Nigeria Airline CEO, Allen Onyema Indicted by U.S. for Money Laundering

“Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.

Allen Onyema, the Nigerian businessman who owns the country’s largest airline, was indicted by U.S. authorities on charges of fraud and money laundering.

He allegedly moved “more than $20 million from Nigeria though United States bank accounts in a scheme involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes,” according to a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice. The company’s chief of administration and finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, was charged with bank fraud and identity theft in the same case, the statement said.

Department of Justice Release >>

Onyema, who is also the airline’s chief executive officer, allegedly used export letters of credit that were supposedly to fund the purchase of five Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace to get banks to transfer the money, according to the Justiced Department statement. Supporting documents from a U.S. registered company owned by Onyema “were fake,”it said.

He then allegedly laundered over $16 million of the proceeds by transferring it to other accounts, the Department of Justice said. More than $3 million of the transferred funds allegedly came from accounts of organizations set up by Onyema to promote peace across Nigeria, according to the statement.

Onyema and Eghagha deny all the charges and will “vigorously defend” themselves, according to a statement prepared by their lawyers, A.O. Alegeh & Co. “The allegations are unfounded and strange,” said the statement that Onyema emailed to Bloomberg.

The Air Peace boss “looks forward to an opportunity to rebut these allegations in court,” the statement said.

Onyema founded Air Peace in 2013 and the carrier now offers numerous domestic routes in Nigeria as well as flights to other West African destinations and Dubai. The Lagos-based carrier recently won praise for repatriating Nigerians from South Africa during a wave of xenophobic violence.

“Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt,” Drug Enforcement Agency Special Agent Robert J. Murphy said in the DOJ statement.

Nigeria’s search for an effective Leader – The obnoxious truth about the forthcoming presidential race

ANTHONY OBI OGBO

It has indeed come down to this – a race Between Rightwing Dictator and an Established Thief

For over 58 years, Nigeria has been in search of leaders with the right motive and intelligence to truly move the country to a self-sustaining level. For a country blessed with natural resources, only an insignificant number live above the poverty line. Every four years, the country’s political atmosphere is charged as different personalities vie for the most exalted office of President of the Federal Republic Nigeria. Yet the country remains unlucky in electing effective leaders who will institutionalize ethical leadership, and steer the country to an enviable status from the current global embarrassment.

It is not news then that Nigeria’s General Elections will be held on 16 February 2019. The campaign by political parties have intensified at various constituencies, and in most cases rough, as loyalist engage each other at rallies and on social media. But two major presidential candidates are on the forefront- from the two largest parties. The incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari of All Progressives Congress (APC), and a former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

These two candidates are not new in Nigeria’s political arena. Buhari who has been in office since 2015 was a Major General in the Nigerian Army and previously served as the Head of State from 1983 to 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état that dethroned the Democratic Government at the time. Atiku was the Governor-elect of Adamawa State when he was selected by the then Presidential Candidate, Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. He served as the Vice President from 1999 to 2007.

Undeniably, he is not medically fit; during his first two years, he shuttled to-and-from unknown medical facilities abroad to attend to his constantly failing health. Atiku, on the other hand, has spent his time making lavish trips abroad while he courted local chiefs and political godfathers to explore his political options and chances. Nonetheless, Atiku has visible investments in local and multinational corporations operating in Nigeria.

The purpose of this article is not to highlight the political history of these individuals. While the majority of voters are divided between the two major platforms, the APC and PDP, the choice of Presidency remains a tough call in a Nation currently dwindling through economic and sociopolitical turmoil. Currently, little or no progress has been made by the incumbent in addressing major issues bedeviling the country. From the economy through internal security, Buhari has fumbled without a blueprint and made flimsy excuses each time. Undeniably, he is not medically fit; during his first two years, he shuttled to-and-from unknown medical facilities abroad to attend to his constantly failing health. For a public servant who seeks to lead a country of over 200 million people, Buhari has continued to put on lid on his medical fitness. Atiku, on the other hand, has spent his time making lavish trips abroad while he courted local chiefs and political godfathers to explore his political options and chances. Nonetheless, Atiku has visible investments in local and multinational corporations operating in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, Buhari’s first term has not yielded the projected fruits because he does not appear to have the answers to institutionalized corruption and economic challenges that Nigeria currently faces. Yet, voters are skeptical about Atiku due to his horribly scandalous transgressions as a public servant.

Unfortunately, Buhari’s first term has not yielded the projected fruits because he does not appear to have the answers to institutionalized corruption and economic challenges that Nigeria currently faces. Yet, voters are skeptical about Atiku due to his horribly scandalous transgressions as a public servant.

Personally, I have spent the last five years criticizing Buhari; his dictatorial demeanor, ignorance in matters of contemporary leadership, and blindness to political governance. In fact, in my book, Governance – The Buhari’s Way, I described him as the most dangerous bee that lands on a scrotum. “Punch it, you smash your manhood; leave it, and you are stung to death.” Yes, he is that killer-bee that perches on the balls, wheezing for a destructive sting. He was involved—one way or the other—in every Nigerian military rule since the 1966-1969 civil war; participated in coups; and, as a retired junta member, ran three presidential races without a scrap of success, until a coalition of parties determined to change the witless government of the day, gave him the platform that aided his electoral victory in the 2015 General Elections.

Atiku, on the other hand, is no good. He is one of those politician elites who prospered through public-fund looting. Bombastically rich, Atiku shuttles rich cities in the Middle East and would swagger money, extravagant gifts, and young women. Atiku’s fraud case with William Jefferson – a former Louisiana politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for nine terms from 1991 to 2009 made global history.

Jefferson, infamous for having $90,000 in bribe money hidden in his freezer, is serving a 13-year prison sentence after being convicted on a slew of federal corruption charges. One of the most puzzling and intriguing facets of the case is that Jefferson’s partner-in-crime Atiku, the Vice President of Nigeria at the time divided his time between his Vice President position and Potomac, MD., where he and one of his four wives maintain a $2.2 million mansion. While Jefferson resides in a rent-free jail, Abubakar not only remains free but also, he is a Presidential candidate in a country where thieves are glorified. Unfortunately, it is leadership culture in Africa that most thieves do not go to jail, but occupy public offices. So, Atiku is no exception.

Buhari’s 2015 promise of fighting corruption is paralyzed by his inaction of reported sleaze around his protégés and trusted officials. This has become a major ethical burden to the Nigerian President. Atiku, in this campaign moment, has paraded written pieces of literature about solving Nigeria’s moral issues. However, it would take a moral person to fight an immoral society. Atiku’s moral standing is still questionable.

The Presidential race beyond parties is clear; the voters would be left with two candidates that have no proven capacity to move the country forward. Burahi’s path for a moral society is a good proposal, but in both his years as a dictator and first term as an elected leader, he has shown a total lack of intellectual capacity to address matters of ethical governance. His 2015 promise of fighting corruption is paralyzed by his inaction of reported sleaze around his protégés and trusted officials. This has become a major ethical burden to the Nigerian President. Atiku, in this campaign moment, has paraded written pieces of literature about solving Nigeria’s moral issues. However, it would take a moral person to fight an immoral society. Atiku’s moral standing is still questionable.

Notwithstanding the lapses these two candidates exhibit, today, they are barring fangs to tear each other apart in a Presidential race a week away. Voters should be worried, that Buhari even as a failed incumbent, has a challenger that may not be trusted with the country. One of the core doctrines of change in the political contest is not just a handover of the leadership baton. The challenger must be morally and intellectually upright; must tender convincing proposal for change; and must show knowledge of conversion of strategies into governance actions. So far, Atiku’s camp has been parading basic campaign posters of unsubstantiated policy proposals irrelevant to major issues of the moment.

To be clear, this article is not an endorsement of any candidate but a synopsis of the uncertainties that befog Nigeria’s chances to attract a good leader in the forthcoming elections. The next best solution could have been a radical change initiated by a frustrated population. This might entail a disregard of the two major candidates for entirely somebody new for a holistic political detour. But the current political terrain would not support that option in a society where traditional and tribal connectivity still dominates social and political actions.

Without a doubt, this race might boil down to a choice between Buhari, a timid, nepotic but stingy rightist who would sit down on the national wealth without a clue about how to invest, and a lavish and irresponsible spender called Atiku, who could share the national treasury with the wolves that currently surround his candidacy.

So, voters might be faced with a choice between two candidates, one is a dictator, and the other an established thief. Without a doubt, this race might boil down to a choice between Buhari, a timid, nepotic but stingy rightist who would sit down on the national wealth without a clue about how to invest, and a lavish and irresponsible spender called Atiku, who could share the national treasury with the wolves that currently surround his candidacy.

Buhari’s battle with his health might yet not be over. So he might make more trips to fix himself. But Atiku has equally spent more time beyond the shores. He would lie to the nation that he was at a strategy meeting in Dubai, whereas he was busy meeting with unscrupulous money mongers that invest in his campaign. So, the choice is clear, between a weak, clueless, ailing incumbent who might still make many more trips abroad to heal a retiring soul, and a challenger whose fiscal recklessness, corrupt personality, and affiliation with dishonest political vandals might further sink Nigeria’s economy irreparably.

Either way, Nigeria continues the search for an effective leadership – it might take time.

_____________

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015) and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Sustaining the Nigerian Police Force with system innovation and upgrade

Information Technology in any organization is the key to day-to-day activities. It does not just enhance communication which is a vital arm of any organization, but it also gives them the ability to develop and carry their duties most effectively. A computerized system in the Nigerian Police Force would easily enable the sector to record and track activities as well as criminals, this is apart of the new national police check scheme being implemented. These are a few out of major problems the Nigerian Police are yet to tackle. In their current state, a lot of criminals after being screened during arrests have been allowed to go back to the streets for lack of incriminating evidences. They are not being tracked nor kept on surveillance, and such lapses further confound safety issues in the community. An effective IT system allows the police to keep records/ data and locations of notorious criminals or ex-convicts; as well as keep them under surveillance. In a typical system equipped with effective IT tools, a lot of criminals could be apprehended just by intense surveillance.

Another important aspect of the IT system in the Nigerian Police is effective communication. The Nigerian Police at this time must have a National Emergency number that actually functions. This number could be connected to the police switch box with 24-hour live operators. The operators would then connect to the field response team and officers. Additionally, another level of this transformation process would be the upgrade of police cars. Every police car in order to function very well must be equipped with the necessary technology for rapid response to crime. These would include a direct connection to the system switch board alerting them of emergency calls and locations. Furthermore, these vehicles must be equipped with computer units to check motorists, monitor speeds, and navigate locations. It would also put road users on check about compliance.

Walkie-talkie communication devise and other system units in police cars are highly recommended. Such communication gadgets would enhance effective tracking of various culprits of different crimes, either during police chase; information processing, or messaging. It is also beneficial when institutions and individuals donate vehicles to the Nigerian Police. However, these vehicles must be customized with the latest technology, to enable users perform different security tasks. Other issues that are important to innovation in the Nigerian Police are; nature of police stations, training, academy, and welfare.

Lots of pathetic pictures in the social media of police stations across the country are most terrifying. The Police Stations in Nigeria today are below standard. But every police station should be highly computerized and equipped with the latest communication devises, including closed- circuit television (CCTV) and other modern gadgets. The system must be connected to a national police number with an area code so that they could be activated once a crime is being committed within their jurisdiction. It is widely assumed that nothing works in Nigeria but this is a wrong perception. Nigeria can actually make things work as concerned citizens and with the right people in office. Also, the issue of the Nigerian Police being underfunded must also be addressed in order to fully rehabilitate this department. Every police station should be a model. As Nigeria upgrades these various aspects of her police, she must also deal with the most important aspect which is the training of officers.

Nigerian Police Force should be commended for doing so much in the midst of so little. Even with surmounting issues, they have been able to capture the worst of criminals, suppress disturbances, and coordinate a chain of information leading to unveiling of some heinous crimes within the society

With the upgrade, comes a need for the training of the different caliber of the police. This would apply to every personnel in all the units. These training could come at different levels; from the officer who receives calls to the one in the operating room. It must also extend to the behavioral aspect of the personnel management. Every officer is first a human-being with personal issues, so they have to be trained to separate these issues from their individual tasks. The realization of what the police is all about should make officers passionate about their work. The training could either be done overseas or in Nigeria, based on the capacity. There are various consultants and facilitators who are professionals in this and could bring the training to their doorsteps. However, there are other training levels which absolutely might require that the trainees travel abroad because of the magnitude of equipment or technologies needed. In all, it is highly advised that the police be trained periodically and their equipment be upgraded at various aspects of their job execution.

The issue of police training schools must also be addressed. In Nigeria, a general overhaul of the police academy would be recommended. Their training institutions must be up to standard at all levels. The hostels, food, equipment, and amenities must be provided with high quality. The Trainees/recruits must be in good shape and the health department must be well equipped. Qualified trainers and instructors must be used to ensure quality education. All these are achievable and could make the Nigerian Police the best in the continent, and also enable them to compete with their global counterparts.

Furthermore, the issue of police welfare has been one that no government has been able to solve. It has created a lot of controversies in the past and so many individuals have offered different views and solutions. However, one of the best ways to create good employee motivation is through welfare. It was once said that bankers spend so much time at work but hardly complain. This might be because their welfare package is quite commendable. Meanwhile, the ones who are meant to be protecting the people and ensuring peace and safety are the worst paid and less maintained. Nigerians have seen and felt disgusted at the sight of various police accommodations in the country popularly known as “Barracks.” These buildings are so dilapidated that one wonders how safe they are with children living in them. But these are where men and women of the police go back to after hard days’ work. Such condition is unacceptable. These facilities could be renovated. Furthermore, officers should be given accommodation packages to assist them in getting better homes.

When one sees a policeman abroad, they are filled with a sense of awe and pride at their dressing and general composure. These men and women are always neatly dressed, polite and well behaved at all times. They are equally trained and prepared to fight crime. A good look at Nigerian police officers on the street reveals despair, a sense of lack of passion and frustration. This cuts across to their attitude, which is often aggressive outbursts and errors of fatal accidental trigger discharges. Such mishaps from supposedly trained officers are a complete joke. Nigeria cannot allow this to be the picture of her Police Force. It has to be reformed.

Furthermore, the salary of the average policeman is so meager that it cannot even afford them the worst kind of livelihood. In fact, the widespread bribery and corruption among the officers have been blamed on poor salaries and benefits. No matter how much people stress on the issue of corruption, if Nigeria do not improve the welfare package of their police, there would certainly be no headway in that discussion. As a country, Nigeria must make sure that those entrusted with protecting lives and properties must be well taken care of at all levels. It is not just the top officers, but also the very least ones armed to go after criminals.

Finally, the Nigerian Police Force should be commended for doing so much in the midst of so little. Even with surmounting issues, they have been able to capture the worst of criminals, suppress disturbances, and coordinate a chain of information leading to unveiling of some heinous crimes within the society. All these can be improved on with much greater and lasting results. Once aforementioned recommendations are put in place, Nigeria would be on the way to having the best Police Force in Africa and indeed the world.

? Princess Pamela Uloma Adikwu is the former editor of the African Dame. She is affiliated with writers at the Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development (CRIMMD).

Islamist militants kill up to 30 Nigerian soldiers in attack on base

Attack blamed on Islamic State in West Africa another blow to efforts to defeat insurgency ahead of presidential election

A Nigerian army convoy in Borno State, where up to 30 soldiers were killed by Islamists. Photograph: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters

Islamist militants have killed up to 30 soldiers in an attack on a military base in north-east Nigeria in one of the biggest attacks of its kind this year.

Security sources said on Saturday the attack on Thursday by suspected members of Islamic State in West Africa was on a base in Zari village in the north of Borno State.

In 2016 ISWA split from Boko Haram, the jihadist group that has killed more than 30,000 people in the region since 2009, when it launched an insurgency to create an Islamic caliphate.

The Zari attack highlights the challenge to secure the north-east, months ahead of a February election in which security looks set to be a campaign issue.

“The battle lasted for about two hours and our colleagues fought them, but things became bad before the fighter jets arrived. We lost about 30 of our soldiers and about 10 were wounded,” said a military source who did not want to be named.

Another source, who also did not want to be named, said 20 to 30 troops had been killed in a surprise attack. Details only emerged days later because it occurred in a remote area near the border with Niger.

The attack, in the Guzamala local government area of Borno, is the latest blow to Nigeria’s efforts to defeat insurgencies by Boko Haram and ISWA.

Earlier this week Nigerian government officials ordered thousands of displaced people to return to Guzamala, an area considered by aid agencies to be unsafe, as pressure mounts to show progress in the war against the insurgents ahead of the presidential election.

The president, Muhammadu Buhari, a former general, won the 2015 election after vowing to crush Islamist militants. He plans to seek a second term in February.

In July the fourth commander in 14 months was named to lead the fight against the militants after a number of embarrassing defeats, despite the government having said since late 2015 that the Islamists in the region had been defeated.

In mid-July 20 Nigerian soldiers went missing following a clash with militants in the Bama area of Borno. Military sources say the troops are feared dead.

Nigeria summons representative of US ambassador over Trump comments

ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigeria’s government on Monday summoned a representative of the the U.S. ambassador to explain reported remarks by President Donald Trump that immigrants from Africa and Haiti come from “shithole countries”, the foreign ministry said.

Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama “sought clarification on the veracity or otherwise of the substance of the remarks, stressing that if they were true, they were deeply hurtful, offensive and unacceptable”, the ministry said in a statement.

Trump reportedly made the remarks at a private meeting with lawmakers on immigration on Thursday. A U.S. senator who attended the gathering said the president used “vile, vulgar” language, including repeatedly using the word “shithole” when speaking about African countries.

The Nigerian foreign ministry statement noted the “very warm and cordial relations that presently exist” between Nigeria and the U.S.

The United States, represented by Deputy Chief of Mission David J. Young as the ambassador was not in Nigeria, said there were contradictory accounts as to whether the remarks were made, the statement said.

In a separate statement, a U.S. embassy spokesman said Young “reiterated the excellent relations that exist between the United States and Nigeria and they discussed future cooperation between the two countries”.

The U.S. president on Friday denied using such derogatory language. But he has been widely condemned in many African countries and by international rights organisations. African Union countries demanded an apology on Friday.

(Reporting by Felix Onuah and Camillus Eboh; Writing by Alexis Akwagyiram and Paul Carsten; Editing by Andrew Roche)

After Russia, Nigeria is leading a dangerous “fake news” culture – EFCC, FBI must step up

Another blog noted for notoriety and sensational stories, weeklypostng.org published a fake photo of the ailing President together with an image of an unidentified burial event; narrating how Aisha Buhari wept bitterly over her husband’s death.

Anthony Obi Ogbo | Guardian News, Houston, TX

It escalated with a “Breaking News” pullout on January 29th, categorically reporting that an ailing Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari was dead. According to the authors, “phcitybreed.tv”, Buhari died in a London Hospital where he was receiving medical care. The blog attributed its source to another fake set-up, “CNN-ALIVE”, and also indicated a confirmation by that the Nigerian Mission in UK. This piece generated millions of shares and infiltrated the social media with heated discussions about a fragile Nigeria’s sociopolitical system under its sick president.

January 30, the blog made it even worse; claiming that Queen Elizabeth II had sent a condolence message to Buhari’s family and the people of Nigeria. “In a message of condolence, the Queen described Buhari as “one of Africa’s pillars”, the blog wrote. Quoting “another London source”, the blog further claimed that the British Prime Minister, Theresa May visited the Nigerian Ambassador to the UK to express her condolence.

Naijanewsplus.com also published a different version of a crowded burial event carry a corpse depicted as that of the late President.

By the first week of January, the social media was already saturated with various headlines and photos suggesting President Buhari was dead. Two other blogs; “metro (blocked)” and “naijanewsplus.com” took the lead; feeding a desperate social media audience with uncorroborated “Buhari-is-dead” headlines with horrible doctored photos. In fact, Naijanewsplus.com published an old photo of Queen Elizabeth II as a recent photo – signing a condolence register on Buhari’s death.

January 30, the blog made it even worse; claiming that Queen Elizabeth II had sent a condolence message to Buhari’s family and the people of Nigeria.

Another blog noted for notoriety and sensational stories, weeklypostng.org published a fake photo of the ailing President together with an image of an unidentified burial event; narrating how Aisha Buhari wept bitterly over her husband’s death. Naijanewsplus.com also published a different version of a crowded burial event carry a corpse depicted as that of the late President.

By the first week of January, the social media was already saturated with various headlines and photos suggesting President Buhari was already dead. Two other blogs; “metro (blocked)” and “naijanewsplus.com” took the lead; feeding a desperate social media audience with uncorroborated “Buhari-is-dead” headlines with doctored horrible photos.

March 10 however; President Buhari returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom where he actually received medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment for 50 days. Today, this same “dead” President is alive undertaking both national and international engagement. So, what must have gone wrong?

The President and his media handlers may have instigated these array of misinformation and deceit by lopsidedly dribbling the public about the President’s ordeal. It communicated his medical leave, but failed to update Nigerians with substantial details, fueling all sorts of rumors about his survival. Desperate bloggers sponsored by those opposed to his regime however, saw this as an opportunity to incite a population already angry about the public system under President Buhari. These are the background realities that provoked the “fake-news” culture.

The FAKE NEWS PARADE – KNOW WHO THEY ARE

METRO(Blocked)
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has been reported dead in a London Hospital
(Site already taken down).

NAIJANEWSPLUS.COM
BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Is Dead Confirmed By CNN-ALIVE
► ► ►

PHCITYBREED TV
Now confirmed: Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari is dead
► ► ►

NAIJANEWSPLUS.COM
Buhari’s DEATH …. See Queen Elizabeth II condolence Message To Nigeria!(Watch Video)
► ► ►

WEEKLYPOSTNG.ORG
Buhari’s Death: SAD NEWS!! The Worst Has Happened. Aisha Buhari Weeps Bitterly – Live on CNN
► ► ►

Indeed the “fake News” culture is a bad trend in any nation’s political development and stability; especially as Nigeria gears up for a 2019 general elections. Fake news websites disguise as real news outlets but calculatingly publish hoaxes, propaganda, and falsehood —habitually using social media to enlarge their messages and drive web traffic. The websites seek to misinform the audience for both financial and political gain; and they have indeed influenced political trends in major counties.

In the United States for instance, the Senate intelligence committee leaders have received reports that Russia hired at least 1,000 trolls to spread fake news stories to hurt the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton during its previous presidential election. The fraud was said to have been orchestrated by Kremlin which reportedly paid an army of vandals to create fake anti-Hillary Clinton news stories targeting key swing states.

March 10 however; President Buhari returned to Nigeria from the United Kingdom where he actually received medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment for 50 days. Today, this same “dead” President is alive undertaking both national and international engagement.

Nigeria, currently battling a negative image as one of world’s most corrupt countries is obviously leading a dangerous “fake news” culture which might be politically destructive. To curb this chaos, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must step up with aggressive strategies to locate and track down individual culprits and media outlets reputed for spreading falsehoods. They could collaborate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the United States currently investigating similar trend to explore relevant leads to this obnoxious development.

This country is presently crippled with ethnic strifes and economic recession as it approaches a 2019 general election season. Thus, effective policies must be put in place to track down culprits and social media sites behind this destructive trend.

IPOB – Ravage-effect of Fraudulent Radical Engagements

Analysts may be divided over the dangerous implications of Kanu and his street followers to the progress of the Igbo ethnic group, but it must be acknowledged also; that it would take Igbos a long time to recover from the lingering wounds inflicted in the structure of its political progress by Kanu’s intoxication for power, money, and ego.

By Anthony Obi Ogbo – Publisher’s Analysis (International Guardian, Houston, TX)

Psychological factors of political activism have never been scorned by history; in fact, the implications of political movement and social action have provided positive apparatus for societal reforms. Political motivation starts from the mind because it is often triggered by emotional reactions over prevalent public issues. Hence, these psychological factors remain significant in the attitude that drive change, individual participation, and outcome of political movements or protest events.

So, when the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu sprang up initially to advocate what it called “original inhabitants and owners of the lands and communities of Biafra and Biafraland”, they were received as individuals exercising their rights to challenge the authorities into negotiating their civic interests. But matters unfolded sequentially to confirm that this was just another unwaged group hiding under the great values of the Rising Sun to seek the attention of the regime for selfish monetary bargains.

Most disappointedly, Kanu exposed a totally ignorance and confusion about his own mission; unable to articulate the legislative process of self-determination; could not distinguish between a referendum and statutory deconstruction of self-reliance, but would infiltrate the Internet with amateurish videos of threats and tommyrots to enflame chaos in a vulnerable society currently going through economic and political crunch.

This tactics is not new in Nigeria – a West African nation where in recent times, swindlers, guttersnipes, armed robbers and other breed of dishonest vandals crashed into political and social activism, and turned that institution into a bloody gambling career.

For instance, the world saw how the Niger Delta Militants terrorized their region with deadly ammunitions, kidnapping humans, looting and blowing oil installations. Of course, they claimed to be fighting for their land, until one after the other, rebellious group leaders gradually bargained their agitations into personal wealth.

Today, those militants swim in riches and have since softened their lines of action. Yet, the Delta remains the Delta – quite underdeveloped with local chiefs and political leaders confused about viable strategies to manage their valuable resources.

He would brag about procuring arms and burning down Nigeria – which he describes as the zoo; while some suckers who followed and cheered him would turn around to defend him as nonviolent. When it became clear that Kanu does not even understand his own agenda, he lied to his followers that his missions were now mysterious and were being directed by some divine powers. What nonsense!

IGBO as an ethnic group is no exception to such menace of unscrupulous activists. For example, when Dr. Goodluck Jonathan assumed office in 2010, most Igbos assumed that his regime was the right time to release Ralph Uwazuruike, the then jailed leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). But from all indications, Uwazuruike, was not so keen on coming out of jail. He was more interested in remaining in jail – to intensify his campaign and gather more attention to raise money. Uwazuruike now flourishes in wealth and has totally abandoned his so called agitation to actualize the sovereign state of Biafra.

It became obvious why there are hundreds of Pro-Biafran groups; why those leaders would always want to be arrested, and why every lazy dude wants his own Biafra. It also became obvious why Kanu and Uwazurike – supposedly leaders of two major pro-Biafran groups have been engaged in bitter rivalry, exposing themselves and their underhanded “self-determination “motives. So intense that Uwazurike accused Kanu of using his call to boycott elections in Anambra State to stage chaos and mass murder; to motivate and uplift his campaign to generate international attention. He was right.

Furthermore, Kanu must be remembered for using gullible Igbo youth Igbos and their innocent blood as weapons of war, to attain notoriety. IPOB and Kanu had strategically set innocent supporters up for death by pushing them forward as a shield against Nigeria’s merciless army. They had videoed them in the process and used those VIDEOS to seek international attention and raise money. This is criminally a terroristic exploit. HAMAS adopted it – now IPOB is using it.

Without doubt, Kanu and IPOB have over the past months demonstrated the most deplorable path to political activism. A look at their rhetoric and the cause they claim they agitate shows a bunch of angry followers rallying around an ill-informed opportunist who struggled in London romanticizing a pitiful state of pennilessness. Kanu saw an opportunity through using the social media to deceitfully incite angry unemployed Igbo youth into believing that Biafra could be resurrected by spewing vulgarity on U-tube, marching the streets, vandalizing neighborhoods, and throwing rocks at the police.

Most disappointedly, Kanu exposed total ignorance and confusion about his own mission; unable to articulate the legislative process of self-determination; could not distinguish between a referendum and statutory deconstruction of self-reliance, but would infiltrate the Internet with amateurish videos of threats and tommyrots to enflame chaos in a vulnerable society currently going through economic and political crunch.

He would brag about procuring arms and burning down Nigeria – which he describes as the zoo; while some suckers who followed and cheered him would turn around to defend him as nonviolent. When it became clear that Kanu did not even understand his own agenda, he lied to his followers that his missions were now mysterious and were being directed by some divine powers. What nonsense!

Analysts may be divided over the dangerous implications of Kanu and his street followers to the progress of the Igbo ethnic group, but it must be acknowledged also; that it would take Igbos a long time to recover from the lingering wounds inflicted in the structure of its political progress by Kanu’s intoxication for power, money, and ego.

Furthermore, Kanu must be remembered for using gullible Igbo youth and their innocent blood as weapons of war, to attain notoriety. IPOB and Kanu had strategically set innocent supporters up for death by pushing them forward as a shield against Nigeria’s merciless army. They had videoed them in the process and used those VIDEOS to seek international attention and raise money. This is criminally a terroristic exploit. HAMAS adopted it – now IPOB is using it.

The truth may be hard to swallow, but must be told. As of today, Biafra is not a country but a well-fought mission every Igbo is proud of. Resurrecting such mission is possible with pulsating strategies and reasonable legislative support. Definitely not with the current breed of lying activists stalking the streets without clear objectives.

Propaganda does not yield political fruits. A quest for reconstruction of Nigeria is inevitable and accomplishing that is a matter of time. One opportunity slipped off during President Jonathan’s regime. The current regime of President Muhammadu Buhari does not believe in such reformation process, so Nigerians passionate about reconstruction or structural transformation of their governmental process may create a 2019 opportunity to bargain those interests with aspiring contestants.

Structural reformation in a democratic process can only be achieved though constitutional means. We must also understand that one million calls to the United Nation’s office or even to Donald Trump, who by the way could not properly hold his own executive position, cannot influence any decision-making action in Nigeria’s current regime. Flying IPOB flag on London streets or Houston’s downtown can only yield photos for the social media page and might bear no positive implications to supporting leaders that would represent any political interests as Nigerians.

When Biafra Ceased to Exist: Archived Video Shows Major-General Philip Effiong Concedes the War

“That we accept the existing administrative and political structure of the Federation of Nigeria, that any future constitutional arrangement will be worked out by representatives of the people of Nigeria. That the Republic of Biafra hereby ceases to exist.”

By Anthony Obi Ogbo (Texas International Guardian)

The basic philosophy of progress hinges on reconciliation of the past with the present to forge a prolific future. While the issue about Nigeria’s restructuring or regional partition rages, it might be appropriate to update the current population about documented facts about the previous civil war in connection with the struggle of the Igbo’s for self-resurgence; and how it sadly ended.

It was on January 15 few days after the surrender at Dondan Barracks in Lagos, in the presence of General Gowon, below is Biafra’s second-in-command, Major-General Philip Effiong conceding the war, and announcing the end of the Biafra.

Biafra’s Concession Speech – from Effiong to Gowon

“I, Major-General Philip Effiong, Officer Administrating the Government of the Republic of Biafra, now wish to make the following declaration: that we affirm that we are loyal Nigerian citizens and accept the authority of the Federal Military Government of Nigeria. That we accept the existing administrative and political structure of the Federation of Nigeria, that any future constitutional arrangement will be worked out by representatives of the people of Nigeria. That the Republic of Biafra hereby ceases to exist.

The situation seem hopeless and prolonging the conflict would have only led to further destruction and starvation of the people of Biafra so Effiong believed. “I am convinced now that a stop must be put to the bloodshed which is going on as a result of war. I am also convinced that the suffering of our people must be brought to an immediate end”

The term “Biafra” is psychologically relevant to every person who hails from a region once declared as Biafra. Yet it must be noted that political and historical relevance of this this struggle has never been disputed, and in fact remains indelible in the global history of human struggle for existence.

This may be hard to swallow, but must be noted that the current contention about Biafra has nothing whatsoever to do with a collective struggle of the Igbos. Pro-Biafara groups do not represent the Igbos but individually represents specific missions which most of them have totally failed to properly convey.

Noted one Dr. Ugoji Egbujo in an article published in the Nigerian Vanguard, “Biafra was justice and freedom. But Biafra has become a tool for charlatans, a toy for dissipation of youthful exuberance. Biafra once evoked Igbo unity and enterprise. But Biafra has now been appropriated by jobless opportunists who exploit the frustrations of their poor brothers. Biafra was Igbo fellowship. But this their new Biafra thrives on cannibalizing fellow Igbos. Biafra was consultation, consensus. This Biafra is now extremism, hallucination, egocentrism.”

It is evident that the current controversy about Biafra – to be or not to be – has nothing to do with identity of the Igbos as Biafrans. Being a Biafran is not a choice; for every person who hails from a region once declared as Biafra is a Biafran. However, we must note that the only major contention is a total resistance to charlatans and ill-informed extremists using Biafra and the most respected Igbo values to aimlessly and unintelligibly pursue selfish interests.

♦ Publisher, Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD is the founder of the American Journal of Transformational Leadership

President Buhari –The Last Days of the Dictator

Buhari, as a dictator in the 80s, and as the President now. It is an ancestral duty to fight such living dictators until, one-by-one, they expire to embrace their graves. Then, their victims shall grace their wakes with crocodile tears and melodious sounds of the “Amazing Grace.”

I know that Africans do not like discussing death until it strikes like a lightening. But at all times, we must not be shy to discuss death because it is an inevitable dilemma waiting on every individual. Now a tenant in an obscure hospital in London, Nigeria’s president Muhammadu Buhari, whether dead or alive, is approaching the closing times of his life. Rumors of his death have clouded the social media with unsubstantiated news and analysis, but his camp is not just communicating. They are not talking the way they should. They have babbled with explanations about diagnosis and treatment of this Dictator, and at a time claimed he was just on a vacation.

The moment of death is inescapable. Based on Buhari’s age and shabby vigor, the exit of this dictator should be expected. In fact, he might have gone into an endless sleep to face his final judgment. Then, Nigerians would have another opportunity to start all over to structure a constructive path in their quest for national unity. Likewise, he might still be alive; then Nigerians would continue in their dreadful hardship.

Buhari was groomed in an uncultivated military community, where the powers and rattling sounds of AK-47 subjugate constitutional system. But the Nigerian army, as bad as it may look, has within her commands, some exceptionally brilliant soldiers who could speak the official language of defense. These good men, unfortunately are stifled out of service by a system where mediocrity outruns excellence; leaving behind a fragment of boneheaded officers unable to differentiate between a pipe bomb and beer can. Buhari represents this ugly culture; and this explains why a man who has no proof of High School Certificate could rise beyond the law, his country, and the entire masses.

What I actually do as part of my job is keep accurate records of how they live, terrorize their constituents, and eventually die like idiots. I do not empathize with their constituents because I am not in the emotional card-making business. I document and share their funerals, and compile deceitful eulogies by hypocrites that grace their horrific burial moments.

It is therefore an ancestral duty to fight such living dictators until, one-by-one, they expire to embrace their graves. Then, their victims shall grace their wakes with crocodile tears and melodious sounds of the “Amazing Grace.” For Buhari, this occasion is a matter of time; and he would be etched to the earth; where he would torment the masses no more. Then, Nigeria shall become free, and the enslaved commonalities would regain their freedom and take their country back.

Just like any Dictator, Buhari is grinding toward the finishing line, with one foot on the ground and the other in the grave. But such is life – a merry-go-round with retributive surprises. It is interesting watching this man as he exits his physical being to resume an interminable sleep. Then he would question God on why He created the female sex; why He kept the oil in Delta; why He allowed IBB to remove him; why He created tribes other than the Fulanis; why He did not zone his death to the South; and why the hell He wasn’t buried with that gigantic building called Aso Rock.

Dictators are nothing but self-made demigods tormenting a peaceful world. But to sickness and death, their wicked powers become innocuous and theatrical. Before you accuse me of mischievously advocating evil, you must be aware that I have nothing to do with how dictators die. My job is to report leaders; the good and the bad ones; how they rule; and how eventually, they are punished by their deeds through the vengeful Law of Karma.

I do not shoot Dictators because I do not have a gun, and have never owned a gun. I do not have the power to kill them, and would not wish them dead either; I do not give them ear infection; I don’ not give them cancer, and in general, I do not cause their afflictions. What I actually do as part of my job is keep accurate records of how they live, terrorize their constituents, and eventually die like idiots. I do not empathize with their constituents because I am not in the emotional card-making business. I document and share their funerals, and compile those deceitful eulogies by hypocrites that grace their horrific burial moments.

But for sake of order of open trial, Buhari should be presumed dead until proven alive by his cohorts, who have dramatically denied the masses basic information about the presumably, Chief Executive.

♦ Anthony Obi Ogbo, Ph.D. is the publisher of Houston-based International Guardian, and the author of The Influence of Leadership

Esohe, an epic blockbuster Hollywood debuts with Nollywood star, Oghenekaro Itene as ‘Itohan’

Itene played a frustrated wife of the Town’s chief priest who had to deal with mystical complexities of an evil stepchild.

Esohe is a cocktail of love, murder and mystery, connecting two centuries

International Guardian – Houston, TX – Nollywood diva, Oghenekaro Lydia Itene who fashioned a new persona on screen a few years ago in the Nigerian movie industry will be making the headlines again with her role as ‘Itohan’ in Esohe, an epic blockbuster Hollywood & Nollywood collaboration set in ancient Benin Kingdom starring Jimmy Jean Louis (Joy & Heroes and Heroes reborn Star), Misty Lockheart (Chronicles of Life).

Itene played a frustrated wife of the Town’s chief priest who had to deal with mystical complexities of an evil stepchild. The movie preview shows a collaboration of action and knowledge ready to hit the big screen. Esohe also features Nollywood’s Desmond Elliot, Chris Attoh, Bimbo Manuel, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhuo, Jemaima Osunde, Monica Omorodion Swaida.

Itene has excelled in her acting career over the years, and had shuttled between Nigeria and South Africa where she had been shooting a television series titled “Lincoln’s Clan’’ produced by Total Recall Productions. It is a collaboration between Nigerian and South African producers and has been screened on Multichoice channels. She’s also in “Tinsel’’ as the wedding planner.

The movie preview shows a collaboration of action and knowledge ready to hit the big screen. Esohe also features Nollywood’s Desmond Elliot, Chris Attoh, Bimbo Manuel, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhuo, Jemaima Osunde, Monica Omorodion Swaida.

Esohe is a cocktail of love, murder and mystery, connecting two centuries. The reincarnation and reunion of Ifagbai, the son of Eghosa the Oba’s warrior, his long-lost lover, Esohe, presents a puzzle to Gary Barbar (Jimmy Jean Louis). He suffers repeated nightmare and sees apparitions of events he knows nothing about. The engrossing Epic is a story of undying love, unflinching loyalty and deviously woven intrigues that is served in a cocktail of the rich Bini tradition. It is a fictional story by Charles Uwagbai and Efetobore Ayeteni, written by Bimbo Manuel.

The movie, is produced by Charles Uwagbai, Monica Swaida and Robert Peters. The movie is directed by Charles Uwagbai (Black Silhouette, Okoro the prince, Breathless, Jekwu etc.)

Esohe will be touring cities in the United States and Europe. It will be released in Nigeria later in the year. This movie also features fast rising Nollywoood actors like Eunice Omorogie, Omoye Uzamere, and Osagie Elegbe, The movie will be showing at cinemas in Houston, Dallas, Boston, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Los Angelis and London, among other European cities.