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Achebe Ignorant of Nigerian Situation, says President Jonathan

By on November 13, 2011

President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday said he regretted  the decision of US based Nigeria literary giant, Prof. Chinua Achebe to once again, reject the conferment on him of the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR).

In a

statement issued on his behalf by Reuben Abati, his spokesperson, the President Jonathan also said he surprised by “Achebe’s claim that the issues which caused him to reject the same award seven years ago, still remain unresolved” arguing that the literary giant may not be aware of true contemporary political situation in Nigeria.

“Coming as it does, against the background of the widely acclaimed electoral reforms undertaken by the Jonathan Administration, the claim by Prof. Achebe clearly flies in the face of the reality of Nigeria’s current political situation.

“As reflected in the immense improvements recorded in the conduct of the last general elections which were applauded within and outside the country as the most credible elections in Nigeria in recent years, the Jonathan Administration has made tremendous efforts to positively change the political architecture complained about by Prof. Achebe and other Nigerians.

“Politically, Nigeria cannot be said to be where it was in 2004 as the Jonathan Administration has embarked on extensive electoral reforms to institute a regime of electoral integrity that all Nigerians can be proud of, believing that governance will be greatly enhanced in the country if the will of the people prevails at elections.

“While President Jonathan acknowledges that there are still challenges in the path of Nigeria’s attainment of its full potentials as a nation, he believes that his Administration is moving the country in the right direction and therefore deserves the support, encouragement and cooperation of all citizens.

“The President continues to hold Prof. Achebe in very high esteem in spite of his regrettable decision which may have been borne out of misinformation as to the true state of affairs in Nigeria and hopes that he will find time to visit home soon and see the progress being made by the Jonathan Administration for himself.

“Prof. Achebe remains in President Jonathan’s consideration, a national icon, a Nigerian of high attainments, indeed one of the greatest living Africans of our time”, Abati concluded in the statement he signed on behalf of his boss.

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  • Iremwill

    That Achebe rejected an offer, is it a crime?

  • takta

    God bless Ahebe for not been hypocritical like others, if 70% of those that accepted the awards are God fearing & patriotic, they will tour the line prof. Achebe. corruption is having a field day under this regime, instead of punishing oil subsidy mismanagement & building refinery, subsidy removal is considered, insecurity, poverty,unemployment minimum wage etc. Prof. Achebe GOD BLESS YOU. OGA JONA WAKE UP.

  • Jacobodaudu

    stop this self praise song ,indeed things have change for people in power not nigeria nor nigerian

  • Jacob Hyacenth

    Prof. Achebe is a true Nigerian indeed. For his continual refusing offer of that award because things have not change is an ideal thing.
    Our fore-fathers that brought Nigeria Independence are crying. If at 51 years of Independence of Nigeria, that Achebe is still crying that “things has fallen apart and a centre cannot hold”, the problems of Nigeria is like a chronic disease that only God can cure. God help us, so that our leaders will be conscious of what they will do for the masses, than what they will do for themselves.
    Jacob .H.U.

  • Odu453

    President Goodluck Jonathan, it´s a pity that you still continue with this military /dictatorship and nonsensical conformation of honors, when you´re making the outside world believe that you´re a democratic government. Nigeria, is the only country in the world where, corrupt politicians are honored for being corrupt, useless, and heartless. Check the endless list of the people honored by different Nigerian past and present government and tell me who´s worthy of the honor, none, not even you! Instead of honoring those people that have ruined Nigeria, I´d advice you to dissolve this military /dictatorship and nonsensical conformation of honors, and honor Nigerians by making a positive change, and saving this nation: Nigeria from the present catastrophe we´re in! Thank you very much Prof. Achebe, for your love for Nigeria and your people, lets hope for more Achebes, to safe this country. Prof. Odu, USA

  • Anonymous

    Mr President , Your second in command has promised Nigerian in Qatar .
    Within one year , they are going to have an embassy .Good . Pls follow it up.

    Qatar is are good people , I hope on his visit ,he saw how good people utilize there money to build and develop there country.

    I belief he must be imagining in his heart , what kind of beautiful place it is –Qatar .
    As an architect, sambo should immediately copy and recommend for total development projects /infrastructural developments.

    Nigeria leaders please in the Name and Fear of God, change and be good.
    STOP corruption. It has taken the entire country backward since 1960.

    Nigerian embassy here within a year

    Sambo (second from right) with Yuguda, Nwogo and Bob-Ume singing the Nigerian national anthem
    By Noimot Olayiwola/Staff Reporter
    Nigeria’s Vice-President Namadi Mohamed Sambo, who was in Qatar for the just-concluded Gas Summit, has reassured Nigerians resident here that the government will consider establishing an embassy in Qatar within the next year.
    He was speaking to Nigerian professionals working in Qatar during a reception held in his honour at the Doha Sheraton by the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation-Qatar chapter (NIDO-Qatar).
    While responding to some of the requests made to Nigeria’s highest authorities by NIDO-Qatar, which included the need for an embassy for access to consular issues, Sambo said: “We have heard all your yearnings and aspirations.
    “The government of Nigeria will look into all the issues you have highlighted and we are going to ensure you have an embassy here soon.”
    During the function, some of the issues raised by community members included the government’s plans to attract Nigerians in Diaspora back to the country, efforts to improve security of lives and property, especially in the light of the rise in the number of terrorist acts attributed to “Boko Haram”, and the effects of the planned removal of oil subsidy by the government.
    Sambo said that the government is doing all it can to ensure security back home.
    He also promised to review other issues of concerns raised by the community as well as ensure that NIDO-Qatar is constituted as part of a new initiative – the Diaspora Commission – to be launched soon by the government in the federal capital Abuja.
    Making a welcome speech on behalf of the NIDO-Qatar president Olu J Millar, NIDO-Qatar vice-president Raymond Bob-Ume, also stressed the need for an embassy in Qatar.
    “As much as we appreciate the effort and the support being rendered by the Nigerian embassy in the UAE, which is concurrently serving us here in Qatar, the entire NIDO-Qatar will like to table before you our desire to have on ground an embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Qatar,” he said.
    The organisation, which called for the strengthening of Qatar-Nigeria diplomatic relations, also sought government support to:
    * Run and operate NIDO-Qatar;
    * Support to destitute Nigerians and Nigerians in Qatar prisons;
    * Create opportunities for trade and investment for NIDO-Qatar members; and
    * Fast diplomatic action and response to issues and events affecting Nigerians in Qatar.
    Speaking at the meeting, former UAE-Qatar ambassador designate, who is presently the Nigerian minister of state for works, Bashir Yuguda urged the community to continue to be good citizens and be law-abiding.
    Present at the event were Nigerian Gas Summit committee chairman and federal senator from Abia Central, Nkechi Nwogo, senior Nigerian government officers and embassy staff as well as NIDO-Qatar executives, including the general secretary Godfrey Awinoron.

  • Anonymous

    If Achebe is wrong, why is Timipre Sylva been excluded from contesting the gubernitorial race in Bayelsa? So long as the president continue to practice the evil-principles of do or die politics, he is no different from his past-master of self-indulgence OBJ.

  • Aspeterng

    This is an illustration of the rogues taken over the government and WHY NIGERIA IS KNOWN AS BANANA REPUBLIC! On of the features of this republic is that there are no rules governing the republic! COWBOYS HAD SINCE TAKEN OVER THE CENTER STAGE, SO THE GAME IS ON, PLAY ALONG OR GET WAFT!it is in this republic that the dishonored is honored. it is this republic that the looters smiles and walk freely and shaking hands. it is in this republic that ex-convicts still have a say. it is in this republic that the deserved is not given a chance. it is in this republic that infrastructure, school system, health care have broken down the honorables are not bothered..I will forever salute the courage of Professor Achebe for rejecting that thing called national award..for him not partaking is itself honor..in global history National award and medals are given to those with selfless service to their father land not those who loots our national treasury dry and are supposed to be behind bars to teach a lesson.but one thing they should remember is that HUMAN BEING WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE AMOUNT OF HONORED HE/SHE BAGGED, BUT HIS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS HUMAN SPIRIT.OUR COUNTRY IS SHIFTING TOWARDS PRECIPICE THEY ARE PRETENDING AS IF NOTHING IS WRONG! THEY ARE BUSY AWARDING HONORS IN THE FACE OF IT. DO WE ACTUALLY NEED A SEER TO INTERPRET THIS HAND WRITING ON THE WALL?..TIME INDEED IS AN ESSENCE OF EVENT,IT WILL SURELY TELL! DON’T GET TWISTED!

  • Olutoyin Ogunmuyiwa

    Any difference yet for any Federal Government give Awards to Nigerians of present situation of Corruption Galore? If the President should confer Awards at all should be meritorously on the like people of indelible character dispensation with God fearing as Pa Chinua Achebe and not mixture with the breed of corruption impunity characters.