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NigerianNews

NigerianNews
November Letters to the Editor

January, 2007
NigerianNews Letter to the Editor

January 30, 2007

Dear Editor,

Special thanks to you, the Editor!!

Dear Sir,

Thank you very much for publishing my letter. And Iam very happy that my voice has been held all over the world. I had little expectation for my letter to be published because of not being Nigerian and some hard hitting issues (the negative side).

And another good thing is that you did no any editing especially about the omission of some views as is the case with many Editors. You are wonderful keep it up. And keep on bringing Nigeria at our doorsteps to us far from there.

For your info I have already started receiving feedbacks from different Nigerians based in different countries. Don’t forget I have as well triggered the flow best critisicims as well as of 419 mails in nature.

Yours truly,

Robert Msuku (Blantyre-Malawi)

Editor's response

Dear Robert,

be sure we regard Africa as a big tent for all her sprawling inhabitants all over the continent. It is the intention of NigerianNews to cater to all the inhabitants of this tent, and we are very glad you read NigerianNews and pay attention to what is happening in Nigeria, good or bad.

Please feel free to send us your news and thought as soon as you have anything to say about either Nigeria, Malawi or any part of Africa. NigerianNews will always be there for you all.

Warmest regards

Editor, NigerianNews
Unbridled and Unafraid

January 29, 2007

Dear Editor,

What is the problem with some Nigerians?

Please allow me to express my disappointment over the rampant behavior of some young and medium aged Nigerians.

I read with shock of the recent execution of a young man of Nigerian origin. The guy was so young and it seems had such bright future to the benefit of his family members and the nation as whole as the source indicated.

But Iam always confused once I think of you fellow brothers of mine(Nigerians). Iam from Malawi and meeting any African I still regard him as my brother.

Nigeria here in my country is well known of their best art of acting (video films). Our market is flooded with your films both originals and counterfeits and many of us love your products. And we have learnt a lot from you guys. The way of dressing especially of women has been adopted fully here. Some up to the extent of adopting accent of speaking English- do not forget you are unique in the pronunciation of English words –you localize them. I love that because you show how proud you are with your language and tongue.

Again some associate you more with Satanism from the films they watch. The positive side is that others like me regard you as faithful and militant Christians and a country blessed with Gods generals like Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel, Prophet TB Joshua of Immanuel/synagogue ,Pastor William Kumuyi of Deeper Life Church, Pastor Ashimolowo of KICC and many more as well as with great footballers. Also that you believe in yourself (you are positive minded and hard working) .If I think of Nigeria I always think of all my Christians brothers of the said type and other numerous saints.

The other negative side I dislike of some Nigerians is drug trafficking and corruption. I personally experienced this in South Africa .That is the most disturbing thing in my life. This evil trade really tarnishes the good image of our great African state (backbone) of Christianity.

No wonder the Singapore execution is not surprising to me despite the barbaric process the guy underwent. And somehow despite that is painful to the family members it must be a lesson to some young guys to find right ways of amassing earthly wealth.

For your info many brothers again are in foreign prisons with same charges waiting different punishments according to the constitutional interpretation of that particular country.

So I advise the Civil Societies of Nigerian not to push the blame to President Obasanjo on the Singapore execution but instead should direct their human and financial resources in giving civic education to the youth on moral way of amassing personal wealth.

I welcome any comment or criticism from anyone and please should be sent to: robertmsukwa@yahoo.com

Your African brother and in Christ Jesus,

Robert Msuku (Blantyre-Malawi)

January 24, 2007

Dear Editor,

VIEWPOINT: OPEN LETTER TO ALHAJI ATIKU ABUBARKA

You are eminently qualified to vie for the presidency of our great country. In fact, millions of Nigerians will undoubtedly cast their votes for you. However, it is doubtful that such votes will translate to an electoral victory for you because of the fragmented opposition against the PDP, a phenomenon that largely contributed to its victory in 2003.

If your differences with President Obasanjo hinge on your commitment to defend democracy, as you have publicly declared on many occasions, this is the best opportunity to demonstrate it. There is no better way to do this than by gracefully withdrawing from the presidential race; throwing your political weight behind General Buhari; thereby strengthening and expanding the fast emerging coalition against the PDP. Such a coalition, with your backing and influence, is the only force that could wrest power from the ruling PDP. None of the registered political parties, including the AC which has adopted you as its flagbearer, can accomplish this electoral feat on its own. Besides, withdrawing from the race will reinforce the argument that your grouse with the President is not predicated on your ambition to succeed him.

Before the presidential elections of 2003, I warned my party, the AD, through my local chapter, against its romance with the PDP in order to support the re-election of President Obasanjo. Today, not only the AD, but also the whole Nation, is bearing the brunt of ignoring my warning that the unholy romance between the AD and PDP would spell doom for our party in particular, and for Nigeria generally.

Once again, the same voice is calling on the AD, AC, ANPP and all other opposition parties, to sink their differences and join forces against the PDP because, only a united front would be able to effectively resist rigging by the ruling party, and vote it out of power in free and fair elections.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr Atulobi wrote in from the USA

January 23, 2007

Dear Editor,

Femi Pedro- The Politician Nigeria Needs

If reports in the dailies and feedback from political talkshops are anything to go by, then it is evident that the 'problem' facing Otunba Femi Pedro, the Labour Party's governorship candidate in Lagos State, is one that other politicians would give their left hand to have.

The man has a surfeit of commendable believability borne out of an acknowledgement of his ability to perform and rock-solid integrity. At a time when trust and respect are rare attributes that politicians can only be wistful about, most commentators readily affirm that Pedro, as a non-professional politician, has these in abundance. They also grant that his campaign has a breath of fresh air about it — and that it is liberally laced with integrity and passion. What it doesn't have, they say, is the politician's desperation about victory. In other words, they say since Pedro is such a gentleman politician and a technocrat, he might not be able to play the dirty politics needed to ensure his victory at the polls.

This ironically put politics in a two-way categorisation: the do-gooders as also-rans and the devil-may-care winners, whose sole purpose in politics is to win elections — and to blazes with what happens afterwards. A cursory analysis of our recent political history might support this categorisation. But, like an average cliché, this cynical delineation is contestable. Though our politics has witnessed the ascendancy of 'garrison' politicians, overbearing godfathers and their acolytes, it is but not true that they must have their way all of the time. It is true that these uncouth politicians deploy all manner of 'weaponry' to effect their victory — and that thuggery, rigging and violence sit well with them.

But, as research on voting across the world has shown, a politician could only rig with the (often) tacit encouragement of the electorate. An electorate that is uncaring about the political process and who emerges as leader would hardly be bothered about how such a representative is elected. It is known to have been difficult, if not downright impossible for a representative to emerge through unfair means in areas where voters are determined that their votes matter and that their choice should be respected. This, in other words, means that a nation gets the kind of (elected) leaders it deserves. We would therefore be best served by participating fully in the ongoing political process and ensuring that not only the best candidates emerge, but that these are our choices. We should no longer leave our destiny in the hands of 'garrison commanders' masquerading as politicians for, if the recent past is anything to go by, they do not care a hoot for our hopes or sensibilities.

If we truly believe, as media reports have it, that candidates like Otunba Pedro have the best credentials and capacity for serving our interest, then we should work to ensure they emerge victorious because their candidacy represents our best aspirations as well. Rather than push these 'smart, brilliant, sincere but too gentle' politicians into the suffocating embrace of godfathers and interests, the time is ripe to reach out to them and support them. If we don't, we are defeatist and underestimate our own power to effect positive social change and enthrone an enduring political culture.

We should let candidates like Pedro know that we appreciate, and prefer their kind of politics to the other kind. It does not have to be financial. Letters and other gestures of support would help during the campaign period. Much later, our massive outing and vote would serve during the election proper. These, and vigilance to make sure that the votes are not tampered with, would ensure that we have a government that is truly responsible to us.

It would be a sad portent for the future of our democracy if we condemn a candidate like Pedro for possessing the same good qualities which we moan that our politicians lack, and should have. If Pedro represents idea-driven politics and performance-based campaign, and feedback in the media repeatedly shows that he does, then it is imperative that this is rewarded by the massive support of a discerning electorate.

Luckily enough for Pedro, he is running in a state that is known for the sagacity and maturity of its voters – although in the past the stakes had not been this high. It is therefore the best platform for enthroning the new kind of politics that we all yearn for and it would be a shame if we let this opportunity elude us.

But as the Pedro campaign intensifies its efforts and professionalism, it is to be hoped that quality will eventually shine through – and the best candidate will pull through to victory.

Emenike Obioha
sarowiwa@gmail.com

January 11, 2007

Dear Editor,

Re: Editorial Opinion

A friend - Frisky Larr introduced this website of yours to me and my second visit today
was very welcoming.
You are right on the truth!
About Obasanjo, Awolowo, Yoruba, Igbo and all. I doff my hat for you!
Keep the flame on!.

Ayodele, John

January 08, 2007

Dear Editor,

STOP PUTTING THE COUNTRY IN A BAD SHAPE.

The incessant attribute of the so-call Politicians in our community is getting worrisome on the postals placed on every angles of the every areas in the state.

These nefarious activities of those Politicians are how ever rampant on the bridges that includes Eko bridge and third mainland bridge.They have used these postals to unbeautify our Country 'Nigeria', even for the paint the Government had spent much money on, they just come over night and unfashion it with postals.

I used this medium to advise the politicians that want to contest for any post in the country to stop placing postals, insteand they should acquire the method which the Deputy Governor of Lagos State used, by building a Tin box with His image or having a postal board or Big board, than disfiguring the beauty of the country.

LAWAL OLUWAFEMI
COURT OF APPEAL,
LAGOS.

January 03, 2007

Dear Editor,

Nigeria 2007

Having worked in Nigeria over 10 years I find that most expatriates do not
really understand that the culture is completely different due to the
unusual environment of the people.

I really admire a people who can send their children to school, all
neatly dressed in such bad home conditions. Nigerians that I work with
are usually cheerful and resourceful in the most awful of living
conditions, which most expatriates would not put up with.

Unfortunately appealing to those in power to give more to the people,
especially financially, is not going to work. Human nature being what it
is, people in power, who are corrupt, do not listen to reason.
Nigeria is one country I would love to see a rebel group who really has
the people at heart and not just in it for the grab for resources.
My heart is with the people of Nigeria, who I hope have a better year in
2007.

John
john<john@osas.demon.co.uk>