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Chris Okotie: The Face Of Restructuring

Published

6 months ago

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By Ladi Ayodeji

Restructuring has long been the buzzword in our polity; it’s always the rallying cry of ethnic nationalities that feel marginalized in our country.
Various governments since independence have responded to the quest for equity, justice and devolution of power to aggrieved ethnic groups, which was why the Midwest region was curved out of the western region in the first republic.
Yet, regional rivalries culminated in the power struggle that led to the civil war.
The military regime of Gen Yakubu Gowon, which prosecuted the civil war, did so to keep Nigeria one, but the unity of the country has always been tested by the perennial struggle between very aggressive centripetal and centrifugal forces, especially before, during and after every election cycle.
This inspired the participation of patriot,thinker, renowned clergyman and political reformer, Rev Chris Okotie in the political process.
Since 2003, the Reverend been canvassing the idea of a paradigm shift as a way to reposition Nigeria and align it with modern developmental trends going on around the world.
Okotie threw his hat in the ring by contesting the presidential election three times.
However,in 2019, he began a new process of taking the idea of restructuring to a new level altogether,by his call for the adoption of Aboriginal Democracy as the best template for a new Nigeria.
Aboriginal Democracy is a dynamic new proposition that could solve most of the existential problems of ethnicity, religious bigotry, corruption, mismanagement, phobias, and other issues that have continued to hamper the progress of the country.
Okotie has argued correctly that his campaign for restructuring through the adoption of Aboriginal Democracy, which would be facilitated by an interim government is based on the fact that no incumbent government can restructure Nigeria.
This is a fact of history. All previous governments tried to restructure the country through national conferences,by whatever name called, but such efforts always ended up being blown away by selfish manipulation of the process and the intrigue of politicians.
Moreover,no subsisting government would yield power to an interim government because it would automatically lead to it’s demise.
Okotie, therefore decided to summon himself to the enormous task of heading the interim government he is proposing, being a neutral player and patriot who does not covet the presidency as career politicians do.
Of all the political players on the scene today, Okotie is the Face of restructuring, the only one who embodies the type of radical change that could create an all inclusive participation of all Nigerians in the governing process.
The previous attempts to restructure Nigeria have now culminated in the adhoc approach of seeking to address the problem by promoting the idea of devolution of power, state police, resource control and other elements that only turn out to aggravate the challenge of wholesale restructuring, which is what Aboriginal Democracy is all about.
Restructuring by contending politicians cannot work because the main goal of these politicians is to capture power by all means, not to restructure Nigeria.
Running Nigeria is no longer possible under the current constitution with all its flaws and obvious structural defects. It is a document hurriedly authored by the military around 1998, which is why it has the elements of a unitary constitution.
This constitution must be replaced immediately by a truly federal, original constitution which must be a product of the collective will and aspiration of all Nigerians.
That’s what Aboriginal Democracy,as championed by Okotie is promoting for the benefit of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe,creed, religious beliefs, gender or other peculiarities.
Being the Face of restructuring, and the chief exponent of Restructuring, Okotie is not running in any election which would follow the restructuring he is advocating. That’s the proof of his sincerity and commitment to this project.
This is why the integrity of his campaign cannot be impeached.This is why restructuring should come before the 2023 general election.
Any transition programme that ignores restructuring is unrealistic as it would automatically return the country to the game of musical chairs we have been playing since 1999, when the present constitution became operational.
For those who haven’t read the details of Aboriginal Democracy and the modalities of it’s operations,I implore them to read the relevant subject on the internet, various media reports and interviews of Rev Okotie on the matter. They would be educated on the merits of this restructuring template.

However,in a nutshell, let me attempt a summary of the interim government proposition. First and probably most fundamental,is the elimination of the legislative branch of government.
In its place, the professional associations like the Nigerian Medical Association, the Bar Association, Teacher’s union and such bodies, would undertake legislative responsibilities.
Okotie believes that, these organisations are best suited to make laws pertaining to their respective areas of interest,than lawmakers who know little about the specialized functions they currently preside over.
Aboriginal Democracy has no provisions for ministers, political parties and most of the current structures of government that have become the wasteland of public resources.
The Aboriginal Democracy as the basis of a restructured Nigeria, would reduce or eliminate corruption, mismanagement and regional xenophobia, which constitute the perennial headwinds that hold back our progress.

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FRSC DOES NOT SEEK INTRODUCTION OF SHARIA LAW IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

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3 days ago

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May 26, 2023

By

Corp Marshal, Dauda Biu

 

The Federal Road Safety Corps wishes to dissociate itself from a baseless and unfounded opinion currently published on different news platforms, linking the Corps to seeking the introduction of Sharia Law to compliment existing extant regulations on enforcement of traffic rules and prosecution of offenders.

 

The public is to note that the entire statement does not in anyway, reflect the position of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu has recalled with immediate effect, the Sector Commander to the National Headquarters Abuja, for necessary administrative action because the Sector Commander through the quoted statements has breached the FRSC regulations and the Standard Operating Procedures

Without any reservation, it is key to inform the general public that the Federal Road Safety Corps is a Government Agency with statutory responsibilities for road safety administration in Nigeria and sensitive to the country’s multi-religious as well as heterogeneous ethnic composition.

The Corps was founded through Decree No. 45, as amended by Decree 35 of 1992 referred to in the statute books as the FRSC Act cap 141 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN). The Act was passed by the National Assembly as Federal Road Safety Corps (establishment) Act 2007.

By this very fact, it is important to clearly posit that the Corps is neither a religious nor sectional organisation, but a Federal Government Agency established with a mandate that is guided by the provisions of an establishment Act; and not a Sharia, Mosaic, customary, canon or any other law whatsoever that contradicts the provisions of it’s establishment Act, or the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our lead agency role is shielded in our strict compliance with established regulations duly passed by the National Assembly. As such, the public is humbly called to disregard the entire content of the opinion as published because it is outrightly baseless, unfounded and does not apply in our operations and service to the Nigerian people.

 

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Amazing Grace 2023: Apostle Suleman Hosts American Worship Singer, Don Moen, December

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1 week ago

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May 21, 2023

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Apostle Johnson Suleman and Don Moen

Renowned American Gospel singer, Don Moen, will be the guest music minister as the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, stages a mega crusade at the ministry’s international headquarters, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria in December 2023.

 

Apostle Suleman made this known during the Sunday Live Service on May 14, stating that the American born worship singer would be ministering live at the crusade tagged ‘Amazing Grace 2023’ with his sweet voice that commands God’s guidance and power.

 

Also, the Enugu, Nigerian born Rocktown CEO and contemporary Gospel musician most recognized for his trademark high-pitched voice, Frank Edwards, would be ministering to win souls with praises.

 

Apostle Suleman’s untiring evangelism has spread the word of God to almost every corner of the globe and made him one of the most sought-after inspirational spiritual leaders in the 21st century. The mega crusade, it was gathered, will be one like no other, as there will be diverse encounters of the miraculous; burdens will be lifted, curses will be broken and the devil will be made a laughing stock.

 

 

Millions as usual will be fortunate to hear God’s call in the powerful voices of the three Spiritual Generals and witness them deliver the Gospel, pure and uncritical, in person or by watching them live streamed on cable links.

 

“As we come together to build a throne for God with praise, He will be with us to heal, to save and provide for our nations. So be prepared for the big divine turnaround,” Apostle Suleman said, adding that the solution to challenges facing nations is for people to understand that God lives in us; created us and that every community, state and the whole country should return to God.

 

‘The Restoration Apostle’ expressed confidence that the December Apostolic campaign would portray the love of God for the people of Nigeria, and rest of the world, while assuring that “loving God, loving one another and everyone around us, remain the solution to our problems.”

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LASTMA HOSTS SIERRA LEONEAN TRANSPORT OFFICIALS, DISCUSS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

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1 week ago

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May 21, 2023

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….educates them on legal framework and operational guidelines of Lastma.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), over the weekend, hosted the Sierra Leonean Transport Officials on effective and efficient traffic management in Lagos.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, while welcoming the Sierra Leonean Traffic Officials to his office at Oshodi, disclosed that the main purpose for the establishment of the Agency in year 2000 by the then administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was to transform the State transportation system and to ensure free flow of traffic and reduction in road accident across the State.

Mr. Oreagba disclosed further that to properly manage and control traffic in Lagos, the Agency operates an efficient operational guideline which comprises of seven Comptrollers that covers the three Senatorial Districts of the State, 21 Commanders and 45 Zonal Heads including BRT (1 & 2) as well as the Free Trade Zone.

He stated that all working ethics of the Authority, including all its operations, are being regulated by the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018 as reviewed.

The General Manager confirmed that the Government is currently adopting modern technology innovations in addressing transportation challenges by installing Automatic Number Plates Recognition (ANPR) Camera which captures images of vehicle license plates on roads, CCTV Cameras, and also equipping traffic officers with the newly introduced hand-held Traffic Management Solution (TMS) Device which captures real time traffic violations on the roads, in addition to signalised intersection and junction improvement.

L-R. General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Bolaji Oreagba with Mr. Hindolo Shiaka the Director, Ministry of Transportation and Aviation of Sierra Leone during visit.

He added that the Lagos State Government also established Mobile Court to adjudicate on traffic related matters since the Agency cannot be a judge in its case against offenders.

Mr. Oreagba averred that some of the traffic offences refer to the Lagos Mobile Court by the Agency include obstructions, driving against traffic ‘one-way’, illegal parking, illegal U-turn, dropping/picking passengers at undesignated bus- stops, disobeying traffic lights/officials, reckless driving and illegal parking on walkways/kerbs among others.

He stressed that the Agency collaborates with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) by sanitising the brt corridors from motoring public in order to pave way for smooth movement of commuters from one designation to another across the State.

During his address, the Director, Ministry of Transportation and Aviation of Sierra Leone and leader of the team, Mr. Hindolo Shiaka thanked Mr. Bolaji Oreagba for the detailed presentation of the Agency’s operational guidelines and legal framework in line with dictates of effective traffic management and control.

Mr. Shiaka equally appreciated the Lagos State Government for the establishment of the Lagos State Mobile Courts which ensure fair hearing and Justice to motorists.

According to him “We came here from our County (Sierra Leone) to understudy the operational guidelines including Legal framework of LASTMA inline with traffic management and control in order to improve/upgrade our transportation system”

Mr. Shiaka however promised to strengthen the cordial relationship between LASTMA and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Transportation and Aviation.

 

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