The Retired Ambassador Peter Anegbeh’s Inaugural Diplomatic C oup d’état Speech: A Rejoinder

The Retired Ambassador Peter Anegbeh’s Inaugural Diplomatic C oup d’état Speech: A Rejoinder

Despite the fact that the diplomatic coup d'état staged by the retired Nigeria High Commissioner to Malaysia, Mr. Peter Anegbeh to oust the out-going leadership of NIDO-MY and usurp its leadership was considered foiled, Mr. Anegbeh and his cohorts, re-grouped and went ahead to conduct an unauthorized Annual General Meeting of NIDO-MY. With this, on 20 November 2010, Mr. Anegbeh used the premises of the Nigerian government to launch his faction of NIDO-MY.

This illegitimate jamboree which held on 20 November 2010 at the premises of the Nigeria High Commission, Malaysia, was chaired and coordinated by the retired High Commissioner and arrowhead of the coup d'état, Mr. Anegbeh. On this unconstitutional occasion, a speech entitled, “Speech by the High Commissioner, Peter J.E Anegbeh to Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Malaysia(NIDO-MY) on Saturday 20 th November, 2010” was read by Mr. Anegbeh. This rejoinder sets out to offer factual analysis of the diplomatic coup d'état speech in order to expose the undercurrent motives of the Anegbeh’s camp as well as tissues of lies being circulated by the retired High Commissioner to inflame, subvert, factionalize, ethicize, commercialize, hijack and hand over the leadership of NIDO-MY to the highest bidder.

There is the need to recount that in the first official secretariat release of NIDO-MY on this diplomatic coup d'état, it was stated that the officials of the Nigeria High Commission denied any involvement in the mischievous text message that was used in conveying the illegitimate congregation chaired and coordinated by Mr. Anegbeh and members of the Commission staff.

Specifically, in a telephone conversation with Mrs. Dupe Quist Adebiyi (Minister (Head of Chancery, Economic and Trade Matters) and Ms. Francisca O. A. Marinho Minister (Economic, Education and Students’ Welfare), these officials said that the High Commission was neither aware nor issued any notice for such illicit meeting. Evidences marshaled to ascertain the attachment of Mr. Anegbeh in particular, and the High Commission as a whole was enthusiastically challenged and rubbished by these two senior staff. However, the opening paragraph of the inaugural diplomatic coup d'état speech read by Mr. Anegbeh to an illegitimate and scanty assemblage of hand-picked people indicts and establishes Anegbeh and High Commission as a whole, as the sponsors of the ill-intentioned text message.

In the opening paragraph of this diplomatic coup d'état speech, Mr. Anegbeh writes, “My brother and sister, it gives me great pleasure to be with you this afternoon and I want to sincerely thank you for heeding the clarion call and honoring my invitation (emphasis, writer’s own) for us to come together once again after the celebration of the 50 thAnniversary of Nigeria’s Independence…” Although this quoted extract is itself self-revealing, the bolded part, (honoring my invitation) clearly confirms NIDO-MY’s leadership claim that Mr. Anegbeh was the one who sponsored and issued the malicious text message used in conveying the illegitimate assembly. A number of those who made the scanty and unlawful gathering confided in the outgoing Secretary General of NIDO-MY, Mr. Adebiyi Jelili A., that they were personally called by Mr. Anegbeh. It was even said that they were told that the meeting has to do with directives issued by the Presidency, that is, Abuja, to effect changes in the activities, compositional line-up and administrative set up of NIDO-MY. However, written evidence of such directive from Abuja was neither produced to substantiate Mr. Anegbeh’s claim nor quoted in his four-paged diplomatic coup d'état speech. Abuja must have been mentioned in order to grant the illegitimate gathering a measure of legality. From the foregoing analysis, it is evident that, as opposed to Mrs. Dupe Quist Adebiyi, Ms. Francisca O. A. Marinho, and the High Commission’s claim, it was Mr. Anegbeh, the retired diplomat and the Commission that issued the mischievous “clarion-calling” text message used in staging diplomatic coup d'état against the democratically elected outgoing leadership of NIDO-MY in particular and the Organization, NIDO-MY, as a whole.

To further delude the whole public, Mr. Anegbeh went ahead in the second paragraph of his reprehensible speech to create an impression that he has the blessing of both the pioneering (2004-2008) and outgoing leadership (2008-2010) of the NIDO-MY to stage the diplomatic coup d'état aimed at hijacking and handing over NIDO-MY’s leadership to the highest bidders. To this extent, the arrowhead of this diplomatic coup d'état, Mr. Anegbeh writes, “let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer leadership of NIDO-MY as well as the outgoing team for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” There is no doubting the fact that this statement was dubiously structured to serve the following intents. First, to create an erroneous impression and hoodwink the gathering as well as the general public that both the pioneering and outgoing leadership were seated in the illegitimate gathering where this mischievous speech was read. Second, it was also meant to sell an impish dummy and perhaps impression that on the one hand, all is well between NIDO-MY and the High Commission. On the other, it is intended to delude the generality of people that both NIDO-MY pioneering and outgoing leadership are working hand-in-hand to achieve the intended targets of the unlawful gathering where he delivered this liable speech.

Third, this statement also serves the purpose of misleading people as to think that Mr. Anegbeh’s mission was positive and that he is not on collision course with the leadership of the Organization whose insistence on following laid-down procedures was the reason why a diplomatic coup d'état was staged against them and the Organization as a whole. Fourth, this statement projects and positions comfortably in a “legitimate” position, Mr. Anegbeh’s “constitutional rights” to make assertive, and categorical statements on NIDO-MY. Fifth, it presents Mr. Anegbeh and the Commission as a constitutionally empowered individual and body to which NIDO-MY is accountable to. The last part of the second paragraph of this iniquitous speech which reads, “the task ahead of us (emphasis is author’s own) is great and all hands are needed on deck to fashion out a workable and acceptable constitution for NIDO-MY (emphasis is author’s own) as it is universally (emphasis is author’s own) done,” bears it all.

Again, when the word “us” in the above quoted extract of Mr. Anegbeh phrase is carefully read against the phrases “to fashion out a workable and acceptable constitution for NIDO-MY,” and “as it is done universally” the following are again obvious.

One, “us,” as used in the sentence under consideration partly presents Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission as members of NIDO-MY, a Non-Governmental Organization. Second, based on this first premise, that is Mr. Anegbeh’s and the High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY, then, both parties have the right to, on the one hand, determine what is a NIDO-MY Constitution, and fashion out not just a workable constitution but the one that is also acceptable. On the other, it shows that Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY empower them to reject what is considered not acceptable as a NIDO-MY constitution. Also, it creates the wrong impression that these claims: (1) Mr. Anegbeh’s membership of NIDO-MY (2) High Commission’s membership of NIDO-MY (3) High Commissioner’s and High Commission’s constitutionally-backed rights of; determining what is a NIDO constitution; right of reviewing of NIDO constitution; right of suspending the same constitution; right of affirming the same constitution; right of writing a NIDO constitution, are practices that are constitutionally recognized and conventional legitimate practices known to and accepted by all chapters of NIDO in different parts of the world.

A careful look at the constitutions of the different chapters of NIDO in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa will show that this is a libelous claim. See the attached as a proof. There is no clause, either direct or indirect, where such unfounded claim can be grounded a legitimate basis. In all of these constitutions, it is stated unambiguously that NIDO is a Non-Governmental Organization and a non-profit making body. Accordingly it is stated that:

“The name of the Company, which is a Non-Governmental Organisation (hereinafter called “the Organisation”), is the “Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE)”- NIDO Europe Constitution

“The Organisation shall exist as a NON-PROFIT, Non-Governmental, Charitable, apolitical, and confessional independent Organisation with legal rights and obligation distinct from that of its members under Swiss Laws.”- NIDO Switzerland Constitution

“For the purpose of forming a Not-for-Profit corporation pursuant to the Laws of the District of Columbia, members of the NIDO Americas, Inc., (formerly known as NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA ORGANIZATION(NIDO AMERICAS),INC.), (hereinafter called the “Organization” or “NIDO” enact the following bylaws to govern the activities of the organization.” - NIDO American Constitution

WE, THE NIGERIANS resident in Malaysia: Having firmly and solemnly resolved: TO FORM a united, non-partisan, non-governmental and non religious Organization dedicated to the welfare of her members, promotion of the good image of Nigeria and promotion of developmental co-operation between Nigeria and Malaysia and the rest of the world- NIDOMY Constitution

The sections under the eligibility for membership of different chapters of NIDO also show that Nigerians in Diaspora who are academicians, professionals, businessmen with proven and legitimate business records are entitled to be admitted as members. Even, such membership rights as shown in the various constitutional provisos below, are not automatic because it requires fulfilling certain outlined constitutional membership requirement and registration procedures. So, an eligible member who has not gone through constitutionally outlined membership procedure is not a member of NIDO. Such member is at best potential member. There is nowhere in this regulating documents that the High Commissioners and the Nigeria High Commissions are provided for as members of this organization Evidences to support this claim can be seen in the Section 2:01 of the attached NIDO-America constitution, Section 2, page 11 of the attached NIDO-Europe constitution, Article 6 of the attached NIDO-Swiss constitution, Article 3 of the attached UAE constitution and Section 4.0 of NIDO-MY constitution.

Again, Anegbeh is noticed to have in third paragraph of his diplomatic coup d'état speech writes that, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government is to encompass Professionals, Business people and Academicians…” Although he properly outlines the three membership category of NIDO, the misleading part of this statement is the aspect which reads, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government.” The phrase, “NIDO as conceptualized by the government” was deliberately couched by Mr. Anegeh to sell the dummy that NIDO is purely a governmental thing and for this reason, the government has right to dictate and direct the affairs of the organization, the right to interfere in the politics of the Organization, the right to hire and fire the leadership of the organization, the right to review, suspend and write the Constitution of the Organization, and etcetera.

At this juncture, it is essential to produce verbatim, an historical document/e-mail which clarifies the role of Government in the formation of NIDO as a Non-Governmental Organization and which also show that Mr. Anegbeh’s claim and that of the Nigeria High Commission in Malaysia is baseless, concocted to serve certain ulterior agenda and far from the established reality that is recognized worldwide by NIDO chapters. Below is an archived historical e-mail exchange between the retired Ambassador Joe Keshi, erstwhile Nigeria Consul General to US and the generality of Nigerian diasporic community. This e-mail was issued when it was raised, the fears that in the future, some dictatorial Government officials might be engaged in the attempt to hijack the leadership of NIDO or foist their will on this Non-Governmental diasporic body. The e-mail was issued on February 16, 2001, in Keshi’s dual capacity as Nigeria Consul General to the US and as Government’s spokesperson reads:

As previously communicated, the Washington meeting will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2001 at the "M" office of the Embassy of Nigeria, 2201 � M � Street. N. W. Washington D.C. 20037, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Registration will be from 9 a.m. For the avoidance of doubt, the one-day meeting will consider among others, the objectives of NIDO-America, its organisation, structure and how to mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora to effectively participate in the organization.

While we welcome the overwhelming positive responses to the formation of NIDO-America, we also do recognise the reservations, apprehensions and concerns expressed in some quarters. It is imperative to address some of the issues raised so that the noble intentions of the present administration could be better understood and appreciated. Equally, there is the need at this stage, to remove any lingering doubts as to government � s intentions and involvement in the formation of NIDO- America.
Most of those who have expressed some concern at government � s involvement have based their fears on the past and on their personal experiences with past military regimes in Nigeria. Their fears and personal experiences are so deep and in some cases so disturbing, that one cannot but express appreciation at the concerns expressed.

Nevertheless, while the past exists as a guide to the future, we cannot, however, remain prisoners of the past. It should be recognized that the circumstances that compelled some past military administrations to attempt to set up Nigerian organizations in America and elsewhere does not exist any more. If the Abacha administration for example, felt the need to mobilise Nigerians abroad, it was because of the need of that Administration to counteract the unfavourable image of the regime especially in a place like America.

The Obansanjo administration has no such pressure as America today maintains not only a cordial relationship with the administration, but has since the inception of the regime been very supportive of the democratic process in Nigeria. This has led to high level exchange of visits, culminating in the August 2000 visit of the former US President Bill Clinton to Nigeria. In addition, compared to the past where the emphasis was on generating support for the regime in Nigeria, the focus of the Obasanjo administration is on mobilizing Nigerians in the Diaspora to contribute their own quota to national development.

As a result, NIDO-America is partly in response to government � s recognition of the reservoir of knowledge and expertise of Nigerians in the Diaspora and the contributions they could make to national development and partly in response to the clamour of Nigerians in the Diaspora for participation in the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

At the Presidential Dialogue in Atlanta, in response to some of the questions raised, the President was very emphatic in stating that while he could not guarantee the provision of jobs to all Nigerians in the Diaspora wishing to return home to Nigeria, he would, however, want to work with them to fashion out how best they could be involved in national development.

In encouraging Nigerians therefore to establish NIDO-America, and in facilitating the process, government is creating a platform or a vehicle through which Nigerians abroad, especially Nigeria � s best and brightest minds, could be involved one way or the other with the development of Nigeria.

Thus, while it might be � absurd � (to some) for government to participate in the formation of an NGO, it is imperative to reassure all and sundry that government � s involvement will be limited to facilitating the process of establishing NIDO-America and in encouraging Nigerians in the Diaspora to participate in the affairs of the NGO. Once the structure, the management and mechanism for mobilizing Nigerians are agreed upon, in Washington, the future of NIDO- America will depend entirely on Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Consequently, those who are apprehensive of government � s intention and participation should, therefore, have the highest interest in ensuring the success of NIDO- America. The way forward is for Nigerians in the Diaspora to organise their strength into a compelling force and ensure the take-off of NIDO on a solid foundation from its inception. It would, therefore, become the responsibility of the Nigerians in the Diaspora to manage NIDO as an efficient and effective self-sustaining NGO such that it could not be manipulated even by future administrations in Nigeria.
On the question of finances or funding for NIDO- America, there is the need for some objectivity, considering the desire of Government to ensure a smooth take off of NIDO-America.

Government � s preparedness to provide initial funding for the set up of the organisation should not be misconstrued, rather it should be welcomed. Besides, if the truth must be told, there is no major NGO in the world, that has not received or continued to benefit in one way or the other from government support.

In addition, contrary to speculations and expectations in some quarters, the government � s intention is that NIDO-America operate purely as a self-sustaining NGO.

With regards to working with existing organizations, as has been suggested, it is only fair to recognize in the first instance the cumbersome nature of working with so many professional, ethnic, political, socio-cultural and other Nigerian organisations in America. Given the likely administrative problems this might create, it was considered necessary to encourage Nigerians to form a national body that would not only represent their mutual interests, but also complement the existence of other Nigerian organizations in the Diaspora.

Besides, we do know that many Nigerians do not belong to some of the existing organizations in America. NIDO-America might end up as first among equals, but its existence will in no way threaten any existing organisation in America or elsewhere in the Diaspora.

It will serve no purpose to wage an unnecessary campaign against the establishment of NIDO-America, nor to engage in acts of diseminating falsehood and name-calling against those who support the ideals of NIDO-America which no doubt will eventually benefit Nigerians in the Diaspora.

On the other hand, for those who have decided to give government the benefit of the doubt and have responded favourably, we wish to reiterate that once NIDO-America is launched, the challenge and the future of NIDO will largely be on your shoulders. The challenge, thereafter, will be

how to build NIDO-America into a formidable self-sustaining and non- profit NGO and
how to mobilize Nigerians in the Diaspora to achieve NIDO-America � s objectives.

In the meantime, we welcome useful ideas, proposals, and suggestions that will ensure the success of the Washington meeting, under the following headings:-

Aims and objectives
Organisational Structure
Management of NIDO-America
Funding
Mobilisation of Nigerians to participate in NIDO-America

Please forward your submissions as indicated above directly and solely to the Consulate-General of Nigeria ( Atlanta) on or before February 21, 2001 via our e-mail or fax as follows:-

Evident from this mail is the fact is that NIDO affairs is purely that of its members. Retired Ambassador Keshi who spoke the mind of Nigerian government has said it all: “ Once the structure, the management and mechanism for mobilizing Nigerians are agreed upon, in Washington, the future of NIDO- America will depend entirely on Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Also, since a structure of NIDO-MY is already on ground in Malaysia and which as written the I refuse-to-go Ambassador Anegbeh (rtd) is “now on track and proper footing” then, there is no reason whatsoever for any interference from the High Commissioner. It is obvious that some ulterior motives which would later be mentioned have prompted Anegbeh to stage this diplomatic coup d 'état against the people of Nigeria in Malaysia

Again, former President Olusegun Obasanjo while advising Nigerians in the Diaspora to set up a body for themselves stated that in Atlanta Washington DC in 2000 that:

"What we are planning is to get you together as a body and then rather than deal you professionals individually deal with you as a body because that organisation is also doing a lot for itself. It can act as a body of consultants for who state government, local government, federal governments etc. they can put themselves together to see what they can do here too. A lot is being done. But rather than for all to start dealing with each of you one by one, it would be difficult. Through an organisation you can help yourself - self-help and any help that government wants to render would also be easier."

In addition, Ambassador Joe Keshi, OON, in a keynote address delivered to Nigerians in the Diaspora Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on the occasion of the inauguration of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organization (NIDO), Canada, Calgary Chapter, on Saturday 8 May, 2010, in Greenwood lnn NE, Calgary declared:

It is no longer news that the federal government under President Olusegun Obasanjo supported and encouraged the establishment of NIDO, to among others, serve as the platform for the Nigerian Diaspora engagement with the Nigerian State. You are all familiar with the arguments behind government‘s decision to build a mutually beneficial relationship with its nationals abroad and why, from inception the emphasis was on those with the requisite skills, and expertise as well as those who can make very meaningful contributions to the development of our beloved country. Suffice it to note that a major reason behind its establishment was the fact that a couple of countries, notably India and China had successfully tapped into the huge reservoir of knowledge, skills and expertise of their Diaspora to transform their countries.”

From the above two quoted speech extracts, the government merely encouraged and assisted in the formation of the body. The government and its officials have no right to intervene in the affairs of NIDO, a Non- Governmental Organization.

In the fourth paragraph of the crisis-igniting speech that is under scrutiny, Mr. Anegbeh was largely observed to have doctored and re-written history of NIDO-MY. It is no exaggeration that diplomatic authoritarianism was seen at its height as Mr. Anegbeh arrogated unto himself responsibilities that are outside the job specification of any officer of the Nigeria High Commission

In the opening part of this paragraph, it was stated that, “However, the NIDO-MY I met on my arrival did not fit into the expectation of our government.” Here, reference was being made to Prof. Suleyman A. Muyibi’s led-NIDO-MY (2004-2006; 2006-2008). On an explicit note, it was this leadership that pioneered the formation of the Malaysian Chapter of NIDO. It is fair that kudos be given to some veterans within the leadership rank of our predecessor, because, they fought hard to make sure that people of questionable characters that have been using the name of the Organization to perpetrate atrocities were not allowed breathing space. It took concerted efforts of Profs. Suleyman Muyibi and Francis Achike in particular, together with other members who rallied round these individuals to dislodge jailbirds, drug peddlers, admission racketeers, marriage scammers, human traffickers, and others, full-blown or sympathizers of fraudsters from the membership rank of this Organization.

The decisive battle won by Prof. Muyibi-led NIDO-MY was when they conducted a fiercely contested election which produced as their successor, a new crop of thorough bred, focused, principled, cultured and reformist minded 2008-2010 NIDO-MY Executives. Those who lost out were mostly sympathizers of the yahoo boys who are disguising themselves as business persons. Most of them have no valid residency in Malaysia. Those among them with residence permits, got it through student visa-schools. All they want is to use NIDO-MY as a cover for their illegal activities. This reality was well known to all and sundry and witnessed by Mr. Anegbeh. Perhaps, it was this reality that prompted Mr. Anegbeh to have said in the second paragraph of his self-contradictory speech that, “let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer leadership of NIDO-MY… for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” A sane mind would ask why did the same Anegbeh declared in the fourth paragraph that, “However, the NIDO-MY I met on my arrival did not fit into the expectation of our government”.

For the record, Mr. Anegbeh frustrated attempts to conduct the election that produced the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives on two occasions. On the first occasion, Mr. Anegbeh who volunteered to get the premises of the High Commission ready for the election that scheduled for 29 November, 2008, deliberately failed to honour his promise. This information was not communicated to NIDO members who upon arriving the venue were told to go back home. This left Prof. Muyibi so dejected that he sent out a mail to NIDO members, the extract of which reads:

May this mail meet you in good mood as we all see the anger and frustration brought about by our inability to hold the Annual General Meeting(AGM) today 29 th November 2008 as planned. This postponement has come because we did not put Plan B in place and relied 100% probably justified on the Nigerian High Commission’s promise to host the meeting including provision of all required facilities such as canopy, chairs, refreshments etc.

This information was confirmed on Wednesday 26 th November 2008 through the Secretary-General, so all prior arrangements made by the AGM Planning Committee Chaired by the NIDO-MY Secretary General was put aside. It was therefore very shocking, embarrassing and humiliating to me personally as the President and in particular all the present executive committee members who were at the venue of the meeting with many members just hanging around without any place to sit. One would have at least expected the Nigerian High Commission to inform me or any of the executive committee members about their inability to fulfill their promise some days before the event in order for us to have made alternative arrangements on our own to hold this august meeting.

On behalf of the Executive Committee I hereby apologise to all NIDO-MY members who sacrificed other important matters they had to attend to come for the NIDO-MY AGM.

We really appreciate the patience, maturity, cool - headedness and professionalism displayed by all members during the trying moments this morning at the Nigerian High Commission. We will try our best not to allow such an occurrence in the future. As a follow up to this therefore the AGM will be held very soon and the date and location will be conveyed to all members once

As later learnt, the postponement was partly because auditors were around on that same day, so it was considered suicidal by Anegbeh to have people around for whatever reason.

In the same fourth paragraph of the speech under review, Mr. Anegbeh used the word “erstwhile NIDO-MY” to refer to a legally elected and standing NIDO-MY 2008-2010 Executives. Since NIDO-MY is yet to conduct the terminal AGM where the outgoing Executives will be dissolved by the General Assembly, then, by declaring such a validly existing administration as erstwhile, Mr. Anegbeh has committed a serious criminal offence. This amounts to staging a coup d'état against the legitimate government of a Non-Governmental Organization by a retired government official. In addition, since Mr. Anegbeh and the High Commission do not have any constitutionally vested power to hire and fire NIDO-MY Executives, then, such diplomatic tyrannism has exposed the unbridled lust of this retired diplomat to hijack and hand over NIDO-MY to those with whom he shares vested ulterior interests.

While still treacherously basking in his self-affirming membership of NIDO-MY and his unbridled appetite for glorifying fictitious claims, Mr. Anegbeh went ahead to state that, “…that Executive was mandated by the house after their election that was conducted at the Residence, to fashion out a new constitution in line with NIDO concept.” The phrase, “that Executive was mandated by the house after their election” clearly confirms the argument that Mr. Anegbeh has deceptively confirmed on himself, the membership of NIDO-MY house (Assembly) and succeeded to con the innocent ones who were lured into his illicit gathering under the guise that it was a Presidential calling.

Mr. Anegbeh made other disingenuous statements that NIDO-MY Assembly had taken place in his residence, when in reality; such a conjured claim must have taken place in his imagination or dream. To hoodwink people that such fantastical claim actually took place in time, Anegbeh submitted, “You will realize that in several meetings held at the Residence, the executive examined various constitutions of NIDO from Europe, America and Canada, as guide.” The usage of the word “You” in this sense conveys the meaning that those he was addressing broadly comprise outgoing NIDO-MY Executives, and registered member of the NIDO-MY, who have gathered, listening to Mr. Anegbeh’s speech in a rightful NIDO-MY Assembly. This was never the case. In fact this shows how desperate the man is, in his reckless adventure to deceive the entire public by fabricating lies. Again, NIDO-MY’s Secretariat records show that there was no time the outgoing Executive of the Organization held any meeting in Mr. Anegbeh’s residence whereby NIDO-MY constitution was examined alongside those of other chapters from Europe, America and Canada as a guide.

What is actually surprising is that Mr. Anegbeh misinformed the likes of Chief James Emarievbe, Madam Francisca O. A. Marinho and those who were in his illegal jamboree that NIDO-MY does not have a constitution. However, to expose his lies to new members of staff in the Commission, copies of NIDO-MY Constitution were on 15, November, 2010 given to them and their dejected facial expressions show how disappointed they were with their lying boss. One would have expected Mr. Anegbeh to look for other means of furthering his ulterior agenda by desisting from misinforming people that NIDO-MY does not have a constitution. Yet, he pathologically proceeded to authoritatively assert in his 20 November, 2010, inaugural diplomatic coup d'état speech that, “To my dismay, that Executive did not live to expectation as they failed to come up with any constitution till the expiration of their term.” For the record, again, contrary to Mr. Anegbeh’s flawed claim, the democratically elected 2008-2010 NIDO-MY Executive body that he was referring to is yet to be dissolved by any known NIDO-MY legitimate Assembly.

One is little wondered how the intensity of the lies in the said speech was increasing with every new paragraph because in the words of Aristotle, The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousand fold. Why would the number one representative of the Nigerian government in Malaysia descend this low? Tad Williams offers a better clue when he said, “We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.”

Again, it is observed that in the fourth paragraph, Mr. Anegbeh continued with his roguish propaganda by referring to the seating President of NIDO-MY as erstwhile. By also alleging that the outgoing NIDO-MY President, Assoc. Prof. Dr. AbdulKarim S. Mohammed only attended only twice, meetings on the 50 th Independence anniversary, Mr. Anegbeh, is again, in his usual way, blackmailing this soft-spoken and principled personality. The outgoing Secretary General of NIDO-MY was in a meeting where Assoc. Prof. Dr. AbdulKarim S. Mohammed corrected this false impression when it was reported by Mr. Muhammad Ghali Ahmad, a staff of the High Commission, that Mr. Anegbeh was peddling this misinformation. On this same occasion, Dr. AbdulKarim told Mr. Anegbeh that there was no time he failed to honour his commitments to assignments of this nature, except while away on a self-sponsored trip to Nigeria for the Diaspora Day or when he was not sent an official notice for meetings of this kind. Mr. Anegbeh downplayed the issue and pretended as if it was a mere rumour. To have recycled same fictitious claim in his subversive speech of 20 November, 2010 shows that for a long while, the instrument of blackmail has been gradually put to use by Mr. Anegbeh to castigate, crucify and indict the amiable person of Dr. AbdulKarim as a passive leader. To further paint a bad impression of the person of AbdulKarim, Mr. Anegbeh vindictively added that Dr. AbdulKarim abandoned his duties as the Chairperson of the 50 th Independence Anniversary Sub-Committee. In his words, Mr. Anegbeh writes,

“he accepted to chair the Cultural and Event Committee and promised to coordinate and involve students and lecturers for events on the celebration. However, while waiting for him to attend another meeting which he failed to attend but rather sent an email to the mission informing that NIDO-MY was organization lecture on the 25 September, 2010 and that five governors, including the Lagos State Governor, the CBN Governor and others had been invited. He then solicited Mission’s assistance in providing entertainment and airport reception… Disappointedly, nothing was heard from him about the lecture of NIDO-MY neither did he and the Executive attend the Business Forum held at Niko Hotel with five speakers from Nigeria.”

In response to the above, first, NIDO-MY’s participation in the High Commission’s commemoration of the 50 th Independence anniversary was based on unsolicited request from the latter. In fact, the unprecedented ground breaking success recorded by the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives during the diasporic National Dialogue Conference which they laudably organized on 26 September, 2009 was the reason why the High Commission sought NIDO-MY’s helping hands in the organization of the 50 th Independence anniversary events. Based on this track record, the outgoing NIDO-MY President was appointed to chair the Cultural Dance Sub-Committee and not the Cultural and Event Committee as wrongfully claimed Mr. Anegbeh.

However, during one meeting which held without any notification issued the outgoing NIDO-MY President, Mr . Muhammad Ghali A. reported that Mr. Anegbeh has merged the Cultural Committee and Event Sub-Committees into one Committee. The headship of the new Committee, named Sub-Event Committee was then allocated to the man who had promised to mobilize self-sponsored cultural performers to Malaysia. Based on this development, it was realized that NIDO-MY’s role in the 50 th Independence Anniversary being planned by the High Commission has been taken over by the Sub-Committee on Event, hence, the need to focus on other matters. So, why the crocodile tears and campaign of calumny for an unsolicited appointment that was later awarded to someone else’s? Mr. Anegbeh is challenged to provide details on the whereabouts of the self-sponsored cultural dancers because some of us have before now, expressed fear they might not return back to Nigeria, hence, increasing the number of the league of trafficked Nigerians who are in Malaysia.

Regarding the e-mail that Mr. Anegbeh was referring to, it was not the outgoing NIDO-MY President who sent that particular mail. It was Mr. Adebiyi Jelili A, the outgoing Sec. General of NIDO-MY who sent the mail to Ms. Francisca O. A. Marinho, Minister (Economic, Education and Students’ Welfare). The content of the mail which was sent on the 21 August 2010 shows that neither was it stated that NIDO-MY was inviting 5 Governors nor Mr. Sanusi Lamido, the CGN Governor. The mail reads thus:

I have been instructed by Dr. Abdulkarim Mohammed, NIDOMY President, to forward the cost implication and probably, a breakdown of how the “Cultural Day” is anticipated to proceed.

We have deliberated extensively on this, bearing in mind the constrain that may be involved in mobilizing people for such programme. As a well thought way out, it was well considered that the programme be held on the day when NIDOMY’s annual National Day Programme is scheduled to take place. This memorable event of ours which is scheduled for the 25 th September, 2010, will be hosting dignitaries which include, Mr. Babatude Fashola, Lagos State Governor , Mallam Nuhu Ribadu , Former EFCC Chairman, Mr. Fola Adeola, Member, Presidential Advisory Committee, and Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos . We have received favourable response from these guests.

Consequent upon the foresaid, it seems prudent that the “Cultural Day” be held on the night of 25 th September as it may be difficult mobilizing almost same crowd for another programme on a different day. Hence, the suggestion that this be called, “Cultural Night.” We are expecting explosive attendance as our invited guests are people’s wish and as things are, they can’t wait to see them arrive Malaysia .

As regards the cost, I will only suggest that provision be made for mobilization, entertainment of guests (refreshment) , publicity (banners and posters), miscellaneous, and honorarium for the MCs and event officers. The aspect of those performing the “Cultural Dance” is not looked into as it is my understanding that there subsists an arrangement in this regard.

As soon as I am done with my findings on each of the fore-listed items, the monetary implication will be forwarded to you.

For the records, NIDOMY did not send any bill as promised in the letter, although this was to enable the High Commission plan its budget and not offer a cash gift to NIDO-MY.

However, there is the need to mention that there exists another letter which the NIDO-MY President sent directly to the High Commissioner on 1 September, 2010. As the Secretary General of NIDO-MY, I was preview to the letter whose copy is also provided below. The letter as it can be seen was mainly on the request for the usual diplomatic treatment that VIP Guests are often treated to.

Solicitation for Support during the Pre-National Independence Day Celebration Speech

Reference to an earlier email sent to the High Commission, which contains our plan for speeches to be delivered by some invited speakers, I wish to write to solicit for support from the Commission to help NIDO-MY accomplish the program successfully. Apart from the celebration scheduled for the 1 st October, that is being organized by the High commission, NIDO-MY has invited some dignitaries from Nigeria to come to Kuala Lumpur to give speeches on the 25 th September 2010. The confirmation for the attendance of the invited speakers is expected anytime from now and we will communicate this to the High commission as soon as they are received.

- Under this we are soliciting the able High Commission’s help in helping out to have the Guest Speakers received on arrival, and send back to the airport for departure to Nigeria at the completion of the program.

- To provide for local transportation for the invited speakers, which is to serve the purpose of conveying them from their Hotels to the venue of the lectures, which is tentatively scheduled for Universiti of Malaya Kuala Lumpur.

- Provide an appropriate Hotel accommodation for the invited Speakers for the two days they will be in Malaysia .

The speaker’s travel itinerary and any other details will be sent to the High Commission as we get them.

We will be very grateful if the High commission can assist as best as they could.

On the programme which held in Niko Hotel, while NIDO-MY is under no obligation to attend all programmes organized by the High Commission, it has been the principle of the outgoing NIDO-MY Executive that only programme that official invitation is issued, is that which its official shall attend. We challenge Mr. Anegbeh to provide such evidence, specifying when, how and who delivered the official invitation that he claimed was issued to NIDO-MY Executives.

After leveling concocted, malicious allegations against the outgoing NIDO-MY Executives, Mr. Anegbeh felt he has garnered sufficient reason to pass vote of no confidence on this leadership of a Non-Governmental Organization over which he doesn’t have any right whatsoever. However, overwhelmed by absolute authoritarianistic syndrome that was driving him deep into committing grave unconstitutional errors and by extension, overstretching his duty limits, Mr. Anegbeh declared in the sixth paragraph that, “At this juncture, you will agree with me that there is a compelling need for change and put the structure of NIDO-MY on a sound footing.” Is this not the same Mr. Anegbeh, who, un-solicitedly declared in the 2 nd paragraph of his diplomatic coup d'état speech that “ let me once again seize this opportunity to thank the pioneer … the outgoing team for the arduous task for putting NIDO-MY on track and on proper footing as envisioned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.” This diabolic trait at play is typical of a sociopath who according to a web source is:

typically defined as someone who lies incessantly to get their way and does so with little concern for others. A sociopath is often goal-oriented (i.e., lying is focused - it is done to get one's way). Sociopaths have little regard or respect for the rights and feelings of others. Sociopaths are often charming and charismatic, but they use their talented social skills in manipulative and self-centered ways.

Thereafter, the reasons why lies were woven together, un-constitutionalism officialized and authoritarianism diplomatized, was made manifest when Mr. Anegbeh announced that, “consequently, a Care Taker Committee (CTC) is hereby constituted to pilot the affairs of NIDO-MY for three months pending when the election would be conducted.” With this absolutist, anarchist and unconstitutional declaration, Mr. Anegbeh has used the premises and the name of the Nigerian Government to stage a diplomatic coup d'état, which will be fought with all logical and legal means available. This unprecedented diplomatic transgression would, as a result of actions that are being taken, be made the first and the last in the annals of Nigerian Foreign Affairs Commission.

The illegitimate CTC setup by Mr. Anegbeh if critically examined is made up of people of mixed sort. Some are known to have one or two criminal records in Malaysia as it is Mr. Williams Ididi Italumeh who was involved in a credit scam/money swindling fraud while transacting business of admission racketeering. Following the electoral defeat suffered by Mr. Ididi as a treasurer candidate during the 2008 NIDO-MY elections, he wrote to challenge the outcome of his election. Mr. Anegbeh made spirited effort to make sure that justice was subverted in order to declare Mr. Ididi as the winner of the treasurership election. The 2008 NIDO-MY Electoral Committee Chairperson, Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Arowosaye, a practicing lawyer and University lecturer warned Mr. Anegbeh of the implications of his untoward bid to influence Mr. Ididi’s petition and even caution him that he, Mr. Anegbeh, does not have the right of interference in NIDO-MY affairs. The petition was after detailed investigation, dismissed for lack of merit and locus. Again, Mr. Ididi is observed to be frequent at the Nigeria High Commission premises than at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), where he is student. He was one of the sources used in sending the fractionalizing text message used in summoning the illegal c assembly where he was unilaterally and unconstitutionally declared a member of the Anegbeh’s faction of NIDO-MY by the latter.

Mr. Patrick Nwabueze Okechukwu is another questionable character on the list of the illegitimate CTC that was set up by Anegbeh. Although a lecturer at the University Sedaya College Malaysia, he has known records as a dubious admission racketeerer. One of the victims of Mr. Okechukwu was a student who was deceived that he has been successfully offered graduate admission into Multi Media University (MMU) Malaysia. The innocent chap who had completed his undergraduate programme in one of the Nigerian universities was later made to know by this lecturer turned admission agent that he could only be enrolled into an undergraduate programme at MMU’s Malaka campus. It took the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians to bail the victim out of this messy travail by getting him admission offer into UPM as a graduate student and this was done without any charges. The man who has since completed his master’s programme and now on his doctorate’ programme revealed that many people are victims of Mr. Nwabueze’s racketeering work. All of this is known to Mr. Anegbeh. Birds of a feather, it is said, flock together.

Another name on the list of Mr. Anegbeh with dubious record is Mr. Popoola Mufutau, who years back in Malaysia made the newspaper headlines for fake currency. Mr. Mufutau was on a number of occasions, prior to the 50 th Independence Anniversary scolded by Mr. Anegbeh as peddler of dubious business. It was during the fundraiser for the 50 th Independence Anniversary that Mr. Anegbeh announced Mr. Mufutau as a changed person.

The likes of Ms Aisha Lawal Kolo, a student at Limkokwing University, Malaysia and Mrs. Adebola Babatunde (student at Universiti Utara Malaysia), when contacted by the NIDO-MY Secretariat, confessed that prior to the said meeting, they were never aware of anything called NIDO-MY. Both of them said that they were contacted directly and indirectly by Mr. Anegbeh. They revealed there is a National assignment that requires their attention. They were misinformed that leadership vacuum exists in NIDO-MY and that this well structured body, neither has a constitution, nor, is it properly focused. These two women narrated how surprised they were to see their names on the iniquitous CTC list. We have no reason to doubt the innocence of these two women as victims of misinformation. They have pledged to dissociate themselves from such unlawful activities. Below are copies of the letters to Ms Aisha Lawal Kolo and Mrs. Adebola Babatunde written to the innocent duo.

Fw: Anegbehgate: The Aborted Diplomatic Coup D'etat and Scam Aimed at Hijacking the Leadership of NIDO-MALAYSIA

Thanks for hosting us yesterday. Your innocence about the illegitimate gathering which, against your wish, you were lured to attend was evident during our lively interaction.

It was pleasing to note that it was with shock that you heard your name being mentioned as a member of the illegitimate Care Taker Committee (CPC) that was unlawfully set up by Mr. Anegbeh.

You are assured of being exonerated of any complicity that may arise from the Diplomatic Coup D’état that was stagged by Mr. Anegbeh to destabilize the affairs of NIDOMY, a Non-Governmental Organization.

It is our hope that as promised, you will not be involved in any way in the activities of this infamous CPC.

As a piece of advice, please make sure that in the near future, adequate findings about any gathering you are invited to is made, because, ignorance, it is said, is no excuse in law.

While assuring you of our esteemed regards as a constitutionally existing Non-Governmental Organization, it is our pleasure to send, the article and Secretariat report below as a way of further exposing the despicable motives behind the inflammatory meeting which you attended against your will on 20 November, 2010 at the Nigeria High Commission.

Anegbehgate: The Aborted Diplomatic Coup D'etat and Scam Aimed at Hijacking the Leadership of NIDO-MALAYSIA

Thanks for our heart-to-heart phone conversations of 20, 21 and 23 November, 2010. Your innocence about the illegitimate gathering which, you were deceived to attend, based on the dummy that it was a call for National assignment, was evident during our lively interactions. As the Secretariat General of NIDOMY, I hope to take your words that you are a law abiding citizen and responsible mother who will never be involved in anything untoward.

It was pleasing to note that it was with shock that you heard your name being mentioned as a member of the illegitimate Care Taker Committee (CPC) that was unlawfully set up by Mr. Anegbeh. It was even more surprising that your were hoodwinked by Mr. Anegbeh, to believe, amongst other erroneous things, that NIDOMY does not have a legitimate and democratically elected leadership.

It is our hope that as promised, you will not be involved in any way in the activities of this infamous CPC.

Since you are yet to be a registered member of NIDOMY, as some who is within the brace of qualified potential member, please, if you so wish to be our registered member, visit our website, www.nidomy.org to download, fill and submit the membership application form to our Secretariat. Upon the confirmation of your membership, you will be provided with our Constitution, which Mr. Anegbeh mischievously claimed as non-existent.

As a piece of advice, please make sure that in the near future, adequate findings is made about any gathering you are invited to attend, because, ignorance, it is said, is no excuse in law.

Dr. Moukhtar Mohammed Mai whose name was, without any prior notification, also included on the blacklisted CTC list has also written to the arrowhead of the coup. Please see the doc below.

Let it be on record that the outgoing NIDOMY Executives will not succumb to attempt by Mr. Anegbeh and his buddies, to hijack our beloved Organization nor make it infected with drug peddlers, admission racketeers, marriage scammers, human traffickers, and full-blown or sympathizers of fraudsters. It was because of these sorts of characters that Mr. Anegbeh is trying to smuggle into NIDO-MY that our Organization was for a long time denied registration by the Malaysian government. Same set of damnable characters were the ones, who once NIDO-MY once lose its moral right to attract members of impeccable status. We say no to plunge Mr. Anegbeh’s reckless adventure to take NIDO-MY into the dark era.

We have fought tooth and nail to place NIDO-MY on the right track. With zero tolerance for crime and questionable activities, the incumbent President, Dr. AbdulKarim initiated and institutionalized series of internal mechanisms that ensured that no member of his administration is incidentally or directly linked with anything untoward. Different approaches were also used to institutionalize and support various groups that are committed to the same objective. All these bear on our regime’s effort to register NIDO-MY, which practically, could be said to have sailed through. This is another rare feat in the history of the Organization. It took disciplined leadership and commitment to our re-branding initiative to achieve this. Therefore, we will fight with all means logical, and legitimate to resist, stampede and put a halt to Mr. Anegbeh’s plot to hijack NIDO-MY and take our Association into the dark era.

We are proud to flout our achievements as leaders who have done their best to serve with vision and astute commitment to our electoral pledges. It has been our philosophy that the NIDO-MY will never again relate or admit questionable characters as members. Guided by this value, the Dr. AbdulKarim-led NIDO-MY leadership desisted from soliciting any form of open-for-all financial assistance as this was one way through which questionable characters could have penetrated our ranks. If Mr. Anegbeh has made use of this philosophy during the 50 th Independence anniversary fundraiser, probably, he would not have landed himself in the messy situation he is now. As an alternative, we, the outgoing leadership of NIDO-MY developed a look-inward financial income generation policy thrust which leveraged on the executive members, the obligation of financing projects embarked upon. It was through this that we financed our Website project, another first of its kind in the history of NDOMY and other ones.

As intellectuals who are blessed with the powers of hindsight and as those who have learnt from past experience, our leadership cardinalized well-crafted, waterproof and constitutionally bounded membership admittance rules which have been institutionalized within a policy framework that can only admit men of integrity. This measure was taken in order to safeguard against the emergence of faceless groups that will take this budding Organization into the dark era. If this is one of our crimes, as a mission oriented leadership, then, Mr. Anegbeh, we accept our fate and do not regret our actions.

It is based on the above backdrop that we have refused to be distracted by fringe elements, nocturnal marauders, diplomatic coup d’état plotters, glorifiers of illegality, to provoke, distract, factionalize, hijack and hand over NIDO-MY to people of questionable characters and peddlers of diabolic interest.

We thank our members for maintaining their calm, despite the fact they are been provoked beyond the bounds of human possible tolerance limit. Our leadership also expresses its gratitude to the esteemed members of the courteous and dogged-minded Electoral Committee, EC, whose nominations were effected by non-defaulters and approved by men of proven integrity.

With this suicidal diplomatic summersault and officialization of arbitrariness, vis-à- vis the unlawful interference in the affairs of a Non-Governmental Organization, “orderliness,” as stated the outgoing Vice-President, Dr. Abdul Kabir Solihu, “and arbitrariness are on a collision course. The former will surely triumph over the latter”. Our leadership will never consent to any attempt to take NIDO-MY back into the dark era. Our doors remain shut against people of damnable past and the criminal minded ones who are tarnishing the image of our country in the foreign land.

Since the Federal Government has been indicted by Mr. Anegbeh as the brain behind his untoward action, we therefore request that:

The Federal Government should issue a statement of disclaimer of its non-involvement in the damnable action of Mr. Anegbeh, High Commission staff and their cohort to unlawfully hijack the leadership and affairs of NIDO-MY, A Non-Governmental Organization.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should effect the posting of a new High Commissioner to Malaysia since Mr. Anegbeh’s tenure has not only elapsed but also, retired from service since June 2010.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should investigate other staff of the Commission who have been indicted in the said plot and sanction them accordingly.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be mandated to retract the speech read by Mr. Anegbeh during the illegal gathering which he chaired on the 20 November, 2010 and declared the CTC as creation of illegality
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should write an official apology to the entire members of NIDO-MY for the pains they have been made to go through owing to the inaction of their staff in Malaysia

As we anticipate prompt and remedying action from the necessary quarters, we wish to assure our members that NIDO-MY affairs is entirely theirs and that there exists no other recognized NIDO-MY leadership except the one they have constitutionally elected.

The author Mr. Adebiyi Jelili Abudugana, the outgoing NIDO-MY Secretary General can be reached through abudugana2000@yahoo.com