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