AFP - West African nations on Friday threatened force if Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo refuses to quit power and said those responsible for post-election deaths would face international prosecution.
Leaders from the 15-member ECOWAS regional bloc also said a high-level delegation would be sent to Ivory Coast as an "ultimate gesture" to Gbagbo in the hope that he could be persuaded to leave peacefully.
FRANCE 24's Cyril Vanier reports from Abidjan.
The statement following an emergency summit of the Economic Community of West African States came as Gbagbo's internationally recognised rival, Alassane Ouattara, urged the army to desert the incumbent leader.
"In the event that Mr Gbagbo fails to heed the immutable demand of ECOWAS, the community will be left with no alternative but to take other measures, including the use of legitimate force, to achieve the goals of the Ivorian people," a final statement from the summit said.
-
Leaders also expressed "deep concern over the unacceptably high number of lives lost since 7 December 2010 and warn all those responsible that they will face international trials for human rights violations at the earliest opportunity."
The date referred to a previous emergency summit on the Ivory Coast crisis, when ECOWAS suspended the country from the organisation and called on Gbagbo to step down.
Pressure on Gbagbo has mounted since last month's presidential vote, with the United States searching for more UN troops and France offering him a final chance to step aside.
The summit was held after a UN body demanded a halt to "atrocities" in Ivory Coast and the Central Bank of West African States blocked Gbagbo's access to finances following the World Bank's earlier move to freeze loans.
Much of the world, including the United Nations, has recognised Ouattara as the winner of last month's elections, but Gbagbo has refused to budge in the face of escalating calls for him to leave.
The financial measures may make it difficult for Gbagbo to pay salaries for soldiers and others, and Ouattara addressed the military in a statement on Friday.
Ouattara read the statement in the Golf Hotel, the luxury Abidjan resort where his shadow government is holed up, protected by 800 UN peacekeepers who are in turn blockaded by Gbagbo's security forces.
"As commander in chief, I order the Defence and Security Forces to carry out their republican mission of protecting the population against the militias and foreign mercenaries that are spilling Ivorian blood," he said.
Both Ouattara's camp and UN human rights monitors accuse Gbagbo's FDS of involvement in large-scale human rights abuses, and there have been reports of them working with masked militia fighters and Liberian mercenaries.
"Violence is returning to our towns and our city neighbourhoods. Serious human rights violations are reported from all corners," Ouattara said.
"Under cover of the curfew, people have been been kidnapped and executed by elements of the Republican Guard and the Cecos, backed by foreign mercenaries and militiamen," he said, in his first public statement this month.
While commanders of the entire 17,000-strong FDS have pledged loyalty to Gbagbo, his most feared support comes from two elite squads, the 1,500-strong Guards and the 2,000 members of the Cecos police special forces unit.
UN soldiers from Senegal stand guard in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Ahead of Friday's summit, the United States had said it was talking with regional countries from ECOWAS about boosting the 9,000-strong UN mission in Ivory Coast.
French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said Friday that Gbagbo could still step down honourably, but warned that time was growing short.
"Mr Gbagbo still has the possibility of leaving this situation with dignity by recognising what the results are and by handing over power," she told French radio.
"He has the right to a completely honourable exit... but the more time passes and the more things get out of control and there's violence, the more this possibility distances itself."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday condemned a series of lethal attacks in Nigeria that have claimed at least 39 lives since Christmas Eve. The violence, which targeted churchgoers and shoppers, has stoked tensions across the country.
A Burning House.
AFP - UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Sunday that he was "appalled" by an outbreak of violence in Nigeria that claimed at least 39 lives.
A spokesman for the UN leader said that Ban "condemns these deplorable acts of violence, especially at a time when millions of Nigerians are celebrating religious holidays, and supports efforts by the Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice."
Clashes left at least one person dead and a number of houses burned in the Nigerian city of Jos on Sunday amid tensions following a series of Christmas Eve bomb attacks that killed dozens.
Many of the victims were doing their Christmas shopping at the time and a church was also targeted.
On the same night, suspected members of an Islamist sect that launched an uprising last year attacked three churches in northern Nigeria, leaving six people dead and one of the churches burnt.
Aftermath of the clash.
Soldiers patrolled the streets of the central Nigerian city while authorities sought to keep the violence from further spreading after Friday's bombings.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized his warning against attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping force in Côte d'Ivoire or attempts to obstruct their work, saying there will consequences for those responsible, as the UN human rights arm reported "massive violations."
Ivory Coast on the map.
"Any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable," said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, which added that Mr. Ban was aware of statements by the Laurent Gbagbo's spokesperson calling for the withdrawal of the UN force.
Embattled President Gbagbo
"Any continued actions obstructing and constricting UN operations are similarly unacceptable," the statement released late on Saturday added. The UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) will continue to fulfil its mandate and to monitor and document any human rights violations, incitement to hatred and violence, or attacks on UN peacekeepers, Mr. Ban said.
Protesters doing their business.
In Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, expressed deep concern over the growing evidence of massive violations of human rights taking place in Côte d'Ivoire since 16 December, and reiterated her determination to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. "When people are victims of extrajudicial killings there must be an investigation, and there must be accountability," Ms. Pillay said, noting that in the past three days there has been more than 50 people killed, and over 200 injured.
Ivory Coast gendarme tying to control protesters.
Mr. Ban said those attacks were perpetrated by elements of the Ivorian security forces apparently loyal to Mr. Gbagbo, adding that a separate attack on UN military observers by Young Patriots, a group linked with the outgoing president, on Saturday left two military observers wounded. "There will be consequences for those who have perpetrated or orchestrated any such actions or do so in the future," the statement said. The Secretary-General said the Security Council will meet once again on Monday to discuss the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and the renewal of UNOCI''s mandate, which is due to expire on 31 December 2010.
"The international community has spoken with one voice regarding Mr. Gbagbo's attempt to hold onto power. The statements issued by the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in this regard have shown that the African Continent is united in its commitment to respect the democratically expressed will of the Ivorian people and have recognized Mr. Ouattara as the President-elect," the statement added.
Ms. Pillay said UNOCI has received reports from hundreds of victims and members of their families about the abduction of individuals from their homes, especially at night, by unidentified armed individuals in military uniform accompanied by elements of the defence and security forces or militia groups. Abducted people are reportedly taken by force to illegal places of detention where they are held incommunicado and without charge. Some have been found dead in questionable circumstances. "I call upon all parties concerned to respect the human rights of all Ivorians, without discrimination," Ms. Pillay said. "UN human rights officers in Cote d'Ivoire are on the alert and will continue to closely monitor the situation across the country."
Democratic Party national delegates in the North-West endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan for the party’s presidential ticket, their counterparts from the South-West have also declared their unalloyed support for the President.
The 580 delegates drawn from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states took the decision at a meeting with the President at the Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Sunday.
President Goodluck Jonathan Waving at supporters.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the South-West Coordinator of the Goodluck/Sambo Campaign Committee, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said, “All the delegates of the party at the meeting unanimously, willingly and unequivocally resolved to support and vote en-bloc for President Jonathan and Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the primaries of the party slated for January 13, 2011.”
President Goodluck Jonathan.
Earlier, Jonathan had described the South-West as a ‘very crucial’ zone in the realisation of his quest for the party’s presidential ticket. He also urged leaders of the party in the zone to work hard to ensure victory for the party in the governorship election in Lagos State. He admitted that winning Lagos would be a difficult task and advised the leaders of the party in the zone to take the assignment seriously.
Jonathan also expressed regrets on the loss of Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states to opposition parties at the Court of Appeal but stated that efforts were being made to reverse the situation.
President Goodluck Jonathan At a UN summit.
He said, “We appreciate the challenges the court judgments imposed on the people of the region and we have held several meetings to address the issue. We are touched by the loss of these states and we are committed. We will work harder to ensure that the states are recovered from the rival parties at the next election.”
Daniel, in his opening remarks, assured the President that the zone would not compromise in delivering the votes of its delegates at the party’s presidential primaries. According to Daniel, Oyo State has 153 delegates, while Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos have 108, 123, 80, 60 and 37 respectively.
Earlier, the host governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, asked the party’s chieftains not to be weighed down by the political developments in the three South-West states. At the meeting, the motion for the South-West delegates to endorse the President was moved by the senator representing Ife/Ijesa District, Iyiola Omisore, and seconded by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Moroof Atilola.
All chieftains of the party who have been engaged in a running battle with Alao-Akala did not attend the parley. They include the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; Senator Lekan Balogun, Elder Wole Oyelese, Alhaji Yekini Adeojo, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Ayo Adeseun.
The President had before the meeting paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade I, where he sought royal blessings for his ambition.
[source:punchnews]
France's highest appeals court has authorised judges to proceed with an investigation into assets held in the country by three African leaders. The anti-corruption group Transparency International has accused the three of using African public funds to buy luxury homes and cars in France. A Paris court halted the lawsuit last year, saying Transparency could not act against foreign heads of state. The three leaders, one of whom is now dead, had denied wrongdoing. They are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, as well as the late Gabonese leader, Omar Bongo. Transparency estimates the total value of the three leaders' estates in France at 160m euros (£140m, $223m). 'Legal breakthrough' Quoting French police investigations dating back to 2007, it said President Obiang owned vehicles worth more than 4m euros, the late Bongo and his relations had 39 homes, and Mr Sassou Nguesso and his relations held 112 bank accounts.
The leaders of the three countries had all denied the charges
“Start Quote
For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible”
End QuoteTransparency International
Investigations found that Bongo's wife Edith had bought a Daimler Chrysler car with a cheque drawn on a Gabonese government account in France, Transparency added.
"For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible," the anti-corruption group said in a statement welcoming the ruling. It hoped the funds allegedly stolen would eventually be recovered. The case followed a 2007 French police investigation which had found the leaders and their relatives owned homes in upmarket areas of Paris and on the Riviera, along with luxury cars including Bugattis, Ferraris and Maseratis. Transparency, along with rights group Sherpa, had argued that it was not possible that the men and their entourages had bought the assets through their legitimate salaries. When a French magistrate ruled in May 2008 that the "ill-gotten gains" case was admissible in a French court, representatives of the leaders contested the ruling. They argued that, as civil society activists, Transparency had no right to act as plaintiffs against heads of state. Transparency appealed in turn and its action was upheld on Tuesday. Gabon and Republic of Congo are former French colonies. Omar Bongo - who was Africa's longest-serving leader - died in June 2009 but members of his family were also named in Transparency International's case.
Nigerian unions are going ahead with a threatened nationwide strike for a rise in the minimum wage.
The two largest unions rejected a last-minute appeal from President Goodluck Jonathan to call off the action. The unions want the monthly minimum wage more than doubled to $120 (£75) because prices have risen steeply. But union leaders said they would meet later on Wednesday to decide whether to strike for three days as initially planned or call off the action early. 'Eerily quiet' The protest is expected to affect a wide range of services across Africa's most populous nation. The BBC's Caroline Duffield in the main commercial city, Lagos, says streets, shops and offices are eerily quiet. A rally organised by the unions is under way in the city although many workers have simply decided to stay at home.
"It's very difficult, there is no vehicle on the road," security guard Okpara Adonis told Reuters agency.
He said private minibus drivers were exploiting the fact that state-owned buses were not working. "In place of 50 naira ($0.33, £0.20) they are charging 100 naira for the bus, and there is no place to get fuel." In the capital, Abuja, ministries and government offices, banks and public schools are closed. Holiday concerns Inflation has been running at double-digit rates in recent years, driven by increases in food and transportation costs. The minimum wage has not risen for a decade. Mr Jonathan cut short a visit to Lagos to meet representatives from the country's two main unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The leader of the NLC at the talks said the two unions' national executives would meet on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether or not to continue with the strike. "We have heard the message of Mr President," NLC acting president Promise Adewusi told reporters after the talks with Mr Jonathan.
The president cut short a trip to Nigeria's business hub Lagos to meet union leaders
"We are going to go back to our organ [executive council]. The only thing we can say to you is that the strike is on until it is called off by the organ," he said. Ahead of the talks, Mr Jonathan's office issued a statement saying it was committed to "realistic wages" for all workers. Correspondents say there are fears that if the strike continues it will affect people's plans for next week's Eid al-Kabir nationwide public holidays on Tuesday and Wednesday as banks may not be open again until Monday.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
French appeals court reopens African assets case
The leaders of the three countries had all denied the charges
France's highest appeals court has authorised judges to proceed with an investigation into assets held in the country by three African leaders.
The anti-corruption group Transparency International has accused the three of using African public funds to buy luxury homes and cars in France. A Paris court halted the lawsuit last year, saying Transparency could not act against foreign heads of state. The three leaders, one of whom is now dead, had denied wrongdoing. They are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, as well as the late Gabonese leader, Omar Bongo. Transparency estimates the total value of the three leaders' estates in France at 160m euros (£140m, $223m). 'Legal breakthrough' Quoting French police investigations dating back to 2007, it said President Obiang owned vehicles worth more than 4m euros, the late Bongo and his relations had 39 homes, and Mr Sassou Nguesso and his relations held 112 bank accounts.
“Start Quote
For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible”
End QuoteTransparency International
Investigations found that Bongo's wife Edith had bought a Daimler Chrysler car with a cheque drawn on a Gabonese government account in France, Transparency added.
"For the first time in France, a lawsuit by an anti-corruption association acting for the interests it aims to defend has been judged admissible," the anti-corruption group said in a statement welcoming the ruling. It hoped the funds allegedly stolen would eventually be recovered. The case followed a 2007 French police investigation which had found the leaders and their relatives owned homes in upmarket areas of Paris and on the Riviera, along with luxury cars including Bugattis, Ferraris and Maseratis. Transparency, along with rights group Sherpa, had argued that it was not possible that the men and their entourages had bought the assets through their legitimate salaries. When a French magistrate ruled in May 2008 that the "ill-gotten gains" case was admissible in a French court, representatives of the leaders contested the ruling. They argued that, as civil society activists, Transparency had no right to act as plaintiffs against heads of state. Transparency appealed in turn and its action was upheld on Tuesday. Gabon and Republic of Congo are former French colonies. Omar Bongo - who was Africa's longest-serving leader - died in June 2009 but members of his family were also named in Transparency International's case.
US President Barack Obama has held up Indonesia as an example of how a developing nation can embrace democracy and diversity.
He was speaking in Jakarta on a visit to the world's largest Muslim nation. Mr Obama said innocent people across the world were still targeted by militants but emphasised that the US was not at war with Islam. Analysts say it is his biggest attempt to engage the Islamic world since a speech in Cairo last year. Mr Obama was speaking at the University of Indonesia, before an audience of 6,000 people. 'Shared values' In his address, he touched on the four years he spent in the country as a child and emphasised the importance of Indonesia's example as a growing economy and a majority-Muslim nation that is largely tolerant of other religions. "Today, I return to Indonesia as a friend, but also as a president who seeks a deep and enduring partnership between our two countries," he said. "Because as vast and diverse countries; as neighbours on either side of the Pacific; and above all as democracies - the United States and Indonesia are bound together by shared interests and shared values."
Analysis
Barack Obama applied the personal touch with great aplomb: reminiscing about the Indonesia he once knew, then praising the progress it has made from dictatorship to vibrant, booming democracy. He repeated its national motto - "Unity in Diversity" - holding Indonesia up as an example for others to follow. Mr Obama then pressed home his support for democracy, human rights and religious tolerance. The young audience at the University of Indonesia cheered, and much of the rest of the country was charmed. They could perhaps once again think of the President of the United States as one of their own.
He also highlighted the role religion had played in Indonesia's development, praising the country's spirituality and "rich diversity".
"Just as individuals are not defined solely by their faith, Indonesia is defined by more than its Muslim population," he said. "But we also know that relations between the United States and Muslim communities have frayed over many years. As president, I have made it a priority to begin to repair these relations." He said more work needed to be done to address "the issues that have caused tensions for many years" but appealed for unity to defeat "violent extremists". "I have made it clear that America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam," he said. "Instead, all of us must work together to defeat al-Qaeda and its affiliates, who have no claim to be leaders of any religion - certainly not a great, world religion like Islam. But those who want to build must not cede ground to terrorists who seek to destroy. This is not a task for America alone." But among the kind words for his hosts, there was also a thinly-veiled swipe at China, says the BBC's Guy Delauney in Jakarta - in particular its treatment of political dissidents. "Prosperity without freedom is just another form of poverty," Mr Obama said. "Because there are aspirations that human beings share - the liberty of knowing that your leader is accountable to you - and that you won't get locked up for disagreeing with them." Mr Obama's trip to Asia covers four successful democracies - and shows the direction the US would like others to follow, our correspondent says. Difficulties The president also revisited some of the themes he raised in his June 2009 speech in Cairo: the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and between Israel and the Palestinians.
Mr Obama said Indonesia was defined by more than its Muslim population
In a reminder of the difficulties he faces on that last front, Israel decided to build more apartments for Jewish settlers in disputed East Jerusalem. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians resumed in September after a break of almost two years but were suspended after a few weeks when a freeze on the building of Jewish settlements expired. When Mr Obama delivered his Cairo speech he was riding a wave of goodwill, says the BBC's Middle East analyst Roger Hardy. But since then, the mood has changed. Recent polls show that in key parts of the Muslim world his credibility has slumped.
Barrack Obama
[BBC news] Mr Obama had earlier addressed many of the same themes in a wide-ranging news conference with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. The president's short trip has afforded him little leisure time, but before the university speech Mr Obama and his wife Michelle managed a visit to Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque, the largest in South-East Asia. He has been forced to leave Indonesia about two hours early so his flight can outrun the volcanic ash cloud thrown up by the recent deadly eruption of Mount Merapi. Indonesia is the second stop on his four-nation tour of Asia after India. The next stops are South Korea for the summit of G20 leaders and finally Japan.
Barrack Obama is true world leader, He seem to be accepted by everyone what is your take on this. post your comments below.
President Barack Obama backed India for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council Monday, a dramatic diplomatic gesture to his hosts as he wrapped up his first visit to this burgeoning nation. Obama made the announcement in a speech to India's parliament on the third and final day of his visit. In doing so, he fulfilled what was perhaps India's dearest wish for Obama's trip here. India has been pushing for permanent Security Council membership for years. "The just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate," Obama said. "That is why I can say today -- in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed U.N. Security Council that includes India as a permanent member." The announcement brought the loudest applause of Obama's speech. But it does not mean that India will join the five permanent Security Council members anytime soon. The U.S. is backing India's membership only in the context of unspecified reforms to the council that could take years to bring about. That makes Obama's announcement more of a diplomatic gesture than a concrete step. Nonetheless, it underscores the importance the U.S. places on fostering ties with this nation of 1.2 billion people, something Obama has been seeking to accomplish throughout his time here. Obama said repeatedly throughout his three days in India -- first in the financial center of Mumbai and then in the capital of New Delhi -- that he views the relationship between the two countries as one of the "defining partnerships" of the 21st century. He set out to prove it by making India the first stop on a four-country tour of Asia, and then through economic announcements, cultural outreach and finally the announcement about the U.N. Security Council. India has sought permanent council membership as recognition of its surging economic clout and its increased stature in world affairs. The U.S. endorsement is certain to deepen the ties between them and could also send Obama's popularity in India skyrocketing to a level comparable to that enjoyed by George W. Bush. The former president is seen as a hero here for helping end India's nuclear isolation. The five permanent members of the Security Council are the U.S., China, France, the United Kingdom and Russia.
Debate has raged for years over how to change a structure that is widely seen as outdated and it is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. So it's unclear when India's drive for permanent membership will ever be realized. But backing it at all is a critically important move from India's perspective.
Chilean miner Edison Peña wants to run in Sunday’s New York City marathon.
Photograph: Ivan Alvarado/Reuters
Chilean miner who jogged while trapped underground had been invited to watch race, but now wants to take part. The Chilean miner who jogged in the tunnels while trapped underground not only will attend Sunday's New York City marathon – he wants to run it. Marathon officials had invited Edison Peña to watch the race after hearing his story when the miners were rescued last month. They thought he could ride in the lead vehicle or hold the finish line tape, but never expected the Chilean consulate to tell them that Peña wanted to run. "He absolutely, 100% wants to participate," the New York Road Runners president, Mary Wittenberg, said on Monday. Marathon organisers were working to arrange Peña travel to New York and decide exactly how to best honour him. Peña was one of the 33 miners who were trapped for 69 days after a collapse stranded them nearly 800m underground. Marathon officials had been in contact with the consulate since the rescue, and last week they received word that Peña had accepted their invitation to attend. Then came Monday's news that Peña wasn't content to just be an observer. "I cannot wait to meet this man," Wittenberg said. [source:guardian.co.uk]
South Korea's navy fired warning shots to push a North Korean fishing boat back to its side of the Yellow Sea border Wednesday, the Yonhap news agency reported, citing military officials.
The boat crossed the Northern Limit Line at 7:18 a.m. Wednesday and then went back to its side about two and a half hours later after the shots were fired, Yonhap reported.
No casualties were reported.
Last week, North Korean and South Korean military units exchanged gunfire near their border, according to South Korean authorities.
The exchange happened after North Korean forces fired two rounds from a 14.5 millimeter machine gun at a South Korean military guard post near the border town of Chorwon, South Korea, about 73 miles (118 km) northeast of Seoul, according to an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The prickly relationship between the countries since the Korean War has had periodic conciliatory moves and flare-ups.
While there are occasional shooting incidents across the demilitarized zones, the most tense flash point on the peninsula in recent years has been the disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea.
There were fatal naval clashes there in 1999 and 2002. In March this year, the sinking of a South Korean vessel killed 46 sailors in what a South Korean and international investigation team concluded was a North Korean torpedo attack.
Tensions though have not affected North-South Korean family reunions, which began October 30 and will end Friday at Mount Kumgang, the two Koreas' joint mountain resort in the North.
"They shared kindred feelings, inquiring after the health of their families and relatives who were not able to join the reunion," North Korea's KCNA reported on Wednesday.
"Through the reunion the separated families and relatives from the north and the south keenly realized that they cannot live separated from each other any longer but should terminate the tragic division as early as possible." [source:CNN]
House Of Assembly Speaker Bankole With President Goodluck Jonathan
On the wee hours of Oct. 1st 2010 I saw a new message on my blackberry and I have to grab the pc. the story was on Nigeria at 50, after reading through the message soberly I decide to blog with it. He is the excerpt:
… as we must BEGIN to Walk and Work our Talk … individually and Collectively.
“When this Nation has attained its true height in the near future, let it be our known that as true citizens of this great nation we ensured that by conscious effort, might, will power and strength of character, we ensured that after all is said and done more is done than said”.
- Obozuwa Enike Dominic AKA (Deo Avante)
INTRODUCTION
“ARISE O COMPATRIOT, NIGERIA’S CALL OBEY. TO SERVE OUR FATHER LAND WITH LOVE, STRENGTH AND FAITH. THE LABOUR OF OUR HEROES PAST SHALL NEVER BE IN VAIN. TO SERVE WITH HEART AND MIGHT … ONE NATION BOUND IN FREEDOM, PEACE AND UNITY”. AMEN.
As you recite the words … let every word make a significant meaning to you … Rest on each word and think about it … and then your contribution to make it happen … This is our collective destiny.
Last year as I wrote a piece on Nigeria @ 49 … Greatness lies Ahead, I began with the second stanza of our national anthem. This year … I think it is time to ARISE! Nigeria, Nigerians, ARISE! Arise and take back that which is yours by doing that which is needful. It is time to serve our fatherland, truly, diligently, wholeheartedly and with all our might.
This is a call to work and service. True, committed and dedicated service.
Let us reflect on the past, and we will see that selfishness, avarice, self aggrandizement, ineptitudinal leadership, inordinate ambition, voracity and rotational leadership and enslavement by the leaders of the past has kept this Nation at a standstill.
I have come to declare the mandate of a generation that works, and is restless with the state of affairs in our Nation presently … we have been stagnated for too long … we have stayed on this mountain for too long … IT IS TIME TO MOVE FORWARD. As we mark 50 years of Independence, we must indeed think, talk, walk and work free … we must work by the tenets of sustained and enduring values.
We must begin to think less of ourselves and what we can get but rather to think of what we can give, contribute, invest and let go to the next man. We must make up our minds to Walk our Talk; and ensure that after all is said and done, there is MUCH MORE DONE THAN SAID.
It is not enough to just think and talk … we must DO WHAT WE BELIEVE, CLAIM OR PRESUME TO BE RIGHT, JUST, EQUITABLE, REQUIRED, NECESSARY AND FAIR. This is the true CAN DO Nigerian spirit.
In this piece, as I speak to Our leaders, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary, the Nigerian and everyone who has gotten a citizenship of this great nation one way or another, I will discuss Three things viz:
Why we must Celebrate
Why we must reflect on the past and what we want for the future, and
Nigerians and the Leadership Conundrum with a mild emphasis on the young people of our nation.
President Goodluck Jonathan
WHY WE MUST CELEBRATE
A lot of people have said we should not be celebrating, but i will give you a few things to celebrate about; and i will be brief about it.
For once we have a leadership that is people oriented and not self serving.
We have a vibrant media (Press, TV, Radio, Internet) and freedom of the press, through which the public outcry has being enhanced.
We are still bound in nationhood after the civil wars of the past, tribal and religious killings and sectional rivalries. The numerous ethno-religious conflagrations and unending mutual suspicions and hatred are enough to set many a country apart. More than one million people died in the three-year war that followed Biafra’s declaration of independence on 30 May 1967, yet Nigeria is still one indivisible nation under God decades later. Our collective triumph over forces of disintegration and huge cultural differences is worth celebrating.
Some of the countries we like to compare ourselves with had hundreds and thousands of years of conflict before they settled down, somewhat. The last major inter-tribal clashes of Europe took place before our eyes in the Balkans in the 90s. Asia is perennially unstable – the Japanese eying the Chinese; the Indians and Pakistanis rattling their sabers; Thailand and Vietnam quarreling over shrines; on and on. In all, it could have been worse here, but it is not.
Great Icons have emerged from our great nation and are doing great things globally: Philip Emeagwali, Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Adebayo Ogunlesi, Sade Adu, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Aliko Dangote, Kanu Nwankwo, John Fashanu, Osaze Odewmingie, Fela Durotoye, Tara Durotoye, to mention a few. Our enormous excellent human capital base is worth celebrating.
Global Brands have evolved from this nation, and these were created by individuals born and bred in Nigeria – Citizens of this great and gallant nation: Globacom, GTBank, Alder Consulting, FBN Plc, UBA Plc, Dangote Group of Companies, to mention a few.
Over the years, there was a sharp difference between the rich and the poor, however today, we have an emerging middle class that is growing in leaps and bounds and in the last five to six years has become the rich class of the upper echelon.
In this country, you find the parvenu becoming greater than his forbears. The ‘NEVER SAY DIE’ spirit of the average Nigerian takes them from the street to the palace and from the slum to the top. Their peers in other ‘supposed developed nations’ are on welfare and receiving stipends from the government. Ask yourself if anyone killed themselves during the recession here in Nigeria … whereas, Globally there were suicides and near misses…
Look at you … You wake up everyday and you have something to look forward to … Be it your job, your business, your wife, a loved one, your children … your plans, etc … you wake up and take a leap to the UK, Dubai, America, etc … You wake up to freshness … and everyday …It is clearer to you that we will get to the promised land … Our own Canaan …
As unexciting as it can be, we are proud as a nation and patriotic in our nationhood. Nigerians care for their country and still believe that one day its much talked about potential will be realised. You need look no further than sports competitions – especially football – for evidence of our patriotism. It is there that you will find Nigerians, irrespective of age, tribe or creed, enthusiastically cheering on the national team.
Our Entertainment sector is rising like a meteor, and Nollywood is a big surprise and the Third largest movie industry globally. Look around you … amidst the relative want, lack and deprivation, Wande Coal went from Mushin to Mohits; DBanj went from Oyebanji to Kokomaster; Our Music industry is Out of this world, our professionals are locally schooled and internationally recognised; the mechanic, shoemaker, bean cake seller, etc are doing the best they can, and have children in the tertiary institutions and also who work in Blue chip companies … this they are doing by generating income right from where they are … selling akara balls or fixing a car.
Our national environment is garrisoned by relative calm and peace and devoid of the natural disasters that rock some other countries on a frequent basis. Ever heard of Hurricane Kathrina or Mildred in Nigeria? Earthquake … and the sorts in Nigeria …?
Broken down simply, What should we celebrate?
We should celebrate our relative progress as enumerated above and more, Our Patriotism and commitment for 50 years … and running, Our Patience, Resilience and Never say Die spirit, Our Optimism, Our Collective Focus, Our Relative Peace, Our Stability, Our Courage and Fortitude. We sure have something to Celebrate …
President Goodluck Jonathan & Vice President Sambo
I say to you my friend, my brother, my comrade at arms, please do three things … in this 50th Independence Day Anniversary, and do them proudly;
1. Stand Proud to be a Nigerian and congratulate yourself on our 50th Independence Anniversary;
2. Speak Positively concerning Nigeria ALWAYS … regardless of what you see; Bless ALWAYS …
3. Pray for Nigeria, … and expect answers to your prayers …
I know that everything may not look like you want it now … but as we continue to pray for our GREAT Country and take practical steps towards Glory … individually and collectively, … We will reach our Promised Land … sooner than we think.
BUT, as we Celebrate, we must Reflect on where we came from and where we are going as a Nation.
WHY WE MUST REFLECT ON THE PAST AND WHAT WE WANT FOR THE FUTURE
The mother of the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates was a midwife. So Socrates grew up observing that she assisted women in bringing new life into the world. This experience later influenced his teaching method. Socrates said, “My art of midwifery is in general like theirs; the only difference is that my patients are men, not women, and my concern is not with the body but with the soul that is in travail of birth.”Instead of just passing information on to his students, Socrates used the sometimes painful process of giving statistical data and asking probing questions to help them arrive at their own conclusions. Teaching them to think seemed at times like the travail of childbirth. In delivery – which is akin to providing the answers required or analyzing the data provided – they achieve desired results.
To birth the Greatness Inherent in Nigeria …we must reflect on the past and drive towards the future with a sense of urgency. Let the next 50 years come as quickly as light into a dark world and let the pain of the past become a vague story. We must therefore think on the following, viz:
Our Past and prevailing present:
In the 1960s/70s education in Nigeria was prime. Undergraduates then looked on in pity, mixed with scorn, at those who had to go abroad for their undergraduate degree programme. They were simply unable to make the grade here, so high were the standards and resultant excellence then. Today the opposite is the case.
Travelling abroad, you flashed your green passport proudly, condescendingly even, at Immigration counters and swept past as you deigned to visit their countries. Oh, they were lucky to have you visit! Today the opposite is the case.
With the coming of the military, our law and order regime broke down and has never quite recovered, even 11 years into our present democratic experience.
All the indices for development has retrogressed from 1960 to date e.g. Infrastructure, Education, Transport, Health, Power, Value System, etc.
After the Second World War, the advanced nations and well informed international communities asserted that the next set of nations to join the advanced industrialised nations are China, India, Brazil and Nigeria. Of those, only Nigeria has failed that expectation despite our enormous market and huge Natural Resources. But, why? The answer is in one word: HUMAN. What makes a modern Nation is not the quantity of its natural resources but the quality of the Nation’s human resources. In Nigeria human contribution to our developments is only four per cent but those four per cent are unable to beneficially make use of our ninety-six (96) per cent Natural Resources. Corruption is glorified with reckless abandon. In U.S.A., Europe and Japan, it is the human contributions that are dominant, about ninety-eight (98) per cent. Power and Railway do not function in Nigeria not because there are no financial resources but because of human failures and reckless irresponsibility in governance. No infrastructure works.
Most Nigerian Children are robbed of their future and they are meant to be the future of this great nation. The boy child in the eastern part of Nigeria and the girl child in the north. They begun to have dysfunctional behaviours even before they can understand what life is all about, and resultantly, they become societal anomalies only with time instead of growing up to become the leaders that they were born to become. Nigeria holds the record as Africa’s top energy producer and most populous nation, but it also holds less enviable records – like being one of the worse places in the world to be a schoolchild.
Many teenage girls in the North find themselves divorced with children to support at very early stages in life. More than 30 students at a certain (name withheld) single school are teenagers who are now divorced. Not to mention that in other schools, in other localities, and other states. The stigma and total violation of their childhood has left them without one to recall in the future.
According to the BBC The educational statistics as given by certified data reveal the following:
Children out of school: 8.2m
Primary school attendance in the north: less than 50%
School graduates unemployed: 1/3
· Nigerians under 18: 75m
Mass National Educational failure in two years: 89%
Nigeria Map with Logos.
Total population: 154m
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11427409
With the incessant abuse against Children, the Child Rights Act of 2003 still remains an illusion in some states, especially in the Northern part of Nigeria and a debate in our supposed hallowed legislature. Nigeria’s children are being robbed.
Our untapped youthful potential is dizzying. Currently, one-third of school graduates are unemployed and analysts warn that the economy must dramatically expand to keep pace with the demand for jobs.
Both Indonesia and Nigeria are the giants of their region, home to tens of millions of people. Both were formed as one nation by Europeans around 1900. Both were governed by the colonial system of “indirect rule”. Both once made money from palm oil, and later discovered oil and gas. At independence, the standards of living in the two countries were comparable on most measures. And since independence, both have suffered three decades of military misrule and corruption.
And today, Indonesia lies almost 50 places above Nigeria on the United Nation’s Human Development Index. Adult literacy stands at 92%, 20 points better than Nigeria. Per capita income, at close to $4,000, is almost twice that of Nigeria. Basic healthcare is strikingly better in Indonesia, and the same is true for education. Access to clean water and a good balanced diet are better too. The nation has experienced 50 years of growth, but no development.
Again from BBC the Comparable statistical data of Indonesia and Nigeria are viz:
In 1960, Nigeria produced almost half the world’s palm oil, now it covers just 7%. It is largely dependent on crude Oil, which it still imports in its refined state; because its refineries are comatose.
Corruption, Bribery, Tribalism and Nepotism is endemic. These are the killers of the very fabric of our nation.
We have age long men who should be retired and acting as elder statesmen are fighting to usurp governing power again. Most of these same men were in their thirties when they “governed” the nation. Why do these seeming elders lack a sense of self respect, discipline and integrity?
A lot of Nigerians do not know what it means to be a Nigerian. No sense of purpose, identity, focus, strength of character or integrity. We are black and must be proud to relive our cultural and moral values. That is what makes us Nigerians and nay Africans. We have allowed ourselves to be corrupted by the definitions of Hollywood, Television and World affairs.We must understand What it means to be Nigerian. To be Nigerian is to be RESPONSIBLE! To be RESPONSIBLE is to be responsible for yourself, your fellow Nigerian and for your Nation.
Upon reflecting on the above, we must take a stand, as Government, President, Law maker, Labour worker, Leader in the public or private sector, stakeholder, power broker, MD/CEO, Noble Nigerian, whoever you may be … realise that Nigeria is an INVESTMENT. We must tend it, focus on it, grow it, protect it, strengthen it, cultivate it, consciously, selfless, with string will and might to excel. Only then will we reap the benefit of a fruitful investment, in the future. We must reflect not to become sober, but to take action in the right direction.
Look into the mirror, every change starts with you. Say to yourself: “IF ITS GOT TO BE, THEN ITS UP TO ME”. Think well, Talk Well, Act well and Nigeria will go well.
The Nigeria @ 50 Official emblem.
NIGERIANS AND THE LEADERSHIP CONUNDRUM WITH A MILD EMPHASIS ON THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF OUR NATION
A lot has been said about leadership in Nigeria. The bain of our Nation’s developmental process has been rotational, corrupt and ineptitudinal leadership. We have had a recurrent rotation of the same selfish .I concur that we the YOUTH OF NIGERIA MUST ARISE & take the future into our hands.governors and presidents over the years, hence the Nations stunted growth.
The fundamental issue we are dealing with in Nigeria is that we do not have quality, moral, disciplined and principle centred leadership. That is why there is corruption and lack of development. Corruption is a MINDSET that is focused on SELF and SELF AGGRANDIZEMENT, a mindset that lacks vision and a sense of posterity, integrity and dignity. As we enter the next 50 years of Greatness in our Nation, we must know why and how we got here. If not, we will not understand how to avoid it and go forward.
What is our Role as Nigerians and then young people?
Service! We must continue to Serve wherever we may find ourselves in the public or private sector of our economy; BUT but with a VISION for a preferred future for our great nation. This will guide our attitudes, character and contribution to nation building.
Service is the platform for leadership. Service is leadership. Because Service gives you influence and influence gives you leadership. Leadership is not a position. It is not a role you play; it is a LIFE YOU LEAD – a pattern of BEHAVIOUR. True Leadership is an ATTITUDE that naturally MOTIVATES, INSPIRES AND INFLUENCES others; and it comes from an internalized DISCOVERY OF YOURSELF – Your personal and National Identity, and your NATION. You cannot learn an attitude. You have to KNOW who you were created to be – KNOW YOURSELF!
Then know your Nation! Do you know Nigeria? Do you have a sense of our History, our Heritage, our culture, our collective destiny? Your personal contribution to that Goal? Do you know?
KNOWING comes from REVELATION, and you do not really change until you know. Knowing changes your MINDSET, which transforms your attitude, which I turn , informs, directs and regulates your BEHAVIOUR. As you THINK, so shall you BE; and because you understand WHO you are, you influence your environment – your NATION – the WORLD – more than your environment influences you.
We must take the lessons from our past and present experiences as nuggets of wisdom for the next phase of our life and National existence as individuals and as a Nation under God and use them to influence this Nation for the better. This is service – LEADERSHIP. We have gone through a lot as a Nation, but truth be told, great Nations as True leaders STRIVE to overcome crisis and they become creative and better in difficulty.
In closing, LEADERSHIP is the CAPACITY to INFLUENCE others through IINSPIRATION MOTIVATED by a PASSION, generated by a VISION, produced by a CONVICTION, ignited by a PURPOSE. As Nigerians, especially as young people, we must be ignited by the fire to see our Nation reach its maximum potential, think it always, say it always, resist the temptation to say the wrong things about our Nation, and take massive action steps to bring this National Dream and heritage to pass. And with true influence, we can turn the tides against any negative experience presently bedeviling our Nation.
We must not abdicate the responsibility to grow this Nation to the Government alone. We are all partners together in this Investment Climate. Let us join hands to work, and walk our Talk.
CONCLUSION
Human ingenuity has not been able to establish any perfect system of government, but the truth is that no human has been able to invent any system of government better than the true democratic system of governance. The decline and rot of a nation are like a forest fire, you fight to put it out, not watch it. The future belongs to us and we must deliver the future to our generation and unborn Children. It is our responsibility.
We are the Fix-It generation and we must find our spheres to accomplish this. Our Generation is a generation of Leaders … We must Wake up to our responsibility to drive this Nation right. Are you fully committed to boldly take Nigeria to her next stage of development?
In midwifing Nigeria to Greatness … as we celebrate our 50th Year Anniversary, let us all do three things …
1. Ask ourselves probing questions that will enable us travail like we are birthing a new nation.
2. Prepare to take our Nation forward by the appropriate THOUGHTS, WORDS, and ACTIONS by a careful mind re-engineering process … , and
3. Take Action, where we are, with what we have and however we can … individually and collectively.
Also, as the 2011 elections approach, this may well be our last chance to effect positive change in the country. So that our children and generations unborn do not curse us and wonder why we did nothing as things unravelled. Enough of complaining and muttering under our breaths! Even if we can’t all be politicians or all seek elective office or take up political appointments, we have a say and a stake in determining who our leaders will be. Your vote is your power, use it! You must come out to register, Vote, Monitor and Guard your Vote. So as our Golden Jubilee approaches, tomorrow Friday let us each resolve to give our nation a most befitting birthday present: determine to Serve with all your might, and vote and encourage everyone else around you to do the same. In doing this, we enforce our true liberty as a Nation and the labour of our heroes past.
Our generation has a rendezvous with Destiny … and we need to be ready for it … NOW! The good news is … We are closer than we thought … than we know … I need you and together we can take this Nation to the next level – TRANSFORMATION. Lets start with One Step at a Time. We can do this, we will do this, with God on our side, we shall not fail.
Please say the following Prayer with me:
” Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for this Nation, that you will cause Peace, Progress, Development, and Prosperity to reign in our land; and that we as citizens and others like us of this great country will do what is required of us, serve with our might, contribute positively to the development of this nation and prosper in all our endeavours. Grant our leaders wisdom to make the right decisions and the political will to act in order to lead us to the destiny you have earmarked for this great nation – One Solid and Great Nation where everything works. Amen”.
Happy 50th Anniversary, Nigeria!
This message was brought to me courtesy of http://www.nigerianaces.com, I felt so sadden bye what I read as a true Nigerian. What you give comes back to you, please pass Nigerian Aces website on to your friends and family, they’ll be glad you did.
Before you leave, please kindly write some good prayers for Nigeria in the comment box below, even if you are not a Nigerian. Because Nigeria’s Problems is beyond the ordinary we need Divine help.
