CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: US 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: US 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: "Last Thursday, I uploaded my predictions on the 1980 Presidential Elections which ushered in President Ronald Reagan. Today, please take a ..."

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: US 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: US 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION: "Last Thursday, I uploaded my predictions on the 1980 Presidential Elections which ushered in President Ronald Reagan. Today, please take a ..."

THE PLACE OF EDWARD KENNEDY IN US POLITICS

In the 1980 US Presidential Election exercise, the hottest rival to President Jimmy Carter in the Democratic Party was Senator Edward Kennedy. But one reason why Kennedy failed to beat Carter in the pre-election Convention was the ever-burning issue of Chappaquiddick. It could be recalled that, under the influence of alcohol, Kennedy drove his automobile into a little river on Chappaquidick Island. The gory incident in which Kennedy’s female partner, Mary Jo Kopechne died, took place on July 19, 1969, soon after Kennedy’s election to the Senate.

As you can see from today’s cartoon published in the Daily Times during Kennedy’s campaign, Americans refused to ignore that incident. Although Kennedy remained a vital force in the US Congress until his death on August 25, 2009, his moral standing remained his Achilles heel.

The question we should ask ourselves is whether the moral standing of those wooing us for their votes matter to us.

US 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Last Thursday, I uploaded my predictions on the 1980 Presidential Elections which ushered in President Ronald Reagan. Today, please take a look at my lamentation after Ronald Reagan’s victory. As preparations for Nigeria’s General Elections gather momentum, I urge every politically-conscious citizen to take a cue from the gross miscalculations of the United States in that election.

In the coming days, I will upload subsequent articles that examined the same election.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part seria...

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES:
Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part seria...: "Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part serial article – prophetic warning to President Shagari whose reign was slowly but steadily dro..."

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: JIMMY CARTER AND THE 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: JIMMY CARTER AND THE 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS: "Today’s cartoon shows a hapless Jimmy Carter being discountenanced by the electorate before the 1980 elections. This cartoon was published ..."

JIMMY CARTER AND THE 1980 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Today’s cartoon shows a hapless Jimmy Carter being discountenanced by the electorate before the 1980 elections. This cartoon was published in the Foreign Page of the Daily Times about the same time today’s article review was published.

DEALING WITH EMOTIONS IN ELECTIONEERING

A common feature runs through the system of electorates worldwide. As elections approach, emotions and on the binge. In today’s post, I bring to you my warning to the American electorate shortly before they went to the polls to elect Governor Ronald Reagan in place of a return ticket for Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Presidential Elections. In the next two postings, you will see my analysis after the election of Ronald Reagan and the great aftermath.

Please watch out.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part seria...

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES:
Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part seria...: "Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part serial article – prophetic warning to President Shagari whose reign was slowly but steadily dro..."

Yesterday, I posted the first in a two-part serial article – prophetic warning to President Shagari whose reign was slowly but steadily drowning the citizens. In today’s concluding post, please read and be refreshed on how the administration crashed out within 4 months of that warning.

As we head for the polls in April, it is important to remind ourselves that we are largely still grappling with old wine in rotten skin bags. Let us decide wisely.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SECOND REPUBLIC SENATORS AND GLOBAL JAMBOREE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SECOND REPUBLIC SENATORS AND GLOBAL JAMBOREE: "Lawmakers in the 2nd Republic were reputed as spendthrifts, gallivanting all over the globe in search of bogus treasures. This cartoon whic..."

SECOND REPUBLIC SENATORS AND GLOBAL JAMBOREE

Lawmakers in the 2^nd Republic were reputed as spendthrifts, gallivanting all over the globe in search of bogus treasures. This cartoon which was featured in one of the national newspaper presents the Wayas-led Senate in one such trip. Several years after that educational jamboree, we are still palpating our way through the dark alleys of the so-called Nascent Democracy. God help us.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SHAGARI

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SHAGARI: "In the third quarter of 1983, I became so upset with the lawlessness of the Shehu Shagari administration, especially with the Gestapo style..."

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SHAGARI

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SHAGARI: "In the third quarter of 1983, I became so upset with the lawlessness of the Shehu Shagari administration, especially with the Gestapo style..."

FREEDOM, SWEET FREEDOM

Today’s cartoon took three quarters of the front page of the October 1, 1979 edition of the Daily Times. I was commissioned by the Daily Times management to do the cartoon to commemorate the handover from the military to the civilians that very day.

A PROPHETIC MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT SHAGARI

In the third quarter of 1983, I became so upset with the lawlessness of the Shehu Shagari administration, especially with the Gestapo style of Sunday Adsewusi – then Inspector General of Police. The article you find in today’s post is the first of a two-part warning message to the administration. I almost fled the country after the publications. Please read this and watch out for the conclusion tomorrow.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE MASSES AND THEIR TEST OF WILLS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE MASSES AND THEIR TEST OF WILLS: "The recent revolt in Egypt as well as the present altercations in Libya should teach African leaders one lesson: The people’s test of wills..."

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: MUBARAK: FLASH BACK IN 1981

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: MUBARAK: FLASH BACK IN 1981: "Today’s cartoon shows my portrait of Hosni Mubarak immediately upon his assumption of power. Soon after the assassination of President Anw..."

MUBARAK: FLASH BACK IN 1981

Today’s cartoon shows my portrait of Hosni Mubarak immediately upon his assumption of power. Soon after the assassination of President Anwar Sada on October 6, 1981 right on parade ground during the country’s independence anniversary, the then Vice President, Hosni Mubarak took over the reins of government. Mubarak grew over time to become the nation’s greatest oppressor.

THE MASSES AND THEIR TEST OF WILLS

The recent revolt in Egypt as well as the present altercations in Libya should teach African leaders one lesson: The people’s test of wills will always simmer to a point of explosion where leaders fail to look into history. Today’s article post is drawn from my Concord Laff column. Published after a revolt of prisoners at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison, it was a reflection of the revolt in France, and a warning to the Nigerian leadership at the time that there was a limit to the patience of the masses.

THE LAW, THE ASS, AND THE POLITICIAN

The current horse-trading in which politicians are recklessly carpet-crossing is not new to us. Today’s post revisits the flagrant abuse of due process in this unholy game. Published on April 17, 1983 in the Sunday Concord, the article also examined the nauseating penchant for wasting the nation’s resources in useless court cases.

Today’s cartoon is a mirror of the pre-independence era. I had to issue a reminder to President Shehu Shagari that, while he was hobnobbing with the British monarchy during his state visit to Britain in the early 1980s, the Margaret Thatcher administration was paying deaf ear to the hue and cry over South Africa’s independence. Thank God, reasoned prevailed in 1994 when South Africa was accorded universal suffrage.

Enjoy your day.

BLOOD AND FIRE IN LYBIA: A REVIEW OF THE GADAFFI LEGEND

As hundreds of Lybians flood the streets in the eastern city of Beyida, asking for the exit of their leadership, it has become necessary to post my analysis of the leadership and imperialist style of Muammar Gaddafi in the Daily Times edition of January 16, 1981.

Within the same period, President Ronald Reagan became apprehensive of Gadaffi’s exploits, especially in the face of skirmishes over the Gulf of Sidra. Posted here also is a caricature of Reagan’s state of mind at the time. In fact, Reagan had to put paid to Gadaffi’s exploits with a surprise raid on Lybia on April 14, 1986.

GADAFFI AND NIGERIA

The article in today’s post also calls to mind, Gadaffi’s uninvited submissions during the impasse following President Yar’Adua’s ailment. You may recall that Gadaffi canvassed the splitting of Nigeri along sectarian lines.

Please help yourself to these historic materials.

GOD, A NIGERIAN?

Soon after the Babangida entry in 1985, Mr. Ray Ekpu who also had a column in the Sunday Concord, like I did, came up with an article titled: God is a Nigerian. Ray Ekpu based his judgment on the state of the nation when Babangida came in. However, I did a counter article in my Concord Laff column with a rejoinder titled: God is not a Nigerian.

Please enjoy yourself.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHANGE THE STATUS QUO WITH YOUR VOTE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CHANGE THE STATUS QUO WITH YOUR VOTE: "Many Nigerians are angered by the ornate lifestyle of our politicians resulting from their highly overpriced offices. While a majority of t..."

CHANGE THE STATUS QUO WITH YOUR VOTE

Many Nigerians are angered by the ornate lifestyle of our politicians resulting from their highly overpriced offices. While a majority of the citizens languish in abject poverty, the politicians are neck-deep in ostentatious fad, drinking themselves to stupor, acquiring more wives are cruising in private jets.

Looking at today’s post, which is a ridicule of the lifestyle of politicians in the Second Republic as was once highlighted in my Concord Laff column, the only thing that readily comes to mind is that we seem to have a rendezvous with corrupt leadership. Not much has changed, considering the disposition of the present crop of politicians. Nonetheless, this is an opportune moment to make amends. Let us decide against corruption with our votes.

The accompanying cartoon is a caricature of the disastrous ends of some past African leaders.

Please feel free to post your comments on the way forward. God bless you.

A MOCKERY OF POLITICIANS ON THE SOAPBOX

As promised in my introductory message, I begin today to post articles in the very graphic format in which they were published by the various newspapers. Cartoon posts will also come in the same pattern.

The post today is a mockery of phony promises that stream out of the mouths of Nigerian politicians - a practice that is age-old in our polity. With campaign rallies now the order of the day, this article will help you to reflect on the quality of the various promises to enable you make your decision.

Have a pleasant time reading.

LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER (1V)

MY relationship with dogs is akin to that between the cat and the mouse. Of all the years I have knocked out in this world, I had never in one day shared the same building with a dog until lately. And my hatred for dogs even extended to those who harbour them. I never visited such people.

But the ugly situation in this country has made me to forcibly seek an acquaintance with that much dreaded pet. Two weeks ago, I went in search of a puppy, and my search landed me in the Surulere area of Lagos where I purchased one at a handsome price.

In case you’re a friend, and you are dog-phobic like I hitherto was, you needn’t quiver please. You can still visit me and be sure of your safety. This is because this puppy of mine has a single assignment that has no connection with the harassment of visitors. To better assure you, I have plucked off all his teeth and claws. Does that amount to callousness? No, it is in your interest.

Austerity or no austerity, this puppy enjoys from me, the rare fringe benefits of free accommodation and feeding. He is permanently chained to my dining hall table, and shall keep growing there until the situation in the country improves. Note that the presence of this puppy has nothing to do with defending me from the menace of armed robbers. For one thing, any armed robber who comes to my house will be disappointed at the wretched apartment he will meet. What is more, security dogs are no longer effective in scaring the men of the underworld, not to talk of a toothless poor puppy. My puppy is simply charged with the sole responsibility of tasting all my meals, and for this purpose, he has acquired the name of Food Sampler – Efes for short.

But ladies and gentlemen, here is one big stump between me and my new pet: Efes is fully apprised of the fact that his job is as unattractive as that of a mortuary attendant, and has therefore requested for a comprehensive life insurance before a smooth take-off of our contract. Unattractive? Yes, extremely so! As a matter of fact, I went in search of Efes when it dawned on me that almost everything in the Nigerian market now has a fake brand. These days, it is possible for a housewife to pay for a tin of vegetable oil in the market, only to discover at home that she

has bought Gamalin-20. And may God bless the entire family if there is no dog around to taste the soup before they all converge at the dining table.

These days too, a Nigerian who walks into a chemist shop to purchase ordinary pain relieving tablets may be buying his or her death certificate by so doing. The tablets which may be carrying the correct labels can as well be poison in camouflage. I am reluctantly offering my Efes a comprehensive insurance for his job. I am reluctant because his job, though, lethally delicate, is not all embracing. How, for instance, can he help me when I’m buying something like detergent from a shop? Dogs are never known to feed on soap, and even if they do, it would be difficult for Efes to decipher a genuine detergent from the fake since the packet is always sealed. As a safety measure, I now buy detergent only from hawkers who make it possible for me to see through the nylon bags in which the powder is distributed. However, I never pay for the detergent until the hawker has poured some quantity of the stuff inside water, and proved that it can produce lather.

I cannot trust the genuineness of anything I see now in this country. Not even the water that flows through the tap. Efes is even required to taste my tap water before I drink it. The only thing I have not directed Efes to test for me is the air I breathe. But for heaven’s sake, who is sure if Nigerians are not already planning to come up with a fake brand of God’s own air?

A critical look at the Nigerian market will easily portray almost every product as having a poisoned brand competitor elsewhere. I stand to be faulted. Ask for toilet paper, and you are likely to buy mere sandpaper which can render your anus useless for months. Ask for a tin of baby formula from any shop, and if you are not careful, you may be feeding your innocent baby with carbide or ordinary white chalk, God forbid. If it is a bottle of Schnapps you want, you may never be certain whether it is the real brand you have paid for or Sapele Water until you get home to open the bottle.

If a housewife hastily buys okporoko (stock fish) from the market, she may live to regret her decision on getting home because she is likely to prepare the family a meal of plywood. This madness is most notorious if one takes a peep into the shops of vehicle parts dealers. Most vehicle parts replaced in Nigeria now are strictly at the owner’s risk. The most dangerous are the service parts of vehicles. Take, for instance, the case of engine oil. Car users in the country now face the danger of wrecking their hard-earned cars by feeding their engines with poisoned oil. Information reaching Concord Laff indicates that not even our oil depots are now reliable as they are getting polluted from the source. You can imagine then what happens by the time the oil passes through the desperate and hungry middle men to the unfortunate consumers. By then, all vehicle users must have ended up buying their obituary spaces in the newspapers. God forbid! We all know what happens when a vehicle misbehaves right on the express. What a life!

O God! Kindly come down and deliver your children from this madness.

MEANWHILE

Nigerians who can still afford to do their Christmas shopping should do it softly, softly. Let's not make the mistake of purchasing sorrow with our hard-earned cash, thus moving into the New Year with long faces. Or need anybody be told that Nigerians are not their own brothers’ keepers? Happy survival of the Yuletide turbulence!

POST SCRIPT

Product adulteration has been elevated to such a calamitous height that in the last quarter of 2008, a Nigerian pharmaceutical

company eliminated several babies through their poisoned teething powder

This article, the 4^th in a serial, was published in Sunday Concord on December 18, 1983

THE STORY BEHIND THIS BLOG

Ever since I stopped my various columns in the Nigerian media, several years ago, I have been inundated with requests from my fans to immortalize my works into books in the interest of posterity.

A few months ago, I headed this call and began regenerating as many of the old works as I could lay my hands on. As challenging as this task has been, I have taken the pains to present the works in as closes as possible as they were published in the various publications. The dates of publications are also included in most of the works to enable researchers locate the original works in various libraries worldwide.

I have gone this whole hog in view of the fact that when most of these works were published, the publishers had no access to the Internet. Therefore, locating them on the internet is impossible.

To enable readers follow up properly, I am embarking on piecemeal postings, beginning from today, the 14^th day of March, 2011. The articles will later be published in three book volumes featuring local politics, international politics as well as society & life respectively.

Coming alongside the article postings will also be cartoons regenerated from the Daily Times Group where I featured prominently.

THE POLITICAL IMPORT

There can be no better opportune moment to start off my postings on local politics than now. You will agree that it has become instructive for Nigerians to introspect on the various promises currently flooding the soapbox venues from our politicians.

As you already know, what we have today is, at best, new wine in old skin bags. Where you don’t find the same political war lords being recycled for upwards of three decades, they call the tunes for their younger cronies. The articles and cartoons will go in no small measure to remind us of the evil machinations of our old politicians, and help to prepare our minds on where to invest our votes.

TODAY’S POST

Because of the significance of this day, I have decided to post one of my old articles from the Concord Laff column. As you go about, picking up stuff to please your loved ones, this article is a reminder of the need to be careful, lest you fall into the hands of the Shylocks who are ready to trade in poison for your cash.

Enjoy your day… HAPPY VALENTINE!