Ali Alkali, George Agba and Samuel Aruwan
Former Head of State and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) presidential
aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the government and political
leaders in this country should come together and work, to "ensure that
terrorists do not set the national agenda."
In a condolence message to all Nigerians and the families of the October 1st
bomb blasts victims at Eagle Square, Abuja, personally signed by the general, he
said: "This national tragedy should pull us a nation and a people to grief
together and ensure that terrorists do not set the national agenda."
While blaming the security forces for failure to prevent the incident despite
the intelligence at hand, Buhari said it was wrong for Jonathan to jump to hasty
conclusion. "It is wrong to jump to hasty conclusion as Jonathan did, because of
his inexperience. What is required now is space for the security agencies to
undertake a thorough investigation professionally and in the public interest and
publish their full report before Nigerians. And they should take full measures
to avert a recurrence of these tragic atrocities.
Condoling the families of the victims and President Goodluck Jonathan, "as
this has happened under his watch," Gen. Buhari urged the president to pay full
compensation to the victims, saying, "Full compensation should be paid to
families of those killed and to those injured as well as to those whose property
was destroyed."
Buhari had also, yesterday, argued that the Nigerian military are not
wholesomely corrupt and responsible for Nigeria's backwardness as it is being
presented.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored in Kaduna, Buhari said,
"It is not true that the military is wholesomely responsible for Nigeria's
backwardness. Nigerians know everything. For example, when I was petroleum
minister there was allegation that about 2.8 billion naira was stolen. Later, it
was realized that the allegation was false and baseless, because those who made
the allegation could not prove it, and it was nothing but lies to cause
confusion".
Reacting to insinuations that ex-military men were only jostling to occupy
public offices for their selfish reasons and corrupt tendencies, Buhari replied:
"It is not so, that some of us are staging a comeback for personal reasons. If
you say so to me; you are wrong. The issue is, leadership had been made to be a
child's play in Nigeria; which ought not to be so.
"All Nigerians are suffering; and if one takes a look at the money this
country made since we returned to democracy 12 years ago, and the excruciating
situation we are in now, the fact remains that there is injustice and wastage of
resources to the detriment of all Nigerians. There is no sound security; there
is no reliable electricity sector - and that is responsible for the closure of
our industries and loss of employment. If we are progressing all these would not
have happened.
"All I am saying is, our people will not have been subjected to this bad
situation when we have resources to address these abnormalities. Contract worth
five million naira will be inflated for 20 million, and the contractor knows it
is cheating and stealing, but he will go away with the money, simply because he
knows he cannot be prosecuted".
Distinguishing between leadership under civilians and politicians with
military background, Buhari added "Leadership, whether military or civilian,
depends on the kind of the people at the apex of the system. If the leaders at
the top are corrupt, everybody down the ladder will be corrupt. If they are
morally right and transparent, followers have no choice than to follow suit.
This issue has nothing to do with the type of government."
Friday, October 8, 2010
OBI SET TO SURPRISE ANAMBRARIANS AGAIN
Seth Mbam
When some months after he assumed office there appeared to be no action, the people of Anambra State asked Gov Peter Obi what he was waiting for. He told a story that covered his philosophy of governance.
According to Obi in the story he told, where he came from, a person who wanted to cut a tree would spend 55 minutes sharpening his knife. When he decided to cut the tree in the remaining five minutes, the knife would have become so sharp that the tree usually came crashing down in one fell swoop. He assured the people of the state that he was at the stage of planning and would soon put the plans into action. Some believed him; some did not, and even went ahead to say he was too slow.
These people would however soon become his most vociferous supporters when they began seeing what Obi was doing. At the end of the day, it translated to a landslide electoral victory for the people's gov.
Now Obi is planning again. According to reliable sources, Obi wants to use his second tenure to show the world that politicians can indeed redeem their promises.
While addressing the press recently, Obi was quoted as saying that he would embark on a massive road construction the like of which had never been seen, even as he promised to continue with other sectors.
Obi does not just talk for the sake of talking. When he talks, he must have done his homework and acquiring every available data. The people should just watch and see, Mike Udah, his chief press secretary insisted.
Well, we are waiting with excitement. Why not? If what we saw in the first tenure are a sample of what is to come, then Anambrarians should brace up to be on cloud 9.
When some months after he assumed office there appeared to be no action, the people of Anambra State asked Gov Peter Obi what he was waiting for. He told a story that covered his philosophy of governance.
According to Obi in the story he told, where he came from, a person who wanted to cut a tree would spend 55 minutes sharpening his knife. When he decided to cut the tree in the remaining five minutes, the knife would have become so sharp that the tree usually came crashing down in one fell swoop. He assured the people of the state that he was at the stage of planning and would soon put the plans into action. Some believed him; some did not, and even went ahead to say he was too slow.
These people would however soon become his most vociferous supporters when they began seeing what Obi was doing. At the end of the day, it translated to a landslide electoral victory for the people's gov.
Now Obi is planning again. According to reliable sources, Obi wants to use his second tenure to show the world that politicians can indeed redeem their promises.
While addressing the press recently, Obi was quoted as saying that he would embark on a massive road construction the like of which had never been seen, even as he promised to continue with other sectors.
Obi does not just talk for the sake of talking. When he talks, he must have done his homework and acquiring every available data. The people should just watch and see, Mike Udah, his chief press secretary insisted.
Well, we are waiting with excitement. Why not? If what we saw in the first tenure are a sample of what is to come, then Anambrarians should brace up to be on cloud 9.
AT LAST ASABA PEOPLE BREAKS THE REGIME OF SILENCE OVER GENOCIDE AND OTHER WAR CRIMES
WELCOME ADDRESS OF VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL
ASABA DEVELOPMENT UNION(ADU) ON ASABA MEMORIAL DAY
His Royal Majesty Asagba Prof Chike Edozien JP, NNA AGU
OBI IGWE-NUO
Olikeze Uwaoma
My lords spiritual and temporal
Distinguished ASABA Sons & Daughters
All invited Guest.
I welcome you whole heartedly to this historical gathering to mark Asaba Memorial Day. Precisely, 43 years ago, a very sad event took place in this town. Event that broke the peace and serenity of our beloved ASABA.
The evil fang and embers of war descended heavily upon us, leaving in its trail the bullet ridden dead bodies of our dearly beloved fathers, brothers, uncles, and loved ones in a least expected military putsch. Yes it was least expected because the victims were neither soldiers nor Para military rather, they were civilians who have excelled in their various chosen endeavors but were compelled to return to their home town Asaba with the hope of finding succor from the raging killing in Nigerian cities. This was as a result of the coup of 1996.
October 7th 1967 was a day that witnessed the shedding of innocent blood of great Asaba sons and daughters, the day our mothers and wives were forced to bury their husbands, male children and brothers in a shallow grave. A great and unprecedented sacrifice for our dear country Nigeria.
The blood of these fallen heroes was used to cleanse the sins of that period and to day Nigeria is one in Unity.
We have made the sacrifice, we shall also forgive but we shall nor forget.
We are here therefore to remember and honor these great Sons of Nnebisi to immortalize and pray that their soul shall continue to rest peacefully as martyr of our great project “NIGERIA.”
We shall build a monument at the spot in Ogbeosowa to immortalize them. Our brothers and sisters should please assist.
May we therefore worship together in their ever green memory. We shall also have lecture from our great Son, Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin.
May the Almighty God Bless us all with the fortitude to bear this unforgettable loss.
Thank you
Ogbueshi E.U.D. Ijeh
Vice-President General
ASABA DEVELOPMENT UNION(ADU) ON ASABA MEMORIAL DAY
His Royal Majesty Asagba Prof Chike Edozien JP, NNA AGU
OBI IGWE-NUO
Olikeze Uwaoma
My lords spiritual and temporal
Distinguished ASABA Sons & Daughters
All invited Guest.
I welcome you whole heartedly to this historical gathering to mark Asaba Memorial Day. Precisely, 43 years ago, a very sad event took place in this town. Event that broke the peace and serenity of our beloved ASABA.
The evil fang and embers of war descended heavily upon us, leaving in its trail the bullet ridden dead bodies of our dearly beloved fathers, brothers, uncles, and loved ones in a least expected military putsch. Yes it was least expected because the victims were neither soldiers nor Para military rather, they were civilians who have excelled in their various chosen endeavors but were compelled to return to their home town Asaba with the hope of finding succor from the raging killing in Nigerian cities. This was as a result of the coup of 1996.
October 7th 1967 was a day that witnessed the shedding of innocent blood of great Asaba sons and daughters, the day our mothers and wives were forced to bury their husbands, male children and brothers in a shallow grave. A great and unprecedented sacrifice for our dear country Nigeria.
The blood of these fallen heroes was used to cleanse the sins of that period and to day Nigeria is one in Unity.
We have made the sacrifice, we shall also forgive but we shall nor forget.
We are here therefore to remember and honor these great Sons of Nnebisi to immortalize and pray that their soul shall continue to rest peacefully as martyr of our great project “NIGERIA.”
We shall build a monument at the spot in Ogbeosowa to immortalize them. Our brothers and sisters should please assist.
May we therefore worship together in their ever green memory. We shall also have lecture from our great Son, Prof. E.A.C. Nwanze the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin.
May the Almighty God Bless us all with the fortitude to bear this unforgettable loss.
Thank you
Ogbueshi E.U.D. Ijeh
Vice-President General
IDP: NGO Project beam rays of hope
* IDP bill on the way
A recent public health care sensitization program organized at Asaba by an Asaba-based Non-government Organization “Koyenum Immallach foundation” has recommitted their preparedness to defend and monitor the protection of the fundamental rights of internally displaced persons (IDP) in Delta State.
Miss Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, Koyenum Immallah foundation, chronicled some of the landmark achievements of the Organization among internally displaced person (IDP) in Delta State, which she listed to include, stakeholders sensitization, community outreach programs, rallies, community gate keepers consultation, Advocacy projects, trainings, seminars, workshops, and internally displaced persons (IDP) basic human rights protection services and programs.
The non-governmental Organisation, Koyenum Immallah foundation, is currently working with stakeholders in the legal profession as well as public law makers towards drafting of an IDP bill.
Koyenum Immallah foundation through the Executive Director, expressed am unreserved appreciation to the program funders, the IDP project is implemented by the NGO, with technical support from Action Aid Nigeria and overall resource and technical aid from the European Union.
A recent public health care sensitization program organized at Asaba by an Asaba-based Non-government Organization “Koyenum Immallach foundation” has recommitted their preparedness to defend and monitor the protection of the fundamental rights of internally displaced persons (IDP) in Delta State.
Miss Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director, Koyenum Immallah foundation, chronicled some of the landmark achievements of the Organization among internally displaced person (IDP) in Delta State, which she listed to include, stakeholders sensitization, community outreach programs, rallies, community gate keepers consultation, Advocacy projects, trainings, seminars, workshops, and internally displaced persons (IDP) basic human rights protection services and programs.
The non-governmental Organisation, Koyenum Immallah foundation, is currently working with stakeholders in the legal profession as well as public law makers towards drafting of an IDP bill.
Koyenum Immallah foundation through the Executive Director, expressed am unreserved appreciation to the program funders, the IDP project is implemented by the NGO, with technical support from Action Aid Nigeria and overall resource and technical aid from the European Union.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
AFRICA: Then, Now and Forever...........Part 1
Philip Emeagwali
Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris.
Walk with me in memory to one of the greatest celebrations, the end of the colonial era in Africa. The day: October 1, 1960. The place: British West Africa. The setting: a crowded stadium in the Atlantic coastal town of Sapele. School children are waving green and white flags in honor of the birth of modern Nigeria, no longer part of the British Empire.
I was six years old and was in that stadium. I do not remember what was said because the concept of colonialism was abstract to me. But I vividly remember an incident that made me cry all that day. I was waving my flag in excitement when a faceless bully snatched it away and disappeared into the crowd.
In far-away Lagos, the Union Jack was lowered. Nigeria's Head of State, the Queen of England, was dethroned and Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria's first black leader.
Fifty years earlier, the Union Jack had cast its shadow across every global time zone, giving rise to the saying, "The sun never sets on the British Empire.” We had showed our pride in being part of the empire by celebrating Empire Day on May 24th, Queen Victoria's birthday, with parades and sporting competitions. Later, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day.
As a country, Nigeria has existed for 96 years, but it has only been independent for 50 years, for just over half that time. We must critically examine the 46 years of colonial rule over Nigeria and the scramble for Africa that began with the Berlin Conference of 1884, if we are to get insights into how to chart our nation's course for the next 50 years.
The Sankofa is a mythical bird of the Akan people of West Africa. If flies forward while looking backward, with an egg in its mouth to symbolize the future. In order to understand its history, to reclaim its past, and to enable its people to move forward into the 21st century, Africa must look back, back to the Berlin Conference of 1884 and back to the Atlantic slave trade that spanned four continents and four centuries. This will allow us to understand how we came to be 54 nations instead of one.
Like the Sankofa bird, Africa must look to its past to predict its future. It must know how it evolved in order to understand how it can be recreated. Its people should know where their journey began in order to understand which direction to take to find their future.
The Berlin Conference is when Africa was divided into roughly 50 colonies, and 1884 was when the modern map of Africa was created. The Berlin Conference was the beginning of modern Africa. In 1884, Africa was the agenda, but no African was at the table.
This year, in 2010, 17 African nations are celebrating their 50th anniversary of sovereignty and post-colonial rule. Nigeria's journey, like that of the other independent African nations, began at the Berlin Conference 126 years ago with no African in attendance. If colonial Africa could be created in Berlin, then a future Africa could be created in Beijing. Nations creating technological knowledge are reinventing the future and recreating Africa.
I believe that, by the end of this century, one in two Africans will live outside Africa. I was asked: "Why did you live in exile from Africa for 37 years?" Put differently, "Why don't you deliver Nigeria's 50th anniversary lecture in Abuja, instead of in Paris?" I have never visited Abuja. But I am not at home in Washington, D.C., either.
I had an asymmetrical relationship with Africa and America, as well as with science and technology. I worked entirely outside the gates of science and as an outcast, with outsider status. I was honored, but will forever remain an outsider in America. I was honored for retelling the 330-year-old story of the Second Law of Motion: from the storyboard, to the blackboard, to the motherboard, by reprogramming 65,000 subcomputers to compute as a supercomputer, and to communicate as an internet. I became my own ancestor in physics, my contemporary in mathematics, and descendant in internet science.
I experienced the usual in an unusual way. I was an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I decided to march forward, to come home to myself, not to someone else's home. I stayed in exile in America, feeling at home in my alienation from the white community. My 37 years of solitude allowed me to gather myself and to find my power.
Philip Emeagwali has been called “a father of the Internet” by CNN and TIME, and extolled as a “Digital Giant” by BBC and as “one of the great minds of the Information Age” by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
Excerpt from Nigeria’s 50th anniversary lecture at the Embassy of Nigeria, Paris.
Walk with me in memory to one of the greatest celebrations, the end of the colonial era in Africa. The day: October 1, 1960. The place: British West Africa. The setting: a crowded stadium in the Atlantic coastal town of Sapele. School children are waving green and white flags in honor of the birth of modern Nigeria, no longer part of the British Empire.
I was six years old and was in that stadium. I do not remember what was said because the concept of colonialism was abstract to me. But I vividly remember an incident that made me cry all that day. I was waving my flag in excitement when a faceless bully snatched it away and disappeared into the crowd.
In far-away Lagos, the Union Jack was lowered. Nigeria's Head of State, the Queen of England, was dethroned and Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria's first black leader.
Fifty years earlier, the Union Jack had cast its shadow across every global time zone, giving rise to the saying, "The sun never sets on the British Empire.” We had showed our pride in being part of the empire by celebrating Empire Day on May 24th, Queen Victoria's birthday, with parades and sporting competitions. Later, Empire Day was renamed Commonwealth Day.
As a country, Nigeria has existed for 96 years, but it has only been independent for 50 years, for just over half that time. We must critically examine the 46 years of colonial rule over Nigeria and the scramble for Africa that began with the Berlin Conference of 1884, if we are to get insights into how to chart our nation's course for the next 50 years.
The Sankofa is a mythical bird of the Akan people of West Africa. If flies forward while looking backward, with an egg in its mouth to symbolize the future. In order to understand its history, to reclaim its past, and to enable its people to move forward into the 21st century, Africa must look back, back to the Berlin Conference of 1884 and back to the Atlantic slave trade that spanned four continents and four centuries. This will allow us to understand how we came to be 54 nations instead of one.
Like the Sankofa bird, Africa must look to its past to predict its future. It must know how it evolved in order to understand how it can be recreated. Its people should know where their journey began in order to understand which direction to take to find their future.
The Berlin Conference is when Africa was divided into roughly 50 colonies, and 1884 was when the modern map of Africa was created. The Berlin Conference was the beginning of modern Africa. In 1884, Africa was the agenda, but no African was at the table.
This year, in 2010, 17 African nations are celebrating their 50th anniversary of sovereignty and post-colonial rule. Nigeria's journey, like that of the other independent African nations, began at the Berlin Conference 126 years ago with no African in attendance. If colonial Africa could be created in Berlin, then a future Africa could be created in Beijing. Nations creating technological knowledge are reinventing the future and recreating Africa.
I believe that, by the end of this century, one in two Africans will live outside Africa. I was asked: "Why did you live in exile from Africa for 37 years?" Put differently, "Why don't you deliver Nigeria's 50th anniversary lecture in Abuja, instead of in Paris?" I have never visited Abuja. But I am not at home in Washington, D.C., either.
I had an asymmetrical relationship with Africa and America, as well as with science and technology. I worked entirely outside the gates of science and as an outcast, with outsider status. I was honored, but will forever remain an outsider in America. I was honored for retelling the 330-year-old story of the Second Law of Motion: from the storyboard, to the blackboard, to the motherboard, by reprogramming 65,000 subcomputers to compute as a supercomputer, and to communicate as an internet. I became my own ancestor in physics, my contemporary in mathematics, and descendant in internet science.
I experienced the usual in an unusual way. I was an ordinary person caught up in extraordinary circumstances. I decided to march forward, to come home to myself, not to someone else's home. I stayed in exile in America, feeling at home in my alienation from the white community. My 37 years of solitude allowed me to gather myself and to find my power.
Philip Emeagwali has been called “a father of the Internet” by CNN and TIME, and extolled as a “Digital Giant” by BBC and as “one of the great minds of the Information Age” by former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
National Insecurity.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta
Let me start by condemning in strongest terms, the car bomb blast, which occurred during the 50th anniversary celebration of our independence, on 1st October 2010, few meters away from the eagle square. I wish also to extend my condolences to the families of innocent Nigerians that died, as a result(s) of the bomb blast. May their souls and souls of other departed Nigerians rest in peace. Moments like this, calls for a serious reflection on the security situation in our country, as this bomb blast, is a serious security lapse. Therefore, all the security services must fish out the perpetrators of this crime, expose them and bring them to face justice.
It became highly disturbing, on reading from Thisday Newspaper of 2nd October 2010 (online version), that the British Intelligence warned the Nigerian authorities about the attacks. The questions are? Was it a preventable incident, what did our security services do with the information, and how capable are our security services for security challenges in this 21st century, etc. But a general look at the national security level reveals, a total breakdown of law and order. Crime rates are too high. Kidnappings have reached a dangerous level. Still on the same 1st October 2010, there was breaking news on Sky News (between 8:30am and 9:15am) that kidnapper(s) have released 15 school children at Aba. Hardly any day goes by, without a case of kidnapping been reported.
The national insecurity situation is a pointer to the near failure of government. This is because, the primary purpose of every government is welfare and security of its people. Nigeria and Nigerians must rise up, to put an end to insecurity (crimes, kidnappings, violence, robberies, etc) or insecurity will put an end to us as a nation. Every one (government and people) has a role to play. Firstly, the government should be serious with its fight against corruption. Corruption makes it difficult to; (1) create jobs for the youths, (2) create an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs, (3) makes it difficult to develop the economy. Unemployment brings idleness, and an idle mind is a devils workshop.
A situation where, “The World Bank estimates the country’s generals and gangster politicians stole $300 billion in the three decades to 2006”(Time Magazine, May 3rd 2010 Edition, Page 42), will be a recipe for disaster, and high crime rates from those who are frustrated by the system. The government needs to redress so many structural imbalances in the country like the Niger Delta crises, conduct credible elections in 2011, etc. Above all, the government needs to be fair, honest and transparent in her dealings with Nigerians. The government cannot say one thing and do another.
The government should restructure our security services to be more proactive. Emphasizes should be focused more on preventing crimes, meaning that our security services should be more intelligence driven. The security services most cleanse itself of corrupt personnel(s), who have collaborated with criminals, kidnappers, killers etc. Nigerians should volunteer information/intelligence to the security services. For security reasons, Information can be volunteered anonymously, that way the identity of the informants can be protected. Ex governor Buba Marwa of Lagos State, tried this formula when he launched Operation Sweep (a security outfit to fight crimes) in Lagos.
Nigerians can also borrow the techniques used by the former East German Secret Police (Stasi). In the former East Germany, people were spying each other for the good of the state. Cuba used similar method at the early days of Fidel Castro’s revolution. The danger with this method is that people might tip their enemies as suspects. But that will require thorough investigations on the part of the security services, to ascertain who is guilty o not. This method if used effectively will have the potentials of reducing crimes drastically. No sacrifice will be too much for the security of Nigerians.
I will suggest community policing within each community/village by the villagers. I will also suggest a network of, and collaboration of community police with each community. I will also suggest a collaboration of the security services with the community leaders, community police or village vigilante groups. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
Let me start by condemning in strongest terms, the car bomb blast, which occurred during the 50th anniversary celebration of our independence, on 1st October 2010, few meters away from the eagle square. I wish also to extend my condolences to the families of innocent Nigerians that died, as a result(s) of the bomb blast. May their souls and souls of other departed Nigerians rest in peace. Moments like this, calls for a serious reflection on the security situation in our country, as this bomb blast, is a serious security lapse. Therefore, all the security services must fish out the perpetrators of this crime, expose them and bring them to face justice.
It became highly disturbing, on reading from Thisday Newspaper of 2nd October 2010 (online version), that the British Intelligence warned the Nigerian authorities about the attacks. The questions are? Was it a preventable incident, what did our security services do with the information, and how capable are our security services for security challenges in this 21st century, etc. But a general look at the national security level reveals, a total breakdown of law and order. Crime rates are too high. Kidnappings have reached a dangerous level. Still on the same 1st October 2010, there was breaking news on Sky News (between 8:30am and 9:15am) that kidnapper(s) have released 15 school children at Aba. Hardly any day goes by, without a case of kidnapping been reported.
The national insecurity situation is a pointer to the near failure of government. This is because, the primary purpose of every government is welfare and security of its people. Nigeria and Nigerians must rise up, to put an end to insecurity (crimes, kidnappings, violence, robberies, etc) or insecurity will put an end to us as a nation. Every one (government and people) has a role to play. Firstly, the government should be serious with its fight against corruption. Corruption makes it difficult to; (1) create jobs for the youths, (2) create an enabling environment for the private sector to create jobs, (3) makes it difficult to develop the economy. Unemployment brings idleness, and an idle mind is a devils workshop.
A situation where, “The World Bank estimates the country’s generals and gangster politicians stole $300 billion in the three decades to 2006”(Time Magazine, May 3rd 2010 Edition, Page 42), will be a recipe for disaster, and high crime rates from those who are frustrated by the system. The government needs to redress so many structural imbalances in the country like the Niger Delta crises, conduct credible elections in 2011, etc. Above all, the government needs to be fair, honest and transparent in her dealings with Nigerians. The government cannot say one thing and do another.
The government should restructure our security services to be more proactive. Emphasizes should be focused more on preventing crimes, meaning that our security services should be more intelligence driven. The security services most cleanse itself of corrupt personnel(s), who have collaborated with criminals, kidnappers, killers etc. Nigerians should volunteer information/intelligence to the security services. For security reasons, Information can be volunteered anonymously, that way the identity of the informants can be protected. Ex governor Buba Marwa of Lagos State, tried this formula when he launched Operation Sweep (a security outfit to fight crimes) in Lagos.
Nigerians can also borrow the techniques used by the former East German Secret Police (Stasi). In the former East Germany, people were spying each other for the good of the state. Cuba used similar method at the early days of Fidel Castro’s revolution. The danger with this method is that people might tip their enemies as suspects. But that will require thorough investigations on the part of the security services, to ascertain who is guilty o not. This method if used effectively will have the potentials of reducing crimes drastically. No sacrifice will be too much for the security of Nigerians.
I will suggest community policing within each community/village by the villagers. I will also suggest a network of, and collaboration of community police with each community. I will also suggest a collaboration of the security services with the community leaders, community police or village vigilante groups. May God bless Nigeria.
Chinedu Vincent Akuta.
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
NIGERIA' S 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY: SOBER REFLECTIONS
REVD CANON DR. KIN J-EGWUONWU
I had intended to simply send my regards for a happy independence anniversary, but my conscience over-ruled that simple intention. Before we wish each other a happy independence, we need a good measure of sober reflection.
For example, what manner of Jubilee are we celebrating when five NYSC members abducted by hoodlums in Port Harcourt are still in bondage? What manner of freedom are we celebrating when fifteen abducted innocent children- some as young as three years of age- are kept in captivity and mortal danger by other Nigerians?
What manner of nationhood are we celebrating when the family of Dr. Stanley Uche are today mourning his death at the hands of fellow Nigerians who had abducted him as he returned from the burial of his younger sister and then went ahead to kill him after collecting 30 million naira from his wife?
If we find it in our hearts to simply go ahead with our so-called celebration without deep sober reflection, then we are simply insensitive to our hurting and suffering compatriots.
Let us together reclaim the good old days, when the average Nigerian was his brothers and sisters's keeper.
In many a nation volunteerism (the use of private time for public service) and philanthropy (the use of private funds for public benefits) form two aspects of generosity that oil the wheels of a humane and caring society. Volunteers are human angels; philanthropists give wings to angels.
Let me give three quick examples.
Corporate philanthropy: the Tata group, the largest Indian conglomerate which accounts for 3.2% of India's GDP, devotes two-thirds of its profit every year to charity!
Family philanthropy: every year the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation devotes as much funds to global health as the World Health Organization!
Individual philanthropy: Warren Buffet said: More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. He not only committed himself to this ideal but convinced more than forty of USA's billionaires to take his "Giving Pledge," committing at least 50% of their wealth to charity.
Far too many Nigerians are living the opposite of these ideals“ we instead channel time for public service to private ends and divert public funds to private use.
Therefore, what we need is not just rebranding but a moral revolution. If we are to become a great nation of good people then we must individually make up our minds to become radically different.
Winston Churchill said We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. If those words are true, how many Nigerians can be said to truly be alive?
Our collective selfishness has resulted in our low average life expectancy; most Nigerian children and youngsters who join today in celebrating this nation's Golden Jubilee will not live to see their own 50th birthday.
The moral revolution must start now!
Next month from the 15 th to the 22nd of November, 2010 the mass medical mission's National Cancer Prevention Programme, the nongovernmental organization which I coordinate will be marking Philanthropy Week, an international event aimed at the promotion of giving in all its ramifications.
We shall be collaborating primarily with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Communications Commission to mark this event, but all Nigerian individuals, families and corporate establishments are invited to join us.
Although we shall this year be focusing on the fight against cancer, there is hardly any aspect of our national life that is not begging for passionate attention from those who would give sacrificially of their time and resources to bring about a transformation.
We shall be making a National Philanthropy Declaration and signing a National Philanthropy Pledge in Abuja on Saturday the 20 th of November, 2010. Our dream is that many Bill Gates, Warren Buffets and Tata Groups shall arise in this blessed nation.
Fellow Nigerians, we shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that we can do or any kindness we can show to any fellow human being let us do it now. Let us not defer nor neglect it, for we shall not pass this way again.
Whatever is our religion, we need to hear afresh the divine imperative in the cry of the suffering masses of Nigeria. Bill Gates does not consciously subscribe to the tenets of any religion, but in the aspect of unselfish generosity he is living out the great ideals of a godly life. In contrast, for the last fifty years we Nigerians have quarreled, fought and even killed each other in defense of religion while neglecting to imbibe the religious ideals which would have made us veritable agents of national transformation. We must change.
At times like today we often go to our mosques and churches to pray for our nation. But it is not our nation that is most in need of prayers, as she is already so richly endowed by divine providence. It is ourselves as individuals that need all the prayers we can get. It is you and I that should be the chief prayer focus of today.
Will you join me today in praying, not just for Nigeria nor even for her leaders, but for yourself? Let us take this prayer together:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy where there is cancer and disease, let me work for health and wholeness; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
MAY GOD TRANSFORM THE POVERTY OF OUR NATURE BY THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE. AMEN!
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!
WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!
***HAPPY NATIONAL GOLDEN JUBILEE TO YOU AND TO ALL NIGERIANS***
REGARDS FROM,
THE REVD CANON DR. KIN J-EGWUONWU
NATIONAL COORDINATOR,
medical mission's National Cancer Prevention Programme
I had intended to simply send my regards for a happy independence anniversary, but my conscience over-ruled that simple intention. Before we wish each other a happy independence, we need a good measure of sober reflection.
For example, what manner of Jubilee are we celebrating when five NYSC members abducted by hoodlums in Port Harcourt are still in bondage? What manner of freedom are we celebrating when fifteen abducted innocent children- some as young as three years of age- are kept in captivity and mortal danger by other Nigerians?
What manner of nationhood are we celebrating when the family of Dr. Stanley Uche are today mourning his death at the hands of fellow Nigerians who had abducted him as he returned from the burial of his younger sister and then went ahead to kill him after collecting 30 million naira from his wife?
If we find it in our hearts to simply go ahead with our so-called celebration without deep sober reflection, then we are simply insensitive to our hurting and suffering compatriots.
Let us together reclaim the good old days, when the average Nigerian was his brothers and sisters's keeper.
In many a nation volunteerism (the use of private time for public service) and philanthropy (the use of private funds for public benefits) form two aspects of generosity that oil the wheels of a humane and caring society. Volunteers are human angels; philanthropists give wings to angels.
Let me give three quick examples.
Corporate philanthropy: the Tata group, the largest Indian conglomerate which accounts for 3.2% of India's GDP, devotes two-thirds of its profit every year to charity!
Family philanthropy: every year the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation devotes as much funds to global health as the World Health Organization!
Individual philanthropy: Warren Buffet said: More than 99% of my wealth will go to philanthropy during my lifetime or at death. He not only committed himself to this ideal but convinced more than forty of USA's billionaires to take his "Giving Pledge," committing at least 50% of their wealth to charity.
Far too many Nigerians are living the opposite of these ideals“ we instead channel time for public service to private ends and divert public funds to private use.
Therefore, what we need is not just rebranding but a moral revolution. If we are to become a great nation of good people then we must individually make up our minds to become radically different.
Winston Churchill said We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. If those words are true, how many Nigerians can be said to truly be alive?
Our collective selfishness has resulted in our low average life expectancy; most Nigerian children and youngsters who join today in celebrating this nation's Golden Jubilee will not live to see their own 50th birthday.
The moral revolution must start now!
Next month from the 15 th to the 22nd of November, 2010 the mass medical mission's National Cancer Prevention Programme, the nongovernmental organization which I coordinate will be marking Philanthropy Week, an international event aimed at the promotion of giving in all its ramifications.
We shall be collaborating primarily with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Nigerian Communications Commission to mark this event, but all Nigerian individuals, families and corporate establishments are invited to join us.
Although we shall this year be focusing on the fight against cancer, there is hardly any aspect of our national life that is not begging for passionate attention from those who would give sacrificially of their time and resources to bring about a transformation.
We shall be making a National Philanthropy Declaration and signing a National Philanthropy Pledge in Abuja on Saturday the 20 th of November, 2010. Our dream is that many Bill Gates, Warren Buffets and Tata Groups shall arise in this blessed nation.
Fellow Nigerians, we shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that we can do or any kindness we can show to any fellow human being let us do it now. Let us not defer nor neglect it, for we shall not pass this way again.
Whatever is our religion, we need to hear afresh the divine imperative in the cry of the suffering masses of Nigeria. Bill Gates does not consciously subscribe to the tenets of any religion, but in the aspect of unselfish generosity he is living out the great ideals of a godly life. In contrast, for the last fifty years we Nigerians have quarreled, fought and even killed each other in defense of religion while neglecting to imbibe the religious ideals which would have made us veritable agents of national transformation. We must change.
At times like today we often go to our mosques and churches to pray for our nation. But it is not our nation that is most in need of prayers, as she is already so richly endowed by divine providence. It is ourselves as individuals that need all the prayers we can get. It is you and I that should be the chief prayer focus of today.
Will you join me today in praying, not just for Nigeria nor even for her leaders, but for yourself? Let us take this prayer together:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy where there is cancer and disease, let me work for health and wholeness; O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
MAY GOD TRANSFORM THE POVERTY OF OUR NATURE BY THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE. AMEN!
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!
WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!
***HAPPY NATIONAL GOLDEN JUBILEE TO YOU AND TO ALL NIGERIANS***
REGARDS FROM,
THE REVD CANON DR. KIN J-EGWUONWU
NATIONAL COORDINATOR,
medical mission's National Cancer Prevention Programme
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)