Monday, June 2, 2014
New Biafra to become a reality on or before September 30, 2015 -Radio Biafra boss
The defunct Republic of Biafra will be revived on or before September 30, 2015, Executive Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has said.
He made the declaration yesterday at Hill Top Ngwo, near Enugu, during a ceremony to commemorate the May 30 anniversary of Biafran fallen heroes. Kanu in his speech regretted the non-payment of benefits due to Biafran soldiers, describing it as “a continuation of the same injustice that led them to try to extricate themselves from this Lugard creation called Republic of Nigeria.”
A Sunday Independent report of the event said that Kanu warned that the indigenous People of Biafra would commence what they called a new wave of freedom fighting to carve a separate state of Biafra from the present Nigeria.
He said the implication of what they were doing was that they have honoured their dead and remembered those that fought and died for Biafra, stressing that from this day onwards they would now do proper freedom fighting, the way it should be done, the report said.
Kanu, according to the paper, explained that though the agitation would begin peacefully, it would entail taking up of arms since according to him, “there cannot be real freedom fighting by drinking a cup of tea.”
He was quoted as saying: “We come in peace but we bring hell with us. If there is no Biafra this place will be completely destroyed. Everything will die here or they give us Biafra. So there is and will be no compromise. We won’t retreat and we won’t surrender. We have come here to fight for our country or we die fighting for our freedom.
“That is why it is very disheartening that you see old men in every blessed month crying and wishing that their money will come to them and nothing happens. The Yorubas have been paid, the Hausa Fulani have been paid and then those of them belonging to Biafra have not been paid. It is an injustice that must be addressed and it is part of the reason why we are doing what we are doing because in the new Biafra we would not have this level of injustice.”
Kanu stressed that it was in reaction to the monumental and serial acts of injustice against the Indigenous people of Biafra that the movement has awakened to fight for freedom adding: “Nigeria has no choice because Biafra will come on or before September 30, 2015.”
The highpoint of the memorial included march past by various divisions of Biafra war veterans, sing song and the unveiling the cenotaph in commemoration of “all those that lost their lives fighting for Biafra and members of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, (MASSOB).”
Source: News Express
Nigeria: The Obituary Of The Living Dead
Emmanuel Chigozie Osuchukwu
Let’s hope we are not going to publish this one day. But it’s the practice of media establishments to write the obituary of great people before they die. I hope this is not Nigeria’s obituary but if it happens let the last manout of the country publish this.
Once upon a time there was a great country with a great potential to become one of the greatest countries on earth. They had a wonderful diversity of people and cultures that at the beginning of nationhood they regaled on the concept of strength in diversity. They spoke confidently as the most populous nation in Africa and held the prospect of leading Africa economically, socially and politically.
They boasted of taking their place in the comity of world powers and we seriously believed it. Things started to go wrong soon after our independence from Britain. The crop of politicians that took over from our colonial masters, although great men and compared to what we have now started faltering. The lure and privileges of high office overwhelmed many of them and the practice of the new form of government called democracy was a bit too much to comprehend and put into practice.
Before long the virus of military dictatorships prevalent in the developing world reached us. When it did it was so cataclysmic that the downward spiral of this great nation began and it was not easily visible to many Nigerians. It is evident that Nigeria has been moving wobbly since 1966 but it was difficult for us to acknowledge. Either we were all in denial or the political engineers who designed the current Nigerian nation wanted us to believe that there was nothing wrong with the country.
Irrespective of our belief, knowledgeable outsiders kept telling us that Nigeria was at risk of implosion and that when it happens it will have catastrophic regional effect. We carried on regardless and even celebrated that great word ‘brinkmanship’ as a good description of our ability to survive any political crisis. But like a stunt man there will be a day his skills will fail him and his obituary will be written. Today Nigeria is burning and at a dangerous crossroad. Many are afraid that the country’s health status could be terminal and we better start writing our obituary.
The ongoing ruthless and mindless Boko Haram insurgency has exposed a country worthy of a cancerous diagnosis. Unfortunately this is happening at a time the country has been terribly weakened by accumulated factors stretching over many decades and now I doubt if we have the common will to face a common enemy. Many even believe that the most dangerous aspect of Boko Haram insurgency is that it is enemy within. So how did we get here? If or when the obituary of Nigeria is written the cause of death will be the failure of leadership to live above the corrosive issues of ethnicity, religion and corruption.
Since independence the trinity of tribe, corruption and religion has been freely used by Nigerian politicians and in the most lethal concoction to destroy the country. The foundations of Nigeria’s geo-political squabbles were laid in the first Republic. The military men that terminated the first republic in 1966 as I have said in previous writings were neither Patriots nor Nationalist. The Northern military officers who gained and exercised maximum control of Nigeria’s political destiny were initially an avenging mob and hardly weaned themselves of their spiteful and ethnic bigotry. This was the class that built contemporary Nigeria. The fratricidal civil war of 1967 -1970 was essentially a tribal war masked in national colours. Since then Nigeria never recovered from being a country that grew without a balanced contribution from all relevant stakeholders in terms of particularly the creation of its governance superstructures and her main ruling ideas. Policies that accentuated and reinforced our tribal schisms reigned supreme.
Eventually Nigeria became a nation at war in and with herself. Issues such as resource control, state creation, sharia law, census figures, and control of the federal government became so contentious that they elicited our primitive instincts of fight to the finish. Primitive instincts naturally thrive well in primordial settings and where those contrived entities do not really exist Nigerian politicians were adept in creating one, albeit artificially. Hence, Northern region that do not exist geo-politically exists in the minds of many northern politicians when competition for power arises. Arewa, Afenifere, Odua Peoples Congress, Ohaneze are some of the reactionary manifestations of Nigeria’s ethnic militancy. In summary ethnicity in Nigerian politics was the creation of the elite to further their political adventures. Without politics, I surmise that ordinary Nigerians will have no issues with each other. But here we are at each other’s jugular. Patriotism and nationalism were sacrificed to the extent that mere loyalty to the Nigerian nation is questionable among many Nigerians including the leaders.
Corruption was one singular issue that standing on its own corroded Nigeria. Corruption would have been less significant if it was just a case of stealing public money. I will concede that the level of stealing by Nigerian public officials is extremely huge and rampant and capable of bringing any nation to its knees. To absolve any public official from corruption is similar to saying that a pregnant woman has no knowledge of a man. Look at the display of wealth and lifestyle of past and present public figures to reach your conclusion. I will simply take Sani Abacha, James Ibori, Tafa Balogun, and the gigantic stolen Pension funds as sample evidence. But the real damage to Nigeria was the way corruption damaged our institutions and our moral fibre. We are damaged to the extent that our institutions have become prostrate and incapable of effective discharge of its roles and responsibilities.
Who in Nigeria is confident that Nigeria Police, after experiencing them in check points and in their other lines of duty is there to maintain law and order; who in Nigeria relies on the Judiciary as the bastion of justices and safeguard of the common man when top judicial officers have openly acknowledged that our judiciary is a cash and carry business; who in Nigeria relies on our military as the defenders of the realm after Boko Haram has exposed the rot in our military establishment; who in Nigeria believes that the different levels of law making bodies in the country are discharging their responsibilities as per constitutional requirements and not there to further their personal interests.
Corruption destroyed our moral consciousness. It destroyed our ethical values and today Nigeria is unable distinguish between right and wrong. Nothing shocks Nigerians anymore. I wonder how many Nigerian leaders ask those ethical questions such as: Is this right? Is it just? Is it fair? And is it proper? Instead Nigeria celebrates the interesting concept of the doctrine of necessity which basically overrides any sense of propriety.
Constitutionally, Nigeria is a secular state. But this has been flagrantly abused by political leaders who realised that religion has its insidious benefits. Like ethnicity religion conjures such emotional feelings that it provided the Nigerian elite the cheapest way of mobilising followership. The dangerous thing about misuse of religion is its ability to override reason. In the North particularly where the prevalence of poor access to modern education and few gainful employment opportunities exist, the lethal combination of ethnic hatred and religious bigotry produced a devastating condition (Boko Haram). Given the enormous size of Northern Nigeria in terms of landmass and population the prevailing conditions of ruthless insurgency and the politics of its existence present immediate and clear danger to Nigeria.
Therefore I contend that the Afghanistanization of Northern Nigeria is the prelude to the country’s demise. Thanks to the politicians and other social and religious elite who whipped up ethnic and religious sentiments that created Boko Haram. The North must rule was one of those idiotic stands that betrayed crass ethnic chauvinism. Thanks also to the same elite who championed the cause of Sharia movement in a supposedly secular nation. Anyone that subscribed to these ideas stoked up the fire that may consume Nigeria. How long an already weakened nation can survive with a huge chunk of its territory under siege is a matter of conjecture. With corruption, national culture of official ineptitude, inefficient and ill motivated security forces as additional impetus, Nigeria is a walking dead.
Are we redeemable or we able to prevent the publication of our obituary? The prognosis is poor but let's remain optimistic. The answer lies in whether Nigeria’s political elite has learnt enough lessons to realize the damage they have done to the country and whether our democratic process can provide a lasting solution and heal a wounded nation. My biggest fear is what happens after 2015. The Peoples Democratic Party, President Jonathan’s ruling party can rightly claim to be a national party but has been in power since 1999 and as usual with any party that has been in office long has offended a lot of people. PDP and President Jonathan are being challenged by a newly assembled political party called All Progressive Congress (APC). The biggest problem is that the driving force behind APC is Retired General Muhammadu Buhari and his antecedents and what he stands for is a matter of serious concern.
Buhari’s utterances after the 2011 elections confirm him as an adherent of the North must rule ideology. This is the mentality that manifests militant ethnocentrism, bullying and intimidation. Of equally significant concern is the perception that Buhari is a rabid Islamist and therefore a danger to a secular state. If we go down memory lane, Gen. (Rtd) Muhammadu Buhari, speaking in Kaduna at a seminar organized by the Supreme Council of Sharia in Nigeria, August 2001 said that:
"Sharia should be introduced in full across Nigeria…I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria…God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country…It is a legal responsibility which God has given us, within the context of one Nigeria, to continue to uphold the practice of Sharia wholeheartedly and to educate non-Muslims that they have nothing to fear…What remains for Muslims in Nigeria is for them to redouble their efforts, educate Muslims on the need to promote the full implementation of Sharia law."
That speaks for itself and whether Buhari leads from the front as President or from the rear he remains a major concern and by implication so is the party he cobbled together. APC remains a reactionary party with a primarily northern base looking for southern allies and that is risky and dangerous for a nation so divided and in need of healing. Reactionary movements attract reactionary responses and what would happen to Nigeria if APC wins worries me a lot. Similarly would APC’s diehard supporters accept President Jonathan’s victory?
Let’s hope that the national conference is not another Nigerian gimmickry, another futile exercise that leads to nowhere. If all concerned understand the dire state of the country they will grasp this opportunity and start addressing the issues that has placed Nigeria on the precipice. The national conference may well note that Nigeria has no soul. Though fragmented we are yet standing too close and suffocating each other at present. It may easily translate into strangulation even if Boko Haram fails in their objective. We may benefit from urgent review of our unitary federalism. This may sound to some Nigerians a fundamental restructuring but remember as the saying goes, those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change possible.
The National conference may also note that the very institutions that we expect to redeem our precarious situation are badly compromised and may not effectively cope with further conditions of severe stress. I sincerely hope we do not get to publish our obituary, come 2015 as already predicted but the ominous signs are hovering.
Emmanuel Chigozie Osuchukwu is a London based writer. He can be reached on emmanuelosu@hotmail.com or tel. +447880600236
To All Indigenous People of Biafra at Home and Abroad
By BILIE
We hereby notify all Biafrans at home and abroad that pursuant to the powers conferred on Bilie Human Rights Initiative under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and by the Legal Instrument signed by the Supreme Council of Elders of
Indigenous People of Biafra in the Federal High Court Owerri Nigeria appointing and authorizing the human rights organization to represent all indigenous people of Biafra in their national liberation struggle, Bilie Human Rights Initiative has applied to the United Nations for Consultative Status of the ECOSOC on behalf of all indigenous people of Biafra.
This is the first step before the Biafran Case can be presented to the United Nations. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is an arm of the United Nations which handles civil cases about independence while the International Criminal Court (ICC) handles criminal cases such as genocide and war crime. The case filed by Bilie Human Rights Initiative in the Federal High Court Owerri Nigeria on behalf of Indigenous People of Biafra is a civil case for their independence. This is the case that we shall present to the United Nations and the International Court of Justice in due course as we have now laid the foundation.
We request all indigenous people of Biafra who are obedient to the rule of law to remain loyal to the Customary Law Government of Indigenous People of Biafra headed by the Supreme Council of Elders. We are happy that a team of well experienced international lawyers is guiding us in law and diplomacy towards our goal of achieving independence by the rule of law. Since we embarked on this journey of national liberation by legal method, the Nigerian Police, Army, Government and all other institutions have accorded much respect to us. We are also respected by the international community for choosing the rule of law for self-determination instead of violence and provocative utterances.
We established the Government of Indigenous People of Biafra under Customary Law without committing any offence. We have proved to the United Nations that we are governable under a leadership structure. We held the Annual General Meeting and human rights conference for all indigenous people of Biafra in December 2013 and presented the Annual Accounts and Financial Reports. We filed the Annual Returns at the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja before the deadline of 31st December 2013. We have submitted the Statement of Accounts and Financial Reports to the United Nations as evidence of public accountability. The Governance Structure and Organogram of the customary law government of indigenous people of Biafra submitted to the United Nations is attached herewith for your guidance. The Order and Directives made by the Supreme Council of Elders and other documents including the organization's Statements of Accounts, Financial Reports, Annual Reports, etc, have been submitted to the United Nations as well. We deem it necessary to attach the Order and Directives to this email for your particular attention. The BHRI campaign against the abuse of human rights in Nigeria is also attached herewith for your information.
Any person claiming to be a Biafran activist who does not submit to the authority of the Supreme Council of Elders of Indigenous People of Biafra is lawless and rebellious. For the United Nations to grant independence to any people, the people must show themselves governable under a duly constituted leadership structure. The Biafrans have fulfilled this condition by having the Supreme Council of Elders as a government under Customary Law. We advise all Biafrans to obey the Customary Law Government of Biafra headed by HRM The Hon. Justice Eze Ozobu as Chairman, Dr Dozie Ikedife as the Deputy Chairman and Col Joe Achuzia as the Secretary. Though it is not yet sovereign, our customary law government satisfies the requirement of the United Nations that the people must be obedient to a leadership structure. We are not yet perfect in the art of governance and shall make changes and modifications in the Organogram as we progress. The UN will never grant independence to a people who would not listen to anybody and would kill one another over the struggle for power and cause more bloodshed, anarchy and lawlessness if granted freedom to rule themselves.
Please be guided accordingly.
Admin Manager
Office of Indigenous People of Biafra
92 Wetheral Road,
Owerri, Imo State.
10 reasons why Anioma State should be in the south-east geopolitical zone
Ayo Akinfe
[1] It will be a predominantly Igbo-speaking state
[2] Even if the people do not consider themselves Igbo, there are enough cultural ties that bond them with other states in the south-east geo-political zone
3] Aniomans have always been treated as second class Igbos because they were part of the Western Region and Bendel States. If they are made part of the south-east, that will stop.
[4] Let us face it, the Urhobos, Itshekhiris and Ijaws in Delta State outnumber the Aniomas and would not allow them to achieve dominant positions within the state
[5] At the moment, the south-east is the one zone crying out for more states. Apart from Etiti State, there is not much room for the creation of others.
[6] There is nothing wrong with states in one zone being on different sides of the River Niger. Remember that Benue State is south of the river, as is Kwara State, yet they are in the north central zone.
[7] According to Cornelius Adebayo, the Yorubas in Kwara and Kogi States want to create Oya State and make it part of the south-west. If this happens, a precedence has been set.
[8] I know a lot of Aniomans have a deep afinity towards Benin and Edo but being part of the south-east does not mean this will end. The Yorubas of Ilorin do not stop celebrating the Oro festival just because they are in the north-central political zone.
[9] A lot of Aniomans have not been able to occupy positions their abilities deserve because they have been victims of not being clear cut members of ethnic groups. For instance Senator Patrick Osakwe of Asaba could not be put forward for senate president, despite the fact that he is probably the most qualified Igbo-speaking senator for the job. Being part of the sout-east will resolve this.
[10] Creating Anioma State and making it part of the south-east, should lead to an increased westward migration of Igbos. This is necessary because of the high population density in the region which is putting pressure on resources, leading to a host of social problems.
ORIGIN OF UBULU-UKU
Ezemu was a hunter of un-equalled marksmanship, a herbalist who was known just in ubulu-uku and its immediate environs but down to every corner of the one time Benin Empire. He was so famous as a herbalist that the Oba of Benin during his time invited him to Benin to prepare certain herbs for him. “Izo-Idayi”. This helped to prolong the life of the Oba and so he told his successor to invite Ezemu or his descendants to prepare the same medicine for him any time he came to the throne. Before arriving at Ubulu -UKU however, Ezemu and his brothers first settled at Ubulu-unor.
It was from Ubulu-Unor that Ezemu left for Ubulu-Uku. “Ubulu” is the name of a huge tree which today stands at the centre of Ubulu-uku. “UKU” means big or huge. It was at the foot of this tree ( which still exists today but which has experienced severe burns) that Ezemu pitched tent. A deep gulley was adjacent to the tree, and the presence of water attracted the wandering normand.
From Afor To Ubulu-Unor
In fact Ubulu oral tradition states categorically that the grand-parents of Ezemu migrated from Israel and settled at Ife hence Ezemu was often referred to as the king with long hairs - “Ezi Isi Iyomiyo”. From Ife Ezemu and his relations migrated to Afor a village in present day Ndokwa Local Government Area of Delta State.
After a long stay in Afor, Ezemu’s parents assembled five of their namely Obodo, Ezemu, Alibo, Aniga and Ekelie and asked them to get ready to migrate and found other settlements.
Before they left Afor, their parents gave them a pot (Ududu) containing a mixture of some herbs and instructed them to settle anywhere the pot fell, each facing a different direction. While wandering from place to place they came to Ubulu-Unor, the pot fell and they settled there as their parents had instructed them. It was from Ubulu-Unor that Ezemu went to found Ubulu-Uku.
Ezemu Moves To Ubulu-Uku
When Ezemu made up his mind to settle in ubulu-uku he went and pleaded with his sister Obodo to come and join him. She refused told Ezemu that since he, Ezemu had founded a new and bigger Ubulu ( Ubulu-Uku) their first settlement should be called a home (Ubulu-Unor).
There was also the strong argument that Obodo was never the king of ubulu-unor because she was a woman neither were her descendants kings of ubulu-unor rather they have always been and are the Okpalas of Umuata (the descendants of obodo).
Ezemu had two children , one boy called Ijedinka-Jezie and one girl called Ozim. Since Ijedinka-Jezie was the only son, Ezemu hoped that he would succeed him on the throne and so he was grooming him with the role. He had the hope that Ozim would be given out in marriage.
Introduction
Ubulu-uku is situated some thirty kilometres (30kms) west of the River Niger in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State. Eastwards it shares a boundary with Ogwashi-Uku, westwards with Obior; northwards with Issele-Uku and southwards with Ubulu-Unor.
Ubulu Uku is sited in an undulating environment with its Enugu-Iyi and Abuedo end at the top of a long stretch of hills, while its centre, fanning out from the Ubulu tree, to Isho, Akwu, Ogbeofu, Idumu-Osume etc are located in a valley.Rolling down these hills are rivers which run through the entire clan to the sea through other neighbouring clans. Iyi Agor ( River Agor) stands out prominently among these.
Ubulu-Uku is the largest and most populated town in Aniocha Local Government Area. Topograhically it is a hilly town that could be easily compared to Agbor in Delta State, Auchi in Edo State and Ibadan in Oyo State. This hilly nature of the town accounts for the serious problem of erosion which it faces. The Problem has made some of the streets impassable especially the street leading from the major road to Ogbeofu.
On the other hand when one looks at the town from any of the hilly spots especially at night, one sees a beautiful scenery that could be said to be one of the best that nature has bestowed on this part of the earth. The town has one major stream called Iyi-Agor which was the main source of water supply before the advent of pipe-borne water. A few other minor streams like Nkpitime-Isho, Iyi-Nta, Iyi-Eko and Iyi-Ozala also serve people in various parts of the town.
Three major roads run through the town . One runs from Asaba via Ibusa to ogwashi-uku then through Ubulu-uku to Obior and Umunede. The second road branches out from Ubulu-uku to umunede road at Idumu-Osume village via Akwu village and then to Issele-Uku. The third road branches out from Ubulu-Uku to Umunede road at the post office junction and runs through Akpama, Agbonta-Udogwu and Isho village to Ubulu-Unor.
Occupationally Ubulu-Uku men are farmers, weavers, hunters, and palm wine tappers. As for Ubulu-uku women they are expert weavers. With their hand looms they produce materials that are highly treasured by both foreign and Nigerian visitors to the town.
The Union that made up Ubulu-Uku
Ezemu meets Ekei One day while Ezemu was under the “Ubulu” tree he sighted smoke at a distance. He became curious and moved towards the direction from where the smoke was rising to find out its source. On getting to the spot called Ani-Ekei which now forms part of Udo Village, he met a man called Ekei, a black -smith. He was the leader of a few settlers there.
Ezemu meets Anugwe
Just as Ezemu discovered Ekei and his people, he sighted some smoke rising from a spot in the bush around the present Abuedo village. Like the brave hunter that he was, he moved to find out the source of the smoke. On reaching the spot he saw a man called Anugwe working in his large farm. The exchanged greetings and introduced themselves.
Ezemu becomes the first king of Ubulu-uku
When Ezemu saw that he had surrounded himself with enough settlers he went up to Ekei and told him that it was necessary for the three groups of settlers to come together and that one of the three leaders should be made their king.
After listening to Ezemu, Ekei told him that he was already getting old and was not interested in being the king of Ubulu-Uku. Ezemu went up to Anugwe and told him of his proposals. Anugwe told Ezemu also that he was not interested in being a king. He asked Ezemu to become the king if he so wished. Thus Ezemu was accorded recognition by all the settlers in Ubulu-uku.
Then Ezemu went to Ubulu-unor and told Obodo that he was to be coronated formally. Obodo congratulated him and shaved his bushy hair in order to make him look neat on the coronation day. When Ezemu returned to Ubulu-uku he was crowned the king of ubulu-uku with a lot of pomp and pageantry.
source : C.E.A Ikemefunah and Obi Anene
BOKO HARAM: SALIENT QUESTIONS WE MUST SEEK ANSWERS TO
1) Are Boko Haram insurgents really Nigerian Muslims or foreign terrorists sponsored to destroy Nigeria?
2) Who is feeding over 250 girls kidnapped by Boko Haram?
3) How i s Boko Haram feeding its hundred of fighters?
4) Where is Boko Haram getting the supply of the arms they use to bomb; kill people?
5) Who is providing videos of over 30 minutes on YouTube untraceable?
6) How does Boko Haram manage to travel in a convoy of over 50 vehicles; motocycles in a State that is under "state of emergency" without been noticed?
7) Why does the foreign media know more about Boko Haram than our government & local media?
8) If Boko Haram is a Nothern or Muslim Agenda to Islamise Nigeria or make Nigeria ungovernable for Jonathan,why are they killing Islamic scholars,Emirs & bombing mosques?
9) Are Boko Haram really Muslims?,Christians? or a hidden Organisation sponsored by yet-unknown personnel to destabilise the unity of Nigerians,divert Nigerians attention so they can loot & do whatever they wanted to do?
10) Why did Sambisa forest suddenly turned into "Igbo Irunmole" to the extent that America marines & drones,Israelli Mossad Intelligence,British M16,Chinese technology & other foreign aid have not been able to penetrate
11) Why do we have to negotiate with Boko Haram to bring back the Chibok girls with all this armoury at our disposal?
The Insincerity In Government Policy Formulation- Automotive Reloaded
Ayobami Oyalowo
The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns, as it were, instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish squirting out ink. George Orwell
To govern a people is not necessarily rocket science for as long as the government sincerely seeks the best interests of those it purportedly wishes to govern. Nigerians generally are the easiest to govern with simple, almost basic needs and requirements, from their government.
The continuous deceit and lies by the ruling elite, either military or civilians, have created a huge gap between the rulers and the ruled; therefore the citizens of Nigeria have come to see the various governments as a bunch of liars, while those in government have also not helped matters. Issues within and policies of government at all levels are carried out in the fashion of a secret cult; nobody outside the few privileged elites know exactly what goes on within government, therefore rumour mongering thrives and since those juicy rumours mostly fill up the void left by the over secretive government (and as the saying goes, “life abhors a vacuum”), the rumours, hearsay and innuendos help to serve the people’s curiosity.
Democracy has a new meaning in Nigeria. To our politicians, it means soliciting for votes every four years. The voters (electorates) are mere guinea pigs to be danced to and danced with during jamborees called electioneering campaigns, after which they are quickly forgotten and dispensed with by the almighty political kingmakers until the next elections are around the corner.
The Nigerian democracy is never about debates and exchange of ideas nor are the governed allowed a say in how their affairs are run. In fact, the government expects the “poor serfs” to be grateful for having the opportunity to have few roads patched and boreholes dug in their community. The Nigerian democracy is a four year ritual where huge and empty promises are made with no intention whatsoever of fulfilling them in anyway.
Recently it came to light that The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday 2nd October, 2013 finally gave its nod for the new national automotive policy. The government said it was disturbed by the whopping annual N550 billion spent importing cars and it therefore took the decision to grant approval to the new policy that has been on the drawing board for over nine months.
The new development is also expected to revive, expand and develop the petrochemical and metal/steel sectors. The proponents of the policy claim it will also see the return of the tyre manufacturing industry to profitability ways to support the automotive sector.
To the uninitiated, one could easily jump for joy. But hold on, don’t celebrate yet: let us go down memory lane.
In the early 1970s, in the pursuit of what was said to be the “import substitution policy” of the Federal Government then (a policy that was mouthed to ultimately obliterate the importation of vehicles into the country; which this new automotive policy seems to be echoing), Volkswagen and Peugeot plants were started in Lagos and Kaduna respectively. These two government sponsored CKD assembly plants were followed by the FGN establishing four commercial vehicles’ assembly plants in Ibadan (Leyland), Enugu (Mercesdes-Benz ANAMMCO), Kano (National Trucks Manufacturers) and Bauchi (Steyr Nigeria) in 1976.
Also, agreements were signed in the early ’80s for the establishment of five minibus assembly plants (Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Isuzu and Mazda), but just as the previously established plants were going out of business (barring Peugeot in Kaduna and anemic versions of Mercedes-Benz ANAMMCO in Enugu and Steyr in Bauchi) these newly planned plants didn’t commence operations. In 2010, a local entrepreneur, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd in partnership with a Chinese automaker commissioned Nigeria’s latest automobile assembly plant.
Let us ask ourselves a basic question: who was consulted before Aganga and his group of wise-men came up with this policy? When or where were the exhaustive debates held to get the buy in of stakeholders? Aren’t we merely embarking on another wild goose chase?
Let’s be clear, having in place a good policy is always the best in the long run, but government is supposed to be for the people and by the people. You can’t shave my head in my absence, can you?
A cursory examination of the failed historic import substitution policy may help us to appreciate the inherent emptiness of the new automotive policy. Before such an ambitious policy can be successful, certain fundamentals must be in place: One, the requisite human capital, with the relevant automotive mechatronics capacity to engage the electronics and computing technologies that define the modern automobiles-ought to be in place. This vital condition is presently lacking because of the generational systemic failure of our educational/technical training programme. Nigerian universities and colleges of technology are still using totally obsolete curricula (like carburettor technology that’s been outdated for over two decades now) to teach our undergraduates specializing in automotive engineering.
Two, in most countries where vehicles are manufactured, the assembly plants only constitute the zenith of an industrial pyramid of raw materials processors and parts-making industries. The National Automotive Council, the nation’s statutory body that’s laden with regulating activities and standards in the industry has less than 100 registered local automotive parts/products producers/manufacturers (and this includes manufacturers of basic seat covers, seat belts and other primary and less complicated components).
And insofar as the import substitution policy of yore failed because these feeder industries were non-existent, it’s almost certain that the present ruse of a policy too will fail, as laudable as it seems on paper.
Three, it’s indeed an irony that unlike most auto making countries where basic electrical components like the air conditioning compressors, alternators, starters, etc, are refurbished locally and re-used in vehicles, the unholy alliance between incessant power outages, dearth of investment funds and almost a total lack of skilled manpower will starve the enunciated policy to the grave of its dead and delusional predecessor-policy.
Finally we have the small matter of extreme power failure and lack of basic infrastructure. If the tyre manufacturers abandoned Nigeria for neighboring countries of Ghana etc, in the past, has anything changed to warrant their returning to Nigeria?
It has become the tradition for supposed “technocrats” and political appointees to bring up bogus policies with no clear road map and measurable timelines, knowing that even when they fail, which they ultimately do, nobody will call them to question and none ever accounts for their failed stewardship.
Is it not paradoxical that the same administration that increased the number of years of automobiles imported to Nigeria from 10 years old to 15 years is the same government that has “reasoned” out this utopic policy? Is this not a major policy somersault?
I must state at this juncture that the government’s claim that N550bn was expended annually to import vehicles into the country seems a bit tall to me; if one assumes that the average price of imported automobiles (eighty five percent of which are used vehicles) is N2.5m and when one divides N550bn with N2.5m one will get a picture of 200,000 vehicles annually imported into the country! Something is totally wrong between this outrageous claim and the realistic picture of just over 100,000 vehicles averagely imported into this country annually.
Something is not just right about this new national automotive policy and the federal government led by President Jonathan needs to step it down until more exhaustive debates and national consultations with serious stakeholders is held in an atmosphere of genuine debate and policy review sessions where stakeholders can table suggestions on how to create the industrial eco-system that will help articulate the admirable objectives enunciated in the presently presumptuous policy.
For a country that intends to produce automobiles, there ought to be a viable steel industry but we all know the sad story of Ajaokuta, Itakpe and Aladja Steel rolling mills. Billions of dollars spent and completely mismanaged. Not a soul has been brought to book to account for the shenanigans. The money expended on those mills have not only been lost to the wind, there is nothing on ground to show for it, neither is anything been done to bring back these companies.
A serious country that intends to manufacture cars will also have an active tyre making industry fueled by local or imported rubber production. What happened to those rubber trees in the old Bendel area? As a growing child, I was serenaded with the commercials of Michelin and Dunlop tyres, among others. Where are they today? But our government, instead of starting from the base, intends to build a skyscraper from the top.
By July 1st, the cost of clearing a car will increase by over 70%. Before the initial tariff increase of March this year, a 2004 model vehicle was cleared at 250,000 and market price was 1.4m , now it’s cleared at a cost of N400,000 and the increment passed on to final consumers.
The federal government would do well to work on a plan to make car manufacturers (i.e. Toyota with a huge market in Nigeria) to establish assembly plants in Nigeria with a high percentage of local content. Nigerian engineers and other professionals would not only benefit in the massive number of jobs that would be created but in the long run, like Korea, we should begin to build home made cars to compete side by side with foreign ones. It is now time to revive the moribund steel rolling mills and prosecute those who mismanaged them. Also, make the environment conducive for tyre manufacturers and others who had hitherto fled, to come back to Nigeria.
The utopian picture as being painted by Aganga is nothing but another white elephant project, designed to line up a few pockets and emasculate genuine businessmen and women amidst the euphoria of an empty and cacophonous policy that is doomed to fail from the outset, while sounding the final death knell on the fast disappearing middle class and plunging them into further obscurity and economic chasm.
You don’t legislate production, you can only encourage manufacturers to produce by making the environment conducive for production. That is the surest way to create jobs, not the current ill thought out and knee jerk automotive policy.
This government should stop inflicting pains on Nigerians. If a deity cannot improve my lot, why not let me remain just as I am?
Follow me on twitter @Ayourb
Igbo Ekunnie!!!!
Stanley Odera
IGBO EKUNNIE - a child of necessity ,a child born with pure love for the people, a child on igbo diasporian enlightenment mission] The clarion call for igbo to be awake .The quest for Ndi Igbo to emancipate self from democratic slavery.
The time is here ,time for Ndi igbo to write her own Political path ,thread political road map and to write self into political relevance.
Nigeria is a TRIPOD NATION, currently a leg of that Tripod is at the verge of breaking off due to overweight, despite the glaring fact that it is that leg that is carrying the entire body weight. It is time to look at the lopsided stand of the Tripod and give it a fair balanced stage for the weight to be equaled .
Ndi igbo is the second most populous beside the indigene of any state ,it simply means that every state in Nigeria has more Igbo residents than every other Tribe or Ethnic group.
The Irony is that in all those states ,Ndi igbo are still been treated like nonentity ,without respect or regard .Whereas if Ndi igbo should weld her numerical strength to political statement ,it will amount to Ndi igbo producing Deputy Governor’s,Senators,Members of the house of Rep ,members of the state house of Assembly ,local government chairmen,commissioners for many states or least they become a beautiful bride in politics with POLITICAL JUICY CHOICES THAT WILL PROTECT THE INTEREST OF NDI IGBO IN DIASPORA .
Ndi igbo should stop playing OGBASARAM KIND OF POLITICS ,n’ihi na onye na aracharo onu ya ,uguru aracha ya.
Nobody can you what is due to you just because you kept silent ,if you want to get what is yours ,you have to ask for it and go and demand for it ,then grab it .
Gone are the days we say "oji ife nwata welie aka elu,ike gwu ya ,onye nwata ife ya" this days when that suspended hand get's tired they exchange it with another hand that is standing by and round and round it goes,until the child decides to jump and shout ,then cry with strenght.
In every state in Nigeria ,60% of choice properties are Igbo properties,it is only Ndi igbo that turn SWAMP into Estate,dessert into Orchard,Evil forest into Garden of love ,yet we do not have a say in any state that we contribute over 60% of the IGR [internal Generated Revenue],is that not comical to say the least ?.
Why is it so ? ,it is simply because we do not understand what powers lies behind our VOTES ,when we register to vote and also voted for a candidate ,it simply changes the trend of things in our favor.Why must we continue wasting our percentages ? why must we always give out our plus and stay in minus ?
Ndi Igbo the time has come ,the hour is here and Igbo ekunnie has risen to help and MOSES Ndi igbo out of that bondage.
Igbo Ekunnie is here to preach the gospel of exercising our VOTING RIGHTS,making our Voices to be heard through the ballot boxes. Making our Host to understand that we have the strength to make any politician a winner !!!! AND we are no longer shy to use it.
UMUIGBO anyi na asi ,ka anyi jisie ike welu tinye afa anyi na akwukwo NDI INEC nke onye obula tozuru etozu ,nke onye obula rugoro afo iri na asato ,onye obula choro ka umuigbo ghara zi ibu ife eji egwuri egwu,,onye obuna choro odi nma ndi igbo ,kaba aru denye afa gi na INEC REGISTER and get ready to vote in subsequent elections ,the time has come for us to speak with one voice , one mind and that will enable us posses our possession or protect our possession where ever it might be sighted .
To register with INEC and obtain Voters Card is a MUST for every Nwa afo igbo ,we crave your understanding and employ you to help us reach out to Ndi igbo especially those living in Lagos ,preach to them the gospel of getting involve in using our VOTES TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE.
The days of political I DON,T CARE has gone ,today we have to stand up and show that we can decide how our lives are been run,how policies are fashioned ,how our business and properties are viewed ,,,all this shrouded behind POLITICAL STRENGTH ,we can no longer sit down and allow other people,race,ethnic group and tribe decide for us and always we got the wrong end of the deal.
Today if we change the trend ,our rights shall be respected and any decision taking that will affect us must be discussed with NDI IGBO and our interest protected that is if we do not have our people at the Table of that decision deliberations.
OUR FAITH CAN NO LONGER BE LEFT WITH THOSE WHO CARE LESS IF WE LIVE OR DIE.IT WILL BE OUR DUTIES TO STAND AND BE COUNTED.
To join an affiliate of IGBO EKUNNIE and make this movement a grass rooted one ,call PUBLICITY SECRETARY ON 08151750488 Ben, 0806 024 9117 Innocent for direction on how to join IGBO EKUNNIE PROJECT which is in your WARD OR LOCALITY
IGBO WORLD ASSEMBLY(IWA) POSITION ON THE NIGERIAN NATIONAL CONFAB SO FAR
The leadership of Igbo World Assembly (IWA), have been following the deliberations of the on-going National Conference in the country with keen interest, as well as public opinions of Igbo interest groups home and in Diasporas. Igbo World Assembly (IWA) agrees with the majority concerns of the disappointing performance of Igbo delegates at the plenary session of the National Conference.
Igbo World Assembly (IWA) were reliably informed about how the South East delegation were constituted and hijacked by the political Governments of the South East Geopolitical zone, leaving the Ohanaeze Ndiigbo - the VOICE that represented in Ndiigbo in the minority with only three delegates.
The South East has about 32 organizations that planned for the conference and the South East Zone was allocated 30 delegates. The South East Governors collected first 15 delegates out of the 30 delegates. The remaining 15 delegates were meant for the socio-cultural organization i.e. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo to provide. To the dismay of every one, the South East Governors further took 12 delegates out the 15 that should have been provided by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, thus leaving Ohanaeze Ndiigbo to provide only 3 delegates, represented by:
Chief Garry Igariwey President General Ohanaeze Ndiigbo
Dr. Joe Nwaorgu Secretary General Ohanaeze Ndiigbo
Bar Goddy Uwazuruike President Aka Ikenga
Due to that fact that Ohanaeze Ndiigbo was marginalized by the delegates appointed by the South East Governors, the general position of Ndiigbo represented by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo were totally ignored and overshadowed, thus making Ndi Igbo not to have ONE VOICE as planned.
The Outcome of the National CONFAB plenary Committee deliberation on the key issue - True Federalism for Nigeria was as follows:
.The South Eastern States delegates which were overwhelmingly appointed by the Governors did not speak with one voice, for instance;
1. Abia, Anambra and Imo States, voted for Region as Federating Units as agreed by Ndigbo, while.
2. Ebonyi and Enugu States voted for the States as the Federating Units which is against agreed Igbo position.
The South Eastern Governors did not work together, because some of them were pursuing their personal agenda. And this led to total failure of Igbo Solidarity at the committee level.
It is important to point out that before the commencement of the CONFAB, there were several consultations with all the State Governments of the South East, various organizations and interest groups in South East coordinated by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo. All agreed to present ONE UNIFYING POSITION at the CONFAB, based on the document presented by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo. The agreements and recommendations contained in Ohanaeze Ndiigbo Document were used to consult with other Southern Zones (SS and SW), therefore there was an understanding with other zones to present one solid position at the CONFAB on some key issues, such as:
1. Region as Federating Units
2. Boundary Restructuring
3. Physical Federalism
4. State Creation
5. Resource Control
The three delegates from Ohanaeze Ndiigbo were shocked and surprised by the voting of the delegates presented by Ebonyi and Enugu State Governors. While the South West position was solid, South East position were weakened by Enugu and Ebonyi State, and South South failed to present one front as well.
Ndiigbo Worldwide must rise and do all in their powers to ensure that our position is not jeopardized and the Enugu and Ebonyi States delegates presented by those Governors must be hold accountable for the crack in Igbo Solidarity and Position.
The outcome so far presented a huge disappointment and setback for Ndiigbo.as well as to Ohanaeze Ndiigbo, who in the recent past have tirelessly worked to ensure that Ndigbo regain their position and fair share of governance, economic, social and political arrangement in the NEW NIGERIA after the CONFAB.
Igbo World Assembly (IWA) continues to be positive about the future of Nigeria. Therefore, IWA hope that the disappointing outcome of the plenary session of the conference might be defeated at the general CONFAB session if our brothers and sisters presented by the Governors of Ebonyi and Enugu will change their mind and support the original position of Ndi Igbo as articulated and presented by Ohanaeze Ndiigbo. For any of the motion to be carried in the CONFAB, 70% vote is required thus the importance of Ebonyi and Enugu States Delegates votes on Igbo position.
IWA is appealing to all Ndi Igbo to lobby the State Governors of Enugu and Ebonyi to back track and support Igbo position.
We also would like to inform the entire world that:
1. If Ndiigbo fails, Ohanaeze will not be blamed. Therefore it is important to let the world know that Ohanaeze Ndiigbo went to the CONFAB to have Regions as Federating Units. But the Governors' delegates from Ebonyi and Enugu failed Ndiigbo.
2. All efforts are now needed to mobilize support for Ohanaeze Ndiigbo's Position. We should utilize all possible means to effect change for the Igbo position which is also same as SW's position.
3. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo should be commended for working with the leader of the South East Delegation to the CONFAB, who was appointed by the South East Governors, even though the appointment was not the choice of Ndigbo as represented by all the interest of Igbo groups led by Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
Igbo World Assembly's Recommendations are:
1. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo must stand firm to the challenge created by Enugu and Ebonyi State Governors's delegation and work very closely with other Geopolitical zones that agree with the Region/Zone as the federating unit.
2. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo must dialog effectively and diplomatically to neutralize the Governors' delegates from Enugu and Ebonyi States to reason with the rest of Igbo Nation for the future of generation of Ndiigbo.
3. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo must seek to mobilize support through their Diaspora Committee, national and regional networks to lobby other Regions/zones in the North to have Regions as Federating Units.
4. Ohanaeze Ndiigbo must ensure that the outcome of the CONFAB will restructure the imbalance of Ndiigbo in the following core areas:
· State creation for the South East Zone
· Boundary Restructuring
· Revenue Allocation
· Accurate Census of Nigerian Nation.
All Igbos must lobby to get the best for Ndi Igbo and Nigerian from the National CONFAB in order to move Nigerian forward
The Igbo World Assembly (IWA) is the Umbrella Organisation that represents the Apex National Organizations (outside Nigeria) in the various countries of the world such as USA, UK, France, Spain, Finland, Netherland, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Denmark, Japan, Italy, Russia, China, Ukraine, Sweden and Canada. The Igbo World Assembly (IWA) works very closely and recognizes Ohanaeze Ndiigbo as the mouth piece of Ndiigbo World Wide.
Respectfully,
Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze Chief Oliver Nwankwor
Chairman (U.S.A)
Secretary General (Netherlands)
Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze
Chairman, Igbo World Assembly
Chief Oliver Nwankwor
Secretary General, Igbo World Assembly
IMPORTANT IWA CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS AND EMAIL ADDRESSES
Dr Nwachukwu Anakwenze E-mail:nanakwenze@yahoo.com Ph: 310-993-8053/310-544-2711 (USA)
IWA Chairman, Ex CISA President
Chief Christian Onuorah E-mail: enyianam@yahoo.co.uk Ph: +447931268905 (UK)
1st Vice Chairman Igbo World Assembly, Ex CIC Leader
Dr Osadebe Anam Email: oanam@executivecommunication.net Ph: 305-332-9024
Igbo World Assembly 2nd Vice Chairman(USA) Region 1, Ex CISA President
Chief Oliver Nwankwor E-mail: olinwankwor@yahoo.com Ph: +31 622450443 (Netherland)
Sec. Gen, Igbo World Assembly (IWA). Current President Ohanaeze Netherland, President of Nigerians in Netherland
Chief Ike Ude-Chime E-mail: udechime@gmail.com Ph: +358 465723922 (Finland)
DSG, IWA Igbo Media and Public Relation Institute. Ex-Chairman Igbo Union Finland
Rev Francis Ukwamedua E-mail: Rev_francisukwamedua@yahoo.com
PH: 8184193291 (USA)
IWA/CISA Chair Board of Trustee
Developmental democracy and its malcontents
Segun Ayobolu
Does an inexorable and inevitable relationship exist between democracy and development? Most contemporary democratic theorists and pro-democracy activists will unhesitatingly answer this question in the affirmative. Learning from the glaring failure of various forms of ‘developmental dictatorship’ such as one-party, one-man, military or defunct communist dictatorships to impact positively on the well-being of their societies, advocates of liberal democracy proclaim the virtues of this form of government from the hill tops.
Drawing from Professor Richard Sklar’s notion of ‘developmental democracy’, they posit that democracy is the best form of government with the highest capacity to guarantee progress and development. But in what circumstances and within which context can democracy be a handmaiden of development? The answers, of course are obvious: a strong, competent, visionary leadership with character and integrity; a free, independent and objective press; respect for the rule of law; a vibrant and vigilant civil society and periodic elections that are free, fair and reflective of the popular will. But the ultimate acid test for democracy is whether or not, it is helping to promote the ‘greatest happiness for the greatest number of the people’ through good and transparent governance.
There is the school of thought, which posits that the greatest impediment to the actualization of Nigeria’s trapped potentials is fundamentally structural. They thus argue that the country cannot make progress unless she is radically re-structured with devolution of greater powers, responsibilities and resources from the centre to the federating units. Of course, this column has consistently supported the advocacy of re-structuring. Nigeria needs it badly. But the present structure of the country is no excuse for the abysmal governance she has experienced over the last 15 years particularly at the federal level. What is going on in many states especially infrastructural renewal, even with dwindling revenue from the Federation Account is simply amazing.
I have had cause to write in this place on the phenomenal work that Governor Ibikunle Amosun is carrying out in Ogun State. Of course, this is part of the dramatic wind of change blowing across the South-West, including Edo State. Even though less ideologically driven than a Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi or Adams Oshiomhole, Amosun, like Abiola Ajimobi or Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) operates essentially as a technocrat and pragmatist. The tremendous physical transformation all over Ogun State today is a function of visionary leadership, determination, focus and incredible financial ingenuity. This column has no regrets for recognising Amosun as Grand Commander of Infrastructure Renewal (GCIR) earlier in the year. That recognition is even more pertinent and justifiable today. Rather than resting on his oars and lapsing into complacency, Amosun has girdled his loins for even loftier performance with clearly discernible evidence throughout the state.
A few months ago, yours truly had the opportunity along with other senior journalists to accompany Senator Ibikunle Amosun on an inspection tour of projects in the state. We commenced our tour at about 9am taking off from the Government House, Abeokuta,in the same Coaster bus with the governor. Even though we were able to cover only three local governments, our tour did not end till well past 7pm! One thing that struck me was the quality of the roads constructed by Amosun throughout the state. Every road constructed, the Amosun government insists, must meet the Ogun standard in terms of depth and width as well as the provision of such road infrastructure as street lights, drainage channels, pipe ducts and pedestrian walkways. Thus the roads in the serene, idyllic rural town of Aiyetoro are of the same quality as those constructed in Abeokuta.
When our team got to Ota, I was completely amazed at the transformation the town has undergone under Amosun. Virtually all the previously deteriorated roads of the town have been re-constructed, expanded and modernised. Those who used to go through hell to attend a popular Pentecostal church in the town can now move more easily and comfortably. Between Agbado and Akute, the Amosun government is building five new bridges at different levels of completion in addition to the on-going massive road construction along that stretch. The quality of life in Akute and adjoining communities is truly horrifying. It is amazing that successive governments had simply abandoned the people to their fate over the years. What is astonishing is that the infrastructure revolution being undertaken by Amosun is felt throughout the state simultaneously.
Everywhere we went, the crowds thronged our bus when they realized it was the governor inside. In Akute, an old woman prayed fervently for Amosun raising her hands up to her neck to demonstrate the difficulty residents of the community had crossing the stream before Amosun’s intervention through the bridge construction.I strongly believe that many of those who denigrate the governor on the pages of newspapers or on television dare not go to many of the communities Amosun is transforming to campaign against him. Some would say that, after all Amosun is doing nobody a favour and the money he is using to provide qualitative infrastructure and services does not belong to him. Yes, but others passed the same way before as governors, had access to the same funds but squandered the opportunity to leave enduring legacies.
Ordinarily, a governor who has posted such a commanding performance like Amosun should be the pride and toast of his party. He is a great electoral asset. But what do we have here? Some of the bitterest opponents of Amosun are right within his own party. This is quite understandable. To embark on the unprecedented infrastructural modernisation of Ogun, the way Amosun has done means that political entrepreneurs who live on politics, will be starved of the largesse they have been used to. They will not go down quietly. But the self-styled godfathers and ‘oracles’ of Ogun politics must beware of standing in the way of the developmental democracy through which Amosun is elevating the ‘Gateway State’ to new heights of socio-economic progress. They should be told in no uncertain terms to stop distracting Amosun.
One of the vicious misinformation campaigns waged against Amosun is the allegedly astronomical cost of roads constructed by his administration. This is plain mischief. As the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Olamilekan Adegbite, has explained, the state has expended N166.7 billion so far on the construction of 306.55km of roads that cut across the three Senatorial Districts. Noting that many of these roads have a bridge component, the commissioner notes that the cost of constructing a bridge is different from that of a road. He urged people to “please go round and see what we are doing. They are standard roads that will stand the test of time, not shoddy projects”.
Many of those who are trying so hard to distract Amosun today, and bounce back into political relevance, were responsible for the victory of the PDP in the state in 2003. The progressives lost control of Ogun in 2003 because of the sheer arrogance, ineptness and complacency of the incumbent government. Many of my friends in Ogun State told me excitedly about how they had voted for PDP then because they were tired of gubernatorial tyranny and insensitivity of those now proclaiming that they dined and wined with Awo as if that is a criterion for leadership. Yes, the PDP engaged in massive rigging of the 2003 governorship election in the South West. But the complacency of the party structure and leadership made the rigging that helped rout the progressives possible.
To worsen matters, once the progressives lost control of Ogun in 2003, those self-proclaimed political ‘oracles’ and ‘war generals’ promptly fled the state and took refuge in Lagos in a most cowardly manner. They failed to offer leadership when it mattered most. It was the moral, logistical and intellectual support from outside Ogun that enabled the progressives to re-organize and gradually but steadily fight their way back to victory in the state in 2007. If everybody had abandoned ship like those who now parade themselves as the ‘oracles’ of Ogun politics, would the progressive resurgence of 2007 have taken place?
I call on Governor Amosun not to compromise on his commitment to developmental democracy. However, he should be gentle as a dove but wise as a serpent in dealing with those malcontents who crave the resurrection of a discredited and better forgotten era.
abiodun KOMOLAFE, AMNIM,
O20, Okenisa Street,
PO Box 153,
Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State,
Tel: +234 803 361 4419
+234 809 861 4418
Alt. E-mail: ijebuijesa@gmail.com
The re-enslavement of Nigeria by the G8 and Monsanto
*Why you should be worried
| African Health Magazine |
I read this and was shocked at the level of total misrepresentation. There is nothing correct in all this write up. I normally don’t respond to these kind of things, but feel Gbadebo should be educated on facts.
First, Nigeria does not have GMOs. Second, all the seeds used by farmers in Nigeria are from conventional breeding, and we allow farmers to reuse their own seeds. Third, we support biodiversity and promote both in-situ and ex-situ gene banks for ensuring local biodiversity is conserved. Fourth, we promote sensible and responsible use of modern technologies to address complex problems of diseases and pest, climate change and malnutrition.
The author unfortunately confuses biotechnology with GMOs, which is done to deliberately misinform the population. He does not understand science. Noise is not fact nor science. Through conventional breeding and biotechnology we have safe nutrient enriched crops such as pro-vitamin A cassava, orange-flesh sweet potato, drought resistant maize, flood resistant rice and bananas resistant to virulent black sigatoka disease that can wipe out all of Nigeria’s and Africa’s bananas, and cassava varieties resistant to cassava bacterial blight that can wipe out Africa’s largest source of food. Does he expect us to fold our hands and do nothing and watch poor farmers go into such devastation?
All the seed companies in Nigeria use conventional breeding. Nigeria is putting in place bio safety laws to regulate use of modern biotechnology. Consumer and environmental safety are priority for us. But we must develop and we must use new technologies. Responsible use of technologies, while managing and preserving biodiversity and the environment and consumer safety is the role of government.
As Minister of Agriculture for Nigeria, I assure you that this is being done. But we must not become misinformed by those that want Africa to remain backward, with misguided anti-technology views.
To communicate, you can use mobile phone (despite associated risks with brain cancer) or tie strings to match boxes or use town criers as done in old times. The former is modern technology. I am sure the writer uses mobile phones, yet it has risks! Why not try communicating with match boxes with strings: after all, it is a safe technology! You can travel by plane or donkey. The former generates C02, but everyone uses it to travel. Why not try traveling to Europe by donkey?
We must be factual, sensible and responsible in our reporting. Nigeria is working hard to empower its millions of farmers with appropriate technologies to lift them out of poverty into wealth. Over 95% of all our agribusinesses are locally-owned companies. I believe in food sovereignty, that is why I am pushing daily for Nigeria to be free from dependence on food imports to feed ourselves. We will feed ourselves with dignity, lift millions of our people out of poverty. But scare mongering with deliberate misinformation as done by Gbadebo and similar anti-technology apologists is not the way to go. His assertions are totally misguided and misinformed.
Unless Africa uses modern technologies, our farmers’ output will remain low and we will remain dependent on others to feed us. That is definitely not the way to have food sovereignty. That will only deepen dependency on others. We must feed ourselves with dignity and we must use appropriate modern technologies to do so, give choices to farmers, while preserving biodiversity, building environmental resilience, robust ecosystems and protecting health and well being of our people.
That is exactly what we are doing.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
Minister of Agriculture
Nigeria
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