Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

Monday, September 8, 2025

The Lack of Visionary Leadership in Africa and the Solution


The Lack of Visionary Leadership in Africa and the Solution

I have heard, listened and watched outstanding motivational speakers in Africa blaming European colonial Government in Africa for the political failures of majority of African leaders. In most cases, I don't agree with them, because I always say that the suit does not make the man, but the man makes the suit.
What makes a monk holy is his character and not the hood and cassock of his monastery.

Africa would have been worse today without Western education and there would not have been Western education without colonialism and there would not have been colonialism without Christianity. 
The White man gave us the Holy Bible first before his colonial rule.
Colonialism and neocolonialism are not the cause of the bad political leadership in Africa.
The carrot and stick or the divide and rule political tactics of the colonial rulers ended with the political Independence of African countries.

We don't lack leaders in Africa.
There is only lack of visionary leadership for democracy and good governance.
Majority of those who became the founding fathers of Independence and the end of colonial rule in Africa were political title chasers without the principles of transformational visionary leadership.
They didn't prepare their people for the nation building of their respective countries.
They just wanted to step into the big shoes of their colonial masters who were rulers and not leaders.
The colonial masters didn't come to lead Africans for an African Renaissance to compete with their Western Civilization. They came to rule and exploit Africa to expand their Western Civilization by imperialism.
They came for the human and mineral resources in Africa.

There are four pillars of the credibility of a great human personality for visionary leadership; they are Dignity, Humility, Integrity and Nobility.
Without which you cannot be a good leader before you can even talk of becoming a great visionary leader.

Majority of Africans are selfish by nature and that is why they have corrupt leaders with greed for power and wealth without conscience and without shame.

As I always say that Nigeria is what Nigerians are from the street to the Office of the President.
We reap the harvest of the seeds we have sown.
You cannot sow weed and reap the harvest of wheat.
We reap what we sow.

Selfish interests from ethnic differences of tribalism overtook national interests after the exit of the colonial rulers.
Regionalism and religional sectarianism of Christianity and Islam became the order of the day and the sociopolitical consequences have done collateral damage to political leadership in Africa.
Africa is what Africans are.
From tribalism to neopatrimonialism.


Africa has been blessed with great visionary leaders from the late Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah
of Ghana, Léopold Sédar Senghor of Senegal, António Agostinho Neto of Angola,Samora Moisés Machel of Mozambique, Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya, Patrice Émery Lumumba of the Democratic Republic of the  Congo,
Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe,
Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of Nigeria to Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia and the great Madiba Nelson Mandela of South Africa who were nation builders. But they passed on to eternal glory without credible successors.
Were they political mentors without credible successors?
Yes.

We cannot have great leadership without any successorship plan.

You must have the foresight and insight into the future for visionary leadership.
Study the life and legacy of the great Lee Kuan Yew, the Father of Modern Singapore. And I recommend him as a role model for visionary leadership in Africa. 

The world is still waiting for the rise of the roaring African lions to rise up like the Asian Tigers.

The Big Picture of the Future of Africa will be defined by a new generation of visionaries in every sphere of human development and they must be ready to be nation builders and not title chasers.


- - By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima,
The Author of "The Victory of Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Dream", "The Prophet Lied", "In the House of Dogs" and other books distributed by Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima


#africa
#nigeria
#ghana
#southafrica
#america
#europe
#singapore
#asia
#leadership
#leaders
#politics
#democracy
#colonialism
#neopatrimonialism
#government
#corruption
#econony
#future
#mandela
#yew
#visionary

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

WeREAD: Kaine Agary's Yellow-Yellow' Highly Recommended for Film Adaptation

Holding the novel "Yellow-Yellow" by Kaine Agary on Monday, September 1, 2025 while visiting my younger sister in her residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

WeREAD:  Kaine Agary's Yellow-Yellow' Highly Recommended for Film Adaptation 

https://amzn.to/4nvC5H5

Our book club, WeREAD prefers  reading more books by Nigerian authors than foreign authors. 

My younger sister, Mrs. Stella Unah is the Numero Uno of reading with over 100 books read so far. She reads novels like she is watching movies, relating with the characters in the stories. She is the Chief Librarian of WeREAD Book Club.

Unlike many of the women in Nigeria, she prefers reading to gossiping.
She can read four books within 30 days.

If everyone in Nigeria can read like her, majority of Nigerian authors will be giving thanks to Almighty God for our books will be selling like books in America, Britain, Japan and other countries with highly literate people who love 💕 to read.

I started WeREAD in 2022 as an affiliate of Bookshop.org to support local bookstores in America and I am happy to say that over US$40 million have been raised so far.

Forwarded message ----------

From: "Bookshop.org" <newsletters@bookshop.org>

To: "WeREAD" <ekenyerengozimichaelchima@gmail.com>

$40,751,866.50

Raised For Local Bookstores

Last month of August, the novels we chose to read included "Influence of A King" by Titi Horsfall; multiple award winning novel, "Purple Hibiscus" by the famous Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie and "Yellow-Yellow" by Kaine Agary that won the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2008. The first debut novel to do so in the history of the biggest prize for literature in Africa.

https://www.thenigeriaprizes.org/profile/kaine-agary

The exciting romantic novel about the impressionable and vulnerable biracial teenage girl,  Zilayefa, aka "Yellow-Yellow", daughter of a young Ijaw woman Ina Binaebi and a Greek sailor, Plato Papadopoulos in the Niger Delta of Nigeria during the dictatorship of a sadistic military Head of State is highly entertaining. It is one the best coming-of-age novels I have read so far. 

It is a romantic drama in prose waiting for a good film adaptation that will be a box office success and it is the kind of movie Netflix should commission.


Wale Ojo

I see the accomplished multiple award winning actor Wale Ojo playing the romantic role of the retired Naval Admiral Kenneth Alaowei Amalayefa, the sugar daddy of Zilayefa; excellent beautiful Nollywood diva, Iretiola Doyle as Sisi and the fast rising young pretty Uche Montana as Lolo.

Iretiola Doyle

Uche Montana

I don't know any biracial Nigerian actress under 20 that can play the leading role of Yellow-Yellow. We have to do international casting call for her. 

WeREAD powered by Bookshop, https://bookshop.org/shop/Weread

WeREAD is for the revival of the reading culture in Nigeria and the rest of Africa for the appreciation of literature with special focus on books by African authors.

The next level is to produce the WeREAD app for all users of GSM phones to access the platform. The app will include an interactive social networking feature for users to talk about books, booklists, book awards, rate books and trade books in book auctions where collector's editions of rare books can be sold to the highest bidders. We will also produce various branded products for WeREAD, such as WeREAD school, shopping and travel bags; facecaps; T-shirts and WeREAD Cafés strategically located on campuses of selected tertiary institutions and shopping malls. 

Yellow-Yellow, Kaine Agary, novel, books,Nigerian writers,Nigeria Prize for Literature,Niger Delta, romance, love, sex, politics, adventure, relationship, career, education




Friday, June 6, 2025

Why I Resigned From the PDP and Joined APC (Full Statement) By Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State


BEING THE SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PASTOR UMO ENO, PhD, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) TO THE ALL PROGRESSIVES PARTY (APC)- UYO- JUNE 6, 2025.

PROTOCOL

1. It was Dalai Lama, one of the world’s most highly admired moral voices who spoke so eloquently about change and the constancy of values. Dalia had advised the world to “Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.”

2. Today, fellow Akwaibomites, we are gathered here to witness change while equally affirming the constancy of our collective values and defining ethos as a State.

3. For some time now, the political space particularly in this State and the Nation in general have been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that had provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of Governor of this State. The discussions have elicited various layers of analysis in the process.

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4. Today, I am here to answer some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, we should always be open to change but not let go of our shared values.

5. Earlier this morning, I submitted my formal Letter of Resignation from the PDP to my Ward Chairman, same copy was sent to both the State Chairman as well as the National Chairman. I have therefore, decided to Progressively move to the All Progressive Congress, the (APC).

6. Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that, though I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All-Progressives Congress (APC) my values, my moral fibre, the foundational principles I have nourished and lived by remain unchanged and sacrosanct.

7. Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.

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That is the truth-pure and simple as well as the exercise of my fundamental Right of Association as expressed in the 1999 Constitution as Amended.

8. President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history of this Nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader. With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these challenging moments head-on and came up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath is tough for Nigerians, but however, are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.

9. The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to subnational entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people. Akwa Ibom State today, is more of a constructing site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Governments Areas. The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.

10. It is a known fact that, I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today

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As a young professional working in Lagos while he was the Governor, I was amazed and fascinated by the manner he ran Lagos, and had, with focus and vision, raised the profile of Lagos State to become a leading Subnational in the country, while facing daunting challenges.

I believe he is poised to replicate the Lagos magic on a larger national scale. I therefore, have no apologies for supporting him for a second term in office to complete the reforms he has started.

11. Let me also say it here, that political parties are vehicles to run for elections. Governance in my considered opinion should be done, without rigid attachment to political labels, since these parties are not defined by ideology but by enlightened set of interests.

12. In two years, since my inauguration as Governor, I have not worn a toga of a political party rather it has been my passionate commitment to pursuing the larger interest of our State and our people. The Arise Agenda, has been our Governance Blueprint, and that’s what it will be as we make this movement. I therefore, appeal to you my people to join me in this necessary movement to align our State with the Centre and to facilitate more development to our State.

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13. Let me add here that our dear State is nationally considered as one of the safest and peaceful States in the nation. There is an urgent need to sustain and deepen this important catalyst for growth, by not engaging in unnecessary political bickering. Peace brings development, peace brings unity and unity breeds brotherhood and inclusivity and our State is the ultimate beneficiary.

14. I have always said I will work for the unity of our State by running a bipartisan administration. This has been a well-thought-out position that was so eloquently stated in my Inaugural Speech on May 29, 2023.

15. On that historic day, I had stated thus “Elections are over, and our kindred spirit must be renewed and deepened. We are all Akwaibomites first before politics.

Politics, therefore, must not separate or sever the ties of our brotherhood, common heritage and aspirations. I pledge to you, that I will be Governor for all Akwaibomites irrespective of political persuasion or affiliations”

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16. Today, as I make this formal movement from the PDP to APC, I pledge to you again, my dear Akwaibomnites, that I will still run a bipartisan and inclusive governance. Akwa Ibom State, I promise you will be a model of how to work together, pray together, aspire together, dream together and achieve together without the polarising impulses of partisan politics. Political parties remain vehicles for elections. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship.

17. Let me end this speech with a quote from the renowned author, Julie Flygare “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not in fighting the old, but on building the new.”

18. Together, with the old and the new, we will build our dear State, with unity, with peace, with inclusivity, with love and kindred spirit in accordance with the lines in our State’s Anthem that “our dreams be ever one, rising “beyond ethnicity”, to “build with love, our Promised Land” so we may go “Forward Ever and Backward Never!! That is what I am dedicating to doing and I ask you to continue to support and pray for us.

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19. Like the children of Issachar in 1st Chronicles Chapter 12 verse 32, were “men that had understanding of the times to know what Israel should do”” I also expect the understanding of the times we are in, and why we are doing this movement. As the children of Issachar pitched their tenth with David, for the common good of Israel, I expect unflinching loyalty of our Team- a point that is further eloquently illustrated in John 10: 27 “My sheep hears my voice, and I know them and they follow me.”

20. I am convinced the the voice I heard that led us to this day and to this movement was the right voice and I know my people will follow me and continue to give us their support.

Let us strategically Arise together, to the promise of a better, more inclusive, stronger and united Akwa Ibom State that is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR led-Federal Government

21. To those who may be concerned by this Progressive movement, I want to assure you that I have received enormous assurances of support and seamless integration from our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,

- 8 -

The Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godwill Akpabio, GCON, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum. Those who know our dear President will attest to the fact that his words are his bond. This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President and it has divine connotation

22. APC- Progress, Arise - That same God!
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Akwa Ibom State and bless us all!

23. On your Mandate we shall stand, On your Mandate we shall stand, On your Mandate, On your Mandate
On your Mandate we shall stand.



https://amzn.to/43wMgDX

   

Thursday, April 17, 2025

2028 IMO GOVERNORSHIP: Owerri Must Engage and Negotiate with Okigwe Zone or Face Regret — Prof Protus Uzoma: Orlu Elders Council Secretary

2028 IMO GOVERNORSHIP: Owerri Must Engage and Negotiate with Okigwe Zone or Face Regret — Prof Protus Uzoma: Orlu Elders Council Secretary

As political permutations gather momentum ahead of the 2028 Imo governorship election, the Secretary of the Orlu Elders Council, Professor Protus Uzoma, has issued a stern warning to political leaders from Owerri zone, urging them to engage Okigwe zone in sincere negotiations over the state’s political future or risk severe political consequences.

Uzoma, in a strongly worded statement, said it would be a costly mistake for Owerri zone to dismiss the legitimate concerns and demands of Okigwe zone for a fair shot at the governorship seat, especially in light of long-standing grievances over underdevelopment and marginalisation. 

He emphasized that ignoring Okigwe’s aspirations would plunge the state into needless tension and political instability, urging stakeholders to embrace honest dialogue and equitable power-sharing arrangements to sustain unity and peace in Imo State.

His statement reads in full:

“I have listened with  a Keen iunterest and deep understanding to the conversations arising out of the weighty pronouncement made by Chief Tony Chukwu that Owerri zone should concede the Capital City to Okigwe zone if they won't allow an indigene of Okigwe zone to succeed Governor Hope Uzodimma in 2028.

“His immutable arguement which is the equivalent of a political missile strike serves as a catalyst for balanced zonal development and inclusive governance. 

“Chief Tony Chukwu has raised a storm which is raging across the state. According to Joseph Joubert, "the aim of arguement, or of a discussion should not be victory but progress" Effective political discourse relies on respectful dialogue, critical thinking and respect to opposing viewpoints. However, in many cases especially on social media, conversations can devolve into polarisation, misinformation  and personal attacks undermining constructive debate. There is therefore a need to foster mutual understanding to engender civility and better democratic participation.

“Truth burns like fire. Chief Chukwu's contention is that more than 80% of developmental projects in Imo since 1999 are concentrated in Owerri zone by the virtue of its advantage as the host of the capital city. This isn't hate but reality baptised in cold logic. Unapologetic truth isn't for the weak. It is for the strong. His comment is an awakening and this topic is now an ark in the flood of political discussions.

“Truth is not comfortable, it is confrontational. We can't all suffer selective perception which is an instinctive cognitive bias that  predisposes us to align with pre-existing prejudices. Our politics must be tailored to dismantle the architecture of concentrating developmental efforts mostly in Owerri zone so as to avoid future agitations. We must resolve this challenge not erase it by gaslighting those with courage to speak up.

“Isn't it worrying to us as a people that Okigwe zone looks like an abandoned space? Everything has been done mostly for the benefit of Owerri zone since 1999. Truthfully, our governors have maintained a tradition of unequal distribution of resources, infrastructure and opportunities. Our political leaders should urgently address the needs of the under represented and simulate growth in neglected zones of the state. 

“It is only Governor Hope Uzodimma that has made deliberate efforts to develop the three zones with road infrastructure in order to resolve zonal disparities and ensure that all parts of the state feel valued and heard in the political process. Okigwe zone evidently lags behind in all human development metrics in the state. This is why Imo people are happy with Governor Uzodimma that he consented to and adopted the Charter of Equity against the virile opposition of some of our kinsmen in order to give Owerri and Okigwe zones due sense of shared ownership in the Imo Project.

“I have followed Chief Tony Chukwu's politics since 2006. The nuclear core truth is that he understands the business of politics like a sniper. He carefully studies it, dominates, outwork and out thinks his opponents like a martial arts specialist. He acts as if the unseen is more real than the seen especially during lenten season. 

“I remember clearly in 2006 when in the heat of political permutations he pronounced with the certainty and exactitude of an ancient prophet that Okigwe zone would produce the   Governor in 2007. PDP toyed with Chief Tony Ezenna, Engr. Ugwu and Senator Araraume while  APGA presented the gumptious Chief Martin Agbaso from Owerri zone. In the end, Dr Ohakim from Okigwe zone won the election on the platform of PPA. Again, during the Holy Week of the lenten season of 2018, he admonished then Governor Rochas Okorocha to abandon the fantasy of getting Chief Uche Nwosu to succeed him. 

“He privately and publicly denounced that scheme predicting its catastrophic failure. It came to pass. As the lenten season of 2022 progressed into its Holy Week, Chief Tony Chukwu issued a public statement apologising to the people of Otanzu Otanchara axis for not having been able to produce a senator predicting that 2023 would favour them even against the interest of his own people of Okigwe South. 

“Today, Senator Patrick Ndubueze is the Senator representing Okigwe zone in the senate. These accurate and precise predictions could be attributed to cold political calculation, coincidence or just luck but such a man should never be ignored especially when he is crying for justice on behalf of his people. It is another Holy Week and he has made a demand on Owerri Zone.


“He wears the face of a lamb but speaks with the tongue of a dragon.  He is a messenger not a messiah. He is in the midst of a troop who have stopped thinking like victims. They have stopped crying for help. With an unbreakable mindset, they will not bow to oppression anymore. They want power. Their political tour de force is filled with weapons, blueprints and war manuals. They are inspired by the challenges of having been left behind. There is a huge awakening and there lies their hope and fulfilment of potential. 

“They are laying claim to the Governorship in 2028 not with permission but with purpose. They have cast more than an accusation of neglect, they have thrown down a political gauntlet not only at the feet of Owerri zone but before the conscience of the entire state. 

“They are asking for restoration. It is not about hate or division but about restoration. Okigwe zone only wants to be better not bitter. Their arguement is that in the evaluation of the Charter of Equity, developments consequent upon the location of the Capital City should form part of the consideration of which zone produces a successor to Governor Hope Uzodimma. Unfortunately, this arguement cannot be easily dismissed with a wave of hand.

“I strongly advise the people of Owerri zone to boldly confront the brutality of the truth of underdevelopment  of Okigwe zone and negotiate with their leaders within a predictable parameter. Ignoring the concerns of Okigwe zone would lead Owerri people into a nuclear meltdown of regret.

“Owerri zone should build bridges, build friendships and attract support from a place of  advantage not sense of entitlement. They should sit down with trusted leaders of Okigwe zone and collectively tell each other the truth and agree on the way forward. That's the only viable option.

“I will also want to place it on record that Isu Nation comprising Nkwerre, Nwangele, Isu, Njaba and most parts of Orlu LGA is suffering the same abject abandonment like Okigwe zone. While Owerri and Okigwe people are engaging, the collective interest of Isu Nation should also be discussed and protected.”

Friday, October 25, 2024

Beware of the Night of the Beast

 






"Beware of the Night of the Beast"
Still life art photography from
my Red Apple Series and Serendipity Series, the most comprehensive series in still life art photography in the history of contemporary art in Nigeria.

Who is the Beast?
The next one titled "Beauty and the Beast" will reveal the identity of the Beast.
It is political art photography.

All the photographs were shot within 30 days with my smartphone camera in a bedroom/study in September and October, 2024 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria.
They are available on art canvas for auctions, collections and exhibitions.

There are more than 50 photographs so far and more will be shot before end of this year for the publication of the book of my still life art photography.
There is only one red apple with a gold ring in the world.
It is the invention of yours faithfully, Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima, master of the imaginative symbolism in art and literature.
- Ekenyerengozi Michael China,
Publisher/Editor,
NOLLYWOOD MIRROR® Series
The first book series on Nollywood and the Nigerian film industry since 2013.
https://www.amazon.com/author/ekenyerengozimichaelchima
©All rights reserved.
No copying, reproduction or publication in any format of media without the authorization and permission of International Digital Post Network Limited.

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Sunday, October 13, 2024

My Red Apple Series and other Still Life Art Photography

 


The Chinese Agenda.

The Phenomenon of Yogi









The moon is a small bead and the moonlight done with my Torchlight.

The earring is the same small bead. 

The red apple with a gold ring for the still life photographs created by me.





























My Red Apple Series Still Life Art Photography of conceptual and intellectual narratives and perspectives on life, economics, politics, culture, people, places and developments using books, magazines and other objects in my observations.
I created some of the objects I have used for the photographs.

The photographs were shot with my smartphone camera in a guest room during my visit to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria in 2024.
I created the unique red apple with a gold ring as a symbol of conquest and quest for an important possession, achievement, attainment, policy, ambition, mission and vision in the world showing important icons and locations of human developments in Africa, Asia, Europe and America.

Some have been posted on 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelchimaeyerengozi

The photographs are on art canvas and are available for private and public collections, auctions and exhibitions.

My artworks have been exhibited locally in Nigeria and internationally in Japan since when I was 20 years old and co-curated the first Art Against AIDS exhibitions in Nigeria at the National Museum and National Theatre in 1993.
The works of my only mentor in fine arts, the famous Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya were included in the sold out exhibitions.