A lengthy but power filled one. A reminder however that our funds will not be given to anyone to loot rather the aim is to utilize the cash for progress. This in itself will expose what can be done with available funds. On a probe I only repeat some questions. Who are you probing and under what authority. It will be more subtle yet effective to send another delegation to lay emphasis on our greviances as to the neglect and solicit a way forward from the appropriate authorities. We can do this from the vantage position of our financial support to the school. Emeka 82' set Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.
-----Original Message----- From: Gabriel Bigwan <[email protected]> Sender: [email protected] Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:27:36 To: <[email protected]> Reply-To: [email protected] Subject: [Jos Commandos] RE: The Probe Issue and the N17M Intervention Fund Dear Commandos, I'm just reading through the discussions and feedback. Quite interesting I must admit. I think it should continue. But let me say that leadership is about challenging the status quo and specially so when we all agree that there is something grossly wrong - whether systemic or systematic. Harold, let all sacred cows be gorged! We are really about a revolution - both as individuals and as a nation! With all due respect to the 7 reasons deduced by Adams and Kofo, I too strongly disagree with quite a lot of their assertions! We all have (and probably still) lamenting the complete lack of leadership facing our dear nation - from the political ruling class, to communities, religious societies, public / private enterprises, institutions & infrastructure - PHCN, Railways, Airways, Seaports, Waterways, Roads, Military, Police, Customs, Immigrations, Education etc. In short just about everything is failing and roting fast, the consequence of our deplorable value system (if we really ever defined any)! Most appalling is the bleak future when you really sit down and gaze into the path we have chosen to tread! A generation of youth gone berserk, disillusioned, confused, angry, morally decayed, maladjusted, unguided, hopeless, just name it! I'm not about solving world hunger here, but can I feed one destitute today?! So to what end should we "probe" the how, why and when, the cancer of decay set into our great Command? To the end that you cannot set about healing the system if you don't even know what the ailment is! Why waste hard earned money unwisely. Let me also say that it must be understood that a "probe" does not necessarily amount to an indictment, but if it results in that, the learning, which could possibly end the deterioration and decay would be worth it! Those so indicted could perhaps re-examine their consciences and correct their mistakes, the others knowing its no more business as usual would take a serious note. The visit by the Lagos chapter officials was by no means "personal". Lets say I will dine with the "king" but I will not fail to tell him the kingdom is at the brink of collapse; perhaps being orchestrated by the very people he knights! Too much to say for psychophancy in a country awash with a lack of courage to stand for what we "believe" in. No sentiments! The reception accorded the visitors acknowledged, but what does a fact finding mission to salvage a dying legacy mean?! Be corrupted by the "king"s dinner? And what more work could the new commandant be doing? And how are we sure its another chip of the old block? If our new man is our partner in progress, we have a team! Don't you think so? It would appear that the "old bloody civilians" did a better job of making command great - true?! You cannot seek legality in illegality! By what authority do our leaders loot the state treasury - with impunity! Well the people's authority is the reason for the Arab spring and all other revolutions throughout the ages! I hope you understand! And shouldn't our past leaders apologise for failing us?! - Typically African ko? How are even the future generations "prepared" for leadership in this country? Or rather made to worship the inglorious criminals in "public service" in our society! OK, lets celebrate their mediocrity and arrogance! But please count me out! Did someone say we have failed as an alumni? How do you define failure? How many ex-students of our great alumni even fair well? I should salute the courage many have to even attend the association meetings in the branches! Lets face it, how have Nigeria fared since your left command! What have the system feed you with? What do we expect from people with diminishing income, self worth, security, rights etc? Or are we too becoming an exclusive club of the more privileged?! If you even you even dare to think so? In 29 years we have moved from a country with promise to one on the list of the world's 20 failing state! "Fire on the mountain and no one is a running"? How so true! Let me emphasize here that this debate is NOT a distraction! What are we raising N17M for? We write passionately and angrily (sometimes) because we sincerely care! And I know we all do, but we cannot continue in the ways of the OLD and expect some miracles! I am eager to make my contributions but only when we have clearly made ourselves understood, that we want ACCOUNTABILITY and RESPONSIBILITY! Let me share with you an experience while still an undergrad During my last days in the University, I headed a strong student delegation to talks with the school authority (senate) in an attempt to address another student grievance over the summary dismissal of some final year students for what the authorities had called "incitement to disorderly behavior and rioting" following an earlier unrest. Sounds typical abi? Well its a long story as you would expect, but when sitting face to face with the VC, I reminded him that his tenure was someday definitely going to end, and his records would speak to a thousand generations to come. I reasoned that genuine leadership must accept opposition and reflect on their policies when challenged rather than revert to threats! If as he said the students were adamant on his resignation, and in fair assessment, his fruitless years in the institution was glaring, it might very well be best if he indeed considered resigning! My point was; you simply didn't cling to leadership when out of ideas on how to steer the "state of affairs" and especially when you are "closed" to any form of collective reasoning! Can you guess the outcome? The police kept watch over me and I was soon the guest of the state police commissioner. And in the very typical manner of our leaders, he too began shouting and issuing threats as soon as we were seated! I calmly reminded him that that was simply counter productive and that I thought he ordered my colleagues and I to a rather "productive session" to reason out a solution to the crisis with a view to finding lasting solutions. I reminded him that as youth the future belonged to us and the university must be viewed as the place for possible reforms and not anti-government. After about 20 yrs now he must be retired now. Well I'm still here and active! As it turned out both the VC and PC were shocked - but they got told some reality and truth. The former attested afterwards to that and that changed his approach - he gave me a souvenir to remember our meeting! The VC finally left and in a place a more progressive one came on - reminded of the forum we had, he set out in more engaging manner. These shouldn't be a one off thing - we need large doses of this kind of approach! Lets not be part of corporate corruption - using public funds to bail out corporate criminals in some "wall street". Its about time some got people paid for their crimes or at least stop any more of it! Lets talk some more! Gabriel '85.
