Remembering Biafra Today;30th May 2012.

Folks, Exactly 45 years today 30th May 1967, Biafra was declared by our Great Leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, having been mandated then by the Eastern Nigeria Consultative Assembly. The reasons for declaring Biafra 45 years ago are, as more relevant today, as it was then. The Nigerian nation has not made any progress for not adhering to the landmark Aburi Accord, which people have started clamouring for now. As you read this piece, please purse and observe two minutes silence for the fallen heroes, heroines and children, who paid the ultimate sacrifice that the Igbo race should not be wiped out. For their pains, sufferings, labour and lives lost shall not be in vain. Please permit me to use this occasion to ask the merciful Lord to grant their souls eternal rest. On average every family in Igbo land lost at least one person to the war. The author suggests the Igbos do a soul searching of where we were, where we are, and where we want to be as a people. Every Igbo person reading this piece should reflect on ways to finding unity, peace and security in Igbo land, without which there would be no progress. This is the time to bury our egos, pride, hatchet, etc and begin to synergize how to move the Igbo people forward. Think of what you can do for Ndigbo. May God bless us. Chinedu Vincent Akuta Leicester, UK 30th May 2012.

United Nations Must Apologize to Igbos

Ban Ki-Moon United Nations Secretary General, New York, NY 10027, USA. Tel:1-212-9637162 Thru; Adama Dieng (Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide), International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, P.O. Box 6016, Arusha, Tanzania. Dear Sir United Nations Must Apologize to Igbo Ethnic People of South Eastern Nigeria. Your 1948 Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide defined genocide in part as; “Genocide is a crime of intentional destruction of a national, ethnic, racial and religious group, in whole or in part”... “The coverage of crimes against humanity expanded to include acts perpetrated in time of peace, and to a broad range of groups, not to mention an ever-growing list of punishable acts inspired by developments in international human rights law” Since its establishment, United Nations have always risen in defence of the oppressed peoples of the world, thru passing resolutions condemning crimes against humanity, interventions, peaceful resolutions, sending peace keeping forces etc. In the case of the Nigeria-Biafran war of 1967-1970, that led to massive genocide against the Igbo people of South Eastern Nigeria, where over 2 million Igbo people died, the United Nations failed to either; intervene, prevent, condemn, or send peace keeping forces to stop this genocide. This is public knowledge and the details of this war, is all over the world. Events before the war started in 1967 like the (massive killings of Igbo people in the Northern Nigeria), events during the war itself (1967-1970) like the (food starvation, killing of civilians, children, women etc), and events after war like, (government seizure of Igbo peoples’ property, giving every Igbo person £20, twenty pounds irrespective of any amount s/he had in the bank) were all acts of genocide, targeted at extermination of the Igbo race in Nigeria. Having failed to protect, prevent, and condemn this genocide against the Igbo people of Nigeria, the United Nations failed in its duties. Therefore, United Nations must pass a retroactive resolution condemning this genocide and tender an unreserved apology to the Igbo people of Nigeria. This is the essence of this petition. Hoping this petition will be given due considerations, that it deserves. Thanks Chinedu Vincent Akuta Leicester, UK. Note: Please, click on this web link and sign this petition. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/united-nations-must-apologize-to-igbo-people-of/

Bonglob - Member Home Page

Bonglob - Member Home Page

Unsung Heroes/Heroines

Fellow citizens, please as we mark our 52nd independence anniversary on 1st October 2012, the author uses this medium to ask you, to nominate your unsung heroes and heroines. Let’s celebrate them and proudly accord them due honours. Please, tell us the reasons/achievements, of whoever you’re nominating. Nominate via this link/blog http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2012/09/unsung-heroesheroines.html We need true heroes and heroines. May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta www.briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com Brief Volunteer Scheme: Calling on, all unemployed/underemployed Nigerians, to consider taking up volunteer jobs. Also pleading with employers, government, institutions, corporate bodies, organizations, establishments etc to consider recruiting volunteer staffs. Employers, employees and the economy will greatly benefit thru the above scheme. Save a Life Project: In view of the poor health facilities in Nigeria, this is asking all Nigerians to acquire simple/basic first aid training. This training is very, very simple, but can save a lot of lives. Life has no duplicate. This basic first aid training can be done thru e-learning, in a short time and very cheap.
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Resource Wastages.

The Presidency is at it again, the game they know best, waste of time and resources. The federal government has started a tour to enlighten Nigerians on the “achievements” of the President GEJ government, “The National Good Governance Tour which started in Abuja last week, is expected to go round the country’s 36 states. It is designed to enlighten Nigerians on the achievements of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and also get feedback from Nigerians”. http://www.newsexpressngr.com/news/detail.php?news=348&title=Drama-as-Bash-Ali-rocks-government-forum-in-Abuja The federal government does not need to enlighten Nigerians on the “achievements” of President Goodluck Jonathan. Nigerians already know his achievements so far. Let his actions/policies speak for him. More so, his position is reserved for him in history. Posterity is watching. This project is a waste of resources, time and energy. The minister of information and communication should terminate this tour immediately. May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta UK. Brief Volunteer Scheme: Calling on, all unemployed/underemployed Nigerians, to consider taking up volunteer jobs. Also pleading with employers, government, institutions, corporate bodies, organizations, establishments etc to consider recruiting volunteer staffs. Employers, employees and the economy will greatly benefit thru the above scheme. Save a Life Project: In view of the poor health facilities in Nigeria, this is asking all Nigerians to acquire simple/basic first aid training. This training is very, very simple, but can save a lot of lives. Life has no duplicate. This basic first aid training can be done thru e-learning, in a short time and very cheap.

Save a Life Project.

Health is wealth. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Our health care system/facilities are virtually not effective. People die in thousands for diseases/illnesses that could be prevented. Put bluntly, life has little or no value in Nigeria. Matters are made worst by the fact that Nigerians lack basic knowledge of first aid that could save lives. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Hosea Chapter 4 verses 6, Holy Bible, King James Version. Knowledge is power. Based on experiences (experience is the best teacher), the government is not yet ready to fix our health sector. Little wonder, our rulers and their families, always rush to foreign hospitals, example Patience Jonathan, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan currently admitted in a German hospital, late Mariam Babangida wife of ex Head of State died in an America hospital, late Stella Obasanjo, wife of former President died in a Spanish hospital, late President Yar A Adua, was admitted in a Saudi Arabia hospital, etc. Make no mistake, it is to your tents oh Nigerians. Therefore, join the author as he launches Save a Life Project, by asking all Nigerians to acquire simple/basic first aid training. This training is very, very simple, but can save a lot of lives. Life has no duplicate. This basic first aid training can be done thru e-learning, in a short time and very cheap. For, further details, please contact the author thru his email. May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta UK.

Condolence Register For Dana Aircrash Victims.

Folks, Please,follow the link below to sign an online condolence register for those who perished in the Dana Aircrash of 3/6/12.May their souls and souls of other departed find peace with the Lord.Forward to all your contacts http://www.remembranceonline.co.uk/index.php?option=com_natbook&Itemid=78&task=cond_view&cond_id=5436 C.V.Akuta UK

Brief Volunteer Scheme From Home and Abroad.

On 1st May 2012 (Workers Day), the author launched Brief Volunteer Scheme Project. The idea is to encourage Nigerian employers to consider recruiting volunteer staffs, the unemployed/under employed Nigerians to consider taking up volunteer jobs/positions in Nigeria. Employers, employees and the economy will greatly benefit from this scheme. The author would wish to extend this call to Nigerians in Diaspora to consider volunteering from their various locations in abroad to projects in Nigeria. This is with a view to help grow the local/state/national economy. Over 70,000 volunteers participated in the just concluded London 2012 Olympic Games, making it a massive success. In 2010, more than 13 million Canadians did volunteer jobs in Canada. Same or more can be replicated in Nigeria, considering that over 60 million Nigerians are unemployed. Definitely, there are abundant manpower resources waiting to be tapped. Therefore, let’s start volunteering. This message is brought to you by Brief Volunteer Scheme, a pet project of C.V.Akuta (UK).

Thoughts on Way Forward.

On Bad Governance/Legislooters. The task is how to mobilize Nigerians to resist bad governance and legislooters like Farouk etc. Till we get Nigerians occupying places/cities, example (Red shirts in Thailand, Egyptians in Tahir Square, etc) am afraid nothing can be achieved and the nation remains stagnant. Therefore, emphasis/priority should be on educating one and another (the masses) on civil resistance. On Insecurity (Boko Haram, Kidnapping, Crimes, etc) Suffice it to say, that citizens should take the lead in the war against insecurity, government cannot do it alone. To that effect, we should all spy each other. Intensive surveillance and spying everyone around you is highly needed. This method was practiced in former East Germany and Cuba. Everyone becomes a suspect until proven otherwise. Report suspicious movements. Start neighbourhood watch or join one. Be at alert 24 hours. No price is too much for security. For churches and mosques up North, the author suggests a change in delivery methods. People should stay at home on Sundays and Fridays and listen to preaching thru (radios, television, web/internet, sms, CD’s/DVD’s, teleconferences etc). The key here is to avoid churches and mosques since it has become easy targets. Salvation and miracle could still come via the methods mentioned above. On Unemployment, Underemployment etc. Are you unemployed, underemployed or employed but wish to change your job(s) or take up a second job, but has not found one yet, then kindly consider taking an unpaid/volunteer job. Simply apply to companies, employers, governments, institutions etc indicating your desire to take up unpaid/volunteer jobs/roles. The author also appeals to, employers, person(s), government, institution(s), corporate bodies, organizations, establishments, to consider recruiting/accepting volunteer staffs. Employers should take advantage of cheap labour, while at the same time engage people/transfer knowledge to people. Building a strong economy is not rocket science. Also be kind enough to forward this message to other Nigerians in need. May God bless Nigeria. Chinedu Vincent Akuta. An Activist and Citizens Journalist. akutachinedu@yahoo.com http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

Gowon: Please Stop Distorting Facts.

This is in response to statements made by Rtd Gen. Gowon, during a posthumous awards on the tripod of Nigeria ’s independence and First Republic leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe. According to Tribune online publication (http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/front-page-news/40512-awo-others-bag-posthumous-awards-ojukwu-would-have-ruled-nigeria-gowon-says-islamisation-plan-of-boko-haram-not-northern-agenda),“Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), said Igbo leader and Biafran warlord, the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu would have succeeded in ruling the country if he had not been checkmated when he declared the Republic of Biafra and consequently sparked the civil war in 1967. The former head of state, who came to power in the nation’s second military putsch on July 29, 1966 and ruled till July 29, 1975 when his regime was toppled in another coup that led to the installation of the late General Murtala Muhammed, spoke against the background of a documentary on the fratricidal war shown at the ceremony. Reliving some of the events of the civil war fought between July 6, 1967 and January 12, 1970, Gowon described it as a needless war and one never to be wished for again, adding that the war would not have arisen if Odumegwu-Ojukwu had not dismembered the eastern part from the rest of the country. If there was no secession by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, there would not have been war. We tried all we could not to go to war. At the Aburi meeting (held in Ghana in January to forestall the imminent war), all that was demanded by Ojukwu, including my position, were granted. But his secession bid led to the war. If Ojukwu had succeeded, he would have been Nigerian and not Biafran leader. Nigerians and indeed the children who suffered during the war should forgive us”. Since the death of our great leader (Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu), Rtd Gen Gowon, has made 2 conflicting statements. In all, he tried to twist facts about the civil war, all in attempt to portray Dim Ojukwu as the aggressor. This is the continuation of his deceit, lies and twisting of facts. The author will dwell on his (Gowon) recent statements as quoted above. Firstly, Its beyond the authors imagination why Rtd Gowon has chosen to be making conflicting statements about the events that happened, before and during the war, only when Dim Ojukwu had died. The question for him to answer is, why he didn’t say these statements when Dim Ojukwu was alive, being that both were the 2 principal actors. Glad that the records can’t be changed. The fact speaks for itself (Res ipsa loquitor). “Former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), said Igbo leader and Biafran warlord, the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu would have succeeded in ruling the country if he had not been checkmated when he declared the Republic of Biafra and consequently sparked the civil war in 1967”. Gowon should have been kind enough to tell his audience the true reasons behind the war. One wonders why the Ex Head of State should be leading/conducting Pray Nigeria or Praying Nigeria (a kind of praying ministry for Nigeria), when he cannot put facts straight. “If there was no secession by the late General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, there would not have been war. We tried all we could not to go to war. At the Aburi meeting (held in Ghana in January to forestall the imminent war), all that was demanded by Ojukwu, including my position, were granted”. The author having gone thru the Aburi meeting records, could not see were Dim Ojukwu asked for Gowon’s position, so why would Rtd Gowon say such things? Besides, who jettisoned the Aburi Accord? Gowon or Ojukwu? Nigerians cannot be deceived. Be it known to all Nigerians, that part of our problems today were the none implementation of Aburi Accord by Rtd Gowon. Personally, Rtd Gowon should publicly accept responsibilities for the civil war. “But his secession bid led to the war. If Ojukwu had succeeded, he would have been Nigerian and not Biafran leader. Nigerians and indeed the children who suffered during the war should forgive us”. Again for the records, the war was imposed on the Igbo. Biafra was the only beckon of hope, for all fleeing Igbos then. If Gowon was concerned, why didn’t he stop the pogrom in the North then, why did he impose food blockade during the war, even after the war, what did he do about the abandoned properties, what about policy/punishment of giving every Igbo person only twenty pounds, even if the person(s) had millions in their bank accounts. Someone should tell Rtd Gowon to kindly stop twisting facts, in other not to open the wounds of the civil war. C.V.Akuta UK

Brief Volunteer Scheme.

Are you unemployed, underemployed or employed but wish to change your job(s) or take up a second job, but has not found one yet, then kindly consider taking an unpaid/volunteer job. Also, employers, person(s), government, institution(s), corporate bodies, organizations, establishments etc are hereby pleaded with, to consider recruiting volunteer staffs. Please, if you wish to be part of this project, kindly get in touch thru this email: akutachinedu@yahoo.com Also be kind enough to forward this message to other Nigerians. This message is brought to you by Brief Volunteer Scheme, a pet project of C.V.Akuta ( UK ).

Brief Volunteer Scheme

Fellow Citizens, Please join me from any part of the world today (1st May 2012,Workers Day),to launch one of my pet projects, which is; Brief or Short Volunteer Scheme.The idea is to encourage our army of unemployed and underemployed Nigerians to take up unpaid/volunteer jobs.Those already employed,but wishes to change their job(s) are very much encouraged to take up volunteer jobs. Appeals will be made to the government,employers etc to consider taking/engaging volunteer staffs.The benefits for both the employers and the unemployed people will be enormous. Please,forward this message to all contacts(whether unemployed,under employed or employed).If any person,persons,government,institution(s),corporate bodies,organizations,establishments etc wishes to be part of this project,kindly get in touch thru this email: akutachinedu@yahoo.com May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta UK.

Ibori Goes To Prison: Rejoice Not.

What difference does it make if one thief (James Ibori) goes to prison out of thousands that loot our treasury? As your reading this piece, a lot more looting is taking place or about to take place. On the other hand, half bread is better than nothing. At least one (James Ibori) is down. What about the rest? Will the rest treasury looters ever be caught and sent to prison? Yes if they are caught in UK or maybe other countries, and that is when they cannot escape, like Diepreye Alamieyeseigha did. In Nigeria no, rather treasury looters are rewarded with chieftaincy titles; some become kings and king makers. Other dine and wine with the President or publicly identify themselves with him, Chief/Thief Olabode George did it last year (2011), during the presidential election campaign. Rejoice not fellow Nigerians because we have not yet started fighting corruption. When we start, the rest of the world will begin to take us serious. Not long ago, some Nigerians were demonstrating that Ibori was innocent, before the same court, that sentenced him to prison. Those were paid demonstrators doing our image more harm. Are you sure, treasury looters will learn lessons from Ibori’s imprisonment? The writer is not sure about that. The writer is also concerned about how and when Ibori’s loot will be returned to Nigeria ? Who will receive them and how will the poor masses of Delta State and Nigerians get back their stolen money. Its not enough to send Ibori to jail, but the stolen wealth must get back to their rightful owners immediately. It’s a shame that our rulers, steal our money from Nigeria and bring it to foreign countries ( UK , Dubai , USA etc ), where the Western countries use it to develop their societies. There is no amount of kindness that will make the UK government to return 100% of Ibori’s loot. Some charges will apply, this is in addition to the wealth it has helped the UK economy create. The multiplier effects of Ibori’s looting are enormous. One thing is sure, he has impoverished Nigerians the more, while helping create wealth in UK . Same applies to all looters who have their loots in foreign countries. Fighting Corruption: Corruption is the biggest obstacle to our progress and development. The present leadership lacks what it takes to fight corruption. It is now left for the citizens, non governmental organization, Nigerians in Diaspora and the private sector to start waging wars against corruption. High crime rates, kidnapping, unemployment, and other social vices have a direct correlation with corruption. The writer suggests a synergy between groups in Nigeria and those in overseas, example Global Witness etc. Nigerians should volunteer whatever information they have concerning a treasury looter. CBN should enforce tougher anti money laundering policies. Nigerians can use the freedom of information act in UK and elsewhere to obtain information about suspected treasury looters. Name and shame any looter. Chinedu Vincent Akuta. An Activist and Citizens Journalist. akutachinedu@yahoo.com http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

My Appreciation To President J.J.Rawlings

His Excellency, President J. J. Rawlings, Ghana. Email: info@jjrawlings.info Thru Ghana High Commissioner in UK, 13 Belgrave Square London, SW1X 8PN. Dear Sir, My Appreciation. Please, accept my sincere appreciation of your coming to pay your last respect to, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi), during the National Funeral Ceremony held on Thursday 1st March 2012, at Enugu. Watching you (JJ Rawlings) as my role model, bow before the coffin/casket of our hero (Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu) was too emotional for me. I am also sure that this singular act of yours touched many. Glad for the speech you made on that day, speaking the truth to our Nigerian “rulers” like late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu used to do when he was alive. Without doubts, there are more in common between you and late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Birds of the same feather flock together. Personally, I have followed your actions in and out of government and I do not hesitate to say that Ghana is lucky to have produced a person like you. Both late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu and you, are reference points for African leaders to emulate. Sincerely Yours Chinedu Vincent Akuta UK

Before Ribadu Accepts This “Offer”

The author was not surprised when President Goodluck Jonathan appointed Nuhu Ribadu to Chair the Petroleum Task Force. Short and simple, the presidency is in desperate search for credibility, especially since the fuel subsidy removal and the monumental exposure of corruption surrounding the oil subsidy. To the author and many other Nigerians, the creation of this task force and many other committees are simply a duplication of responsibilities of some existing ministries etc and waste of scarce resources. We are never good managers of our resources.

Dearest Nuhu Ribadu, Olisa Agbakoba, and other prominent members of this task force, please before accepting this “suspicious offer” kindly obtain an assurance(s) either oral or written (the later will be preferable) from the Mr. President, that he nor the executive will not interfere or intervene with your work. There will be no point wasting your time and our resources if the government will end up interfering with your work. But I suspect, President Goodluck Jonathan is simply following the foot steps of past leaders, who brought in credible Nigerians into their government, only to dump them at last. Ex Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, brought Wole Soyinka, Tai Solarin, Humphrey Nwosu, etc, Abacha brought in late Prof Sam Aluko etc. These credible Nigerians were used and dumped. The author wants to be proven wrong, otherwise this is what President Goodluck Jonathan will do.

If you can obtain the assurances from Mr. President as mentioned above, plus your experiences at Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, I believe you will do well, knowing that our major problem in Nigeria is corruption. May God bless Nigeria.

Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

Resist Oil Subsidy Removal.

“The fate of the nation then lies in the hands of the faithful” Time Magazine, September 26, 2011. Page 27. By removing oil subsidy from 1st January 2012 contrary to the promised date of 1st April 2012, the government has proven once again never to be trusted. Please find below the reasons to resist oil subsidy removal.






1. The first is fraudulent payment on phoney import of PMS. The product is fraudulently certified as imported into Nigeria but is actually diverted to other countries in West Africa . Meanwhile, the documentation is perfected by criminal elements in Customs, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). They not only collect the subsidy (which actually is outright theft), they also connive to collect demurrage on product that really never entered the Nigerian market. The reality is that what we actually consume in Nigeria may not be up to half of what the records or statistics say we consume.






2. The second fraud is the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). PPMC used to have a network of pipelines and depots across the country. Supply envelopes were created around each depot in a way that ensured all parts of the country are covered. Each supply envelope is divided into zones. Actual transportation cost was calibrated according to zones within each supply envelope. The objective here was to ensure that products sell at the same price throughout each depot's supply envelope regardless of the distance of consumption from supply.






3. The third was also Bridging, the system whereby products are moved by road across depots as may be permitted in what was meant to be exceptional cases such as when repair is being carried out on the pipeline or at a depot. Over time and driven by fraudulent intent, what was designed to augment became the routine practice. Products would be released from Atlas Cove in Lagos ostensibly for bridging to say Kano or Sokoto but would actually be sold at nearby stations while the documentation is perfected and bridging allowance is paid.






The products were also meant to be sold at equal prices at all locations nationwide. When the refineries were working and the pipeline/depots were also functional, the products were pumped through pipelines from the refineries to the various depots from where they were picked for distribution within the supply envelope covered by each depot. In principle, the Eastern axis was meant to be supplied by the Port Harcourt Refinery 1. The Northern axis was meant to be supplied by the Kaduna Refinery. The Midwest and Middle Belt were meant to be supplied by the Warri Refinery while the Western axis was meant to be supplied by products shipped to Atlas Cove from Port Harcourt Refinery 2. This refinery was also meant to export products to West African countries.






All marketers were given a price structure by PPMC which routinely (and frankly unprofessionally) decided the marketers' margin and overhead allowance, the transportation allowance and the dealers' margin. Such a terrible system it was! The standard Transportation allowance was decided based on what was required to move products from the depot to Zone 3 within the depot's supply envelope. Transporters moving products to Zones 1 and 2 are paid less than the standard allowance while the balance was meant to be paid into PEF by the marketer. Transporters moving products to Zones 4 to 9 are paid the additional cost of transportation from PEF. Most of the consumption in around each depot occurs in Zones 1 to 3, usually up to 70%. The fraud: sell all products within Zones 1, 2 and 3 but collect PEF allowance as if almost all products were sold in the outer zones. This has been on for a very long time.






We can imagine why all the various adjustments and maladjustments occurred over the years especially during the military era when the fraud was mostly perpetrated, actively promoted and culturally institutionalized by high ranking Generals and Administrators. We can also see why all refineries eventually had to be crippled and pipeline network/depots of PPMC had to be paralyzed. From Point No 1 to 3 were some of the arguments to remove “oil subsidy” by the Finance minister.






To Remove “Oil Subsidy” actually means to punish Nigerians for the failure of government to effectively fight corruption in the oil industry. Therefore, the masses should be penalized for government’s weaknesses. Does President GEJ have any guarantee that the so called money to be realized from the oil subsidy removal will be used judiciously? What about President GEJ announcing to the entire world that subsidy will be removed on April 1 2012, only for him to remove it on 1st January 2012. Does that not speak volumes? Government has again proven not to be trusted. What happened to Petroleum Trust Fund after Obasanjo took over? What will happen to the Kolade committee after his tenure? Why set up Belgore committee to dialogue with the Nigerian Labour Congress/Trade Union Congress while the subsidy had already been removed? Why behave like an autocrat. How can the President cushion the effects economic problems to be caused by the oil subsidy removal? How will the poor and unemployed Nigerians survive this attack by the government? The list is endless. Nigerians should resist the oil subsidy removal, till this policy is reversed. May God bless Nigeria .






Chinedu Vincent Akuta.

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

Total State of Emergency is Needed Urgently.

President GEJ has declared state of emergency in some parts of the country (Borno, Yobe, Niger, and Plateau State). However late, it’s a step in the direct direction. Total state of emergency is needed urgently. Mr. President should immediately initiate bill to make aiding and abetting terrorism a capital offence with capital punishment. Law makers should reconvene immediately due to the deplorable situation in the country. Furthermore, Mr President should extend the state of emergency to the following sectors:

1. Nigerian refineries. This is with the view to start refining crude in Nigeria immediately

2. War against corruption

3. Incessant kidnapping in the South Eastern part of the country/insecurity.

4. General insecurity

5. Infrastructures (roads, hospitals, schools, bridges, electricity etc).

6. Unemployment.

7. High cost of running his government, that is recurrent expenditures.



The list is exhaustive, but starting with the above items will be a welcome development. May God bless Nigeria.



Chinedu Vincent Akuta

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

Facebook: C.v.Akuta

http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Enough of Shedding Igbo Blood(s).

Please find below lists of Madalla bomb blast victims of 25th December 2011 at Niger State. Madalla bomb blast victims at the national hospital: Anthony Okoronkwo, Comrade Dike A. Williams, Emmanuel Dike, Richard Dike, Lilian Dike, Lynda Chioma Ubiukwu, Uche Queen Obiukwu, Chidinma Cynthia Obiukwu, Linderlin Ifeoma Obiukwu, Ann-Chinedu Aigbadon, Chiemeri Nwachukwu, Cecilia Ebeku, Oluebube Faustina Pius, Chidera Sylvia Pius, Florence Nwachukwu, Eucharia Ewoh, Joseph Daniel, Inspector Titus Eze, Obasi Jonathan Onyebuchi, Ehiawaguan Peter, Uche Esiri, Sgt. Kadiri Danjuma, Paulina Koju, Chukwudi Umeh, Christiana Kadiri, Esther Agbo, David Agbo, Helen Okolo, Mercy Agbo,John Agbo, Obiukwu Uche Stella, Ebuka Abuyi, Celestine Aniowo, Michael Sunday, Lucy Unji, Chiamaka Obiukwu, Favour Dike, Chimaobi Dike, Favour Egbo, Maria Obodugo, Kosisochukwu Egbo, Nzubechukwu Pius, Obodo Linus, Austin Ogbuagu, Chuks Ajuwe,Esther Ibu, Blessing Philip,Isaac Ibu,Kenedilins Aloysus.



Madalla bomb blast victims at specialist hospital, Gwagwalada
Innocent Okoronkwo (Intensive Unit), Chima Ohazurume, Justina Uche, Chinyere Amaechi, Ifeanyi Emenaha, Fidelia Onugwu, Chinyere Anthony, Sadiq Idris, Onyinye Peace Eneh, Clara Umozor,Pauline Okoronkwo,Uche Bonaventure, Uche Michael, Lawal Abubakar, Victor James.


Victims at General Hospital, Suleja
Owen Sylvester,Dalamin Isah (Passer-by),Ali Sani (Passer-by)

Victim at Major Hospital Kwamba
Edeh Christiana
Victims at Delight Hospital Suleja
Roseline Okeke, Chisom Eucharia Okoye
Victims at Suzan Hospital, Suleja
Chukwuebuka Obiakor, Jennifer Obiakor, Chidera Obiakor, Batrice Otogo
Victims at Daughters of Charity, Kubwa
Oliver Ogbonna, Remy Ofoha, Francis Rapheal
Victims at diamond Crest hospital, Zuba
Gabriel Christiana, Michael Nwanze, Achunike Okolo, Favour Ugochukwu, Nzube Pius. Source:http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/newsonthehour/2011/dec/30/newsbreak-30-12-2011-001.html



From the names above, it’s clear that over 80% of the victims are Igbos. Earlier this year (2011) Vanguard newspapers of 12th January 2011 (online version) reported that the Igbo community lost 40 members from the Jos crisis of that month (the author has lost count of different Jos crises). From my own personal experiences: One of my uncle’s house was completely burnt down in one of the disturbances in Kano in 2004. My own immediate younger sister escaped death in one of the disturbances in Jos, Plateau State. The list(s) is endless. The trends are consistent. From the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom where over 50,000 Igbos were killed thru the civil war (over 1 million Igbos died) till date, the Igbos have always been the targets. This is for no just cause. Lost properties, assets, etc cannot be quantified in monetary terms. The Igbos have also been punished is several ways (abandoned properties issue, giving of £20 to every Igbo person after the war, despite any amount he/she had before the war). Meanwhile, the Igbos have made the most sacrifices than any other tribe for the unity of the country.



As in the 1945, 1953, and 1966 pogrom against the Igbos where the federal government appeared helpless to defend and protect Ndiigbo, the subsequent governments have also followed similar trends, particularly in the Northern States where Igbo’s have consistently been killed since the end of the war till date. Simply put, the Igbos are endangered species. As you read thru this piece, please purse and observe a minute silence, for the souls of the innocent Igbo people and other Nigerians killed for nothing sake.



Enough is enough. No more shedding of Igbo bloods. Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu once said that, if the price of nationhood is constant shedding of bloods, then let us not be a nation. Well, since the government cannot protect its citizens and Ndiigbo in particular, then Igbos have no choice but to protect themselves with all means necessary. Igbos should remember that self-preservation is the strongest human instinct. This is the time for the Igbos to sink all their differences and unite for the purposes of securing the safety of their lives and properties all over Nigeria. The Igbos must rise up together to face this challenges or continue to be killed every time. What affects one Igbo person directly, affects all Igbos indirectly. I therefore call on all Igbos, (All Ezes, Ohanaeze, all Igbo communities home and abroad, all Igbo unions home and abroad, etc) to immediately seek the ways out of these constant killings.



Perhaps, Igbos should start relocating their businesses and families out of the Northern region, reject youth service postings in the Northern region etc. This is because, they are simply the first targets to be killed at the slightest disturbances that does not concern them. Life first before anything else. However, the government must pay compensation to all those innocent families that lost their loved ones. The fault is not theirs. America and United Kingdom paid compensation to the various families of 9/11 (September 11, 2001) and 7/7 (7th July 2005) terrorist attacks in New York and London. May the souls of those innocent people that were killed, rest in peace. May God also bless Nigeria.



Chinedu Vincent Akuta

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

Facebook: C.v.Akuta

http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

No Group Has Monopoly of Violence.

The danger and consequences of not containing Boko Haram and other violent groups might mean the beginning of balkanization of Nigeria. Imagine if a fanatical Christian group(s) or if OPC, MEND, MASSOB etc starts bombing mosques or starts violent agitation for Northerners to leave their area alongside what Boko Haram is doing. Action is equal to reaction, violence begets violence, and no group has monopoly of violence. Mr. President, all heads of security agencies, all stake holders etc should take a look at Sudan, Somalia, Lebanon, and former Yugoslavia. A lot can be learnt from the countries mentioned above in order to save Nigeria. However, it will not be a bad idea to commence restructuring of Nigeria peacefully.



The moment of truth has come. Either the President defeats Boko Haram or individuals/groups will defend themselves with any means necessary. No one will like to be killed. As it is, people/groups should henceforth be on their guard always and report any suspicious movements. High level of surveillance should be kept by all. Our leaders should better act now or forget about Nigeria, because bombing and general insecurity is out of control. My sympathy goes to all the innocent Nigerian that was killed today (25th December 2011). May their soul and other departed souls rest in peace. May God bless Nigeria.



Chinedu Vincent Akuta

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

Facebook: C.v.Akuta

http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Remove Subsidy on Corruption Before Removing Oil Subsidy.

President GEJ, please remove the subsidy on corruption before thinking of removing oil subsidy. Nothing more, nothing less. As a matter of fact, if you successful remove the subsidy on corruption, then there will be no need to think of removing oil subsidy. The sufferings are too much. Adding more pains thru oil subsidy removal will be detrimental and catastrophic. May God bless Nigeria



Chinedu Vincent Akuta

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

Facebook: C.v.Akuta

http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Ojukwu Is Not Dead.

“For those who know him, no word is necessary; for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient” W.T. Horngren. (An American Author). For those who know Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) no word is necessary, for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient enough to describe him. When I first heard the news of his death very early in the morning of today, Saturday 26th November 2011, I began to pray let it not be true. The news kept coming and coming. I had no choice but to place a call to a friend who had the opportunity of visiting him in the hospital when he was alive. Sadly my friend confirmed my worst fears, that Ikemba was actually dead. Few days ago (November 4th 2011) I had the privilege of wishing him happy birthday.



Ojukwu has left an indelible mark. No one can occupy his position. Ojukwu is synonymous with the Igbos as the Igbos are synonymous with him. He was to Igbos what Moses was to the Israelites in the Holy Bible. You cannot die because you live in the hearts and minds of your people (Ndiigbo). Your legacies and ideas will live forever. According to late John F. Kennedy (former American President) “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. Your legacies are carved in stone and you will forever remain in the minds of Ndiigbo and entire Nigerians.



As a young man, I took an exceptional interest in Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. I tried to study History at University of Nigeria Nsukka , because Ikemba studied History, however, providence took me to a different course. I read all most, all the newspaper/magazines interviews Ikemba gave before I left Nigeria . During my last visit to home, I collected his book; Because I Am Involved. I have read this book more than eight times and I am not yet tired of reading it. I read over 15 books on the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.



The greatness of a man is measured by what he lived and died for. You lived your life fighting for fairness, equity, justice, and peace. You stood for Ndiigbo at the dark moments. On the concept, Biafra, here is what Ojukwu said, “The concept, Biafra, was a line drawn for a persecuted people to have a beacon of hope, a line drawn so that a fleeing people can at least hope that once they cross it, they have arrived at a goal, a line drawn so that a hated and persecuted people can at least know that once they reach there, they would have love and succor. This is why there was no declaration of that line as a republic until certain acts of war were initiated against the persecuted people.” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). On fighting the Igbo cause, Ojukwu said, “I have had my belly full of wars. I will always fight for the welfare of the Igbos, though this time around on a table of dialogue”, “In Aburi, I stated the Igbo case and I will continue to do so wherever it is necessary” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). There is no way we can forget Ikemba Nnewi, therefore you’re not dead.



Ojukwu generated more controversies more than any other Nigerian. Many often, he has been mis-quoted, mis-interpreted and mis-trusted. Yet his views, visions and solutions to Nigeria ’s problem remain one of the best, if not the best. I consider myself lucky, having lived to witness his existence/passage on earth.



Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is an enigma, a legend, a hero, a leader, a patriot, and above all, the General of the people’s army. Rest in peace our great leader.



Chinedu Vincent Akuta.

An Activist and Citizens Journalist.

akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Dearest Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, today (November 4th 2011) marks your 78th birthday. Kindly accept my birthday wishes and prayers for your quick recovery. The solutions to our problem as a nation, which you recommended at Aburi (Aburi Accord) Ghana in 1967, remains valid today as it was then in 1967. You have shown the light and the people will follow. Once more, accept my birthday wishes.



C.V.Akuta

UK.