Please do not get me wrong, this documentary is a public relation(s) disaster for Nigeria, Nigerians and every thing Nigeria stands for. But I tend to have a different view about this documentary. My opinion is that, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC 2) deserves special award and commendations for finding time, resources and manpower that went to Nigeria to do such an eye opening documentary. Please permit me to thank BBC 2 for this wonderful efforts and exposure. I suggest British Broadcasting Corporation should do more documentaries on Nigeria.
This documentary should become a major challenge for our own media outfits like, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Channels Television, Silver Bird Group, Daar Communications Plc, owners of (African Independent Television [A.I.T.], and Ray Power Radio Stations) to expose many dark sides of our society, with a view to prompting positive actions from the government. On this note, I recommend Covert Journalism/Reporting for all Nigerians. These days every one can become a reporter (iReport) and publisher due to information technology. Therefore, we should expose the good, the bad and the ugly in our society. Covert, surveillance and spy cameras are also recommended.
For the benefit of those who have not watched it (welcome to Lagos), I enclosed here a weblink for episode 1 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00s3bmx/Welcome_to_Lagos_Episode_1) and episode 2 (http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00s5x5w/Welcome_to_Lagos_Episode_2).
The above documentary is similar to an earlier drama/film (Blood and Oil) shown by the same channel BBC 2. The above film(s) and documentaries are highly recommended. First, it shows the level of decay. Secondly it shows absence of government. Thirdly it shows the determination and how people work very hard to survive in the face of government imposed hardship. It also revealed that there are a lot of human resources to be harnessed for national development. The people in the documentaries (Welcome to Lagos) exhibited several entrepreneurial and survival skills.
I understand that the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (Dr. Dalhatu Tafida) protested to the controller BBC 2 against the documentary (Welcome to Lagos). Ironically, the government he is representing and past governments did more to push people to the slums. An example was the Moroko evictees who were forceful evicted by the ex military ruler (Babangida) in 1990. Till date (20 years after), many of them are still going to court for compensation. Many have died in the course of pursuing their resettlement claims.
Though Moroko then was not properly developed, all the ex ruler (Babangida) did was to forcefully evict people from their homes. By so doing he pushed people to the streets which would have led to more slums. Thank goodness he (Dr. Dalhatu Tafida) did not deny the existence of the slums in Lagos in his protest message. On behalf of poor Nigerians whose pain, anguish and neglect by the government necessitated the making of these documentaries, I declare his (Dr Dalhatu Tafida) protest letter null and void.
The authorities that asked Dr Dalhatu Tafida to protest or the Nigerian High Commissioner himself should bury his head in shame for the failure of Nigerian government to provide basic amenities like houses, electricity etc. How much will it cost the nation to provide houses, steady power, water etc for its population compared to how much that has been looted by government officials. Olabode George for instance misappropriated about 85 billion naira. Imagine what this amount could do for those people shown on the documentaries.
In the same manner that the British Broadcasting Corporation used documentaries (Welcome to Lagos) and drama (Blood and Oil) to expose the neglected part of the Nigerian society, and even cause the federal government to react (protest letter from The High Commissioner to the BBC 2), let use films, documentaries, drama on DVDs to propagate political evangelism and change. Picture effects are a powerful means of communicating to people. Perhaps this method (political evangelism) could cause the government to react positively for our people.
Finally, please remember to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Undue Attention.
I have been following with keen interest the decision by the former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida to contest the 2011 Presidential election. Personally, I don’t think he (Babangida) will go far. A good example was when ex head of state (Gen Gowon) tried to contest the presidential election in 1992/93. He (Gowon) failed in his primary constituency. In the case of Gowon’s attempt, Option A4 Electoral System was in place. Though that we have a different electoral law in place now, he (Babangida) will be shocked the way he will loose election. I also think, he might be seeking undue attention because events have relegated him to an obscure background.
History has indeed consigned him to garbage heap of forgotten tyrants. People should not loose sleep about his plans. Its just that one still wonders how people like him think, otherwise there are other things he should have engaged himself with, other than seeking to come back to power. I had in some of my articles advised him (Babangida) to use his influences to work for the re-introduction of Option A4 Electoral System back to our legal books. He should also use his contacts to lobby the present government to posthumously announce the official winner of June 12th 1993 presidential elections and for government to pay compensation to the families of Abiola.
Quoting Thewill (an online news publication; http://thewillnigeria.com/politics/4209-Nigerian-Youths-Are-Not-Capable-Leading-Nigeria-IBB.html), Babangida said that Nigerian youths are not capable of ruling Nigeria. I strongly disagree with him. Rather his statement is an acceptance by him, that he lacked leadership skills when he ruled Nigeria as a youth.
I am also sure that some of his (Babangida) colleagues, associates and friends (birds of the same feather) might want to contest other elections (Senatorial, gubernatorial, etc). Now that he has declared his intensions to run for the highest office of the land, patriotic Nigerians should also declared their own intentions to mass mobilize Nigerians to vote the rightful candidates. Action should be equal to reaction. I had in my previous articles suggested to Nigerians on the need to start political evangelism using various kinds of media outlets. For the sake of good governance in Nigeria, let all patriots become political evangelists. In addition, this will be an ideal time for Nigerians to constitute a shadow judicial process and retry all cases like Dele Giwa’s death etc.
Amongst the most potent means of political evangelism will be to prepare messages on DVDs, CDs, Videos, etc on local languages. Nothing can compare with picture effects. Using home videos and televised religious evangelism as case studies, one will agree that many people have been changed through those means. In the same manner people can be mobilized after viewing political messages. Another reason for this method (political messages on DVDs, CDs Videos, etc) is because government and some private television stations might not like to air such programs. Therefore DVDs/Video recordings will suffice.
Times International Magazine of April 19th 2010, pages 18-19 showed where people of Southern Sudan gathered to watch an educational film on fair elections. A well prepared political/electoral documentary on DVDs can have serious impacts on voting patterns. In case of any documentary in line with the above suggestions, I will recommend the following to be included (a) clips/films of how people of Eastern Europe resisted and dismantled communism (b) clips/films of how Thai people (Red Shirts) exercises peoples power (c) clips/films of how South African resisted Apartheid (d) clips/films of motivational speeches by Martin Luther King Jnr, (e) clips of speeches by our own Tunde (Pastor) Bakare etc.
Political evangelism methods have the potentials of increasing political awareness amongst our folks. We can also choose the direct marketing strategy, whereby we meet people one on one and advise who not to vote. Firstly we can start with our immediate and extended families then proceed to the community levels. I know that many people might be vulnerable to following the money bags, that’s why patriotic Nigerians will have to increase their political evangelism so as to win more souls to see reasons to vote rightfully.
Finally, please remember to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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/
History has indeed consigned him to garbage heap of forgotten tyrants. People should not loose sleep about his plans. Its just that one still wonders how people like him think, otherwise there are other things he should have engaged himself with, other than seeking to come back to power. I had in some of my articles advised him (Babangida) to use his influences to work for the re-introduction of Option A4 Electoral System back to our legal books. He should also use his contacts to lobby the present government to posthumously announce the official winner of June 12th 1993 presidential elections and for government to pay compensation to the families of Abiola.
Quoting Thewill (an online news publication; http://thewillnigeria.com/politics/4209-Nigerian-Youths-Are-Not-Capable-Leading-Nigeria-IBB.html), Babangida said that Nigerian youths are not capable of ruling Nigeria. I strongly disagree with him. Rather his statement is an acceptance by him, that he lacked leadership skills when he ruled Nigeria as a youth.
I am also sure that some of his (Babangida) colleagues, associates and friends (birds of the same feather) might want to contest other elections (Senatorial, gubernatorial, etc). Now that he has declared his intensions to run for the highest office of the land, patriotic Nigerians should also declared their own intentions to mass mobilize Nigerians to vote the rightful candidates. Action should be equal to reaction. I had in my previous articles suggested to Nigerians on the need to start political evangelism using various kinds of media outlets. For the sake of good governance in Nigeria, let all patriots become political evangelists. In addition, this will be an ideal time for Nigerians to constitute a shadow judicial process and retry all cases like Dele Giwa’s death etc.
Amongst the most potent means of political evangelism will be to prepare messages on DVDs, CDs, Videos, etc on local languages. Nothing can compare with picture effects. Using home videos and televised religious evangelism as case studies, one will agree that many people have been changed through those means. In the same manner people can be mobilized after viewing political messages. Another reason for this method (political messages on DVDs, CDs Videos, etc) is because government and some private television stations might not like to air such programs. Therefore DVDs/Video recordings will suffice.
Times International Magazine of April 19th 2010, pages 18-19 showed where people of Southern Sudan gathered to watch an educational film on fair elections. A well prepared political/electoral documentary on DVDs can have serious impacts on voting patterns. In case of any documentary in line with the above suggestions, I will recommend the following to be included (a) clips/films of how people of Eastern Europe resisted and dismantled communism (b) clips/films of how Thai people (Red Shirts) exercises peoples power (c) clips/films of how South African resisted Apartheid (d) clips/films of motivational speeches by Martin Luther King Jnr, (e) clips of speeches by our own Tunde (Pastor) Bakare etc.
Political evangelism methods have the potentials of increasing political awareness amongst our folks. We can also choose the direct marketing strategy, whereby we meet people one on one and advise who not to vote. Firstly we can start with our immediate and extended families then proceed to the community levels. I know that many people might be vulnerable to following the money bags, that’s why patriotic Nigerians will have to increase their political evangelism so as to win more souls to see reasons to vote rightfully.
Finally, please remember to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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, March 28, 2010
Thailand: Protest(s) Capital of Third World Countries.
It will be very appropriate if the Save Nigeria Groups, various opposition groups/parties in Nigeria could undertake a study of masses mobilization method used by the Thai’s opposition groups (the red shirts). I am not saying that pro Nigerian groups/ Save Nigeria Groups have not tried. They have done very well. But the prolong protest methods of Thai people usually send strong messages both to the international community and their national government. This is a tool the ordinary people of Thailand uses very well. This approach (prolong protest method), and the techniques of mobilizing about 100,000 people and keeping them together for days deserves a proper study.
Nigerian authorities (the government and the Nigerian Security Services) also need to learn lessons from Thailand which has merited the title of; Protest Capital of The Third World Countries. In the just concluded Thai protest, their police never fired a single bullet, even though they had to contend with about 100,000 demonstrators in the capital city Bangkok. On our part, I have to commend the Nigerian Police for their orderly manner during the various Save Nigeria Group(s) protest marches. We know what the Nigerian Police used to be like in the past. As a matter of fact, the (Nigerian Police Force) complicity in a public protest, led to the death of former Senate President (Dr Chuba Okadigbo). But can the Nigerian Police Force behave in an orderly manner if about 100,000 Nigerians come out to protest and make serious noise?
Thai politics and especially their opposition protest(s) marches (the opposition groups known as the red shirts, due to the red colour of the shirts worn by them) attracts global attention each time the protesters go to the streets. Some journalist(s) have nicknamed the red shirts as the red army. Politics in Thailand is represented by colours or its colour coded. The opposition groups who support their former Prime Minister (Thaksin Shinawatra) usually wear red shirts, whereas the supporters of the current Prime Minister (Abhisit Vejjajiva) wear yellow shirts. Protest marches by both the yellow shirts and the red shirts can both be very interesting. I have no single doubt, that political awareness among Thai people is very high. Most of Thai people have truly realized that power belongs to them.
Starting from March 12th 2009, when the last protest march was being held by the red shirts (opposition groups), about 100,000 people gathered in Bangkok from various parts of Thailand. The protesters came by buses, trucks, tractors, boats, motorcycles etc to the capital (Bangkok). The red shirts wanted to force the government to hold elections. Greater majority of the red shirts that came for the protest march were poor people and farmers who desired change. The protesters went beyond the protest march to shed their own blood. Thousands lined up at medical tents where nurses collected their blood which they spilled on the gates of the Thai government house, official residence and office complex of their Prime Minister.
What amazes me is the fact that Thai is a third world country like ours but very active when it comes to protests. Their various protest marches is like a volcano. In 2008, the yellow shirts (pro government protesters) protested and occupied their government house for months and Bangkok’s airports for a week.
In April 2009, the red shirts (opposition groups) disrupted the ASEAN summit. Demonstrators prevented the leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from attending their meetings. They blocked the entrance to hotel/venue of the summit. ASEAN leaders were airlifted to safety while the Thai government was humiliated and heavily embarrassed. 8,000 police personnel’s were deployed to control the protesters but they could not stop the people. Interestingly, the police did not fire any single bullet to any protester.
My concern here is how we can use the Thai example to increase the political consciousness of our people. I am of the opinion that governance will be much easier when the people are politically aware of what their leaders are doing. As the general election in Nigeria approaches, what are we going to do to increase the political awareness of our people? Are we ready to vote and be voted for? Are we also ready to guide our votes? How ready are we to become electoral activists? What are our plans to educate the illiterate members of our community? What about political evangelism which I have suggested in my previous articles?
In Thailand, farmers and other poor people left the rural areas to come and demonstrate in Bangkok. Meaning that, they are aware that whatever their government does will affect them directly or indirectly. The challenge is now for us to replicate or surpass the Thailand’s experience. On this note, I will suggest mass education using the following methods; rallies, mobile text messages, continuous distribution of political leaflets, books, journals, translation of political messages to our various native languages, organizing town hall meetings, political seminars, symposiums, lectures etc at village, community, town and local government levels.
Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) Faith Organizations, Youth’s organizations, etc should consider mobilizing its members for volunteer work on political enlightenment(s). Several villages/community meetings especially people from the South Eastern part of Nigeria (of which am one of them), should consider political education/political evangelism as part(s) of meeting agenda(s). Market leaders, motor park leaders, leaders of various road transport unions should also find ways of political enlightenment amongst its members. On the individual level, we should find a way to enlighten one another.
I will also repeat my recommendation for political evangelism whereby political messages are produced in DVD’s, CD’s, Cassette players, ipods, Mp3 players etc and distributed to the people. Picture effect can do the magic. We can also take advantages of the new media (facebook, twitter, youtube, blogs, etc) to reach the needed audience. Hopefully, through mass mobilization and political awareness of our people, we might begin to achieve the “pax Nigeriana” we all are looking for.
Finally, I wish also to continue appealing to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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/
Nigerian authorities (the government and the Nigerian Security Services) also need to learn lessons from Thailand which has merited the title of; Protest Capital of The Third World Countries. In the just concluded Thai protest, their police never fired a single bullet, even though they had to contend with about 100,000 demonstrators in the capital city Bangkok. On our part, I have to commend the Nigerian Police for their orderly manner during the various Save Nigeria Group(s) protest marches. We know what the Nigerian Police used to be like in the past. As a matter of fact, the (Nigerian Police Force) complicity in a public protest, led to the death of former Senate President (Dr Chuba Okadigbo). But can the Nigerian Police Force behave in an orderly manner if about 100,000 Nigerians come out to protest and make serious noise?
Thai politics and especially their opposition protest(s) marches (the opposition groups known as the red shirts, due to the red colour of the shirts worn by them) attracts global attention each time the protesters go to the streets. Some journalist(s) have nicknamed the red shirts as the red army. Politics in Thailand is represented by colours or its colour coded. The opposition groups who support their former Prime Minister (Thaksin Shinawatra) usually wear red shirts, whereas the supporters of the current Prime Minister (Abhisit Vejjajiva) wear yellow shirts. Protest marches by both the yellow shirts and the red shirts can both be very interesting. I have no single doubt, that political awareness among Thai people is very high. Most of Thai people have truly realized that power belongs to them.
Starting from March 12th 2009, when the last protest march was being held by the red shirts (opposition groups), about 100,000 people gathered in Bangkok from various parts of Thailand. The protesters came by buses, trucks, tractors, boats, motorcycles etc to the capital (Bangkok). The red shirts wanted to force the government to hold elections. Greater majority of the red shirts that came for the protest march were poor people and farmers who desired change. The protesters went beyond the protest march to shed their own blood. Thousands lined up at medical tents where nurses collected their blood which they spilled on the gates of the Thai government house, official residence and office complex of their Prime Minister.
What amazes me is the fact that Thai is a third world country like ours but very active when it comes to protests. Their various protest marches is like a volcano. In 2008, the yellow shirts (pro government protesters) protested and occupied their government house for months and Bangkok’s airports for a week.
In April 2009, the red shirts (opposition groups) disrupted the ASEAN summit. Demonstrators prevented the leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from attending their meetings. They blocked the entrance to hotel/venue of the summit. ASEAN leaders were airlifted to safety while the Thai government was humiliated and heavily embarrassed. 8,000 police personnel’s were deployed to control the protesters but they could not stop the people. Interestingly, the police did not fire any single bullet to any protester.
My concern here is how we can use the Thai example to increase the political consciousness of our people. I am of the opinion that governance will be much easier when the people are politically aware of what their leaders are doing. As the general election in Nigeria approaches, what are we going to do to increase the political awareness of our people? Are we ready to vote and be voted for? Are we also ready to guide our votes? How ready are we to become electoral activists? What are our plans to educate the illiterate members of our community? What about political evangelism which I have suggested in my previous articles?
In Thailand, farmers and other poor people left the rural areas to come and demonstrate in Bangkok. Meaning that, they are aware that whatever their government does will affect them directly or indirectly. The challenge is now for us to replicate or surpass the Thailand’s experience. On this note, I will suggest mass education using the following methods; rallies, mobile text messages, continuous distribution of political leaflets, books, journals, translation of political messages to our various native languages, organizing town hall meetings, political seminars, symposiums, lectures etc at village, community, town and local government levels.
Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) Faith Organizations, Youth’s organizations, etc should consider mobilizing its members for volunteer work on political enlightenment(s). Several villages/community meetings especially people from the South Eastern part of Nigeria (of which am one of them), should consider political education/political evangelism as part(s) of meeting agenda(s). Market leaders, motor park leaders, leaders of various road transport unions should also find ways of political enlightenment amongst its members. On the individual level, we should find a way to enlighten one another.
I will also repeat my recommendation for political evangelism whereby political messages are produced in DVD’s, CD’s, Cassette players, ipods, Mp3 players etc and distributed to the people. Picture effect can do the magic. We can also take advantages of the new media (facebook, twitter, youtube, blogs, etc) to reach the needed audience. Hopefully, through mass mobilization and political awareness of our people, we might begin to achieve the “pax Nigeriana” we all are looking for.
Finally, I wish also to continue appealing to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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, March 14, 2010
Jos: Slaughter Capital of Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria owe Nigerians a serious apology for its failure to end the incessant Jos crisis. Re-occurring crisis of this nature is more than enough to bring down governments in the developed countries. Without doubts, the Federal Government, its security agencies and the perpetrators of these crimes should together be held responsible for the Jos massacre. In my opinion, the government should be prosecuted for security failures. The primary responsibility of every government is welfare and security of its citizens. On this occasion (Jos Crises etc) the government has simply failed.
I will advocate serious compensation from the government to those who lost loved ones, even though compensation will not bring back lost relatives. By virtue of the record number of religious crises in Jos and the higher number of deaths resulting from it, Jos has earned for herself, The Slaughter Capital of Nigeria. Just in a space of less than 3 months, over 800 people have lost their lives to religious crises. In January 2010, over 300 people were killed. In this month of March 2010, over 500 were slaughtered. Life is too cheap in Nigeria. I pray that, these killings should be the last. I pray this prayer each time there is a crisis, but I understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. In our own case we have not helped ourselves, therefore heaven might not help us.
To make matters worse, our government has abdicated from their responsibilities (security and welfare). There is no difference between a state sponsored killings and the inaction of our government through their security agencies. Government has no regards for the lives of Nigerians. Government’s inaction also runs counter productive to some of their programmes like re-branding etc
I was highly embarrassed when some of my work colleagues (mainly Africans from other countries) confronted me with the news of Jos massacre on March 9th. Earlier in January (2010), I was also confronted with the same Jos crisis. On each case I was short of words. Imagine if these people were foreign investors or have friends who want to invest in Nigeria. These negative stories will never leave their minds whenever Nigeria is mentioned.
The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment. On the other hand, soft sentences can boost crimes, an example is the light sentence given to Olabode George. If the government cannot get tougher with punishing criminals and perpetrators of religious crises etc, then they will only be toying with our future. No one is safe. Even the so called “leaders” Nelson Mandela once said that ‘Security for few is insecurity for all’
Removing the National Security Adviser is not enough. Heads of other relevant security agencies should also be sacked. Another reason to sack other security chiefs is the way and manner our President was smuggled inside the country like a thief. I read from online news sources that most of our security chiefs claimed ignorance of smuggling of Yar’Adua. We should remember that ignorance is not an excuse in law and therefore cannot be accepted by Nigerians. There (security services) inaction means they cannot justify their wages/salaries etc and there is no point wasting the taxpayers money on whoever cannot justify his/her pay.
The Jos crises is also a serious blow to the people who protested on the streets of London, Abuja, and New York that Nigerians are not terrorist(s). What more do we call terrorism than events in Jos. My biggest concern is how to prevent similar crisis in future? Do we have any assurances from the government and its security agencies that such incidents will not happen again? What are government plans for those displaced from their homes and businesses? What about the traumatised children and women? There are a lot more questions than answers. 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 will advocate serious compensation from the government to those who lost loved ones, even though compensation will not bring back lost relatives. By virtue of the record number of religious crises in Jos and the higher number of deaths resulting from it, Jos has earned for herself, The Slaughter Capital of Nigeria. Just in a space of less than 3 months, over 800 people have lost their lives to religious crises. In January 2010, over 300 people were killed. In this month of March 2010, over 500 were slaughtered. Life is too cheap in Nigeria. I pray that, these killings should be the last. I pray this prayer each time there is a crisis, but I understand that heaven helps those who help themselves. In our own case we have not helped ourselves, therefore heaven might not help us.
To make matters worse, our government has abdicated from their responsibilities (security and welfare). There is no difference between a state sponsored killings and the inaction of our government through their security agencies. Government has no regards for the lives of Nigerians. Government’s inaction also runs counter productive to some of their programmes like re-branding etc
I was highly embarrassed when some of my work colleagues (mainly Africans from other countries) confronted me with the news of Jos massacre on March 9th. Earlier in January (2010), I was also confronted with the same Jos crisis. On each case I was short of words. Imagine if these people were foreign investors or have friends who want to invest in Nigeria. These negative stories will never leave their minds whenever Nigeria is mentioned.
The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment. On the other hand, soft sentences can boost crimes, an example is the light sentence given to Olabode George. If the government cannot get tougher with punishing criminals and perpetrators of religious crises etc, then they will only be toying with our future. No one is safe. Even the so called “leaders” Nelson Mandela once said that ‘Security for few is insecurity for all’
Removing the National Security Adviser is not enough. Heads of other relevant security agencies should also be sacked. Another reason to sack other security chiefs is the way and manner our President was smuggled inside the country like a thief. I read from online news sources that most of our security chiefs claimed ignorance of smuggling of Yar’Adua. We should remember that ignorance is not an excuse in law and therefore cannot be accepted by Nigerians. There (security services) inaction means they cannot justify their wages/salaries etc and there is no point wasting the taxpayers money on whoever cannot justify his/her pay.
The Jos crises is also a serious blow to the people who protested on the streets of London, Abuja, and New York that Nigerians are not terrorist(s). What more do we call terrorism than events in Jos. My biggest concern is how to prevent similar crisis in future? Do we have any assurances from the government and its security agencies that such incidents will not happen again? What are government plans for those displaced from their homes and businesses? What about the traumatised children and women? There are a lot more questions than answers. 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, March 7, 2010
Tunde (Pastor) Bakare.
Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, what I am not sure is, if you got a copy of my appeal to Leaders of Faith Organizations in Nigeria published last year (2009) on my blog (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/appeal-to-leaders-of-faith.html) and on most national newspapers. But whether you got it or not, your actions and deep involvement with the Save Nigeria Group are exactly the responses solicited from that appeal. After listening to your speech on the Abuja rally titled; The Order of Ezra (http://www.latterrainassembly.org/lra/media.html#), I quickly replayed the speeches (I Have a Dream and I Have Seen The Promised Land) by Martin Luther King Jr. Without doubts, we might have our own Martin Luther King in you.
I have had the opportunity of reading through the State of The Nation Broadcast by you. This speech is both inspiring and motivational like your church sermon(s). I have no doubt, that efforts of people like you will definitely yield positive results in Nigeria. I was glad on hearing that you were part of the delegation of Save Nigeria Group that met with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan. We have no choice but to save Nigeria. My prayer is that many more faith leaders should join you in the crusade to save our motherland.
Religious groups are in a better position to mobilize people for change. Another reason is also because; fewer institutions are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, worship centers etc. Therefore, faith leaders by virtue of their calling and congregation they lead should not hesitate to mobilize people for changes. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Therefore every one should speak out and perhaps, join the crusade to save our country. No sacrifice will be too much. Enough is enough.
I believe in one Nigeria where there is justice, equity, fairness and good governance. I also believe there could be unity in diversity. With togetherness and determination we can achieve a lot in saving Nigeria. Fidel Castro of Cuba once said that, no force on earth can defeat a determined people. Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, I have no doubt that the Save Nigeria Group, which you are part of, believes in progress and prosperity of our country. It is on this note that I make another appeal to all pro Nigerian groups both home and abroad to join your group (Save Nigeria Group) or Save Nigeria Group will join them. If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain, mountain can come to Mohammed. Various pro Nigerian groups should retain their identities and focus while identifying with Save Nigeria Group. Better still there should be synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups.
The idea is to form a formidable group, with links abroad that will challenge the status quo at home. Assuming the heat generated by Yar’Adua,s sickness settles down, there will still be a lot of works to be done to put our country on the better pedestrian. I would pray for the Save Nigeria Group, to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill, removal of immunity clause on the constitution, abolition of federal character/quota system etc.
Coalition and synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups will be a step in the right direction towards challenging our numerous problems. I also understand there might be challenges of coordination when the groups are many. But consider division of labour. Groups with interest on electoral reforms could come together under the larger group, while groups with interest on anti corruption could be grouped together under the larger group. This was the concept behind my call for a shadow government/cabinet. I could explain further as and at when needed.
Punch Newspaper of 2nd March 2010 (online version) reported that Ribadu and 45 others formed shadow parliament. It might be a good idea for Save Nigeria Group and other groups to join Ribadu. This project (Shadow Parliament/Shadow Government) will obviously strengthen the opposition parties/groups which is the beauty of every democracy. The planned Mass Action by Save Nigeria Group on 10th March 2010 is also part of democracy. I pray many Nigerians to support this cause.
Furthermore, I urge Nigerians to support Save Nigeria Group in cash and kind. PDP raised over N2 billion naira for Soludo’s election in Anambra State. Therefore, Nigerians should donate their widows’ mite to Save Nigeria Group. No amount will be too small. We should remember that freedom is expensive, please read my article on that; (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/freedom-is-expensive.html).
Another idea you and your group might consider, should be to field credible candidates during next year (2011) general election. It should not matter even if a member of your group wins only the councillorship or chairmanship election. That way you can begin to show Nigerians a true taste of governance. You can stand for elections yourself. Reverend Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church Ministries contested the 2003 presidential elections. It might be easier to change from within than from outside.
My other advice will be for you and the Save Nigeria Group or other pro Nigerian groups to produce political messages in both DVD’s CD’s Cassettes etc, to be distributed to Nigerians. There is need to increase the political consciousness of our people. I call this idea Political Evangelism. It could be in form of documentaries or it could take any form. These political messages could be produced in various native languages of Nigeria. Picture effect(s) can do much in increasing the political consciousness of our people.
Using the home videos and various religious evangelisms as a case study, you will agree with me that many lives have been shaped through that. Political evangelisms in DVD’s CD’s etc will have similar impact on our society. People in remote areas will be empowered politically through such messages.
Finally, it’s also important to remind Nigerians to plant trees or sponsor one to plant on their behalf. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. 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 have had the opportunity of reading through the State of The Nation Broadcast by you. This speech is both inspiring and motivational like your church sermon(s). I have no doubt, that efforts of people like you will definitely yield positive results in Nigeria. I was glad on hearing that you were part of the delegation of Save Nigeria Group that met with Acting President Goodluck Jonathan. We have no choice but to save Nigeria. My prayer is that many more faith leaders should join you in the crusade to save our motherland.
Religious groups are in a better position to mobilize people for change. Another reason is also because; fewer institutions are closer to the people than our churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, worship centers etc. Therefore, faith leaders by virtue of their calling and congregation they lead should not hesitate to mobilize people for changes. Quoting Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”. Therefore every one should speak out and perhaps, join the crusade to save our country. No sacrifice will be too much. Enough is enough.
I believe in one Nigeria where there is justice, equity, fairness and good governance. I also believe there could be unity in diversity. With togetherness and determination we can achieve a lot in saving Nigeria. Fidel Castro of Cuba once said that, no force on earth can defeat a determined people. Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare, I have no doubt that the Save Nigeria Group, which you are part of, believes in progress and prosperity of our country. It is on this note that I make another appeal to all pro Nigerian groups both home and abroad to join your group (Save Nigeria Group) or Save Nigeria Group will join them. If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain, mountain can come to Mohammed. Various pro Nigerian groups should retain their identities and focus while identifying with Save Nigeria Group. Better still there should be synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups.
The idea is to form a formidable group, with links abroad that will challenge the status quo at home. Assuming the heat generated by Yar’Adua,s sickness settles down, there will still be a lot of works to be done to put our country on the better pedestrian. I would pray for the Save Nigeria Group, to put pressure on the National Assembly to pass the freedom of information bill, removal of immunity clause on the constitution, abolition of federal character/quota system etc.
Coalition and synergy amongst all pro Nigerian groups will be a step in the right direction towards challenging our numerous problems. I also understand there might be challenges of coordination when the groups are many. But consider division of labour. Groups with interest on electoral reforms could come together under the larger group, while groups with interest on anti corruption could be grouped together under the larger group. This was the concept behind my call for a shadow government/cabinet. I could explain further as and at when needed.
Punch Newspaper of 2nd March 2010 (online version) reported that Ribadu and 45 others formed shadow parliament. It might be a good idea for Save Nigeria Group and other groups to join Ribadu. This project (Shadow Parliament/Shadow Government) will obviously strengthen the opposition parties/groups which is the beauty of every democracy. The planned Mass Action by Save Nigeria Group on 10th March 2010 is also part of democracy. I pray many Nigerians to support this cause.
Furthermore, I urge Nigerians to support Save Nigeria Group in cash and kind. PDP raised over N2 billion naira for Soludo’s election in Anambra State. Therefore, Nigerians should donate their widows’ mite to Save Nigeria Group. No amount will be too small. We should remember that freedom is expensive, please read my article on that; (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/06/freedom-is-expensive.html).
Another idea you and your group might consider, should be to field credible candidates during next year (2011) general election. It should not matter even if a member of your group wins only the councillorship or chairmanship election. That way you can begin to show Nigerians a true taste of governance. You can stand for elections yourself. Reverend Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church Ministries contested the 2003 presidential elections. It might be easier to change from within than from outside.
My other advice will be for you and the Save Nigeria Group or other pro Nigerian groups to produce political messages in both DVD’s CD’s Cassettes etc, to be distributed to Nigerians. There is need to increase the political consciousness of our people. I call this idea Political Evangelism. It could be in form of documentaries or it could take any form. These political messages could be produced in various native languages of Nigeria. Picture effect(s) can do much in increasing the political consciousness of our people.
Using the home videos and various religious evangelisms as a case study, you will agree with me that many lives have been shaped through that. Political evangelisms in DVD’s CD’s etc will have similar impact on our society. People in remote areas will be empowered politically through such messages.
Finally, it’s also important to remind Nigerians to plant trees or sponsor one to plant on their behalf. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Donald Duke
Presidential Ambition.
Donald Duke (former Governor of Cross River State) has formerly declared his ambition to run for presidential election next year (2011). However, he was silent on the political party of his choice, but certainly not PDP. He made his interest known in an interactive session he held in London on March 5th 2010 at The Congress Hall, Trade Union Centre, 28 Great Russel Street, London. WC1B 3LS.
I had the privilege of being there because of the invitation he personally sent to me. Therefore, if any person(s) know any reason(s) why this man should not contest the presidential election, he or she should forward such concerns to;
yes@donaldduke.co.uk
www.donaldduke.com
Tel: +447515727737
Tel: +234-1-2710823.
At the same time, if any person(s) have any reason(s) to support him or join his campaign organization, he or she should contact the above email addresses/telephone numbers. 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/
Donald Duke (former Governor of Cross River State) has formerly declared his ambition to run for presidential election next year (2011). However, he was silent on the political party of his choice, but certainly not PDP. He made his interest known in an interactive session he held in London on March 5th 2010 at The Congress Hall, Trade Union Centre, 28 Great Russel Street, London. WC1B 3LS.
I had the privilege of being there because of the invitation he personally sent to me. Therefore, if any person(s) know any reason(s) why this man should not contest the presidential election, he or she should forward such concerns to;
yes@donaldduke.co.uk
www.donaldduke.com
Tel: +447515727737
Tel: +234-1-2710823.
At the same time, if any person(s) have any reason(s) to support him or join his campaign organization, he or she should contact the above email addresses/telephone numbers. 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, February 28, 2010
End This Political Crisis Before It’s Too Late.
His Excellency,
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan,
The Presidency, Aso Rock.
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Goodluck Jonathan,
As the Acting President and the Commander in Chief, you Must end this political crisis before it’s too late. Its mockery of your good office (The Presidency) that you’re prevented from seeing your boss. The international community will find it difficult to believe what is happening. By the powers conferred on you as the Commander in Chief, you should summon immediately the Chief of Army Staff, The Director of State Security Services, The Director of Nigeria Intelligence Agency etc, these people will in turn obtain relevant information from the Yar’Adua,s Chief Security Officer, his ADC and orderlies. Whatever information obtained should be broadcast live to the nation.
It will be in the best interest of the ADC and Chief Security Officer to Yar’Adua to furnish their bosses and the nation all they know about Yar’Adua. They owe the nation serious obligation to give account of Yar’Adua,s medical condition as longer as it will help to move the nation forward. They (ADC and CSO to Yar’Adua) should draw lessons from what happened to Al-Mustapha (former Chief Security Officer to late General Abacha) who was cross examined several times about his activities during the Oputa Panel. The present (CSO) to Yar’Adua should remember that he does not have immunity from prosecution. However this present crisis will equally affect him as it will affect other Nigerians directly or indirectly. Therefore, every efforts should be made by all to end the current political tension arising from Yar’Adua,s ill health.
President Yar’Adua is, and will not be the only sick president. When Fidel Castro (Cuban President) became seriously ill, he was televised live on his sick bed when Venezuela’s President (Hugo Chavez) visited him. When late Yasser Arafat (The Leader of Palestine Liberation Organization) was taken to a French hospital before his death, the entire world was kept informed of his situation. Also when former Israeli Prime Minster (Ariel Sharon) was taken to hospital, the world was kept informed. I find it too difficult to understand the secrecy surrounding our president’s sickness.
The National Assembly should also summon without delays all the Service Chiefs (Heads of Security Apparatus responsible for guarding Yar’Adua) to come and explain to the nation all the know about President Yar’Adua,s illness. Madam Turai Yar’Adua (first lady) will not have the powers to stop the National Assembly from summoning the Service Chiefs; neither will she have the powers to stop them from appearing before the National Assembly. The National Assembly should take further steps necessary to avoid this political crisis. All their efforts should be televised live to Nigerians.
Mr. Acting President, you should proceed immediately set up a Commission of Enquiry to look into the events that happened while our President was admitted in a Saudi Arabian hospital. The Commission should also look at the suspicious return of our President into the country. Expose those behind this shameful episode. Prosecute if necessary those who might have aided the return of our President without notifying you. This Commission of Enquiry should be televised live to Nigerians just like the Oputa Panel did. The idea is for Nigerians to have their reports themselves because previous reports of several judicial, administrative or commission(s) of enquiry was never made public. Another idea should be to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incident in the future.
You (Goodluck Jonathan) should also disclose to the nation how much the federal government spent on Yar’Adua,s medical trip to Saudi Arabia? I am asking this question because President Yar’Adua did not spend his personal money. Nigerian tax payers money/the oil money would have been used to off set the medical bills. Remember, the President went with his entourage, and they all were in Saudi for the number of days he spent there. Please remember to add the cost(s) of three government delegations to Saudi Arabia, even though they didn’t see Yar’Adua.
The idea of asking how much was spent is because Nigerians deserve to know how their money is being spent. Who knows, the money spent in Saudi Arabia might have been enough to equip at least one hospital in Nigeria. It was the biggest embarrassment that our President went to Saudi Arabia for his medical treatment. To achieve a balance, the federal government should either send every sick Nigerian to overseas for treatment or completely ban overseas medical treatments for government officials, and properly equip our hospitals. I have made this argument several times.
Nigerians at home and in Diaspora should be more than prepared to defend their democracy. Power belongs to the people. This is the time to be on our guard to defend our freedom and democracy. Every effort should be made by Nigerians to stop further political crisis. Political crisis will rather set us back.
Yar’Adua,s issue should not prevent other political parties from starting campaigns for next year (2011) general elections. Opposition political parties should be strategizing by now on how to capture power come next year. Election is less than fourteen months from now; therefore this is the best time for opposition parties to present credible candidates and programmes to challenge PDP led government. I will advice Nigerians to vote credible people and not political party in future elections in Nigeria. Let’s not forget to start shadow government/cabinet starting from next year (2011). 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/
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan,
The Presidency, Aso Rock.
Abuja, Nigeria.
Dear Goodluck Jonathan,
As the Acting President and the Commander in Chief, you Must end this political crisis before it’s too late. Its mockery of your good office (The Presidency) that you’re prevented from seeing your boss. The international community will find it difficult to believe what is happening. By the powers conferred on you as the Commander in Chief, you should summon immediately the Chief of Army Staff, The Director of State Security Services, The Director of Nigeria Intelligence Agency etc, these people will in turn obtain relevant information from the Yar’Adua,s Chief Security Officer, his ADC and orderlies. Whatever information obtained should be broadcast live to the nation.
It will be in the best interest of the ADC and Chief Security Officer to Yar’Adua to furnish their bosses and the nation all they know about Yar’Adua. They owe the nation serious obligation to give account of Yar’Adua,s medical condition as longer as it will help to move the nation forward. They (ADC and CSO to Yar’Adua) should draw lessons from what happened to Al-Mustapha (former Chief Security Officer to late General Abacha) who was cross examined several times about his activities during the Oputa Panel. The present (CSO) to Yar’Adua should remember that he does not have immunity from prosecution. However this present crisis will equally affect him as it will affect other Nigerians directly or indirectly. Therefore, every efforts should be made by all to end the current political tension arising from Yar’Adua,s ill health.
President Yar’Adua is, and will not be the only sick president. When Fidel Castro (Cuban President) became seriously ill, he was televised live on his sick bed when Venezuela’s President (Hugo Chavez) visited him. When late Yasser Arafat (The Leader of Palestine Liberation Organization) was taken to a French hospital before his death, the entire world was kept informed of his situation. Also when former Israeli Prime Minster (Ariel Sharon) was taken to hospital, the world was kept informed. I find it too difficult to understand the secrecy surrounding our president’s sickness.
The National Assembly should also summon without delays all the Service Chiefs (Heads of Security Apparatus responsible for guarding Yar’Adua) to come and explain to the nation all the know about President Yar’Adua,s illness. Madam Turai Yar’Adua (first lady) will not have the powers to stop the National Assembly from summoning the Service Chiefs; neither will she have the powers to stop them from appearing before the National Assembly. The National Assembly should take further steps necessary to avoid this political crisis. All their efforts should be televised live to Nigerians.
Mr. Acting President, you should proceed immediately set up a Commission of Enquiry to look into the events that happened while our President was admitted in a Saudi Arabian hospital. The Commission should also look at the suspicious return of our President into the country. Expose those behind this shameful episode. Prosecute if necessary those who might have aided the return of our President without notifying you. This Commission of Enquiry should be televised live to Nigerians just like the Oputa Panel did. The idea is for Nigerians to have their reports themselves because previous reports of several judicial, administrative or commission(s) of enquiry was never made public. Another idea should be to prevent the reoccurrence of similar incident in the future.
You (Goodluck Jonathan) should also disclose to the nation how much the federal government spent on Yar’Adua,s medical trip to Saudi Arabia? I am asking this question because President Yar’Adua did not spend his personal money. Nigerian tax payers money/the oil money would have been used to off set the medical bills. Remember, the President went with his entourage, and they all were in Saudi for the number of days he spent there. Please remember to add the cost(s) of three government delegations to Saudi Arabia, even though they didn’t see Yar’Adua.
The idea of asking how much was spent is because Nigerians deserve to know how their money is being spent. Who knows, the money spent in Saudi Arabia might have been enough to equip at least one hospital in Nigeria. It was the biggest embarrassment that our President went to Saudi Arabia for his medical treatment. To achieve a balance, the federal government should either send every sick Nigerian to overseas for treatment or completely ban overseas medical treatments for government officials, and properly equip our hospitals. I have made this argument several times.
Nigerians at home and in Diaspora should be more than prepared to defend their democracy. Power belongs to the people. This is the time to be on our guard to defend our freedom and democracy. Every effort should be made by Nigerians to stop further political crisis. Political crisis will rather set us back.
Yar’Adua,s issue should not prevent other political parties from starting campaigns for next year (2011) general elections. Opposition political parties should be strategizing by now on how to capture power come next year. Election is less than fourteen months from now; therefore this is the best time for opposition parties to present credible candidates and programmes to challenge PDP led government. I will advice Nigerians to vote credible people and not political party in future elections in Nigeria. Let’s not forget to start shadow government/cabinet starting from next year (2011). 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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