KPRC’s “Internship” story series: between Investigative Story and Political Hit Job

In the media clan, political hit job can be crookedly camouflaged as an investigative news, especially when the story segment is suffused by sentiments, lacks integrity, and denotes a blatant show of unfairness.

Investigative Journalism often entails an in-depth story examination with the purpose to either uncover fraud or test various policy actions for public attention. In the newsroom confraternity, one major challenge in managing report process standards is having trained researcher-reporters who understand the fundamental techniques about the subject.   However, this process becomes a hit job where it is bastardized into a destructive political vendetta to appease specific political interests.


BY ANTHONY OBI OGBO

Perhaps if Mr. Marvin Agumagu’s name was “Marvin White,” KPRC 2’s headlines would have read differently and most positively, too.”


Using media to systematically cajole undecided voters or a gullible populace to favor specific interests or candidates is not new in America’s politics.  Last year, the National Enquirer parent company, American Media Inc., paid $150,000 in hush money to suppress alleged mistress of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump prior to the 2016 election. Specifically, David J. Pecker, chairman and CEO, admitted paying off a former Playboy model to crush her account of an alleged sexual affair that could have jeopardized Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

Using media to systematically cajole undecided voters or a gullible populace to favor specific interests or candidates is not new in America’s politics.

Therefore, it might not be a coincidence that Tony Buzbee, one of Mayor Turner’s major contenders in the upcoming City general election immediately hit the campaign ground with a video collage of KPRC 2 News pieces. It is also not a coincidence that same week, Buzbee injected into his promotional networks, a whopping $2.5 million, pumping up his campaign treasury to almost $10M from his pocket. Yes, his pocket.

David J. Pecker, chairman and CEO, admitted paying off a former Playboy model to crush her account of an alleged sexual affair that could have jeopardized Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

In the media clan, a political hit job can be crookedly camouflaged as investigative news, especially when the story segment is suffused by sentiments, lacks integrity, and denotes a blatant show of unfairness.  For the record, this story centers on the validity and ethical implications of a 31-year-Marvin Agumagu, who was offered a position in an airport’s Executive Internship Program. KPRC 2 News rightly needed information.  But retrieving this information from the Mayor’s office was never an issue. Indeed, it was a matter of public information request as the law permits.

It is barbaric for KPRC 2 News reporters to stalk Houston’s mayor and chase him around all corners of his official business venues with cameras for information they conveniently had access to.

Therefore, it is barbaric for KPRC 2 News reporters to stalk Houston’s mayor and chase him around all corners of his official business venues with cameras for information they conveniently had access to. When KPRC 2 News was finally done, it declared in another watery story, “Mayor Turner finally answers questions on camera about intern paid $95K annually.” For God’s sake, what is the difference between written responses made available to the media and the same responses expressed on camera? Of course, the whole idea was to create sensational videos for specific Mayor Turner’s political opponents for the upcoming elections.

We can take this to the banks, but if Mr. Agumagu is guilty of any sin, it must be unconnected with his ethnicity, his color, and his rapport with the City of Houston–fourth largest city in the United States presided by a Black Mayor who has refused to yield to the mainstream media tyranny.  

This story which persevered for almost three weeks without an iota of new information did not establish how $95,000 annual salary is inappropriate for a senior staff analyst who attained three advanced degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree and a law degree. Yet KPRC 2’s story totally scorned a reasonable investigation of Mr. Agumagu’s workforce competence, rather, it focused on his salary and hiring process to generate a drumfire of negative political attacks to bully the Mayor. The story hammered consistently on discrepancies over specific emails, mayor’s statements, and the program’s design process.

Perhaps if Mr. Marvin Agumagu’s name was “Marvin White,” KPRC 2’s headlines would have read differently and most positively, too.  

Besides his unmatched academic feats, Mr. Agumagu is not an entry-level rookie and would not have been hired to make coffees and teas as KPRC 2’s story sarcastically implied. My goodness, this dude has worked around local governments, facilitated projects, and maintains vast knowledge on international business, politics, and diplomacy–a skill-set consequential to the core mission of the Houston Airport systems in expediting an upper echelon of international connectivity for Houston’s growing diverse population.

Stalking Mayor Turner: Therefore, it is barbaric for KPRC 2 News reporters to stalk Houston’s mayor and chase him around all corners of his official business venues with cameras for information they conveniently had access to.
Stalking Mayor Turner: Therefore, it is barbaric for KPRC 2 News reporters to stalk Houston’s mayor and chase him around all corners of his official business venues with cameras for information they conveniently had access to.

We can take this to the banks, but if Mr. Agumagu is guilty of any sin, it must be unconnected with his ethnicity, his color, and his rapport with the City of Houston–fourth largest city in the United States presided by a Black Mayor who has refused to yield to the mainstream media tyranny.  Perhaps if Mr. Marvin Agumagu’s name was “Marvin White,” KPRC 2’s headlines would have read differently and most positively, too.  

Again, I must reiterate that the public must ignore any attempt by the media to decide their prospects. The last time a set of American voters gambled with their chances to elect a leader, they ended up with Donald Trump–an unscrupulous bigot that is currently making a mockery of essential values of America’s democracy. At this time, voters must be very careful with unscrupulous contenders hiding behind the media to steal their votes. With the city elections less than a month away, voters must be careful about those investigative stories on the TV screen. They might just be another “political hit job.”   

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Mayor Turner’s “$95,000-a-year internship” story: Is KPRC 2 News trying to meddle with the City Election?

With the city elections less than a month away, the current recycling of “The Sylvester Turner “$95,000-a-year internship” story segment with no new information is becoming unprofessionally redundant and may signify election meddling.

The timeline trailing KPRC 2 News segments on how an intern recommended by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner earns $95,000 a year suggests there might be hidden or perhaps abnormal motives. But the story is substantial and admirably investigative. KPRC 2 reporters had penetrated Mayor Turner’s business and fished out a breaking news report, that an entry-level local government job which he recommendation carries abnormal salary earnings of $95,000 a year.


BY ANTHONY OBI OGBO

In the middle of this storm is a 31-year-Marvin Agumagu who was offered a position in an airport’s Executive Internship Program in rather a suspicious manner, raising concerns about why he was given the salary of a senior staff analyst, $95,000 a year with benefits whereas the average internship makes about $22,000 annually. 

Meticulously, KPRC 2 News might have invested more resources in this story than their coverage of Hurricane Harvey.

But Mayor Turner defended his actions explaining that Mr. Agumagu’s salary was appropriate based on his education and experience. For instance, noted Turner in a statement made available to the media, “He has three advanced degrees, including a bachelor’s degree, Master’s Degree and a law degree. He also has experience in international relations and governmental affairs which is an asset for the City of Houston’s 5-star international airports.”

Apparently, Mayor Turner’s explanation was not enough for KPRC 2 News. They had run this same story over three times with different headlines, teasers, powerful promos, and ambiguous story riders. Meticulously, they might have invested more resources in this story than their coverage of Hurricane Harvey.

This sarcastic sub-headline caught my attention, “How much would you pay someone to fetch coffee and make photocopies? $10,000 a year? $20,000 a year?” But KPRC 2 News knew that this was not just a basic internship position. As the Mayor’s camp noted, “The official job title for the Executive Intern is Senior Staff Analyst (Executive Level) with a pay grade of 28. The Department Director chose the job title and pay grade and the Human Resource Department determined both were consistent with the specified duties and responsibilities of the position.”

One of Mayor Turner’s major opposition in the upcoming City general election, Tony Buzbee (Left) has already called for a full investigation into the issue. Currently, the Buzbee campaign has infiltrated the networks with advertisements created off of KPRC 2 News’ consistent bashing of Mayor Turner (right)..

But for the records, approval was done under the City of Houston’s Administrative policy. According to the Mayor, “The process is routine, and I have signed 122 of these reclassifications for each of the 23 city departments since taking office in January 2016.”

Yet KPRC 2 News remained adamant in its story segments, recycling the same content and rewording every sentence to fake freshness.  In fact, they have indirectly fed Mayor Turner’s election opponents with both campaign talking points and advertisement catchphrases.

For example, One of Mayor Turner’s major opposition in the upcoming City general election, Tony Buzbee has already called for a full investigation into the issue. According to Buzbee “The mayor claims he can’t find the money to pay for police, fire, and floods, but based on three emails, he can hire an intern for 95K a year plus benefits.” Currently, the Buzbee campaign has infiltrated the networks will advertisements created off of KPRC 2 News’ consistent bashing of Mayor Turner.

KPRC 2 has indirectly fed Mayor Turner’s election opponents with both campaign talking points and advertisement catchphrases.

Nevertheless, Mayor Turner is not new to such media campaign machinations.  Recall Turner v. Dolcefino when in November 1991, KTRK Channel 13 ran a news story about Turner during a close mayoral race. Turner lost that election and ended up in a very lengthy libel lawsuit with both the TV station and their reporter. 

Mayor Turner (left) has consistently led in the polls. In a recent poll of 501 registered voters that Houston Public Media commissioned together with KHOU, Mayor Turner led his rivals with than a third of respondents (36.5%). Tony Buzbe (right) trails with 22%.

So it could be said that  Mayor Turner again might be under the mainstream media bombardment and as we can see, this trend increases as the polls draw closer. Just two weeks ago, KTRK-TV ran another investigative story linking a rapport between Mayor Turner and Kelsey-Seybold Clinic to a breakfast meeting, campaign donations, and city insurance contract.

It is not a coincidence that all these are coming less than one month when Houston voters will decide the next mayor for another four-year tenure.  Mayor Turner has consistently led in the polls. In a recent poll of 501 registered voters that Houston Public Media commissioned together with KHOU, Mayor Turner led his rivals with than a third of respondents.

At this point, if there are substantial updates in this story, let viewers know if not, KPRC 2 News should wrap it up or shut up

With the city elections less than a month away, the current recycling of Turner’s “$95,000-a-year internship” story segment with no new information is becoming unprofessionally redundant and may signify election meddling. If there are substantial updates in this story, let viewers know, if not KPRC 2 News should wrap it up or shut up.

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Grace International Church hosts VOGUE Women’s Conference 2019

From left: Dr. Jasmin (Jazz) Sculark;   Dr. Dennis and Aity Inyang and hosts, Drs. Ayo and Alice Ajim.

International Guardian – HOUSTON, TX – Grace International Church on Bellaire, Houston  has announced the 2019 V.O.G.U.E (Vessels of Glory Unto Excellence) Women’s Conference tagged “Prepared for Good Works”, a theme derived from 2 Timothy 2:21. The events start Friday, October 18th and will run till Sunday, October 20th. All the programs will be held at the Grace International Church on 15401 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77083. Program times are: Friday (7pm), Sat (10am: Registration at 9am with “Breakfast for a Queen”), Sun (9am and 11am).

VOGUE Women’s Conference is a free annual symposium. Guests and participants come from several parts of the country to learn and share biblical messages; receive the anointing and experience God’s involvement in their endeavors. The theme for instance would explore the accuracy of biblical understanding about how the man of God may “be complete, equipped for every good work.”   The program will be hosted by Grace Int’l Church overseers, Drs. Ayo and Alice Ajim, and will also feature as guest speakers, Dr. Jasmin Sculark and Dr. Dennis and Aity Inyang.

Dr. Jasmin (Jazz) Sculark is founder and President of The Daughter of Thunder and Senior Pastor of Victory Grace Center Bowie, MD, a native of island of Trinidad. She is a globally recognized pastor, Teacher, Evangelist, Author and Philanthropist.

Dr. Dennis Inyang is the Presiding Pastor of Sure Word Assembly, Lagos. His wife, remarkably gifted Gospel music Artiste – Aity  is a multilingual singer, worship leader, and  prolific songwriter who has performed on big stages across the globe ministering alongside gospel music greats like the legendary Rev. Shirley Caesar, Ron Kenoly, Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Alvin Slaughter and Hope Davies, and others.

The primary focus of Grace International Church is to share the love and joy of Christ worldwide. As a platform, Grace is a thriving and vibrant congregation set to worship God and experience a life of peace and abundance. The VOGUE Women’s Conference coincides with the Church values and expression of faith – a reflection of the principles of the Doctrine of Christ.

For more information about The VOGUE Women’s Conference, please call or stop by: 15401 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083 Phone: (281) 564-7223. Email: info@graceint.org; or you may visit their Website: www.graceint.org/

South Africa, Nigeria mend relations, agree trade deals

Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa presented a united front on Thursday (October 3) at the end of a two-day visit by the Nigerian leader to South Africa.

The trip comes weeks after a wave of violence against Nigerian nationals in Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Which strained relations between Africa’s top two economies.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA, CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, SAYING;

“We have expressed our deep regret at the events of the past few weeks that manifested themselves through attacks that were directed at foreign nationals.”

(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, SAYING;

“Our two countries have also agreed to unequivocally address the challenges in our relations including recent people-to-people challenges that saw attacks against foreign nationals including Nigerians and their properties which we strongly condemn. We have decided to work and take concrete measures together to prevent the recurrence of such unacceptable incidents in the future.”

The two leaders also pledged to deepen economic ties and signed 30 trade and cooperation agreements.

Nigeria is one of South Africa’s largest trading partners on the continent, accounting for 64% of South Africa’s total trade with the West African region.

Downtown Houston on standstill for official Nigeria’s Independence celebration – spectacular photos and videos

Grand Marshal of the Nigerian Cultural Parade Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district prepares to lead the procession.

International GuardianHouston, TX. It was Sheila Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative for Texas’s 18th congressional district who mounted a convertible sports car to lead as the Grand Marshal, the Nigerian Cultural Parade yesterday (September 27, 2019) at Houston’s downtown. Hon. Jackson Lee led a mile thread  of other parade participants from various school organizations, businesses including various sponsors and cultural groups representing various organizations in Houston.  

Asa Festival USA @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade
Egungun Masquerade @  the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade
Ross Sterling High School Raider Band @  the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade
Greater Owerri Community @  2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade

The night before this event (Friday, September 27, 2019), the City of Houston honored Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges “green-white-green”. This was the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States.

Otu-Umuokpu Anambra, USA Association @ the 2019 Nigerian Cultural Parade
SHAPE Community Center (celebrating 50 years), one of the longest standing African-American organization highlighting African culture at the parade.
Attendees queue for Nigerian food at the WAZOBIA. Wazobia African Market, the Largest African Store in Texas is a title sponsor of the event.

October is officially Nigeria’s Independence month. This country, the most populous in Africa, gained independence from Great Britain in October 1, 1960. Celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city – one of most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. Studies show that Nigerians are the single largest contemporary African immigrant group in the United States. In addition, the city of Houston is home to the highest population of Nigerians outside of the country.  But the whole idea was not to Africanize the great City of Houston. Nope. Downtown Houston endorsed the parade platform as a city event – thus  allowing the Nigerian community to showcase, share,  as well as educate the population on the greatness of her  art and culture. For those who did not visit last year’s parade, September 28th, 2019 will offer a greater perspective of this community.

The parade started at 10.30 AM and was preceded by other cultural events which lasted the whole day.  Attendees had access to various vendor booths and enjoy special Nigerian cuisine by the title sponsor, Wazobia African Market, the Largest African Store in Texas.  

ALSO…

Houston City Hall, Highway bridges to be illuminated in green to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence

Houston and outskirts gear up for Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade

Houston City Hall, Highway bridges to be illuminated in green to celebrate Nigeria’s Independence

The City Hall in Downtown. The eve of the Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges green-white-green.

This will be the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States

By Anthony Obi Ogbo (International Guardian News – Houston, TX)

One of the facilitators of the Nigerian Cultural Parade, Linda Anukwuem walked out from the Houston City Hall two days ago with some good news. On Friday, September 27, 2019, the eve of the most awaited Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges “green-white-green”. This will be the first time such an honor would be accorded to Nigeria by Houston–the fourth largest city in the United States.

This might not be a surprise if the social, political, and economic significance of these people in the City of Houston is placed in the right context.  For instance, information from the U.S. Department of State indicates that Greater Houston has the largest Nigerian expatriate population in the United States, bragging an estimated 150,000 residents scattered in all facets of the economy.  

The next day, September 28th, Houston will join Nigerians all over downtown to mark this country’s national day and showcase a rich people and culture, International Guardian gathered. October is officially Nigeria’s Independence month because this country, the most populous in Africa, gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960.

Thus, celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city–one of the most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. Studies show that Nigerians are the single largest contemporary African immigrant group in the United States. In addition, the city of Houston is home to the highest population of Nigerians outside of the country. 

The Bridge across Highway 59. On Friday, September 27, 2019, the eve of the most awaited Nigerian Cultural Parade, the City of Houston will be honoring Nigeria’s Independence Day by illuminating both the City Hall and major Highway bridges green.

In an interview last month about the Nigerian Parade, Ms. Anukwuem told International Guardian that “Nigerians are known for their extravagant flair and this event should be no different.  So, along the parade route, there will be various cultural groups, associations, and schools marching to showcase their group and display their culture through song, dance, and fashion. Also, attendees will be entertained with special dance presentations from specific groups.”

Currently, a preview of the Nigeria Masquerade Exhibition is in progress at City Hall leading up to the annual parade. According to Ms.  Anukwuem “this Exhibition be held all through celebration from September 30 – October 2 at the A.D. Players Theater in the Galleria area.”

The amazing all green-white-green illuminations will appear at dusk, reflecting all the highway bridges. Noted Anukwuem, “We want Houstonians to share with us, our colors, our passion, and our rich culture.”  

After an amazing 2018 colorful parade showcasing the Nigerian Culture, Houstonians are desperately looking forward to a 2019 replication at the same location–the Root Memorial Square Park near the Toyota Center.  Ms. Anukwuem said that the “Green-White” illumination vigil on the sunset of September 27 will signal the beginning of this great celebration.

Celebrating Nigeria’s 59th Independence in a city–one of the most diverse in the United States, stands to promote and advance the cultural, civic and social welfare of this community. See MORE ON PARADE >>>

Downtown Houston endorsed the parade platform as a city event–thus allowing the Nigerian community to showcase, share,  as well as educate the population on the greatness of her art and culture. Ms.  Anukwuem said “First-timers would see a street-wide celebration highlighting this West African country in a unique way. Vendor booths representing various businesses displaying artifact, costume jewelry, fashion, cookery, and even books will be on site.”

The last parade was a blast. Downtown wore a distinctive look as a procession of cultural groups decorated in different traditional attires and costumes strolled the streets in utter astonishment, sending onlookers bananas with stunning displays.

■ The parade will start promptly at 10 AM but the Festival ground is open at 9:00 AM. Guests are encouraged to come wearing traditional attires. Information for group registrations can be found at nigeriaculturalparade.com. or call 832-452-7784.

South Africa’s President caught on campaign video encouraging xenophobia

Was South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa shedding crocodile tears when he swiftly condemned deadly attacks on foreign-owned businesses? Campaign video may have contradicted his much-admired incorruptibility.

Was South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa shedding crocodile tears when he swiftly condemned deadly attacks on foreign-owned businesses? In this recent campaign video, President Cyril Ramaphosa could be heard addressing thousands of supporters vowing to end foreign businesses in South Africa. See below video.

South Africa’s president swiftly took to the media to condemned days of widespread looting and arson attacks on foreign-owned businesses across Johannesburg and the capital Pretoria, calling the violence “totally unacceptable”, but his previous rhetoric, just like most local politicians may have invoked a deadly culture of xenophobic attacks on foreigners and foreign-own businesses.

In a recent campaign video, President Cyril Ramaphosa could be heard addressing thousands of supporters vowing to end foreign businesses in South Africa. Though Mr. Ramaphosa in most cases made reference to “illegal businesses” his comments yet were seen to have encouraged and sustained a practice that has now become a routine in that country. For instance, over the last decade and a half, there have been several rounds of violent xenophobic attacks on foreigners, some fatal, especially on those from Somalia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Malawi, with numerous homes and businesses torched.

But the attacks last week were a horrific sight. In Alexandra, for instance, a township in Johannesburg which was in lockdown for days after the attacks, some foreigners returned to their shops to witness a pile of ruins and looted empty shelves of merchandizes.

“We are a country that is completely committed against xenophobia.  We do not allow and cannot tolerate attacks on people from other African countries,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a video statement published on Twitter Tuesday. “

But African leaders are not buying watery excuses any more.  The government of Ghana for instance, through its Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey requested the government of South African to ensure a total safety of its citizens over xenophobic attacks.  

Consequently, Nigeria has unequivocally confronted attacks on its citizens. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to pay a state visit to South Africa in October to seek a permanent solution through a collaboration between both countries on fair trade and security. But Nigerians are demanding more drastic options.

Other African governments have followed suit, warning their citizens living in South Africa to take safety precautions. The Ethiopian Embassy in South Africa for example, instructed their citizens to close their shops “until peace is restored”, whereas Zambia’s Ministry of Transport and Communications warned Zambian truck drivers not to travel in to the country.

As a matter of personal values–I do not mourn dictators

My job is to comfort their victims, share their horrific deeds, and document their interminable exit

The metaphysical model of death is a three-way process–social withdrawal, biological (organ) shutdown, and psychological departure (mental exit). Former Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe has finally fulfilled these conditions at 95–two years after he was forced to relinquish power to end a disgusting 37-year rule.  


By Anthony Obi Ogbo


Mugabe’s final moments were a contrast to his years as a dictator.  His physical changes were vivid as he emaciated hourly. Grounded on his ailing bed in a treatment facility in faraway Singapore, this dictator watched his external world gradually diminished into a hopeless state that eventually lured him into his current perpetual sleep.  

Do not get me wrong: from that Austrian-born leader of the Nazi Party, Adolf Hitler, and the Killer-leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, through Benito Mussolini of the Kingdom of Italy, every dictator, including Mugabe has a success story. He was an icon of freedom in Africa’s political fraternity. Undeniably, he is a pan-Africanist who once championed the liberation movement of his people. In fact, his influence on the history of Zimbabwe remains ineffaceable.   

Today, two years after his ejection from office, Mugabe is finally dead. He may not be allowed into Heaven because he would question God on why he created the White Race. Equally, he would be denied entry into hell because he might go there to seize their lands.  So where would the almighty Mugabe go?

But why would a dictator who once claimed the ownership of a country he ruled and abused for 37 years die in a treatment facility in another country? That is the characteristic of the African dictator who would deny their constituent healthcare but send their families abroad for treatment; who consequently would run down their education system and send their families to the most expensive schools in the west. Mugabe is no exception.

His leadership of the former British colony was red marked with bloodshed, persecution of political opponents and a pattern of large-scale election roguery. Mugabe watched his people perish under senseless political, social, and economic policies that triggered uncontrolled inflation, leaving his country the worst economy in the continent.  He shut down the opposition and tortured his critics as a hobby. He usually would invoke a pretentious “Blame-the-west” tactics to sidetrack his leadership woes.

His forced- resignation on November 21, 2017, made good news nationwide as Zimbabweans took to the street to celebrate an end to Mugabe’s dictatorship. He was 93 at the time and could not stand on his own for 20 seconds. Today, two years after his ejection from office, Mugabe is finally dead. He may not be allowed into Heaven because he would question God on why he created the White Race. Equally, he would be denied entry into hell because he might go there to seize their lands.  So where would the almighty Mugabe go?

I have nothing to do with their ailing moments. Thus, I have nothing to do with the death of Mugabe. As a matter of personal values–I do not mourn dictators. As a compassionate soul, my job is to comfort their victims. As a journalist, I have a duty to share their horrific deeds and document their interminable exit. I document and share spectacular images of their funerals and compile those deceiving eulogies by hypocrites that grace their funerals. Notwithstanding these values, I would say, Rest in Perfect Peace Mugabe.

Nevertheless such is life–a weird stage where distasteful clowns make appearances, perform and eventually leave. Mugabe played his role on this stage as a repentant self-made demigod, who annoyed peace until eventually, the blows of his wicked powers were subdued by death.

Please do not accuse me of mischievously being insensitive because that is not the intent. I have nothing to do with their ailing moments. Thus, I have nothing to do with the death of Mugabe. As a matter of personal values–I do not mourn dictators. As a compassionate soul, my job is to comfort their victims. As a journalist, I have a duty to share their horrific deeds and document their interminable exit. I document and share spectacular images of their funerals and compile those deceiving eulogies by hypocrites that grace their funerals. Notwithstanding these values, I would say, Rest in Perfect Peace Mugabe.

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

Nigerian insecurity requires urgent attention, U.N. rapporteur warns

Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said Nigeria was a “pressure cooker of internal conflict.”

ABUJA, Sept 2 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s multiple security problems have created a crisis that requires urgent attention and could lead to instability in other African countries if it is not addressed, a United Nations rapporteur said on Monday.

Security forces in Africa’s most populous country are trying to tackle a decade-long Islamist insurgency in the northeast, banditry in the northwest and bloody clashes between nomadic herdsmen and farming communities over dwindling arable land in central states.

Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said Nigeria was a “pressure cooker of internal conflict”.

“The overall situation I have found is one of extreme concern,” she told a news conference in the capital, Abuja, where she presented her preliminary findings following a 12-day visit to the country.

Citizens, civil society leaders and other stakeholders have raised serious concerns about the escalating series of kidnappings, killings and insecurity across the country, which are clearly fueled by years of grand corruption and impunity of perpetrators.

Callamard said the police and military had shown an excessive use of lethal force across the West African country which, combined with a a lack of effective investigations and meaningful prosecution, caused a lack of accountability.

She said the country required changes in the judiciary, police and military to stop people resorting to violence in the absence of justice.

“The lack of accountability is on such a scale that pretending this is nothing short of a crisis will be a major mistake. If ignored, its ripple effect will spread in the sub-region given the country’s important role in the continent,” she said.

Spokesman for the ministries of justice, military and police did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Callamard’s findings.

The Islamist insurgency waged by Boko Haram began in northeast Nigeria in 2009 but has spread to parts of neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger where members of the group and militants allied to Islamic State carry out attacks.

The rapporteur also condemned what she said was the “arbitrary deprivation of life” and the excessive use of lethal force in the case of processions held by banned Shi’ite Muslim group the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

Callamard said the move to ban the group appeared be based on what the authorities thought IMN could become rather than its actions. She said she had not been presented with any evidence to suggest the group was weaponised and posed a threat to the country.

It is time to investigate Forbes for deceitful publications and research misconduct

Forbes “who-is-who or who-is-Not” series remain a marketing strategy facilitated through a questionable process to woo the highest bidders, but the repercussions are eating deep into their integrity. 

A violation of fundamental standards in professional study experimentation is a big deal. In fact, the integrity of all experiments and professional research studies are often preserved by codes for scholarly conduct and ethical behavior implanted to minimize false reporting and other disreputable activities. Given this circumstance,   a chain of publications by Forbes using specific experimental ratings to pronounce who is rich or poor among regions, gender, and other categories of businesses is emitting some red signals.


By Anthony Obi Ogbo


Forbes is an American bi-weekly business magazine reputed for who-is-who features related to finance, industry, investment, and marketing. With outstanding circulation figures, this magazine has been around since 1917, spinning topical feature stories on every subject areas, including communications, science, politics, and law.

However, contradictions and controversies that pervade Forbes research and publications must not just be ignored.  For instance, the recent arrest of one Obinwanne Okeke (Forbes 100 Most Influential Young Africans 2018) in the United States by operatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has validated every suspicion.  Okeke, an acclaimed global entrepreneur who has long been celebrated by Forbes was nabbed for allegedly defrauding top American companies of huge sums of money.

For years, Okeke, chairman ‘Invictus Group’ was Forbes-endorsed model for entrepreneurial success. He had appeared on the cover of Forbes Africa who named him one of ’30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 to Watch’. He was one of the featured speakers at the Forbes Under-30 Summit EMEA 2017 held in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel. This summit convened the greatest young entrepreneurs and game-changers from America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to foster world-changing ideas.

In the age of information technology, the major concern remains how Forbes could explain this romance without authentic verification of Okeke’s sources of income.

This article is not intended to attack the fundamental nucleus of the entrepreneurial process or success. In strong words, it is critical of how a few editors can just sit down in an obscure Jersey City office and joggle up figures to control who-is-who or who-is-Not.

One of Forbes’ best business models, Obinwanne Okeke in chains: For years, Okeke, chairman ‘Invictus Group’ was Forbes-endorsed model for entrepreneurial success. He had appeared on the cover of Forbes Africa who named him one of ’30 Entrepreneurs Under 30 to Watch’. He was one of the featured speakers at the Forbes Under-30 Summit EMEA 2017 held in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel.

In my last book, Maxima of Political Leadership,” I explained how Forbes controverted its own grading track with study ranks and figures that were inconsistent with reality. I faulted Forbes 2018 World’s Most Innovative Companies because none of the top six made it to the first ten companies listed in their World’s Most Valuable Brands. Thus, it would be hard to explain how Forbes top 7 technology-based most valuable firms (Apple, Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, Samsung, and AT&T) were not found in its top list of innovative firms. Strange, isn’t it?

To make its activities more distrustful, Forbes has been consistent with its promotion and publication of unscrupulous global merchants with a questionable source of income. The publication would always label their sources of income as “oil and gas” or “self-made.” But the question is, when has “self-made” become a source of 10-figure business income?

Ms. Alakija and Ibrahim Babangida: Forbes totally failed to investigate that this woman’s wealth was tied to two of the most corrupt regimes in the continent’s history of politics. Alakija’s fashion business was tied to Nigeria’s president Ibrahim Babangida family, whereas her oil and gas ventures were indirectly sourced and sustained by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

This might be the case with this woman called Ms. Folorunsho Alakija who was leading a high-volume offshore scheme. Forbes romanced with Alakija’s wealth without appropriately investigating the ethical matters behind her very source of oil and gas business. Yet Alakija made it to Forbes lists of Power Women 2016, Billionaires 2019; Africa’s Billionaires 2019; with her source of income listed “oil and self-made.”

Forbes further totally failed to investigate that this woman’s wealth was tied to two of the most corrupt regimes in the continent’s history of politics. Alakija’s fashion business was tied to Nigeria’s president Ibrahim Babangida family, whereas her oil and gas ventures were indirectly sourced and sustained by President Olusegun Obasanjo.

 It may be recalled that in 2016,   Obasanjo bragged during a public speaking that Mrs. Alakija, was among the 25 billionaires he made during his tenure as President. Alakija,in turn,  accused Obasanjo’s administration of forcefully taking back a bulk of the profit generated from the said oil venture.  The revelation without a doubt was that these corrupt leaders and business folks were busy enriching themselves off of public funds in a country where unemployment and poverty rate are off the roof. 

Aliko Dangote, of the Dangote Group, is no exception. Dangote is an acclaimed Africa’s richest man who would claim he made his money being the continent’s largest cement producer. Dangote made it to Forbes lists of Powerful People 2018, Billionaires 2019, and Africa’s Billionaires 2019, with his sources of income listed as cement, sugar, flour, and again “Self Made.”

Mr. Dangote was not honest about his business. Dangote has systematically colluded with various regimes in Africa to stockpile government contracts; colluded with regimes to quash competition and create a monopoly and product scarcity to drive price and demand. He had used billions made off of unscrupulous ventures to conspire with different interests to influence elections through backdoor donations and sponsorships; and consequently used his wealth to direct political and economic interests to himself.

Celebrating Dangote, Alakija, Okeke: With its sloppy features and documentary stories often promoting crooked billionaires with questionable character, Forbes should be investigated to determine if there is collusion in the process to fabricate figures for abnormal profit.

With its sloppy features and documentary stories often promoting crooked billionaires with questionable character, Forbes should be investigated to determine if there is collusion in the process to fabricate figures for abnormal profit.  Research studies should seek truth and cultivate new knowledge to grow social development. In modern research, legal and ethical issues associated with the subject and researcher are a great component. Fabrication and manipulation of data make up serious scientific misconduct. Forbes must come clean.

Forbes “who-is-who or who-is-Not” series remain a marketing strategy facilitated through a questionable process to woo the highest bidders, but the repercussions are eating deep into their integrity.  The motivation to commit scientific misconduct in these publications are obvious–to boost circulation, enlarge advertising base, and rake in revenue by auctioning their ratings.

♦ Anthony Ogbo, PhD, Adjunct Professor at the Texas Southern University is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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