Eminent poet and professor of English, Niyi Osundare, formerly of the English department, University of Ibadan, and now of the University of New Orleans, first coined the phrase “Syntax of Reality.” As my Syntax teacher at the University of Ibadan in the early to mid-80s, Osundare started his Syntax class, a one-hour class, with a 15-minute dose of the reality of the world outside the university campus. At the time, Osundare also wrote a column for the Newswatch magazine, back when that magazine had some backbone and some investigative and analytical pizzazz. For me, Osundare’s “Syntax of Reality” had the twin effects of relieving whatever tension I brought to the lecture hall from other classes and sensitizing me to the day-to-day realities of life that those of us ensconced on campus seemed to have forgotten…until school broke and we went home on holidays to face the harsh realities of bad roads, erratic electricity, armed robbery, poor medical facilities and hunger.

During “Syntax of Reality,” I was reminded that Shehu Shagari won a landslide re-election in spite of the pathetic, lame government that he headed (trust me, Yar’Adua, too, will win re-election by a landslide); I was reminded that a loaf of bread had just jumped from 15 kobo to 25 kobo, and the loaf had actually gotten smaller in size; I was reminded that Idiagbon was now in charge (people said Buhari was actually the President, but no matter), and Nigeria would soon execute, by firing squad, two or three men for drugs trafficking; I was cautioned to not trust the toothy and wily Babangida with whom the rest of the country had just fallen in love for coming to “save” them from the draconian decrees of Buhari…sorry, Idiagbon; I was reminded that Mamman Vatsa had been executed for planning a coup against the government of Babangida, after conviction by a military tribunal - records of proceedings which were not disclosed to the public; I was taught to prepare for the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), a euphemism for “Austerity Measures,” itself another “cut-your-coat-according-to-your-size program instituted by a previously ostentatious government, for a people already living in austere times.

Above all though, Niyi Osundare taught me to ask questions of my leaders, if I was going to be a productive member of the society. And he led by example. He used his writings in the media to ask salient questions of our leaders, incurring, in the process, the wrath of the Babangida administration which invested valuable SSS manpower, material and financial resources, in shadowing his movements throughout the Ibadan and Lagos axis. In the end, Osundare left the University of Ibadan, with his vast talents, and relocated to the United States. But he left me with an ingrained knack for asking questions. Why, for instance, has President Yar’Adua been behaving as if he does not know what is going on with the EFCC and Nuhu Ribadu? Why, has Yar’Adua not sent an enabling bill to the Assembly if he truly believes that the immunity clause that protects some public officials from prosecution should be removed, forcing the legislators to vote one way or the other? Why pay lip service to the issue? Why has Angola overtaken Nigeria as Africa’s largest exporter of oil? Why is our educational system in such a mess? What about our medical system? Agriculture? Roads? Armed robberies? Who is asking these questions? Who is forcing answers to these questions? Do our legislators hold the executive arm of government responsible for anything? Do we, as ordinary citizens, hold our legislators responsible for anything? Why, for instance, have the people of my state ( Oyo State) accepted a mediocre government led by mediocre people? This time, I am not just writing about the governor of the state, Alao-Akala, or his deputy, Taofeek Arapaja. I am writing about the entire elective apparatuses of government in the state.

When Osundare used to ask questions, the likes of Ray Ekpu, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Stanley Macebuh, Yakubu Muhammed, Dele Giwa, Edwin Madinagu, Ordia Ofeimun, Sonala Olumhense, Ebino Topsy, Lam Adesina, Soji Akinrinade, Dare Babarinsa, Olatunji Dare, and a few others also asked cogent questions of government. You could pick up any Nigerian newspaper or magazine, any day of the week, across all political spectra, and find one of the aforementioned journalism icons asking probing questions. Weekly magazines and Sunday newspapers dealt with serious investigations, devoting weeks, if not months, to digging up questions for people in government to answer. And this was largely in a military dispensation!

Today, most of these people hardly write anymore, let alone ask any questions. I can confidently report that only Reuben Abati (of The Guardian) has the cajones to ask government officials for explanations. It is as if he is the only one not beholden to the allure and lucre of brown envelopes. You would think that Nigeria is suddenly afflicted by a catastrophic dearth (or even death!) of investigative journalists. These days, most of the routine news reporting is bereft of depth; the writing is poor, the editing is even poorer, and the political slant is obvious! Where the stories appear perfect, you can tell it was lifted from wire reports like the Associated Press and Reuters. Reporters go out daily to their respective beats and return to their newsrooms with government-written press releases. They re-write these press releases and shamelessly slap their bylines on them as if the stories were their original work. The equally lazy and compromised editors have stopped asking the question: “where is the story?” whenever their reporters bring back to the office such brown envelope stories. The result is a spineless national press that has self-censored itself into near-irrelevance. Practically no one has the gumption to ask questions anymore…not even in a democratic dispensation!

The original intent of this piece was to nudge my readers into looking back at their lives and the development (or lack thereof) of their respective states, and begin to ask questions of their elected officials. But one paragraph ago, after venting my spleen on the lack-luster performances of my brothers and sisters in the media, I decided to use Oyo State, my home state (since charity, they say, begins at home), as a microcosm of Nigerian states, and leave the reader to extrapolate.

Pretty soon, the curtains will be drawn on the current administration and my governor, along with all the local government council chairpersons will begin electioneering campaigns to return to another term of office. They will target “grassroots” leaders (actually, those are the select few that have the wherewithal, (be it “thuggery” or bribery) to help rig them back into office, “settle” them handsomely and win re-election, after which we would be back to where we started. When the election campaigns start, I expect the people of my state, led by the formally indomitable Nigerian Tribune (now reduced to a mere Alao-Akala megaphone), to fold their hands and not ask the elected officials – all of them, regardless of party affiliations – how they have discharged their duties. Without deluding myself, I know that it is impossible to expect Mama Ope, the restaurateur at Mokola in Ibadan, to walk up to governor Alao-Akala and ask how he spent the revenues that accrued to the state since he came into power. I know that Baba Suraju, the meat-seller at Bodija Oju-irin, also in Ibadan, can not ask his local government chairperson for the balance sheet of his local government for the year 2008. Yet, these are the same people over whom these politicians would lord it and ride roughshod for the next four years should they win re-election.

Since we have already ruled out the Ibadan-based Nigerian Tribune as a reputable media outfit that is morally capable of asking tough questions, the job now falls on hungry opposition party members eager to dislodge current occupiers of these juicy posts. But opposition party members themselves are going into oblivion! The AD, ANPP and AC are too embroiled in internal squabbles to ask questions of the marauding ruling PDP. What we now have is a situation where everybody has accepted his/her lot and put everything in the hands of God.

As for me, I have observed that governor Alao-Akala’ Special Adviser on communications, Dotun Oyelade, wastes no time in defending his boss. So, I have decided to ask him one or two questions. Below are two spreadsheets - one of each representing the revenues that accrued to Oyo State government and the 33 local governments respectively during much of the year 2008. These are strictly Federal allocations only!

My questions to Oyelade are as follow: Can he confirm whether it is true or not that Oyo State government actually received that much money as claimed by the Federal Ministry of Finance; and if true, how much of it has actually been spent, when and on what projects? What percentage of the revenue was spent on capital projects and how were those projects prioritized? Which companies were awarded contracts for those projects and what were the processes through which they were selected? Who owns those companies? How much did the State government generate internally - on its own, aside from these Federal subventions? How did the State government disburse the internally generated funds to the local governments? What derivative formula (if any) was used in sharing the revenues? In spite of this relatively huge income, has the State government sought and received any foreign or local loans? If so, why? What was/were the loan(s) used for?

These are very simple questions that a competent spokesperson like Oyelade can answer. These are not questions probing into anybody’s personal finances. These are questions whose answers ought to be part of public records. These are the questions that my representatives in the Oyo State House of Assembly should be asking. These are the questions that you, as a reader, should be able to ask of your state and local government officials. Better yet, these are the questions that the media in your state ought to be asking on your behalf. Where is all the money going? Just about half of all the figures quoted above are derived from the so-called excess crude oil bonanza. Are our governments building their castles on the thin air of a temporary revenue surge? What happens, as is now the case, when the price of crude oil falls?

I know that Mr. Oyelade can ignore my questions because I am not the Speaker of the House of Assembly inviting him, under oath, to answer my questions. But Mr. Oyelade can rest, assured that I will, from time to time, repeat these questions until someone provides some answers. The legacy of Professor Niyi Osundare’s “Syntax of Reality” is not lost on me. The realities of life in the cities, towns and villages of Oyo State are such that beg for questions and answers. These are the questions we must ask before the next elections.

By Abiodun Ladepo

Uijeongbu, South Korea

Oluyole2@yahoo.com

Robot  # 1 | 26.12.2008 08:30

Eminent poet and professor of English, Niyi Osundare, formerly of the English department, University of Ibadan, and now of the University of New Orleans, first coined the phrase “Syntax of Reality.” As my Syntax teacher at the University of Ibadan in the early to mid-80s, Osundare started his Syntax class, a one-hour class, with a 15-minute dose of the reality of the world outside the university campus. At the time, Osundare also wrote a column for the Newswatch magazine, back when that magazine had some backbone and some investigative and analytical pizzazz. For me, Osundare’s “Syntax of Reality” had the twin effects of relieving whatever tension I brought to the lecture hall from other classes and sensitizing me to the day-to-day realities of life that those of us ensconced on campus seemed to have forgotten…until school broke and we went home on holidays to face the harsh realities of bad roads, erratic electricity, armed robbery, poor medical facili...Read the full article.

Sonala Olumhense  # 2 | 26.12.2008 09:28

"...When Osundare used to ask questions, the likes of Ray Ekpu, Yemi Ogunbiyi, Stanley Macebuh, Yakubu Muhammed, Dele Giwa, Edwin Madinagu, Ordia Ofeimun, Sonala Olumhense, Ebino Topsy, Lam Adesina, Soji Akinrinade, Dare Babarinsa, Olatunji Dare, and a few others also asked cogent questions of government. You could pick up any Nigerian newspaper or magazine, any day of the week, across all political spectra, and find one of the aforementioned journalism icons asking probing questions. Weekly magazines and Sunday newspapers dealt with serious investigations, devoting weeks, if not months, to digging up questions for people in government to answer. And this was largely in a military dispensation! "Today, most of these people hardly write anymore, let alone ask any questions. I can confidently report that only Reuben Abati (of The Guardian) has the cajones to ask government officials for explanations. It is as if he is the only one not beholden to the allure and lucre of brown envelopes..." It is difficult to believe that a writer professing higher standards would make unsupportable claims of this nature. It does great disservice to the work of many Nigerians, notably the enduring Eddy Madunagu, Levi Obijiofor and Okey Ndibe, as well as such publications as Leadership, which provide daily examples of courage and are being persecuted for it. I invite Mr. Oladepo to publish, on this page, the evidence by which he "can confidently report" that only one writer in our nation possesses "the cajones" (whatever those may be) to question government officials. I request him also to demonstrate the investigation by which he can suggest which individual may be, or may not be, "beholden to the allure and lucre of brown envelopes." Mr. Oladepo, please.

emj  # 3 | 26.12.2008 13:13

Eherm, Mr Ladepo, i hope that the questions you asked in this article has been forwarded to The Office of the State Government, The OyO State House of Assembly, Your Rep at the Upper and Lower Houses, Your Ward Councillors etc etc ati bee bee lo. And BTW, kindly respond to Sonala's query..thanks-- It is difficult to believe that a writer professing higher standards would make unsupportable claims of this nature. It does great disservice to the work of many Nigerians, notably the enduring Eddy Madunagu, Levi Obijiofor and Okey Ndibe, as well as such publications as Leadership, which provide daily examples of courage and are being persecuted for it. I invite Mr. Oladepo to publish, on this page, the evidence by which he "can confidently report" that only one writer in our nation possesses "the cajones" (whatever those may be) to question government officials. I request him also to demonstrate the investigation by which he can suggest which individual may be, or may not be, "beholden to the allure and lucre of brown envelopes."

Alabi Olaniyi  # 4 | 26.12.2008 14:18

A good and soul searching article indeed, commend your memory. But meanwhile, we should not turn this avenue into boxing ring where blows will be exchanged but need to reflect on the subject matters with a mindset of proffering a way out. Nigeria is such a country where problems are diagnosed and solutions identified, but the courage to implement them is lacking. Since my school days, I have been participating in seminars, lectures, symposia, and workshops on issues affecting the society, solutions would be suggested, everybody would agree, communique would be issue but after then, nothing again. It is high time we stand up against these people and demand the share of the society if truely we need changes in Nigeria. Governance is not for politcians,it is for intellectuals who have traveled, read wide and excelled in their chosen careers. I have been to all southwetern states, there is sign of governance in any of them only with the exception of Lagos, where there is a little change. All others, nothing to show for the huge amount entering these states from Federal Government and worst still, they so lack in mental capacity to initiate a source for internal revenue only depending on revenue from federal allocation. :cry: I appreciate our courage and wisdom in expressing all these issues in writing, but this is the least tool I think will ever bring any change in Nigeria, the fools in power do not read all these things and those that are employed to read for them, only respond to defend their pay master. We need more of action, practical and physical approach to rescue Nigeria from these preys calling themselves leaders. 2011 is around the corner, let the process begin now by sensitising our families and friends and be more active in the electioneering processes, you cannot leave governanace in the hands of these dropouts, while you are sitting back and asking questions............................. the choice is ours. Alabi

Ladepo  # 5 | 26.12.2008 16:57

Since your comment, Sonala, I have visited the website of the Leadership. I regret that I had not been doing so all this while. For what I saw on a cursory glance, I salute the bravery of the owners and contributors. And I agree with you that people like me should do more to encourage those still at the frontline of the battle to salvage what is left of the Nigerian wreckage. However, that I did not name you in person, or Okey Ndibe, or "uncle" Edwin Madinagu (the list is inexhaustible), as some of those still asking tough questions of our leaders, should not be seen as casting aspersions on your persons, or rubbishing your contributions. I read all you guys all the time. Could it just be that your names did not jump at me as I wrote that paragraph? Could it be that I wanted to highlight Abati (I don't always agree with his opinions) whom I knew lived right there in Nigeria and not firing off salvos from the relative safety of the US or the UK? Could it be that Abati's name stood out in my mind because he belonged to the mainstream of the Nigerian media and has a wider readership? By the way, is that the most you can make of the piece? You are such a professional senior to me that I find it disrespectful to join issues with you in a public forum. I was an undergraduate when I read your novel and was overwhelmed when I first shook your hand on the soccer field of Unilag during one of our soccer practices when journalists played against coaches. But this is neither here nor there. Thanks for setting me straight. The name is Ladepo though...not Oladepo.

Dapxin  # 6 | 26.12.2008 19:37

I can confidently report that only Reuben Abati (of The Guardian) has the cajones to ask government officials for explanations The line above somehow detracts from what should be a pretty good read. The author sounded as though, he had scientific /statistical data or thereabout, to support such encompassing assertion... As to the question of questioning Nigeria looting arrangement, I would think the writers - nearly all of them, perhaps with the exception of the laughable dudes @ Thisday - deserves some bit of credit, being able to basically write the same on issues over and over again. Ya know, insanity... Apart from radical shifts to the extent of the SaharaReporter's methods, I dont see how Nigerian authors / editors can dare the establishment...look at what these guys have made of Ribadu ? Even Reuben Abati, deep as always, have been noted to thread cautiously of late - my personal assessment. Lets just say ours is a society that's lost it. It soul. You cannot save the one who is done, and fully decided to die.

Auspicious  # 7 | 26.12.2008 20:03

=Sonala Olumhense;304701>It is difficult to believe that a writer professing higher standards would make unsupportable claims of this nature. It does great disservice to the work of many Nigerians, notably the enduring Eddy Madunagu, Levi Obijiofor and Okey Ndibe, as well as such publications as Leadership, which provide daily examples of courage and are being persecuted for it. I invite Mr. Oladepo to publish, on this page, the evidence by which he "can confidently report" that only one writer in our nation possesses "the cajones" (whatever those may be) to question government officials. I request him also to demonstrate the investigation by which he can suggest which individual may be, or may not be, "beholden to the allure and lucre of brown envelopes." Mr. Oladepo, please. Alright, here goes: Methinks the issues raised by the Author has far more relevance and importance than what I'll call - for lack of a better description at this point, and with all due respects - 'bruised egos'. But then again, that's just me - and maybe since I am not a member of the category of professionals whom Mr. Oladepo might have rounded-up in any 'stereotype', I wouldn't feel the pinch in the shoe. Still, I believe the centrepoint - the Koko's Matter - of Oladepo's article is of such grave or sobering importance that to focus on his careless exergerrations is typical of Nigerians' approach to issues that affect them. And that is another example of how we hardly ever come together to form a consensus around issues that affect us. Everybody walks around with his ego on his shoulder, hurting and losing focus of what we're all mired in. "Hey Auspicious, SHUT-UP! Who do you think you are?" I am Auspicous.

Auspicious  # 8 | 26.12.2008 20:06

=Dapxin;304934>As to the question of questioning Nigeria looting arrangement, I would think the writers - nearly all of them, perhaps with the exception of the laughable dudes @ Thisday - deserves some bit of credit, being able to basically write the same on issues over and over again. Ya know, insanity.... LOL! You beat me to mentioning THISDAY, My Akure Friend.. Those Felas only care about Jay-Z and Snoop Dog. Anyone in Doubt, SHek out their Online Homepage. THISDAY? Those guys only care about Good Times. :lol: AuspY.

Dapxin  # 9 | 26.12.2008 20:58

=Auspicious;304941>LOL! You beat me to mentioning THISDAY, My Akure Friend.. Those Felas only care about Jay-Z and Snoop Dog. Anyone in Doubt, SHek out their Online Homepage. THISDAY? Those guys only care about Good Times. :lol: AuspY. lol. There is a particular lady tho, that does a pretty good piece, I think "numbers behind the news" or so. I read her. Quite sensible chick. The rest, oosh. Obiagbena + Gordon Brown in moscow pieces of crap.

SOC Okenwa  # 10 | 27.12.2008 03:05

I think Mr Ladipo has an axe to grind with Dotun Oyelade, his former friend. I have been following their bitter publicized altercations. However the article in question did ask the crucial questions bordering on fiscal profligacy of the Alao-Akala administration like the rest of the 'selected' Governors with the exception of a few. My take!

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