IGBO YOUTHS PRESENT WISH LIST TO BUHARI

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Igbo Youths Present Wish List To Buhari

Jun 11 2015 - 9:53am

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Igbo Youths under the auspices of the Ohaneze Youth  Council, OYC, has forwarded the names of some key Igbo professionals and technocrats for possible appointment in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement signed by its national president, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the OYC advised Gen Muhammadu Buhari not to restrict his choice  of aides and cabinet members from the Governors nominees as  most of the Govenors nominees are mere surrogates that will only serve the interest of the Governors .

Among those nominated by the OYC include, Prof Pat Utomi, Prof May Nwoye, Dr Gregory Ibeh Chancellor of Regory University, Uturu in Abia state, Chief Charles Okereke, the publisher of Nigeria Masterweb, Prof Barth Nnaji, Mr. Osadebe Ibegbu, a well known Nigerian construction expert in Durban , South Africa, Chief Okechukwu Nwagbara, Chief Okey Emuchay former Nigerian Consul in South Africa,Chief Ikechi Emenike,  Chief Emeka Ugwu -Oju, Chief Isaac Wonwu.

Others include, Pro Oby Ezekwesiri, Udenta Udenta, Barr Friday Nwosu, Dr Alex Otti, Sulivan Chime, Nyerenye Anyim, Paul Ikonne, Hon Uchendu Onuoha, Daily Independent Foreign Correspondent Europe among others.The list contains fifty other nominees from whom Gen Buhari can make his choice.
The group also called on Gen Buhari to look into the reasons why the Geometric power plant in Aba is still being frustrated from generating and distributing power to Aba and its environs.

The OYC vow to deal with all those responsible for the frustration of Geometric power plant owned by the world renowened robotics Engineer Prof  Barth Nnaji.

THE MANDATED AND THE MANDATOR

THE MANDATED AND THE MANDATOR.

(PART OF THE SERIES; BUHARI ARE YOU THE ONE? By Uchendu Precious Onuoha)

In Nigeria, whenever elections are held, there are words that are so synonymous with the Nigerian journalist and the elite class to describe the emerging scenario thereof. Words such as….“Mandate” or impasse are used sporadically by all to paint the real picture of the nation.

What is mandate? I will not be wasting my precious time illustrating what mandate means than telling everyone in the simplest term what mandate really depicts for ease of understanding. Mandate, according to the English dictionary simply means....."An official order or commission to do something."

The kind of order or commission determines where the pendulum swings. Know it that he who gives order and whom order is given to must agree to make the order work or else, it is either the order is flouted or the person ordered to do something but refuses to it will be queried and perhaps relieve of his post.

Impasse was the most used word after the 1993 Presidential election held on the June, 1993 that was annulled by the infamous Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida´s administration. For close to three years, the entire Nigeria media was awashed with this word.

Impasse simply means deadlock or a problem that has no immediate solution or call it cul-de-sac. This was because the Babangida administration refused to listen to the voice of reasoning and the songs of decent wisdom calling for the revalidation of the annulled election.

 Yes, he who pays the piper dictates the tune...shikina!

But in the emerging four years, what we may stay glue to or be hearing from the nation´s seat of power, Aso Rock, will be....” Who goes there? Enemy or friend? Advance to be recognized....!” Yowaa.....Oga Mr. President. Ranka dede manya... Sai Buhari, et al

In fact, many more Inyarinyas will surely be taken into the glorious purdah inside the Aso Rock to serve as Presidential fleet of Inyarinyas. After all, we only have one first (Mata) lady and tens of concubines always assembled by successive Presidents and no one gives a hoot. Kai walahi, you want to lose your life for daring to write or mention the Presidential fleet of Matas? Kwo ha ka ba? Ba damuwa....!

You don´t need a soothsayer to warn you that you MUST be a Muslim extremist to cross the gates leading to Aso Rock, if not the entire Abuja beginning from May the 29th, 2015. Heaven will rejoice if Southerners dare escape the mountains of impediments that they will be made to pass through to see their Vice President. Forget about the President. It will be easier to see God than Mr. President, except you belong to the league of decapitators of fellow human being ably backed by the Caliphate.

If per adventure such occurs or not, you can´t blame Mr. President. He fought gallantly for it and he got it! Not because he is the best, but because he is from the Oligarchical North where the sun never sets when it comes to wresting powers from other tribes in our butchered nation.

On March, 28th 2015, the most populous black nation, Nigeria, had an election that ushered in the new President of our beloved fatherland on May 29th, 2015. Men and women trooped out in their millions to exercise their inalienable civic rights. The right to vote and be voted for. Everyone was allowed to make his or her choice. A choice of who will rule them in the next four years. Mark you, Nigeria had never and may never elect a leader. All we have are rulers. For the avoidance of doubt, there are differences between a ruler and a leader. That may be a matter of discuss for another day.

I intend reminding everyone of the message I sent to the entire Nigeria nation just some hours away from that epic election. However, I feel it may not be too necessary to continue to replicate the scenarios especially when events and circumstances has dittoed otherwise.

On that very grateful date, Nigerians went to the poll like any other nation. Two prominent gladiators emerged through their various political parties as Presidential flag bearers. It is no news any more than one was favored to win while the other was favored to lose through the satanic connivance of the aristocrats in the North and the South West. They held series of clandestine meetings to pull down the walls of Aso Rock should their preferred candidate lose that election-all in their desire to satisfy their egoism, their want of power and looting that will leave the Nigeria state in comatose situation till the eternity. They concocted all sorts of evil along the way.

Of the two musketeers, one is a civilian and he is the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan while the other is a well-known Zombie since the time of yore. He has a pedigree as one of the most ruthless dictator Nigeria ever had. The signs and the wonders done through his jackboots never cease to linger in the memory of noble men and women of his generation.

The Zombie became the crowned prince of victory even before ballots were opened. He was the anointed messiah. Messiah? Yes, he is the expected avatar. He is the charming prince of discipline, the only one that can tell Boko Haram haka hiki? And they will obey with a loud voice........ranka dede mutum yowaaaa! Yankuri …..et al.

That was what led to the choice of the masses. Nigeria needs the sponsors and apostles of Boko Haram and anti-semitic establishments to rule, so that there will be peace. No man, not even the outgoing President has the muscle to stop the callous carnage. No! Never! Who bore Monkey?

How can a branded Islamic infidel stop the well supported Boko Haram when his head is also on demand just like the head of John the Baptist? He must leave or hell will lose against the Yan-mirins from the South-South and South-East. They are not Nigerians, if at all they are counted as Nigerians, they don´t deserve to come near Abuja, needless to ask for any passage to Aso Rock.

There are first, second and third class citizens in Nigeria and of course, there are classless citizens of same nation. Hitherto, that has been their cry against the Goodluck Jonathan`s rise to the Presidency. They felt, they made the most grievous mistake of their life time by allowing a Yan-mirin to become their President. The way out or the way forward is to kick him out in the most inglorious manner any President had ever witnessed. Indeed, their agitations came to reality on that fateful 28th March, 2015.

By hook and crook, the incumbent President was supposedly voted out of power, because that is the only way their mathematical equation will become a theorem.

A theorem propounded by the Caliphate, the Obasanjo’s and Bola Ahmed Tinubu`s dynasties. No qualms! They are the victors and the South-South is the vanquished. Eka ro omo iya, ekunle omo Oduá …....! You all have succeeded in exhibiting the eternal treachery that you are known for. President Goodluck Jonathan surely left office on the 29th May, 2015 so that your desires will be met. I do not have any remorse for Goodluck Jonathan, because he was dinning and winning with known enemies in the name of political god-fatherism and he paid the supreme price.

But, let us not lose sight of the fact that there is always a day of reckoning. A day will come when the South-South and the South-East will not know peace-as we shall fight as we deem it necessary, for we know we shall win-as we are confident in victory, because good will surely triumph over evil.

In-here-so-far the Nigeria nation has mandated Buhari to perch at the helm of affairs of the nation, not through the barrels of the gun this time, what more can we ask for? He should know that the Nigeria masses are the pipers´ player and they should dictate the tune. The tune to constant and uninterrupted electricity, good road networks, good medical care, affordable education, employment at all levels, empowerment of the masses in wealth creation through soft loans and subsidies, justice and fairness to all and the inevitable eradication of one of his puppet projects, the Boko Haram.

Maj. General Buhari (rtd) and his team of seasoned looters should take into consideration that they all will be held accountable by this generation and generation-next should they fail to deliver, because we have come to realize that ….......”“Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph.” (Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie1 of Ethiopia.)

What Buhari and his unknown team must know and hate is the recurring insidious moves of successive Presidents against the youths of our nation through oratory massaging of their psyche with unrealistic promises. That will be detrimental to his administration and just like his predecessor; he will be shown the way back to Daura even before the expiration of his tenure. Oligarchical sarcasm must be eschewed, religious bigotry will not be tolerated and he should never make the mistake of trying to colourate the Presidency with mind-benders, soul wreckers and never do wells in our society.

Failure to adhere to this tenet, will rubbish the essence of his ascension to the Presidency. He should realize that without success in these spheres, the Victory, we celebrate today; the suffering that we have all endured will be to no avail.

To win the War against corruption, to overcome the enemy upon the fields cannot alone ensure the Victory in the Presidency. The cause of poverty must be removed. Each tribe's rights must be secured from violation. Above all, from the human mind, he must erase all thoughts of humiliations as a solution. Then and then only will hatred cease.

Nigerians are the Mandators, the Presidency is the mandate while Buhari and co., are the mandated. No voice will be loud, no voice should be muffled, no tribe should be alienated in the name of party affiliation, religious believes or numerical strength. Should Buhari with his “Keu” certificates allow the elites to hijack his government, that will be the death knell to his administration and that will surely be his waterloo.  Much as I sympathize with his educational backwardness, for I am very sure that Buhari do not know how many Zero is in a billion, he should be mindful of those he will appoint to sensitive positions in the next dispensation.

It will be fool-hardy for the APC as a political party, to bask in the euphoria of victory to appoint willy-nilly individuals or individuals reputed to be sworn klepto-crats into his administration.

Upon Buhari, Nigerians are optimistic, but I need to remind us all that there will be wars and wars and there is war already hanging in the air for the APC and the do-gooders who has used their looted funds to sponsor Buhari´s campaign. It will only take some hours after his swearing in before the bubble will begin to burst. Can Buhari contain the egoistic balance of the political Kabiyesi like Bola Tinubu and Obasanjo? Can Buhari give Nigerians affordable and uninterruptable electricity? Can Buhari make life more meaningful to Nigerians? Can or will Buhari ever confront and defeat his fellow extremists in Boko Haram conclave in the Sambissa forest? Can Buhari deliver? Can he cope without the usual military rule of “obey before complain” in a democratic set up in the nation called Nigeria? Can he cope with the vulturistic tendencies and the Oliver Twist demands of the looting sharks in the nation´s legislative chambers? Can he? The rat race will be too fierce to contend. Only time will tell.....!

Know it that "All great truths begin as blasphemies"

Espirit de corps Mr. President!

Presidential salute, present arms.......One, two-trip one,..two trip zero.............!!

Never say I did not warn you sir....!

Flourish osmor ray (unbias umpire and minister in the temple of justice, equality and fair play.)

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU, BIANCA TELLS NIGERIANS IN SPAIN

WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU, BIANCA OJUKWU TELLS NIGERIANS IN SPAIN.

“I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel”…  Jesus words here depict a setting of priority and an awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plan of salvation. Every ministry and mission must have priorities. And Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s mission in Spain is not an exception. She knows where her duties lay and has a clear cut agenda. Before she came, Spain was like a dead zone and not much was heard of it. But today, the blind see, the lame walk and the dead in Spain will rise before her mission ends.  And these have proved that it’s not only our own T.B Joshua that has the monopoly for miracles, even diplomats do. The African most outstanding Ambassador in Europe implements citizenship diplomacy as her utmost priority. Bianca Ojukwu has taken her crusade of citizenship diplomacy to the door steps of Nigerians in Spain. She says to them, “come let us reason together”. Of recent, she has been having town hall meetings with the Nigerian communities at various cities in Spain. The most recent are the meetings in Malaga and Sevilla where various issues affecting the Nigerian community in Spain were addressed during the interactive sessions.

“We are here to serve you and not to do you a favor”

She said that many Nigerians wallow in ignorance, as they are not well informed, and do not know what their rights, duties and obligations are. Consequent to that, they seek to obtain solutions to their problems through short cuts and wrong channels. The Ambassador gave answers to some questions on salient issues bordering Nigerians such as;

Que. Why are Nigerians asked to bring police report which after a short while the validity expires?

Ans.  Police report matter remains a perennial issue. Embassy has always lodged the complaints to the Spanish government concerning obtaining police report from Nigeria instead of Spain where they live and many have not gone home for many years. The matter has been taken to foreign affairs several times. It is a constitutional and statutory issue between Nigeria and Spain and involves some rigorous process to resolve. The mission flow with the tide sometimes and cannot twist the hand of the government on certain issues. However, in view of the problems the police report imposes to Nigerians, the mission has taken a step forward to request for a certificate of good conduct as an alternative and is waiting for the approval. Also the Embassy has obtained a concession on extension of the 3 months validity date of the police report. Now, the validity date should begin by the date the Embassy stamps the document. Therefore, we appeal to Nigerians to take advantage of this concession.

Que. Why do Nigerians pay so much to obtain police report?

Ans. Police report exercise in Spain stops you from traveling to Nigeria to collect the document. In doing that, the Embassy applies for policemen from forensic department to come to Spain. Bearing in mind that most of our citizens cannot come to the Embassy in Madrid because of not having the legitimate documents to travel. To be able to do that, police sometimes stay up to 3 months in the process travelling from one region to another. The processing department has to be paid. From the police, certificate travels to interiors affairs ministry, to consulate Embassy Spain in Lagos, from there back to Spain. In addition to all other administrative costs, it is a cumbersome process. The Embassy has even asked association leaders to take up the responsibility if they can. Even at that, the cost has been reduced. And if anyone is asked to pay other than the amount approved by the Embassy by any of the associations, you should report to the Embassy.

Que. Why does Spanish police cease Nigerian passports and easily deport Nigerians. Is it a crime to have Nigerian passport?

Ans. Police has the right to detain a person’s passport while the person is been investigated. Embassy doesn’t interfere with the cause of investigations. But if that goes beyond the stipulated bounds, and is brought to the attention of the mission, we intervene. Police are trained to break the law while keeping the law. In cases of deportation, the Embassy ensures that no Nigerian citizen is unlawfully deported. There was a case where a citizen was deported, after it was brought to the attention of the Embassy, we went into action and found out that the police did not act very well, and demanded that the citizen be deported back to Spain and he was brought back. In a foreign land, it is important that citizens should be in solidarity and be there brother’s keeper. The Embassy has always encouraged our citizens out there to let us know their plights and give information about others in need of assistance. And the Embassy has made it clear that they will not take it lightly if the rights of our citizens are infringed upon.

But you notice that Nigerians are the weakest in terms of solidarity. An average Nigerian does not want a fellow Nigerian to know how he thrives. Nigerians are not together. The extent of how your problem gets solved is a function of how conscious you are. For your problem to become solved, you have to care for yourself first.

Que. Why do Nigerians find it more difficult to renew their documents?

Ans. The Embassy are doing their very best to make sure that things to a large extent are better for Nigerian citizens. To the average European, there is rampant falsification of documents by Nigerians. Documents are sent to the Embassy for verifications and authentication. And you find out that documents people are paid to forge and falsify are issued by the Embassy free of charge. We are our own worst enemies. The less falsified documents are the better for Nigerians.

Que. What is the Embassy doing to integrate Nigerians into the system?

Ans. This is a societal problem. People decided on their own to migrate to Spain for some reasons. Integration depends more on the individual. The Embassy acts as interface. Embassy showcases Nigerian culture through workshops and seminars on right of citizens. The integration an economic immigrant requires is to take what the host offers. The day to day activities lies within the individual. Citizens should engage in meaningful activities to develop themselves as to fit in the system. Take advantage of NGO’s that offer training services. Every parent should impart on children born here an identity they should own. That could be inculcated through language. Teach the children your home language and let them know that they have a place they could call their own. Time catches up fast. Give the children what your parents gave to you. And Think more of creating your own society wherever you are.

Delivering a speech which was like a gospel during the event, the Ambassador used the occasion to inform the Nigerian community of the plan to issue ID card to Nigerians in Spain for proper identification in view of the future plan for Nigerians in diaspora to vote. She said, revolution is taking place in Nigeria, and Nigerians in diaspora must be part of it by exercising their voting rights wherever they are. The purpose for issuance of ID card is to identify those who are Nigerians. She noted that many Nigerians have refused to register with their local associations.  But with the issuance of the ID card which is free of charge, every Nigerian will be identified.

The Ambassador emphasized on the need for Nigerians to be their brother’s keeper and for solidarity and unity among Nigerians.  She lamented that Nigerians are the weakest in terms of solidarity as they are not together as one.

“Our diversity as Nigerians should be our strength rather than weakness”

She made it clear that Mission condemns criminal acts such as 419, drugs, and prostitution. And emphasized on the need to re-orientate our youths to shun crime.  She stated that as a matter of commitment, the mission is doing its best to ensure every Nigerian is protected and not molested

Bianca drew attention to the changing trends in the world such as, the recent Xenophobia crisis, where Africans are being attacked by fellow Africans. Also stressed on the increasing wave of illegal migration. Referring to the recent tragedy on the sea between Libya and Italy, where thousands of Africans perished in the quest to cross to Europe. She minced no words to say that many were lured into this suicidal mission by people abroad who present false impressions about realities on ground.

“Give correct information of what Europe is like”

The Ambassador urged those in diaspora to join efforts with government to curb the tragic incidents of our people perishing in the bid to migrate to abroad. She also drew attention to the political situation in Nigeria. And informed that a new president elect Buhari, would be sworn in on May 29. She commended the sportsmanship of President Jonathan to concede defeat to the President elect. And enjoined Nigerians to support the incoming government of Buhari. 

By Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special Correspondent Spain)

ESAN PEOPLE AND EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

ESAN PEOPLE AND EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

The head of a camel would eventually pass through the eye of a needle for any Edo central`s candidate to be able to convince the Benins and the Edo North people to concede the governorship seat to Edo Central (Esanland) on the basis of  justice and fair play. Tell the prophet or prophetess that he/she lied to you politically anchored upon the Nigeria`s political perspective!

It should be cleared to the Esan people (Edo central) that the leadership of the APC would like to zone the governor seat to Edo South Senatorial district, though political analysts are yet to deduce from the body language of the governor who succeeds him. It is obvious that only Governor Oshiomhle and he alone can determine the next governor from the array of aspirants scrambling for the seat. No two ways about it.

The 2016 governorship election is going to be direct fight between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Interestingly, with the victory of the APC in the 2015 polls and the massive defections that have confronted the PDP in Edo state plus the alignment and re-alignment of famous politicians and party big wigs who were hitherto in the other side of political divide, and their supporters engaging in what could be regarded as political re-alignment under the APC platform; joined with  the APC in the state to win majority of the state House of Assembly seats in the just concluded general elections make the party the preferred platform for aspirants who want to succeed Comrade Governor Adams Oshiomhole because the battle can best be viewed at the favored direction of APC`s candidate securing enough supports and votes at the poll results  of  Edo state governorship election, 2016. 

For Edo central to gain, we must lobby or ask for the seat of a deputy governor that will be best positioned as a credible governorship candidate after the tenure of his principal. Without doubt in my mind, the deputy governor will do his or her best to bring development to Esan land just as our deputy governor today, Odubu who is committed to the development of his local government in particular and attracted a number of road projects, pipe borne water, electrification projects and the construction of the Ogan/ Ugo/Orhomikhe /Urghonigbe 57 kilometer stretch of road to his people.  This must be our concern now or never as Esan people must know that the era of playing politics blindly or non-digital is over, we cannot afford to play the role of opposition to any ruling government at this modern day Nigerian politics, as the political wind blows, we must follow in order to gain unlike the era of late Prof. Alli and Jakande, when and where opposition to the ruling party gained. We must have concrete plans to project and position ourselves accurately.

We should remember our icon in politics in Nigeria, Chief Tony Anenih, founding member of PDP just resigned from active politics and his enormous roles he played in the party for the past 16 years both in the human and political development in Esan land and Nigeria in general must be emulated by any person or persons that will ever rise to such height in Nigeria politics. Ironically, some major clan or clans in Esan land must desist from the myopic reasoning that they only can produce a very better person for Esan development; any clan should be allowed enough playing fields politically for any rising Esan person or persons into the State and Nigeria politics. Saul was known to be at longer head with Christians but later turned to Paul and a leading member of the Christian family.

2016 governorship election turns out to be a joker card for edo central inhabitants and must be handled maturely. It is now or never as where two elephants fight, the ground suffers.

By Prince Kelly O. Udebhulu, Director, Media & Publicity, APC Nigeria, Spain Chapter.

SPANISH CITIZEN BLACKMAILING NIGERIA'S GOVERNMENT

By: Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special correspondent, Spain)

SPANISH CITIZEN BLACKMAILING NIGERIA’S GOVERNMENT

According to the law of nations; each nation is a mistress of her own actions, when they do not affect the perfect right of others. Therefore, it is quite wrong for a Spanish citizen or a Spanish of Nigerian extract, for any reason to insult the Nigerian Embassy, her Ambassador and the Nigerian government through misleading, provocative and ridiculous statements aimed at inciting Nigerians to chaos, stirring up ethnic strife among Nigerians, tarnishing the image of Nigeria and bringing the good works of the Nigerian Ambassador to disrepute. And above all, putting Spain on a diplomatic collision course with Nigeria.

“Let them that live in a glass house don’t throw stone”.

Somebody who decided to renounce Nigerian nationality and take up Spanish citizenship should not turn back to start insulting, blackmailing and painting Nigeria black outside the ambit of the bilateral laws because he/she has become Spanish. This attitude could lead to Spain making it more difficult to grant citizenship to Nigerians subsequently, if that is meant to breach her good relationship with Nigeria, as it appears that those that hold Spanish citizenship are quite ignorant of Spanish rules, laws, and their limitations to Nigeria – the country they have renounced. “You cannot eat your cake and have it”.

I am a proud Nigerian citizen and I have confidence in Nigeria. I pledged to Nigeria, my country to be faithful, loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity and uphold Her honor and glory wherever I may be. And I will not remain passive or turn blind eyes when the image of my own country is being smeared by a citizen of another country. “If a man comes into my hut and defecates on the floor, what do I do? Do I shut my eyes? No! I take a stick and break his head. (Chinua Achebe). And by virtue of my profession as a journalist, I am a societal watchdog, it lays on me the onus to inform and educate the public on some salient issues.

“Is it ignorance that makes the rat attack the cat”?

The recent publication in the social media by a Nigerian born Spanish citizen, insulting and painting the name of Nigeria black by raining abuses, corrupt allegations against the Nigerian government, and the worst, against the Ambassador who has done exceptionally great works in Spain to earn the prestigious award as African most outstanding Ambassador in Europe. And for a Spanish citizen to attempt to drag her name to the mud is a total affront, and insult to all Nigerians in Spain and the Nigerian government.

Before I proceed, I have to cite one of the malicious articles the Spanish lady posted on the social media on May 3, 2015, insulting the Nigerian government and the Ambassador. And for those who may be deceived to think that she is doing this for the interest of Nigerians, no it’s not for her love for Nigeria, because if you love Nigeria, you will not renounce it for another country, but because her selfish demands could not be granted by the Nigerian Embassy in Spain.

The Spanish lady who has been posting several articles in the social media blackmailing the Nigerian government and the Ambassador.

In one of her malicious postings, she alleged that the Ambassador was in a 4 day visit to Málaga, a city in Spain preparing ID Cards for Nigerians there to vote, a misleading and erroneous information, when everybody knows that elections in Nigeria has been concluded. She alleged that Nigerian Embassy is ethnic and corrupt, malicious statements aimed at inciting ethnic strife and tarnishing to the image of Nigerian government. Her malicious articles and extortive demand letters to the Embassy would be cited in due course.

In respect to the above, it is important that all Nigerians in Spain and beyond should know the truth about this matter as not to be misled into believing falsehoods.  In the cause of reactions by some concerned Nigerians to the ill-conceived and malicious articles the Spanish citizen who seem to be on rampage has unleashed on the Ambassador and Nigerian government, the attention of the Nigerian embassy was drawn. And from information gathered from the Embassy source, the lady who is identified as gunning for a public position in Spain presently, went to the Nigerian Embassy in Spain demanding for huge sums of fund that runs into thousands of euros from the Embassy and a staff, to finance her campaign bid. The Embassy declined her demand by letting her know that the Embassy is not authorized to finance election campaigns in Spain, Nigeria or anywhere in the world, as it is against international diplomatic regulations. Owing to the decline, she went on rampage and resorted to a campaign of calumny through the social media to blackmail, label corruption, falsehood and malice aimed at discrediting the Ambassador and the government of Nigeria.

“He that knows, and knows not that he knows is asleep. Wake him”. (Arabic proverb)

May I wake her up and others who may not know the implications and limits of what Spanish citizenship implies? Spain does not grant dual citizenship to Nigerians. She needs visa to enter Nigeria. By virtue of her status as a Spanish citizen, she is not a Nigerian anymore and cannot act as the mouthpiece of Nigerians, a country she has renounced her citizenship for Spain. It’s like a dog eating her own vomit. Doing that is to deceive her conscience. Her actions amount to a serious breach of diplomatic protocol by attempting to spy on the activities of another nation and trying to extort money from a foreign mission to finance her political campaign, an act which is fraudulent and contrary to Spanish regulations.

“He that knows not, and knows that he knows not is a pupil. Teach him”.

Nigerians in Spain, it is diplomatically wrong for Spanish citizens to champion your cause. It is wrong for those that hold Spanish nationality to be leaders of Nigerian associations. I have to mention that because “If an idol becomes too troublesome, it will be shown the tree from which it was carved”.

I am a Nigerian citizen, and I feel insulted by the Spanish citizen’s actions, because I value the integrity of Nigeria. And as Nigerians, we have not surrendered our sovereignty to Spain or her citizen to champion our cause. Nigeria is for Nigerians. She abated crime by giving bribe, and today she has the audacity to expose herself and actions through misguided utterances. It is the behaviour of one that knows full well that she is breaking the law. This venom targeted at Nigerian mission, government and the Ambassador is as a result of frustration that her selfish interest which amounts to extortion and fraud was not granted. Spain, please answer me, “When crocodiles eat their own eggs, what will they not do to the flesh of a frog?”

Therefore it is extremely irresponsible for a non-Nigerian citizen who should spend more time seeking relevance as a Spanish, and concentrate on her cause, rather than meddling into Nigeria’s affairs by insulting a country that she has renounced. The latest diplomatic spat by the Spanish lady is not only unnecessary but extremely unhealthy and dangerous to Nigeria and its good relationship with Spain. Whatever her intention may be that warranted her perceived fury and salacious articles insulting the Nigerian government, followed by very harsh personal attack against the Ambassador and a cross section of the Nigerian people in Spain is undeserving and should be condemned by well-meaning Nigerians and Spanish government.

By her actions, it seems she wants to rock the boat of the strong and good relationship Spain has for a long time cultivated with Nigeria for the sole purpose of satisfying her selfish ego by insinuating and fanning the embers of xenophobia against Nigerians in Spain. The damage the publication may cause to Spain’s relationship with Nigeria, not to mention the deeply personal insults targeted at the Nigerian Ambassador are humiliations to Nigeria.

“He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool. Shun him”

Her actions clearly acknowledges that she has prepared herself to become discredited, isolated, pariah, and persona non grata to well-meaning  Nigerians. And I call on the Nigerian Embassy in Spain not to hesitate to report her nefarious activities to the appropriate authorities in Spain. Also, I appeal to Spain to call her citizen, who may be unaware that she is dwelling in “ignorance is bliss” state, to order and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian government as to forestall any diplomatic row this reckless behaviour may cause.

SPANISH CITIZEN BLACKMAILING NIGERIA'S GOVERNMENT.

SPANISH CITIZEN BLACKMAILING NIGERIA’S GOVERNMENT.

According to the law of nations; each nation is a mistress of her own actions, when they do not affect the perfect right of others. Therefore, it is quite wrong for a Spanish citizen or a Spanish of Nigerian extract, for any reason to insult the Nigerian Embassy, her Ambassador and the Nigerian government through misleading provocative and ridiculous statements aimed at inciting Nigerians to chaos, stirring up ethnic strife among Nigerians, tarnishing the image of Nigeria and bringing the good works of the Nigerian Ambassador to disrepute. And above all putting Spain on a diplomatic collision course with Nigeria.

“Let them that live in a glass house don’t throw stone”. Somebody who decided to renounce Nigerian nationality and take up Spanish citizenship should not turn back to start insulting, blackmailing and painting Nigeria black outside the ambit of the bilateral laws because she has become Spanish. This attitude could lead to Spain making it more difficult to grant citizenship to Nigerians subsequently, if that is meant to breach her good relationship with Nigeria, as it appears that those that hold Spanish citizenship are quite ignorant of Spanish rules, laws, and their limitations to Nigeria the country they have renounced. “You cannot eat your cake and have it”.

I am a proud Nigerian citizen and I have confidence in Nigeria. I pledged to Nigeria, my country to be faithful loyal and honest, to serve Nigeria with all my strength, to defend her unity and uphold Her honor and glory wherever I may be. And I will not remain passive or turn blind eyes when the image of my own country is being smeared by a citizen of another country. “If a man comes into my hut and defecates on the floor, what do I do? Do I shut my eyes? No! I take a stick and break his head. (Chinua Achebe). And by virtue of my profession as a journalist, I am a societal watchdog, it lays on me the onus to inform and educate the public on some salient issues.

“Is it ignorance that makes the rat attack the cat”? The recent publication in the social media by a Nigerian born Spanish citizen, insulting and painting the name of Nigeria black by raining abuses, corrupt allegations against the Nigerian government, and the worst, against the Ambassador who has done exceptionally great works in Spain to earn the prestigious award as, African most outstanding Ambassador in Europe. And for a Spanish citizen to attempt to drag her name to the mud is a total affront and insult to all Nigerians in Spain and the Nigerian government.

Before I proceed, I have to cite one of the malicious articles the Spanish lady posted on the social media on May 3, 2015, insulting the Nigerian government and the Ambassador. And for those who may be deceived to think that she is doing this for the interest of Nigerians, no it’s not for her love for Nigeria, because if you love Nigeria, you will not renounce it for another country, but because her selfish demands could not be granted by the Nigerian Embassy in Spain.

The Spanish lady who has been posting several articles in the social media blackmailing the Nigerian government and the Ambassador. In one of her malicious postings, she alleged that the Ambassador was in a 4 day visit to  Malaga, a city in Spain preparing ID Cards for Nigerians there to vote, a misleading and erroneous information, when everybody knows that elections in Nigeria has been concluded. She alleged that Nigerian Embassy is ethnic and corrupt, malicious statements aimed at inciting ethnic strife and tarnishing to the image of Nigerian government. Her malicious articles and extortive demand letters to the Embassy would be cited in due course.

In respect to the above, it is important that all Nigerians in Spain and beyond should know the truth about this matter as not to be misled into believing falsehoods.  In the cause of reactions by some concerned Nigerians to the ill-conceived and malicious articles the Spanish citizen who seem to be on rampage has unleashed on the Ambassador and Nigerian government, the attention of the Nigerian embassy was drawn. And from information gathered from the Embassy source, the lady who is identified as gunning for a public position in Spain presently, went to the Nigerian Embassy in Spain demanding for huge sums of fund that runs into thousands of euros from the Embassy and a staff, to finance her campaign bid. The Embassy declined her demand by letting her know that, Embassy is not authorized to finance election campaigns in Spain, Nigeria or anywhere in the world as it is against international diplomatic regulations. Owing to the decline, she went on rampage and resorted to a campaign of calumny through the social media to blackmail, label corruption, falsehood and malice aimed at discrediting the Ambassador and the government of Nigeria.

“He that knows, and knows not that he knows is asleep. Wake him”. (Arabic proverb) May I wake her up and others who may not know the implications and limits of what Spanish citizenship implies? Spain does not grant dual citizenship to Nigerians. She needs visa to enter Nigeria. By virtue of her status as a Spanish citizen, she is not a Nigerian anymore and cannot act as the mouthpiece of Nigerians, a country she has renounced her citizenship for Spain. It’s like a dog eating her own vomit. Doing that is to deceive her conscience. Her actions amount to a serious breach of diplomatic protocol by attempting to spy on the activities of another nation and trying to extort money from a foreign mission to finance her political campaign, an act which is fraudulent and contrary to Spanish regulations.

“He that knows not, and knows that he knows not is a pupil. Teach him”. Nigerians in Spain, it is diplomatically wrong for Spanish citizens to champion your cause. It is wrong for those that hold Spanish nationality to be leaders of Nigerian associations. I have to mention that because “If an idol becomes too troublesome, it will be shown the tree from which it was carved”.

I am a Nigerian citizen, and I feel insulted by the Spanish citizen’s actions, because I value the integrity of Nigeria. And as Nigerians, we have not surrendered our sovereignty to Spain or her citizen to champion our cause. Nigeria is for Nigerians. She abated crime by giving bribe, and today she has the audacity to expose herself and actions through misguided utterances. It is the behaviour of one that knows full well that she is breaking the law. This venom targeted at Nigerian mission, government and the Ambassador is as a result of frustration that her selfish interest which amounts to extortion and fraud was not granted. Spain, please answer me, “When crocodiles eat their own eggs, what will they not do to the flesh of a frog”

Therefore it is extremely irresponsible for a non-Nigerian citizen who should spend more time seeking relevance as a Spanish, and concentrate on her cause, rather than meddling into Nigeria’s affairs by insulting a country that she has renounced. The latest diplomatic spat by the Spanish lady is not only unnecessary but extremely unhealthy and dangerous to Nigeria and its good relationship with Spain. Whatever her intention may be that warranted her perceived fury and salacious articles insulting the Nigerian government, followed by very harsh personal attack against the Ambassador and a cross section of the Nigerian people in Spain is undeserving and should be condemned by well-meaning Nigerians and Spanish government.

By her actions, it seems she wants to rock the boat of the strong and good relationship Spain has for a long time cultivated with Nigeria for the sole purpose of satisfying her selfish ego by insinuating and fanning the embers of xenophobia against Nigerians in Spain. The damage the publication may cause to Spain’s relationship with Nigeria, not to mention the deeply personal insults targeted at the Nigerian Ambassador are humiliations to Nigeria.

“He that knows not, and knows not that he knows not is a fool. Shun him” Her actions clearly acknowledges that she has prepared herself to become discredited, isolated, pariah, and persona non grata to well-meaning  Nigerians. And I call on the Nigerian Embassy in Spain not to hesitate to report her nefarious activities to the appropriate authorities in Spain. Also, I appeal to Spain to call her citizen, who may be unaware that she is dwelling in “ignorance is bliss” state to order and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian government as to forestall any diplomatic row this reckless behavior may cause.

Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special correspondent Spain)

SPANISH CITIZEN INSULTS NIGERIA

SPANISH CITIZEN INSULTS NIGERIA

According to the law of nations; each nation is a mistress of her own actions, when they do not affect the perfect right of others. Therefore, it is quite wrong for a Spanish citizen or a Spanish of Nigerian extract, for any reason to insult the Nigerian embassy, her ambassador and the Nigerian government through misleading provocative and ridiculous statements aimed at inciting Nigerians to chaos, stirring up ethnic strife among Nigerians, tarnishing the image of Nigeria and bringing the good works of the Nigerian ambassador to disrepute. And above all putting Spain on a diplomatic collision course with Nigeria.

Somebody who decided to renounce Nigerian nationality and take up Spanish citizenship should not turn back to start insulting and painting Nigeria black because she has become Spanish. This attitude could lead to Spain making it more difficult to grant citizenship to Nigerians subsequently if that is meant to breach her good relationship with Nigeria.

The recent publication in the social media by a Nigerian born Spanish citizen, insulting and painting the name of Nigeria black by raining abuses, corrupt allegations against the Nigerian Embassy, and the person of the ambassador is a total affront and insult to all Nigerians in Spain and the Nigerian government. By virtue of her status as a Spanish citizen, she is not a Nigerian and cannot act as the mouthpiece of Nigerians, a country she has renounced her citizenship for Spain. Doing that is to deceive her conscience. Her actions amount to a serious breach of diplomatic protocol by attempting to spy on another nation’s embassy.

I am a Nigerian citizen, and I feel insulted by that, as I value the integrity of Nigeria. And as Nigerians, we have not surrendered our sovereignty to Spain or her citizen to champion our cause. Nigeria is for Nigerians. She abated crime by giving bribe, and today she has the audacity to expose herself and actions through misguided utterances. It is the behavior of one that knows full well that she is breaking the law. This venom targeted at Nigerian embassy and the ambassador is as a result of frustration that her selfish interest perhaps did not get the result she expected.

Therefore it is extremely irresponsible for a non-Nigerian citizen who should spend more time seeking relevance as a Spanish, and concentrate on her cause, rather than meddling into Nigeria’s affairs by insulting a country that gave birth to her which she has renounced. The latest diplomatic spat by the Spanish lady is not only unnecessary but extremely unhealthy and dangerous to Nigeria and its good relationship with Spain. Whatever reason that warranted her perceived fury and salacious article insulting the Nigerian embassy, followed by very harsh personal attack against the ambassador and a cross section of the Nigerian people in Spain is undeserving and should be condemned by well-meaning Nigerians and Spanish government.

By her actions, it seems she wants to rock the boat of the strong and good relationship Spain has for a long time cultivated with Nigeria for the sole purpose of satisfying her selfish ego by insinuating and fanning the embers of xenophobia against Nigerians in Spain. The damage the publication may cause to Spain’s relationship with Nigeria, not to mention the deeply personal insults targeted at the Nigerian ambassador are humiliation to Nigeria.

Her action clearly acknowledges that she has prepared herself to become discredited, isolated, pariah, and persona non grata to Nigerians. Therefore, I appeal to Spain to call her citizen to order and tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian embassy as to forestall any diplomatic row this reckless behavior may cause.

Uchendu Precious Onuoha (Special correspondent Spain)