Date Published: 11/11/09

Under-17 World Cup: Now that NTA was not involved

When those that supposed to inform the masses are involved in falsehood, then one wonders what kind of information they disseminate to the public.

When the issue of N8billion for upgrading (and not purchasing anew) TV equipment for the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, vis-à-vis Honourable Minister Professor Dora Akunyili’s involvement was a national discourse; she was quick to allude that the equipment was being readied for the U-17 Football World Cup competition.

From the first day of the competition, there was nowhere any of the matches was viewed through the NTA channels. The masses need demand explanation from the Minister and her super PR consultants – Ben Bruce and Tony Iredia.

Does this not call for proper investigation and prosecution where necessary just like in the case of Bode George and co? Stiffer penalties, not the type handed down to George, should henceforth be the case, to serve as deterrent to our shameless leaders; and that is if this country must move forward and to greatness.

Prof Akunyili is talking about rebranding Nigeria. President YarAdua is talking project 20-2020 as we wonder which of the present top 20 countries Nigeria would overtake by 2020. Former Senate President Ken Nnamani posited so as well. We cannot achieve any of the progress the way we are growing deeply in corruption, with no one challenging it. Look around you and tell me what you see: Corruption everywhere; I wonder why we are doing this to ourselves.

Sanusi said that the disgraced bankers need be shot. I agree with him but also should include past and present leaders, They abound – a governor using the State’s bank shares for personal loan guarantee; a governor constructing a road at the cost of N1billion per kilometer; a governor acquiring billions of Naira property few months into his first term, as revealed by the EFCC chairman; a governor whose brother had about N2billion in bank statement requisite for Visa, as revealed to EFCC by US embassy; one can go on and on. God will remain our only Judge in matters like this, but we have to make some efforts before He comes to our rescue and judgment.

We need leaders like Nelson Mandela and Julius Nyerere in our situation.

Mr. Geoffrey Nnadi,

University of Maiduguri,

Maiduguri, Borno State.