Referendum(s) In Nigeria: My Predictions.
South East: If you conduct a referendum at the South East as at today (23/6/17), over 50% would vote yes to leave Nigeria. The spirit of Biafra runs in the body, blood, and DNA of over 80% Igbos.
South South: A referendum at the South South part of Nigeria as at today would result in a yes vote winning. That is, over 50% would vote to secede and have their republic. However, there would be the emergence of several republics as every small tribe within the region would want to be an independent country. It’s important to note that there are small countries/Islands with less than 20,000 people.
South West: Presented with above scenarios, the South West would vote overwhelming yes to have their Oduduwa Republic.
North Central: If the above 3 regions votes yes to leave Nigeria, then North Central would also vote overwhelming yes to leave. Again there would also be the emergence of so many small republics, as many small tribes would prefer to be independent.
North West: Similar scenario would play out at this region the Christians, the Moslems, other smaller tribes would probably wish to stay on their own or to join others.
North East: This region would have no choice but to have its republic.
Moving on:
Agitations for referendum or self determination are not going away soon, so long as Nigeria remains at this present structure. There are injustices in the system. These would continue to provide the catalysts for the agitation of self determination/secession. These agitations might enter a different stage, that might be difficult to control or stop.
Likely Scenerio:
With the near 100% success of the Pro Biafran sit at home protest on 30th May 2017, at the entire South East, and if they decide to form a political party or adopt a political or join one by proxy and win something like a state governorship election, then the game would change a lot. Imagine where a pro Bifran group is controlling a state with huge resources.
C.V.Akuta
www.cvakutamedia.com
UK
23/6/17
Friday, June 23, 2017
Thursday, June 22, 2017
P-commerce and E-commerce: The Igbo Involvements.
The P-commerce and E-commerce: The Igbo Involvements.
P-commerce stands for physical commercial businesses. E-commerce means electronic/online commercial transactions.
What is not in doubt is that the Igbos dominate the p-commerce businesses in Nigeria. However, what is in doubt, is that Igbos are not taking over the e-commerce businesses in Nigeria. The future is e-commerce. E-commerce, depends solely on p-commerce (goods would need to be transported from the seller to the buyer).
This is an area of concern and a sector where Igbo business wo/men, investors should pay more attention to. It's estimated that Nigerian e-commerce market is worth about $12 billion dollars.
This is the next big thing.
C.V.Akuta
www.cvakutamedia.com
UK
22/6/17.
P-commerce stands for physical commercial businesses. E-commerce means electronic/online commercial transactions.
What is not in doubt is that the Igbos dominate the p-commerce businesses in Nigeria. However, what is in doubt, is that Igbos are not taking over the e-commerce businesses in Nigeria. The future is e-commerce. E-commerce, depends solely on p-commerce (goods would need to be transported from the seller to the buyer).
This is an area of concern and a sector where Igbo business wo/men, investors should pay more attention to. It's estimated that Nigerian e-commerce market is worth about $12 billion dollars.
This is the next big thing.
C.V.Akuta
www.cvakutamedia.com
UK
22/6/17.
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Kaduna Declaration: Matters Arising.
Kaduna Declaration: Matters Arising.
On the strength of the quit notice given to Igbos living at the Northern Nigeria, to leave, by the Arewa Youths Leaders Forum, the followings Must be done immediately.
1. The Nigerian Army should immediately launch another "Operation Python Dance" at all the Northern States in Nigeria, failure to do so would mean complicity on their part. Recall, that the Nigerian Army declared Operation Python Dance at the South East due to the activities of pro Biafran groups. More so, security services were fully deployed on 30th May 2017 during the sit at home protest called by Biafran groups. To achieve a balance, the security services should do same to protect Igbos at the Northern Nigeria.
2. All those that issued the quit notice to Igbos to leave, must all be arrested and prosecuted, like the federal government did to Nnamdi Kanu, Ralph Uwazuruike, Asari, etc. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done.
3. The federal government must initiate processes to restructure Nigeria. Perhaps conduct a referendum among the component parts of the country.
4. All Igbos living at the Northern Nigeria should consider to relocate back from the North. They should all be conscious of movements around them. Be at the highest level of alert. They must plan response, rescue and repatriation in the event of any unforseen attacks. Past experiences should be a good reference point.
5. All Igbo unions/Igbos at the North should henceforth move in groups and know where each other is at any point in time. Network all members.
C.V.Akuta
UK
www.cvakutamedia.com
10/6/17.
Note:
Chinedu Vincent Akuta is the author of 18,366 Kilometres By Road. (An Account of His Adventure Trip From London to Lagos and Back to London by Land). A Thrilling and Fascinating Book. Both soft and hard copies are available on amazon.
On the strength of the quit notice given to Igbos living at the Northern Nigeria, to leave, by the Arewa Youths Leaders Forum, the followings Must be done immediately.
1. The Nigerian Army should immediately launch another "Operation Python Dance" at all the Northern States in Nigeria, failure to do so would mean complicity on their part. Recall, that the Nigerian Army declared Operation Python Dance at the South East due to the activities of pro Biafran groups. More so, security services were fully deployed on 30th May 2017 during the sit at home protest called by Biafran groups. To achieve a balance, the security services should do same to protect Igbos at the Northern Nigeria.
2. All those that issued the quit notice to Igbos to leave, must all be arrested and prosecuted, like the federal government did to Nnamdi Kanu, Ralph Uwazuruike, Asari, etc. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done.
3. The federal government must initiate processes to restructure Nigeria. Perhaps conduct a referendum among the component parts of the country.
4. All Igbos living at the Northern Nigeria should consider to relocate back from the North. They should all be conscious of movements around them. Be at the highest level of alert. They must plan response, rescue and repatriation in the event of any unforseen attacks. Past experiences should be a good reference point.
5. All Igbo unions/Igbos at the North should henceforth move in groups and know where each other is at any point in time. Network all members.
C.V.Akuta
UK
www.cvakutamedia.com
10/6/17.
Note:
Chinedu Vincent Akuta is the author of 18,366 Kilometres By Road. (An Account of His Adventure Trip From London to Lagos and Back to London by Land). A Thrilling and Fascinating Book. Both soft and hard copies are available on amazon.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Biafran Heroes and Heroines Remembrance Day.
On 30th May 1967, (50 years ago), Biafra was declared in response to the pogrom, killings and genocide against Igbos in Northern and Western Nigeria. Biafran Republic was declared to provide Igbos, with security and safety of their lives and properties. Nigerian government then, in collaboration with imperialistic British government and other foreign powers, declared war on Igbos. At the end of which, over 2 million of us (Igbos) paid the supreme sacrifice.
On, 30th May 2017, Igbo people all over the world, will be remembering their fallen heroes and heroines. Their sacrifices shall not be in vain. May their souls and other faithfully departed rest in peace. As a mark or respect, my social media profile pictures shall be changed to the symbol of Biafran struggle. I urge all those that wishes to pay their respect to these fallen heroes and heroines to do same. I dedicate Judges 6 vs 12 to them that paid the supreme sacrifice, it says, "And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour".
Sadly but true, the Nigerian government since the end of the civil war in 1970 till date, has pursued a systemic and state sponsored marginalisation of the Igbos, for example South East zone has the least number of states (five states only) in the federation. Other zones have six and seven states. Federal allocations, appointments and employments are based on the number of states you have. Till date, indigenes of South East are required to obtain highest scores/marks in order to gain admission to any federal government owned schools and universities. Whereas indigenes of North East, North West, North Central etc are not required to do same. They only need low scores/marks before gaining admission. Thus same country different rules. Recall that they same Igbos being punished didn't go to school during the war.
Notwithstanding the federal government policies against Igbos, they are the only tribe in Nigeria truly practicing one Nigeria, despite losing the war. Igbos embraced one Nigeria more than all the tribes in Nigeria. Igbos are the second largest tribe in each state of the federation. They have invested more than any tribe in all parts of Nigeria.
C.V.Akuta
UK
28th May 2017.
Note:
Chinedu Vincent Akuta is the author of 18,366 Kilometres By Road. (An Account of His Adventure Trip From London to Lagos and Back to London by Land). A Thrilling and Fascinating Book. Both soft and hard copies are available on amazon.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Mr President: Please Save Us Further Embarrassments.
Mr President, yours truly is sorry, saddened and very sympathetic to your ill health. No person is immune from sickness or ill health. I pray and wish you quick recovery. The writer is one of your strongest supporters, at the same time, will also be one of your strongest critics. By virtue of your position as the President, your health status is a national concern. My worries are your frequent medical trips to London and when can Nigeria put to an end to medical tourism amongst by our leaders.
Let’s assume, there are no hospitals well equipped to treat you in Nigeria. The question is what plans have you /r government, to at least equip one hospital in Nigeria to international standard, in order to stop other Nigerian leaders from these overseas treatments (show of shame). Have you also considered the fate of poor Nigerians and tax payers whose money you’re using to treat yourself and other leaders. Don’t you think they deserve a good hospital to attend in Nigeria?
The wise thing to do would have been to at least equip one hospital. The nation would want to see a stop to frequent overseas medical trips by you and others, thus saving us from further embarrassments. These trips are too expensive that, the cumulative money spent so far by you and others before you, would have been more than enough to fix two or more hospitals in Nigeria.
C.V.Akuta
UK
8/5/17
Note:
Chinedu Vincent Akuta is the author of 18,366 Kilometres By Road. (An Account of His Adventure Trip From London to Lagos and Back to London by Land). A Thrilling and Fascinating Book.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Imo Youths and Election Violence, What Can Be Done.
Lecture Presented to Imo Network Group.
Topic: Imo Youths and Election Violence, What Can Be Done.
Date: Friday, 28th April 2017.
Time: 7pm, Nigerian Time.
Protocols:
Thanks for finding me worthy to present this topic. I do not know the criteria, you used to select me, but whatever formula that you people adopted to choose me, I remain humble and grateful to have been chosen to speak on this topic. Election violence is a major threat to our democracy, national security, Nigerians, and especially the youths. Electoral violence is as old as Nigeria. Almost every election since Nigerian independence has elements of violence. Suffice it to say that the youths of today have not known any other system, except elections with violence. This paper will look at the definition of electoral violence, origin of electoral violence in Nigeria, Imo youths and election violence, why Imo State youths are vulnerable, and what can be done. This lecture would be short and straight to the points.
Definition of Election Violence:
There are no easy definitions of what constitutes electoral violence, as it could happen before, during and after elections. However, let’s look at this definition. “Acts or threats of coercion, intimidation, or physical harm perpetrated to affect an electoral process or that arises in the context of electoral competition. When perpetrated to affect an electoral process, violence may be employed to influence the process of elections, such as efforts to delay, disrupt, or derail a poll, and to influence the outcomes, the determining of winners in competitive races for political office, or to secure approval or disapproval of referendum questions”. https://researchandadvocacyunit.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/what-is-election-violence/ However, I will add that electoral violence happens at different stages of the electoral processes, such as the time of voters registration, when some electoral workers, are bullied, harassed, coerced etc to influence electoral register, through to the time of campaigning for votes, actual voting, the announcements of results and even during court cases for aggrieved politicians. Having defined election violence above, let’s look at its origin in Nigeria.
Origin of Election Violence in Nigeria:
The history of electoral violence in Nigeria started in 1964 at the defunct Western Nigerian Regional election. Since then, it has become a reoccurring decimal in almost every election with severe consequences. The 1964 Western Nigerian Regional election was marred with irregularities, discrepancies, and rigging. There were calls for the boycott of this election then, by some politicians. There were serious allegations of electoral malpractices, which thus resulted in violent protests, destruction of properties, breakdown of law and order, bloodshed and mass murder. It was estimated that over 2,000 people were killed during this violence.
As a result of this violence, then Western Nigeria, was nicknamed wild, wild west. The resultant effects of this crisis, led to the first military intervention in Nigerian politics. Typical of anything in Nigeria, when it starts, it doesn’t end. Since 1964 till date, every other elections (1983, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015) have all been associated with electoral violence. The only exception was the 1993 general election, which was acclaimed to be the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.
Imo Youths and Election Violence:
Violence during elections are mainly perpetrated by the youths. They are at the front lines. As a young boy, I personally witnessed electoral violence at my village in Imo State, during the 1983 general election. It was orchestrated then by the youths. From 1964, till date, all the violence has mainly been carried out by the youths, who act under the influences of the politicians. They are financed, encouraged and monitored by the politicians, who use them to start, and escalate violence. The youths are the readymade weapons at the disposal of politicians, who incidentally do not even have the interests of the youths. Youths are simply exploited, used and dumped after each electoral violence.
Daily Trust online news media of April 12, 2005 reported that, Governorship and State House of Assembly election in Imo State was marred by violence. They reported that 3 people were shot and killed by solders while trying to escape with ballot boxes, at Onuimo Local Government Area. There were incidences of ballot box snatching at Ohaji/Egbema, Oru West, and Oguta Local Government Areas. Detailed number of casualties, shootings, and deaths arising from electoral violence in Imo State from 1983 to 2015 is not available, but one knows that many have been killed. All these crimes were carried out largely by Imo State youths.
Vulnerability of Imo Youths to Election Violence.
Below are some of the factors that would continue to attract the Imo State youths to partake in election violence.
(A). Systemic Failure: In Nigeria, the youths have not known any election without violence. More like, it’s a norm in Nigeria. Violence has become part and parcel of every election. The inability of the Nigerian establishments to fashion out a violent free electoral systems, like the widely acclaimed Option A4 System, which was alleged to be the freest and fairest election in Nigeria. This system was used during the 1993 general election.
(B). Youths Unemployment: An idle mind is a devils workshop, because many of the youths are not employed/not working, they become vulnerable to easy manipulations, as thugs, ballot box snatchers etc.
(C). Monetary Gifts: Money they say, is the root of all evils. Politicians, Governors, Senators, and some of those in authority, share money to people during elections. They also share foods and other gifts (stomach infrastructures) etc. These gifts are with intents to manipulate the electoral processes, or to cause mayhem if resisted. Government is complicit in electoral violence.
(D). Collusion of the security services: Sadly, but the bitter truth is that, some security service officials are compromised. They connive with youths to abuse the electoral processes. Sometimes they let, the youths have their ways.
(E). Little or No Prosecution for offenders: Because of the calibre of people involved or their influences, you find out that most hoodlums or youths arrested during the act of electoral violence, are not prosecuted or they manage to secure bails.
What Can Be Done:
(1). Awareness Programmes: Youths should be sensitized with the dangers associated with electoral violence. Pictures and examples of those that were killed should be used as materials for the sensitization. The risks are enormous.
(2). Family Caution: Families, parents, relations, folks etc are better placed to caution their youths against involving in electoral violence.
(3). Youths Empowerment and Employment: It’s the responsibility of all to find our youths, employment opportunities, or point them in the direction of economic empowerments. The government cannot do this alone, hence its now the responsibility of all. Let’s find a way to push the youths to acquire lifelong skills that would enable them to make money. An economically engaged youth is less likely going to be engaged with electoral violence.
(4). State Prosecution: The government at all levels, should prosecute to the later, anyone caught or arrested while committing electoral violence. Offenders should be used to set examples to discourage other people from commit same offence.
(5). Youths Election: The youths should organize themselves and contest elections. Rather than commit electoral crimes for the old politicians, who do not have the interest of the youths, the youths should stand for elections, seek power to better than their lives and the society.
I believe this short presentation would add to existing literature on electoral violence, and thus further its discourse, with a view to finding a lasting solution. Once more, thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the above subject matter.
C.V.Akuta
UK
28/4/17.
Topic: Imo Youths and Election Violence, What Can Be Done.
Date: Friday, 28th April 2017.
Time: 7pm, Nigerian Time.
Protocols:
Thanks for finding me worthy to present this topic. I do not know the criteria, you used to select me, but whatever formula that you people adopted to choose me, I remain humble and grateful to have been chosen to speak on this topic. Election violence is a major threat to our democracy, national security, Nigerians, and especially the youths. Electoral violence is as old as Nigeria. Almost every election since Nigerian independence has elements of violence. Suffice it to say that the youths of today have not known any other system, except elections with violence. This paper will look at the definition of electoral violence, origin of electoral violence in Nigeria, Imo youths and election violence, why Imo State youths are vulnerable, and what can be done. This lecture would be short and straight to the points.
Definition of Election Violence:
There are no easy definitions of what constitutes electoral violence, as it could happen before, during and after elections. However, let’s look at this definition. “Acts or threats of coercion, intimidation, or physical harm perpetrated to affect an electoral process or that arises in the context of electoral competition. When perpetrated to affect an electoral process, violence may be employed to influence the process of elections, such as efforts to delay, disrupt, or derail a poll, and to influence the outcomes, the determining of winners in competitive races for political office, or to secure approval or disapproval of referendum questions”. https://researchandadvocacyunit.wordpress.com/2013/03/11/what-is-election-violence/ However, I will add that electoral violence happens at different stages of the electoral processes, such as the time of voters registration, when some electoral workers, are bullied, harassed, coerced etc to influence electoral register, through to the time of campaigning for votes, actual voting, the announcements of results and even during court cases for aggrieved politicians. Having defined election violence above, let’s look at its origin in Nigeria.
Origin of Election Violence in Nigeria:
The history of electoral violence in Nigeria started in 1964 at the defunct Western Nigerian Regional election. Since then, it has become a reoccurring decimal in almost every election with severe consequences. The 1964 Western Nigerian Regional election was marred with irregularities, discrepancies, and rigging. There were calls for the boycott of this election then, by some politicians. There were serious allegations of electoral malpractices, which thus resulted in violent protests, destruction of properties, breakdown of law and order, bloodshed and mass murder. It was estimated that over 2,000 people were killed during this violence.
As a result of this violence, then Western Nigeria, was nicknamed wild, wild west. The resultant effects of this crisis, led to the first military intervention in Nigerian politics. Typical of anything in Nigeria, when it starts, it doesn’t end. Since 1964 till date, every other elections (1983, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015) have all been associated with electoral violence. The only exception was the 1993 general election, which was acclaimed to be the freest and fairest election in Nigeria.
Imo Youths and Election Violence:
Violence during elections are mainly perpetrated by the youths. They are at the front lines. As a young boy, I personally witnessed electoral violence at my village in Imo State, during the 1983 general election. It was orchestrated then by the youths. From 1964, till date, all the violence has mainly been carried out by the youths, who act under the influences of the politicians. They are financed, encouraged and monitored by the politicians, who use them to start, and escalate violence. The youths are the readymade weapons at the disposal of politicians, who incidentally do not even have the interests of the youths. Youths are simply exploited, used and dumped after each electoral violence.
Daily Trust online news media of April 12, 2005 reported that, Governorship and State House of Assembly election in Imo State was marred by violence. They reported that 3 people were shot and killed by solders while trying to escape with ballot boxes, at Onuimo Local Government Area. There were incidences of ballot box snatching at Ohaji/Egbema, Oru West, and Oguta Local Government Areas. Detailed number of casualties, shootings, and deaths arising from electoral violence in Imo State from 1983 to 2015 is not available, but one knows that many have been killed. All these crimes were carried out largely by Imo State youths.
Vulnerability of Imo Youths to Election Violence.
Below are some of the factors that would continue to attract the Imo State youths to partake in election violence.
(A). Systemic Failure: In Nigeria, the youths have not known any election without violence. More like, it’s a norm in Nigeria. Violence has become part and parcel of every election. The inability of the Nigerian establishments to fashion out a violent free electoral systems, like the widely acclaimed Option A4 System, which was alleged to be the freest and fairest election in Nigeria. This system was used during the 1993 general election.
(B). Youths Unemployment: An idle mind is a devils workshop, because many of the youths are not employed/not working, they become vulnerable to easy manipulations, as thugs, ballot box snatchers etc.
(C). Monetary Gifts: Money they say, is the root of all evils. Politicians, Governors, Senators, and some of those in authority, share money to people during elections. They also share foods and other gifts (stomach infrastructures) etc. These gifts are with intents to manipulate the electoral processes, or to cause mayhem if resisted. Government is complicit in electoral violence.
(D). Collusion of the security services: Sadly, but the bitter truth is that, some security service officials are compromised. They connive with youths to abuse the electoral processes. Sometimes they let, the youths have their ways.
(E). Little or No Prosecution for offenders: Because of the calibre of people involved or their influences, you find out that most hoodlums or youths arrested during the act of electoral violence, are not prosecuted or they manage to secure bails.
What Can Be Done:
(1). Awareness Programmes: Youths should be sensitized with the dangers associated with electoral violence. Pictures and examples of those that were killed should be used as materials for the sensitization. The risks are enormous.
(2). Family Caution: Families, parents, relations, folks etc are better placed to caution their youths against involving in electoral violence.
(3). Youths Empowerment and Employment: It’s the responsibility of all to find our youths, employment opportunities, or point them in the direction of economic empowerments. The government cannot do this alone, hence its now the responsibility of all. Let’s find a way to push the youths to acquire lifelong skills that would enable them to make money. An economically engaged youth is less likely going to be engaged with electoral violence.
(4). State Prosecution: The government at all levels, should prosecute to the later, anyone caught or arrested while committing electoral violence. Offenders should be used to set examples to discourage other people from commit same offence.
(5). Youths Election: The youths should organize themselves and contest elections. Rather than commit electoral crimes for the old politicians, who do not have the interest of the youths, the youths should stand for elections, seek power to better than their lives and the society.
I believe this short presentation would add to existing literature on electoral violence, and thus further its discourse, with a view to finding a lasting solution. Once more, thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the above subject matter.
C.V.Akuta
UK
28/4/17.
Saturday, March 11, 2017
President Buhari's Medical Bills.
My President, glad that your back to Nigeria. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being ill. As human beings, we will at one point or another become ill. As Nigerian public servant No 1, whatever happens to you is of public interest, including the management of your illness. Mr President, kindly tell us the cost of your medical bills in the UK. Who pays for it? You or the Nigerian tax payers? If your personally paying for your treatments, then there is no problem, but Nigerians will like to know how you got the money. If the tax payers are paying for your treatments, then they deserve to know, the amount and the nature of your illness. But the question remains, why would the tax payers pay for your treatments?
You directly or indirectly acknowledged that it was a serious illness, being in and out of laboratories and blood transfusion. My prayer is with you, for quick recovery.
Dearest Mr President, permit me to ask what happened to Aso Rock Clinic, with all the yearly budgetary allocations. At least, it's over 2 years since you came to power, one would expect the clinic to have been equipped to be at par with international standards. What about fixing at least one hospital in Nigeria to international standard, and save/stop us from these show of shame, running overseas for medical treatments.
The costs of medical tourism by Nigerian leaders (President Buhari, Late President Yar Adua, Ex Head of State, General IBB, Late wife of Gen IBB, Late Stella Obasanjo, wife of Ex President Jonathan etc) are more than enough to equip at least 2 hospitals to international standards.
Mr President, one of your cardinal campaign promises was the war against corruption. Spending tax payers money on personal treatment overseas can be classed as corruption, especially when there has been budgets for ministry of health.
Yours truly is one of your strongest supporters, but will also be one of your strongest critics when you derail.
C.V.Akuta
UK
www.cvakutamedia.com
11/3/17
You directly or indirectly acknowledged that it was a serious illness, being in and out of laboratories and blood transfusion. My prayer is with you, for quick recovery.
Dearest Mr President, permit me to ask what happened to Aso Rock Clinic, with all the yearly budgetary allocations. At least, it's over 2 years since you came to power, one would expect the clinic to have been equipped to be at par with international standards. What about fixing at least one hospital in Nigeria to international standard, and save/stop us from these show of shame, running overseas for medical treatments.
The costs of medical tourism by Nigerian leaders (President Buhari, Late President Yar Adua, Ex Head of State, General IBB, Late wife of Gen IBB, Late Stella Obasanjo, wife of Ex President Jonathan etc) are more than enough to equip at least 2 hospitals to international standards.
Mr President, one of your cardinal campaign promises was the war against corruption. Spending tax payers money on personal treatment overseas can be classed as corruption, especially when there has been budgets for ministry of health.
Yours truly is one of your strongest supporters, but will also be one of your strongest critics when you derail.
C.V.Akuta
UK
www.cvakutamedia.com
11/3/17
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