Calls by many newspapers to sack the aviation minister is wrong. The Dana crash is a tragedy. It is a painful reminder that airline oversight and flight readiness should be a focus of the Nigerian Government. It should come as … read more »

Nigeria is a nation with many abstract pundits. By that I mean those who analyze Nigeria’s problems without any historical or concrete evidence to prove that their analysis is correct. Mention Nigeria’s problems, and you will be confronted by these pundits. They all claim to have a good grasp of what ails Nigeria. Yet, the solutions they proffer, even when implemented, have not resulted in lasting solutions. These pundits remind me of the proverbial visit seven blind men made to the elephant. After groping the animal, they each gave a different and inaccurate description of the elephant based on the part of its body they touched.

When the question is asked: what is the problem with Nigeria? The answer you get depends on who you ask, the time you asked and the interest they are seeking to protect at the time.

Yet, history has proven that any nation serious about solving its problems must understand those problems thoroughly. In fact, in a world that is increasingly globalized, conscientious nations understand their problems to the point where they can relate them to the problems of other nations. For Nigeria to solve its problems, they must be analyzed in line with global trends. Indeed, any analysis of Nigeria’s problems without proper comparison to those of other nations is an abstract analysis. The reason is because Nigeria cannot afford to ignore current global issues while trying to address problems that the rest of the world has put behind them many decades ago. It is important that both current global issues and Nigeria’s peculiar problems be addressed simultaneously. But Nigeria’s abstract pundits are parochial. They do not understand global issues, especially economic ones.

For instance, abstract pundits are now arguing that all the government has to do to put Nigeria on track toward economic growth is to make electricity services reliable. The premise for this argument is that the private sector will pick up and drive Nigeria’s economic growth once electricity supply becomes constant. While no one can argue that a reliable supply of electricity coupled with a modern infrastructure is not a good start for Nigeria’s economic growth, it is important not to overestimate the results of such measures. When the question is asked: is fixing electricity and other infrastructure the approach other countries are taking to solve their economic problems? The answer is a resounding no.

What other countries are doing is strategic government involvement in calibrating and providing support for the private sector. From Japan to China and even to the United States – an ultra capitalist country – governments are taking strategic actions to win the global race for the future. The most common action these governments are taking is sponsoring research and ensuring excellent university education. It is only those not abreast of these global trends who argue that constant electricity is all it takes for Nigeria to get on track for the race to win the future.

While a constant supply of electricity and other infrastructure improvements should be a priority of the Nigerian government, it should not lose sight of other strategic actions as well. For instance, the government should encourage research, education and technological innovation. This is the only move that will guarantee Nigeria a realistic chance of becoming a major player in the race to win the future. To prove my point, here is what President Obama said in his State of the Union address back in January: “For America to win the future, it must out-innovate, out-educate, and out-compete other nations.” In saying this President Obama set a global strategy for the future. China, Japan, and India have all adopted the same strategy. So, for Nigeria to achieve reckonable economic growth, the government must follow these quantifiable global strategies. It must not be distracted by the analysis of abstract pundits.

Any analysis of what will solve Nigeria’s problems should be serious and well thought out by a competent economic team. Such analysis should also take history as guide. Remember the early 1980s when companies like Peugeot, Toyota and Pfizer operated in Nigeria? Power supply then was just as bad or even worse than it is now. Communications were not nearly as effective in Nigeria as they are now; yet, these companies thrived. Today, these companies are all gone. Private businesses now find it harder to survive in Nigeria. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the naira as a currency was more powerful than the dollar. Yet, Nigeria was in the throes of a long civil war that destroyed almost all infrastructure. Between then and now, something went fundamentally wrong. And, the problem is not electricity supply. Infrequent supply of electricity and the lack of other infrastructure is only a symptom of what went wrong, and not the cause.

However, abstract pundits have a simplistic understanding of Nigeria’s problems. But the rest of us know that Nigeria’s problems have metastasized. It is no longer reasonable to argue that starting to solve Nigeria’s problems from one point will guarantee a spill over to other areas. The only sensible solution is one that will address different areas simultaneously. Usually, addressing different areas simultaneously is the best way to deal with problems in a vicious cycle like Nigeria’s

Hamilton Odunze

Co-editor

African Analyst

Politics according to Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is a process by whereby groups of people make collective decisions. The term is generally applied to the art or science of running governmental or state affairs. It also refers to behavior within civil governments. However, politics have been observed in other group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions. It consists of “social relations involving authority or power” and refers to the regulation of public affairs within a political unit and to the methods and tactics used to formulate and apply policy

Wikipedia went further to define Political engineering as a concept in political science that deals with the designing of political institutions in a society and often involves the use of paper decrees, in the form of laws, referendums, ordinances, or otherwise, to try to achieve some desired effect within a society. The criteria and constraints used in such design vary depending on the optimization methods used. Usually democratic political systems have not been deemed suitable as subjects of political engineering methods. Political engineering, using suboptimal methods or criteria, can sometimes yield disastrous results as in the case of attempting to engineer a previously democratic country’s political landscape by such methods as, for example, a coup d’état. The Greek military junta of 1967-1974 used political engineering utilizing a coup d’état to dissolve the democratic system of Greece with catastrophic results. Political engineering can also be employed to design alternative voting procedures in a democratic system. In the social arena the counterpart of political engineering is social engineering

To Dr. Jeffrey R. Lax, Department of Politics, New York University political engineering is like engineering in the natural sciences, which translates theory (e.g., from physics) into practical design (e.g., a bridge), engineering in the social sciences translates rational-choice analysis into the design of better political-economic social institutions.” and “Informed answers to these questions require that we set forth criteria—the specifications of the engineer—for evaluating institutions. In this course, we will invoke such criteria as efficiency, equitability, freedom from certain paradoxes, etc. Particular emphasis will be placed on making institutions as invulnerable as possible to manipulation, which will be subjected to theoretical analysis and illustrated through a series of case studies” Political Engineering to Benjamin Reilly Ph.D. is when political parties in theory represent the political expression of underlying societal cleavages and parties and party systems have not usually been thought to be amenable to overt political engineering. While some authoritarian states have attempted to control the development of their party system (eg the mandated ‘two-party’ or ‘three party’ systems that existed under military rule in Nigeria and Indonesia respectively, or 1, For what is still the best discussion of ethnic parties and party systems, see Horowitz 1985; 2, See, for example, Sartori 1994, Diamond 1999, Reynolds 2002. 3 the ‘no-party’ system that currently exists in Uganda), most democracies allow parties to develop freely. Because of this, parties are generally understood to remain beyond the reach of formal political engineering in most circumstances.

As much as it is not my intention to bore you with all the postulations about Politics and political engineering the major thrust of this attempt is the current political reengineering taking place in Rivers State referred to as the principle of ‘Anya-neli’ with its chief proponent and advocate being Chief Barr Hon. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Rivers State of Nigeria and the Director General of the Amaechi 2011 Re-election Campaign Organization. Considering the speed with which this principle is taking root in the politics of Rivers State it has become expedient to critically examine this new political concept by this enigma -who in the course of the ongoing campaign has proven himself as the new political force and encyclopedia of Rivers State politics- and its effect and socio-political impact on the present and future fortunes of the political terrain in Rivers State.

Now that the major purpose of this study has been defined, let me for the avoidance of doubt particularly for non-Nigerians that may be reading this thesis from foreign countries shed some light on the entity Rivers State. Rivers State is one of the 36 states of Nigeria with Port Harcourt as its capital. It is bounded on the South by the Atlantic Ocean, to the North by Imo, Abia and Anambra States, to the East by Akwa Ibom State and to the West by Bayelsa and Delta states. Rivers state is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Abua, Andoni, Ekpeye, Engenni, Etche, lbani, lkwerre, Kalabari, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Okrika and Ogoni. The inland part of Rivers state consists of tropical rainforest; towards the coast the typical Niger Delta environment features many mangrove swamps. Rivers state, named after the many rivers that border its territory, was part of the Oil Rivers Protectorate from 1885 till 1893, when it became part of the Niger Coast Protectorate. In 1900 the region was merged with the chartered territories of the Royal Niger Company to form the colony of Southern Nigeria. The state was formed in 1967 with the split of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. Until 1996 the state also contained the area which is now the Bayelsa State.

The word ‘Anya-neli’ is a political word coined from the Ikwerre language and has an array of uses in context ranging from carefulness, alacrity, watchful, cautious, alert, vigilant, wary and observant. The essence of this new principle and concept in the politics of Rivers State urges one to be on guard to protect each and every vote that will be cast in favor of PDP candidates in the state at the April polls. As Director General of Amaechi 2011 Re-election Campaign bid during the course of this campaign, it has become second nature for Chief Wike to end what I have come to refer to as his “Charge Speech”, where he mandates specific PDP stalwarts to deliver their various words on election day; with cries of ‘anya-neli!, anya-neli!!, anya-neli!!’. It is the gusto with which he has applied himself to this act at all campaigns that stirred my interest to research and understand the idea behind such passionate cries and if it in any way had any far reaching implications on the political stage of a state like Rivers State.

To say that the Amaechi campaign train so far has been operating like a well oiled military onslaught with Wike as Chief Strategist at the helms of affairs, would be underestimating the obvious, this is because apart from the new doctrine of anya-neli he is so passionate about, any keen observer of the campaign is amazed at Wike’s prowess at mentioning the names of every stalwart charged with delivering the wards in their various states. And if one recalls that a total of 319 wards in contention, then it would not be amiss to give kudos to the man who is able to seemingly without effort reel out names off hand at each campaign. He is also quick to add that political relevance in the next dispensation will be based on ability to deliver wards at the polls. This charge in my opinion is a major form of political engineering which gives a sense of responsibility to party stalwarts and negates the principle of “business as usual” by keeping everyone on their toes.

The fact therefore remains, that never in the annals of politicking in the State or any part of Nigeria has one individual exhibited the skill and ingenuity developed by this new enigma of the Politics of the State in delivering charges and mobilizing the people to action. In one of such campaigns at a particular Local Government rally, the traditional rulers in attendance stood up in salute of this new revelation in the arts of campaigning in the State as he reeled out names and charges to people. So much so, that Mr. Julius “De Genius” Agu, a renowned Rivers Born Comedian and Entertainer who compeered at most of the rallies, was forced to call him the embodiment and encyclopedia of the Rivers State Politics based on his ability to reel out names of politicians in the State without any paper in hand.

At Okirika the home Local Government Area of Dr. Sekibo the ACN Gubernatorial candidate in the 2011 April polls and one of the pretenders challenging Amaechi for the seat of the Governor of Rivers State. The tireless Director General of the Amaechi Campaign team Barrister Nyesom Wike in his speech that reverberated around the whole of the town and by all intents would have sent Dr Abiye Sekibo scuttling out of town if he was anywhere near the vicinity. Chief Wike charged the Okrika people to ensure that Amaechi be re-elected come April. Showing the stuff of which he is made of he reeled out names of different individuals who he mandated to personally work tirelessly to deliver their wards during the elections. He especially fired on all cylinders when he charged Honourable Soe Dikibo, one time Commissioner in the State to ensure he delivered Ward Four to PDP come April. He was emphatic in his call for victory at this particular ward because it incidentally is the Ward of Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the ACN gubernatorial candidate. In his words “uproot the so called base of doom and watch the other areas will be delivered”.

What is perhaps baffling to most people that have watched this man on stage is how and when he does his research resulting in such commendable delivery at the rallies. Being a member of the campaign team, it was easy for me to make up my mind to do a fly on the wall study of this man to understand what drives him. Fortunately the 7th March, 2011 presented me with an opportunity to monitor him. Like every other day since the campaign started on the 1st of March, he rose up by 4am in the morning and went straight for morning devotion with his family. By 5am, he took his bath and by 6am people had already gathered in his house for meetings or other businesses. By 8am, he was at the Campaign office to attend to files before the arrival of most of the staff and Directors of the Campaign. 8.30am saw him hold meetings with the Chairmen and Secretaries of the Campaign Committees and by 9.30am he was off to the campaign ground to inspect the venue while awaiting the arrival of the Governor and his entourage. This particular day we visited two Local Government Areas – Ahoada East and Ahoda West and came back to Port Harcourt by 6pm. He drove straight to his house after a debriefing at the campaign headquarters. On arrival at his residence, we were met by hundreds of people already seated and waiting for him for several meetings. He retired to freshen up and then took his dinner while on his feet and almost immediately stepped into his garden to hold meeting after meeting till 4am the next day. After having witnessed firsthand what 24hours in a day of this man was like, I realized that what he exhibited at the rallies was indeed a rare command of political sagacity and oratory that only a few are blessed with, since it was obvious he had no time to do any kind of research talk less of have a goodnight’s rest. During the course of our day together I had the privilege of having him shed light on his ‘anya-neli’ principle. Chief Hon. Bar Ezebuwo Nyesom Wike, in his discussion with me, came across as a crusader who was not just passionate about his state, but also one who was passionate about the governance style of his Boss and Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. According to him, “Chief Eze, you may not see what I see. The State is in danger if Gov Amaechi fails to come back for a second tenure. Not only will we be crippled politically, but most of the initiatives we have set up to take this State to a new height will be deconstructed”. Furthermore, he stated that the anti-people sentiments exhibited by the likes of Dr. Abiye Sekibo, who whilst presenting his manifesto to the people of the State, stated that one of the objectives of his government if elected will be to restore the land acquired so far for the Greater Port Harcourt City to their owners whereby aborting the development of a new City in the State; aborting the monorail project etc. such ideas according to wike should never see the light of day. Wike was also quick to remind me that it i was that alerted him to the lyrics of the song that was the highlight of Celestine Omehia’s flag off APGA campaign that by ‘the time we rose from our slumber he would be elected Governor’. According to him, such jabs were the motivation he needed to continue to work tirelessly to ensure that their dastardly plans do not see the light of day.

He said he had resigned himself to sleepless nights until the day Amaechi’s victory is cast in marble, stating that anyone who calls himself a friend or ally of Amaechi and chooses this time to slumber should as a matter of expediency reconsider the authenticity of their friendship. With this kind of resolve it is therefore easy to understand what drives Wike, though some would say he has personal reasons behind his decision to invest his time and all his energy in this, I can’t help but doff my hat to this fellow who has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure that Rivers State not be drawn back into the darkness.

Perhaps no one better to shed more light on the concept of “anya-neli” than Governor Amaechi who while addressing the people of Gokana said: “You must be vigilant ‘anya-neli’. One of our opponents said he was the brain behind PDP successes, and if we were being criticized by the whole world for all those successes, it means that the previous elections wasn’t properly organized; it means, maybe it was rigged, if it was rigged then, best be careful ‘anya-neli’ of these same people. They are in another party now. You have a new PDP that will obey the rule of law; there must be voting on that day, votes must count, so go out and vote on that day.” The driving force and fear that drives the anya-neli concept may be therefore hinged on the fact that it was Dr. Abiye Sekibo, the ACN gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State that was the Returning Officer of PDP in the 2007 gubernatorial elections that returned Sir Celestine Omehia as the Governor of Rivers state in a poll severally criticised by the International Community and people in other political parties, it has become imperative that with this new concept, the PDP and the entire people of Rivers state are being urged to become vigilant ‘anya-neli’ in the forthcoming elections to avoid manipulation of their votes by these charlatans.

But who is Chief Nyesom Wike?. A lawyer by profession, a political tactician and strategist of the first order, bold and fearless and ready to die for any cause he believes in. an attempt was made on his life January, 2008 when his vehicle was riddled with bullets resulting in near fatal injury of his driver Emeka Mba. Although Wike escaped unscathed, the car has been preserved as a reminder of what he has had to endure to stand for what is right and just. Recalling the incident Wike would rather refer to it as the day he died because of his passion for and commitment to the ideals and vision of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for a new Rivers State.

Married to the quiet and unassuming beautiful Mrs Sussett Wike, they are blessed with two boys and one girl. He is one of the most detribalised Nigerians, surrounding himself with staff and aides from different parts of the country. One of his closest allies and the Director of Administration of the Campaign Team, Hon. Chuma Chinye, attest to the fact that Wike is a devoted friend. A democrat to the core, he detests injustice in any form. He is also a philanthropist. It is a well known fact within the Amaechi’s camp, that the fear of Wike is the beginning of wisdom if you want to remain relevant.

From 2003 – 2006 he was the National President of All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the umbrella Forum through which all the 774 Local Government Council Chairmen in Nigeria interface and interact on issues affecting the Politics and policies of Nigeria while from 1999-2007 he was the Executive Chairman of Obio-Akpor Local Government in Rivers State, an office he used to redefine and exhibit his special brand of governance. He constructed the Local Government Secretariat that stands as one of the best in Nigeria and a great edifice to behold. His tenure witnessed various developmental initiatives in the local government and he is remembered most especially for empowering a lot of youths, elderly women and men, the physically challenged. An ardent hand at grassroot mobilisation, He is credited with founding the formidable political vanguard in Rivers State – the Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM) that decides and determines to a large extent the political tide in the state.

Senator George T. Sekibo, the Leader of the Rivers State Caucus in the National Assembly and Chairman of the Labour Committee of the Senate and the Senatorial Candidate of Rivers State East has also attested to the political prowess and magnanimity of Chief Wike at the Obio Akpor leg of the campaign. According to Senator Sekibo, Chief Wike wanted to be a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in this dispensation and the fact remains that I ought not to be here addressing this rally as a Senatorial candidate aspirant of PDP if not for the sagacity and benevolence of Chief Wike conceded to him. In Sekibo’s words, “…He (Wike) stepped down for me when it was obvious that he had the support of 85% of the delegates…but because the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi prevailed on him to reason that Ikwerre area can’t produce the Governor of Rivers State and the Senator from the same Zone at the same time (Gov Amaechi and Chief Wike are of the Ikwerre extraction); based on this, Chief Wike had to step down for me because I hail from the Okirika axis of the zone..” To Chief Hon. Victor Tombari Giadom the Executive Chairman of Gokana. Chief Wike is the Eze gburu-gburu 1 of the Gokana Kingdom (an equivalent of Dim Odimegwe Ojukwu’s title in Ibo land); to Chiefs Amaechi Ikenga and Emeka Bekee, Major Jack ardent followers of “Wikeism” brand of politics, “Chief Wike is the oil that greases the political machine of Governor Amaechi, because without him, “most of us would have been history when we were discarded and treated as lepers when Amaechi was forced into exile by the PDP stalwarts in 2007 while fighting to redeem his stolen mandate. If not for the large heart of Chief Wike who ensured that we were kept together most of us would have died of hunger before the intervention of the Supreme Court”.

To Chief (Barr) Ezebunwo Nyeson Wike, Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government; Governance means ability to provide for her people. “My vision of governance is (1) to make the people happy. What do I mean by making the people happy? First of all, you know before this period, we have what we called direct democracy’. Direct democracy is where the population was very small. So it was possible for everybody to gather and take decision for themselves. But as the population began to expand, they said that there is need for indirect democracy. The people will now elect people who will take decisions on their behalf’. What do they expect from you? They expect true governance and representation, the basic things of life has to be provided, they will have roads, schools, hospitals, powers when they need it. So, for me, my vision for governance is to make the less privileged, to make the people who have elected you to be happy. That is my own vision of governance.

This is Chief Wike the proponent of the Anya-neli concept in the Rivers State politics and if by 16th April, 2011, Rt. Hon. Chuibike Amaechi is re-elected, the politics of Rivers State may not be the same again as the inputs of the Anya-neli exponent cannot be underestimated in the socio-economic and political future of this great State that has become the richest State in Nigeria by the reclaiming of its 86 oil wells from the Akwa Ibom State.

To any positive follower of the politics of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi re-election is to ensure continuity in realisation of people-oriented projects and programmes in the next political dispensation which includes among numerous others massive infrastructural investments around the state, including road projects, schools, health centres, electrification, ongoing monorail project, rural development and implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt Master Plan and most importantly the attainment of relative peace and security as evidenced by the attraction of foreign investors to the State. He stands as the only African Leader to have constructed sixty physical projects and donated the same to sixty communities in sixty days that earned him the name of a developmental magician! His astute leadership in striving for financial transparency, accountability and inclusive governance has earned the State a lot of accolades, numerous awards and recognition by international bodies and corporations. In this regard, the Governor has won the prestigious 2010 Zik Prize for Good Governance based on his performance in the implementation of credible governance principles. The Zik Prize is part of the yearly activities to honour the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the First President & Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which was instituted in 1994 by the Public Policy Research and Analysis centre to encourage patriotic leadership in Nigeria. This enviable award is to be bestowed on the Rivers State Governor for his ability to attract a B+/AA Fitch investment rating to the state, boost economic and structural development as well as enhance content development in all sectors of Rivers State and recently honoured as the most outstanding Governor in Nigeria by the Independent Newspapers ltd so the product that Chief Wike is assiduously marketing is a sellable and good product and I sincerely wish him and his Team the best of luck.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt

ezemediaconcept08@rocketmail.com,mediaconsultanttpcorivers07261@gmail.com, 08038199163

While receiving an award for Excellence in Commercial Diplomacy at Howard University’s Africa Business Conference, Florizelle Liser, Assistant US Trade Representative for Africa expressed her desire to see entrepreneurs in the African-American community and in African countries seek out partnerships with each other. The city of Atlanta, Georgia has a mix of key ingredients to make this happen:

1. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, Atlanta has the second largest number of black-owned businesses in the United States. One cannot help but notice the entrepreneurial spirit within the black community, with individuals operating in industries ranging from dry-cleaning to management consulting.

2. Through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Delta launches direct flights to Accra, Johannesburg, Monrovia, Abuja, Lagos, and Cairo. One can fly to Accra in a time not much longer than it takes to fly to Los Angeles.

3. Mayor Kasim Reed has a vision for Atlanta to be the Western Hemisphere’s logistics hub – an aspiration that will contribute to the growing impact of the African Growth and Opportunities Act on trade between the US and African countries.

4. Georgia Tech University develops numerous engineers whose skills could contribute to Africa closing its $93 billion gap in infrastructure development.

5. Though not in Atlanta, the University of Georgia develops a talented pool of students in the agricultural industry who could contribute to Africa reaching $880 billion in agricultural output by 2040.

Dr. Adetunji Adegbesan, a strategy professor at Lagos Business School,shared an incredible story that crystalizes the potential of entrepreneurship on the African continent. An MTN executive monitoring data usage on the company’s Nigeria network noticed that a significant amount of data was passing through the network, but someone was not paying for that usage. After alerting the company’s network engineers, MTN blocked the source of that usage. A few weeks later, the same executive noticed more data passing through that was not accounted for financially. He again approached network engineers who blocked the source. Yet again, data was passing through after a few weeks and the executive approached engineers in Europe who established an elaborate block that was sure to keep the data from passing through. Data was passing through the block a few months later.

Who was breaking through MTN’s network? The company tracked the source of the data and located a small college city where a group of graduates helped families set up their computers. As part of the package they offered, these entrepreneurs “installed” the internet on these computers. They figured out a way to log the computers into MTN’s internal network while keeping the computers’ identities masked. The end result – MTN hired these innovators.

One of the policies of some state government that is generating enormous public concern and discourse in so many quarters is the ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada which had already taken effect in some states. Okada as it is called finds its way as a means of commercial transportation in Nigeria in the late 80’s to early 90’s. But before this period, it was used mainly as a private means of mobility to fetch water, firewood, palm fruits as well as to run other domestic errands and never a medium for commercial transportation as it is the case now.

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January 3, 2011 —In Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital city of close to two million people, urban growing pains are evident: traffic-clogged roads, sprawling neighborhoods, and water taps that sometimes run dry.

While 90% of the capital city’s residents have access to safe water, only about one-third have drinking water piped into their homes—and even among that group, many get only an irregular supply.

Many households must buy water for flushing and washing from private tankers, and drinking water from private producers. Those with no room to store water—mainly the poor—pay more for it, says resident Beatrix Allah-Mensah, a World Bank social development specialist whose portfolio includes water-related projects.

“It’s very expensive to buy it this way, one day at a time,” she says. “Water flow into homes is a big challenge, even in Accra.”

In the capital, supply simply doesn’t meet demand. “You can still improve a lot of things in order to have better distribution of water,” adds Ventura Bengoechea, a World Bank water and sanitation expert. “But at the end of the day, more water is needed to supply water 24/7 to everybody.”

Reaching Middle Income Status

Ghana was recently declared a middle-income country, based mainly on a rebasing of its economic indicators. Support from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest countries, and other donors has helped the country reduce poverty and modernize over the last decade.

But many people remain poor, and important development goals still must be met.

Ghana’s water deficit, among other factors, has led the government to estimate it will need to invest about $1.6 billion a year over 10 years for infrastructure, to help the country develop the level of services appropriate for a middle-income country.

In the water sector, plans are under way to meet that benchmark. Ghana’s government plans to double the capacity of the Kpong intake and water treatment plant to deliver another 40 million gallons of water a day to the Accra metropolitan area. Officials recently signed an agreement with Export-Import Bank of China for a $270 million concessionary loan for the project. And Ghana has partnered with the World Bank to implement a new, $75 million water and sanitation project that would help distribute water, with a special focus on the most vulnerable residents.

Safe Water to 1.6 Million

The World Bank and other partners, including the African Development Bank, the Netherlands, and the Canadian International Development Agency, have been working with the Ghanaian government to increase access to safe water and “improved” sanitation such as toilets, sewerage and septic systems, and latrines, in rural and urban areas.

Through such efforts, Ghana is making steady progress toward the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for safe drinking water. According to a 2009 World Bank study, Transforming Africa’s Infrastructure, the country is one of only four (and one of two low-income) countries in sub-Saharan Africa on track to meet the goal by 2015.

Access to safe water rose from only about half of the population in 1990 to 82% in 2008, according to the World Health Organization/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply and Sanitation.

Ongoing and recently closed World Bank-supported projects are on track to deliver safe water to 1.6 million people; all have used IDA’s highly concessional financing or grants.

Such projects include the Small Towns Water and Sanitation project, which brought safe water—mostly from underground- to 550,000 people, as well as sanitation to 50,000 people. The recently approved Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation project is expected to provide access to safe water and sanitation to 600,000 people in rural areas and small towns, and the ongoing Urban Water Project is expected to bring access to safe water to 500,000 poor people in urban areas and increase the number of low-income households connected to Accra’s piped water system.

Sanitation: A New Challenge

The picture is less hopeful for sanitation in Ghana– access has risen from 7% to only 13% in nearly 20 years and is one of the lowest rates of access in Africa, according to the Joint Monitoring Programme.

“The priority in the past has been water. The new challenge is sanitation, which is even more important as people move from rural areas to the cities,” says the World Bank’s Bengoechea.

In rural areas, there is usually land to build latrines and other sanitation facilities. But “in urban areas and particularly in slums, this isn’t often the case,” says Bengoechea.

Due to land constraints, community toilets of about 20 cubicles have been constructed in many urban areas. Although they help reduce the problem a little, they aren’t considered improved sanitation under MDG guidelines because they are shared by several families–one reason Ghana’s sanitation rating is so low.

“In urban areas, you might need to have sewerage in some high density zones, which in Ghana is almost non-existent, and you need to improve the operation and maintenance of public treatment plants, on-site household facilities and the communal toilet facilities,” says Bengoechea.

The Rivers State Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, King Professor TJT Princewill has called on all levels government to include royal fathers in the implementation of their policies and programmes that directly impacted on the people.

The royal father, who made this call recently in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit, paid on the Council of traditional rulers, by the former Vice President, Alh. Atiku said, “We believe if the place of traditional rulers is assured in the nation’s constitution with clearly defined functions, it would reduce the burden of governance at the grassroots and attract more respect to the institution”.

The royal father expressed optimism that the relevant bill would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislation as assured by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He noted that Nigeria and Nigerians needed men and women of proven integrity, imbued with selfless service to lead the country in unity to the desired destination as they know that Atiku has the necessary credentials to become the next President, given his antecedents, as a huge employer of labour and as a consummate politician.

He appealed to Alh. Atiku who was in the state to meet with electorates in the PDP Presidential Primary, to conduct himself with “decorum, devoid of acrimony, thuggery and any action that could bring about disrespect to your name”.

The king on behalf of the council expressed deep sadness by the current spate of bomb blasts in the country and called for all hands to be on deck to stop the ugly trend.

Responding, the Turaki of Adamawa State, Alh. Atiku Abubakar assured the royal fathers that if he becomes the next President, their roles will be enshrined in the constitution.

King Prof. TJT Princewill Advocates for inclusion of Traditional Rulers In the Constitution.

By Nwaorgu Faustinus

The Rivers State Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, King Professor TJT Princewill has called on all levels government to include royal fathers in the implementation of their policies and programmes that directly impacted on the people.

The royal father, who made this call recently in Port Harcourt during a courtesy visit, paid on the Council of traditional rulers, by the former Vice President, Alh. Atiku said, “We believe if the place of traditional rulers is assured in the nation’s constitution with clearly defined functions, it would reduce the burden of governance at the grassroots and attract more respect to the institution”.

The royal father expressed optimism that the relevant bill would soon be forwarded to the National Assembly for legislation as assured by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He noted that Nigeria and Nigerians needed men and women of proven integrity, imbued with selfless service to lead the country in unity to the desired destination as they know that Atiku has the necessary credentials to become the next President, given his antecedents, as a huge employer of labour and as a consummate politician.

He appealed to Alh. Atiku who was in the state to meet with electorates in the PDP Presidential Primary, to conduct himself with “decorum, devoid of acrimony, thuggery and any action that could bring about disrespect to your name”.

The king on behalf of the council expressed deep sadness by the current spate of bomb blasts in the country and called for all hands to be on deck to stop the ugly trend.

Responding, the Turaki of Adamawa State, Alh. Atiku Abubakar assured the royal fathers that if he becomes the next President, their roles will be enshrined in the constitution.

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — The man who refuses to concede defeat after Ivory Coast’s presidential election faced two major setbacks Friday as officials cut off his access to the state funds used to pay soldiers and state television remained off the air in much of the country.

The attempts by internationally recognized winner Alassane Ouattara to assert his control over state institutions comes amid rising fears that the West African nation once gripped by a 2002-2003 civil war could return to widespread unrest. Already the United Nations has said at least 173 people have been killed.

Late Thursday, the 192-nation U.N. General Assembly formally recognized Ouattara as the winner of the Nov. 28 runoff vote and rescinded the credentials of Ivory Coast’s U.N. ambassador who is a Gbagbo supporter.

Ouattara’s allies hope the move by the West African economic and monetary union late Thursday will set the stage for mass defections if incumbent Laurent Gbagbo cannot pay civil servants and soldiers in the military that he still controls.

Officials with the regional monetary union made the announcement after an emergency session, and later said in a statement that only representatives of Ouattara’s government will have signing privileges on state accounts. The regional bank, known by its acronym BCEAO, regroups the treasuries of eight West African countries.

There has been much speculation in recent days as to whether Gbagbo would be able to pay state salaries, despite nightly assurances on state television that the paychecks would be available before Christmas.

On Thursday morning, several banks in downtown Abidjan posted notices in their windows saying that they would not be cashing civil servant paychecks because they hadn’t received a guarantee from the government that they would be reimbursed.

Lines of impatient civil servants formed outside the banks, but just after noon the notices were removed and one by one people started receiving their money.

While Ouattara has the backing of the international community, Gbagbo still controls the country’s military and also had dominated state media until late Thursday. Gbagbo-controlled state television was yanked from the air though in most cities outside Abidjan and remained off the air Friday.

It was not immediately clear how the signal was cut off. Advisers to Ouattara refused to comment, but the event falls in line with a series of strategies Ouattara has been employing to try to break Gbagbo’s stranglehold on the news.

A week ago, Ouattara’s supporters unsuccessfully attempted to seize control of the channel. State TV had run continuous footage of Gbagbo taking the oath of office in the days after he declared victory without mentioning that his claim was heavily contested.

The U.N. Human Rights Council, meanwhile, adopted a resolution late Thursday calling for an end to the violence in Ivory Coast. The U.N. deputy human rights commissioner in Geneva, Kyung-wha Kang, told diplomats that the death toll may even be higher than 173 people.

“Unfortunately it has been impossible to investigate all the allegations of serious human rights violations, including reports of mass graves, due to restrictions on movement by U.N. personnel,” Kyung-wha said. “Indeed, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General was stopped at gunpoint as he sought to verify such allegations.”

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said that forces loyal to Gbagbo, supported by masked men armed with rocket launchers, were blocking the road to a village outside Abidjan “where allegations point to the existence of a mass grave.”

Gbagbo ordered all U.N. peacekeepers out of the country immediately, but the U.N. considers Ouattara president and has stayed. There are fears that U.N. personnel and other foreigners could be targeted as tensions mount.

Charles Ble Goude, Gbagbo’s minister of youth, has called for demonstrations next Wednesday. Goude is the subject of a 2006 United Nations sanction for his role in inciting the Young Patriots, a pro-Gbagbo group that has led violent attacks against foreigners in the past, especially French citizens.

The U.S. State Department has ordered most of its personnel to leave because of the deteriorating security situation and growing anti-Western sentiment. France and Germany also have recommended that their citizens leave.

Ivory Coast was once an economic hub because of its role as the world’s top cocoa producer. The 2002-2003 civil war split the country into a rebel-controlled north and a loyalist south. While the country officially reunited in a 2007 peace deal, Ouattara draws his support from the northern half of the country, where he was born, while Gbagbo’s power base is in the south.

Gbagbo claimed victory in the presidential election only after his allies threw out half a million ballots from Ouattara strongholds in the north, a move that infuriated residents there who have long felt that they are treated as foreigners in their own country by southerners.

Associated Press writer Sadibou Marone in Dakar, Senegal contributed to this report

No doubt Prof. Jega and his men have a lot of work to do so as to keep their integrity intact or risk being vilified on pages of newspapers if they fail to conduct credible polls. To ensure that electoral fraud is tackled head-on before, during and after elections, here are my humble suggestions
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Turaki Vanguard has appealed to the National Assembly to jettison over heating the already Nigerian polity and discontinue with amendment of the electoral act empowering them to be members of NEC of their various political parties as it is undemocratic, self-serving and capable of truncating our nascent democracy

The group who made their appeal through an online press statement by its Spokesman on Media & Public Affairs, Chief Eze said: “We appeal to them to listen to the voice of the people of Nigeria that elected them into office and save the country from the hands of undemocratic elements pushing them in taking such unpopular stand that will not move our democracy forward. In this regard, we must commend the Governor’s Forum particularly those in PDP that have mobilized forces against this untoward move and urge other political parties and organized Forums to emulate the PDP Governors in this regard. The PDP Governors not minding that PDP Lawmakers are in the majority in the National Assembly still took this principled stand demonstrates that the party and democracy still have a great future in Nigeria”.

On the plot to stop Atiku Abubakar from contesting the PDP Primaries to look for something better to do to avoid any act that malign and bring the party’s image to International disrupt and odium, Turaki Vnguard said as much as they support setting up of a Screening Committee to screen all the aspirants of the party to ensure that they have the required credentials to fly the flag of the party in the general election, but if it is a ploy to frustrate and disqualify Atiku Abubabakr from contesting the forth coming PDP Primaries we will like to counsel such a funny group to save their breath as their efforts will be an exercise in futility as no plot or evil machinations by some misguided elements in the party will stop Atiku from flying the party’s flag in this general election as he stands as the only candidate on moral ground to stand for election in the party.

Stressing further, Eze said, “President Jonathan and General Obasanjo can go ahead to plan on how all the delegates of the party will be schemed out during the party’s primaries but let us reiterate that even if the delegates to elect the party’s flag-bearer are limited to only the family and Ministers of President Jonathan we are convinced that we will not only defeat him flatly but that Jonathan will surely vote for Atiku unless he is no longer a Nigerian. Nigerians don’t need any soothsayer to tell them that President Jonathan has no program or vision to salvage our nation from the myriad of problems currently confronting her and that we need a seasoned and prepared leader at this time which Atiku Abubakar symbolizes’ to assist us at this time in point”

On the request by a non-existing and faceless Niger Delta Democratic Coalition, NDDC that the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP should expel Mallam Adamu Ciroma, former President Ibrahim Babangida and Atiku Abubakar for alleged anti-party activities over zoning principle, Eze said though they don’t want to give credence to such a nefarious and nocturnal group but if anybody should be expelled from the party on anti party activities then such people should be those pushing President Jonathan to contest the party’s primaries against the High Court ruling that zoning is embedded in the PDP’s constitution and that it is binding but we will continue to tolerate them to give them enough room to expose themselves to the world how myopic and undemocratic they can be.

This piece is born out of a news story that was published in a local newsparper called, National Network Newpaper wherein one Polycarp Nwaeke wrote and I quote “Dr Abiye Sekibo, a governorship aspirant in the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has described Amaechi as the most unpopular governor in the history of Rivers State, saying his unpopularity would make it easier for people to vote him out”.

One may ask therefore, on what yardstick Dr. Abiye Sekibo arrived at such an unfortunate, melancholic and educated-illiterate conclusion that “Governor Amaechi is very unpopular”. If “popular” according to the 7th Edition of Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary means to be liked or enjoyed by a large number of people and “popularity” means the state of being liked, enjoyed and supported by a large number of people, it then means that Dr Abiye Sekibo lacks proper grasping of the word – popular.

Without mincing words, Governor Amaechi epitomizes the words popular and popularity not minding what Dr. Abiye said to the contrary.

It would be recalled that the Rivers State House of Assembly and Traditional Council of Chiefs, Princewill Political Associates, students, international personalities just to mention but a few encouraged and endorsed Amaechi to run for a second term.

One may pose this question, why then did the state house of assembly members endorse Amaechi for second term bid recently if he was actually unpopular as Dr.Abiye want to make the public believe? The answer is not far-fetched.

After assessing Amaechi’s performance within a period of three and half years, having delivered to the people of Rivers State the benefits of democracy, the State House of Assembly scored him high. Commenting on this, one Nwaorgu Faustinus said, “Rivers State House of Assembly in a motion moved by Hon. Henry Ogiri, who represents Abua/Odual Constituency and seconded by Hon. Onari Brown from Akuku-Toru Constituency 11, which was supported by the House and approved by the Speaker, Hon. Tonye Harry urged Governor Amaechi to have a shot at the office for a second term”.

Writing on the achievement of Governor Amaechi in a thesis titled, “Chibuike Amaechi’s Ingenious Revolution in Rivers State Claims it’s First Political Casualty one Chukwuemeka Eze , a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt reeled out thus:

“In Education, the Government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has not only offered free education to the people of Rivers State up to Secondary School level and offered scholarship in different universities in different parts of the world – i. Canada 297, ii. India: 202, iii. Ireland: 30, IV. Singapore: 136, v. United Kingdom: 384, VI and over 1049 students studying abroad under the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA). Apart from these human development efforts the government has provided about 350 model primary schools which are at various stages of completion; 24 model Secondary Schools across the State at various stages of completion and provision of ICT in all her schools and fully equipping the schools with science and relevant facilities. Comprehensive training programs for over 800 Teachers at the primary and post primary levels is ongoing.

Under the Rivers State Government tremendous revolution in Health, the Government is offering free health services to all her citizenry in all government owned hospitals or health centers. To achieve this, Government has Constructed 160 Health Centres in all the LGAs and construction of 1000 bed specialist hospital with other special intervention in this area.

The Rivers State Government is investing at least N100b per year from 2008 till 2010 in provision of roads, bridges and Social amenities. In this regard, the Government has engaged in the construction of 800km roads with 250 already completed. 10 major bridges under construction with 3 already completed. 20 minor bridges under construction with four completed, 2flyover/interchange under construction. 6 Land reclamation/shore protection projects at Andoni, Opobo, Buguma, Abalama, Olombie/Owukiri Island, Oba Ama, Okirika with 1,1400,000km 2 completed. 2 major markets and a shopping mall under construction (phase 1 of mile 1 market housing 960 shops and two banking halls completed)

Apart from all these the Rivers State Government has built three power stations at Omoku (150 Mega watts), Trans-Amadi (130 Mega watts) and Eleme (75 mega watts). By June, 2011, capacity will be increased to 500 Mega Watts under the $195 million dollars 180 MW gas turbine awarded to Saipem. Seven Transmissions stations (132/33 kilo volts) and 7 Distribution injection sub-stations 33/11 Kilo Volts built”.

The aforementioned performance is only a tip of the iceberg of what he has done. It was in recognition of the above achievements that various awards were given to Governor Amaechi which is on record for doubting Thomas’s to refer to. They include, Social Enterprise Report and Awards (SERA)’s, Sarduana Governor Award of the Year, etc.

Again, in Andy Briggs report awards list 2010 community relations award for 2010, Governor Amaechi was a nominee in the following categories: Best Performing Governor on The Niger Delta, Best Performing Governor on Wealth and Employment Generation, Best Performing Governor on Cultural Development, Best Performing Governor on Security (Law & Order) and Best Performing Governor on Roads and Transport.

Recently, a two-million-man march was organized by Rivers State people among other stackholders in solidarity for Amaechi’s achievement and to endorse him for a second term.

Do the foregoing testimonies depict Amaechi as someone who is unpopular among his people? The answer is a capital NO! Why then did Dr. Abiye make such uncomplimentary remark about the Governor? The reason can only be found in his bias mind. For sometime now, Dr. Abiye has relapsed into political obscurity or oblivion. It is being alleged in some quarters that such untoward comment was made to malign, castigate and present Amaechi in a bad light in the minds of right thinking people as well as to leverage his (Dr. Abiye’s) political image which has waned.

Churchill Onyemaechi, a member of Advocates for Good Leadership, wrote from Eleme, Rivers State.

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alh Atiku Abubakar’s possibility of grabbing the PDP ticket, received a boost recently when a member of the Presidential Election Advisory Council of Atiku Campaign Organisation, Prince Tonye Princewill inaugurated the Campaign Team in Rivers State at Muriel Hotel in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Inaugurating the campaign team, Prince Princewill charged them amongst other thing to promote the interests of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign, contact and win over as many stakeholders, delegates and voters as are required to ensure the success of his campaign in Rivers State.

In his words: “I hope that you will as usual dedicate yourselves to carrying out the responsibilities that your appointment entails. In carrying out this function we should bear in mind that out of all the other Presiden Presidential aspirants both in PDP and other parties, Atiku Abubakar is the only one with a policy document on how to alleviate the suffering of our people in the South-South region of Nigeria. Apart from this, Atiku Abubakar is the only candidate who apart from the State Governments in the region is the second employer of labour that have majority of our people working in most of his establishments in the region. We are working for Atiku Abubakar because we are detribalized, honourable with our integrity intact and most importantly the future and unity of our nation is very dear to us.

We believe in the zoning principle of our party as a way to sustain and ensure that a minority section like ours have a means of ruling this country when it is our turn. What we are doing may not be popular in the eyes of some people but we should instead being seen as portraying our people as people that can trusted but most critically the person we are promoting has the best agenda to alleviate the penury and sorrowful state of our region. Your campaign should be issues-oriented and should avoid personality attack or mudslinging”.

The South-South and Rivers Sate coordinator of Atiku Campaign Organization, Dr. Davies Ibaimu Ikanya thanked Prince Tonye Princewill and assured him that the region is for grab by Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, “For Atiku Abubakar to have emerged out of the midst of great and dreadful giants like IBB, Gusau and Dr Saraki simply proves that he is the consensus candidate not necessarily of the North but the entire nation as I am very convinced that it is a matter of time for our brother President Jonathan to see reasons and respect the position of PDP on zoning of which he was a signatory and join camp with Atiku Abubakar to have a united, vibrant PDP to face the likely onslaught by other opposition political parties in the country. We must commend the Ciroma led Committee in achieving this great idea that have gone a long way in restoring unity and integrity to our party and country. From the caliber of men and women assembled to coordinate the affairs of the campaigns in the State and Local Government Areas, we will encourage Atiku Abubakar to go and sleep and not worry himself of campaigning in the region as the region is for him without any much opposition”.

Those inaugurated by Prince Tonye Princewill to administer the State Chapter of the Atiku Campaign Organisation were Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya (Chairman), Barr Osima Ginah (Secretary), Dr. Mrs. Edith Wele (Women Leader), Chief Gani Topba (Youth Leader), and Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze (Research, Strategy and Public Affairs Director).
Inaugurated also were 23 Local Government Chapters of the Campaign Oragnisation
The meeting ended with distribution of posters and electoral campaign materials.

Turaki Vanguard has blamed former President of Nigeria, General Olusegun Obasanjo’s malevolent nature and eagerness to retaliate particularly against Atiku for botching his third term agenda (life-presidency project), as well as finding a pliable tool in President Goodluck, “whose opportunistic venture in politics has taken good part of his thinking by denying the existence of zoning after duly signing and supporting the idea in 2002 enlarged caucus meeting of PDP held under the watch of General Obasanjo the contraption of the consensus candidate project would not have come to play”.

Turaki Vangard explained that, “Not minding that General Obasanjo was not a member of the founding fathers of PDP but he came out as the major beneficiary of the zoning formula of the party but true to his character he is ready to do anything to continue to diminish the powers and influence of the party that brought him into power against all odds once he is not the one benefitting. It is a pity that President Jonathan could give himself for such unhealthy exercise exposing him as lacking integrity and principle particularly considering the view that he was a signatory to the zoning formula of the party in 2002.

We can convincingly state that if not for the unprincipled stand of these two men the North would not have come out with the ingenious idea of the consensus option and for the North to have succeeded in achieving this contrary to the thinking of many enemies of democracy and unity of our country who are now jittery with the emergence of the rallying point of democrats all over Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar so if they should be any condemnation it should go to these two men who cannot honour a common agreement they have benefited so much from”.
The group in a press statement by its spokesman, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka argued that the Ciroma led Committee was not only able to present a consensus candidate but also saved PDP from disintegration and defeat envisioned by those who denied zoning principle in PDP and advised those vilifying Ciroma and his team to eulogize him for developing a concept that will keep this country intact.

Turaki Vanguard reasoned, “And for IBB, Gusau, Atiku and Saraki to have gone further to harmonize their campaign structures and dissolved them into the Atiku Campaign Organisation and with the appointment of a seasoned and respected politician like Senator Ben Obi who was one of the victims of the undemocratic acts of General Obasanjo it demonstrates that with unity this Team can actually move this nation forward. With the confusion and jittery state of President Jonathan Camp the best option for Mr. President is to abandon his unprincipled move and join the moving train to avoid being crashed during the primaries”.

They expressed optimism that Atiku will defeat President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan if PDP primary is to be held today.

 
On the emergence of Atiku Abubakar Turaki Vanguard has this to say, “we are not disturbed by the misconception in some quarters, in a futile effort to tag Atiku Abubakar as a consensus candidate of the North while we are convinced that this is a man if not for his antecedents and pedigree they would not have been any democracy in Nigeria today and whose contributions towards our democratic evolution and economic upliftement are not only legendary but very visible to a blind man. With his five point agenda of (Employment Generation and Wealth Creation; Power Generation and infrastructural Development; Security, Good Governance and War against Corruption; Education, Health and Social Services and Niger Delta), we are convinced that Nigeria will be a better place for all f us in the next four years”.

While blaming OBJ for the loss of Lagos, Osun and Ekiti States to ACN, they group alleged that the undemocratic antecedents of Obasanjo is no longer acceptable to the South West people and having such a fellow as the BOT Chairman, the fortunes of PDP will continue to dwindle if nothing is done to remove him as the BOT Chairman.

A seasoned administrator and politician, Chief Barrister Enyinnaya Onuegbu is not a greenhorn in the political enclave of Imo state having been in the game for almost a decade and half, this is sequel to his apprenticeship or what is known in local parlance as “Ibu-akpa”.

Political fortune for the first time smiled on him when he was appointed the SOLAD of Ngor-Okpala council area by the administration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim. As if he was destined to remain the local government chairman by fate, he contested for the council election on the 7th of August 2010 under the platform of PDP and emerged victorious. Today, the name of the man at helm of affairs in Ngor-Okpala council area has become a household name.

At the time he was the SOLAD, he did not leave anybody in doubt that he would deliver democracy dividend to the people of Ngor-Okpala if he becomes the council chairman. The above notion was based on his resounding achievement as the then SOLAD allegedly believed by many to have seen him through as the present elected chairman of the council which took place on 7th August, 2010.

However, there are still infrastructural difficulties being faced by the council area that needs prompt attention of the chairman. Ngor-Okpala is known for its agrarian nature. Most of its inhabitants are seasoned farmers who cultivate variety of agricultural products that range from cassava, yam, pepper, plantain, banana, orange, pineapple to cola nut etc. the council area is also well known for its God-given numerous palm trees from its fruit palm oil is derived when processed.

Many of these agricultural products are still being produced in what I may call semi-commercial level, due largely because of lack of farm inputs and mechanized system of agriculture. Before the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria, agriculture was the largest and highest sector that employs labour. But today the story is different as the sector has been eroded by the oil sector thus making Nigeria a mono-economy that depends largely on proceeds from oil.

This brings to the fore the urgent need for the provision of farm inputs to farmers at subsidized rate and introduction of mechanized system of agriculture in Ngor-Okpala. Another thing is the provision of infrastructural facilities such as good roads. Virtually all the roads that will facilitate easy conveyance of farm produce to the cities are in great disrepair and this has contributed to the woes suffered by many a farmer on such roads. The roads include Umuocham Ntu road to Umuakiri and Umuche, Umuaku, Umuogbo Ntu road to the state road which connects Umuohie Ngor to Aba Owerri road (federal road) and Nkwala Market among other roads to numerous to mention.

It is high time Barr Enyinnaya Onuegbu put adequate machinery in place with a view not only to building such roads in order to bring about easy conveyance of these farm products to the city without loss. Also the state government should also complement the efforts of the third tier government by honestly awarding and rehabilitating roads, especially state ones in order to connect the rural dwellers with their urban counterparts.

Another area the council Chairman should channel some of its federal government allocation fund is in renovating and building new facilities in our primary schools and health centers. This is because most primary schools structures in the area as well as health centers are in tremendous state of dilapidation. A visit to Umuodagu Ntu Primary School among others will convince one of the need to renovate them. Therefore, the onus is on the local government council as part of its statutory function to ensure that primary school structures which constitute death-traps should be given a facelift.

The council area boss should as a matter of urgency key into job creation so as to reduce high incidence of unemployment among the youths. This can be achieved by investing in intra-city land transportation, poultry and fish farming and the like. If this is carefully planned and executed, it will in no small measure reduce unemployment to a manageable minimum.

Brr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu would be seen to have impacted positively on the life of Ngor-Okpala people if he could achieve the above challenges.

Nwaorgu Faustinus Chilee, writes from Igboeche, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Mobile: +2348035601312. Email: fausteness@yahoo.com

The Retired Ambassador Peter Anegbeh’s Inaugural Diplomatic Coup d’état Speech: A Rejoinder

Despite the fact that the diplomatic coup d‘état staged by the retired Nigeria High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. Peter Anegbeh to oust the out-going leadership of NIDO-MY and usurp its leadership was considered foiled, Mr. Anegbeh and his cohorts, re-grouped and went ahead to conduct an unauthorized Annual General Meeting of NIDO-MY. With this, on 20 November 2010, Mr. Anegbeh used the premises of the Nigerian government to launch his faction of NIDO-MY.

This illegitimate jamboree which held on 20 November 2010 at the premises of the Nigeria High Commission, Malaysia, was chaired and coordinated by the retired High Commissioner and arrowhead of the coup d‘état, Mr. Anegbeh. On this unconstitutional occasion, a speech entitled, “Speech by the High Commissioner, Peter J.E Anegbeh to Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Malaysia(NIDO-MY) on Saturday 20^thNovember, 2010” was read by Mr. Anegbeh. This rejoinder sets out to offer factual analysis of the diplomatic coup d‘état speech in order to expose the undercurrent motives of the Anegbeh’s camp as well as tissues of lies being circulated by the retired High Commissioner to inflame, subvert, factionalize, ethicize, commercialize, hijack and hand over the leadership of NIDO-MY to the highest bidder.

There is the need to recount that in the first official secretariat release of NIDO-MY on this diplomatic coup d‘état, it was stated that the officials of the Nigeria High Commission denied any involvement in the mischievous text message that was used in conveying the illegitimate congregation chaired and coordinated by Mr. Anegbeh and members of the Commission staff.

Specifically, in a telephone conversation with Mrs. Dupe Quist Adebiyi (Minister (Head of Chancery, Economic and Trade Matters) and Ms. Francisca O. A. Marinho Minister (Economic, Education and Students’ Welfare), these officials said that the High Commission was neither aware nor issued any notice for such illicit meeting. Evidences marshaled to ascertain the attachment of Mr. Anegbeh in particular, and the High Commission as a whole was enthusiastically challenged and rubbished by these two senior staff. However, the opening paragraph of the inaugural diplomatic coup d‘état speech read by Mr. Anegbeh to an illegitimate and scanty assemblage of hand-picked people indicts and establishes Anegbeh and High Commission as a whole, as the sponsors of the ill-intentioned text message.

In the opening paragraph of this diplomatic coup d‘état speech, Mr. Anegbeh writes, “My brother and sister, it gives me great pleasure to be with you this afternoon and I want to sincerely thank you for heeding the clarion call and honoring my invitation (emphasis, writer’s own)for us to come together once again after the celebration of the 50^thAnniversary of Nigeria’s Independence…” Although this quoted extract is itself self-revealing, the bolded part, (honoring my invitation) clearly confirms NIDO-MY’s leadership claim that Mr. Anegbeh was the one who sponsored and issued the malicious text message used in conveying the illegitimate assembly. A number of those who made the scanty and unlawful gathering confided in the outgoing Secretary General of NIDO-MY, Mr. Adebiyi Jelili A., that they were personally called by Mr. Anegbeh. It was even said that they were told that the meeting has to do with directives issued by the Presidency, that is, Abuja, to effect changes in the activities, compositional line-up and administrative set up of NIDO-MY. However, written evidence of such directive from Abuja was neither produced to substantiate Mr. Anegbeh’s claim nor quoted in his four-paged diplomatic coup d‘état speech. Abuja must have been mentioned in order to grant the illegitimate gathering a measure of legality. From the foregoing analysis, it is evident that, as opposed to Mrs. Dupe Quist Adebiyi, Ms. Francisca O. A. Marinho, and the High Commission’s claim, it was Mr. Anegbeh, the retired diplomat and the Commission that issued the mischievous “clarion-calling” text message used in staging diplomatic coup d‘état against the democratically elected outgoing leadership of NIDO-MY in particular and the Organization, NIDO-MY, as a whole.

To further delude the whole public, Mr. Anegbeh went ahead in the second paragraph of his reprehensible speech to create an impression that he has the blessing of both the pioneering (2004-2008) and outgoing leadership (2008-2010) of the NIDO-MY to stage the diplomatic coup d‘état aimed at hijacking and handing over NIDO-MY’s leadership to the highest bidders. To this extent, the arrowhead of this diplomatic coup d‘état, Mr. Anegbeh writes, “let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer leadership of NIDO-MY as well as the outgoing team for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” There is no doubting the fact that this statement was dubiously structured to serve the following intents. First, to create an erroneous impression and hoodwink the gathering as well as the general public that both the pioneering and outgoing leadership were seated in the illegitimate gathering where this mischievous speech was read. Second, it was also meant to sell an impish dummy and perhaps impression that on the one hand, all is well between NIDO-MY and the High Commission. On the other, it is intended to delude the generality of people that both NIDO-MY pioneering and outgoing leadership are working hand-in-hand to achieve the intended targets of the unlawful gathering where he delivered this liable speech.

Third, this statement also serves the purpose of misleading people as to think that Mr. Anegbeh’s mission was positive and that he is not on collision course with the leadership of the Organization whose insistence on following laid-down procedures was the reason why a diplomatic coup d‘état was staged against them and the Organization as a whole. Fourth, this statement projects and positions comfortably in a “legitimate” position, Mr. Anegbeh’s “constitutional rights” to make assertive, and categorical statements on NIDO-MY. Fifth, it presents Mr. Anegbeh and the Commission as a constitutionally empowered individual and body to which NIDO-MY is accountable to. The last part of the second paragraph of this iniquitous speech which reads, “the task ahead of us (emphasis is author’s own) is great and all hands are needed on deck to fashion out a workable and acceptable constitution for NIDO-MY(emphasis is author’s own) as it is universally(emphasis is author’s own) done,” bears it all.

Again, when the word “us” in the above quoted extract of Mr. Anegbeh phrase is carefully read against the phrases “to fashion out a workable and acceptable constitution for NIDO-MY,” and “as it is done universally” the following are again obvious.

One, “us,” as used in the sentence under consideration partly presents Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission as members of NIDO-MY, a Non-Governmental Organization. Second, based on this first premise, that is Mr. Anegbeh’s and the High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY, then, both parties have the right to, on the one hand, determine what is a NIDO-MY Constitution, and fashion out not just a workable constitution but the one that is also acceptable. On the other, it shows that Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY empower them to reject what is considered not acceptable as a NIDO-MY constitution. Also, it creates the wrong impression that these claims: (1) Mr. Anegbeh’s membership of NIDO-MY (2) High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY (3) High Commissioner’s and High Commission’s constitutionally-backed rights of; determining what is a NIDO constitution; right of reviewing of NIDO constitution; right of suspending the same constitution; right of affirming the same constitution; right of writing a NIDO constitution, are practices that are constitutionally recognized and conventional legitimate practices known to and accepted by all chapters of NIDO in different parts of the world.

A careful look at the constitutions of the different chapters of NIDO in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa will show that this is a libelous claim. See the attached as a proof. There is no clause, either direct or indirect, where such unfounded claim can be grounded a legitimate basis. In all of these constitutions, it is stated unambiguously that NIDO is a Non-Governmental Organization and a non-profit making body. Accordingly it is stated that:

“The name of the Company, which is a Non-Governmental Organisation (hereinafter called “the Organisation”), is the “Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE)”- NIDO Europe Constitution

“The Organisation shall exist as a NON-PROFIT, Non-Governmental, Charitable, apolitical, and confessional independent Organisation with legal rights and obligation distinct from that of its members under Swiss Laws.”- NIDO Switzerland Constitution

“For the purpose of forming a Not-for-Profit corporation pursuant to the Laws of the District of Columbia, members of the NIDO Americas, Inc., (formerly known as NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA ORGANIZATION(NIDO AMERICAS),INC.), (hereinafter called the “Organization” or “NIDO” enact the following bylaws to govern the activities of the organization.” – NIDO American Constitution

WE, THE NIGERIANS resident in Malaysia: Having firmly and solemnly resolved: TO FORM a united, non-partisan, non-governmental and non religious Organization dedicated to the welfare of her members, promotion of the good image of Nigeria and promotion of developmental co-operation between Nigeria and Malaysia and the rest of the world- NIDOMY Constitution

The sections under the eligibility for membership of different chapters of NIDO also show that Nigerians in Diaspora who are academicians, professionals, businessmen with proven and legitimate business records are entitled to be admitted as members. Even, such membership rights as shown in the various constitutional provisos below, are not automatic because it requires fulfilling certain outlined constitutional membership requirement and registration procedures. So, an eligible member who has not gone through constitutionally outlined membership procedure is not a member of NIDO. Such member is at best potential member. There is nowhere in this regulating documents that the High Commissioners and the Nigeria High Commissions are provided for as members of this organization Evidences to support this claim can be seen in the Section 2:01 of the attached NIDO-America constitution, Section 2, page 11 of the attached NIDO-Europe constitution, Article 6 of the attached NIDO-Swiss constitution, Article 3 of the attached UAE constitution and Section 4.0 of NIDO-MY constitution.

Again, Anegbeh is noticed to have in third paragraph of his diplomatic coupd‘état speech writes that, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government is to encompass Professionals, Business people and Academicians…” Although he properly outlines the three membership category of NIDO, the misleading part of this statement is the aspect which reads, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government.” The phrase, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government” was deliberately couched by Mr. Anegeh to sell the dummy that NIDO is purely a governmental thing and for this reason, the government has right to dictate and direct the affairs of the organization, the right to interfere in the politics of the Organization, the right to hire and fire the leadership of the organization, the right to review, suspend and write the Constitution of the Organization, and etcetera.

At this juncture, it is essential to produce verbatim, an historical document/e-mail which clarifies the role of Government in the formation of NIDO as a Non-Governmental Organization and which also show that Mr. Anegbeh’s claim and that of the Nigeria High Commission in Malaysia is baseless, concocted to serve certain ulterior agenda and far from the established reality that is recognized worldwide by NIDO chapters. Below is an archived historical e-mail exchange between the retired Ambassador Joe Keshi, erstwhile NigeriaConsul General to US and the generality of Nigerian diasporic community. This e-mail was issued when it was raised, the fears that in the future, some dictatorial Government officials might be engaged in the attempt to hijack the leadership of NIDO or foist their will on this Non-Governmental diasporic body. The e-mail was issued on February 16, 2001, in Keshi’s dual capacity as Nigeria Consul General to the US and as Government’s spokesperson reads:

To: Multiple Recipients

From: Joe Keshi, Consul General
February 16, 2001

1. This is to acknowledge with thanks receipt of your e-mail to the Consulate?s (Atlanta) Press Release on The Formation Of The Nigerians In the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO-AMERICA).

As previously communicated, the Washington meeting will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2001 at the “M” office of the Embassy of Nigeria, 2201?M? Street. N. W. Washington D.C. 20037, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Registration will be from 9 a.m. For the avoidance of doubt, the one-day meeting will consider among others, the objectives of NIDO-America, its organisation, structure and how to mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora to effectively participate in the organization.

1. While we welcome the overwhelming positive responses to the formation of NIDO-America, we also do recognise the reservations, apprehensions and concerns expressed in some quarters. It is imperative to address some of the issues raised so that the noble intentions of the present administration could be better understood and appreciated. Equally, there is the need at this stage, to remove any lingering doubts as to government?s intentions and involvement in the formation of NIDO- America.


2. Most of those who have expressed some concern at government?s involvement have based their fears on the past and on their personal experiences with past military regimes in Nigeria. Their fears and personal experiences are so deep and in some cases so disturbing, that one cannot but express appreciation at the concerns expressed.

Nevertheless, while the past exists as a guide to the future, we cannot, however, remain prisoners of the past. It should be recognized that the circumstances that compelled some past military administrations to attempt to set up Nigerian organizations in America and elsewhere does not exist any more. If the Abacha administration for example, felt the need to mobilise Nigerians abroad, it was because of the need of that Administration to counteract the unfavourable image of the regime especially in a place like America.

1. The Obansanjo administration has no such pressure as America today maintains not only a cordial relationship with the administration, but has since the inception of the regime been very supportive of the democratic process in Nigeria. This has led to high level exchange of visits, culminating in the August 2000 visit of the former US President Bill Clinton to Nigeria. In addition, compared to the past where the emphasis was on generating support for the regime in Nigeria, the focus of the Obasanjo administration is on mobilizing Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their own quota to national development.

As a result, NIDO-America is partly in response to government?s recognition of the reservoir of knowledge and expertise of Nigerians in the Diaspora and the contributions they could make to national development and partly in response to the clamour of Nigerians in the Diaspora for participation in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

1. At the Presidential Dialogue in Atlanta, in response to some of the questions raised, the President was very emphatic in stating that while he could not guarantee the provision of jobs to all Nigerians in the Diaspora wishing to return home to Nigeria, he would, however, want to work with them to fashion out how best they could be involved in national development.

In encouraging Nigerians therefore to establish NIDO-America, and in facilitating the process, government is creating a platform or a vehicle through which Nigerians abroad, especially Nigeria?s best and brightest minds, could be involved one way or the other with the development of Nigeria.

1. Thus, while it might be?absurd? (to some) for government to participate in the formation of an NGO, it is imperative to reassure all and sundry that government?s involvement will be limited to facilitating the process of establishing NIDO-America and in encouraging Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in the affairs of the NGO. Once the structure, the management and mechanism for mobilizing Nigerians are agreed upon, in Washington, the future of NIDO- America will depend entirely on Nigerians in the Diaspora.


2. Consequently, those who are apprehensive of government?s intention and participation should, therefore, have the highest interest in ensuring the success of NIDO- America. The way forward is for Nigerians in the Diaspora to organise their strength into a compelling force and ensure the take-off of NIDO on a solid foundation from its inception. It would, therefore, become the responsibility of the Nigerians in the Diaspora to manage NIDO as an efficient and effective self-sustaining NGO such that it could not be manipulated even by future administrations in Nigeria.


3. On the question of finances or funding for NIDO- America, there is the need for some objectivity, considering the desire of Government to ensure a smooth take off of NIDO-America.

Government?s preparedness to provide initial funding for the set up of the organisation should not be misconstrued, rather it should be welcomed. Besides, if the truth must be told, there is no major NGO in the world, that has not received or continued to benefit in one way or the other from government support.

In addition, contrary to speculations and expectations in some quarters, the government?s intention is that NIDO-America operate purely as a self-sustaining NGO.

1. With regards to working with existing organizations, as has been suggested, it is only fair to recognize in the first instance the cumbersome nature of working with so many professional, ethnic, political, socio-cultural and other Nigerian organisations in America. Given the likely administrative problems this might create, it was considered necessary to encourage Nigerians to form a national body that would not only represent their mutual interests, but also complement the existence of other Nigerian organizations in the Diaspora.

Besides, we do know that many Nigerians do not belong to some of the existing organizations in America. NIDO-America might end up as first among equals, but its existence will in no way threaten any existing organisation in America or elsewhere in the Diaspora.

1. Finally, may we appeal to all Nigerians in the Diaspora especially to those who have expressed deep-rooted concerns about government?s involvement to keep an open mind and participate either now or in the future in NIDO-America.

It will serve no purpose to wage an unnecessary campaign against the establishment of NIDO-America, nor to engage in acts of diseminating falsehood and name-calling against those who support the ideals of NIDO-America which no doubt will eventually benefit Nigerians in the Diaspora.

On the other hand, for those who have decided to give government the benefit of the doubt and have responded favourably, we wish to reiterate that once NIDO-America is launched, the challenge and the future of NIDO will largely be on your shoulders. The challenge, thereafter, will be

1. how to build NIDO-America into a formidable self-sustaining and non- profit NGO and


2. how to mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora to achieve NIDO-America?s objectives.


1. In the meantime, we welcome useful ideas, proposals, and suggestions that will ensure the success of the Washington meeting, under the following headings:-




1. Aims and objectives


2. Organisational Structure


3. Management of NIDO-America


4. Funding


5. Mobilisation of Nigerians to participate in NIDO-America

Please forward your submissions as indicated above directly and solely to the Consulate-General of Nigeria (Atlanta) on or before February 21, 2001 via our e-mail or fax as follows:-

1. Info@nigeria-consulate-atl.org


2. Nigeria-atl@mindsrping.com


3. Fax: (770) 394-4671


1. We, therefore, cordially invite all Nigerians and representatives of Nigerian organizations with shared vision in the formation of NIDO-America to the Washington meeting.

Joe Keshi
Consul General

February 16, 2001

Evident from this mail is the fact is that NIDO affairs is purely that of its members. Retired Ambassador Keshi who spoke the mind of Nigerian government has said it all: “Once the structure, the management and mechanism for mobilizing Nigerians are agreed upon, in Washington, the future of NIDO- America will depend entirely on Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Also, since a structure of NIDO-MY is already on ground in Malaysia and which as written the I refuse-to-go Ambassador Anegbeh (rtd) is “now on track and proper footing” then, there is no reason whatsoever for any interference from the High Commissioner. It is obvious that some ulterior motives which would later be mentioned have prompted Anegbeh to stage this diplomaticcoup d‘état against the people of Nigeria in Malaysia

President Obasanjo being introduced to the interim
executives of Nigeria in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO America)

Again, former President Olusegun Obasanjo while advising Nigerians in the Diaspora to set up a body for themselves stated that in Atlanta Washington DC in 2000 that:

“What we are planning is to get you together as a body and then rather than deal you professionals individually deal with you as a body because that organisation is also doing a lot for itself. It can act as a body of consultants for who state government, local government, federal governments etc. they can put themselves together to see what they can do here too. A lot is being done. But rather than for all to start dealing with each of you one by one, it would be difficult. Through an organisation you can help yourself – self-help and any help that government wants to render would also be easier.”

In addition, Ambassador Joe Keshi, OON, in a keynote address delivered to Nigerians in the Diaspora Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Canada, Calgary Chapter, on Saturday 8 May, 2010, in Greenwood lnn NE, Calgary declared:

It is no longer news that the federal government under President Olusegun Obasanjo supported and encouraged the establishment of NIDO, to among others, serve as the platform for the Nigerian Diaspora engagement with the Nigerian State. You are all familiar with the arguments behind government‘s decision to build a mutually beneficial relationship with its nationals abroad and why, from inception the emphasis was on those with the requisite skills, and expertise as well as those who can make very meaningful contributions to the development of our beloved country. Suffice it to note that a major reason behind its establishment was the fact that a couple of countries, notably India and China had successfully tapped into the huge reservoir of knowledge, skills and expertise of their Diaspora to transform their countries.”

From the above two quoted speech extracts, the government merely encouraged and assisted in the formation of the body. The government and its officials have no right to intervene in the affairs of NIDO, a Non- Governmental Organization.

In the fourth paragraph of the crisis-igniting speech that is under scrutiny, Mr. Anegbeh was largely observed to have doctored and re-written history of NIDO-MY. It is no exaggeration that diplomatic authoritarianism was seen at its height as Mr. Anegbeh arrogated unto himself responsibilities that are outside the job specification of any officer of the Nigeria High Commission

In the opening part of this paragraph, it was stated that, “However, the NIDO-MY I met on my arrival did not fit into the expectation of our government.” Here, reference was being made to Prof. Suleyman A. Muyibi’s led-NIDO-MY (2004-2006; 2006-2008). On an explicit note, it was this leadership that pioneered the formation of the Malaysian Chapter of NIDO. It is fair that kudos be given to some veterans within the leadership rank of our predecessor, because, they fought hard to make sure that people of questionable characters that have been using the name of the Organization to perpetrate atrocities were not allowed breathing space. It took concerted efforts ofProfs. Suleyman Muyibi and Francis Achike in particular, together with other members who rallied round these individuals to dislodge jailbirds, drugpeddlers, admission racketeers, marriage scammers, human traffickers, and others, full-blown or sympathizers of fraudsters from the membership rank of this Organization.

The decisive battle won byProf. Muyibi-led NIDO-MY was when they conducted a fiercely contested election which produced as their successor, a new crop of thorough bred, focused, principled, cultured and reformist minded 2008-2010 NIDO-MY Executives. Those who lost out were mostly sympathizers of the yahoo boys who are disguising themselves as business persons. Most of them have no valid residency in Malaysia. Those among them with residence permits, got it through student visa-schools. All they want is to use NIDO-MY as a cover for their illegal activities. This reality was well known to all and sundry and witnessed by Mr. Anegbeh. Perhaps, it was this reality that prompted Mr. Anegbeh to have said in the second paragraph of his self-contradictory speech that, “let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer leadership of NIDO-MY… for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” A sane mind would ask why did the same Anegbeh declared in the fourth paragraph that, “However, the NIDO-MY I met on my arrival did not fit into the expectation of our government”.

For the record, Mr. Anegbeh frustrated attempts to conduct the election that produced the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives on two occasions. On the first occasion, Mr. Anegbeh who volunteered to get the premises of the High Commission ready for the election that scheduled for 29 November, 2008, deliberately failed to honour his promise. This information was not communicated to NIDO members who upon arriving the venue were told to go back home. This left Prof. Muyibi so dejected that he sent out a mail to NIDO members, the extract of which reads:

May this mail meet you in good mood as we all see the anger and frustration brought about by our inability to hold the Annual General Meeting(AGM) today 29^th November 2008 as planned. This postponement has come because we did not put Plan B in place and relied 100% probably justified on the Nigerian High Commission’s promise to host the meeting including provision of all required facilities such as canopy, chairs, refreshments etc.

This information was confirmed on Wednesday 26^th November 2008 through the Secretary-General, so all prior arrangements made by the AGM Planning Committee Chaired by the NIDO-MY Secretary General was put aside. It was therefore very shocking, embarrassing and humiliating to me personally as the President and in particular all the present executive committee members who were at the venue of the meeting with many members just hanging around without any place to sit. One would have at least expected the Nigerian High Commission to inform me or any of the executive committee members about their inability to fulfill their promise some days before the event in order for us to have made alternative arrangements on our own to hold this august meeting.

On behalf of the Executive Committee I hereby apologise to all NIDO-MY members who sacrificed other important matters they had to attend to come for the NIDO-MY AGM.

We really appreciate the patience, maturity, cool – headedness and professionalism displayed by all members during the trying moments this morning at the Nigerian High Commission. We will try our best not to allow such an occurrence in the future. As a follow up to this therefore the AGM will be held very soon and the date and location will be conveyed to all members once

As later learnt, the postponement was partly because auditors were around on that same day, so it was considered suicidal by Anegbeh to have people around for whatever reason.

In the same fourth paragraph of the speech under review, Mr. Anegbeh used the word “erstwhile NIDO-MY” to refer to a legally elected and standing NIDO-MY 2008-2010 Executives. Since NIDO-MY is yet to conduct the terminal AGM where the outgoing Executives will be dissolved by the General Assembly, then, by declaring such a validly existing administration as erstwhile, Mr. Anegbeh has committed a serious criminal offence. This amounts to staging a coup d‘état against the legitimate government of a Non-Governmental Organization by a retired government official. In addition, since Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission do not have any constitutionally vested power to hire and fire NIDO-MY Executives, then, such diplomatic tyrannism has exposed the unbridled lust of this retired diplomat to hijack and hand over NIDO-MY to those with whom he shares vested ulterior interests.

While still treacherously basking in his self-affirming membership of NIDO-MY and his unbridled appetite for glorifying fictitious claims, Mr. Anegbeh went ahead to state that, “…that Executive was mandated by the house after their election that was conducted at the Residence, to fashion out a new constitution in line with NIDO concept.” The phrase, “that Executive was mandated by the house after their election” clearly confirms the argument that Mr. Anegbeh has deceptively confirmed on himself, the membership of NIDO-MY house (Assembly) and succeeded to con the innocent ones who were lured into his illicit gathering under the guise that it was a Presidential calling.

Mr. Anegbeh made other disingenuous statements that NIDO-MY Assembly had taken place in his residence, when in reality; such a conjured claim must have taken place in his imagination or dream. To hoodwink people that such fantastical claim actually took place in time, Anegbeh submitted, “You will realize that in several meetings held at the Residence, the executive examined various constitutions of NIDO from Europe, America and Canada, as guide.” The usage of the word “You” in this sense conveys the meaning that those he was addressing broadly comprise outgoing NIDO-MY Executives, and registered member of the NIDO-MY, who have gathered, listening to Mr. Anegbeh’s speech in a rightful NIDO-MY Assembly. This was never the case. In fact this shows how desperate the man is, in his reckless adventure to deceive the entire public by fabricating lies. Again, NIDO-MY’s Secretariat records show that there was no time the outgoing Executive of the Organization held any meeting in Mr. Anegbeh’s residence whereby NIDO-MY constitution was examined alongside those of other chapters from Europe, America and Canada as a guide.

What is actually surprising is that Mr. Anegbeh misinformed the likes of Chief JamesEmarievbe, Madam Francisca O. A. Marinho and those who were in his illegal jamboree that NIDO-MY does not have a constitution. However, to expose his lies to new members of staff in the Commission, copies of NIDO-MY Constitution were on 15, November, 2010 given to them and their dejected facial expressions show how disappointed they were with their lying boss. One would have expected Mr. Anegbeh to look for other means of furthering his ulterior agenda by desisting from misinforming people that NIDO-MY does not have a constitution. Yet, he pathologically proceeded to authoritatively assert in his 20 November, 2010, inaugural diplomatic coup d’état speech that, “To my dismay, that Executive did not live to expectation as they failed to come up with any constitution till the expiration of their term.” For the record, again, contrary to Mr. Anegbeh’s flawed claim, the democratically elected 2008-2010 NIDO-MY Executive body that he was referring to is yet to be dissolved by any known NIDO-MY legitimate Assembly.

One is little wondered how the intensity of the lies in the said speech was increasing with every new paragraph because in the words of Aristotle,The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousand fold. Why would the number one representative of the Nigerian government in Malaysia descend this low? Tad Williams offers a better clue when he said, “We tell lies when we are afraid… afraid of what we don’t know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.”

Again, it is observed that in the fourth paragraph, Mr. Anegbeh continued with his roguish propaganda by referring to the seating President of NIDO-MY as erstwhile. By also alleging that the outgoing NIDO-MY President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. AbdulKarim S. Mohammed only attended only twice, meetings on the 50^th Independence anniversary, Mr. Anegbeh, is again, in his usual way, blackmailing this soft-spoken and principled personality. The outgoing Secretary General of NIDO-MY was in a meeting where Assoc. Prof. Dr. AbdulKarim S. Mohammed corrected this false impression when it was reported by Mr. Muhammad Ghali Ahmad, a staff of the High Commission, that Mr. Anegbeh was peddling this misinformation. On this same occasion, Dr. AbdulKarim told Mr. Anegbeh that there was no time he failed to honour his commitments to assignments of this nature, except while away on a self-sponsored trip to Nigeria for the Diaspora Day or when he was not sent an official notice for meetings of this kind. Mr. Anegbeh downplayed the issue and pretended as if it was a mere rumour. To have recycled same fictitious claim in his subversive speech of 20 November, 2010 shows that for a long while, the instrument of blackmail has been gradually put to use by Mr. Anegbeh to castigate, crucify and indict the amiable person of Dr. AbdulKarim as a passive leader. To further paint a bad impression of the person of AbdulKarim, Mr. Anegbeh vindictively added that Dr. AbdulKarim abandoned his duties as the Chairperson of the 50^th Independence Anniversary Sub-Committee. In his words, Mr. Anegbeh writes,

“he accepted to chair the Cultural and Event Committee and promised to coordinate and involve students and lecturers for events on the celebration. However, while waiting for him to attend another meeting which he failed to attend but rather sent an email to the mission informing that NIDO-MY was organization lecture on the 25 September, 2010 and that five governors, including the Lagos State Governor, the CBN Governor and others had been invited. He then solicited Mission’s assistance in providing entertainment and airport reception… Disappointedly, nothing was heard from him about the lecture of NIDO-MY neither did he and the Executive attend the Business Forum held at Niko Hotel with five speakers from Nigeria.”

In response to the above, first, NIDO-MY’s participation in the High Commission’s commemoration of the 50^th Independence anniversary was based on unsolicited request from the latter. In fact, the unprecedented ground breaking success recorded by the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives during the diasporic National Dialogue Conference which they laudably organized on 26 September, 2009 was the reason why the High Commission sought NIDO-MY’s helping hands in the organization of the 50^th Independence anniversary events. Based on this track record, the outgoing NIDO-MY President was appointed to chair the Cultural Dance Sub-Committee and not the Cultural and Event Committee as wrongfully claimed Mr. Anegbeh.

However, during one meeting which held without any notification issued the outgoing NIDO-MY President, Mr. Muhammad Ghali A. reported that Mr. Anegbeh has merged the Cultural Committee and Event Sub-Committees into one Committee. The headship of the new Committee, named Sub-Event Committee was then allocated to the man who had promised to mobilize self-sponsored cultural performers to Malaysia.Based on this development, it was realized that NIDO-MY’s role in the 50^th Independence Anniversary being planned by the High Commission has been taken over by the Sub-Committee on Event, hence, the need to focus on other matters. So, why the crocodile tears and campaign of calumny for an unsolicited appointment that was later awarded to someone else’s? Mr. Anegbeh is challenged to provide details on the whereabouts of the self-sponsored cultural dancers because some of us have before now, expressed fear they might not return back to Nigeria, hence, increasing the number of the league of trafficked Nigerians who are in Malaysia.

Regarding the e-mail that Mr. Anegbeh was referring to, it was not the outgoing NIDO-MY President who sent that particular mail. It was Mr. Adebiyi Jelili A, the outgoing Sec. General of NIDO-MY who sent the mail toMs. Francisca O. A. Marinho, Minister (Economic, Education and Students’ Welfare). The content of the mail which was sent on the 21 August 2010 shows that neither was it stated that NIDO-MY was inviting 5 Governors nor Mr. Sanusi Lamido, the CGN Governor. The mail reads thus:

Sat, August 21, 2010 1:32:52 PM

CULTURAL DAY MATTERS

Hello Madam,

I have been instructed by Dr. Abdulkarim Mohammed, NIDOMY President, to forward the cost implication and probably, a breakdown of how the “Cultural Day” is anticipated to proceed.

We have deliberated extensively on this, bearing in mind the constrain that may be involved in mobilizing people for such programme. As a well thought way out, it was well considered that the programme be held on the day when NIDOMY’s annualNational Day Programme is scheduled to take place. This memorable event of ours which is scheduled for the 25^th September, 2010, will be hosting dignitaries which include, Mr. Babatude Fashola,Lagos State Governor, MallamNuhu Ribadu, Former EFCC Chairman, Mr. Fola Adeola, Member, Presidential Advisory Committee, and Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice-Chancellor,University of Lagos. We have received favourable response from these guests.

Consequent upon the foresaid, it seems prudent that the “Cultural Day” be held on the night of 25^th September as it may be difficult mobilizing almost same crowd for another programme on a different day. Hence, the suggestion that this be called, “Cultural Night.” We are expecting explosive attendance as our invited guests are people’s wish and as things are, they can’t wait to see them arriveMalaysia.

As regards the cost, I will only suggest that provision be made for mobilization, entertainment of guests (refreshment) , publicity (banners and posters), miscellaneous, and honorarium for the MCs and event officers. The aspect of those performing the “Cultural Dance” is not looked into as it is my understanding that there subsists an arrangement in this regard.

As soon as I am done with my findings on each of the fore-listed items, the monetary implication will be forwarded to you.

Do accept my highest regards.

Mr. Adebiyi J.A. Abudugana

NIDOMY SEC. GEN.

+60133325065

For the records, NIDOMY did not send any bill as promised in the letter, although this was to enable the High Commission plan its budget and not offer a cash gift to NIDO-MY.

However, there is the need to mention that there exists another letter which the NIDO-MY President sent directly to the High Commissioner on 1 September, 2010. As the Secretary General of NIDO-MY, I was preview to the letter whose copy is also provided below. The letter as it can be seen was mainly on the request for the usual diplomatic treatment that VIP Guests are often treated to.

Date: 1^st September 2010

His Excellency

The High Commissioner

Nigeria High Commission

No.85 Janan Ampang hilir

Kuala Lumpur

Dear Sir,

Solicitation for Support during the Pre-NationalIndependence Day Celebration Speech

Reference to an earlier email sent to the High Commission, which contains our plan for speeches to be delivered by some invited speakers, I wish to write to solicit for support from the Commission to help NIDO-MY accomplish the program successfully. Apart from the celebration scheduled for the 1^st October, that is being organized by the High commission, NIDO-MY has invited some dignitaries fromNigeria to come to Kuala Lumpur to give speeches on the 25^th September 2010. The confirmation for the attendance of the invited speakers is expected anytime from now and we will communicate this to the High commission as soon as they are received.

We will need some assistance from the High Commission in the areas of Protocol:

- Under this we are soliciting the able High Commission’s help in helping out to have the Guest Speakers received on arrival, and send back to the airport for departure to Nigeria at the completion of the program.

- To provide for local transportation for the invited speakers, which is to serve the purpose of conveying them from their Hotels to the venue of the lectures, which is tentatively scheduled forUniversiti of Malaya Kuala Lumpur.

- Provide an appropriate Hotel accommodation for the invited Speakers for the two days they will be inMalaysia.

The speaker’s travel itinerary and any other details will be sent to the High Commission as we get them.

We will be very grateful if the High commission can assist as best as they could.

Thank You

Sincerely Yours

Abdulkarim Sabo Mohammed

NIDO-MY President

On the programme which held in Niko Hotel, while NIDO-MY isunder no obligationto attend all programmes organized by the High Commission, it has been the principle of the outgoing NIDO-MY Executive that only programme that official invitation is issued, is that which its official shall attend. We challenge Mr. Anegbeh to provide such evidence, specifying when, how and who delivered the official invitation that he claimed was issued to NIDO-MY Executives.

After leveling concocted, malicious allegations against the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives, Mr. Anegbeh felt he has garnered sufficient reason to pass vote of no confidence on this leadership of a Non-Governmental Organization over which he doesn’t have any right whatsoever. However, overwhelmed by absolute authoritarianistic syndrome that was driving him deep into committing grave unconstitutional errors and by extension, overstretching his duty limits, Mr. Anegbeh declared in the sixth paragraph that, “At this juncture, you will agree with me that there is a compelling need for change and put the structure of NIDO-MY on a sound footing.” Is this not the same Mr. Anegbeh, who, un-solicitedly declared in the 2^nd paragraph of his diplomatic coupd’état speech that “let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer … the outgoing team for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” This diabolic trait at play is typical of a sociopath who according to a web source is:

typically defined as someone who lies incessantly to get their way and does so with little concern for others. A sociopath is often goal-oriented (i.e., lying is focused – it is done to get one’s way). Sociopaths have little regard or respect for the rights and feelings of others. Sociopaths are often charming and charismatic, but they use their talented social skills in manipulative and self-centered ways.

(see,ww.truthaboutdeception.com/lying-and…a…/types-of-liars.html)

Thereafter, the reasons why lies were woven together, un-constitutionalism officialized and authoritarianism diplomatized, was made manifest when Mr. Anegbeh announced that, “consequently, a Care Taker Committee (CTC) is hereby constituted to pilot the affairs of NIDO-MY for three months pending when the election would be conducted.” With this absolutist, anarchist and unconstitutional declaration, Mr. Anegbeh has used the premises and the name of the Nigerian Government to stage a diplomatic coupd’état, which will be fought with all logical and legal means available. This unprecedented diplomatic transgression would, as a result of actions that are being taken, be made the first and the last in the annals of Nigerian Foreign Affairs Commission.

The illegitimate CTC setup by Mr. Anegbeh if critically examined is made up of people of mixed sort. Some are known to have one or two criminal records in Malaysia as it is Mr. Williams Ididi Italumeh who was involved in a credit scam/money swindling fraud while transacting business of admission racketeering. Following the electoral defeat suffered by Mr. Ididi as a treasurer candidate during the 2008 NIDO-MY elections, he wrote to challenge the outcome of his election. Mr. Anegbeh made spirited effort to make sure that justice was subverted in order to declare Mr. Ididi as the winner of the treasurership election. The 2008 NIDO-MY Electoral Committee Chairperson, Dr. YusufIbrahim Arowosaye, a practicing lawyer and University lecturer warned Mr. Anegbeh of the implications of his untoward bid to influence Mr. Ididi’s petition and even caution him that he, Mr. Anegbeh, does not have the right of interference in NIDO-MY affairs. The petition was after detailed investigation, dismissed for lack of merit and locus. Again, Mr. Ididi is observed to be frequent at the Nigeria High Commission premises than at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), where he is student. He was one of the sources used in sending the fractionalizing text message used in summoning the illegal c assembly where he was unilaterally and unconstitutionally declared a member of the Anegbeh’s faction of NIDO-MY by the latter.

Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Okechukwu is another questionable character on the list of the illegitimate CTC that was set up by Anegbeh. Although a lecturer at the University Sedaya College Malaysia, he has known records as a dubious admission racketeerer. One of the victims of Mr. Okechukwu was a student who was deceived that he has been successfully offered graduate admission into Multi Media University (MMU) Malaysia. The innocent chap who had completed his undergraduate programme in one of the Nigerian universities was later made to know by this lecturer turned admission agent that he could only be enrolled into an undergraduate programme at MMU’s Malaka campus. It took the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians to bail the victim out of this messy travail by getting him admission offer into UPM as a graduate student and this was done without any charges. The man who has since completed his master’s programme and now on his doctorate’ programme revealed that many people are victims of Mr. Nwabueze’s racketeering work. All of this is known to Mr. Anegbeh. Birds of a feather, it is said, flock together.

Another name on the list of Mr. Anegbeh with dubious record is Mr. Popoola Mufutau, who years back in Malaysia made the newspaper headlines for fake currency. Mr. Mufutau was on a number of occasions, prior to the 50^th Independence Anniversary scolded by Mr. Anegbeh as peddler of dubious business. It was during the fundraiser for the 50^th Independence Anniversary that Mr. Anegbeh announced Mr. Mufutau as a changed person.

The likes of Ms Aisha Lawal Kolo, a student atLimkokwing University, Malaysia and Mrs. Adebola Babatunde (student at Universiti Utara Malaysia), when contacted by the NIDO-MY Secretariat, confessed that prior to the said meeting, they were never aware of anything called NIDO-MY. Both of them said that they were contacted directly and indirectly by Mr. Anegbeh. They revealed there is a National assignment that requires their attention. They were misinformed that leadership vacuum exists in NIDO-MY and that this well structured body, neither has a constitution, nor, is it properly focused. These two women narrated how surprised they were to see their names on the iniquitous CTC list. We have no reason to doubt the innocence of these two women as victims of misinformation. They have pledged to dissociate themselves from such unlawful activities. Below are copies of the letters to Ms Aisha Lawal Kolo and Mrs. Adebola Babatunde written to the innocent duo.

Fw: Anegbehgate: The Aborted Diplomatic Coup D’etat and Scam Aimed at Hijacking the Leadership of NIDO-MALAYSIA

…

Dear Ms Aisha Lawal Kolo,

Thanks for hosting us yesterday. Your innocence about the illegitimate gathering which, against your wish, you were lured to attend was evident during our lively interaction.

It was pleasing to note that it was with shock that you heard your name being mentioned as a member of the illegitimate Care Taker Committee (CPC) that was unlawfully set up by Mr. Anegbeh.

You are assured of being exonerated of any complicity that may arise from the Diplomatic Coup D’état that was stagged by Mr. Anegbeh to destabilize the affairs of NIDOMY, a Non-Governmental Organization.

It is our hope that as promised, you will not be involved in any way in the activities of this infamous CPC.

Since you are yet to be a registered member of NIDOMY, as some who is within the brace of qualified potential member, please, if you so wish to be our registered member, visit our website, www.nidomy.org to download, fill and submit the membership application form to our Secretariat.

As a piece of advice, please make sure that in the near future, adequate findings about any gathering you are invited to is made, because, ignorance, it is said, is no excuse in law.

While assuring you of our esteemed regards as a constitutionally existing Non-Governmental Organization, it is our pleasure to send, the article and Secretariat report below as a way of further exposing the despicable motives behind the inflammatory meeting which you attended against your will on 20 November, 2010 at the Nigeria High Commission.

Thanks and my regards.

Adebiyi Jelili A. Abudugana

Secretary General, NIDOMY

Anegbehgate: The Aborted Diplomatic Coup D’etat and Scam Aimed at Hijacking the Leadership of NIDO-MALAYSIA

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Dear Mrs Adebola Babatunde,

Thanks for our heart-to-heart phone conversations of 20, 21 and 23 November, 2010. Your innocence about the illegitimate gathering which, you were deceived to attend, based on the dummy that it was a call for National assignment, was evident during our lively interactions. As the Secretariat General of NIDOMY, I hope to take your words that you are a law abiding citizen and responsible mother who will never be involved in anything untoward.

It was pleasing to note that it was with shock that you heard your name being mentioned as a member of the illegitimate Care Taker Committee (CPC) that was unlawfully set up by Mr. Anegbeh. It was even more surprising that your were hoodwinked by Mr. Anegbeh, to believe, amongst other erroneous things, that NIDOMY does not have a legitimate and democratically elected leadership.

You are assured of being exonerated of any complicity that may arise from the Diplomatic Coup D’état that was stagged by Mr. Anegbeh to destabilize the affairs of NIDOMY, a Non-Governmental Organization.

It is our hope that as promised, you will not be involved in any way in the activities of this infamous CPC.

Since you are yet to be a registered member of NIDOMY, as some who is within the brace of qualified potential member, please, if you so wish to be our registered member, visit our website, www.nidomy.org to download, fill and submit the membership application form to our Secretariat. Upon the confirmation of your membership, you will be provided with our Constitution, which Mr. Anegbeh mischievously claimed as non-existent.

As a piece of advice, please make sure that in the near future, adequate findings is made about any gathering you are invited to attend, because, ignorance, it is said, is no excuse in law.

While assuring you of our esteemed regards as a constitutionally existing Non-Governmental Organization, it is our pleasure to send, the article and Secretariat report below as a way of further exposing the despicable motives behind the inflammatory meeting which you attended against your will on 20 November, 2010 at the Nigeria High Commission.

Thanks and my regards.

Adebiyi Jelili A. Abudugana

Secretary General, NIDOMY

Dr. Moukhtar Mohammed Mai whose name was, without any prior notification, also included on the blacklisted CTC list has also written to the arrowhead of the coup. Please see the doc below.

Let it be on record that the outgoing NIDOMY Executives will not succumb to attempt by Mr. Anegbeh and his buddies, to hijack our beloved Organization nor make it infected with drug peddlers, admission racketeers, marriage scammers, human traffickers, and full-blown or sympathizers of fraudsters. It was because of these sorts of characters that Mr. Anegbeh is trying to smuggle into NIDO-MY that our Organization was for a long time denied registration by the Malaysian government. Same set of damnable characters were the ones, who once NIDO-MY once lose its moral right to attract members of impeccable status. We say no to plunge Mr. Anegbeh’s reckless adventure to take NIDO-MY into the dark era.

We have fought tooth and nail to place NIDO-MY on the right track. With zero tolerance for crime and questionable activities, the incumbent President, Dr. AbdulKarim initiated and institutionalized series of internal mechanisms that ensured that no member of his administration is incidentally or directly linked with anything untoward. Different approaches were also used to institutionalize and support various groups that are committed to the same objective. All these bear on our regime’s effort to register NIDO-MY, which practically, could be said to have sailed through. This is another rare feat in the history of the Organization. It took disciplined leadership and commitment to our re-branding initiative to achieve this. Therefore, we will fight with all means logical, and legitimate to resist, stampede and put a halt to Mr. Anegbeh’s plot to hijack NIDO-MY and take our Association into the dark era.

We are proud to flout our achievements as leaders who have done their best to serve with vision and astute commitment to our electoral pledges. It has been our philosophy that the NIDO-MY will never again relate or admit questionable characters as members. Guided by this value, the Dr. AbdulKarim-led NIDO-MY leadership desisted from soliciting any form of open-for-all financial assistance as this was one way through which questionable characters could have penetrated our ranks. If Mr. Anegbeh has made use of this philosophy during the 50^thIndependence anniversary fundraiser, probably, he would not have landed himself in the messy situation he is now. As an alternative, we, the outgoing leadership of NIDO- read more »