Religious Crisis, Terrorism, and Our Security

This must be a very difficult time for Nigerians and Nigeria itself, especially with recent events such as; Bauchi crisis (Kala Kato), the attempt to blow up flight 253 by Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab, the second Nigerian who caused a security concern on the same flight no 253 to Detroit (though he was truly sick), the bomb blast at the Superscreen Television Station, our sick president, fuel scarcity, fire at African Independent Television (AIT) station and farmers/herdsmen crisis in Nasarawa State (a lot of people died while many were displaced).

These are not very good image projectors of our country. It’s simply a public relations disaster for all. Please make no mistake about it, Nigeria and Nigerians will surely pay the penalty for all these image problems. To me, image is every thing. The re-brand Nigeria Project championed by Madam Dora Akinyili (Information Minister) should now be allowed to finally rest in peace, because recent events have rubbished it.

When I wrote about Boko Haram crisis, published on national newspapers, international media and my blog (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/08/ignorance-is-disease.html), I prayed to God that, let this be the last time I will write about religious crisis. I don’t know if I should repeat that prayer here. However, I wish to express my sympathies to all the innocent Nigerians who were displaced, or who lost people or properties due to this crisis. I condemn all kinds of crisis be it religious or otherwise. I also condemn all acts of terrorism. I will ask all Nigerians to unite and condemn all acts of terrorism and all kinds of crisis (religious etc). In crisis, just like in terrorism, many innocent people die. Am sure Nigerians will agree with me that these twin evils (religious crisis and terrorism) are amongst the biggest threat to us (Nigerians) and all human races.

We have a duty to fight these menace and other societal evils. Alhaji Mutallab (father of the flight 253 bomber; Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab) has given us a clue on what all of us should be doing. Alhaji Mutallab reported his son to the American Embassy and the Nigerian Security Services when he suspected the strange behaviors of his son. This singular act should be emulated by all Nigerians. Its worthy of commendation. This approach should be used to fight other crimes in Nigeria. Please report any one you’re not sure of his or her motives. This should be applicable to all top officials in both the public and private sector. I was glad when a friend told me, that he went to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) office personally to hand in a petition about a certain government official.

I remember the tenure of ex Governor Buba Marwa of Lagos State. He launched Operation Sweep (an outfit of the Lagos Police Command tasked with fighting crimes in Lagos State) he asked people living in Lagos (Lagosians) to volunteer information anonymously if they are afraid to mentioned their names. Thus people started volunteering information without their names and it helped the crime fighters (Operation Sweep). In the same manner, Nigerians should volunteer information if possible without their names. This will surely help to fight crimes. If we fail to act, we might end up being the victims. I urge Nigerians in Diaspora to volunteer information on where the wanted bank chiefs are staying in abroad. It might be helpful for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

If the other passengers traveling with Abdul Farouk Abdulmutallab (flight 253 bomber) had failed to act, all of them would have died. That is the more reasons why, we Nigerians have to volunteer information that will prevent crime(s), corruption, bad governance etc. A better way to know what people are doing might be through surveillance and spying. We can borrow the techniques used by the former East German Secret Police (Stasi). In the former East Germany, people were spying each for the good of the state. Cuba used similar method at the early days of Fidel Castro’s revolution. This method has the potentials of reducing crimes drastically. No sacrifice will be too much for the security of Nigerians. “Security for few is insecurity for all” Nelson Mandela.

On this note, may I inform our people that I have concluded research and now have details of a company here that, deals on specially made security and surveillance cameras. These cameras are ideal for the following purposes; election monitoring, investigative journalism, individual/community protection, home protection, private investigators etc. I recommend these cameras for all those hoping to monitor elections in Nigeria especially the Anambra State governorship election coming up in February 2010. Also these cameras are a must for all Nigeria’s investigative journalist(s).

In August 2009, I did highlight how we can monitor elections using our cameras. Details are on my blog (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/2009/08/digital-cameras-and-mobile-phones-with.html). Please feel free to pass this information to other Nigerians who might need the facilities mentioned above, but might not have read this piece. These devices (security and surveillance cameras) could be used to enforce accountability on the part of our rulers.

Talking about accountability and as a starting point, Dr Rilwanu Lukman (Petroleum Minister) should tell Nigerians the reasons why he should not be sacked for leaving Nigeria at the heat of the fuel scarcity. This is despite the warning given by the Vice President (Goodluck Jonathan), that the Petroleum Ministers (Dr. Rilwanu Lukman and his junior counterpart Mr. Odein Ajumogobia) should not travel for the Christmas holiday due to the fuel crisis. He (Rilwanu Lukman) violated the order given by the Vice President. By so doing, he disrespected the office of the Vice President. I suggest his removal as a minister. Fuel scarcity creates insecurity for people.

Rilwanu Lukman has truly shown his insensitivity to the plight of the suffering Nigerian masses. He and his likes should understand that Nigeria and Nigerians have changed. Insensitivity of this kind might make people take laws into their hands. Not too long ago, there was a failed attempt to kidnap the education minister (Dr Sam Egwu). One of culprits claimed that they wanted to kidnap Sam Egwu because of his inability to resolve Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike. Thank God, the strike has been called off. Remember some Nigerians hijacked a plane when June 12 1993 election was annulled. This was in protest to the annulment. Our “rulers” have to be very careful now. Times have changed. No more taking Nigerians for granted.

Finally, I wish to appeal to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria.

Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

I Will Sanitize Enugu Varsity

Chidi I. Ugwu, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning, was, recently, appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) by Governor Sullivan Chime amidst chaos occasioned by endless strike actions by the workforce of the institution. In this interview with KlinReports, Professor Ugwu draws his blue print for the university and its workers.

You were recently appointed Acting Vice Chancellor of the troubled Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). How do you go about your task of restoring sanity in the citadel-of-learning?

I thank God for the appointment. What I have done was consultations with the stake-holders in the university. I have had rapport with the professors in the university. I have had rapport with leaders of the unions. I have, also, had a rapport with all the workers of ESUT. These consultations and the attendant rapport is to pave way for them to know the agenda which I have.

What are the agenda?

The major problem in ESUT is rumor mongering. There are so many rumors here and there. And there are lot of other things going on which we need to correct. But the major agenda is to have peace restored the institution between management and labor. That is the first major agenda I am going to tackle.

Your predecessor, the former Vice Chancellor had fractured relationship with most segments of the university community. How do you hope to improve on his failures?

That’s what I just stated. I want management, labor good relationship.
One of the reasons for the strike action by the workers was months of indebtedness to them. How do you hope to clear the backlog of debts owed the workforce?
In ESUT, there are external problems, and there are internal ones. The external problems had to do with government because government is the owner of the university. Government has appointed me, and has given me some mandate on what I should do. And I am putting them in place, to submit the problems to the government, and I am hoping that when I submit it, they will be able to meet some of them. They cannot do everything once, but, at least, the workers will smile.
There had, also, been complaints of insecurity on campus. How do you intend to tackle this issue of adequate security in the institution?

There can never be adequate security. Everyone of us knows that, but all of us should be preventive in whatever we are doing. For now, if all of us come to work at the proper time, the tendency is that insecurity will reduce because everybody is there. But if it is just very few persons that do come to work, the tendency is that those persons could be harassed and robbed. So, my appeal is that all workers should come to work as at when due. By so doing, security will be beefed up.

One of the allegations against your predecessor bordered on admission racketeering. How would your administration handle the issue of admissions in ESUT?

It is not only admissions. Everything I will do in ESUT would be transparent enough. I will carry everybody along.

Did you envisage your appointment as Vice Chancellor?

Not at all. It came to me as a surprise because the time my predecessor was appointed, both of us applied for it. And he was nominated. So, I thank God for the appointment.

Pray for Nigeria!

Enugu State Governor Sullivan Iheanacho Chime urges Nigerians to spend more time in prayer for the progress, growth and unity of the nation.

Governor Chime pointed out that Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate, extolled the power of prayer and relied heavily on its efficacy in very difficult times during his life on earth.

In a Christmas message in Enugu, signed by his Special Adviser on Media, VinMartin Obiora Ilo, Chime who recalled our journey as a nation since independence, said that Nigeria needs God’s guidance more than ever in confronting many of the challenges facing our country today.

While assuring indigenes and visitors coming home for Christmas that they were returning to an Enugu State , where security of life and property was guaranteed and most of the infrastructure are working, he restated his preparedness to sustain the development efforts of the present administration and thanked them for their continued support and cooperation.

Enugu Governor, also, solicited for more prayers by all Nigerians for the quick recovery of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who he described as a God fearing leader, who has worked assiduously in his determination to move Nigeria forward and has also created the enabling environment for state Governments to function optimally.

While wishing all Nigerians a merry Christmas and God’s divine blessings in the New Year, Chime congratulated Nigeria on the golden celebrations of 50 years of her Independence as a nation state in 2010.

Seasonal Greetings To Nigerians!

Let me start by wishing Nigerians who are Moslems a belated Barkar De Salah. To those Nigerians who are pagans, may the almighty God bless you people this Christmas Season. To Nigerians of other faith(s) and religion, may God bless you people as well. To the Nigerian Christians, of which am one of them, I wish you all a happy Christmas and prosperous New Year (2010).  Please permit me to also pray for all Nigerians using Psalm 91 verse 11, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways”. May the good God continue to give his angels charge over our great country. (Pic shows our 'sickest' President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua) 
 
A lot of activities take place every Christmas period, especially the fact that people at home and abroad visit loved ones. This involves a lot of traveling either by road, sea or air. For those people that will be driving this period, please kindly drive with care and more importantly, avoid drink driving. The state of our road network should be a recipe for careful driving. I expect the Federal Road Safety Commission to do more work in enforcing road safety measures this Christmas period. There is need for the enforcement of road safety measures; this is in order to ensure compliance with the rules or deterrence from committing traffic offences.
 
For those traveling by the water ways, I urge total compliance with all safety measures. For our airline pilots, please be kind enough to observe all safety rules including observing the alcohol limit. Many airline pilots have violated the alcohol limits. In October 2008, a pilot working for United Airlines was arrested on a flight heading from Heathrow airport ( United Kingdom ) to San Francisco ( America ) for having over the limit alcohol level in his system. In May 2009, an American Airlines pilot bound from Heathrow to Chicago was arrested for failing a breathalyzer test. Alcohol can impair pilots’ abilities to operate an aircraft effectively. In the United Kingdom , the alcohol limit for pilots is the equivalent of a glass of beer. It is stricter in the United States of America .
 
Many airline operators in the developed countries maintain strict alcohol policies. United Airlines claims its alcohol policy is among the strictest in the airline industry. These and many more other safety measures should be replicated by the Nigerian airline operators and pilots. Safety should be the watch word especially now that a lot of people are traveling. Pilots should avoid being under pressure.
 
This season (Christmas) usually call for reflections on the year (2009) that is almost ended and resolution(s) for New Year (2010). For the New Year (2010) resolution(s), I will urge Nigerians to love one another. Let us love each other and above all, let us love our neighbor like our self. There is so much animosity and hatred in the land. We need to love one another, because love begets love, and love brings peace. Lets preach peace wherever there is misunderstanding. The nation and the people can only prosper in an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Same should apply to various communities/villages that are at war with each other.
 
I will also advocate togetherness among Nigerians. There are more to gain by being one big country. Nigeria is in no way near the population or the complexity of China and India , yet these countries have not broken up. United States of America is also a multi cultural country but still remains one country. I also know the case of former Yugoslavia and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Ironically, most former countries of Eastern Europe/USSR ( Poland , Czechs, Hungary , Romania , etc) and Yugoslavia have joined the European Union. The European Union is a typical example of what togetherness can bring. European Union is made up of twenty seven (27) countries, with headquarters in Brussels . Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is also an example of togetherness in the making. Late Kwame Nkrumah (former President of Ghana) propagated one Africa, whereas late Nnamdi Azikiwe (first Nigerian President) preached one Nigeria .
 
There are free movement of goods, services and personnel within the European Union. There is a common monetary union and the use of common currency (the euro). Many more countries like Turkey , Ukraine , Georgia , etc have applied to join the European Union, but politics and other strategic considerations are hindering the admissions of these aspiring nations. The European Union remains the main trading partner of all African countries including Nigeria . While advocating togetherness, I will not fail to point out that our togetherness should not be at the detriment of one group/tribe/region or the other. I will want to see justice, fair play, and equity in our togetherness. I had earlier called for the abolition of quota system and federal character. We cannot make a head way as a nation with those systems in place.
 
I want to see more synergy among Nigerians in business, researches, community services, etc. I believe two heads are better than one, and three should be better than two. I want to see more Nigerians cooperating to build massive business conglomerates so as to create employment opportunities for our brothers and sisters who are unemployed. It will be a good idea to have business mergers that will survive, than having a sole proprietor that will close business. Let us work together to offer community services to our people. There are a lot we can do for our people without the government. Synergy should also apply to our political parties. Let like minded and “true” political groups merge together to form a formidable opposition party. As it is, the opposition parties have not truly taken its position in Nigeria .
 
I will also propose the United Kingdom form of shadow cabinet for all third tier system of government in Nigeria , that is the local, state, and federal government. I will suggest that all opposition parties should form shadow cabinets in all the 774 local governments, 36 states and also at federal level. The idea will be to provide constructive criticism and provide alternative and better policy framework. Opposition parties/groups are an essential part of every democracy. Lets challenge and change those things that are hindering our development and progress as a people. Let us stop complaining and put efforts together to change our society. Every little effort counts. Let us also remember that its better for us to try and fail than fail to try.
 
Finally, I wish to appeal to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year (2010) to all Nigerians. 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/
 
 

Nnamani' s Legacy of Fraud

Architect Nnaemeka Nnamani, outgoing Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, is accused of corrupt practices.

Less than a month to the expiration of his tenure, Architect Nnaermeka Nnamani, Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu state, is enmeshed in financial scandals. Nnamani is one of the five council chairmen who lost their second term bids in the forthcoming council polls in the state on the platform of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). (Picture shows Architect Nnaemeka Nnamani, outgoing Chairman of Nkanu West Council)

Nkanu West is the council area of origin of Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, former governor of the state, Chief Ken Nnamani, former Senate President, Chief Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra state, and Chief Onyemauche Nnamani, former Secretary to State Government (SSG) among others.

Architect Nnamani’s troubles began when he recently embarked on a controversial reallocation of stalls at the famous Agbani market (Eke Agbani), located in the headquarters of the council.

Apart from alleged ejection of the original traders in the market, and re-allocating same to, mostly, his favorites, Nnamani stands accused of embezzling the council’s funds to the tune of N77 million. The Architect-turned politician, it was alleged, collected the sum of N133, 000.00 per stall from each of the allottees, but issued a receipt of only N3, 300.00 to them.

Incidentally, the alleged fraud is a subject of a suit pending before an Agbani High Court. The suit, numbered: AGB/HAGB/13m/2009, has as plaintiffs, Chika Chukwu, Chukwuma Ani, Okpogu Nnaji, Emmanuel Mebuge, Nwanosike Okenwa, Comfort Onu, Oko Ogbodo, Roseline
Nkanu West Council and Chief Ude Okoh, Chairman, Agbani Power of Attorneys

The suit, brought in form of Motion on Notice, listed conditions which the council authority outlined for the stalls reallocation to include: N130, 000.00 for decked stores in respect of which only N3,000.00 receipt would be issued; N80,000.00 for undecked ones with similar conditions. The council, the suit pointed out, insisted on cash payment for the re-allocated stores.
While the decked stores are said to be 260 in number, the undecked ones are 140.

It is, therefore, the contention of the suit that the decked stores would, at the rate of N130, 000.00 per stall, fetch Architect Nnamani’s administration N33.8million. It is, also, estimated that the council would wreck in N11.2million from the undecked stores of N140 at the rate of N80, 000.00. The suit sums up receipts from both the decked and the undecked stores to be N45million, adding that, out this amount, Nnamani’s regime would declare only N1.2million for the local government treasury.

This is not all! The suit maintained that the 700 open stores in the market would attract for reallocation the sum of N50, 000.00 per store, and that N35million is the expected yield from the open stores. Nnamani’s administration, the suit adds, would, out of this sum, declare only N2.1million for the council.

Thus the traders’ suit summarizes: “The full financial implication is that the first defendant would have extracted from the community on full allocation, the sum of N80million out of which N3.3million would be declared for the government, thus leaving for the incumbent politicians of the first defendant N76,700,000.00”.

The suit, filed on behalf of the traders by their counsel, J.O. Emodi (Esq) of Dr. Z. Chukwuemeka Anyogu & Associates, Enugu, sought an interlocutory injunction restraining Nnamani’s council and others involved from re-allocating stores at the market pending its determination.
The suit, also, prays the court for a declaration that consistent with their stalls allocation letters and payments of their stallage fees, the defendants lack the capacity/vires, unilaterally or in concert with one another to void or reallocate their stores at the market. The reliefs include a declaration that consistent with the allocation letters, the plaintiffs are the bonafide allottees to their respective stores in the market.

It would be recalled that the suit was preceded by a pre-action notice which, the traders alleged, was snubbed by the council chairman who, alongside his political thugs, soldiers and policemen, invaded the market and broke into their shops. The traders lament that even when the incumbent Chairman, Architect Nnamani, did not, within his two years in office, improve the market in anyway, he still wanted to eject the traders and reallocate their stores to himself and his cronies.

Chukwu Chika, Coordinator, Eke Agbani Traders Association (alias Integrity Group), told THEWEEK that it was the administration of Barrister Jerry Ene in the council that started the transformation of Eke Agbani into a modern market. Ene’s tenure spanned from 1999 to 2001. Chukwu maintained that development in the market had stopped where Ene left it in 2001 when he left office.

“The market’s development was left where Hon. Barrister Jerry Ene left it over eight years ago. Till now, no succeeding council chairman, including Architect Nnaemeka Nnamani, was able to even put a block on top of another in the market”, Chukwu quipped.

Speaking in the same vein, a prominent indigene of the area, Chief David Onyeabo, said the sudden reallocation of stalls in the market seems politically motivated, warning that the exercise, if allowed to go on, would have plunged the traders into untold hardship.

Also speaking, Hon. Augustine Nnaji, a community leader, condemned Nnamani’s meddlesomeness in the market. Hon. Nnaji lamented that the market does not even have conveniences while most traders do their business under the scorching sun and rain, yet Architect Nnamani cared a hoot.

Said Nnaji, “Our position in Agbani is that stalls should not be reallocated until development of the the market is completed. For now, the market has not even reached 50 percent completion”.
It has to be noted that the allegations against Nnamani did not stop at stalls allocation fraud only. A petition earlier addressed to the local government’s councilors by Eke Agbani Market Women Association, accused the Nnamani’s administration of complicity in unduly levying the traders. These alleged illegal levies range from N1, 000.00 development levy, N600.00 annual rate for 2008, N500.00 burial levy, as well as N1, 200.00 and N600.00 for 2009 rent among others.
The petition, signed by Mrs. Okochi Sussan and Amushi Rose, Coordinator and Secretary respectively, urged the legislators to investigate the stalls allocation and the rampant cases of illegal levies in the market by Architect Nnamani’s leadership.

In response to the appeal by the women group, the council’s legislative council, on July 2 this year, passed a resolution urging the executive to suspend every action as regards the sale of stalls at the market pending outcome of investigation by the committee set up by the council’s legislature. The legislative council’s resolution was signed by Hon. Godwin Nwatu (Leader) and Mrs. Ani M.N, Clerk of the House.

THEWEEK was told that Nnamani’s administration snubbed both the traders’ appeals/litigation, as well as the resolution passed by his councilors, and went ahead with the ejection of the traders and reallocation of their stalls.

Thus on November 18, Nnamani, reportedly accompanied by Mike Onuh, Agbani Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Sunday Nnamani, the council’s Supervisor for Finance, stormed the market with a retinue of political thugs, soldiers and police to break into the traders’ stalls. The traders claimed that the invaders, who welded all sorts of cutting instruments, went into the market, cut keys to the stalls, and destroyed and, in some cases, carted away goods belonging in the traders. Over 1000 stalls were reported to have been so looted!
As a result of the foregoing, the traders went on strike, and shut down the market. After their three days strike which ended on November 21, the restive traders poured out into the streets in protests against the reallocation of their stores by Nnamani’s council.
It was the intervention of Governor Sullivan Chime that, eventually, brought the situation to normalcy.

Following a petition sent to the Governor on behalf of the traders by Dr. Z. Chukwuemeka Anyogu, their counsel, dated November 19, 2009, the Governor sent a delegation, led by Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, former SSG, to intervene and quell the crisis. Chime’s government, also, announced the cancellation of all the allocations already made by Architect Nnamani’s administration. It was learnt that part of the instruction was that all the allottees should be reimbursed their monies.

Efforts to get Nnamani to react to the allegations were fruitless.

For now, it is peace of the grave yard until the exit of Architect Nnamani from the council.
END.

Professor of Controversies

Is Edwin Onyeneje, Rector of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), an academic professor or is he an impostor assuming what he is not?

Is Edwin Onyeneje, Rector of Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, an academic Professor? Does Rector Onyeneje, also, hold a Doctoral degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka?

These posers have continued to punctuate the administration of Onyeneje since he got appointed Rector of the Institute by the government of Barrister Sullivan Chime last year, November. (Picture left shows Onyeneje)

Onyeneje has, particularly, since his assumption of office, taken up the designation of ‘Professor’. He claims to have secured his Professorship from Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). His claimed core area of study is Social Psychology. Onyeneje, equally, claimed to have earned his Doctoral degree from the famous University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). In fact, he said he was the best Ph.D student of the university in the 2001/2002 academic year.
But Onyeneje’s traducers tag him a fake professor, saying he just assumed the designation, and began to prefix it to his name without duly earning it from any institution.

Onyeneje’s accusers, also, insist that he never taught in Enugu State University of Science and Technology, arguing that it is, therefore, incongruous for an academic to earn the title of a Professor in an institution he never taught.

Another point of controversy is Onyeneje’s suitability for the rectory of IMT. His critics keep on remonstrating that he is ill-qualified to have been appointed Rector of IMT. Apart from his being a mere administrative staff of the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Emene near Enugu, the Rector is said not to be an academic lecturer in the first instance. What this means is that Onyeneje was not, in the main, a lecturer even in the Ecumenical Studies Institute from where he was appointed Rector.

Part of Onyeneje’s accusers’ contention regarding his lack of qualification for the position is that his academic discipline, Psychology, is not offered as a separate course of study in IMT. That is, there is no ‘Department of Psychology’ in the school. This situation, it is argued, runs foul of the rules guiding appointment of rectors and heads of similar institutions. Not a few of Onyeneje’s critics maintain that this situation disqualified him from holding the rectory position.

But the embattled Rector insists on his qualification for the rectory of IMT.

“You can go to Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT). You can go to Institute of Ecumenical Education, Thinkers Corner, Emene, and make your inquiries. Meet the authority; they can give you their assessment report. That’s how those things are done. It is a document. They can give you their assessment report. In the university, you have to give your papers to external people. That’s just it.”

Interestingly, Onyeneje admitted that he really never lectured at ESUT, as to qualify him for a professorial appointment by the citadel-of-learning. He explained that he, as a matter of fact, was planning to transfer his service from UNN where, he hitherto lectured, to ESUT. He, therefore, sent his papers to the institution for assessment. It was at the end of the assessment that, according to him, ESUT made him a professor.

But Onyeneje quips that he is still qualified to head IMT whether he is a professor or not, contending that not all the past Rectors of the institution were Professors.

Onyeneje, also, battled to carpet the argument that his appointment is faulty because there is no Department for his course of study, Psychology, in the school, maintaining that some elements of Psychology is involved in every activity in the school, including management.

Onyeneje, equally, debunked the notion that he was a mere administrative worker in his former place of work, saying that, all his life, he had been teaching.

Retorted the Rector: “All my life, it has been teaching. From auxiliary in the secondary school, I went through the university, came out, taught at Institute of Ecumenical Studies, taught at Federal Polytechnic, Okoh, Anambra state when they were having their study center here in Enugu.” He added that he did not only teach at UNN, but headed its Psychology Department.

However, findings by THEWEEK showed that Onyeneje, prior to his appointment as Rector, did submit his papers to ESUT for assessment, but the university’s senate, then under the headship of .., threw out the papers on the grounds of non-qualification. The senate unanimously resolved that he would not be a candidate for assessment in the first place since he was never a lecturer in the institution.

While the controversy trailing Onyeneje’s professorship rages, the onus is on appropriate authorities launch an inquiry into the issue, with a view to deciphering the veracity of his academic claims or otherwise.

Culled from: THEWEEK

Third Term for Chukwumerije

The Senator representing Abia North District, Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, receives a third term endorsement from his constituents.

The Isuochi, Umunneochi council area country home of Comrade Uche Chukwumerije, Senator representing Abia North District, has lately been a beehive. Chukwumerije’s constituents want him back to the senate as their representative in the next general election.

Abia North senatorial zone comprises Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi Local Government Areas respectively. Although the cerebral law maker is currently serving his second term, his Umunneochi kinsmen and, indeed, the generality of his constituents across the senatorial district have continued to mount pressures on him not to back out of the senate in 2011.

Recently, stake-holders of Umunneochi council area paid a solidarity visit to the senator in his Abuja residence, urging him to continue with the superlative representation he has been giving the people of Abia North zone at the floor of the Nigerian senate.

Apart from the membership of the Progressive People Alliance (PPA), the stake-holders, led by Comrade Oliver Egeonu, the council’s chairman, included chieftains of other political parties from the senatorial district such as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress (AC) and All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) among others.

Interestingly, Chukwumerije’s constituents had to deploy subtle threats to get him to accept their proposal.

“Senator, it is the resolution of the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area that you should return to the senate. We are not begging you. If you refuse to return, we shall be left with no other option than to ostracize you from our zone”, the people warned the outspoken and fearless senator.

Although this rather weird threat was greeted by a prolonged laughter and thunderous ovation from the delegation, the import of the occasion was not, in the least, lost on the ‘Comrade’ Senator who, according to his people, has made countless contributions towards the development of Abia North in particular, and the Nigerian nation in general.

Prince Uchenna Ezekwesiri, Leader of Umunneochi legislative council, and one of the leaders of the delegation, explained that the stake-holders had to insist on Chukwumerije’s continued representation because, according to him, Abia North, at the moment, does not have his replacement.

Stated Hon. Ezekwesiri: “Chukwumerije is a political Iroko tree, not only in Nigeria but in the African continent, and we are simply lucky to have him as our son. Comrade has no rival in the entire senate in terms of qualitatively representing his people. That is why we want him back”.

The achievements of Senator Chukwumerije include the provision of social amenities to his constituents. In the course of his senatorial assignments, he has embarked on water and electricity schemes across the senatorial district. Particular mention is made of the Amuda water scheme and the Umunneochi electricity scheme.

Under the intervention of Senator Chukwumerije, the Mmam Dam (located in Mballa-Isuochi) and linking Isuochi people with their Enugu state neighbors, is in progress. Apart from distributing electric transformers across the wards of the senatorial district, and, particularly, ensuring the award of contract for the reconstruction of the long neglected Mballa road, the senator has, also, embarked on poverty alleviation (through skill acquisition) and scholarship schemes across the senatorial zone.

It is on record that Chukwumerije was the only Nigerian senator to have successfully embarked on a comprehensive tour of the local governments in his constituency, tutoring the constituents on the need to support the on on-going review of the Nigerian constitution. And he is, similarly, in the reckoning of his constituents for organizing the first ever Umunneochi Cultural Day, a forum for showcasing the cultural lives and values of the people.

Commenting on the giant strides of Chukwumerije, Chief Obi Aham, Chairman, Abia state chapter of the Action Congress, said: “My party supports Senator Chukwumerije because, unlike some other politicians, he is a humane person. And he is always willing and eager to come to the rescue of the less-privileged and oppressed”.

Amidst these accolades on a worthy ambassador of his people, Chukwumerije’s return to the senate is, for now, a question which answers lies in the womb of time. Will he hearken to his people’s pleas? Or will he back out?

Mass Deaths on Nigerian Roads

Ever since I wrote my article on: Alcohol and Road Accidents in Nigeria, published on my blog (http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com) and other national and international media outlets, many road accidents have occurred.

Thisday newspaper of 10th October 2009 online version, reported that about 70 people were killed in a multiple road accident that occurred at Umunya junction in Oyi local government area of Anambra State. The bigger picture came when Thisday newspaper of 24th October 2009 online version, reported the total number of road accidents in Nigeria as obtained from the Federal Road Safety Commission (F.R.S.C.).

Quoting Thisday newspaper (online version) of 24th October 2009, “The number of reported cases of road accidents on the country's highways has reached 8,553 between January and first week of October. According to a road traffic situation update obtained by THISDAY from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Abuja, about 4,120 persons lost their lives while 20,975 other were seriously injured in the fatal accidents that involved 11,031 vehicles across the nations”.

By any standard or measurements, these figures are too high. I am not sure that our country can sustain this number of deaths occasioned by road accidents. Therefore, this is a drastic situation that needs drastic action. Nigerians, the Federal Road Safety Commission, the Nigeria Police, private and commercial transport companies, and all road users have a role to play to minimize road accidents. But the Federal Road Safety Commission has more roles to play.

As a suggestion and armed with figures above on death caused by road accidents, the Federal Road Safety Commission should push for legislation that will set up approved speed limits in urban roads, rural road, and high ways/express ways. The same legislation should outline stiff penalties on offenders and authorize the Federal Road Safety Commission to use speed cameras and other means to catch offenders.

Then the next stage should be enforcement. As a starting point, the Federal Road Safety Commission should introduce the use of mobile speed cameras.

There are many types of mobile speed cameras that could be fixed on the road safety vehicles. The Federal Road Safety Commission should combine this process with massive awareness campaign on the introduction of these devices. They can mount these cameras on both unmarked vehicles and marked vehicles. This is a highly effective method to control speeding by motorists. Speed camera was originally invented by Maurice Gatsonides in the 1950,s as a technology for automatic speed measurement of vehicles. This was hijacked for speed control purposes by the authorities in Netherlands.

The mobile speed cameras are portable, such that it could be moved from one point to another. It can be hidden behind a parked vehicle or inside a vehicle. Other types of mobile speed cameras can also be carried by hand. All that the road safety officers need to do is to mount this camera and station their officers few meters away to stop any one caught over speeding. This is not rocket science. It is a very simple technology used by all developed and developing countries. Nigerians should ask for these devices to enforce speed limits. Accidents can kill and devastate people. I understand that speeding alone is not the only cause of road accidents in Nigeria . But if we can enforce speed limits and apply the recommendations on my article on; Alcohol And Road Accidents In Nigeria then we might see some reductions on road mishaps.

It is very much in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians that speeding is controlled on all roads. The whole idea will be to reduce to the lowest minimum, the rates of road accidents. Private and commercial transporters should enforce speed limits. I remember traveling on ABC Transport and on stopping at Benin , we were giving questionnaires to answer if the driver was speeding and how he drove. This practice should be sustained. Let other transporters device a means of enforcing speed limits on their drivers. Firstly, let passengers know that there is a speed limit applicable. This might help reduce pressure from passengers asking drivers to go faster.

Next advice to the Federal Road Safety Commission should be to ask all driving instructors in Nigeria to register with them. Refresher courses and leaflets should be handed to them. Fitness test should be carried out on them. The Federal Road Safety Commission should produce an updated driving code which every driving instructor should buy. All vehicles for driving schools should be examined and certified by road safety officials. All driving schools should be registered and recognized by the road safety commission. All new drivers should undergo health checks, theory test, and practical test before being allowed to drive. As a way to avoid manipulation, I suggest that the theory test should be online so that the road safety officials will not have a control over it. The practical test should be examined by road safety officials to be randomly selected through balloting. A candidate should be expected to pass all three tests (health checks, theory and practical tests). All parts of the driving test should carry equal marks.

I know that the Federal Road Safety Commission has enough personnel to undertake the above tasks. Otherwise they can call for volunteers whom they should be able to give references as having acquired a working experience from them. Alternatively, the road safety commission can contract out some of these responsibilities to reputable Nigerian companies. I suggest a change of our driving license to a bio-metric system, whereby people should give their finger prints and complete details. The same methods that, the immigration is using to issue the new international passport. The Federal Road Safety Commission, the Nigerian Police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other law enforcement agencies can share date base together.

The idea of bio-metric driving license is to avoid obtaining driving licenses by proxy. It will make it easier to track road traffic offenders. It will also help to fight other types of crime. This takes me to another article that I wrote; Reforming Police and Policing Reforms, in that article, I argued for the police to start taking finger prints of suspects. I wish to quote a part of the article here; “DNA fingerprinting will be a valuable tool in the fight against crimes in Nigeria . It will help in investigating cases. Similar technology has been deployed before by the Nigerian government during the registration of ID card scheme. The current e-passport system in Nigeria takes our finger prints. So what the government needs to do is to transfer the national database to the police or the police can share this data base with all relevant government departments. So as soon as a suspect is caught, the DNA fingerprinting should be taken and stored or checked with the ones already in the system”.

Let’s remember that DNA samples are very useful to identify the culprits and the guilty. It also helps to exonerate the innocent. The road safety commission should not forget to come up with vehicle carbon emission level in Nigeria . They (FRSC) should turn the above information with others into decisions. With will, determination, and vision, the road safety commission can accomplish this project. We should remember that no society or country will develop without making efforts. If we don’t do anything, we have to accept what happens. But if we act, we have a chance to improve things.

Finally, I wish to appeal to Nigerians to participate and join the fight against global warming. Turn off your electrical appliances/lights when not in use. Plant a tree or sponsor one to plant on your behalf. Government and companies should send less paper work and do more email, telephone, and sms. May God bless Nigeria .

Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Zinox Docked for Duping Enugu Govt

The Enugu State government has commenced court action against Zinox Technologies Ltd, owned by the businessman, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh, over the failed city wi-fi wireless internet service for the capital city, for which the company was paid over N200 million.

Briefing Government House correspondents on the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Martin Ilo, accused the company of a shoddy job, saying it did not deliver what it promised.

The SSG said that instead of the cloud internet coverage of four kilometers radius of the city centre involving the installation of many base stations as specified in the contract agreement, what the company implemented was merely hot spots which work only around the few available base stations.

"There are two major issues. First, the range of the base stations is too short and very susceptible to obstacles, such that even where the mast exists, it works only within a limited range, best outside", he explained.

The government scribe also said that the internet service is not uniformly available, a situation that has security implications as many youths now cluster around the few functioning masts with their laptops, causing anxiety in some peaceful neighbourhoods.

"The venture has clearly failed, and that being the situation, we must have the money paid back into the state treasury. We can't tell our people, the people of Enugu State that we expended such an amount of their money on a failed project, and are keeping quiet about it. We are not known for that", he said.

The Mayor of Corruption

Comrade Uche Oliver Egeonu, Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, faces charges of large-scale fraud and non-performance in the running of the council.

Less than three months to the expiration of his tenure, the Chairman of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia state, Comrade Uche Oliver Egeonu, is in the eye of the storm.

Egeonu stands accused of refusal to pay the council’s legislators their allowances, a situation that has been generating ripples across the local government area and beyond.

The allowances owed to the councilors, numbering 19, include furniture (N1.1 million), transport (N1.3 million) and accommodation N1.1 million.

Among the law makers are Prince Eze (Mbato), Ekemezie Nwoke (Amuda), Benson Achugbu (Umuaku 2), Ken Ifoh (Umuobasi), Linus Udeh (Mballa/Achara Ward), Valentine Nwankwo (Ubahu/Akawa), Emeka Nwankwo (Lekwesi), Anozie Christian (Umuaku 1), Emmanuel Maduka (Lokpaukwu), Ndidi Eke mere (Obinolu/ Lomara).

Others include Emeka Okafor ((Leru), Tobias Egeonu (Umudim/Ughuolugho), Augustine Ogujiofor ((Eziama Agbo), Cosmas Ezuo (Obinolu Uhude), Chidi Dike (Amuba/Umuogbuele), Osita Eze (Eziama Ugwu) and Daniel Okereke (Aro Ikpa).

Worse-still, the councilors lament that they go home virtually empty-handed every month following massive interest deductions from their salaries by the First Bank Plc, Nkwoagu-Isuochi Branch with which Egeonu had struck a deal to procure them Toyota Camry 98/99 model as part of their entitlements.

The interest deductions bring the total sum the vehicle was sold to the councilors to N2.3million. But it was learnt that that model of Toyota Camry is sold for N1.5 million in the market. Part of the accusations of the law makers is that the duo of First Bank and Egeonu lured them into buying the vehicles on the agreement that the council would, ultimately, foot the bill, as transportation is part of the statutory allowances accrued to them.

Perhaps, more disturbing to the legislators is that, if at the end of their tenure next January, the transport allowance is not paid to them, they stand the risk of losing both the vehicle and the allowance as a result of default in paying up the bank loans.

In addition, Egeonu, the Chairman, is accused of running the council to the exclusion of its legislative arm, a development which has culminated in a cold-war between him and the restive law makers.

The worst hit in Egeonu’s alleged misrule is the office of Leader of the council. THEWEEK learnt that Hon. Uchenna Ezekwesiri, Umunneochi Council Leader, is the only council Leader in Abia state who has no official car attached to his office. Statutorily, a local government council Leader’s office is entitled to, at least, an official vehicle and a legislative bus. But in contrast, Ezekwesiri is regularly spotted atop commercial motorcycles while going about his official duties.

Aside the foregoing, Comrade Egeonu is currently in the dot over alleged non-performance and misappropriation of the funds belonging to the council.

Findings show that Egeonu has, in the past 19 months of his administration of the council, received over N1 billion from the Federation Accounts Committee (FAC). The receipts include an average of N40 million monthly allocation, and N300 million excess crude windfall.

It is observed that, apart from the Amuda-Achara-Lekwesi Road direct labor project which he has, since, inexplicably, abandoned, Egeonu has no other major project in the council to his credit. Except that, as a matter of necessity, he had to erect an office complex inside the council secretariat to replace the former which was burnt down by hoodlums during an electoral violence in the area two years back. Also, the embattled Mayor could not complete the Umuchieze rural electrification project which he commenced sometime in his regime. In fact, the list of Egeonu’s uncompleted projects seems endless!

What is intriguing to Egeonu’s critics, however, is that, in the face of all these glaring instances woeful performance, he appears to be warming up for a second term. Although the council boss himself has not summoned sufficient courage to kick-start a campaign in this direction, his body language indicates that he desires a second term in office. For instance, his supporters have been busy circulating fliers and leaflets, soliciting support for his second term bid in the council.

But whether Egeonu’s second term project will succeed or fail depends on the collective will of the people of Umunneochi Local Government to decide, using his performance chart as a yard-stick

Still, another curious aspect of the foregoing is why the council’s legislators chose to keep mum as Egeonu runs the council like his personal estate. It was gathered that the council’s law makers parted ways, sometime last year, when they, on the alleged prompting of Egeonu, unsuccessfully plotted to impeach their Leader, Hon. Ezekwesiri. Since then, the centre could no longer hold among the once united councilors.

No doubt, the legislative arm has not been as effective as it should be, as a result of which there have been no checks and balances in Egeonu’s running of the council. Nonetheless, some of the councilors accuse their Leader, Ezekwesiri, of conniving with Egeonu to misappropriate the funds of the council.

While Leader Ezekwesiri debunks the insinuation that he colludes with Egeonu to loot the resources of the people of Umunneochi, several efforts to get Egeonu (the chairman) to respond to the charges against him were fruitless.

Apart from intentionally not picking calls made to his mobile telephone handset by our correspondent, Egeonu, also, snubbed a text message sent to his phone, seeking an interview appointment over the allegations.