Stupidity is: instead of addressing the national emergency of medical doctors going on strike nationwide, the President, Vice President, President-Elect, Governors, opposing presidential candidates Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi among the legions of other Nigerians were celebrating and salivating over the ego trip of a young female celebrity chef breaking the Guinness Records for cooking for 100 hours and then gloating over her sexuality; when Americans were celebrating the unprecedented historic academic achievement of LMU valedictorian, Obioma Somtochi Ugorji, the young Nigerian student who emerged as the 2023 best-graduating student of Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, California, USA. It is good Peter Obi has congratulated him.
Every achievement deserves celebration, but it is stupid to be dancing when your house is on fire. Will a mother abandon her child having seizure in ER to go and cook for a birthday party?
There is an epidemic of stupidity in Nigeria from the street to the Office of the President. After "In the House of Dogs", the title of one of my new books should be "In the House of Stupidity".
There is widespread of cases I call Illogical, Irrational and Unreasonable Mentality (IIUM) among the majority of Nigerians, because as you can see from the abnormalities of the last general elections and banalities of the people, they have issues with being logical, rational and reasonable in their behaviours. Common sense is not common in Nigeria.
Majority of the artistes who were jumping on the bandwagon of the "Obidients" political movement of Peter Obi before the presidential election on February 23, were in Abuja on Thursday May 25 celebrating and performing at the Renewed Hope live concert for the President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu after collecting millions of naira.
February 25, 2023 Elections: The Beginning of a New Nigeria
Only Patriotic Nigerians Are Celebrating the Victory of Democracy
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the national ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) won the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria that was held on Saturday, February 25. He defeated Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party, People's Democratic Party (PDP) and presidential candidates of other political parties.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 presented the certificate of return to the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
*AN ELECTION...*
An election that has turned Lagos from APC to another party other than PDP;
An election in which El-rufai could not deliver Kaduna;
An election in which Ganduje could not deliver Kano;
An election where Labour Party won in Nassarawa;
An election where atleast 7 popular incubent governors lost their bid for the Senate despite spending massively, to "nobodys" who barely spent anything;
An election where an Okada man and a driver have been reported to have won a seat in the Federal House of Representatives;
An election where the son of a nobody has finally been able to become somebody without the help of anybody;
Yet, you want to rubbish that election?
Because we didn't reverse it all completely?
How do we not see that THE CITIZENS have won already?!
How can we not see that the will of a people has prevailed over established political "structures"!
How can we not see that this is a MASSIVE win for democracy, and then plan to build on this even if the overall result doesn't fall as desired?
How can we not see that this is indeed the first election that the voice of the people has really mattered and has officially killed the age long narrative that *votes don't count*?
Shouldn't we start to celebrate this massive win for Nigeria;
Knowing it's the beginning of massive things to come?
Knowing that something has shifted and true change beckons?
Will blood on the streets be the only indication of change? And what guarantees does that offer?
Do we not see, that what happens from here is the most important thing?
Do we not see that how we build from here, is what matters most?
Do we not yet understand that anger is NOT a strategy and doesn't exactly produce the right result, but it is only an emotion
which, if channelled postively, should birth the right strategies?
Do we not yet see that we have achieved for the first time what has been impossible since the rebirth of our democracy in 1999?!
Are we so blinded by unguided passion that we will rather throw out the baby with the bathwater?
And cannot see that a massive thing just occured?
How many of you calling for blood on the street, is truly ready and willing to shed his/her blood?
Have we not checked history?
Have we not seen that those that died for change still did not fast forward the process of change?
For change still happened completely, ONLY in the process of time.
Can we therefore not see the massive step we have already taken?
And for those shouting, "The violent shall take it by force";
Did you not read your reference completely to understand that violence is the language of KINGDOMS and not DEMOCRACIES?
What exactly do we want?
Outside of the bandwagon mentality and somewhat unguided passion, have we truly defined what we want?
Every election Nigeria has had from 1999, with the exception of NONE, has been marred with protests, disenfranchisement of voters, and violence of massive proportions!
This election is not different, neither is it unique in that regard!
Some of the "tipexing" and "record changing" we have seen, which gives us the illusion that something monumentally wrong happened this time around, has actually been happening in much worse dimensions since 1999.
The only difference which we can't seem to appreciate is that for the first time, we have now been given a system in BVAS, that will shine light on whatever happens in the backend, and therefore, for the first time in our democratic history, the average citizen has been given eyes behind the scenes!
What a WIN!!!
All of this, therefore, makes this
election, the "closest" to CREDIBLE, or if you like, the closest to REALITY that we have ever had!
The pointers are littered all over the results we see!
We must really learn to separate things and not muddle them up with emotions.
We must be sincere enough with ourselves, to know when we have stopped fighting for our country and are just now performing for our individual egos and straddling the lines of arrogance.
If there be any grievances as would legitimately be expected, should we not then go through the established legal framework to address same?
NIGERIA HAS WON!
This election shows that much!
This victory, however, is a continium;
And in our lifetime, we will enjoy the fullness of it!
The youngest voter in the history of democracy discovered in Nigeria during the 2023 presidential election on February 25. The Guinness Book of Records will like to celebrate him and interview him on CNN.
Citizens’ Participation in Good Governance in Nigeria
The Catholic Church continues to insist that government has a constitutional and statutory duty of protecting human rights and securing basic justice for all
ABUJA, Nigeria, February 16, 2023/ -- A Communiqué issued at the end of the First Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, 11 to 17 February 2023.
1. PREAMBLE
We, the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria, held our First Plenary Meeting for the year at the CSN Resource Centre, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Durumi, Abuja, from 11 to 17 of February 2023. Having prayerfully reflected on issues affecting the Church and the Nigerian State, we now issue this Communiqué:
2. INDICES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
The Catholic Church continues to insist that government has a constitutional and statutory duty of protecting human rights and securing basic justice for all. Society, as a whole, is responsible for building up the common good, and the role of government is to guarantee the minimum conditions that make human rights and justice possible. If the primary purpose of party campaigns is to win elections, then the justifiable end is good governance.
Chapter IV of our Constitution on Fundamental Rights is very clear on what constitutes an aspect of good governance, namely, protection of the rights to life, human dignity, liberty, fair hearing, and so on. Despite the many failures of our leaders to ensure good governance, we still nurture and sustain the hope of a democracy that will usher in a renewed era of social justice, equity, peace, and prosperity. These fundamental rights are further enhanced in the rights that are enshrined in Chapter II of our Constitution, such as the rights to health, education, basic amenities, et cetera. Unfortunately, these rights are not justiciable and cannot be enforced in the law courts, thereby leaving the enjoyment of these rights to the whims and caprices of the people in power. As shepherds, we call for a legislative review of Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution, in such a way as to make the provisions justiciable and enforceable. This will go a long way to nurture and sustain good governance.
3. SOME CHALLENGES FACING OUR COUNTRY
i) Worsening Insecurity in our Nation
Increased insecurity has continued to haunt our nation. The Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen militia, bandits, and the so-called unknown gunmen have continued to unleash terror in different parts of the country. Some communities have been sacked and their inhabitants displaced as a result of the activities of some criminals and some government security agents. Hundreds of lives have been lost in very brutal circumstances and many more have been maimed. Some of our Church personnel have been victims of abduction and killing. Kidnapping for ransom is on the increase such that nowhere seems safe. Highways, homes, and even the sacred precincts of worshipping centres are not spared. We condole with all the bereaved and pray for the eternal repose of the deceased. While we continue to call on governments to stand up to their primary responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, we enjoin all to strengthen security measures in their homes and institutions. We call on all citizens to be law-abiding, and vigilant, and to shun all forms of violence and criminality.
ii) The Challenging Economy in our Nationand its Effects on the Citizens
Our crumbling national economy has continued to make life difficult and hard for our people. As the value of the Naira continues to decline, the high cost of goods and services, including food items, continues to soar. Still more, the flawed implementation of the cash swap policy, which resulted in a cash crunch, has added to the ordeal, hunger, anger, and frustration of the people. Again, on account of the persisting fuel scarcity, our people spend many hours in long queues under harsh conditions trying to buy fuel at exorbitant prices. As a result of high unemployment and hard-biting economic conditions, many of our brothers and sisters wallow in abject poverty, and many either flee the nation in search of better living conditions or resort to crime and begging to survive. This situation is further compounded by the growing debt burden that is mortgaging our future and that of upcoming generations. We, therefore, urge Federal Government and its relevant agencies to immediately increase the circulation of new Naira notes and make and implement adequate monetary and other relevant policies that will reduce the suffering and hardship experienced by our people. We admonish those who collaborate in hoarding the new currency and petroleum products to desist from such a dastardly act. We laud the citizens for their bravery in the face of the hard situation while we thank the President for approving the extended use of the old N200 notes. Furthermore, governments need to provides enabling environment for the creation of more jobs by both the government and the private sector.
4. CITIZENS’ PARTICIPATION AND GOOD CHOICES
Participation is at the core of the realization of the common good, which good governance serves. Indeed, citizens’ participation is a key element of a good governance structure. We, the Bishops, have continued to voice out the need for Nigerians to be more involved and be part of the decisions over what happens in our society. As enshrined in various sections of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, the right to political participation is a human right. The Church teaches that responsible citizenship is a virtue and participation in the political process is a moral obligation (CCC, nos. 1913-1915).
One of the potent instruments of participation in the political life of a country is the choice of its leaders. In the face of the daunting challenges facing our nation, we should not give in to hopelessness and despair, or compromise our values in such a manner as to come up with leaders who are neither intended by God nor truly elected by the people. We, as citizens, must learn to make the right choices for good governance to thrive and be sustained. We, therefore, urge one and all to be more conscious of the kind of choices that they make in their life, especially, as we approach another critical period in our political history.
5. THE GENERAL ELECTIONS 2023
The 2023 General Elections are around the corner. As we wrote in our recent Pastoral Letter on the 2023 Elections in Nigeria, “these upcoming elections provide us with yet another opportunity in our national history to choose leaders capable of governing for the common good” (p.1). This is now the time to reject evil, greater or lesser, and wisely choose good and capable candidates at all levels. Our votes are precious; we must use them well. We encourage all eligible citizens to come out en masse to vote for God-fearing, honest, vibrant, and transparent leaders for a better Nigeria.
We urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its officials to ensure that their conducts in the entire electoral process are transparent, honest, and beyond reproach. We continue to enjoin the Commission to make sure that the newly adopted technologies for accreditation, transmission, and collation, are transparently and sincerely deployed and not manipulated to give false results. We equally call on the law enforcement agents, whose primary duty is to enforce law and order and ensure the protection of persons and materials during the elections, to efficiently and professionally carry out their responsibilities without fear, favour, or partiality. In the same manner, we advise our youths not to allow themselves to be used as thugs and agents of disruption and violence before, during, and after the elections. We, at the same time, enjoin voters to ensure that proper counting is done before the transmission of the results.
One ugly and unfortunate phenomenon that has characterized the electoral contests in our nation is that of vote buying and selling, aimed at frustrating and compromising the free choice of the people. We vehemently continue to condemn this practice and urge all politicians and the electorate to avoid this unlawful and sinful practice and embrace the values of human dignity, integrity, and decency in order to have free, fair, and credible elections. We acknowledge the important role of both national and international observers in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and the promotion of its greater openness and transparency. We call on all those engaged in this task to eschew every trace of bias and partisanship in discharging their duties.
The Judiciary is an important institution in the settlement of electoral disputes in our nation. The significance of this role has continued to rise to the point that it seems no election is complete and determined without the pronouncement of the courts. Unfortunately, this role sometimes results in the abuse of judicial power and office wherein unconscionable orders are made, which mock the electoral process and the general will of the electorate. No doubt, this not only compromises the essence of democratic competition but also leads to loss of confidence in the Judiciary. We, therefore, encourage all judges and lawyers to, once again see themselves as ministers in the temple of truth and justice, and work to make the Judiciary the ‘last hope of the common man’.
6. THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN GOOD GOVERNANCE
The media have a crucial role to play in entrenching good and democratic governance, by providing the necessary information that empowers the citizens not only to engage the political class in debates on the issues that affect their lives, but also, to exercise their democratic choices and make informed decisions about public issues (Inter Mirifica, nn.3-5; Communio et Progressio, n. 87). The Media also function as watchdog by engaging in investigative journalism, which holds political officials and the citizens accountable in the use of public patrimony (Aetatis Novae, n. 14, par. 2). We call on the Media practitioners and owners, not only to seek but to speak the truth with a clear conscience, desisting from the sensational journalism presently being promoted, largely through fake news, violence, inflammatory and divisive remarks. We also urge all citizens to be very discerning and circumspect about news being peddled in the social media. (Pope Francis, Letter to SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communications, 2022). Furthermore, we call upon Governments at all levels to ensure free and independent media that will help to achieve good governance and responsible citizenship.
7. NEWS FROM THE CHURCH
We thank God for the successful visits of the Holy Father to the Democratic Republic of Congo, (31 January to 3 February 2023) and South Sudan (3 to 5 February 2023). We hope and pray that these visits will have lasting impact not only on these two nations but on the entire African Continent. In the same vein, we pray for an end to the war in Ukraine and other parts of the world. We equally pray for the victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. With gratitude to God for a life well spent, we remember our Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, who passed on 31 December 2022 and was laid to rest on 6 January 2023. May he continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen.
Since our last Plenary Meeting in Orlu, Imo State, in September 2022, the Church in Nigeria has been blessed with two additional Diocesan Bishops, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, Umuahia Diocese (installed on 2 February 2023) and Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Warri Diocese (ordained and installed on 9 February 2023). We felicitate with them and pray for the grace to shepherd the flock of God entrusted to their pastoral care. In the same vein, we thank the Holy Father for creating Wukari Diocese on 14 December 2022 and congratulate Msgr. Mark Maigida Nzukwein, appointed as its pioneer Bishop. We look forward to his Episcopal Ordination on 13 April 2023. We equally received with joy, the most recent announcement of the Creation of Aguleri Diocese with Most Reverend Denis Chidi Isizoh as its first Bishop. Furthermore, we rejoice with Most Rev. Peter Kayode Odetoyinbo and the entire Faithful of Abeokuta Diocese on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Erection of their Diocese. Likewise, we are grateful to God for Most. Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, Metropolitan Archbishop of Lagos, and the pioneer Bishop of Abeokuta, who recently clocked 25 years in the Episcopate.
8. CONCLUSION: PRAYING FOR FREE, FAIR, AND PEACEFUL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA
Providentially, the General Elections 2023 fall within the Season of Lent, which summons us all to repent of our sins, to retreat from our evil ways, and to amend our personal and corporate lives (Matthew 6:1-8; 16-18). Prominent in the Season of Lent is the demand for more intense prayer, and fasting not only from food and drink but also from the evils that destroy human and social life. In the spirit of the season, we continue to pray as we say: God our Father, grant us the wisdom to identify what is good and the courage to make the right choices. As we keep our eyes open and our minds alert, inspire in us the will to vote solely for the common good of our nation; fill our electoral umpires with the spirit of patriotism, justice, and fairness; enable us to embrace and usher in a new dawn in our country Nigeria, where citizens’ participation becomes the hallmark of institutional accountability and economic emancipation. We pray God to bless us with leaders with integrity and nobility while we hope and work for a brighter, more peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria. Mother Mary, Queen of Nigeria, intercede for us. Amen.
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru UGORJI Archbishop of Owerri President, CBCN
Most Rev. Donatus A. OGUN, OSA Bishop of Uromi Secretary, CBCN
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
SOURCE Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN)
STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AT THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 77TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS @UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, WEDNESDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER, 2022
#UNGA #UNGA77 #NigeriaAtUNGA#PMBatUNGA
Mr. President,
Heads of State and Government,
Mr. Secretary-General,
Distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Mr. President,
On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your well-deserved election as President of #UNGA77. I assure you of the full support and cooperation of the Nigerian delegation during your tenure. I commend your predecessor, H.E Abdullah Shahid for the many remarkable achievements of the General Assembly under his leadership during these challenging times.
May I also congratulate the Secretary-General, Mr. @antonioguterres on his ceaseless and untiring efforts to promote peace, security and development, very much in line with his exalted role.
Mr. President, The first time I could have addressed this August Assembly was in 1984, when I was the Military Head of State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thirty-one years later, I had the great privilege to personally address the Assembly in 2015, as the democratically-elected President of my country. As I approach the end of my second and final four-year term, I am reminded of how much has changed in Nigeria, in Africa, and in the world, and yet, how some challenges remain.
We are now more severely tested by these enduring and new global challenges, paramount among which are conflicts increasingly being driven by non-state actors, proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, terrorism, violent extremism, malignant use of technology, climate change, irregular migration, and disparities in opportunities for improved standards of living.
Despite the challenging international environment, the United Nations has proved that it can be strong when the will of its members is harnessed for positive collective action. The guiding principle of this extra-ordinary institution is the promotion of peace and security, development and human rights.
Latest in a chain of events challenging these principles is the Ukraine conflict which has already created strains that are perhaps unprecedented for a generation.Such a conflict will have adverse consequences for us all, hindering our capacity to work together to resolve conflicts elsewhere, especially in Africa, the Middle-East and Asia.
Indeed, the ongoing war in Ukraine is making it more difficult to tackle the perennial issues that feature each year in the deliberations of this Assembly, such as nuclear disarmament, the right of the Rohingya refugees to return to their homes in Myanmar, and the Palestinians’ legitimate aspirations for statehood and reduction of inequalities within and amongst nations.
The danger of escalation of the war in Ukraine further justifies Nigeria’s resolute calls for a nuclear-free world and a universal Arms Trade Treaty, which are also necessary measures to prevent global human disasters. In this regards we must find quick means to reach consensus on the Nuclear non-proliferation Treaty with related commitments by nuclear weapon states.
I remain firmly convinced that the challenges that have come so sharply into focus in recent years and months emphasize the call by #Nigeria and many other Member-States for the reform of the Security Council and other @UN Agencies.
We need more effective and representative structures to meet today’s demands that have since outgrown a system designed for the very different world that prevailed at its foundation in 1945. CHANGE IS LONG OVERDUE.
Mr. President, This is the first meeting we are having here in New York without the restrictions that characterised the last three years. The COVID-19 pandemic ripped across National borders like a toxic whirlwind, leaving in its wake a legacy of pain and loss.
Happily, we also witnessed an incredible level of innovation and creativity from those who devised treatments & vaccines. These laudable achievements were underpinned by partnerships and international cooperation.
We have also seen the bravery, care and endurance of health professionals at every corner of the globe.I am happy to note that in Nigeria, our healthcare agencies were able to form effective local management and engaged international partnerships with multinational initiatives like COVAX and private groups like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation @gatesfoundation
These efforts helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic and we were mercifully spared the images
of overwhelmed hospitals, overworked healthcare personnel and high mortality which sadly we saw elsewhere.With #COVID19, we saw very clearly how states tried to meet the challenge of a threat that could not be contained within national borders.
The results were mixed; but at its best, cooperation among stakeholders was outstanding. It facilitated solutions that saved countless lives and eased the huge burden of human suffering.That same theme of unilateralism and the promotion of national interest competing with the common cause in the face of an existential threat has been our recurring experience in recent times.
In every address I have delivered to this august Assembly, I have dwelt on the issue of climate change, especially as it fuels conflicts and complicates food security. Climate change reduces opportunity and prosperity which, in Africa, Latin America and some parts of Asia, also contributes to transnational organized crimes.
As part of Nigeria’s efforts at achieving our Global Net-zero aspiration, the current Administration last year adopted a National Climate Change Strategy that aims to deliver climate change mitigation in a sustainable manner.The measures we took at the national level also require climate justice. Africa & other developing nations produce only a small proportion of green-house gas emissions, compared to industrial economies.
Yet, we are the hardest hit by the consequences of climate change as we see in the sustained droughts in Somalia and floods of unprecedented severity in Pakistan. These and other climate-related occurrences are now sadly becoming widely commonplace in the developing world. We are, in effect, literally paying the price for policies that others pursue. This needs to change.
At the #COP26 in Glasgow last year, I did say that Nigeria was not asking for permission to make the same mistakes that others have made in creating the climate emergency. Fortunately, we now know what we can do to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis and the related energy challenge. As a first step, we must all commit to releasing the financing and the technology to create a stable and affordable framework for energy transition.
Development Finance Institutions must prioritise de-risking energy projects to improve access of renew-able projects to credit facilities. There should be no countries “left behind” in this equation.Rocketing energy costs worldwide are, in part, the product of conflict and supply disruptions to Europe and the Americas.
Yet, we are all paying the price. It is, therefore, our expectation that this UNGA 77 & the upcoming COP 27 will help galvanise the political will required to drive action towards the fulfilment of the various existing climate change initiatives.
Another feature of the last decade has been the growing partnership between states and increasingly influential non-state actors.There was a time when the most important event at this Assembly was speech by the world’s most powerful leaders. Now a Tweet or Instagram post by an influencer on social or environmental issues may have greater impact.
Technology offers us nearly limitless opportunities and sometimes runs ahead of the imagination of regulators and legislators. At its best, social media helps strengthen the foundations of our society and our common values.At its worst, it is a corrosive digital version of the mob, bristling with intolerance and division.
When I began my tenure as President in 2015, distinctions were drawn between the experience of poorer countries and those apparently better able to manage the avalanche of unfiltered information.
Nigeria has had many unsavoury experiences with hate speech and divisive disinformation. Increasingly, we also see that many countries face the same challenge. Clearly, data also know no borders.
In confronting these challenges, we must also come together to defend freedom of speech, while upholding other values that we cherish.We must continue to work for a common standard that balances rights with responsibilities to keep the most vulnerable from harm and help strengthen and enrich communities.
Efforts to protect communities from the scourge of disinformation and misinformation must also be matched with efforts to reduce inequalities and restore hope to our poorer and most vulnerable of our communities as a means to stem the many socio-economic conflict drivers with which we are faced.
In spite of our efforts, humanitarian crises will continue to ravage some of our communities. Nigeria, therefore, implores our global partners to do more to complement our endeavours.Indeed, the multifaceted challenges facing most developing countries have placed a debilitating chokehold on their fiscal space.
This equally calls for the need to address the burden of unsustainable external debt by a global commit-ment to the expansion and extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to countries facing fiscal and liquidity challenges as well as outright cancellation for countries facing the most severe challenges.
Mr. President, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Democracy is an idea that crosses time and borders.Certainly democracy does have its limitations. The wheels of democracy turn slowly. It can demand compromises that dilute decisions.Sometimes, it bends too much to special interests that exercise influence, not always for the general good, in a manner disproportionate to their numbers.
But it has been my experience that a democratic culture provides a Government with the legitimacy it needs to deliver positive change. In Nigeria, not only have we worked to strengthen our democracy, but we have supported it and promoted the Rule of Law in our sub-region.
In The Gambia, we helped guarantee the first democratic transition since independence. In Guinea-Bissau we stood by the democratically-elected Government when it faced mutiny.And in the Republic of Chad, following the tragic death of its President, the late Idris Deby Itno in the battlefield, we joined forces with its other neighbours & Int'l partners to stabilize the country & encourage the peaceful transition to democracy,a process which is ongoing.
We believe in the sanctity of constitutional term limits and we have steadfastly adhered to it in Nigeria. We have seen the corrosive impact on values when leaders elsewhere seek to change the rules to stay on in power.Indeed, we now are preparing for general elections in Nigeria next February. At the 78th UNGA, there will be a new face at this podium speaking for Nigeria.
Ours is a vast country strengthened by its diversity and its common values of hard work, enduring faith and a sense of community. We have invested heavily to strengthen our framework for free and fair elections.I thank our partners for all the support that they have provided our election institutions.
As President, I have set the goal that one of the enduring legacies I would like to leave is to entrench a process of free, fair and transparent and credible elections through which Nigerians elect leaders of their choice.Mr. President, The multiple challenges that face us are truly interconnected and urgent, and your choice of this Session's theme, “A watershed moment: transformative solutions to interlocking challenges” is apt.
In keeping with our obligations as Member States of this noble Organisation, we all must do our utmost to work with you toward resolving them. In this regard, I reiterate my Delegation's full & resolute cooperation.
Let me convey my final reflection from this famous podium.We live in extraordinary times with interdependent challenges but enormous opportunities. The pace of change can seem bewildering, with sometimes a palpable and unsettling sense of uncertainty about our future.
But if my years in public service have taught me anything, it is that we must keep faith with those values that endure. These include, but are not limited to, such values as justice, honour, integrity, ceaseless endeavour, and partnership within and between nations.
Our strongest moments have always been when we remain true to the basic principles of tolerance, community, and abiding commitment to peace and goodwill towards all.
The Political Ignorance of Peter Obi and His "Obidients" on the 2023 Presidential Election
The North East and South East have challenges of widespread insecurity caused by homegrown terrorists that will prevent majority of them from voting in the presidential election in 2023.
Many of the people shouting "Obidients" don't have and will not have PVCs on the date of the presidential election.
Both Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and his followers are politically ignorant of the fact that the presidential election will be won by political expediency and not by popularity on the internet.
I have already seen several opportunists who want to exploit this popularity in various sharp practices.
Peter Obi has never won any election on self recognizance, but by the tribal hegemony of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the South East region of the Igbos.
The majority of Igbos will most likely vote for him. But outside the region, the Labour Party cannot win any state for Peter Obi even if all the Igbos in these states vote for him. Majority of non-Igbos will not vote for him. And without their votes he cannot win the presidential election.
Majority of the so called "Obidients" on Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp groups and Nairaland are ignorant of horrifying communal wars going on between the Igbos and other tribes. These hostilities will favour Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the incumbent national ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC) and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the main opposition party, People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election.
The fate of Nigeria in the general elections in 2023 will be decided by existential realities and not by emotional sentiments.
- By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, Author of "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream: My Eyewitness Account of the 2015 Presidential Election", "In the House of Dogs", "The Prophet Lied", "Scarlet Tears of London" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers worldwide.
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi for the 2023 general elections has secrets he is hiding from Nigerians and others in the world.
Ideato Federal Constituency and Dr. Pascal Obi: When Continuity Becomes the Only Road To Travel
- By Clifford Dike
The legendary British writer C.S Lewis, perhaps had Ideato North and South federal constituency and the exhilarating performance of its representative in the House of Reps, Dr Chigozie Pascal Obi in mind when he uttered the timeless quote:"mere change is not growth. Growth is the synthesis of change and continuity, and where there is no continuity there is no growth.
Conversely, a broad spectrum of Ndi Ideato ultimately shares C.S Lewi's sentiment on continuity judging by the current groundswell of support for his re-election to the House of Representatives
Who would not w.ant a continuation of a quality and people oriented representation? Nobody, of course and this explains why the Ideato nation insists it cannot afford not to return Dr. Obi to the House.
Apart from the need for him to continue with his superlative representation of Ideato people and delivery of dividends of democracy, political leaders and opinion moulders in constituency hing their desire for Dr. Obi's re-election on national interest as regards parliamentary stability and growth of participatory democracy such as ours.
The high turnover of federal Parliamentarians every four years, especially in the Southeast, according to them does not make room for a robust legislative experience as obtained in the United States and other participatory democracies around the world where some Parliamentarians spend upward of two, three decades in the hallowed legislative chambers.
A beautiful road is the darling of motorists and thus they keep plying it. This maxim finds definitive expression in Dr. Obi whose three and half years legislative journey is replete with quantum achievements.
When he was elected to the House of Reps in 2019 to represent Ideato North /Ideato South federal, his constituents entertained no doubt about his preparedness and capability to perform and he has not disappointed so far.
It is for this reason that the mantra in the constituency today is: Pascal, ga na agara anyi ije na Abuja ( Pascal will continue to represent us in Abuja).
In just three and half years in the House of Representatives, Dr Obi has brought the Ideato nation and indeed Imo state to national consciousness on the floor of the House through:
*Urgent call on the federal government of Nigeria to carry out full rehabilitation and reconstruction of Akwakuma - Orlu - Mgbee - Obiohia - Urualla - Akokwa - Uga federal road. It was adopted by the House and equally captured in the 2021 budget.
*A motion urging the federal government of Nigeria to create one more Federal Government College (FGC) in Imo State. Every state has three except Imo. This received instant approval and Obi, a result-oriented Federal Lawmaker insisted that it will be sited in Ideato Nation.
*A motion for the extension of Federal Medical Center Owerri to Ideato. It was also approved and included in the 2021 budget.
*A motion for the total turnaround of the National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu vis-a-vis workforce, facilities and structures. It gained approval.
*A motion for the canalization of river banks. This will protect our communities from excessive flooding during the rainy season.
*A motion urging the federal government of Nigeria to build more Ear/Eye hospitals in other parts of the country since the only Ear/Eye Hospital is located in Kaduna. It was approved, hence Ear Center for Lagos and Eye Center for Owerri, Imo State.
*A motion on the looming reoccurrence of Ebola crises in Nigeria: The need for the federal government to put in place detective measures in our airports, seaports and land borders.
*Calling attention to the need to construct a perimeter fence at the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.
All communities in the federal constituency bear witness to Dr Pascal Obi's socio-economic and infrastructural blitz.
This can be gleaned from the total number of boreholes he has drilled at designated points within the following communities:
URUALLA
OBODOUKWU
DIKENAFAI
UGBELLE
ORIE UMUOBOM
UMUMAISIAKU
AMANATO
NDIANICHE UNO
OSINA
OBIOHIA
He has also either established or upgraded comprehensive Health Facilities situated.
Phase similar project is also ongoing at UMUALAOMA, UMUAGHOBE, UMUCHIMA, UGBELLE, UMUESHI, FMC ANNEX UMUEZEALLA - OGBOKO
Ideato is prone to erosion hence Dr Pascal Obi is paying special attention to roads and erosion control in the constituency.
So far, to his credit are a 1.5 Km Road at Akpulu, a 1.5 Km Road at Nneato-Ogwugwu Dikenafai, erosion control at Obiohia,
Solar-powered street lights at Umukegwu- Akokwa, Ozuakoli - Urualla and Obiohia - Umuago road.
A firm believer in human capital development, Dr Obi has established a plethora of various skill acquisition and empowerment programmes and centres across the constituency and has also, through his influence, secured federal jobs for several qualified persons in the constituency.
A seasoned optometrist who has transversed public life at a relatively young age, Dr Obi was born in 1970. He read Optometry at the Imo state university and later capped it with a Masters's degree in Public Health from the University of Nigeria Enugu campus.
A knight of the Catholic Church, Dr Obi joined the Imo State Ministry of Health Owerri in 1998.
He would rather rise to become The Acting Director of Public Health and Primary Health Care in the ministry and also the coordinator, of the National Programme for Prevention of Blindness (Vision 2020).
Former Governor of Imo State Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha appointed Dr Obi Permanent Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Governor, a position he held till August 2018 to seek elective office.
As another election year (2023) approaches, the mood in Ideato is that of unwavering determination to travel the Dr Pascal Obi's route once more,this time around through the Labour Party route.
As a deft politician who correctly guages the mood of his people and weighs their political aspirations and interest, Dr.Obi has keyed into the raging Peter Obi and the Labour Party revolution for the overall interest of the Ideato Nation.
Labour Party and its Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has become a national movement, a moving train every right-thinking politician who wants the best for his people must join hence Dr. Pascal Obi wasted no time in hopping in on board.
From all ramifications, the people's parliamentarian, the Avatar of Ideato politics, Dr Chigozie Pascal Obi ( Ugwusinachi) is a king awaiting formal crowning. The crowning will of course happen in February next year when the Ideato nation would have resoundingly voted him and the Labour Party for a return to Abuja!
***
Clifford Dike writes from Urualla, Ideato North, Imo State.
Ideato South/North Federal Constituency: Dr. Chika Abazu as the Way to Go
- By Micheal Nnaji
According to John. C Maxwell, a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.
Dr. Chika Abazu clearly fits into this discription.
This is why among the motley of crowd jostling to represent Ideato North and South federal constituency in the House of Reps in the next political dispensation, opinion leaders, political leaders, the youths, market women, students etc agree he is the most prepared and focused.
Dr. Abazu raises above the fray and stands out on the pedestal of competence,reason a broad spectrum of people across the constituency are earnestly praying the All Progressives Congress, APC to do the right thing by giving him its ticket for the election.
Describing the last seven years of representation the constituency has had at the House of Reps as years eaten by locust, an APC chieftain from Umueshi, Ideato South,who craved anonymity said: "Ideato North and South has suffered the worst form of representation since 2015.
"We are like orphans in the midst of parents; in this new dispensation we want someone who is in touch with the people and with reality; we want a people oriented person who has the Ideato nation and its people at heart, a representative who has no baggage, who puts Ideato first. Irrespective of party, we want the best and in Dr. Chika Abazu, I find this representative."
If elected into the House of Reps as the representative of Ideato people, Dr. Abazu, pledges, in his words, "Prudent utilisation of Constituency Funds for genuine, people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programs"
His focuse, according to him will be social amenities and infrastructures, health care, quality education, economic empowerment, medium size agricultural and settlement scheme akin to the Isreali Kitbzu system and social welfare for youths.
Dr. Abazu will leave no stone unturned to enhance the growth of Ideato North/South federal constituency in terms of: °Legislative representation •Accountability •Education •Youth and women economic emancipation programmes •Road Infrastructure •Power •Water •Health •Sports •Social welfare •Security
°Sponsorship or co-sponsorship of at least two bills and two motions that would impact the Constituency every year; meaningful contribution in plenary and committee activities especially oversight function.
As a technocrat, Dr. Abazu will ensure prudent utilisation of Constituency Funds for genuine, people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programs.
He is primed at building and equipping of modern school structures and making learning fun for children through learning aids; financial support to primary/secondary school students; facilitating university scholarship for exceptional students.
As a youth enthusiast and a bridge between the young and old, Dr. Abazu, if elected, will be committed to establushing a training hub for the training of youths and women in various vocations including ICT and Agriculture; giving of starter packs/seed grants to trained persons.
Erosion menance is one of the environmental problems facing Ideato and to tackle it headlong, if elected, Dr. Abazu will see to the procurement of heavy construction vehicles like bulldozers, font loaders, grader, compactors, trenchers etc for all year round erosion control, road grading and maintenance.
To modernise Ideato and make it a liveable urban area, Dr. Abazu has pledged the following:
•Facilitation of the restoration of electricity to all communities in Ideato through procurement and installation of transformers and other power installations; construction of solar street lights at designated areas
•Greater Ideato water scheme will be birthed for provision of basic water supply; procurement of motorized borehole drilling machines; all year round drilling of boreholes in designated and accessible areas within the community; provision of borehole drilling services at highly subsidized rate.
•Construction and equipping of primary health centres
And to curb youth restiveness, he will facilitate the construction of mini sports stadium for sports and recreation.
He will also strengthen local security networks so as to secure the lives and property of Ideato people.
Dr. Abazu is accessible and reachable and will at all times be avilable to his constituents
With his international connections and contacts, Dr. Abazu will ensure the mobilization of funds for various projects from donor agencies and development partners.
An Avatar is set to happen on Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo state.Dr. Chika Abazu is an agent of redemption and has sprang forth from his comfort zone in the civil service to offer to fill a yawning void in political presentation of the constiency.
Round the clock care for patients is consistent with medical practice and as a medical doctor of many years standing, Dr. Abazu is emphatic that his mission in politics and desire to represent the Ideato nation is borne out of the urgent need to pull the federal constituency from the doldrums, to heal it of its myriad of ills.
World all over, medical doctors in politics, bringing to bear on governance and leadership, elements of the Hippocratic Oath they swore to, are known to have performed creditedly well in office.
History is indeed replete with an array of medical doctors who have been politicians and political leaders and offered quality leadership the same way they would give quality care to their patients.Some of the famous ones are the Latin American Revolutionary Leader, Che Guevara, Hastings Kamuzu Banda of Malawi, Agostinho Neto of Angola, Salvador Allende of Chile, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) of Haiti, Gor Harlem Brundtland, First Norwegian Female PM, Houphoet Boigny of Ivory Coast, Nain Ramgoolan, PM of Mauritius, as well as the great Mahathir Bin Mohammed of Malaysia, who before his voluntary retirement from politics.
Here in Nigeria Medical doctors who became state governors or occupied other political office in the recent past and showed their mettle include Prof Ambrose Alli, Peter Odili, Bukola Saraki, Chimaoroke Nnamani, Chris Ngige, Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was also succeeded by another medical doctor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Olusegun Mimiko.
Also remarkable are former Secretaries to State Governments, Senators and Members of the House of Representatives such as Bisi Odejide, Dalhatu Tafida, Jubril Aminu, Martins Yellowe, Olorunnimbe Mamora, Aminu Safana, Wale Okediran among others, not to talk of Heads of Parastatals, Commissioners and Local Government officers.
From the foregoing, it is evident that medical doctors in politics have always left a trail of quality, people oriented and purposeful leadership.
There is no doubt that as the representative of Ideato people come next year, Dr Abazu will be following on the footsteps of these medical legends turned political icons.
Sons and daughters of the the Ideato ancient kingdom who rue and grief over almost eight years of vapid representation at the House of Representatives in Abuja can now heave a sigh of relief for Dr. Abazu is coming to right that which has been messed up and fix that which has been broken.
All he is asking for is to be given the All Progressives, APC House of Reps ticket and for the good people of Ideato to cast their votes for him in next year's election to enable him to usher in a dew of glory, the dawn of freshness and an exhilarating breathe of fresh air to the federal constituency.
If elected into the House of Reps as the representative of Ideato people, Dr. Abazu, pledges, in his words, "Prudent utilisation of Constituency Funds for genuine, people-focused, transparent and verifiable projects and programs".
His focuse, according to him will be social amenities and infrastructures, health care, quality education, economic empowerment, medium size agricultural and settlement scheme akin to the Isreali Kitbzu system and social welfare for youths.
Dr. Abazu, is clearly the most prepared and focused among the aspirants angling for the Ideato North and South federal constituency seat.
Here is a man imbued with excellent mental, physical and academic qualifications to mount the exalted seat. He is God-fearing, honest, hardworking, dedicated, focused, charismatic and with rare leadership qualities that are tailored towards societal development.
A Public Health Physician of over 22 years experience in Civil Service; Dr. Abazu has risen to the position of a Director at the Federal Civil Service and has served at various levels with merit and distinction.
A consummate professional whose passion is excellence in service delivery for the good of humanity, Dr. Abazu is an alumnus of Abia State University, Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna, West Virginia University Morgantown USA and Emory University Atlanta USA. He is happily married with Children.
***
Michael writes from Osina, Ideato North, Imo State.
12th Annual iREP Documentary Film Festival Opens with "President" in Lagos
The 12th annual iREPRESENT International Documentary Film Festival opened today in Lagos, Africa's largest megacity with more than 80 films from over 28 countries.
The festival runs from March 17 - 20, 2022 at different locations, including the traditional venue, Freedom Park on Broad Street, Terra Kulture on Victoria Island and the Art Factory Hall of the Crown Troupe of Africa in Bariga on the mainland of Lagos city.
The festival opened with "President", a 2021 documentary film by Camilla Nielsson on the state of democracy, in Zimbabwe, showing behind-the-scenes at the 2018 election that followed the ousting of President Robert Mugabe and the closing film is "Garderie Nocturne - Night Nursery" directed by Moumouni Sanou.
The film won the Best Documentary film grand prize at the 2021 Pan African Film Festival, FESPACO in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
The 2022 iREP Festival continues with it's conceptual framework of "Africa in Self-Conversation", exploring the theme ‘UNFILTERED: African Stories. Stories from Africa; to examine “how Africa is being represented or otherwise by filmmakers and storytellers who engage her issues.”
"More satisfying is the fact that many African anglophone and francophone filmmakers converge annually at iREP to attend our Producers Roundtable events. We create the perfect opportunity for collaborations and co-productions through various networking events,” said Femi Odugbemi, Cofounder and Executive Director of iREP.
See the daily updates on https://irepfilmfestival.com
Nigeria is an African nation ruled and ruined by corruption.
Nigerian government is corrupt, because majority of Nigerians are corrupt. They don't have conscience and they don't have shame as I documented in my book, "In the House of Dogs" published by Amazon . Dogs eat dogs in Nigeria without apologies and without regrets.
We cannot quantify the magnitude of the collateral damage that corruption has done to the commonwealth of Nigeria from the colonial government before the political independence of the country on October 1, 1960 to post colonial or neocolonial administrations under the camouflage of the pseudo democratic civilian rule and military rule of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and the 2020s.
Political corruption is the most critical reason why Nigerians have never seen ten years of peace in the country since 1950 to date.
There has never been any free and fair election in Nigeria. What we have in Nigeria is not #democracy , but political idiocy. So, the case of the indicted senior police officer, Abba Kyari , the poster boy of the Nigerian police is not shocking to me.
The only public official who is not corrupt in Nigeria is the one who has not been caught.
From the local government to the Office of the President, elections have been rigged since the 1950s to date.
How can anyone expect democracy and good governance in a country ruled by corrupt and incompetent politicians who engaged in electoral malpractices to win elections into public office?
Can you make an omelette from rotten eggs?
What do you expect from lawmakers who have been lawbreakers during their political campaigns and elections?
There will always be disorder where corrupt and incompetent political leaders are in power.
Dear Governor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON; Port Harcourt Belongs To Igbos
The West African Court of Appeal (WACA) judgement in the case between IKWERRE VS. OKRIKA in 1958 bordering on the status of Port Harcourt settled it.
WACA decided that Port Harcourt belongs to the Igbos. There was no appeal till date.
When the famous Nigerian author, retired Captain Elechi Amadi (12 May 1934 – 29 June 2016) was confronted with the WACA judgement by Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Counsel, he affirmed it and it was admitted in evidence.
His only remark was that "the Ikwerre people involved their wealthy Igbo brothers in litigation, fought for Port Harcourt under the shadow of their rich brothers against Okrika people and consequently, the court so ruled.
When asked whether he appealed against that judgement, he said NO.
That Port Harcourt is an Igbo city was a judgement of a superior court that has not been vacated.
The original inhabitants of Obigbo were mostly from Ngwa, Arochukwu and Owerri.
WIKE can never change History!!!
And it is my duty to bring history before those of you that try to put it down.
Rumuobiakani or Umuobiakani? You can change the story but not the truth."
