The ideal situation would be free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria. Presently, except there is a miracle and the National Assembly passes the Justice Uwais recommendation on electoral reforms, there will still be rigging (I want to be proven wrong). Assuming the National Assembly passes this bill, it still needs to be tasted with an election so as ascertain its efficacy or determine if its fowl proof or not. For me and my group, Option A4 remains the best electoral system, because it has been tasted and trusted. The present electoral system gives enough room for electoral fraud and manipulations, which in turn produces long and painful post electoral litigations. (I did a detailed article on post electoral litigations published on my web blog; briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com and other national and international media).
Am sure that as 2011 general election approaches, many corrupt politicians will be strategizing on how to rig elections. Patriotic Nigerians should also be thinking of how to counter electoral fraud or at best how to provide evidences to the law courts that will count against fraudulent electoral victories. Both the ruling party and the opposition parties might find my advice very useful. I will suggest that Nigerians buy digital cameras and mobile phones with camera as part of our preparation for the 2011 general election. The whole idea will be for people to record every event that happens around each pooling booth, more especially to record on tape the actual number of voters that will turn up for voting. This method will automatically contradict any manipulation of numbers at the collection centers or when the authorities decide to announce something different.
Video records of elections should then be posted to all media houses, and those with internet access should upload to YouTube or other internet websites so that it will be transmitted worldwide instantly. Video evidences can change situations and force accountability. The video recording of where the leader of Boko Haram (Yussuf) was captured alive and his subsequent death in police custody has forced the Nigerian President (Musa Yar’Adua) to order immediate probe. The video recordings of Yussuf’s interrogation by the Nigerian law enforcement agents are already on the YouTube. As a matter of fact, the African Independent Television (AIT) showed clips of the YouTube video of Yussuf on Friday 7th August 2009 during their politics and current affairs programme (Focus Nigeria).
In the West Bank, B’tslem (an award winning human rights organization) distributed about one hundred video cameras to its activists to secretly record Israeli shooting of innocent Palestinians. The video evidences compelled the Israeli Defence Force to order investigations and offer explanations. In the United Kingdom, a New York investment banker recorded a violent police action against a newspaper seller (Ian Tomlinson) just before he died during the G20 protest in London on April 1 2009. Scotland Yard (UK police in charge of policing the G20 summit are under serious investigation as a result of the video footage).
Citing the importance of video evidences, the British government installed more than five million close circuit televisions (CCTV) all over the country. There are more close circuit televisions (CCTV) in the United Kingdom than any where in the world. In addition speed cameras are every where in the United Kingdom and other western societies. These devices have proven very useful in the fight against crimes in the western societies.
In Iraq, Blackwater employees (staffs of a contracting firm that works for American diplomats in Iraq) who were on vehicle escort duty in central Iraq shot dead about seventy civilians whom they claimed threatened them. A key element that contradicted their claim was a video shot by someone who happened to be there. The video was broadcast to people and it immediately raised questions about the credibility of Blackwater. The video footage became a key factor for the political tide that turned against the Blackwater contractors. Within few months five Blackwater personnel were facing manslaughter charges in the US, and the State Department advisory panel recommended that Blackwater be dropped as a contractor for American diplomats in Iraq.
This equipment (digital camera and mobile phone with camera) can be pocket sized and within reasonable cost, meaning that many people can lay their hands on them. This method can reveal institutional vulnerability. Using the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a case study, video recordings on each pooling station can mar attempts to rig elections or at least provide evidences that could give victory to actual winners. The entire Nigerian public needs to give serious thoughts to this advice.
Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), community groups, labour unions, political parties, students groups etc should teach themselves and others how to record events using this simple technology (digital cameras and mobile phones with camera). This should be in preparation for the coming 2011 general elections. People might take for granted this digital technology, whereas in actual fact, it could do a lot to force accountability on the part of government and most influential people. It will also guarantee information transparency.
Another method to enforce accountability on our rulers will be for Nigerians to increase their surveillance of our rulers. Rulers are public servants; therefore their lives should be a public concern. Nigerians should be free to spy and expose their rulers. In the western societies, spying on leaders are very common. It’s a good mechanism to put leaders on check. In May 2009, spying on British MPs’ led to revelations about their expenses scandal. Over 182 MPs’ from all parties were indicted. British MPs repaid nearly half a million pounds in expenses money claimed since 2003. Many MPs are no longer standing for election due to this scandal. In a related development, Alan Duncan (a member of British House of Commons) was secretly filmed complaining about MPs’ pay and expenses. He apologized to the nation over his behavior.
Nigerians can adopt the measures outlined above in our efforts to build a better nation. The key to succeeding in the above ventures will be when all of us become active participants or support one another to undertake the ideas so expressed. 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, August 15, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Authorities Have Indicted Authorities.
Authorities in Nigeria have started to indict themselves, through their various actions, inactions, statements, evidences, submissions etc. International authorities have also handed their indictments. Truly, this will give Nigerians legitimate reasons to worry about their future. Events in and around Nigeria lends credence to this very fact. The sources of these comments are from top Nigerian government officials and internationally from credible sources. It’s actually an issue for concerns especially were the security and welfare of Nigerians are concerned. Let’s remember that the primary responsibility of any government any where in the world is welfare and security of its citizens. It becomes absurd and an abnormality when governments’ action(s) or inaction compromises the security of its citizens.
Starting with the Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Afakriya Gadazama, he has warned that the 2011 elections will be bloody. He also indicated that the way the government ignores security reports will worsen the deplorable insecurity situation in the country. He revealed that information about numerous crises (Jos crisis, Boko Haram, kidnappings in Niger Delta, armed robberies in South East etc) was passed to the appropriate quarters. However, actions were never taken to prevent these crises. According to him, the high level of insecurity in the country is fallout of the political system which disconnected people from government and our porous borders.
According to Guardian newspapers of Saturday August 8th 2009 (online version), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern States and Abuja, has blamed the federal government and state governments in the Northern region (especially Borno State) for the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis. In the western societies these revelations by the Director General of SSS and allegations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), are enough for the authorities involved to resign or publicly apologize to the nation. Same can happen in Nigeria.
On the question of porous borders, the Guardian newspapers (online version) of July 17th 2009 captured the candid revelations from the Customs. According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “smuggling had become difficult to check because of the involvement of privileged citizens and poor facilities for the operations by its personnel”.
The Inspector General of Police (Ogbonnaya Onovo) on his part said the Nigerian Police have problems of inadequate vehicles, shortage of personnel and outdated equipment to work with. A quick reminder here to Ogbonnaya Onovo that the former IGP (Balogun), embezzled a reasonable amount of police fund, which would have gone a long way in providing these amenities. Balogun’s successor as IGP (Sunday Ehidero) was also involved with attempts to steal large sums of money from police headquarters. All these information are in public domain.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has said the Freedom of Information bill currently being delayed by the National Assembly will boost the fight against corruption and other forms of economic crimes. Many Nigerians have complained about the deliberate delay in passing this bill. I wrote an open letter to our law makers published on my blog, (briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com) and other media outlets both nationally and internationally. The actions of our law makers (failure to pass the freedom of information bill) might become a stumbling block to EFCC’s fight against corruption. However the comment by Farida is an indictment on our law makers. Even Mallam Nasir el-Rufai (former Federal Capital Territory Minister) accused the federal government of insincerity in the fight against corruption.
The United Nations gave their own indictment on the state of Nigeria corruption last year (2008). According to the United Nations (UN), “Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime” (Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). Last year (2008) the National Assembly indicted the power ministry when it revelled that $16 billion dollars was invested in power sector without anything to show for it. This investment was made without any single megawatt being added to the national grid.
Quoting the Guardian newspapers (online version) of Monday August 3rd 2009, the United Nations Children Education’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that almost one million children in the country still die from preventable and curable diseases. The UNICEF spokesperson (Ann Veneman) noted that more Nigerian children die from preventable diseases than any other country in Africa. Nigeria is also a country where the president and top government officials seek medical attention abroad. Thisday newspapers of Tuesday 14th April 2009 (online version), reported that the president (Umaru Musa Yar’Adua) approved foreign medical treatment for ex-governor Turaki of Jigawa State and a serving senator to be flown to Germany. Senator Turaki was involved in a road accident where he was injured. This is an evidence of total neglect of the federal and state ministries of health.
According to Thisday newspapers of Monday 8th December 2008 (online version), President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said, “I want to assure all Nigerians that the federal government is fully resolved and committed to the electoral reform programme so that we can have peaceful and transparent elections in this country”. Several indictments came the way of the presidential promise on electoral reforms. Firstly was the attempt by the president himself to doctor the Justice Uwais recommendations. Secondly the way federal government conducted the Ekiti re-run election. Thirdly many notable Nigerians (Former Nigerian Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar etc) have all accused the president of not being serious with the electoral reforms. Lastly ex President Obasanjo said one time that he was not aware of any electoral reform being undertaken by the Yar’Adua government. Obasanjo’s comment was reported by Thisday newspapers of Saturday 2nd May 2009 (online version).
President Yar’Adua has ordered a probe of the killing of the leader of Boko Haram (Yussuf) while under police custody. Meanwhile the president gave orders to both the military and the police for this group to be destroyed. Yussuf was the head of this group, so the group was destroyed as ordered by the president. Finally the president indicted himself as the chief security officer of the country when he embarked on a two day state visit to Brazil when his country was on fire due to the Boko Haram crisis. In July 2009, the Chinese President (Hu Jintao) left the G8 Summit in Rome Italy back to China, the moment riots broke out in Northwest part of China.
It is high time our rulers start to take responsibilities, praises and punishments for their actions and inactions. Nigerians need to demand this from our rulers. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Starting with the Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Afakriya Gadazama, he has warned that the 2011 elections will be bloody. He also indicated that the way the government ignores security reports will worsen the deplorable insecurity situation in the country. He revealed that information about numerous crises (Jos crisis, Boko Haram, kidnappings in Niger Delta, armed robberies in South East etc) was passed to the appropriate quarters. However, actions were never taken to prevent these crises. According to him, the high level of insecurity in the country is fallout of the political system which disconnected people from government and our porous borders.
According to Guardian newspapers of Saturday August 8th 2009 (online version), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern States and Abuja, has blamed the federal government and state governments in the Northern region (especially Borno State) for the outbreak of the Boko Haram crisis. In the western societies these revelations by the Director General of SSS and allegations by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), are enough for the authorities involved to resign or publicly apologize to the nation. Same can happen in Nigeria.
On the question of porous borders, the Guardian newspapers (online version) of July 17th 2009 captured the candid revelations from the Customs. According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “smuggling had become difficult to check because of the involvement of privileged citizens and poor facilities for the operations by its personnel”.
The Inspector General of Police (Ogbonnaya Onovo) on his part said the Nigerian Police have problems of inadequate vehicles, shortage of personnel and outdated equipment to work with. A quick reminder here to Ogbonnaya Onovo that the former IGP (Balogun), embezzled a reasonable amount of police fund, which would have gone a long way in providing these amenities. Balogun’s successor as IGP (Sunday Ehidero) was also involved with attempts to steal large sums of money from police headquarters. All these information are in public domain.
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has said the Freedom of Information bill currently being delayed by the National Assembly will boost the fight against corruption and other forms of economic crimes. Many Nigerians have complained about the deliberate delay in passing this bill. I wrote an open letter to our law makers published on my blog, (briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com) and other media outlets both nationally and internationally. The actions of our law makers (failure to pass the freedom of information bill) might become a stumbling block to EFCC’s fight against corruption. However the comment by Farida is an indictment on our law makers. Even Mallam Nasir el-Rufai (former Federal Capital Territory Minister) accused the federal government of insincerity in the fight against corruption.
The United Nations gave their own indictment on the state of Nigeria corruption last year (2008). According to the United Nations (UN), “Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime” (Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). Last year (2008) the National Assembly indicted the power ministry when it revelled that $16 billion dollars was invested in power sector without anything to show for it. This investment was made without any single megawatt being added to the national grid.
Quoting the Guardian newspapers (online version) of Monday August 3rd 2009, the United Nations Children Education’s Fund (UNICEF) disclosed that almost one million children in the country still die from preventable and curable diseases. The UNICEF spokesperson (Ann Veneman) noted that more Nigerian children die from preventable diseases than any other country in Africa. Nigeria is also a country where the president and top government officials seek medical attention abroad. Thisday newspapers of Tuesday 14th April 2009 (online version), reported that the president (Umaru Musa Yar’Adua) approved foreign medical treatment for ex-governor Turaki of Jigawa State and a serving senator to be flown to Germany. Senator Turaki was involved in a road accident where he was injured. This is an evidence of total neglect of the federal and state ministries of health.
According to Thisday newspapers of Monday 8th December 2008 (online version), President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said, “I want to assure all Nigerians that the federal government is fully resolved and committed to the electoral reform programme so that we can have peaceful and transparent elections in this country”. Several indictments came the way of the presidential promise on electoral reforms. Firstly was the attempt by the president himself to doctor the Justice Uwais recommendations. Secondly the way federal government conducted the Ekiti re-run election. Thirdly many notable Nigerians (Former Nigerian Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar etc) have all accused the president of not being serious with the electoral reforms. Lastly ex President Obasanjo said one time that he was not aware of any electoral reform being undertaken by the Yar’Adua government. Obasanjo’s comment was reported by Thisday newspapers of Saturday 2nd May 2009 (online version).
President Yar’Adua has ordered a probe of the killing of the leader of Boko Haram (Yussuf) while under police custody. Meanwhile the president gave orders to both the military and the police for this group to be destroyed. Yussuf was the head of this group, so the group was destroyed as ordered by the president. Finally the president indicted himself as the chief security officer of the country when he embarked on a two day state visit to Brazil when his country was on fire due to the Boko Haram crisis. In July 2009, the Chinese President (Hu Jintao) left the G8 Summit in Rome Italy back to China, the moment riots broke out in Northwest part of China.
It is high time our rulers start to take responsibilities, praises and punishments for their actions and inactions. Nigerians need to demand this from our rulers. 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, August 2, 2009
Ignorance Is A Disease.
Less than a year ago, I found myself writing about a crisis in Northern Nigeria (Jos Crisis), this time around its about the Bauchi religious crisis (Boko Haram Crisis). While am not trying to be a prophet of doom, I know that I might find myself again writing about another Northern Nigerian crisis after this, but I pray it never happen. Firstly my sympathies go to all the innocent Nigerians who were displaced, or who lost people or properties due to this crisis. Secondly I wish to condemn the group (Boko Haram or education is sin) that started this crisis. Religion should be peaceful and by choice. No group should seek to impose its religious beliefs on the rest of the country. Religion should not be a vehicle for violence. Islam is a peaceful religion.
Religious crisis has become a regular occurrence in the Northern part of Nigeria. Crisis of this nature usually spread to other Northern states and might have a spill over effect to some southern states. We have seen some reprisal attacks before in some south eastern and south western states. Be that as it may, the spread of this crisis to other Northern states did reveal the strength and network of this group. However, since religious crisis has become a common feature in the Northern Nigeria, the question is where next and how many innocent Nigerians will die?
These menaces (religious crises) have become a very big embarrassment to Nigeria and her citizens. In November 2002, riots from some Moslem youths that were opposed to Miss World contest in Abuja led to its cancellation and subsequent relocation of the show to London. About 100 people lost their lives in that incident. Ironically, a lady from Turkey (a Moslem country) won the contest in London. All these religious disturbances run contrary to all “efforts” of the federal government to boost tourism. The talk of attracting foreign investors in the face of regular religious mayhem might be a total waste of energy and resources.
Local investors are even tired of the instabilities in the Northern Nigeria. I know a number of Ibo business people that have relocated completely to the Owerri, Onitsha, Aba, Lagos etc due to these riots. Many have completely lost their means of livelihood. Remember a single religious crisis will have a negative multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy. Some people might become armed robbers when their means of livelihoods are destroyed. Many innocent non Moslems pay costly prices for these religious crises. My simple advice is that people should relocate their businesses outside these volatile northern states. That is the only way to guarantee safety. Prevention is better than cure.
But why are there always a religious crisis in the north and what are the measures to minimize it or stop it. Anger, poverty, ignorance, hatred, frustration, tribalism, politics etc are among the reasons, and without doubts some people benefits from such incidents. The whole incidents speak more of the failure of the system. According to the Director General of the State Security Service (Afakriya Gadazama), information before this crisis started and others were passed to the appropriate quarters. If what the SSS boss said was the truth, why did the appropriate quarters not prevent this from starting?
If no solution is found to these problems then the country will be seriously at risk. Past experiences have shown that Christians and non Moslems can easily become targets, and when Christians are attacked they usually fight back which makes the matter worst. The Zango-Kataf crisis of 1987 and Kaduna religious crisis of 1992 are typical examples. It shows that no tribe or group(s) has monopoly of violence and violence begets violence. Religious crisis can destroy a nation. Another example is Lebanon where fighting between Christians and Moslems devastated the country.
Ironically one of the reasons (say no to western education) why this group (Boko Haram) rioted and fought can also be one of the reasons, which could bring solutions to Northern Nigerian religious crises. Exposure to western education will obviously reduce this problem. Education is light. An educated people will make a better society. High level illiteracy rate makes it possible for people to be used for religious killings. Ignorance is a very serious damaging factor. Ignorance is like a disease. Until this disease is cured and our government becomes effective, Boko Haram crisis will be a child’s play compared to what will happen in the future. Illiteracy constitutes a danger to the development of our country.
Lessons have not been learnt from previous religious riots in Northern Nigeria. This is typical of our leadership problems. By now, our leaders should have known that those street boys and girls who are willing tools for these types of crises should have been educated or trained to engage in productive ventures. Had our been leaders been serious and visionary since over 30 years the religious crises have been repeating itself, efforts would have been made to educate the less privileged Nigerians. Knowledge is power. Mass education (western education) is needed. On the other hand, one will wonder why there has not been highest level of enlightenment in the north, despite the quota system which was meant to bridge the gap between the “educationally advantaged south” and “educationally disadvantaged north”.
Following incessant religious crises, I want to use this medium to appeal to the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other federal government establishments to reconsider posting non Moslems and non northerners to the north. Sending Christians and non natives to the north might mean their death warrants. This is because no person knows where and when the next riot will start. It does not give any notice and government has never paid any compensation to people that died through religious crises. There is no need to risk peoples life.
In the same manner, companies, banks, financial institutions, international and national NGO’s should consider posting only northerners to northern states. No person would like to die or no one would like to loose a family member or a loved one to religious crisis. To Ibo merchants and traders, you people have paid the heaviest price each time there is a crisis. The choice is yours to either continue to pay the costly price or relocate your business and family to a safer part of the country.
The Nigerian Police Force, the State Security Services (SSS), and other law enforcement agencies should ask for more powers that will enable them prevent future crisis. Where necessary, the State Security Services (SSS) could follow the examples of the FBI in America and MI5 in the UK that do preemptive arrests and prosecution of suspected terrorists. The Nigerian government should grant the law enforcements agents’ adequate powers to prevent such incidents in the future. Nigerians also owe the security services a duty to report suspicious groups or people to them. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Religious crisis has become a regular occurrence in the Northern part of Nigeria. Crisis of this nature usually spread to other Northern states and might have a spill over effect to some southern states. We have seen some reprisal attacks before in some south eastern and south western states. Be that as it may, the spread of this crisis to other Northern states did reveal the strength and network of this group. However, since religious crisis has become a common feature in the Northern Nigeria, the question is where next and how many innocent Nigerians will die?
These menaces (religious crises) have become a very big embarrassment to Nigeria and her citizens. In November 2002, riots from some Moslem youths that were opposed to Miss World contest in Abuja led to its cancellation and subsequent relocation of the show to London. About 100 people lost their lives in that incident. Ironically, a lady from Turkey (a Moslem country) won the contest in London. All these religious disturbances run contrary to all “efforts” of the federal government to boost tourism. The talk of attracting foreign investors in the face of regular religious mayhem might be a total waste of energy and resources.
Local investors are even tired of the instabilities in the Northern Nigeria. I know a number of Ibo business people that have relocated completely to the Owerri, Onitsha, Aba, Lagos etc due to these riots. Many have completely lost their means of livelihood. Remember a single religious crisis will have a negative multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy. Some people might become armed robbers when their means of livelihoods are destroyed. Many innocent non Moslems pay costly prices for these religious crises. My simple advice is that people should relocate their businesses outside these volatile northern states. That is the only way to guarantee safety. Prevention is better than cure.
But why are there always a religious crisis in the north and what are the measures to minimize it or stop it. Anger, poverty, ignorance, hatred, frustration, tribalism, politics etc are among the reasons, and without doubts some people benefits from such incidents. The whole incidents speak more of the failure of the system. According to the Director General of the State Security Service (Afakriya Gadazama), information before this crisis started and others were passed to the appropriate quarters. If what the SSS boss said was the truth, why did the appropriate quarters not prevent this from starting?
If no solution is found to these problems then the country will be seriously at risk. Past experiences have shown that Christians and non Moslems can easily become targets, and when Christians are attacked they usually fight back which makes the matter worst. The Zango-Kataf crisis of 1987 and Kaduna religious crisis of 1992 are typical examples. It shows that no tribe or group(s) has monopoly of violence and violence begets violence. Religious crisis can destroy a nation. Another example is Lebanon where fighting between Christians and Moslems devastated the country.
Ironically one of the reasons (say no to western education) why this group (Boko Haram) rioted and fought can also be one of the reasons, which could bring solutions to Northern Nigerian religious crises. Exposure to western education will obviously reduce this problem. Education is light. An educated people will make a better society. High level illiteracy rate makes it possible for people to be used for religious killings. Ignorance is a very serious damaging factor. Ignorance is like a disease. Until this disease is cured and our government becomes effective, Boko Haram crisis will be a child’s play compared to what will happen in the future. Illiteracy constitutes a danger to the development of our country.
Lessons have not been learnt from previous religious riots in Northern Nigeria. This is typical of our leadership problems. By now, our leaders should have known that those street boys and girls who are willing tools for these types of crises should have been educated or trained to engage in productive ventures. Had our been leaders been serious and visionary since over 30 years the religious crises have been repeating itself, efforts would have been made to educate the less privileged Nigerians. Knowledge is power. Mass education (western education) is needed. On the other hand, one will wonder why there has not been highest level of enlightenment in the north, despite the quota system which was meant to bridge the gap between the “educationally advantaged south” and “educationally disadvantaged north”.
Following incessant religious crises, I want to use this medium to appeal to the authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other federal government establishments to reconsider posting non Moslems and non northerners to the north. Sending Christians and non natives to the north might mean their death warrants. This is because no person knows where and when the next riot will start. It does not give any notice and government has never paid any compensation to people that died through religious crises. There is no need to risk peoples life.
In the same manner, companies, banks, financial institutions, international and national NGO’s should consider posting only northerners to northern states. No person would like to die or no one would like to loose a family member or a loved one to religious crisis. To Ibo merchants and traders, you people have paid the heaviest price each time there is a crisis. The choice is yours to either continue to pay the costly price or relocate your business and family to a safer part of the country.
The Nigerian Police Force, the State Security Services (SSS), and other law enforcement agencies should ask for more powers that will enable them prevent future crisis. Where necessary, the State Security Services (SSS) could follow the examples of the FBI in America and MI5 in the UK that do preemptive arrests and prosecution of suspected terrorists. The Nigerian government should grant the law enforcements agents’ adequate powers to prevent such incidents in the future. Nigerians also owe the security services a duty to report suspicious groups or people to them. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Patriotism and Patriotism only.
Let us start with economic patriotism. On Friday the 17th July 2009 the Guardian newspapers online version reported about the N500 billion naira stimulus packages for the industrial sector. This stimulus package is known as comprehensive industrial revival fund to help solve the problems faced by the real sector of the nation’s economy. It’s a good idea, just that the federal government should prevent corrupt practices from hindering this noble objective. Corruption remains the only obstacle to effective implementation of all government projects.
The Federal government should insert a clause in this stimulus packages mandating all government agencies and ministries to buy made in Nigeria goods. The United States of America inserted a “buy American” clause in the $787 billion stimulus package. Beijing inserted its clause “buy Chinese” on its own $586 billion stimulus package. Though it might look like protectionism but an economy like ours needs to protect certain sectors of their economy. Am aware that the government is almost the biggest spender in the country. Spending these huge sums strictly on made in Nigerian goods can stimulate growth and create employment opportunities. It could as well prevent capital flight and will also have a multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.
If government can successful achieve this task of strictly buying made in Nigeria, then efforts should be geared towards encouraging the entire population to buy made in Nigeria. I watched former president Jerry Rawlings of Ghana on an interview when he said that his constant wearing of Ghana made cloths increased the sales of those materials. Former president Obasanjo wore a lot of Nigerian designed cloths during his eight year tenure as a civilian president. The federal government can use policy instruments to encourage made in Nigeria. Higher tariffs are suggested to discourage importation of goods that could be sourced at home. Outright ban on such commodities might be a preferred step.
The Nigerian Customs and Excise has a big role to play in policing our boarders if the above objectives are to be achieved. Smuggling will run counter to the above idea. I was taken aback when the Guardian newspapers (online version) of July 17th 2009 reported what the Nigerian Customs said about smuggling. According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “smuggling had become difficult to check because of the involvement of privileged citizens and poor facilities for the operations by its personnel”. This is like the Police force telling us that they can no longer enforce the laws or that they can only enforce the laws partially. This revelation is a disaster for the country. If the Customs cannot police our boarders, then our lives and properties are no longer safe. No wonder there small arms all over the country.
There is a positive correlation between what the Customs said and the high rate of crimes in the country. On the same newspaper, the Director General of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) Dr John Akanya said that his life was being threatened by people opposed to his efforts to combat the importation of fake products to the country. Not long ago, over 80 Nigerian children died after being given a contaminated teeth medicine. NAFDAC under Dora Akinyuli fought a serious battle to clear the country of fake drugs etc. These and many more have made Nigerians an endangered species. Little wonder Nigeria is classified as a failed state.
Cultural patriotism is an area which can benefit Nigeria. But the question is, are we good ambassadors of our culture? The answer is both yes and no. We can export our individual, state and regional cultures to boost tourism. Tourism is a lucrative business all over the world. Tourism is estimated to be the world’s largest industry with revenues of over $500 billion dollars. It remains under developed in Nigeria. Employment opportunities can be created in this sector of our economy. Positive promotion of Nigerian cultures can yield revenues.
Our films (Nollywood) have actually taken Nigeria to a level unimaginable to us. It’s ranked the third largest film industry in the world. At a point in time, Zimbabwean government owned television was showing more of Nigerian firms. In the United Kingdom, many channels on the sky digital show Nigerian programs. Our home videos might be more popular outside the country than in Nigeria. Other Africans enjoy Nigerian films so much. Let us always watch and patronized our films industry etc. lets watch more Nigerian programs on the television. After all charity begins at home.
We can also record and export various cultural dances of our people. There are a lot of art and cultural festivals going on around the world that Nigerians can participate in. A positive image of our country will be in the national interest. Nigerians will be amazed to discover how far we could convert our rich cultural heritages into a money making ventures. Locally we can promote our cultures amongst Nigerians, this way we will get to understand our individual differences. Am not sure we know each tribes culture too well. We can build our nation by understanding our differences (cultures, traditions, religion etc) bias and stereotypes will be removed if we understand each other.
Sports patriotism remains one of the unifying forces in Nigeria. Nigerians exhibit a strong sense of unity each time there is a sports tournament or competition. The greatest of them all is whenever Nigeria is playing an international football match. Nigeria is a football nation. Nigerians love football. At such times everyone forgets whether he is Ibo, Efik, Ibibio, Yoruba, and Hausa etc. All that will matter is for Nigeria to win. All support goes to the motherland. Such unity in sports can be extended to other sphere of Nigerian life. May be we can use such avenues to heal some of the nations wounds. FIFA uses international football matches to campaign against racism. These days FIFA will beam to people their campaign message which is “Say No To Racism”. Nigerian authorities can use those moments to work towards uniting the country.
In addition to the existing sporting competitions in Nigeria, more needs to be organized. More sporting tournaments need to be introduced since it might have the tendency to unite us. Rugby, Horse racing, car racing, biking, surfing, sailing, baseball, hockey, darts, etc can be introduced. Nigerians might produce world champions if well exposed to these sports. The government might not be able do this. Therefore the private sector and corporate bodies in Nigeria could take up this challenge. Our patriotic acts will advance the course of our nation building. 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/
The Federal government should insert a clause in this stimulus packages mandating all government agencies and ministries to buy made in Nigeria goods. The United States of America inserted a “buy American” clause in the $787 billion stimulus package. Beijing inserted its clause “buy Chinese” on its own $586 billion stimulus package. Though it might look like protectionism but an economy like ours needs to protect certain sectors of their economy. Am aware that the government is almost the biggest spender in the country. Spending these huge sums strictly on made in Nigerian goods can stimulate growth and create employment opportunities. It could as well prevent capital flight and will also have a multiplier effects on other sectors of the economy.
If government can successful achieve this task of strictly buying made in Nigeria, then efforts should be geared towards encouraging the entire population to buy made in Nigeria. I watched former president Jerry Rawlings of Ghana on an interview when he said that his constant wearing of Ghana made cloths increased the sales of those materials. Former president Obasanjo wore a lot of Nigerian designed cloths during his eight year tenure as a civilian president. The federal government can use policy instruments to encourage made in Nigeria. Higher tariffs are suggested to discourage importation of goods that could be sourced at home. Outright ban on such commodities might be a preferred step.
The Nigerian Customs and Excise has a big role to play in policing our boarders if the above objectives are to be achieved. Smuggling will run counter to the above idea. I was taken aback when the Guardian newspapers (online version) of July 17th 2009 reported what the Nigerian Customs said about smuggling. According to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) “smuggling had become difficult to check because of the involvement of privileged citizens and poor facilities for the operations by its personnel”. This is like the Police force telling us that they can no longer enforce the laws or that they can only enforce the laws partially. This revelation is a disaster for the country. If the Customs cannot police our boarders, then our lives and properties are no longer safe. No wonder there small arms all over the country.
There is a positive correlation between what the Customs said and the high rate of crimes in the country. On the same newspaper, the Director General of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) Dr John Akanya said that his life was being threatened by people opposed to his efforts to combat the importation of fake products to the country. Not long ago, over 80 Nigerian children died after being given a contaminated teeth medicine. NAFDAC under Dora Akinyuli fought a serious battle to clear the country of fake drugs etc. These and many more have made Nigerians an endangered species. Little wonder Nigeria is classified as a failed state.
Cultural patriotism is an area which can benefit Nigeria. But the question is, are we good ambassadors of our culture? The answer is both yes and no. We can export our individual, state and regional cultures to boost tourism. Tourism is a lucrative business all over the world. Tourism is estimated to be the world’s largest industry with revenues of over $500 billion dollars. It remains under developed in Nigeria. Employment opportunities can be created in this sector of our economy. Positive promotion of Nigerian cultures can yield revenues.
Our films (Nollywood) have actually taken Nigeria to a level unimaginable to us. It’s ranked the third largest film industry in the world. At a point in time, Zimbabwean government owned television was showing more of Nigerian firms. In the United Kingdom, many channels on the sky digital show Nigerian programs. Our home videos might be more popular outside the country than in Nigeria. Other Africans enjoy Nigerian films so much. Let us always watch and patronized our films industry etc. lets watch more Nigerian programs on the television. After all charity begins at home.
We can also record and export various cultural dances of our people. There are a lot of art and cultural festivals going on around the world that Nigerians can participate in. A positive image of our country will be in the national interest. Nigerians will be amazed to discover how far we could convert our rich cultural heritages into a money making ventures. Locally we can promote our cultures amongst Nigerians, this way we will get to understand our individual differences. Am not sure we know each tribes culture too well. We can build our nation by understanding our differences (cultures, traditions, religion etc) bias and stereotypes will be removed if we understand each other.
Sports patriotism remains one of the unifying forces in Nigeria. Nigerians exhibit a strong sense of unity each time there is a sports tournament or competition. The greatest of them all is whenever Nigeria is playing an international football match. Nigeria is a football nation. Nigerians love football. At such times everyone forgets whether he is Ibo, Efik, Ibibio, Yoruba, and Hausa etc. All that will matter is for Nigeria to win. All support goes to the motherland. Such unity in sports can be extended to other sphere of Nigerian life. May be we can use such avenues to heal some of the nations wounds. FIFA uses international football matches to campaign against racism. These days FIFA will beam to people their campaign message which is “Say No To Racism”. Nigerian authorities can use those moments to work towards uniting the country.
In addition to the existing sporting competitions in Nigeria, more needs to be organized. More sporting tournaments need to be introduced since it might have the tendency to unite us. Rugby, Horse racing, car racing, biking, surfing, sailing, baseball, hockey, darts, etc can be introduced. Nigerians might produce world champions if well exposed to these sports. The government might not be able do this. Therefore the private sector and corporate bodies in Nigeria could take up this challenge. Our patriotic acts will advance the course of our nation building. 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, July 19, 2009
The Truth
The truth is the same whether spoken by Barack Obama (US President), Wole Soyinka, Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, Olisa Agbakoba, late Fela, Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi), Bala Usman, late Martin Luther King etc. The truth is also straightforward and progressive. Therefore when nations are prosperous, there are relatively high degrees of honest approaches to governance. Leadership can be smooth using the sincere approach to issues. People like honest societies. In the Nigerian situation, only the truth shall set us free and move us forward as a nation. Nigerians owe the country and our rulers the duty to tell them the truth. This is because truth is like a shining sun which will prevail over darkness. Honesty brings transparency which is a vital instrument in nation building. What Obama spoke in Ghana was simply to re-emphasize the obvious necessity for truth and to energize all the people fighting for change in Nigeria and Africa.
The truth is that the world has changed and will continue to change. Infact change is the only permanent thing in life. Nigerian leaders need to be aware that Nigeria is changing and that the present generation of Nigerians will hold them accountable for whatever they do. No matter the number of years, Nigerians will hold them accountable and where necessary put them behind bars or where they rightly belong. No one can destroy the future of Nigerians and expect to go free. The world is witnessing the trial of 89 year old John Demjanjuk in Germany for an alleged offence (Nazi camp guard) which was committed over 60 years ago. John Demjanjuk was deported in May 2009 from America to Germany where he is standing trial. Therefore when Obama said in Ghana that we have the power to hold our leaders accountable, he meant that Nigerians and African should take justice to the oppressors or bring our corrupt rulers to justice no matter the time it takes (I will not advocate jungle justice). It also means that leaders should be careful knowing what awaits them if they misgovern.
The truth is also that those who make democratic transitions and changes impossible make violent resistance inevitable. In 1992 when an election in Algeria which was won by Islamic Salvation Front was cancelled, it plunged the country into war. By the time the crisis ended, over 150,000 died. Attempt to manipulation elections in Kenya saw the deaths of over 1,000 Kenyans. The instability in Cote d Ivoire is connected with attempts to subvert the people’s will. In Honduras, people are protesting the military take over of government. America is supporting the Honduran people, even though the ousted president is trying to pursue a different political and economic ideology (socialism) from America. As we approach 2011 elections, our “oppressors” either play by the rule or be ready to face the wrath of the Nigerian people.
Nigerians have been pushed to the wall for a long time and no more taking Nigerians for granted. Enough is enough. Nigerians want a good future and this is the time to start claiming that good future. History will be on the part of Nigerians who partake in the course of rebuilding Nigeria. I for one will do my best in this journey of rebuilding Nigeria. Am sure Nigerians will be willing to give their best when there is positive line of direction in this regard. A better Nigeria is in the best interest of all. Hopefully the west will support the struggle for good governance in Nigeria since what happens in Nigeria will have direct and indirect impact all over the world. Quoting part of Obama’s speech in Ghana, “What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance”
Another truth is that our Nigerian leaders are afraid of the people they lead, otherwise there wouldn’t be massive security personnel around them each time they move around. It’s also another reason why they rig elections, because they can’t stand the Nigerian masses. Tell me who among the present rulers will win any election under free and fair elections? Just recently the Senate President was campaigning for automatic ticket for all senators who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The simple reason is that given a level playing field they might not come to the Senate. The deputy Senate President (Ike Ekweremadu) in a separate interview said that the automatic ticket which members of the National Assembly are seeking, is for continued stability of the country. Nigerians know the truth.
It’s also a basic truth that our rulers (past and present) are deaf and partially blind. They also surround themselves with sycophants who tell them what they want to hear. There is a big gap between the people and the government. Our rulers do not feel the pains and misery which they make ordinary Nigerians go through. They usually rent crowd or pay people to come to events to appear as if they are popular. Because they are deaf, they require a great deal of shouting and gesticulation. Because they are partially blind, that’s why the country is being misled. Now is our time to start making changes. Just like Obama said in Ghana that, “Africa’s future is up to Africans”. We the present generations of Nigerians must take our future in our hands.
Our opposition parties in Nigeria have not done very well, though I have to commend their plans to form a mega party to challenge the ruling party. But the truth is that there are still more jobs to do. Political parties need to outline programs they have for states and local governments. They need to mobilize Nigerians and increase electoral awareness. There is nothing wrong in educating people on how to checkmate rigging. After all there were some elections that could not be rigged in Nigeria. Proper voting could turn things around for the masses.
Another vital truth is that Nigerians have not fully realized the powers they have, both as individuals, collectively and as civil groups. Together and with a unity of purpose there is nothing the people of Nigeria cannot change. It’s only that our elites who are part of our problem will always use divide and rule methods on the Nigerian people. Many of our elites are only after there selfish interest while pretending to be serving the interest of the majority. The civil society groups have so much they can do. In Thailand anti government protesters stormed the gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in April 2009. The meeting ended abruptly and the ASEAN leaders fled. In Indonesia, the persistent street protest of students’ partly led to the fall of former president Suharto. In Nigeria, the effects of NADECO were widely felt. In Rumania, peoples protest helped to change the government of Nicolae Ceaucescu. At the height of the cold war in Poland, the trade union activities helped to open up the country.
The knowledge and application of the truth will both benefit the leaders, the people and the country at large. Any thing short of it will still be the continued journey of deceit which is the order of the day in Nigeria. Hoping that all have listened. 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/
The truth is that the world has changed and will continue to change. Infact change is the only permanent thing in life. Nigerian leaders need to be aware that Nigeria is changing and that the present generation of Nigerians will hold them accountable for whatever they do. No matter the number of years, Nigerians will hold them accountable and where necessary put them behind bars or where they rightly belong. No one can destroy the future of Nigerians and expect to go free. The world is witnessing the trial of 89 year old John Demjanjuk in Germany for an alleged offence (Nazi camp guard) which was committed over 60 years ago. John Demjanjuk was deported in May 2009 from America to Germany where he is standing trial. Therefore when Obama said in Ghana that we have the power to hold our leaders accountable, he meant that Nigerians and African should take justice to the oppressors or bring our corrupt rulers to justice no matter the time it takes (I will not advocate jungle justice). It also means that leaders should be careful knowing what awaits them if they misgovern.
The truth is also that those who make democratic transitions and changes impossible make violent resistance inevitable. In 1992 when an election in Algeria which was won by Islamic Salvation Front was cancelled, it plunged the country into war. By the time the crisis ended, over 150,000 died. Attempt to manipulation elections in Kenya saw the deaths of over 1,000 Kenyans. The instability in Cote d Ivoire is connected with attempts to subvert the people’s will. In Honduras, people are protesting the military take over of government. America is supporting the Honduran people, even though the ousted president is trying to pursue a different political and economic ideology (socialism) from America. As we approach 2011 elections, our “oppressors” either play by the rule or be ready to face the wrath of the Nigerian people.
Nigerians have been pushed to the wall for a long time and no more taking Nigerians for granted. Enough is enough. Nigerians want a good future and this is the time to start claiming that good future. History will be on the part of Nigerians who partake in the course of rebuilding Nigeria. I for one will do my best in this journey of rebuilding Nigeria. Am sure Nigerians will be willing to give their best when there is positive line of direction in this regard. A better Nigeria is in the best interest of all. Hopefully the west will support the struggle for good governance in Nigeria since what happens in Nigeria will have direct and indirect impact all over the world. Quoting part of Obama’s speech in Ghana, “What we will do is increase assistance for responsible individuals and institutions, with a focus on supporting good governance”
Another truth is that our Nigerian leaders are afraid of the people they lead, otherwise there wouldn’t be massive security personnel around them each time they move around. It’s also another reason why they rig elections, because they can’t stand the Nigerian masses. Tell me who among the present rulers will win any election under free and fair elections? Just recently the Senate President was campaigning for automatic ticket for all senators who are members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The simple reason is that given a level playing field they might not come to the Senate. The deputy Senate President (Ike Ekweremadu) in a separate interview said that the automatic ticket which members of the National Assembly are seeking, is for continued stability of the country. Nigerians know the truth.
It’s also a basic truth that our rulers (past and present) are deaf and partially blind. They also surround themselves with sycophants who tell them what they want to hear. There is a big gap between the people and the government. Our rulers do not feel the pains and misery which they make ordinary Nigerians go through. They usually rent crowd or pay people to come to events to appear as if they are popular. Because they are deaf, they require a great deal of shouting and gesticulation. Because they are partially blind, that’s why the country is being misled. Now is our time to start making changes. Just like Obama said in Ghana that, “Africa’s future is up to Africans”. We the present generations of Nigerians must take our future in our hands.
Our opposition parties in Nigeria have not done very well, though I have to commend their plans to form a mega party to challenge the ruling party. But the truth is that there are still more jobs to do. Political parties need to outline programs they have for states and local governments. They need to mobilize Nigerians and increase electoral awareness. There is nothing wrong in educating people on how to checkmate rigging. After all there were some elections that could not be rigged in Nigeria. Proper voting could turn things around for the masses.
Another vital truth is that Nigerians have not fully realized the powers they have, both as individuals, collectively and as civil groups. Together and with a unity of purpose there is nothing the people of Nigeria cannot change. It’s only that our elites who are part of our problem will always use divide and rule methods on the Nigerian people. Many of our elites are only after there selfish interest while pretending to be serving the interest of the majority. The civil society groups have so much they can do. In Thailand anti government protesters stormed the gathering of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders in April 2009. The meeting ended abruptly and the ASEAN leaders fled. In Indonesia, the persistent street protest of students’ partly led to the fall of former president Suharto. In Nigeria, the effects of NADECO were widely felt. In Rumania, peoples protest helped to change the government of Nicolae Ceaucescu. At the height of the cold war in Poland, the trade union activities helped to open up the country.
The knowledge and application of the truth will both benefit the leaders, the people and the country at large. Any thing short of it will still be the continued journey of deceit which is the order of the day in Nigeria. Hoping that all have listened. 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, July 12, 2009
G8 Leaders Should Forget Africa.
The G8 or group of 8 world richest nations (America, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Japan and Russia) at their 2005 summit in Gleneagles pledged to increase financial aid to Africa and other poor countries. The G8 leaders in 2005 pledged to raise up to $50 billion dollars in aid by 2010. At the just concluded G8 summit (July 7th to July 10th 2009) which took place in L’Aquila Italy, Gordon Brown (the United Kingdom Prime Minister) and other G8 leaders called on the group to honour the promise they made in 2005 to help Africa and other poor countries. As their summit ended in Italy, the G8 pledged another $20 billion for efforts to boost food supply to the hungry.
Reacting to the above summits as it concerns Africa, I do not think that Africa needs financial aid from the G8 countries. What Africa needs is the reparation of stolen wealth stashed in western banks, economic transparency, true democracy and peace. Therefore the G8 leaders should forget about aid to Africa and work on returning all the stolen wealth to Africa. African leaders have milked the continent dry by looting their treasuries. Many leaders (past and present) are guilty of this offence. These stolen wealth are taken to Europe, America, Asia and Middle East. Using Nigeria as a case study, “The United Nations (UN) says Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime”(the Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). Please note that the Daily Sun mentioned above was published in Nigeria.
The figure quoted above by the United Nations is more than the total amount of aid that the G8 promised the entire African countries and other poor countries. Therefore without corruption, Nigeria would have been an economically powerful nation and thus help other African nations. Most of the Nigerian stolen wealth are scattered all over the Western countries especially the Swiss, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg Banks. The late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha kept most of his stolen wealth in Swiss Bank. He stole over $3 billion dollars. Till date, all the money has not been recovered. Am sure the Swiss Banks are still accepting corrupt money from most corrupt African leaders.
Just recently the Nigerian government traced the Halliburton $150 million dollar bribe money to Zurich. The total amount was $180 million dollars. $30 million dollar is yet to be traced or found. A lot of corrupt Nigerian leaders have used the state money to acquire personal properties in Europe and America. Other corrupt African leaders like, late Mobutu Sese Seku (former president of Democratic Republic of Congo), Charles Taylor (former Liberian President) Ibrahim Babangida (former Nigerian Head of State) etc have most of there stolen wealth all over the world.
The G8 countries have a complete dossier or can easily obtain data on all corrupt money and properties of corrupt African leaders. If the G8 is sincere about giving aid to Africa, they should repatriate this money back to the people whose leaders have made poor and miserable. Bob Geldof has done marvellously well to bring the G8 leaders attention to the plight of poor people of Africa. His project of making poverty history will be more meaningful if he can re-strategize his campaign and ask the G8 leaders to return all the stolen wealth in their countries or else where in world back to Africa.
The World Bank should also consider stopping financial aid to Africa particularly where there is a proven case of corrupt leadership. In a recent World Bank consultation in London (Wednesday, June 17th 2009), I asked about their criteria for disbursing aids and loans to developing countries. Though that the World Bank might want to help the poor, but in most cases the problems they are trying to solve were caused by corrupt leaders. The World Bank should devise a means of working with other international financial institutions, to make it difficult for corrupt African leaders to keep their looted money any where in the world. Reparation of the already stolen wealth should be on the agenda of the World Bank. This is the best way the can help the poor people of Africa.
Africa cannot develop by relying on western aid. Also the Western countries cannot continue giving aid to Africa. The present global economic down turn is a pointer that financial aid from the G8 might not be sustainable. “According to Action Aid, Italy is on course to fall $1.037bn short of its Gleneagles pledge to double financial support to Africa, while France is $1.249bn behind, Germany $497m, the United States $263m, Canada $186m and Japan $138m” (the Independent newspaper, Wednesday, 8TH July 2009, page 2). Please note that the independent newspaper mentioned above is published in the United Kingdom
African leaders should learn to develop their economy with minimal foreign reliance. They should look at a fellow third world country like Cuba. Cuba has survived worst economic blockades from the west for over 40 years. Not withstanding the western economic blockages against Cuba, no third world country has approached or even come closer to the Cuban high standards in health and education. At some point, there were more than 15,000 (fifteen thousand) Cuban medical doctors working in over 25 countries of the third world. This should be a model for other countries to copy and not waiting for financial aid. It’s better to teach and tell Africa to be self reliant than giving aids.
What the G8 should do for Africa is to stop the flow of small arms to the continent. Angola, Congo DRC, Somali, Eritrea etc are examples of the havocs these small arms have done to Africa. The G8 should consider withdrawing recognition of dictators like Omar al-Bashir of Sudan for his complicities in the Darfur crisis. The G8 should also consider tougher sanctions for countries with poor human rights records, for example Burma, Zimbabwe, etc. Any assistance or partnership should be tied down to transparent democratic process.
Finally if for any reason(s) the G8 decides to go ahead with giving financial aid to African countries. Strict conditions have to be met. A country like Liberia should be considered, this is due to their improvement on curtailing corruption. Ghana and Botswana should be considered for being the beacon of democracy in Africa. Nigeria should never be given any assistance or further loans. This is because it ends up in private pockets. Nigeria is sufficiently rich to solve her problems. 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/
Reacting to the above summits as it concerns Africa, I do not think that Africa needs financial aid from the G8 countries. What Africa needs is the reparation of stolen wealth stashed in western banks, economic transparency, true democracy and peace. Therefore the G8 leaders should forget about aid to Africa and work on returning all the stolen wealth to Africa. African leaders have milked the continent dry by looting their treasuries. Many leaders (past and present) are guilty of this offence. These stolen wealth are taken to Europe, America, Asia and Middle East. Using Nigeria as a case study, “The United Nations (UN) says Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime”(the Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). Please note that the Daily Sun mentioned above was published in Nigeria.
The figure quoted above by the United Nations is more than the total amount of aid that the G8 promised the entire African countries and other poor countries. Therefore without corruption, Nigeria would have been an economically powerful nation and thus help other African nations. Most of the Nigerian stolen wealth are scattered all over the Western countries especially the Swiss, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg Banks. The late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha kept most of his stolen wealth in Swiss Bank. He stole over $3 billion dollars. Till date, all the money has not been recovered. Am sure the Swiss Banks are still accepting corrupt money from most corrupt African leaders.
Just recently the Nigerian government traced the Halliburton $150 million dollar bribe money to Zurich. The total amount was $180 million dollars. $30 million dollar is yet to be traced or found. A lot of corrupt Nigerian leaders have used the state money to acquire personal properties in Europe and America. Other corrupt African leaders like, late Mobutu Sese Seku (former president of Democratic Republic of Congo), Charles Taylor (former Liberian President) Ibrahim Babangida (former Nigerian Head of State) etc have most of there stolen wealth all over the world.
The G8 countries have a complete dossier or can easily obtain data on all corrupt money and properties of corrupt African leaders. If the G8 is sincere about giving aid to Africa, they should repatriate this money back to the people whose leaders have made poor and miserable. Bob Geldof has done marvellously well to bring the G8 leaders attention to the plight of poor people of Africa. His project of making poverty history will be more meaningful if he can re-strategize his campaign and ask the G8 leaders to return all the stolen wealth in their countries or else where in world back to Africa.
The World Bank should also consider stopping financial aid to Africa particularly where there is a proven case of corrupt leadership. In a recent World Bank consultation in London (Wednesday, June 17th 2009), I asked about their criteria for disbursing aids and loans to developing countries. Though that the World Bank might want to help the poor, but in most cases the problems they are trying to solve were caused by corrupt leaders. The World Bank should devise a means of working with other international financial institutions, to make it difficult for corrupt African leaders to keep their looted money any where in the world. Reparation of the already stolen wealth should be on the agenda of the World Bank. This is the best way the can help the poor people of Africa.
Africa cannot develop by relying on western aid. Also the Western countries cannot continue giving aid to Africa. The present global economic down turn is a pointer that financial aid from the G8 might not be sustainable. “According to Action Aid, Italy is on course to fall $1.037bn short of its Gleneagles pledge to double financial support to Africa, while France is $1.249bn behind, Germany $497m, the United States $263m, Canada $186m and Japan $138m” (the Independent newspaper, Wednesday, 8TH July 2009, page 2). Please note that the independent newspaper mentioned above is published in the United Kingdom
African leaders should learn to develop their economy with minimal foreign reliance. They should look at a fellow third world country like Cuba. Cuba has survived worst economic blockades from the west for over 40 years. Not withstanding the western economic blockages against Cuba, no third world country has approached or even come closer to the Cuban high standards in health and education. At some point, there were more than 15,000 (fifteen thousand) Cuban medical doctors working in over 25 countries of the third world. This should be a model for other countries to copy and not waiting for financial aid. It’s better to teach and tell Africa to be self reliant than giving aids.
What the G8 should do for Africa is to stop the flow of small arms to the continent. Angola, Congo DRC, Somali, Eritrea etc are examples of the havocs these small arms have done to Africa. The G8 should consider withdrawing recognition of dictators like Omar al-Bashir of Sudan for his complicities in the Darfur crisis. The G8 should also consider tougher sanctions for countries with poor human rights records, for example Burma, Zimbabwe, etc. Any assistance or partnership should be tied down to transparent democratic process.
Finally if for any reason(s) the G8 decides to go ahead with giving financial aid to African countries. Strict conditions have to be met. A country like Liberia should be considered, this is due to their improvement on curtailing corruption. Ghana and Botswana should be considered for being the beacon of democracy in Africa. Nigeria should never be given any assistance or further loans. This is because it ends up in private pockets. Nigeria is sufficiently rich to solve her problems. 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, July 5, 2009
Inconsistent Policies and High Rate of Abandoned Government Projects.
Policy continuation is something that is lacking in Nigeria. Once a new government takes over power, they usually abandon previous governmental policies or programs. This was made worse by past frequent military interventions in our polity. Even the civilians have not done better; they still follow the concepts of policy inconsistency. Very few policies were retained by subsequent administrations (both military and civilians). Examples of these are as follows; the National Youth Corp Scheme (NYSC). This scheme has lasted over 35 years. The federal character principle (inserted in the 1979 constitution) has lasted since 30 years. High level official corruption, which though is not “legal” but has become part of most governments since over 40 years.
Other policies might have also lasted, but the rate of policy inconsistency is too much and it’s not healthy for the nation and Nigerians. Policy inconsistency is also part of the reasons for numerous abandoned government projects. Am also aware that prevailing economic circumstances might entail a change in policy direction, but a careful study of the Nigerian situation shows most of these policy inconsistencies are an avenue for siphoning public funds. Few examples will be examined.
When Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state (1976-1979), he introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). It was meant to boost agricultural productivity. His successor, Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned the (OFN) and started his Green Revolution campaign. When Buhari came to power he abandoned both schemes started by his predecessors. When Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came, he introduced the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance (MAMSER) which also aimed to increase agricultural productivity. IBB also introduced Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). Part of Structural Adjustment Program policies entailed the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing the marketing boards and the elimination of price controls. IBB relaxed most of the restriction on foreign investment put in place by his predecessors.
Buhari suspend all democratic activities, cancelled all the 6 second republic political parties and scraped the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). IBB legalized the formation of political parties in 1989. In 1992 he established the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He later decreed two political parties into existence. The parties were Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Abacha dissolved all democratic structures left behind by IBB. He banned political gatherings, annulled the parties (SDP and NRC) and dissolved the National Electoral Commission. Abacha later lifted the ban on political activities. 5 Political parties emerged under his tenure. The 5 political parties later endorsed Abacha for their presidential candidate. A new electoral commission was established by Abacha.
Abacha took the opposite of IBB’s economic policies. He turned away the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He imposed control on the economy, stabilized the exchange rate between naira and dollars and banned the free repatriation of the export revenue. General Abdulsalam Abubakar cancelled all political parties under Abacha. Started his transition program and finally handed over to Obasanjo.
Nigerian first ladies were not left behind in these policy inconsistencies. Mrs. Maryam Babangida started the Better Life Programme for Rural Women. It’s interesting to note here that, no rural woman was involved with this project. Yet it was them that it was meant to help. Mrs. Maryam Abacha introduced her Family Support Project. Late Stella Obasanjo brought her Child Care Trust Project. Presently Mrs. Yar, Adua is having her pet project called, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF). Various wives of state governors and local government chairmen have various pet projects. These projects a times duplicate the functions of some government ministries. The are in reality wasteful projects and waste of public funds. Suffice it to say that, there are no constitutional provisions to fund the pet projects of first ladies yet governments still fund them. Nigerians need to be aware of this.
On assuming power, Obasanjo cancelled most of the contracts/projects started by Abacha and Abdulsami Abubakar. He instituted probe of Abacha government. Each government policy, program or project cancelled means loss of government revenue. It brings with it destabilization. It sets the people and the nation back wards especially when people have invested money, time and other resources into it. These policy inconsistencies were also being replicated in all the states of the federation including the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. No sector or ministry was spared. Today is one policy, tomorrow is another one.
On assumption of office, President Yar’Adua reversed most of the privatization exercises carried out by Obasanjo. He came along with his 7 point agenda. Just recently the federal government revoked its sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. Their reason for doing so was that TRANSCORP failed to perform and that she lacked the resources and technical competence to run NITEL. The question is why didn’t they discover this on time. It’s obvious that some people might have benefited from the sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. In the same manner, the federal government has just suspended its gas export projects.
Our leaders should learn to continue policies started by their predecessors in so far as it’s in the national interest. Rather than starting new ones that will be abandoned by another administration, there should continuity. As I write this piece, there more abandoned projects scattered all over the country. Nigeria has the highest rate of abandoned government projects in the world. The sights of uncompleted projects should be an embarrassment to our leaders.
President Yar’Adua has taken a positive step towards continuing a policy started by the Babangida administration. He is seeking to re-establish the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Under the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, there was a Centre for Democratic Studies headed by Prof Omo Omoroyi. I will support leaders who can continue on their predecessor programs without having to start fresh ones.
Am also not too surprised due to these policy inconsistencies because our rulers (past and present) have not been true leaders. When true leadership emerges, the interest of the masses will be taken into consideration when starting projects that are meant for them. Let’s do away with all these policy inconsistencies and white elephant projects which will end up being abandoned. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Other policies might have also lasted, but the rate of policy inconsistency is too much and it’s not healthy for the nation and Nigerians. Policy inconsistency is also part of the reasons for numerous abandoned government projects. Am also aware that prevailing economic circumstances might entail a change in policy direction, but a careful study of the Nigerian situation shows most of these policy inconsistencies are an avenue for siphoning public funds. Few examples will be examined.
When Obasanjo first ruled Nigeria as a military head of state (1976-1979), he introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN). It was meant to boost agricultural productivity. His successor, Alhaji Shehu Shagari abandoned the (OFN) and started his Green Revolution campaign. When Buhari came to power he abandoned both schemes started by his predecessors. When Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida came, he introduced the Mass Mobilization for Social and Economic Reliance (MAMSER) which also aimed to increase agricultural productivity. IBB also introduced Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). Part of Structural Adjustment Program policies entailed the deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing the marketing boards and the elimination of price controls. IBB relaxed most of the restriction on foreign investment put in place by his predecessors.
Buhari suspend all democratic activities, cancelled all the 6 second republic political parties and scraped the Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO). IBB legalized the formation of political parties in 1989. In 1992 he established the National Electoral Commission (NEC). He later decreed two political parties into existence. The parties were Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Abacha dissolved all democratic structures left behind by IBB. He banned political gatherings, annulled the parties (SDP and NRC) and dissolved the National Electoral Commission. Abacha later lifted the ban on political activities. 5 Political parties emerged under his tenure. The 5 political parties later endorsed Abacha for their presidential candidate. A new electoral commission was established by Abacha.
Abacha took the opposite of IBB’s economic policies. He turned away the suggestions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He imposed control on the economy, stabilized the exchange rate between naira and dollars and banned the free repatriation of the export revenue. General Abdulsalam Abubakar cancelled all political parties under Abacha. Started his transition program and finally handed over to Obasanjo.
Nigerian first ladies were not left behind in these policy inconsistencies. Mrs. Maryam Babangida started the Better Life Programme for Rural Women. It’s interesting to note here that, no rural woman was involved with this project. Yet it was them that it was meant to help. Mrs. Maryam Abacha introduced her Family Support Project. Late Stella Obasanjo brought her Child Care Trust Project. Presently Mrs. Yar, Adua is having her pet project called, Women and Youth Empowerment Foundation (WAYEF). Various wives of state governors and local government chairmen have various pet projects. These projects a times duplicate the functions of some government ministries. The are in reality wasteful projects and waste of public funds. Suffice it to say that, there are no constitutional provisions to fund the pet projects of first ladies yet governments still fund them. Nigerians need to be aware of this.
On assuming power, Obasanjo cancelled most of the contracts/projects started by Abacha and Abdulsami Abubakar. He instituted probe of Abacha government. Each government policy, program or project cancelled means loss of government revenue. It brings with it destabilization. It sets the people and the nation back wards especially when people have invested money, time and other resources into it. These policy inconsistencies were also being replicated in all the states of the federation including the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. No sector or ministry was spared. Today is one policy, tomorrow is another one.
On assumption of office, President Yar’Adua reversed most of the privatization exercises carried out by Obasanjo. He came along with his 7 point agenda. Just recently the federal government revoked its sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. Their reason for doing so was that TRANSCORP failed to perform and that she lacked the resources and technical competence to run NITEL. The question is why didn’t they discover this on time. It’s obvious that some people might have benefited from the sale of NITEL to TRANSCORP. In the same manner, the federal government has just suspended its gas export projects.
Our leaders should learn to continue policies started by their predecessors in so far as it’s in the national interest. Rather than starting new ones that will be abandoned by another administration, there should continuity. As I write this piece, there more abandoned projects scattered all over the country. Nigeria has the highest rate of abandoned government projects in the world. The sights of uncompleted projects should be an embarrassment to our leaders.
President Yar’Adua has taken a positive step towards continuing a policy started by the Babangida administration. He is seeking to re-establish the Centre for Democratic Studies (CDS). Under the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration, there was a Centre for Democratic Studies headed by Prof Omo Omoroyi. I will support leaders who can continue on their predecessor programs without having to start fresh ones.
Am also not too surprised due to these policy inconsistencies because our rulers (past and present) have not been true leaders. When true leadership emerges, the interest of the masses will be taken into consideration when starting projects that are meant for them. Let’s do away with all these policy inconsistencies and white elephant projects which will end up being abandoned. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
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