As we approach the zero hour for our
convention holding in New York, I have read with interest the different proposals espoused by delegates and concerned
Anambrarians on the way(s) to move our State forward. I note the energy and interest pervasive in the analysis
of the various technological, agricultural, environmental, and social angles from which several writers expressed
their insight and made their proposals. I was tempted to not contribute further as we seem to have more than enough
on the table to consider. However, I feel that my token contribution may have its mark and hopefully we can harmonize
these proposals with the expectation that the leaders that be will not turn our energy into a heap of garbage as
has been the case in the times past. I have very little confidence that business at Awka will not be as usual any
longer.
For a state blessed with our cultural, business, and intellectual might to become a laughing stock in our country
is tragic at best. I look at our tormentors, both internal and external and shudder at their mistaken belief in
our Armageddon. Anambra has produced some of Nigeria's finest in the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nwafor Orizu,
Chief Alex Ekwueme, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu. They have long produced the pace setters in various business empires.
Our recent ill luck could not be separated entirely from our nation's hard luck. The difference varies in phantom
degrees. Just like our country was cut out from the clutches of colonialism with little attention and preparation
for viable leadership, Anambra State was created by Military fiat and has since fumbled and stumbled in its relentless
search for political and economic stability.
We have been bedeviled with leaders whose entrance to the Anambra State Governor's Mansion and other offices were
conducted under suspicious circumstances and mostly without the will and participation of the people. The result
has been a woeful interplay of banditry, disrespect for the office, and sometimes utter cluelessness about the
mission and purpose for the offices they occupy.
To move Anambra forward under the present leadership and in the light of the above circumstances is a real challenge.
We are very mindful of the leaders' initial efforts to curry public favor in displaying veined purposefulness,
propagation of piety and astuteness and dissemination of verbal jargon aimed at hoodwinking us to believe in the
new messiah. I am very unimpressed and we shall resolve to take a singular action that will test the veracity of
these interlopers. To this end, I propose thus:
THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT
OF DR. CHRIS NGIGE SHOULD, AS MATTER OF URGENCY, PROPOSE A BILL TO HIS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, TO CREATE A DEPARTMENT
OF DIASPORA AFFAIRS.
This department shall be headed and chaired by our approved director. His/her mission is to liaise between the
government and our various brothers and sisters worldwide, to create the enabling contact for small scale and medium
scale entrepreneurs wishing to locate in the State. This department shall have the duties to travel and initiate
projects for Diasporans including voluntary service by Diasporans wishing to give a little of their time to various
areas of our state's needs. This department will provide security attaches, if needed for Diasporans on visit to
the State who may so need. This department may be staffed and paid by Diasporans if need be, to prove to the government
that we can effectively assist the government in ways that will be positively and mutually beneficial. Unless and
until we decide to be directly involved in our State Affairs, we will again be playing host to yet another comedian
or chameleon poised to prey on our undeniable vulnerability - the love for our State.
Attorney Mike Ozulumba
Anambra State Association - Boston (ASA-Boston)
Publicity Director