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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian (2444 Views)
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An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by robedu: 2:46pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
February 9, 2015 Dear Senator John Kerry: I have decided as a 39 year old Nigerian Citizen that has lived in Nigeria all my life to write you this letter – one that I am equally copying to President Barack Obama and Ambassador James Entwistle based on your press statement of February 7, 2015 that read thus: -starts- “The United States is deeply disappointed by the decision to postpone Nigeria’s presidential election, which had been scheduled for February 14. Political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission is unacceptable, and it is critical that the government not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process. The international community will be watching closely as the Nigerian government prepares for elections on the newly scheduled dates. The United States underscores the importance of ensuring that there are no further delays. As I reaffirmed when I visited Lagos last month, we support a free, transparent, and credible electoral process in Nigeria and renew our calls on all candidates, their supporters, and Nigerian citizens to maintain calm and reject election-related violence.” -ends- First, considering your comments and expressed concern about the elections in Nigeria, which was also the prime focus of your last visit to Lagos last month, I would like to present you with the table below – the contents of which I believe your research desk on Nigeria should have been able to provide you with already: [img]http://favourafolabi.files./2015/02/table-1.jpg[/img] As you would notice, Sir, April seems to have become the official election date in Nigeria over the last 4 election cycles [the 1999 elections was supervised by the Military] in the same way November has always been the case with the U.S. [for all the ones I have followed in my adult life], and this has been the case under Three Different Presidencies – those of Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umar Musa Yar-Adua, and the incumbent, Goodluck Jonathan. These four elections – always supervised by the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has done these under three different Chairmen – Abel Goubadia, Maurice Iwu and Attahiru Jega – there is therefore an established pattern here – proving this trend has nothing to do with a season or an individual but the process. Second, I am equally concerned that your country being the lead-propagators of Democracy around the world that constantly insists on the rights of all citizens to count in a democracy do not seem to concern yourself [at least not within your press statement] with the possible impending disenfranchisement of 23.71 million Nigerian Voters by INEC – being the number of registered members of the electorate that the agency as at February 5, 2015 had not yet provided with their Permanent Voters Cards [PVCs] – as shown in the table below, this number represents a staggering 60% of the voters turn out in the 2011 Presidential elections: table-2[img]http://favourafolabi.files./2015/02/table-2.jpg[/img] Seriously, how come the same INEC that begged Nigerians in 2010 to allow it postpone the elections by almost 105 days for the same reasons of not being able to provide the citizenry with Voter’s Cards now seem ever so willing to run along with this election despite several opposing views in that regard as demonstrated by elder statesmen, political action groups and even political parties – seemingly looking like as though only the lead opposition party – All Progressives Congress [APC] seemed willing to work along with INEC to deny these 23.71 million voters of their rights to vote. Third, it is also noteworthy that this same Obama administration as exemplified by the actions and body language of the State Department under yourself and Senator Hillary Clinton has consistently played the politics of non-committal towards Nigeria in the last 5-6 years considering the massive security challenges the nation has faced in the course of that period – rather issuing positions via those connected to your office ranging from “the Nigerian Government is corrupt and unwilling to fight Terrorism” to “We cannot sell ammunitions to Nigeria to fight Terrorism because we are concerned about the safety of such equipment” yet today, your department and nation now have a problem with a push of these elections’ dates even though the same security challenges which you have abandoned Nigeria to face is now the official reason adduced by INEC and the security forces for these postponements. I am therefore tempted to ask you the following questions: “If the U.S. was so interested in the peace of Nigeria and knew that elections was a very important part of that, why has the US consistently refused to offer to Nigeria the same commitment and support that it is currently offering to Iraq, Syria, Yemen versus ISIL even though today, Boko Haram could have arguably taken more lives than ISIL in the last couple of months?” “Is there any available statistics anywhere in the world suggesting that “the Nigerian Government is more corrupt than those of Iraq, Syria and Yemen that would warrant for those nations to receive the sort of support they are getting from the U.S. in fighting terrorism that your nation is currently denying Nigeria?” So how come all of a sudden, the U.S. seems more interested in the Nigerian Elections beyond helping Nigeria to fight Terrorism which if it had done well would have helped Nigeria to be better prepared to hold the elections as scheduled? Four, I would urge your department to desist from giving more impetus to already growing notion within the Nigerian Polity that “The U.S. government actively supports the Nigerian Opposition and would prefer to have a Nigerian of Northern-Nigerian origin with a Muslim Religious background to become the next President of Nigeria in order to help maintain a certain political balance within the Nigerian Polity” - and I am sure that one sure way to distance yourself from this misconception would be for you to respect the Nigerian Constitution by allowing the people of Nigeria to determine their own fate within the ambits of that same constitution by refusing to sign-up to the propaganda being spread by the opposition and their partners within civil society and intellectual class – at home and in the diaspora – that suggests the incumbent government has other ulterior motives aside those given by INEC and indeed other Nigerians, using myself as an example of such people, as I have already enumerated within this letter as the real reasons why a push in these elections’ dates has been necessitated at this time. Five, those suggesting to your office and indeed the Obama administration that these postponements are similar to efforts to truncate our Democracy similar to the June 12 polls should be deemed a bunch of Alarmists and nothing more because while the that election indeed took place; and a winner was well-known to all before it was infamously annulled, this oncoming polls has not yet taken been conducted neither can the opposition provide you with any verifiable poll – local or international – even remotely suggesting that it will these elections – and as I see it, claiming victory in an election that has not yet been held would be tantamount to heating up the polity ahead of the polls that could result in a repeat of the post-2011 elections pogrom that led to the systematic killing of 800 Nigerians; burning down of 350 Churches; and displacement of 65,000 Nigerians – all within the space of about 3-4 days! I close by reminding you of the comments you made while you were in Lagos last month thus: “So let me be clear: Anyone who participates in, plans, or calls for widespread or systematic violence against the civilian population must be held accountable, including by ineligibility for an American visa. Violence has no place in democratic elections, and I can guarantee you that the perpetrators of such violence would not be welcome in the United States of America.” I dare say that this would be a good time for you, your department and the Obama administration to remind the various parties in these elections that you are very serious about that statement. I thank you for your generosity in taking my comments to heart. Yours faithfully Favour B. Afolabi Founder and President, Online Republic Media Lagos, Nigeria. @favourafolabi 12 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by madridguy(m): 2:57pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
brb |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Redoil: 3:15pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
The big sam have been known to cunnigly support anarchy so that they can always gain from it. 5 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Nobody: 3:21pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Very good points. Mods, fp 3 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Myself2(m): 3:31pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Well put together. I took my time to read EVERYTHING. I've been very uncomfortable with the way John Kerry appeared to be dishing out orders to our political leaders; what effrontery and what hypocritical double standard.The wicked role the US played in not only abandoning Nigeria when we needed to buy military hardware from them is still very fresh in our minds.They not only refused to sell to us but did everything possible to block other nations from selling to us, IT APPEARED THEY PURPOSELY wanted the FG to fail against the terrorists and make GEJ look bad and so Buhari can profit from the conspiracy. Well this is GEJ, somehow, God makes things work out well for him, so Obama and Kerry can go to hell 8 Likes 1 Share |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Myself2(m): 3:31pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
BTW Mods this is perfect FP material 5 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Myself2(m): 3:34pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Well put together. I took my time to read EVERYTHING. I've been very uncomfortable with the way John Kerry appeared to be dishing out orders to our political leaders; what effrontery and what hypocritical double standard.The wicked role the US played in not only abandoning Nigeria when we needed to buy military hardware from them is still very fresh in our minds.They not only refused to sell to us but did everything possible to block other nations from selling to us, IT APPEARED THEY PURPOSELY wanted the FG to fail against the terrorists and make GEJ look bad and so Buhari can profit from the conspiracy. Well this is GEJ, somehow, God makes things work out well for him, so Obama and Kerry can go to hell 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Nobody: 3:34pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Every registered voter who wants to vote must vote. If Jega continues playing games with the PVCS the elections would be shifted again 5 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Brightology2(m): 3:35pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
K |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by JoSaintiago: 3:35pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
. |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by dkronicle(m): 3:37pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Lols dis is partially complete. U would av added that u are suspectin dem as d pple finacing bH. Konfam letter, hope HoBama sees it |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Nobody: 3:39pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
If the U.S. was so interested in the peace of Nigeria and knew that elections was a very important part of that, why has the US consistently refused to offer to Nigeria the same commitment and support that it is currently offering to Iraq, Syria, Yemen versus ISIL even though today, Boko Haram could have arguably taken more lives than ISIL in the last couple of months? My Opinion In as much as the united states has stretched her helping hand in quenching the horrors of terror on different occasions, chibok girls easily comes to mind. The present government of Nigeria has consistently shown that it is unreliable and unserious in its duty to protect lives and properties. I mean the united states alongside other world leaders sent special forces to help in the retrieval of the girls but instead of cooperation from the president and the military heads, they were met with resistance. You cannot then blame them for leaving just few days after arrival into the country and releasing a statement that the govt is unserious in its promise to retrieve the girls. Several happenings has since confirmed the usa's assertions. Peculiarly are the cases of ekiti and osun states where tens of thousands of soldiers were sent to war-free zones for the purpose of elections in a bid to oppress to opposition supporters (as recently revealed in the recording released by captain Coli). This level of commitment to getting results have not been displayed all through the country's effort to stop the Boko Haram menace. Is it Tompolo's automatic control of our navy. Giving the same thieves that stole oil 100% percent access and control of the resource?? What does he (tompolo) need a warship for and why is our president saying/doing nothing about that. Asari dokubo's incessant rants and threats like the owner of the land and seas amongst others. Corruption has eaten too deep into every arm and organisation of this government. God forbid that this high grade weapons that they seek to buy falls into the wrong hands as it most likely will, Nigeria and the whole continent may have been threatened of existence. The integrity of this govt and the nation at large is in the sands. It is imperative that something is done quickly to earn back the respect that we commanded once as a nation and even more. The ball is in your court, #VoteWisely, #SaveNigeria. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by dealslip(f): 3:48pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Good write up. Let us look at it objectively without the veil of sentiments and bias. The love the West has for us is like the love a cat has for fish. If we allow their friendship, we would have allowed the thief into our house because we let out door of division, hatred and selfishness open. Let us love one another as Nigerians and not as co occupiers of a geographical location. Remember a house divided against itself will not stand. If we leave a crack in the wall, a lizard will come in. 2 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by jpphilips(m): 4:08pm On Feb 10, 2015 |
Myself2: Do you have leaders? |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Myself2(m): 9:40pm On Feb 11, 2015 |
jpphilips: I'm sure you don't expect me to answer that |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Ivanspring(f): 10:19pm On Feb 11, 2015 |
I can't believe that this beautiful thread is still hugging page zero! 4 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Myself2(m): 11:28am On Feb 12, 2015 |
Ivanspring: It's a woeful narrative of how lowly the mods rate/consider truly patriotic and nationalistic issues BTW,mods front page pls 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by rondo235: 11:48am On Feb 12, 2015 |
i thot by now naijirians shud n wise.....remember dat dis nation is knwn to b double standard n selfish,even in a pseudo terms..if the do it to others,the wud also do it to u....btw modes,FTC al d way. 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by rondo235: 11:49am On Feb 12, 2015 |
i thot by now naijirians shud b wise.....remember dat dis nation is knwn to b double standard n selfish,even in a pseudo terms..if the do it to others,the wud also do it to u....btw modes,FTC al d way. 1 Like |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by buskie13(m): 1:12pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Who's Obama and Kerry Hilson USA y'all can go n die...just leave Nigeria alone... 1 Like |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by sirrinky: 1:48pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Wow |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by bgwin2016(m): 2:00pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Nigerians can be good at anything when they wish to, nice observation. 1 Like |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Nobody: 2:03pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Mumu people, looking for how to destroy dis country. Dey shld go to syria and iraq to kill ISIL. Obama dat one na big fool, supporting islam to perpetrate terrorism 1 Like |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by ellechrystal(f): 2:25pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Hmmm., this is a wonderful write up,n nothing but the truth. The Americans just want to divide nigeria, which will not happen, because they r not God. They should stay off our private matters, who cares if they r disappointed about the shifting of d election date? Do they know our reasons? Na we cause am na, when am sure one puppet has gone as far as painting naija black before them for cheap gains. 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by cjrane: 2:37pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
robedu: It is good you asked Kerry and Einswistle these questions. The same individuals will not tolerate another country meddling in the US electoral process, but it is convinient to meddle into Nigeria's. Simply out of a sense to bully Nigeria. While US as a country has great principles to respect other countries, the attitude of Pres. Obama towards Nigeria has continued to baffle me. I regret to admit that I am still a staunch supporter of President Obama, but I can't understand him when it comes to dealing with Nigeria. What does USA really stand to gain by ruining the excellent relationship with Nigeria? I wonder if this is somehow about Nigeria's resistance to Africom or the EPA. Nigeria is and has always been a close ally and pro USA country in Africa. All the overt and covert policies to guarantee Nigeria's collapse such as refusing to buy Nigerian oil, reluctance to declare Boko haram terrorists and blocking Nigeria from buying arms, collapse of oil price, to blunt refusal to help her fight Ebola. Why and how relations will break down under the watch of a 'black' President is beyond comprehension. Like the Statue of Liberty that has assured all people's and Americans of their liberties even under tyrannical leaders, even this phase shall pass away. 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by Aegon(m): 2:40pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
This is the best piece I've read for a long time. Our people are truly waking up. I strongly believe that in the next few years my generation will be completely emancipated from Americas mental slavery. We are beginning to see them for who they truly are. A Self righteous double standard people. Its amazing the cordial relationship that goes on between America and Saudi Arabia despite their established human rights abuse records. When it comes to Nigeria the US is clutching at straws to find an excuse to deny us the Aid to fight terrorism. They couldn't care less except of course for our elections. It is an open secret that Us has been trying to force a regime change in syria. They did it in Libya, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iraq, Those nations have ever been in turmoil and now Nigeria. The Obama Administration should concern itself more with the institutional racism eating into its law enforcement and public affairs rather than playing boss to others. Nigeria my country will be the next India, were getting there and the west don't like it. But we shall prevail. The Nigerian spirit is alive and willing to assist every honest effort just like we did Ebola. All men are created equal and I have the right to reject anyone who doesn't help me fight terrorist groups in my homeland, I make it clear to him he should not consider himself my friend and never expect my friendship. America my foot. 2 Likes |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by agabaI23(m): 2:41pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
Re: An Open Letter To Senator John Kerry And President Barack Obama By A Nigerian by ellechrystal(f): 2:44pm On Feb 12, 2015 |
agabaI23:. Oh wonderful. How ve u been? |
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