“Killing of Deborah Samuel, is barbaric and brutal”…Dr.Mike Uyi- President -General Global Peace Movement, UK
A-CHOICES: Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Dr. Uyi: My Name is Dr. Mike Uyi, I live here in London with my good family. I am the President General of The Global Peace Movement, An International Human Rights Organisation which started at the University of Ibadan in 1986. It started as a result of too many unnecessary students riot and constant closure of the University resulting in a motor accident while students were travelling home on each occasion. When I lost a friend in a road accident as a result of one of the riots during the time of Professor Olayide’s tenure as the VC, myself and Mr. Nworisara Nwokedi decided to form a counter organisation to resist the uncalled for riots in the University as we who never took part in any campus riots are made to pay for damages whenever the school resumes. We formed the Students Peace Commandoes to start educating fellow students not to join irrational mobilization by students Union leaders, This led to many students labeling me a government agent SSS, Babangida’s boy etc, they never really understood that we were saving lives on campus. I suffered what no student had ever suffered in the history of Nigeria Universities. First, a student ran to my car in front of SULTAN BELLO HALL and wet my car LADA WR 2028 with Petrol and set it ABLAZE THIS HAPPENED AROUND 2 AM IN THE MORNING. The second incident happened when I travelled to Benin City to see my mother during General Babangida Administration and the students were holding meetings on “Babangida must Go” issue in SRC chambers in the Student Union building and the Son of the late former Chief Justice of Nigeria by name Omon IREKEFE threw Tear Gas into the chambers and the students rushed out of the chambers with one Idea and conclusion that it’s only Mike Uyi that would have done that as he is Babangida’s boy, they went straight to my hall of residence Sultan Bello to burn down my room, the box room is a one-man room. all my books and belongings were burnt down meanwhile I was in Benin City.
A-CHOICES: Since its inception what is the conflict resolutions the Global peace Movement has participated in?
Dr.Uyi:Like i said earlier, as a very law-abiding student on campus trying to ensure there was peace on campus, the VC Prof Ayo Banjo has seen too many voluntary jobs done by the students Peace commandoes, he reported our good activities to the Oba of Benin His Royal Highness OBA ERADIUWA who was the Chancellor of University of Ibadan who then sent for me to give me a Prize and also appealed that we should see how we remove the WORD COMMANDOES as it runs contrary to the good works we are doing. We then CHANGED IT TO STUDENTS’ PEACE MOVEMENT, and after leaving the university for Europe ,it became a Global organisation worldwide in 25 Countries. We have been involved in too many conflict resolutions in many Countries. www.global-peace-movement.org There you will see all the conflicts we have helped to resolve all these years.
A-CHOICES:Global Peace Movement International, UK has called on the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio to contest the 2023 presidential race. Would you say he has the credentials and pedigree to become Nigeria’s president?
Dr.Uyi:We are not sentimental people, we believe in physically visible projects and activities. whoever has been to AKWA IBOM STATE when Senator Godswill AKPABIO was the Governor of that State will simply ask you one question, was this man born in Nigeria. the reason is that everybody in Nigeria was aware that AKWA IBOM STATE was only known for HOUSE BOYS AND HOUSE GIRLS STATE. A State with no social amenities since creation from Cross rivers state. it was also the HEADQUARTERS OF BIKES KNOWN AS OKADA IN NIGERIA. remarkably the popular singer of SWEET MOTHER PINNCE NICO MBARGA DIED FROM OKADA ACCIDENT. No taxis apart from motorbikes. it was SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO THAT CHANGED ALL THE BACKWARDNESS OF AKWA IBOM STATE. EDUCATION BECAME COMPULSORY FOR ALL INCLUDING BURSARY FOR ALL STUDENTS. THE VERY BEST STADIUM IN AFRICA, AIRPORT, GOLF COURT. RELOCATION OF PRISONS WITH FIVE STAR HOTEL GOOD ROAD THROUGHOUT THE STATE FIRST E-LIBRARY LEISURE CENTRE CALLED TROPICANA, NEW GOVERNMENT HOUSE ETC, NEVER OWED SALARIES. BROUGHT IN GODLINESS INTO THE STATE, EMPLOYMENTS, EARNED GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS. THE ENTIRE WORLD LEADERS CONFIRMED AKWA IBOM STATE AS THE MOST DEVELOPED IN NIGERIA DURING HIS TENURE. WHO WOULD NOT BEG SUCH A MAN TO QUICKLY COME OVER PARTICULARLY WHEN HIS NAME IS UNCOMMON TRANSFORMATION GOVERNOR. I CAN SELL MY HOUSE TO PROMOTE SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO, I CAN DEPORT MYSEF FOR SENATOR GODSWILL AKPABIO. HIS HEART IS TOO GOOD TOWARDS HUMANITY.
A-CHOICES: Talking 2023 elections, what are your expectations from the agents that would supervise the electoral process such as the INEC, the police, and other stakeholders like the media and other observers?
Dr.Uyi:THE EXPECTATION FROM ALL AGENCIES CONDUCTING OR SUPERVISING THE 2023 ELECTIONS IS TOTAL HONESTY AND TRANSPARENCY WITHOUT BIAS OR HELPING ANY PARTY TO RIG THE ELECTION BY INTIMIDATING OTHER PARTIES AND COMPROMISING.
A-CHOICES: A lot is going on right now in the country. There is a tussle about some parts of the electoral bill amendment, and then the security challenges in every part of the country. Do you think we are ready for 2023?
Dr.Uyi: ON THE ELECTORAL BILL, IT IS FARE FOR ALL CONTESTANTS TO BE ON THE SAME PLATFORM WITHOUT ANY DUE ADVANTAGE OVER THE OTHERS. YOU CAN NOT BE USING GOVT,APPARATUS AND MONEY TO RUN YOUR CAMPAIGN WILL OTHERS ARE BORROWING MONEY TO HIRE VEHICLES AND OTHER LOGISTICS. ON INSECURITY, IF THE AIM IS TO ELONGATE THE TENURE OF THE OFFICE BY THE GOVT, IT WILL BE RESISTED BY ALL NIGERIANS. YOU CAN SEE THAT AKPABIO RESIGNED WITHOUT WAITING FOR INSULT BEFORE LEAVING OFFICE. WE ARE READY FOR THE ELECTIONS
A-CHOICES:This is coming early, But what’s your message to the voting public in the face of these challenges we just talked about?
Dr.Uyi: GO OUT THERE REGISTER, HAVE YOUR VOTERS CARD, ITS YOUR NEGOTIATING POWER. JUST LOOK AT THE CANDIDATES PREVIOUS ACTIVITIES AND LOOK AT PAST AND PRESENT PEDIGREE. DON’T VOTE FOR CASH DISTRIBUTORS.
A-CHOICES: Would you say that Nigerians living abroad should get involved in the country’s politics as a way of supporting the leaders and helping to raise great leaders for the country?
Dr.Uyi: I DONT THINK THAT NIGERIANS ABROAD IS THE ONLY ANSWER AS WE HAVE HAD SOME OF THEM BEFORE WHO NOW CAME AND EVEN BECAME MORE GREEDY AND SATANIC IN GOVERNANCE
A-CHOICES:Talking about the youths and the rising unemployment rate in the country. There are lots of people out there that are unemployed, do you think the President and the government is doing enough to bridge this gap?
Dr.Uyi: THIS VERY GOVT IS THE WORST OF ALL TIMES IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENTS. THEY WERE NOT SURE THEY WILL WIN THE ELECTIONS. THEY WERE MORE PREPARED FOR WAR RATHER THAN LEADING OR RULING. IT TOOK PMB ALMOST SIX MONTHS TO FORM HIS CABINET
A-CHOICES: Among these populations of the Nigerian youth, we have those that are actually doing well and these sets of youths are frustrated and angry about the state of affairs, how do you think our government can change the narrative?
Dr. Uyi: ANY GOVERNMENT THAT TAKES INTEREST IN YOUTHS BY ENGAGING THEM IN MEANINGFUL PROJECTS LIKE EDUCATION, SPORTS, TECHNICAL VOCATION JOB EMPOWERMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND POULTRY JOBS FARMING WITH REWARDS FOR GOOD JOB WILL CERTAINLY CHANGE THE NARRATIVE. JOBLESSNESS IS THE KEY TO INSECURITY.
A-CHOICES: Nigeria is the largest, most populous, and richest black country in the world, but poor leadership and western influence had caused the scarce distribution of the country’s wealth?
Dr. Uyi: THE WEST IS NOT TO BLAME. THEY ONLY AMPLIFIED WHAT YOU ALREADY HAD ON GROUND SINCE AFRICA GOVT DOES NOT BELIEVE IN GOOD GOVERNANCE BUT IN INTIMIDATION OF ITS CITIZENS. DO AFRICA LEADERS NOT SEE GOOD ROADS AND INDUSTRIES WHEN THEY TRAVEL TO THE WEST, DO THEY NOT SEE THE STRUCTURES PUT ON GROUNDS IN UK AND USA, DO THE WEST TELLS YOU NOT TO CONSTRUCT GOOD ROADS, EDUCATE YOUR YOUTHS,NOT TO BUILD INDUSTRIES FOR DEVELOPMENTS. BLAME AFRICA FOR THEIR EVIL LEADERSHIP.
A-CHOICES: There have been calls for successions from different quarters of the country what do you think could be the solutions?
Dr. Uyi: SUCCESSIONS ARE A RIGHT TO ANY GROUP OF PEOPLE THAT ARE NO LONGER INTERESTED IN LIVING TOGETHER AS AN ENTITY IF THERE IS MARGINALIZATION FROM ONE SECT OF THE COUNTRY TO THE OTHER. ALL CIVILISED NATIONS HAVE DONE THAT BEFORE. ITS NOT A WAR BUT A DECLARATION OF WILL LIKE CZECKS AND SLOVAKS. YOGOSLAVIA RUSSIA INTO 16 COUNTRIES ETC. BUT IN NIGERIA IT CAN BE CORRECTED BY SIMPLE EQUITY AND BALANCE OF EQUATION OF EQUALITY IN OFFICES AND POWER BALANCING WITH LOVE AND UNITY. I LOVE A NIGERIA IN DIVERSITY NOT A DIVIDED COUNTRY.
A-CHOICES: Talking insecurity, Nigeria today is more dreadful than at the time of the civil war. Nigeria has assisted many countries in controlling and resolving problems of insecurity like Chad, Liberia, Sudan, and Sierra Leone to mention a few. But Nigeria as a nation seemed to be deficient in the intellectual capacity needed to solve her problems why is that so?
Dr. Uyi: NIGERIA IS NOT IN ANY WAY DEFICIENT IN DOING ANYTHING GOOD. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS HAVING LEADERSHIP THAT IS REALLY TOO IRRESPONSIBLE THAT CAN NOT LEARN OR MAKE CORRECTIONS, WE HAVE NOT REALLY ELECTED INTELLECTUALS THAT HAVE TRAVELLED WIDE AND EDUCATED IN MODERN CIVILIZATION. WE ARE FAR BEHIND AND THINK THE WORLD IS WAITING FOR US. WE HAVE PRIMITIVE LEADERSHIP WHO HOLDS ON TO PRIMITIVE CULTURE AND TRADITION THE WORLD HAS LEFT BEHIND. WHEN A COUNTRY HOLDS ON TO RELIGION IN A CIRCULAR STATE AND CONTINUES TO USE IT AS A TOOL OF MANIPULATION THE RESULT WILL BE TERRORISM AND FANATISM WITH WITH LAWS THAT CAN NOT BE ENFORCED EITHER BY SECTIONAL OR RELIGIOUS CONSIDERATIONS. NIGERIA HAS THE BEST AND WELL COMMITTED MILITARY BUT IT’S UNDER COMMAND AND THE BODY LANGUAGE OF THE PRESIDENT MATTERS. BUT HOPE COMES NOW THAT PRESIDENT BUHARI APPOINTED A PURE PROFESSIONAL SOLDIERS LIKE THE PRESENT CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN FARUK YAHAYA AND THE FORMER THEATRE COMMANDER GEN LUCKY ERABOR, THEY WILL CRUSH THE TERRORISTS SOONEST
A-CHOICES:How do you think the President as the General Commander of the Armed Forces can handle this alarming level of insecurity?
Dr. Uyi: PRESIDENT BUHARI HAS PROVEN HIMSELF AS NOT FIT AND NOT IN CONTROL OF THE GOVT OF NIGERIA IN TERMS OF BEING THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES BUT HE HAS WOKEN UP WITH THE PRESENT SECURITY CHIEFS WHICH INCLUDES THE EFFICIENT INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE BABA ALKALI. NIGERIA IS A SPECIAL COUNTRY ON EARTH IT WILL BE GOOD AGAIN WITH GOOD LEADERSHIP AND NIGERIANS ARE GROWN UP NOW TO ALLOW NONSENSE LEADERSHIP IN 2023.
A-CHOICES: Gender-based violence is a common social problem in Nigeria, especially in the Northern parts of Nigeria. There has been an increase in the cases of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, forced early marriage, and rape of minors since the spate of Boko haram insurgency, how can we get rid of these menaces?
Dr.Uyi: IT IS NOT PECULIAR WITH THE NORTH WHEN IT COMES TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ITS ALL OVER NIGERIA THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT WOMEN IN THE NORTHERN PARTS OF NIGERIA HAS BEEN IN PERPETUAL OPPRESSION IN THE HANDS OF THEIR MEN IN THE NAME OF RELIGION. NORTHERN WOMEN HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THEIR POTENTIALS IN THE NAME OF RELIGION EVEN AT THAT, THEY ARE VERY INTELLIGENT WOMEN. TALKING ABOUT RAPE AND OTHERS, THERE ARE NO EXCUSES TO JUSTIFY RAPE IN ANY WAY, ITS A TABOO BY BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL NORMS. BOKO HARAM IS A DELIBERATE SITUATION CREATED BY THE NORTHERN ELITES BY NOT EDUCATING THE YOUTHS IN THE NORTH BUT INDOCTRINATE THEM INTO RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AS THEIR FOOT SOLDIERS FOR VIOLENCE. BEFORE NOW, MAITASINE WAS ANOTHER RELIGIOUS GROUP LIKE BOKO HARAM BUT IT WAS DEALT WITH IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT PLAYING MACHANDISE WITH IT LIKE BOKO HARAM. EDUCATE THE YOUTHS IN THE NORTH AND EMPOWER THEM, BOKO HARAM WILL HAVE NO PLACE WITH AN EMPLOYED YOUTHS THAT ARE EDUCATED
A-CHOICES: Global Peace Movement International has strongly condemned the killing of Deborah Samuel, who was killed for allegedly blaspheming Prophet Muhammed; describing it as barbaric and brutal?
Dr. Uyi: YES LOTS OF RELIGIOUS FANATICS RESIDES IN THE NORTHERN PARTS OF NIGERIA DUE TO MASS ILLITERACY OF THE YOUTHS, THEY ARE WRONGLY EDUCATED OVER THE CORRECT MESSAGE OF ISLAM. THERE IS ONLY ONE REDLINE IN ISLAM WHICH IS LOVE. THAT IS THE REDLINE. FOR INSTRUCTION AND GOOD LIVING ON EARTH TO THE END OF LIFE. THERE IS NOWHERE IN KORAN WHERE ANYBODY IS ASKED TO KILL FOR THE HOLY PROPHETS. THOSE ADDITIONS YOU HEAR THEM SAY ABOUT KILLING ARE NOT IN THE KORAN IT IS EVEN MORE IN THE BIBLE. THOSE WHO KILLED DEBORAH MUST BE TRIED IN THE COURT OF LAW WITHOUT ANY COVER-UP. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.
A-CHOICES: She was dragged out, flogged, and stoned. The last word in her mouth, as she pleaded for mercy was ‘what do you hope to achieve with this?’Would you say that we should go our separate ways as we don’t have anything in common with the Northerners?
Dr. Uyi: DONT FORGET THAT I AM A FULANI MAN MYSELF. BY CREATION, I BELONG TO ALL TRIBES NO DISCRIMINATIONS, AM ABINI YORUBA, IGBO HAUSA MAN JOINT TOGETHER FOR GREATNESS NO ONE ASK THE PILOTS OR TAXI DRIVERS THEIR TRIBES OR RELIGION BEFORE TRAVELING WITH THEM.
A-CHOICES:The North has long been destroying itself and that the self-destruction has its root in a feudalism system that makes social and economic progress impossible. What is your take?
Dr.Uyi: THE TIME IS NOW FOR THE EDUCATED NORTHERNERS TO CHANGE THE TIDE AS THE WORLD HAS CHANGE FROM PRIMITIVE FEUDALISM OF SLAVES AND MASTER SERVANTS RELATIONSHIP. FEUDALISM IS DEAD FOREVER.
A-CHOICES: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Dr.Uyi:THE GRACE OF GOD THAT MAKES ME COMFORTABLE WITH EVERY TRIBE AND RACE AND HIS KINDNESS FOR GIVEN US LIFE ABUNDANTLY.
A-CHOICES: Final question, There was a pandemic two years ago and everywhere was on lockdown with travel restrictions in place. What were you doing during that period?
Dr.Uyi: I WAS BUSY WRITING LETTERS OF ENCOURAGEMENTS TO PEOPLE AND SENDING LITTLE THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE ALL OVER AND GOD WAS ALSO BLESSING ME ALL OVER
Author: Gbenga Teejay Okunlola
London, UK
teejayok@gmail.com
