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Beyond That Apology …Nigeria Must Earn S’Africa’s Respect
The looming clouds, of not just a probable, but possible diplomatic show-down between Nigeria and South Africa, two countries that now pride themselves as ‘giants of Africa’, saw a glimmer of light, Thursday, last week. The Abuja government received and hurriedly accepted an ‘unreserved’ apology from Pretoria for deporting 125 Nigerians, who, according to South African Immigration sources had carried fake Yellow Fever Free Certification Cards into the once apartheid enclave.
Nigeria, for once, felt insulted and so vexed, deported 56 South Africans after turning back 28 others, for not carrying relevant travel documents, in apparent reprisal. And to further demonstrate her seriousness, that not again will she look the other way and sit idly by, while countries treated her citizens like orphaned lepers, Nigeria threatened to open large scale probe into the unwholesome activities of some South African companies operating in the country.
Such South African firms, according to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru were in the habit of flouting expatriate quota rules and had, for years, been fleeing foreign currency allocations on quacks, a compliant never heard of prior to the deportation saga.
However, South Africa’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ibrahim Ibrahim was quoted by AFP as telling newsmen in Pretoria, ‘We apologized for this unfortunate incident and we hope that this matter will not in any way affect our bilateral relations’. The Pretoria government also sent a letter of apology, thus fore-stalling what the Abuja government had threatened, would be a new diplomatic relation, grounded in tit-for-tat.
Although it’s not clear which of the two ‘giants of Africa’ would hurt the more in the event of face-off in such areas as manpower development, health services provision, creative investment, communication, entertainment, infrastructural development, power supply and global respect, South Africa has apologized apparently to protect her country’s investments in the Nigerian economy and not lose Nigerians’ there.
It is however unfortunate that Nigerian authorities failed to observe the negative rivalry and posturing of South Africa until the deportation saga. In fact, Pretoria has for sometime now, demonstrated in both words and deeds that the time Nigeria prided herself as giant of Africa should be gone for good and that there’s indeed a new kid on the block.
For instance, at the peak of the Libyan crisis, when it was clear that unless slain Libyan strongman, Muammar Ghadaffi laid-down his arms, there would be more bloodshed; and to reduce such huge human casualties, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan had along with those of the USA, France, UK and the international community, voiced the call for Ghadaffi’s surrender.
In what seemed the boldest affront yet, the South African government berated President Jonathan as being un-African and implied that Nigeria was playing a Western stooge. That mindset was replicated in the gang up against President Jonathan’s attempt to lead the African Union (AU) in the elections last year.
Since then, the South African government has never hidden its resolve to remind Nigeria, at the slightest provocation, that there is no longer a single tree, too big and high in the African forest, that cannot be challenged.
Such clash of egos, rivalry, suspicion and diplomatic recklessness between Nigeria, a major benefactor of South Africa during that country’s travails under the heavy boots of white minority rule, would have been unthinkable. But that’s the harsh reality that has coloured relations between both countries.
Priding herself as ‘Giant of Africa,’ Nigeria committed huge human and economic resources towards liberating South Africa from the apartheid regime. Through regular funding of the African National Congress (ANC), and posturing a strong global lobby, Nigeria led the continent to actualize independence for the country, and also contributed immensely towards erecting lasting democratic and constitutional institutions that today make South Africa a tourist and business destination for many privileged Nigerians.
Today, many well-placed Nigerians, particularly politicians in and out of government own properties in South Africa while, the Nigerian elite, rather than help revive their country’s once enviable public school system now choose to send their children to schools in South Africa and Ghana.
In the area of heathcare, Nigerians now consider specialist hospitals in South Africa as apt for medical tourism, and referral destination and that way, spend unimaginable resources in the development of that country’s health institutions, through their huge patronages. What of tourism, communication and entertainment? The list is endless.
Truth is, with all the crime and violence daily reported in South Africa, wealthy Nigerians still prefer investing in South Africa than do so in their fatherland, apparently because of the inability of successive Nigerian governments to get it right in maintaining and developing necessary infrastructure required for investments in manufacturing and construction.
More than 51 years after, Nigeria is still battling to provide her citizens uninterrupted power supply, potable drinking water, world-class referral centres for critical ailments requiring expert medical attention, while a section of the country is still playing politics with the danger which terrorism now poses to what is left of our civilization.
With a population of more than 150 million citizens, vast arable land, abundant mineral resources and trained manpower that can compete among the best in the world, Nigerians prefer other countries not theirs, Nigerians remain very poor, so poor it is said that more than 70 per cent of the population live on less than one dollar per day. How can such a country earn the respect of other nation-states.
Conversely, South Africa has indeed done a lot for herself in areas of public administration, fight against corruption, political stability, tourism development, infrastructural development, communication, sports, education, health and resource management.
These are why South Africa can toy with Nigeria’s national pride by humiliating her nationals at will. Otherwise, what is about yellow card? Why do Nigerians require Yellow Fever Free Certification Cards to enter South Africa?
Interestingly, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the world most authoritative health monitoring global body has since certified Nigeria as yellow fever free. In fact, the last case of yellow fever in the country was recorded 13 years ago, and has remained free ever after.
But in furtherance of its agenda to prove that Nigeria can no longer pride herself as ‘giant of Africa’ that Nigerians need South Africa more than her citizens do Nigeria and lastly that present day economic realities favour South Africa, the Pretoria government relied on the flimsy excuse of fake yellow cards, to deport a staggering 125 Nigerians.
Unfortunately, even sworn-enemy nations would think twice before embarking on such diplomatic voyage of high provocation. But for a nation with whom Nigeria supposedly enjoys warm diplomatic relations, it is the height of insensitivity.
‘Gratitude’, according to a popular African proverb, “is the least of virtues, and ingratitude, the worst of vices”. This is why the South African display of not just ingratitude but diplomatic recklessness must be condemned and checked, apology or not.
For far too long, Nigerians have at various times been subjected to all manner of ill-treatment in other lands. The South African example should serve as a wake-up call to the Abuja government and provoke an urgent review of her diplomatic relations with ungrateful nation-states.
Why for instance, should Nigerian authorities over-look an offence as grave as flouting expatriate quota rules, at a time qualified Nigerians are roaming about in search of paying job? How much of such foreign currency needs had been fleeced out of the country? What steps have now been placed to check reoccurrence?
Yes, South African authorities might have apologized, and the apology already accepted but what has been done to those South Africa officials responsible for threatening both countries’ relations. Business as usual? Or simply content? South Africa has said “we are sorry”.
Nigeria should look beyond the present, the provocation, apology, and acceptance. Abuja should be proactive in dealings with others. Also, if indeed Nigeria still hopes to see herself as giant of Africa,” now is the time to do it right. Only then can Nigeria choose her friends, instead of being chosen, annoyed and dumped at will by others.
My Agony is that South Africa has become, to wealthy Nigerians, what the United States once was to rogue government officials, to invest in and enjoy their ill-gotten wealth, and with the risk of losing such investments and personal property, will undermine any attempt by Nigeria to make a bold statement at the Diplomatic front.
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Our Legacy’ll Leave Lasting Impression On Rivers People -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.
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We’re Determined To Leave Legacy Of Quality Education -Fubara
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to give the best attention to the education sector so that standard and quality learning will never be compromised in the State.
The governor emphasised that in achieving such legacy, schools in the State will be driven with a curriculum that will equip school-aged children to become competitive, innovative and self-reliant.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Governing Council of Rivers State University at Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said: “There is a lot of noise everywhere: people asking what we are doing; that we are not focused, and that we don’t have direction.
”But I want to tell the world that we are focused and aware that we cannot grow if our energies are not channeled to education. Not just education, but purposeful education.
”Education that is creative. Education that gives you independence. We have left the era in the world when you speak too much grammar. We are in such times when it is what you can do with your hands.
”Our purpose for education is that we should bring back our academic programmes to where, at the end of your studies, you don’t need a job but you create jobs. When one creates a job, you automatically employ others. That is what I want this council to see as their task.”
Governor Fubara noted the non-existence of public secondary schools for the male child in the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
He said such negligence leaves children in that area who have completed primary education, and whose parents cannot afford sending them to far away secondary schools, to roam the streets, and therefore becoming willing tools for criminality.
Governor Fubara assured that such fundamental problem will be addressed by his administration as a measure to curb the negative impression associated with Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
The governor said he trusts in the capacity of the members of the Governing Council of Rivers State University to bring about positive change in the institution while also contributing their quota to improving the general education standard in the State.
”I charge you, not just in terms of administering the affairs of the university, but let us add something different from the normal things that we already have to see new things.”
In her response, on behalf of the other members, the Pro-Chancellor of the Governing Council of Rivers State University, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve in such capacity.
Justice Odili assured they will work assiduously as a team to solve the problems that agitate the mind of the governor and ensure their contributions form part of the legacy that will be bequeathed by his administration.
The members included Justice Mary Odili (rtd) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council with Barrister Mela Oforibika and Chukwuma Chinwo, Esq.
Others were Adata Bio-Briggs, Esq., Dr. Jonathan Nimi Hart, Ngo Martins-Yellowe, Dr. Nancy Nwankwo, Dr. Igoni William-Park, and Mr. Ogbugbu Barisua.
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Fubara, Others Eulogise Rivers First Lady’s Mother
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, his Deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, and key stakeholders of the State on Wednesday paid glowing tributes at the Service of Songs held in honour of late Mrs Adeline Jaja, mother of the wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara described his late mother-in-law as a great and visionary woman who lived on truth and conviction in what she believes.
“Mama was a great woman. She wasn’t a materialistic person. When she believes in you, she’ll be all out for you. She stood for me. I feel pained that, like my own mother, she left at this moment.
”Mama believed so much in God, and the wonders of God. I thank everyone, particularly the Church. On behalf of the bereaved family, we will support the Church to immortalise her name,” the Governor said.
In his homily, Vicar of the Church, Ven. A. A. Ijon-Ama, who spoke on the gains of death, said physical departure from earth was not an ultimate end but an opening for higher and permanent gain and perfection.
He pointed out that when a man has a good relationship with God, he stands to gain more in death.
Ven. Ijon-Ama described late Mrs. Adeline Jaja as a devout Christian, who exuded deep sense of hospitality, and endowed with accommodating spirit, noting that she will be greatly missed by all.
The Vicar, who prayed for the repose of the soul of Mrs Adeline Jaja, also solicited for Divine fortitude for the family to bear the great loss, and called for the immortalisation of the deceased to keep her good legacies alive.
Some family members, who spoke at the Service of Songs, extolled the virtues of the deceased, describing her as “a great community leader, counsellor, peace maker, and caring mother, who provided for the needy, and participated actively in Church activities.
Highlights of the event were special prayers for the bereaved family, conducted by the Anglican Bishop of Evo Diocese, Rt. Rev. Innocent Ordu; remarks by key family members, choir ministration, among others.
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