Politics
Much Ado About BRIC(S)* _Where do Nigeria Fits in?_ ~Oti Joe ASHIA
*Much Ado About BRIC(S)*
_Where do Nigeria Fits in?_
~Oti Joe ASHIA
BRIC(S)– A few days ago, Mbotab Guibaldi, my Cameroonian friend, who is a research fellow at the World Bank Centre, Ofrima, invited me for a tea party which we later altered to a cocktail.
We then entered into a conversation on a variety of topical issues bothering majorly on political developments in Africa viz-a-viz the performances of African leaders that may have necessitated the resurgence of juntas, thinkering of seizing power from democratically elected governments in their various countries.
He tried to convince me that Leadership in Africa has failed hence the uprising.
He opined that with the Russian- Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner group already emerging to support the Sahel Nations to help oust their democratically elected governments in those countries, he is suggesting that the way to go now is for African States especially Nigeria to start contemplating joining the BRIC(S).
He said Nigeria should be careful else there may be a coup d’etat waiting to happen.
On Nigerian Government’s recent policies, I tried to convince him on what may have prompted current government’s decisions which were of course long overdue and that three months (1/16th) on a scale of 4 years is too short a time to rate whether a government has performed or not, or whether its policies were pro-people or not.
There were aspects were we both shared similar views.
However, on BRIC(S), it was one discussion I was not too excited.
Before I go into my reason, I think a background may help.
The term BRIC is an acronym for (Brazil Russia, India and China) and was originally developed in the context of foreign investment strategies. It was introduced in the 2001 publication, ‘Building Better Global Economic BRICs’ by then-chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Jim O’Neill; it was coined by Roopa Purushothaman, who was a research assistant in the original report.
South Africa only joined in 2010 making the original membership to adjust the acronym to accommodate her – the reason it was changed from BRIC to BRICS or BRICK (the ‘K’ of which I am still thinking).
Regardless of the goal and objectives of this group, I was concerned if Mbotab actually understood that BRICS stood for BRAZIL RUSSIA, INDIA CHINA AND SOUTH AFRICA, a group of five nations that came together to forge a common front economically and politically.
Well agreed, the sole aim of most if not all relationships is for mutual benefits.
So why should a country like Nigeria, the largest and most populous black Nation, the most abundantly blessed Nation in terms of human and natural resources, join BRICS which is just a coinage of her existing membership?
It is instructive to note that the war between Russia and Ukraine that has left millions either death, injured and/or displaced has been on issues of Interests and rivalry on choice of association. And the key actor in this emerging marriage (BRICS), the Russian President, Vladimir Putin did not attend the three-day summit in person, as he faces an arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine issued by the international criminal court,
This has placed a huge burden on the bloc whose most inducing goal is to provide alternative Economic governance to the US dominance at the global stage.
On the other hand, South Africa has always proven to be Nigeria’s rivals economically, socially and ‘traditionally’ if you may like evident in the constant sanctions placed on Nigerian firms or vice versa and the xernophobic attacks on Nigerians in that country.
So why should Nigeria be so excited to join a club with South Africa and Russia as part of her Membership?
I do not think it is in our best interest of our corporate existence.
To butress my points I took him through a list of European countries who are doing perfectly well but are not EU Members.
In fact, some are progressing smoothly as ‘stand alone nations, yet, they are about a tenth of the size of Nigeria in both land mass and population.
The ones that caught my attention the most were Norway, Switzerland, France, Germany, Serbia, Belarus, etc.
Fortunately, these are among the best economies in the world.
My submission was that Nigeria do not need to be a member of any club, union, association, etc to develop.
We have all it takes to be a great nation.
Nigerians and her Leaders know what we need to develop.
It is not Grants.
It is not Aids.
It is not Loans.
It is not Donations.
It is not Goodwill.
What Nigeria needs is purposeful leadership and patriotism.
The Corruption that has eaten so deep into the fabric of an average Nigerian subconscious requires proper surgery.
We can be member Nation to the best performing blocs around the globe but if the main ingredients of growing economies ‘good governance and purposeful or qualitative leadership’ is missing, it will be as good as we were not even a member in the first instance because it will still be like what Robert Kyozaki termed *Rabbit Race* in his ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’
And like the proverbial *Rotten tooth*, _… until it is pulled out, the mouth must continue to chew with caution…_
Thank God the world is already heading to Artificial Intelligence- AI.
We have the resources to procure these Technologies to help develop our abundant natural resources and reset the country.
If Nigeria needs a mutual association to jump start her economy to enable her play in the global league, there is Germany with the Technology, Norway with the managerial expertise, Switzerland that has printed all our currencies including keeping the ones that has been stollen and laundered.
In my submission, I told him that Nigeria joining BRICS is like a student who would copy in an exam hall including the Name and Registration Number of his/her benefactor without knowing the implication.
Nigeria cannot be so enthusiastic to be identified with a country like Russia whose Leader has inflicted much pain on her neighbors Ukraine on mere diplomatic Interests when back home, Nigerian have continued to prevail on her President HE Sen Asiwaju Bola Ahmed TINUBU not to go to war with Niger over the military interference with the democratically elected government of that country?
With the potential admission of six new Nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE into its ranks after their recent three-day 15th annual summit in South Africa, and even more in coming years, what will be the faith of this much talked about acronym BRICS?
*_©2023_The_Pen_Lieutenant_*
Port Harcourt
*Go out and vote, it’s your right – Ogun APC charges electorate*
As the party campaigns for the 2024 Local Government election in Ogun State draws to a close midnight of today (Thursday), the All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged registered voters in Ogun State to go out and exercise their fundamentals rights on Saturday “without any fear whatsoever”.
Addressing the grand finale of APC in Odogbolu Local Government, the Publicity Secretary of the party in Ogun State, Tunde Oladunjoye said, “APC has done very well under the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, and we are poised to win the chairmanship and councilorship elections overwhelmingly come Saturday”.
Oladunjoye, who is also Senior Media Consultant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media, thanked the Odogbolu people for showing massive support to the APC in the local government.
“With what I have seen here, victory is sure. I want to thank you on behalf of the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON and the Chairman of APC in Ogun State, Chief Yemi Sanusi. “Come out and vote peacefully on Saturday. It is your constitutional duty and obligation.”
Oladunjoye added that people should learn from the chairmanship candidate of the party in Odogbolu local government, Dr. Babatunde Oyetola Diya, who vied for the office about three and half years ago and did not get it, but remained faithful in the party and continued to reach out to people with his humanitarian efforts.”
Anthony Ojo congratulates Gov Okpebholo, confirms Edo Central Senate aspiration
Influential Edo State politician, Anthony Ojo has congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo after being sworn-in as the new Governor of the State.
In his congratulatory message, Ojo expressed confidence in the abilities of Gov Okpebholo to bring the dividends of democracy close to the people of Edo State.
“The people of Edo State have total trust in your five-point agenda, capacity as a leader, and this is evident with their immense show of love. We have no single doubt that under you, this state will progress to the promised land,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Anthony Ojo has confirmed his aspiration to contest the Edo Central senatorial seat under the flagship of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a position previously held by Senator Okpebholo before he was elected governor.
He cited that sharing the same leadership ideologies with Governor Okpebholo, and the keen desire for transformative human and capacity developments in Edo State are the reasons behind his ambition.
He promised to work closely with the Governor to provide succour to Edo citizens.
Appeal Court Further Affirms Udeze-led NEC Of Action Alliance As Valid, Authentic
ABUJA – The Appeal Court sitting in Abuja has further affirmed Chief Barr. Kenneth Udeze-led National Executive Committee (NEC) of Action Alliance (AA) elected on 14th March 2021 National Convention of the party as valid and authentic.
Action Alliance, in a statement by its National Secretary, Vernimbe A James said, “the court of appeal Abuja Division today in Appeal Number; CA/ABJ/CV/1163/2024 in a lead Judgement delivered by Hon.Justics Abba Mohammed which was concord by the other two Justices dismissed the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje faction through one Miller C.Orgwu ( on behalf of himself and all NEC Members Elected at Action Alliance Elective National Convention of 7th of October,2023, held at OOPL Abeokuta, Ogun State ) against 1, INEC, 2, Kenneth Udeze,3, James Vernimbe, 4, Akinuli Fred Omolere.
“The Court also awarded N400,000 cost against the appellants in favor of the Respondents.
The appeal was about the validity of the powers of Action Alliance NEC under Chief Kenneth Udeze led executive to conduct the party Governorship primary in Ondo State for the upcoming Saturday 16th November 2024, Governorship Election.
“The Federal High Court Abuja Division had earlier In Suit Number; FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2024 Between Miller Orgwu and others (Omoaje faction) claiming to be authentic NEC of the party against 1, INEC, 2, KENNETH UDEZE,3, JAMES VERNIMBE, 4, AKINULI FRED OMOLERE presided by HON. JUSTICE JOYCE O.ABDULMALIK on 24th, September 2024 dismissed their Claim and validated the Ondo State Governorship Primary Election Conducted by Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC as valid and authentic, thereby Confirming the Ondo State Governorship Candidate of the party AKINULI FRED OMOLERE as the valid Candidate of the party for the 16th, November 2024 Governorship Election in Ondo State.”
The statement further said: “On 28 March 2022, the FCT High Court Abuja had affirmed and validated the Action Alliance National Convention held on 14th, March 2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led NEC of the party were elected.
“Dissatisfied with the said Judgement, one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others were granted leave of the court of appeal to appeal same Judgement.
“On the 26th, January 2024, the Court of Appeal Abuja Division in Appeal Number; CA/ ABJ/ CV/ 955/22 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others further Affirmed the FCT High Court Judgement that earlier validated the Action Alliance National Convention of 14th March,2021 wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance (AA) NEC of the party was elected.
“Dissatisfied with the appeal court Judgement one Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others have appealed the Judgement to the Supreme Court of Nigeria in appeal Number: SC/ CV/162/2024 Between Adekunle Rufai Omoaje and others and Chief Uzewuru Nwachukwu and others, the matter is still pending at the Supreme Court of Nigeria which he has abandoned but desperately looking for how to come through the back door to claim the leadership of Action Alliance.”
The statement also explained that “INEC has since Complied with the Judgements validating the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party wherein Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze led Action Alliance NEC of the party was elected and uploaded on its website the Name of Chief Barr Kenneth Udeze- National Chairman, Vernimbe A James -National Secretary and other Elected NEC of the party as authentic.
“There is no court ruling or Judgement that Affirmed or validated any other National Convention of Action Alliance (AA) held on any other date apart from the 14th, March 2021 National Convention of the party which Courts have already and variously validated.”
Ezenwa Ibegbunam, who is the Counsel to Chief Fred Omolere, the governorship candidate of the party affirmed by the Court, noted that the judgment has further restated the correct position of the law and a vindication of the previous decision of the Court of Appeal which had earlier affirmed Chief Udeze led executive as the authentic leadership of the Action Alliance.
On his part, Chief Kenneth Udeze has praised the Court of Appeal as a citadel of justice and urged the party members across the country to remain focused.
He further noted that the Judgment has cleared the way for the victory of the party in the Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Source: Daily Independent
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