Why Good Journalism Truly Matters

By Adewale Kupoluyi

Media, democracy and development are tripartite partners that could drive any modern society. These critical issues formed discussions at the just-concluded 67th General Assembly and 2018 IPI World Congress of the International Press Institute, held in Abuja for the very first time in the history of Nigeria and attended by some 330 participants, 65 speakers from 37 countries. Themed, Why Good Journalism Matters: Quality Journalism for Strong Societies, the congress coincided with when IPI would hold its flagship global press freedom event in West Africa. 

Welcoming all, IPI Executive Board Vice-Chair, Dawn Thomas, said the hosting was an acknowledgement of the country’s historical importance to the institute and that Nigeria became a key focus of IPI’s Africa programme in the 1960s and 1970s, when it established the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ). The IPI Executive Director, Barbara Trionfi disclosed that the congress was a reminder of the power of solidarity in the global media.

Igbo Independence And Biafran Identity

By Osita Ebiem 

In this essay we will take time to clarify some areas that seem to confuse some people in the on-going Biafra separatist movement in Nigeria. Over the years, as will be expected, the move for the independence of Biafra has undergone some transformations. These changes seem to have created a sort of mixed messages in the minds of both observers and participants. So, at this point it is really important that we try to clarify some of the seemingly ambiguous aspects of the movement.

It is a fact that for some of the participants, those involved in the struggle, many are finding it difficult to come to terms and accept the obvious realities of these changes when they seem to go against some of their assumed or preconceived notions of what the struggle should be about. This is understandable. But in spite of the genuine appreciation of the position of these colleagues it will be foolish if we should ignore the prevailing obvious new realities and facts as they concern the movement. We can only ask that such individuals will be humble enough to find the sincerity and courage to acknowledge these truths and incontestable facts when they are revealed to them. 

Burning Questions On Abacha’s Returned Loot

By Ayibakuro Matthew

Over the last week or so, there has been heightened interest amongst Nigerians about the use of the most recently repatriated $322.5 million Abacha loot.  The questions raised around the issue include the choice of using the money for the conditional cash transfer programme of the Federal Government, the choice of states benefitting from the programme, the usefulness of a monthly transfer of N5, 000 to poor Nigerians and concerns about the re-looting of the funds.

*Gen Sani Abacha 

It is significant to note at the onset that the concerns of most Nigerians about the use of the $322.5 million for the conditional cash transfer programme, instead of a legacy project with more visibility and impact, is both valid and understandable. However, the use of the funds for cash transfers is an outcome of months of negotiation that enabled the repatriation of the funds in the first place.

Ekiti Election: Test For Our Democracy

By Raymond Oise-Oghaede

The Ekiti State governorship election is around the corner and all eyes from far and wide are on the state because of its cruciality to determining the level of the people’s preparedness for the 2019 general elections. Its importance to the permutations of the ruling parties at the federal and state levels respectively cannot be overemphasized. Presently, Ekiti is the only state in the South West that is not under the control of the (APC) and it is the only state that the main opposition party is holding on to and hoping to build on in its quest to have a major breakthrough into the region. 

*Fmr Gov Fayemi and Gov Fayose of Ekiti State 

Consequently, you will agree with me that it is going to be an interesting contest in all ramifications. The situation is further embroidered with curious expectations as a result of the caliber and personalities of the candidates that are been thrown into the contest. The popularity, political acumen and the wherewithal at the disposal of these candidates and their party platforms have made it look very unpredictable.

President Buhari, End These Killings Now!

By Folaranmi Adegbite

“My father, my mother, my wife, our four children were shot, killed and burnt.”

This cry of horror by a survivor of the Fulani herdsmen massacre of innocent people in Plateau State calls to question the sincerity or competence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari to provide security for Nigerians. President Buhari during his campaign for 2015 Presidential Election promises to improve on fragile security in the land then among other campaign promises. 

*President Buhari 

However, since his coming to power, we cannot say that the nation has had a relief from insecurity. All his efforts and that of his service chiefs are like taken one step forward and two backward which leads to nowhere in particular.

In fairness to Buhari, the killings in Nigeria predated his administration. Whether killings by Boko Haram, insurgents, Fulani herdsmen, or ethic militants all these have been happening before Buhari came to power.

Carnage And Poverty As National Tragedies

By Sufuyan Ojeifo

Two existential issues – security and poverty- that bear great relevance to the assessment of performance of governments globally reared their heads back-to-back, last week, in Nigeria. Both issues were so tangible that they could not escape essential appraisal and indictment.

While the carnage in Bakin Ladi local government area of Plateau State on June 23, 2018 was so self-evident such that it could not be denied by the Federal Government, the Brookings report that Nigeria has overtaken India as the global poverty capital has been rebutted by government through the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah. 

Nigeria: Descending To Slaughter Land

By Adeniyi kikelomo Evelyn

Nigeria, our once beautiful country has been transformed into the playground of evil minded and uncouth individuals who have taken immense advantage of our poorly managed and weak security. If you like, call it shameful. Citizens of Nigeria are being pushed out of their homes, villages and forced to abandon their heritage due to the lackadaisical, deceptive and compromised stands of the government towards the safety of the people which should be the constitutional privilege of the citizens.

A few days ago Plateau State was thrown into an uproar once again as some villages were attacked for 48 hours. 48 Hours! At this period of many hours, one wonders what our security agencies were doing before and during the attack. Have they negated their sniffing assignment or slept on their active watch? I believe no excuse is plausible for this dastardly act and seemingly permissive genocide.

Nigeria Must Atone For the Blood Of The Innocent

By Arthur Agwuncha Nwankwo

The recent revalidation and recognition by the federal government of late Chief MKO Abiola as the rightful winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election in Nigeria has generated intense debate in the country. This debate has further been exacerbated by the unilateral declaration of June 12 of every year as Nigeria’s democracy day instead of May 29. 

*Dr. Arthur Nwankwo 

While this move by the Buhari administration has been interpreted by his apologists as a political master stroke aimed at galvanizing support from the south-west, many others have interpreted it not only as a political mischief but also as the debauchery and selective treatment of issues that bear at the foundation of the country.

Fulani Herdsmen Have Declared A War On Nigeria – Eastern Mandate Union (EMU)

Communiqué Issued By The Eastern Mandate Union (EMU) On The Level Of Insecurity And Menace Of Fulani Herdsmen In Nigeria

 

*Dr. Arthur Nwankwo,
Chancellor, Eastern Mandate Union   

*Background to the Communiqué:
Following the recent carnage by Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State in which over 200 persons were slaughtered in cold blood; and growing level of insecurity in the country, the Eastern Mandate Union convoked an emergency meeting last Monday, July 2, 2018, to review the state of the country and the ethnic cleansing and jihad that is currently sweeping across the Middle Belt region of the country.

We have on several occasions pointed out that Nigeria is an aberration created by a colonial fiat to feed its insatiable economic appetite. Regrettably, since political independence, Nigeria has failed to weave a nation out of the welter of ethnicities that make up Nigeria to the extent that today Nigeria has become emblematic of a failed state capacious only in the wastage of human life. Today in Nigeria, human life has been subordinated to the life of a cow. 

Disturbing Killings In Plateau State

By Adewale Kupoluyi

Over 200 persons have been reportedly killed and over 50 houses razed down in renewed attacks in 11 villages in three local government areas of Plateau State, namely: Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South, attributed to armed herdsmen bandits, who have been terrorising the Middle Belt region since 2001. This time around, heavily armed gunmen had invaded the affected villages of Exland, Gindin Akwati, Ruku, Nghar, Kura Falls and Kakuruk; in the Gashish district as well as Rakok, Kok and Razat villages in Ropp district of the local government area. 

Eye witnesses to the killings claimed that security agents failed to intervene despite the high level of presence, as a result of the recurring communal violence. The source further noted that the crux of continuous unending bloodbath in the state was the unresolved crisis, saying the latest fighting was a result of the sale of cattle by herdsmen. After selling the cow, some locals attacked the herdsmen, killed them and took away the money alongside the cow.

President Buhari, Call A Spade A Spade!

By Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie

Every human life is precious. The life of every Nigerian, irrespective of ethnic, regional or religious affiliation is to be treated with dignity. 

All around the world, citizens look to their government to protect them. But, here in Nigeria, the blood of the innocent flows like water despite Nigerians’ desire and demand that government secure their lives and property.

*President Buhari 

Not too long ago, Chief Olu Falae, a senior citizen of Nigeria, was abducted on his farm by herdsmen. Since then, others have struck in Enugu, Delta and Oyo states. In the Middle Belt, they have robbed, raped, and slaughtered human beings like cows. They have taken over other people’s land in the name of grazing.

A member of Miyetti Allah appeared on television, justifying as retaliatory the killings in Plateau State. He was not the first member of Miyetti Allah to make the statement. Nigerians are baffled that he is yet to be arrested. Where were those responsible for our security at a time they were needed most? 

Buhari, Abacha’s Loot And The Poor

By Paul Onomuakpokpo

As the administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari lurches into the twilight amid the fast-vanishing possibility of securing a second mandate, it flails in all directions in search of survival. It is striving currently to make the poor among us to accept as reality the illusion that it can ratchet up their fortunes in the remaining days.

*Gen Abacha 

It is an unrelieved illusion because since the administration has failed in three years to improve the lot of the people, it cannot in less than one year secure the acumen to accomplish this. Rather, the citizens should steel themselves for the prospect of their immiseration reaching its nadir in the remaining period of this administration. 

Nigeria: Plateau Massacre And An Overwhelmed President

By Levi Obijiofor

When news broke last week of the massacre of more than 150 women, children, and men in remote communities of Plateau State, everyone turned their attention to President Muhammadu Buhari for his explanation of how the mass murder of citizens on such a scale could take place in a country that is not at war. Buhari is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. In that context, he is also the country’s chief security officer. The buck, we are reminded, always stops at the president’s desk. 

*President Buhari 

When atrocities of extraordinary magnitude occur in any country, the president has an obligation to furnish the citizens with clear, unambiguous, and unexpurgated account of what happened, who was complicit in the murders, and what the security forces did or did not do right to prevent the disaster or to apprehend the criminals. 

To Kill In The Name Of God Is Outrageous Murder – Archbishop Obinna

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THE CHINUA ACHEBE 

FOUNDATION INTERVIEW SERIES

  April 2006

All Rights Reserved ©

______________________

*Archbishop Obinna during the interview 

Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna, the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, is one of Africa’s foremost theologians and scholars. Born on June 26, 1946 in Emekuku (near Owerri), and educated at St. Peter Claver Seminary, Okpala (near Aba), and Bigard Memorial Seminary, he was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on April 19, 1972. Obinna graduated with First Class Honours in Divinity, from the Bigard Memorial Seminary, an affiliate of the Pontifical Urban University, Rome. He left for Rome for a Masters Degree in Theology, and then for the United States for another Masters in Religious Studies, concentrating on Religion and Culture, and then a PhD in Education and Theology.

A former lecturer in the Religious Studies Department of the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, Archbishop Obinna is the current Chair of the Education Committee of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). He was ordained a Bishop on September 4, 1993, and became the first Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri when it was created in 1994.

In this interview with UGOCHUKWU EJINKEONYE, Archbishop Obinna canvasses an attitudinal change, which he hopes will help steer Nigeria out of its present political, moral, and economic descent, and reroute it to the path of progress and lasting development.

Excerpts:

Your Grace, do you think we can in all honesty say that we have freedom of worship in Nigeria today?

Well, constitutionally there is freedom of worship. So, to some extent, it is possible to say: yes, Nigerians worship as they choose. But we have had problems in certain parts of our country, where people were prevented from worshipping, as they desire. There have been attempts to muzzle Christians in some parts of the country, and that goes to show that the freedom of worship enshrined in the constitution is not given its full play. In the more Christian-dominated areas, I believe that there is no prevention of anybody from being a Moslem, from worshipping God. But in some areas of our country, there have been churches that were bulldozed, and land allocations have been refused to Christian worshippers.

For The Sake Of Our Nation, Nigeria

By Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie

For the sake of our nation exposed to insecurity by absence of governance, the time has come for us to differentiate between a political jobber and a statesman. A political jobber is a merchant who buys and sells loyalty in order to be in power. He does not care about the morality of his means.

*Cardinal Okogie 

He would, therefore, do everything to win an election or be declared the winner. His sole and ultimate objective is access to power and to the perks of office. But the ultimate aim of a statesman is not power. It is service of the common good. And even if he plans to win an election, he does not transgress the boundaries of morality. He is fair in running for office and fair in running the office. He works for the good of the nation and for the good of its citizens.

Plateau Carnage And Antics Of A Low-Road Government

By Ikechukwu Amaechi

On Saturday, June 23, Dr. Sylvester Ugoh, former Minister of Education, sent me a video clip of Chimamanda Adichie delivering a speech as the Harvard University 2018 Class Day Speaker.

*President Buhari 

It was the quintessential Chimamanda at her literary best – evocative and enchanting. She was selected by the Harvard students, as it is the tradition, to act the role, another validation for the lady of letters who has become Nigeria’s foremost 21^st century literary ambassador.
I don’t know what informed the leitmotif of her speech which she titled, “Above All Ese, Do Not Lie,” but she handled the concepts of falsehood and truth in a uniquely fascinating way asking some fundamental questions such as: “Should we call a lie, a lie? When is a lie, a lie?”

President Buhari Or Herdsman Buhari?

By Paul Onomuakpokpo

Having not suffered any traumatic dilemma over his overweening loyalty to herdsmen who are his fellow Fulani, President Muhammadu Buhari is oblivious of his rapid erasure as a statesman. Or if he is aware, he is not bothered about the grim verdict of history – here was a president of a great nation who ended as a leader of a segment of the country, Fulani herdsmen. 

*President Buhari (pix: African Herald Express)

Yes, we must discountenance Buhari’s sense of justice that seeks to exculpate him from the tragedies being unleashed by Fulani herdsmen. He vouchsafed this notion of justice during his visit to Plateau after the Fulani herdsmen’s attacks whose death toll has been officially put at 135 while witnesses claim it is over 200. He wondered why he should be accused of being silent over the now perennial massacres.

The Real Enemies Of Nigeria

By Ochereome Nnanna

Last week Wednesday, the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, was forced, on behalf of his colleagues, to pronounce the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as an “enemy of our democracy.” 

He declared him a persona non-grata and unfit to hold public office both within and outside Nigeria. This was after Idris refused on three occasions to honour the lawmakers’ summonses to answer critical questions bordering on the nation’s security challenges and the treatment the Police meted to one of their colleagues, Senator Dino Melaye.

*President Buhari 

 As often pointed out in this column, the National Assembly is not about the specific individuals elected into it or occupying its high offices at any given time. It is about an institution that represents the people of Nigeria who elected them to be in government on their behalf. They are there to make laws, supervise the ways the funds of the federation are spent, perform oversight functions on the ways the government is implementing the budget and the laws of the country and act as effective checks to ensure the Executive does not drag us back to dictatorship and impunity. 

Dr. Death: The White South African Doctor Who Killed Blacks With Biological Weapons

By Joel Savage

Dubbed "Dr. Death" by the media, Wouter Basson was controversially granted amnesty by the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 2002, escaping multiple charges of murder, and the commission of a pill with a substance to make black women infertile. The development of biological weapons that only attack a certain group of people is not new. During the Apartheid era, South African Wouter Basson, nicknamed 'Doctor Death', was the head of the 7th Medical Division of the South African army. 

*Wouter Basson (Dr. Death)

He was the leader of 'project Coast' from 1981 to 1993. Readers mustn't forget that in most of our articles we have made it clear that the US army or military scientists are responsible for planting biological weapons such as Ebola in African jungles. This evidence is enough for any sensible African leader to prevent the building of US base in Africa to give them such access to test biological weapons in Africa. This department, which was involved in the development and production of chemical and biological weapons, developed T-shirts with poison. This poison eventually caused fatal heart defects.

Of Abacha Loot, Malami And Twisted Narrative

By Sufuyan Ojeifo

A narrative in a section of the media about the repatriation of our national assets stashed in a number of foreign jurisdictions by the late former head of state, General Sani Abacha, has been insidiously skewed against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN). The narrative has become so routinely rehashed that the underlying motive has now become writ large to the uncritical readers: it is purely to tar Malami with the brush of malfeasance in the loot repatriation. The overarching goal is to damage the Malami persona, discount his integrity capital and contaminate the whiff of his discretionary prowess in decision-taking.

*Gen Abacha 

The rash of calumnious campaigns against Malami finds anchorage in the determination of the contract of the Swiss lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, and the engagement of a team of Nigerian lawyers-Oladipo Okpeseyi (SAN) and Tope Adebayo-in Monfrini’s stead to complete the processes that he began. The Olusegun Obasanjo administration had engaged Monfrini in 1999 to trace, confiscate and repatriate looted Nigerian funds kept in coded accounts by Abacha. From 1999 up until 2016 when Malami disengaged Monfrini, the Swiss had turned the repatriation into a slush fund in service of a cartel. The good news is that Malami had since dismantled the cartel to the chagrin of vested interest.