THE OIL RICH BUT POOR COUNTRY

Nigeria is the biggest oil producer in Africa but most of its citizens are living in absolute poverty.The paradox here is that despite its growing economy, the country is characterized by almost 70% of its population living on less than a $1 a day.

For a country whose economy is striving, I sometimes wonder how  or why Nigerian citizens are languishing in poverty.I believe that although there are a number of factors that have constituted to this situation, one outstanding factor is a corrupt political system.The government is supposed to make use of the revenues it gets from oil production to better the living standards of its people but that seems not to be the case in Nigeria.

There is too much corruption and mismanagement in the oil production sector.The oil production revenues,which are supposed to benefit the people of Nigeria are instead diverted to other personal uses.Industry sources have said that at least 1000 barrels of  national oil exports are stolen everyday.

Nigerian citizens protest against corruption

  for Nigeria to strive in all spheres, President Goodluck Jonathan has to make sure that there is complete eradication of corruption in the oil sector.In that way, the country will be set to witness a number of major improvements.


sources-www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2004/12/17/corruption
allafrica.com/stories/201202210674.html
image-nigerianews.com

MUGABE ATTACKS ZUMA

This is one of the rare moments in my life where I am forced to agree with President Mugabe, though partially of course. Well, he might be right after all in threatening to ditch the South African President, Jacob Zuma as a mediator for Zimbabwe. Let us face it, it has been about 3years since Zuma became the mediator and there has not been any evidence to show that he has been doing his job. The situation in Zimbabwe is in fact getting worse as the country is spiraling further into disastrous social, economic and political situation. My question is, why still keep him as the mediator of Zimbabwe if there is no progress at all?

However, although I support Mugabe on this matter, I have to question why Mugabe is so eager to do away with Zuma,it might be that Zuma is advocating for the full implementation of the power-sharing Global Political Agreement including the setting up of the new constitution before elections are held of which I totally agree with him. Mugabe and his Zanu PF party strongly oppose this, they want the elections as soon as possible without any reforms so as to maintain their stay in power and dissolve the coalition government.
Story taken from- www.thestandard.co.uk
  image link is-www.google.co.zw/imgres?imgurl=http://www.mwonl/data/files/images/

the two leaders in happier times

SUSPENSION OF THE NGOs,A MISTAKE

I am utterly disappointed and outraged by the decision taken by the Masvingo Provincial Governor Titus Maluleke to suspend over 30 local and international Non-Governmental Organisations from operating in the province.His reason being that these Organisations are defying a directive to register with his office.This suspension of the NGOs reflects the chaos and instability which characterises Zimbabwe.

My main worry here is that Mr Maluleke who is also the Zanu PF senator for Chiredzi seems not to realise or is equally ignorant of the negative impact this move would have on a number of  villagers and other ordinary Zimbabweans who had been relying on these organisations for food, medical aid and other much needed basic requirements.The current drought in Zimbabwe has also led most people to sorely depend on these Organisations for survival. Some of the organisations which have been suspended include HIV and AIDS groups,Care International Bikita, Zvishavane Water Project Chivi and FACT.
His reason for suspending the NGOs is overshadowed by the fact that Zanu PF has always had a negative attitude towards the NGOs mainly those in humanitarian,human rights,governance and developmental sectors in the country. So Mr Maluleke's decision may be politically motivated in that it might be a way of totally getting rid of the NGOs who are accused   of working for the MDC party by ZANU PF.

The tension between  ZANU PF and the MDC is affecting ordinary citizens of Zimbabwe.Mr Maluleke must also take the needs of the people at heart and take that as the first and foremost priority above  political ambitions.His suspending the NGOs is therefore not a solution and it is a wrong turn which will set up disastrous consequences in the end.  

ISRAEL, IRAN CLASH

The tension between Israel and Iran has escalated after the Israeli Embassy vehicles were bombed recently in India and Georgia, an act which has outraged Israel.In these attacks, Israel has not been hesitant in pointing a finger at Iran as the one responsible. The Israeli Prime Minister has expressed his bitterness towards the bombing which he termed the "terrorist attacks" from Iran.In defense, Iran has denied any involvement in the attacks.These attacks follow the attacks and killings of  Iran nuclear Scientists by Israel. Could this be Iran's way of revenge against Israel? 

VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN SYRIA

The violence in Syria is escalating as death rates keep on increasing each day.The United Nations debates have come up with a plan to send peacemakers to Syria as soon as possible. According to UN, further delays in solving the crisis may strengthen the Syrian Government's will in crushing opposition.The UN is mainly concerned about the ordinary citizens of Syria who are suffering from these attacks.It has labelled the Government's attacks on the citizens as "crimes against humanity". The citizens need urgent aid in the form of food, water, medical attention and other basic requirements. The Ambassador to Syria pointed out that the Government in Syria has a right to defend its people against ''terrorism". So far there has been a lot of talking but little action in solving the crisis.If the Government continues to launch its attacks on opposition ,the attempts of the Syrians to oust their leader might prove to be futile in the end.

Syrian crisis, what needs to be done?

The Syrian crisis has escalated and there seems to be no hope in it ever ending.The opposition in Syria is dissatisfied with the rule of President Bashar Al Assad and wants him to step down.In all that,the Syrian government has emerged to be the villain as its security forces have been attacking the civilians there.The government  is termed to be waging a war against its own peopleIts justification has been that the attacks are aimed at gangs and terrorists.The situation has been described by the media as miserable as the U.N has recorded the deaths of 6000 people since the start of the uprising.There are fears that it could breakdown to a civil war and eventually a regional conflict.Syria seems to be in a tight situation because there seems to be no nation helping it at the moment.Complaints and discontentments have arisen among the Syrian people who have lost hope,their dissappointments lie in the fact that U.S and some nations helped Libya but they have not offered any assistance for Syria.Syria has been isolated and Libya has reportedly severed its ties with Syria.Will there ever be any hope for Syria?