“There is no institution that is more abhorrent than a corrupt government. No entity kills more. No entity plunders the treasury more. No one entity violates more individual and human rights more often, with more impunity. And none spews more propaganda and lies. History proves this beyond a shadow of a doubt. Whether it is a democracy, monarchy, military, union of socialist republics, or a communist state, you can rest assured that a corrupt government will be the bane of progress and development every time. And a corrupt government will always be an oppressive one.  It has always been this way. Corrupt governments are always dangerous and inimical to the health, well-being and progress of the people they rule”. – Anon.

Therefore such government must be checked. Politicians and civil servants who run the country must be resisted and called to order. They must be over-ruled. They must be gotten rid of.

However, we often presume that government corruption involves certain government employees (or elected officials) breaking the law, taking bribes, or wrongfully issuing special favours to select individuals or cliques to promote their own career or perpetuate themselves in power. To a great extent, this is government corruption, but such activity only scratches the surface. It represents a small fraction of the real corruption going on. The most egregious corruption originates right in plain view in the business sector, in public, in the communities. It happens routinely now; it's just that we don't recognize it, or refuse to recognise it.

As Max Siollun wrote (Nigeria Today Online, 18^th May 2009) “However, it is a myth that corruption is perpetrated mostly by the government. The Nigerian leadership is a reflection of Nigerian society, not the other way round. Most Nigerians are accomplices and ‘agent provocateurs' of corruption. Corruption flows from the bottom up. The petroleum industry is perceived as the epicentre of government corruption. Is the government alone in its abuse of the oil industry? During fuel shortages, petrol stations have been accused of hoarding fuel in order to deliberately amplify shortages and drive prices even higher. They exploit the misery of the already hyper-extended fuel consumer. Black market fuel sellers have been known to dilute their petrol with other chemicals. Some private citizens also dangerously "tap" oil from pipelines, to sell on the black market. "Tapping" is a benign term for a practice that is really blatant theft of a national resource, with no remorse, or any thought of the explosive danger caused by damage to pipelines”. Everyone is in on the act.

A corrupt government is one that extends unlawful jurisdiction over the people it is supposed to protect. A corrupt government is one that legislates beyond its rightful power by erecting laws that do injury to liberty, justice, and individual rights. A corrupt government believes that might make right, and that its mission is to curtail freedom and information to the public and claiming it is acting in their best interest. 

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was appointed with the primary object being the defence of freedom, and of promoting good governance which will, on the longer term, be beneficial to all the people of Nigeria. In the Constitution, specific powers are delegated to three distinct branches of government: The legislative (Senate and the House of Representatives, both called the National Assembly), the administrative or executive (Presidency), and the judicial (Courts and Jurors). The National Assembly can only create laws in the pursuance of good governance -- in pursuance of the Constitution. And two conditions must be met: One, Jurisdiction must exist and two, National Assembly act(s) must not violate the rights of any individual citizen(s). If both of the conditions are not met, any anti-constitutional decree the National Assembly might install is not valid.  An example of a violation of a person's rights would be corrupt enrichment by officials entrusted with certain functions to provide instruments or infrastructure which will better the lives of the people he/she rules. Another example is the denial of people’s right to vote for a candidate of their choice at an election.

The Federal Government must uphold the immutable rights of the people of Nigeria to enjoy the dividends of democracy, freedom (all kinds), good governance, to access to quality healthcare, quality education, good food, guaranteed liberty and justice, progress and development. The National Assembly and the executive branch are bound by the Constitution. Every citizen is guaranteed liberty and justice here. We people; we commoners give the government its just powers. It operates at our consent. Power is derived from the people.

Many people think that what makes a country progressive or modern is that it is a democracy. Well, Nigeria is not a democracy in that sense.  But there is nothing inherently good about either form of government. There are bad republics. There are bad democracies. There are bad dictatorships and bad governments. What makes a democratic country unique is that it has a limited form of government, in the sense that when the government of the day is not performing its duties or functions, not only according to the Constitution, but to the people it governs, we can go to the polls and deny it a further mandate. There is a government whose power can't lawfully extend beyond that which has been expressly delegated to it.

If the Constitution doesn't expressly give jurisdiction to the federal government over a certain subject, it may not act on it. Nigeria has a Constitution with checks, balances, and limitations on all branches of government. It may seem a novel concept to many, but we citizens have powerful tools at our disposal that can stop corrupt governments dead (in some cases literally) in their tracks. The government will not tell you this. They in fact blatantly lie about it. It is important that they do not reveal anything that will jeopardise their hold on power to the people who brought them, rigging or not, into power.

Today, most of us are victims (and perpetrators) of a corrupt government (Federal) or corrupt governments (states and Local). Many are involved knee deep in it. But we are not powerless. We, in fact, should not allow the government to act wrongfully against us. Most Nigerians don't even realize how far off course our government has strayed, and this is where education of the masses comes in. We can talk of democracy and good governance again and again. And we can not do it at the polls alone, or via legislative actions. It won't be accomplished by way of executive order/decree. Politicians and bureaucrats do not deliver the dividends of democracy, as we like to call it, they take it! More Nigerians are beginning to understand this, but very slowly. It will probably take less than ten percent of us to stand tall, exercise, demand, and reaffirm our absolute right. When enough are educated of this power, the light of freedom and democracy will begin to shine bright again. It is the failure to exercise this fundamental right that has brought us into this quagmire that we are in today.

I have read many comments from fellow Nigerians, listened to arguments and opinions as to the problem of corruption in Nigeria, and unfortunately what I have gathered from my countrymen and women is that Nigeria will never change, that corruption will always be endemic and there is nothing we can do about it. People tell me that if even I enter the system I will be corrupted.

I beg to differ very strongly. One, if we all keep our hands behind our backs, stick our heads into the ground like ostriches and expect God to change Nigeria for us, Nigeria will never change and things will become worse for everybody. It is for us to fight corruption and corrupt governments; nobody will do it for us, I always opine. Secondly, I, as a person, as an individual do not need to be corrupt in order to implement or effect the desired change for my people or country. I don’t need all the money. I am not greedy. I am not impressed by acquisition or accumulation of wealth, because I am not carrying it with me to heaven when I die. I derive my joy; satisfaction and contention by ensuring people around me are not in want or suffering. And the only way I can achieve this, if I have the chance, the power and the money to do this, is to do what a true leader is supposed to do – govern well, lead well. And if this means not employing members of my family or friends into positions which will compromise my ideals and purpose, so be it. I am not indebted to anybody in this world, except to my God. The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones. In this world, your worth as a person is determined by what you do for others while you are living; when you are dead, you are really of no use to anybody anymore, but your name lives on with esteem, respect and acknowledgement of the good you have done. This is eventually transferred to those you leave behind to enjoy. The reason or purpose why God and Man make some people leaders is to give them a chance to alleviate the problems of the weak; if a leader detracts from that purpose of Man and God, his/her life is truly worthless.

Thomas Jefferson often referred to the term good government. In his opinion, the Government ought to be judged by how well it meets its legitimate objectives. For him, good government was the one who most effectively secures the rights of the people and the rewards of their labor, which promotes their happiness, and also does their will. For instance, he said: "The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson to Maryland Republicans, 1809. ME 16:359.

According to the UN paper, What is Good Governance?, the term “governance” means “the process of decision-making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented)”. In other words, dealing with governance involves the analysis of the processes and systems by which a specific society, or organisation, operates. Though government is one of the main actors of governance, it is far from being the only one; depending on the specific entity under study, other actors can include “influential land lords, associations of peasant farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, research institutes, religious leaders, finance institutions, political parties, the military, [… as well as the] media, lobbyists, international donors, multi-national corporations, etc.” Moreover, governance applies to several contexts: corporate governance, international governance, and national, regional or local governance.

Good governance is a form of governance that embodies eight specific characteristics, and can be seen as an ideal of governance. The eight characteristics of good governance as defined by the United Nations embodies processes that are

1. participatory,

2. consensus oriented,

3. accountable,

4. transparent,

5. responsive,

6. effective and efficient,

7. equitable and inclusive,

8. and [which follow] the rule of law.

Moreover, good governance “assures that corruption is minimised, the views of minorities are taken into account, and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society”. Clearly, there is a close relation between good governance and respect for human rights.

From the above definitions, it should be clear that good governance is an ideal which is difficult to achieve in its totality. Very few countries and societies have come close to achieving good governance in its totality. However, to ensure sustainable human development, actions must be taken to work towards this ideal with the aim of making it a reality.

A basic practical example of good governance would be where a member of a committee, with a vested interest in a topic being discussed at committee, would absent themselves from the discussion and not attempt to exert influence. This certainly does not apply in our country. Another example is that of ensuring that there is no electoral fraud in the voting system and that the wishes and rights of the people to elect who they want into government or any position of power and leadership are sacrosanct. For decades, Nigerians have been denied this right, as was again demonstrated by the Ekiti State debacle most recently. Osun State is going that way too, as have several other states, including my own Oyo State.

And with a lot of corruption scandals being swept under the carpets through several decades, and the constant misinformation to the public, electoral and political fraud and corruption, Nigeria is far from being classified a “good governance” material. We all know it, despite any kind of propaganda or “re-branding” efforts being put out by the government. Even, we know that politicians and ex-leaders that have been indicted of corruption charges are still in power today, playing poker or Russian roulette with our lives.

If a law doesn't fit, you must acquit! If a government does not fit, we must get rid of it. If a system of governance is not apt to the needs of the people, the people must get rid of that system and look elsewhere.  We do not need to wait for the "right" politicians to erect the "right" legislation to take back our immutable rights. We people are the ultimate check against despotic corrupt governments.  Effective use of the ballot boxes, the Press, labour unions, is deadly to government bureaucrats, politicians, and their henchmen. It's a highly efficient and bloodless form of rebellion that must be employed.

Shall we take back our country now?

Akintokunbo Adejumo lives and works in London, UK.  A graduate of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria (1979) and University of Manitoba, Canada (1985), he also writes on topical issues and has been published in newspapers and internet media including Nigeriaworld.com, Nigeria Today Online, Nigerians In America, Nigeria Village Square, Champions Newspaper, ChatAfrik.com, African News Switzerland, New Nigerian Politics, Gamji.com, Codewit.com, Nigerian Horizon.com, Nigerian Muse.com,  etc.

He is also the Coordinator of CHAMPIONS FOR NIGERIA, (www.championsfornigeria.org) an organisation devoted to celebrating genuine progress, excellence, commitment, selfless and unalloyed service to Nigeria and Nigerians.

Robot  # 1 | 04.08.2009 18:08

Today, most of us are victims (and perpetrators) of a corrupt government (Federal) or corrupt governments (states and Local). Many are involved knee deep in it. But we are not powerless...Read the full article.

KingFisher  # 2 | 05.08.2009 09:25

Good write-up. I hope that someone is listening!

quietswami  # 3 | 05.08.2009 11:49

@AAA, Unfortunately, as appears to be the norm, you've highlighted the ailments but failed to prescribe the required remedy. If points were awarded for social commentary, observations, theorising, and endless diagnosis of the Nigerian situation, we would excel hands down - and if that were all that was required to reverse our fortunes, we would be the best nation on earth! Alas, as this is not the case, a useful tone we should aim to strike is to highlight issues, and propose actual and specific pragmatic steps to be taken to effect the change desired. Telling a sick patient of his/her cancerous condition is hardly life-changing - proposing specific courses of treatment rekindles hope. The conscensus is that there are a lot broken with the country, our collective failure is in identifying core ideas to rally round, to implement and execute.

Babatoks  # 4 | 05.08.2009 15:09

My dear brother, will we ever tire of this? In several previous articles, I have always implied that we Nigerians ourselves have already identified our problems, the solutions, or "remedies" as you call it, are also known. The problem is implemetation (and a lot of us know several or numerous ways of implementation, but are they practical enough?). And my brother, I cannot advocate a definite implementation, because there are many ways to implement, and we will differ on the mode of implemetation. But dont keep asking what are the remedies. We already know, since we have identified the problems.

quietswami  # 5 | 05.08.2009 20:39

=Babatoks;378790>My dear brother, will we ever tire of this? In several previous articles, I have always implied that we Nigerians ourselves have already identified our problems, the solutions, or "remedies" as you call it, are also known. The problem is implemetation (and a lot of us know several or numerous ways of implementation, but are they practical enough?). And my brother, I cannot advocate a definite implementation, because there are many ways to implement, and we will differ on the mode of implemetation. But dont keep asking what are the remedies. We already know, since we have identified the problems. Unsure of the import of the feedback. if the problems are "known" and the solution are also "known", why or how is implementation not identified as one of the problems to be added to the "knowns" so a solution can be sought? If the ways to implement the solutions are equally "known" why should pragmatism be a new problem? Perhaps the "implementation" should be reclassified as a problem, and then we are back to square one! Not advocating a "definite implementation" approach will have to be classed as a cop-out - the point of the village is to propose and sample opinions. In the Nigerian context, there cannot be "one way" but at least some consensus can be attained on the most realistic "ways", get organised, and implement! Not taking one's prescription because there are too many options is not saying anything really! The inevitable question arises - why bother to write?! Crucially why should anyone bother to read your write-ups if there is really nothing on offer?! Unfortunately, the questions or propositions will still have to be asked given that the "known" don't quite appear to be "known" otherwise we should be working on the solution already! Problem solving involves more than "knowing" what the problem - it involves dissecting the problem to the point of having solutions with pin-pointed actions aiming to achieve specific results - readily identifiable with a set of goals or objectives. The challenge being posed here is simple - if we are to write extensively about the Nigerian situation - commentary, observation, moan, lament, criticise... the least we should offer is an outlet - identify the ideal and steps to get there. A generalised approach to the Nigerian situation takes no-one anywhere - similar to global warmng - we can "talk" about the changes till the cats come home but until we identify the specific actions we need to take - however minimal - it would all be "talk"! Good points were raised but have a read on the many sites highlighting the Nigerian situation and one will discover write-ups not dissimilar to this instance without any particular proposition. We need to resist the urge of writing just for the sake of it but should aim to write with conscious intent of vision, and course of action. Bland theorising simply doesn't cut it! If governance were to be highlighted as an issue - I would rather propose how such can be achieved at the most basic level - composition, context, test cases or scenarios... Making assumptions of "knowing" problems or solutions could very well be one of the root causes! Perhaps we think we "know" but knowing that we don't "know", have to put up the pretense of "knowing" so we don't appear not to "know" what we don't "know"! A tragic case - as we will never get to really "know" what we don't "know"! Perhaps these "known" are already being implemented and those will be useful to know -both to highlight and provide inspiration for others. This may sound simplistic or inane but real problem-solving is really that simple - where attention is paid to all the key steps! The challenge is real - writers should get real, and writings should live up to the challenge. If all who can talk get to talk, how we would we get to hear those who really do have something to say!

Babatoks  # 6 | 06.08.2009 03:31

Quietswami. I wonder why you bothered at all to write such a long treatise about the article, since you obviously dont read articles written for writing sake. You dont have to read the articles. And actually your response hardly contributed to the issue, whether to write or the subjuct matter except to show your pomposity. If you can respond for that length, you might as well write your own article. Certainly you do not have a momopoly of knowlwdge about what to do about Nigeria. You dont like the article, other people will like it, asthe first commentator said. So your kind are just there to knock down everybody and anything. Reconsider your poses. I noticed you just joined the Villagers in May 2009. It will wise to engage your brain before you write your critique. As far as I am concerned, this is my last WORD.

iykepacino  # 7 | 06.08.2009 06:03

In as much as i agree with some of your write-ups, i still doubt a whole lot the ideas behind it. We know how corrupt or leaders are and how powerful their cliques are too. You may have an idea(s) to how things work for them but to see things your own way is really not the solution.I read through dozens of articles on issues of this nature but the end product remains a laughing stuck. Take for instance case of our beloved Journalists,who claim to be Investigative, in their quest to discovering the truth end up promoting the cause they're supposed to fight. Its a complex situation and i advise we preach morals and santity of human person,conscience being a vehicle to actualising the actual truth and in seeking for that we need to respect the dignity of human person. "Have reverence for God and obey his command for that was the reason man was created" In all we do,let these words be our guide. Paul

quietswami  # 8 | 06.08.2009 11:57

=Babatoks;378941>Quietswami. I wonder why you bothered at all to write such a long treatise about the article, since you obviously dont read articles written for writing sake. You dont have to read the articles. And actually your response hardly contributed to the issue, whether to write or the subjuct matter except to show your pomposity. If you can respond for that length, you might as well write your own article. Certainly you do not have a momopoly of knowlwdge about what to do about Nigeria. You dont like the article, other people will like it, asthe first commentator said. So your kind are just there to knock down everybody and anything. Reconsider your poses. I noticed you just joined the Villagers in May 2009. It will wise to engage your brain before you write your critique. As far as I am concerned, this is my last WORD. Quite rightly, I do read articles for there substance - where they are found wanting I provide feedback appropriately. This I do in order to highlight a couple points especially given the Nigerian context - writers need to rise to the challenge appropriately; there are countless real issues and these ought to be addressed specifically and directly; genuine feasible ideas worthy of a discourse should be proposed. I doubt if my feedback qualifies as pompous, possibly disappointed or irritated perhaps. Not entirely sure who my "kind" are meant to be but if this is intended as readers who are interested in genuinely seeking progressive ideas and discourse to engage and expand our horizon, then you may have a point. Such "kind" will critically appraise and inform but certainly not with the sole intent to "knock down everybody and anything" - some may refer to that as intellectual engagement - the premise of course being that there is some idea or concept to be engaged. Suffice to say that engagements are not intended to be or get personal - perhaps the change you seek should start from the most basic of levels - engagement with decorum; with genuine intent to communicate ideas that aim to address the real issues at hand;withstand intellectual scrutiny in kind with dignified conduct befitting an intellectual discourse. Problems are not solved by resorting to unedifying assault on personalities or name-calling, but by mutual exchange of ideas - this is all that was sought! The irony of this particular instance is the failure to appreciate that your piece was read, processed, and you were duly engaged - sadly, and not atypical, the contention of a lack of substance may have been proven inadvertently, by both the reaction, and comportment - rather unfortunate I daresay. Strangely, I may be doing others a favour - by providing such a lenghty feedback to highlight the paucity of ideas and the need to address such in write-ups! I make no pretensions to be a "writer" hence no directed contribution as yet, but when I choose to do so, it would hopefully be with the intent to make valid contributions aimed at specific issues. An easy enough request to make if you "choose" to write - especially where the slogan for the forum reads "marketplace of ideas" - not personalities, egos, megalomaniacs... but "ideas"! Look forward to your future write-ups, and hopefully expand on the themes highlighted but this time with specific and targeted resolutions for consideration. Remember - to paraphrase Einstein - we can't keep doing the same things the same everytime expecting a different outcome. And of course, only too willing to provide constructive feedback - sought or not!

Tiger  # 9 | 07.08.2009 06:47

Quietswami, In as much as I appreciate your suggestion on including constructive proposals open to debate in articles written on Nigeria's multifaceted problems, I do not cherish your attitude of "know it all" in this regard. Writing is an art and the artist is at liberty to let flow the way his mind dictates. Criticism is so easy but could be destructive if not well expressed and if it was offered on a platform reeking of pomposity and "superior konwledge or intelligence". Adetokunboh wrote on the way his artistic inclination directed. If, in your opinion, he failed to offer useful suggestions to the problems, at least he brought them once again to public consciousness in a more articulate form. You could set the ball rolling with suggestions that could actually be the catalyst of a more intellectual and pragmatic approach, rather than descending on the writer and actinf as the watchdog of articles on the Village Square. In your responses, I failed to see any concrete suggestions to the problems raised by Adetokunbo. All you did was scrtunise his write-up as if it was a PhD dissertation. This may not apply to you, but the way and manner some countrymen rudely and arrogantly abuse writers on this platform makes the whole purpose and intent of participation very discouraging. It is so easy for rejoinders to contain terms like "confused writer, stupid write-up, mad writer, etc". We have all thrown the concept of civility in public discourse to the dogs. Articles are not written to satisfy any one person. If do not like it, too bad. Then why not move on? If you must criticise or respond, please do so in a civil manner, not with the air of someone who knows better. Quietswami, you are welcome to offer unsolicited criticism on articles. The square is an open forum and criticisms actually creates for better writing. But why not direct such to the contents of the articles and offer useful suggestions on shortcomings in amore civilised manner? If I may paraphrase Babatoks words, this would be my first and lsat on this topic. Kind regards!

quietswami  # 10 | 07.08.2009 16:08

@Tiger =Tiger;379282>Quietswami, In as much as I appreciate your suggestion on including constructive proposals open to debate in articles written on Nigeria's multifaceted problems, I do not cherish your attitude of "know it all" in this regard. Writing is an art and the artist is at liberty to let flow the way his mind dictates. Criticism is so easy but could be destructive if not well expressed and if it was offered on a platform reeking of pomposity and "superior konwledge or intelligence". I may have to disagree with your inference of “know –it-all...pomposity and “superior knowledge or intelligence””. Visitation to the village is steered with the intent to learn and engage with like-minded progressives – to help evolve, extend awareness, and mobilise towards the greater good. Hardly a case for intoning any form of implied superiority. =Tiger;379282>Adetokunboh wrote on the way his artistic inclination directed. If, in your opinion, he failed to offer useful suggestions to the problems, at least he brought them once again to public consciousness in a more articulate form. You could set the ball rolling with suggestions that could actually be the catalyst of a more intellectual and pragmatic approach, rather than descending on the writer and actinf as the watchdog of articles on the Village Square. In your responses, I failed to see any concrete suggestions to the problems raised by Adetokunbo. All you did was scrtunise his write-up as if it was a PhD dissertation. Ideas do get scrutinised – a most endearing and edifying feature of the village - “marketplace of ideas”! Captured in this slogan is the understated challenge to present ideas. Not particularly swayed by the aesthetics or artistry of writings - any which way (although very welcome!) but more concerned with the ideas or thoughts being expressed. PhD dissertations often express thesis inevitably - ideas or concept! An extension of this logic would imply that due treatment was accorded - conclusion was the lack of thesis! Quite rightly, the writer was articulate; however, my contention was the unending regular dose of similar analysis and commentaries that offer little to none on proposition/s for resolutions or actions to reverse the situation. This is particularly contextual – there are way too many commentaries, theoretical analysis without the necessary next steps. As the writer implied we “know” the problems, solutions, and many ways to implement – so why state the obvious? Yes the podium has been provided but should everyone who can talk step up or should this be for the deserving that genuinely have something to say? Not posing as a watchdog but do provide feedback as appropriate. However, it is frustrating to read pieces with no real take-away messages that helps elevate one to the next level! Perhaps in that regard, I am making my contribution by highlighting the need to take on the challenge of writing on the village with the diligence of one with genuine ideas aimed at a stimulated audience willing to engage – granted that this is the ideal but shouldn’t prevent us from aspiring to such! Call it a protest or campaign, and by highlighting instances the message is sent and no need for my write-up as well! =Tiger;379282>This may not apply to you, but the way and manner some countrymen rudely and arrogantly abuse writers on this platform makes the whole purpose and intent of participation very discouraging. It is so easy for rejoinders to contain terms like "confused writer, stupid write-up, mad writer, etc". We have all thrown the concept of civility in public discourse to the dogs. Articles are not written to satisfy any one person. If do not like it, too bad. Then why not move on? If you must criticise or respond, please do so in a civil manner, not with the air of someone who knows better. Quietswami, you are welcome to offer unsolicited criticism on articles. The square is an open forum and criticisms actually creates for better writing. But why not direct such to the contents of the articles and offer useful suggestions on shortcomings in amore civilised manner? If I may paraphrase Babatoks words, this would be my first and lsat on this topic. In providing extensive feedback to this write-up, I have accorded the writer the ultimate courtesy of a reader by giving due attention – acknowledged the writing – processed – and provided feedback courteously. The regret was the lack of substance to engage on! Nothing personal, and certainly not abusive in nature -I did not provide the commonplace sarcastic or cynical one-liners – slightly bemused at how any of my feedback could have been construed as not being “civilised”! The proactive learning process has an intrinsic feedback loop - hoping that my responses have accorded you the due courtesy as shown to you and your observations. This, I can assure you, is not a point-scoring exercise. Ironically, given the writer’s themes, approach, and implied actions - from his link to “Champions” page – I was disappointed at the lack of focus but still keen to read on the follow-up -with critique taken on board! Rather than discourage writers, such attention is intended to encourage but only for those with original ideas to express - willing and capable of rising to the challenge of due scrutiny - true ideas can only evolve! To highlight the essence of my contention – the NVS Solar project is a case in point – problem identified – ideas sought – solutions identified – solution implemented! This was the essence of my message to the writer – hard to tackle generalised problems! Focus on a particular issue – propose ideas or resolutions – let’s engage – who knows, we may just get round to mobilising and putting them to work! Not a lot to ask! But enough of the talk-shop mentality already! Instead of worrying about what reader think of our writings, lets focus on what they think of our ideas! Writings by themselves do not solve problems, propositions do! The visionaries of the village have given us the ideal platform to engage – let’s put it to good use! There are endless fora and blogs for observation, commentaries, idle chit chat... let’s preserve the village for real and true discourse on “ideas” aimed at realising the ideals of our nation!