By Essien Ndueso

Election in Iran was held on June 12, though the Electoral commission confirmed the re-election of President Mahmud Almadinejad those who have followed the trend will agree that it is not yet uhuru as the dust generated is far from dying down. History they say is important as it enables people to earn from mistakes or successes of the past and to use it to plan ahead of time.
On June 12, 1993 Nigeria took a bold leap by conducting what became the freest and most peaceful election in the nation's history. Unfortunately, or ironically the winner of that election could not be sworn in and most important actors in the episode have since gone to meet their creator. Few weeks ago some Nigerians met to reflect on that unfortunate incidence and several people the world over also empathized with the nation on that ugly history. But while other countries of the world were drawing positive lessons from the June 12 theory, Iran chose to learn the other way. And the rest is history. An election could still have been conducted on June 11 or June 13 in Iran and that could have been better off for the people, or come to think of it, why must it be in June? That is just by the way. Last week the whole world was thrown into mourning, following the death the pop king, Michael, someone whose music has affected several persons across the globe. He was not just a musician, he was a philanthropist. Records have it that he donated several of his income to charity and the less privileged and poorer countries of this world, that is why for years to come, some people will still weep for Michael Joseph Jackson. For quite sometime now, several media have been reporting on the life and good qualities of this fallen icon. His musical sound tracks blare the air waves across the countries and a lot of people are still regretting his death. But the question is while he was alive and undergoing difficult times, what were our contributions? Today we still have a lot of Michael Jacksons in our country, we have Michael Jackson- Majek Fashek, we have Michael Jackson-Mandators, we have Michael Jackson-Maxwell Udo, and so forth and so on. So the question is, what are we doing to promote this people who have impacted on the lives of many? Nothing. Tomorrow something happens (God forbid) and we all start crying oh!...here goes another Michael Jackson. I believe these our heroes should better be celebrated while they are alive. Meanwhile let's share the some of the reactions to last week's issue and see you next week.
Re: Rejecting Bread for a Stone
Excellent commentary!
Perspective, like a ray of light is what clears the path of doubts. Our prayer should be that our people would wake up to the reality of the grace that free education represents.
Thanks for adding your voice to drive the progress of our people through education. Ekom-Abasi Essien-Ete, Oakland, ekomabasi@yahoo.com
Re: Rejecting Bread for a Stone
Essien,
Good commentary. No stone should be left unturned to ensure that every Akwa Ibom child is given the opportunity to receive a sound education. I am surprised according to your account below that some parents are still not taking advantage of the free education programme of the government. However, efforts must be made to ensure that every school-aged child is in school. I commend your efforts personally as you tried to intervene on behalf of Aboy. You even went the extra mile to pay for his uniforms. That is what it will take to turn things around - all of us getting involved in this effort.
Village heads and enlightened members of the community must be encouraged to become active in their villages and communities in convincing/compelli ng reluctant parents to send their wards to school. Infact village heads must be made to earn their keep by displaying commitment in this very important area. Those of us in the diaspora who know family members, extended family members, who fail to send their children to school, must put pressure on them to do so. Our churches at home must also join in the crusade to ensure every child is educated.
While I have not read the enabling act of the free and compulsory education programme of the state, I hope there is a provision for the prosecution of erring parents. Government should prosecute some stubborn parents as an example to the rest. I would hope that there is also a massive public enlightenment crusade going on to educate reluctant and illiterate parents and grand-parents on the need to send their wards to school. As you have rightly pointed out below, several groups are coming out in support of this initiative. I commend the governor and all other civic groups that have thrown their whole support behind this initiative. There is simply no excuse for our children to continue to work as househelps in Abuja and Lagos or as farmhands in Akure.
Thank you for sharing.
Ufot Inyang, uinyang@aol.com