Saturday, December 1, 2018

PIN OR PINNACLE - Poetry

...by Poetic Tee "Here, take a sip"



I hate this life. I truly do. Now, don't bother asking me why? If I say I know, that'd be a lie.

Not after all the beauty, the charm, the simplicity and much more associated with it.

With all the love, kindness, smiles and laughter, care and concern, giving and taking engaged in it.

Yes I know there are family, friends, colleagues, classmates, soulmates and more sharing in on it.

Mind you, it's not because of the terrible things humans practice day in day out without remorse in it.

In fact, every single day, people come up with new innovations and creativity, not in science and tech.

But in the kinds of evil man is capable of. What you hear or see today will be archaic tomorrow.

True, between yesterday, today and the next is just another day. Which day? Frankly speaking, I don't know.

Still I haven't told you why I hate this life, have I? Is there a need to or should I just keep mum, move on?

Well, why go with it and deny the world of knowing my "Why"? After all, of what use will it be at my destination?

It will benefit more if I tell where it matters and that's here and now. Another second wasted might be too late.

And that in essence is the reason why. Everything I acquire, from a pin to a pinnacle I end up loosing.

Matters not whether I'm good or bad, still amounts to a loss. Except of course if I'm of them free from covetousness.

Coming with nothing and leaving with same, not fame or even shame. It's still foolhardy to engage in waste.

I've carefully thought about this and the outcome is always constant. There's no escaping it, but then...

Many still pursue goals at the expense of their souls, whole and sole. And still I ask myself "Why?"

Is it for the good of man or the self? A voice within answered "Yes." Convinced, yet I find that hard to believe.

But one thing for sure, this life is nothing except for what one can trade it for? Yes, it's like a bitcoin.

You can't see or touch it, but they say it has value and you believe it. Just invest yourself in it and await the outcome.

Fools act foolish. But what does one expect of them? It's the wise that act as such that I pity. Plain reality.

And I've discovered many among them who can't help but fall prey, notwithstanding how much they know, pray or dollars they spray.

Now, that's why I said what I said about life. Hoping you've come this far, without getting confused. Don't!

If you are, well, I didn't mean to. Actually, it's all plain simple. And this is no clichΓ© "Life sucks while being beautiful."

Gotto go now. Adios. Do take care.

(c)2018 Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved

Friday, November 30, 2018

HEROISM @ MELETE - Poetry

...by Poetic Tee "Here, take a sip"



O courageous Naija soldiers
Men! Of green valor, pure gallantry
Who dare to stare fear in the eyes
Making it fear your fury of obligation.
...

You knew it from day one
That one day, it'll be your turn
To kiss death smack on the lips
Bitter, the taste to the feeble imagination.
...

A date you cherished to live, to see
Wishing for it sooner, while later begs
Dancing to rhythmic beats of raining steel
As fire burns passionate, painting with patriotism.
...


Yours is a real officer's covet
To be gifted that rare Solomon's pass
Standing, firmly awake as souls move on
To prove to all, your genuine spirit of immortality.
...

O how you so craved for that
Join the league of our heroes past
As mother earth shakes and shivers
While mountains afar echo songs of no Sabbat.
...

"Soja, marmari daga nesa"
Like gaily models smooth on a catwalk
Many desire to be, seeing only your glamour
Perhaps a lesson or 2 to highlight... Allow me:
...


Some men are no men
Where soldier women stand
Men? Tied to Mama's apron, still suckling
Others to a wife's hug of passion? Twuueeh!
...

World War One, Two, awaiting the Third
Sierra Leone, Liberia, Congo, Sambisa's BH
Barehand you vanquished thy enemies
Their skulls you now use as Tee mugs
...

Warriors made from claps of thunder
More from blinding sparks of lightening
One on one, many have fell at your feet
If only they but knew, none 'd dare face you.
...


Flying bullets for breakfast
Boooom! Bomb blasts munch for lunch
Dinner, hellfire served fresh on battle fields
As you guzzle down molten magma to boost.
...

Once in a while it happens
What you wish for comes to pass
A hit, unaware can penetrate all shields
Ill equipped or betrayed, we bow down in submission
...

Yet, you still wear a smile
Singing songs of love, of "...dama kunu salala!"
Cherishing family, for whom you forever stand
And for your Nation, you make the Ultimate Sacrifice.
...


So.... Adios!
Our Pride, Our Souljahs
Don't forget to say a warm "Hi"
To my beloved "The You Know Who..."

(c)2018 Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved

SHARING THINGS I SAY AND DO TO MY SON



My son who’s a graduate architect has just been selected to participate in a creativity/skills talent event in Abuja. He didn’t tell me about his quest, until he had successfully been listed by the organizers, subject to fulfilling certain criteria like online registration, submission of portfolio, screenings and so on. 

Finally, they sent him a formal letter of invitation. Having gotten thus far, he then decided to notify me. By the way, he’s a corper in Nassarawa state at the moment serving his fatherland.

Here’s our Whatsapp conversation:

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Assalam.

Congratulations for making such an impact to warrant a formal invite.

From the letter, I think they might provide you with accommodation, feeding, intra-city transportation, registration tags and documentations, including possibly branding.

Keep your eyes open and do beware of any misgivings.

Be careful. Beware and be wary. Trust no one, but Allaah SWT. 

Shine your eyes well-well and always reach out to me, if you need some advice before taking a decision.

I know you'll be alright in sha Allaah.

Don't take things for granted and learn from the experience you'll gain there. This could be the beginning of several other happenings like this.

Son: Insha Allah

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Be careful about signing any agreements until you read and fully comprehend the content.

If in doubt about any word or phrase, google first… :)

Son: I asked if they'd provide all of that and the email responded with 'You are to provide/handle the logistics'. So I don’t think they would provide that.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Ok then. You're on your own. 

Survive the situation by yourself. 

Reach out to me only if you are dying. Else, keep afloat as much as you can. Can you do that? πŸ˜†

Son: Insha Allah
Son: 😊

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: *Shared with him a video about Dr. Tererai Trent, a woman from Zimbabwe who aspired to achieve her dreams, despite all obstacles to become one of the most educational icons, not just in her country, but throughout the world.*

Son: Thank you Abba. It's inspiring.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Here's another one. Watch this with rapt attention. Watch it again and again pls. 
(Herewith attached) ***This one is about that inspirational speaker Simon Sinek, an author of 3 best selling books, who’s TEDx Talk is one of the most watched in the world.

Start thinking about developing and equipping yourself to give inspirational, motivational talks like this.

For I see it in you, as a gifted speaker, orally and as a poet.

And also as a writer, though you haven't started out on that yet. But it's sitting down in you waiting to be revealed.

Remember, though an Architect just like me, you're not all about designs, graphics and architecture. You're also about so many other things.

Just be careful, so you don't spread yourself thin over your numerous talents.

Concentrate on your strong point or two, and the others, gifts, indulge and enjoy them as side kicks.

Tijjani Muhammad Musa: Aw it’s Jumma’at fa. So, forget not to observe its Sunnah etiquettes. 

Meanwhile Jumma’at moofeedah :D 

~ Tijjani M. M.

SOCIAL MEDIA CRIMES; 3 CASES TO CITE

...by Tijjani Muhammad Musa



I know you guys don't like being warned about anything. But then you like lots of sympathy when a calamity befalls you. Thus you are always happy when you get 1000 Likes on social media whenever you share your "Inna lillahi..."s.

Three incidences make me want to once again draw our attentions to goofs we make on social platforms of late. Remember Evans the Kidnap kingpin; a Facebook group robbery/rape case; and the latest Zamfara Twins crowd-funding saga.

But first, genesis. You see it all started in 2010 on Facebook, where as relatively new facebookers we called on young Muslim women, most especially the married ones to please desist sharing their pictures to the views of the general public, as it violates the Islamic code of ethics.

Many feminists resisted, with some feminist guys among them seriously condemning our admonitions and even challenging our evidences, tendered from the Quran and Hadith. It went to the extent that some friendships were severed due to differences of opinions and understandings.

Next came another problem which has persisted till today; Narcissism.  A form of self-worship and self celebrations. Every single thing that happens to a person, good or bad, from farting to death gets posted, and Likes and Comments get solicited. Foods were snapped, travels announced, promotions celebrated and so on.

Again, calls for us to be wary of such mundane indulgence, especially for those doing it in excess to desist from such abuse of opportunities and self aggrandizements didn't go well with many. The trend like I said above persisted, until it has now become norm to wish one's self "Happy Birthday to me!.."

Now, admissions into schools, organizations, hospitals except rehabs and psychiatric homes of course, and marriages (but not divorces. I often wonder why), as well as missing items, thefts, break-ins and obituaries are regular status updates on Facebook. I don't why someone would come to such a world stage, only to show his or her intellectual poverty.

By the way, not all are the same. There are a few exceptions among us, males and females, who have distinguished themselves and are not into all of these wasteful engagements and fake things above. They are constantly advocating for a change in thinking, questioning our social attitudes and challenging our general views on life.

They are a tiny bunch though. Unconsciously membering a sort of "clique" and can be identified only by their intellectual postings. Many revere them and so contribute to their posts by engaging in intelligent discuss on their walls. They are the elites of our social media world. You can hardly find them wasting their time.


Of course there are the "Wanna-bes", pretenders who are shallow within, but would camouflage importance, only for their writings to show them for who they truly are as having nothing to offer. It's scary having guys and girls like that as e-friends. Anyway, enough of this social media buffs analysis. Let's go back to the purpose of this piece.

You see nobody is saying don't celebrate your achievements, successes, progresses and many other positive strides. Nor are we saying don't share your sad moments, tests, trials or tribulations and so on with your e-friends, but do it with moderation and some decorum.

Don't turn your social media handles into a sort of forced celebrity platforms, where you build this false illusion of self worth, self value and self importance that, in reality is nonexistent. Some to the extent of becoming psychiatric cases.

This can actually happen where you persistently promote yourself into a "VC" i.e. virtual celebrity by force, giving your audience and followers the impression that you have a popularity rating and an elitist social status, which you actually don't.

What follows is you or one of your family, friends or relatives can get into one sort of trouble or another, and you Mr. or Miss "VC" is summoned up and expected to play up to your built up clout i.e. come to their rescue, only for the truth about you to get exposed! That you in truth are a NOBODY, are NOTHING and actually have NOTHING!

Examples to cite? The notorious kidnapper Evans informed the securities after being arrested that social media e.g. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc were his major sources of information about his victims. It is what provided him with who and what they are. Their locations and worth were all readily, easily and cheaply gotten from their social media walls.

Then of course their itineraries, on a day to day, hourly, minutely basis, which were regularly posted by them on their social media handles; celebrity style, were vital information used to carry out operations on them. By the time they were approached, the sense of familiarity built is almost faultless.

Next example was a social media group created by some smart criminals. Realizing people like to come on to Facebook and other social online groups to boast or show off their latest acquisitions and covetousness, they created a group and encouraged members to come and do exactly that. And did they do it!

Soon after, some fierce competition of supremacy ensued and some extremist "VCs" emerged, who took all the trouble to maintain their leads of oppressing, suppressing and compressing others. Many had to go the extra miles of telling both lies and truth, and regularly show pix of their valuable items and places visited or travel to. You know, "Checking in at..."

One of the lady e-socialites was soon paid an unscheduled "visit" when her husband moved them into a new mansion, but had reasons to travel abroad for a few days. Three (3) hefty guys invaded her privacy, not only taking away all she has informed them about on the group wall, but also took turns to comfortably rape her for 3 solid days.

How they got to be so at home and successful with their mission? She, gave them all the information they required to achieve their goals. And by the time her husband returned, the damage has been done. Police investigations thereafter revealed how they did it. She reported every single details about herself and her family to them on Facebook.

Lastly and lately, the now famous Zamfara Twins kidnap and eventual release. They were set free by their kidnappers only after receiving the sum of N15 million in cash. Now, don't get it wrong. The twin girls' parents are not rich or wealthy. Not at all. Just 2 young girls in their prime about to be married.

They are beautifully identical and together took on to social media and promoted themselves to VC status. They had so many admirers that every breath they take became tracked by their followers. An idea would soon hit some guys on their wall and so they decided to put it to test.

According to reports, the twins went about their usual socializing drives on social media. Posting about their travelling to their village with the mission of sharing their wedding invitations to family and friends. The date, time, schedules and many more information they willingly posted on their wall.

It was at this location that the kidnappers swooped in and took them captive and away to an unknown destination. They then communicated their purpose of abducting the twins. The girls have been kidnapped for a ransom, demanding a whooping N150 million. However, after due negotiations and considerations, the price was brought down to N15 million only.

It was for this N15m that an appeal fund was eventually launched on social media by the twins family, friends and relatives. The amount was gathered through crowd-funding, with one donor politician giving N6 million. While the rest of society, you and I inclusive gathered the remaining N9 million.

It was at the point of exchange, that the social media connection was revealed. What the kidnapping kingpin said was "So, it's true you guys really do value this Zamfara twins. Our mission was actually to confirm their 'celebrity' worth." Meaning they would killed them as they had many others, were the amount they demanded not raised and paid. Laughing heartily, he instructed his boys to release them.

There are several other examples to cite, but this is just an article, not a book. So, we must stop at a point, with the call one more time that; nobody wants to know who and what you are. Nor does anybody cares to know where you live or what you eat on a daily basis? Therefore, do humble thyself please.

Again, why endanger your life by telling some people what will not benefit you, except by a little. And at the end of the day, put yourself in danger, and by empathy the rest of us in social distress and dilemma?

Social media is for you to share what bothers you, your community and society, and thereafter link up with those with common interest across the world in order to find a lasting solution to them. In the process, make new acquaintances, friends, partners, colleagues and so on. So, wake up and wisen up please.

But for now, we can't stop you from being you. We can only try to save you from your excesses. Please help us achieve that. It makes this a safer and more enjoyable world for us all. Forget that false notion of "It's my life." Nope, it is not yours alone. Your life is our life!

(c)2018 Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Ibraheem Ayyuba Issa's WONDERING HOW LONG

#FoundPoetry by Poetic Tee...


Sitting adjacent the pavement
Sniffing the swirling warm breeze
Coming from the scorching sun
That's been hitting the parquet floor
Where half of my foot perches.

Sounds of leaves dancing
Swishing from behind my vicinity
Could not have me distracted
From taking me a swag selfie.

And as my location remains
Only known to those who know
I cannot stop gazing at the rickety roof
Right above it, the sky
Wondering about the time
It has spent on earth or I, will.

(c)2018 Ibrahim Ayyuba/Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved

πŸ™ˆπŸ™ˆπŸ™ˆ

BRIEFS ON 5 TRENDING ISSUES

On KNSG/JaafarJaafar

I read that he will honor Kano Govt invite, only with about 7 lawyers including a SAN. I just hope Abba Hikima will be among them.

Though some ignorant of the law people on Facebook are saying he shouldn't go. But I consulted some legal luminaries amongst my friends and they clarified grey areas for me.

Some even said he can choose to appear via electronic means if it can be arranged. After all we're in the digital age now. That is if he fears for his safety.

On Saudi/Khashoggi Murder

It is sad and depressing what journalists go through for upholding the pen against certain government of the day.

The murder of Kashoggi and mutilation of the journalist in Saudi's Consulate is most unfortunate. Most especially after inviting him there and he respond based on trust.

A fist fight was said to be his cause of death, but we never knew the man to engage in such stuffs before his demise. And against highly trained, profession security agents? He wouldn't dare wAllah.

On Kasuwan Magani Kaduna Mayhem

It was reported that killings of over 50 lives happened. What in Allah's Name could warrant such a dysfunction in an urban settlement like that?

Despite their Governor's strive to pace up development in the state, why would some people just chose mass murder as a political weapon to tarnish a system?

Has human lives become so cheap in Nigeria? And when I read from someone that the Governor also attended an occasion not long after the mayhem occurred, gaskiya I didn't like that.

Anyway, who are the human demons that are feeding fat on the blood of innocent Nigerians? Zamfara killings has just abated fa :'(

On Chinese Human Flesh Drugs

A certain catchments of the said drugs was reported to have been seized by the authorities concerned and have issued a warning for all to beware of getting to use such a dangerous consignment.

Question is: what on earth does the Chinese want of the rest of the world? They have successful dominated the world with their products and are gradually taking over poor nations economies through debts.

Also, their expansion is giving birth to neocolonialism in disguise and many nations are aware it's happening, but due to poverty and bad leadership, many are helpless to arresting it.

Now, the Chinese instead of being satisfied with these achievements are again going ahead with producing several things that could see the end of many humans across the globe.

What's wrong with "Live and let live" ne? Must they usurp not just a nation's sovereignty, but also annihilate it's population before they know they've dominated the world?

Atiku In US Fake News Pic 

I just saw a picture of PDP President Aspirant come 2019 Atiku Abubakar in between Bill Clinton and his wife. They were shaking hands and wearing beams of appreciation for each other.

Atiku supporters in their desperation to sell their candidate for acceptance to a populace who have refused to forget his role in the 16 years of PDP subjugation of Nigeria.

It is alleged that Atiku can't travel to America due to a money laundry case he is wanted for, perpetrated through his 4th wife Jennifer Atiku.

To prove the charges are false, many Nigerians, most especially Buharists have been challenging the Waziri of Adamawa to dare venture to US and take steps on that soil and return home safely.

Despite news reports said to come from American security apparatuses assuring they don't have criminal case, Atiku has refused to take up the dare.

Now, in their desperation to show the rest of Nigerians that Atikulated is not atikulooted, they fish out a 2012 image of Atiku with Bill Clinton and wife, and are trying to pass it as their man in America. So funny.

But why do that fakery thing. A simple google check on the picture gave away all the details associated with it. It was a disgraceful attempt and frankly speaking, totally unnecessary to say the least.

See it for yourselves... :D

Tee QUOTE


MONEY POLITICS IS INVESTMENT POLITICS



When Atiku emerged as PDP Presidential candidate, at first I was shocked and surprised. Is it permissible constitutionally for money to be so evidently used to sway votes of party delegates and the results be acceptable by INEC?

But then this is Nigeria, where anything goes. And dollar for dollar, I know none other can outdo Atiku, at least in this Arena. Rest assured that his buying ability cannot cover the whole 200 million Nigerians, I started to relax. 

Besides, not all Nigerians are in the voting class. A certain age group and below are underage for voting, even if they know and would accept the dollar offer. That reduces further any likely money influence on voters.

Even if they are eligible, many would not vote for Atiku at all. They'd prefer to remain indoors rather than go out, mix with the poor and cast their decisive votes. Another realization that brought me some further relief.

Of course there are those who are politically active, but only on social media. Ajebo guyz and gurlz who are the loudest, from the safety of their mobile phones. Never to be seen physically participating in politics.

Once it's election day, with time and venue fixed, they'd shrink back into oblivion. Most Atikulooters oops sorry, pls forgive the slip of tongue, I mean Atikulators are just that. But then I could be wrong. Money might move them.

I must not forget those who believe Atiku's money is theirs, corruptly acquired from the country's treasury and other national sources. His coming out to contest will sure give them opportunities to take some of it back. I heard some swearing they will. I was forced to smile.

Then again I realized that there are still some Nigerians whose price is not fixed by the dollar. No one can buy their votes using money, despite the poverty they have been artificially subjected to. Some more ease registered on me.



Then suddenly, a sensational thought occurred to me, which made me completely free of the anxiety of Atiku's dollar power. Of course this is besides the glaring unlikeable nature that Atiku has. Thus his using money to buy "Likes". A voice within said to me: 

"Teejay, worry not about Atiku. Just be patient along the way to 2019 Presidential Election. It is Atiku, remember. He will make monumental mistakes bound to destroy any chance he might have of becoming Nigeria's president."

"Yes,..." I said out loud to myself in utter agreement. He's only human and bound to err. Many politicians do, sooner or later. Only if people truly like them would they survive such mishaps. Else, they would surely fail and fall.

Besides, his disgracing himself as a moneybag who can shamelessly buy votes to emerge "victorious" before the whole world, and not a democrat whom people should like for soundness of character and so trust them with their votes, is a big blow upon his ambition."

Then one last thought became the nail the sealed up the coffin of Atiku's desperate presidential quest and that, is not even the unforgivable PDP looting factor itself, but that like I observed earlier he will make some choices along the way that will completely remove him from contention against Buhari.

And not long after he made his first major disastrous mistake by picking Peter Obi as his running mate. The same former Anambra State governor who wanted to register Hausa/Fulani and all other northerners and force them to carry segregational ID Cards in his state.

That same Peter Obi that demolished 7 mosques and Hausa traders shops and market. Who supported the expulsion of all others ethnic citizens of Nigeria, except his Igbo tribes men from conducting legitimate business as Nigerians in his state, including the Yoruba's.

Need I say more about this Atiku's chosen running mate? Well, now he would want the Hausa/Fulani/Northerners he hated so much to give him and his boss their votes and make him vice president over them, right? So he can finish what time would not allow him to? Hmmm.

Aha! Less I forget, Peter Obi's choice as Vice President is a break of promise on the part of Atiku, who was suppose to consult with the Igbos to agree on a Vice Presidential candidate for him from them as a part of their deal to support his 2019 presidential aspiration. Clearly, another fail! And it has only just begun.

"Juma'ar da za ta yi kyau..." There is more to come...

... To be continued.

TAFIYA MU KE BA AL-QIBLA, BA TSARI, BA BURI

 ... rubutun Tijjani Muhammad Musa


Anya tafiyar nan da mu ke saqaqa haka za ta yiwu kuwa? 

Daga mu ma su ilimin har sauran mutan gari ba tunani, ba nazari, ba alqibla sai ka ce tumaki. Kwana kawai mu ke yi mu na tashi babu wani ci gaba a rayuwarmu a al'umance. 

Ci gaba a d'aid'aikunmu ba shi ne ci gaba ba. Muddun al'uma ba ta ci gaba ba toh, kai ma ko ke ma ba ki ci gaba ba ko da kuwa mutum ya fi kowa a fanninsa na rayuwa.

Kai ace kai ne ma Shugaban kasa Buhari, Sarkin Kano Sanusi, malamin addini Daurawa, hamshaqin dankasuwa Dangote, mai farfesa biyu Abdallah, fitaccen mawaqi Ala da dai sauransu.

Toh, muddun za'a auna ci gaba da wayewar al'umar da ka fito daga ciki a ganka fes, tas, ras su kuma a gansu daqandaqan, duwulduwul, dagajadagaja, toh fa ka sani ba ka ci gaba ba. Don ci gabanka shi ne ci gaban al'umarka.

Sannan ta wace hanya ake tabbatar da ci gaban al'uma? Ba fa ta nuna isa da gadara ko neman girma da kasaita ba ne, a'a. Ta komawa ne ka duba da kyau ka zaqulo wasu matsaloli da su ka addabi jama'arka ka, ka lissafosu.

Bacin ka bayanar da su, sai ka fahimtar da al'umarka cewa akwai matsala kaza da kaza da ke kawowa al'uma tarnaqi, wanda in har ba magancesu a ka yi ba, toh fa duk wata ci gaba sai dai mu ga ana yi, amma ba dai mu ba.



Bayan ka tabbatar ta kafofin sadarwa dabandaban mutane sun fahimci muhimmancin sauya wannan koma baya dangane da shi wannan lamari, sai ka yi kira ga al'uma don neman shawarar a nemi mafita.

Daga cikin mutan gari, sai ka binciko kuma ka tuntu6i duk wani wanda zai iya bada gudummawa don gudanar da wannan aikin ceto al'uma daga qangin talaucin da ke da tasiri a wajen daqushe ci gaban al'qaryarka.

Daga bisani sai ire-irenku su zauna taro don a nazarci matsalar a ilimance. Sannan a samu tsara yadda za a gudanar da aikin da ke tattare da kawar da matsalar na gajere, tsaka-tsaki da kuma dogon zango.

In hakan ta samu sai a kuma dubo da wa da wanene su ke da ilimi, kwarewa da shahara wajen aiwatar da wannan aiki. Baya da wannan sai a nemo hanyar samun kudin da ake buqata don cimma buri. Daga nan sai nemo ma'aikata da ma su bibiya da sa ido.

Toh, in har aka yi kyakkyawan niyya, ba tare da son rai ko zuciya ba, aka kuma bi tsarin da aka yi sau da kafa na tsawon lokacin da aka qiyasta yin aiki ana bibiya, ana sa ido, in sha Allaah za a ga gagarumin ci gaba a rayuwar mutane.


In an ci galaba akan matsala daya, sai a koma kan wata matsalar. Daga nan a far wa na gaba. Hakahaka dai watan-watarana sai a wayi gari duk abubuwan da su ka damu al'uma sun zama tarihi. 

Amma ace kullum hirar abubuwa kawai za a dinga yi? Babu wani quduri ko aniya na kawo sauyin tunani ko na yanayi, kullum sai dai mu yi ta "Hangen Dala..." wanda ma su iya magana kan ce "...ba shiga birni ba ne." Gaskiya ya kamata mu sake lale.

(c)2018 Tijjani M. M.

BUHARI, THE INVISIBLE - Poem

Buhari is doing the impossible
Touching the Nigerian "Untouchables"
Who are they some would say?
Benefactors of grace who refuse to pay
Living above the law with wanton impunity
Stashing from nation's wealth with perpetuity.

OBJ believes Nigeria is his
To do as he whimsically wills
Weilding his pen and a PhD of Science
He writes to intimidate all to compliance
But PMB's refusal to endorse Mambilla
Has Baba O wanting him out of Aso Villa.

IBB has always felt uneasy
What with his '84 coup-de-tat effizy
He tried a comeback through politics
Got rejected for his "evil genius" antics
Grudgingly he now sits back in the shadows
Manipulating strings of many in sorrows.

TY Danjuma's another of statesmen
Whom of old executes ethnic agenda via hidden statements
All this while, none dare say so
Until the Lion King boldly said "No."
Now, he calls on his ilks "Take up arms!"
Not in defense of nation, but his target, his terms.

Atiku wants to be president by all means
Jumping camps, parties, striking up deals
Even threatening to stop an omen
Second best he remains, forget his biz acumen
Tracking this Wizzy requires due, diligent process
Intel indictment makes him embittered, regardless.

Poor soul, rich in cultural diversity
Bedeviled with ethnic, religious animosity.
Most populous, yet lacking patriotism
A country fraught with .........
Heartless corruption has taken residence
In minds, so real it needs no proof or evidence.

YOU AND YOUR PHONE


…written by Tijjani Muhammad Musa

The need to communicate between two entities, be it in physical, abstract or in virtual terms has started for man from the moment he became conscious of the fact that he is not alone on earth. In fact this exchange of information between one source and its target destination predates mankind. 

Where going by evidences from religious scripts (for those who believe in faith that is), such crucial exchange started the universe itself, when the divine command of the word “Be” was uttered by God to nothing and from that spoken word came forth the “Big bang” that initiated this material world coming into existence.

It is also a known fact that animals, which came to the creation scene before mankind, do have the ability to communicate with each other. Fishes, insects, crawling and walking land creatures and birds are each known to have a system of communications, a form of language that can be distinguished as strictly their own. 

Using one form of sound, movement, psychical ability or another they are able to inform themselves as well as others of beneficial things or of impending danger. And by such interactions, they able to constantly safe guard their well being and make progress in their lives.

Man being a social animal cannot be different and so has found the need to inform and seek for one form of knowledge or another innate in his creation. This exchange of information starts between two units of man, the child and the mother from the moment of conception in a latter’s womb.

Here the fertilized female egg would commence its unique and amazing journey that usually lasts for about 9 months, emerging at the end of it, a beautiful, cute and cuddling human baby. Research has shown that human fetus from the very beginning, establishes a communication channel between it and its mother.

Through this link, an embryo informs the mother of all its needs and her body in return provides it with whatever it is that will ensure its sound development. It is also known that when a mother is sick, has some damage tissues or is with cancer, the fetus would detect the part affected and send stem cells to it to effect its repairs.

A symbiotic relationship that is possible through their ability to communicate with each other, even at this primitive stage of life, where one entity is contained within another. Thus for any to think mankind only has the ability to communicate when a child is able to speak or to understand language is a gross mistake indeed.

From the moment of birth, a mother and her infant engage in a form of non-verbal communication via eye contact known as bonding. The baby automatically seeks for his mother’s eyes and upon finding it, engages it in a speech no one can fully understand. Not even the mother, who smiles at her bundle of joy with love and affection. 

And by instinct or is it intuition, she finds the desire to say one soothing word or make one soft sound or another to it. This initiates and encourages the day old baby to start his or her listening and talking experiences.

Soon the baby expresses his needs by certain actions, cues and cries, which is usually his form of first oral speech, if it may be called that. Realizing that his cries communicate and generate a response from his mother, it becomes a regular form of telling the mother of his distress and discomfort. 

Soon comes the smile and the laughter with which he shows his pleasure and happiness about whatever is happening to him. Eventually he utters his first word “Mama” to the delight of the mother, who encourages him to say some more words, until he becomes able to speak the language of the mother and her people or society in which he is raised.

And once away from his mother, family and friends, most of us find the need to reach out and inquire about each other, which is very important to the extent that we either make scratches on cave walls as done by early man or leave a note for another to read while we are away. 

Of course such notes become letters once sent out from a distance to express our speech to the recipients at another location. Though serving to feed our need to communicate, letters and other written forms of information exchange lack something vital and that is prompt responses or interactiveness as found in natural conversations.

This problem was soon to be solved with the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1870. He created a device that was able to permit two or more persons to have a conversation in real time via wires, over long distances by converting sound energy into electrical energy and later back to sound energy again. 

This historic achievement ushered in the era of telephony and much of the distance that once separated loved ones and business associates was reduced to a simple dial of numbers, followed by the now popular greeting of “Hello”.

Stationary telephones were soon to be found almost everywhere, in homes and offices, at bus and train stations, airports, public places and even on the streets, where with a single coin, one is able to make a call to anyone, anywhere within the reach of the telephone receiving terminal.

Landlines as the wire version of these communication gadgets held sway for more than a century, up until when the stationary telephone was found to be constraining to development. People were not reached as at when due and many mishaps that could have been avoidable if only a person is reached on time necessitated the need to make the telephone mobile.

End of Part One

II
Enter, the mobile phone. In 1973, April 4th to be exact Martin Cooper of Motorola made publicly the first ever wireless telephone call using a prototype handheld device, the DynaTAC model. But the dream to carry a pocket-size handheld communication device started much earlier as depicted by authors in science fiction, books and movies.

Renown television documentary personality Arthur C. Clarke once predicted its coming in the mid 1980s in his 1962 Profiles of the Future thus "personal transceiver, so small and compact that every man carries one." Clarke wrote: "the time will come when we will be able to call a person anywhere on earth merely by dialing a number."

The mobile phone started with the 0G i.e. zero generation handsets which were not cellular in nature, can barely handle simultaneous calls and of course could barely be affordable. Next generation mobile phones are labeled the 1G sets from 1973 to mid-1980s.

These were an improvement on the earlier version, could handle simultaneous calls, but were still using the analogue system of communication. The second generation phone or the 2Gsets were introduced in 1991 and these were digitally based and were on Global System of Mobile or GSM communications technology.


It took a full decade of usage before the 3G digital phones came on the scene. Launched in Japan and based on Wideband Code Division Multiple Access or the W-CDMA which is a technology that supports cellular voice, text messaging, multimedia services and carry data at very high speed which permits streaming and broadband internet access. 



Next in tow were the 3.5G, 3G+ or Turbo 3G that facilitate higher speed data access or HSPA which allows networks that are capable of higher data transfer speeds and capacity. We are clearly is the era of the much hyped about smart phones.



Now, in Nigeria of course telecommunications started with the fixed or landline telephones, which were the legacy of the British colonial administration in government offices and houses of the administrative officers. 



This later extended to the homes of those senior ranking civil servants, elites and the rich and wealthy in society. Telephones were limited only to major cities in the country like Lagos, Ibadan, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt among others. The operating organ was Nigeria Telecommunications company or NITEL for short.


One can still recall the days, not so long ago when a person expecting a job interview call, a loved one’s call  or a relative living or visiting a country abroad would either go to an office or visit a house nearby to receive such calls on a scheduled time. 

Also many by now might have forgotten how they would seek to make a crucial call in a friend’s office or home to the annoyance and invasion of telephone owners’ privacy. Still, as embarrassing as it may be many could not help, but encroach on such people’s tolerance thereby testing their patience.

Eventually, the Thuraya handset, highly expensive for its call charges and the 090 NITEL mobile phones came on the scene. The latter proved a frustrating venture, which after paying exorbitantly and waiting on an imaginary queue for many annoying months to acquire one, was so disappointing in service delivery; they were more or less like status symbols. 

Both these two carry-around handheld phones reigned together around the 90s and could be seen being posed around with by the few who could do nothing else with them but just that, carrying them around. Rarely does anyone see or hear them make or receive calls with them.

III

In 2001, after Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) sold the operating licenses to some GSM companies in January, among which were Econet Nigeria Wireless and Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) in a public auction. 

Though MTN made the first GSM network call in Nigeria on 16 May 2001, it was however the former (now Airtel) that were the first to commence mobile telecommunication operations in Nigeria on August 7, 2001. It was soon to be joined by the latter, which also started its own full telecommunication services provision a few months later

Based on the past antecedence of telephone acquisition in Nigeria and how difficult it was to get one in the past, many thought it was going to be business as usual and so there was a huge scramble for the new devices by GSM subscribers. 

Capitalizing on this fear and rush, the duo of Econet and MTN seized on Nigerians ignorance about the market and their gullibility by selling the SIM cards to first time GSM line owners at very high prices. Some bought their lines for as much as N30,000, before the euphoria gradually simmered down and lines were being purchased for anything between N12,000 to N8,000.

Nokia, Sony-Erickson and Samsung handsets of various designs, models and sizes were the phones that first received the precious SIM cards of that initial time. As usual it was the elites, the middle class and corporate guys and girls that first flaunted the lines and devices. But, soon the initial rush pattered out and the demand started to fall and the market forces set in to force the prices down and eventually crash. 

Thereafter, many could afford to buy their own handsets and line or inherit phones from their family and friends who could afford to change their handsets once they realize such devices are becoming common sights in the hands of those they feel were beneath them. Status symbol played in.

As the prices of both the handsets and SIM cards fell, the only other avenue for the services providers to capitalize on was the pricing of the calls. In their efforts to recuperate their investments on both the licenses and operational costs, MTN and Econet called upon severally to commence per second billing as obtainable in other parts of the world where GSM services are offered, they refuse to hear of it, insisting on the per minute billing they started their operations with.

Not until Globacom, the 4th GSM service provider launched itself on the Nigerian telephony field with its per second billing in August 2003, did the first two succumb to the demand of the populace. This they did in fear of losing their customers, many of whom were already abandoning their lines for the new lemon green comer. 

Glo as they are called crashed the exorbitant pricing of the GSM calls and were highly patronized by many Nigerians. What with its being a wholly Nigerian owned GSM telecommunication company unlike MTN which has roots in South Africa.

Another plus that Glo added to the Nigerian GSM scene was its introduction of Blackberry or BB phone device. Glo’s original market plan for it was meant to be strictly for the big boys and girls in society by making it only available to their postpaid subscribers. 

MTN in its competitive strive however felt otherwise and made the device and its internet services available for all and sundry.  This move in no small way captured the huge potential of the BB services for MTN.

As predicted earlier that mobile phones would become so common among the populace so much so that ordinary folks like street food vendors, maiguard, bus drivers and their conductors etc would soon be owners of GSM phones and would be able to communicate just like the elites in society. 

That development has come to pass now. In fact, mobile phone lines are now being offered for free by the service providers, with customized phones being sold as cheap as for N1000 together with the SIMs and some promotional incentives.

IV

Finally, in 2007 Etisalat after acquiring its license to operate in Nigeria came with juicy promises and an offer for any interested subscriber to apply for any number of one’s choice to be customized for the subscriber as he or she joins their network. Many were optimistic about the new entrant, but the impact many hoped it would make did not see the light of the day. 

Clearly, the trophies to be won in the Nigerian GSM race have all been won by the head starters who started the race from the on set. Etisalat just managed to flow with the tide. After all the market about 180-190 million strong was huge and could accommodate more competition.

In 2011, Nigeria celebrated a decade of GSM operations and MTN in particular, by now the most successful of all the networks, having the lion share of the market with about 50 million subscribers had all causes to be thankful to its customers, who have stuck with the network through the years.

GSM telecommunications has come to stay in the country, providing not just the needed communications demand of the citizens, but also job opportunities for many of the working populace as well as becoming the highest revenue generating industry in Nigeria.

GSM telecommunications has become so important in our lives now that many people are wondering how Nigerians were able to survive without it in the first place. It’s ability to make life and business transactions easier and much more fulfilling is clearly an understatement. 

With its facilitating making and receiving calls, sending short messaging service or sms texts, multi-media services, conference calls, internet browsing, social networking and many other telecom services, it is no wonder our mobile phones have become our most constant companions.

Not just for our personal information exchange uses, our mobile phones have since assumed a working tool status. By having several features and applications such as Microsoft office, camera, voice recorder, global positioning system (GPS), calculator, scale, alarm clock, planner, calendar and time piece etc, many are finding themselves more and more attached to their smart phones as a mobile office tool. 

Our phones are now our mini theaters too, allowing us to play music, watch movies, listen to the radio, play recreational games and much more. Entertainment has never been cheaper, simpler and much more engaging. Talking about engaging, there are so many things one can do with his mobile phone now; it is gradually constituting a distraction to a normal productive life for many an individual. 

Not just that, many are now so into their phones, they are beginning to find companionship and solitariness in it, so much so that others who deserve some attention from them are beginning to suffer some neglect as a result of over indulgence in their mobile gadgets. It is beginning to dawn on many that unless they resist it, their phones would take over their lives completely, leaving them helpless at its mercy.

People are so engrossed with their phones these days, they engage in its usage everywhere they go and in whichever circumstances they find themselves. Making and receiving calls or texting while driving a car, riding a motorbike and even walking on the streets is becoming so common now, virtually most users of GSM phones are guilty of the offensive nuisance. 

People are now so inseparable from their phones, they go into their toilets to poo-poo with them. There are also reports that some even continue to stare at their phone screens, social  networking  on Whatsapp or Facebook while making love. Can anyone just imagine that?

On the family front, many babies these days have to make sacrifices for their mothers to go to work, leaving them at the mercy of some mean and nasty nannies, and when their mothers come back and pick them, they still have to contend with sharing their attention with the mobile phone.

Husbands and wives each have their own sad stories to tell about how they hate their partner’s phone for stealing off their quality time. There are now many reported cases of accidents that could have been avoided if only the phone would be placed in its rightful place in our lives.

Telling lies have become so simplified with the mobile phones, it has now become fashionable to be in one place, yet claim to be at another. The phone has also becoming one of the leading factors of many sad relationship outcomes. It gives room for all kinds of atrocities and vices such as fraudulent dealings, scams and 419 set-ups. 

GSM phones have now opened the doors to the innermost parts of our private homes. People can venture right into your bedroom and talk to your wife or husband, without your doing anything to stop it. Children are exposed to strangers many would never have approved their interactions together.

Theft of phones are so rampant, it is a doubt if there is one user who has not had his or her handset stolen, at least once. Why armed robbers would always demand for their victims phones once they stage an operation is left to anyone’s imagination. 

And normal thieves too, find it such a threat to steal a person’s mobile phone at the slightest opportunity they get. For some it is not losing the phone, cheap or expensive that is painful, but the virtual content, which could be valuable information and data that has taken years to collect, which could never be replaced.

A double edge sword, the mobile phone on the work and business front is contributing towards making money easier, yet on the family structure, it is completely stripping us of all the things we hold sacred and valuable. 

It has eliminated distances, bringing border back to their artificial origin of non-existence, turning the world into a virtual, global village. And now from your very own room you can now talk or walk, buy or sell, study or play, befriend or fight, engage or disengage, undress and have sex via your mobile phone with any willing person in the world.

And now as a subscriber of any of the 4 operating networks MTN, Glo, Airtel and Etisalat, what does an ordinary Nigerian have to say about the advent and performance of the telecom companies? How has telecommunication and the mobile phones affected their lives? 

Knowing its advantages and disadvantages can anyone imagine life without the mobile phone? What would you say about the internet and the vast potential it holds for us as part of the global netizens? Here are some responses:

“…….” *Interviews inserts*

Clearly, it is obvious that despite its many negative effects, the advantages of having a mobile phone far outweigh the disadvantages and many would rather be left with their smart companions than be separated from them. And with their multi-tasking ability, who can say what next they might be designed to perform for their owners. 

The future is so rich with possibilities, many can’t wait for tomorrow to come. In fact, given the opportunity, a lot of mobile phone users wouldn’t mind time traveling to tomorrow to see for themselves which amazing apps await us then.

End.

©2015 Tijjani M. M.
All Rights Reserved

LIKE KANO/JAAFAR UNLIKE SAUDI/ KHASHOGGI


Just coming on to the FB scene and saw pix of Jaafar Jaafar arriving at Kano Airport in honor of the Kano House of Assembly bribery allegation investigations.

Couldn't be at the venue of the videos public hearing due to some early morning call and  challenges I had to address at AKTH and Nassarawa Hospital today.

By the time I was through and logged on, it was over already. Read sketchy posts about what transpired in bits and pieces from Facebook "Reporters", even by those denied access.

Also saw pix of the primary school pupils and junior secondary students used as protesters carrying placards against JJ in a clear case of child abused and exploitation.


The latter incident possibly organized by some overzealous government employees doing what they are best at, has slightly stolen some shine off the main show of the day, at least here on social media.

But notwithstanding all the disgrace and embarrassments, we must commend the courage of JJ for turning up despite being advised by some not to honor the invitation.

And despite the "cliff" hanging drama caused by the multi-embarrassing KNHoA letter, we must commend the bribery investigating committee for fulfilling their security promise.

This is indeed comforting as well as reassuring after the merciless murder of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi at Saudi Arabian Consulate in Turkey. Many of us feared for the giants killer.

At least journalists at odds with Kano State Government can feel safe to attend any call in future. I hope other governments can borrow a leaf from the efficient hearing witnessed today.



"An gaisheku Kanawa. Ta Dabo ci gari, jalla babbar Hausa. Gari mai mata, mai mota. Kai ku kai ni garin Kano ko da cikin buhun barkono ne."  in ji ma su iya magana.

~ Tijjani M. M.