make their living; since Federal Government is the ONLY Mfg. Plant and Business Corporation in Nigeria, from where Most of the population depend on for their livelihood. Why not, therefore, shut down schools to settle this Coporation first before any other thing in Nigeria? Who cares?
>> > >
>> > >After all, to get Educational certificates and degrees in Nigeria nowadays, is a Function of the amount of Money one has to give to the lecturers, and those responsible for awarding these certificates and degerees!! Don't we have OUK and many others with PhD. degrees without the basic WASC certificate? Next Please, let's discuss some other "more important thing"!! Otoiheoma Egbe.
>> > >
>> > >--- On Fri, 1/7/11, Vitus Ozoke < <mailto:vitusozoke%40hotmail.com> <mailto:vitusozoke@hotmail.com> vitusozoke@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >From: Vitus Ozoke < <mailto:vitusozoke%40hotmail.com> <mailto:vitusozoke@hotmail.com> vitusozoke@hotmail.com>
>> > >Subject: [igbosf] This cannot be True!
>> > >To: "Unec Unec" < <mailto:unec-lawyers%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:unec-lawyers@yahoogroups.com> unec-lawyers@yahoogroups.com>
>> > >Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 3:52 AM
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Folks,
>> > >
>> > >If there was any doubt that Nigeria has completely lost it, this clears it. This is unbelievable! How in the world did Atahiru Jega and the Jonathan administration come up with this sort of retrograde idea? Who shuts schools down for one full month just to advance the sham that is electoral politics in Nigeria? This is totally reprehensible! This is the height of anti-people policy. This is silly! What nation with any sustainable plan and vision for its future robs its children and youth to advance the evil ambition of a corrupt political class? What an embarrassing irony; Atahiru Jega, a former president of Academic Staff Union of Universities, is shutting down schools in Nigeria just so that politicians will do their business. What a shame! What an anti-climax for Jega! Boy, has he lost my respect? I miss Gani Fawehinmi. If the Oracle were alive today, he would be headed to court to challenge and stop this madness.
>> > >
>> > >Afam Osuigwe, as the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, would you consider bringing the right kind of motions to challenge this silliness? This is an absolute abomination! This is an outrage! Mogul Moses Okezie, I know you are a public-interest lawyer, would you please do something about this! This should not be happening. Oh death, had you but spared him till the dawn of this national nadir, Gani Fawehinmi would have championed the noble cause of the over 80 million Nigerian children and youth whose sacred interest this policy is designed to violate. Where is Festus Keyamo? Where is the Nigeria Bar Association? Maybe it's time for me to go home! This nation that I love has suffered enough internal terrorism. Can we descend any lower? This is sickening!
>> > >
>> > >2011: FG orders closure of schools till Feb [for Politics]
>> > >From MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, Abuja
>> > >Friday, January 07, 2011>
>> >
>> > >
>> > >Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.
>> > >
>> > >Both public and private schools will be affected.
>> > >Minister of State for Education, Kenneth Gbagi who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday said the decision was informed by government's determination to ensure that INEC was supported in its effort to see that Nigerians get a credible election in 2011 general.
>> > >
>> > >Gbagi explained that only Senior Secondary School class 3 pupils would be allowed to resume school because of their examination, but added however, that arrangement had been concluded with the principals of the affected schools on how to ensure proper security measures for the students. He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise.
>> > >
>> > >Although the minister said he did not envisage any disobedience from any school especially the private schools, he promised to monitor compliance to ensure the directive was carried out nationwide.
>> > >For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar.
>> > >
>> > >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>> > >The INEC it was disclosed wrote the Federal Ministry of Education requesting that schools be prevented from resuming after the Christmas and New Year vacation to allow its officials use the schools nationwide as voters' registration centres.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Not much do I know, but one thing do I know much; that there is God.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
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>> >
>> > Reply to sender <mailto:iguade@hotmail.com?subject=Re%3A%20%5BEsan_Community%5D%20RE%3A%20NigerianID%20%7C%20RE%3A%20SHUT%20DOWN%20SCHOOLS%20FOR%20ELECTIONS%20IN%20NIGERIA%20%3F%3F> | Reply to group <mailto:edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re%3A%20%5BEsan_Community%5D%20RE%3A%20NigerianID%20%7C%20RE%3A%20SHUT%20DOWN%20SCHOOLS%20FOR%20ELECTIONS%20IN%20NIGERIA%20%3F%3F> | Reply via web post <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edo-ciao/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxamhvYzJhBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzM3NTI3NzcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MjQwNTAwBG1zZ0lkAzQ3NTYxBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTI5NDYxNzAyNg--?act=reply&messageNum=47561> | Start a New Topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edo-ciao/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlODM0cTRmBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzM3NTI3NzcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MjQwNTAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA250cGMEc3RpbWUDMTI5NDYxNzAyNg-->
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We cannot get free and fair elections without proper inec registration. Some of the inec adhoc staff are teachers. We that will be involve in the registration exercise are mothers who will not be able to shultle btw work, registration, picking and dropping the children from school. Above all the children need atleast 6weeks rest before resumption.
Favour.
On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:41 EET mikeogarasu@yahoo.com wrote:
>Arit,
>How can you so calmly shove aside the principals letter on the basis of school fees? He has shown concern as to the arbitrary imposition of holidays on his school which in his candid opinion is bound to negatively affect the children.
>It is a private school and he feels parents must get value for their cash.
>Wherein lies your challenge with his position? He is not a Nigerian, only a concerned German school principal.
>MA
>Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Zain Nigeria
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Arit Onobo <aritonobo@yahoo.co.uk>
>Sender: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
>Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 13:59:38
>To: <naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com>
>Reply-To: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>
>David is missing school fees from pupils. Tell him to wait. That it's just a matter of days, he will start collecting!
>
>Favour.
>
>On Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:11 EET Ibukunolu Alao Babajide wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Wilson Iguade and Joe Igietseme,
>>
>> Read below the letter a teacher who loves education and the students under his care wrote to Goodluck Jonathan. That is how people who want a brighter future for their children and their country should think and behave. Read and be wise:
>>
>>
>>A LETTER TO PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN
>>
>>Monday 10th January 2010
>>
>>Dear Mr President,
>>
>>Having returned from a three week vacation, I was exasperated to find that
>>the Federal Government has extended the schools resumption date until the
>>end of January, adding an additional three weeks to our Schools vacation.
>>This decision lacks both rationality and an adequate explanation, and of
>>which the full consequences have clearly not been considered.
>>
>>While I applaud and support the Governments efforts to provide free and
>>fair elections, I think it is regrettable that so little consideration has
>>been given to the education of our children, many of whom are foreign
>>nationals as well as Nigerian. As the Principal of an International
>>School, in which we have adopted educational standards and policies which
>>are recognised in international schools worldwide and in which we prepare
>>children at different levels for international examinations: Cambridge
>>IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, Cambridge Checkpoint examinations in Year 9, UK
>>SAT examinations in Primary Years 2 and 6, I have serious concerns. We
>>teach solely the English National Curriculum which provides a well
>>structured educational progression throughout a childs life in school. To
>>deprive children of structure and progression for such long periods in
>>their education will surely have a significant effect on their academic
>>performance and future life chances.
>>
>>Education is the bedrock upon which successful nations build their
>>prosperity and produce enlightened people to drive a nation forward.
>>Without it, people are destined to live in ignorance and without hope for
>>their future development. It is important for Government to recognise the
>>value of education in all its future planning and to acknowledge that
>>decisions which concern a childs education should never be taken lightly
>>nor taken for granted.
>>
>>I urge the Government to reconsider their decision to extend the
>>resumption date for all Schools until January 30th and to let common sense
>>prevail so that our children can continue with their education and do not
>>suffer unnecessarily.
>>
>>Yours sincerely,
>>
>>David Ogburn
>>Principal
>>Avi-Cenna International School
>>GRA Ikeja
>>Lagos
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>------ Original Message ------
>> Received: 08:24 AM EAT, 01/10/2011
>> From: Wilson Iguade <Iguade@Hotmail.com>
>> To: <naijaintellects@googlegroups.com>, <itna@mail.ccs-africa.co.za>
>> Cc: <naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com>, <nigerianworldforum@yahoogroups.com>, Naija Politics <naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com>, Nigerian ID <nigerianid@yahoogroups.com>, <afenmai@yahoogroups.com>, <edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com>, <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>, Esan Community <esan_community@yahoogroups.com>, <edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com>, Wilson <iguade@hotmail.com>
>> Subject: NigerianID | RE: [Naijaintellects] RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks for posting below, here we go
>>
>> quote "Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.: unquote.
>>
>> response: i have already made my position clear on this particular point. the notice came too late, demonstrated poor planning and execution by INEC, and created unnecessary stress on the Nigerian families that have to deal with this last minute announcement.
>>
>> follow-up quote by DR. JUI "Now, although INEC has been in place for a while, Prof Jega was appointed by Pres Jonathan last year (2010), so he is not even a year on the job yet, not to talk of 4 years you associated with him below."
>>
>> JUI, you always like to say stick with the facts and argue points on specifics but you continue to annoy me as you do the same thing, that is, you do not stay on facts and you do not argue on specifics. for example, please show me where i associated 4 years with Prof. Jega, please, i beg you to do this or stop your lack of attention to detail accusations you are fond of making on others, while doing the same thing. you said cost-benefits analysis was "key" and i wondered on what "specifics" you based that on, you backed off it respectfully, i might add. please, learn to make your point and move on. thanks.
>>
>> Now, to be specific on your quote above, Prof. Jega is NOT INEC and will never be such institution. Prof. Jega was brought on board to provide leadership. i am saying that the results of his leadership to date has not being impressive, given the manner in which the school holiday matter has been handled. since, you , JUI, are going to defend the limited time that Prof Jega has been in office, please defend this - did he not know that the country was planning for a presidential election in 2011 before he took the job? the fact is, we are not learning to use our institituions to provide services but personalities as demonstrated in your presentation that since Prof. Jega was recently hired he cannot do a good job, what about the agency - INEC? (see why i say Prof. Jega is not INEC or vice versa). moreover, are you JUI, suggesting that without Prof Jega INEC is a failure?
>>
>> JUI, you like to cite advance countries in your examples, let me give you examples in advance countries and i know advance countries more than many in these listservs as someone who schooled here (high school to university, meaning i never attended Nigerian yeye universities, where una dey like to memorize stuffs and no aplications), and have lived here for over a generation (30 years). in the USA, for example, agency heads are not in place sometime up to a year, if not years, yet the American public do not expect less of service from the agency. even, The Obama administration is still filling the heads of agencies after two years in office, i guess those agencies will fold their hands and make excuses for doing a poor job because there was no figure head. btw: is it not true that Permanent Secretary or its equivalent actually runs the agency/ministry in Nigeria. why, yes WHY exactly are
> you defending Prof. Jega? listen, man! i need nothing from Prof. Jega but for him to do his duties. please feel free to defend him all you want it is your right. as far i am concern, i am defending the Nigerian people whose lives have been turned upside down based on INEC's poor planning and execution under the leadership of prof. Jega. Prof. Jega needs to wake up and get on the balls because the country is watching his every moves as we get closer to the elections. if he cannot take the heat, please JUI, advise him to quit. furthermore, we must not use the slogan of free and fair election to necessarily disturb lives and events of the Nigeria people.
>>
>> Quote "He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise."
>>
>> response: yes, pick on the most vulnerable segment of the our educational system. he knows better not to mess with the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education etc. because, something bad might happen if this segment was picked up.
>>
>> quote "For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar."
>>
>> response: my point here is and still remain, why the late notice, period.
>>
>>
>> quote "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>>
>> response: again, the issue is not the request for national sacrifice if that was intended, the point is the short notice and the unnecessary inconveniences borne out of the poor planning and execution. a significant section of the economy will be affect because of this stupid planning disguise as national sacrifice. the Nigeria people have been sacrificing for a long time. now, they need govt to move out of its ways and allow them to survive.
>>
>> i tire for the yeyeness prevailing in our elite class. i bet ya, if someone dig deeper you will find that money was allocated for the registration process. now, they want to use "private" schools to make up for the money when dem don steal finish, hehehe! Iguade
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years.”
>>
>> “Great nations rise and fall. The people go from bondage to spiritual truth, to great courage, from courage to liberty, from liberty to abundance, from abundance to selfishness, from selfishness to complacency, from complacency to apathy, from apathy to dependence, from dependence back again to bondage.” Unverified Authors
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Subject: [Naijaintellects] RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> > Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 03:30:52 +0200
>> > From: jbi8@cdc.gov
>> > To: itna@mail.ccs-africa.co.za
>> > CC: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; esan_community@yahoogroups.com; edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com; iguade@hotmail.com
>> >
>> > Wilson Iguade:
>> > When the specifics of an issue rather than the general concept or idea are at stake, it becomes CRUCIAL to pay attention to the details we ascribed to people or institutions so that we dont't misrepresent or misquote others. As clearly shown below, I addressed`the general notion of the need for free, fair and credible in Nigeria and how a litlle time off from school (that will be made up) would be reasonabl; this is done even in industrialized nations where democratic processes are already established, underscoring the significance of the electoral practice in democracy. Check the practices in the US and elsewhere. In the words of the Nigerian Minister delivering the message: >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will
> make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar."
>> >
>> > Now, although INEC has been in place for a while, Prof Jega was appointed by Pres Jonathan last year (2010), so he is not even a year on the job yet, not to talk of 4 years you associated with him below. Besides, preparing the School Centers for registration, and possibly voting later, to ensure student security and to allow for a smooth registration is not a bad idea, to me. I will even advised that the entire nation takes a holiday on the day of the Presidential election. There is precedence for that practice in developed nations we have copied their political systems. Finally, I have reposted the Original news report here, so that we can follow the specifics, if they interest you. Take care. JUI
>> >
>> >
>> > [[[[>2011: FG orders closure of schools till Feb [for Politics]
>> > >From MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, Abuja
>> > >Friday, January 07, 2011>
>> >
>> > >Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.
>> > >
>> > >Both public and private schools will be affected.
>> > >Minister of State for Education, Kenneth Gbagi who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday said the decision was informed by government's determination to ensure that INEC was supported in its effort to see that Nigerians get a credible election in 2011 general.
>> > >
>> > >Gbagi explained that only Senior Secondary School class 3 pupils would be allowed to resume school because of their examination, but added however, that arrangement had been concluded with the principals of the affected schools on how to ensure proper security measures for the students. He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise.
>> > >
>> > >Although the minister said he did not envisage any disobedience from any school especially the private schools, he promised to monitor compliance to ensure the directive was carried out nationwide.
>> > >For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar.
>> > >
>> > >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>> > >The INEC it was disclosed wrote the Federal Ministry of Education requesting that schools be prevented from resuming after the Christmas and New Year vacation to allow its officials use the schools nationwide as voters' registration centres.]]]]]
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Wilson Iguade
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 6:49 PM
>> > To: Esan_Community@yahoogroups.com
>> > Cc: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; Esan Forum; Edo-ciao Forum; iguade@hotmailcom
>> > Subject: Edo-ciao Re: [Esan_Community] RE: NigerianID | RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Thanks Dr. JUI for taking time to answer my questions. First, we can agree that we are not in dispute over free and fair election. Second, we can agree that Nigeria is not an advance country therefore expectations can be different. Third, we can agree that give time off to participate in the democratic process is not an issue.
>> >
>> > However, your argument as I understand it makes a case for closing down ALL primary/secondary schools not including higher institutions such as universities (private and public) in order to complete voters registrations for about TWO weeks. This argument of yours, based on my understanding, prompted my questions to you. Even though you have answered to the best of your ability, I am disappointed that the current plan is the best that Prof. Jega and his team or whatever agency responsible for this assignment can come up with after about 4 years of planning.
>> >
>> > Assuming it is the best we can do, why was it not announced much sooner so families can make appropriate plans? Why include private schools that are paying appropriate taxes? Why not use police stations as registration centers?
>> >
>> > It seems to me that the planners, on purpose, based on inferior planning and last minute decision picked on the most vulnerable population in our society to remedy their incompetencies.
>> >
>> > JUI, those advance countries you wish we are give notice months and months ahead for such events and the people plan accordingly. Thanks for your time God bless. Iguade
>> >
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> > On Jan 9, 2011, at 4:12 PM, "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" <jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > """we want free and fair elections and institute democratic elections as the basis of governance and national advancement, an important priority for Nigerian progress; yet we dont think all stops should be pulled at this time, including taking a national holiday for the purpose of registration and voting; even in the advanced industrialized nations where the fundamentals of registration, voting and democratic practices have been laid down, Govt still give free time (and in some cases holidays) for voting and elections. Nigeria is just starting out and it is my belief that taking some time out to get things done properly is not too much. We have to minimize the confusion and misleading signals we issue on Govt pollicy and executive matters so that we dont confuse or leaders. There is a STRONG RATIONALE for taking some time off for registration, voting and other election-related matters in Nigeria at this time, so that
the
> fundamentals of the democracy can be well laid..........This stort-term time-off to get the basics of democracy right is a small price to pay for Nigerian progress, instead of muddling things up and NEVER get it right."
>> >
>> > I am not sure of how to derive a mathematical equation for the cost-benefit analysis of this issue; but if the above statement does not provide the rationales and benefitf for the time-off for the democratic process in Nigeria, which can be supported by similar practices in developed nations, then I have nothing else to say on this issue. I trust there are people who would verify my claims and find merit in my position on this issue. Take care. JUI
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: Wilson Iguade [mailto:iguade@hotmail.com]
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 2:08 PM
>> > To: Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)
>> > Cc: NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com; NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com; naijaintellects@googlegroups.com; naijapolitics@yahoogroups.com; nigerianid@yahoogroups.com; afenmai@yahoogroups.com; edo-nationality@yahoogroups.com; usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com; Esan Forum; Edo-ciao Forum; <mailto:iguade@hotmail.com> iguade@hotmail.com
>> > Subject: Re: NigerianID | RE: SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> > Dear Dr. JUI,
>> >
>> > You said "We must operate MATURELY and realize that cost-benefit analysis is key to moving forward on some issues of our lives where we have to give and take. " unquote
>> >
>> >
>> > Questions:
>> >
>> >
>> > 1) What is the cost-benefit analysis key to closing schools down for voters' registration?
>> >
>> >
>> > 2) We had 4 years to plan for this coming presidential election - is it your position that, the closing of our schools down to register voters, is the best organizational plan our leaders can come up with?
>> >
>> >
>> > I would appreciate your answers if you care to answer in earnest. You reserve the right not to answer my questions. Thank you, sir. God bless. Iguade
>> >
>> > Sent from my iPhone
>> >
>> > On Jan 9, 2011, at 7:48 AM, "Igietseme, Joseph (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" < <mailto:jbi8@cdc.gov> jbi8@cdc.gov> wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > Ladies and Gentlemen:
>> > It appears Nigerians are VERY CONFUSED and CONFLICTED on the vital issus; and this may partly explain the oftentimes hapharzard behaviors of the leaders who are under these contradictory pressures. Nigerians want corruption wiped out regardless of the ethnic base of perpetrators; yet we constantly clamor for ethnic-this, ethnic-that, in ways and manner that provide refuges for corrupt Nigerians; we want free and fair elections and institute democratic elections as the basis of governance and national advancement, an important priority for Nigerian progress; yet we dont think all stops should be pulled at this time, including taking a national holiday for the purpose of registration and voting; even in the advanced industrialized nations where the fundamentals of registration, voting and democratic practices have been laid down, Govt still give free time (and in some cases holidays) for voting and elections. Nigeria is just starting
out
> and it is my belief that taking some time out to get things done properly is not too much. We have to minimize the confusion and misleading signals we issue on Govt pollicy and executive matters so that we dont confuse or leaders. There is a STRONG RATIONALE for taking some time off for registration, voting and other election-related matters in Nigeria at this time, so that the fundamentals of the democracy can be well laid. We must QUIT unnecessary and unprovoked complaints that do nothing but perpetuate the miseries in the society. We must operate MATURELY and realize that cost-benefit analysis is key to moving forward on some issues of our lives where we have to give and take. This stort-term time-off to get the basics of democracy right is a small price to pay for Nigerian progress, instead of muddling things up and NEVER get it right. This is my candid opinion on this matter. Take care. Joe Igietseme (recollecting the apt words of Ralph Obiora of
> NADECCO fame, that the Nigerian is the only human being who would like eat his/her and still hold it in his/her hand!)
>> >
>> >________________________________
>> >
>> > From: <mailto:NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com> NaijaObserver@yahoogroups.com on behalf of Arit Onobo
>> > Sent: Sun 09-Jan-11 8:06 AM
>> > To: <mailto:naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com> <mailto:naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com> naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com
>> > Subject: Re: ||NaijaObserver|| SHUT DOWN SCHOOLS FOR ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA ??
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > This is totally acceptable to us mothers. We can not afford to risk the lives our children at this time. They are safe with us at home these few weeks!
>> >
>> > On Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:11 EET tony egbe wrote:
>> >
>> > >NIGERIANS,
>> > >
>> > >Yes indeed, People will always have their Most in Priority come First!! As far as the Nigerian Political Class is Concerned, they will have to settle the Matter that is seen as their First and Best in Priority. This is their source of survival and livelihood!! Definitely, this comes first as far as this political class is concerned!! Nothing else matters!!
>> > >
>> > >Through the Elected office, this Bunch make their living; since Federal Government is the ONLY Mfg. Plant and Business Corporation in Nigeria, from where Most of the population depend on for their livelihood. Why not, therefore, shut down schools to settle this Coporation first before any other thing in Nigeria? Who cares?
>> > >
>> > >After all, to get Educational certificates and degrees in Nigeria nowadays, is a Function of the amount of Money one has to give to the lecturers, and those responsible for awarding these certificates and degerees!! Don't we have OUK and many others with PhD. degrees without the basic WASC certificate? Next Please, let's discuss some other "more important thing"!! Otoiheoma Egbe.
>> > >
>> > >--- On Fri, 1/7/11, Vitus Ozoke < <mailto:vitusozoke%40hotmail.com> <mailto:vitusozoke@hotmail.com> vitusozoke@hotmail.com> wrote:
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >From: Vitus Ozoke < <mailto:vitusozoke%40hotmail.com> <mailto:vitusozoke@hotmail.com> vitusozoke@hotmail.com>
>> > >Subject: [igbosf] This cannot be True!
>> > >To: "Unec Unec" < <mailto:unec-lawyers%40yahoogroups.com> <mailto:unec-lawyers@yahoogroups.com> unec-lawyers@yahoogroups.com>
>> > >Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 3:52 AM
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Folks,
>> > >
>> > >If there was any doubt that Nigeria has completely lost it, this clears it. This is unbelievable! How in the world did Atahiru Jega and the Jonathan administration come up with this sort of retrograde idea? Who shuts schools down for one full month just to advance the sham that is electoral politics in Nigeria? This is totally reprehensible! This is the height of anti-people policy. This is silly! What nation with any sustainable plan and vision for its future robs its children and youth to advance the evil ambition of a corrupt political class? What an embarrassing irony; Atahiru Jega, a former president of Academic Staff Union of Universities, is shutting down schools in Nigeria just so that politicians will do their business. What a shame! What an anti-climax for Jega! Boy, has he lost my respect? I miss Gani Fawehinmi. If the Oracle were alive today, he would be headed to court to challenge and stop this madness.
>> > >
>> > >Afam Osuigwe, as the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch, would you consider bringing the right kind of motions to challenge this silliness? This is an absolute abomination! This is an outrage! Mogul Moses Okezie, I know you are a public-interest lawyer, would you please do something about this! This should not be happening. Oh death, had you but spared him till the dawn of this national nadir, Gani Fawehinmi would have championed the noble cause of the over 80 million Nigerian children and youth whose sacred interest this policy is designed to violate. Where is Festus Keyamo? Where is the Nigeria Bar Association? Maybe it's time for me to go home! This nation that I love has suffered enough internal terrorism. Can we descend any lower? This is sickening!
>> > >
>> > >2011: FG orders closure of schools till Feb [for Politics]
>> > >From MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, Abuja
>> > >Friday, January 07, 2011>
>> >
>> > >
>> > >Following request by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to use schools across the country as registration centres for the forthcoming voters' registration exercise, the Federal Government yesterday directed that all primary and secondary schools in the country, remain on recess until February 4, 2011.
>> > >
>> > >Both public and private schools will be affected.
>> > >Minister of State for Education, Kenneth Gbagi who spoke to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday said the decision was informed by government's determination to ensure that INEC was supported in its effort to see that Nigerians get a credible election in 2011 general.
>> > >
>> > >Gbagi explained that only Senior Secondary School class 3 pupils would be allowed to resume school because of their examination, but added however, that arrangement had been concluded with the principals of the affected schools on how to ensure proper security measures for the students. He said the decision to close the schools does not affect the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as well as other tertiary institutions as it was the primary and secondary schools only that would be used for the exercise.
>> > >
>> > >Although the minister said he did not envisage any disobedience from any school especially the private schools, he promised to monitor compliance to ensure the directive was carried out nationwide.
>> > >For the few academic weeks that would be lost to the exercise, the minister promised that the Federal Ministry of Education would work out modalities how to make up so that it does not affect normal academic calendar.
>> > >
>> > >"One thing that every Nigerian is concerned about as at today is to have ag credible election that will help us elect credible leaders for the development of the country. This decision is not too much for us to give to actualize that. "We will make amend for the period we are taking out of the academic calendar. As the Federal Ministry of Education, we have supervisory role over every schools and we know that even the private schools will be willing to give this period up as support to achieve a credible election," he said.
>> > >The INEC it was disclosed wrote the Federal Ministry of Education requesting that schools be prevented from resuming after the Christmas and New Year vacation to allow its officials use the schools nationwide as voters' registration centres.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >Not much do I know, but one thing do I know much; that there is God.
>> > >
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>> > Reply to sender <mailto:iguade@hotmail.com?subject=Re%3A%20%5BEsan_Community%5D%20RE%3A%20NigerianID%20%7C%20RE%3A%20SHUT%20DOWN%20SCHOOLS%20FOR%20ELECTIONS%20IN%20NIGERIA%20%3F%3F> | Reply to group <mailto:edo-ciao@yahoogroups.com?subject=Re%3A%20%5BEsan_Community%5D%20RE%3A%20NigerianID%20%7C%20RE%3A%20SHUT%20DOWN%20SCHOOLS%20FOR%20ELECTIONS%20IN%20NIGERIA%20%3F%3F> | Reply via web post <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edo-ciao/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJxamhvYzJhBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzM3NTI3NzcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MjQwNTAwBG1zZ0lkAzQ3NTYxBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3JwbHkEc3RpbWUDMTI5NDYxNzAyNg--?act=reply&messageNum=47561> | Start a New Topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edo-ciao/post;_ylc=X3oDMTJlODM0cTRmBF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzM3NTI3NzcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MjQwNTAwBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA250cGMEc3RpbWUDMTI5NDYxNzAyNg-->
>> > Messages in this topic <http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edo-ciao/message/47557;_ylc=X3oDMTM2NHBhdmU2BF9TAzk3MzU5NzE0BGdycElkAzM3NTI3NzcEZ3Jwc3BJZAMxNzA1MjQwNTAwBG1zZ0lkAzQ3NTYxBHNlYwNmdHIEc2xrA3Z0cGMEc3RpbWUDMTI5NDYxNzAyNgR0cGNJZAM0NzU1Nw--> (3)
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>> > "AKUGBE O ETIN"
>> >
>> > "They who have seen only a little vociferate about how much they have experienced, while they who have seen a great deal cannot even find the words to express what they have gone through"
>> >
>> > - EWUARE OGIDIGAN (The great) Oba of Benin 1440 AD - 1473 AD
>> >
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