“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.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
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/
Sunday, 28 February 2010
End This Political Crisis Before It’s Too Late.
His Excellency,
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan,
The Presidency, Aso Rock.
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Goodluck Jonathan,
As the Acting President and the Commander in Chief, you Must end this political crisis before it’s too late. Its mockery of your good office (The Presidency) that you’re prevented from seeing your boss. The international community will find it difficult to believe what is happening. By the powers conferred on you as the Commander in Chief, you should summon immediately the Chief of Army Staff, The Director of State Security Services, The Director of Nigeria Intelligence Agency etc, these people will in turn obtain relevant information from the Yar’Adua,s Chief Security Officer, his ADC and orderlies. Whatever information obtained should be broadcast live to the nation.
It will be in the best interest of the ADC and Chief Security Officer to Yar’Adua to furnish their bosses and the nation all they know about Yar’Adua. They owe the nation serious obligation to give account of Yar’Adua,s medical condition as longer as it will help to move the nation forward. They (ADC and CSO to Yar’Adua) should draw lessons from what happened to Al-Mustapha (former Chief Security Officer to late General Abacha) who was cross examined several times about his activities during the Oputa Panel. The present (CSO) to Yar’Adua should remember that he does not have immunity from prosecution. However this present crisis will equally affect him as it will affect other Nigerians directly or indirectly. Therefore, every efforts should be made by all to end the current political tension arising from Yar’Adua,s ill health.
President Yar’Adua is, and will not be the only sick president. When Fidel Castro (Cuban President) became seriously ill, he was televised live on his sick bed when Venezuela’s President (Hugo Chavez) visited him. When late Yasser Arafat (The Leader of Palestine Liberation Organization) was taken to a French hospital before his death, the entire world was kept informed of his situation. Also when former Israeli Prime Minster (Ariel Sharon) was taken to hospital, the world was kept informed. I find it too difficult to understand the secrecy surrounding our president’s sickness.
The National Assembly should also summon without delays all the Service Chiefs (Heads of Security Apparatus responsible for guarding Yar’Adua) to come and explain to the nation all the know about President Yar’Adua,s illness. Madam Turai Yar’Adua (first lady) will not have the powers to stop the National Assembly from summoning the Service Chiefs; neither will she have the powers to stop them from appearing before the National Assembly. The National Assembly should take further steps necessary to avoid this political crisis. All their efforts should be televised live to Nigerians.
Mr. Acting President, you should proceed immediately set up a Commission of Enquiry to look into the events that happened while our President was admitted in a Saudi Arabian hospital. The Commission should also look at the suspicious return of our President into the country. Expose those behind this shameful episode. Prosecute if necessary those who might have aided the return of our President without notifying you. This Commission of Enquiry should be televised live to Nigerians just like the Oputa Panel did. The idea is for Nigerians to have their reports themselves because previous reports of several judicial, administrative or commission(s) of enquiry was never made public. Another idea should be to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incident in the future.
You (Goodluck Jonathan) should also disclose to the nation how much the federal government spent on Yar’Adua,s medical trip to Saudi Arabia? I am asking this question because President Yar’Adua did not spend his personal money. Nigerian tax payers money/the oil money would have been used to off set the medical bills. Remember, the President went with his entourage, and they all were in Saudi for the number of days he spent there. Please remember to add the cost(s) of three government delegations to Saudi Arabia, even though they didn’t see Yar’Adua.
The idea of asking how much was spent is because Nigerians deserve to know how their money is being spent. Who knows, the money spent in Saudi Arabia might have been enough to equip at least one hospital in Nigeria. It was the biggest embarrassment that our President went to Saudi Arabia for his medical treatment. To achieve a balance, the federal government should either send every sick Nigerian to overseas for treatment or completely ban overseas medical treatments for government officials, and properly equip our hospitals. I have made this argument several times.
Nigerians at home and in Diaspora should be more than prepared to defend their democracy. Power belongs to the people. This is the time to be on our guard to defend our freedom and democracy. Every effort should be made by Nigerians to stop further political crisis. Political crisis will rather set us back.
Yar’Adua,s issue should not prevent other political parties from starting campaigns for next year (2011) general elections. Opposition political parties should be strategizing by now on how to capture power come next year. Election is less than fourteen months from now; therefore this is the best time for opposition parties to present credible candidates and programmes to challenge PDP led government. I will advice Nigerians to vote credible people and not political party in future elections in Nigeria. Let’s not forget to start shadow government/cabinet starting from next year (2011). 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/
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan,
The Presidency, Aso Rock.
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Goodluck Jonathan,
As the Acting President and the Commander in Chief, you Must end this political crisis before it’s too late. Its mockery of your good office (The Presidency) that you’re prevented from seeing your boss. The international community will find it difficult to believe what is happening. By the powers conferred on you as the Commander in Chief, you should summon immediately the Chief of Army Staff, The Director of State Security Services, The Director of Nigeria Intelligence Agency etc, these people will in turn obtain relevant information from the Yar’Adua,s Chief Security Officer, his ADC and orderlies. Whatever information obtained should be broadcast live to the nation.
It will be in the best interest of the ADC and Chief Security Officer to Yar’Adua to furnish their bosses and the nation all they know about Yar’Adua. They owe the nation serious obligation to give account of Yar’Adua,s medical condition as longer as it will help to move the nation forward. They (ADC and CSO to Yar’Adua) should draw lessons from what happened to Al-Mustapha (former Chief Security Officer to late General Abacha) who was cross examined several times about his activities during the Oputa Panel. The present (CSO) to Yar’Adua should remember that he does not have immunity from prosecution. However this present crisis will equally affect him as it will affect other Nigerians directly or indirectly. Therefore, every efforts should be made by all to end the current political tension arising from Yar’Adua,s ill health.
President Yar’Adua is, and will not be the only sick president. When Fidel Castro (Cuban President) became seriously ill, he was televised live on his sick bed when Venezuela’s President (Hugo Chavez) visited him. When late Yasser Arafat (The Leader of Palestine Liberation Organization) was taken to a French hospital before his death, the entire world was kept informed of his situation. Also when former Israeli Prime Minster (Ariel Sharon) was taken to hospital, the world was kept informed. I find it too difficult to understand the secrecy surrounding our president’s sickness.
The National Assembly should also summon without delays all the Service Chiefs (Heads of Security Apparatus responsible for guarding Yar’Adua) to come and explain to the nation all the know about President Yar’Adua,s illness. Madam Turai Yar’Adua (first lady) will not have the powers to stop the National Assembly from summoning the Service Chiefs; neither will she have the powers to stop them from appearing before the National Assembly. The National Assembly should take further steps necessary to avoid this political crisis. All their efforts should be televised live to Nigerians.
Mr. Acting President, you should proceed immediately set up a Commission of Enquiry to look into the events that happened while our President was admitted in a Saudi Arabian hospital. The Commission should also look at the suspicious return of our President into the country. Expose those behind this shameful episode. Prosecute if necessary those who might have aided the return of our President without notifying you. This Commission of Enquiry should be televised live to Nigerians just like the Oputa Panel did. The idea is for Nigerians to have their reports themselves because previous reports of several judicial, administrative or commission(s) of enquiry was never made public. Another idea should be to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incident in the future.
You (Goodluck Jonathan) should also disclose to the nation how much the federal government spent on Yar’Adua,s medical trip to Saudi Arabia? I am asking this question because President Yar’Adua did not spend his personal money. Nigerian tax payers money/the oil money would have been used to off set the medical bills. Remember, the President went with his entourage, and they all were in Saudi for the number of days he spent there. Please remember to add the cost(s) of three government delegations to Saudi Arabia, even though they didn’t see Yar’Adua.
The idea of asking how much was spent is because Nigerians deserve to know how their money is being spent. Who knows, the money spent in Saudi Arabia might have been enough to equip at least one hospital in Nigeria. It was the biggest embarrassment that our President went to Saudi Arabia for his medical treatment. To achieve a balance, the federal government should either send every sick Nigerian to overseas for treatment or completely ban overseas medical treatments for government officials, and properly equip our hospitals. I have made this argument several times.
Nigerians at home and in Diaspora should be more than prepared to defend their democracy. Power belongs to the people. This is the time to be on our guard to defend our freedom and democracy. Every effort should be made by Nigerians to stop further political crisis. Political crisis will rather set us back.
Yar’Adua,s issue should not prevent other political parties from starting campaigns for next year (2011) general elections. Opposition political parties should be strategizing by now on how to capture power come next year. Election is less than fourteen months from now; therefore this is the best time for opposition parties to present credible candidates and programmes to challenge PDP led government. I will advice Nigerians to vote credible people and not political party in future elections in Nigeria. Let’s not forget to start shadow government/cabinet starting from next year (2011). 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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