It will be very appropriate if the Save Nigeria Groups, various opposition groups/parties in Nigeria could undertake a study of masses mobilization method used by the Thai’s opposition groups (the red shirts). I am not saying that pro Nigerian groups/ Save Nigeria Groups have not tried. They have done very well. But the prolong protest methods of Thai people usually send strong messages both to the international community and their national government. This is a tool the ordinary people of Thailand uses very well. This approach (prolong protest method), and the techniques of mobilizing about 100,000 people and keeping them together for days deserves a proper study.
Nigerian authorities (the government and the Nigerian Security Services) also need to learn lessons from Thailand which has merited the title of; Protest Capital of The Third World Countries. In the just concluded Thai protest, their police never fired a single bullet, even though they had to contend with about 100,000 demonstrators in the capital city Bangkok. On our part, I have to commend the Nigerian Police for their orderly manner during the various Save Nigeria Group(s) protest marches. We know what the Nigerian Police used to be like in the past. As a matter of fact, the (Nigerian Police Force) complicity in a public protest, led to the death of former Senate President (Dr Chuba Okadigbo). But can the Nigerian Police Force behave in an orderly manner if about 100,000 Nigerians come out to protest and make serious noise?
Thai politics and especially their opposition protest(s) marches (the opposition groups known as the red shirts, due to the red colour of the shirts worn by them) attracts global attention each time the protesters go to the streets. Some journalist(s) have nicknamed the red shirts as the red army. Politics in Thailand is represented by colours or its colour coded. The opposition groups who support their former Prime Minister (Thaksin Shinawatra) usually wear red shirts, whereas the supporters of the current Prime Minister (Abhisit Vejjajiva) wear yellow shirts. Protest marches by both the yellow shirts and the red shirts can both be very interesting. I have no single doubt, that political awareness among Thai people is very high. Most of Thai people have truly realized that power belongs to them.
Starting from March 12th 2009, when the last protest march was being held by the red shirts (opposition groups), about 100,000 people gathered in Bangkok from various parts of Thailand. The protesters came by buses, trucks, tractors, boats, motorcycles etc to the capital (Bangkok). The red shirts wanted to force the government to hold elections. Greater majority of the red shirts that came for the protest march were poor people and farmers who desired change. The protesters went beyond the protest march to shed their own blood. Thousands lined up at medical tents where nurses collected their blood which they spilled on the gates of the Thai government house, official residence and office complex of their Prime Minister.
What amazes me is the fact that Thai is a third world country like ours but very active when it comes to protests. Their various protest marches is like a volcano. In 2008, the yellow shirts (pro government protesters) protested and occupied their government house for months and Bangkok’s airports for a week.
In April 2009, the red shirts (opposition groups) disrupted the ASEAN summit. Demonstrators prevented the leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from attending their meetings. They blocked the entrance to hotel/venue of the summit. ASEAN leaders were airlifted to safety while the Thai government was humiliated and heavily embarrassed. 8,000 police personnel’s were deployed to control the protesters but they could not stop the people. Interestingly, the police did not fire any single bullet to any protester.
My concern here is how we can use the Thai example to increase the political consciousness of our people. I am of the opinion that governance will be much easier when the people are politically aware of what their leaders are doing. As the general election in Nigeria approaches, what are we going to do to increase the political awareness of our people? Are we ready to vote and be voted for? Are we also ready to guide our votes? How ready are we to become electoral activists? What are our plans to educate the illiterate members of our community? What about political evangelism which I have suggested in my previous articles?
In Thailand, farmers and other poor people left the rural areas to come and demonstrate in Bangkok. Meaning that, they are aware that whatever their government does will affect them directly or indirectly. The challenge is now for us to replicate or surpass the Thailand’s experience. On this note, I will suggest mass education using the following methods; rallies, mobile text messages, continuous distribution of political leaflets, books, journals, translation of political messages to our various native languages, organizing town hall meetings, political seminars, symposiums, lectures etc at village, community, town and local government levels.
Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) Faith Organizations, Youth’s organizations, etc should consider mobilizing its members for volunteer work on political enlightenment(s). Several villages/community meetings especially people from the South Eastern part of Nigeria (of which am one of them), should consider political education/political evangelism as part(s) of meeting agenda(s). Market leaders, motor park leaders, leaders of various road transport unions should also find ways of political enlightenment amongst its members. On the individual level, we should find a way to enlighten one another.
I will also repeat my recommendation for political evangelism whereby political messages are produced in DVD’s, CD’s, Cassette players, ipods, Mp3 players etc and distributed to the people. Picture effect can do the magic. We can also take advantages of the new media (facebook, twitter, youtube, blogs, etc) to reach the needed audience. Hopefully, through mass mobilization and political awareness of our people, we might begin to achieve the “pax Nigeriana” we all are looking for.
Finally, I wish also to continue appealing to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Hijacking Democracy: Charlatans At Play
If anybody is in doubt about the futility and failure of Nigeria’s democracy, that doubt should have been dispelled by the farcical and ignoble displays that have been happening, and is still happening since our erstwhile President, Umar Yar ‘Adua went missing in November 2009 and up till now, the majority of Nigerians are still no wiser about the true state of his health or his ability to rule the country.
This is amidst a deadly concoction of political high stakes and intrigues, arrogant and deliberate ignorance, misinterpretation and outright manipulation of the Constitution of Nigeria, criminal negligence, criminal deception and forgery, breach of trust, treachery, nepotism, tribalism, looting of the treasury because there was really nobody to supervise, and a host of other crimes. I will even add “smuggling” and “hostage taking” as the President was said to have been smuggled in under darkness into the country, and is practical a hostage in the hands of his wife and so-called “kitchen cabinet”.
In the meantime, the polity was not only heated up, but the uncertainty and political, economic and social near-breakdown that went with this was alarming, almost leading to a state of confusion and anarchy. This is not to mention the confusion for the economy and the “laughing stock” which Nigeria became in the international community. I saw a cartoon or two from some other African countries lampooning our confused state of the nation.
And all these were brought upon us by a lethal combination of greed, ignorance, corruption, self-interest above national interest, ambition and subterfuge in governance.
In March 2009, I wrote an article “Do Our Politicians Know The Constitution?” (http://www.championsfornigeria.org/cfn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=311:do-our-politicians-know-the-constitution&catid=14:articles&Itemid=35) in which I observed that “since 1999, we see all our political leaders in the three arms of government thrashing wildly about in ignorance, or maybe deliberate abuse, of our constitution. Ex-President Obasanjo was very notorious for disregarding the Constitution in all aspects, forgetting that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is greater than anybody in Nigeria. The Senate and the House of Representative routinely disregard the Constitution; in fact they abuse it, fail to follow laid-down rules of the House and the Senate, and most times, resort to violence to sort problems out. The same applied, and still applies to the States’ chief executive officers, States Houses of Assembly, comprising mostly thuggish, crooked and unsavoury characters and the local government Chairmen and their mostly ill-educated, half-baked councillors. (Please, I have done my homework very well on the human constitution of our legislative houses, so I am sure of what I am talking about, and not just passing insults)”.
I have always suspected and held the belief that our politicians, all classes of them, appear to be charlatans, novices, greenhorns and pretenders. This is no longer surprising nor should be taken for granted. In our current nascent democracy, I suppose we should expect some kind of experimentation for a while until we finally get it right; however, unfortunately, since this form of governance has a very important impact on the lives of 140 million people, there really is no room for mistakes. People always think politics is a game, but I always beg to differ. It is no longer a game when politicians make political decisions which affect the lives of millions of people for which they are responsible; which determines their standard of living; their daily livelihood, their health and wellbeing, their security and in fact the very essence of their being alive.
So apart from the farcical displays of ignorance, deliberate manipulations, etc that went on, and is still going in the governance of Nigeria since the President’s disappearance and subsequent alleged appearance (?) after over ninety days, we are still back to that question of charlatans, ignoramus and incompetent idiots running the country – federal, state and local.
The Governors, under something cabal-ish called The Governors Forum have come up with a statement last week that while Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is Acting President, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua remains the substantive President. This is in itself is what everybody knows; hence the statement is very redundant and unnecessary. But who are they to say that? Are they the one controlling the country or the executive and legislative arms of the government?
It was their next set of statements that is now causing some worries to the knowing public, while at the same time confirming my long-held belief and conviction that these people are not only ignorant and tyrannical, but is largely undemocratic in their behaviour, governance and actions, and will not hesitate to hijack the democratic process to suit them. In fact they are no different from the Yar ‘Adua’s notorious so called kitchen cabinet.
The Governors stated that even with the grave concerns about his capacity to continue in office, especially since November 23, 2009, President Yar'Adua would neither resign from office, nor be removed by impeachment or consequential declaration by the Federal Executive Council, which would precipitate the appointment of a medical board of inquiry whose adverse report will eventually terminate Yar’Adua’s presidency. The Governors, therefore, said that Yar'Adua would not be replaced until a new President is elected next year.
In making the above declaration, they have actually gone in the face of the Constitution, ignoring it either deliberately or due to ignorance and also insinuating quite clearly that it is the Governors running the country, and NOT the Presidency or the legislative arms of government. They do not have any legal or constitutional basis to make their pronouncements. The governance structure in the 1999 Constitution is so unequivocal that state governors have no say in this matter upon which they hold forth and made a pronouncement. The president was elected on different platform from the governors. It is not their concern or business to ensure a president stays in power or not. It is not their place to ignore the provisions of the constitution and make themselves “kingmakers”.
The removal of the President on account of incapacitation due to ill health is normally and constitutionally a matter that lies between the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly. As far as the Constitution is concerned, and as more knowledgeable people in the society knows, none of these bodies reports to, or is under the control of the state governors.
Thus, by their declarations, the state governors were intrusive with or arrogating unto themselves, functions and powers which rightly belong to another tier and another arm of government – the Executive and the Legislature. By their declarations, their intention is definitely to subvert the principle of separation of powers, a pillar of constitutional democracy.
Should we allow these arrogant, ignorant incompetents and impostors to run the country, then we shall be in further trouble more than we are now. They are part of, and perpetuate our problems and troubles in this country by their unbelievable greed, insensitivity and massive, naked corruption, and sitting back and allowing them hijack the functions of the Constitution, the Presidency, the National Assembly, means they will be effectively taking over control of the country, under the guise of the superfluous Governors’ Forum, not satisfied with the stolen wealth they are making from their respective states.
Serious nations learn from their mistakes and cultivate their democracy, always looking for ways to improve. In Nigeria, we have continuously refused to learn. The issue is the country's leadership creation process. What kind of people should occupy leadership positions? We surely need properly elected persons who understand the Constitution and carry out the provisions of the Constitution and also make effort to make the Constitution a dynamic tool and documentation.
With these Governors’ declarations, and even their surreptitious and dubiously unwelcome role in ending the impasse which eventually brought Ag. President Goodluck Jonathan to power, we may well be dealing not merely with ignorance but mischief. Perhaps we can tolerate and correct ignorance, but mischief borders on treason, unpatriotic, self-interest and corruption of the political process for self-gain.
This is what we have with the Governors. Their appearance and utterances on matters of national interest has always been predicated on their own self-interest and survival rather than for the good and benefit of the people who elected them (we may say they rigged themselves into power, anyway) and who they are supposed to serve. They have always been selfish, inconsiderate, greedy, and corrupt. These are arrogant leaders who mostly and always remain oblivious, insensitive and unresponsive to their peoples’ sufferings, poverty and needs.
But let us take another look at it, and you will see why their interest is self –serving: the President, Yar ‘Adua was a former Governor; his Vice President, and now, Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, was a former Governor; the main backers of the Yar ‘Adua Presidency, James Ibori and Bukola Saraki (and the latter also has his eyes on the Presidency) were former governors. The ruling PDP, dubbed People Deceiving People) which does not wish to disturb the current power-rotation arrangement between the north and south of the country, has the majority in the Governors’ Forum. And most importantly, some of them already have their sights on becoming the President of Nigeria in next year's election.
From all indications, the next President of Nigeria will probably come again from the ranks of these greedy, corrupt and incompetent thieves. (Sorry, they are competent thieves, I mean incompetent in governance).
So what do you expect from this gang? Self interest; of course, in the long term. When shall we be saved from this cabal of ignorant leaders? Are we deserving of them? Yes and No. this depends on the side of the fence you are.
Let the truth be said always.
This is amidst a deadly concoction of political high stakes and intrigues, arrogant and deliberate ignorance, misinterpretation and outright manipulation of the Constitution of Nigeria, criminal negligence, criminal deception and forgery, breach of trust, treachery, nepotism, tribalism, looting of the treasury because there was really nobody to supervise, and a host of other crimes. I will even add “smuggling” and “hostage taking” as the President was said to have been smuggled in under darkness into the country, and is practical a hostage in the hands of his wife and so-called “kitchen cabinet”.
In the meantime, the polity was not only heated up, but the uncertainty and political, economic and social near-breakdown that went with this was alarming, almost leading to a state of confusion and anarchy. This is not to mention the confusion for the economy and the “laughing stock” which Nigeria became in the international community. I saw a cartoon or two from some other African countries lampooning our confused state of the nation.
And all these were brought upon us by a lethal combination of greed, ignorance, corruption, self-interest above national interest, ambition and subterfuge in governance.
In March 2009, I wrote an article “Do Our Politicians Know The Constitution?” (http://www.championsfornigeria.org/cfn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=311:do-our-politicians-know-the-constitution&catid=14:articles&Itemid=35) in which I observed that “since 1999, we see all our political leaders in the three arms of government thrashing wildly about in ignorance, or maybe deliberate abuse, of our constitution. Ex-President Obasanjo was very notorious for disregarding the Constitution in all aspects, forgetting that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is greater than anybody in Nigeria. The Senate and the House of Representative routinely disregard the Constitution; in fact they abuse it, fail to follow laid-down rules of the House and the Senate, and most times, resort to violence to sort problems out. The same applied, and still applies to the States’ chief executive officers, States Houses of Assembly, comprising mostly thuggish, crooked and unsavoury characters and the local government Chairmen and their mostly ill-educated, half-baked councillors. (Please, I have done my homework very well on the human constitution of our legislative houses, so I am sure of what I am talking about, and not just passing insults)”.
I have always suspected and held the belief that our politicians, all classes of them, appear to be charlatans, novices, greenhorns and pretenders. This is no longer surprising nor should be taken for granted. In our current nascent democracy, I suppose we should expect some kind of experimentation for a while until we finally get it right; however, unfortunately, since this form of governance has a very important impact on the lives of 140 million people, there really is no room for mistakes. People always think politics is a game, but I always beg to differ. It is no longer a game when politicians make political decisions which affect the lives of millions of people for which they are responsible; which determines their standard of living; their daily livelihood, their health and wellbeing, their security and in fact the very essence of their being alive.
So apart from the farcical displays of ignorance, deliberate manipulations, etc that went on, and is still going in the governance of Nigeria since the President’s disappearance and subsequent alleged appearance (?) after over ninety days, we are still back to that question of charlatans, ignoramus and incompetent idiots running the country – federal, state and local.
The Governors, under something cabal-ish called The Governors Forum have come up with a statement last week that while Dr. Goodluck Jonathan is Acting President, Alhaji Umaru Yar'Adua remains the substantive President. This is in itself is what everybody knows; hence the statement is very redundant and unnecessary. But who are they to say that? Are they the one controlling the country or the executive and legislative arms of the government?
It was their next set of statements that is now causing some worries to the knowing public, while at the same time confirming my long-held belief and conviction that these people are not only ignorant and tyrannical, but is largely undemocratic in their behaviour, governance and actions, and will not hesitate to hijack the democratic process to suit them. In fact they are no different from the Yar ‘Adua’s notorious so called kitchen cabinet.
The Governors stated that even with the grave concerns about his capacity to continue in office, especially since November 23, 2009, President Yar'Adua would neither resign from office, nor be removed by impeachment or consequential declaration by the Federal Executive Council, which would precipitate the appointment of a medical board of inquiry whose adverse report will eventually terminate Yar’Adua’s presidency. The Governors, therefore, said that Yar'Adua would not be replaced until a new President is elected next year.
In making the above declaration, they have actually gone in the face of the Constitution, ignoring it either deliberately or due to ignorance and also insinuating quite clearly that it is the Governors running the country, and NOT the Presidency or the legislative arms of government. They do not have any legal or constitutional basis to make their pronouncements. The governance structure in the 1999 Constitution is so unequivocal that state governors have no say in this matter upon which they hold forth and made a pronouncement. The president was elected on different platform from the governors. It is not their concern or business to ensure a president stays in power or not. It is not their place to ignore the provisions of the constitution and make themselves “kingmakers”.
The removal of the President on account of incapacitation due to ill health is normally and constitutionally a matter that lies between the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly. As far as the Constitution is concerned, and as more knowledgeable people in the society knows, none of these bodies reports to, or is under the control of the state governors.
Thus, by their declarations, the state governors were intrusive with or arrogating unto themselves, functions and powers which rightly belong to another tier and another arm of government – the Executive and the Legislature. By their declarations, their intention is definitely to subvert the principle of separation of powers, a pillar of constitutional democracy.
Should we allow these arrogant, ignorant incompetents and impostors to run the country, then we shall be in further trouble more than we are now. They are part of, and perpetuate our problems and troubles in this country by their unbelievable greed, insensitivity and massive, naked corruption, and sitting back and allowing them hijack the functions of the Constitution, the Presidency, the National Assembly, means they will be effectively taking over control of the country, under the guise of the superfluous Governors’ Forum, not satisfied with the stolen wealth they are making from their respective states.
Serious nations learn from their mistakes and cultivate their democracy, always looking for ways to improve. In Nigeria, we have continuously refused to learn. The issue is the country's leadership creation process. What kind of people should occupy leadership positions? We surely need properly elected persons who understand the Constitution and carry out the provisions of the Constitution and also make effort to make the Constitution a dynamic tool and documentation.
With these Governors’ declarations, and even their surreptitious and dubiously unwelcome role in ending the impasse which eventually brought Ag. President Goodluck Jonathan to power, we may well be dealing not merely with ignorance but mischief. Perhaps we can tolerate and correct ignorance, but mischief borders on treason, unpatriotic, self-interest and corruption of the political process for self-gain.
This is what we have with the Governors. Their appearance and utterances on matters of national interest has always been predicated on their own self-interest and survival rather than for the good and benefit of the people who elected them (we may say they rigged themselves into power, anyway) and who they are supposed to serve. They have always been selfish, inconsiderate, greedy, and corrupt. These are arrogant leaders who mostly and always remain oblivious, insensitive and unresponsive to their peoples’ sufferings, poverty and needs.
But let us take another look at it, and you will see why their interest is self –serving: the President, Yar ‘Adua was a former Governor; his Vice President, and now, Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, was a former Governor; the main backers of the Yar ‘Adua Presidency, James Ibori and Bukola Saraki (and the latter also has his eyes on the Presidency) were former governors. The ruling PDP, dubbed People Deceiving People) which does not wish to disturb the current power-rotation arrangement between the north and south of the country, has the majority in the Governors’ Forum. And most importantly, some of them already have their sights on becoming the President of Nigeria in next year's election.
From all indications, the next President of Nigeria will probably come again from the ranks of these greedy, corrupt and incompetent thieves. (Sorry, they are competent thieves, I mean incompetent in governance).
So what do you expect from this gang? Self interest; of course, in the long term. When shall we be saved from this cabal of ignorant leaders? Are we deserving of them? Yes and No. this depends on the side of the fence you are.
Let the truth be said always.
Jos: Slaughter Capital of Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria owe Nigerians a serious apology for its failure to end the incessant Jos crisis. Re-occurring crisis of this nature is more than enough to bring down governments in the developed countries. Without doubts, the Federal Government, its security agencies and the perpetrators of these crimes should together be held responsible for the Jos massacre. In my opinion, the government should be prosecuted for security failures. The primary responsibility of every government is welfare and security of its citizens. On this occasion (Jos Crises etc) the government has simply failed.
I will advocate serious compensation from the government to those who lost loved ones, even though compensation will not bring back lost relatives. By virtue of the record number of religious crises in Jos and the higher number of deaths resulting from it, Jos has earned for herself, The Slaughter Capital of Nigeria. Just in a space of less than 3 months, over 800 people have lost their lives to religious crises. In January 2010, over 300 people were killed. In this month of March 2010, over 500 were slaughtered. Life is too cheap in Nigeria. I pray that, these killings should be the last. I pray this prayer each time there is a crisis, but I understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. In our own case we have not helped ourselves, therefore heaven might not help us.
To make matters worse, our government has abdicated from their responsibilities (security and welfare). There is no difference between a state sponsored killings and the inaction of our government through their security agencies. Government has no regards for the lives of Nigerians. Government’s inaction also runs counter productive to some of their programmes like re-branding etc
I was highly embarrassed when some of my work colleagues (mainly Africans from other countries) confronted me with the news of Jos massacre on March 9th. Earlier in January (2010), I was also confronted with the same Jos crisis. On each case I was short of words. Imagine if these people were foreign investors or have friends who want to invest in Nigeria. These negative stories will never leave their minds whenever Nigeria is mentioned.
The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment. On the other hand, soft sentences can boost crimes, an example is the light sentence given to Olabode George. If the government cannot get tougher with punishing criminals and perpetrators of religious crises etc, then they will only be toying with our future. No one is safe. Even the so called “leaders” Nelson Mandela once said that ‘Security for few is insecurity for all’
Removing the National Security Adviser is not enough. Heads of other relevant security agencies should also be sacked. Another reason to sack other security chiefs is the way and manner our President was smuggled inside the country like a thief. I read from online news sources that most of our security chiefs claimed ignorance of smuggling of Yar’Adua. We should remember that ignorance is not an excuse in law and therefore cannot be accepted by Nigerians. There (security services) inaction means they cannot justify their wages/salaries etc and there is no point wasting the taxpayers money on whoever cannot justify his/her pay.
The Jos crises is also a serious blow to the people who protested on the streets of London, Abuja, and New York that Nigerians are not terrorist(s). What more do we call terrorism than events in Jos. My biggest concern is how to prevent similar crisis in future? Do we have any assurances from the government and its security agencies that such incidents will not happen again? What are government plans for those displaced from their homes and businesses? What about the traumatised children and women? There are a lot more questions than answers. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
I will advocate serious compensation from the government to those who lost loved ones, even though compensation will not bring back lost relatives. By virtue of the record number of religious crises in Jos and the higher number of deaths resulting from it, Jos has earned for herself, The Slaughter Capital of Nigeria. Just in a space of less than 3 months, over 800 people have lost their lives to religious crises. In January 2010, over 300 people were killed. In this month of March 2010, over 500 were slaughtered. Life is too cheap in Nigeria. I pray that, these killings should be the last. I pray this prayer each time there is a crisis, but I understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. In our own case we have not helped ourselves, therefore heaven might not help us.
To make matters worse, our government has abdicated from their responsibilities (security and welfare). There is no difference between a state sponsored killings and the inaction of our government through their security agencies. Government has no regards for the lives of Nigerians. Government’s inaction also runs counter productive to some of their programmes like re-branding etc
I was highly embarrassed when some of my work colleagues (mainly Africans from other countries) confronted me with the news of Jos massacre on March 9th. Earlier in January (2010), I was also confronted with the same Jos crisis. On each case I was short of words. Imagine if these people were foreign investors or have friends who want to invest in Nigeria. These negative stories will never leave their minds whenever Nigeria is mentioned.
The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment. On the other hand, soft sentences can boost crimes, an example is the light sentence given to Olabode George. If the government cannot get tougher with punishing criminals and perpetrators of religious crises etc, then they will only be toying with our future. No one is safe. Even the so called “leaders” Nelson Mandela once said that ‘Security for few is insecurity for all’
Removing the National Security Adviser is not enough. Heads of other relevant security agencies should also be sacked. Another reason to sack other security chiefs is the way and manner our President was smuggled inside the country like a thief. I read from online news sources that most of our security chiefs claimed ignorance of smuggling of Yar’Adua. We should remember that ignorance is not an excuse in law and therefore cannot be accepted by Nigerians. There (security services) inaction means they cannot justify their wages/salaries etc and there is no point wasting the taxpayers money on whoever cannot justify his/her pay.
The Jos crises is also a serious blow to the people who protested on the streets of London, Abuja, and New York that Nigerians are not terrorist(s). What more do we call terrorism than events in Jos. My biggest concern is how to prevent similar crisis in future? Do we have any assurances from the government and its security agencies that such incidents will not happen again? What are government plans for those displaced from their homes and businesses? What about the traumatised children and women? There are a lot more questions than answers. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
The Illusions And Delusions of Nigeria’s Political Pseudo- Dynasties
“Political dynasties are families that have exerted disproportionate influence on the politics of their societies. If they are successful, they may produce more than one Head of State or Head of Government. But at the very minimum, political dynasties have produced political leaders in varied ranks of the political process”. (Prof. Ali A. Mazrui, 2008, Political Dynasties in African Politics)
According to definitions, a dynasty is a succession of people belonging to the same family, who, through various means and forms maintain power, influence or authority over the course of generations. Though in elected governments, rule does not pass automatically by inheritance, political power often accrues to generations of related individuals even in republics. Eminence, Influence, familiarity, tradition, genetics, corruption and even nepotism may contribute to this phenomenon. (Please note the words, corruption and nepotism)
In the past 100 years, I can only recount of a very few REAL political dynasties: The Bush family in the US is a political dynasty which has so far produced two presidents: George Herbert Bush and George William Bush. And of course, the most famous political dynasty in the world, the Kennedy family is a US political dynasty. One brother (John) became president; another (Robert) became Senator and then Attorney General, and the third (Edward) has been a Senator and would probably have become president but for the Chappaquiddick tragedy.
In Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed as Prime Minister. Ultimately, his daughter, Benazir Bhutto, became Prime Minister of Pakistan twice before her own assassination. In Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri eventually succeeded her father, the late Sukarno, as Indonesia's Head of State. Of course, in India, the Nehru-Gandhi family are a political dynasty.
Some other notable political dynasties: the Macapagal Presidential Family and the Aquino Revolutionary Dynasty (Philippines); the Beazley and Crean families (Australia); Ziaur Rahman's and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's families (Bangladesh); the Soekarnos (Indonesia); Aung San Suu Kyi's family (Burma); the Kims (North Korea); the Lee Kuan Yew's family (Singapore); the Solomon Bandaranaike's family (Sri Lanka); the Assads (Syria); the Churchills/Dukes of Marlborough) (UK); the Adamses, the Long family, the Roosevelts, the Tafts and the Udalls, all of the US.
In Africa, the Odinga family of Kenya is becoming dynastic. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga rose as high as Kenya's Vice-Presidency. Politicisation of Raila Odinga is turning the Odinga family into a political dynasty.
The Kenyattas might also evolve into a political dynasty. In 2002, Uhuru Kenyatta attempted to become President of Kenya like his father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Uhuru is young enough to ascend to the pinnacle of power in the future.
It will be useful to consider the achievements of these aforementioned notable political dynasties from the various countries around the world and try and compare them to our so-called, self-publicising, arrogant, selfish and corrupt political families in Nigeria. Any basis for comparison? I doubt it.
A country, where for the past 50 years, the political and military classes have contrived to ruin the country, keep the people in poverty, made the infrastructure left by the colonial rulers moribund, through sheer greed, unbelievable selfishness, absolute and profound lack of vision and focus, mismanagement and corruption.
Then some children of these political and military classes have been expressing themselves as saviours of the masses, with desires and ambitions to run for office (some of them have already succeeded in getting political offices, mostly through rigging and god-fatherism, etc).It is, to my mind the ultimate insult on the people of Nigeria.
Probably this article needs not be written, but for Nigerian political rogues are now trying to put themselves and their “achievement and contributions” to Nigeria (the mere thought of this makes me angry) with such families as the Kennedys, the Bushes, the Gandhis, it is even an insult to the memories of these great Statesmen.
What I have concluded from their utterances and ambition is that they are insensitive, selfish, greedy and most poignantly, do not realise that their parents (some of them, to avoid a wide generalisation) have committed grave sins against the people of Nigeria. On the other hand, they may actually be used by their infamous parents to continue to perpetuate their crimes and themselves on the people. It is again an example of the sad indictment of our society that the children of rogues, corrupt and discredited politicians and thugs will now come out and start to “re-brand”, apologies to Dora Akunyinli, their mostly infamous parents
Let me first say I respect and hold in very high regards our REAL “heroes past” like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano and Sir Tafawa Balewa. I could join Chief Peter Enahoro, J S Tarka, Herbert Macauley and a few others. But taking these real and true heroes, which of their progenies are shouting their fathers’ names to the high heavens? Like they say, the empty drum sounds the loudest.
To my utter chagrin and consternation, recently we have had children of very minor or even insignificant political players in our chequered history, coming out with delusions of grandeur to claim that (1) they want to contest election in 2011 – and mind you, I have nothing against any of 140 million contesting elections, it is their right - using their fathers’ names as some kind of anointment, (2) their parents were political giants in the affairs on Nigeria for the past 50 years, (3) that they can do a lot better than their fathers (I use the masculine because the parents were invariably, male anyway), and (4) to compound their illusion and delusions, claiming that ordinary Nigerians are jealous and resentment of them because of their “famous” fathers!
I was annoyed at this last bit - resentment and envy? Who in his right mind will be envious and resentful of corrupt, irresponsible thieves called Nigerian politician? What famous fathers? More like infamous and worthy of prison, most of them. These children either innocently do not know the evils their fathers perpetrated on this country, or maybe they were really shielded from such acts committed by their fathers, or maybe they are just being deliberately mischievous.
One of them, a son of a failed and ignoble former Governor of Oyo state, says he wants to become the next Governor of the state, and while claiming not to be using his father’s name, he is ensuring the father’s first and surname is prominent. He calls himself Lam Adesina. Why didn’t he just call himself Adesina? That way, he will just be another Adesina in Oyo State.
Even Iyabo Obasanjo was the most notorious. She was Mrs Iyabo Bello before her father became the President. The moment OBJ was in power, Iyabo Bello became Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello and now simply Iyabo Obasanjo after separation/divorce from Mr Bello. I was in Abeokuta recently and I could only shake my head in disgust at seeing large billboards with her picture and the message “Ko si omo to dabi Iyabo” (There is no child like Iyabo) all over the old city.
Another, a legislator, sought and got his elective position through a notorious late Godfather in a SW state. When he was campaigning, he never used his father’s first name; in fact he distanced himself from his father’s name and poor reputation in his home-city. The moment he got rigged in, he started adding his father’s first name to make a compound double-barrelled name. He felt he could now bandy his father’s name about.
The son the Godfather himself rigged into the Senate now sees his father as a political dynasty. But let’s look at it this way; the godfather or rather “thug-father” was never a politician per se, he was a political thug, and thugs hardly made dynasties, do they?
It is very convenient to forgive them. But we can’t forget. I would say the Sarakis, the Akinloyes, the Lam Adesinas, the Fani Kayodes, the Akinjides, the Adedibus, the minor insignificant players like Omololu Olunloyos, took from Nigeria rather than give back to Nigeria. The fathers made money and name via the corrupt political system they operated in, and perpetuated, without complaint. Up till now, I have failed to see exactly what they benefitted their people.
Is it the failed Societe Generale Bank, where thousands of depositors lost their money, and the owners of the bank, the Sarakis, absolute owners of Kwara State, were never brought to book and never showed any remorse or apologies? Who can point to any single worthy thing that Baba L’Oje did in Ibadan, his hometown, since he was in politics from the late 1950’s until he died a few years ago? Can I go to Ibadan and be able to point out any significant projects initiated or established by Ibadan legal luminary, several times in different governments, Federal Minister, Chief Richard Akinjide? Yet he was trying to manoeuvre his son to become the Deputy Governor during the Ladoja/Alao-Akala crisis.
“Femi Fani-Kayode, a distinguished Nigerian politician”, “Hon Gbemi Saraki - representing Kwara in the Senate and Nigerian women everywhere!" “Hon Olusegun Adisa-Akinloye – scion of an Ibadan political dynasty” – these are the nonsense I have read recently in the papers.
Please note that I am of the conviction that any Nigeria has a right to aspire and indeed go for any public office. These children of politicians are included. They have every right to become politicians and contest for positions. My beef with them is trying to hop on the ignoble backs and discredited names of their parents, and trying to form another clique or cabal and thinking of themselves as special Nigerians.
“The sins of the father shall be visited on the son” – please feminise this – so the Holy Bible says. And so shall it be. I am sure there’s a similar saying or tenet in the Holy Koran too. “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones” – (William Shakespear in Julius Ceasar)
Ignis fatuus (Latin, from ignis, "fire" + fatuus, "foolish") is a Latin term for something that misleads or deludes; an illusion. A delusion is a false belief about oneself or other people that persists despite it being at variance with the facts.
Sadly, these set of Nigerian politician children who think of themselves as political dynasties and indispensable to the Nigerian political scene appear to suffer from this ignis fatuus, a definite and infinite inferiority complex that tend to exist in communities where good governance, conscience, selflessness and uprightness have been thrown to the wind in favour of selfishness, corruption, oppression, arrogance and egotism, and self-centredness.
I believe it is an attempt by the incorrigible and unrepentant parents and families to continue to perpetrate their corruption and oppression of the Nigerian people. There was nothing of note that they did for this country – how else did we find ourselves in this problem? – except lining their pockets from the treasury, laying false trails of nationalism and patriotism as well as giving the false impression that what they did was serve Nigeria.
Did they truly serve Nigeria, and not themselves and their families and friends? Let any of them defend this. Let their parents and themselves search deep in their souls and conscience and reflect on whether they have truly served Nigeria, their people, their kinsmen and their communities in the true sense of the word. What legacy did they leave behind?
I have really tried very hard not to be too hard on these children in this article. Believe me, I have, because several of them are my friends, but the Truth must be said always.
According to definitions, a dynasty is a succession of people belonging to the same family, who, through various means and forms maintain power, influence or authority over the course of generations. Though in elected governments, rule does not pass automatically by inheritance, political power often accrues to generations of related individuals even in republics. Eminence, Influence, familiarity, tradition, genetics, corruption and even nepotism may contribute to this phenomenon. (Please note the words, corruption and nepotism)
In the past 100 years, I can only recount of a very few REAL political dynasties: The Bush family in the US is a political dynasty which has so far produced two presidents: George Herbert Bush and George William Bush. And of course, the most famous political dynasty in the world, the Kennedy family is a US political dynasty. One brother (John) became president; another (Robert) became Senator and then Attorney General, and the third (Edward) has been a Senator and would probably have become president but for the Chappaquiddick tragedy.
In Pakistan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was executed as Prime Minister. Ultimately, his daughter, Benazir Bhutto, became Prime Minister of Pakistan twice before her own assassination. In Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri eventually succeeded her father, the late Sukarno, as Indonesia's Head of State. Of course, in India, the Nehru-Gandhi family are a political dynasty.
Some other notable political dynasties: the Macapagal Presidential Family and the Aquino Revolutionary Dynasty (Philippines); the Beazley and Crean families (Australia); Ziaur Rahman's and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's families (Bangladesh); the Soekarnos (Indonesia); Aung San Suu Kyi's family (Burma); the Kims (North Korea); the Lee Kuan Yew's family (Singapore); the Solomon Bandaranaike's family (Sri Lanka); the Assads (Syria); the Churchills/Dukes of Marlborough) (UK); the Adamses, the Long family, the Roosevelts, the Tafts and the Udalls, all of the US.
In Africa, the Odinga family of Kenya is becoming dynastic. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga rose as high as Kenya's Vice-Presidency. Politicisation of Raila Odinga is turning the Odinga family into a political dynasty.
The Kenyattas might also evolve into a political dynasty. In 2002, Uhuru Kenyatta attempted to become President of Kenya like his father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Uhuru is young enough to ascend to the pinnacle of power in the future.
It will be useful to consider the achievements of these aforementioned notable political dynasties from the various countries around the world and try and compare them to our so-called, self-publicising, arrogant, selfish and corrupt political families in Nigeria. Any basis for comparison? I doubt it.
A country, where for the past 50 years, the political and military classes have contrived to ruin the country, keep the people in poverty, made the infrastructure left by the colonial rulers moribund, through sheer greed, unbelievable selfishness, absolute and profound lack of vision and focus, mismanagement and corruption.
Then some children of these political and military classes have been expressing themselves as saviours of the masses, with desires and ambitions to run for office (some of them have already succeeded in getting political offices, mostly through rigging and god-fatherism, etc).It is, to my mind the ultimate insult on the people of Nigeria.
Probably this article needs not be written, but for Nigerian political rogues are now trying to put themselves and their “achievement and contributions” to Nigeria (the mere thought of this makes me angry) with such families as the Kennedys, the Bushes, the Gandhis, it is even an insult to the memories of these great Statesmen.
What I have concluded from their utterances and ambition is that they are insensitive, selfish, greedy and most poignantly, do not realise that their parents (some of them, to avoid a wide generalisation) have committed grave sins against the people of Nigeria. On the other hand, they may actually be used by their infamous parents to continue to perpetuate their crimes and themselves on the people. It is again an example of the sad indictment of our society that the children of rogues, corrupt and discredited politicians and thugs will now come out and start to “re-brand”, apologies to Dora Akunyinli, their mostly infamous parents
Let me first say I respect and hold in very high regards our REAL “heroes past” like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Aminu Kano and Sir Tafawa Balewa. I could join Chief Peter Enahoro, J S Tarka, Herbert Macauley and a few others. But taking these real and true heroes, which of their progenies are shouting their fathers’ names to the high heavens? Like they say, the empty drum sounds the loudest.
To my utter chagrin and consternation, recently we have had children of very minor or even insignificant political players in our chequered history, coming out with delusions of grandeur to claim that (1) they want to contest election in 2011 – and mind you, I have nothing against any of 140 million contesting elections, it is their right - using their fathers’ names as some kind of anointment, (2) their parents were political giants in the affairs on Nigeria for the past 50 years, (3) that they can do a lot better than their fathers (I use the masculine because the parents were invariably, male anyway), and (4) to compound their illusion and delusions, claiming that ordinary Nigerians are jealous and resentment of them because of their “famous” fathers!
I was annoyed at this last bit - resentment and envy? Who in his right mind will be envious and resentful of corrupt, irresponsible thieves called Nigerian politician? What famous fathers? More like infamous and worthy of prison, most of them. These children either innocently do not know the evils their fathers perpetrated on this country, or maybe they were really shielded from such acts committed by their fathers, or maybe they are just being deliberately mischievous.
One of them, a son of a failed and ignoble former Governor of Oyo state, says he wants to become the next Governor of the state, and while claiming not to be using his father’s name, he is ensuring the father’s first and surname is prominent. He calls himself Lam Adesina. Why didn’t he just call himself Adesina? That way, he will just be another Adesina in Oyo State.
Even Iyabo Obasanjo was the most notorious. She was Mrs Iyabo Bello before her father became the President. The moment OBJ was in power, Iyabo Bello became Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello and now simply Iyabo Obasanjo after separation/divorce from Mr Bello. I was in Abeokuta recently and I could only shake my head in disgust at seeing large billboards with her picture and the message “Ko si omo to dabi Iyabo” (There is no child like Iyabo) all over the old city.
Another, a legislator, sought and got his elective position through a notorious late Godfather in a SW state. When he was campaigning, he never used his father’s first name; in fact he distanced himself from his father’s name and poor reputation in his home-city. The moment he got rigged in, he started adding his father’s first name to make a compound double-barrelled name. He felt he could now bandy his father’s name about.
The son the Godfather himself rigged into the Senate now sees his father as a political dynasty. But let’s look at it this way; the godfather or rather “thug-father” was never a politician per se, he was a political thug, and thugs hardly made dynasties, do they?
It is very convenient to forgive them. But we can’t forget. I would say the Sarakis, the Akinloyes, the Lam Adesinas, the Fani Kayodes, the Akinjides, the Adedibus, the minor insignificant players like Omololu Olunloyos, took from Nigeria rather than give back to Nigeria. The fathers made money and name via the corrupt political system they operated in, and perpetuated, without complaint. Up till now, I have failed to see exactly what they benefitted their people.
Is it the failed Societe Generale Bank, where thousands of depositors lost their money, and the owners of the bank, the Sarakis, absolute owners of Kwara State, were never brought to book and never showed any remorse or apologies? Who can point to any single worthy thing that Baba L’Oje did in Ibadan, his hometown, since he was in politics from the late 1950’s until he died a few years ago? Can I go to Ibadan and be able to point out any significant projects initiated or established by Ibadan legal luminary, several times in different governments, Federal Minister, Chief Richard Akinjide? Yet he was trying to manoeuvre his son to become the Deputy Governor during the Ladoja/Alao-Akala crisis.
“Femi Fani-Kayode, a distinguished Nigerian politician”, “Hon Gbemi Saraki - representing Kwara in the Senate and Nigerian women everywhere!" “Hon Olusegun Adisa-Akinloye – scion of an Ibadan political dynasty” – these are the nonsense I have read recently in the papers.
Please note that I am of the conviction that any Nigeria has a right to aspire and indeed go for any public office. These children of politicians are included. They have every right to become politicians and contest for positions. My beef with them is trying to hop on the ignoble backs and discredited names of their parents, and trying to form another clique or cabal and thinking of themselves as special Nigerians.
“The sins of the father shall be visited on the son” – please feminise this – so the Holy Bible says. And so shall it be. I am sure there’s a similar saying or tenet in the Holy Koran too. “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones” – (William Shakespear in Julius Ceasar)
Ignis fatuus (Latin, from ignis, "fire" + fatuus, "foolish") is a Latin term for something that misleads or deludes; an illusion. A delusion is a false belief about oneself or other people that persists despite it being at variance with the facts.
Sadly, these set of Nigerian politician children who think of themselves as political dynasties and indispensable to the Nigerian political scene appear to suffer from this ignis fatuus, a definite and infinite inferiority complex that tend to exist in communities where good governance, conscience, selflessness and uprightness have been thrown to the wind in favour of selfishness, corruption, oppression, arrogance and egotism, and self-centredness.
I believe it is an attempt by the incorrigible and unrepentant parents and families to continue to perpetrate their corruption and oppression of the Nigerian people. There was nothing of note that they did for this country – how else did we find ourselves in this problem? – except lining their pockets from the treasury, laying false trails of nationalism and patriotism as well as giving the false impression that what they did was serve Nigeria.
Did they truly serve Nigeria, and not themselves and their families and friends? Let any of them defend this. Let their parents and themselves search deep in their souls and conscience and reflect on whether they have truly served Nigeria, their people, their kinsmen and their communities in the true sense of the word. What legacy did they leave behind?
I have really tried very hard not to be too hard on these children in this article. Believe me, I have, because several of them are my friends, but the Truth must be said always.
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Tunde (Pastor) Bakare.
Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, what I am not sure is, if you got a copy of my appeal to Leaders of Faith Organizations in Nigeria published last year (2009) on my blog (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/appeal-to-leaders-of-faith.html) and on most national newspapers. But whether you got it or not, your actions and deep involvement with the Save Nigeria Group are exactly the responses solicited from that appeal. After listening to your speech on the Abuja rally titled; The Order of Ezra (http://www.latterrainassembly.org/lra/media.html#), I quickly replayed the speeches (I Have a Dream and I Have Seen The Promised Land) by Martin Luther King Jr. Without doubts, we might have our own Martin Luther King in you.
I have had the opportunity of reading through the State of The Nation Broadcast by you. This speech is both inspiring and motivational like your church sermon(s). I have no doubt, that efforts of people like you will definitely yield positive results in Nigeria. I was glad on hearing that you were part of the delegation of Save Nigeria Group that met with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan. We have no choice but to save Nigeria. My prayer is that many more faith leaders should join you in the crusade to save our motherland.
Religious groups are in a better position to mobilize people for change. Another reason is also because; fewer institutions are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, worship centers etc. Therefore, faith leaders by virtue of their calling and congregation they lead should not hesitate to mobilize people for changes. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Therefore every one should speak out and perhaps, join the crusade to save our country. No sacrifice will be too much. Enough is enough.
I believe in one Nigeria where there is justice, equity, fairness and good governance. I also believe there could be unity in diversity. With togetherness and determination we can achieve a lot in saving Nigeria. Fidel Castro of Cuba once said that, no force on earth can defeat a determined people. Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, I have no doubt that the Save Nigeria Group, which you are part of, believes in progress and prosperity of our country. It is on this note that I make another appeal to all pro Nigerian groups both home and abroad to join your group (Save Nigeria Group) or Save Nigeria Group will join them. If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain, mountain can come to Mohammed. Various pro Nigerian groups should retain their identities and focus while identifying with Save Nigeria Group. Better still there should be synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups.
The idea is to form a formidable group, with links abroad that will challenge the status quo at home. Assuming the heat generated by Yar’Adua,s sickness settles down, there will still be a lot of works to be done to put our country on the better pedestrian. I would pray for the Save Nigeria Group, to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill, removal of immunity clause on the constitution, abolition of federal character/quota system etc.
Coalition and synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups will be a step in the right direction towards challenging our numerous problems. I also understand there might be challenges of coordination when the groups are many. But consider division of labour. Groups with interest on electoral reforms could come together under the larger group, while groups with interest on anti corruption could be grouped together under the larger group. This was the concept behind my call for a shadow government/cabinet. I could explain further as and at when needed.
Punch Newspaper of 2nd March 2010 (online version) reported that Ribadu and 45 others formed shadow parliament. It might be a good idea for Save Nigeria Group and other groups to join Ribadu. This project (Shadow Parliament/Shadow Government) will obviously strengthen the opposition parties/groups which is the beauty of every democracy. The planned Mass Action by Save Nigeria Group on 10th March 2010 is also part of democracy. I pray many Nigerians to support this cause.
Furthermore, I urge Nigerians to support Save Nigeria Group in cash and kind. PDP raised over N2 billion naira for Soludo’s election in Anambra State. Therefore, Nigerians should donate their widows’ mite to Save Nigeria Group. No amount will be too small. We should remember that freedom is expensive, please read my article on that; (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/freedom-is-expensive.html).
Another idea you and your group might consider, should be to field credible candidates during next year (2011) general election. It should not matter even if a member of your group wins only the councillorship or chairmanship election. That way you can begin to show Nigerians a true taste of governance. You can stand for elections yourself. Reverend Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church Ministries contested the 2003 presidential elections. It might be easier to change from within than from outside.
My other advice will be for you and the Save Nigeria Group or other pro Nigerian groups to produce political messages in both DVD’s CD’s Cassettes etc, to be distributed to Nigerians. There is need to increase the political consciousness of our people. I call this idea Political Evangelism. It could be in form of documentaries or it could take any form. These political messages could be produced in various native languages of Nigeria. Picture effect(s) can do much in increasing the political consciousness of our people.
Using the home videos and various religious evangelisms as a case study, you will agree with me that many lives have been shaped through that. Political evangelisms in DVD’s CD’s etc will have similar impact on our society. People in remote areas will be empowered politically through such messages.
Finally, it’s also important to remind Nigerians to plant trees or sponsor one to plant on their behalf. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
I have had the opportunity of reading through the State of The Nation Broadcast by you. This speech is both inspiring and motivational like your church sermon(s). I have no doubt, that efforts of people like you will definitely yield positive results in Nigeria. I was glad on hearing that you were part of the delegation of Save Nigeria Group that met with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan. We have no choice but to save Nigeria. My prayer is that many more faith leaders should join you in the crusade to save our motherland.
Religious groups are in a better position to mobilize people for change. Another reason is also because; fewer institutions are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, worship centers etc. Therefore, faith leaders by virtue of their calling and congregation they lead should not hesitate to mobilize people for changes. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Therefore every one should speak out and perhaps, join the crusade to save our country. No sacrifice will be too much. Enough is enough.
I believe in one Nigeria where there is justice, equity, fairness and good governance. I also believe there could be unity in diversity. With togetherness and determination we can achieve a lot in saving Nigeria. Fidel Castro of Cuba once said that, no force on earth can defeat a determined people. Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, I have no doubt that the Save Nigeria Group, which you are part of, believes in progress and prosperity of our country. It is on this note that I make another appeal to all pro Nigerian groups both home and abroad to join your group (Save Nigeria Group) or Save Nigeria Group will join them. If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain, mountain can come to Mohammed. Various pro Nigerian groups should retain their identities and focus while identifying with Save Nigeria Group. Better still there should be synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups.
The idea is to form a formidable group, with links abroad that will challenge the status quo at home. Assuming the heat generated by Yar’Adua,s sickness settles down, there will still be a lot of works to be done to put our country on the better pedestrian. I would pray for the Save Nigeria Group, to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill, removal of immunity clause on the constitution, abolition of federal character/quota system etc.
Coalition and synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups will be a step in the right direction towards challenging our numerous problems. I also understand there might be challenges of coordination when the groups are many. But consider division of labour. Groups with interest on electoral reforms could come together under the larger group, while groups with interest on anti corruption could be grouped together under the larger group. This was the concept behind my call for a shadow government/cabinet. I could explain further as and at when needed.
Punch Newspaper of 2nd March 2010 (online version) reported that Ribadu and 45 others formed shadow parliament. It might be a good idea for Save Nigeria Group and other groups to join Ribadu. This project (Shadow Parliament/Shadow Government) will obviously strengthen the opposition parties/groups which is the beauty of every democracy. The planned Mass Action by Save Nigeria Group on 10th March 2010 is also part of democracy. I pray many Nigerians to support this cause.
Furthermore, I urge Nigerians to support Save Nigeria Group in cash and kind. PDP raised over N2 billion naira for Soludo’s election in Anambra State. Therefore, Nigerians should donate their widows’ mite to Save Nigeria Group. No amount will be too small. We should remember that freedom is expensive, please read my article on that; (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/freedom-is-expensive.html).
Another idea you and your group might consider, should be to field credible candidates during next year (2011) general election. It should not matter even if a member of your group wins only the councillorship or chairmanship election. That way you can begin to show Nigerians a true taste of governance. You can stand for elections yourself. Reverend Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church Ministries contested the 2003 presidential elections. It might be easier to change from within than from outside.
My other advice will be for you and the Save Nigeria Group or other pro Nigerian groups to produce political messages in both DVD’s CD’s Cassettes etc, to be distributed to Nigerians. There is need to increase the political consciousness of our people. I call this idea Political Evangelism. It could be in form of documentaries or it could take any form. These political messages could be produced in various native languages of Nigeria. Picture effect(s) can do much in increasing the political consciousness of our people.
Using the home videos and various religious evangelisms as a case study, you will agree with me that many lives have been shaped through that. Political evangelisms in DVD’s CD’s etc will have similar impact on our society. People in remote areas will be empowered politically through such messages.
Finally, it’s also important to remind Nigerians to plant trees or sponsor one to plant on their behalf. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Donald Duke
Presidential Ambition.
Donald Duke (former Governor of Cross River State) has formerly declared his ambition to run for presidential election next year (2011). However, he was silent on the political party of his choice, but certainly not PDP. He made his interest known in an interactive session he held in London on March 5th 2010 at The Congress Hall, Trade Union Centre, 28 Great Russel Street, London. WC1B 3LS.
I had the privilege of being there because of the invitation he personally sent to me. Therefore, if any person(s) know any reason(s) why this man should not contest the presidential election, he or she should forward such concerns to;
yes@donaldduke.co.uk
www.donaldduke.com
Tel: +447515727737
Tel: +234-1-2710823.
At the same time, if any person(s) have any reason(s) to support him or join his campaign organization, he or she should contact the above email addresses/telephone numbers. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Donald Duke (former Governor of Cross River State) has formerly declared his ambition to run for presidential election next year (2011). However, he was silent on the political party of his choice, but certainly not PDP. He made his interest known in an interactive session he held in London on March 5th 2010 at The Congress Hall, Trade Union Centre, 28 Great Russel Street, London. WC1B 3LS.
I had the privilege of being there because of the invitation he personally sent to me. Therefore, if any person(s) know any reason(s) why this man should not contest the presidential election, he or she should forward such concerns to;
yes@donaldduke.co.uk
www.donaldduke.com
Tel: +447515727737
Tel: +234-1-2710823.
At the same time, if any person(s) have any reason(s) to support him or join his campaign organization, he or she should contact the above email addresses/telephone numbers. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)