Fellow citizens, the insecurity level has deteriorated beyond the critical level. Desperate times require desperate measures. Therefore, this is the time for citizens to declare a state of emergency on both leaders and the country. The reasons are thus:
Warri Bomb Blast(s): In March 2010, there was a bomb blast in the city of Warri, Delta State. The bomb exploded near the government house annex where post amnesty dialogue was going on. About 8 people died, with so many injured persons.
Abuja Bomb Blast(s) of October 1st 2010. There were bomb blasts at the capital city Abuja. Two bombs exploded outside the ministry of justice, while another exploded few meters away from the eagle square where the 50th independence celebration was going on. About 8 people died and many others injured.
Jos Bomb Blasts: On Christmas Eve (24/12/10) bombs exploded in the city of Jos (Plateau State). About 80 people died and estimated 120 people injured and hospitalized. Yenegoa Bomb Blasts: On Wednesday 29/12/10 bombs exploded in Yenegoa (Bayelsa State Capital) during a Peoples Democratic Party rally. Luckily there were no casualties.
Abuja Bomb Blasts of 31st December 2010: Two bombs exploded at Mogadishu military cantonment Abuja killing about 30 people and injuring many. In all these bomb blasts, properties worth millions of naira were destroyed.
Political Assassinations: In the last 10 years, Nigeria has witnessed over 160 high profile politically motivated killings/assassinations. The most recent being; (a) the killing on Wednesday 29/12/10 of Comrade Chidi Nwosu (Aba based Human Rights Activist and Social Crusader), (b) killing on Thursday 30/12/10 in Ibadan of Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo), A factional leader of the proscribed National Union of Road Transport Workers, Oyo State. (C) Two supporters of Senator Teslim Folarin (Senate Leader) killed on 30/12/10.
Kidnappings and Armed Robberies: These crimes have become so rampant that most Nigerians do no longer report to the police. It’s almost like daily occurrences. The fear of kidnappers and armed robbers has become the beginning of wisdom. No one is sure if the authorities have accurate figures/statistics of these crimes in the last 10 years. Permit me to assume a conservative estimate of four thousand cases, (Apologies if its over). South East part of the country has almost become no go area. People are no longer sleeping with their two eyes closed. Life has become unbearable.
Religious Crises: In the last three years, 2008, 2009, 2010, Jos city (Plateau State) alone has witnessed about 3 deadly religious crises. Between 2001 to 2006 there were about four crises in Jos. The most recent being the Christmas Eve crisis (see details of casualties above). Bauchi crisis (Kala Kato) of 2009, about 200 people were killed. Boko Haram crises in 2009 that took place in Maidugiri and Bauchi, over 700 people were killed. Extending the scope to the last 10 years, then the deaths figures from religious crises will be more than 3000. (Apologies if this figure is over).
Corruption: “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). There are no figures for 2006 to 2010. I leave you to estimate how much would have been looted.
Government and Security Failures: In 2009, the Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Afakriya Gadazama, revealed publicly that information about numerous religious crises (Boko Haram, Jos crises etc) and other crimes such as kidnappings in Niger Delta, armed robberies in South East was passed to the appropriate quarters. However, actions were never taken to prevent these crises. This statements appear relevant today, otherwise how can you explain the insecurity level. Alternatively, one wonders if the security services need the permission of the government/politicians before carrying out their constitutional duties. It’s also possible that securities services might not have the intelligence needed to avoid crises before it happens. Prevention is better than cure. In both cases both the government and security services have failed Nigerians. To make matters worst, the perpetrators of these crises are never prosecuted or given severe punishments to deter others. Concerned Nigerians are scared that no nation(s) can develop or make progress the way we are going.
Recommendations: For the reasons above and many others, Nigerians have to become security conscious wherever they may be. I suggest citizen’s surveillance, covert operations and spying. I have made these suggestions in the past. We have no choice but to spy people, government etc. Whatever information you get, post it online, or to media houses. There are hundreds of Nigerian online forums/media. Imagine what Wikileaks has done with the information at their disposal. Let us do to our country, what Wikileaks has done to the world. Information can put a government/group on their feet.
Citizen/group led Sovereign National Conference: This is non negotiable. There is no need to wait for the government to convoke this conference. Evidences have shown that the government is not ready to convoke any conference that will restructure Nigeria. Not too long ago, President Jonathan dismissed the idea of sovereign national conference. Till date, no presidential aspirant has spoken in favor of sovereign national conference. Therefore, the citizens are left with no choice but to start talking on their own. Pressure groups, community/village leaders, opinion leaders, religious leaders, professional bodies, labour unions, etc, should commence citizens led sovereign national conference. If Sudan can talk and even plan a referendum for the future of their country, then we have no choice.
As a starting point, kindly follow the enclosed web link http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/512452 and vote yes or no to sovereign national conference. Please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. The result of your votes will form the basis for, recommendations to Nigerians as well as to the authorities.
Finally, this year (2011) affords us an opportunity to effect some political changes. All eligible Nigerians should take part in voter(s) registration and elections. Both exercises should be observed and monitored. This is to enable us vote in credible leaders that will help restructure the country. 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/
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Friday, December 31, 2010
Chidi Nwosu : A Tribute
It was with shock, surprise and suspense that I received the news of your death. Comrade Chidi Nwosu (Aba based Human Rights Activist and Social Crusader), was assassinated on 29th December 2010, at Abia State. May those who murdered you never have peace. I had the singular opportunity of exchanging mails with Chidi. Your activisms in Abia in the face of odds were inspiring to many.
Your death and the deaths of other fallen social crusaders will never be in vain. Those living shall continue with the struggle. Aluta continua. May your soul and souls of other departed Nigerians rest in peace. One thing is certain; your killers will surely die one day.
Please find enclosed the web link of an interview Chidi Nwosu granted Sahara Reporters. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4626495580989541001#
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Your death and the deaths of other fallen social crusaders will never be in vain. Those living shall continue with the struggle. Aluta continua. May your soul and souls of other departed Nigerians rest in peace. One thing is certain; your killers will surely die one day.
Please find enclosed the web link of an interview Chidi Nwosu granted Sahara Reporters. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4626495580989541001#
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Voters Register.
I was privileged to sit on the same panel with Mr. Mike Igini (Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State) and other patriotic Nigerians including a foreign friend of Nigeria (Peter Cunliffe-Jones). The event (Project 2011: Towards A New Nigeria) was organized by the Save Nigeria Group Global (UK), on 6th November 2010. Mr. Mike Igini spoke and answered questions very well, regarding the proposed use of direct data capture machines, for the upcoming voters register in Nigeria.
I am not under any illusion; that things might still go wrong with this direct data capture methods. But with proper arrangements by INEC, and the full support of Nigerians, this method could bring about, the beginning of the end of electoral irregularities in Nigeria. Other benefits will also accrue with the effective introduction and implementation of this method of voters’ registration. First, let me propose to our lawmakers, authorities, political parties/groups, NGO’s, CSO’s etc to consider initiating a bill (if none existed) to make voters registration, compulsory for every Nigerian adult of 18 years and above. Also INEC should make this voter registration an ongoing exercise. That is, there should be provisions to register any Nigerian that turns 18 years after 2011.
The reasons for asking for a law to make voter registration compulsory are as follows; (A) For Nigerians to take the issue of their civic responsibility (voting) very serious. Voting should be a very serious civic responsibility. I recommend it to be in the same category of National Youth Service for fresh graduates. (B) There will never be a better voter education/awareness programme than a compulsory registration of voters (18 years and above). (C) Using this method (Direct Data Capture Machines), the National Population Commission could easily capture the true population of Nigerians who are above 18 years old, being that our DNA (fingerprints) will be taken. So far, our population figures have been mere estimates. We need a true idea of how many we are. A law backing a compulsory voter registration could mean killing two birds with one stone. (D). Voters register/card to be used as a form of identification process, this is in addition to the use of international passport and driving license. Therefore, every business(es) that is into identification verification (banks, finance houses, etc) should support this Direct Data Capture voter’s registration.
In Leicester, United Kingdom where I reside, someone can be denied credit and other facilities if he/she’s name(s) are not on the electoral register. I will also suggest to Independent National Electoral Commission to share their database (DNA/fingerprints of registered voters) with all security services in Nigeria. It will boost crime fighting. I made a similar recommendation last year (2009), in an article I wrote, titled; Reforming Police and Policing Reforms. Permit me to quote a paragraph from the article, “DNA fingerprinting will be a valuable tool in the fight against crimes in Nigeria. It will help in investigating cases. Similar technology has been deployed before by the Nigerian government during the registration of ID card scheme. The current e-passport system in Nigeria takes our fingerprints. So what the government needs to do is to transfer the national database to the police or the police can share this database with all relevant government departments. So as soon as a suspect is caught, the DNA fingerprinting should be taken and stored or checked with the ones already in the system”. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/05/reforming-police-and-policing-reforms.html).
From the few points above, it becomes clearer that despite the actual voting exercise, Nigerians stand to benefit a lot from the Direct Data Capture voters registration. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of all Nigerians to make it work. Be that as it may, I will propose the following; (A) All religious organizations (churches, mosques, temples, etc) should mobilize all their members to register, encourage others (friends, families etc) to register. They also should act as watchdogs. My reason for saying this is because, religious organizations are very close to the people, and their influences are enormous. United States President Barack Obama acknowledged this and said, “Change comes not from the top down, but from the ground up, and few are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques”
(B) Nigerian Banks, Finance houses, other businesses (those that are into identity verification) etc should consider to deploy some staffs and resources to make this work. Employers should consider asking employees to provide proof of voter registration or better still; INEC can provide this information to employers. I will recommend to Independent National Election Commission to designate a department to furnish people with information (registered voters) or display it permanently on their websites for easy accessibilities.
(C). All communities, villages, towns etc should mobilize their people to register and also ensure smooth registration. Labour unions, professional bodies, political parties/groups, etc should also get involved. The National Population Commission, should play a vital role, because the will also benefit from whatever figures INEC arrive at.
(D). All security services should deploy sufficient personnel to ensure smooth registration. Any offender should be arrested and prosecuted. We have no choice but to make this exercise work. Our inactions might be disastrous. This is because, “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph." - Haile Selassie.
(E). I will also agree with Kayode Ogundamisi, converner of the Nigerian Liberty Forum UK, when he suggested that Nigerians in Diaspora should send money back home, on the condition that the beneficiaries (family, folks, friends, etc) must register and vote during elections.
Finally let me use this medium to extend my seasonal greetings to all Nigerians. For the Moslems, please accept a belated Barkar De Salah. To those Nigerians who are pagans, may the almighty God bless you people this season. To Nigerians of other faith(s) and religion, may God bless you people as well. To the Nigerian Christians, of which am one of them, I wish you all a happy Christmas season. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
I am not under any illusion; that things might still go wrong with this direct data capture methods. But with proper arrangements by INEC, and the full support of Nigerians, this method could bring about, the beginning of the end of electoral irregularities in Nigeria. Other benefits will also accrue with the effective introduction and implementation of this method of voters’ registration. First, let me propose to our lawmakers, authorities, political parties/groups, NGO’s, CSO’s etc to consider initiating a bill (if none existed) to make voters registration, compulsory for every Nigerian adult of 18 years and above. Also INEC should make this voter registration an ongoing exercise. That is, there should be provisions to register any Nigerian that turns 18 years after 2011.
The reasons for asking for a law to make voter registration compulsory are as follows; (A) For Nigerians to take the issue of their civic responsibility (voting) very serious. Voting should be a very serious civic responsibility. I recommend it to be in the same category of National Youth Service for fresh graduates. (B) There will never be a better voter education/awareness programme than a compulsory registration of voters (18 years and above). (C) Using this method (Direct Data Capture Machines), the National Population Commission could easily capture the true population of Nigerians who are above 18 years old, being that our DNA (fingerprints) will be taken. So far, our population figures have been mere estimates. We need a true idea of how many we are. A law backing a compulsory voter registration could mean killing two birds with one stone. (D). Voters register/card to be used as a form of identification process, this is in addition to the use of international passport and driving license. Therefore, every business(es) that is into identification verification (banks, finance houses, etc) should support this Direct Data Capture voter’s registration.
In Leicester, United Kingdom where I reside, someone can be denied credit and other facilities if he/she’s name(s) are not on the electoral register. I will also suggest to Independent National Electoral Commission to share their database (DNA/fingerprints of registered voters) with all security services in Nigeria. It will boost crime fighting. I made a similar recommendation last year (2009), in an article I wrote, titled; Reforming Police and Policing Reforms. Permit me to quote a paragraph from the article, “DNA fingerprinting will be a valuable tool in the fight against crimes in Nigeria. It will help in investigating cases. Similar technology has been deployed before by the Nigerian government during the registration of ID card scheme. The current e-passport system in Nigeria takes our fingerprints. So what the government needs to do is to transfer the national database to the police or the police can share this database with all relevant government departments. So as soon as a suspect is caught, the DNA fingerprinting should be taken and stored or checked with the ones already in the system”. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/05/reforming-police-and-policing-reforms.html).
From the few points above, it becomes clearer that despite the actual voting exercise, Nigerians stand to benefit a lot from the Direct Data Capture voters registration. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of all Nigerians to make it work. Be that as it may, I will propose the following; (A) All religious organizations (churches, mosques, temples, etc) should mobilize all their members to register, encourage others (friends, families etc) to register. They also should act as watchdogs. My reason for saying this is because, religious organizations are very close to the people, and their influences are enormous. United States President Barack Obama acknowledged this and said, “Change comes not from the top down, but from the ground up, and few are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples and mosques”
(B) Nigerian Banks, Finance houses, other businesses (those that are into identity verification) etc should consider to deploy some staffs and resources to make this work. Employers should consider asking employees to provide proof of voter registration or better still; INEC can provide this information to employers. I will recommend to Independent National Election Commission to designate a department to furnish people with information (registered voters) or display it permanently on their websites for easy accessibilities.
(C). All communities, villages, towns etc should mobilize their people to register and also ensure smooth registration. Labour unions, professional bodies, political parties/groups, etc should also get involved. The National Population Commission, should play a vital role, because the will also benefit from whatever figures INEC arrive at.
(D). All security services should deploy sufficient personnel to ensure smooth registration. Any offender should be arrested and prosecuted. We have no choice but to make this exercise work. Our inactions might be disastrous. This is because, “Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph." - Haile Selassie.
(E). I will also agree with Kayode Ogundamisi, converner of the Nigerian Liberty Forum UK, when he suggested that Nigerians in Diaspora should send money back home, on the condition that the beneficiaries (family, folks, friends, etc) must register and vote during elections.
Finally let me use this medium to extend my seasonal greetings to all Nigerians. For the Moslems, please accept a belated Barkar De Salah. To those Nigerians who are pagans, may the almighty God bless you people this season. To Nigerians of other faith(s) and religion, may God bless you people as well. To the Nigerian Christians, of which am one of them, I wish you all a happy Christmas season. 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/
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Burnt Market(s).
Sadly, the burnt Owerri market (Eke Ukwu Owerri, Nworie Lane) was on NTA network news on the night of Monday, 25th October 2010. Firstly let me commiserate with the traders over the loss of their goods, services, money, efforts, etc. Your plights will directly and indirectly affect the rest of the society. The multiplier effects will surely take its toll on the local economy (Imo State and beyond). Times are really tough. Just as I was still thinking about the Owerri market inferno, I read another news on 26th October 2010 that some stalls at the new Benin market went up in flames destroying goods worth millions of naira. I pray this should be the last.
Incidences of fire on our markets (either by accident or by design), are becoming a threat to the nations economic growth/development. Physical markets in Nigeria are perhaps the largest employers of labour in the private sector. The economic activities associated with physical markets are equal to none. It’s a national treasure. No doubt, Nigeria has large markets, which has, and will continue to attract foreigners (Chinese, Indians etc). Nigerians also export to other African countries from our markets. Which means that our markets are also a major source(s) of foreign exchange. Therefore, every effort must be made to prevent future fire outbreaks.
Remember that if we don’t prevent fire outbreaks, fire will prevent those of us (traders, manufacturers, distributors, middle men, lenders, etc) from achieving our goals. Both the micro and macro society will loose in the long run. As a preventive measure, I will propose the following to market leaders, traders, and the government.
Switch off all lights at the end of each market day(s). All the market leaders in Nigeria should consider switching off all lights at the end of each market day, and switching on at the beginning of each market day(s). Efforts should be made to have general control switches. Markets leaders should consider initiating legislation from the government to back this up. I am not under any illusion that power is unstable, but despite that, it will be a very good idea to have a control switch for all markets. Those using generators should also comply with switching their generators off and on at the end of each market days.
Accredited electricians should only do wiring in the markets. Every market should maintain a list of qualified, tasted and trusted electricians from which traders can hire. No unaccredited electrician should be allowed to do any work in the market. Here I will recommend each market having as many electricians as possible. In event of any electrical related fault/fire, the electrician that did the job should be held accountable. It is high time we learn to take responsibilities for our actions and inactions.
Those using gas to cook in various markets should be regulated. It should also apply to those, using other means to cook, like firewood, kerosene stoves etc. People should be made to sigh an undertaking not to be careless with gas, kerosene, firewood etc when cooking. Any one or any group that violates the rule should take whatever responsibilities that may arise from such actions.
Every stall in the market should have a fire extinguisher. This should be compulsory. Market leaders should make it a point of duty to carry out routine checks of this item. Traders should undertake trainings on how to use the various types (spray form, dry powder, water etc) of extinguishers. The appropriate extinguishers should be recommended. I will also suggest fire drills/exercises for all traders in any particular market. I have been privileged to witness when traders are doing cleanup exercises and praying times. At such occasions, high team spirits are exhibited. Same attitude can be applied to fire drills. In the United Kingdom, it’s a rule that all establishments must have fire drills and fire exits. There is no reason why Nigerians cannot adopt this method, being that fire is a big threat to our markets and other establishments.
Next strategy should be long-term plans to decongest most crowded markets. Most markets are over crowded. This might make fire rescue efforts very difficult in emergency times. I will suggest a long term, but gradual process of relocating most congested markets to more modern markets. In building any new marker henceforth, fire preventive strategies must be incorporated in the building/market plans. I will suggest relocating markets to outskirts of cities.
Aside from markets, we have also witnessed fire destroying other establishments and homes. A recent case being when fire burnt down, the African Independent Television studios in Lagos. Perhaps there might not be an accurate number(s) of people’s residential homes/houses destroyed by fire. I doubt if the Fire Services in Nigeria will have such records. Be that as it may, some of my recommendations above will be useful in preventing fire at homes also. I will add that private estate developers should onwards design Nigerian houses with fire prevention in minds. Fire doors (special doors that could stop fire from entering a room for at least 30 minutes or more) are highly recommended.
Let me appeal to the government (even though most appeals/recommendations fell into deaf ears) to equip our fire service departments. Refurbish their equipments. Get new vehicles for them. Increase their remunerations and welfare packages. Insure them incase of accidental deaths in service. On the part of our fire service, I suggest to them to design a volunteer scheme, whereby some Nigerians can volunteer their time and energy to help in fire rescue exercises. 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/
Incidences of fire on our markets (either by accident or by design), are becoming a threat to the nations economic growth/development. Physical markets in Nigeria are perhaps the largest employers of labour in the private sector. The economic activities associated with physical markets are equal to none. It’s a national treasure. No doubt, Nigeria has large markets, which has, and will continue to attract foreigners (Chinese, Indians etc). Nigerians also export to other African countries from our markets. Which means that our markets are also a major source(s) of foreign exchange. Therefore, every effort must be made to prevent future fire outbreaks.
Remember that if we don’t prevent fire outbreaks, fire will prevent those of us (traders, manufacturers, distributors, middle men, lenders, etc) from achieving our goals. Both the micro and macro society will loose in the long run. As a preventive measure, I will propose the following to market leaders, traders, and the government.
Switch off all lights at the end of each market day(s). All the market leaders in Nigeria should consider switching off all lights at the end of each market day, and switching on at the beginning of each market day(s). Efforts should be made to have general control switches. Markets leaders should consider initiating legislation from the government to back this up. I am not under any illusion that power is unstable, but despite that, it will be a very good idea to have a control switch for all markets. Those using generators should also comply with switching their generators off and on at the end of each market days.
Accredited electricians should only do wiring in the markets. Every market should maintain a list of qualified, tasted and trusted electricians from which traders can hire. No unaccredited electrician should be allowed to do any work in the market. Here I will recommend each market having as many electricians as possible. In event of any electrical related fault/fire, the electrician that did the job should be held accountable. It is high time we learn to take responsibilities for our actions and inactions.
Those using gas to cook in various markets should be regulated. It should also apply to those, using other means to cook, like firewood, kerosene stoves etc. People should be made to sigh an undertaking not to be careless with gas, kerosene, firewood etc when cooking. Any one or any group that violates the rule should take whatever responsibilities that may arise from such actions.
Every stall in the market should have a fire extinguisher. This should be compulsory. Market leaders should make it a point of duty to carry out routine checks of this item. Traders should undertake trainings on how to use the various types (spray form, dry powder, water etc) of extinguishers. The appropriate extinguishers should be recommended. I will also suggest fire drills/exercises for all traders in any particular market. I have been privileged to witness when traders are doing cleanup exercises and praying times. At such occasions, high team spirits are exhibited. Same attitude can be applied to fire drills. In the United Kingdom, it’s a rule that all establishments must have fire drills and fire exits. There is no reason why Nigerians cannot adopt this method, being that fire is a big threat to our markets and other establishments.
Next strategy should be long-term plans to decongest most crowded markets. Most markets are over crowded. This might make fire rescue efforts very difficult in emergency times. I will suggest a long term, but gradual process of relocating most congested markets to more modern markets. In building any new marker henceforth, fire preventive strategies must be incorporated in the building/market plans. I will suggest relocating markets to outskirts of cities.
Aside from markets, we have also witnessed fire destroying other establishments and homes. A recent case being when fire burnt down, the African Independent Television studios in Lagos. Perhaps there might not be an accurate number(s) of people’s residential homes/houses destroyed by fire. I doubt if the Fire Services in Nigeria will have such records. Be that as it may, some of my recommendations above will be useful in preventing fire at homes also. I will add that private estate developers should onwards design Nigerian houses with fire prevention in minds. Fire doors (special doors that could stop fire from entering a room for at least 30 minutes or more) are highly recommended.
Let me appeal to the government (even though most appeals/recommendations fell into deaf ears) to equip our fire service departments. Refurbish their equipments. Get new vehicles for them. Increase their remunerations and welfare packages. Insure them incase of accidental deaths in service. On the part of our fire service, I suggest to them to design a volunteer scheme, whereby some Nigerians can volunteer their time and energy to help in fire rescue exercises. 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, October 3, 2010
National Insecurity.
Let me start by condemning in strongest terms, the car bomb blast, which occurred during the 50th anniversary celebration of our independence, on 1st October 2010, few meters away from the eagle square. I wish also to extend my condolences to the families of innocent Nigerians that died, as a result(s) of the bomb blast. May their souls and souls of other departed Nigerians rest in peace. Moments like this, calls for a serious reflection on the security situation in our country, as this bomb blast, is a serious security lapse. Therefore, all the security services must fish out the perpetrators of this crime, expose them and bring them to face justice.
It became highly disturbing, on reading from Thisday Newspaper of 2nd October 2010 (online version), that the British Intelligence warned the Nigerian authorities about the attacks. The questions are? Was it a preventable incident, what did our security services do with the information, and how capable are our security services for security challenges in this 21st century, etc. But a general look at the national security level reveals, a total breakdown of law and order. Crime rates are too high. Kidnappings have reached a dangerous level. Still on the same 1st October 2010, there was breaking news on Sky News (between 8:30am and 9:15am) that kidnapper(s) have released 15 school children at Aba. Hardly any day goes by, without a case of kidnapping been reported.
The national insecurity situation is a pointer to the near failure of government. This is because, the primary purpose of every government is welfare and security of its people. Nigeria and Nigerians must rise up, to put an end to insecurity (crimes, kidnappings, violence, robberies, etc) or insecurity will put an end to us as a nation. Every one (government and people) has a role to play. Firstly, the government should be serious with its fight against corruption. Corruption makes it difficult to; (1) create jobs for the youths, (2) create an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs, (3) makes it difficult to develop the economy. Unemployment brings idleness, and an idle mind is a devils workshop.
A situation where, “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), will be a recipe for disaster, and high crime rates from those who are frustrated by the system. The government needs to redress so many structural imbalances in the country like the Niger Delta crises, conduct credible elections in 2011, etc. Above all, the government needs to be fair, honest and transparent in her dealings with Nigerians. The government cannot say one thing and do another.
The government should restructure our security services to be more proactive. Emphasizes should be focused more on preventing crimes, meaning that our security services should be more intelligence driven. The security services most cleanse itself of corrupt personnel(s), who have collaborated with criminals, kidnappers, killers etc. Nigerians should volunteer information/intelligence to the security services. For security reasons, Information can be volunteered anonymously, that way the identity of the informants can be protected. Ex governor Buba Marwa of Lagos State, tried this formula when he launched Operation Sweep (a security outfit to fight crimes) in Lagos.
Nigerians can also borrow the techniques used by the former East German Secret Police (Stasi). In the former East Germany, people were spying each other for the good of the state. Cuba used similar method at the early days of Fidel Castro’s revolution. The danger with this method is that people might tip their enemies as suspects. But that will require thorough investigations on the part of the security services, to ascertain who is guilty o not. This method if used effectively will have the potentials of reducing crimes drastically. No sacrifice will be too much for the security of Nigerians.
I will suggest community policing within each community/village by the villagers. I will also suggest a network of, and collaboration of community police with each community. I will also suggest a collaboration of the security services with the community leaders, community police or village vigilante groups. 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/
It became highly disturbing, on reading from Thisday Newspaper of 2nd October 2010 (online version), that the British Intelligence warned the Nigerian authorities about the attacks. The questions are? Was it a preventable incident, what did our security services do with the information, and how capable are our security services for security challenges in this 21st century, etc. But a general look at the national security level reveals, a total breakdown of law and order. Crime rates are too high. Kidnappings have reached a dangerous level. Still on the same 1st October 2010, there was breaking news on Sky News (between 8:30am and 9:15am) that kidnapper(s) have released 15 school children at Aba. Hardly any day goes by, without a case of kidnapping been reported.
The national insecurity situation is a pointer to the near failure of government. This is because, the primary purpose of every government is welfare and security of its people. Nigeria and Nigerians must rise up, to put an end to insecurity (crimes, kidnappings, violence, robberies, etc) or insecurity will put an end to us as a nation. Every one (government and people) has a role to play. Firstly, the government should be serious with its fight against corruption. Corruption makes it difficult to; (1) create jobs for the youths, (2) create an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs, (3) makes it difficult to develop the economy. Unemployment brings idleness, and an idle mind is a devils workshop.
A situation where, “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), will be a recipe for disaster, and high crime rates from those who are frustrated by the system. The government needs to redress so many structural imbalances in the country like the Niger Delta crises, conduct credible elections in 2011, etc. Above all, the government needs to be fair, honest and transparent in her dealings with Nigerians. The government cannot say one thing and do another.
The government should restructure our security services to be more proactive. Emphasizes should be focused more on preventing crimes, meaning that our security services should be more intelligence driven. The security services most cleanse itself of corrupt personnel(s), who have collaborated with criminals, kidnappers, killers etc. Nigerians should volunteer information/intelligence to the security services. For security reasons, Information can be volunteered anonymously, that way the identity of the informants can be protected. Ex governor Buba Marwa of Lagos State, tried this formula when he launched Operation Sweep (a security outfit to fight crimes) in Lagos.
Nigerians can also borrow the techniques used by the former East German Secret Police (Stasi). In the former East Germany, people were spying each other for the good of the state. Cuba used similar method at the early days of Fidel Castro’s revolution. The danger with this method is that people might tip their enemies as suspects. But that will require thorough investigations on the part of the security services, to ascertain who is guilty o not. This method if used effectively will have the potentials of reducing crimes drastically. No sacrifice will be too much for the security of Nigerians.
I will suggest community policing within each community/village by the villagers. I will also suggest a network of, and collaboration of community police with each community. I will also suggest a collaboration of the security services with the community leaders, community police or village vigilante groups. 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/
Ribadu.
Glad that you have joined the presidential race to contest under the platform of, Action Congress of Nigeria. Last year (May 29th 2009), at the state of the Nigerian nation symposium, held at the London Metropolitan University, organized by the Nigerian Liberty Forum, people at the auditorium started shouting Ribadu for president, after your speech. Perhaps you have decided to answer the call of those Nigerians that shouted Ribadu for president.
You won my admiration after your speech on that day. I became fascinated about your comments on the Niger Delta crises, corruption, Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President), Chief Gani Fawehinmi, etc. You even dared the late Yar Adua’s government when you sneaked into the country to see Gani’s corpse at the mortuary. I have no doubts, that you have won the admiration of other Nigerians, while am also not under any illusion that many will not be comfortable with your presidential ambition.
It gave me pleasure, when I heard about your involvement with the formation of Nigeria shadow government/cabinet in the United States of America. Shadow government/cabinet is also an idea I have propagated in the past. As we prepare for elections next year, let me also ask Nigerians to also prepare for the formation of shadow government/cabinet. Further details can be found on the enclosed web link (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2010/02/shadow-government.html).
Your entrance into the presidential race has provided Nigerians with additional choice to make between other presidential aspirants. Though that, you might not have fought corruption completely during your tenure as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), personally I give you kudos for the extent you reached in fighting corruption in Nigeria. You were quoted saying that, when you fight corruption, corruption fights you back. I will agree with you completely on that. Corruption can only be fought with the active collaboration of Nigerians. No agency can fight it alone, because corruption has grown into a monster in Nigeria.
Giving free and fair election, and the candidate with the most track record at fighting corruption, I believe you stand better chances of wining. However, I am a bit skeptical about some top members of your chosen party (Action Congress of Nigeria), many of whom are corrupt politicians. Be that as it may, am also aware that in politics, there are no permanent friends, or permanent enemies, but permanent interests. Perhaps that could explain your involvement. But I have a different view, which is that corrupt politicians should be declared enemies of the Nigerian state.
For the sake of credibility, I would suggest you seek your presidential career with the National Conscience Party (NCP), founded by the late Gani Fawehinmi (Senior Advocate of the Masses). More so, be prepared to disclose publicly all sources of your campaign funding. We will also like to know the following; costs of your campaign, public declaration of your assets and liabilities, medical certificate of fitness, and your manifesto to govern Nigeria, including plans to fight corruption. As you do the above, be sure I will campaign for you. 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/
You won my admiration after your speech on that day. I became fascinated about your comments on the Niger Delta crises, corruption, Atiku Abubakar (former Vice President), Chief Gani Fawehinmi, etc. You even dared the late Yar Adua’s government when you sneaked into the country to see Gani’s corpse at the mortuary. I have no doubts, that you have won the admiration of other Nigerians, while am also not under any illusion that many will not be comfortable with your presidential ambition.
It gave me pleasure, when I heard about your involvement with the formation of Nigeria shadow government/cabinet in the United States of America. Shadow government/cabinet is also an idea I have propagated in the past. As we prepare for elections next year, let me also ask Nigerians to also prepare for the formation of shadow government/cabinet. Further details can be found on the enclosed web link (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2010/02/shadow-government.html).
Your entrance into the presidential race has provided Nigerians with additional choice to make between other presidential aspirants. Though that, you might not have fought corruption completely during your tenure as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), personally I give you kudos for the extent you reached in fighting corruption in Nigeria. You were quoted saying that, when you fight corruption, corruption fights you back. I will agree with you completely on that. Corruption can only be fought with the active collaboration of Nigerians. No agency can fight it alone, because corruption has grown into a monster in Nigeria.
Giving free and fair election, and the candidate with the most track record at fighting corruption, I believe you stand better chances of wining. However, I am a bit skeptical about some top members of your chosen party (Action Congress of Nigeria), many of whom are corrupt politicians. Be that as it may, am also aware that in politics, there are no permanent friends, or permanent enemies, but permanent interests. Perhaps that could explain your involvement. But I have a different view, which is that corrupt politicians should be declared enemies of the Nigerian state.
For the sake of credibility, I would suggest you seek your presidential career with the National Conscience Party (NCP), founded by the late Gani Fawehinmi (Senior Advocate of the Masses). More so, be prepared to disclose publicly all sources of your campaign funding. We will also like to know the following; costs of your campaign, public declaration of your assets and liabilities, medical certificate of fitness, and your manifesto to govern Nigeria, including plans to fight corruption. As you do the above, be sure I will campaign for you. 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/
New Beginning At 50.
On October 1st 2010, Nigeria will become 50 years old as a nation. 50 years, is a reasonable age to record meaningful progress. But the reverse is the case. At present, greater majority of Nigerians are disappointed at the state of the nation/rate of our progress as a country. However, this piece does not intend to further repeat the obvious fact, which is that, we have been very unfortunate, to have both bad leaders and bad followers in Nigeria.
Yes we are bad followers, because in other countries (South Africans dismantled apartheid, Eastern Europeans dismantled communism), followers have resisted being misled. Our strengths as followers are never utilized. Discovering and utilizing of our strengths as followers will be a useful instrument. Lets not forget that, Nigerian leadership (various levels) is too serious a business to be left for leaders alone.
Fellow Nigerians, lets start a new beginning for Nigeria. The new beginning am asking for is, what can we do for our country Nigeria. Former American President (John F. Kennedy) made similar call to Americans when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” in the same manner, what can we do as Nigerians (with or without government) to move Nigeria forward.
Time for action is now. Its also time to prepare for the great challenges of saving Nigeria, because failing to prepare, is preparing to fail our country. Nigeria remains one and our only country. History will surely not forgive us if we fail to take a positive action to save Nigeria. Lets hear from you, ideas/actions to reclaim our dearest country. 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/
Yes we are bad followers, because in other countries (South Africans dismantled apartheid, Eastern Europeans dismantled communism), followers have resisted being misled. Our strengths as followers are never utilized. Discovering and utilizing of our strengths as followers will be a useful instrument. Lets not forget that, Nigerian leadership (various levels) is too serious a business to be left for leaders alone.
Fellow Nigerians, lets start a new beginning for Nigeria. The new beginning am asking for is, what can we do for our country Nigeria. Former American President (John F. Kennedy) made similar call to Americans when he said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country” in the same manner, what can we do as Nigerians (with or without government) to move Nigeria forward.
Time for action is now. Its also time to prepare for the great challenges of saving Nigeria, because failing to prepare, is preparing to fail our country. Nigeria remains one and our only country. History will surely not forgive us if we fail to take a positive action to save Nigeria. Lets hear from you, ideas/actions to reclaim our dearest country. 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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