Policy continuation is something that is lacking in Nigeria. Once a new government takes over power, they usually abandon previous governmental policies or programs. This was made worse by past frequent military interventions in our polity. Even the civilians have not done better; they still follow the concepts of policy inconsistency. Very few policies were retained by subsequent administrations (both military and civilians). Examples of these are as follows; the National Youth Corp Scheme (NYSC). This scheme has lasted over 35 years. The federal character principle (inserted in the 1979 constitution) has lasted since 30 years. High level official corruption, which though is not “legal” but has become part of most governments since over 40 years.
Other policies might have also lasted, but the rate of policy inconsistency is too much and it’s not healthy for the nation and Nigerians. Policy inconsistency is also part of the reasons for numerous abandoned government projects. Am also aware that prevailing economic circumstances might entail a change in policy direction, but a careful study of the Nigerian situation shows most of these policy inconsistencies are an avenue for siphoning public funds. Few examples will be examined.
When Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state (1976-1979), he introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). It was meant to boost agricultural productivity. His successor, Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned the (OFN) and started his Green Revolution campaign. When Buhari came to power he abandoned both schemes started by his predecessors. When Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came, he introduced the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance (MAMSER) which also aimed to increase agricultural productivity. IBB also introduced Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). Part of Structural Adjustment Program policies entailed the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing the marketing boards and the elimination of price controls. IBB relaxed most of the restriction on foreign investment put in place by his predecessors.
Buhari suspend all democratic activities, cancelled all the 6 second republic political parties and scraped the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). IBB legalized the formation of political parties in 1989. In 1992 he established the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He later decreed two political parties into existence. The parties were Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Abacha dissolved all democratic structures left behind by IBB. He banned political gatherings, annulled the parties (SDP and NRC) and dissolved the National Electoral Commission. Abacha later lifted the ban on political activities. 5 Political parties emerged under his tenure. The 5 political parties later endorsed Abacha for their presidential candidate. A new electoral commission was established by Abacha.
Abacha took the opposite of IBB’s economic policies. He turned away the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He imposed control on the economy, stabilized the exchange rate between naira and dollars and banned the free repatriation of the export revenue. General Abdulsalam Abubakar cancelled all political parties under Abacha. Started his transition program and finally handed over to Obasanjo.
Nigerian first ladies were not left behind in these policy inconsistencies. Mrs. Maryam Babangida started the Better Life Programme for Rural Women. It’s interesting to note here that, no rural woman was involved with this project. Yet it was them that it was meant to help. Mrs. Maryam Abacha introduced her Family Support Project. Late Stella Obasanjo brought her Child Care Trust Project. Presently Mrs. Yar, Adua is having her pet project called, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF). Various wives of state governors and local government chairmen have various pet projects. These projects a times duplicate the functions of some government ministries. The are in reality wasteful projects and waste of public funds. Suffice it to say that, there are no constitutional provisions to fund the pet projects of first ladies yet governments still fund them. Nigerians need to be aware of this.
On assuming power, Obasanjo cancelled most of the contracts/projects started by Abacha and Abdulsami Abubakar. He instituted probe of Abacha government. Each government policy, program or project cancelled means loss of government revenue. It brings with it destabilization. It sets the people and the nation back wards especially when people have invested money, time and other resources into it. These policy inconsistencies were also being replicated in all the states of the federation including the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. No sector or ministry was spared. Today is one policy, tomorrow is another one.
On assumption of office, President Yar’Adua reversed most of the privatization exercises carried out by Obasanjo. He came along with his 7 point agenda. Just recently the federal government revoked its sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. Their reason for doing so was that TRANSCORP failed to perform and that she lacked the resources and technical competence to run NITEL. The question is why didn’t they discover this on time. It’s obvious that some people might have benefited from the sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. In the same manner, the federal government has just suspended its gas export projects.
Our leaders should learn to continue policies started by their predecessors in so far as it’s in the national interest. Rather than starting new ones that will be abandoned by another administration, there should continuity. As I write this piece, there more abandoned projects scattered all over the country. Nigeria has the highest rate of abandoned government projects in the world. The sights of uncompleted projects should be an embarrassment to our leaders.
President Yar’Adua has taken a positive step towards continuing a policy started by the Babangida administration. He is seeking to re-establish the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Under the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, there was a Centre for Democratic Studies headed by Prof Omo Omoroyi. I will support leaders who can continue on their predecessor programs without having to start fresh ones.
Am also not too surprised due to these policy inconsistencies because our rulers (past and present) have not been true leaders. When true leadership emerges, the interest of the masses will be taken into consideration when starting projects that are meant for them. Let’s do away with all these policy inconsistencies and white elephant projects which will end up being abandoned. 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, 5 July 2009
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Similarities and Lessons from June 12 (Nigeria) and June 12 (Iran).
Nigeria and Iran have come to have one thing in common and that is, both countries have held controversial presidential election on the same date June 12. Am sure a closer examination of these two countries will bring out more similarities. An example is that both countries have Moslems in large numbers etc. For the purpose of this article I will look into the two presidential elections held on the particular date of the month of June (June 12). Coincidentally there are many common factors in these two elections and many lessons to be learnt from them.
Starting with Nigeria, her best presidential elections since independence was held on June 12 1993. It was the freest and fairest presidential elections in Nigeria. There was no single case of rigging, violence, or any form of electoral malpractices. Both local and international observers acknowledged that it was free and fair. It was different from the previous ones. Late Chief MKO Abiola contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with Bashir Tofa who contested under the National Republican Convention (NRC). Late MKO Abiola won the presidential election but the military president of that time (General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida) annulled it.
Iran held their presidential election on June 12 2009. Like in Nigeria (June 12 1993), the two main contestants in the Iranian election were Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hossein Mousavi. The authorities in Iran declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner with a land slide margin. Let’s remember that the election that brought Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power in 2005 was marred with controversy. This time the electorate and the opposition leader suspected electoral malpractices, and this sparked off serious public demonstrations and riots. The police were called in and they used live bullets. As at the time of writing this article, more then ten people have been reported dead in Iran. The Iranian authorities moved with increased force to clamp down the protest.
Similar incident happened when the June 12 1993 presidential election was cancelled in Nigeria. Many people protested the cancellation by demonstrating on the streets, but the military president (IBB) ordered the solders to shoot innocent people on the street. The death toll was too high. The country was plunged into a deep political crisis never witnessed in Nigeria. The truth is that Nigeria is yet to recover fully from the cancelled June 12 1993 presidential election. It changed Nigeria and was largely responsible for the end of General Babangida’s regime. June 12 2009 will change Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never witnessed a demonstration of this type since the 1979 revolution. The government of Iran is facing serious crisis of authority never seen in ages. Nigeria’s economy almost collapsed as a result of the political crisis caused by the cancellation of June 12 1993 presidential election. The Iranian economy will obviously suffer from this crisis.
The annulled June 12 1993 election generated massive tension in Nigeria. The June 12 2009 election in Iran is generating too much tension and will continue to do so in future. The writer is a strong advocate for the re-establishment of the electoral methods (Option A4) that made June 12 1993 election a possibility in Nigeria.
Iranian authorities imposed strict press censorship during this period. Western media operating from Iran were barred from reporting news. Getting information out of Iran became a big problem. Iranian authorities expelled some western journalists. However the Iranian government did not succeed in restricting information due to information technology, for example people used mobile phones which have camera and video capabilities to send out messages. Internet facilities helped as well. In the Nigerian case, Babangida clamped down on various media houses before the June 12 1993 elections. It was his habit to clamp down on perceived opposition press. Nigerian state security services were always arresting and harassing journalists. One thing various dictatorships all over the world hate so much is free press. Free press is always where dictators meet their waterloo (downfall).
Iran has accused the western countries of interference in her internal politics, specifically calling Britain her enemy. Iranian President (Mahmoud Ahmedinejad) said “western states, particularly the US and Britain must change their policies of intervening in Iran’s domestic affairs”. The British foreign secretary denied Britain or other foreign countries were manipulating events in Iran, but criticized the violent repression of protesters and killing of people in Tehran. Iran also accused Israeli media of being responsible for the disturbances. The Israeli president (Shimon Peres) praised the Iranian demonstrators. He called on them to raise their voices of freedom. Saudi Arabia was also accused by Iran as partly responsible for the protesters in Tehran
As a follow up to the accusation on the British government, the Iranian authorities expelled two British diplomats. Britain retaliated by expelling two Iranian diplomats as well. Tension is rising between these two countries. The American President, Barack Obama condemned the violent suppression of the protesters in Iran. The western countries did condemn the then Nigerian military president when he annulled the June 12 1993 presidential election.
A lot of lessons can be learnt from the experiences of both countries. These lessons will be beneficial to most developing countries and Nigeria in particular. First lesson is the need to have transparent elections. In the absence of 1992/1993 elections in Nigeria were Option A4 method was used, I doubt if there has been any free and fair elections in the country. It has caused Nigeria so much pain. Unfortunately Nigerian leaders appear not to learn from the past. Electoral troubles have killed so many innocent Nigerians in the past. We are very lucky in Nigeria because elections not properly conducted can lead to war. An example is Algeria, Kenya, etc.
The Nigerian leaders should conduct free and fair elections come 2011 and save Nigeria any trouble. Option A4 will prevent rigging and hence ensure transparency. Option A4 methods will bring credibility to our electoral system. Another lesson to learn from Iran is the need to respect people’s right to demonstrate. Government needs to be sensitive and also listen to the masses. It is also more applicable to the Nigerian authorities. The opinions of the opposition parties must always be respected. Repression must be resisted by government officials. Repression of people is never a part of democracy.
Governments need to be sincere in their dealings with people. Am sure that Iranian authorities knew very well that all was not proper with the elections. There is no smoke without fire. People cannot be protesting when there is no rigging. Nigerian leaders need to learn a big lesson here especially with 2011 elections around the corner. Nigeria has had enough electoral troubles. We need transparent elections everywhere. 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/
Starting with Nigeria, her best presidential elections since independence was held on June 12 1993. It was the freest and fairest presidential elections in Nigeria. There was no single case of rigging, violence, or any form of electoral malpractices. Both local and international observers acknowledged that it was free and fair. It was different from the previous ones. Late Chief MKO Abiola contested under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) with Bashir Tofa who contested under the National Republican Convention (NRC). Late MKO Abiola won the presidential election but the military president of that time (General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida) annulled it.
Iran held their presidential election on June 12 2009. Like in Nigeria (June 12 1993), the two main contestants in the Iranian election were Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hossein Mousavi. The authorities in Iran declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the winner with a land slide margin. Let’s remember that the election that brought Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to power in 2005 was marred with controversy. This time the electorate and the opposition leader suspected electoral malpractices, and this sparked off serious public demonstrations and riots. The police were called in and they used live bullets. As at the time of writing this article, more then ten people have been reported dead in Iran. The Iranian authorities moved with increased force to clamp down the protest.
Similar incident happened when the June 12 1993 presidential election was cancelled in Nigeria. Many people protested the cancellation by demonstrating on the streets, but the military president (IBB) ordered the solders to shoot innocent people on the street. The death toll was too high. The country was plunged into a deep political crisis never witnessed in Nigeria. The truth is that Nigeria is yet to recover fully from the cancelled June 12 1993 presidential election. It changed Nigeria and was largely responsible for the end of General Babangida’s regime. June 12 2009 will change Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never witnessed a demonstration of this type since the 1979 revolution. The government of Iran is facing serious crisis of authority never seen in ages. Nigeria’s economy almost collapsed as a result of the political crisis caused by the cancellation of June 12 1993 presidential election. The Iranian economy will obviously suffer from this crisis.
The annulled June 12 1993 election generated massive tension in Nigeria. The June 12 2009 election in Iran is generating too much tension and will continue to do so in future. The writer is a strong advocate for the re-establishment of the electoral methods (Option A4) that made June 12 1993 election a possibility in Nigeria.
Iranian authorities imposed strict press censorship during this period. Western media operating from Iran were barred from reporting news. Getting information out of Iran became a big problem. Iranian authorities expelled some western journalists. However the Iranian government did not succeed in restricting information due to information technology, for example people used mobile phones which have camera and video capabilities to send out messages. Internet facilities helped as well. In the Nigerian case, Babangida clamped down on various media houses before the June 12 1993 elections. It was his habit to clamp down on perceived opposition press. Nigerian state security services were always arresting and harassing journalists. One thing various dictatorships all over the world hate so much is free press. Free press is always where dictators meet their waterloo (downfall).
Iran has accused the western countries of interference in her internal politics, specifically calling Britain her enemy. Iranian President (Mahmoud Ahmedinejad) said “western states, particularly the US and Britain must change their policies of intervening in Iran’s domestic affairs”. The British foreign secretary denied Britain or other foreign countries were manipulating events in Iran, but criticized the violent repression of protesters and killing of people in Tehran. Iran also accused Israeli media of being responsible for the disturbances. The Israeli president (Shimon Peres) praised the Iranian demonstrators. He called on them to raise their voices of freedom. Saudi Arabia was also accused by Iran as partly responsible for the protesters in Tehran
As a follow up to the accusation on the British government, the Iranian authorities expelled two British diplomats. Britain retaliated by expelling two Iranian diplomats as well. Tension is rising between these two countries. The American President, Barack Obama condemned the violent suppression of the protesters in Iran. The western countries did condemn the then Nigerian military president when he annulled the June 12 1993 presidential election.
A lot of lessons can be learnt from the experiences of both countries. These lessons will be beneficial to most developing countries and Nigeria in particular. First lesson is the need to have transparent elections. In the absence of 1992/1993 elections in Nigeria were Option A4 method was used, I doubt if there has been any free and fair elections in the country. It has caused Nigeria so much pain. Unfortunately Nigerian leaders appear not to learn from the past. Electoral troubles have killed so many innocent Nigerians in the past. We are very lucky in Nigeria because elections not properly conducted can lead to war. An example is Algeria, Kenya, etc.
The Nigerian leaders should conduct free and fair elections come 2011 and save Nigeria any trouble. Option A4 will prevent rigging and hence ensure transparency. Option A4 methods will bring credibility to our electoral system. Another lesson to learn from Iran is the need to respect people’s right to demonstrate. Government needs to be sensitive and also listen to the masses. It is also more applicable to the Nigerian authorities. The opinions of the opposition parties must always be respected. Repression must be resisted by government officials. Repression of people is never a part of democracy.
Governments need to be sincere in their dealings with people. Am sure that Iranian authorities knew very well that all was not proper with the elections. There is no smoke without fire. People cannot be protesting when there is no rigging. Nigerian leaders need to learn a big lesson here especially with 2011 elections around the corner. Nigeria has had enough electoral troubles. We need transparent elections everywhere. 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, 21 June 2009
Freedom is Expensive.
“The history of liberty is a history of resistance”(Thomas Woodrow, 1812).
Freedom of any kind (political, economical, health and freedom from all kinds of oppression) is an expensive project. It does not come easy. There is always a price to pay for freedom. During the Second World War, the allies incurred a heavy cost to defeat Adolf Hitler’s third Reich. A country like Russia lost over 27 million people. This is both the military and civilians. In a single attack (Pearl Harbor) American lost over 3684 solders. United Kingdom lost over 400,000 people. In total, the allied forces lost over 60 million people (both military and civilians). The financial cost of this war cannot be quantified. This was the price paid to free Europe and the rest of the world.
During the colonial era, Nigerian nationalist incurred a cost to achieve independence for Nigeria. Starting from Herbert Macauley, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Enahoro, Tafawa Belewa, Okotie Eboh, Aminu Kano, etc made both personal and financial sacrifices to liberate Nigeria from the British colonial rule. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail in order for South Africans to be free from apartheid. So many South Africans died in the struggle against apartheid. In Zimbabwe, people like Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo had to wage guerrilla warfare before the British colonial masters were able to grant them independence.
During the military era in Nigeria, many people paid a costly price for speaking against military dictatorship. Gani Fawehinmi was arrested, detained, and sent to jail several times for criticism of military dictatorship. He was beaten several times by the government agents. His international passport was seized on many occasions. Dele Giwa was killed through a letter bomb. Femi Falana was sent to jail for voicing against tyrannical rule. Olisa Agbakoba was interrogated several times by the police. Late Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, late Ken Saro Wiwa, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, Chima Ubani, Mr Abdul Oroh, Tunji Abayomi, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Mallam Shehu Sani, Prof Wole Soyinka, Omoyele Sowore etc had at one time or the other paid a price for speaking out against military dictatorship in Nigeria.
During the struggle to actualize the victory of June 12 1993 presidential election, many Nigerians died in the riots that ensured. Kudirat Abiola was assassinated on June 4 1996, by the government agents. Abiola himself died in detention. The country was plunged into a political crisis, the magnitude of which was unprecedented. NADECO opposed the Abacha regime and other oppressive governments. They suffered loses both financial, material and brutal torture in some cases. G 34(group of 34 eminent Nigerians) added their voices for Abacha to hand over power to civilians. But the truth is that, without the prices paid by these heroes and heroines, Nigeria would have been worst than it is today. Therefore their efforts yielded positive results.
When Obasanjo was campaigning for both his first and second terms in office, many Nigerians donated money to his campaign machinery. Former governor of Abia State claimed publicly to have given Obasanjo $1 million dollars before the 1999 elections that brought Obasanjo back to power. Dangote also donated money to Obasanjo campaign organization. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has organized fund raising events several times. Even though the use their money to subvert the will of the people. They use their money to rig elections. It’s also a price paid by some people but on a negative way.
The whole idea of this article is to highlight to patriotic Nigerians that there would more prices to pay to get Nigeria on the right track. I am also aware that so many Nigerians want change. Change is possible in Nigeria but we have to work hard to get that change. There is no democracy yet in Nigeria which means that, there is no political freedom as well. This makes it imperative for us to gear up and pay whatever price it requires to get us to the promise land. It also means that we should resist all forms of bad governance and speak out against such. I will like to remind fellow Nigerians that no one will save our country except us. Quoting John Maxwell, “the only person that can stop you from becoming what God intends for your life is you”. There are a lot Nigerians can do to help our great country bounce back to the right track. The Nigerian people have got so much power individually. These our political oppressors do not want us to realize.
I wish to suggest few ways Nigerians can take their destinies by their hands. Please look for a genuine civil society group, or form your own group and the join the campaign clamoring for political changes. Form alliances with existing political groups/civil societies groups. Identify yourself or your group with honest Nigerians. Support credible Nigerians to acquire political power. Ask the civil society groups or any sincere political group to assign you role to undertake. Be an active participant. Make token donations to these civil society groups. If our political oppressors can donate millions of naira to the PDP in order to capture power through undemocratic means. We the other ordinary Nigerians should be able to donate our token to the civil societies, NGO’s, political groups, etc to use in checking the political oppressors. Justice can be expensive to obtain especially within the Nigerian system.
No amount will be too small to donate to genuine political groups in order for them to continue the struggle to better Nigeria. When President Obama was campaigning for elections, his campaign organization accepted even $1 dollar donation from people. Some groups in Nigeria headed by Mrs. Ndi Okereke (DG Nigerian Stock Exchange) raised money for Obama campaign, but it was declined. In addition to this, about 30% of Obama campaign team was Nigerians. If Nigerians can do this for Obama, then they can do more for their motherland. Before the 1991 Gulf war, all the Palestinians working in Saudi Arabia had their taxes sent to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) headquarters for their liberation struggle.
There will be no gain without a pain. There will be no political freedom without a political struggle. The Nigeria’s political environment requires more positive sacrifices from us. There will be no full democratic governance in Nigeria without complete resistance to corrupt and inefficient system that we have in Nigeria. Our sacrifices will enhance the demand for our rights (good governance) and not to beg for them. We need to fight for our rights (democracy, good governance, etc) and not plead for them. 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/
Freedom of any kind (political, economical, health and freedom from all kinds of oppression) is an expensive project. It does not come easy. There is always a price to pay for freedom. During the Second World War, the allies incurred a heavy cost to defeat Adolf Hitler’s third Reich. A country like Russia lost over 27 million people. This is both the military and civilians. In a single attack (Pearl Harbor) American lost over 3684 solders. United Kingdom lost over 400,000 people. In total, the allied forces lost over 60 million people (both military and civilians). The financial cost of this war cannot be quantified. This was the price paid to free Europe and the rest of the world.
During the colonial era, Nigerian nationalist incurred a cost to achieve independence for Nigeria. Starting from Herbert Macauley, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Enahoro, Tafawa Belewa, Okotie Eboh, Aminu Kano, etc made both personal and financial sacrifices to liberate Nigeria from the British colonial rule. In South Africa, Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail in order for South Africans to be free from apartheid. So many South Africans died in the struggle against apartheid. In Zimbabwe, people like Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo had to wage guerrilla warfare before the British colonial masters were able to grant them independence.
During the military era in Nigeria, many people paid a costly price for speaking against military dictatorship. Gani Fawehinmi was arrested, detained, and sent to jail several times for criticism of military dictatorship. He was beaten several times by the government agents. His international passport was seized on many occasions. Dele Giwa was killed through a letter bomb. Femi Falana was sent to jail for voicing against tyrannical rule. Olisa Agbakoba was interrogated several times by the police. Late Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, late Ken Saro Wiwa, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, Chima Ubani, Mr Abdul Oroh, Tunji Abayomi, Sylvester Odion-Akhaine, Mallam Shehu Sani, Prof Wole Soyinka, Omoyele Sowore etc had at one time or the other paid a price for speaking out against military dictatorship in Nigeria.
During the struggle to actualize the victory of June 12 1993 presidential election, many Nigerians died in the riots that ensured. Kudirat Abiola was assassinated on June 4 1996, by the government agents. Abiola himself died in detention. The country was plunged into a political crisis, the magnitude of which was unprecedented. NADECO opposed the Abacha regime and other oppressive governments. They suffered loses both financial, material and brutal torture in some cases. G 34(group of 34 eminent Nigerians) added their voices for Abacha to hand over power to civilians. But the truth is that, without the prices paid by these heroes and heroines, Nigeria would have been worst than it is today. Therefore their efforts yielded positive results.
When Obasanjo was campaigning for both his first and second terms in office, many Nigerians donated money to his campaign machinery. Former governor of Abia State claimed publicly to have given Obasanjo $1 million dollars before the 1999 elections that brought Obasanjo back to power. Dangote also donated money to Obasanjo campaign organization. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has organized fund raising events several times. Even though the use their money to subvert the will of the people. They use their money to rig elections. It’s also a price paid by some people but on a negative way.
The whole idea of this article is to highlight to patriotic Nigerians that there would more prices to pay to get Nigeria on the right track. I am also aware that so many Nigerians want change. Change is possible in Nigeria but we have to work hard to get that change. There is no democracy yet in Nigeria which means that, there is no political freedom as well. This makes it imperative for us to gear up and pay whatever price it requires to get us to the promise land. It also means that we should resist all forms of bad governance and speak out against such. I will like to remind fellow Nigerians that no one will save our country except us. Quoting John Maxwell, “the only person that can stop you from becoming what God intends for your life is you”. There are a lot Nigerians can do to help our great country bounce back to the right track. The Nigerian people have got so much power individually. These our political oppressors do not want us to realize.
I wish to suggest few ways Nigerians can take their destinies by their hands. Please look for a genuine civil society group, or form your own group and the join the campaign clamoring for political changes. Form alliances with existing political groups/civil societies groups. Identify yourself or your group with honest Nigerians. Support credible Nigerians to acquire political power. Ask the civil society groups or any sincere political group to assign you role to undertake. Be an active participant. Make token donations to these civil society groups. If our political oppressors can donate millions of naira to the PDP in order to capture power through undemocratic means. We the other ordinary Nigerians should be able to donate our token to the civil societies, NGO’s, political groups, etc to use in checking the political oppressors. Justice can be expensive to obtain especially within the Nigerian system.
No amount will be too small to donate to genuine political groups in order for them to continue the struggle to better Nigeria. When President Obama was campaigning for elections, his campaign organization accepted even $1 dollar donation from people. Some groups in Nigeria headed by Mrs. Ndi Okereke (DG Nigerian Stock Exchange) raised money for Obama campaign, but it was declined. In addition to this, about 30% of Obama campaign team was Nigerians. If Nigerians can do this for Obama, then they can do more for their motherland. Before the 1991 Gulf war, all the Palestinians working in Saudi Arabia had their taxes sent to the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) headquarters for their liberation struggle.
There will be no gain without a pain. There will be no political freedom without a political struggle. The Nigeria’s political environment requires more positive sacrifices from us. There will be no full democratic governance in Nigeria without complete resistance to corrupt and inefficient system that we have in Nigeria. Our sacrifices will enhance the demand for our rights (good governance) and not to beg for them. We need to fight for our rights (democracy, good governance, etc) and not plead for them. 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, 14 June 2009
An Appeal to Leaders of Faith Organizations in Nigeria.
“Change comes not from the top down, but from the ground up, and few are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques” (Barack Obama, US President). This article is the second of its kind. The first was titled; Religious Organizations as Catalyst for Change, published on my blog http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com and other Nigerian dailies. The whole essence of this article is to highlight the importance and roles our Nigerian leaders of faith can play to get Nigerians out of our present political situation. Examples below indicate how influential, leaders of faith can be. I want Nigerian leaders of faith groups and organizations to draw inspiration and strength from what their colleagues have done else where around the world. I pray they replicate same in Nigeria or even more.
Leaders of faith organizations (men and women) have risen to defend the masses at times of great political turmoil. I will start with the late Pope John Paul II. The late Pope John Paul II engaged himself in an undercover resistance against the German occupation of Poland. He and a former archbishop of Krakow (late Cardinal Sapieha) ran a secret organization that helped the Jews escape from the Nazis. Later when he became the Pope, he spoke against contraception, abortion, and scientific intervention in the process of human reproduction. He stood against homosexuality and same sex marriages while being a strong critic of divorce. He spoke against capitalism and Marxism and called for a new economic order. His actions helped to undermine communism in the former Soviet Republics. Late Pope John Paul II exercised so much influence around the globe and world leaders listened to him. He always campaigned for the release of political prisoners. He did in Cuba and Fidel Castro released many. He influenced policies around the world and met almost all the world leaders while he was alive. The current Pope Benedict XVI called for a two state solution the moment he arrived Israel on 11th May 2009.
In 1953 when Fidel Castro failed in his first attempt to start his revolution, he was declared wanted dead or alive by the General Batista regime. Infact he was to be shot, except that Catholic Archbishop Perez Serantes prevailed on the authorities to save his live and that of his remaining colleagues (fidelistas) who were still alive. Again in 1956 when Fidel Castro was making his second attempt to start his revolution, his rebel army was almost completely annihilated. It was a Seventh Day Adventist preacher named Argelio Rosabal that gathered his fellow Adventists and told them that Fidel and his group must be saved. He provided support with which Fidel Castro and his group survived.
Dalai Lama: The spiritual head and leader of the Tibet has been deeply involved in the political struggle for the liberation of Tibet from Chinese occupation. The present Dalai Lama has taken the case of Tibet to all over the world. He has literally put Tibet on world spot light, campaigning for independence of Tibet. Presently he is involved with Prince Charles (Princes of Wales) on a recent film/video release to highlight the plight of the rainforests
In May 2006, the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams), Catholic Archbishop of Westminster (Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor) and the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Dr Jonathan Sacks protested against the proposed legislation to allow assisted dying for the terminally ill people in the United Kingdom. At another point the Archbishop of Canterbury caused uproar by calling for the introduction of some elements of sharia law in the UK. The Anglican Bishop of York in the UK (Dr John Sentamu) publicly called for the overthrow of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He made the call on 8th December 2008. Both Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams) and Anglican Bishop of York (Dr John Sentamu) asked the British public not to vote for the British National Party (BNP) on the 4th June 2009 election.
Still in the United Kingdom, the Christian Party and Christian Peoples Alliance were campaigning seriously for votes for the European Parliamentary elections. Their campaign message was that political parties need not run only a political campaign, but a spiritual and moral one. The leader of the Christian party in the UK is Revd George Hargreaves.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu played active roles during the South African struggle against apartheid. When Mandela was in prison he spoke against the oppressive regimes. He won a Nobel peace prize in 1984 for all his efforts. When Mandela was president of South Africa, he was chosen to chair the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate crimes committed by both sides during the apartheid era. He was also called to chair a similar truth and reconciliation commission in North Ireland. Bishop Tutu advocated the use of force to remove President Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
Reverend Father Aristide Jean-Bertrand spoke out against human rights abuses in Haiti. He survived several assassination attempts and entered politics as the leader of National Front for Change and Democracy. On 16th December 1990 he won a presidential election and was sworn in as President on 7th February 1991.
Rev Martin Luther King was a Baptist priest who became a major figure in the US Civil Rights Movement. His speech (I have a dream) was credited with prompting the 1964 Civil Rights Act in America. He won a Nobel Peace Prize on 14th October 1964.
The late Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun. She worked all her life to save the poor and dying of Calcutta in India. She won a Nobel peace prize in 1979. By the time she died, her organization and affiliated groups had more than 200 different operations in over 25 counties around the world. She influenced policies to favour the poor people of India.
In Nigeria the Christian Association of Nigeria urged Christians to go out and vote en masse during the 1993 presidential elections. Nigerian leaders of faith organizations have tried in the past. Its worth commending that the following clerics have made a mark in Nigerian politics, Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, Most Revd Peter Jasper Akinola, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Bishop Gbonigi, Rev. Adebiyi of NADECO, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Mathew Hassan Kukah, Fr George Ehusani, Rev Chris Okotie (ex presidential candidate) etc. Thisday newspapers (online version) of Sunday 7th June 2009, reported that Pastor Kumuyi (Founder of Deeper Life Christian Ministry) urged the federal government to adopt a new approach in solving the Niger Delta Crisis. This article is an appeal, a call, an invitation and a save our soul (S.O.S.) Message for more leaders of faith to get more involved with the politics of Nigeria. They are in an advantaged position to mobilize Nigerians for political changes.
The situation requires their active intervention as it has been done by their colleagues in some parts of the world. They need to speak out loud and possibly shout since our leaders appear to be deaf. The deplorable political situation matters a lot to Nigerians. Not speaking out is dangerous. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.
During my last visit to Nigeria (January 2009), I realized that most people have lost hope in our political system. Most of the people I spoke with have handed over every thing to God. Being a Christian, I believe that God will do to Nigerians what he did to the Israelites when they were under Egyptian rule. God will certainly raise a Moses amongst us. But if our political system is dirty, let every one join in the cleaning process. We need righteous leaders, because “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34)
Religious organizations are closer to the people more than the government. They are more in touch with people who have been inflicted with pains and misery of bad governance. They will provide tremendous support base if they join the struggle for the Nigerian political reform process. Politics and governance are too serious a business to be left in the hands of politicians, let alone the Nigerian politicians. Am sure many Nigerians will share my views. A vacuum exists in the Nigerian political arena to be filled by the leaders of faith organization. Alternatively they should join voices and actions with other groups to agitate for political reforms or let them raise righteous leaders for our country.
There is nothing wrong if our faith organizations should provide spiritual and political support to Nigerians. The costs of bad policies or bad leadership will be borne by all including the faith leaders. Therefore your efforts are highly needed in the match to reform the Nigerian political process. 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/
Leaders of faith organizations (men and women) have risen to defend the masses at times of great political turmoil. I will start with the late Pope John Paul II. The late Pope John Paul II engaged himself in an undercover resistance against the German occupation of Poland. He and a former archbishop of Krakow (late Cardinal Sapieha) ran a secret organization that helped the Jews escape from the Nazis. Later when he became the Pope, he spoke against contraception, abortion, and scientific intervention in the process of human reproduction. He stood against homosexuality and same sex marriages while being a strong critic of divorce. He spoke against capitalism and Marxism and called for a new economic order. His actions helped to undermine communism in the former Soviet Republics. Late Pope John Paul II exercised so much influence around the globe and world leaders listened to him. He always campaigned for the release of political prisoners. He did in Cuba and Fidel Castro released many. He influenced policies around the world and met almost all the world leaders while he was alive. The current Pope Benedict XVI called for a two state solution the moment he arrived Israel on 11th May 2009.
In 1953 when Fidel Castro failed in his first attempt to start his revolution, he was declared wanted dead or alive by the General Batista regime. Infact he was to be shot, except that Catholic Archbishop Perez Serantes prevailed on the authorities to save his live and that of his remaining colleagues (fidelistas) who were still alive. Again in 1956 when Fidel Castro was making his second attempt to start his revolution, his rebel army was almost completely annihilated. It was a Seventh Day Adventist preacher named Argelio Rosabal that gathered his fellow Adventists and told them that Fidel and his group must be saved. He provided support with which Fidel Castro and his group survived.
Dalai Lama: The spiritual head and leader of the Tibet has been deeply involved in the political struggle for the liberation of Tibet from Chinese occupation. The present Dalai Lama has taken the case of Tibet to all over the world. He has literally put Tibet on world spot light, campaigning for independence of Tibet. Presently he is involved with Prince Charles (Princes of Wales) on a recent film/video release to highlight the plight of the rainforests
In May 2006, the Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams), Catholic Archbishop of Westminster (Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor) and the Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, Dr Jonathan Sacks protested against the proposed legislation to allow assisted dying for the terminally ill people in the United Kingdom. At another point the Archbishop of Canterbury caused uproar by calling for the introduction of some elements of sharia law in the UK. The Anglican Bishop of York in the UK (Dr John Sentamu) publicly called for the overthrow of President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. He made the call on 8th December 2008. Both Archbishop of Canterbury (Dr Rowan Williams) and Anglican Bishop of York (Dr John Sentamu) asked the British public not to vote for the British National Party (BNP) on the 4th June 2009 election.
Still in the United Kingdom, the Christian Party and Christian Peoples Alliance were campaigning seriously for votes for the European Parliamentary elections. Their campaign message was that political parties need not run only a political campaign, but a spiritual and moral one. The leader of the Christian party in the UK is Revd George Hargreaves.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu played active roles during the South African struggle against apartheid. When Mandela was in prison he spoke against the oppressive regimes. He won a Nobel peace prize in 1984 for all his efforts. When Mandela was president of South Africa, he was chosen to chair the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate crimes committed by both sides during the apartheid era. He was also called to chair a similar truth and reconciliation commission in North Ireland. Bishop Tutu advocated the use of force to remove President Mugabe of Zimbabwe.
Reverend Father Aristide Jean-Bertrand spoke out against human rights abuses in Haiti. He survived several assassination attempts and entered politics as the leader of National Front for Change and Democracy. On 16th December 1990 he won a presidential election and was sworn in as President on 7th February 1991.
Rev Martin Luther King was a Baptist priest who became a major figure in the US Civil Rights Movement. His speech (I have a dream) was credited with prompting the 1964 Civil Rights Act in America. He won a Nobel Peace Prize on 14th October 1964.
The late Mother Teresa was a Roman Catholic nun. She worked all her life to save the poor and dying of Calcutta in India. She won a Nobel peace prize in 1979. By the time she died, her organization and affiliated groups had more than 200 different operations in over 25 counties around the world. She influenced policies to favour the poor people of India.
In Nigeria the Christian Association of Nigeria urged Christians to go out and vote en masse during the 1993 presidential elections. Nigerian leaders of faith organizations have tried in the past. Its worth commending that the following clerics have made a mark in Nigerian politics, Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, Most Revd Peter Jasper Akinola, Archbishop John Onaiyekan, Bishop Gbonigi, Rev. Adebiyi of NADECO, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Mathew Hassan Kukah, Fr George Ehusani, Rev Chris Okotie (ex presidential candidate) etc. Thisday newspapers (online version) of Sunday 7th June 2009, reported that Pastor Kumuyi (Founder of Deeper Life Christian Ministry) urged the federal government to adopt a new approach in solving the Niger Delta Crisis. This article is an appeal, a call, an invitation and a save our soul (S.O.S.) Message for more leaders of faith to get more involved with the politics of Nigeria. They are in an advantaged position to mobilize Nigerians for political changes.
The situation requires their active intervention as it has been done by their colleagues in some parts of the world. They need to speak out loud and possibly shout since our leaders appear to be deaf. The deplorable political situation matters a lot to Nigerians. Not speaking out is dangerous. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”.
During my last visit to Nigeria (January 2009), I realized that most people have lost hope in our political system. Most of the people I spoke with have handed over every thing to God. Being a Christian, I believe that God will do to Nigerians what he did to the Israelites when they were under Egyptian rule. God will certainly raise a Moses amongst us. But if our political system is dirty, let every one join in the cleaning process. We need righteous leaders, because “righteousness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34)
Religious organizations are closer to the people more than the government. They are more in touch with people who have been inflicted with pains and misery of bad governance. They will provide tremendous support base if they join the struggle for the Nigerian political reform process. Politics and governance are too serious a business to be left in the hands of politicians, let alone the Nigerian politicians. Am sure many Nigerians will share my views. A vacuum exists in the Nigerian political arena to be filled by the leaders of faith organization. Alternatively they should join voices and actions with other groups to agitate for political reforms or let them raise righteous leaders for our country.
There is nothing wrong if our faith organizations should provide spiritual and political support to Nigerians. The costs of bad policies or bad leadership will be borne by all including the faith leaders. Therefore your efforts are highly needed in the match to reform the Nigerian political process. 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/
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