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African Interest 2 •Viva Africa• This column will present from a historical perspective, profiles of achievers in different fields of life Pantheon of African Champions This first edition will be on African boxers. African boxers have been winning world championships on the international stage since 1922. This is a tribute to some African boxing champions regarded herein as constituting the continent’s pantheon in the modern era of the sport. It is packaged by Damola Faturoti Dick Tiger

Born Richard Ihetu (1929-1971), he was Africa’s first multiple world champion, winning titles in two of the sport’s traditional eight weight classes. An aggressive counter-puncher with a devastating left hook, the 5’ 8" Nigerian boxer’s championship record included the Nigerian national middleweight title, the Commonwealth Middleweight title, the World middleweight title (which he held twice), as well as the world light heavyweight championship. Tiger won the “undisputed” world middleweight title by defeating Gene Fulmer in Ibadan Nigeria in August 1963, lost and then regained the title from Joey Giardello in 1966. Later in the same year he beat Jose Torres of Puerto Rico to win the world light heavyweight championship, which he held until 1968 when he was defeated by Bob Foster. In a boxing career that spanned nearly twenty years (1952-1970), Tiger notched up a total professional record of 81 bouts comprising 61 wins, 17 losses and three draws including 26 knock outs. Among his impressive list of victories were bouts against such outstanding opponents as the aforementioned Gene Fullmer, Joey Giardello and Jose Torres, as well as Italy’s Nino Benvenuti, the American “tragic” hero, Ruben “Hurricane” Carter and Cuban slugger, •Tiger •Nelson Florentino Fernandez. Tiger was honored by the British government with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1963, and twice named fighter of the year by both pugilism successfully defended the title six times before His third fight, which ended in a draw, was against by The Ring magazine (1962 and 1965), and the winning the WBC super featherweight title from Mario Ogli Tettey of Ghana for the West African title. In 1951 Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Martinez in 1988. After four title defenses, Nelson he moved to England in search of boxing’s golden (1962 and 1966). In 1991, twenty years after his unsuccessfully challenged Pernell Whitaker for the fleece. His brawling, pressure style and good body passing, he was posthumously inducted into the combined WBC and International Boxing Federation attack wore many opponents down and made him a International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) at (IBF) lightweight titles. Undaunted by the loss, he fan favorite. Within six years he would reach the pinnacle Canastota, New York, the first ever African boxer to returned to the super featherweight division and of the featherweight division. In 1955 Bassey won the be so honored. defended his title six more times, including a British Empire title by knocking out and avenging an controversial draw with Australian brawler, Jeff Fenech earlier loss to Billy “Spider” Kelly. A year later the Azumah Nelson on June 28, 1991. In the rematch eight months later, world featherweight championship became vacant Nelson ventured to Australia and knocked out Fenech (B. 1958): The doors of the International Boxing Hall when the titleholder, Sandy Saddler retired. Bassey, in the 8th round in his very own home turf. Azumah of Fame (IBHOF) at Canastota, in upstate New York who had won an earlier elimination bout, was pitched continued to fight for the next seven years, recording a on June 13, 2004 opened its doors to that year’s against Algerian Cherif Hamia in Paris for the title. number of notable successes against the top echelon inductees. Prominent among the honorees to be Bassey survived an early knockdown to overpower of the super featherweight and lightweight divisions. In inducted is Ghana’s Azumah Nelson, regarded by most Hamia in the 10th round and thus became Nigeria’s 1998, he retired and returned home to Ghana a national boxing authorities as one of Africa’s greatest fighters first world champion. He went on to win 4 non-title hero. He had fought all over the world in far flung places ever, and certainly the most outstanding in contemporary bouts including a defeat of former champion and ring including England, Australia, Spain, Mexico and times. Nelson was born in Accra, Ghana in 1958 and legend Willie Pep. However his only successful defense throughout the United States, finishing with a record had an outstanding amateur career before turning of the world title was a third round knock out of hard of 39 wins, 5 losses, and 2 draws including 28 knock professional in 1979 as a featherweight. He gained hitting Mexican sensation Ricardo Moreno in front of out victories. international recognition in 1982 when in only his 14th 20,000 fans in England. Bassey was overthrown by professional fight and as a late substitute, he challenged Hogan (Kid) Bassey American contender Davey Moore who took his title the legendary Mexican world titlist, Salvador Sanchez in Los Angeles in March 1959 and also defeated him in a rematch six months later. At this point Bassey wisely for the World Boxing Council (WBC) title in Madison (1932-1998): Born Okon Bassey Asuquo in Calabar, hung up his boxing gloves and retired. He returned to Square Garden. Though Azumah lost the bid, he greatly Nigeria in 1932, Hogan “Kid” Bassey learnt to fight Nigeria where he became engaged in sports impressed boxing observers with his valiant effort as a youth on the chaotic docks of the country’s capital administration and also coached successive Nigerian against Sanchez. Sure enough, two years later in 1984 city of Lagos, Amazingly his first three professional Olympic boxing teams. His career ended with a record Nelson won the title by defeating another great Latino bouts were 12-round championship fights, the earlier of 74 total fights. He had won 59 of these with 21 fighter, Wilfredo Gomez of Puerto Rico by an 11th round two in 1949 being for the Nigerian national flyweight knock outs, lost 13 and drawn in two. technical knock out. The Ghanaian “Professor” of title which he won and lost respectively to Dick Turpin. African Interest 3 •Mission Statement• Re-Constructing an African Reality Many of society’s major issues today about corruption. They have cannot be effectively appraised without AFRICAN INTEREST Believes responsibilities to also investigate and recourse to their global dimensions that: report cases of corruption with insight and context. How, for example, can into the causes, consequences and As journalists we need to explore public-interest journalists investigate possible remedies. and strengthen the relationship and write comprehensively about arms between journalism and democracy. and drug trades, political corruption, A critical element of a country’s anti- financial fraud, wire fraud or corruption programme primarily Journalism and democracy work best environmental degradation without should be an effective media. And the when news, information and ideas information on these subjects from effectiveness of the media depends on flow freely; when news fairly different parts of the world? How can access to information and freedom of portrays the full range and variety of journalists investigate political fund- expression, as well as a professional life and culture of all communities; raising scandals involving illegal and ethical code of investigative when public deliberation is foreign campaign contributions journalists. encouraged and amplified; and when without on-the-ground reporting in news helps people function as In addition, such issues as private those countries? When a fraudulent political actors and not just as versus public ownership of the media, bank headquartered in one country political consumers. operates in 73 others and controls the need for improved protection of journalists in the face of official billions in deposits, how can it be Journalist should stand apart in danger and media regulation are reported on - or regulated - at the making sound professional judgments critical. The corrupting of the media’s nation-state level? about how to cover communities, but mission through excessive reliance on cannot stand apart in learning about advertisers and sponsors is one of the Too often, most of these kinds of and understanding these major problems in Nigeria and Africa significant but complicated issues are communities. considered too complex or inaccessible in general, where political manipulation determine their outputs. to the public because of media’s The multiplicity and disintegration perceived limitations - expertise, or of the African Society call for new fund to investigate them, especially in AFRICAN INTEREST showcases the techniques for storytelling and the developing world. Meanwhile in best international investigative information-sharing to help African countries, like Nigeria for reporting and seeks to be a model for individual communities define instance, investigative journalists get detailed, well-documented research in themselves singularly and as part of killed, threatened, or imprisoned with the broadest public interest of African the whole set of communities. alarming regularity. Some even lose citizens. their jobs because of their We strongly believe that the presence The perspectives journalists present uncompromising attitude. of an effective networking mechanism can help or hinder progress as people for investigative reporters will lead to struggle to reach sound judgments The problems of inadequate motivation a better-informed populace, as well as about their personal lives and their and deficient work condition strike an an enhanced civil society and greater common well-being. average African journalist on the face. accountability among governments in The case becomes worst when the Africa. Democracy is rewarding when publisher develops personal interest in journalists listen to the people. a story and goes out to see that the AFRICAN INTEREST will: story is killed in the name of We can learn and grow as protecting the interest of ‘’a friend of •Provide an accurate and journalists, by examining, the house.’’ Amazingly unbowed by comprehensive report of the news in experimenting with and enhancing these life-and-death realities, they are the context that gives it meaning the theory and practice of journalism unable to communicate or collaborate in relation to the theory and practice •Act as a forum for the exchange of with colleagues who may be doing of democracy. similar work. comment and criticism •Articulate and advance the goal of In the value of studying the dynamics The media have crucial role to play in the good society of communities and the complexity of presenting the facts, bringing out the public life. Just as journalists need arguments and generating in-depth •Project a representative view of to adhere to professional and knowledge and perspectives that spark the society financial discipline to succeed, we ordinary people to action. •Act as a check on the abuse of believe they must adhere to The role of the media is no doubt power at all levels of society democratic discipline. critical in promoting good governance The best journalism helps people see and curbing corruption. The media •Advance the course of free but the world as a whole and help them does not only raise public awareness socially responsible enterprise. take responsibility for what they see.

African Interest 4 •Point of View• Corruption: Regress to Square One (1) The holy Senate in Nigeria has welded morons because we are illiterate in their Ezeogwu who was sabotaged by men not to drag the whole party down. Any their Democracy flag again by declaring masters’ voice of English. Our Igbo, whose selfish ends spared corrupt and threat to their party, their country or their that only the court of law can disqualify Hausa, Efik, Yoruba and Kanuri are not evil people plunging the Country into civility would be summarily dealt with. a candidate, indirectly rendering EFCC only sound, we built philosophy, ethnic reprisals. It was that naïveté on In many of these countries, they have toothless in the screening of political literature, medicine, oracles and Great our part that deprived us of fine soldiers criminal cases with a standard of proof candidates. This can not be the April Empires on them. We know people who like Ademulegun, Aguyi Ironsi, Fajuyi beyond any reasonable doubt and civil Fool surprise predicted so that the needle do not understand a word of English, and Murtala Mohammed. These same cases asking for preponderance of eye is left wide open again for their but their Chinese and Russian have power hungry, corrupt and insane people evidence or clear and convincing precious camels to pass through it. Of turned them into World powers. irrespective of ethnicity turn a part of our evidence. Some of our senators are course it is sweet talk that appeals to Whose responsibility is it to fight Country into wild, wild West. They looking for the most stringent proof so those of us who love the rule of law. The corruption and where does the buck stopped Buhari and Idiagbon in their that their cronies can get away. What grouse is that it is coming only from men stops? Is it the Government of the day tracks to return sanity to the Country. If do they take us for? Saro say na poor I of immoral means and hypocrites some or that of the future? The forces of evil we were prudent, we wouldn’t need poor, no be craze I craze! of whom are as dirty and evil as the are so self-righteous; they would militricians in the first place. We understand that nobody must be so corrupt men they want sneaked into challenge the Government of the day in Here they come again challenging duty powerful that it can be trusted without office. They are not so different from its fight against corruption by any means of the Government of the day to clean oversight. Yes, there must also be some those who promote Third Term for when their butts are on fire. Not before. the equine stable, when they would not. mitigating circumstances in the cases of Obasanjo or nominate Atiku as their For them, it could have been done The Senate has now waived the flag of those who used looted funds to create Presidential candidate based on greased differently or it was not perfectly done. democracy implying that only the courts, jobs, vigorous press or Robin Hood but palms, regardless of PTDF scandal? Perfection in Nigeria is like the Promised with status quo power, can disqualify evil that does not excuse the fact it is still Procrastinators always defer the present Land. In my dear Country, only those men two months before elections. The stolen money put into good use. Keeping for the perfect future. Incompetent with clean hands can seek equity has court is the place to present evidence our money to generate interest in another managers never get anything done until been interpreted as only saints can fight beyond all reasonable doubts before bank while the gain goes into individual they have all the information. In spite of corruption. Who are we fooling? guilt, not a place to baptize the saints. pockets is a common practice of how probability of disastrous consequences, Our history is full of instances of those Even the appearance of impropriety or workers’ salary languished. The criticism rocket scientist can not wait for perfect who are not saints who have tried to probable cause of corruption any where level against EFCC has now produced screws and washers before launching clean up our Country but never is enough to disqualify men from public an advisory committee that can be into space. Some Nigerians are reluctant live to see the end of their journeys. Their office in the countries we borrow trusted all over the Country to reassess to fight corruption until we get a perfect good intentions resulted in grave democracy from. Loyalties to party, not cases brought up by that body. But government, a perfect President and a consequences. What resulted in Nigeria/ infatuation with opposition, prevail on please do not turn it into another paper perfect system. They must think we are Biafra war was the idealistic dream of those on mere suspicion of corruption tiger. To be continued...

The African Interest Newspaper African Interest, a resource of Landmark Communications Network Services, is published monthly in the United States. FOUNDING TEAM Seyi Oduyela, Femi Soneye, Bolaji Adewole, John Bakare, Gbolahan Razak, Akinola Ajijola, Odili Anionye and Adetayo Adelaja. CHIEF EXECUTIVE Seyi Oduyela EDITOR Bolaji Adewole DEPUTY EDITOR Olufemi Soneye EDITORIAL ADVISERS Dr. Babajide Dasaolu (Nigeria) and Mr. Tunde Oduntan (Canada) BUREAUX SENIOR WRITER Adetayo Adelaja (Nigeria) ASSISTANT EDITOR William Oloo Janak (Kenya) SENIOR WRITER Charles Nji-Blassius (Cameroon) CORRESPONDENT Perpetual Sichikwenkwe (Zambia) WRITER Adebayo Somuyiwa (London) PRODUCTION EDITOR Akinola Ajijola (Ireland) DESIGNER Ben Kwame LEGAL ADVISERS Henry Adeleye Emmanuel Ogebe

AFRICAN INTEREST NEWSPAPER 204 FOXMAMOR LANE GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061 (202) 350-9039 (202) 812-4812 (240) 893-7408 [email protected] African Interest 5 Nations Nigeria Atiku: Travails of Nigeria’s Ex-Vee Pee SEYI ODUYELA provides insight on the intrigues and of the power play that culmilnated in the just concluded presidential elections in Nigeria focusing on the relationship between President Obasanjo and his deputy

If there is any soldier lucky in Nigeria, it is General Matthew Aremu Okikiola Olusegun Obasanjo. He is lucky because he never participated in any coup, but had been a beneficiary of coups. He enjoys taking other people’s glory when the job is completed. He claimed the glory of being a Civil war Hero because it was his Command that the leader of the Biafran Army surrendered to. After the ouster of General Yakubu Gowon, Obasanjo became the second-in-command to Murtala Mohammed and after the assassination of Murtala on February 13, 1976, Obasanjo, an unwilling candidate, was forced to take over as the Head of State. The position he held for 3 years. After his three years he handed over the reins of power to civilian government in accordance with the script that Murtala Mohammed, his assassinate boss wrote. While in retirement, he was arrested and jailed for a trump up charge of coup plot against late General Sani Abacha. He was • Obasanjo lucky again to leave the prison alive but his second-in-command during his tenure as a military Head of State was not lucky, • Atiku Major-General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua died mysteriously in Abakaliki Prison. Obasanjo among candidates vying under different came out of prison to become the first Anenih, late Chuba Okadigbo, Dapo Na’Abba who came to the National political parties for the presidency. Nigerian former military dictator Sarumi, Yomi Edu, and Dr. Borishade as Assembly as a nobody suddenly after As the ellections of April 21 approached, transforming to a civilian president. So far, members. Anenih, fondly referred to in succeeding the disgraced Salisu Buhari Vice President Atiku, was barred by the he holds the record of being the only PDM as leader is a double agent. He became a voice for the Northern Opposition Independent National Electoral civilian president spending second term in shares his loyalty with Atiku and against Obasanjo. Commission (INEC) from being part of the office and he is now presiding over the first Babangida. Atiku’s utterances also pitched Obasanjo elections. According to INEC, Atiku could ever civilian to civilian transition in the What Atiku failed to realize is that, though against the rest of the North and Obasanjo not be cleared based on section 137 (i) of history of Nigeria. Obasanjo gave him free hands to operate, was portrayed as someone biting the finger the 1999 Constitution. According to the Since his failed attempt to self succession it was a grand set-up. According to a former that fed him. But by 2001 Atiku’s PDM faced section, a person may be barred from there have been speculations that President Minister in the Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s a serious political test, one of them, Chuba running for the office of the president if he Obasanjo would not hand over but the government, Obasanjo already knew that Okadigbo crossed Obasanjo’s path, there has been indicted for embezzlement or fraud People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) Atiku is obsessed with wealth acquisition, was an impeachment plot against him, by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry or primaries showed that President Obasanjo just like Babangida. This Yoruba Minister unfortunately because PDM was headed by Administrative Panel by the Federal or is ready to hand over power in May 2007. disclosed that it was a design to set Atiku a tactless Atiku, Okadigbo lost the seat. That State Government. While INEC has been Though many candidates filed their against the rest of the north. Atiku is from was a big blow to PDM but Atiku did not criticized for its action on Vice President nomination for the PDP presidential the North Eastern Nigeria and the politics see the handwriting on the wall. Towards Atiku, it has maintained that, it did not election, some of them withdrew before the of Nigeria has been dominated by the the end of 2001, Chief Tony Anenih initiated disqualify Atiku but could not clear him for election. Governor Peter Odili of River state, North West that sees itself as the natural reconciliation between Obasanjo and election based on the provision of Section who was noted as the front runner, ruler of Nigeria. Alhaji Maitama Sule once Babangida, this was leaked to Atiku. Atiku 137 (i). Governor Donald Duke of Cross River said that it is the birth right of the North did not like it and the relationship between When Obasanjo came to power in 1999, the State, Governor Sam Egwu of Ebonyi State West to rule Nigeria. Atiku and Anenih broke. Another serious relationship between him and his deputy and Achikwe Udenwa of Imo State all As soon as Obasanjo came in, Atiku started blow to PDM. was cordial. In fact Atiku was co-President. withdrew from the race and supported firing salvo against the North and Atiku was instrumental to the removal of He was placed in charge of the Privatization Governor Umar Yar’Adua on the day of the specifically, the North West region of the Albert as the Director-General of Board of project, he also chairmanned the Economic primaries in circumstances that beat country. This turned the rest if the North Public Enterprise (BPE) and Nasir El-Rufai Committee of the government. minders of Nigeria’s political terrain hollow. against Atiku. Alhaji Shehu Shagari, as his replacement. He bought the Benue If you report Atiku to Obasanjo, you better Former President Ibrahim Babangida who Babangida, General Buhari and other Cement Company, using Aliko Dangote as be sure of your facts, because you will be had also filed papers to run for the elections leaders of the North became uncomfortable a front. He also has a strong link with the asked to repeat it before Atiku. So many wrote to withdraw his nomination too. At with Atiku’s utterances. Atiku, apparently Vaswani brothers (owners of Reliance Bank, people have been embarrassed in this the end of the day, General Aliyu Gusau, having fun then blamed the problem of The Honda Place and some other manner when they call the President to Brigadier-General Buba Muhammed Marwa, Nigeria on the misrule of the north. This companies). The Vaswani brothers were report the shady deals Atiku to the Professor Jerry Gana, Mrs. Sarah Jibril, was seen by Babangida and others as a abducted and deported from Nigeria in a pesident. Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, Vice Admiral campaign preparation for Obasanjo’s manner shrouded in mystery. Their When the Nigeria Airways was to be sold, Mike Akhigbe and Mr. Bitrus Sawa succession and they were ready to do deportation, though long due came at the and it was under priced, Dr. Kema Chikwe, contested and lost to Alhaji Umar anything to truncate his ambition. While wake of Atiku’s face-off with Obasanjo. Minister of Aviation then, refused to allow Yar’Adua. Others are Major General Atiku created enmity for himself in the During the probe saga that rocked that it, she was scolded by President Obasanjo, Mamman Kontagora, Commodore Ebitu Northwest, Umar Ghali Na’Abba rose to National Assembly in 2001, Atiku played a who warned that any of his Ministers who Ukiwe and Chief Rochas Okorocha. the position of the Speaker of the House prominent role in the impeachment move failed to comply with Atiku on the The All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) of Representatives, becoming the second against Umar Na’Abba, the Speaker of the Privatization should quit. threw up former head of state, General most powerful northerner in Obasanjo’s House of Representative. His intention was Though Babangida was instrumental to Muhammadu Buhari, while Vice President government. While Babangida and his not for the support of probity but to get rid Obasanjo’s election as President in 1999, Abubakar Atiku, was elected as the Action allies liked it, Atiku was not comfortable of a potential threat to his ambition come Atiku also provided the political platform Congress flag bearer, having crossed over with that. This is for simple reason that 2007. In actual fact, he spent a lot money. for Obasanjo. The Peoples Democratic from the ruling PDP. Dr. Pat Utomi, Chief Na’Abba is from the North West and seen Some members of the House from the Movement (PDM), formed by the late Odumegwu Ojukwu, Rev. Chris Okotie are as a potential threat to his ambition come Eastern states were his fronts in this bid. Shehu Yar’Adua has the likes of Tony 2007. Continued on Page..6 African Interest 6 Nations Nigeria

Continued from Page...5 One of them, whose father supported the anonymous donors, such individuals as late Abacha, would have been appointed Herbert Orji, Lucky Omoluwa, Cosmas the Minister of Education. There was a Maduka, Jibril Aminu, Oba Otudeko, Abba document they were to pursue in London, Dabo, Musa Bello, and Akinwole on Na’Abba’s property. The contact had Omoboriowo are on the demanded for 2.5million but the man from list of donors. The corporate donors Imo State, in charge of the deal short- include but not limited to: Chrome Oil changed and they lost the document. The Services, Coscharis Motors, MTEL, UBA other man also from Imo State also Plc., Chevron Texaco, COJA 8th All Africa swallowed the money meant to bribe some Games, Guardian, Express Bank, Sea National Assembly journalists. These Petroleum and Gas, Goodworks people hid under the genuine efforts of le International LLC., Coca Cola, Motorola gislators like Wunmi Bewaji, Chinonyerem Nig. Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Total Fina Macebuh, Olaka Nwogu, Austin Opara( Elf, Rockview Oil Services, Stanhoe present Deputy Speaker), Bala Kaoje, and Ventures, Devon Energy, Zenith Bank, others . Riggs Bank, DynQuest, Capital Lending, Few days to the aborted move to remove Global Apex Air Ltd., Gucci, Virgin Atlantic Na’Abba, there was an attempt to reconcile Airways, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, with the Aso Villa. Na’Abba met with Atiku Tiffany and Company, Doxa Digital, and who gave a condition for the Presidency many more. to back out on the impeachment move. The On the surface it may appear that the Vice move was for Na’Abba to stop the House President did nothing wrong as Jennifer open hearing investigation of the Nigerian Douglas bought the said property in National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), •Babangida Maryland. While we cannot reliably but Na’Abba made him to realize that it was confirm that VP Atiku and Jennifer were in the hands of Hon. Nduka Irabor and he married as at then, we are reliably informed could not stop him. On Monday night, the that there was a romantic relationship night before the impeachment, Principal between them which eventually culminated Officers of the National Assembly led by in marriage and the Vice President uses the the then Senate President went to meet was a ploy to divert the attention of the Bugaje, his former Special Adviser. Atiku residence in POTOMAC as his official President Obasanjo to plead for Na’Abba, world from the real killers of Chief Bola Ige also lost all rights as co-president and residence whenever he is in the US. Atiku was conspicuously absent, yet he to Tony Anenih as the only person demoted to tenant in the Villa. Obasanjo A source that insists on remaining was within the Villa premises. His belief was involved. Anenih’s position as the had to approve his Advisers and anonymous said, “Everybody knows Atiku that, it was too late to come and beg for chairman of PDP’s Board of trustee was Assistants. Between 2003 and now, five paid for the house. Jennifer was pregnant Na’Abba who would be impeached the next seen as an obstacle for Atiku. Advisers and Assistants of Atiku were fired with his child and there is no way she could day. by Obasanjo. Chris Mammah was the first afford a multimillion-dollar home. I This did not work out, because the 2002 and then... victim because of his alleged role in the challenge you to engage forensic legislators hired had hiked their demand The “Obasanjo decides” of April 26, 2002 2002 impeachment attempt. The latest accountants to look into this. from 150 Million Naira to 180 Million Naira. was organized by Anenih. Atiku was not victim is Mr. Adinoyi-Ojo Onukaba, former You will discover that I am telling the truth.” The Na’Abba camp through their spies got part of the plan. His picture was not in the Special Adviser on Media. Before 2003 Other independent sources confirmed to wind and they came up with the gimmick of program pamphlet nor did it feature in the Obasanjo did not have see anything before us that the house was paid for by Atiku money display on the floor of the House of poster. Atiku was out of the country on it goes out of the Villa, but that was history. Abubakar. Atiku and Jennifer are the Representatives on that Tuesday by Hon that day. On the evening of that day after Nothing gets out of the Villa without owners of the American styled University Adam Jagaba (Kachia/Kargako), Kaduna Obasanjo had declared to run for second Obasanjo’s approval. Atiku, since the in Yola (ABTI), capital of Adamawa, Atiku’s state. Truly some people were offered term, he appeared on the Federal Radio beginning of this administration’s second home state. A critic of the Obasanjo-Atiku money to impeach Na’Abba and some Corporation of Nigerian (FRCN) term has been stripped of all his powers. Administration “after studying at the people too got money to ensure Na’Abba Presidential chat where he told reporters While the issue of the PTDF fraud is being American University in Washington, the was not removed. Some got money and that he has not chosen his running mate discussed and Vice President Atiku woman liked it so much that she and her juicy positions. Some went with Na’Abba and will not do that until the party’s maintained his innocence our husband decided to set up one in Nigeria. on overseas trips. Some AD members were primaries. But few days later, late Tunji investigations reveal that Vice President Who knows, someday we’ll have a included and on their return from the trips Oseni, Obasanjo’s Special Adviser on Atiku Abubakar might have broken the President’s wife who will get Harvard they developed cold feet. That Na’Abba Media issued a press release announcing laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. University set up in Nigeria as a birthday enjoyed the support of Alhaji Shehu Atiku as Obasanjo’s running mate for the According to our findings, on December 1, gift!” In 2003, Ms. Jennifer E. Douglas Shagari, Gen Mohammad Buhari and Gen 2003 Presidential election. Reliable source 2000, less than years after becoming the donated twenty-five thousand dollars to Ibrahim Babangida was a fact. Their disclosed that Atiku had wanted to declare Vice President of Nigeria, he bought a Pres. Bush’s party, the Republican National support for Na’Abba was not genuinely for the 2003 Presidency and to pre-empt mansion in POTOMAC, Maryland for one Committee. Two months earlier, Jennifer because of Obasanjo, but because of Atiku. him Obasanjo quickly announced him as million, seven hundred and fifty thousand Douglas-Abubakar had donated one Atiku schemed out Prof Tunde Adeniran his running mate. But it did not end there. dollars ($1,750,000). The house, a two thousand dollars to Mikulski for Senate because Adeniran made Obasanjo the In early 2000, President Obasanjo got to storey building was constructed in 1988, Committee. In 2004 Jennifer Douglas- Chairman of the Technical Committee of the know of Atiku’s Potomac Mansion, in early with a land area of about 2.3 acres. Today, Abubakar donated five hundred dollars to Universal Basic Education. He had 2001, he discovered that it was Atiku who the house is valued at over two million Van Hollen for Congress. Why did Jennifer expected Adeniran to appoint him, because bought AP using Peter Okocha as front; dollars ($2 million). POTOMAC, Maryland Douglas make the donation of twenty-five of the money coming in for the project. He just as he used Aliko Dangote as front to is America’s 12th richest neighborhood. thousand dollars to the Republican replaced Adeniran with the man whose title buy the Benue Cement Company. Obasanjo The house was purchased in the name of National Committee when two as Professor is still a matter of debate at did not like it. According to the late Senator one Jennifer E. Douglas, whose official months earlier Jennifer Douglas-Abubakar the Obafemi Awolowo University. Haruna Abubakar, Atiku had wanted to buy occupation is Home Making. made the smaller donation of one thousand Atiku loves to be in charge of any project UNIPETROL too but he (Haruna) blocked Investigation revealed that Jamilah Atiku dollars? that has votes. He calls the shots at the him. Atiku was also rumored to have funded Abubakar aka Jennifer Douglas E. aka The Vice President’s wife, according to an National Emergency Management the impeachment move against Obasanjo Jennifer Douglas-Abubakar is the fourth analyst that we spoke with, knows that it is Authority (NEMA), now he has his in 2002. The trust was dropping but wife of Vice President Atiku Abubakar. A unconscionable for her to donate twenty- childhood friend, a former Director of Obasanjo, a renowned use-and-dumper, former staff of the Nigerian Television five thousand dollars to the Republican NEMA as the chairman. He also has the maintained his cool because of the 2003 Authority (NTA) and Ph.D. student at the Party when Nigerians are dying of hunger. primary school drop-out now a lousy elections. To win the People’s Democratic American University in Washington, Mrs. “Therefore, she used a different name and millionaire from Anambra State, Emeka Offor Party (PDP) ticket in 2003, Obasanjo had to Atiku is the Founder, President and CEO for the smaller sums she used her real name as a front, especially in the contract for the beg Atiku. He struck a deal with him, though of GEDE Foundation, a non-profit or what we think her real name is. Are these maintenance of the Refineries. Emeka Offor unwritten, and unfortunately Atiku fell for organization based in the Washington DC the same people fighting corruption? Give held Anambra State to ransom for four it. area of the United States. me a break,” he said. years, just as the Illiterate and big-mouth As soon as he won the election, Atiku A cursory glance of the donor list of the Some Nigerians often wonder why Nigeria Uba is doing now. began to see a different Obasanjo, the real Foundation shows that many high net retains the unenviable position of the The noise against Tony Anenih by Olusegun Aremu Matthew Okikiola worth individuals and blue chip companies second most corrupt nation in the world Governor Orji Kalu, of Abia state, the Obasanjo. Obasanjo reneged in his pledge. that donated to the Obasanjo Library despite all the attention the President’s publisher and owner of Sun Newspapers He denied Atiku the privilege to nominate Project are all listed. While there are lots of Continued on Page..7 African Interest 7 Nations Nigeria

Continued from Page..6. dropped Tinubu who had stepped down The ouster of Okadigbo was perfected on the only man Obasanjo cannot touch. He anti-corruption crusade is generating in the from his Senatorial contest to run as Atiku’s the night the president performed the openly showed his reverence for media. A few months ago, Chancellor Vice and replaced him with Senator Obi. At official opening of the top senator’s official Babangida. He is still asking Nigerians Schroeder of Germany told Obasanjo to put the end of the day most Alliance for quarters. Obasanjo was the Special Guest to come up with proof against Babangida more energy in fighting corruption in Democracy (AD) members were dropped of Honor. What Okadigbo did not know to bring him to book for corruption but Nigeria. Gov. Orji Kalu in an interview with and replaced by Peoples Democratic Party was that the official opening was a no one gave him proof of late Abacha’s Elendureports.com some months ago had (PDP) members of the AC. valedictory ceremony for him. A member of looted wealth. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, unequivocally stated that Obasanjo’s After the inauguration of Obasanjo’s Okadigbo group, Nasir Mantu sold out to his former National Security Adviser, government is corrupt, he says, government, it took days to inaugurate the get the position of Deputy Senate played a prominent role in tracking “Corruption is under Obasanjo’s table”. National Assembly because of Obasanjo’s President. Late Haruna Abubakar, Abacha’s loot but did not have a clue on The President and his administration, it scheme to impose a stooge as the Senate Obasanjo’s man then was promised that if Babangida’s stolen wealth. That appears, are interested in fighting the President. He succeeded in making Senator he resigned as Deputy Senate President, Obasanjo fears Babangida is no more corruption of their enemies rather than Evans Enwerem the Senate President as Okadigbo will step down and Haruna news. Babangida got Obasanjo out of carrying out a proper assessment of against Senator Chuba Okadigbo. would be returned, but that was not it. Abacha gulag, and transformed him into themselves. Okadigbo who was not happy with the Mantu replaced Haruna Abubakar. a civilian President. Another problem is According to sources there appear to be a result of the election continued to work Banarbas Gemade though was the Party that Obasanjo does not have the kind of division within the Action Congress. Our against Enwerem until he succeeded in Chairman but he was reduced to an errand network Babangida has. Babangida has sources exclusively disclosed that all is not impeaching Enwerem. This angered boy for Obasanjo he eventually lost favor his boys in the military, police, Security well between the two main financiers of the Obasanjo and the war between the National and was replaced by Audu Ogbeh. Service and politics. He has his own Party. According to our source, Vice Assembly and Presidency started. It Immanuel Ibeshi, Gbenga Olawepo and late political machinery. Obasanjo on the President Atiku and Governor Bola Tinubu became so clear then that Obasanjo, who Harry Marshal were sacrificed by other hand, is a political mercenary, a of Lagos are in a sort of cold war. Atiku has does not know how to hide his feelings Obasanjo. Though they were his boys but hired person, planted and imposed on taken certain decisions without the made some uncomplimentary statements. they were becoming too powerful and PDP. He does not have any political knowledge of Governor Tinubu, for The Presidency actually leaked the Audit outspoken in PDP. structure. He does not spend but example, the National Chairmanship of the report that sent Okadigbo packing to the Obasanjo has a penchant for going after Babangida is reputed for empowering his Party was zoned to the north and Vice press. Though there were efforts to resolve his enemies and ambitious friends. He does subordinates and that is why they are President position to South West but, Atiku the crisis between Obasanjo and Okadigbo not know how to forgive, but understands still loyal to him. Obasanjo does not have did not inform Tinubu of the change of plan, but the vintage Obasanjo does not have how to get even. He never forgets too. No loyalists; he has no one to rely on. He he did not inform him of his visit to the forgiveness in his dictionary. one seems to escape his wrath but only does not use and keep for the rainy day, London. The Action Congress (AC), one person, Ibrahim Babangida. This is still his own philosophy is use and dump.

like their British predecessors is not derived from the Nigerian people, but from the ‘civilizing mission’ to ‘change’ a Are Nigerians Corrupt? backward, immoral and corrupt people if possible and if not, to keep them in their A foreign visitor once shared his thoughts By TUNDE ODUNTAN/Halifax, Canada absurd. The long list of corrupt politicians state unthreatening to ‘our race and (in with me on the issue of Nigerians as does not show that the government is this case) class pedestal. That pedestal like corrupt. Having been inundated with prospers on the promotion of Nigeria as British colonialism, drains wealth from the ‘other’: the exemplar bad black challenging corruption. On the contrary, stories of Nigerian scammers and touts the government is saying that the country honest, hardworking Nigerian people and in Lagos, and needing to visits and spend African state to highlight those other states yet calls them useless and corrupt. making or at least trying to make some is too corrupt, what better evidence can time in Nigeria, he first arranged for a there be than that we have indicted more So, are Nigerians corrupt? Quite easy to care-service to see him through customs progress in Africa. And of point to embezzlements at all levels of incomprehensible absurdity: the tale of than 200 politicians and are currently and the notorious airport and to provide investigating thousands of others; all within government, to Nigerian internet useful insights of life skills to navigate ‘big for nothing’, ‘rich without wealth’, scammers, to public servants, policemen, ‘having capacity but incapable’. We can four years since EFCC began real Nigeria’s dangerous and corrupt terrain. operations. Despite its rhetoric to the to traditional chiefs and landlords. The care service either did a good job of stretch this to apply to businesses and However, a closer look will show that this states that can easily present Nigeria as a contrary, the Federal Government of it because after three weeks he returned Nigeria is louder than the CNN or Integrity corps equates to those who are vested in home unscathed and may even have corrupt country in competition for promoting Nigerians as a corrupt people international resources, responsibilities International in calling Nigeria as corrupt benefited from some counting error by country and Nigerians as corrupt. and they represent only a small if visible the cashier at his hotel, which left him and privileges. We need not go into the percentage of Nigeria’s population. You cost of corruption here, except to state And why will a government do that? Fela some 200 naira extra cash, or the real Anikulapo Kuti was only mildly prophetic could stretch corrupt Nigerians to include Nigerians are not really corrupt. So where that that cost is not borne by those who touts, students who cheat in exams, benefit from corruption, but by countless in his song: “I never hear am before o did all this talk of Nigerians are corrupt ..make government dey talk o…my people shopkeepers who won’t give correct come from? faceless but honest Nigerian change, businessmen who will rather bribe Corruption used to be a big strategy of are useless; my people are senseless; my Immediately deducible from this people are indiscipline”. He called it ‘animal officials than pay tax etc., but to do that, encounter is that the image of Nigeria as opposition political parties and aspiring one will have succumbed to this construct political contestants. It was useful in talk’, referring particularly to the Buhari corrupt is a big international business. War Against Indiscipline, but more of Nigerians as corrupt. There are obvious This does not just apply to the formal political engagements to claim credibility human frailties anywhere in the world. If and accuse those in government as appropriately to a long standing sector of corruption, being the vast sums construction of the Nigerian people as you fail to check your change you will be of currency embezzled and the electronic corrupt. The point is much less to prove short anywhere in the world and neither is the case as to take advantage of the useless and corrupt. The source of that transfers to foreign banks. There has image may be found in British colonialism, it a peculiarly Nigerian thing for criminals grown an informal sector which thrives implausibility that someone in government and touts to dispossess the unwary of can be saintly. More recently however, but Nigerian leaders have outdone Lugard on the fears of foreign visitors and and Richards in standing on godly possessions. Bad as the police is, bribery Nigerians returning home. This sector power establishments have perfect the is not a Nigerian vice and profiteering is skills of compromising everyone, such pedestals and acting like they are less reinforces that Nigeria is corrupt and human than other Nigerians; indeed like not green and white. These are the pointers dangerous and provides arrangee services that national corruption is now axiomatic. that consign all Nigerians as corrupt. It is Therein does the President’s anti- they are less Nigerian than the rest of us. to help navigate the dangers for a small The legitimacy of the Nigerian ruling class, sad how honest Nigerians, millions in the fee. These navigators are only one of corruption campaign amount to the rural areas, hardworking people struggling many interests in the promotion of the • to make ends meet, who have absolutely image of Nigeria as a corrupt country and no access to public funds to steal, get Nigerians as corrupt. It is sad how honest Nigerians, millions in the rural areas, labeled as corrupt. Sadder that old Who benefits from such an image? Here, hardworking people struggling to make ends meet, who have grandmothers in villages, children and the we find a wide range of personalities and absolutely no access to public funds to steal, get labeled as unborn leave, grow in and enter world organizations: politicians, civil servants corrupt. Sadder that old grandmothers in villages, children bearing this label: ‘Nigerians are corrupt’. trying to justify their ‘share’ of the official Sadder still, that Nigerian intellectuals or corruption pot, criminally minded youths and the unborn leave, grow in and enter world bearing this the media are not challenging this construct and 419 scammers to show they are not label: ‘Nigerians are corrupt’ but are conveniently promoting it. the worst breed of Nigerians; aren’t we It is indeed the strategy of the corrupt to all thieves? The international media call everyone else a thief. African Interest 8 Nations • Spotlight • DRC The Burden of Illegitimate Debt The spotlight of African Interest in this edition is on the unfortunate story of a great African nation brought on her knees by a burden of foreign debt

Democratic Republic of the Congo weapons, and other material items to gain (DRC) is the continent’s second largest support for their side during this country. Home to the world’s second ideological battle. African leaders largest rainforest, the DRC is rich in accepted these items, most in an attempt terms of natural and mineral resources. to rebuild as newly independent states Coltan, which is one of its largest after colonialism. The Cold War created exports, is a metal used in cell phones an environment where tyrannical leaders across the globe. like Mobutu could thrive. Mobutu was Despite this immense wealth, 80% of the able to acquire approximately $4 billion population does not have access to safe in wealth, even as levels of poverty drinking water, 70% has little or no steadily increased across his country. access to healthcare, 16 million people Today, the DRC pays more to service have critical food needs, and the country these debts than it can afford to spend has the highest infant mortality rates in on social services. The World Health Africa. At the same time, the DRC Organization has reported that for every “owes” approximately $12 billion to the $1 spent on healthcare, $4 is spent on U.S. and other western nations. Using debt repayments. The current $12 billion the DRC as a case study, this piece will debt burden is illegitimate because most reveal the illegitimacy of Africa’s debt, of the loans were taken out by an and how it is a major hurdle to achieving oppressive regime, which openly development. plundered the country’s resources. The Mobutu Seso Seko was one of the international financial institutions including world’s most tyrannical and corrupt the World Bank, headquartered in Washington DC, were fully aware that leaders. His “reign of terror” drained the •Mobutu nation of profits generated from its these funds were not being allocated numerous resources, and invested them towards development. into his personal bank accounts. Because of these irresponsible lending Furthermore, practices, the repayment of these loans Mobutu was granted numerous loans is unjust. In order for sustainable from international financial institutions, development to be possible for the overwhelming mineral and natural services to its people. The U.S. which created the foundation of the DRC, especially after over a decade of resources. One major element in the government and the international country’s crippling debt burden today. brutal conflict, 100% debt cancellation strife in the DRC is the flood of Hutu community has the power to release the Despite having the reputation of being without harmful conditions is urgently child soldiers who grew up in the nation from billions of dollars of one of Africa’s most oppressive leaders, needed. equatorial forests after the Rwandan illegitimate debts that will make resources many western nations, including the In the DRC there are more than 1 million genocide of 1994. Women and children available to provide healthcare and basic United States, continued to provide people living with HIV/AIDS. It is have been affected most by the conflict, services, which include clean drinking immense loans to Mobutu. unacceptable that its government is as the most vulnerable members of water and food. During the Cold War, the U.S. and the forced to pay more towards servicing society. Women and children have been Today, the DRC has a $12 billion debt Soviet Union granted numerous loans, an illegitimate debt burden than it can recruited into proxy militias, which have burden, one of the highest in the world. spend on healthcare, decreased their access to critical social Although the hospital described above Since the end of the Mobutu regime in services including education and was successfully revitalized with minimal the 1990’s, the DRC has been home to healthcare. Conflict has been one the external assistance, there are thousands one of Africa’s most complex and long- major causes of the spread of HIV/ more in need of government support. lasting brutal conflicts. Today, at least AIDS, which has contributed to the Canceling the DRC’s illegitimate debt 1,200 people die each day in the DRC decrease of life expectancy to only 43 will free up resources to pay doctors and as a result of violence and infectious years of age. nurses, and rebuild the health sector. Join diseases. Rebels have been supported After decades of oppression, conflict, us in our Campaign to cancel the DRC’s by six neighboring countries, which have and exploitation, the DRC is in critical and Africa’s illegitimate debt. •kid soldier various interests in the country’s need of resources to provide basic health Courtesy: www.africaaction.org/debt A Personal Experience of the Impact of Odious Debt despite the limited resources. In the maternity When Professor Stanis Wembonyama human excrement everywhere,” he told the the spotlights above the operating tables unit, the main sterilizing unit is broken. became director of the main hospital in the BBC News website. cannot be used because the bulbs have Only a small one works and its rusty door is Democratic Republic of the Congo’s second “Doctors and nurses had not been paid their blown and they are difficult and expensive held shut with a brick. The ward has holes in city, Lubumbashi, last year, he could not salaries for five years and so they earned to replace. the ceiling, no mattresses for the metal cots believe what he saw. their living by demanding cash before treating Nevertheless, operations are still carried out and the blankets are filthy, but this is still an “The hospital did not even have a single their patients. - surgeons were removing an appendix while improvement on how things once were.” BBC thermometer; armed robbers had set up their Three of the four sterilizing units in the I was there - and head surgeon Alphonsine Africa Breathing Life into DR Congo’s Sick base in some of the buildings and there was operating theatre do not work and some of Biuma insists that patients are not in danger Hospitals Joseph Winter August 8, 2006.

African Interest 9 Nations Nigeria

In the present case, we gathered on good authority that not less than N5 million was Ondo Rot given to each of the lawmaker to facilitate As Dr. Olusegun Agagu gets the passage although some of them said they didn’t partake in the booty having listened another term of four years in to their conscience. Ondo State of Nigeria The party in the petition which was also copied to the Economic and Financial Crimes governor, questions are many Commission (EFCC), the Presidency, the for him to answer on the National Assembly and the Fraud Unit of the finances of the state in the Nigeria Police, dated 20th July and signed by its Secretary, Mrs. Lola Fagbemi also wanted current the anti-graft bodies to investigate Despite the hype of the war on corruption allegations of financial inducements to the that the Nigerian government is currently lawmakers by the government to facilitate posturing to wage, a great shadow of smooth passage of the bill. uncertainty is on its sincerity to go the whole But the Ondo State government, speaking hog. through the Commissioner for Information, Most of these frauds are being perpetrated John Ola Mafo, said there was nothing by elected officials of government with such fraudulent about the controversial impunity that watching Nigerians wonder if appropriation even though it was done seven the country is not doomed for total months after the 2006 budget became destruction by these parasitic vermin that operational. mask as administrators and have •Agagu Mafo also denied that the legislators were unfortunately taken over the control of the bribed for the bill to sail through saying “if country’s economic resources. anybody is talking of bribery, you will know A classical example of the rot, which is daily that that person is alien to the government being sustained by those in authority, even of Ondo State . when there are laws in place to protect in In the petition titled “Post-Expenditure place, was the passage last July, of a N5.4 backing for money already spent without Appropriation- a Cover-up”, the AD said “the billion supplementary budget by the Ondo proper appropriation contrary to the letters Another opposition group, Concerned whole exercise smirks of hi-tech fraud, State government to cover expenses not of the ICPC Law. Citizens of Ondo State, in a press release, flagrant fiscal indiscipline, abuse of power included in the 2005 budget. The new appropriation, with N666.6 million called on the ICPC to investigate the and contravention of the spirit of Section First, the bill was passed seven clear months recurrent estimate and N4.766 billion capital purchase of shares by the government with 121 to 124 of the 1999 Constitution of the after the implementation of the current 2006 estimate, making a total of N5.433 billion, unappropriated money and probe allegations Federal Republic of Nigeria which governor Appropriation Law by the State government according to the explanation of the state of massive bribery that was allegedly carried Agagu swore to uphold on 29th May, 2003. began and the whole thing was done to Finance Commissioner, Tayo Alasoadura, out by the Executive for the bill to sail “It is a grand cover-up by a government that escape the glare of the public. who was summoned to the House, to explain through. has been mouthing the principles of The bill was passed on a Friday, which the rationale behind the presentation, was But Olowolabi said his boss would have accountability, transparency, probity and ordinarily is not a sitting day of the Assembly partly meant to augment the payment of nothing to do with bribing the legislators integrity. What manner of due process is this therefore; both the public and press gallery salaries of political office holders. because “in the last three years, Agagu has governor operating when strange things are were cleared of non-legislators who had The Commissioner also explained to the given Ondo State an exemplary leadership happening to the state finances?” made it their habit to watch the proceedings lawmakers that the bulk of the N4.766 billion characterized by transparency, accountability The party further stated that “this latest of the parliament. capital expenditure (85 percent) was allocated and fairness. He cannot be involved in Agagu onslaught on the good people of But because some members of the public to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries anything fraudulent or illegal.” Ondo State is strange and unheard of in the got prior hint of the illegality that was about for the purchase of shares in reputable banks On the new appropriation, the CPS said “the history of budgeting in our state since to be committed on the hallowed chambers as investment portfolio for the state. governor has followed due process and the inception and all relevant agencies should of the Assembly, and they in turn informed a Some members of the Finance and Assembly has done its job. This House is carry out thorough investigations and bring handful of Reporters, the whole saga could Appropriation Committee of the House, who made up of credible mind who know these rapists of our collective wealth to have gone undetected. spoke on condition of anonymity, listed the parliamentary procedures. The fact that they book”. Controversy has however trailed the banks where the shares were purchased as have passed the bill shows that it was done Stressing that “it is quite unfortunate that passage of the new bill, which was presented the defunct Prudent and National Banks as properly”. the government did not consider the to the Assembly by the state governor, Dr. well as Intercontinental and Wema Banks. Even as the AD in the state has written a sociology of legislation in passing the Olusegun Agagu, three weeks before its The seven-member committee, whose petition against the Peoples Democratic Party retroactive 2005 supplementary appropriation passage, with calls from many quarters that Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Jerome, presented (PDP)-controlled state government to the bill”, the party said the whole process is “a those involved should be prosecuted. a report on the matter to the whole House ICPC on what the opposition party called mere decoy to facilitate the plundering of our While the opposition described it as before the passage, however recommended “fraudulent post-expenditure passage of a resources” fraudulent, government officials said it was in the said report that “future investment supplementary appropriation bill”, But Mafo, while reacting to the development done in accordance with parliamentary should have a solid and more reliable independent investigations have revealed a said what was uppermost in the thinking of procedure even though investigations background”, to make the bills of similar lot of illegal dealings in the whole saga. government was how to develop the state revealed that massive bribery of the nature acceptable to the Assembly. The passage is a clear breach of Section 22 and its people and that “laws are made for legislators were carried out to facilitate the Although government spokesman, Yemi (c) of the ICPC Law which prohibits spending Man and not Man for law. If within the year illegality. Olowolabi, who is the Chief Press Secretary of public fund without appropriation, but it needs arise for investment, government has About a third of the 26-member Assembly, to the governor, said there was nothing illegal is still inexplicable why the Commission has the right to do it. So long as we don’t see including the Speaker, Oluwasegunota about the bill, the opposition Alliance for not deemed it fit to investigate the matter anything illegal in our transactions, we are Bolarinwa, were absent at the Friday Democracy (AD) alleged that the action has and bring those concerned to book. covered”. extraordinary proceedings presided over by shown that “the state government reveled in This particular section is the pillar on which A lot of the people however are not swayed the Deputy-Speaker, Mayowa Akinfolarin, fraud in the management of state resources”. all the Commission’s ability to prosecute graft by Mafo’s assertion as several prominent which lasted barely thirty minutes. In a release made available to the public and among government officials rests and most indigenes of the state have condemned in It was however gathered that the Speaker, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Olakunle corrupt politicians currently answering strong terms, the passage of the bill while who was still trying clear his name of the Oyegoke, the AD described as fraudulent, charges brought against them are being tried one of them, Chief Gani Fawehimi dubious circumstances that surrounded his “the passage of a supplementary bill, months under it. (SAN) even promised free legal services to emergence as the speaker barely three after a new bill has come into operation, to This is because the easiest way of siphoning prosecute those found guilty of months earlier, deliberately stayed away. cater for money allegedly spent over a year public fund is by by-passing the Legislature, contravening the anti-graft laws as it Titled “Year 2005 Second Supplementary ago.” which is the only body legally constituted to concerns the retroactive action. Appropriation Bill”, the bill however met stiff The party raised an alarm and called on all appropriate money. In most of the cases, the But will the anti-graft bodies probe this one? opposition by a section of the Assembly well-meaning citizens of Ondo State, to fraudulent governors will spend money first It is doubtful because many people see the when it was presented for second reading rescue the state from the mismanagement of and seek budgetary approval later. state governor, Olusegun Agagu, as being on the preceding Wednesday. the Agagu administration, alleging that And the legislators are not complaining as very close to the President. Agagu it was Some of the members had described it as an “state money are already been set aside to their own share of the loot, through bribery, who wrote the blueprint for the failed Third afterthought on the part of the Executive, prosecute the coming governorship election is always a percentage of the total Term agenda and a sacred cow in the current which they alleged, wanted to get legal by Agagu and his henchmen”. appropriation. dispensation. African Interest 10 Nations Zimbabwe

The Access To Information And Protection collect the speech and rewrite it, especially Of Privacy Act (AIPPA) requires journalists in the state run media. Such newspapers to register with a government appointed as the Independent and the Standard have Media and Information Commission (MIC). however managed to stand the heat, but Since its appointment, the commission has not as liberally as they should. Zim Horror closed three independent newspapers Besides muzzling media freedom, AIPPA namely the Daily News and its sister paper has silenced all dissenting voices as there Morren Chivange X-rays the hold of senescent Bob Mugabe the Daily News on Sunday, the Africa are no information gateways for to power in Zimbabwe and the helplessness of the media Tribune Newspapers Group-owned Tribune Zimbabweans except the weekly London- and more recently in February, the Times. based “The Zimbabwean” which hit the Hundreds of journalists have been arrested streets last December and provides better and arraigned before the courts but no one coverage. Such foreign papers, The Mail has ever been convicted, raising the and Guardian from South African have tried chorus amongst freedom of expression and to highlight the Zimbabwean question but media activists for AIPPA to be repealed. not so extensively. There is also the Muzzling media freedoms means denying Sunday Times from South Africa, which has the society access to essential information never given the Zimbabwean crisis the they need to know about the actions of priority it deserves. Probably, these papers those in the corridors of power. It also can do no better because they don’t have means relegating the press to a “partisan” permanent correspondents in Zimbabwe and praise singing media that shuns because of AIPPA. objectivity through the pacification of The Public Order and Security Act (POSA) authorities. These are the liberties crafted to arrest unrest in the country after Zimbabweans are being denied day in night the famous food demonstrations of 1998 out. and 2000 and the failed “Final Push” which During the recently held Parliamentary had been organized by the MDC, has Elections, two British journalists were closed the space for civil society, student arrested for illegally operating in Zimbabwe and labour movements and opposition and sneaking into the country. However, political parties to air their grievances they were both acquitted of both charges through peaceful demonstrations. three weeks after the elections, proving that The law makes it an offence to convene a AIPPA has more to do with repression of gathering of four or more people without journalists than controlling media practice police clearance. This applies most to in Zimbabwe. Even if they were acquitted, opposition political parties and NGOs the purpose to deny outsiders the truth branded as opposed to the Mugabe regime. about on goings during the elections had There is no room to maneuver. Opposition been achieved. Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) AIPPA has been more severe to local leaders and Member of Parliaments (MPs) journalists who have been left jobless with have been arrested and imprisoned for a shrinking market for news as there is now holding such meetings. Normally the only one daily independent paper, whose offence is “inciting public disorder and coverage is very conspicuous. Many violence and plotting to overthrow freelance journalists have failed to register President Mugabe”. Really if all with the MIC and they cannot practice their Zimbabweans had guts to overthrow the beloved profession. The Daily Mirror, ageing Bob they would do that overnight whose editorial policy is skewed, has not – except that the fear of the unknown is given them much opportunity to practice more immense in their thinking and to their full potential as it is partisan in its imagination because of their experience of •President Mugabe coverage. The owner of the paper, Ibbo Mugabe’s terror. Mandaza has close links with ZANU PF National Constitutional Assembly Information chief, Nathan Shamuyarira and chairperson, Lovemore Madhuku has been insiders say Alexander Kanengoni, who is constantly at the receiving end of in the Editorial Team, is a an operative of Mugabe’s cruel system. Content with his A sinister reality is taking shape in The Broadcasting Services Act (BSA), the notorious state intelligence arm, the agenda for a new constitution for the Zimbabwe after the outlawed government make it an offence to run a public or private Central Intelligence Organisation(CIO). country, he has not feared to take to the of the ageing Robert “Bob” Mugabe broadcasting station in the country ZANU PF used the Daily Mirror in its streets to demonstrate and raise public enacted repressive laws that make without a license. Since the forced closure propaganda war against deposed awareness on the need for a new democracy a mockery by creating a pariah of Capitol Radio in 2000 and the eventual Information and Publicity spin-doctor, constitution, which would usher in a new system of governance which make barring of SW Radio Africa and the Jonathan Moyo. The quagmire facing all dispensation in the country. Many a time everyone in the impoverished country indigenous owned Joy TV, there has been independent news media outlets in the he has dared demonstrate, the police has foolish enough to be afraid to stand for no joy in Zimbabwe’s airwaves. Zimbabwe country is to tow the line or risk extinction, never been tolerant of his ‘unbecoming their rights. Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has threatening thousands of jobs and families. behavior’ and have descended on him The combination of the draconian remained the sole broadcaster on both Journalists are not alone in these heavily, not only armed with the law, but Broadcasting Services Act (BSA), Access radio and television – feeding the audience difficulties. A newspaper vendor in the city with teargas canisters, button sticks, dogs To Information And Protection Of Privacy with ZANU PF propaganda meant to prop of Kwekwe, 213 km away from Harare has and guns. Act (AIPPA), The Public Order And and up the battered image of the ruling elite. no kind words for Mugabe’s despotic “If it is about changing the political Security Act (POSA), the Electoral Act and Penetrating the broadcasting space in regime. landscape, it wont play in Harare”, boasts the pending Non Governmental Zimbabwe is made much more difficult by “I used to sustain my family with monies an official in the Ministry of Information Organizations (NGO) bill all but make the the same law which provides for stringent earned from newspaper sales of the Daily and Publicity. task of removing Mugabe’s ruling ZANU registration conditions, barring foreign News. Now we have half the papers There was hope for change through the PF from power unimaginable and fearsome investors in the media and demanding delivered here as returns. People don’t buy ballot in March, but despair has now – a spite in the face of overtures to bring exorbitant registration fees from these papers because most of them tell replaced all that hope after the Electoral democracy and the respect of human rights indigenous business men, all meant to close blatant lies!” fumed Emmanuel Kurasha. Act dealt democracy and free and fair to Zimbabwe. the airwaves space from independent Without a free media corruption in the civic elections a major blow. Through the many laws, Mugabe’s ZANU players. sector involving government officials While Mugabe’s government was telling PF is assured of reigning a sacrosanct Activities in Zimbabwe have to resort to prevail unchecked, the government cannot the world – and anyone who dared listen regime over a nation where everyone is SW Radio Africa which broadcasts from be made responsible and accountable for that it was conforming to the Southern foolish or scared. The combined impact the Netherlands and Voice of America on its actions – media ethics are turned into Africa Development Community (SADC) of all these laws – laws that target the very the short wave which broadcast at specific codes for ‘patriotism’ In Zimbabwe, being guidelines on the conduct of free and fair pillars of the democratization of any times of the day for accurate, fair and a journalist is no longer the challenge it elections, they were also demarcating society, incapacitate the ordinary people balanced news accounts of the political used to be and is in other countries. All constituency boundaries, isolating urban to a level of hopelessness and landscape in Zimbabwe. you have got to do is attend a function, constituencies (well-known fortress for the powerlessness. Continued on Page..11 African Interest 11 Nations Zimbabwe/Zambia

Continued from Page..10 managed to bulldoze his way into and is very much unlikely. Rather he is repressive laws so he can stay in power. parliament after he won the controversial talking about the introduction of a The bad thing about his style of MDC) and carefully identifying its rural Tsholotsho constituency, insiders in senate to accommodate his fallen governance is that if such repressive and strongholds. ZANU PF continued to ZANU PF say Mugabe plans to scrap all cronies and crooks. More likely the draconian laws as AIPPA, POSA, BSA and register its supporters to vote in the laws in which he had a hand. proposed constitutional changes will the NGO Act are allowed to accumulate elections way after the registration For Mugabe to bow down and effect those extend his term to 2010. around democratic pillars of the society in deadline and the same old flawed Voters changes this will be a check on his grip What Mugabe is likely going to do is Zimbabwe - then a new era is dawning in Roll was used. Although violence was on power, which will liberise the society to re-enforce and strengthen existing the strife-torn country. minimal, it is obvious that the terror inflicted upon the people in the bloody 2000 Parliamentary and 2002 Presidential elections was enough to “school” Kiremire explains that because of the Zimbabweans to be obedient - and it will Humans For Sale African economy, which is in depression, last long enough for Mugabe to die or retire people are forced to engage in any activity voluntarily. The Zimbabwe Electoral PERPETUAL SICHIKWENKWE gives a peek into the that is offered to them in order to earn a Commission (ZEC) the new body appointed human trafficking trade which is fast eroding the continent, living. Human rights activists are concerned by Mugabe to run the elections was largely focusing on Zambia partisan and its chairman , Justice George because slavery is repeating itself in a Chiweshe has failed to explain different form and is targeting young discrepancies in voting figures since people who are being taken into mainly March 31. prostitution and menial jobs. It appears Mugabe has bowed down on Out of 54 African countries, 45 are the NGO Bill, which he has not assented involved in human trafficking and of these, to. The Bill has now been referred to only one (South Africa) is a receiving Nathan Shamuyarira, the ZANU PF country. information and Publicity Secretary and Human trafficking in Zambia is real and Paul Mangwana, the Minister of Anti- the reporter spoke to Harriet Hapenza who corruption and Anti-monopolist for was trafficked to Australia about five years consultation with NGOs in the country on ago. the way forward. Hapenza who is a nurse by profession The NGO Bill forbids NGOs in the areas of explains that an Australian man who governance, freedom of expression and promised her a job in Australia approached human rights from receiving foreign her. funding. This is to ensure that the civil When she went their, she was shocked to sector is stifled and suppressed. Even learn that she was not going to work as a NGOs in humanitarian assistance like food nurse but as a maid at some Australian aid are also under siege as long as they are man’s residence. viewed as opponents of Mugabe’s “ I had no option but to work for some government. A lot of them have withdrawn years to raise money for my air ticket and from the country while more than 33 NGOs I finally came back in 2002. In my case, it are being probed for externalizing foreign is nothing to do with poverty but it was currency and failing to account for their owing to total lack of knowledge of the funds. existence of human trafficking that I found The crackdown on NGOs has hit the myself in this predicament” she explained. ordinary person on the street most Another recent example is that of two girls severely. With the country plunging into from Asia aged between 13 and 14 and another draught, the options for the rural three boys who were trafficked from folk are very limited. First, because the Afghanistan into Zambia enroute to Britain. government they voted for in their Another group of 13 women, men and gullibility and ignorance does not have children of Congolese and Rwandan enough funds to import maize and nationals were recently intercepted at subsidize them and more so because most Chirundu border on the Zambia side in their NGOs like Christian Care and others are way to South Africa. pulling out in response to the NGO bill. Zambia police spokes person Brenda The other factor that will worsen and make •President Mwanawasa Muntemba said as a way of curbing the the forthcoming 8 to 10 months more trend, the International Organisation for grueling is the soaring relations between Migration (IOM) has started training police Harare and the International Community While the Zambian government is and study, which many people still deny, and immigration officers manning border which could chip in with food aid. Mugabe struggling to better the lives of its people, and pay little attention to. areas. Over 100 0fficers have benefitted has declared that his allies are countries some of these same people are engaging According to Kiremire, the many cause so far. on the Eastern Block, SADC and the African in the sale of fellow humans, which is said of human trafficking is the troubled Muntemba warned that those involved in Union (AU). to be the world’s latest lucrative business. economy of many African countries the evil activity should be ready to face The puzzle however confounds because all According to MAPONDE-Zambia’s whose people accept to be trafficked by the wrath of the law because trained those countries he has aligned himself with Director Merab Kambamu Kiremire, a the developed countries to earn a better officers would now be able to track down are beggars as well – and will most probably living. people involved in human trafficking consult with the Western powers first. The research has revealed that human Zimbabwean people will be silent victims, trafficking, which has been long before There are two main types of trafficking Ironically, there is currently no law in - and Mugabe will not care for as long as noted in other parts of Africa, especially in the continent, trafficking in children Zambia, which criminalises human he is well fed and can chant his “Anti West Africa is today slowly gaining root mainly for domestic work and farm trafficking. Perpetrators can only be Blair” slogan on TV and every slightest in Zambia. labour outside and within national charged with abduction. opportunity as if Blair is some kind of MAPODE is a movement of community borders, and trafficking in women and Human traffickers can easily get away guerilla operating on the boundaries of action for the prevention and protection children for sexual exploitation mainly with the illicit trade, which is illegal by Zimbabwe. The only truth is that in Blair of young people against poverty, outside Africa. international standards. and American President George Bush, destruction, diseases and exploitation. She adds: “ human trafficking is driven Muntemba said there was need for the Mugabe has found scapegoats to blame Kiremire a researcher on HIV/AIDS states by the fact that western countries are in Zambian government to enact specific for all his wrongs and failures. In this day that about four hundred thousand people a depression of human resources, their laws that would look at human trafficking. and age, who can imagine the re- in West Africa are trafficked every year populations are on a decline while African Human trafficking if not quickly checked colonization of a former colony? while in Zambia 36.5 percent of the 1000 countries have above 5 percent extra and by governments, the issue of human A ray of hope seems to shine as rumours people interviewed in the six of the nine available human resource” trafficking has come to stay and there is abound that Mugabe’s regime will have to provinces of the country have been What this means is that western countries urgent need for Africa as a number one repeal such legislation as AIPPA, POSA, trafficked or knew somebody who has have a lot of work to be done and with supplier of human beings to restore human BSA and the NGO Act, which were crafted being trafficked. nobody to do them while Africa has dignity by putting an end to the problem. in the Jonathan Moyo era. Since Moyo She however, states that human trafficking plenty unutilised and underutilised human This can only be achieved when people’s in Zambia is a new area of both occurrence resources. living conditions are improved. African Interest 12 Cover Kisumu City, perched on the edge of Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water lake in the world, is about 120 km from the village. One can drive from Kisumu to the village in an hour’s time. From Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, 450 km away, one can fly to Kisumu in 45 minutes before driving there. There are four flights to and from Kisumu, which is convenient for visitors who may wish to visit the village from Nairobi and go back. But the scenic beauty of the lakeside city, which in the evening offers a perfect view of the setting sun disappearing into the water, the boat rides and animal and bird watching, The Campaign of Senator has always seen many visitors pitch tent here Barack Obama for the for a while. To get to the village from the main Kisumu- Presidency of the United Siaya road, one has to use a rugged dirt road States is reverberating in the from Ng’iya Market, which during rains is land of his ancestry impassable. There are no public service vehicles on this road and one can only use private or hired means, or the bicycle passenger service locally known as boda boda, to reach the village. The bicycle is the main means of transport here at Kogelo Village and one pays about 3 US dollar for a return journey. It costs more if the “taxi man” has to wait for you for some time. The village has low lying hills and valleys covered with tropical vegetation comprising of indigenous and exotic trees, including mango trees for miles around, concealing grass-thatched huts and a few modern buildings made of concrete and blocks. The village is part of the bigger Alego clan of the Luo community (tribe), the third largest in Kenya, which has had enormous political influence in the country’s history over the last 45 years. It was here that the American Senator’s father, the late Barack Hussein Obama was born in 1936 as the first born son to Mama Tall Tree, Sarah and Hussein Onyango Obama. The senator’s grandmother Sarah gave birth to eight children six of whom are alive. The senator’s three uncles, Said Hussein Obama, Yusuf Okoth Obama and Obama Onyango, are all alive. Yusuf, who joined his Deep Roots late brother Barack Obama Snr in the US to pursue studies in the 1960s, is now also an American citizen. Said Hussein and Obama Onyango, live and work in Kenya, while their three sisters are •Senator Obama happily married in Kenya. “Apart from Barack Obama in America, I have several other grand children who visit me regularly. I feel very proud of them and Residents of Alego Kogelo Nyang’oma, a The crowd that welcomed him at his ancestral At the school principal’s office hangs the especially of Barack who comes all the way remote village in Siaya District of Nyanza village in Alego Kogelo was even more Illinois senator’s picture and a letter, both from the US to visit me as he did last August,” Province in Western Kenya is in celebration. massive. People came from far and wide to neatly framed. In the letter, Obama indicates said Mama Sarah in an interview. One of theirs, so to say, Barack Obama is welcome him home. Some came on foot, his gratitude that the community has chosen Barack Obama Snr returned to Kenya after vying for the topmost political seat in the bicycles and motor vehicles. to name the two institutions after him. staying in America for seven years. After his world, the presidency of the United States He was accompanied by senior political While accepting the honor, he also firmly studies, Obama Snr was felt he had to return of America. figures from his Luo community among them indicates his commitment to support the two home to work in Kenya and to his first wife Everyone in the village is ecstatic about Raila Odinga, one of the most outstanding institutions’ growth from their current and children. Obama’s candidature and it is the talk of the opposition leaders in Kenya today and a dilapidated status. According to his mother Mama Sarah, her village; at homes and market centers for miles presidential aspirant for the country’s The Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary son wanted to bring home to Kenya his around. It is an excitement that permeates General Elections due in December this year. School Principal Mrs. Yunita Obiero says American wife but her parents refused. He the whole country where citizens adore the Obama’s name has since been on the lips of they are hopeful of getting the support he explained to them the nature of his family set US senator and regard him as their son. Kenyans and villagers of his origin, to whom promised. up back in Kenya, that he had another wife The Local media have been giving generous his presidency promises so much, if he During his visit last August, Obama and that his traditions allowed polygamy. coverage to Obama and his activities since succeeds. conducted the official opening of the school’s Senator Obama’s American grandparents he visited Kenya in August last year and They already look up to him to support a laboratory while the then US Ambassador were hesitant to allow their daughter and her this has increased since he announced he number of development projects, among William Bellamy planted a tree at the school young son to come with Obama Snr to far was vying for the presidency of the United them the local primary and secondary schools to mark the occasion. away Africa. States of America. which have been named after him. Alego Kogelo is a typical rural settlement He nevertheless came back and landed a job During his visit last year, Obama was given The signboards at the gates to the two with no good roads, electricity and piped with the Kenya government as a senior officer a hero’s welcome, both in Nairobi, Kenya’s schools were immediately painted and written water. The main road from Kisumu, Kenya’s in the Ministry of Finance and National capital city and in his home city of Kisumu in bright blue colors: Senator Barack Obama Western City, to the nearby town of Siaya Planning where he worked until his death in in the western part of Kenya on the shores Kogelo Secondary and Primary Schools passes 5 km away from the village, at Ng’iya 1982 in what his mother explains was motor of Lake Victoria, where he addressed respectively. Market. vehicle accident. thousands of admires. AfricanAfrican Interest Interest 13 Cover

•The grave of the Senator Obama’s grandfather, Huseein Onyango Obama at Alego Kogelo •The grave of Barrack Obama snr, Senator Obama’s father. He died in 1982.

•The full view of the Obama home in Alego Kogelo, Siaya , Kenya , with Mama Sarah’s house in the center. The others are kitchen and store

•Senator Obama’s grandmother Sarah Obama speaks to African Interest in her sitting room. •Agile Grandma SarahObama, takes a stroll around her compound Mama Sarah says he kept in close touch with his family in America and their family, back in The senator’s step brothers are all married Obama was named after his father. She says my grandson(Senator Obama) vying for the Kenya knew about their American relative and with children and the family have kept in it was a mutual agreement between Obama American presidency attempting to use Islam who kept sending them pictures of the boy touch. A chance for reunion as was offered senior and the senator’s American mother to against him” says Mama Sarah Obama. as he grew up. by Obama’s visit in August 2006 is celebrated. name him after the father. During the interview, Mama Sarah, 75, Obama Snr’s remains are interred next to During my visit to the village, Ruth Obama “My husband was born Lucas Onyango expressed anger at what she felt were those of his father Hussein Onyango Obama was in England to visit her daughter Kezia. A Obama in Kendu Bay near the shore of Lake attempts by Senator Obama’s critics, at their Alego Kogelo home. On his grave are visit to the family home reveals a closely knit Victoria in the present Rachuonyo District,” including sections of the American media, to the inscriptions: Barack Hussein Obama: family that is regularly in touch despite living Mama Sarah explains, “ but he became cast aspersions on her grandson’s Born 1936, died 1982. in different continents. Hussein Onyango Obama when he converted background. On the grave of his father are the inscriptions: Obama is a widely used family name, which to Islam in Dare salaam, Tanzania where he She says the family is getting sensitive about Jaduong (Elder) Hussein Onyango Obama: originated from one of their great grand worked as a young man.” the way the media have been writing about Born 1870; died on 29th November 1975.May fathers about two centuries ago. A number She says while her husband converted to her grandson and the family and she refuses his soul rest in peace. of people were named after the great grand Islam in his youth, largely to conform to his to answer questions about her family and Before he went for studies in America, Obama father and the name lives on, passed from environment in Dare salaam, the family has grandchildren saying they have explained senior had married his first wife Ruth Obama. one generation to another as is common in had a liberal approach to matters of religion. this repeatedly but people still don’t Ruth lives at home in Alego Kogelo with the Luo tradition. “Many of my children and grand children understand. Grandma Sarah with her three sons. Her only According to Mama Sarah who seems to are Christians and that is why I feel offended “Many people including the media have daughter Kezia Obama lives in England. know the family history very well, Senator when I hear of attempts by those opposed to been coming here to interview us but many

African Interest 14 Cover again. More visitors will continue are just looking for negative things chores including doing farm work. There are also several pictures of sessions have been overwhelming streaming in and Mama Sarah and to ruin my grandson’s reputation She says since Obama’s last visit in his late father, uncles, cousins and for her. her family will continue answering and bring him down politically,” August 2006, they have been ants. There are also some of his But for this now famous home and numerous queries about their she told this writer in an interview. overwhelmed by visitors to their pictures sent from the US and some village, life will never be the same great son and his background. “We have decided as a family that Alego Kogelo Village. of the pictures that were taken we shall no longer grant interviews The visitors have been both locals during his recent visit in August to the press to avoid distortions and foreigners, just anxious to set last year. but we welcome those who want their eyes on this village which has Some enterprising individual and to visit us or wish to confirm that produced one of the greatest admires printed thousands of his indeed the senators come from a African sons of his time who now pictures, some on calendars that stable family background here in want to be at the helm of the most sold and still sell across Kenya like Kenya.” powerful country’s affairs. hot cakes. One of such calendars They have decided as a family to Mama Sarah lives in a modest but with several of Obama’s pictures limit media interviews and the neat four-room brick house set in and those of other family members senator’s uncle, Said Hussein an undulating leafy surrounding hang on the grandmother’s wall. Obama who lives in Kisumu, is overlooking a valley. The “You can see he is at home with the now the person to talk to and not compound is neat, with her son’s rest of the family members each time the grand mother. houses on either side of her house he visits us,” says the grand mum He was not at home when African according to Luo traditions. Sarah, pointing at several pictures Interest team visited Alego Kogelo Just outside her fence is the among them where Obama is and efforts to trace him in Kisumu senator’s step mother Ruth holding her hands. were fruitless. Obama’s home (Barack Obama snr’s Sarah’s face beams with happiness Mama Sarah is now suspicious of home) built after his death. It is here and satisfaction as she speaks of visitors to the home although she that Ruth Obama lives with her sons, her grandson. She has visited the is still welcoming in the tradition the senator’s step brothers. senator twice in America. Her most of the village and community. Obama attended his father’s funeral celebrated moment was during She parried a number of questions in Alego Kogelo in 1982 and made Obama’s last visit in August 2006 about her family saying it had all the first contact with his ancestral when she shared great moments of been in the media and that there home and relatives. They had only fame with her grand son in the glare was no more to say unless I was been seeing him in pictures which of the International press. part of her grandson’s opponents he and his mother kept sending from However, the fame and glory that who wanted to manufacture false America. Obama has brought to the family stories to bring him down now that On the wall of his grandmother’s and village is increasingly turning he was going for the big office. sitting room hang many group into a nightmare and exasperation The elder lady, born in 1922, is pictures of the senator and relatives for Mama Sarah. The throngs of stout in build and still strong when he came to attend his father’s visitors, the endless press enough to do her household funeral. interviews, questions and photo

•The late Barrack Hussein Obama, father to Senator Obama, in an undated picture. The picture hangs on the wall of their family home in Kogelo, Kenya.

•The gate to Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary School •A monument at Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary School built in honor of the senator when he visited the school on August 26, 2006. At the back is the Laboratory he opened during the visit.

•The plaque on the wall of the Science Laboratory, indicating that the building was opened by Senator Barrack Obama •A flamboyant tree that was planted by the then US ambassador to Kenya during his visit to the school Senator Obama Kogelo Secondary School, William Belamy during Senator Obama’s visit to the school on August 26,2006. African Interest 15 Cover Offspring of Strong Polical Tradition WILLIAM OLOO casts a searchlight on the contribution of the Luo community to political development in Kenya Odinga was among the leading fighters for the country’s independence. He Barack Obama has been the subject of was one of the first elected Africans animated discussions among Kenyans to the Legislative Council in 1957 from since he was elected the senator for the where he championed calls for the Illinois State in the United States of release of other Kenyan nationalists America. jailed at Lodwar for alleged involvement During his campaigns for the senate in the Mau Mau armed struggle against seat, he was a favorite subject of the the British colonial authorities. local media and many local politicians Odinga led his colleagues in refusing immediately sought to identify with him. to compromise with the colonial When he was finally elected senator, authorities and to lead the country to he became a hero among Kenyans. independence unless Jomo Kenyatta, Some people named their new born who was later to become the country’s babies after him while some printed T- first president, and six of his other shirts and calendars bearing his portrait. colleagues were released from jail. His name even started popping up on Odinga, a pan-Africanist and a buildings across the country and in his contemporary of Tanzania’s Julius ancestral Nyanza Province, some Nyerere, Zambia’s Kenneth Kaunda named their prized bulls and pets after and Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, among him. others, was to become the country’s A local bear brand, “Senator”, hit the first vice president from 1963 to 1966 Kenyan market and has remained very when he resigned over ideological popular, as a celebration of Obama’s differences with Kenyatta. victory in the Senate elections. It is not He quit the government and formed the uncommon to hear bar patrons singing country’s first post independent praises to the US presidential aspirant. opposition party Kenya People’s Union At prime news time, social halls, hotels (KPU). His decision to challenge the and bars with TV sets are often full and increasingly autocratic Kanu regime with viewers sitting in silent attention under Kenyatta led to his detention and in anticipation of some news on Obama. the other leaders of the party in 1969. With his announcement in February that His detention came against a he had joined the race for the White background of violence following the House, Obama’s ratings and popularity death in a suspicious accident of has shot up in Kenya. another prominent Luo leader and a The announcement made headline news •Young Obama minister Argwings Kodhek in 1968 and in the local media and any news on him the assassination in July 1969 of another is given prominence in both print and Luo, Tom Mboya who was then the electronic media here. House. However, they are encouraged community has produced some of the Minister for Economic Planning. While he is viewed coolly in government by the reception he continues to get most highly educated and skilled Odinga violently disagreed with circles, Senator Obama is a celebrity as he visits various states. Kenyans. President Kenyatta who was visiting among ordinary Kenyans. “We are praying for Senator Obama Both before and after independence, a Kisumu after the death of Mboya in “ Obama should win the presidency and to succeed. It will give us a lot of pride significant portion of the Kenyan public which his government was implicated, help Kenyans overcome poverty,” says that an American with Kenyan roots service jobs were in the hands of Luo resulting in violence and shooting by Robert Abuga, a teacher in Western can also make it to the top,” said Judy professionals, many of them presidential guards that left more than Kenya. His sentiments are shared by Onyango of Kisumu, Kenya’s third professors, doctors and engineers. 100 people dead. many other Kenyans who were largest city near Obama’s ancestral During the colonial period, the Luo The 1960’s and 70s saw a systematic interviewed. home. benefited from education offered by attempt by the Kenyatta regime and the Paul Ndung’u who lives in Kenya’s At Alego Kogelo, every villager is European Missionaries who established Kikuyu ruling elite to edge out the capital city of Nairobi believe Obama’s upbeat that Obama will make it to the a number of mission stations and senior Luo politicians from the decision has come at the right time and White House and change their schools, among them the Maseno government who posed the greatest should be supported. fortunes. Mission Station which has developed threat to their hold on to power. “Americans needs to show the way, that The villagers had very high into Maseno University, near Kisumu This period marked the beginning of they can overcome racial feelings and expectations when Obama came in city. political polarization tribal animosity elect a person with African ancestry to August last year. That he committed Near Obama’s ancestral home is between the Kikuyu and the Luo that the White House,” he says. to supporting the local primary and Ng’iya Catholic Mission which provided has since then defined Kenya’s politics. Some believe Kenyan- American secondary schools, was to them a clear a ground for education from the After Odinga’s release from detention relations will improve and more demonstration that he valued his roots. colonial period. It had a teachers in 1971, his party remained proscribed Kenyans could benefit through jobs and To many people in Kenya, Obama’s training college and now a girls high and he was barred from rejoing the higher education. Some say an Obama involvement in American politics has schools with a history of good ruling party Kanu or contesting any presidency could result in the not come as a surprise at all. Although performance. political position for the rest of cancellation of Africa’s huge debt nobody in the bigger Obama family in From the mission stations such as Kenyatta’s regime which ended when burden. Kenya is a politician, his Luo Maseno and Ng’iya, among others, he died in August 1978. “Obama understands Africa and will be community is one of the most politically many Luos proceeded to the then East Odinga retained immense influence on more sympathetic. He should influence conscious and influential groups in African premier education centre, his Luo community who were then the cancellation of Africa’s debt burden Kenyan politics since the pre- Makerere University in Uganda. subjected to political, economic and by America and her allies,” says Willis independence days. It was through Maseno and Makerere social discrimination. The Luo region Ndimu, a social reform activist. His Siaya home district has produced that one of the most famous Luo sons of Nyanza suffered greatly But many Kenyans are also worried that some of the most outstanding and perhaps the most influential political economically and the pride in education Obama may have racial challenges to politicians both in the Luo community figure, the late Jaramogi Oginag could not hold as discrimination came surmount in the campaign for the White and in Kenya. Since independence, the Odinga emerged. Continued on Page..16 African Interest 16 Cover

Continued from Page..15 a heavy clampdown on political Rubia, and Raila while placing the senior into. Jaramogi’s elder son, Dr. Oburu in even in jobs and opportunities for higher activity through legislation. Odinga under house arrest. A number Odinga is the MP for Bondo, their rural education. This state of affairs reigned until of leaders were sent fleeing from Kenya home. Kenyatta was succeeded by his vice 1991 when Jaramogi Odinga again or seeking refuge in foreign embassies Since Jaramogi’s death, his son Raila president, Daniel Arap Moi, from the mooted the formation of a new party, tom avoid arrest. has grown in stature and influence. Kalenjin tribe, who ruled for 24 year till which was promptly declared illegal The pro reform heat did not abate, Shortly after his father’s death, he he was voted out in 2002 to usher in on account of the changed supported as it was by international waged a struggle for the control of National Rainbow Coalition (NARC) led constitutional amendment of 1982. pressure. Under the banner of Forum Ford Kenya which he lost to Kijana by President Mwai Kibaki, another But the momentum for change was for Restoration of Democracy (FORD), Wamalwa, a Luhya who was close to Kikuyu. apparently unstoppable. Odinga was Odinga and his colleagues pushed on Jaramogi. Moi, initially a weak and indecisive disciple joined in the reform struggle by even as others remained in detention. Raila later formed the National of Kenyatta, attempted to please the others, both from the Luo and other The following year, Kanu and Moi Development Party of Kenya (NDP- Kikuyu, the most populous and communities who also felt the relented under pressure and amended K) which he later merged with the economically strong tribe in Kenya., by oppression, notably Masinde Muliro, section 2A, allowing multiparty politics. then ruling party Kanu of retired declaring that he would follow “Nyayo” Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia and Shortly before the December 1992 President Moi. (Kiswahili meaning he would follow Martin Shikuku. General Elections, the formidable FORD But this merger did not last and in 2002, Kenyatta’s “footsteps”). Inn July 1991, this group and a split into two, one (Ford Asili)led by Raila jumped ship, joined the Liberal Moi attempted to woo the Luo to his side number of young political activists Matiba, a Kikuyu and the other (Ford Democratic Party (LDP) with which in the 1980’s but was still suspicious of including Paul, Muite, James Kenya) led by Jaramogi. he entered into a coalition with several them and of Odinga, who was kept out of Orengo, Kiraitu Murungi, Prof. The political rivalry between the Kikuyu other parties to form the National active politics. Anyang’ Nyong’o, and odinga’ and Luo played itself out to the Rainbow Coalition which removed In 1982, Odinga’s announcement of his younger son Raila and Mukhisa advantage of Moi who won that year’s Kanu and Moi from power in intention to form a new political party to Kituyi, among others, joined the elections. December 2002. challenge the ruling party Kanu was nipped Odinga group to push for political Jaramogi Odinga became the leader of He is credited with playing an in the bud and he was put under house reform. Official Opposition leading Ford Kenya, important role in campaigning for the arrest while his associate, George Anyona They planned a public rally at his son Raila won the cosmopolitan current president Mwai Kibaki and was detained without trial. Nairobi’s Kamkunji Grounds, Langata seat in Nairobi, which he maing the famous declaration “Kibaki The same year, there was an attempt by famous for for pre-independence represents in parliament to date. Tosha” (Kibaki is Fit to be units of the Kenya Airforce, to topple Moi, meeting on July 7, 1991 but which Jaramogi died on January 20, 1993 aged President”), which defused a potential which he promptly blamed on Odinga and was promptly outlawed. 83 years, leaving behind a legacy of stalemate among the contenders and his critics, mostly the left leaning politicians The government cracked the whip, struggle for justice and a political gave the victory to Kibaki. and academics ant the University of arresting and detaining Matiba, dynasty which his son Raila has fitted He was appointed, along with several Nairobi. prominent Luos into government as Odinga was again put under house arrest ministers with him being given the while son, Raila Odinga, now a prominent • Public Works and Housing portfolio in opposition figure and a presidential Besides Raila and the Odinga family other leading Luo January 2003. However, contender was put in detention together disagreements over failure by the with many other Kenyans. politicians who have continued to shape the politics of president to honor a pre-election deal The scare of the attempted coup and Kenya include, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, now the has made Raila and his colleagues in increasing criticism of his regime made opposition ODM-K Secretary General, and prominent LDP to walk out of the coalition. Moi initiate unprecedented repression and Part of the disagreements stem from hounding of government critics. Kenya lawyer James Orengo who heads the Social Democratic differing stand points over how to Party was made a one party state and there was Continued on Page..17 • African Interest 17 Cover “Africa, Take Charge of Your Destiny” Arriving Kogelo sub-location in Siaya Evans Wafula captures Senator Obama’s charge to Africans on Affairs, Obama has proved that he is District of Kenya, Barrack Obama moved his tour of the continent capable of transforming Africa from a dark easily through groups chatting in a mixture continent to a continent of hope and of English and some Luo. prevalence rate among adults in the pupil enrolments and the school will require prosperity,” Said Wanyande. He was personable and free with his time. province at between 16 per cent and 17 more classes and facilities to cope with Obama is believed in Africa to be behind a The Illinois Senator has been thrilling per cent. The province also accounts for the high demand from all over the country. senate vote that increase funding for the audiences across America as well as in the largest number of Aids orphans in Partick Omondi, a resident of Nyang’oma Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Africa since he joined the senate. Last year Kenya. Kogelo, hopes that the Senator’s eventual which allowed the redeployment of more was his first ever African tour as a Senator It is here where the Illinois Senator and election as the president better the lives of UN troops to monitor the transition. of the United States of America. his wife Mitchele took an HIV test and ordinary Kenyans. Obama has also criticised US president His mission meanwhile, was definite. He launched a campaign against its spread. “I hope that after he is elected the George Bush for his policy on Iraq and saw the urgent need for Africa to come Expectations are high in the region for the president of the United States of America, has called for a quick withdrawal of US out of the unnecessary state of American senator. In his ancestral home, he will come back home and continue troops from the war-torn country. underdevelopment that has been the he was expected to build a house in line from where he had left, he should come He did not spare African leaders too in his hallmark of life. He came home with a with the Luo tradition of a man duty to back to the village and bring hope to the criticisms. He frowned at the Kenyan word of encouragement for Africans not construct a house on the land of his youth as he now understands the way of government for failing to fight graft and to be dependent on foreign countries for forefathers. life in this village,’’ Omondi says. for harbouring Rwanda’s most wanted war goodies and freebies but to emancipate Mrs Sarah Obama, the Senators’s In Nairobi, most Kenyans are optimistic criminal Felician Kabuga who is wanted themselves and be part of the global village grandmother, had located a parcel of the that the senator will make it to the for the 1998 Rwanda genocide in which “Africa must learn to address its own family land for the Senator to put up a presidency and open a new chapter in the 800,000 moderate Hutu and minority Tutsi problems and find the solution to them,’’ symbolic house. ‘‘Mano nyakwara mane new world order. were massacred by militias known as the he said at the beginning of his five day onyisa ni obiro duogo goyo dala.’’ (My “Obama represents a new generation of Interahamwe. tour of Africa. grandson promised to come back and build the American struggle, he has the all it The Kenyan government did not like these The tour culminated in what was to a home here). takes to lead the United States and inspire criticisms. become his third visit to his ancestral Today, things have really changed a great other people. He understands the challenges Among ordinary Kenyans however, home. He explained that he had always deal at the Obamas, there are no more facing diverse population of the world, Obama is a saviour and a champion of the been in contact with his grandmother. huts, and pit latrines, their place has been knowing that his father was raised from poor. During his address to students at the Obama had previously visited the taken by four permanent self contained such a humble background,” Patrick University of Nairobi, the Senator inspired homestead on two occasions. The last apartments. The provincial administration Kimani, a newspaper vendor in Nairobi young students to take leadership positions time, he came to introduce his lawyer has also improved security in the area. noted. and to transform the politics of tribalism wife, Mitchele, to his African relatives. In the village, a school has been named However, analysts view him as a possible and hatred. In his ancestral home, Obama came face after the senator. realisation of the dreams of younger Back in the province, the Luo Council of to face with unacceptable standard of life And expectations are high that the people Africans. Professor Wanyande, a lecturer Elders’ chairman Riaga Ogalo maintains in the village where his father was buried. will be encouraged and the school which in political science at the University of that Obama’s visit to his ancestral home In this region, many of the residents live caters for mostly children from the poor Nairobi, believes that Obama has the was just a normal occurrence that brings on less than a dollar a day. neighbourhood will open door of credentials to shape America’s foreign a son back home to his parents and should The HIV/AIDS pandemic has not speared opportunities to the rest of the country. policy in Africa. never be understood beyond that. the villages. The Kenya National Aids The school’s head teacher Peter Olengo, “For the short time he has headed the The senator left with a promise to his Control Council (KNACC) puts the already thinks so. There is an increase in Senate committee charged with African grandmother that he will return again.

Continued from Page..16 During the Kenyatta regime, Oneko cabinet, as the Minister for Foreign regime. Increasingly, the Luos have complete the constitutional review was for a short time the Minister for Affairs. suffered isolation and hate campaign process which began under Moi. Information but he quit the government No single momentous epoch in Kenya’s for “demanding too much” or being Last year, the Administration presented with Odinga and joined the opposition history have the Luo, Senator Obama’s “perpetually dissatisfied in each a draft of the constitution to a Kenya People’s Union in 1966. He was community in Kenya, ever missed to successive regime. referendum but it was shot down by a among the longest serving detainees play an important role. Tribalism is rife in Kenya and some majority vote over accusations that it even under Kenyatta. From the fight for independence in the time it takes the form of larger linguistic had “doctored” sections that provided Other prominent Luo politicians include 1950 and 60s, the formation of the first groupings. The Kikuyu who got into for a less powerful executive and the the late Argwing’s Kodhek, a minister post independent opposition party and power at independence and are back creation of a parliamentary system of in the Kenyatta government who died challenge to Kenyatta’s growing at it since 2002 belong to the Bantu government. in a mysterious car crash in 1968, Tom autocracy in the 1960s and 70s; the linguistic and cultural group, the largest Raila and several other politicians Mboya, then Economic Planning fight for the re-introduction of multi- in Kenya. teamed up in what is now known as Minister who was assassinated in July party politics in the late 1980 to the The Luo belong to the Nilotic linguistic the Orange Democratic Movement 1969 and Dr.Robert Ouko, Kenya’s 1990s and battle for the constitutional group, with the Kalenjins, the Maasai (Party) to campaign and defeat the longest serving foreign Minister was reform process. and the Teso. In the heat of political draft document which the government found murdered in 1990. The community is still at the fore front competition, these linguistic groupings side wanted passed and adopted as the The Kenyatta government was of challenging the new regime in its and cultural ethnic differences are constitution. implicated in the the deaths of Kodhek failed promise to tackle corruption, exploited by the politicians negatively. Led by Raila, the Luo community and Mboya while the Moi regime was complete the constitution reform The Luo are politically conscious and continues to play an important role in implicated that of Dr. Ouko. process and the growing intolerance to active but lack economic power which the politics of Kenya. They are a Besides Raila and the Odinga family divergent political opinion. is wielded by the Kikuyu. These have fiercely independent and united other leading Luo politicians who have But this role has not been smooth. There implications for the politics of Kenya. community whose solidarity and continued to shape the politics of Kenya have been political and socio-economic However, a sense of nationhood resilience in the fight for democratic include, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, now casualties and prize to pay. The Luo continues to build despite these and social change has not been easy to the opposition ODM-K Secretary areas continue to be marginalized in the negative tribal and political divisions and manipulate by successive Kenyan General, and prominent lawyer James distribution of resources, development increasingly Kenyans are voting on the regime. Orengo who heads the Social of infrastructure and industries, job basis of issues and n ot tribe. One of the nationalists among the Democratic Party. opportunities, education and healthcare But these gains can be reversed easily “Kapenguria six”, who were jailed with Following the LDP fall-out with the among others. in the absence of a sustainable and the first president Jomo Kenyatta, Kibaki administration, over the There have been assassinations, acceptable constitutional order that Ramogi Achieng’ Oneko, a Luo is still referendum in November only one Luo, arrests, torture, and harassment of Luo guarantees the rights of Kenyans and alive and highly regarded. Raphael Tuju, now serves in the politicians since by each successive checks the excesses of the ruling elite.

African Interest 18 Cover Obama and Kenya-America Relations Senator Obama is a role player in the relations between the Unied States and Kenya according to WILLIAM OLOO

•President Kibaki •President Bush

Earlier on, the British government had barred America joined Britain, the former colonial When he visited Kenya in August 2007, Goldenberg suspects but has appointed the then Internal Security Minister Dr. Chris ruler as the principal supporters and Obama made headline news for several days some of them into cabinet. Murungaru from entering the United contributors to Kenya’s post colonial and was given prime time on TV. He attracted Instead, the new administration has itself Kingdom over the corruption claims. He has development programs. huge crowds in Nairobi, Kisumu and his been caught up in another monumental challenged that decision in a London court Because of Kenya’s strategic location in East village of Alego-Kogelo and had choice financial rip-off of public resources through but the case has not been concluded. Africa, both America and Britain maintained words for the local audience. what is known as the Anglo Leasing a tight friendship and grip on the affairs of He expressed strong views on governance Scandal. So in official circles, Obama is not a friend. Kenya throughout the cold war period. and corruption which rubbed the Kenya Through this, the government has lost That he traces his Kenyan ancestry to the America has continued to maintain a heavy government up the wrong way but which millions of dollars through payment of Luo community that is generally perceived presence in Kenya, through economic and were welcomed by the opposition and other money to phony companies through to be in the opposition may not help matters military partnership. America has bases in critics of the Mwai Kibaki administration here questionable tendering procedures and non- either. Kenya from where it polices in the volatile and abroad. deliveries of security equipment among other Obama is generally perceived to be close to Horn of Africa and Middle East Region. The current regime was elected by an things. Raila Odinga, a Luo and a leading It was because of this influence and presence overwhelming majority in December 2002 to Some senior government officials, including presidential hopeful and a virulent critic of in Kenya that terrorists linked to Osama bin replace the 24 year regime of former a Permanent Secretary in charge of Treasury the Kibaki administration which he fell out Laden bombed the US embassy in Nairobi and president Daniel Arap Moi and the ruling but their cases have dragged on in court for with over the non-implementation of a pre- Dare Salaam in 1998, killing more than 200 party KANU, which had been in power since the last four years. Whistleblowers have election deal, and later over the referendum people. independence in 1963. instead been intimidated. on the draft constitution which the Terrorists also later bombed a tourist hotel The Moi regime was characterized by Due to mounting public and international government lost. owned by an Israeli at Kikambala, near endemic corruption, resulting in the plunder pressure, four ministers who were implicated Raila played a pivotal role in the election of Kenya’s coastal resort city of Mombasa. and looting of state resources and massive were sacked in the wake of the scandal but president Kibaki, who towards the General While Kenya remained pro-west at political repression that saw many people even after much noise and demands from Elections was confined to a wheel chair independence in 1963, its neighbors, tortured to death while other were detained Kenyans that they be prosecuted, three have following an accident during which he was Tanzania, under Dr. Julius Nyerere went fully without trial. been reappointed to the cabinet. seriously injured. socialist, leaning towards the Chinese while One of the biggest financial scandals during It was within this context that that Obama He was appointed Minister for Public Works Uganda, then under Dr. Milton Obote, also the former President Moi’s regime was what spoke at the University of Nairobi and in and Housing but their relationship did not started making deliberate steps in that became known as the Goldenberg Scandal some of his other speeches during the visit. last after he and other members of the ruling direction. in which the government lost more than 100 Kenya’s ambassador in Washington DC, National Rainbow Coalition disagreed with Kenya’s strong relations with America was million US dollars in export compensation Rateng Ogego fired a critical response from President Kibaki over a pre-election power nurtured through among others, the schemes for non export of gold. Washington asking Obama to respect the sharing deal. friendship between the JF Kennedy family and The export compensation was paid to Kenyan government and its people, in what Raila has been making frequent trips to the the then Kenya’s Minister for Economic Goldenberg International, a company was generally considered undiplomatic and US during which he has held talks with Planning Thomas Joseph Mboya. associated with some Kenyan Asians who an overreaction. Obama. The trips have been criticized by Mboya, a veteran trade unionist and one of were believed to be close to influential The corruption claims against the present the government including by President the key fighters for Kenya’s independence personalities in the Moi administration. regime were a matter of public knowledge, Kibaki himself who claim they are used to developed friendship with a number of For Kenya’s small economy, that was a lot locally and internationally. paint the government in a negative light. influential American leaders and labor of money that could finance a number of The Anglo Leasing scandal gained However, Kenya has had excellent relations movements. development projects. The Moi regime did international exposure after a senior with the US since independence in 1963. The Between 1963 and 1969 when he was not prosecute those involved and it was government official John Githongo, who was Independence government led by President assassinated, Mboya helped many Kenyans hoped the new administration would do so. the Permanent Secretary in charge of Ethics Jomo Kenyatta was largely pro West during to go and study in America in what was The Kibaki administration which was elected and Governance in President Kibaki’s office the Cold War. on a platform of zero tolerance on corruption fled into exile in London fearing for his life. has not only failed to prosecute the Continued on Page..19 AfricanAfrican Interest Interest 19 Cover Nation/Nigeria

Continued from Page..18 It was at this time that Kenya suffered substantial cuts in donor support which the government blamed on America and the West known as the Students Airlift program. It is whose envoys in Nairobi often joined Homecoming Blues believed Hempstone in speaking out against Among the beneficiaries was Senator corruption and bad governance. NDUKA GEORGE relates how Kennis Amobi Uzoukwu, a US Obama’s father. The 1991-2002 period was most difficult for Mboya was a close confidant of President Moi and his KANU regime. In Febrary 1990, based Nigerian lost his N20million worth of consignment to Kenyatta who was largely pro-Britain. Forsome the then Kenya’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, greedy Custom officials and agents at the Lagos Ports time the two operated very well, keeping the Dr. Robert John Ouko was murdered in grisly influence of the East at bay and securing the circumstances. Years after leaving home in 1995, ken Anglo-American interests. His badly burnt body was found in a thicket told him to his face that the receipts were The Soviet Union and China were involved in near his home with eyes gorged out after he dreamt and ate Nigeria. Though he had fake. fierce competition with America and Britain went missing for three days. His death came visited the country two years earlier, for Similar checks at the Apapa Ports Customs for influence over Kenya. Locally, the pro-East after a reported disagreement with President the first time since his sojourn in God’s forces revolved around then Vice President Moi and some members of his delegation office also confirmed the receipts as fake. and later leader of Official Opposition, during a prayer breakfast in Washington DC. own country, courtesy of the America visa Crestfallen and dejected Ken turned on the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. It was understood Moi was put on the spot lottery programme, the US trained law enforcement agents for succour but Jaramogi Odinga was the father to Raila by the American media over corruption and accountant cum businessman longed to fresh shivers were in the offing. Odinga, a prominent opposition leader from bad governance which Ouko innocently the Luo community to which Obama traces helped to stave off, making powerful forces touch what legendary country music idol, In a petition to The Comptroller –General his Kenyan ancestry. around Moi believe he was working with the Kenny Rogers, referred to as “the green of the Nigeria Customs Service, which The ideological divide played itself out in the American to undermine the president. green grass of home.’’ was received by Alhaji Sani Abubakar, the 1960 through to the 1980s and only reduced Reports said Ouko was left behind in On the 10th December 2004 he backed following the collapse of the Berlin Wall in the Washington and when he jetted back into Assistant Comptroller General in charge 1990s. Kenya was quietly stripped of his ministerial his longing with action as he touched down of investigation, Ken chronicled his woes The pro-West axis under Kenyatta and position and security before state agents went at the Muritala Mohammed International and pleaded with Abubakar to release his Mboya triumphed and maintained a tight grip and dragged him from his house at night to Airport, Ikeja, Lagos aboard a KLM flight on Kenya, ensuring sustained cordial un unknown destination. consignment which by now has been relations with America. An autopsy report said he was shot and to commence his Christmas vacation. To confiscated by the Customs. Mboya was assassinated in July 1969 in what tortured to death before his body was burnt ensure proper funding for his stay and “This is the predicament I have found was believed to be a plot by the powerful and later deposited in a thicket near his home settlement of domestic financial myself and consequently Sir, I plead that forces around the aging Kenyatta. Mboya was to create an impression that he had committed considered America’s blue eyed boy and was suicide. commitments, Ken had shipped a 40ft consideration be given to me for even perceived to be an agent of the American The murder and subsequent cover up through container carrying used cars and appropriate clearing of my consignments Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). a lengthy Commission of Inquiry was part of computers from the US. Unknown to him, using a more reliable agent while at the These claims, coupled with British interests the build up that accelerated demands for a that decision will be a source of anguish and fears among the Kikuyu tribe ruling elite return to multi-party democracy. With the Cold same time requesting that you spread your that Mboya nursed ambitions of succeeding War over an America and the West’s and tribulation. By the time Ken was dragnet with a view to blacklisting this the aging Kenyatta, were believed to be at the dwindling support for dictators, Moi’s regime through with his vacation he had become criminal cum economic saboteur,’’ he core of the intrigues that led to his started losing ground. N20m poorer and marred in petty debts. assassination on July 1, 1969 on a street in Successive American envoys, Aurelia Brazil stated in the petition. Nairobi. and Prudence Bushnell might not have been For Ken the road to financial damnation After several visits to Abubakar at the Abuja The radical pro-East leaning politicians led by like Hempstone but they nevertheless did not began when he established contact with Customs Headquarters, the ACG referred Jaramogi Odinga had been neutralized in 1966 try to prop up the Moi regime, nor did they Fortune Chibuzor a long-standing pal who the matter to the Apapa Ports Comptroller through a party coup forcing him to quit the help in persuading donors to resume aid to post of vice president and form the first post Kenya. paraded himself as a Customs Licensed for action. From that point it was intrigue independence political opposition party, Since the change of regime, the Kenya Clearing and Forwarding Agent. and horse-trading all the way. Kenya People’s Union (KPU). American relations improved but there have After negotiation, the sum of 1.4 million First, Fortune was arrested and later freed Following riots over Mboya’s murder and the been hiccups, especially over frequent travel was agreed as the cost of clearing the stoning of Kenyatta when he visited Kisumu advisories by the US authorities to its citizens after few days without charge, despite city, Mboya and Odinga’s home town in the over security fears, especially possible attacks consignment and settlement of all duties admitting to have been involved in the western part of Kenya, KPU was banned and by alleged terrorists. and legal Customs charges arising. Sequel forgeries in his statement to the Police. its leaders including Odinga detained by The US embassy in Nairobi has over the past to their agreement Fortune received the Kenyatta. few months consistently warned its citizens The Apapa Customs Comptroller suddenly Both Mboya and Odinga, both from the Luo about possible attacks with the ambassador sum of N1million and the bill of lading with stayed action on the subject when he community, played an important role in the Micheal Raneberger saying Kenya lacked NO-SJ1493406 and export reference NO- discovered that a Nissan 4x4 was part of fight for Kenya’s independence but fell out capacity to tackle and guarantee the security, 04 OCTR-08784 to commence work on the consignment. The Comptroller now ideologically after independence. not only of its people but also of foreigners After Mboya’s assassination and detention including America. the project on December 11. declared Ken a wanted man claiming that of opposition leaders, including Odinga and The Kibaki administration had criticized such This was followed by fresh cash calls of the importer must have connived with many other Luos who were in the opposition, travel advisories accusing America of being N250.000 (Two Hundred and Fifty Fortune to dupe government by not paying the community remained outside the alarmist and discouraging foreign investment. Thousand Naira) and N50.000 (Fifty government and retained a fighting and anti- Insecurity has increased to alarming levels in the required duties. establishment spirit which endures to date. Kenya with the police virtually proving no Thousand Naira), which were promptly Gradually, frustration gave way to despair Under Kenyatta’s successor, President Daniel march for the criminals who are armed with met by Ken. But his nightmares were just and despair soon led to for grim Arap Moi, the Luo were briefly rehabilitated sophisticated weapons. There is an unofficial beginning. but they found themselves again at the helm shoot-to-order policy now in place which has resignation. Though Kennis Amaobi of the fight for increased democratic space in seen many suspects shot to death but this Well into the New Year his consignment Uzoukwu has moved on with his life, the the repressive period following an attempted has been criticized by human rights groups. against all his calculations were still lying scar remains indelible in his subconscious. military coup in 1982. There is a growing feeling within government uncleared at the Apapa Ports. Desperate Ken’s pathetic story pales into Kenya was declared a one party state and circles that American officials including political dissent was not tolerated. Many Senator Obama, have been warming up to the to get result, Ken was impelled to fug out insignificance when compared with the Kenyans, including members of the Luo robust opposition at a time when the regime a fresh N 550.000 (Five Hundred and Fifty massive seizures of cars over flimsy community bore the brunt of state repression has been under siege over its inability to stem Thousand Naira) bringing his total expenses excuses by corrupt Customs officials for questioning the regime’s excesses. corruption. to N1.85m (One Million and Eight Many politicians and academics were jailed, However, America remains one of Kenya’s working hand in gloves with clearing among them the former vice president Jaramogi most dependable partners. Kenya occupies a Hundred Thousand Naira) on February 3, agents. Every year massive haul of seized Oginga Odinga and his son Raila . Raila served strategic place in East Africa that is useful to 2005, which is far in excess of the N1.4m vehicles are sold off at ridiculous prices for a record 8 years in detention under former American interest in containing suspected agreed sum. president Daniel Arap Moi. terrorists some of whom are believed to be or distributed to friends and lackeys. When the fight for the re-introduction of multi- hiding in neighboring Somalia. This amount also excludes an additional Shortly before the 2003 Presidential party politics gained momentum from 1990, Kenya is the preferred choice for Americans N85.000 (Eighty Five Thousand Naira) election, the rumour mill had it that about the forces rallied around the senior Odinga, with interests in the Great Lakes Region payment made to Fortune to facilitate the 400 vehicles seized by the then Customs his son Raila and other key politicians of the including the volatile Congo Democratic time including Kenneth Matiba, Charles Rubia, Republic, Rwanda, Burundi and even Sudan, clearance of the goods. Again, the matter boss Alhaji Ahmed Mustapha were handed Martin Shikuku and Masinde Muliro. Ethiopia and most of Central Africa. was far from resolved. over to Vice President Atiku Abubakar at Kenya-American relations suffered a jolt Every year, thousand of American soldiers Smelling a rat and with Fortune now at his request for onward transmission to because the then American ambassador the dock at Mombasa from the Middle East or large, Kennis decided to conduct a personal late Smith Hempstone supported the pro- other bases in Asia, Europe and other parts supporters as “settlement’’ in good time reform movement and offered sanctuary to of Africa to relax. Thousands of other investigation. Armed with duplicate copy for the election. some of the anti-Moi elements when they were Americans come in each year as tourists. of the customs duty receipt, which Under the new helmsman Mr Jacob Buba being pursued. Many American companies have invested Fortune claimed to have paid, Ken Hempstone became the target of verbal heavily in Kenya and there have always been the age long tradition has been sustained. government attacks and unsavory very quick moves to resolve and teething approached the commercial bank where Buba regularly dispenses cars to friends descriptions. He was at one time called the problems between the two countries. the said payment was made for and well wishers with the ease at which a “Nyama choma” envoy on account of love The cordial relations between the two authentication. His worst fear moved from caring dad doles out chocolate to a beloved for eating roast meat in open places in Nairobi, countries are likely to remain so or be sometimes in the company of perceived anti- improved further given the two countries long nightmare to reality when the bank teller kid. government elements. history and interest. African Interest 20 Nations Nigeria

When the decision to reposition the Nigeria’s defence apparatus, was taken late 1999 by President Olusegun Romancing Keg of Gunpowder Obasanjo, it was based on a matter of Fresh facts about the NAF MiG 21 Aircraft upgrade programme reveal how national interest is urgent national importance. The nation was under threat of external sacrificed on the altar of power play. Idowu Bakare Writes. aggression by its neighbour-Cameroon products, the opportunity to make over the disputed territory in the oil rich findings and recommendations based on Bakassi Peninsula. Cameroon, a once first hand experience. The team friendly neighbour as a preparation for inspected and examine the various the outcome of the judgment of the world investments and facilities of Elbit system court in Hague, had embarked on spirited Ltd that are located in Israel and shopping for military armament and Romania with particular emphasis on the indeed foreign allies in readiness for a upgrade of MiG-21 aircraft, and the showdown with Nigeria. The Nigerian rehabilitation and upgrade of helicopters, defence sector was neither unmindful nor alongside the ground combat system. combat weary. The motive was to confirm claims and But Obasanjo’s immediate challenge it presentations earlier made by the would appear was to reposition the company in connection with the nation’s Armed Forces to full upgrading of NAF fleet of MiG-21, professionalism, away from the lust of revival and upgrading of NAF political power and politics. In order to maintenance facility in Nigeria, as well achieve this, a careful inventory of the as the servicing and upgrading of the T- nation’s defence assets was taken vis- 55 tanks for the Nigerian Army. In its à-vis their combat readiness particular assessment report at the end of the tour, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) whose the Alfa team corroborated earlier report potency on air is required in the event of submitted by Adelaja. The report noted an assault. However, five years after the in part that; apart from IAI and Elbit, no idea was muted, the leadership of the other companies showed any capability defence have been engaged in petty to carry out upgrade programme on politicking even with a project as urgent MiG-21, which was the highest on the as the upgrade of MiG 21. First, the priority of NAF. The report, highlighted three reports carried out at the instance the various findings. Quoting from the •Ex-President of the defence Headquarters were Alfa report, “Elbit system Ltd., with a Obasanjo jettisoned by General Theophilus vast structure in both Israel and Danjuma, who was the minister of Romania, has eight areas of defence. This was due to the defence specialization or product line. These are brasshats veiled preference for one of ground) would have to undergo identifying the most competent company Aircraft upgrades, Helicopter upgrades, the vendors who entered the race at last conversion training to adapt to the new to execute the up grade programme of unmanned Airborne vehicles (UAVS), minute through the back door and who aircraft type, which will ultimately take the MiG 21 aircraft fleet. C31 (i.e. Encompassing all kinds of was variously adjudged as lacking in long time longer time and will not meet As stated in our last week report, several command and control aviation) combat capacity to handle the upgrade NAF immediate requirement of combat companies over have made overtures to vehicle upgrades, Naval combat system programme. readiness” the report stated. NAF for the overhaul and upgrading of integration Thermal imaging and Laser According to the expert report which It was on this basis that a federal NAF combat aircraft. The companies systems and space systems. “At the was dated February 2001, Obasanjo’s government delegation led by the are; Elto of Romania, BAC, United briefings, the competitive advantage that drive to professionalise the military minister of state for defence at the time, Kingdom (UK), Hundustain Aircraft Elbit systems Ltd enjoys globally was brought to the fore the need to restore Modupe Adelaja, embarked on a six- industries (HAI) India, Dassault, France; attributed to its primary concern about the operational capabilities of the day visit to Israel and Romania to forge Isreali Aircraft industries IAI and Elbit optimal solutions to customer needs and Nigerian Air Force NAF. To achieve this areas of military cooperation in this systems Ltd. the philosophy of total responsibility for the available options was to either respect. Consequently, the Alfa-led technical technological services rendered by the procure new aircraft fleets or re-activate, The visit which took place from May 19- evaluation team visited Israel and company”. The company is active Return to service RTS, and upgrade the 26, 2002, had in the delegation Romania between 16-30 June. internationally, with 39% of its industrial available aircraft in NAF inventory to commodore KAC Amauche, PSO to The team includes: Major General K.O presence in Europe, 27% in USA, 23% modern aircraft status to meet immediate Adelaja who double as representative Ojomo, Director General, Defence in Israel and 11% in other parts of the and medium term needs. of the Chief of Defence Staff; two fighter Industry corporation of Nigeria DICON; world,” the report stated. “The latter option was more preferable pilots who specialized in MiG 21 Air Vice Marshal O.G Martins, Air Similarly, a very strong point made for considering the cost implications and namely; Group Captain O. Faloyin and Officer Logistics Hq NAF, Group IAI, a government owned company, other competitive demands. According Wing Commander H.A. Nashehu both Captain S.A Atawodi, Director of according to the report is “the very highly to current estimate, the cost of one new representatives of chief of Air Staff CAS, operations Hq NAF Group Captain O.A sophisticated radar the company is combat aircraft can upgrade about 10- Dr. Y. Oyekan, Director, Air Force Dept. Olagoke, Director Armament Hq NAF, offering in its MiG 21 upgrade 20 old one and return it to between 95- (MOD) Alhaji H.B. Ibrahim, Director D.O Oyegun, permanent secretary of programme. The radar (2032-v2) is a 100 percent capability of modern Army Dept (MOD) and Dr. O.O Defence, Adolphus Wabara, member, multimode radar with capability for combat aircraft. This is apart from the Matanmi special assistants to Adelaja senate committee on defence as well as multiple target detection and advanced fact that the procurement of new aircraft and scribe to the delegation. H. Yabo, chairman, defence committee Air to ground moves. IAI has a long fleet will involve lengthy negotiation June 16, 2002, a Technical Evaluation and Ned Nwoko, a member of defence experience in the aircraft industry and sessions before commencement of Team led by Isaac Alfa, the Chief of Air committee. has made some reputation in various manufacturing. Further to this was the Staff embarked on a follow up tour of The visit to Romania and Israel afforded aircraft upgrades, overhaul and consideration that the crew (both air and the two countries with a view to the NAF, the ultimate end users of the Continued on Page..21 African Interest 21 Nations Nigeria Continued from Page..20 flatly refused the suggestion, on the maintenance. We were shown around premise that the negotiation had gone far their various departments; there is no and that inspection have been conducted doubt that the company has some and recommendations made. The capabilities in these areas. We were altercation that followed, the source however not fully satisfied that the further alleged “earned the CAS serious company has experience in the upgrade insult”. of MiG-21 aircraft.” That was Alfas greatest undoing. Further in its analysis, the Alfa report “Danjuma not only relieved him of his says, “on Elbit System, the delegation post two weeks later, the work already observed that Elbit in partnership with concluded by the Alfa led team was put Aerostar of Romania reactivates in abeyance for eight months. overhaul, RST and upgrade the MiG 21. Obasanjo obviously misinformed by his The consortium has so far delivered defence leadership later accused the Alfa about 90 upgrade MiG-21s to the team though jokingly of corrupt practices Romania Air Force. Aereostar has been when they visited him at the villa. dealing with the MiG series of aircraft “Of course we took serious exception to the allegation and challenge them to since 1953 while Elbit has been in the prove it,” a member said. The aftermath forefront of electronics for the past 40 of all these was that nothing was said of years. The two companies’ team effort the contract until about a year later when a new committee on the NAF MiG 21 provided the highly successful MiG-21 upgrade was set up. Lancer.” July 2001, another ministry of defence Elbit system, the delegation added, delegation was sent to Israel, Romania offered some advanced systems in its and Russia, for verification exercise. After upgrade programme such as the Display due assessment of the four companies and sight Helmet- (DASH), with an facilities, capabilities, competence and improved weapons mix system, from other related matter on the MiG 21 both eastern and western countries and upgrade, it was observed that Messrs, a much better pilot’s cock view. The IAI, Elbit and Aerostar have each met DASH-a mounted system that slaves all most of the NAF requirements “The aircraft weapon systems to the pilots line Russian Federations Rosoboronexport, of sight without turning the aircraft attempt to get the company to pledge ordnance from the East and the West, represented by Midwest Aviation towards the target and without operating that they would not supply superior the package offered by Elbit is richer and Trading Ltd has facilities for MiG 21 radar at close range, which saves critical equipment to our neighbouring countries more sophisticated. Another essential aircraft upgrade, but the standard of their time permitting quick target acquisition. failed. The company is giving some feature sought was the flare and chaff avionics and other components fell far The system is a very important asset in a logistics supports to our potential enemy. dispenser- which is vital to crew survival. below NAF’s specifications”- However, dog-fight. In the area of air combat Dealing with such a company will IAI does not offer flare and chaff out of the upgrade requirements, IAI where High off Bore sight seeker obviously have serious security dispenser system in its upgrade showed no evidence of their experience (HOBS) missiles are affective, the implications for Nigeria. Elbit system programme, Elbit does” in actual overhaul, upgrade and delivery Helmet Mounted Displays provide ‘look does not have such a link and promised Other considerations include: upgrade of MiG 21 aircraft to any known country. and shoot’ capability with rapid not to initiate one if they eventually win programme, capability, pilot cockpit The failure of IAI to disclose any country employment of weapons”. the contract. view and technological transfer all of for which it had successfully upgrade After a thorough analysis of the package Consequently, the delegation which Elbit was rated best. According MiG 21 aircraft, purportedly for reasons offered by the two companies- IAI and recommended to Theophilus Danjuma, to the analysis, “both companies of confidentiality, created doubt about Elbit, the Alfa delegation went into a the then minister of defence, “that NAF promised to aid the NAF by way of their level of experience in this area closed session to deliberate on which of MiG-21 aircraft upgrade package be technological transfer. Only Elbit showed ultimately the race was then reduced to the companies would provide better considered in favour of Messrs Elbit”. a practical example in what was done in Elbit system and its Romania ally mileage. The delegation examined the However, things took a dramatic turn, Romania. In addition to these, Elbit Aerostar. Elbit, the team noted has proposal based on set criteria, such as few weeks after the team returned from promised to invest 5 million dollar in the excellent avionica components for MiG experience and noted that Elbit has more the trip. First the Rosoboronexport of Nigeria Air Force irrespective of 21 aircraft upgrade, but does not have experience in executing upgrade on MiG Russia, which was not in the original list whether they win the upgrade project the overhaul and installation facilities that 21 aircraft. The company has upgrade of vendors, surfaced through the or not. usually go along to rely on Aerostar’s 90 aircraft for the Romania Air Force backdoor. The company, though the The report stressed that IAI was most facilities in the past. On the other hand, while IAI is yet to deliver any aircraft to original manufacturer of MiG 21 was likely to be bogged down by Aerostar has the facilities for MiG 21 any of its customers. never given a consideration because it bureaucracy due to its link with the aircraft engine and airframe and avionica “The aircraft we saw was the declined to carry out an upgrade but government it in addition that IAI was installation but its design and production experimented one undergoing instead offered to sell new improved evasive in answering some of the of avionica components for the upgrade development, the report stated, On version to Nigeria. And since it was cost questions raised during the discussion is limited to minor items Elbit has an edge DASH it was discovered that only Elbit effective for NAF to embark on sessions suggesting lack of openness on in this area. Yet these two companies offers this option, though the report upgrade, Rosoboronexport was never their part. acting jointly in Romania Air Force noted in the IAI upgrade programme.” in reckoning” a source said. Curiously however, the report further Programme have produced the most Other criteria used include radar, in Rosoboronexport had in fact stopped said of IAI “We are aware that IAI is successful MiG 21 upgrade so far which the report said IAI offers a more the production of MiG-21 since 1985. actively supporting Cameroon military- known” the report stated. advanced system than Elbit, however, According to the source, Daisy indeed the company has a project to The air of controversy over the upgrade Elbit has offered to install their most Danjuma, now senator and wife of the supply some KFIR-advanced fighter of the NAF MIG 21 may be far from advanced radar-aircraft the F-22. On then defence minister allegedly called aircraft to Cameroon. Most worrisome being over. Sources, said the National weapon, the menu suite offered by Elbit Alfa, impressing it upon the CAS to is the fact that some of the aircraft to be Assembly may be forced to intervene is more comprehensive than that offered include the Russian firm in the supplied are those being upgrade to by calling a public hearing to resolve the by IAI. Although both could deliver negotiation. Alfa the source said had modern capabilities in their facilities. All matter. African Interest 22 •Milestones•

Schools. In 2006, she was appointed by the University President Honored American Red Cross Board of Governor to by District of Columbia Hall Honor For McGuire serve on a 7-member Independent Governance Advisory Panel. of Fame Society Seyi Oduyela About President McGuire writes Patricia McGuire has been President of Trinity for about eighteen years. Before Trinity University President, Patricia coming to Trinity, Ms. McGuire was the McGuire was inducted into the Washington, Assistant Dean for Development and District of Columbia Hall of Fame Society on External Affairs for Georgetown University Sunday, April 15. Law Center, where she was also an adjunct This Regional Award came in recognition of professor of law. Earlier, she was project her many contributions to the Washington, director for Georgetown’s D.C. Street Law D.C. region. The awards honor exceptional Project. She was also a legal affairs leaders and contributors to the growth of commentator for the award-winning CBS the city. children’s newsmagazine “30 Minutes” and President McGuire has focused Trinity the Fox Television program “Panorama” in University’s mission on meeting the Washington. educational needs of the city of Washington President McGuire earned her Bachelor of and, in particular, the city’s women of color. Arts degree cum laude from Trinity College Trinity enrolls more District of Columbia and her law degree from the Georgetown residents than any other private university University Law Center. She is currently a in the city; 45% of the students are District member of the boards of directors of the of Columbia residents. Under her leadership, Greater Washington Board of Trade, the President McGuire is opening the doors to Washington Hospital Center, the Women’s new populations of women, once largely College Coalition, the Washington excluded from higher education, who are Metropolitan Consortium of Universities, the discovering the empowerment of a women’s Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, college: 85% of Trinity’s students are African Goodwill of Greater Washington, the National American or Latina. Postsecondary Education Cooperative, the President McGuire’s achievements extend far Joint Military Intelligence College, and the beyond Trinity’s campus and extend into the UNIFI Mutual Holding Company and its business community, the Washington region •McGuire subsidiary the Acacia Mutual Life Insurance and the national higher education arena. In Company. She is a member of the Independent the Washington community and education Governance Advisory Panel for the American arena, she recently completed her tenure on educational organizations. She was Red Cross. She serves on committees of the the board of the Eugene and Agnes Meyer the Joint Military Intelligence College. She appointed by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams American Council on Education, the Girl Foundation, and she serves on the boards serves on committees of the American and the D.C. Financial Control Board in 2000 Scouts of the Nation’s Capital, and other civic of the Washington Metropolitan Consortium Council on Education, the Girl Scout Council to a special term on the Education Advisory and educational organizations. of Universities, Goodwill of Washington and of the Nation’s Capital, and other civic and Committee overseeing the D.C. Public In 2000, President McGuire was appointed by D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and the D.C. Financial Control Board to a special term on the Education Advisory Committee In the Rank of the greatest overseeing the D.C. Public Schools. In June 1998, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin Emmett W. Chappelle’s is the 14th African-American Inducted into Inventors Hall of Fame after appointed President McGuire to serve as a decades of meritorious engagement for his country. member of the first-ever citizens’ advisory panel on coinage, the 8-member Dollar Coin April is indeed a month of rewards. is the 14th African- Design Advisory Committee, which American in the Inventors Hall of Fame as he is inducted recommended the image of Sacagawea for this April, which is fitting for someone who has been the new dollar coin. recognized as one of the 100 most distinguished African President McGuire has received honorary American scientists and engineers of the 20th Century. degrees from Georgetown University, the Chappelle’s work in bioluminescence techniques is what College of New Rochelle, and the College of St. Elizabeth. Washingtonian magazine has brought him to the attention of the Hall of Fame. named her among the “100 Most Powerful Chappelle was in charge of developing instruments used Women of Washington” on several to scrape soil from Mars on NASA’s Viking probe, when occasions, most recently in 2006. She has he realized how chemicals gave off a measurable light also received honors and awards from the when mixed with materials containing living cells. Washington Business Journal, D.C.College Chappelle used two chemicals from fireflies that give Access Program, Gallaudet University, off light when mixed with ATP (adenosine triphosphate), Georgetown University Law Center, and other an energy storage compound found in all living cells, civic and educational organizations. which could provide a method of detecting life on Mars. President McGuire writes and speaks on a But like many discoveries made in the space program, wide variety of topics concerning higher education, women and Catholic education, it led to much wider applications. Chappelle applied his and her articles have appeared in The Wall technique (Patent # 3,423,290) to detect bacteria in Street Journal, The Washington Post, The urine, blood, spinal fluids, drinking water, and foods. ATP Baltimore Sun, Current Issues in Catholic bioluminescence has long been used as a reliable and Higher Education, and a wide variety of other successful approach for rapid microbial screening. publications. Chappelle received a Bachelor of Science in 1950 from •Chappelle Founded in 1897 by the Sisters of Notre Dame the University of California. From 1950 to 1953, de Namur, Trinity enrolls more than 1,700 Chappelle was appointed an Instructor in Biochemistry Between 1963 and 1966 he worked as a Biochemist for Hazelton students in degree programs. Another 3,000 at the Meharry Medical College. A year later, he Laboratories, as Exobiologist (1966-1970) and Astrochemist (1970- students participate in Trinity’s continuing received a Master of Science from the University of 1973). Chappelle also was a Biochemist for the division of Research education programs, including professional workshops for teachers. In February 2003, Washington. Between 1955 and 1958 Chappelle was a Center for Space Exploration. In 1977, he began working with Goddard Trinity opened the Trinity Center for Women Research Associate at Stanford University. Later (until Space Flight Center as a Remote Sensing Scientist. Chappelle retired and Girls in Sports, a $20 million state-of-the- 1963), he was appointed Scientist and Biochemist for in 2001 after 37 years of federal service. art athletic complex that is the largest facility the Research Institute of Advanced Studies at Stanford Throughout his career, Chappelle mentored numerous talented minority in the nation with a particular focus on women University. high school and college students in his laboratories. and girls in sports. African Interest 23 •Pot Pourri•

entrepreneurship”, “Opportunities and African Woman Means Business, Yes She does constraints of women Two hundred and fifty The conference was respective governments on population, but yet many of sub region and 20.6% in entrepreneurship in African business women, organized with the support ways of financing their local their contributions are Southern African. The Cameroon”, “Developing the have urged African of the African Development initiative. They also invisible and their voices are female/male ratio of business culture among governments to assist Bank (ADB), the African examined the involvement of muted by inequality. This, managers is also still low women”, “Facilitating the promote women Network for the support of women in men reserved they said, is due to the lack with 0.2%. financing of women owned entrepreneurships in Africa, Feminine Initiative (RASEF) business initiatives. of available date on their Women’s share for labor businesses” and “Increasing so as to make the black and the International Labour The presidents of business contribution to the national force was 34.9% in 2001 in the Access of Women in continent more economically Organization (ILO). For the women associations, economies of their Africa; only 15% of female business to international competitive and dynamic. two days, the two hundred international organizations, respective countries. joined the secondary school. Trade.” The women had made the and fifty women, who came public administrations, They expressed regrets that, In addition, women in micro Cameroon’s minister of Small call in Yaounde in the first from all the African countries, chambers of commerce, their voices are muted and small and medium size and Medium Size Enterprises ever pan African conference are members of RASEF, national and regional political, socially and enterprises (SMEs) are m ore (SME), Bernard Messinga on the theme, “promoting which has some sixty five professional organization, economically. Statistics present in the economy Avomo, the president of African Women in Business thousand members, used the researchers, entrepreneurs show that women in sector than men because RASEF, Françoise Foning, (AWIB) Development: For conference to debate and and non governmental, parliament represented only men SMEs, owned by and the principal investment an economic and social brainstorm on how to admitted that they represent 9.1% in Africa in 2001 ranging women represent 75% in Economist and Task leadership. propose ideas to their have of the African between 2.9% in the African Botswana, 46% in Kenya, Manager of the AWIB 73% in Malawi, 84% in Initiative in the African Swaziland, 66% in Zimbabwe, Development Bank, Leila Western Union: Still the Wise Way while their share labor force Mokaddem, all admitted in is 67% in Botswana, 40% in heir respective words of petition genuine and offered told me that since the Tuka Baribor is one of the money had been received by Kenya, 76% in Malawi, 78% welcome to the participants to refund the $1,000.00. transaction was done many hard working Nigerians the receiver, Baribor in Swaziland and 57% in that the woman in the pillar Mr. Baribor is not alone in online, the sender is living in the United States. requested to see the claim Zimbabwe. But available of any society. this. Last year I got a call from required to call Western In 2005, Mr. Baribor sent a form filled and signed by the date shows that 97% of RASEF was created in 1995 my bank that my credit card Union from the telephone sum of $1,000.00 to his sister receiver. After one month, he women owned business are in Dakar (Senegal), when a information had been number provided to confirm in Nigeria. To Baribor’s got it. After thorough at micro level not growing group of African business compromised. Someone had the transaction. Within surprise, his sister called him examination, it was beyond modest limits and women came together to used my credit card three days, Western Union that the money had been discovered that the same women SMEs segments reflect on their contribution information to transfer refunded my money. received by an imposter. She person who filled the receiver represents only 2% of M- in the Beijing conference. $847.00 to United Arab Since cyberfraud has did not get the money. How section of the form is also the SMEs started by women. The aim was and still remains Emirate. I called Western become a serious issue, can someone get the same person who filled and The various committees the emancipation of the Union and they gave me the Western Union has transaction information he signed the cashier section. worked on topics like “The women in all domains of details of how much was sent intensified effort to educate dictated to his sister over the Based on this new discovery, African woman in business national and intentional life. and to who. After verifying customers and also develop telephone? Baribor petitioned Western and economic and social Blasius-Charles NJI my information, the an anti-fraud system. By Mr. Baribor called Western Union and requested for a development”, “Strategies Yaounde - Cameroon transaction was canceled. In Seyi Oduyela, Maryland Union and reported the case. refund. Western Union for effective women When they told him that the investigated found his actual fact, Western Union USA Child Labour: No No No! HIV/AidsThe Deaf Must Hear With the success of the programme “At the moment more than 1/2 a million Deaf people in Zambia have complained know sign language a situation he said spearheaded by the International Labour children are working in farms and other that information on HIV-Aids is not results in poor diagnosis of diseases. Organization (ILO) in Zambia to combat institutions instead of going to school. reaching them because of barriers in “When we are sick and go to hospitals for HIV/AIDS - induced child labour, young These children cannot advocate for communication. treatment, Doctors or nurses fail to people in the country affected in one way descent wages because or fight for their Zambia Federation of The Deaf HIV-Aids communicate with us because they don’t or the other can have hope of a better rights” programme officer James Kapembwa have the sign language skills. We also future. He noted that if this trend continues then has lamented that all voluntary counselling cannot afford to hire sign language The International Labour Organisation the future will have illiterate adults who and testing (VCT) centers in the country specialists to accompany us to the hospital (ILO) area office Director Louis Ndaba- will not participate in the running of their do not have deaf counsellors and because we have no money” He lamented. Gamye said his organisation is working country. interpreters. Mr. Kapembwa revealed that most times, with the Zambian government to ensure He observed that there is need for the Mr. Kapembwa says when deaf persons deaf people do not go to health centres that the programme will be a success. government and stake holders to put This go to VCT centers; they fail to when they are sick because the health staff He said, “ILO will fund the programme exposes them to undue hardwork and communicate with the counsellors will not communicate with them. and hopes that children will be withdrawn poverty which exposes them to because they (counsellors) lack sign He said the deaf have now resorted to from all forms of child labour.” manipulation by those who have means. language skills. taking any drug without prescription. The country has been chosen as the first laws in place which will protect these He observes that VCT is supposed to be “We take everything that comes our way in the world to pioneer the programme, children who do not know their rights. confidential and that there is no way a be it Panadol or any antibiotic” the health minister, Brian Chituwo revealed These children work abnormal hours and deaf person can go for an HIV test with Mr. Kapembwa disclosed this when he in Lusaka. they get very little as monthly wages. an interpreter who will be a third party. presented a paper on ‘Access to treatment He said: ”Zambia becomes a model in And the phenomenon contradict the labour Mr. Kapembwa says the deaf feel for the disabled’. spear heading this important new initiative laws as the labour organisations are already discriminated because they cannot access This was during a one day Panos Institute to cut the vicious circle of child labour fighting for better wages because VCT facilities. Southern Africa workshop for Journalists and HIV/AIDS.” most Zambians are living on less than “We don’t want other people to speak held at Cresta golf view hotel in Lusaka. He noted that millions of children who $100 per month. for us; we want to speak for ourselves. The Zambia Federation of The Deaf has have lost their parents to the epidemic of He asked Zambians to revisit the country’s Why is everything against us, Mr. demanded that all medical personnel in HIV/AIDS have been forced to work to traditional norms and change the system Kapembwa asked”? Zambia should undergo sign language survive. This in turn makes them for the advantage of children. He said deaf people do not even know training. vulnerable to sexual harassment and He said: “The health care doesn’t give us how a pack of Anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs Mr. Kapembwa said the move will make manipulation, which in turn have in their comfort, especially those infected by HIV/ looks like despite some of them being access to treatment for the deaf easier. wake HIV/AIDS and other ills. AIDS. The health facilities are not good infected with HIV- the virus that causes He also demanded that VCT centers should Dr Chituwo said a number of we need necessary equipment in our Aids. have staff trained in sign language to enable organisations in Zambia are already hospitals because most medical He disclosed that in Lusaka alone, about the deaf have access to the facilities. beginning to work on the prevention of professionals have left the country for ten deaf people die every year of Aids Currently, Zambia has a total of 3, 000 all forms of child labour and abuse that greener pastures.” related diseases. deaf persons. expose children to HIV infection. “How then can we combat AIDS?” he Mr. Kapembwa regretted that even at One in every six Zambians lives with HIV- Zambia Congress of Trade Unions’ wondered. hospitals, doctors and nurses do not the virus that causes Aids. president Leonard Hikaumba said: Victoria Phiri, Lusaka, Zambia AfricanAfrican Interest Interest •Lastlines• The New African Diaspora With a perspective from Kampala Uganda, Esther Nakkazi charges the new African immigrants into the Western world to take responsibility The lure of the western countries, Most of the movements are economically urban areas send money and basic needs ashamed at what they do and fear to be particularly the United Kingdom, the driven initially at regional levels from to their ageing relatives and the less judged if they are highly educated but also United States and Canada is both poorer countries to richer countries in the privileged living in the rural areas at such some engage in big time spending spree increasing and becoming compelling West and then at the global level from times. to cover up. For others, who are in the among young people from Africa. the developing to the developed world. However, for those who can afford to minority though, it is just a sense of In fact, many young graduates move Immigration minders have also attributed come home on holiday usually during celebration and happiness to be home. straight out of the convocation halls of the increasing desire by the economically Christmas or one of those festive seasons There is such a yawning information gap their universities in search more of the disadvantaged people, especially in Africa (once in about five years in most cases) between the Diaspora, especially those nearest foreign embassy than of jobs. to move to the West to the attitude of it is usually with pomp and pageantry. who moved as a result of economic They prefer to go abroad for work, any their relatives in the Diaspora to money. They spend big and swiftly, without a care reasons and those who stay back home kind of work. Most Africans in the Diaspora send about the prices of the items and also tend in Africa. The way money is spent Reasons are glaring. The remittances money to their relatives to buy parcels of to be very generous to all they come creates a lot of images on how it is earned. made by those who have made it through land and construct personal residential across. There is a popular belief that hard earned long visa queues to these countries are houses. The majority however, send it for This creates an impression that they earn money is not spent easily. So, young enormous and they greatly contribute to the education of siblings or children they big and many people in Africa just people keep imagining things - like going the economies of African countries, at left back home. understand the Diaspora by the way they to the West and sit in an office for a year least at the household level. This can be witnessed by the level of send money back home and the way they or two and build a mansion back home But some analysts have attributed this business activity at the Western Union behave when they come home for which is not entirely impossible. But it increased desire of people to move to the offices and Forex bureaus in a country holidays. can also be achieved while working hard phenomenon of globalisation. like Uganda at the start of the school year. Although some of them confessed to in Africa honestly for the development Globalisation because there is free Others however simply send money to taking up loans to come home, the of their countries. The Diaspora could movement of people across the globe and their families and relatives generally for recipients take it for granted that these join hands and start sending this money it is aided by improved technology in the upkeep and for celebration at festive people earn money easily. Back home in gainful way for the much needed transport systems and which has broken seasons, a custom very much practised they are never transparent about the type investment in developing Africa. down the barriers of distance and time. in Africa. Working young people in the work they do mostly because some feel

Dallas Baptist University in Texas. Dayo has been in the Information Technology industry for over 20 Making it the Nigerian Way years working for major Who says it is not possible for A budgeoning family business conglomerate owned by a Nigerian corporations. He has spent many one to leave the shores of his years developing, managing and fatherland, get training in varied family in diaspora is set to take the wolrd by the storm implementing on large-scales: e- fields and degrees overseas, leave business (Internet, Intranet, & as a law abiding citizen of his These properties include rental Extranet), content management, adopted couintry, make it big vacation villas, hotel and resorts. document management (multi- there and plough back the fruits They also own and operate air- lingual) and client/server of his efforts into the economic conditioned, secure, comfortable applications for major growth of his beloved chauffeur-driven car-hire corporations such as Johnson & fatherland? services in the Lagos Metropolis Johnson and Six Flags, Inc. Well, they need to check with Bola of Nigeria. Some of their Dayo & Bola are the proprietors and Dayo Amon, a well focused properties are located in such of the world class hospitality, America - based family of African areas of Lagos as Lekki, Ajah, transportation, and real estate descent. The couple knows Badore, Owutu, Ijede, Ikeja business in Nigeria, better. GRA, Eleko Beach, Victoria www.makeitnigeria.com. Dayo “We have been in the business of Island, while otheres are in Ogun & Bola are both United States providing hospitality, •Dayo State and Abuja. citizens of Nigerian decent. transportation, real estate and MakeItNigeria has also entered Though they have lived in the construction services for over into joint marketing agreements United States for over 20 years, five years. Our intent and goal is with other organizations within they are both very knowledgeable to reshape the stereotypes about the hospitality sector like of the Nigerian culture, terrain Nigeria and doing business in Haastade Suites in Victoria Island, and business environment. Nigeria. We are out to prove to Hermitage Gardens Resort at Dayo is a seasoned technologist the world that credible and Eleko Beach in the past years. and an experienced business delightful services can be This also goes for real estate strategist wraped in one package, delivered by Nigerians, in Nigeria, entities like Amen Estate, Richland with broad understanding of the to Nigerians and on-Nigerians Gardens, Las Colinas and technology and business aspects alike,” They said. Townhomes. of managing large-scale mission- This is a bold statement of a lofty •Bola “Our clientelle truly span the critical applications and projects. purpose, given the sullied image globe – ranging from Australia to As a visionary project manager, that others in their category give honest and trustworthy United Kingdom, United States, he has successfully managed their countries of origin. individuals. Friendliness, good and committed staff South Africa, China, to Ireland cross-functional high- The amiable duo have great Integrity, Honesty, Dependability operating in an atmosphere of and more,” they said. performance work teams hopes, especially having seen the and Punctuality are the core pillars uncompromising teamwork, Bola Amon is a U.S.-trained focused on delivering multi- need to up the quality of service of our business. collaboration, communication, Registered Nurse with a Bachelor million dollar mission-critical delivery in Nigeria, especially in They call their business and sense of self worth to deliver of Science degree in Nursing applications for large the commercial nerve centre of MakeItNigeria. their services. from University of Texas at corporations. He has also the country - Lagos area. According to them their With investments worth about Arlington. Both Dayo holds a managed external vendor and “We are able to deliver such employees are among their US$730M, MakeItNigeria owns Bachelors degree in Computer client relationships, and has unique services as a result of our greatest assets. They pride and manages a growing list of real Science from the City University effectively managed and overseen philosophy to attract and retain themselves in hiring and retaining estate properties around Nigeria. of New York and an MBA from these relationships. African Interest