Not me, they started it!

He (Yaks) had to start all three games, to say the very least, non-performing but still a necessity as was the case of the Nigerian super eagles (a moniker every Nigerian questions).  Although not surprised, i was utterly disappointed by their performance which unfortunately wasn't because of actions on the field but because of their actions off it.

I mentioned my not being surprised about this politicking because this issue stems right from the core of the society; we as individuals and our selfish “nothing goes for nothing” interests, the police force with their fellow "Agberos" and their conspicuous shameful show of corruption through bribery, right through our churches, offices, sports administration to the house of reps (still coming to that), house of assembly and other forms of representation this country has. Whether it’s a terrorist attack, or a political figure’s looting of funds, either it’s the un-explanation of the former president's last 3 months on earth or the political selection of players in a team(when the right thing to do is so obvious), we shamefully display our corruption to the world, hence putting innocent ones amongst us in the spot.

Ok the popular issue, while some people do get the gist, I won’t mind re-emphasizing for those who don’t. So let’s break down the whole thing concisely.

•  We have got 109 senators and 360 house of ­­ rouges reps members.

• Each senator’s annual salary lies currently at N29.76million and each allowance is N60million every 3 months. That’s a total of N240million in allowances per year which means each senator gets the sum of N269.76million per annum multiplied by 109 to a total of N29.40billion per year from our yearly budget!

•  Each house of rep member's annual salary lies currently at N23.76million and each allowance is N45million every 3 months. That’s a total of N108million in allowances per year which means each member gets the sum of N131.76million per annum multiplied by 360 to a total of N73.4billion per year still from our yearly budget!

• That’s a total of N102.8billion per year on these people.

 Need i say more.....? Alright i will.

Nigeria is 50 come October 1st. and news flash, they have appropriated about N10billion! Yes not a typo, N10billion for the celebration (of what i ask). You can get the full breakdown here and i must admit, it’s quite outrageous and hilarious as well!!!

Furthermore, Nigerian population is estimated at N150million, more than half of which lives below poverty level (oh, isn’t it funny that the minimum wage is... wait for it … N7500!). With our massive income and revenue, we are still unable to generate electricity to light a 40watts bulb for a full day. The people we voted in these positions are enriching their pockets, ignoring their civil responsibilities, while the masses continue to suffer.

Need i continue....? OK i still will!

Anyone catch the late night boxing talent show exhibited by our honorable house of rouges, sorry again, reps, (told you i was coming to this) it was a shame, a disgrace to our country. I was further embarrassed because it was Warren, a friend from the UK, that called me to tune in to the station. Apparently, members of the Federal House of Representatives engaged in a free -for-all fight [Violence and assault] on the floor of the house as the Progressives led by Mr. Dino Melaye, an opposition to the embattled speaker of the house, Dimeji Bankole, tried to introduce a motion for his impeachment. What a shame! Full story and more pictures here.

The strange thing is this, i can't do anything about it, i could talk all day till i lose my voice, better still, i could be part of a rally, with my placard and my shirt (with #lightupnaija or any other of our 1 million and 1 problem imprints on it) while an activist, say Wole Soyinka, serves as coordinator. But like my boss told me, u can’t fight with the two G's? GOD and Government! Quite interesting.

And while some might argue that the change begins with us as individuals (so true), how much of those changed individual gets to a position of considerable influence. Those that have tried are either 6ft underground or on their way. I think Muttalab should have deferred his terrorist act for the independent day meeting and changed his target to the venue where all lawmakers in Nigeria would meet. He'd probably be a hero.

Many songs have been sung, many marathons have been run, but this government cannot and will not do anything to change our current predicament, we need God's divine intervention and his mercies too.

#ifhiphopwashighschool

Thanks to Rachael Samara for the inspiration.

Twitter might be one of the best inventions of recent time. Who doesn't love the ability to connect with their favorite artists and express how they feel about them-whether it's good, or bad. Twitter often has some crazy trending topics whether it's the trending #nigeriangrammer (why are u twice on the bed? Come down each by each!) or maybe the love of some die hard fans who wake up everyday just to tell rnb sensation, Banky w aka @BankyW how they really feel (#iwannamarrybankyw).

The recent trending topic, #ifhiphopwashighschool got me thinking, what if hip hop really was high school? There are definitely some interesting characters in the hip hop community, making it an interesting battle as to who would win each superlative. The school which would undoubtedly be located in Brooklyn, NY would be filled wall-to-wall with enough hip hop swag to last a lifetime.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Teacher's Pet" would be: Drake

It seems like he can't do anything wrong. Since he came on the scene, everything he's touched has turned to gold, he's a successful rapper and singer. A student equivalent to Drake's role in the hip hop world would be any teacher's dream. Who wouldn't love a student who seemed to get everything right?



 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Principal" would be: Russell Simmons

There are few people in the hip hop industry who are more respected than "The CEO of Hip Hop." There's no better candidate to run a school full of future hip hop artists than the man who is responsible for making the industry what it has become today.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "Most Likely To Succeed" would be:  Jay-Z

As a kid from the projects of Bed Stuy, Brooklyn he has made it in every sense of the word.  He 

could be the spokesperson for success, proving his hustle since he stepped foot in the game.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Class Clown" would be: Fabolous 

  

Ever since Fabolous began showcasing his personality via Twitter, there is no doubt this  Brooklyn-born rapper would have the whole school gathering around him just to listen to his sarcastic humor. His famous chipped tooth ads to the comedic persona, making his role as the class clown that much more believable.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Best Dressed" would be: Andre 3000
  

Not too many men can rock the outfits that this outcast pulls off. From suspenders and 1950's era glasses, to perfectly shined Oxfords, there is a reason Vogue Magazine has featured this rapper in their highly respected publication.

 #ifhiphopwashighschool "The School Bully" would be: Beanie Sigel
 

 His nickname is the "Broad Street Bully" and if that doesn't say enough, he just gives off that "I used to bully kids in school" vibe. His career has featured beef with other rappers, rewind to his 

grade school days, I think we'd all keep our distance.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Jock" would be: Nelly 

Have you seen his Sean John ads? This one was no contest. He has the physical endurance to become the school's star athlete as well as the boy-next-door looks and magnetic personality.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The 'It' Girl" would be: Beyonce 

 She's the woman that every guy wants to get with, and the one every other girl envies. If she doesn't fit the stereotypical "it girl," I don't know who else does.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Ladies Man" would be: LL Cool J
 

 This was an easy one. What female hasn't obsessed over this man at some point in their lives? His looks and body are one thing, his name stands for "Ladies Love Cool James" and he has a natural ability to rap the skirt off of any woman. There's so many factors that make this legendary rapper the perfect ladies man.

 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Class President" would be: Diddy 

 He already has his "Vote or Die" shirts ready incase he even needed to campaign. My guess is he wouldn't need to plan any campaign strategy as everyone already loves him. He's the hip hop mogul with the golden touch, no one could be more qualified to run the class.

 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Most Popular" would be: Lil Wayne 

 One of the biggest stars in the world right now, the Young Money ringleader has been able to cross over from a black to white audience more successfully than any other artists. He has fans of all background, from every corner of the world. If that doesn't give him the "most popular" title, I don't know what would.


 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Best Kept Secret" would be: Lupe Fiasco 

 With two studio albums under his belt and enough talent for days, it's a surprise he isn't in the spotlight that much. He raps, plays the piano and keyboards and he even f*cks with Kanye West. He has everything it takes to be the face of hip hop, but for some reason everyone is selfishly keeping his talent to themselves.


 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The School Nerd" would be: Pharrell

 A self-proclaimed N.E.R.D., Pharrell created Star Trak Entertainment, an ode to one of his favorite shows, Star Trek. Known for throwing up the Vulcan Peace Sign as if he truly believes in it, no other artist has nerdy roots that run so deep. There's nothing wrong with being a nerd, just look where it got him.

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Valedictorian" would be: Plies 

Fort Myers rapper, Plies aka Algernod Washington, was the real life Valedictorian of his high school. He may be "goon affiliated" but he's actually an intelligent "goon." Being an educated rapper may take away some of an artist's street cred, but when it comes down to it, being named your school's Valedictorian is something to be seriously proud of.

 

#ifhiphopwashighschool "The Most Artistic" would be: Kanye West 

 Kanye West is one of the most creative artists of our time. He's a true artist (he often sketches), a male fashionista and a true creative thinker. He may be unique and outspoken, but when it comes to his work he's a quiet genius. We never know what to expect out of him.