Nigeria EFCC Misuse of Image

Picture from The Guardian Nigeria: http://bit.ly/wVqNjm

Today I am absolutely flabbergasted by this situation. Here is the real version...Emeka Ugwuonye resides in Rockville, MD. USA. On a recent trip to his native homeland Nigeria he was arrested and held for about nine months by the Nigerian governmental anti graft agency EFCC. The ironic piece is that Emeka Ugwuonye was granted bail in court which the EFCC overturned. During the 9 months he was incarcerated he was denied a simple hearing in front of a judge, and when it was made possible for Emeka to be in front of a judge, the EFCC tried everything to sabotage his trial. If it wasn't for a change in administration in the EFCC management hierarchy Emeka would still be incarcerated.

How is this justice. The most disturbing piece of this, is that despite Emeka facing trial, his face is being used to advertise the Nigerian EFCC agency. Which by the way is funded through Germany, UK, USA, France, Holland, and Nigeria. A quality use of fiscal resources in times of international financial distress...would you agree? I am sure if you asked Emeka Ugwuonye he would state that he feels justice has been served...I know I would in his situation...I hope you can sense my tone of sarcasm. Talk about innocent until proven guilty....frightening isn't it?

Nigeria Civil War 42 years After: Igbo Remembering The Death And The Missing

Today 15th Jan. 2012, is the 42^nd anniversary of the Nigeria/Biafra war. It is today that I reflect with a heavy heart. While some might think that this war had no impact on someone that was just an infant at the time and the infants born few years after, I disagree. This war has permeated past, present and likely future generations.

       Pictures of Igbo children during the Nigeria civil war. Image from:antingsofthetalakawa.wordpress.com

Post civil war, Igbo Nigerians found themselves struggling to meet their basic needs. These needs include good nutrition, quality sanitation, respectable medical facilities, highly regarded educational institutions, adequate housing, as well as an affordable standard of living. I stop and ask myself...”Shouldn’t these be common expectations...unfortunately in the current society they are a luxury only afforded to those on the top rungs of the societal ladder.

                                         Image from: messageboard.biafranigeriaworld.com

I ask you to join me in reflecting not only on those who have died as a result of the Nigerian civil war but also all Igbo people who have lost their lives in Northern Nigeria Political-Religious crisis/riots. We need to reflect and take action on how we can raise the standard of living for the lower half of the Nigerian society. How do we bring about a revolutionary change, one which unites the country around a common set of core values, and one that encourages everyone to act in the best interest of all people. We need to work to advocate for those who can not advocate for themselves.

The Nigerian society is only as strong and as healthy as its weakest link. How will you work to raise the standard for all? Perhaps it could be your co-worker, your cousin, your brother, your sister, your child or worse yet you who occupy the bottom echelon of Nigerian society.