*AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF SENATE, SENATOR AKPABIO ON THE CALL FOR STOPPAGE OF PROBE OF AJAOKUTA CORRUPTION SCANDAL BY THE KOGI CENTRAL OHIS (TRADITIONAL INSTITUTION)*
Wonders shall never end, it is ironic, sarcastic and comical that the traditional tittle holders whose responsibility is to be the custodian of native cultures and norms have suddenly becomes intrinsic, inter-alia and self appointed parallel legislature that wanted to dictate to our official and gazetted elected members on how to handle their legislative oversight function.
*WE WANT TO MAKE IT ABOUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THE ENTIRE EGBIRA NATION ARE SOLIDLY BEHIND AND IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE ACTIVITIES OF DISTINGUISH SENATOR NATASHA IN THE RED CHAMBER*
The OHIS in their mayopic and short sighted vision arrogated power of vetting and endorsement to themselves for a learned and erudite representative of kogi central to place her personal motion before them before she can speak on the floor of the Red Chamber. Can these OHIS show Ebira nation from records where the previous representatives consulted with them on their oversight function that bordered on national interest. By their action (s)they are not far from sadist and administrative deficiency.
In 2018 prior to 2019 election this same Senator Natasha H Akpoti in her private life presented on the floor of the National Assembly the monumental corruption bedeviling the two moribund industries; Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company which she did not make consultations at all. Then she was a celebrity and dame goddess, this presentation actually brought her to lime light and open Ebira nation’s eyes on her as a child to reckon with in terms of representation.
Ajaokuta Steel Industry is a Federal project funded by nigeria money with legislative support through appropriations. The onus remained with the legislatures to review and reevaluate all the money released that didn’t reflect in revitalizing the industries only to guide them on who does what in this new dispensation.
The call for stoppage by the Kogi Central OHIS is an effort in futility and regrettable, their actions could be likened to a prodigal son whose father’s house is being roofed and he was hiding the roofing sheets. Education is highly important as a criteria to appoint a representative – OHIS as a case study.
The issue of investors friendly without carrying out the probe is even dangerous and counterproductive since the world is aware of the humongous corruption and Nigeria factor syndrome since inception of the projects. The probe will sanitize the system and provide fresh air to the would-be investors for absolute trust on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Legislature’s probe can never interfere with the executive engagement on the completion of the project instead the probe would have exposed some sycophantic hands drawing the hands of our clock backwards.
It is not out of place that the OHIS might have been roped into this mess by the power of undertakers who might think that such a letter from the catchment Areas might make a difference. But to their dismay it will strengthen both the executive and legislature to do their work better.
Nigeria benefit more if Ajaokuta Steel Industry is completed as it will create more jobs for our youths and enhance our local content in technological development and industrialization, therefore, they will not do something that is not helpful to them. The OHIS only cried when they’re not bereaved.
It was indicated in a report sometimes that some of the debts paid by the government were man made debts in connivance with some local firms to defraud Nigeria. If this is true the proponents of the fraudsters are still much around who can easily gang up to be saint but if exposed by probe the federal government can avoid them.
*THE IMMEDIATE AND PARAMOUNT WORK FOR THE OHIS.*
*The litigation and judgement on Ebira nation and Kogi West as territorial boundaries of the IGALAS is enough to call for concern of the OHIS.
* The employment of over 200 employees by Hon. Minister of Steel development for simulation that our youths are not employed is another issue of concern.
*The taking over of Okpela by Edo people is another vital matter to look into. Two days ago Ebira people’s houses were burnt and a woman was killed by Edo people in a fracas no body was talking.
* What was their intelligent sharing synergy with law enforcement agencies in fighting terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other community criminalities.
If I may ask how many times have they petition the federal government or National Assembly for redress. These are cultural territorial boundary of Ebira nation from birth but now under encroachment by another tribes yet our traditional institution become timid and clueless on the steps to take to reclaim them.
It’s quite unfortunate that we found ourselves in a pandemonium state where traditional institution will jettison their native responsibility and dabble into politics when they suppose to be apolitical.
At this juncture, we wish to appeal to the National Assembly under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Akpabio, President of the Senate and the entire National Assembly to ignore the purported petition by OHIS as it was written in error under an opium of sentiments and political misinformation.
The renewed hope of Mr. President can not succeed if he refused to learn from the previous happenings by knowing the saboteur and their agents in order to avoid the pitfalls.
Nigeria work better if there is consequences for bad behaviors and financial crimes. See China and Indonesia.
Signed.
*Association of Egbira Citizen for Good Governance (AECGG).*