The NR How To Thread...

[prettykisses]

(1).In 1986, President Ibrahim Babangida set up a committee (the Political Bureau) to ascertain the political preferences of Nigerians. The committee organized a series of national debates and invited Nigerians to submit memoranda on their preferred political options. It received many memoranda on the role of traditional rulers. As the committee noted in its report, the issue of traditional rulership was “one of the topics in the debate which generated considerable interest.”5 The framers of Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution thought that they had resolved the debate by denying traditional rulers any formal political role in the new constitution. This was in sharp contrast to the 1963 Constitution which created a legislative chamber in each of the regions for chiefs. Following the practice initiated by the architects of the 1979 Constitution, the framers of the 1989 and 1995 Constitutions did not provide any meaningful political roles for traditional rulers. The dominant sentiment among the architects of these three constitutions was that traditional rulers were irrelevant within the context of a Nigerian democracy that emphasizes achievement rather than ascribed status. The framers of the constitutions also seemed uncomfortable in providing a constitutional role for a set of rulers whose very mode of exercising political power appeared to conflict with the ideal of democratic governance.

(2).The 1979, 1989 and 1995 constitutions attempted to diminish the political significance of traditional rulers by denying them explicit executive, legislative or judicial roles in the constitution. Nonetheless, that attempt and similar efforts to relegate traditional rulers and their indigenous political institutions and practices to the political backwaters of Nigeria have been largely unsuccessful. Not only do the role and relevance of the chief or traditional ruler remain a contested terrain in political discourse in Nigeria, political disputes over particular traditional thrones frequently erupt to create serious socio-political crises in many parts of the country. Chieftaincy disputes over successions to the thrones of traditional rulers have led to violence in many parts of the country. Many Nigerians have lost their lives in such violent protests. For instance, the riots over the Sokoto State government’s appointment of Ibrahim Dasuki over Muhammadu Maccido as the Sultan of Sokoto in November 1988 led to the death of thirteen people in Sokoto city.6 In the same vein, a dispute between two contestants to the throne of the Oluo of Okeoyi in Kwara State, in September 1993, led to rioting that resulted in several deaths and in extensive destruction of property.7 Similarly, in April 1997, several people were killed and thousands of people had their homes looted and/or burnt down in Agila village in Benue State, in an orchestrated attempt to impose a new second-class chief on the people.

(3).Traditional political institutions, of which traditional rulership constitutes an important element, form the bedrock of the political experience of many Nigerians. These institutions elicit greater confidence and legitimacy in the eyes of many Nigerians than the institutions of the modern Nigerian state. Nigeria’s new political structures are dominated by military officers and their civilian acolytes who maintain themselves in power by restricting access to political participation. Accordingly, autocracy, repression and bribery constitute the mechanism for governance under military rule. The indigenous political institutions on the other hand, provide room for meaningful political participation. A central feature of these institutions is the emphasis which they place on extensive discussion of public issues. In many instances, debates and discussions continue until a consensus is reached.

4).Colonialism also removed or curtailed the people’s entrenched mechanisms for removing or disciplining errant rulers. Unlike the pre-colonial practice whereby rulers governed through customarily established rules and procedures, traditional rulers now ruled under letters of appointment spelling out their powers and functions as colonial underlings. So long as they carried out the wishes of their colonial overlords and did not threaten the process of colonial exploitation, they could retain their power. It should also be recalled that in places where British imperial officials could find no ready-made political institutions to ease the process of colonial exploitation, they created new ones. For instance, warrant chiefs through whom Britain could exercise political power were appointed in Eastern Nigeria. For the most part, Eastern Nigeria did not have the well-established system of administration over which the Indirect Rule mode of governance was anchored.

(5).Formal constitutional roles were granted to traditional rulers in the North in the Richards Constitution of 1945. The House of Chiefs for the Northern Region which the Constitution created was composed of the all first class chiefs and no less than ten second class chiefs. It had the highest British official in the region---the Chief Commissioner-- as its president. It was a legislative assembly.31 The Macpherson Constitution which was promulgated in 1951 extended the idea of a chiefs’ legislative assembly to the Western Region by creating a Western House of Chiefs. Composed of the Lieutenant-Governor as president, it had no more than 50 chiefs and three colonial officials as members. Thus, under the Macpherson Constitution, two out of the three regions in the country had legislative assemblies for chiefs. There were 37 second class chiefs and one adviser on Islamic law in the Northern House of Chiefs under this constitution. In addition, all the first class chiefs in the region were members. Three colonial officials and the region’s lieutenant-governor who served as the president of the House completed the roster of members.
================================================================================================
Presented at the 46th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria. Organized by: Nigerian Association of Southern California, Colton, California.

hen God created Heaven and Earth, the world was in vacuum and God created man in His own image and a woman from a man, so the believers would argue. God dispersed them with different languages for their plans to build a castle to reach God. Since then it has been hard for the whole world to understand each others. Could those that have the mind to see God by building a Castle were those that settled in Nigeria today?

advertisement

While thanking Nigerian Association of Southern California (NASCA) for the opportunity to dialogue on "Nigerian Politics - Past, Present, and Future", Nigerians should not waste much time in debating the past, but should focus on the future, using the present day events as barometer to measure the future.

I commend NASCA efforts as a multi-ethnic and cross-cultural organization founded in 1976; your continuous works toward a unified Nigeria especially in the United States of America; building bridges and fostering cooperation and unity amongst Nigerian sectional organizations and cultural groups; networking with organizations and groups in spreading Nigeria's democratic ideals and the promotion of our culture and heritage, are highly commendable.

We are hoping that NASCA would make its positive presence a focal point for the Nigerian communities across the United States of America, by forming and strengthening mutual affiliations with organizations. NASCA should continue to have a unified Nigerian community that is law-abiding, progressive and hardworking. This organization is in a position to work with and assist other sectional organizations achieve common goals and objectives.

Nigeria is a country of over 115 million people comprising of over 250 ethnic groupings, with more than 4, 000 dialects, either by accident or design, came under the British rule. Obtaining Independence over 46 years ago (2006), October 1, 1960, and a Republic in 1963, with a federal structure and three regional governments based on the compass points of north, east, and west, Nigeria is still very fragmented along ethnic and religious lines. Thanks to Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida for this absorbent arrangement.

Historically, the mixing of different Groups and called them Nigeria, could have been a mistake. However, when life made lemon, you make lemonade out of it. The attainment of independence through the activities of Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe, Eastern Region Premier, the First Nigerian President, a journalist, was best remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian nation; Alhaji Sir Tafawa Balewa, First Nigerian Prime Minister, a teacher, was widely admired for his simplicity and humility. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Western Premier, a lawyer, an unyielding advocate of federalism and socio-economic programs; Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Northern Premier, known for his efforts to bring the North along side the Western Education, are appreciated by Nigerians.

Ahmadu Bello once said, at least for likes Babangida to take note;

"Here in the Northern Nigeria we have People of Many different races, tribes and religious who are knit together to common history, common interest and common ideas, the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us. I always remind people of our firmly rooted policy of religious tolerance. {underlined mine} We have no intention of favouring one religion at the expense of another. Subject to the overriding need to preserve law and order, it is our determination that everyone should have absolute liberty to practice his belief according to the dictates of his conscience…"

Religious tolerance should be a binding 'string' for Nigerians.

The efforts of Nigerian founding fathers to keep Nigeria united were thwarted by the Military in 1966 with the notion that the Premiers deviated from the Unity efforts. Military interference lasted till 1999, with Divine intervention.

Aguiyi Ironsi struggled for Nigerian Unity with no time. His colleagues showed him the way out of this world in a swift reaction to his policy of Unitary Government.

The youthful Yakubu Gowon picked up the pieces from late Ironsi, and took Nigeria through a 30-month civil war, with made-to-believe of no winners, no losers. Gowon declared the three Rs to unite Nigeria: Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation. How well the three Rs were met, is an eye opener to the entire world. Gowon moved Nigeria from the regional division to Statehood, with the creation of States.

While Gowon pled with Nigerians to allow his ruling Team to have their breakfast after nine years of Military rule, Murtala Mohammed, told him, in the Military language, to go and have the breakfast someone else. Some hardcore Military officers did not like been stopped from taking their breakfast, they took Murtala out of this world, like they did with Aguiyi Ironsi.

Murtala further divided Nigeria into smaller States. Murtala's short reign had a major impact on subsequent developments in the Nigerian nation. On assumption of office, he reformed the civil service and other major institutions. His government outlined a political program that included the creation of seven more states, the drafting of a new constitution, and the organization of state and national elections as a prelude to a return to civilian rule on 1 October 1979. A committee on a new federal capital was appointed, the findings of which culminated in the change of the Federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. His government also ran a dynamic foreign policy.

A reluctant Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo was forced to continue Murtala's reforms. Nigeria changed from the British Parliamentary system to American Presidential system in 1979. Presidential system that is so loaded with corruption, if there were no 'shock absorbers' to control its operations. Obasanjo handed over the baton to Shehu Shagari among the election controversies, between UPN and NPN. What we could attribute to Obasanjo's military administration was the handling over to the civilian since the Military took over in Nigeria, in 1966. That was a legacy.

Shehu Shagari, a moral upright person, allowed his Ministers to wallow in the water of corruption. The Military came back in 1983, as he was about to settle down for his second term, as a civilian President.

Muhammed Buhari, with Agboola Idiagbon as the second in command, struggled to instill some discipline in the Nigerian Society, especially against the Drug Dealers. Its popular slogan was "War Against Indiscipline". Unfortunately the discipline journey in Nigeria was cut short by another Military intervention, this time with the coup architect, Ibrahim Babangida

Ibrahim Babangida administration was painted in dreary colors: the devastating Structural Adjustment Program, SAP; the trio officials' destruction of Education; the total collapse of Nigeria infrastructure; the legalization of corruption; the promotion of another brand of economic sabotage, the popular "419"; and finally the annulment of the most credible election in Nigerian History, June 12, 2003.

Recently Babangida said he cancelled 2003 election, but he did not annul it. Some of you who understood English better than me could tell Babangida the difference between "Cancellation" and "Annulment".

That could be viewed as an insult to most Nigerians Abroad that he sentenced to the 'Refugee Camp' under the "Brain Drain". Nigerians Abroad are Refugees, regardless their life style. When the country is not good, good enough for one tenth of world population to respect, or for you to return to, either on vacation, or business, you cannot raise your head above your shoulder, that you are not a refugee.

Babangida is on the trail of coming back. The most sickening part of his Presidential ambition is for some Nigerians Abroad, who are underemployed, desolately unemployed, are supporting Babangida to come back to continue his ethnic and religious divide of Nigerians after his eight years failed administration. He stepped aside in 1993, now, (2006) wanting to step in, come 2007. Nigeria needs leaders not rulers.

Earnest Shonekan was positioned to readjust the Military next step through Interim National Government. Interim National Government of Shonekan ushered in Sanni Abacha, the highest public looter of the Century. I did not say that, that was Nuhu Ribadu's findings.

I hate to talk about the dead. Of what use is talking about the dead man that is defenseless. All we know about Abacha is what you all know about Abacha. Right? Like my baby said at my 25th Wedding Anniversary, (May 27, 2005) when asked to say something about papa and mama, he said "All I have to say is that I have nothing to say". You be the judge on Abacha's case.

Abdul Salaam took over after Abacha's death to complete the Divine Intervention when he organized an election that ushered in another Military man in a civilian dress, as the new Nigerian President, President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Some section of Nigerians thought that Obasanjo would be a reluctant President from the reluctant Head of State (1979) who was believed would be another 'chicken' and 'turkey' in 1999. He was brought in to pacify the South for the annulment of the 1993 elections. Obasanjo studied the situation in his first term and 'forced' himself on Nigeria in 2003 through massive riggings. That gave him the opportunity to do whatever he is doing now, taming his fellow rogues. If Nigerians have allowed him the Third Term, he would put all corrupt officials in jail, not killing them like Rawlings did in Ghana. Hopefully Nigeria would have a true democratically elected President in 2007 to continue Obasanjo's reforms. Nigeria is now searching for the next President.

According to EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, all the current politicians are "corrupt". El Rufai would say that Nigeria National Assembly belongs to the club of "Fools at Forty", and "Vagabonds in Power". PDP Chairman, Dr. Mohammadu Ali would echo that to say that those at the helms of Nigerian affairs are "Idiots", "Rascals", "Empty Barrels", "Rats", and "Bigger Rats". Ribadu the EFCC Chairman just mentioned that the highest public treasury looter is a former Nigerian leader, late Abacha. Case closed.

At the incense of the new Democracy in Nigeria, 1999, the first set of the members of the National Assembly was a millionaire race. Certificate falsifications to get qualified was highly displayed, abuse of power, election rigging was at the highest order.

What is currently happening in the country might determine the future of Nigeria, that is the fight against Corruption. Let me make it clear to all of you that I am not a strong fan of Obasanjo. However, for his bold step against corruption, the man deserves our support. This is not an ethnic or religious fight; Corruption has no ethnic or religious inclination. The fight against corruption is a current challenge to Nigerians at home and abroad. The end result determines the future of Nigeria and Nigerians especially Nigerians Abroad.

One good thing that I love about Obasanjo's fight against corruption is with individuals in the highest position of authority. Some schools of thought might take his corruption crusade to be selective, which is subject to debate. I do not see any of the past leaders that have attempted to do that, even among the Military circle, which claimed to restore Nigeria image.

There is no point of punishing the poor little rogues. Rogues are rouges, anyway, regardless how little, but to target the biggest rogues, is a job well done by Obasanjo's administration. I believe the message from Obasanjo to Nigerians is that 'fellow rogues; we are not going to steal people's money any more, enough is enough'.

The Chief Law enforcer was the first to get the message; then the Education Minister; Members of the National Assembly; the Governors; and now the Presidency. How do you expect the President to clean himself of any allegations? Nigerians would do that for the country. Nigerians should allow him to get rid of his fellow rogues in the system. He knows their footpaths on the rock. There after, Nigerians would go after him, big time.

The Nigerian number two man was accused of some dirty deals, abusing his office, instead for him to defend the allegations against him; he resolved to remind the President, whom he never respected, as part of the stealing gang. While I am not doubting what Atiku says about Obasanjo, his mistresses, I would not expect an elementary school student to respond the way he responded to the allegations. Atiku should defend, clean up his name, and revives his image. Where is that human being without some skeleton in his closet?

Please do not get me wrong. There is no absolute clean country, clean individual, or a saint anywhere in the world, including the religious leaders. Na lie be dat. However, the openness of corruption in Nigeria is very disturbing. It has to be reduced into its barest and manageable level. Part of the medication to cure Nigeria will come from Nigerians Abroad.

Nigerians all over the world should support the home government in fighting corruption. In doing this, there is the need for a Massive Education. NAFDAC, under my good Professor Dora Akunyili, is doing that successfully. This is not to say that Nigerians are not educated, unfortunately, some workers have misdirected their education. Most Nigerians workers are very dedicated; they would go at any length to do their work, under very challenging situations. Massive education is needed for Nigerians to make Nigerian leaders responsible.

In line with that, there should be some means of decentralizing power in Nigeria. Even though Nigeria is practicing Presidential Democracy, there is still the need to incorporate some checks and balances into it. Once you concentrate finances, appointments into an individual, there is the tendency for abuse in a big way, especially in Nigeria.

I have been so disturbed by the search for the next Nigerian President in 2007. There has been divergent opinion on who should be the next Nigerian President. If all the current so-called Nigerian leaders are what Nuhu, Ali and el-Rufai are, where are we going to find some credible candidates for the Nigerian President, State Governors, Legislators at both the Federal, State and Local levels?

The North is campaigning to have the next President from the region; the South is struggling to have the next President, and the West has no choice at this point, but to play a beautiful bride's role. In a civilized society, nothing is wrong for the West producing another President. But with the loose relationships within Nigeria today (2006), another group should be allowed to produce the 2007 President.

The fact that the South NEVER produced a President, some people are of the opinion that the South should be given the opportunity, if they have the credible candidate. That is the danger of rotating the President, if and when it comes to your area, and what we have are what Nuhu, El-Rufai, and Ali said, then Nigeria is in trouble. With the base of Nigerian economy from the South, at least for now, and the area is like the ancient period compared to any oil producing areas of the world, a right thinking mind would agree, for whichever party is in control, to allow the area to produce the 2007 President.

It will be an act of greed for any other area, the North or the West to say it wants to produce the 2007 President. Nigeria should read the handwriting on the wall the reasons behind the North struggling to produce the next President. It is part of what has been troubling the country for a long time, which Babangida promoted in his administration.

I believe that Nigerians should support the South, either South-South, or South-East, to produce the next President. Nigerians would shape that individual, and tame his policies to be Nigeria and not sectional. It might pacify the people of Delta, and stop all the troubles there. That is a task for most Nigerians Abroad.

The Technocrats could continue to fold their arms and refusing to be part of the process. What we might end up with is for those categories mentioned above to keep on ruling, and ruining, and not leading Nigeria.

The Economic reforms in Nigeria was led by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Due Process was led by Dr. Ezekwesili, the fight against fake drugs, impure water, poisoned food is being led by Professor Dora Akunyili. All are women. This is a message to all Nigerian women, especially Nigerians Abroad, that their place is no longer in the kitchen or in the bedroom. It is about time Nigerian women get involved in the running of Nigerian affairs. They are capable to do what Nigerian men are doing, or even do it better.

The National Political Reform met and came up with amendments to the 1999 Constitution. Nigerian National Assembly was blinded by a section of Nigeria society, not to see 113 clauses of the NPR recommendations. Instead National Assembly diverted Nigerians attention to the Third Term Agenda of Obasanjo's administration; hence, Dr. Ali's reference to the National Assembly as "Idiots and Rascals". As a result of trashing the whole exercise of NPR while focusing on third term agenda, Dr. Ali states that "They did worthless work and dispersed shamelessly" without considering the amount of time spent on the Constitution Amendments, the tax payers money spent on it, and the stress Nigerians went through with the Constitutional amendment.

Parts of the clauses are Financial Discipline; Revenue Derivation Principle; Limiting Immunity to civil proceedings; The South East zone yearning for new State; Citizenship and Indigeneship; and Nigerian Traditional. Others are National Assembly financial independent which is still under the Presidency; Making Independent National Electoral Commission truly independent free from any government manipulations; Independent Local Government - Joint State and Local Government Accounts; Oil Revenue sharing; Rotational or Zoning Presidency; Common Nigerian Language as an official language; Qualifications for the President; Term in Office; Militia and Vigilant Groups; National Security; Judiciary Reforms; Environment and Natural Resources; Social Infrastructure for National Development And Integration; and National Security.

Nigerians Abroad should be actively involved in the process. Get involved - sponsor credible candidates to replace "Fools" and "Vagabonds in Power". Sponsor some legislation; otherwise Nigeria will continue to run the affairs of Nigeria by "Idiots", "Fools at Forty", "Rats", and "Bigger Rats". What do we expect from a fool, more than thoughtless decisions? As long as Nigerians allow them to keep on occupying the positions of authority, nothing would ever change for good in Nigeria. We do not have to be looking for an immediate reward with this exercise. It is going to be expensive, draining, and rewarding if done right.

Intervention in Health Services would be ideal. Good health would create a very sound mind. There are many poor individuals in Nigeria that do not have the means of seeing a Doctor. Instead they resolved into visiting the religious leaders as a means of resolving their illnesses. Unfortunately, religious leaders take advantage of poor Nigerians. The country is full of fake religious leaders. The Religious leaders are feeding in cheese butter, while the followers are feeding on sheabutter. That is interesting.

Nigeria needs to attract remittances from Nigerians Abroad to stimulate the nation's economy on the path of sustainable growth. I would say that money sent from abroad sustains Nigerian economy.

Nigerians Abroad could continue collecting Mathematics, Technology, Science and Medical Books through their organizations, and ship them home. Social Sciences books could be minimal. NASCA is a non-profit.

In addition Nigerians Abroad should engage in Small Scale Businesses. As you might have noticed, Small Businesses are sustaining United States of American. Small businesses benefit the immediate environment.

NASCA should be looking at setting up a local chapter in Nigeria as a bridge between USA and Nigeria. Establishing branches of Your Organizations in Nigeria forms a network string. That is a link for better use, so whatever you do in USA would be qualified with the home base. Or you might just want to have some credible individuals to do this for you. Just to make sure that what you are sending home is getting to the right place, not ending up at individual homes. Fortunately one of your own is an Honorable member of the House of Representatives in Abuja.

Set up a Youth Wing of your organization. Start teaching them your culture and encourage them to go home with you once in a while. Use the Cultural aspect of your Organization to promote UNITY, educate them who you are. That is a clever way of promoting Nigerian image.

While no one is an Island, and we need to mingle with the society where we live, NASCA members should be involved in the local politics. No partisanship. When you are involved, you are exposing yourself to the public, when you help them during the elections, they turn around to help you when you need them. Their help could be transferred across the US border to Nigeria. The network would continue to grow. Attend City, and County meetings, gatherings, School Boards activities, volunteer for non-profit organizations in your respective communities, at religious gatherings and promote oneness, unity, friendliness. Do not make yourself an Island. It gets you no where.

Finally, we have to change our mmindset. If we do not wear that change within, nothing will look right. Take a look at one of my articles on www.Nigeriaworld.com, "I am Nigeria, the Changes Begin with Me", published May 2, 2006. You can visit www.theblacktelevision.com, "Nigeria This Week", every week, for more discussions on Nigeria. Nigerians have to change their mindset, and individuals' intervention would help the country stand the test of time.

Allow me to close by borrowing from late Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and the First Premier of Northern Region on Independence Day, 1960, he said:

"The eyes of the world are on Nigeria now and there are many friends who hope that we shall be the leading nation in Africa. Let me say with all the emphasis at my command that we shall never attain this goal if there is suspicion and mistrust among the peoples of Nigeria. Such an attitude cannot benefit anyone and can too easily lead to strife as has been the painful experience of other independent nations in Africa and elsewhere. Let us not forget our dreams of national unity in Nigeria cannot be realized without honest hard work and the respect for one another's views and peculiar ways - be they customs or traditions. The different tribal groups in this country must learn to accommodate members of other tribal groups."


(4).Colonialism also removed or curtailed the people’s entrenched mechanisms for removing or disciplining errant rulers. Unlike the pre-colonial practice whereby rulers governed through customarily established rules and procedures, traditional rulers now ruled under letters of appointment spelling out their powers and functions as colonial underlings. So long as they carried out the wishes of their colonial overlords and did not threaten the process of colonial exploitation, they could retain their power. It should also be recalled that in places where British imperial officials could find no ready-made political institutions to ease the process of colonial exploitation, they created new ones. For instance, warrant chiefs through whom Britain could exercise political power were appointed in Eastern Nigeria. For the most part, Eastern Nigeria did not have the well-established system of administration over which the Indirect Rule mode of governance was anchored.

(5).Formal constitutional roles were granted to traditional rulers in the North in the Richards Constitution of 1945. The House of Chiefs for the Northern Region which the Constitution created was composed of the all first class chiefs and no less than ten second class chiefs. It had the highest British official in the region---the Chief Commissioner-- as its president. It was a legislative assembly.31 The Macpherson Constitution which was promulgated in 1951 extended the idea of a chiefs’ legislative assembly to the Western Region by creating a Western House of Chiefs. Composed of the Lieutenant-Governor as president, it had no more than 50 chiefs and three colonial officials as members. Thus, under the Macpherson Constitution, two out of the three regions in the country had legislative assemblies for chiefs. There were 37 second class chiefs and one adviser on Islamic law in the Northern House of Chiefs under this constitution. In addition, all the first class chiefs in the region were members. Three colonial officials and the region’s lieutenant-governor who served as the president of the House completed the roster of members.

[prettykisses]

(1).In 1986, President Ibrahim Babangida set up a committee (the Political Bureau) to ascertain the political preferences of Nigerians. The committee organized a series of national debates and invited Nigerians to submit memoranda on their preferred political options. It received many memoranda on the role of traditional rulers. As the committee noted in its report, the issue of traditional rulership was “one of the topics in the debate which generated considerable interest.”5 The framers of Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution thought that they had resolved the debate by denying traditional rulers any formal political role in the new constitution. This was in sharp contrast to the 1963 Constitution which created a legislative chamber in each of the regions for chiefs. Following the practice initiated by the architects of the 1979 Constitution, the framers of the 1989 and 1995 Constitutions did not provide any meaningful political roles for traditional rulers. The dominant sentiment among the architects of these three constitutions was that traditional rulers were irrelevant within the context of a Nigerian democracy that emphasizes achievement rather than ascribed status. The framers of the constitutions also seemed uncomfortable in providing a constitutional role for a set of rulers whose very mode of exercising political power appeared to conflict with the ideal of democratic governance.

(2).The 1979, 1989 and 1995 constitutions attempted to diminish the political significance of traditional rulers by denying them explicit executive, legislative or judicial roles in the constitution. Nonetheless, that attempt and similar efforts to relegate traditional rulers and their indigenous political institutions and practices to the political backwaters of Nigeria have been largely unsuccessful. Not only do the role and relevance of the chief or traditional ruler remain a contested terrain in political discourse in Nigeria, political disputes over particular traditional thrones frequently erupt to create serious socio-political crises in many parts of the country. Chieftaincy disputes over successions to the thrones of traditional rulers have led to violence in many parts of the country. Many Nigerians have lost their lives in such violent protests. For instance, the riots over the Sokoto State government’s appointment of Ibrahim Dasuki over Muhammadu Maccido as the Sultan of Sokoto in November 1988 led to the death of thirteen people in Sokoto city.6 In the same vein, a dispute between two contestants to the throne of the Oluo of Okeoyi in Kwara State, in September 1993, led to rioting that resulted in several deaths and in extensive destruction of property.7 Similarly, in April 1997, several people were killed and thousands of people had their homes looted and/or burnt down in Agila village in Benue State, in an orchestrated attempt to impose a new second-class chief on the people.

(3).Traditional political institutions, of which traditional rulership constitutes an important element, form the bedrock of the political experience of many Nigerians. These institutions elicit greater confidence and legitimacy in the eyes of many Nigerians than the institutions of the modern Nigerian state. Nigeria’s new political structures are dominated by military officers and their civilian acolytes who maintain themselves in power by restricting access to political participation. Accordingly, autocracy, repression and bribery constitute the mechanism for governance under military rule. The indigenous political institutions on the other hand, provide room for meaningful political participation. A central feature of these institutions is the emphasis which they place on extensive discussion of public issues. In many instances, debates and discussions continue until a consensus is reached.

4).Colonialism also removed or curtailed the people’s entrenched mechanisms for removing or disciplining errant rulers. Unlike the pre-colonial practice whereby rulers governed through customarily established rules and procedures, traditional rulers now ruled under letters of appointment spelling out their powers and functions as colonial underlings. So long as they carried out the wishes of their colonial overlords and did not threaten the process of colonial exploitation, they could retain their power. It should also be recalled that in places where British imperial officials could find no ready-made political institutions to ease the process of colonial exploitation, they created new ones. For instance, warrant chiefs through whom Britain could exercise political power were appointed in Eastern Nigeria. For the most part, Eastern Nigeria did not have the well-established system of administration over which the Indirect Rule mode of governance was anchored.

(5).Formal constitutional roles were granted to traditional rulers in the North in the Richards Constitution of 1945. The House of Chiefs for the Northern Region which the Constitution created was composed of the all first class chiefs and no less than ten second class chiefs. It had the highest British official in the region---the Chief Commissioner-- as its president. It was a legislative assembly.31 The Macpherson Constitution which was promulgated in 1951 extended the idea of a chiefs’ legislative assembly to the Western Region by creating a Western House of Chiefs. Composed of the Lieutenant-Governor as president, it had no more than 50 chiefs and three colonial officials as members. Thus, under the Macpherson Constitution, two out of the three regions in the country had legislative assemblies for chiefs. There were 37 second class chiefs and one adviser on Islamic law in the Northern House of Chiefs under this constitution. In addition, all the first class chiefs in the region were members. Three colonial officials and the region’s lieutenant-governor who served as the president of the House completed the roster of members.
================================================================================================
Presented at the 46th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria. Organized by: Nigerian Association of Southern California, Colton, California.

hen God created Heaven and Earth, the world was in vacuum and God created man in His own image and a woman from a man, so the believers would argue. God dispersed them with different languages for their plans to build a castle to reach God. Since then it has been hard for the whole world to understand each others. Could those that have the mind to see God by building a Castle were those that settled in Nigeria today?

advertisement

While thanking Nigerian Association of Southern California (NASCA) for the opportunity to dialogue on "Nigerian Politics - Past, Present, and Future", Nigerians should not waste much time in debating the past, but should focus on the future, using the present day events as barometer to measure the future.

I commend NASCA efforts as a multi-ethnic and cross-cultural organization founded in 1976; your continuous works toward a unified Nigeria especially in the United States of America; building bridges and fostering cooperation and unity amongst Nigerian sectional organizations and cultural groups; networking with organizations and groups in spreading Nigeria's democratic ideals and the promotion of our culture and heritage, are highly commendable.

We are hoping that NASCA would make its positive presence a focal point for the Nigerian communities across the United States of America, by forming and strengthening mutual affiliations with organizations. NASCA should continue to have a unified Nigerian community that is law-abiding, progressive and hardworking. This organization is in a position to work with and assist other sectional organizations achieve common goals and objectives.

Nigeria is a country of over 115 million people comprising of over 250 ethnic groupings, with more than 4, 000 dialects, either by accident or design, came under the British rule. Obtaining Independence over 46 years ago (2006), October 1, 1960, and a Republic in 1963, with a federal structure and three regional governments based on the compass points of north, east, and west, Nigeria is still very fragmented along ethnic and religious lines. Thanks to Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida for this absorbent arrangement.

Historically, the mixing of different Groups and called them Nigeria, could have been a mistake. However, when life made lemon, you make lemonade out of it. The attainment of independence through the activities of Dr. Nnamidi Azikiwe, Eastern Region Premier, the First Nigerian President, a journalist, was best remembered for his commitment to the Nigerian nation; Alhaji Sir Tafawa Balewa, First Nigerian Prime Minister, a teacher, was widely admired for his simplicity and humility. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Western Premier, a lawyer, an unyielding advocate of federalism and socio-economic programs; Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Northern Premier, known for his efforts to bring the North along side the Western Education, are appreciated by Nigerians.

Ahmadu Bello once said, at least for likes Babangida to take note;

"Here in the Northern Nigeria we have People of Many different races, tribes and religious who are knit together to common history, common interest and common ideas, the things that unite us are stronger than the things that divide us. I always remind people of our firmly rooted policy of religious tolerance. {underlined mine} We have no intention of favouring one religion at the expense of another. Subject to the overriding need to preserve law and order, it is our determination that everyone should have absolute liberty to practice his belief according to the dictates of his conscience…"

Religious tolerance should be a binding 'string' for Nigerians.

The efforts of Nigerian founding fathers to keep Nigeria united were thwarted by the Military in 1966 with the notion that the Premiers deviated from the Unity efforts. Military interference lasted till 1999, with Divine intervention.

Aguiyi Ironsi struggled for Nigerian Unity with no time. His colleagues showed him the way out of this world in a swift reaction to his policy of Unitary Government.

The youthful Yakubu Gowon picked up the pieces from late Ironsi, and took Nigeria through a 30-month civil war, with made-to-believe of no winners, no losers. Gowon declared the three Rs to unite Nigeria: Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation. How well the three Rs were met, is an eye opener to the entire world. Gowon moved Nigeria from the regional division to Statehood, with the creation of States.

While Gowon pled with Nigerians to allow his ruling Team to have their breakfast after nine years of Military rule, Murtala Mohammed, told him, in the Military language, to go and have the breakfast someone else. Some hardcore Military officers did not like been stopped from taking their breakfast, they took Murtala out of this world, like they did with Aguiyi Ironsi.

Murtala further divided Nigeria into smaller States. Murtala's short reign had a major impact on subsequent developments in the Nigerian nation. On assumption of office, he reformed the civil service and other major institutions. His government outlined a political program that included the creation of seven more states, the drafting of a new constitution, and the organization of state and national elections as a prelude to a return to civilian rule on 1 October 1979. A committee on a new federal capital was appointed, the findings of which culminated in the change of the Federal capital from Lagos to Abuja. His government also ran a dynamic foreign policy.

A reluctant Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo was forced to continue Murtala's reforms. Nigeria changed from the British Parliamentary system to American Presidential system in 1979. Presidential system that is so loaded with corruption, if there were no 'shock absorbers' to control its operations. Obasanjo handed over the baton to Shehu Shagari among the election controversies, between UPN and NPN. What we could attribute to Obasanjo's military administration was the handling over to the civilian since the Military took over in Nigeria, in 1966. That was a legacy.

Shehu Shagari, a moral upright person, allowed his Ministers to wallow in the water of corruption. The Military came back in 1983, as he was about to settle down for his second term, as a civilian President.

Muhammed Buhari, with Agboola Idiagbon as the second in command, struggled to instill some discipline in the Nigerian Society, especially against the Drug Dealers. Its popular slogan was "War Against Indiscipline". Unfortunately the discipline journey in Nigeria was cut short by another Military intervention, this time with the coup architect, Ibrahim Babangida

Ibrahim Babangida administration was painted in dreary colors: the devastating Structural Adjustment Program, SAP; the trio officials' destruction of Education; the total collapse of Nigeria infrastructure; the legalization of corruption; the promotion of another brand of economic sabotage, the popular "419"; and finally the annulment of the most credible election in Nigerian History, June 12, 2003.

Recently Babangida said he cancelled 2003 election, but he did not annul it. Some of you who understood English better than me could tell Babangida the difference between "Cancellation" and "Annulment".

That could be viewed as an insult to most Nigerians Abroad that he sentenced to the 'Refugee Camp' under the "Brain Drain". Nigerians Abroad are Refugees, regardless their life style. When the country is not good, good enough for one tenth of world population to respect, or for you to return to, either on vacation, or business, you cannot raise your head above your shoulder, that you are not a refugee.

Babangida is on the trail of coming back. The most sickening part of his Presidential ambition is for some Nigerians Abroad, who are underemployed, desolately unemployed, are supporting Babangida to come back to continue his ethnic and religious divide of Nigerians after his eight years failed administration. He stepped aside in 1993, now, (2006) wanting to step in, come 2007. Nigeria needs leaders not rulers.

Earnest Shonekan was positioned to readjust the Military next step through Interim National Government. Interim National Government of Shonekan ushered in Sanni Abacha, the highest public looter of the Century. I did not say that, that was Nuhu Ribadu's findings.

I hate to talk about the dead. Of what use is talking about the dead man that is defenseless. All we know about Abacha is what you all know about Abacha. Right? Like my baby said at my 25th Wedding Anniversary, (May 27, 2005) when asked to say something about papa and mama, he said "All I have to say is that I have nothing to say". You be the judge on Abacha's case.

Abdul Salaam took over after Abacha's death to complete the Divine Intervention when he organized an election that ushered in another Military man in a civilian dress, as the new Nigerian President, President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Some section of Nigerians thought that Obasanjo would be a reluctant President from the reluctant Head of State (1979) who was believed would be another 'chicken' and 'turkey' in 1999. He was brought in to pacify the South for the annulment of the 1993 elections. Obasanjo studied the situation in his first term and 'forced' himself on Nigeria in 2003 through massive riggings. That gave him the opportunity to do whatever he is doing now, taming his fellow rogues. If Nigerians have allowed him the Third Term, he would put all corrupt officials in jail, not killing them like Rawlings did in Ghana. Hopefully Nigeria would have a true democratically elected President in 2007 to continue Obasanjo's reforms. Nigeria is now searching for the next President.

According to EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, all the current politicians are "corrupt". El Rufai would say that Nigeria National Assembly belongs to the club of "Fools at Forty", and "Vagabonds in Power". PDP Chairman, Dr. Mohammadu Ali would echo that to say that those at the helms of Nigerian affairs are "Idiots", "Rascals", "Empty Barrels", "Rats", and "Bigger Rats". Ribadu the EFCC Chairman just mentioned that the highest public treasury looter is a former Nigerian leader, late Abacha. Case closed.

At the incense of the new Democracy in Nigeria, 1999, the first set of the members of the National Assembly was a millionaire race. Certificate falsifications to get qualified was highly displayed, abuse of power, election rigging was at the highest order.

What is currently happening in the country might determine the future of Nigeria, that is the fight against Corruption. Let me make it clear to all of you that I am not a strong fan of Obasanjo. However, for his bold step against corruption, the man deserves our support. This is not an ethnic or religious fight; Corruption has no ethnic or religious inclination. The fight against corruption is a current challenge to Nigerians at home and abroad. The end result determines the future of Nigeria and Nigerians especially Nigerians Abroad.

One good thing that I love about Obasanjo's fight against corruption is with individuals in the highest position of authority. Some schools of thought might take his corruption crusade to be selective, which is subject to debate. I do not see any of the past leaders that have attempted to do that, even among the Military circle, which claimed to restore Nigeria image.

There is no point of punishing the poor little rogues. Rogues are rouges, anyway, regardless how little, but to target the biggest rogues, is a job well done by Obasanjo's administration. I believe the message from Obasanjo to Nigerians is that 'fellow rogues; we are not going to steal people's money any more, enough is enough'.

The Chief Law enforcer was the first to get the message; then the Education Minister; Members of the National Assembly; the Governors; and now the Presidency. How do you expect the President to clean himself of any allegations? Nigerians would do that for the country. Nigerians should allow him to get rid of his fellow rogues in the system. He knows their footpaths on the rock. There after, Nigerians would go after him, big time.

The Nigerian number two man was accused of some dirty deals, abusing his office, instead for him to defend the allegations against him; he resolved to remind the President, whom he never respected, as part of the stealing gang. While I am not doubting what Atiku says about Obasanjo, his mistresses, I would not expect an elementary school student to respond the way he responded to the allegations. Atiku should defend, clean up his name, and revives his image. Where is that human being without some skeleton in his closet?

Please do not get me wrong. There is no absolute clean country, clean individual, or a saint anywhere in the world, including the religious leaders. Na lie be dat. However, the openness of corruption in Nigeria is very disturbing. It has to be reduced into its barest and manageable level. Part of the medication to cure Nigeria will come from Nigerians Abroad.

Nigerians all over the world should support the home government in fighting corruption. In doing this, there is the need for a Massive Education. NAFDAC, under my good Professor Dora Akunyili, is doing that successfully. This is not to say that Nigerians are not educated, unfortunately, some workers have misdirected their education. Most Nigerians workers are very dedicated; they would go at any length to do their work, under very challenging situations. Massive education is needed for Nigerians to make Nigerian leaders responsible.

In line with that, there should be some means of decentralizing power in Nigeria. Even though Nigeria is practicing Presidential Democracy, there is still the need to incorporate some checks and balances into it. Once you concentrate finances, appointments into an individual, there is the tendency for abuse in a big way, especially in Nigeria.

I have been so disturbed by the search for the next Nigerian President in 2007. There has been divergent opinion on who should be the next Nigerian President. If all the current so-called Nigerian leaders are what Nuhu, Ali and el-Rufai are, where are we going to find some credible candidates for the Nigerian President, State Governors, Legislators at both the Federal, State and Local levels?

The North is campaigning to have the next President from the region; the South is struggling to have the next President, and the West has no choice at this point, but to play a beautiful bride's role. In a civilized society, nothing is wrong for the West producing another President. But with the loose relationships within Nigeria today (2006), another group should be allowed to produce the 2007 President.

The fact that the South NEVER produced a President, some people are of the opinion that the South should be given the opportunity, if they have the credible candidate. That is the danger of rotating the President, if and when it comes to your area, and what we have are what Nuhu, El-Rufai, and Ali said, then Nigeria is in trouble. With the base of Nigerian economy from the South, at least for now, and the area is like the ancient period compared to any oil producing areas of the world, a right thinking mind would agree, for whichever party is in control, to allow the area to produce the 2007 President.

It will be an act of greed for any other area, the North or the West to say it wants to produce the 2007 President. Nigeria should read the handwriting on the wall the reasons behind the North struggling to produce the next President. It is part of what has been troubling the country for a long time, which Babangida promoted in his administration.

I believe that Nigerians should support the South, either South-South, or South-East, to produce the next President. Nigerians would shape that individual, and tame his policies to be Nigeria and not sectional. It might pacify the people of Delta, and stop all the troubles there. That is a task for most Nigerians Abroad.

The Technocrats could continue to fold their arms and refusing to be part of the process. What we might end up with is for those categories mentioned above to keep on ruling, and ruining, and not leading Nigeria.

The Economic reforms in Nigeria was led by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Due Process was led by Dr. Ezekwesili, the fight against fake drugs, impure water, poisoned food is being led by Professor Dora Akunyili. All are women. This is a message to all Nigerian women, especially Nigerians Abroad, that their place is no longer in the kitchen or in the bedroom. It is about time Nigerian women get involved in the running of Nigerian affairs. They are capable to do what Nigerian men are doing, or even do it better.

The National Political Reform met and came up with amendments to the 1999 Constitution. Nigerian National Assembly was blinded by a section of Nigeria society, not to see 113 clauses of the NPR recommendations. Instead National Assembly diverted Nigerians attention to the Third Term Agenda of Obasanjo's administration; hence, Dr. Ali's reference to the National Assembly as "Idiots and Rascals". As a result of trashing the whole exercise of NPR while focusing on third term agenda, Dr. Ali states that "They did worthless work and dispersed shamelessly" without considering the amount of time spent on the Constitution Amendments, the tax payers money spent on it, and the stress Nigerians went through with the Constitutional amendment.

Parts of the clauses are Financial Discipline; Revenue Derivation Principle; Limiting Immunity to civil proceedings; The South East zone yearning for new State; Citizenship and Indigeneship; and Nigerian Traditional. Others are National Assembly financial independent which is still under the Presidency; Making Independent National Electoral Commission truly independent free from any government manipulations; Independent Local Government - Joint State and Local Government Accounts; Oil Revenue sharing; Rotational or Zoning Presidency; Common Nigerian Language as an official language; Qualifications for the President; Term in Office; Militia and Vigilant Groups; National Security; Judiciary Reforms; Environment and Natural Resources; Social Infrastructure for National Development And Integration; and National Security.

Nigerians Abroad should be actively involved in the process. Get involved - sponsor credible candidates to replace "Fools" and "Vagabonds in Power". Sponsor some legislation; otherwise Nigeria will continue to run the affairs of Nigeria by "Idiots", "Fools at Forty", "Rats", and "Bigger Rats". What do we expect from a fool, more than thoughtless decisions? As long as Nigerians allow them to keep on occupying the positions of authority, nothing would ever change for good in Nigeria. We do not have to be looking for an immediate reward with this exercise. It is going to be expensive, draining, and rewarding if done right.

Intervention in Health Services would be ideal. Good health would create a very sound mind. There are many poor individuals in Nigeria that do not have the means of seeing a Doctor. Instead they resolved into visiting the religious leaders as a means of resolving their illnesses. Unfortunately, religious leaders take advantage of poor Nigerians. The country is full of fake religious leaders. The Religious leaders are feeding in cheese butter, while the followers are feeding on sheabutter. That is interesting.

Nigeria needs to attract remittances from Nigerians Abroad to stimulate the nation's economy on the path of sustainable growth. I would say that money sent from abroad sustains Nigerian economy.

Nigerians Abroad could continue collecting Mathematics, Technology, Science and Medical Books through their organizations, and ship them home. Social Sciences books could be minimal. NASCA is a non-profit.

In addition Nigerians Abroad should engage in Small Scale Businesses. As you might have noticed, Small Businesses are sustaining United States of American. Small businesses benefit the immediate environment.

NASCA should be looking at setting up a local chapter in Nigeria as a bridge between USA and Nigeria. Establishing branches of Your Organizations in Nigeria forms a network string. That is a link for better use, so whatever you do in USA would be qualified with the home base. Or you might just want to have some credible individuals to do this for you. Just to make sure that what you are sending home is getting to the right place, not ending up at individual homes. Fortunately one of your own is an Honorable member of the House of Representatives in Abuja.

Set up a Youth Wing of your organization. Start teaching them your culture and encourage them to go home with you once in a while. Use the Cultural aspect of your Organization to promote UNITY, educate them who you are. That is a clever way of promoting Nigerian image.

While no one is an Island, and we need to mingle with the society where we live, NASCA members should be involved in the local politics. No partisanship. When you are involved, you are exposing yourself to the public, when you help them during the elections, they turn around to help you when you need them. Their help could be transferred across the US border to Nigeria. The network would continue to grow. Attend City, and County meetings, gatherings, School Boards activities, volunteer for non-profit organizations in your respective communities, at religious gatherings and promote oneness, unity, friendliness. Do not make yourself an Island. It gets you no where.

Finally, we have to change our mmindset. If we do not wear that change within, nothing will look right. Take a look at one of my articles on www.Nigeriaworld.com, "I am Nigeria, the Changes Begin with Me", published May 2, 2006. You can visit www.theblacktelevision.com, "Nigeria This Week", every week, for more discussions on Nigeria. Nigerians have to change their mindset, and individuals' intervention would help the country stand the test of time.

Allow me to close by borrowing from late Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, and the First Premier of Northern Region on Independence Day, 1960, he said:

"The eyes of the world are on Nigeria now and there are many friends who hope that we shall be the leading nation in Africa. Let me say with all the emphasis at my command that we shall never attain this goal if there is suspicion and mistrust among the peoples of Nigeria. Such an attitude cannot benefit anyone and can too easily lead to strife as has been the painful experience of other independent nations in Africa and elsewhere. Let us not forget our dreams of national unity in Nigeria cannot be realized without honest hard work and the respect for one another's views and peculiar ways - be they customs or traditions. The different tribal groups in this country must learn to accommodate members of other tribal groups."


(4).Colonialism also removed or curtailed the people’s entrenched mechanisms for removing or disciplining errant rulers. Unlike the pre-colonial practice whereby rulers governed through customarily established rules and procedures, traditional rulers now ruled under letters of appointment spelling out their powers and functions as colonial underlings. So long as they carried out the wishes of their colonial overlords and did not threaten the process of colonial exploitation, they could retain their power. It should also be recalled that in places where British imperial officials could find no ready-made political institutions to ease the process of colonial exploitation, they created new ones. For instance, warrant chiefs through whom Britain could exercise political power were appointed in Eastern Nigeria. For the most part, Eastern Nigeria did not have the well-established system of administration over which the Indirect Rule mode of governance was anchored.

(5).Formal constitutional roles were granted to traditional rulers in the North in the Richards Constitution of 1945. The House of Chiefs for the Northern Region which the Constitution created was composed of the all first class chiefs and no less than ten second class chiefs. It had the highest British official in the region---the Chief Commissioner-- as its president. It was a legislative assembly.31 The Macpherson Constitution which was promulgated in 1951 extended the idea of a chiefs’ legislative assembly to the Western Region by creating a Western House of Chiefs. Composed of the Lieutenant-Governor as president, it had no more than 50 chiefs and three colonial officials as members. Thus, under the Macpherson Constitution, two out of the three regions in the country had legislative assemblies for chiefs. There were 37 second class chiefs and one adviser on Islamic law in the Northern House of Chiefs under this constitution. In addition, all the first class chiefs in the region were members. Three colonial officials and the region’s lieutenant-governor who served as the president of the House completed the roster of members.

[Chxta]

To set up WEP you will need to log into the router with your browser pointed to 192.168.0.1 . See your docs for default passwords . Go to wireless settings and this is where you can set up WEP with your key , I would change the SSID while in there , this will also have to match on your wireless client

[Chxta]

In Windows Vista, the screen goes dark when the User Account Control window comes up, which is extremely annoying. They call it the “Secure Desktop”, but I think it’s obnoxious.

Note that this will make your system less secure before proceeding.

Update: Windows Vista Home users should use the registry patch at the bottom of the article instead.

Windows Vista Business/Ultimate Users:


To get to the configuration screen for this, type in security to the start menu search box. You should see the Local Security Policy as the top search item.

In the Local Security Policy window, browse down to Local Policies \ Security Options

Over in the right hand part of the window, scroll down near the bottom and find the item titled “User Account Control: Switch to the secure desktop when prompting for elevation”

Double-click on the item, and change it to disabled and then click OK.

Note: This does make your system slightly less secure, so be warned.

Windows Vista Home Users:

For Windows Home users, you will need to open up regedit via the start menu search box. Browse down to this registry key:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]

You should see a key called PromptOnSecureDesktop. Double-click this and change the value to 0

Update (Rant about security)

It’s true, disabling security features will always make your system less secure, and you should strongly consider the consequences before you make any change like this.

Making the change discussed in this article will give somebody the ability to “hijack” the UAC dialog… Of course, that would mean they already got spyware or virusware on your computer. Seems to me that if they already got that far, to where they have an application running on your system… that they could pretty much do anything they wanted to anyway. All of the files that you care about would be owned by your local user account, so they could get into anything they want at that point.

You should also note that if you are not logged in as an “Administrative” user account, then this change will still result in the password dialog, which couldn’t be quite as easily hacked. You aren’t using the administrator account if you are worried about security are you?

I should finally mention that if you are really that worried about security, you can always switch to Ubuntu Linux. The “UAC” mode in linux is much simpler, especially in Ubuntu. You are only prompted for your password the first time you try to make a system change, and then it doesn’t ask you again for a few minutes, as opposed to every single administrative function you click in Windows Vista. It’s a pity they don’t bundle linux with virtualization of Windows.

[Arinze]

First time in this thread.. Good going fellas

copy that

[Chxta]

If you have an external hard drive that is always plugged into your computer, you can enable write caching to speed up performance significantly when writing to the disk.

Write caching isn’t enabled by default for external drives because removable devices could lose data if you unplug them too quickly, so take care when using this setting.

To change this setting, just type Device Manager into the start menu search box, and hit enter.



Browse down to the external hard drive that you wish to enable write caching on, and double click it to open up the properties screen.



Just change the setting to “Optimize for performance” and hit OK to continue. You’ll have to reboot for the setting to take effect. (another fuck up in Windows)

[Lanju]

this thread should be in the main forum

[tomapep]

Originally Posted by Lanju

this thread should be in the main forum

Why so?

[Chickram]

Originally Posted by Narnia Bubukov

i dont think ive ever posted here!

neither have i. how long has this thread been on?

[Chxta]

If there is one bloated and unnecessary service that you should immediately disable, it’s definitely the Indexing Service built into Windows XP. The idea behind it is that you can search for files more quickly if it is enabled…. but you are using Google Desktop for that, right?
The indexing service seems to eat up a lot of CPU on every machine I’ve used, especially when you have the amount of files that I’ve got. Let’s disable it.
Navigate to the Services console via Administrative Tools.
Double-click on the Indexing Service and change the startup type to disabled.
Hit the stop button if it is started, which is likely, and then hit OK.
Yet another unnecessary service (and Window$ has many) stopped!

[Chxta]

How many times have you migrated to a new computer and lost all the little settings in Word or Excel that you had finally tweaked perfectly?

The good news is that you can easily save and restore your Microsoft Office settings and even transfer them to another computer.

To open the wizard, go to Start \ Programs \ Microsoft Office \ Microsoft Office Tools \ Microsoft Office 2003 Save My Settings Wizard.



Check Save the settings from this machine and click next.



In this window decide where you want to store the settings by typing in the direct path or Browsing to the location. Windows will save all of your settings to a single file. Remember where you save this file for when you want to recover your settings. Click on Finish.



While Windows gathers all of your Office settings the progress bar will pop up.



Once the backup is completed you will get the following verification screen. If everything looks correct click Exit.



If you are migrating to a new machine, it would be a good idea to save the file onto a flash drive, or somewhere easily accessible from the new computer.

To restore the settings you will go to your new computer (which should already have Office installed), open the same wizard and select “Restore previously saved settings to this machine”. This is why it is a good idea to write down where you saved the settings if on a network.

[Chxta]

Disclaimer: this post is purely for educational purposes. If you do it, no be me send you.

1. Install Windows Vista Ultimate edition (or other edition) without product key, if possible in year 2099.
2. You may need to disconnect from Internet while applying the patch. If you disconnect Internet, connect to Internet until right before you verify the Vista crack with “slmgr -dlv” command.
3. Windows Vista needs to be applied with 2099-ReArm trick, so that the counter of minutes to no activation required period will not return to normal after reboot. Try the following normal procedures to rearm Vista at 2099. If it’s not working, you may need to apply Vista ReArm Unlimited Patch to ensure Windows Vista back to initial activation grace period.
4. Click on the Start button.
5. Select “All Programs”, then “Accessories”.
6. Right click on “Command Prompt, then select “Run as Administrator (A)”.
7. If User Account Control (UAC) prompt a warning message, click on “Continue”.
8. In the command prompt, type date and press Enter. You will see the following:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6000]
      Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

      C:\Windows\system32>date
      Current date: 15/5/2007 Tuesday
      Enter new date:

9. Enter 12/31/2099 (December 31, 2099).
10. Next, type cscript slmgr.vbs -rearm. You will see something like the following:

C:\Windows\system32>cscript slmgr.vbs -rearm
      Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.7
      Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

That means that the command completed successfully.
To make the change effectively, please restart the system.
11. Then reset the date of the system to current date again by typing date again. You will see the following:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6000]
      Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

      C:\Windows\system32>date
      Current date: 12/31/2099 Thursday
      Enter new date:

12. Type in current date, i.e. 15/5/2007.
13. Exit from command prompt, but do not restart the computer.
14. Download StopTimer.zip.
15. Extract the downloaded archive file into a folder. It should contains “Vista test crack.exe” and “timerstop.sys”.
16. Execute or run the “Vista test crack.exe” by right click on “Vista test crack.exe”, and select “Run as Administrator”.
17. In the Vista test crack window, click on “Install” button. You will be prompted with “Service installed” message if everything is done properly and correctly. The crack will copy the patched stoptimer.sys to system folder and install a new service named “timerstop” to stop kernel-mode timers in spsys.sys system file.
18. Exit from the crack, and restart the computer.
19. The hacking is basically done. Next few steps to to verify that the activation grace period built-in countdown timer is actually stopped and disable the timers from working properly, and make sure that the crack is installed properly. After restart, log on to Windows Vista. Run for a few minutes.
20. Press on Windows + R keys.
21. Type slmgr.vbs -dlv to check the time left to activate Windows Vista. If the time left is 43200 minutes that’s mean the crack is successful.

With the crack, you will have the following in the registry:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\Services\TimerStop]
“Type”=dword:00000001
“Start”=dword:00000002
“ErrorControl”=dword:00000000
“ImagePath”=hex(2):5c,00,3f,00,3f,00,5c,00,45,00,3a,00,5c,00,57,00,69,00,6e,00,\
64,00,6f,00,77,00,73,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,\
00,5c,00,54,00,69,00,6d,00,65,00,72,00,53,00,74,00,6f,00,70,00,2e,00,73,00,\
79,00,73,00,00,00
“DisplayName”=”TimerStop”

[Chxta]

In the corporate environment, Excel is king. So when you have an Access database report that you would really prefer to analyse in Excel spreadsheet form, there’s an easy way to convert it.

To convert it, start by opening up your Access Report in Print Preview mode.



Make sure you have the Print Preview Toolbar showing. You just need to right click an empty area on your toolbar and select "Customize" and check the toolbar.



From the Print Preview Taskbar click the drop down menu and select "Analyze It with Microsoft Office Excel".



Your Report will now be in Excel for you to change and analyse the data.

[Chxta]

To delete the Recycle Bin icon from the Windows XP/2003 desktop follow these steps:
1.Open Registry Editor.
2.In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace
3.Find the following key:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
4.Delete the above key.
5.There is no need to reboot. Just wait a few seconds or refresh by pressing F5 key and see how the icon disappears from the desktop.

6. In order to restore the Recycle Bin icon to the desktop just re-create the missing key (or import it back to the registry in case you've exported it earlier).
In Registry Editor, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/explorer/Desktop/NameSpace
Create the following key:
{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}
Done!