What A Week?

Saraki-gate:

Eighty one Senators, accompanied their Principal (President) to the Code of Conduct Tribunal. Birds of the same feather flock together. Tell me your friends, and I will tell you who you are. This is total embarrassment to Nigerians (sorry, nothing embarrasses us any more) that our elected eighty one Senators (Sin-nators), will leave their duty of law making, for a day, only to go on useless solidarity with Senate President, who is facing criminal charges. This is about the second time these Senators (Sin-nators) were on a solidarity with the Senate President to the Tribunal. That means two days have been lost. To make matters worse, is seeing the useless questions some of these Senators, asked some ministerial nominees. Thank goodness, it was televised live. Nigerians now know the quality/calibre of their law makers.

Add This: Then came the news of bail of Nnamdi Kalu (Director of Radio Biafra, London). But till the time of writing, it appeared, He was still with the State Security Services, his where about is perhaps fuelling some demonstrations, both in Nigeria and overseas by his supporters. The internet is buzzing as a result.

Then This: Deji of Akure bans Eze Ndigbo title in Akure. Igbo communities closed their shops in solidarity with their leader. This caused some hardship within the town, due to the closed Igbo businesses. But following the intervention of the state government, a peace meeting was held between the Deji’s Palace, Ondo State government, and Igbo leaders. Igbos would resume their businesses. Deji of Akure, said the position of Eze Ndigbo would be considered at the council of Obas which would hold next week. So sure that the Igbos would be allowed to have their Eze Ndigbo titles, if they so desires. Eze Ndigbo title is not a threat to anyone.

And This: Finally, Ex Governor, Chibuike Amaechi (Lion of Rivers State politics) was cleared by the Senate. It was more like a foregone conclusion that he will be screened and that he would scale through.

No dull moments on Nigerian political arena.

C.V.Akuta.
UK
24/10/15.

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Home Truth Series: Imo & Enugu Airports.

Folks,

Why not Igbos/South East Governments consider to directly upgrade the Imo Airport to a cargo destination port, rather than waiting for the federal government. Originally, this particular airport was built by Imo State indigenes before handing it over to the federal government. Igbos can do same and upgrade Sam Mbakwe Airport to cargo destination port. The five South Eastern Governments can pull resources together or mobilize resources among its citizens to do so. After upgrading, then they can approach the federal government for reimbursements. Due to delays experienced so far, the best would be to ask the federal to stay clear while the Igbos upgrade the facilities by themselves.

Same approach can be applied to the Enugu Airport. So sure that the costs would be affordable for the South East governments and Igbos. If Igbos are to fund these projects, then the direct labour, materials, local contractors must all come from the South East. These projects have the great potentials of boosting the South East economy. Projects like these are what should occupy our attention.

C.V.Akuta
UK.
www.cvakutamedia.com
22/10/15.

Preaching: Lets Go Back To The Begining

Ministerial Screening: An analysis So Far.

This is a personal analysis of the Senate Ministerial screening of Tuesday,13th October and Wednesday, 14th October 2015. Firstly, most (if not all) of the ministerial nominees so far, are sound and outstanding. Impressive curriculum vitae. Permit me to mention few of the remarkable ones, Fayemi, Fashola, Kachikwu, and Kemi. Lai Mohammed (APC Publicity Secretary), made the Senators laugh most. Surprisingly, he was not asked any questions, rather to bow and go. Ngige and few ex Senators were also asked to take a bow and go.

Downside.

Some Senators were asking irrelevant questions, for example Senator Shehu Sani asked Fayemi about an unconventional route, he used to escape Nigeria, during the dictatorial regime of Abacha. Not sure this question was relevant. Senator Jonah David Jang was pictured sleeping/dozing. Sleeping on duty. He was looking tired. There were some sorts of drama. Senator Akpabio behaved more like a clown. The Senate was half empty, indicating that some Senators were not present on this very important national assignment. It would have been better, if their portfolios were known, so that some specific questions would be asked.

C.V.Akuta.
UK.
www.cvakutamedia.com
14/10/15.

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Ministerial Screening: Can The Senate Deliver?

The Nigerian Senate has made two important pronouncements concerning the ministerial screening, commencing on Tuesday, 13/10/15. These pronouncements are (1) To enforce the rule that every ministerial nominee must be endorsed by at least two Senators from his/her state. (2) That no assets declaration forms, no screening. My simple question is, what happens if the Senators from the individual States fail to endorse their nominees, may be due to party differences or other issues? Let’s take Dr Ngige for example, He is a member of APC, whereas some of the Senators from Anambra State are from PDP. Also Senator Ngige has a case against Senator Uche Ekwunife, who deposed him. So we are looking at a potential difficult situation.

This will necessitate intense lobbying and perhaps bribery of some sorts (you know what Nigerians are like). It would have been better for the entire Senate to override this particular rule. The assets declaration forms as stipulated by the Senate are perfectly in order. Yours truly has written about it previously. Having said the above, permit me to ask Nigerians one simple question. If anyone has any reason(s), why any of these Ministerial nominees should not be approved by the Senate, say/send your petitions to National Assembly or forever keep your silence. So far the Senate has received no fewer than twenty five (25) petitions, against some of the nominees, according to Sky Trend News (online news portal). The question is, can the Senate deliver correct screening that will meet the taste of time, considering their own stipulations and public petitions. All eyes are on them.

Ogun East Senatorial District Election Nullified.

The National and State Assembly Elections Petition Tribunal Sitting at Abeokuta, nullified the election of Senator Buruji Kashamu. This nullification might have come at the right time, so that the embattled Senator, can have time to visit America, to clear his drug charges. Since a re-run election will take place in ninety (90) days, He can take the opportunity to make an appearance at the United States Court and come back. Being a “lawmaker” He should not hesitate to face the law elsewhere.

Moving On:

Just thought it would be a good idea to connect you (the reader) on Facebook, that is if we have not already connected. If you oblige my request, then add me up: Chinedu Vincent Akuta, alternatively drop me your names so I could add you.

C.V.Akuta.
UK.
www.cvakutamedia.com
10/10/15.

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Ministerial List: Matters Arising.

Yours truly is waiting for the Senate to officially announce the names on the ministerial list on Tuesday, 6/10/15. But so far, there are many names/lists all over the social media purported to be the Ministerial list. Be that as it may, now is the time to set the agenda for whoever will make it to become a minister (Remember they have to pass Senate screening). The first agenda should be that, the Ministers should publicly declare their assets, like President Buhari and his Vice have done. Presently, the Senate President (Saraki) is facing criminal charges at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, for false assets declarations he made previously. Since the President and Vice have gone public their assets, it makes sense that Ministers should also go public with their assets. Leadership by example. Hoping that Nigerians will take up this matter, as soon as Ministers are sworn in.

Ban Ministers and their families, from seeking overseas medical treatment. This was aptly captured on my article titled, My First Letter to President Buhari, part of the article stated thus, “This particular letter is in view of your cabinet, appointees, all top federal civil servants and yet to be appointed ministers etc. Please, ban any person(s) that falls into this category from seeking overseas medical treatments. At best, make it a condition of their service under your government”. http://www.cvakutamedia.com/2015/09/my-first-letter-to-president-buhari.html The above advice becomes more useful now that the list of Ministers have been sent to the Senate President.

This might sound cruel, but Ministers children should be meant to study in public schools/universities etc in Nigeria, as part of their condition for serving Nigeria. But those with dual citizenship are free to study abroad. This will make the Ministers or whoever that would be in charge to feel, whatever pains, an ordinary Nigerian is passing through with training their children. During the time of President Goodluck Jonathan, universities were closed for a long time. Imagine if the education minister(s) then, or those in charge, had their children in public universities, such person(s), would do all he can to end the strike or the closure.

All Ministers should be paid in local currency (Naira). Ex President Obasanjo, paid some Ministers in dollars, during his time. Buhari should never allow this to happen. Anyone that is not willing to accept naira should not bother to accept the ministerial appointment. Next will be to disclose to Nigerians, what the salaries/wages/benefits of a minister is in Nigeria. We should follow the examples of President Buhari and his Vice. Nigerians know what they earn, so we should know what the Ministers would earn monthly/yearly.

Kuje Bomb Blasts (2/10/15).

This is indeed a tough time for Nigeria, especially the terrorist attacks. My heart goes out to the innocent Nigerians affected by these bomb blasts. The security services should step up their efforts to combating these killers. Nigerians also have more roles to play in this war against terrorism. Be vigilante. Report every suspicious movement(s). Consider every unknown face(s) around you as a suspect, until proven otherwise. Spy everyone around you. Together we can defeat terrorism. May God bless Nigeria.

C.V.Akuta.
UK
3/10/15
www.cvakutamedia.com

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@ 55, Lets Praise and Blame Ourselves.

Nigeria is 55 years old today (1/10/15). As Nigeria celebrates her independence anniversary, let us pause, praise and blame ourselves for our fate, as we are the architects of Nigeria’s destiny and woes. Its worthy of note that Nigeria has remained as one till date, even though our foundation appears shaky and wobbly. But thank God, there is no major war,(even though the war against Boko Haram is ongoing). Thank God too, that there are no major natural disasters (even though some of our leaders are worst than natural calamities). But in all, let’s be grateful for the relative peace we enjoy. Countries like Libya, Syria, Somalia, etc are in major wars. Their citizens are worst off as a result. Watching millions of refugees from Syria, and seeing other war torn countries, makes you appreciate Nigeria.

As citizens, we need to work hard for peace and unity of Nigeria. Last line of the second verse of our National Anthem says “To build a nation where peace and justice shall reign”. The government and the citizens have roles to play towards building the Nigerian nation, where peace, fairness, equity and justice shall reign. Singapore has similar clause on their national pledge which says, “We the citizens of Singapore, pledge ourselves as one united people, regardless of race, language or religion, to build a democratic society, based on justice and equality, so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and progress for our nation” Though Singapore is small and diverse, yet they are working for the unity of their country.

Nigeria/ns should copy other countries (USA, UK, European Union, India, and China) and build our unity out of our diversity. We are better as one big entity where justice and equity can reign. As we celebrate and reflect today, yours truly suggests, we follow the Chinese examples (massive trading, industrialization, innovations on science and technology, zero tolerance on corruption etc) to model Nigeria. Co-incidentally, Nigeria shares the same Independence Day with China. While China is 66 today, Nigeria is 55 years old. In addition to the above, we have so many similarities. Nigeria is multi cultural country as well as China. Both nations have large multi ethnic groups. The two countries have large population. China is the most populous country in the world, whereas Nigeria is the most populous African country etc.

Remember, that we have to blame ourselves (leaders and followers) for the present situation we have found Nigeria. We should be prepared to accept further blames, if we fail to play our roles in nation building. Failure is unimaginable. Failure is not an option. Fellow citizens, now is the time to give our best to motherland. Kindly accept my warm regards on this anniversary day.

C.V.Akuta.
UK
www.cvakutamedia.com
1/10/15.