//EDITORIAL OF THE VIEW MAGAZINE-//

When a form of government practiced in any country is of the people, by the people and for the people, it is no other form but democracy. Any other one contrary to this is another system of government. Since independence, Nigeria has had about 17 years of democracy out of which the country recently celebrated its 10 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999. While some people were quick to roll out drums calling for its celebration, some others have differing views lamenting what we have in the country is mere civil rule and not democracy because dividends of democracy are very bare at the same time as the leadership holds the people in contempt. Just as our report, across the nation, entitled “Democracy @ 10, The Blinking Future” is refreshing and mind bogging, it also calls on the leadership to look inward and apply democratic norms and principles in the system.

By the actions of Babatunde Raji Fashola, Executive Governor of Lagos State, observers are made to know that he truly means to transform the state. Having spent about 850 days in office, and with a wide range of projects taking shape across the state in brilliance colour, his efforts deserve objective assessment in order to enable the public draw proper and, indeed, realistic conclusions about his stewardship. The magazine decided to take a look at his activities to unravel why “Fashola” is fast becoming a house hold name across the country and also more popular than other governors. It is obvious our special report titled “Giant Strides of Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State” confirms a statement credited to Prof. Dora Akunyili, Minister of Information and Communication that Fashola is indeed a great brand of Nigeria and a face that the country can show to the world. Just as his name is gradually becoming tantamount to good governance in the country, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria never relented in his efforts in making dividends of democracy value for tax payers’ money in the state.

Professor Dora Akunyili, Hon. Minister of Information and Communications has successfully made Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation a popular slogan just like others in the past. What is still very strange and unpopular is what the rebranding project is set to achieve. No doubt, the anchor of the project was commended for her brilliant performance as Director-General of National Agency for Food, Drug and Administration Control, NAFDAC, but the reverse might be the case going by the ways and manners the Hon. Minister is carrying out the task. The condemnation received by the project does not mean that Nigerians do not believe in being re-branded, but it looks like make believe project to all and sundry. Most people are of the opinion that the country cannot be re-branded when corruption is standing side by side with the project. This has prompted the editorial members of the magazine to look into the rebranding project as regards it present impacts on the citizenry and conclude that, there is no justifiable reason wasting resources to popularize a mere slogan if the focus is to eradicate corruption, crime, indiscipline and other evil devices which if holistically tackled and achieved from the corridor of power will naturally rebrand the country, home and abroad. Our cover story tagged “Nigeria: Good People, Great Nation: Akunyili tasked to rebrand INEC and Yar‘adua” is a must read.

Mike Mbama Okiro is indeed a house hold name. His name comes to mind whenever issues concerning Nigeria Police are mentioned. It is no news that he was appointed Inspector General of Police in June 2007 by President Musa Yar’adua and retired in July 2009. Just like other Inspectors-General of Police who have served in the past, Nigerians cannot forget their impacts very quickly. Before his emergence as the number one cob of the force, Nigerians preferred to take laws into their hands to reporting cases of armed robbery, crimes and the likes to the police. There is no doubt Nigeria police have become more professional in conduct, and friendlier to the people; his achievements have raised the standards of the force and these did not only outgrow the ones made by his predecessors but have also set a standard and pace for his successors to follow. Our special feature titled “Midas Touch of Mike Okiro in the Nigeria Police” is revealing.

Human rights remain meaningless until they are made meaningful to the violated and the oppressed. Human rights are made known through education, and universally rights known and universally rights protected. Enhancing professionalism, 10 Basic Human Rights Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies is recommended for all police officers and other agencies. Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other treaties in this edition will definitely enrich and increase your human rights literacy as you read.

Few months ago, someone asked, “was Gani going to die”? I responded, “every human being is going to die” Gani has lived shortly and gone forever. Gani lived a life worthy of emulation. He lived a fulfilled life. Making the pride of the nation and glory of the silence continue to live, speak and demand the same thing that constitutes the core area of his life as long as this space, this world and this humanity remains is our primary concern. Though, he was many things to many people, he was a brilliant lawyer, defender of the helpless, courageous human rights activist, humanitarian, philanthropist, and a staunch Muslim. I prefer to describe him as a LIVING LEGEND. Gani was a positive influence who brought light to countless lives and inspired all who came in contact with him to inspire always for excellence. The tribute titled the living legend is a must read. Till next month. Peter Ajayi