Buhari, Appointments, and Matters Arising.

This piece is in response to the media uproar following the last appointment made by President Buhari on 27/8/15. Before proceeding, let me reference part of a recent article written by the same author on 15/8/15.

“As soon as any appointment(s) is made, the first likely question most Nigerians would ask you is, what state/zone/tribe etc is S/he from. Rarely do we ask about the qualifications of the appointee(s) and how s/he can deliver. Those not favoured by the appointment(s) will start complaining. Then the spin doctors/conspiracy theorists will move in quickly, and start fabricating all sorts of stories. Mostly, there are stories out of every appointments made by the government. Make no mistake, most of these (spin doctors/conspiracy theorists), make a living out of these fabricated stories, or some try to remain relevant through these means. It becomes an issue, when you see the number of people (both the intelligent and non intelligent) buying into these conspiracy theories.

When you probe further, to discover the reasons, behind these attitudes of so many Nigerians, then you could trace it down to the federal character principle, which is part of the Nigeria’s constitution”... “The federal character principle was adopted during the 1977 constitutional drafting committee. It became part of the 1979 constitution of Nigeria, and has remained so till date. This gave rise to quota system. From then, merit and competitiveness, were sacrificed for mediocre. This principle also means that appointments have to be spread around. Yours truly is totally against this principle, because it will prevent the best from emerging. Max Weber (1864-1920) said, that employees should be hired and promoted based on merit and expertise. Singapore has an official policy on merit”. http://www.cvakutamedia.com/2015/08/appointments-appointees-expectations.html

Agreed that as at today (29/8/15), Buhari’s appointments are mainly Northerners, but he has not finished appointments yet. Besides, some of these appointments are non statutory. Guess, he should be given a free hand to select his cabinet. Those he can work with, and those that can deliver their terms of engagement to the Nigerian masses. If Buhari fails, little or no mention will be made of these appointees. Furthermore, we don’t know the information available to him, as to why he has made those choices so far.

On 28/8/15, the Punch news, had a story where Buhari, through his spokesman promised to redress any imbalance in his appointments. But if Buhari, fails to comply with the federal character principle after his appointments, then hold him to account for that. See further resources on the above. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzprzNURZnY/ http://www.cvakutamedia.com/2015/08/buharis-appointments-so-far.html).

SGF Position.

Just read an online story that the political intrigues etc, from some South Easterners and few others, might have been responsible why Ogbonnaya Onu lost out of SGF (Secretary to the Government of the Federation) position. These days a lot of stories fly up and down. So sure, the masses will think differently, if they know the underground currents regarding appointments. Please inbox me if you want to read the link too.

Buhari, and 2^nd Niger Bridge.

What would have been unusual is, if President Buhari didn’t call for the probe of the 2^nd Niger Bridge contracts etc. Glad he did. On 17^th January 2015, yours truly raised alarm through an article titled (The Tue Cost of The 2^ndNiger Bridge). The article revealed that the proposed 2^nd Niger Bridge, public private partnership (PPP) arrangements were totally against the interest of Igbo masses. If you look at the (PPP) arrangements, Igbos are simply paying/building this bridge on their own. The Governor of Imo State (Owelle Rochas Okorocha) and some other Igbo leaders called for the cancellation of the contract/contract terms and conditions.

This proposed 2^ndNiger Bridge might be the single largest federal government project at the South East. This is because, there are little or no federal government projects in the South East. Considering the contributions, that the Igbos have made in Nigeria, they do not deserve to pay for this bridge. Praying that President Buhari, should correct the anomalies, terminate the proposed toll collection and construct the bridge before he leaves office. Former Military Head of State (IBB) was the first leader that promised this bridge about 1992. Till date, it has been used to manipulate Igbos for their votes. Obasanjo, Yar Adua and Goodluck Jonathan promised and failed to build the bridge.

Job Role For Igbo Leaders.

South East leaders, youths etc, should monitor this project in addition to others through the offices of Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Federal Ministry of Works.

C.V.Akuta.

UK

29/8/15

www.cvakutamedia.com

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Buhari's Appointments So Far.

Diaspora Day; Diaspora Demands.

This year’s Diaspora day will take place on 24^th and 25^th August 2015. The usually Diaspora day takes place yearly every 25^th of July. The federal government declared the Diaspora Day in 2005, in recognition of the strength, importance and contributions of the Nigerians in Diaspora. Currently over nineteen (19) million Nigerians live in Diaspora. It is estimated that over 3.25 million Nigerians live in America. According to Mayor of Brent, London (Micheal Adeyeye), over 1 million Nigerians live in London alone. Remittances from Nigerians in Diaspora, accounts for the second largest source of foreign exchange. According to news, carried by Premium Times, Nigerians overseas remitted $21 billion dollars in 2013. Figures are projected to increase further in 2015. Millions of Nigerian professionals are living abroad. Many come back to perform one form of charity project or another.

Recognising the Nigerians in Diaspora.

In recognition of the contributions and potentials of Nigerians in Diaspora, Obasanjo started/instituted the Diapora Day in 2005. Nigerians in Diapora Organisation (NIDO) emerged about the same time. In 2009, a House Committee on Diaspora was established at the House of Representatives. The Senate is yet to establish a similar committee. Hoping they will borrow a leaf from the House of Representatives to do same. In 2014, Ex President Goodluck Jonathan invited about 6 Nigerians from different continents to be members of the Confab. Many Nigerians have been invited from abroad to come and serve as Governors, Ministers, and Commissioners etc. The author will like to suggest to Nigerians in Diaspora to demand at least 6 appointment slots under President Buhari.

Nigerians in Diaspora as Extension of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy.

There is no end to the potentials of Nigerians overseas. They can become a valuable component of Nigeria’s foreign policy, similar to what the Jews in America do to influence US policies towards Middle East. Before the last election, many Nigerians in UK, had audience with some MP’s (UK Parliamentary Members), on the need to ensure free and fair elections in Nigeria. On President Buhari’s war against corruption, some Nigerians are contemplating going to meet their individual MP’s, to raise and discuss the matter at the UK House of commons. This is citizen’s led diplomacy. Every Nigerian can turn into an ambassador of this nation. Every year, the Mayor of Leicester City, UK is invited to the new yam festivals organized by the Igbos living in the city. During the last Leicester carnival (1/8/15), Nigerian flag was on display, during the street parade. Yoruba language has been recognized by the London Metropolitan Police.

Imo State Diaspora Village.

This was by far, one of the best ideas, brought up by the Imo State Governor (Rochas Okorocha). The idea was that, the State government, some banks, and private developers would build a Diaspora village, strictly to be sold only to Imo State indigenes overseas. Payments would be through a mortgage system, of ten or more years. This would have served as a gradual means to invest at home. According to Rochas, all the materials, labour etc would be sourced locally. The multiplier effects (massive cash inflows, employment opportunities, etc) of this project to the state’s economy would have been great. Imo indigenes were so enthusiastic and eager to invest. Presentation was made to people in London about this project. Sadly this project didn’t see the light of the day. However, it’s not late to revisit it again or other states, the federal government can adopt it or something similar.

Nigerians In Diaspora Commission.

Many countries of the world have moved further from recognising their citizens overseas, to the creation of ministries or agencies in charge of their affairs. Let’s look at some examples, in 1995, Haiti created Ministry of Haitians Living Abroad. In 2004, India created, the Ministry for Overseas Indian Affairs. India has invited their citizens abroad to return home and help develop it. Somalia has Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Community Affairs. Serbia has a similar ministry, dedicated to stop brain drain etc. Mali created a Ministry of Malians Abroad and African Integration. Benin Republic has Ministry for foreign Affairs, African Integration, the Francophone Community, and Beninese Abroad. In Nigeria as in other countries, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Bill has gone through all the 3 stages at the House of Reps, waiting to be passed by the Senate. This bill seeks to (a) that Nigerian Diaspora Commission to be the sole agency to handle all Diaspora matters, (b) “responsibility for co-ordinating and providing a system of collaborations of Nigerians in Diaspora for their contributions, by identifying, preserving, and mobilising the human, capital, material resources and expertise to the general development of Nigeria”. http://diasporacommittee.com/index.php/about-us

Voting Rights for Nigerians in Diaspora.

Currently, about 96 countries of the world allow their citizens overseas to votes. Some of these countries are, Brazil, Angola, Cote D’ Ivoire, Russia, Algeria, America, etc. In Nigeria, the bill seeking to amend the Electoral Act of 2010, to allow Nigerians living abroad to vote did not make it past the first reading at the House of Representatives. President Jonathan promised in 2011, that Nigerians in Diaspora would vote in 2015 general election, but it wasn’t possible. President Buhari, while addressing Nigerians in Cameroon, promised to look into this. The best would be for the Nigerians abroad to work with the House Committee on Diaspora to re-introduce this bill. Perhaps engage the NASS Members to enable them pass this bill into law. Also the Senate needs to create Senate Committee on Diaspora to complement the House of Reps work and help pass the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Bill.

C.V.Akuta

UK

22/8/15

www.cvakutamedia.com

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Appointments, Appointees, Expectations, and Realities .

As soon any appointment(s) is made, the first likely question most Nigerians would ask you is, what state/zone/tribe etc is S/he from. Rarely do we ask about the qualifications of the appointee(s) and how s/he can deliver. Those not favoured by the appointment(s) will start complaining. Then the spin doctors/conspiracy theorists will move in quickly, and start fabricating all sorts of stories. Mostly, there are stories out of every appointments made by the government. Make no mistake, most of these (spin doctors/conspiracy theorists), make a living out of these fabricated stories, or some try to remain relevant through these means. It becomes an issue, when you see the number of people (both the intelligent and non intelligent) buying into these conspiracy theories.

When you probe further, to discover the reasons, behind these attitudes of so many Nigerians, then you could trace it down to the federal character principle, which is part of the Nigeria’s constitution. Other reasons include what I call “He is my brother or She is my sister syndrome”, scramble and partition of our treasury etc. The author will return to the federal character issue. Still wondering how and why people rejoice, when people are appointed/elected from their zones etc.

Appointees, S/elected officials, Expectations and Realities.

Could anyone point to me any appointee(s), or s/elected officials, (example, Presidents, Governors, Ministers, Commissioners etc), that have transformed their zones or help eradicate unemployment/poverty from their zones. Let’s examine some examples. The Northern (inclusive present day North Central, North West, and North East) part of Nigeria has produced about Nine heads of State/Presidents, but this zone has one of the highest rate of poverty/unemployment etc. Till date, the North is still considered “educationally backward”. Could anyone tell me, if former President Obasanjo, eradicated unemployment/poverty in Ogun State/South West Nigeria? How many roads did he build in his state? Guess we still remembered, what Ex Governor Amechi said about Former President Goodluck (during the APC Port Harcourt campaign), that he (GEJ) did not do anything in Rivers State, he challenged former President Goodluck to name half project he did in Rivers State.

Wishing Nigerians could borrow a leaf or two from whom Ex Gov Amaechi, called his brother, (one who delivers on his service for him). Going by Amechi’s theory, most Northern leaders, should be considered/adopted brothers of the South South region. This theory has my 100% approval. Therefore, having high expectations, when someone from your state/zone etc is appointed into positions, might be a waste of time. The reality is quite different. Most appointees and s/elected officials are only interested in their pockets. Best is to look for who will deliver on his/her jobs roles.

Federal Character Principle.

Fellow Nigerians, our concerns should be merit, and what benefits the masses not few cronies. On this, President Buhari deserves commendation, when he announced that the appointment of Service Chiefs, were solely based on merit. This brings me to the issue of federal character, as this is the root cause of my discussion, why so many Nigerians, will ask of an appointee’s state of origin/zone rather than his/her qualifications/experiences, and ability to deliver etc. The federal character principle was adopted during the 1977 constitutional drafting committee. It became part of the 1979 constitution of Nigeria, and has remained so till date. This gave rise to quota system. From then, merit and competitiveness, were sacrificed for mediocre. This principle also means that appointments have to be spread around. Yours truly is totally against this principle, because it will prevent the best from emerging. Max Weber (1864-1920) said, that employees should be hired and promoted based on merit and expertise. Singapore has an official policy on merit.

Quoting from an article written by the same author in 2009, “It will be better for Nigeria to have credible leaders who will discharge their duties effectively from one section of the country, than what we are having today. Nigerians will benefit more if leaders who will deliver on dividends of democracy emerge from a particular state or region. Choosing leadership based on zoning is completely wrong. This concept of quota system has done more harm than good. Therefore this is the time to abolish quota system or quota will abolish Nigeria”. http://www.cvakutamedia.com/search?q=abolish+quota

C.V.Akuta

UK

15/8/15

www.cvakutamedia.com

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On Biafra, Nigeria and International Community.

“Where you have injustice, you will have rebellion”. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Former Chairman EFCC, 29^th May 2009.

“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents”. John F. Kennedy

Lately the issue of Biafra has been on the news again, both locally and internationally. Yours truly missed watching a TV debate on Biafra, which was aired on the night (20:00 hrs) of Thursday, 30^th July 2015 by Ben Television in United Kingdom. Much of these recent media attention, were generated by the activities of Radio Biafra London. The author has read many articles by prominent Nigerians, and watched a recent video on facebook, all in relation to Radio Biafra. A careful observer or reader of these recent articles would have noted two cardinal points, raised by most of the writers/presenter(s). The cardinal points are (a) outright condemnation (myself inclusive) of the inciting messages aired by Radio Biafra, and (b) call on the federal government to address the plights of South Easters (Igbos).

Plight of South Easterners (Igbos).

Due to space and time, this article will list only few issues. Till date, South East remains the only zone with five states. Other geo political zones have either six or seven states. Your states determines the number of senators, ministers, other appointments, recruitments into the civil service, military, paramilitary, monthly allocations etc that comes to your zone. Abia, Anambra and Imo States are oil producing states, whereas Igbos are at every corner of the country doing their businesses as well as paying taxes in those states. Therefore, it will not be wrong to consider Igbos as the ones practising one Nigeria. Without doubts, Igbos have contributed more to the development of Nigeria than any other tribe, and have also paid the most price. There are little or no federal government projects in the South East. Cut off marks for Igbos going to any federal government institution have always been the highest amongst other tribes. This was a tribe that never went to school for three years, during the war.  Here is an example. Below is the 2013 cut off marks for national common entrance examination.

Abia – Male (130) Female (130), Adamawa- (Male 62) Female (62), Akwa Ibom (Male 123) Female (123), Anambra-(Male 139) Female (139), Bauchi - Male(35) Female(35),Bayelsa - Male(72) Female(72),Benue - Male(111) Female(111),Borno - Male(45) Female(45),Cross-Rivers - Male(97) Female(97),Delta - Male(131) Female(131),Ebonyi - Male(112) Female(112),Edo - Male(127) Female(127),Ekiti - Male(119) Female(119),Enugu - Male(134) Female(134),Gombe - Male(58) Female(58),Imo - Male(138) Female(138),Jigawa - Male(44) Female(44),Kaduna - Male(91) Female (91),Kano - Male(67) Female(67),Kastina - Male(60) Female(60),Kebbi - Male(9) Female(20),Kogi - Male(119) Female(119),Kwara - Male(123) Female(123),Lagos - Male(133) Female(133),Nassarawa - Male(58) Female(58),Niger - Male(93) Female(93),Ogun - Male(131) Female(131),Ondo - Male(126) Female(126),Osun - Male(127) Female(127),Oyo - Male(127) Female(127),Plateau - Male(97) Female(97),Rivers - Male(118) Female(118),Sokoto - Male(9) Female(13),Taraba - Male(3) Female(11),Yobe - Male(2) Female(27),Zamfara - Male(4) Female(2),FCT Abuja - Male(90) Female(90). http://www.nairaland.com/1300606/cut-off-marks-2013-national-common

A careful study of the above will reveal to you that cut off marks for South East States, were the highest. These have been going on for decades. Further down the memory lane, after the war, every Igbo wo/man was punished, by the fact, that each were given twenty pounds (£20), irrespective of whatever amount such person had in the bank, coupled with the complicities, of the then federal government in promulgating the abandoned properties decree, that seized the properties Igbos left in Port Harcourt, when they ran home during the war. One fact is clear. These obnoxious policies, were not by accident, but by design.

Other Agitations in Nigeria and around the world.

Nigeria is not new to ethnic agitations or any agitations of some sorts, ranging from Movement for the Survival of Ogoni people (MOSOP), Movement for the actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), O’odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Arewa People’s Congress (APC), Biafra Zionist Movement(BZM) etc. These groups emerged because of one form of perceived injustices or another. The federal government have used force at some point, which didn’t end any of the movements. Federal government also killed some of their leaders in the past (Ken Saro Wiwa etc), jailed some leaders (Asari Dokugbo, Ralph Uwazurike, etc), but none of these actions have ended any of the movements, rather it made them more popular. Federal government in its wisdom chose to negotiate with Niger Delta militants, and have offered to negotiate with Boko Haram (terrorist group). This leads us to the fact, that you don’t defeat ideological movements by war, but by negotiations and counter/superior arguments.

Nigeria is not alone. There are similar groups all around the world, examples are Irish Republican Army, Euskadi Ta Azkatasuna (ETA) in Spain, Polisario Front in Western Sahara. Scotland nearly got their independence from UK, through a referendum. There are many far rights groups in Europe and America, whose aim is to drive away all foreigners.

Correcting a Notion.

Some people are saying that Radio Biafra increased their activities, since President Buhari came on board, but that’s not true. They have been on air before now.  It was during President Goodluck Jonathan, that another pro Biafran group (Biafra Zionist Movement) attempted twice to seize Enugu State government house, and lastly the Enugu State Broadcasting Service, in order to broadcast Biafran Republic. They killed one police man in their attempt to gain entrance, before they were arrested. The tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan witnessed the killing of more MASSOB (Movement for the actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra) members.

International Community.

Pro Biafran groups have submitted a petition at the (a) United Nations, (b) African Union (c) at No 10 Downing Street London (Office of the British Prime Minister) etc. They did all these based on the United Nations recognition of right to self determination by groups. On May 30^th of every year, Igbos remembers/commemorates those that died at the Biafran war. These events take places, in almost every country of the world, where Igbos are residing. Practically, Igbos are at every nook and cranny of the world. Radio Biafra is on satellite broadcasting all over the world, in addition to their online presence. Recent attempts to block them from Nigerian airwaves, have increased their popularity, such that other international media took attention. Suffice it to say once again, that, their inciting messages are dangerous and misleading. 

One Nigeria.

America, China, India, and the European Union are more diverse and populated than Nigeria. Their unity gets stronger by the day. There is something propelling these countries to greater heights. America is land of opportunities. They have improved over time, hence Obama was able to become their President. In European Union, there is free movement of personnel, goods and service to each country. You can make any of the twenty seven (27) countries of European Union your home. Not so in Nigeria. We need fairness, equal opportunities etc, otherwise agitation will never stop. Quoting Ribadu (Former EFCC Chairman), “Where you have injustice, you will have rebellion”.  

C.V.Akuta

UK

1/8/15

www.cvakutamedia.com

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