Al Jazeera English Services,
PO Box 23127,
Doha - Qatar.
press.int@aljazeera.net
Dear Sir/Ma,
Support For Egyptians.
Permit me to use your medium to express my support and solidarity and that of our group (Support Option A4 Group, Leicester-UK) to the people of Egypt on their demand for freedom and democracy, and an end to autocracy. Power belongs to the people, and the people of Egypt have spoken. Therefore the present regime in Egypt (Hosni Mubarak’s government) does not have any choice but to respect the wishes of her people.
Autocracy anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. The world is a global village. Events (be it tsunami, earthquake, landslide, flood, people’s revolution, war, swine flu etc), either in Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Cote d Voire, Brazil, Australia, USA, Thailand, etc will surely have a ripple over effects on other parts of the world. Therefore, I call upon Nigerians and other citizens of the world to support Egyptians on their demand for freedom and democracy.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Al Jazeera English Services,
PO Box 23127,
Doha - Qatar.
press.int@aljazeera.net
11th February 2011.
Dear Sir/Ma,
Celebrating Peoples Power.
Few days ago, I had the singular opportunity to call upon Nigerians and other citizens of the world (thru your medium), to support Egyptians in their struggle for freedom. Today (11/2/11) I have the singular honour also, to celebrate with the Egyptians on the victory of the people’s power. Earlier in the afternoon today (11/2/11), I asked my Egyptian friend (Mohammed), whom I met around the Leicester City Centre, what was happening in Egypt. He laughed and told me they no longer want their president.
No doubts, events in Egypt will boost the struggle for freedom, in order parts of the world under oppressions of any kind. Victory in Egypt is a victory for all. Once more, use your medium to extend our heart-felt wishes to the Egyptians.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Get Involved Politically And Economically.
Getting Involved Politically.
“ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” Edmund Burke.
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle.
Nigerians are electing new leaders this year (2011). Therefore, it makes sense that all eligible adults should participate and get involved with the electoral processes. Make sure you vote and guide your votes. Before you vote, consider the following;
Vote Personalities:
Please vote personalities and not political parties. Most of our politicians simply migrate from one party to the other. Therefore, it makes sense to vote personalities. Vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
“god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election.
Vote Candidates That Can Fight 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. Vote candidates that can fight corruption.
Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that can challenge/change the status quo.
Security:
Last year (2010) witnessed five bomb blasts (Abuja, Jos, Yenegoa, and Warri). In the last 10 years, Nigeria has witnessed over 160 high profile politically motivated killings/assassinations. Kidnappings, robberies, religious crises, communal crises, etc are at alarming rates. Vote whomever that can provide security.
How To Get Involved:
Pass this message to friends and family members. As Christians, the Holy Bible in Hosea Chapter 4 verse 6, reminds us that, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. Network with people. Send to all your contacts on facebook or (join us on facebook. Search Support Option A4 Group and join or click on http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=49782910218), twitter, yahoogroups, email lists, etc. Download/print out this message and distribute to people who do not have access to Internet. Send thru sms. Pick up phones and make calls. Translate this message or related messages to vernacular/local languages. Hold town hall meetings etc. Mobilize one another etc.
Please remember that, “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. Make the right choices or wait and watch another four wasteful years.
Getting Involved Economically.
I believe so much in citizens led initiatives/peoples power in the political arena. There is also need for manifestation of people’s power in the economic sector (economic emancipation). Economics determines politics, so also do politics determine economics. I learnt this at the early stages of my training/education as an economist. (The writer has four degrees, amongst which are; B:sc economics and M:sc economics). A hungry man is vulnerable to political manipulations.
I call upon citizens of Nigeria, to devote more energy towards opening up our economy, so that jobs can be created, wealth created and value added to the economy. Government alone cannot open up the economy. More so, government cannot provide all the jobs. Lets not forget that government has failed us in providing basic infrastructures. This is the time to open up our economy thru our various individual efforts. Lets contribute in any little way we can to open up our economy. China is a massive trading nation. Much is done by their citizens. We can borrow a leaf or leaves from China.
There are so many religious, cultural, and political groups in Nigeria. I see less of economic groups. Even on yahoogroups, facebook, Internet forums etc, there are still less of economic groups. We need to create more of economic groups, business groups, trading groups etc. We should network each other and share information. Information is power. On this, permit me to invite all to join our group on facebook. Simply search Vac Concepts E-Business Promotions on facebook and join or click on http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_148200165238731&view=members. Alternatively, provide us with your economic group(s) etc details to patner with. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
“ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” Edmund Burke.
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle.
Nigerians are electing new leaders this year (2011). Therefore, it makes sense that all eligible adults should participate and get involved with the electoral processes. Make sure you vote and guide your votes. Before you vote, consider the following;
Vote Personalities:
Please vote personalities and not political parties. Most of our politicians simply migrate from one party to the other. Therefore, it makes sense to vote personalities. Vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
“god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election.
Vote Candidates That Can Fight 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. Vote candidates that can fight corruption.
Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that can challenge/change the status quo.
Security:
Last year (2010) witnessed five bomb blasts (Abuja, Jos, Yenegoa, and Warri). In the last 10 years, Nigeria has witnessed over 160 high profile politically motivated killings/assassinations. Kidnappings, robberies, religious crises, communal crises, etc are at alarming rates. Vote whomever that can provide security.
How To Get Involved:
Pass this message to friends and family members. As Christians, the Holy Bible in Hosea Chapter 4 verse 6, reminds us that, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge”. Network with people. Send to all your contacts on facebook or (join us on facebook. Search Support Option A4 Group and join or click on http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=49782910218), twitter, yahoogroups, email lists, etc. Download/print out this message and distribute to people who do not have access to Internet. Send thru sms. Pick up phones and make calls. Translate this message or related messages to vernacular/local languages. Hold town hall meetings etc. Mobilize one another etc.
Please remember that, “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. Make the right choices or wait and watch another four wasteful years.
Getting Involved Economically.
I believe so much in citizens led initiatives/peoples power in the political arena. There is also need for manifestation of people’s power in the economic sector (economic emancipation). Economics determines politics, so also do politics determine economics. I learnt this at the early stages of my training/education as an economist. (The writer has four degrees, amongst which are; B:sc economics and M:sc economics). A hungry man is vulnerable to political manipulations.
I call upon citizens of Nigeria, to devote more energy towards opening up our economy, so that jobs can be created, wealth created and value added to the economy. Government alone cannot open up the economy. More so, government cannot provide all the jobs. Lets not forget that government has failed us in providing basic infrastructures. This is the time to open up our economy thru our various individual efforts. Lets contribute in any little way we can to open up our economy. China is a massive trading nation. Much is done by their citizens. We can borrow a leaf or leaves from China.
There are so many religious, cultural, and political groups in Nigeria. I see less of economic groups. Even on yahoogroups, facebook, Internet forums etc, there are still less of economic groups. We need to create more of economic groups, business groups, trading groups etc. We should network each other and share information. Information is power. On this, permit me to invite all to join our group on facebook. Simply search Vac Concepts E-Business Promotions on facebook and join or click on http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_148200165238731&view=members. Alternatively, provide us with your economic group(s) etc details to patner with. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Get Involved.
“ All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” Edmund Burke.
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle.
Nigerians are electing new leaders this year (2011). Therefore, it makes sense that all eligible adults should participate and get involved with the electoral processes. Make sure you vote and guide your votes. Before you vote, consider the following;
Vote Personalities:
Please vote personalities and not political parties. Most of our politicians simply migrate from one party to the other. Therefore, it makes sense to vote personalities. Vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
“god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election.
Vote Candidates That Can Fight 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. Vote candidates that can fight corruption.
Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that can challenge/change the status quo.
Security:
Last year (2010) witnessed five bomb blasts (Abuja, Jos, Yenegoa, and Warri). In the last 10 years, Nigeria has witnessed over 160 high profile politically motivated killings/assassinations. Kidnappings, robberies, religious crises, communal crises, etc are at alarming rates. Vote whomever that can provide security.
How To Get Involved:
Pass this message to friends and family members. Network with people. Send to all your contacts on facebook, twitter, yahoogroups, email lists, etc. Download/print out this message and distribute to people who do not have access to internet. Send thru sms. Pick up phones and make calls. Translate this message or related messages to vernacular/local languages. Hold town hall meetings etc. Mobilize one another etc.
Finally, "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. Make the right choices or wait and watch another four wasteful years. 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/
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle.
Nigerians are electing new leaders this year (2011). Therefore, it makes sense that all eligible adults should participate and get involved with the electoral processes. Make sure you vote and guide your votes. Before you vote, consider the following;
Vote Personalities:
Please vote personalities and not political parties. Most of our politicians simply migrate from one party to the other. Therefore, it makes sense to vote personalities. Vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
“god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election.
Vote Candidates That Can Fight 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. Vote candidates that can fight corruption.
Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that can challenge/change the status quo.
Security:
Last year (2010) witnessed five bomb blasts (Abuja, Jos, Yenegoa, and Warri). In the last 10 years, Nigeria has witnessed over 160 high profile politically motivated killings/assassinations. Kidnappings, robberies, religious crises, communal crises, etc are at alarming rates. Vote whomever that can provide security.
How To Get Involved:
Pass this message to friends and family members. Network with people. Send to all your contacts on facebook, twitter, yahoogroups, email lists, etc. Download/print out this message and distribute to people who do not have access to internet. Send thru sms. Pick up phones and make calls. Translate this message or related messages to vernacular/local languages. Hold town hall meetings etc. Mobilize one another etc.
Finally, "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. Make the right choices or wait and watch another four wasteful years. 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/
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Voters Guide.
Please find below some criteria to guide our voting pattern.
(A) Vote Personalities:
Since many political parties/politicians in Nigeria are not ideologically based, it makes sense to vote personalities. Quite a good number of them have migrated thru many parties, examples are; Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of CPC moved from ANPP to CPC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, moved from PDP to AC and back to PDP, ex Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu moved from PDP to PPA, present Governor of Abia, Theodore Kalu moved from PPA to APGA, before moving back to PDP, Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim moved from PPA to PDP, former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, moved from PDP to ACN. The list(s) is endless, and the migration tends to be continuous. Here I suggest we vote personalities.
Please vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
(B) Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
Experience is the best teacher. Our past experiences have shown us how evil god fathers/god mothers can be. “god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. They are anti progress. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election, be it councillorship, local government chairmanships, state governors etc.
(C) Vote Candidates That Can Fight Corruption:
In Nigeria, corruption has grown into a monster. If you fight corruption, corruption fights you back. It needs a man/woman made of steel to fight corruption. Remember corruption remains one of our greatest problems. “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. Corruption remains the greatest obstacle to our socio/economic development. Evidences are several abandoned government projects, high costs of government businesses etc. Therefore, vote candidates that can fight corruption.
(D) Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that will challenge/change the status quo. Nigerians need to be reminded that the power to change our country lies in their hand(s). “god fathers, god mothers”, politicians or parties have little or nothing they can do. Power belongs to the Nigerian people. Lets draw example from, the Velvet revolution in Czechoslovakia in November-December 1989, the great Baltic Chain (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) demonstration of August 1989, the 1986 peoples revolution in Philippines led by Corazon Aquino, the Rose revolution in Georgia in November 2003, the Orange revolution in Ukraine in 2004, Tunisia, Egypt, etc. These were all changes occasioned by people’s power. Let us use our votes to effect changes. Above all, lets vote who will move Nigeria forward.
Way Forward:
The key is networking and passing around messages of change to one another. Here Internet, sms, mobile phones becomes a useful instrument. I need not remind all the enormous power of the Internet.
Presidential Election Poll (2):
With the announcements of Vice Presidential candidates, we ask whom/which combination will you vote in the presidential election? Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/515301 please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. 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/
(A) Vote Personalities:
Since many political parties/politicians in Nigeria are not ideologically based, it makes sense to vote personalities. Quite a good number of them have migrated thru many parties, examples are; Muhammadu Buhari the presidential candidate of CPC moved from ANPP to CPC, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, moved from PDP to AC and back to PDP, ex Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzo Kalu moved from PDP to PPA, present Governor of Abia, Theodore Kalu moved from PPA to APGA, before moving back to PDP, Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim moved from PPA to PDP, former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, moved from PDP to ACN. The list(s) is endless, and the migration tends to be continuous. Here I suggest we vote personalities.
Please vote persons/personalities that will be firm, principled and visionary. Part of the way(s) to know the quality of a person is to look at his friends, groups, colleagues, and party members. Tell me your friends/party members, and I will tell you who you are.
(B) Vote Against god fathers/god mothers:
Experience is the best teacher. Our past experiences have shown us how evil god fathers/god mothers can be. “god fathers/god mothers” are the real enemies of the state. They are anti progress. Never again should Nigerians permit any candidate(s) with god fathers/god mothers to win election, be it councillorship, local government chairmanships, state governors etc.
(C) Vote Candidates That Can Fight Corruption:
In Nigeria, corruption has grown into a monster. If you fight corruption, corruption fights you back. It needs a man/woman made of steel to fight corruption. Remember corruption remains one of our greatest problems. “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. Corruption remains the greatest obstacle to our socio/economic development. Evidences are several abandoned government projects, high costs of government businesses etc. Therefore, vote candidates that can fight corruption.
(D) Vote For Change:
Changes are overdue in Nigeria. Vote whomever that will challenge/change the status quo. Nigerians need to be reminded that the power to change our country lies in their hand(s). “god fathers, god mothers”, politicians or parties have little or nothing they can do. Power belongs to the Nigerian people. Lets draw example from, the Velvet revolution in Czechoslovakia in November-December 1989, the great Baltic Chain (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) demonstration of August 1989, the 1986 peoples revolution in Philippines led by Corazon Aquino, the Rose revolution in Georgia in November 2003, the Orange revolution in Ukraine in 2004, Tunisia, Egypt, etc. These were all changes occasioned by people’s power. Let us use our votes to effect changes. Above all, lets vote who will move Nigeria forward.
Way Forward:
The key is networking and passing around messages of change to one another. Here Internet, sms, mobile phones becomes a useful instrument. I need not remind all the enormous power of the Internet.
Presidential Election Poll (2):
With the announcements of Vice Presidential candidates, we ask whom/which combination will you vote in the presidential election? Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/515301 please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. 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/
Monday, January 31, 2011
Support For Egyptians.
Al Jazeera English Services,
PO Box 23127,
Doha - Qatar.
press.int@aljazeera.net
Dear Sir/Ma,
Support For Egyptians.
Permit me to use your medium to express my support and solidarity and that of our group (Support Option A4 Group, Leicester-UK) to the people of Egypt on their demand for freedom and democracy, and an end to autocracy. Power belongs to the people, and the people of Egypt have spoken. Therefore the present regime in Egypt (Hosni Mubarak’s government) does not have any choice but to respect the wishes of her people.
Autocracy anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. The world is a global village. Events (be it tsunami, earthquake, landslide, flood, people’s revolution, war, swine flu etc), either in Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Cote d Voire, Brazil, Australia, USA, Thailand, etc will surely have a ripple over effects on other parts of the world. Therefore, I call upon Nigerians and other citizens of the world to support Egyptians on their demand for freedom and democracy.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
PO Box 23127,
Doha - Qatar.
press.int@aljazeera.net
Dear Sir/Ma,
Support For Egyptians.
Permit me to use your medium to express my support and solidarity and that of our group (Support Option A4 Group, Leicester-UK) to the people of Egypt on their demand for freedom and democracy, and an end to autocracy. Power belongs to the people, and the people of Egypt have spoken. Therefore the present regime in Egypt (Hosni Mubarak’s government) does not have any choice but to respect the wishes of her people.
Autocracy anywhere is a threat to democracy everywhere. The world is a global village. Events (be it tsunami, earthquake, landslide, flood, people’s revolution, war, swine flu etc), either in Egypt, Tunisia, Sudan, Cote d Voire, Brazil, Australia, USA, Thailand, etc will surely have a ripple over effects on other parts of the world. Therefore, I call upon Nigerians and other citizens of the world to support Egyptians on their demand for freedom and democracy.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Job Roles For Atiku Abubakar.
“There are a lot of ways Atiku can serve Nigeria other than being the president. Except he has other motives for aspiring to be the president of Nigeria. Former Vice President of America Al gore, who served under Bill Clinton for two terms, contested the American presidential elections in 2000 with George Bush. He lost and told Americans than he will never contest elections again. Al gore took up a project towards finding solutions to the threats of global warming. He has won several awards since taking up this project. This project will touch more lives in America and all over the globe. Till date Al gore remains relevant in the world. Atiku can do similar thing in Nigeria and beyond, this can make him a better statesman.
Alternatively Atiku can use his influences at the national assembly to influence policies that will better the Nigerian masses. He can be the leader of opposition parties in Nigeria, which we desperately need at this point in our polity. Atiku should remember that people are looking up to him. Whether he likes it or not, he is a role model to many Nigerians. Therefore he should try inspiring Nigerians in a positive manner. Dearest Atiku, kindly use all your political know how to support the clamour for transparency in our electoral system. Use all your political strategies to make sure transparency is established in our electoral process”. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/04/atiku-abubakar-and-his-nigerian.html).
The excerpts above were part of an article I wrote in 2009, suggesting to Atiku, to reconsider contesting future presidential elections. This is because, there are more he can do for the country. Now that Atiku has lost the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary nomination, he should devote his time and energy to better the course of democracy in Nigeria.
First, I will suggest he join the campaign or lead the clamour for the abolition of zoning formula. Call it zoning, quota system or federal character should be abolished in all its ramifications. President Goodluck Jonathan cum the PDP has set a precedent towards the abolition of zoning. If our president (a signatory to zoning) can violate the zoning arrangement/agreement, then there is no better time to bury this concept than now. Therefore I call on the Turaki Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar) to lead this crusade. He and many more Nigerians are victims. If we fail to stop zoning, zoning will not fail to stop us.
Atiku has criticized some of President Jonathan’s policies in the past. Now can be a better time and opportunity for him to increase his criticisms of bad government policies. Atiku can criticize whoever wins the next presidential election. Here I will suggest constructive criticisms. When he does, he should also provide better alternative solutions. He can be the leader of opposition to checkmate government excesses, for the benefit(s) of Nigerian masses. This he should do if he truly loves Nigeria like he claimed. Above all, strong opposition is vital for the survival of any democracy.
Atiku can also devout his time to finding lasting peace to some trouble spots in the country, such as Jos etc. Former President Obasanjo was appointed a special United Nations envoy to Congo Democratic Republic to find peace (Though he was not the best person for that job). Obasanjo was also spotted in Cote d’Ivoire trying to mediate between Alassane Ouattara and Gbagbo. Atiku can establish a peace institute in Nigeria. But before finding peace in Nigeria, Atiku can champion the setting up of a sovereign national conference to discuss the future of 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/
Alternatively Atiku can use his influences at the national assembly to influence policies that will better the Nigerian masses. He can be the leader of opposition parties in Nigeria, which we desperately need at this point in our polity. Atiku should remember that people are looking up to him. Whether he likes it or not, he is a role model to many Nigerians. Therefore he should try inspiring Nigerians in a positive manner. Dearest Atiku, kindly use all your political know how to support the clamour for transparency in our electoral system. Use all your political strategies to make sure transparency is established in our electoral process”. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/04/atiku-abubakar-and-his-nigerian.html).
The excerpts above were part of an article I wrote in 2009, suggesting to Atiku, to reconsider contesting future presidential elections. This is because, there are more he can do for the country. Now that Atiku has lost the Peoples Democratic Party presidential primary nomination, he should devote his time and energy to better the course of democracy in Nigeria.
First, I will suggest he join the campaign or lead the clamour for the abolition of zoning formula. Call it zoning, quota system or federal character should be abolished in all its ramifications. President Goodluck Jonathan cum the PDP has set a precedent towards the abolition of zoning. If our president (a signatory to zoning) can violate the zoning arrangement/agreement, then there is no better time to bury this concept than now. Therefore I call on the Turaki Adamawa (Atiku Abubakar) to lead this crusade. He and many more Nigerians are victims. If we fail to stop zoning, zoning will not fail to stop us.
Atiku has criticized some of President Jonathan’s policies in the past. Now can be a better time and opportunity for him to increase his criticisms of bad government policies. Atiku can criticize whoever wins the next presidential election. Here I will suggest constructive criticisms. When he does, he should also provide better alternative solutions. He can be the leader of opposition to checkmate government excesses, for the benefit(s) of Nigerian masses. This he should do if he truly loves Nigeria like he claimed. Above all, strong opposition is vital for the survival of any democracy.
Atiku can also devout his time to finding lasting peace to some trouble spots in the country, such as Jos etc. Former President Obasanjo was appointed a special United Nations envoy to Congo Democratic Republic to find peace (Though he was not the best person for that job). Obasanjo was also spotted in Cote d’Ivoire trying to mediate between Alassane Ouattara and Gbagbo. Atiku can establish a peace institute in Nigeria. But before finding peace in Nigeria, Atiku can champion the setting up of a sovereign national conference to discuss the future of 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
State of Emergency.
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/
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/
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