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Ex-Federal Permanent Secretary Commends Ugwuanyi on Community Development
Odalije, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa, the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Abuja has commended the effort of Enugu state government led by His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, in introducing and sustaining what he called, “the novel idea of Basic Community Government, facilitating bottom-to-the-top approach to infrastructural development, as a paradigm shift from the previous governance structure in Enugu state.”
Speaking in a keynote address on the topic, Entitlement Expectation Bogeyman and the challenge of Basic Community Government in the 8th Edition of the Annual Conference of the Nigeria Political Science Association (NPSA) hosted by the Coal City University, Enugu, Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa took a brief look at the pre-independence Eastern Nigeria projected economic trajectory from 1955, which led to the erection of industrial estates or parks such as:
- Aba light industries which presently limps for reasons of subsequent failure of infrastructure. The Aba light industrial plan was designed, and it took off, as a corridor to coalesce with Port Harcourt in present day River State;
- Biotechnology industries for Umuahia (also presently limping);
- Steel, heavy industry and automation for Emene (now non-existent for failure of infrastructure);
- Cement and building material belt for Nkalagu, Calabar, Port Harcourt (largely surviving today on the wings of private enterprise);
- Commercial/retail trading emporium for Onitsha (which has remained a huge success despite several incidences of vast destructions by war and seasonal fire disasters);
- Dairies, holidaying, private, group and corporate tourism for Obudu;
- Vast spread of plantations: cashew, oil palm, cocoa, coffee, timber, etc, coordinated for Oghe (present Enugu State), Okigwe (present Imo State), Obudu, Akamkpa, Itumbenuzor (present Cross River State), and many others nursed and harvested in present day Abia, Rivers, Bayelsa, Anambra; and,
- For necessity of the right kind of manpower or expertise, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, arrived as the first composite university in Nigeria, offering professional courses, as three new other specialist universities were planned out for Port Harcourt (Science & Technology), Nnewi (Medical Sciences), Omor/Uzouwani (Agriculture), Owerri (Education), Enugu (conglomeration of colleges), etc. These were to stand side-by-side with varieties of specialist institutes in the areas of Administration, Management, Arts, Culture, Law and Customs, etc.
“The Emene plan,” according to Sir Ohaa, “Was to be a 90 kilometre industrial corridor stretching from Emene in present Enugu State, through Abakaliki in Ebonyi State, to Ogoja in Cross River State. Perhaps, if it had not been interrupted, it would have been connecting with Bamenda in Cameroon.
These ambitious start-ups were to be serviced by coteries of feeder industrial and agricultural outlets which were to jut from, and through, some localities primed to form their own clusters. “
Continuing, he emphasised, “Of course, we know what adverse effect the civil war had on the entire plan. We are also conversant with General Gowon’s civil war strategic political development which split the geo-economic entity into minute but disparate entities, forced to chart entirely independent, if not hostile, politico-economic identities.”
“But if the war tragedy was the reason for the collapse of these beautiful ventures in old Eastern Region, could it have been the same with other regions, which were into the same gainful development frenzy as the East at the same time?,” he queried
“Not exactly, I think.
While it may be the same in the case of the political actions leading to multiple state system, the nexus, I hazard, was that Nigerians had quickly gotten over fed on the malaise identified by Professor Nnoli of UNN when he said, “Widespread expectation of benefits from public administration at little or no cost to the citizen … because there is a strong heritage of government involvement in many welfare functions … consequence of this great expectation is that the populace is not eager to calculate or make allowances for the cost of providing these amenities”
Sir Ohaa continued, “We had this vast blessing of petroleum and other natural resources, but, at the same time, we had unfortunately, and regrettably too, cultivated this massive relapse into indolent, indulgent, and suckling, expectation tradition, giving birth to a culture of entitlement mentality.
The arrival of the screaming petro-dollar wealth was supposed to impress greater strides on these. But it also speeded up the rise in urban population ambivalence, indulgence, indolence and shiftlessness.”
Taking a swipe on the role of Nigeria political scientists in post colonial Nigeria, he said, “Granted that the suddenness of its arrival, the vastness of the proceeds, and flamboyance of the time, were humungous; yet, socio-political science scholars should not have been off-guard their critical role of keeping post-colonial Nigeria leaders on their feet while the boom burst into a recipe for the present economic crisis pervading the nation. Regrettably, this has quickly bloated this “expectation community”, which props the bogeyman called “entitlement mentality.”
“Remember, having started on that framework where the citizens operate on the premise that there are rights to be provided for as is the case in welfare states, a great percentage of Nigeria population perennially hibernate in the “entitlement tradition” or “expectation” culture.
I read about Nigerian intellectuals and analysts insisting that the presence of this bogeyman or the culture of “entitlement mentality,” so called, was a creation of practicing politicians. Some even go as far as attempting to situate the argument that politics, as a career, does not exist outside the beggarly tradition, which is the full manifestation of the “entitlement mentality.”
Conversely, pro-system scholars have situated that this, having originated in the welfarist colonial political management pattern, was sustained by those Marxist-socialist intellectuals who hold that the State is irreversibly indebted to the citizen for every item needed for existence and sustenance. However, as a trained professional manager of scarce resources, my thought is that we are currently faced with severe challenges on how to contain this bogeyman, ‘entitlement mentality.’
We remember, even as Professor Nnoli holds this as colonial heritage, in the old Eastern Region, East-Niger Igbo areas, have had our strong socio-economic culture of consensus-communalism, which spares no bogeyman. It is a practice that sprouted from age old culture. In the past, it aided us in sponsoring our brilliant sons and daughters to the best universities in Europe and America. We also erected numerous Community Secondary Schools, providing the platforms for our young ones to access education and advance in careers.
Till date, it baffles me that having known, participated in, and understood, these practices, the socio-political scientists, who specialize in the Igbo socio-political and cultural systems, have not paid much attention in building, formulating and spreading the principles of these informal institutionalized community governments across the south east Igbo heartland and elsewhere.
Already, there have been attempts by some governments to infuse life into this, but we know that government alone cannot be everything for everybody, forever time, at the same time. The Enugu State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has since realized the gains of this, and has been propping its brand of Community Government System quite impressively. To underscore its serious attachment to this, the State Government has so far recognized elected Presidents-General of over 400 autonomous communities in the state as integral part of community government system, besides ensuring the pride of place for our Royal fathers as the rallying points in community administration. Each President-General is paid monthly stipend. Most importantly, through the community government system, the State government, in 2017, approved the sum of Ten Million Naira grant for each of the autonomous communities, out of which Five Million Naira has already been disbursed to each community in the state for rural infrastructure.
It was an opportunity for communities to brainstorm, conceived and prioritize their development plans and execute same without interference from the top, i.e. the state government. Some communities preferred to repair their boreholes, schools, health centers, local markets, etc. It was a rare privilege for every person, even at the lowest rung, to once in a life time, bear the burden of government, and have his date with the overbearing bogeyman.”
Sir Chinyeaka Ohaa droped a food for thought to political scientists as he enthused, “Please, permit me to now drop a challenge to our socio-political scientists who are supposed to be specialists in social organizations and political engineering to: conceptualize, outline, situate and dissect the principles of Community Based Governments (CBG) for the true activation of development in our communities; being also a panacea to pruning the edges of the bogeyman who, I dare hazard, is susceptible to being weaponized in the electoral and electioneering processes.
The urgency of now demands that we search for that which creates the institutional foundations on which the stability of the society is built, that which props sufficient platforms for the participation of the would-be disruptive bogeyman. Needless to emphasize that this can be found in retooling our community based government structures, which, no doubt, is the first line of understanding, percolation and defense of policies of government while, at the same time, exposing and training rising community leaders, and checking the dreaded “entitlement” bogeyman, in the working of government.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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