CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING: "Several years ago, there was this hackneyed hocus pocus of “shelter for all by year 2000”. The “magicians” that made those promises are..."

AND LANDLORDS KEEP WINNING

Several years ago, there was this hackneyed hocus pocus of “shelter for all by year 2000”. The “magicians” that made those promises are still with us today. They are witnesses to the fact that the most intractable problem that has continued to taunt urban dwellers in Nigeria over the years is the progressive swindling involving landlords and their associates-in-crime, care takers.

This endless accommodation crisis was the burning point of discourse in an article published in my Concord Laff column on Sunday, August 18, 1985.

As the new Government of President Goodluck Jonathan comes in place, the citizens expect a viable Mortgage policy which will guaranty shelter for all at the nearest possible time.

CARTOON CORNER: CELEBRATING JAJA WACHUKU

One of the most colourful politicians in the 2^nd Republic was Jaja Wachuku who served as Senator representing Aba Senatorial Zone. Wachuku was appointed Chairman of Foreign Relations Committee.

He was credited with the statement that the defeat of apartheid in South Africa "shall flow from the barrels of dialogue and contact, not from the barrels of isolation and guns...." That statement sent him out of that committee.

Today’s cartoon, which was commissioned by Times International Magazine for their cover story on that huge controversy, was published on March 17, 1980.

It is worthy of note that when, Nigeria began of diplomatic engagement with South Africa in the 1990s, most sensible politicians called for an apology to Senator Wachuku.

As President Jonathan works on his cabinet list, I wish to humbly recommend the likes of Jaja Wachuku.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

BEDROOM BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT

Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed the progressive enrichment of the rich and the trampling of the poor. The middle class has long been wiped off, with the resultant effect of the dehumanization of the citizens.

Today’s post, Bedroom Boundary Adjustment, cast in humour, presents one such case. Let us pray and hope that, as the incoming Government begins to take form, the regeneration of the economy will be treated as a matter of National Emergency.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

One of the greatest phenomena in Nigeria’s political evolution is Chief Oluṣẹgun Matthew Okikiọla Arẹmu Ọbasanjọ. Having given of his best as an army engineer, especially in the civil war, OBJ, as he is fondly called, emerged as an unwilling Head of State on February 13, 1976, following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed.

The political cotton wool that beclouded him in 1976 fell off after he walked from the prison gates right into the seat of power in 1999, like Biblical Joseph. Before he emerged President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, Chief Obasanjo took time to chronicle some of his high points as well as general observations on the civil war and more.

The endless probing from the media after this publication is the focus in today’s cartoon. Enjoy your day.

BIG NAME, BIG WAHALA

Nigeria has one great giant to conquer. That giant is the spirit of ostentation, which has dealt a devastating blow on our nation. Ostentation and pretentious living are clearly visible in every facet of our national life. It is one reason why politicians struggle tooth and nail in order to acquire the perks of office for massaging their false ego. This spirit of ostentation and the attendant negative results inspired the article, BIG MAN, BIG WAHALA, published by Sunday Concord on August 19, 1984.

CARTOON CORNER

As we celebrate the victory of the cleanest ever elections in our history, I serve you the mockery of one product of a state in confusion – Master Sergeant Samuel Doe. This cartoon was published by one of the Daily Times titles in the wake of his April 12, 1980 bloodletting in Liberia. About 9 years later, another Samuel came to judgment. Samuel Doe went the way of the sword in the hands of Prince Samuel Johnson who broke a US jail.

African leaders must learn that there is no alternative to the ballot box. God bless all those who have made this year’s elections a positive global discourse. Keep up the faith. Nigeria is on the march to victory.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: WHAT IS THE WORTH OF A NIGERIN’S LIFE?

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: WHAT IS THE WORTH OF A NIGERIN’S LIFE?: "“The August, 1982 edition of Readers Digest reported the case of one David Jackson of Tennessee, United States who lost both hands on Marc..."

WHAT IS THE WORTH OF A NIGERIN’S LIFE?

“The August, 1982 edition of Readers Digest reported the case of one David Jackson of Tennessee, United States who lost both hands on March 31, 1977 as a result of an industrial accident. Eighteen hours later, the amputated hands had been neatly reattached by a team of doctors, and in the following one week, David was blissfully walking hand-in-hand with his bride at their wedding.”

This excerpt from today’s article published on January 16, 1983 in Sunday Concord was part of a lamentation over Nigeria, following a gory experience at Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital where patients were left to rot on the stretcher. What is the situation in our public hospitals today?

Besides, with the current carnage in northern Nigeria, we should take some time and reflect. What is the worth of the life of a Nigerian? The election process so far demonstrates that we have begun a process of aligning with the civilized world. These miscreants in our midst must not be allowed to scuttle the process.

CARTOON CORNER

Today’s cartoon shows the plight of Chief Michael Ani after the disqualification of parties while he was on the saddle as FEDECO Chairman. Today, Buhari and his faithful are not only trying to ruin Professor Jega’s impeccable credentials, they are trying to destroy the entire nation over an election that has kept world leaders applauding. Someone who knows Buhari should appeal to him to save Nigeria this unnecessary horror.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SMILE NIGERIA, SMILE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: SMILE NIGERIA, SMILE: "YES, “SMILE JAMAICA” WAS A HIT TUNE PRODUCED BY BOB MARLEY TO COINCIDE WITH HIS COUNTRY’S GENERAL ELECTIONS IN 1976. PLEASE JOIN ME NOW ..."

SMILE NIGERIA, SMILE

Yes, “Smile Jamaica” was a hit tune produced by Bob Marley to coincide with his country’s general elections in 1976.

Please join me now as i invite you to sing, “Smile Nigeria” in celebration of an epochal victory for Nigeria. You will agree with me that we now have a President we can boldly declare to be our choice. Please swallow this victory down with an insight into the life of Bob Marley done by Nduka Nwosu of the daily times and published on May 21, 1983.

In my capacity as Daily Times illustrator then, i was approached to present a pen portrait of Bob Marley. That pen portrait, which appears in today’s post, became the choice illustration in several other publications thereafter.

In place of the cartoon corner, I serve you a second feature on Bob Marley with my pen sketch still in use nearly a year later.

Please bask in this victory.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REMEMBER PETER PAN?

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: REMEMBER PETER PAN?: "Peter Pan (the alter ego for Peter Enahoro) was a name both to love and to hate in the Nigerian media. He motivated positive minds while t..."

REMEMBER PETER PAN?

Peter Pan (the alter ego for Peter Enahoro) was a name both to love and to hate in the Nigerian media. He motivated positive minds while the fall guys rooted to have him checkmated. He became such an influence; Premier Ladoke Akintola banned the Daily Times from circulating in the Western Region!

One afternoon in December 1979, Mr. Dele Giwa invited me to his office for the purpose of doing a live sketch of Peter Pan right in his (Mr. Giwa’s) office. Mr. Giwa intended to use the artist impression for an article on Peter Pan to be published a few days away. I raced down to Mr. Giwa’s office with my sketching tools, but trying to accomplish that task produced so much drama in Mr. Giwa’s office. To do a live sketch, the model is required to cooperate with the artist and remain calm, but not Peter Pan. After a few attempts punctuated by roaring laughter from Dele Giwa, Peter Pan and myself, we all agreed that I should obtain Peter Pan’s portrait and retire to my office and do a quick sketch. The result of that portraiture done in pointillism is what you see in the article posted today.

In this article, written by Dele Giwa, you will have a great insight into the enigma called Peter Pan.

The question that should bother you after reading the article is, do we still have the likes of Peter Pan and Dele Giwa in our midst? Methinks we need them, particularly now that even the truck pushers, conductors and pepper hawkers are loudly advocating a new dawn. Join the bandwagon now.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

The Tory Government headed by Margaret Thatcher brought about a phenomenal overhaul of the British economy. Thatcher boasted to destroy Jim Callaghan’s economic formula and institute a fresh one. She made an impressive mark in that economic rejuvenation which became known as Thatchernomics. However, as you can see in today’s cartoon, it wasn’t all a picnic.

Let us pray that whoever emerges as Nigeria’s President in the next few hours does not get weighed down with his economic policies. Do I have your “Amen”?

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: HONOUR FOR SALE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: HONOUR FOR SALE: "Aristotle told the world that “Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them”. But you will agree with me that the ..."

HONOUR FOR SALE

Aristotle told the world that “Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them”. But you will agree with me that the reverse is the case in our nation. This is the only country where politicians will loot the treasury and proceed to acquire traditional titles, wives and estates even as the masses protest.

As we take the most decisive step tomorrow to elect a President, we must think about honour, and do so very seriously. To assist you in your thinking, I am posting today a poser from me which was published in the Sunday Concord of June 20, 1982. It is titled Where lies our honour?

Let us vote in a man of honour, realizing that the impact of our decision tomorrow will be like “…the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” Ps 133:2.

Vote wisely.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

For dessert, today’s cartoon shows the mood in Ikoyi Hotel after a man defrauded the hotel through the impersonation of the Vice president of the federal republic of Nigeria sometime in 1980.

THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS: CHECK IT OUT FROM MY NAME

Life is a struggle in continuum, no matter your age, gender, creed or status. The only thing that validates our struggles is the saying that THE END JUSTIFIES THE MEANS. Incidentally, that is the meaning of my name, as you will discover from this post.

In two day’s time, God expects us to take one more bold and wise step to determine our future with our votes. For one reason or the other, you may not find the need to oblige. This post which examines the various stages in my career, vis-à-vis the composite faces of public life is relevant to the moment.

Please step out of your comfort zone this Saturday. Cast your vote for your choice candidate, especially if you are convinced that none of the frontline candidates looks like a fool. Surely, the end will justify the means.

Vote wisely,

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CARTOON CORNER

The endless clamour for more universities across the nation began decades ago. Today’s cartoon on this issue was published in one of the Daily Times titles around 1980.

Enjoy your day while it lasts.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE CRY FOR ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE CRY FOR ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION: "Right on top of the agenda in group discussions, nationwide, is the need for economic emancipation through the ballot box. This calls to mi..."

THE CRY FOR ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION

Right on top of the agenda in group discussions, nationwide, is the need for economic emancipation through the ballot box. This calls to mind a lamentation I issued in the January 23, 1983 edition of Sunday Concord. Titled “Contry go beta gives way to contry har’o,” it is laden with humour, yet thought-provoking as it examined the effects of the inflation imposed by the Shagari administration.

As we march back to the polling stations to choose a President in the next three days, let us resolve to select a leader who will command the right presence of mind to free the masses from bondage.

Vote wisely!

CARTOON CORNER

Quebec, Canada’s most populous city, after Ontario has had a long bitter struggle for political sovereignty. The province which is blessed with abundance of resources has had several shots at freedom from Canada.

Today’s cartoon, published by one of the Daily Times titles in the early 1980s shows the struggles of Quebec at that time. As you get amused over this cartoon, take a deeper look. Do the masses of Nigeria not look like Quebec against the towering giants that have held us bound for decades?

Now is the time for emancipation. Go for it at the polls!

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE SPOILERS IN OUR MIDST

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE SPOILERS IN OUR MIDST: "While responding to a question from the presenter, yesterday, at the Investments Café (LTV 8 / DSTV 129), as part of a four-man panel exam..."

THE SPOILERS IN OUR MIDST

While responding to a question from the presenter, yesterday, at the Investments Café (LTV 8 / DSTV 129), as part of a four-man panel examining the economic importance of credible elections, I stated that the current bombing in some areas of the country are the handi-work of some fifth columnists operating in the manner of dogs in the manger. The moderator interjected humorously; “You mean spoilers?). It immediately reminded me of an article I did in the Sunday Concord titled The honourable babas in 1004 flats.

Please read the article and make up your mind not to be part of the spoilers in the nation.

CARTOON CORNER

Sometime in the 1980s, Nigerian streets were flooded with an occupation force of beggars from neighbouring countries. Today’s cartoon shows one instance of the mannerisms of some of the beggars who deployed force against their targets.

As we return to the polling booths to cast our votes, let us be determined never to be reduced to street beggars in foreign lands. The opportunity is ours now. Vote wisely.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE ELECTIONS: IGNORE THE THREATS

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: THE ELECTIONS: IGNORE THE THREATS: "As we progress with the elections, it is important to encourage every eligible voter to defy the threats of the forces of darkness who are..."

THE ELECTIONS: IGNORE THE THREATS

As we progress with the elections, it is important to encourage every eligible voter to defy the threats of the forces of darkness who are busy trying to divert attention with one bombing episode after the other.

Today’s post examines the genesis of this terrorism which began with the yet-unredressed bombing of Mr. Delegiwa in 1986. And because Dele Giwa’s murder has remained unredressed, it has led to the current domino effect of nation-wide terrorism.

The best we can do for ourselves as patriots is to troop out to the polling booths and vote in our choice candidates who will strive to restore law and order. INEC might not have gotten their acts totally together, but from indications around the country so far, we have no other choice than to cooperate fully every way.

CARTOON CORNER

1982 was declared the International Year for Sanctions against the Apartheid Regime. In today’s cartoon published by one of the Daily Times titles in January, 1982, Namibia is seen in a state of despair, unable to believe that apartheid would ever come to an end.

Well, just as apartheid finally came to an end, and freedom came to Southern Africa, I address you today, if you are a Nigerian, asking whether this election will bring us any good. The light is right at the end of the tunnel. Look out, and you will see it.

JOIN ME LIVE AT 3.00 PM TODAY (LTV Channel 8 / DSTV Channel 129)

At 3.00pm today, God willing, I will be addressing the Effects of a Credible Election on the Nigerian Economy. Please tune in to Investments Café, LTV Channel 8 / DSTV Channel 129. The programme is live. Let us join hands and rebuild Nigeria.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: NIGERIAN POLITICS: CARTOON CORNER

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: NIGERIAN POLITICS: CARTOON CORNER: "LOOKING BACK Nigeria is never lacking in ideas. The nation also, at every time, parades a crop of intellectuals who continue to proffer o..."

NIGERIAN POLITICS: CARTOON CORNER

LOOKING BACK

Nigeria is never lacking in ideas. The nation also, at every time, parades a crop of intellectuals who continue to proffer one solution after the other. What we are lacking is a leadership ready to listen to wise counsel and run with it.

This trend is the subject matter of today’s review article published in the Sunday Concord, sometime in 1993. Going through this post, you will find that there has not been any definite paradigm shift in the mentality of our politicians.

At the height of the Apartheid struggle, 1982 was proclaimed by the United Nations as the year of sanctions against the apartheid regime. The tongue-in-cheek proclamation is the subject of today’s cartoon.

As we return to the polling stations tomorrow, let us strive to vote in patriots and not those who will inflict apartheid on us. For all you know, the United Nations will only intervene for air strikes and useless aids that may never get to the masses. Now is the time to decide against oppression. Do not be frustrated by the hiccups of last Saturday. Troop out with zeal, withstand every temptation and vote wisely.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: EMULATE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: EMULATE: "“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say, t..."

EMULATE

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say, this was their finest hour.”

The above injunction from Sir Winston Churchill, was part of the recommendations made in an appeal I issued in the July 3, 1993 edition of Sunday Concord, at the high point of electioneering campaigns. Going through the same article even now, it does appear as if nothing has change.

Do you know any of the candidates running for high offices in the land? Please direct them to go through this appeal before they head out for the polls. It is not too late for any of them to change their minds.

CARTOON CORNER

Shah Reza Pahlavi of Iran committed atrocities against his country, Iran, and when tribulation came calling, he took off to the United States where he passed on amidst diplomatic tumult. In today’s carton, US officials are seen shedding crocodile tears over the coffin of the Shah. It’s a world of intrigues, isn’t it?

However, let us emulate Winston Churchill. Please repeat after me: “Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say, this was their finest hour.”

Open your eyes. Vote wisely!

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: VERDICT ’92: THE ACID TEST

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: VERDICT ’92: THE ACID TEST: "Going through today’s post, some may begin to wonder whether it is the same pacifist Charles who wrote this article and had it published i..."

VERDICT ’92: THE ACID TEST

Going through today’s post, some may begin to wonder whether it is the same pacifist Charles who wrote this article and had it published in the widely circulated Sunday Concord about 19 years ago. Of course, it is the same me. Afterall, didn’t the Bible state that “…whom the Father loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”?

My only regret is that it did not occur to me to bring up the baptism of fire contained in that article early enough for the present political actors. I could not locate the article until this morning. Nonetheless, please read it and get refreshed on that recommendation as well as the activities of the various umpires who had chaired the electoral process up until the time of that publication in 1992. Check out the performances of Michael Ani, Ovie Whisky, Eme Awa and Humphery Nwosu.

CARTOON CORNER

Meanwhile, as Alassane Ouattara gets set to assume power in Ivory Coast in the midst of tension, I bring you yet another picture of armed struggle over Rhodesia which later transformed into Zimbabwe. Who knows; very soon, it may be the turn of Zimbabweans garnering the support of the international community to remove Robert Mugabe, the stubborn bone in the nation’s throat. Let the revolution go round.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE

THE PRIZE OF AIDONKIACRACY

The apprehension in the air over last Saturday’s election hiccups can be attributed to what the French would call déjà vu (fear of the recurrence of an earlier experience). Of course, even as I continue to plead for understanding, I also take to heart the reaction the reaction of one the readers of yesterday’s post. As he counseled, we must continue to look over our shoulders to remind ourselves of the evil past and the possibility of their recurrence.

Accordingly, I present to you today, my reaction to the military coup of 1983 which toppled the Shagari administration. The feelings expressed by the Nigerian masses today are not different from those expressed in that article published in the Sunday concord on January 22, 1984. It was titled The Tragedy of Aidonkiacracy.

CARTOON CORNER

Today’s cartoon mirrors the panic following the breakdown of talks prior to the Zimbabwean independence. The cartoon features the various actors, both on the side of Zimbabwe and the apartheid regime in what was then known as Rhodesia. We must all continue to work for political and economic emancipation.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CONTENDING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: CONTENDING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT: "Fellow country men and women, As we brood over the abrupt dislocation of the electoral process over the weekend, as we grapple with the i..."

CONTENDING WITH DISAPPOINTMENT

Fellow country men and women,

As we brood over the abrupt dislocation of the electoral process over the weekend, as we grapple with the inconveniences and disappointments therefrom, let us understand that it is our duty to forge on. The enemy is on the prowl, expecting failure, but we must be on our guard rooting for victory.

I urge everyone to learn a lesson from an analysis of the impatient nature of the Nigerian published in the Sunday Concord sometime in 1982.

No matter what our feelings are, the path of honour is to encourage Professor Jega and his team, not to call for his head. Rather than condemn, let us make suggestions.

CARTOON CORNER

Today’s cartoon is on the misadventure of the Nixon administration, leading to the Cambodian genocide. The truth remains that harmony within any given system is a deterrent to imperialist intervention.

We must determine to fight against all external influences aimed at disintegrating Nigeria. The weapon in our hands is the ballot. With patience and good calculation, let us troop back to the polling booths this Saturday and throughout the elections. Let us vote wisely and ensure stability for our nation. The sacrifice is well worth it.

Remember, after the cloud comes the rain. God bless Professor Jega, God bless the Federal Government, and God bless you for your understanding.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE.

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FACE-TO-FACE WITH BUHARI

CHARLES ANYASI ...VINTAGE ARCHIVES: FACE-TO-FACE WITH BUHARI: "Tomorrow is the D-day for the kick off of the General Elections. Several candidates are lined up to seek the votes of the electorate. To..."

FACE-TO-FACE WITH BUHARI

Tomorrow is the D-day for the kick off of the General Elections. Several candidates are lined up to seek the votes of the electorate. Today, I bring you the inner workings of the mind of one of the frontline candidates – General Muhammadu Buhari.

This interview was published exactly 24 years ago by the Guardian Newspaper. You need this to help you in your decision. Read, ruminate and decide.

CARTOON CORNER

During the Second Republic, some of our legislators attempted to rob minds with members of the American Congress in a bid to improve themselves. The disgrace they encountered is the subject of today’s cartoon. I hope were are not heading for another NASCENT DEMOCRACY in which we keep learning without changing.

Lest we forget…CHANGE IS HERE