I had the good fortune of living in Cote D'Ivoire for almost 7 years. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people, incredible music, great food and excellent beaches. I must confess that despite the recent insecurity and fighting that nation has experienced, Cote D'Ivoire and specifically, the city of Abidjan, will always have a special place in my heart.
Well, Cote D'Ivoire, or the Ivory Coast as non-French speakers call it, has done something that Nigeria's government should pay attention to. There was a riot in April when the government increased the price of diesel. In response, the Ivorian government has just announced that it will slash the salaries of Ministers by half to subsidize the lower cost of diesel for the masses.
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This action is unparalleled in West Africa as far as I am aware. In fact, I have never heard of such happening anywhere. And, even though it could simply be a means to get votes for the upcoming November elections, the mere fact that the Ivorian government listened to the people and took a decisive step to make appease citizens is commendable. I do no know how far this decision will go to keep diesel prices at a manageable price for Ivorians, but the fact that Ministers will experience a pay cut shows that that nation's leaders are willing to bear the burdens of tough global economic times right alongside the common man. This is enough to give the people confidence in their government and hope that future disagreements will be solved by compromise.
Now, if only there was such unparalleled action in Nigeria on a whole host of issues....
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13 Curiosities. Add Yours.:
this can never happen in Nigeria... impossible! as in, the ministers and the senate will strike...
I commend the Ivory Coast Govt though, good move on listening to the people...
They do not actually need to slash salaries in Nigeria, just getting rid of unnecessary things like taking out multiple full page adverts in national dailies to congratulate each other on the occasion of thier birthdays will save millions!
It can NEVER happen in Nigeria!
If only something similar to this can happen in Nigeria...I'm not even suggesting the exact thing could happen, but at least something similar...
Is that a fantasy?
@Doja's"like taking out multiple full page adverts in national dailies to congratulate each other on the occasion of their birthdays will save millions!" would be an excellent start.
@notjustok...I love that about the ministers and senate striking LOL. Oh and it's actually true btw!
I visited Abidjan about 5 years ago and it remains in my memory, one of the most beautiful cities ever! I completely fell in love with the place, the people...everything! Didn't know you lived there - then again, so many things I don't know.
Thanks for the visit...
OTHER REVOLUTIONS' MUST TAKE PLACE IN NIGERIA BEFORE WE START THINKING OF SUCH 'IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS'
CHUKWUBIKE O C
(Rome)
The truth is that the Ivory Coast Government has set a precedent not only for Nigeria but the whole continent!It's sad that Africa has to grapple with a majority failed and selfish leadership
we can get there - we just need to get rid of this lot and their children
did they really slash thier salaries or did they do "take with one hand and give with the other hand"? well, let me not be a cynic, they could really have done it.
on the other hand, something similar was done by the Babangida regime. can't really remember the details but there was a time he announced that the SMC (or AFRC), i.e. the ruling junta would either not get promotions or have a pay cut (not sure which) wrt to the financial situation in the country.
...it can be done o!!...let nigerians first stand up off our asses and make the government listen to us...if we are waiting for the governmment to think of this on their own, na lie o...even the ivorians knew that...when we start demanding that our government govern as it was meant to and holding them accountable, such things and more will happen...
Hey! Check this one out!
It seems that great minds think alike!\
http://theivorycoast.wordpress.com
I love smc. They have helped me make my life so much better. Many thanks to the smc crew, you guys rock!
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