As Nigeria Prepares for Elections: The Implications on The African Continent and the World

By: Olaniyi Odina

Nigeria is regarded as the giant of Africa, whatever effects it negatively or positively affects the entire Africa.

 This is so because the country is the military power base of the continent. It is also regarded as the economic power base of the nation because it is the largest producer and exporter of crude oil.

 With an estimated population of over two hundred million people, it is believed that Nigeria houses over one-fifth of the black race. Traditionally elections are very volatile in Nigeria until 2015 when the incumbent lost and he relinquished power without any drama.

Again Nigeria is marching towards another election the tempo is already high, if the election happens peacefully it will a plus and an image bolster for the African continent. We shall examine possible adverse consequences such refuge crisis, increase in security challenges and economic meltdown should the election end in a fiasco.

Our world is already faced with the refugee crisis, with Africans leaving the continent in droves. One of the consequences of an election gone bad is a civil war that will displace hundreds of millions of people.

                                          Odina
This can only lead the avoidable migrant crisis, Nigerians will be forced to leave their countries and go into neighboring African countries. The route to Africa through the Sahara desert that has claimed lots of lives will become busier. This is so because Nigerians in their thousands are known to ply that dangerous route yearly, many Nigerians are known to have died trying to cross over to Europe in search of greener pastures in times of peace the number that will use the desert during the time of crisis, is better left unimagined.

This unwanted movement of people will be aided by the very porous borders of African nations and vague immigration laws. That is mostly enforced by corrupt government officials that sell anything to the highest bidder for amounts next to nothing.

Breakdown of law and order is one of the first signs of political crisis. People will be killed for sports, people will be maimed and mutilated with permanent disabilities for fun, young women will be raped without consequences and fathers will give up the divinity and sanctity of their daughters to gun-wielding men for protection.

Like Thomas Hobbes postulated life will become "short and brutish". African countries that share boundaries with Nigeria both closely and remotely will get a fair share of these security challenges because the good, the bad and the criminally terrible will join during the migration. The criminal minded will migrate to their host nations with their criminality and they will continue their crimes in their host nation.

A crisis in Nigeria will shake the root of the peace currently enjoyed by most African nations and the entire global community.

 Nigeria is the largest exporter of crude oil on the African continent. Its trade partners in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa will get a share of the economic crisis. It is  established in demand and supply principle in Economics that the market forces of demand and supply affect prices both negatively and positively.

A crisis in Nigeria that is the Largest producer of crude oil in Africa and the sixth largest in the world will reduce the supply of crude oil to the global market because explorers will abandon oil fields.

 This reduction in supply will force prices of crude oil to go up in the international market. This will also lead to an increase in the cost of petroleum products in markets around the globe.

 Aside from affecting global crude oil prices, a crisis in Nigeria will also affect the global agricultural market.

The country is the leading producer of an exporter of Cocoa, oil palm, groundnut, and many other agricultural products.
A crisis in Nigeria Will also affect the supply and subsequently prices of these agricultural products in the local market across the world.

Global leaders and readers should be mindful that this article is in no way an attempt to prophesy doom, it is just a wake-up call to the global community on the implications of a full-blown political crisis in the economic, political, population power base of Africa.

~~Written by Olaniyi Odina, a vibrant and young public affairs commentator from Oriade LGA,Osun.
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Hon Lawrence Ayeni sympathizes with victims of Ilesa/Akure expressway accident,tasks federal government to dualize the busy rout to Akure.

Hon Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni has described the road accident that claimed about 15 lives on Ilesa/Akure expressway yesterday morning as unfortunate.

Hon Ayeni who was visibly shocked and traumatised over the unfortunate incident and a colossal lost, urged family of the victims to take solace in God Almighty.

The grassroot politician and philanthropist said this while commiserating with family of the victims.

This is contained in a statement credited to his media office.

The statement further reads in part;

“My heart goes out to the victims of the tragic accident at Erin Ijesa axis on Ilesa/Akure expressway,  especially those who lost their lives''

Ayeni said Ife/Ilesa/Akure expressway is a busy road , and deserves the federal government urgent attention to dualized the route down to Akure.

According to him, the corridor has been a fast link to Abuja, Benin and other southeast states, saying security presence along Ilesa /Akure expressway is also important owing to criminal activities on the road.

Hon Ayeni prayed that God in his infinite mercy will protect everybody ,just as he appealed to road users to imbibe good road use culture, and be extra careful across the country during the ember months ,and beyond.

Hon L.B Ayeni sets to disburse grants to youths in Ijesa South Federal Constituency of Osun,says the gesture is a pointer to good things to come if elected in 2019.

The candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress for Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the 2019 elections Hon Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni has assured his constituents of more effective representation and promised to continue delivering dividends of democracy to them.

Hon Ayeni made this known while receiving some traditional rulers in his empowerment foundation office ,Ilesa.

While expressing gratitude to the royal fathers, Hon Ayeni urged his constituents to remain committed to the advancement of good governance in the state through their support for the APC government at all levels.

He described Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun as the architect of the modern Osun state, just as he charged people of the state to support the administration of the governor-elect Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

Hon Ayeni noted that such commitment and support would guarantee progress in the state.

The grassroot politician also urged  all those who have been trained through his empowerment program, but due to financial constraint are yet to practice , to pick a form at his Okesa office beginning from the second week of November 2018 , saying he is set to disburse a take off grant to the effected trainees.

'Our people will soon be giving grant  ,or take off funds, and by the time i got elected to represent my people in Abuja, i will find it easier to do more' said Hon Ayeni

The Amuludun of Ijesaland said his foundation had empowered thousands of peoples, and sponsored some youths in the area of sporting activities ,particularly football.

Hon Ayeni who thanked APC members, traditional rulers, artisans, civil servants, community and religious leaders, labour unions, associations,  security agencies, the iyalojas ,youths, women, Okada operators, NURTW, RTAN and the people of Ijesa South Federal Constituency, pledged his commitment to enhancing the quality of lives of his constituents if voted for in the 2019 elections.

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Market men, women endorse Hon L.B Ayeni,assuring APC of flawless victory in the 2019 elections.

Ahead of the 2019 elections, some market men and women in Ijesaland have expressed readiness to support Hon Lawrence Babatunde Ayeni, saying the philanthropist has rendered selfless services to the humanity, and deserves their votes.

The traders in their numbers made this known at a short forum in Ilesa.

Describing Hon Ayeni as a man of the people, with a very large heart who has been helping the needy in Ijesaland and beyond, the traders said having such a prolific, generous and peace loving personality to fly the flag of APC in Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the 2019 election is laudable ,and will amount to a flawless victory for APC in the area.

While speaking with newsmen ,the Iyaloja Atakunmosa market ,Ilesa Chief Mrs. Hanna Awe thanked Hon Ayeni for his gesture towards ensuring that the ancient market maintain a high level of hygiene.

She also called on the federal government to do the needful  to check the high cost of food items in the country.

Earlier, Hon L.B Ayeni told the Iyaloja and her executive members that his foundation -L.B Ayeni Foundation would from now on pay the bill required to keep Atakumosa market clean ,and friendly to all and sundry, urging traders in the market not to pay a dime anymore to waste  collectors.

Hon Ayeni  also charged market men and women at the popular Atakunmosa market to  continue supporting the ruling 
All Progressives Congress APC at the local, State and federal levels.

I WILL BRINGS IFE'S DUES HOME- OLUSEGUN FANIBE

 Otunba Olusegun Ayodele Fanibe (Oko-Arugbo, Kajola, Kajolowo) has said he will provides adequate representation to the good people of Ifeland and never trade away what belongs to Ife if giving the opportunity to represents Ife Federal Constituency at the lower Chambers of the national assembly comes 2019 general election.

 Fanibe stated this in a town hall meeting with Ife Progressive Forum (the umbrella body of all association in Ifeland) held at Oba Okunade Sijuwade Memorial City Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife."

In a statement made available by his Media Adviser, MacDonald Oladipo, said, Otunba Olusegun Ayodele Fanibe who is contesting for House of Representatives, Ife Federal Constituency under the auspices of ACCORD said, I counts it as a great privilege of a lifetime to stands before my parents whose main concerns every blessed minute is to see Ife becoming el-dorado."

My motive of joining politics is to contribute my quota to the development of Ifeland.

"I started my humanitarian activities in 1996 which spanned through scholarship, free health programmes, skill acquisitions, free examination forms, regular assistance to our Youth and our aged mother, hence I'm called Oko-Arugbo."

The ACCORD flagbearer promised to bring whatever is due to Ifeland home without trading the rights of Ife."

In his words, President, Ife Progressive Forum, Com. Lawrence Awowoyin appreciates the good gesture of Otunba Fanibe to the society and pray for God's guidance for him on his aspiration."

Awowoyin added, what we have had before is Ife serving their representatives rather than the representatives serving Ifeland."

Otunba Olusegun Ayodele Fanibe, Chairman, ACCORD, Osun State laud the efforts of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Ooni of Ife for his developmental strides in Ifeland since mounting the throne of his forebears."

2019:NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS ENDORSES THE CANDIDACY OF HON LAWRENCE BABATUNDE AYENI.

THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGINEERS [NSE] ILESA CHAPTER, OSUN STATE HAS COMMENDED THE HUMANITARIAN GESTURES AND ACTIVITIES OF HON LAWRENCE BABATUNDE AYENI AS THE SOCIETY MARKED ITS WEEK TODAY.

THE SOCIETY LAUDED HON AYENI FOR HIS PHILANTHROPIC GESTURES IN THE LAST 7YEARS DESCRIBING HIM AS ONE OF THE FEW POLITICIANS LOVED BY THE MASSES.

THE NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION IN ILESA , ENGINEER DOTUN FAWIBE MADE THIS KNOWN IN A CHAT WITH UNIQ FM NEWS IN ILESA.

HE THANKED HON AYENI WHO IS THE APC CANDIDATE IN IJESA SOUTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY IN THE 2019 ELECTIONS, FOR SUPPORTING THE SOCIETY EACH TIME IT APPROACHED HIM FOR ONE EVENT OR THE OTHER IN ILESA.



THE SOCIETY ALSO PLEDGED ITS SUPPORT FOR HON AYENI , SAYING THAT IT EXPECTS MORE ROBUST RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM IN THE YEARS AHEAD JUST AS IT REJOICED WITH HIM FOR CLINCHING THE TICKET TO VIE FOR THE HOUSE OF REPS IN 2019.

COURT GRANTS BAIL TO TWO ALLEGED SWINDLERS IN OSUN,ADJOURNS HEARING TO NOVEMBER 9.

A COURT SITTING IN OSOGBO, THE CAPITAL OF OSUN ON TUESDAY GRANTED OLAKUNLE TAOFIEEK MUHAMMED AND ALHAJI RASHEED BAKARE BAIL FOLLOWING THE BAIL APPLICATION BY THEIR COUNSEL.

THE DUO IS STANDING TRIAL BEFORE THE COURT ON A CHARGE BORDERING ON ALLEGED FRAUD

THE COUNSEL TO THE DEFENDANT, MR AJIBADE SHITU FILED A BAIL APPLICATION OF THE DEFENDANTS UNDER SECTION 35 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 AS AMENDED.

BARRISTER SHITU ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE DEFENDANTS
ARE KNOWN FOR GOOD CHARACTER AND PROMINENT FIGURES IN THE SOCIETY WITH NO CRIMINAL RECORD, AND THEREFORE, HAVE RIGHT TO BAIL, AND WOULD NOT BREACH THE BAIL CONDITIONS IF GRANTED.

HE URGED THE COURT TO GRANT THE BAIL APPLICATION, AS THE DEFENDANTS WERE READY TO COMPLY WITH THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE COURT, ADDING THAT THE ALLEGED OFFENSE IS BALIABLE UNDER THE LAW BUT THE PROSECUTING COUNSEL MOSES FAREMI OBJECTED TO THE BAIL APPLICATION, ARGUING THAT THE DEFENDANT MIGHT JUMP BAIL IF GRANTED.

ACCORDING TO HIM, BAIL IS NOT A FATHER CHRISTMAS GIFT, AND THAT THE COURT CANNOT IN ANYWAY GRANT THE BAIL BUT THE COUNSEL TO THE DEFENDANT ARGUED THAT THERE WAS NO PROOF OF EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COURT THAT THE ACCUSE PERSONS COMMITTED THE SAID CRIME.

HE THEREFORE URGED THE COURT TO GRANT THE SUSPECTS BAIL, SAYING THEY WILL NOT JUMP THE BAIL.

WHILE GRANTING THE BAIL APPLICATION, MAGISTRATE OLUSEGUN AYILARA SAID ANY ATTEMPT TO DENY THE ACCUSE PERSONS THE BAIL WOULD NOT BE RIGHT, ASKING THE ACCUSE PERSON AS PART OF THE BAIL CONDITIONS TO PRODUCE 2 SURETIES WITH1 MILLION NAIRA, ONE OF THE SURETIES MUST BE A CIVIL SERVANT IN GRADE 12, WITH DOCUMENT OF TAX PAYMENT AND MUST OWN A HOUSE PROPERTY WITHIN THE STATE WHICH DOCUMENTS MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE COURT, AMONG OTHER CONDITIONS.

SPEAKING WITH THE NEWSMEN AFTER THE MATTER, PROSECUTING COUNSEL, BARISTER FAREMI MOSES ROTIMI DESCRIBED THE DECISION OF THE COURT AS A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT.

ON HIS PART, THE COUNSEL TO THE DEFENDANTS MR AJIBADE SHITU WHO EXPRESSED GRATITUDE TO THE COURT FOR GRATING HIS CLIENTS THE BAIL APPLICATION, DESCRIBED THE SUSPECTS AS PEOPLE FROM A WELL-TO-DO FAMILY BACKGROUND.

HE ALSO SAID THE BAIL CONDITIONS WOULD BE MET.

THE CASE HAS BEEN ADJOINED TO 9TH OF NOVEMBER FOR FURTHER HEARING..