₦airaland Forum

NLC should clarify their position. Are they against deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry or are they simply against fuel price increase?

Besides, what made NLC think that the 'common man' trust them to champion any cause in this country especially after the fiasco in January, when they allowed themselves to be used by oil marketers and desperate politicians? Those who place their fate in NLC will only gnash their teeth afterwards.

In as much as government continues to pay fuel marketers subsidies, there will always to loopholes to be exploited by them and perhaps government to scam. Full deregulation of the downstream sector remains the best way to deal with subsidy scam, and free up funds for other use.

Subsidising consumption is a silly practice! Put the subsidy in production!

Education management has always been one of the core strength of Rochas judging from his well known educational philantrophism across the country. Education incidentally has also been one of the silient feature that stood Imo State aside from several states in Nigeria. Rochas and Imo State are meant for one another - educationally at least. Now if there is anyone in Nigeria who can tell for sure, whether this policy of free education is sustainable - the first person that come naturally to mind is Rochas.

Katsumoto: First, it is impractical and mischievious to ask for a state and regionalism at the same time. The agitation for additional states is predicated on the need to receive more revenue from the center. If Ohaneze's demands for regionalism are implemented, it wouldn't matter how many states there are in any region. If the South East wants, it can turn every local government into a state and turn each street into a local government.

Second, you agree that the South South made verbal requests but perhaps you are unaware that several SW groups have been requesting regionalism for decades. Even before the agitation of it from the South South. You continue to display your hatred for Fashola in an irrational manner. For the umpteenth time, Fashola did not argue against federalism; Fashola stated that it would make more sense for personal introspection as that would lead to more sincere and productive changes.

Third, if it is the belief of the South East that it can not rely on the SW, then what is the point of debating this? The SE should clearly formulate its strategy to reflect the current environment. The two regions may want different things or the same things. But if one region continues to feel it is a more dependable and reliable partner, never mind the antecedents, then IT should go it alone. But mind you, it would be infantile for the SE to assume that the SS wants the same things as it does.

Your argument are based on several assumptions and they are mostly incorrect. In the first case, it is not mischievous to ask for regionalism and then demand for extra state. Both are in tandem. The argument that demand for state creation is predicated on more revenue from center is very pathetic. How will that argument sail in the face of true federalism which is also a component of the demands. I have earlier stated (and it's in Ohanaze's proposal) that the regions should be linguistically and ethnically compatible. In order words Yoruba speaking parts of NC should be in same region with the SW, or in this particular case, the Igbo speaking part of the SS should be included in the SE region for purpose of regionalism. How best can one prepare for such scenario if not by working ahead of time to get the Zone well delineated. I think what is mischievous is your (mis)interpretation.

Secondly, the SS representation was made to the committee in a public hearing. The same platform which saw Fashola dancing around like an unsure man, talking about changing people's attitude and not making new law. How does Fashola's prancing support's or oppose regionalism. And the allusion to hating fashola is another of your infantile assumptions. I wonder how folks like you are able to discern hatred in innocuous comments. Quit this mischief already!

As a matter of fact, SS asked for Regionalism, which is closer to what Ohaneze asked on behalf of the SE.

Now to your last point, of course built upon other assumption.
This debate is not about what SE believes or does not believe. This debate is about SW standing aloof when others are attempting to move Nigeria forward. SE has their request on paper! SW may not want what other Zones want, the question here is what does the SW want and what have they done about it, I mean other than having talk shows within themselves?
Again, as per what the SS, I say it very much closer to what the SE wants. So yes, we want the same thing.

So can you focus your attention on what the SW wants and how they are going about it. Pls dont bring that personal introspection BS , it is not a want!

My brother Ujchief,
Maybe you should start your part on setting Agenda and Other Matter for the Incoming. I am very busy now, and mostly on the move. Will resume fully on this thread by next week.

A lot still need to be done. And I don't particularly like have measure.

@9ja_I_hail,
I received your mail. Sorry I am unable to respond now. My mobile device acts funny each time I click reply button. Rest assured, I will address your concern in the affirmative.

@ all, this process is far from over. Let's not forget it is scheduled to run till december. So let's keep our contributions coming. The debate is still on.

OkparaIgbo: . As for your ignorant speech as to why the aboki's kill, I would only refer you to the massacre that took place in the deeper life churches and co and count how many Igbo men/women/children were fallen and do a self check. I have respect for myself and people to engage you in mockery of the departed..Be wise

Have you just realised it? Yorubas don't count their dead from the hands of blood thirsty abokis, they prefer to keep a tab on Igbo death. Butchered Yorubas are often considered collateral damage. That's the sad reality.

Katsumoto: How is the post below exonerating the leaders of the ACN? I do not hold brief for the ACN and my views reflect my position regardless of whatever party is in control.




One can argue that the leaders from the SW are adopting a 'siddon look position' based on the polarising and diverging views from the different regions in the country. For instance, Ohanezee is advocating federalism on one hand while also asking for an additional state for the South East.

Second, there are 6 zones in Nigeria, why the emphasis on what the SW is doing or not doing? Why not focus on the South South and middle belt as well? After all they have all also requested for a restructuring of the federation but haven't submitted any formal requests.

We have been down this route before. The SE position is very clear. The request for a sixth state is still very much in line with regionalism. Don' forget that Ohaneze asked that the regions be ethnically and linguistically compatible.

The South South has made earlier made similar request, though verbally during one of the public sessions of the constitutional. Change debate. The same fora which Fashola was evasive in his submission. Shame you conveniently forget this very important event.

Then again, no one is counting or depending on SW leadership to take any serious position on regionalism. Who does want free oil money from Federal purse? Lol. Besides for the rest of US in the south, it's much better that way than for SW in the usual characteristics to say one thing and do another. So keen observers should not be surprised at their stance. Lol

Katsumoto: Don't equate a cultural organization with the looters/godfathers in Abuja. It is not the same thing. Just as ACN can't be equated to a cultural group.

I don't understand how you mean? How am I running away from my initial position?

I am not equating. Just saying that SW Leadership should stand up and be counted.

Running away from your position infers that you on one hand urge SW to add their voice to the demand, while trying to exonorate the leaders of AC.N who control the polity in SW. Now if AC.N is not making a representation, how about Afenifere?

Katsumoto: Status quo only favours a minority of Nigerians who operate at the center. There is no way the status quo favours the SW.

It is the same Nigerians at the top from some part of the country that are recommending the changes in the interest of the country. ACN/SW are best served making their position crystal clear, and timely! By the way, why are running away from your initial position?

Katsumoto: I am not sure of Ndu_chuks position on federalism or his motivation for this thread. However, if a majority agitate for the same changes, it is likely to result in constitutional changes. Agitation by Ndigbo alone is unlikely to bring that change. The SW making the same agitation, for instance, in anoth couple of years is also likely to be unsuccessful.

I am a firm believer of devolution of power.

Katsumoto: Status quo only favours a minority of Nigerians who operate at the center. There is no way the status quo favours the SW.

It is the same Nigerians at the top from some part of the country that are recommending the changes in the interest of the country. ACN/SW leaders are best served making their position crystal clear, and timely! By the way, why are running away from your initial position?

If the status quo favours the SW, I think they reserve the right not to agitate for true Federalism. But one thing they should not forget, status quo always change. Now that the iron is hot is best time to bend it.

ebere1712: PointB, I like the work you have been doing so far, and as a son of the soil; I am thrilled that we as Igbos (under your initiative), have been able to come this far. However I would like yous to be more organised and get more people onboard, by showing your commitment to transparency. The Eze-nwanyi of nairaland, is not above the Igbo amala. Infact, I will like to go ahead to say that it would be unacceptable to most Igbos, for the powers that should rest with the people, to be relegated to a few electoral officers. I would like to make a range of suggestions based on the different scenarios that I can envisage. I think this could be a good template for a better organised and transparent discussion for this thread. So I will start by placing the code of conduct atop the scenarios because I think that is where we are at now.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTED IGBO NAIRALAND OFFICIALS
I would suggest now that the role of the eze and eze nwanyi of nairaland be carefully defined here. I would also suggest that the Eze or Eze nwanyi have no previous relationship history. I would also suggest that the Eze/Ezenwanyi be delegated the duty of calling for a voting exercises. This should include the duty to call for dethronement voting. Anyway these are just suggestions. UmuIgbo have the final say.


[center]Scenario Election[/center]
Every scenario can be discussed and edited by umuigbo. This is just a template

1) Eze would call for an election. Elections, as I understand, shall be held yearly.
2) Voters registration period be commenced at a time specified by the current Eze
3) The Eze would have to nominate his officials (Electoral, administrative, or any other positions he/she deems necessary)
4) Voting would be started at a time specified by the Eze and last for at least 2 weeks. May be extended by the Eze's appointed electoral commission.


[center]Scenario Early Election[/center]

This scenario is necessary when it is deemed by Eze/Eze-nwanyi, that the Eze/Eze-nwanyi has/had broken the or for any other applicable reason.

[center]Scenario Making/amending constitution[/center]

Here I would suggest we use and organised system to keep track of suggestions.

Every subject should be done one after the other. Crossing between subjects should be illegal and anybody caught distracting this important process should be excommunicated by the order of the Eze Igbo of nairaland.

1) All suggestions made by eligible umuigbo should be compiled. Concisely stating each the person's nairaland ID and his/her suggestion.
Any of these suggestion that receives enough support from umuigbo, should then be discussed extensively and if accepted by a majority should be passed into law by the Eze.

Please UmuIgbo lets use this generic template to keep out ideas organised

Igbo kwezuonu.

My brother thank you,
It's true I have not put in my usual zeal in this process. The problem is that I am really constrained for time (and my technology of contribution is limited to a small hand-held device), besides I don't want to appear to be 'hijacking' the process. Lol.

I like the points you have highlighted and of course will see how it all fits it. Perhaps you should explain what you mean by not having 'previous relationship.'

But I can assure you that in the seemingly chaos there is organisation. Don't forget I am not doing this alone. Eze Nwayi elect and my self are supposed to co-ordinate this Electoral Reform section, I believe she is taking notes. 9ja_I_hail has also be doing a good job in the moderation effort. 9ja_-_hail and Afam are detailed to moderate the Code of Conduct, while Ujchief moderate Agenda for the Incoming Eze and other matters. However, the detailed compilation you suggested is time consuming, a luxury many cant afford presently. I don't mind if you can help with that.

Now I agree we should clarify further the role the Eze/Eze Nwayi should perform, and perhaps what 'power' they can exercise, and perhaps the instrumentality of exercising such power. Before that we may need to also itemise the code of ethics for those who subscribe to this process. Such code of ethics will serve as a yardstick for determining who qualifies for what.

The Electoral Officers are not as 'powerful' as some of us imagined. What happened in the past is what needed to be done to move us forward. Let me remind you, that the first election was a one man show, the second had four people. It means we are moving forward. And today, we are still looking for ways to better institutionalised the process of selecting them.

Let me touch briefly again on Eze Nwayi (even though I am tired of explaining it). Unlike Okija-juju, complaints against her was raised in the middle of an election. I don't know anywhere candidates are disqualified in the middle of an election. If there is, it is unfortunate that our electoral rule did not envisage nor made provision for that. But if Umu Igbo insists she must leave, the fair and just way to achieve that is to transparently agree to process of removal of elected offical. Which can be put to use every now and then. Until then, we need to recognise her as Eze Nwayi. I have no personal interest in the matter, I only want what is fair for all. To destroy is very easy, the hardest thing to do is to build. That is why I appreciate all those who stick around here to give their input despite their objections. That in my book is the truest form of commitment. Giving you inputs despite your misgivings. Very few people are able to do that.

The most I can promise is to resume here with full vigor as soon as I am a little freer. This process is schedule to run for some time.

goldylock: Ok some suggestions have been added into the constitution already?? Have people agreed to it? If na so my own and Ifyalways own nko? When una go put am for constitution?

Every opinion will be taken into consideration before the final document will be drawn.

Let's just keep them coming...

They should start by abolishing Sharia law where it has been elevated to state law, and then enforce compulsory education at least at the basic level. The rest of the ideas seems quite lofty. They are easier said than done!

So can't Tunde Bakare lead by example. Surrender himself to the Police. Confess to the judge of stealing church money and go to jail. Only after that should he ask that other should join him. It should be turn by turn, starting from the most ready - Tunde Bakare! Well unless of course he is a rable rousing vainity seeking hypocritical pastor!

Who do these crooks want to sacrifice to their blood lusting gods? I hope their children and relatives will lead the charge?

Fashola ke? So that he can ban us from 'drinking' garri? No way!

Odunnu: Am I just seeing this thread? Na wa o. Una don dey do secret society meeting for NL?

Secret society meeting for where? We fit? Lol

ujchief: @pointB,
so far, many proposals have been made, so whats the way forward? Are we adopting them by default are passing them into a vote?
We've got lots of things to do, lets start adopting some of these proposals b4 this thread looses steam.
1. I made a proposal about appointment and tenure of electoral commissioner and tribunal.
2. Ngwakwe made a proposal about conditions for removal of elected office holders. His proposal has recieved lots of suports already.
3. We discuss about adopting the profiling method for acception nominations and votes.
Please do consider these proposals and adopt or bring them up for a vote.

My brother.
Your proposal on appointment of tribunal is noted. It will be adopted provided there is no counter proposal or objection.

Ngwake proposal on removal of elected official has not be adopted. There is a another proposal by 9ja_I_hail. Besides, his proposal needs to be reconciled with yours. Don't forget you proposed that electoral officers mandate expires at the end of a successful election. This implies that there won't be an active electoral officer for some period within a tenure. This creates a gap in Ngwake's proposal.

Profiling has been agreed in principle. But the raging controversy over basis for disqualification or not to disqualify leaves a big question on what to look for when profiling and what to do with 'actionable' results.

I think we still have some fine tuning to do on these proposals so far.

@OnlyTruth,
Thanks for weighing on those thorny issues.

@all
I also want us not to forget the guideline for selecting electoral officers - especially commissioner. There are cogent reason for mine organising it on past two occasion. I have no intention of being a life electoral commissioner. Lol.

So Umu Igbo, let's add this also to our to do list. In anycase, the Electoral Tribunal members showed enough character and devotion to the assignment any of them can organise the next one in line with the rules we set here.

@those who threatened to walk away, the question I'll ask you is this: 'Will you blame PointB or Ogugua for making you walk away from your Umu Nna?' Or will you rather stay to ensure that in future PointB will not be allowed to 'impose' his will on Umu Igbo (as you alleged)by helping write rules where none exists or better one where flawed one is what we have? It's your choice.

Nevertheless, with all my 'flaws', and my lack of time, I will be here to see how this end. I don't see this tough time as the best time to walk away from Umu Nna. But like I said earlier, it's your choice.

biafranbaby: Is ogugua greater than the crowd? Is ogugua unimpeacheable whatever she says? So anybody can say anything against igbos with no consequences because there were no rules?
You are wrong to think that igbo people are waiting for you to make decisions for them.
You are wrong to think that we need rule before we can reject as a leader someone harbouring anti-igbo sentiments. Some things need common sense more than rules.
You are wrong to think that this thread will legitimize ogugua's rulership.
You are very wrong to believe that Nairaland Igbos will be bound by the rules you and your few cohorts make on this thread.
Look around you and have some reality check: Everything Onlythruth built for the past year is going downhill.
If Alj Harem or any other igbo hating yoruba wanted to divide us, he wouldn't have done a better job than you and ogugua.
The passion is going. Nobody is contributing. Dissenting voices are everywhere.

It's either you take up the challenge and contribute to the restablishment of igbo unity and pride, or you keep screaming 'there are no written rules' all over the places, while we disintegrate in a way you probably won't like. The choice is yours.

Even if the 'crowd' want her out, the 'crowd' must clarify the rule and guideline under which their wish will be carried out. And such rules must apply not only to her but every Eze Nwayi. So if you stand there and think I am stopping you from removing anyone, you are dead wrong. What we need is a clear cut rule for removal. Beside is a 'crowd' of three people enough to remove the an elected official? You might answer yes, but the next Igbo man will tell you a 'crowd' of 10 people is not even enough. So 'crowd' also need to be defined, and the 'procedure' the crowd will follow needs also to be outlined. How you don't get it, I don't know.

Moreover, the whole process is not about removal, there are issues concerning nomination and voting. Apparently you don't even have a full grasp of what is happening here.

Maybe you should go and do your research and come back. As for contributions, we have quite a sizeable contributions, and of course we shall take more. So either you make yours or leave it. Either way, we have made more progress in unifying Igbos than you think.

@9ja_I_hail,
Thank you my brother.

At Donchris, my 'power' to disqualify a candidate ended the moment the election began. Ogugua is Eze Nwayi elect, and if are are waiting for me to 'pronounce' that she is 'removed' you will wait forever. I don't have such power. That power belong to the Igbo people of Nairaland. And it can only be exercised under a carefully written agreement (rules). That is part of why we are here.

It's either you take up the challenge and contribute to the formation of the rules, or you keep screaming 'PointB is a fraud' all over the places, while we write new rules you probably won't like. The choice is yours.

Dbl post

Dbl post

@Biafranbaby and Freeglobe,
Perhaps you don't understand how things work in Nairaland. Let me explain things to you guys. There was NO WAY is this world that I would have been allowed to Judge a Political debate held in Politics sections by the Mods. Even if the MODs wants it. One I don't even have such time to Judge a monthly debate. And secondly there are bound to be serious protests against it with folks like Gbawe, Demdem and co hovering around the thread at that time. I was just testing the waters , while trying to ensure our people have a seat in the judges corner. You may not understand what happened in that section. But this is how much I can give out. In any case plans for October elections were already being concluded in the council before the Monthly Political Debate was muted.

Election was held late october for a variety of reasons - mostly connected to ENYI. One of the reasons for early election has been given by Eze Onlytruth in his initial tenure report - many of the cabinet members went AWOL and it was important for Ndi Igbo and ENYI to get capable hands. Eze could either handpick new members or allow the incoming one to do so. Either way we had to know committed Igbos, and here we are.

As for the emergency of Odumchi and Ogugua, anyone who thinks I had anything to do with it is simply mischievous. Igbos voted them in a free and fair election. So no amount of grandstanding or scheming can change that. Ogugua remains Eze Nwayi by the popuar choice of Igbo, and I would not be blackmailed for choices made by Igbos.

I don't understand why some of us make this about PointB. Let me ask, if Ogugua had not won, will we be discussing PointB here? If there are people who derive egoistic boost by ordinary posts (comments) in a faceless forum, it is not me. I don't have the time for such crap.

Participating in this current process is tough for me, cos I have a very busy schedule at the moment. Nonetheless, for the good of our people I have to try.

Now your job is to contribute your opinion to the debate, so that some of you don't come back to whine about losers or winners. Making it about PointB's fraud and his ego boost simply does not cut it for anyone, nor will it derail the process. Now is time to set right rules and strengthen the process, use it well. Thank you.

We should envisage a system which after profiling it is found that an individual is in breech of certain basic norms, an outright disqualification is effected by the Electoral Committee.

Arguments has been advanced that the voters should decide who emerges. I strongly support this argument, and as a matter of fact, that is what has be done in past two elections. But the voters expects that the Electoral Team to do their homework and present to them the most suitable. Let's not forget in a hurry that in the last election some voters were demanding that the wanted to change their votes. This implies that the voters felt let down by the Electoral Committee. This baseline which aspiring candidates MUST meet has to drawn, claiming 'Igbo' I repeat is NOT and should NEVER be enough. More is needed!

9ja_I_hail spoke my mind on Ogugua's issue. Some of us who call for her impeachment or removal despite her apology are yet to come to terms with the fact that we currently don't have procedure for that. And we can't pluck one from the skies to use. Besides, there are argument here and there that's having an 'opinion' is undeniable right of an individual. I subscribe to that. I also subscribe to the fact that opinion no matter how balance you want it to appear should be such that it does not alienate you from those you seek to lead. This much has been said publicly and privately.

I am an advocate of carrot and stick, in setting the rules for the next election I strongly disagree with the opinion which suggests that being 'Igbo' is enough to warrant you standing election. How can we even begin to rationalise a case where someone vehement ridicule sister states, our Eze, or Eze Nwayi and then have the audacity to approach us for lead same group she/he derided.

I don't think we owe such person the dignity of polling. Anyone who hold such opinion, should be disqualified as a form of deterrant. You can not have a sane society, without accountability and responsibility.

More to come...

I will still urge the proponents of profiling to elaborate a little more on what we should look out for when profiling and what to do with the result of the profile.

An argument has been made that abusive people etc should not be allowed to lead. Is that a ground for disqualification?

A counter argument insists that being Igbo is enough, and all should be given a chance?

Yet we have those who insist that anyone who denigrate what we hold dear should not be allowed to lead as such characters are divisive.

We still have work to do.

If at all FG need to negotiate will any group, it should be MASSOB, BZM and other non violent secessionist groups. I totally agree with the erudite Prof that negotiating with mass murderers is 'abysmal appeasement.' Such policies don't work in the long term, it only emboldens criminality, by offering them reward. Unless of course, it is a ploy to draw them out, and put faces to their voices, and bullets in their brains.

JTF is already doing good job mounting pressure on them and their hosts communities. Sooner or later, they will be forced to surrender or melt into the population or return back to their countries if they are foreigners. FG government simply have no serious need for this appeasement, looks like they are surrendering Nigeria to terrorists!

If at all FG need to negotiate will any group, it should be MASSOB, BZM and other non violent secessionist groups. I totally agree with the erudite Prof that negotiating with mass murderers is 'abysmal appeasement.' Such policies don't work in the long term, it only emboldens criminality, by offering them reward. Unless of course, it is a ploy to draw them out, and put faces to their voices.

JTF is already doing good job mounting pressure on them and their hosts communities. Sooner or later, they will be forced to surrender or melt into the population or return back to their countries if they are foreigners. FG government simply have no serious need for this appeasement, looks like they are surrendering Nigeria to terrorists!

9ja_I_hail: The bolded part below was suggested by Eze Onlytruth, what do you think?

I agree we should give it enough time. As much as it takes to get a working document.

Sorry I have been away. Duty calls.

Let's keep them coming...

cjrane: My brother,
I am from the Anioma part of Delta and i can tell you the area deserves to be made a state. But those that specialize in politicizing everything concerning Igbos are at it again. They know the South east deserves a state in order to balance the country. They also know Anioma is the only qualified area based on land mass and population that can become a true viable state. But instead of simply creating Anioma as the people already know it and as they requested, they will create confusion by saying they will add parts of Anambra to it. Soon they will say parts of Kogi, parts of Ikwerre land should be added and also parts of Imo and Edo state too . So when they create enough confusion,then they suddenly say the "people" don't want Anioma state. It is just the same vicious men fighting tooth and nail to deny the South east a deserved state by deliberately creating confusion.

You have valid point there> I also clearly don't understand nor agree to their argument of adding any part of Anambra to Anioma, least of all Onitsha. That is why I am cautious about the whole stuff. Well, I hope our Reps at the NA know what to do. They better not come back home empty handed!

Na wa o.
@op,

I agree with all you said and your advice are well taken. Can we move on now? Thank you.