Rescuing our planet from extinction

Going by the happenings all over the world, as a result of the effect of carbon emission, it has become imperative for people, and nations, to put in place machinery to rescue our planet from self-inflicted peril.

In typical African communities, like Nigeria, failed promises of the government to provide efficient power supply has pushed people to use portable generator, whose carbon emission had resulted into death and caused serious harm to families. Gas flaring, also, had not only caused revenue loss but its significant effect is felt on depletion of ozone layer, ocean rising and desertification. It is forecasted that if no reasonable action is taken low level cities like Lagos, Mississippi are at risk of being submerged due to ocean rising. Automobile exhaust, bush burning, deforestation, poor waste disposal and the likes are also contribute immeasurably to global house warming, the effect of which if not checked now might result in extinction of this beautiful planet, earth.

Greening our environment is the only feasible approach that can reverse this trend. I think our generation ought to venture into developing low carbon footprint and encourage energy efficient technology. This is the time to discourage poor waste disposal, bush burning and deforestation and simultaneously encourage and campaign for afforestation, recycling of wastes and developing local consumption for technological products like water powered electricity generator, water operated cars, solar power operated street light and massive harnessing of solar and wind energy, which are abundant in Africa, in generating electricity rather than oil, gas or nuclear means.

These innovative and environment-friendly approaches will reduce unemployment, turn graduates and people at large, from job seekers to job creators; employees to employers and above all, we’ll be indispensable in turning Nigeria, and the whole world, around technology wise. Water-powered and environment-friendly technology is a must.

Ajayi Olayide,
Ejigbo, Osun State.

EFCC, sustain clampdown on corrupt officials

The momentum gathered by the current clampdown on fraudsters in the country will douse the doubt by most Nigerians that the new EFCC leadership can sustain the good works of the Ribadu administration. The current tempo at the anti-graft commission has confirmed that it is not the personality but the strength of the law and capacity of institution through which the anti-graft process is being driven that is of utmost importance.

The unveiled attempt by the EFCC to open the closed files of culprits of high place corruption is a testimony that Nigerians should expect better days ahead under the Farida Waziri leadership.

The appointment of Mrs. Waziri as Chairman of the EFCC would no doubt put the organization in forward movement gear; hence Nigerians should expect a new direction for the anti-graft war in view of the fact that the past of the EFCC has been tainted with several allegations of impropriety due to the closeness of its former leadership to former President Obasanjo who was accused of using the commission against its mission statement to curb the menace of corruption and financial crimes in public places. It has been alleged that EFCC turned Chief Obasanjo’s instrument for witch hunting political opponents and a means to mete out selective justice.

Nevertheless,the pledge by Mrs. Farida Waziri to reposition the EFCC in line with the anti-corruption posture of President Umaru Yar’Adua is being keenly watched, but Nigerians in addition would advise that Mrs Waziri should not just take the EFCC to the next level but to a stage that would see the EFCC working within the ambit of Nigerian law and in conformity with UN convention on corruption.

Mere institutional restructuring by replacement of current EFCC officials will not be enough as Nigerians would want to see a change that reflects a new orientation and human rights focused philosophy , underlined by compassion, courage, commitment and character which are necessary to bail the country out of its roguish status and transform her into a society where everyone is equal before the law and where nobody is treated as a sacred cow.

The new EFCC leadership will be evaluated by its commitment to laying a better foundation for the eradication of economic crimes and corruption in Nigeria through measurable indicators in terms of how the outstanding cases against institutions and individuals are handled, how many cases are diligently prosecuted and the number of convictions secured.

Mashood Erubami,
TMG Chair,
Block B, Flat 2,
Ogun Court ,
Gaduwa Estate
Apo, Abuja.