Bianca Ojukwu’s Appointment: Hope For Kanu’s Freedom

Bianca Ojukwu’s Appointment: Hope For Kanu’s Freedom

Basil Akukwe, National President of the Global Freight Forwarders and Maritime Association (GFFMA), is optimistic that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu’s recent appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will create opportunities for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)…READ MORE…

Akukwe expressed satisfaction with the peaceful celebration of Christmas in the Southeast, noting the security that allowed Igbo individuals to return to their villages for the festivities. However, he highlighted the tragic stampedes during Christmas events in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija that resulted in fatalities, calling attention to the hardships faced by Nigerians and urging President Tinubu to reevaluate his administration’s reforms to alleviate the people’s suffering.

In a discussion about the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State and other pressing matters, he shared his thoughts.

With Donald Trump set to be sworn in as President of the United States, you were among those who predicted his re-election. What lessons should Nigerian politicians draw from the recent American presidential election?

The similarities between the United States and Nigeria’s presidential systems are notable. Competing in such an expensive electoral system requires hard work and patience, a lesson Nigerian politicians must learn to improve our electoral processes. For instance, Donald Trump actively engaged voters, even serving free burgers at local eateries. The key difference between elections in the U.S. and Nigeria lies in the electoral process itself. Nigeria has yet to fully perfect its system, and the high cost of campaigning is a downside of democracy’s presidential model.

Recent tragedies during the Yuletide raised concerns about the effects of hardship in Nigeria. President Tinubu acknowledged the impact of his administration’s reforms on purchasing power. Do you believe the focus on social investment programs can alleviate hunger and hardship?

I extend my condolences to the families who lost children in Ibadan and those who died in Abuja and Okija during the distribution of palliatives. It is indeed troubling. President Tinubu recognized that the reforms, such as the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the naira, have adversely affected purchasing power. While the president’s attendance at international summits helps establish positive relations with global leaders, it’s essential to seek debt relief and foreign assistance to combat the challenges of terrorism, insecurity, and banditry affecting Nigeria.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the termination of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu’s position due to the poor conduct of recent governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states. Do you support this call?

It is clear that many Nigerians have lost faith in INEC due to recent electoral conduct. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has led the commission for nearly two terms and has demonstrated an inability to facilitate free and fair elections in Nigeria, as seen in the recent Edo and Ondo elections. While no election is flawless, and even the recent U.S. presidential election faced challenges, it appears that the elections under Mahmood have lacked credibility. I believe he should be allowed to complete his term to leave with dignity rather than being dismissed, which would enable him to exit with some honor.

Fuel prices have recently decreased, but do you think this reduction will lead to lower essential commodity prices and ease economic struggles?

The reality is that the oil sector in Nigeria is dominated by a cabal, and those outside it have little insight into its workings. Despite recent reductions in fuel prices by Dangote Refinery and oil marketers, I doubt these changes will significantly lower prices for goods and services or alleviate the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.

Previously, you expressed skepticism regarding President Tinubu’s cabinet reshuffle, yet the appointment of Bianca Ojukwu brought about mixed reactions due to her non-APC affiliation. Do you view her appointment as politically motivated?

In my view, appointing individuals solely from the ruling party into government positions is counterproductive. However, I commend President Tinubu for fostering inclusivity by appointing capable technocrats, regardless of their political affiliations. It is vital to select the best talents for national roles. If the APC in Anambra State lacks qualified candidates, it wouldn’t make sense to appoint someone lacking the necessary skills. Ojukwu’s appointment is a commendable merit-based decision, and I believe her inclusion in Tinubu’s cabinet could facilitate Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention. With her experience as a former special adviser on Diaspora Affairs and ambassador to Spain, she is well-equipped to enhance Nigeria’s global image.

What are your expectations for the upcoming governorship election in Anambra State, considering the high level of insecurity? What steps can be taken to address insecurity in the Southeast?

The recent peaceful funeral of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah highlighted the significant contributions he made to the Southeast and to Nigeria as a whole. Restoring security in the Southeast is complex and has been a challenge since the previous administration. I urge President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, as doing so could restore peace in the region. The ongoing security issues seem to stem from a misalignment of resources and personnel in the current framework. However, I believe the administration is making strides to address insecurity, and while challenges remain, they are not as severe as they were two to three years ago. With effective leadership from the new Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and a commitment from citizens to support the military with timely information, we can collectively improve security.

Regarding the Anambra governorship election, I anticipate it will be credible, and the deserving candidate will emerge victorious.

What proposals do you have for the federal government to enhance the living standards of Nigerians?

Hunger and hardship are global issues exacerbated by conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and instability in West Africa, along with climate change. However, I believe that with President Tinubu’s efforts, the economy will soon improve. My expectation is that the new ministers will collaborate with the military to restore security and encourage agricultural activity. It’s essential that state governments implement the new minimum wage, as these actions will help restore normalcy. I urge critics of the government to offer constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges instead of merely focusing on the negative aspects.

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