Sunday, March 21, 2010
Monday, March 15, 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. (See gory picture on the right)
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.
Scripted by:
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.
Scripted by:
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Casualties of Ezza-Ezillo War
Pictures, you mu
st have known, tell a thousand stories. Below are gory pictures of the devastation and wreckage from the on-going fratricidal war that escalated between two sister communities of Ezza and Ezza-Ezillo. The war which broke out recently, claimed several lives and property, including passers-by
on the Enugu-Abakiliki high-way, close to the warring communities. It was, indeed, a tale of woes, as militant youths even waylaid police and army patrol personnel deployed to the area to quell the crisis. Many police officers were wounded in the heartless attacks, while a few others were killed by the singing bullets from the boy’s superior firearms.
st have known, tell a thousand stories. Below are gory pictures of the devastation and wreckage from the on-going fratricidal war that escalated between two sister communities of Ezza and Ezza-Ezillo. The war which broke out recently, claimed several lives and property, including passers-by
on the Enugu-Abakiliki high-way, close to the warring communities. It was, indeed, a tale of woes, as militant youths even waylaid police and army patrol personnel deployed to the area to quell the crisis. Many police officers were wounded in the heartless attacks, while a few others were killed by the singing bullets from the boy’s superior firearms.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Tunde Bakare and Posterity
Dearest Tunde (Pastor) Bakare,
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/
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Chime has Performed Poorly
By: Barrister Ray Nnaji, Chairman, Enugu State Chapter of PDPWhat has it been like being on the opposition to the government of Enugu state in the past two and half years?
You know quite well that opposition has, in actual sense, put Governor Sullivan Chime on his toes. Our opposition has made him to, at least, do the little ones he has been doing because without these criticisms and the rest of them, I believe he would have been sleeping over the development of this state. And opposition is a way to sensitize some people that there are some bad aspects of the governance which a lot of people are given credibility. As a result of this, others will be gingered to open their eyes to what happens in their state.
There are observations in some quarters that more funds have come into Enugu state in the past two and half years of Chime’s administration than in the eight years of administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. How would you react to this?
Yes, I am aware of the remarks. I even saw the papers containing the information, but I have not taken time to talk about the issue because I have not done my investigations on the figures being to be sure of the accounts. You know in issues concerning funds and figures one has to be sure of what one is talking about. It is a sensitive matter. But I know quite well that this government was lucky to have met a buoyant allocation. Whether it is almost two-thirds of what Chimaroke Nnamani got in eight years I don’t know because I have not been able to verify all the facts but I saw the details.
In the face of the whooping figures talked about, what is your rating of Chime’s government so far?
If what I have been hearing is anything to go by, I would tell you that Chime’s performance is not commensurate with the funds he has received, taken into consideration that, in Enugu city, he has done ‘a little fine job‘. But when you go to the rural areas, you don’t see anything there. And that is what actually gives me worries. And Chime has not performed well in other sectors, including education, judiciary, health, industries and what have you. So if the figures we are talking about are anything to go by, I don’t think that the work Chime has put on ground is commensurate with the funds he received.
How would you want this state to be run in the remaining part of this tenure (2009 t0 2011)?
One other aspect the governor has woefully failed is in the issue of human empowerment. So many people are complaining. So many people are complaining. Even if you are doing a lot of things, it is human beings that will enjoy those things. So many people are feeling so disenchanted because of the fact they have not been getting anything from the government. We want a situation whereby the government should be open, transparent and accessible. When you want to see your governor you see your governor. It is not a situation where you find it impossible to see your governor. Even in public functions, you find it difficult to have a glance at Sullivan Chime. That is not the best way to run the government.
How do you react to Chime’s government’s alleged indebtedness to the tune of about N50 Billion? This government reportedly took such loans from the banks, and they (the loans) are yet to be repaid.
N50 billion is a staggering amount. It is not a small money. If this is found out to be true, it is too bad that one has to feel sorry for the state because we know quite well that in the old Anambra state there was some debt which are still being deducted at source from the coffers of Enugu state. I don’t know whether those debts were exhausted before Chimaroke left office. And if they had not been exhausted, this N50 billion forms an additional burden on the state and its people. N50 billion! It is going to tell on the state terribly.
How?
It means that anybody coming as governor will be confronted with the task of paying debts alone. There won’t be development. It is going to be so difficult and that is why internal revenues will continue to be increased in the sense that it is the only way government can augment the financial allocations coming in. And when you hike internal revenues, then, the people are the ones suffering for it. It is the people that bear the brunt of it.
Interview conducted by KlinReports
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
UNN Partners with American University
A new international friendship and partnership is forming between two universities in the United States and Nigeria. (Picture shows Vice Chancellor Bartho Okolo)North Dakota State University and the University of Nigeria Nsukka have signed a memorandum of understanding that may lead to a variety of joint endeavours. The agreement comes as a result of a recent visit to the NDSU campus by representatives of the Nigerian university.
In November, Vice Chancellor Bartholomew Ndubuisi Okolo; Bennett Nwaguma, senior special assistant to the Vice Chancellor on Research and Academic Output; and Nnaemeka Chukwuone, development officer in charge of research and innovation, met with NDSU officials to discuss areas of mutual interest.
During that visit, they met with the NDSU vice president for Agriculture and University Extension and the vice president for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach. In addition, the delegation held discussions with the deans of the NDSU Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Human Development and Education; Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Sciences; and Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources. The group also toured the College of Business and NDSU’s Research and Technology Park.
“We are now identifying areas where we will focus for collaboration,” explained Kerri Spiering, NDSU associate vice president for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach. “One priority area of discussion is agriculture, with a lot of different areas of interest. Communication is another possible area for partnerships.”
Spiering said joint research efforts likely will be the initial step as the universities work together. She suggests faculty may join forces to prepare journal articles for publication or develop research grants.
“We’re very excited about the partnership with the University of Nigeria Nsukka,” Spiering said, noting her Nigerian counterparts also are interested in having their faculty earn doctorates that may not be available in their country. “We see it as beneficial to both schools in regards to possibilities of research collaboration, faculty exchange and, hopefully one day, student exchange.”
That enthusiasm is shared by personnel on the Nigerian campus.
“We are doing everything to ensure that our partnership is very active and successful,” said Vice Chancellor Okolo.
According to Spiering, the collaboration discussions between the universities were initiated by NDSU professor of communication Charles Okigbo. He is currently on leave, heading the policy engagement and communication division of the African Population and Health Research Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
The University of Nigeria Nsukka has a student population of more than 35,000, with an academic staff numbering more than 1,700. It has 106 academic departments, and 10 semi-autonomous institutes and research centres, a school of postgraduate studies and a school of general studies. The university has four campuses in Nsukka, Enugu, Ituku-Ozalla and Aba.
NDSU, located in Fargo, N.D., has an enrolment of more than 14,100 students, and its annual research expenditures top $100 million. During the past decade, NDSU has undergone approximately $150 million in major new construction. The university is comprised of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources; College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; College of Business; College of Engineering and Architecture; College of Human Development and Education; College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Sciences; College of Science and Mathematics; College of University Studies; and College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies.
With more than 100 undergraduate programs, NDSU offers 44 doctoral programs, 59 master’s programs, an educational specialist degree and 10 certificate programs. The university is listed in the top 100 research universities in several National Science Foundation categories. In fiscal 2007, NDSU ranked 28th in agricultural sciences; 41st in research and development among schools without a medical school; 42nd in social sciences among research universities; 74th in physical sciences; and 94th in chemistry among all colleges and universities receiving grants from the NSF.
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