“For those who know him, no word is necessary; for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient” W.T. Horngren. (An American Author). For those who know Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba Nnewi) no word is necessary, for those who do not know him, no word is sufficient enough to describe him. When I first heard the news of his death very early in the morning of today, Saturday 26th November 2011, I began to pray let it not be true. The news kept coming and coming. I had no choice but to place a call to a friend who had the opportunity of visiting him in the hospital when he was alive. Sadly my friend confirmed my worst fears, that Ikemba was actually dead. Few days ago (November 4th 2011) I had the privilege of wishing him happy birthday.
Ojukwu has left an indelible mark. No one can occupy his position. Ojukwu is synonymous with the Igbos as the Igbos are synonymous with him. He was to Igbos what Moses was to the Israelites in the Holy Bible. You cannot die because you live in the hearts and minds of your people (Ndiigbo). Your legacies and ideas will live forever. According to late John F. Kennedy (former American President) “A man may die, nations may rise and fall, but an idea lives on”. Your legacies are carved in stone and you will forever remain in the minds of Ndiigbo and entire Nigerians.
As a young man, I took an exceptional interest in Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. I tried to study History at University of Nigeria Nsukka , because Ikemba studied History, however, providence took me to a different course. I read all most, all the newspaper/magazines interviews Ikemba gave before I left Nigeria . During my last visit to home, I collected his book; Because I Am Involved. I have read this book more than eight times and I am not yet tired of reading it. I read over 15 books on the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
The greatness of a man is measured by what he lived and died for. You lived your life fighting for fairness, equity, justice, and peace. You stood for Ndiigbo at the dark moments. On the concept, Biafra, here is what Ojukwu said, “The concept, Biafra, was a line drawn for a persecuted people to have a beacon of hope, a line drawn so that a fleeing people can at least hope that once they cross it, they have arrived at a goal, a line drawn so that a hated and persecuted people can at least know that once they reach there, they would have love and succor. This is why there was no declaration of that line as a republic until certain acts of war were initiated against the persecuted people.” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). On fighting the Igbo cause, Ojukwu said, “I have had my belly full of wars. I will always fight for the welfare of the Igbos, though this time around on a table of dialogue”, “In Aburi, I stated the Igbo case and I will continue to do so wherever it is necessary” (Because I Am Involved, P 170). There is no way we can forget Ikemba Nnewi, therefore you’re not dead.
Ojukwu generated more controversies more than any other Nigerian. Many often, he has been mis-quoted, mis-interpreted and mis-trusted. Yet his views, visions and solutions to Nigeria ’s problem remain one of the best, if not the best. I consider myself lucky, having lived to witness his existence/passage on earth.
Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu is an enigma, a legend, a hero, a leader, a patriot, and above all, the General of the people’s army. Rest in peace our great leader.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Happy Birthday Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Dearest Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, today (November 4th 2011) marks your 78th birthday. Kindly accept my birthday wishes and prayers for your quick recovery. The solutions to our problem as a nation, which you recommended at Aburi (Aburi Accord) Ghana in 1967, remains valid today as it was then in 1967. You have shown the light and the people will follow. Once more, accept my birthday wishes.
C.V.Akuta
UK.
C.V.Akuta
UK.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Farida Waziri Indicts Self and Government.
Farida Waziri (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s Boss) does not need any introduction. She had just revealed that “Nigerians are not ready to fight corruption”. To the author, this is a simple indictment on herself as the EFCC Boss, and the government, since both her position and that of various tiers of government are occupied by Nigerians. A simple question to Farida Waziri is; who will fight corruption or lead the fight against corruption? The masses or the government with all state apparatus. Glad that she has spoken the truth. Nigerians know the problem has always been with the government.
Several local and international organizations have at one point or the other indicted our government on corruption. According to the United Nations (UN), “Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime” (Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). “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). Transparency International noted Nigeria as one of the leading corrupt nations.
The author would wish readers to revisit his speech to Nigerians at the University of Warwick, UK, titled: Corruption: Rampant Political Corruption (Law Enforcement, Justice and Penal Systems, Legislative System, Misappropriation of Funds) Corruption is Embedded in Society. Date 9th March 2011. University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html)
Fighting corruption in Nigeria will require a leader made up of iron and steel. For now, the author has not seen any of such person(s). May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Several local and international organizations have at one point or the other indicted our government on corruption. According to the United Nations (UN), “Nigerian kleptocrats have milked the nation to the tune of about $100 billion dollars thorough various acts of grand corruption, the cost of which it lamented by far exceeded the damage caused by any other single crime” (Daily Sun, Wednesday, December 3, 2008 page 9). “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). Transparency International noted Nigeria as one of the leading corrupt nations.
The author would wish readers to revisit his speech to Nigerians at the University of Warwick, UK, titled: Corruption: Rampant Political Corruption (Law Enforcement, Justice and Penal Systems, Legislative System, Misappropriation of Funds) Corruption is Embedded in Society. Date 9th March 2011. University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, CV4 7AL. (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html)
Fighting corruption in Nigeria will require a leader made up of iron and steel. For now, the author has not seen any of such person(s). May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Disenfranchising Fellow Nigerians.
The author is no longer surprised about what happens in Nigeria or what comes out of Nigeria. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise, when the House of Representatives stood down a bill, seeking to amend the 2010 electoral act that would have made it possible, for Nigerians in Diaspora to vote. Deputy Leader of the House, Leo Ogor raised concerns that Nigeria was not ripe for such an exercise, even when President Goodluck Jonathan promised that by 2015, those in Diaspora will vote. Over 20 African countries have already started Diaspora votes for their citizens, yet Nigeria is not ripe, according to the House of Representative deputy leader. This is pure man’s inhumanity to mankind. Disenfranchising fellow citizens.
Without doubts, greater part of our problems is from our “elites”. The author also remembered when the current Senate President (David Mark) was a communication minister, he said, “that telephone is not for the poor”. All previous governments have in one way or other pushed the people further into poverty. At present, our President appears to have made up his mind to remove the oil subsidy. All these are direct assault on the Nigerian masses both home and in the Diaspora. The only reason, why “any ruler” wakes up one morning to say or implement any harsh policy is because Nigerians are prepared to tolerate. There seems to be no limit to our tolerance level. The ability to accept/tolerate every thing the government does, is also our biggest hindrance to progress and development as a nation.
The time is now to start saying no and question any wrong policy. Whenever the government tries to impose a wrong policy, citizens should have no choice but to protest and resist peacefully. This can be achieved by mobilizing and educating one another that, good governance is our birth right(s). Enough is enough. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Without doubts, greater part of our problems is from our “elites”. The author also remembered when the current Senate President (David Mark) was a communication minister, he said, “that telephone is not for the poor”. All previous governments have in one way or other pushed the people further into poverty. At present, our President appears to have made up his mind to remove the oil subsidy. All these are direct assault on the Nigerian masses both home and in the Diaspora. The only reason, why “any ruler” wakes up one morning to say or implement any harsh policy is because Nigerians are prepared to tolerate. There seems to be no limit to our tolerance level. The ability to accept/tolerate every thing the government does, is also our biggest hindrance to progress and development as a nation.
The time is now to start saying no and question any wrong policy. Whenever the government tries to impose a wrong policy, citizens should have no choice but to protest and resist peacefully. This can be achieved by mobilizing and educating one another that, good governance is our birth right(s). Enough is enough. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
No Celebration @ 51.
The writer disassociates himself from any 51st independence anniversary celebration. Instead of celebration, we should weep for Nigeria. The reason is because our past and present “rulers” have failed the nation. The Nigerian masses have also failed the nation, for failing to realize their power to positively change the nation. Citizens’ empowerment is needed in every sphere of life. Imagine citizens’ full support for the fight against bad governance, injustices, crimes, corruption, kidnapping, raping, etc. Each of us owes the country a duty to help empowerment our fellow citizens. Again, the country needs a fundamental restructuring. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Citizens, Media and Crime Fighting.
“The fate of the nation then lies in the hands of the faithful” Time Magazine, September 26, 2011. Page 27.
Greater number of Nigerians (home and abroad), have risen in unison to condemn the Abia State University gang rape. Also the Nigerian media have shown tremendous support to make sure the animals (rapists) are apprehended. The pressure from Nigerians and the Nigerian media have led to the arrest of some suspects in the rape case. Though the police is yet to give details of the arrested suspects, the writer urges Nigerians to keep the pressure. Permit me to use this medium to ask Nigerians to volunteer information that will lead to the arrests and prosecution of the remaining rapists and other criminals. An injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere. What affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Therefore, Nigerians owe each other the duty to cooperate in the fight against crimes.
One thing has caught my attention in the case of the Abia State University gang rape, and that is the unity amongst many Nigerian media house, online blogs, internet forums etc to catch these culprits. While fighting to make sure justice is done, the writer appeals to Nigerians, Nigerian media, NGO’s etc to adopt this approach in other crime fighting strategies. The media has a bigger to role play. First by alerting the public of criminals, by published their names and pictures. Secondly, by calling on law enforcement agencies, to act. Thirdly, keeping pressure on the law enforcement agencies and the legal system to make sure justice is done.
Security is the responsibility of all Nigerians. If the citizens do not watch over their city, the police men/women stay awake in vain. And let’s remember what Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. More so, “The fate of the nation then lies in the hands of the faithful” Time Magazine, September 26, 2011. Page 27. It will definitely be a good idea for fellow citizens to keep surveillance and spy on people whose motives and movements appear suspicious. No price is too much to pay for our security. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Greater number of Nigerians (home and abroad), have risen in unison to condemn the Abia State University gang rape. Also the Nigerian media have shown tremendous support to make sure the animals (rapists) are apprehended. The pressure from Nigerians and the Nigerian media have led to the arrest of some suspects in the rape case. Though the police is yet to give details of the arrested suspects, the writer urges Nigerians to keep the pressure. Permit me to use this medium to ask Nigerians to volunteer information that will lead to the arrests and prosecution of the remaining rapists and other criminals. An injustice anywhere is threat to justice everywhere. What affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Therefore, Nigerians owe each other the duty to cooperate in the fight against crimes.
One thing has caught my attention in the case of the Abia State University gang rape, and that is the unity amongst many Nigerian media house, online blogs, internet forums etc to catch these culprits. While fighting to make sure justice is done, the writer appeals to Nigerians, Nigerian media, NGO’s etc to adopt this approach in other crime fighting strategies. The media has a bigger to role play. First by alerting the public of criminals, by published their names and pictures. Secondly, by calling on law enforcement agencies, to act. Thirdly, keeping pressure on the law enforcement agencies and the legal system to make sure justice is done.
Security is the responsibility of all Nigerians. If the citizens do not watch over their city, the police men/women stay awake in vain. And let’s remember what Edmund Burke said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing”. More so, “The fate of the nation then lies in the hands of the faithful” Time Magazine, September 26, 2011. Page 27. It will definitely be a good idea for fellow citizens to keep surveillance and spy on people whose motives and movements appear suspicious. No price is too much to pay for our security. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Diaspora Resources.
Our natural resource(s) extends beyond our borders. By this, the author means, our abundant human resources in Diaspora. It’s not in doubt that over 19 million of us live in Diaspora. Therefore, before calling for foreign direct investment or calling on foreigners to come and invest in Nigeria, the first call should be on fellow Nigerians to come home and invest. After all, charity begins at home. India has experimented this model with massive economic boosts. Meanwhile, in the absence of oil revenue, remittances from Nigerians in Diaspora accounts for the second largest source(s) of foreign exchange. Who then should drive this change, for more economic boost from our folks abroad?
Government, organized private sector, NGO’s, and Nigerians should focus more on this under tapped sector of our economy. Some private sector establishments have performed creditably well in this direction. I could recall several job fairs/recruitment drives organized in UK by some many Nigerian firms. It will be a good idea for the private sector to continue, driving this initiative of tapping into our foreign human resources/reserves.
For our economy to develop, there is need for competitiveness with other emerging economies. Here our human reserves in Diaspora, comes handy to complement the human resources at home. There is also the need to inject technological and skills transfer into our system. The cheap way to do this will be to start taping into these huge resources/reserves overseas.
The author has been privileged to meet a lot of Nigerians who came to United Kingdom, looking for projects to copy and domesticate in Nigeria. The author also belongs to the school of thoughts that believes technology should be copied. The Asian tigers copied western technologies, and today their economies are even ahead of some European nations. Till date, the author is yet to see any nation prosecuted for coping technology. For those who produce Aba made etc, my advise is for them to copy better technology so as to improve on their qualities and quantities.
The author suggests synergy and sincerity between people at home and those in Diaspora. With trust and confidence, more investments will flow into our economy. It’s important for Nigerians on both sides of the divide to establish trust. The passion to come home and invest runs high in every Nigerian I have come across in the west. Lack of trust is amongst one of the stumbling blocks to foreign capital inflow.
Another reason is that, East, West, North or South, home is the best. In fact, the moment you board a foreign airline leaving Nigeria, you become a second class citizen (It doesn’t matter if you have American, British, Canadian, European or Chinese citizenships). In these circumstances, you have no choice but to appreciate home. Furthermore, when one eventually arrives the western countries, social mobility becomes too difficult. Assimilation is near impossible. Racism is rife. Xenophobia and anti immigration sentiments are on the high, examples being the mass shooting at a Norwegian youth camp and the rise of far right political groups/parties.
In all, the author understands that, there are a lot the government can do to facilitate tapping into our huge human resources/reserves in Diaspora. But for obvious reasons, let’s pretend the government do not exist and let the citizens lead this approach. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Government, organized private sector, NGO’s, and Nigerians should focus more on this under tapped sector of our economy. Some private sector establishments have performed creditably well in this direction. I could recall several job fairs/recruitment drives organized in UK by some many Nigerian firms. It will be a good idea for the private sector to continue, driving this initiative of tapping into our foreign human resources/reserves.
For our economy to develop, there is need for competitiveness with other emerging economies. Here our human reserves in Diaspora, comes handy to complement the human resources at home. There is also the need to inject technological and skills transfer into our system. The cheap way to do this will be to start taping into these huge resources/reserves overseas.
The author has been privileged to meet a lot of Nigerians who came to United Kingdom, looking for projects to copy and domesticate in Nigeria. The author also belongs to the school of thoughts that believes technology should be copied. The Asian tigers copied western technologies, and today their economies are even ahead of some European nations. Till date, the author is yet to see any nation prosecuted for coping technology. For those who produce Aba made etc, my advise is for them to copy better technology so as to improve on their qualities and quantities.
The author suggests synergy and sincerity between people at home and those in Diaspora. With trust and confidence, more investments will flow into our economy. It’s important for Nigerians on both sides of the divide to establish trust. The passion to come home and invest runs high in every Nigerian I have come across in the west. Lack of trust is amongst one of the stumbling blocks to foreign capital inflow.
Another reason is that, East, West, North or South, home is the best. In fact, the moment you board a foreign airline leaving Nigeria, you become a second class citizen (It doesn’t matter if you have American, British, Canadian, European or Chinese citizenships). In these circumstances, you have no choice but to appreciate home. Furthermore, when one eventually arrives the western countries, social mobility becomes too difficult. Assimilation is near impossible. Racism is rife. Xenophobia and anti immigration sentiments are on the high, examples being the mass shooting at a Norwegian youth camp and the rise of far right political groups/parties.
In all, the author understands that, there are a lot the government can do to facilitate tapping into our huge human resources/reserves in Diaspora. But for obvious reasons, let’s pretend the government do not exist and let the citizens lead this approach. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
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