A Stitch In Time

To: All Nigerians

       All Former Exco Members

       All Elderly Statesmen

       All Reverend Ministers

       All Exco Members

 

Fellow Nigerians:

 

I am constrained to adopt this medium to reach out to you concerning the trend of events over the past few months. The definite past had seen us as a people who speak with one voice despite our ethnic, religious, socio-economic, and political orientation and diversities among others. Together, we had performed the incredible, survived all circumstances and forces that confronted us as foreigners in our host country. We had ever remained our brothers’ keepers. We have always tried to preserve the integrity and reputation of our native country. Despite inevitable phenomena, we have strived to protect the image of Nigeria which is always dented by desires.

 

Politically, we had fallen apart, but we were able to readdress issues that brought us to a united front. We celebrated and rejoiced over our achievements. God has blessed and prospered us in our work, business, mission, family and other endeavors. The population of our children continues to grow; our businesses continue to expand; our cars continue to increase in number. I must not fail to appreciate you for your responsible conduct in the second quarter of 2011. It has been calm, peaceful and serene. Instead of getting sad news of delinquent conducts, we have heard stories of philanthropic Nigerians making generous donations to Cambodian destitute. This is a character worthy of emulation, which depicts us as true Nigerians. But what is happening today? They are at it again. Who knows what next?

 

Despite our knowledge of who we are, we seem to have ignored the pillar of our unity. We have forgotten that we are in a foreign land with unpredictable temperament. We now seem like the little bird ‘Nza’ who challenged his god to a duel after he had eaten to his satisfaction. We assume there will never be a rainy day, but reject the idea that all days are not Christmas. How could we let all our effort over the past few years go to the drain? Is it because of our wealth? Is it because of our pride? Is it because of our personality? Is it because of our individual loggerhead with each other? Pride goes before a fall, and all fingers are not equal.

 

I have received a lot of opinions on the phone, online, and person to person from some concerned Nigerians over the fact that the Nigerian Community in Cambodia is at the brink of collapse. Some have even questioned my authority. Unfortunately, those who have contacted me as an elder have not been quite patriotic. The Association cannot be run on mobile phones, whether voice message or SMS, nor can it operate online. In the same vein, it is not constituted in a restaurant. The bottom line is the fact that Nigeria is not a private property. It is not a personal effect or an individual possession.

 

As the adviser, I am solo. I have been deserted by those who should chip in their voices for the welfare of the Nigerian community. The previous administration did their best to bring us where we are today. Their perseverance and tenacity left us with certain legacies for which we must remain grateful. It is rather deplorable that some figures in the emeritus preferred to stand aloof and let things go from bad to worse. Where are the other creams of significant personalities – the Nigerian elders, elderly statesmen, the clergy, the think tanks, etc.? What is the implication of being a patriotic Nigerian? If we find fault in one another, we should not forget that nobody is perfect. An adage says, “A goat that is jointly owned usually dies of hunger while the owners argue over who should get the foliage.”

 

This is typical of our predicament. I must warn that we are sitting on a keg of gunpowder. I must also state categorically that we are about to extinguish the fire we got from the spirit world. We no longer come together to speak with one voice. Our bonds of unity have depleted and the Association’s days are numbered if we do not rally round to salvage it immediately. I must caution you that we are about to lose our secretariat – the only place that we exercise the liberty to gather conveniently to deliberate our concerns. I will not advocate “To your tents Oh Israel” That will speak doom. Everybody will take responsibility for this. It would be regrettable if we decide to share the blame when it is too late. Had I known comes at last.

 

We have an executive committee, but we have not motivated them enough to perform; there is no effective leadership without effective followership. It is not fair to criticize an administration we have yet given no room to implement its agenda. We elected them, and power belongs to the people. If for any reason we feel that they do not meet our demands, we should come forward in the forum where we gave them the mandate and withdraw their mandate. Definitely, not all Nigerians in Cambodia will hold offices. There is democratic room to propose the right candidate if, justifiably by all ramifications, the incumbent are not representing our interest. If the situation calls for a referendum, then let us come out and vote for our security and welfare.

 

I do not blame anyone who has isolated himself or herself, but I invite you to come forward and let us express our grievances. You will be guaranteed constitutional attention. Nobody is above the law. The Association is not a forum for competition; it is a forum for our general welfare.

 

We should not sacrifice our unity on the altar of pride or self esteem. The development has caused me sleepless nights, and it is hard for me to bear this burden any longer. I am making this clarion call for any individual who identifies himself or herself as a true Nigerian to come and participate in a general assembly at the secretariat on Sunday, July 31, 2011 at 5 p.m. The gathering will address issues that threaten the Association and our welfare.

 

Please heed this note of warning:

We will jeopardize our stay in Cambodia, and in addition,

We will lose our reputation;

We will lose our unity of purpose;

We will lose the dignity in our voice;

We will lose our sense of oneness;

We will lose our respect and drag Nigeria’s image to the mud;

We will be like sheep without a shepherd;

We will lose our tenancy and possession of the secretariat, and a lot more if this message is disregarded. Let us not enjoy the fool’s paradise because if the ear does not listen it goes with the head when it is decapitated. To be fore warned is to be fore armed.

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

 

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long Live the Kingdom of Cambodia

Long Live the Nigerians in the Kingdom of Cambodia

 

Bede O.C. Uwalaka

Special Adviser