It is incredible and a near miracle that ASA-USA is still alive and well today. Unfortunately some of us have lost or rather forgotten the essence of this great association, and as such, very willing to take ASA-USA recklessly down the road to total destruction. What a shame!! We need to be reminded that the association is not about Dr. Allison Anadi, Olisa Oraelosi et al, or perhaps about Pius Okafor, Chris Ikeanyi, et al. ASA-USA is definitely bigger than all of us combined.
Digressing for a moment, what about the wonderful folks of Anambra State, some of them with very humble backgrounds and less fortunate? They desperately need the services provided by the association. How come nobody is seriously concerned, addressing or emphasizing their needs? With the various missions conducted, ASA-USA has succeeded in adding values and making a difference in their lives.
Why is nobody talking about all these? Why? How come nobody is willing to take responsibility when things go wrong for the association? Just maybe everyone has become holier-than-thou, and thus no self-deprecation. And this is why some individuals have come across as mere jackass because it appears they cannot help themselves. Leadership is all about service, and confident individuals do not worry about their status, position, or power. They earn their respect and dignity through diligence, integrity, transparency, and among other things, responsibility.
Moving forward, it is almost impossible to be part of the problem and part of the solution simultaneously. To become a renegade and at the same time attempt to solve the problems confronting ASA-USA is mystical. And unfortunately that is where we are today. Some individuals felt it was better and easier to become turncoats instead of staying under one umbrella, putting heads together and figuring out how to deal with problems confronting ASA-USA. Expediency is sometimes not the best option as we have seen in this situation.
Resentment, particularly when excessive, defies logic, leads to destruction, unending pain and misery, and the outcomes never seem to make sense. One of the greatest leaders of our time couldnt have said it any better. According to Nelson Mandala, resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies. Now here is the question- Which enemy is Pius Okafor and Chris Ikeanyi attempting to destroy? Hopefully it is not ASA-USA. But the belligerent nature of their write-ups are so terribly loaded perhaps in an attempt to boring into ASA-USAs vital core like a worm into a rotten apple.
The magnitude of venom, vitriol, and petulance is outlandish, and uncalled for. Guys, you can do better. Why attempt to destroy ASA-USA? Take it from me, it will not amount to an achievement Folks, I personally know Oliver Nwabude, honorable President of ASA-USA Atlanta Chapter, and all the allegations put forth against him and the IMB are absolute rubbish and complete regurgitation of idiocy. Mr. Nwabude is one of the finest gentlemen and because of his stunning example of integrity, humility, our local chapter has grown to over 75-person strong, I kid you not. Please feel free to verify my information should you know anyone in Atlanta.
And furthermore, I was in New Jersey during the bona fide ASA-USA national convention in 2014, and was one of the individuals that pleaded profusely with Oliver Nwabude to take over the reign of ASA-USA. I dont know about you, but for some of us, it was imperative that we did everything possible to save ASA-USA. To this end, we wanted him to replicate his success story here in Atlanta at the national level. It was sorely needed.
Mismanagement or misappropriation cannot be condoned or accepted, but there should be a civil, professional, and a smart way of addressing such. As upset and disappointed as anyone might be, the destruction of ASA-USA cannot be the trajectory. I have incidentally seen some of the checks in question, written by Olise Oraelosi, and they were actually employed toward the services provided by the association. Personally, I have urged him to release all these checks regardless, with corresponding notes, and let the chips fall where they may. And that is part of the process of taking full responsibility without fear, favor, or prejudice.
Moving forward, I hope Pius Okafor and Chris Ikeanyi are not questioning the capability and leadership ability of our insightful and dynamic governor. Last time I checked, it was our governor, Chief W. Obiano, that appointed Mr. Cyril Agupugo as his SSA on Diaspora matters. Both of you may not like or appreciate Mr. Agupugo, but for goodness sake, kindly respect his office and of course, the governor who appointed him. Should you have issue with the way he discharges his duties and responsibilities, feel free to present them with respect, civility, and professionalism. The slew of insults and disparaging statements emanating from you guys are very troubling and very disappointing just to say the least. We need to be very careful with our statements particularly when they are not factual.
Let me quickly add that Mr. Cyril Agupugo is also one of the finest and straightforward individuals. Because he attended the same secondary school with Dr. Anadi or lived in Atlanta or worked with the former governor, chief Peter Obi or from Agulu, has absolutely nothing to do with his ability to discharge his duties and responsibilities. And by the way, are you guys also insinuating that the individuals that attended the same secondary school with our current governor and serving in his administration are not qualified or competent enough to be there? Folks, this is not rocket science. Please dont take delight in tearing people down unnecessarily.
Finally, while we are entitled to our opinions, we are not entitled to our own facts. Always, it is ideal to embrace and stick with the facts, period. If we seek genuine peace and reconciliation, then epiphany cannot be convoluted with more innuendoes. That is simply compounding the status quo which, of course, is no longer acceptable. And casting aspersions on the asparagus of Honorable Oliver Nwabude and Honorable Cy Agupugo are not a smart and efficient way of putting ASA-USA back together. We all need to take a deep breath, take a time out, and search our souls.
May God bless Anambra State and, of course, Nigeria,
Emmanuel Eziakor
