Memo to All Progressive Congress.

Please, permit me to send you a memorandum, particularly now that you have inaugurated your constitution and manifesto committees. The author, prays that his memo, be given due considerations. The list below is not exhaustive. Federal Character Principle/Zoning/Quota System: Please for the sake of Nigeria, make sure this retrogressive clause is never included in whatever constitution/manifesto that you’re preparing for APC. The inclusion of this principle in the constitution of Nigeria is one of the strong reasons, why the nation has never moved forward. This system never promotes merit but rather elevates mediocre(s). That is to say that, our best never occupies their rightful positions. We are witnessing a situation, were the least qualified people are leading the best/rest of us, courtesy of quota/zoning. Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) adopted the zoning principle, and we are living witnesses to what the party has done to Nigerian entity. For people, like us, this system defiles all logic. No sane person should expect anything positive from the above principle. “Quota system means injustice as far as am concerned. Apologies to its beneficiaries. The mere existence of this charter in our law books means that the country has been established on the paths of injustice”,,,“America was established on freedom, equality, human rights and democracy. They live by it and they also export it to the whole world”. (http://www.briefsfromakuta.blogspot.co.uk/2009/05/abolish-quota-system-or-quota-system.html) As a result of American system, the emergence of President Obama became a possibility. In the United Kingdom, there is also an equal opportunities act. These are indeed true progressive societies. Not only should this clause not be included on APC constitution and manifesto, but APC should champion the removal of this from our law books (The Nigerian Constitution). Removing Immunity Clauses. Section 308 of the 1999 constitution shields the President, his Vice, the Governor and their Deputies from criminal and civil prosecution during their term in office. This is another retrogressive clause in our constitution that needs removing. It’s simply a recipe for abuse of office and also the abuse of Nigerians. The author strongly suggests that, APC should seriously consider fighting for the removal of this clause from the nation’s constitution. Therefore, removing immunity clauses should form part of your party’s (APC) manifesto. Imagine a situation where the President, Vice President, Governor, and Deputy Governor can be prosecuted while in office. Then they will sit up and take Nigerians very serious. True Federalism. There is so much concentration of powers at the centre. The Presidency is so powerful, that it has actually become a threat to the survival of our democracy. There is urgent need to devolve powers among the federating units of the country. The various states and local government areas have to be truly independent to an extent. The author prefers confederalism. The units that make up Nigeria need a reasonable level of autonomy. More so, there is need for competition amongst the various units that make up Nigeria. Competition brings out the best in us. Therefore there is need for all the 6 zones (SE, SW,SS, NE,NW,NC) to compete among each other. Various zones/parts of the country should be allowed to develop at their own pace. The nation needs restructuring; therefore, the author suggests that APC should take this into consideration while preparing their constitution and manifesto. Total War Against Corruption. It is the author’s view that corruption is the biggest obstacle to the development and progress of Nigeria. Except a total war is waged against corruption, nothing meaningful can be achieved. According to the former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, “when you fight corruption, corruption fights back”. “We are internationally recognized for corruption, inefficiency, business uncertainty and infrastructural decay”. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Ex Head of State. “The World Bank estimates the country’s generals and gangster politicians stole $300 billion in the three decades to 2006” (Time Magazine, May 3rd 2010 Edition, Page 42). From 2006, when the World Bank captured the figure above till now, a lot more has been stolen. It therefore requires wo/men made of steel or a determined political party to wage an effective war on corruption. Thus APC, has to take cognisance of this monster, and accord it an important place in their constitution/manifesto. That is also if, APC wants to clean the mess in Nigeria. Internal Democracy. All Progressive Congress must lead by example. Internal party democracy and discipline is non negotiable. Charity begins at home. APC must not only have internal democracy, but it must be seen to exist within it. Any party without these two points (internal democracy and discipline) is not worthy to be voted into power by Nigerians. It is the author’s prayer, that this be included in your constitution. It would also be appropriate, for APC to consider waging a war against indiscipline in the country, thus it should be included in your manifesto. The author is neither under any illusion nor delusion that the above points might or might not be accepted by the All Progressive Congress. But if you do, that would be truly in the nation’s interest. May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta UK. 26th February, 2013.

APGA, APC and Matters Arising.

Given the choice between endorsing GEJ/PDP again and merging with the All Progressive Congress, the author suggests that All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) should merge with the APC. The reason is very simple; you cannot do the same thing, over and over again, and expect different results. Since 1999, Peoples Democratic Party has been in power at the centre and more of South Eastern States, but there is nothing to show for it, examples are as follows, (a) Obasanjo promised the Igbos, second Niger Bridge but failed to deliver. Rather he helped to cause havoc in Anambra State using Chris Uba. Remember the attempted kidnap of a sitting Governor (Chris Ngige of Anambra State) happened during Obasanjo regime. Till date, no one was prosecuted. (b) No federal presence in Igbo land, (c) No good roads (d) High level insecurity (e) President Goodluck Jonathan also promised building second Niger Bridge, but has failed to initiate the project. The list is endless. After all these failed promises, then tell me if APGA should still trust PDP to deliver? Remember, APGA endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2011 Presidential election and nothing has been done in the South East, except the individual efforts of the Igbos. Personally, I will never trust someone who has failed me several times. First fool no be fool, but second fool, na proper foolish. APGA leadership claimed that they were never consulted nor invited to the negotiating table, before the merger took place. However, there has been a counter claim that APGA leadership was involved with the negotiations (after all, Imo State Governor and others were there). Whatever is the true situation, the author thinks/suggests that APGA/Igbo interest will be better served under the new party. This should also serve as an opportunity for the leaders of the new party (All Progressive Congress) to restart negotiation with APGA leadership/other Igbo leaders. Politics is more about negotiations, alliances, consultations, etc. In doing this, the new party (All Progressive Congress) should find a way of reaching out to the Igbo masses and indeed Nigerians masses to connect with them, this is very important. This is because; most times “our” so called “leaders” are only concerned about themselves/families. My prayer and that of other Nigerians is for All Progressive Congress to provide a credible alternative to PDP and fashion a way to move the nation forward. Strong opposition parties/groups are very essential for the survival of every democracy. Nigeria cannot be an exception. Great Zik of Africa once said, show the light and the people will find the way. Hoping that, APC will provide the light/directions for Nigerians to find their way. Chinedu Vincent Akuta UK. www.briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

Nigerian Judiciary is A Big Joke.

Please, take a look at these laughable convictions from the Nigerian Judiciary. A former director of the Police Pension Board, John Yakubu Yusuf, was sentenced to two years in prison by an Abuja High Court for the embezzlement of N23.3bn pension fund or option of fine of N750,000. Olabode George committed a fraud of over N85 billion naira and was only given 2:5 years imprisonment. (We all know what happened when he was released. In case you didn’t know what happened, his release was televised live on a national Television network thru to where he had a party. At his party, Ex President Obasanjo attended. After two days he (Olabode George) appeared on the same VIP stand with our current President (GEJ), during his campaign tour of Lagos State). Mrs. Cecilia Ibru (former MD/CEO of Ocenic Bank was jailed 6 months for stealing N54 billion naira. Former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was convicted of N20 billion naira fraud, and was sentenced to only 6 months in prison. Both Tafa Balogun and Cecilia Ibru had their sentences spent in their homes or chosen hospitals. Another Ex Inspector General of Police, Sunday Ehindero was caught trying to smuggle out N200 million naira, out of Abuja. Sunday Ehindero was not even sent to court, so the case died like that. So many Ex Governors between (1999-2011), have been granted bails on their alleged corrupt cases, some have court injunction (Peter Odili) stopping their trial on corruption cases. James Ibori (Former Governor of Delta State) was discharged and acquitted in Nigeria, but was sent to jail in UK, for the same offences, he was acquitted from in Nigeria. The list is endless. What is worrisome is that poor Nigerians are left to rot in Nigerian prisons, for little or no offences, compared to what the "big and mighty" Nigerians are doing. Corruption is all over the world, the difference is how various countries approach it. In China, the penalty is capital punishment. Another example is America, where for instance, Bernard Madoff, who committed a fraud of $65 Billion Dollars (£38bn Pounds Sterling) was sentenced to 150 years in jail. Nigerian judiciary, is no longer the last hope of a common man, but rather, the destroyer of the Nigerian hope. “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment” Marcus Cicero. The Nigerian Judiciary is aiding and abetting crimes, by handing little or no sentences/jail terms. Make no mistake, the destruction of Nigeria (by whatever means) will affect all and sundry. Take a look at the insecurity situation (which is a failure of the government and partly the people), no one is safe/saved any more. Emirs, chiefs, ministers, commissioners, judges, lawyers, ex this, ex that, etc can be attacked or kidnapped. High crime rates are partly the fault of our judiciary also. Therefore, this should serve a wakeup call, because a lot of damages have already been done. C.V.Akuta UK www.briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com

New Year Message; Solutions and Synergy.

Happy New Year (2013) to you all. As usual, may the New Year (2013), bring us progress and prosperity. But the author has always wondered, how this old time saying(s) alone, can bring us prosperity without action. It looks more like a yearly rhetorical ritual. My New Year message will in addition to the above, also include thus; please, start now to apply solutions to the challenges facing our society. The author believes, we know our problems from the individual, village/community, local government, state to the national level. Therefore, next rightful steps, would be to start applying/contributing our quota towards the solutions. Please, do not expect any prosperity and progress in 2013, if no positive actions are taken. Next is synergy. Kindly, consider to synergize wherever possible. Two heads are better than one and three heads better than two. There are more to be accomplished as a team. As we do the above and more, progress and prosperity will be assured in 2013. I thank you all. Happy New Year. C.V.Akuta UK. 1st January, 2013.

Kaduna State Govt., Azazi et al, Vs Nigerian Navy.

First, my condolence goes to the families of; Lt Adeyemi Sowole, Commander Murtala Mohammed Daba, Dauda Tsoho, Warrant Officer Mohammed Kamal, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi and Mr. Patrick Yakowa (Ex Governor of Kaduna State) that died in the helicopter crash of 15th December 2012. May their souls, and other faithfully departed, rest in peace. This crash is one, too many. It has left more questions than answers and more conspiracy theories/theorists. The author is more particular about litigations that will follow this crash. Except Kaduna State Government, and families of those that perished in the helicopter crash do not wish to seek redress at the law court. The norm is usually a court case, compensation or settlement after every air crash. How will this case play out in court? How much compensation will the Nigerian Navy pay Kaduna State government etc, and that is, if ever they will pay? From whose purse will the money come from? Upon hearing the shocking news of the helicopter crash, I asked myself (the same questions, Nigerians are asking themselves) what was a Nigerian Navy helicopter doing in a private event? Who authorized its uses on that day? What are the job roles/specifications of the air wing of the Nigerian Navy? This brings me to the question of litigations that might likely follow this crash (as a matter of fact, a court case(s), concerning this helicopter crash will be in the national interest). What will be the defence argument for the Nigerian Navy? The author thinks that the Nigerian Navy owe Nigerians a lot of explanations. Whatever explanations provided by the navy, would determine further questions that would be asked by Nigerians. But the author is also worried, that Nigerians forgets easily, and never learn from their pasts. This issue can easily be swept under the carpet. I pray to be proven wrong. As expected, the government has set up a probe panel, the National Assembly and Naval authorities have also set up their investigative panels. But in Nigeria, we never get to know the causes of air crashes. Despite past, numerous “federal government” constituted air crash(es) investigating panels, their results have never been made public or at best doctored. Are there any assurances that, the causes of this helicopter crash will be made public? My answer is NO. Perhaps a court case(s) by victims’ families might compel authorities to disclose publicly, whatever caused the crash. Till then, let’s wait and see. It’s a waiting game. C.V.Akuta UK.

Palm Oil is Better Than Crude Oil.

One of the best speeches I heard this year, was on Saturday, November 3rd 2012, in London, at an audience with the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, when he said that, palm oil was better than crude oil, and urged us to plant a palm tree each. Without a single doubt, the writer agrees 100% with Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Before, the advent of crude oil, the former Eastern region survived mainly thru proceeds from palm oil plantation. Then Eastern Region recorded a lot of progress and developments. The writer has also visited the Adapalm Plantation at Ohaji Egbema, Local Government Area. This plantation was inherited by Imo State from the old Eastern Region, being that Ohaji/Egbema is in Imo State. This is one of the, if not the greatest investment of the present Imo State government. Yes, palm oil can yield sufficient revenue for both the state government and the indigenes. More so, since there are species of palm trees that could mature and start yielding in 3 years. I remembered my late grand uncle, who used to deal with palm oil/nuts etc. He was self sufficient and employed some women in the village. One good thing, about palm tree plantations and palm productions are that, there are so many by products associated with it. I understood thru the Governor, that the palm seed cost about N200 (two hundred naira). The message by the governor, to plant a palm tree, is in agreement, with my earlier campaign for tree planting, way back, before Owelle became the governor of Imo State. Hearing the governor, preach plant a palm tree, re-echoed a deep passion in me. Most importantly, let’s remember that global warming is real. Take a look at the floods that happened in Nigeria this year (2012). Look at the hurricane sandy that almost destroyed America. Then we should take this message of tree planting very seriously. Tree planting is a way to fight global warming. To make it better, let’s plant economic trees (palm trees etc) that will yield revenue for us in the near future. May God bless Nigeria. C.V.Akuta UK.

Gowon Again!

This write up is in response to the Gowon’s comment on both the civil war and Chinua Achebe’s new book (There Was a Country). His comments were published by Daily Trust Newspapers, online version,(http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/index.php/other-sections/lead-stories/179824-biafra-i-have-no-regrets-gowon). According to this publication, “Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, says he has no regrets over the roles he played during the 13[30] months Civil War”. The author is at lost why, Gowon made such a statement to daily trust news media, when he (Yakubu Gowon), had during the Oputa Panel, rendered apology over the genocide committed in Asaba during the war. Below was what he said. “it came to me as a shock when I came to know about the unfortunate happenings that happened to the sons and daughters...of Asaba domain. I felt very touched and honestly I referred to [the killings] and ask for forgiveness being the one who was in charge at that time. Certainly, it is not something that I would have approved of in whatsoever. I was made ignorant of it, I think until it appeared in the papers” (Chinua Achebe, There Was a Country, Page 134). Gowon had also given second apology when he said, “Nigerians and indeed the children who suffered during the war should forgive us” He made this statement in May 2012,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 daily trust, “Gowon, who spoke to newsmen in Minna after a courtesy call on Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu, also dismissed allegations that the Federal Government under him maltreated the Igbos, saying that those who accused him of crime against the Igbos were talking out of ignorance. Perhaps, Gowon is hoping to rewrite history. The facts of his atrocities against Igbos are overwhelming and it is public knowledge/record. Just to ask Gowon, who/whose government imposed economic blockade against Igbos, that led to the death of over 2 million Igbos (mostly women and children). Awo, who acted like Gowon’s deputy then, accepted responsibility of both economic and food blockade in one of his interviews, carried by Punch Newspapers, Awo said, “So I decided to stop sending the food there. In the process the civilians would suffer, but the soldiers will suffer most”. Another statement credited to Awo, as captured by Chinua Achebe in his book, “All is fair in war, and starvation is one of the weapons of war. I don’t see why we should feed our enemies fat in order for them to fight harder” (Chinua Achebe, There Was a Country, Page 233). Gowon and his cabinet, clearly, knew they violated Geneva Convention on war, part of which prohibits starvation, economic and medical blockades, yet Gowon etc did it to Igbos. This is simply a war crime and a crime against humanity. Then came, the £20 policy and the abandoned properties, which Gowon himself spearheaded and supervised. Shortly after implementing these policies, Gowon was announcing to the world, that the problem with Nigeria, was how to spend her money. Therefore, one can conclude that, it was the money, properties he seized from the Igbos, that made him to make such statements. He followed it up with the indigenization decree, whereby the federal government sold share of foreign companies to Nigerians, knowing that they Igbos, wouldn’t have the money to participate. This is a clear case of genocide committed after the war. Genocide can also be committed during peace time. This is United Nations definition of 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” Gowon also said, “In fact, if there was no secession by the South Eastern part of the country, there would have been no civil war because right from the beginning of the crises the war would have been averted if not for the secession. It was something I believed we could have stopped” Could Nigerians ask Gowon, why he and his government failed to stop the pogrom/massacre/genocide before the war, in the Northern Nigeria that killed over 30,000 Igbos. It’s on record that his government, rather collaborated in killing the Igbos then. Secondly, could Nigerians also ask Gowon, why he failed to honour the Aburi Accord, reached at Aburi, Ghana. Gowon, also made the following statement then, “suffice it to say that putting all considerations to the test, political, economic as well as social, the basis for unity is not there” Nigerians should also not forget the fact, that this same person (Gowon), masterminded the killing of one time Nigerian Head of State, Gen, Murtala Mohammed, thru a failed coup, he organized with Dimka etc. Since the death of our Great leader, Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Gowon, has been making so many statements, apparently trying to twist facts. One continues to wonder, why Gowon didn’t make these statements when Ikemba was with us. Most of the statements Gowon has been making, are self contradictory. What then, is the essence of his prayer ministry (Nigeria Prays). However, history will judge every one according to his/her deeds. May be he knows, history will not be kind with him. C.V.Akuta UK. Note: Please, click on this web link and sign the petition, requesting the United Nations to apologize to Igbos. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/united-nations-must-apologize-to-igbo-people-of/

There Was A Genocide Against Igbos;Wole Soyinka.

“Writing in certain environments carries with it an occupational risk. When I was imprisoned, without trial, it was as a result of a position I took as a citizen. Of course I used my weapon, which was writing, to express my disapproval of the [Biafran] civil war into which we were about to enter. These were people who’d been abused, who’d undergone genocide, and who felt completely rejected by the rest of the community, and therefore decided to break away and form a nation of its own”. Wole Soyinka,Mexico,Oct,2012. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/hay-festival/9600954/Wole-Soyinka-If-religion-was-taken-away-Id-be-happy.html Note: Please, click on this web link below and sign the epetition, requesting the United Nations to apologize to Igbos. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/united-nations-must-apologize-to-igbo-people-of/ Thanks Chinedu Vincent Akuta Leicester, UK.

Biafra: Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka.

The question begging for answers are, why are people, criticizing Chinua Achebe for speaking the simple truth in his latest book (There Was A Country).Well people are entitled to their opinion/views. For me, Chinua Achebe simply reinstated the obvious truth about the genocide committed against the Igbos, before, during and after the war. Some have gone as far as calling him all sorts of name, etc. Greater majority of this name calling and criticisms are coming from my Yoruba brothers etc, simply because Chinua Achebe blamed Awolowo in his book for most of the pains and problems that the Igbos went thru. The same critics of Chinua Achebe have forgotten that our own Kongi, Wole Soyinka was jailed by the Gowon government (which Awololo was the part of), for crossing over to Biafran side during the war and for speaking out against the atrocities, committed against the Igbos. Hope people could still find Wole Soyinka’s book about the civil war and also read it. Glad also that Soyinka physically went to Enugu to pay his last tribute to our leader, Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. Perhaps, Gowon should come out and tell the world his role in the genocide against the Igbos. Since he is leading a prayer/praying group, this would be a better opportunity for him to lay the matter to rest, that is, if he is serious with this praying project. It’s never too late, after all, Chinua Achebe just released his Biafran war memoirs. C.V.Akuta UK. Note: Please, click on this web link and sign the petition, requesting the United Nations to apologize to Igbos. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/united-nations-must-apologize-to-igbo-people-of/