April 2018

at April 30, 2018 0

Kenneth Obi for CRSJ 1knews


This is the concluding part of this article centered on the need to write Nigeria's history with mention of the monumental theft by its public officials and politicians.

Nigeria is what it is today because Nigerian peoples have always patiently looked on and in some instances looked away while a group of people, who call themselves leaders shamelessly set themselves to destroy the country.

And these rulers sometimes marvel at the pliability and timidity of Nigerians. They now believe that they can say or do anything and get away with it. And they do get away with it! One military dictator, after he had assiduously looted and corrupted the economy of our country, famously said he was surprised that the economy of the country had not collapsed.! And this was under his watch!

Reason and justice (for which Nigeria is not known) demand that if we cannot bring these official scoundrels to justice while they are around, we should ensure that history exposes them for the crooks they were while active in service to the nation.

Unfortunately, Nigerians who engage in writing the political history of this country and its different actors whitewash these thieving officials either while in power or outside power for diverse reasons that vary from religious affiliation through ethnic bigotry or outright intellectual laziness. They invariably invent “respectable” epithets like “Uncle”, “Pa”, “Mama”, “Elder Statesman” for them even when they have been indicted or convicted of crimes against the people of Nigeria. 

These writers who seek to make heroes of villains are as guilty as those they whitewash. They are corrupt manipulators of Nigerian history and history will be more unkind to them than to the thieving officials. They, with their pen, represent poison for the future of this country.

Thankfully, online existence of daily news of crimes committed against our nation and the availability of search engines have changed the game. In 20 or 50 or more years, we can have detailed pieces of history of malfeasance of each of our thieves. If they escape justice, their future generations will not escape the shame.

 And the time will come in this nation when the sins of the fathers will be visited on the sons….and daughters.


The people's Bishop Kenneth Obi As I ponder on one of the write-ups posted here by someone about Africa having too many churches but no morality, I remembered what a senior Army Officer told me when I called on him at Army Barracks Obinze. As I began to talk to him about the Immorality and Corruption in Nigeria, he quickly agreed that Nigeria is out of Righteousness. 

Then he gave me a shocker "by saying even the church." As a clergyman, that was really a sucker punch. With those words of the Army Officer in mind, I tend to ask: where is our Religiosity? What do we learn from the messages of our Pastors and Imams? Look at the worship places; majority of Nigerians mark the worship attendance register either on Friday or Sunday, yet Nigeria represents a textbook case of what a country endowed with so much should not be.

 Evidently, Nigerians both high and low are in permanent disconnect with the tenets of their religion. Expectedly, the Religious Republic of Nigeria is more Dysfunctional and Underdeveloped than any godless nation. This is really a Big challenge to CAN, PFN and other religious bodies in Nigeria. We are not doing enough as expected of us. 

The church is indeed out of Righteousness. It is high time we stand up to arrest the Immorality in our Society by showing good example. Avarice and Greed which has taken the place of the true gospel, should be uprooted. Let church leaders practice what they preach.

 If they do, Nigeria will be more advanced than the so-called developed Nations, considered to have the highest number of Atheists. Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice is the Best way to Go. Raising Anti Corruption Crusaders, fighting injustices in a Violent and Immoral Society
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at April 30, 2018 0
Kenneth Obi

GROUP SEEKS LIFE JAIL FOR CORRUPT POLITICIANS (Page 32, New Telegraph, Tuesday, March 20, 2018)

Steve Uzoechi
Owerri
Edited by Kenneth Obi


A group, the Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice (CRJ) said that life jail was most appropriate for any politician convicted for corrupt practices in the country.

This was contained in an address delivered by its Chairman, Bishop Kenneth Obi, during social justice procession in Owerri.

Other articles by Kenneth Obi

A keynote speech by Kenneth Obi

Guilty as charged

Nigerian is heading somewhere

We must make political offices less attractive

Nigerian in My heart of hearts

Obasanjos letter to Buhari my view

While stating that life sentence for corrupt politicians would serve as a deterrent to public office holders, Bishop Obi pleaded with the senate to make a law to that effect.

He said: " I believe strongly in the law of cause and effect. To build a new Nigeria, it all lies in our hands, all hands must be on deck. A new Nigeria is possible but will not be achieved by merely wishing and saying it: we all need to work for Nigeria's greatness. It is a collective responsibility.

" Until our senate and lawmaking bodies can enact laws that will send corrupt politicians to life jail, impudence will always be the order of the day. As a people, we must all denounce bribery and corruption. The norm that says: never give bribe, never take bribe, should be upheld.

"It takes the resolve and determination of the people. The procession you see today is an expression of our conviction in CRJ that a new Nigeria is possible."
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at April 30, 2018 0
Kenneth Obi

A KEY NOTE SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN, BISHOP KENNETH OBI ON THE OCCASION OF THE SOCIAL JUSTICE PROCESSION OF CITIZENS FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE HELD IN OWERRI, IMO STATE
ON THE 16TH DAY OF MARCH, 2018.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome the galaxy of distinguished personalities, men and women from all parts of the country who are here in Imo State for this occasion.

I am, therefore, particularly delighted that the first procession for social justice by CRJ is taking place in Imo State.

Ladies and gentlemen, it takes a man with an unwavering faith, and a high level of belief, to chant these words either in public or private, the words A new Nigeria is Possible. " No gainsay, very few believe in a new Nigeria, but amongst the few,

I am one of them. Though, it’s hard to believe anyway, considering the fact that, it has been long this song of positive change, and better future hast been sung, and even up till now, there are still no visible signs that things will get better, what we observed is rapid decline, and heavy sinking into abyss of corruption and hopelessness, then the question is, Who is to blame; the leaders, or her citizens?



Other articles by Kenneth Obi

Guilty as charged

Nigerian is heading somewhere

We must make political offices less attractive

Nigerian in My heart of hearts

Obasanjos letter to Buhari my view

My agenda for 2019


As we blame the leaders, we should blame the followers as well, because a maximum contribution to the negative developments, and setbacks experienced in our country also comes from the citizens.

I believe strongly in the law of cause and effect, To build a new Nigeria, it all lies in our hands, all hands need to be on the deck. A new Nigeria is possible, but that can never be achieved with mere wishing and sayings, we all need to work for her greatness. It’s a jointed effort.

From my own point of view, a new Nigeria can only be possible, if the under-listed points are addressed, and treated with utmost regard.

✓ Until Nigeria can produce selfless leaders, we cannot reach anywhere. 

✓ Until we stop being pessimistic and believe strongly in our minds, that a new Nigeria is possible, our efforts will always be negated with unbelief

✓ Everyone needs to say no to bribery and corruption. The law ‘never to give bribe and never to collect bribe’ should be upheld

✓ Until Our beloved Senate can enact laws that will send corrupt politicians to life jail, impudence will always be the order of the day

Finally, let us advocate for true Federalism as practised by the U.S Government, for an arrangement where none of the major ethnic group will feel marginalized, and treated unfairly.


At Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice (CRJ), we advocate for a NEW NIGERIA, where law and orderliness will be enforced, where corruption and mismanagement will be pushed into annals, where there will be better governance and accountability of her leaders. 
Hence the theme of today's procession " Fighting for Righteousness and Social Justice in a violent and Immoral World". 

Thank you and God bless.
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at April 30, 2018 0
Kenneth Obi for CRSJ

Nigeria is out of Righteousness even the Church! The police is not the only institution that is guilty as charged in masses court. They are not the only one troubling this country, blessed by nature, but cursed by the very hand that should nurture and nourish it.

 Another institution behind the fate of this country, troubling it and tossing it up and down like a leaf that has fallen off a tree into a river, is the judiciary. Our learned friends have left the future of Nigeria to the waves.

The justice system, in other climes, has no sacred cows, no “untouchables” when there is evidence of wrong doing. When in Nigeria will we adopt the same? When will we the people stop shielding former leaders from arrest? 

When will we understand that a few thousands paid to rent a crowd can never make up for the billions in foreign currencies which should have gone to empowering us as a people?

“How are the lawyers the problem?

I will tell you. When people steal money, they run to lawyers, who defend them as if they did nothing wrong.

Lawyers defend blue murder. To them, the fountain of justice must soothe the throat of all – murderers, rapists and arsonists. All.

A man confesses to committing murder, but his lawyer urges the court to free him because “ he was extremely provoked” to pull the trigger. If he fails to persuade the judge, he pleads “for leniency. When all that fails, the prosecution insists that justice be served and the judge agrees with him, the defense pleads for the “mitigation of sentence”.

Other articles by Kenneth Obi

Nigerian is heading somewhere

We must make political offices less attractive

Nigerian in My heart of hearts

Obasanjos letter to Buhari my view

Another confesses to robbing the state of cash, huge cash that is enough to build schools and hospitals, fight insurgents and pay our suffering workers.
 Lawyers – the ones called SAN; those are the best money can get, favourite of the rich and mighty because of their power to turn things around in a magical manner that keeps everyone exclaiming: ‘ah! Let’s fear God oh’ – tell him to plead not guilty.

They will, with so much passion and incredible certitude, tell the judge they object to the charge. If he rejects the objection, they urge him to disqualify himself from the case because, they will state boldly, there is a likelihood of his being biased because his cousin’s son was a party to a matter in a court of coordinate jurisdiction about ten years ago.

If they see that this may not work, they will then ask the accused, the one who confessed to stealing but feels no sense of guilt, to surrender a negligible portion of what he has stolen. It is called plea bargain. No contrition. Nor remorse. He is left off the hook and he is told to go in peace and sin no more.

The lawyer’s dexterity at using his skills to avert justice and pervert the principles of Jurisprudence is not helping, but the question remains: don’t judges have the final say?

The Judges themselves are corrupt. So where lies the hope of the common man?
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at April 30, 2018 0
Kenneth Obi for CRSJ

Though every thing in Nigeria seems to be going in circles, all we need do is to proffer practical solution to many problems around us. Let's not seem so confused and consumed with our many problems,

Let's make effort to help issues. Many seem so relaxed and coping with our situations, no single sign of positive changes is taking place, no genuine plan of action to bring us back on track, atimes we are even too proud of our selves and our failed nation.
We refused to see ourselves the way others sees us ,we are just lost.

However, I have a dream. Nigeria is going somewhere. I see a new Nigeria built on Justice and Equity, where Corruption will be an abomination and Injustices eradicated to the barest minimum. A new Nigeria for all irrespective of our ethnic nationalities.

I have a dream. Nigeria is heading somewhere and Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice (CRJ) is the Best way to Go.

Other articles by Kenneth Obi

We must make political offices less attractive

Nigerian in My heart of hearts

Obasanjos letter to Buhari my view



JACOB ZUMA'S RESIGNATION: MY OPINION


President Zuma's resignation appears to be the only integrity he demonstrated throughout his presidency. 

I consider his exit a Good riddance. Africa seems to be making progress democratically and it is my hope that Nigeria which is Africa's giant will learn from Zimbabwe and South Africa. People's Bishop, Rotarian Kenneth Obi
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at April 30, 2018 0
Kenneth Obi CRSJ

We live in an environment where a majority of the electorates and political party men see politics as a short path to quick riches .

This same electorates and party chieftains, who will daily lament about the absence of the dividends of democracy at most levels and arms of governance are the same folks, who will go to extreme ends to extort monies from political office aspirants and candidates for elections.

From campaign for Primaries to securing the respective parties nominations to the general elections proper, some of these same greedy folks who complain that the politicians have failed them, will mount diverse criminal and exploitative road blocks to extort tens and hundreds of millions of naira from those seeking for political offices. This is a very tragic commentary about our political and governance situations today in Nigeria .

Other articles by Kenneth Obi

Nigerian in My heart of hearts

Obasanjos letter to Buhari my view


My little knowledge about the political space in Nigeria taught me how greed , gluttony, avarice and wickedness amongst a vast majority of the so called public opinion molders and political leaders have contributed to keep Nigeria in very retrogressive state. 


The monies we spent over two years during those periods would have comfortably been adequate to built and furnish some substantial number of units of decent apartments in new owerri capital territory or even set up cottage factories .

So, the nagging question is .... What do we do to make public and political offices/positions less attractive ? What do we do to enlighten our people on the dangers of stomach infrastructure driven /led politics?

We need to go back to the 1960 Federal and Regional constitutions in Nigeria. We need to make political offices a part time thing with less perks and appurtenances .

Come 2019, everyone must be a volunteer and contribute his or her own mite for us to redeem our land. If you are not okay with this best normal development, one can stick with the old order and then come back to continue lamentation till 2023 .
God help us!
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at April 22, 2018 0

Kenneth Obi for CRSJ


This is a special message to all NIGERIANS in the Diaspora.

WE have all seen what life and people focused development is in the diaspora. I know your hearts must be bleeding now for your country just like mine does everyday.
Shall WE keep watching while our people suffer daily from one oppressive and uncaring regime to another?

Shall WE keep watching them loot our Nation dry?
Shall WE keep Watching them destroy the Future of our Youth and the Nation's manpower while they keep their families abroad?

MY PLEA
Let us come together, unite and rebuild our Nation.
WE have no other Nation WE can truly call our Own. Majority of us are sojourners where WE are.
Many of us will eventually return home, mostly in our old ages. Which type of home and nation do WE want to return to?

Let's use 2019 to Change the plight of our nation and People forever.

Kenneth Obi special adage to Nigerian Youths

There is a Tree in Asia called Chinese Bamboo. Its seed stays underground for 5 years without germinating but when it does, it grows 50 Feet in 1 week. What is important is not how long it delays but how fast it grows.

What orders read: Obasanjo's letter to Buhari

Don't give up on your dream no matter how long it stays underground. It's just laying a foundation to shoot. It's not Dead; Continue watering it. Remember delay is not denial. Be patient, God has raised your banner.

Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice is the Best way to Go. Raising Anti Corruption Crusaders fighting injustices in a violent and Immoral world. 08038276188, 08033376734, 08038754069 & 07034463316.
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at April 22, 2018 0

The People's Bishop Kenneth Obi  CRSJ




Former President Obasanjo in his letter , in my view, has told President Buhari the TRUTH and this is very commendable. It's now entirely up to President Buhari and his supporters to accept or reject this open truth, but truth is truth whether it is accepted or not. We have to move forward, we can't continue this way.

What we have on our hands are those who are expected to offer leadership but who are not. We have people who occupy offices but are not interested in the welfare of the people. They are not interested in offering good governance to arrest the crisis in our country.

We need leaders who are ready to take the country to a higher level. We need leaders who are ready to harness the resources, both human and material, that God has given to us as a nation. As we talk today, there are millions of Nigerians who go to bed hungry, people whose children are out of school. Nigerians cannot afford to continue to recycle people who have been tested and failed.

Nigeria needs a clear departure from what we have known so far. And that will include former President Olusegun Obasanjo himself. Nigerians are now recognizing that they cannot continue to elect the people with a proven lack of interest in the common good and expect that the country would move forward.

What we have seen so far with both of these two frontline parties, including those in the National Assembly, is about personal interest or interest of some particular groups. People need to use the power they have to ensure that they choose the right people come 2019. 

Read also: 2019 Agenda for Nigeria

Personally, I do not wish to see anybody who has been in any position of government before. I don’t want to see them again. I don’t want to see anybody coming to play godfather for us. Let us as a people think and reflect on what will bring us good. 

God Bless Nigeria. I see a Better Nigeria.

Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice is the Best way to Go. Raising Anti Corruption Crusaders fighting injustices in a violent and Immoral world. 08038276188, 08033376734, 08038754069 & 07034463316.
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at April 21, 2018 0

Nigerian Agenda 2019


By  People's Bishop Kenneth Obi

There is no part of Nigeria that will not welcome good roads, clean running water, constant electricity, efficient public transportation system, eye popping infrastructure, all round quality education and well equipped hospitals that are not “mere consulting clinics”.

Ideally, Nigerians should constantly feel a sense of outrage because they are always short-changed by those they voted into office; the history of poor outcomes dating back to 1999 ought to provoke a major outrage and national conversation for transparent leadership from their leaders at all levels.

Unfortunately, the tragedy is that the majority of Nigerians are still finding it difficult to understand that they hold the power to turn things around by voting out the “bad guys” because of the sobering statistics of underdevelopment that we are confronted with yearly. Elections can be rigged but we can also refuse to be used by politicians; it means election rigging and its twin cousin of violence can be avoided if we are thinking properly.

Instead of politics of ideas, we have been held down by politics of patronage, identity, bitterness, acrimony and do-or-die which ensures that the same set of politicians – some of them stark illiterates and others who claim to be educated neither possessing knowledge or vision – are re-cycled every election season.

Let's vote wisely come 2019. If we are able to reach the hearts of Nigerians with this all-important message, there is every likelihood that it will change the destiny of Nigeria come 2019.

Read also How a Nigerian TV presenter married two of his colleagues


God Bless Nigeria. I see a Better Nigeria.

Citizens for Righteousness and Social Justice is the Best way to Go. Raising Anti Corruption Crusaders fighting injustices in a violent and Immoral world. 08038276188, 08033376734, 08038754069 & 07034463316.
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