ACHO ORABUCHI

Ambassador Obiozor spoke to about 100 well-informed Nigerians and Americans in Dallas, the bedrock of Nigerian politics in the Diaspora, on a variety of issues in an attempt to cast the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in a palliative light. He informed the audience that Nigerians should be happy for the strategic position of the country, including its recognizable abundance of resources.

He stressed that “it is morning in Nigeria” and every Nigerian should participate in the nation building. “While our priority remains strengthening democratic institutions and values, we can boast of a democracy that today, guarantees greater personal liberties and freedoms,” said Professor Obiozor. He reminded Nigerians who would like to participate in the political process that there is no substitute for the virtue of good apprenticeship. Also, those individuals should not underestimate the native intelligence.

He touted the performance of President Olusegun Obasanjo and the positive reforms his administration has instituted to make Nigeria better, particularly to have a level playing field for all groups. The Ambassador stressed, “We have another cause for optimism and celebration in our government’s commitment to meet the challenges of reviving an economy hobbled by decades of crises. We have embarked on an ambitious reform program—a people-centered, poverty-eradication program—anchored on structural reforms, infrastructure development, and privatization of public enterprises.”

He bemoaned the pessimistic view some Nigerians have about their home country. He encouraged them to be hopeful and optimistic instead of engaging in a complaint-ridden discourse. “Instead of offering excuses for failure, we have now embarked on converting our human and natural endowments into tangible assets that will guarantee Nigeria a place of honor in the global system.” He further advised, “Politically, democracy returned to Nigeria after several years of military rule. It is therefore appropriate to say that democracy is in the ascendancy in Nigeria.” The re-election of President Olusegun Obasanjo “marked the first time in the 44 years history of Nigeria when civilian to civilian transition of power was successful.” Under President Obasanjo our democracy is making steady but incremental progress in many dimensions.”

On global politics, the ambassador said, “No country in Africa has made more contributions towards the fulfillment of the basic objectives of the United Nations.”

 “It may equally be appropriate here to add that Nigeria’s relations with the United States are very cordial and mutually beneficial,” he added.

In attendance were the PNF USA National Legal Adviser, Atty. Charles U. Maduka, Chairman of PDP Dallas/Fort Worth Branch, Engr. Victor Emuakhagbon, President of Ijaw International Alliance, Mr. Hermon Alamene, President of Rivers State Foundation, Mr. King Okpobiri, Vice President of Organization of Nigerian Nationals, Mr. Samuel Ekpenyong, President of Nigerian-American Lawyers Association, Atty. George Anibowe, Dr. Richard Nwachukwu, Dr. Muhammad Aruna, Nze Tony Akabue, and Dr. Theodore Okechukwu.

Also present were the former secretary of the Women Wing of Old Orlu Progressive Association, Mrs. Ngozi Orabuchi, Special Assistant to the President on privatization, Rev. Dr. Sunday N. Onuoha, Publisher of Class Magazine, Mr. Chido Nwangwu, Publisher of African International, Mr. Michael Umunna, Secretary of ONN, Mr. Alaso Joe Jim, President of African Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Sanmi Akinmulero, Mrs. Meg Elleh, Mr. Colin Atobajewu, Engr. P. U. Okeke and Barrister Comfort Okeke, a classmate of the ambassador, and Mr. Michael Folorunso of Yoruba International, and a host of others.

The representative of the City of Dallas, Mr. James N. Falk, in his welcome remarks praised the ambassador and asked him to visit Dallas again to meet with business and community leaders.

At the question and answer session, which Samuel Adeola and Philip Odoemena moderated, the ambassador advised that people should be patient with the issue of sovereign national conference. He indicated that SNC is an idea whose time has not come. However, he said, “I’m very much convinced that the president knows what he’s doing.” Nevertheless, he suggested that people should be careful when advocating the SNC because pragmatically, you cannot have sovereign within a sovereign without committing a treasonable felony and conspiracy.

While assailing Nigerians who criticize the direction the country is going, he praised those who remit money to their families at home citing that the remittances enhance Nigeria’s economic activity.