Health is wealth. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation. Please permit me to use this medium, to make a special appeal to banks, financial institutions, private investors, foreign investors, religious organizations, charity organizations etc to invest in the nation’s health sector. That is to build specialist(s) hospitals and possibly commercialize them. The author is making this special appeal because of the followings;
(A) My own little niece was evacuated in February of this year (2011) to a South African hospital, due to complications that arouse after her birth. She was only 3 weeks old, when she was evacuated. To make matters worst then, there was strike action by health workers at most government hospitals.
(B) Just today (1st August 2011) at about 17:00 hrs United Kingdom time, the author made a call to a Nigerian lady, at a hospital in New Delhi , India . As at the time of calling, she had spent a month at this hospital in India .
(C) As at the time of writing (1/8/11), the highly revered Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, is still in a London hospital. He has been in London hospital since December 2010.
(D) The late President Yar’Adua was evacuated to a Saudi Arabian hospital. He spent nearly 3 months there.
The list is endless. Since the government cannot equip, maintain and train health workers to international standards then, a vacuum exists that the private sector should fill. Healthcare can be very expensive; therefore, the author supports profits maximization by any private investor in our health care industry. This cannot be compared to flying to India , UK , USA , South Africa , Saudi Arabia etc for overseas treatment. The private sector has done well in most industries, examples include, telecommunication, education (private schools, tertiary and universities), banking, transport, etc. Therefore, their next target should be the health sector. The religious organizations should also consider establishing, specialist(s) hospitals of international standards. The author is aware that some churches have already built hospitals, but more specialist centres are needed from them.
Not too long ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced plans to build a poultry farm, which upon completion will be the largest in Nigeria . This is part of CBN diversification project. The author agrees with the central bank on this project. After all, “We don’t need more bankers. What we need are more farmers” (Time Magazine, July 11, 2011 Edition. Page 40). The Central Bank should seriously consider building a world class hospital in Nigeria , at least to stem the tide of capital flights occasioned by overseas treatments.
This might be out of their scope, but there will be nothing wrong if the CBN takes the lead, or use policy instruments to support the establishment of world class hospitals in Nigeria. The time is now. May God bless Nigeria .
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An Activist and Citizens Journalist.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com
Business Briefs:
Please, this is only for UKResidents. For all those that need payday loans, kindly visit http://www.vacconceptukltd.co.uk/id4.html and apply online.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Negotiating with Boko Haram.
Well, if the federal government could negotiate with the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), grant their members amnesty, and send so many overseas for training, then there will be nothing wrong to dialog with Boko Haram. This may sound odd, but its becoming a question of, if you can’t beat them, then negotiate with them. But, to achieve a balance, the federal government should also open negotiations with Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Odua People’s Congress (OPC) and other groups agitating for self determination. What is good for MEND should also be good for others. In case of MEND, over 20,000 were given amnesty, out of which about 969 of them are receiving training in USA, South Africa, Poland, Russia, Ghana, Malaysia etc. Boko Haram members definitely need such training, re-orientation, rehabilitation etc. Other Nigerians also need local and overseas trainings.
The writer advises that, Boko Haram or other groups agitating for self determination or any cause, should forget the use of violence. War, fighting, bombing or armed struggle has never achieved any thing except destruction. Every conflict(s) ends on the negotiating table. In Afghanistan , the United States and President Hamid Karzai’s government have opened up negotiation with the Taliban. No price will be too much to pay for peace in Nigeria . However, one important lesson can be learnt from our government. They are willing to listen, when the language of force has been applied. No wonder the MASSOB leader (Chief Ralph Uwazuruike) has threatened to abandon his non violent and non exodus movement. The question to ask our government is, what about non violent innocent Nigerians? When will the government remember them?
From all indications, it appears Boko Haram has popular support amongst the locals. Otherwise one wonders the reasons why Borno State law makers have asked the army to leave Maidugiri. In addition, former Governors of Borno and Gombe State (Senator Alli Modu Sheriff and Senator Danjuma Goje) and the present Governor of Bauchi State (Alhaji Isa Yuguda) have all publicly apologized to Boko Haram. Enjoying the empathy of the locals, means the security services will have tough work to do, which again points to negotiations as an option. In all situations, the priority should be the safety and security of innocent Nigerians. All hands must be on deck to protect them. May God bless Nigeria .
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK .
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
The writer advises that, Boko Haram or other groups agitating for self determination or any cause, should forget the use of violence. War, fighting, bombing or armed struggle has never achieved any thing except destruction. Every conflict(s) ends on the negotiating table. In Afghanistan , the United States and President Hamid Karzai’s government have opened up negotiation with the Taliban. No price will be too much to pay for peace in Nigeria . However, one important lesson can be learnt from our government. They are willing to listen, when the language of force has been applied. No wonder the MASSOB leader (Chief Ralph Uwazuruike) has threatened to abandon his non violent and non exodus movement. The question to ask our government is, what about non violent innocent Nigerians? When will the government remember them?
From all indications, it appears Boko Haram has popular support amongst the locals. Otherwise one wonders the reasons why Borno State law makers have asked the army to leave Maidugiri. In addition, former Governors of Borno and Gombe State (Senator Alli Modu Sheriff and Senator Danjuma Goje) and the present Governor of Bauchi State (Alhaji Isa Yuguda) have all publicly apologized to Boko Haram. Enjoying the empathy of the locals, means the security services will have tough work to do, which again points to negotiations as an option. In all situations, the priority should be the safety and security of innocent Nigerians. All hands must be on deck to protect them. May God bless Nigeria .
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK .
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sending The Wrong Signals.
One hopes there are other reasons for the arrest of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai (former Minister of The Federal Capital Territory) in the morning of today (2/7/11) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja, other than his writings and his most recent post election presentation at the Chatham House London. Lets recollect that in January 2011, Prof Okey Ndibe (A Nigerian Academic, writer, critic, and journalist, based in the USA) was also arrested and interrogated at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos. The case of the later was purely on his writings. When you factor in the fact that many journalists (Mr. Bayo Ohu of the Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Abayomi Ogundeji of Thisday Newspapers, Dele Giwa of Newswatch Magazines etc) have been killed in the past, one wonders if there are calculated attempts to suppress freedom of speech, even under “democratic rule”. However, the government should realize that wrong messages are being sent, each time a journalist is killed or one is arrested for his/her views. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
7-Year Single Term of Office is Unrealistic.
An online news media (http://nationalmirroronline.net/news/16094.html?print?print) has reported, that the Presidency has concluded plans to send a bill to the National Assembly, for a single term of seven years for governors and presidents. The reason being that political violence was always caused, by the resolve of the incumbent governors and president to run for a second tenure of office. Dear President GEJ, if the above intension is true, then the writer completely disagrees with you and other proponents of this idea.
Mr. President, the true cause(s) of political violence is the lack of transparence in our political processes and injustice in Nigeria. Single term of 7, 8, or 9 years will not solve the matter until there is complete transparency, fairness, honesty and justice, in the system. In addition, the level of corruption is more than capable to cause political unrest. Mr. President, our country needs fundamental restructuring. Nothing short of true federalism or confederation is needed. The writer is aware that Mr. President is not in support of sovereign national conference. This makes matter(s) worst, because the nation’s problems can only be solved when the different aggrieved regions, states etc sit on the table and tell each other the truth and chat a way forward.
Just today (12/07/11), it was reported on the news that Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) has called on you (President GEJ) to convene a sovereign national conference, to afford Nigerians the opportunity to discuss and possibly give birth to Republic of Niger Delta. South Sudan was used as an example. Mr. President, several groups are agitating for self-determination, these calls cannot be wished away. It’s a clear indication that all is not well with our polity. Listen to the people and find out what they want. Perhaps, your government can conduct a referendum to find out what Nigerians want. Instead of seeking for a seven year term, emphasizes should be on how to restructure the nation with a view to developing various parts of the country. To the writer, four years is more than enough to put back Nigeria on the path to greatness. Whatever that cannot be accomplished in four years might also not be completed in seven years. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Mr. President, the true cause(s) of political violence is the lack of transparence in our political processes and injustice in Nigeria. Single term of 7, 8, or 9 years will not solve the matter until there is complete transparency, fairness, honesty and justice, in the system. In addition, the level of corruption is more than capable to cause political unrest. Mr. President, our country needs fundamental restructuring. Nothing short of true federalism or confederation is needed. The writer is aware that Mr. President is not in support of sovereign national conference. This makes matter(s) worst, because the nation’s problems can only be solved when the different aggrieved regions, states etc sit on the table and tell each other the truth and chat a way forward.
Just today (12/07/11), it was reported on the news that Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) has called on you (President GEJ) to convene a sovereign national conference, to afford Nigerians the opportunity to discuss and possibly give birth to Republic of Niger Delta. South Sudan was used as an example. Mr. President, several groups are agitating for self-determination, these calls cannot be wished away. It’s a clear indication that all is not well with our polity. Listen to the people and find out what they want. Perhaps, your government can conduct a referendum to find out what Nigerians want. Instead of seeking for a seven year term, emphasizes should be on how to restructure the nation with a view to developing various parts of the country. To the writer, four years is more than enough to put back Nigeria on the path to greatness. Whatever that cannot be accomplished in four years might also not be completed in seven years. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Monday, June 13, 2011
Oladimeji Bankole, EFCC and Corruption.
“In Nigeria, corruption doesn’t just pollute the system, it is the system” Time Magazine, April 25, 2011. Page 28.
Yes, Oladimeji Bankole (Ex Speaker, of the House of Representatives) was arrested for corruption, but to achieve a balance, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should also arrest other top politicians who have stolen massively from the public treasury. Our security agencies cannot claim ignorance of the free movement of other heavily corrupt politicians in Nigeria. Another question is, under what condition(s) did the ex speaker obtain those fraudulent loans from the bank(s). It might also be interesting to beam searchlight on the bank(s) involved.
Arresting Bankole or other corrupt politicians might not make any impact, if the Nigerian system continues to treat corrupt people kindly. “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment” Marcus Cicero. This is more prevalent in Nigeria. The system rewards and recognizes corrupt people. In most cases, prison sentences are mere Childs play. Former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was convicted of N20 Billion naira fraud and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former MD/CEO of Oceanic Bank was jailed 6months for stealing N54 billion naira. Olabode George committed a fraud of over N85 billion naira in Nigeria, and was given only 2.5 years (two and half years jail sentence). Bankole might even not get conviction, talk less of sentence. Remember James Ibori (Ex Governor) of Delta State was discharged and acquitted in Nigeria only to be arrested in Dubai and extradited to UK for the similar offences he committed in Nigeria.
The list of corrupt cases in Nigeria is endless and there is no end in sight. Time Magazine is right to say that in Nigeria, corruption doesn’t just pollute the system, it is the system. “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). Who knows the figures stolen from 2007 till date? One thing is obvious; the level of corruption in Nigeria will certainly make development of our country near impossible. Preventing corruption should be a top priority. The authorities should also take punishing corrupt people seriously. The author wants to be proven wrong, that the present government might not be able to wage an effective war against corruption. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Yes, Oladimeji Bankole (Ex Speaker, of the House of Representatives) was arrested for corruption, but to achieve a balance, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should also arrest other top politicians who have stolen massively from the public treasury. Our security agencies cannot claim ignorance of the free movement of other heavily corrupt politicians in Nigeria. Another question is, under what condition(s) did the ex speaker obtain those fraudulent loans from the bank(s). It might also be interesting to beam searchlight on the bank(s) involved.
Arresting Bankole or other corrupt politicians might not make any impact, if the Nigerian system continues to treat corrupt people kindly. “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment” Marcus Cicero. This is more prevalent in Nigeria. The system rewards and recognizes corrupt people. In most cases, prison sentences are mere Childs play. Former Inspector General of Police, Tafa Balogun was convicted of N20 Billion naira fraud and was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, Mrs. Cecilia Ibru, former MD/CEO of Oceanic Bank was jailed 6months for stealing N54 billion naira. Olabode George committed a fraud of over N85 billion naira in Nigeria, and was given only 2.5 years (two and half years jail sentence). Bankole might even not get conviction, talk less of sentence. Remember James Ibori (Ex Governor) of Delta State was discharged and acquitted in Nigeria only to be arrested in Dubai and extradited to UK for the similar offences he committed in Nigeria.
The list of corrupt cases in Nigeria is endless and there is no end in sight. Time Magazine is right to say that in Nigeria, corruption doesn’t just pollute the system, it is the system. “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). Who knows the figures stolen from 2007 till date? One thing is obvious; the level of corruption in Nigeria will certainly make development of our country near impossible. Preventing corruption should be a top priority. The authorities should also take punishing corrupt people seriously. The author wants to be proven wrong, that the present government might not be able to wage an effective war against corruption. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Inaugurations of 29th May 2011.
My concern remains what inauguration means to ordinary Nigerians. Perhaps, it means hope for better things to come or hope for changes. The Nigerian masses are right to expect changes, but actualizing these hopes to realities are most times difficult. In the past, most electoral/governmental promises are never fulfilled. The question remains, what will be different this time around and what can the citizens do, to hold governments accountable to their promises and responsibilities. The author suggests the formation of active citizens watch dog. This is in addition to an earlier suggestion by the author for the formation of shadow government by the opposition party/parties.
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle. Therefore, as Nigerians mark inaugurations at most states and federal level today 29th May 2011, the author advocates active participation of the citizens and the opposition parties to provide checks and balances. For our nation risks autocracy, without checks and balances. For the numerous court cases, resulting from the elections, nothing less than judicial transparency, free and fair trial will be accepted. As a way forward, forensic examination of all contested election results have been recommended.
For the innocent Nigerians that lost their lives through various electoral violence, may the almighty God grant their souls eternal rest. Our security agencies need to re-strategize for preventive and pre-emptive actions from now onwards. The nation also needs healing arising from the wounds of the last election. Healing will come when aggrieved Nigerians find justice thru the various electoral tribunals. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
“Politics is too serious a business to be left for politicians alone” Charles de Gaulle. Therefore, as Nigerians mark inaugurations at most states and federal level today 29th May 2011, the author advocates active participation of the citizens and the opposition parties to provide checks and balances. For our nation risks autocracy, without checks and balances. For the numerous court cases, resulting from the elections, nothing less than judicial transparency, free and fair trial will be accepted. As a way forward, forensic examination of all contested election results have been recommended.
For the innocent Nigerians that lost their lives through various electoral violence, may the almighty God grant their souls eternal rest. Our security agencies need to re-strategize for preventive and pre-emptive actions from now onwards. The nation also needs healing arising from the wounds of the last election. Healing will come when aggrieved Nigerians find justice thru the various electoral tribunals. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist, Based in UK.
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Zoning Government Positions In Nigeria.
Fellow Nigerians
Zoning arrangements have been a process used by past and present government, to select or appoint people to governmental positions, based on their zones/states of origin. Please let us know what you think about zoning in the present day Nigeria. Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote, http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/524307. Please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. The result of your votes will form the basis for, recommendations to authorities. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Zoning arrangements have been a process used by past and present government, to select or appoint people to governmental positions, based on their zones/states of origin. Please let us know what you think about zoning in the present day Nigeria. Kindly visit the enclosed web link and vote, http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/524307. Please note that the identity of each respondent will be anonymous. The result of your votes will form the basis for, recommendations to authorities. May God Bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and Citizens Journalist.
Facebook / C.v.Akuta.
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
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