Fail Abysmally, not Woefully

SATURAY EXPRESS

With Ebere Wabara; ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“MEND in a statement signed by its spokesman…said it will (would) begin….”
“The targets are non-Muslims groups.” Existential humanism: non-Muslim groups.
THE GUARDIAN On Sunday of July 2 contributed four inaccuracies to this week’s pool of blunders: “Then between 2007 and 2015, Ikot Ekpene senatorial district is on (in) the saddle.”
“…disclaimed insinuation (an insinuation or insinuations) in some quarters that….”
“Today, he does not only represent the rare specie (species) of lawyers….”
THISDAY of July 3 goofed on the late Chinua Achebe two times: “Achebe was accused of being privy to the coup on the ground (grounds) that….”
“Achebe’s no hold barred (sic) reprimand on the Nigerian nation….” The Achebe story: no-holds-barred reprimand.
“The sad story of some communities in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State that are literarily (literally) trapped….”
“I noticed that I stir up this awe whenever I speak in the company of my guys and others.” People: in company with (not of) my guys and others.
“Be your brother’s keepers….” Fixed expression irrespective of number of people involved: brother’s keeper.
“Yes, a lot of people like these kind of prophetic books.” This way: this kind/these kinds of people
“…God was merciful to have kept him for 23 years after the motor accident that confided (confined) him to the wheelchair.”
“Let your wrist watch speak volume (volumes)”
“To build capacity through trainings” ‘Training’ is non-count.
“This should have been our interactive platform and an income generating (income-generating) website.”
Please note this: ‘under the circumstance’ is American English while ‘in the circumstance’ is British English. This particular intervention is critical because in their book entitled Correct English, J. E. Metcalfe and C. Astle declared that ‘under the circumstance’ is wrong. But, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) published in 2012 confirms the two expressions as correct entries. We should exercise circumspection in our use of the English language and its registers. I prefer ‘in the circumstance’, however.
“…has been as selfish, self serving (self-serving) and attempt (an attempt) by the House to place its members above the electorates they should be accountable to.” The making of invincible legislators: electorates/electors or the electorate (not the electorates). More on this next week….
“…and absorbs (absolves) them from civil or criminal proceedings….”
“The same house has (had) attempted in the past to compromise the….” Existential humanism: ‘in the past’ is redundant here.
“But what is really important is the number of people who turns (turn) new leaves….” Fixed/stock expression: turn a new leaf (irrespective of the number of people).
“Osinbajo, who summoned the service chiefs to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, was said to have intimated them of (to) the Presidency’s plan….”
“If traditional media is (are) not able to deliver quality journalism, then who will?”
“Egypt (Egyptian) court revokes Morsi’s firing of prosecutor”
“The President then presents the recommendation to the National Council of States (State) for deliberation.”
“…it might afford the country the opportunity to a round table (sic) to regurgitate what grouse each bears against (about) the other (one another).”
“It was their battle (Niger Delta militants) that awaken (awoke) the consciousness….”
“I believe in total and comprehensive assessment of a person to determine his/her (their) suitability and overall credibility.”
“UI students’ union leaders sworn-in (sworn in), seek cooperation”
“The minister goes on to paint a very laudable picture of the purpose of the First Ladies Peace Mission, rounding up (rounding off) with the battle-cry….”
THISDAY of July 22 disappointed its numerous readers: “He said the village have (had) never been attacked in the past….”
“…majority (again, a majority) of them failed woefully (abysmally).”
“…who briefed journalists on the company’s field development programme yesterday, in company of (in company with) the vice-chairman….”
“The victims comprised of four….” Delete ‘of’ in pursuit of reason and truth.
Still on the editorial: “…stakeholders to put heads together in order to help find lasting solution (a lasting solution) to the security challenges presently facing the nation.” Why not ‘the insecurity facing the nation’?
“Shareholders of GSK Plc (PLC) has (have) enjoyed a huge….”
“But GSK need (needs) a more robust fourth quarter to sustain the record-setting bullish run.”
“…where majority (a majority) of the population live (lives)….”
“Eight Egba chiefs arrested over (for) murder of prince in Ondo”
“Survivors of suicide bomb attacks recount tales of woes” Kano blasts: tale of woe (fixed/stock expression—plurality notwithstanding)
“Okopoly rector allays fears over masquerades (masqueraders)”
“Anambra 2017: PDP supporters on strategic take over (takeover) campaign”
“Both countries to sign drug control (drug-control) pact”
“Unfortunately, however, I, and many other Nigerians have been infuriated by our servants….” In pursuit of linguistic orderliness: many other Nigerians and I. The concept of the cart and the horse applies to language usage, too.
“But all our future blessing would be achieved through waiting in the Lord.” If you are after God’s heart, you wait on, not in, the Lord.
“Before embarking on the strike action….” You can as well embark on the ‘strike inaction’!
“It was as though both informants were mischievous people who had an affinity in (for) discrediting the preacher.”
“The vigilante group visited instant judgment on the thief and sent him to the great beyond.” In the name of excellence: vigilance group.
“Sixteen people were killed and two others seriously injured in a ghastly (fatal) accident which occurred along (on) the Bauch-Auchi road on Saturday.” If there were casualties, it follows that it was a fatal, not a ghastly, accident—which is even impliedly otiose. The mishap did not drag along the road, but occurred at a spot on the road.
“Some of the despotic regimes thrown up in (on) the continent did worse things than was experienced under colonialism.”
‘With due respect and humility, the above association (Tiddo Yo Daddo Alumni Association) is hereby inviting its esteem (esteemed) and valuable members to the forthcoming general meeting.” Are there invaluable members? And this: ‘With due respect and humility’—what is the essence of this phrase?

PERSPECTIVE STORY
Ambode-championing South-West Integration Like a Generalissimo
Idowu Ajanaku

Idowu Ajanaku

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potentials to become better”
-Bill Bradley

T
he growing clamour for a paradigm shift in the nation’s leadership landscape; especially with regards to the emergence of younger and more brilliant politicians to mount the podium and direct the affairs of the country is a call whose time has come. Governance and more so, that of a nation as intricate, engaging and tasking as ours is not a tea party. It is not meant for geriatrics that should be enjoying their dusky moments in sober serenity. In fact, this call rings true with the dynamics of global politics.
For instance, months ago, Emmanuel Macron became one of the youngest French Prime Ministers with the electoral victory at the age of 39 years. Similarly, Juri Ratas, the current Prime Minister of Estonia came to office in late 2016 at the age of 38. His work has been monumental in initiating changes in the wage policy of the country.
And back home here in Nigeria, we are beginning to see the immense benefits inherent in thrusting and trusting the levers of political power in the hands of equally young politicians. One is talking about politicians with fecund minds, literally brimming with veritable ideas to translate dreams to concrete reality. One of such is the inimitable, creative, energetic and people-friendly Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state.
Worthy of note is his political dexterity, so far exhibited in powering the economic integration, regeneration and renaissance of the South-West geo-political axis. Ambode broke another jinx by effectively pulling Lagos to the Oodua Investment Group. This is another first in a long list of politico-economic feats achieved within a short span of only two years.
To hit the ground running, he has, on behalf of Lagos state pledged to invest billions of Naira to acquire vast acres of land in the hinterland states of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun for modern, technologically driven farming. Both raw and processed products from such farms would be brought back to Lagos for effective sales, given its remarkable, huge market potentials. This makes a lot of sense.
Similar agreements have been reached, in the key sectors such as security and the economy based on the regional integration of the South-West zone. The meeting held at the instance of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria(DAWN) goes with the theme, ‘Economic Self-Determination for Western Region’. Part of the communiqué is hinged on the setting up of a Joint Task Force and action to contain all forms of security threats, including the sweeping wave of kidnapping and senseless attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.
The governors, apart from declaring zero tolerance for all forms of crime and criminality will institute policies to guarantee the safety of lives and property for all the residents in their states. With such guarantee, economic activities are likely to flourish. That explains the reason for directing DAWN to develop a 25-year Western Nigeria Development Master Plan. And also calling on all the states in the region to encourage bilateral and multilateral cooperation to foster sustainable regional development.
But why going to such lengths for this noble ambition, one may ask? The answer lies with the foresightedness of the governors, knowing full well that with the increasing agitation for self determination restructuring is only a matter of time. They do not want to be left holding the short end of the nation’s economic stick. Not in the least.
And the governors are aware too that instrumental to their overall success would be the growing economic stability and expansion of Lagos state. They are so delighted that with Ambode in the saddle it has been one giant step taken after another in the critical areas of security, infrastructural development, transportation, healthcare delivery and youth empowerment.
Instructively, Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, a political tactician was therefore not mincing words when he described his Lagos state counterpart as “the Governor-General of Nigeria”. On his part, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state sees Ambode as “Mr. Innovator, who has ballooned the development of Lagos within two years to the admiration and amazement of millions of citizens’ He describes him as “the most approachable governor in Nigeria”.
Not left out of the encomiums is the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG),Pastor Enoch Adeboye who calls Ambode: “A man of excellence, who has passion for the downtrodden and the humility to serve God.” And apparently to add another feather to his colourful cap, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo not known for praising politicians has given Ambode the title of a ‘great performer”.
While Chief Bode George of the opposing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) exclaimed that: “I have never met this young man, but I must say that I am impressed with his performance so far, especially in the area of infrastructural developments,” ,the man seen as his avid supporter and National Leader of the ruling APC the strategist and pathfinder of modern day Lagos,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu added the icing on the sweet cake. Said he: “ Ambode is a wonder kid on the political block-a man who plans meticulously and executes such plans without necessarily making noise. He has become a shining light in less than two years.”|
Asiwaju should know, having piloted the affairs of Lagos for eight good, memorable years. These profound appellations that may therefore have far reaching significance than we may care to admit as at present. Infact,in the face of this,Governor Ambode has stay humble and committed to the worthy ideals that have seen him glowing thus far. The future beckons with limitless possibilities.
––Idowu Ajanaku, S.SA Media & Strategy to Gov. Ambode
PIX: Ambode1.jpg

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