Sunday 25 January 2009

Peter Ihaza Resignation Speech

"Gentlemen you are all welcome to this meeting. It is my wish to progress as fast as possible as important decisions are to be made today.

Since its foundation by well meaning Nigerians, The Nigerian Union has come a long way. The Union has had it ups and downs but today, it is still surviving. I do not wish to dwell on the achievements of my administration at this point in time, but rather to use this opportunity to thank all those who have been stead fast in their support to see that, despite the difficulties, we still make headway. My particular thanks go to Endy, Sammie and Dr. Baderinwa who remained to give their support and not the least, to my family who suffered the burden of running the Union with me.

While some people were working hard to see to the success of the Union, some people were busy destroying the good image of the Union and by their
actions denting the reputation of other members.

For the Union to continue to survive, from my experience in Office, those elected to lead should be able to at least, READ , WRITE , SPEAK AND COMPREHEND ENGLISH to avoid a situation where the constitution is read upside down or duty and privilege are misunderstood and (leads to the arrogation of undue powers).

You will agree with me that nothing in the entire world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege and some members of the executive have wallowed in this ignorance over and over again.

You may wonder why they were not punished, well, the constitution was found wanting and in retrospect, I partially fault myself for at least not trying to expose such person/s. This person has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire.

Now, I have learnt to BE SURE I KNOW A MAN WELL BEFORE I VOUCH FOR HIS CREDIT. I BETTER REFUSE THAN SUFFER LATER.

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victim’s is the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies.

Half the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm-- but the harm does not interest them. Or they do not see it, or they justify it because they are absorbed in the endless struggle to think well of themselves.

We have seen all types of meddlers from ordinary citizens, through some selected members of the some committees and the representatives of Government in Hungary. We should be aware of these folks in the future.

There were also those who hid under the clout of religion to perpetrate their mischievous acts. My friends, the secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible. What you preach should be what you practise be you a Christian, Muslim or a Traditionalist. Otherwise, we would confuse faith with the supposedly faithful. That would be intrinsically dangerous.

Some people held several meetings to use the multi-ethnic nature of our country, Nigeria to the detriment of our aspiration to be one united Union. I am not unaware of the pressure mounted on some well meaning Nigerians not to participate in the activities of the Union by some negatively tribalistic individuals who have nothing to offer save for the tribal marks on their faces. Please, let us use our diversity to strengthen the Union and ourselves.

Despite all the difficulties encountered above, the Union must continue and that is the only way forward, so that, the good that has been done so far would not be in vain.

The present constitution provides for that continuity. In line with the constitution, after two terms, I cannot as an officer re-contest for the same position. The two terms allowed for my administration has come and passed.

As you are all aware, attempts have been made to organize elections to elect people to run the affairs of the Union which unfortunately have been unsuccessful.

I do not wish to forfeit the confidence of my fellow citizens that can be hard to regain. I do not want to be perceived as a power hungry fellow and I wish to destroy the doubts of the Thomas’s we have. Some important changes in my life have taken place which are very demanding and urgent.

Despite the unsuccessful elections, we still have to go on with the Union but at this point in time, I believe it would most appropriate for some other group of people less tired to organise the elections and usher in a new executive. Consequently, from the 10Th of April, 2007, all official matters concerning the day to day running of the Nigerian Union shall be handled by a Care Taker Committee. The contact information of the members shall be made known to every one.

The committee shall be saddled with the responsibility of a transition government.

Thank you once again for giving me the opportunity to serve."


Peter Ihaza
Peter Ihaza
President, Nigerian Union, Hungary
Elnök, Nigériai Egyesület, Magyarország
+36309345443
ihazap@vnet.hu
msn: ihaza
yahoo: ihaza
skype: ihazapeter