Oputa bags Lifetime Achievement Award in America
ACHO ORABUCHI
Dallas, Texas
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Ephesians 4:7-13 says, “But to each of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When ascended on high he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” … It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Many
people are endowed with various gifts and knowledge, but a few actually use
their gifts to uplift humanity. Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa is among
the very few people, who have used their gifts and knowledge selflessly to fight
for the downtrodden and to uplift humanity. Justice Oputa is an embodiment of
justice and a person who does not need any introduction. His indelible mark in
pursuit of justice will forever remain in the annals of Nigerian history of
justice, equity, and ultimate respect for rule of law.
The aforementioned informed the decision of Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc. to bestow Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Akunne Oputa with the esteemed honor—the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award. In its recent press release, PNF USA underscored the qualities of the man, who have worked tireless all his life for the common man. The excerpts:
“Pan Ndi-Igbo Foundation USA, Inc. (PNF USA) is announcing with highest esteem the winner of the most coveted award, the 2006 PNF USA Lifetime Achievement Award. Hon. Justice Chukwudifu Oputa (CFR), an advocate for justice, equity and rule of law, eminent scholar and a luminary jurist, an icon, who has used his wealth of knowledge to inspire, uplift and touch the lives of so many people around the world, particularly in Nigeria, is our choice for the 2006 PNF USA Lifetime Achievement Award.
“This award is given to someone who has exemplified him/herself in various works of life with ardent commitment to serving humanity. An individual who advocates for human rights, compassion, honest leadership, etc., Justice Oputa, a renowned jurist, a legal scholar and a man of the people, excelled the criteria set for the coveted award.
“In a phone conversation with the National Chairman of PNF USA, Dr. Iheanacho Orabuchi at his Oguta residence, Justice Oputa, a towering personality, expressed how elated he was about the news. He happily and wholeheartedly accepted to receive the award on May 13, 2006 in Dallas, Texas. In a subsequent letter of acceptance, Hon. Oputa said, “I received your letter inviting me to attend and receive the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Award during the Pan Ndigbo Political Conference scheduled to take place in Dallas, Texas and I am delighted to accept.” “I will be looking forward to participating in the conference,” he added.
It is truly our honor to confer this award to Justice Oputa. Hon. Oputa truly represents the character we would like to see in everyone, especially those in public office. He has an impeccable record of service.”
Also, in an earlier release signed Charles Uzoma Maduka, Chairman, 2006 Pan Igbo Conference Planning Committee and National Legal Adviser of PNF USA, it enumerated the importance of 2006 Pan Igbo Conference. The excerpts:
PNF USA believes in one united democratic Nigeria that is fair, equitable and just to all. It is with this belief that we plan to convene at the headquarters of PNF USA, America’s 2nd largest state, Texas and fifth largest city Dallas on May 12, 13, and 14, 2006 to chart a course to ensure that in 2007, equity demands that the southeast produce the next President of Nigeria. The theme of the Pan Igbo Political Conference is: “Sustaining Democracy and Economic Growth: The Importance of Rule of Law in Nigeria”. The workshop sessions would offer the participants the opportunity to discuss how to build collective economic and political capacity, including ways to sustain both economic growth and democracy in Nigeria. There will be a special session on the impact of corruption in Nigeria and constructive ways to combat the endemic.
Respect for rule of law is critical in maintaining a viable democracy. As a result, some experts in the area will be speaking on the subject matter. Suggestions will be collated and sent to policy makers, lawmakers, and the judiciary in Nigeria.
An Igbo adage says that when a child is treated like the other child he is happy. This is not a case of rotation for the sake of rotation. NdiIgbo have hundreds of qualified technocrats and yes, even retired military brass, to lead Nigeria. We strongly believe that until NdiIgbo are given a chance to lead Nigeria, Nigeria will continue to be an under developed country and, a laughing stock to western civilization. Southeasterners are the most patriotic and nationalistic Nigerians, hence we are everywhere, naively developing the economies of other states and boosting their social and cultural well beings. A Nigeria leader of southeastern extraction will see and lead the country as one and indivisible. In a Nigerian leader of southeastern extraction, Nigeria will see fairness, equity and the true meaning of rule of law. Under a President of southeastern extraction, economic development will reach all nooks and corners of Nigeria timely. Nigeria would not have to wait for an election cycle to hear salivating promises like the one made many years ago to dredge the Niger and build a new bridge across. Nigeria under a southeastern leader will model Ota Farm and its huge success all over the country so there will be abundance of food for everyone. We have tasted leadership of both the North and the Southwest extractions and their results have been mountains of failures. Instead of progressing, poverty and corruption have become the order of the day. Selective economic policies have caused near permanent psychological wounds to a large segment of the people. Nigeria needs immediate medical rescue and, the right and correct medicine is a southeastern leader and not a covert extension of term of office.
As you know, PNF USA has been in the forefront in confronting hot button issues affecting Ndi-Igbo; issues that are destroying the political fabric of our country, Nigeria. While PNF USA supports democracy in Nigeria, it has taken the Obasanjo administration to task on a number of issues.
This year’s conference will see the assembly of the most talented young Igbo men and women from all professions. The Diaspora professionals will not take a back seat anymore. Early estimate points to the fact that for the first time seas of Igbo professional icons in the Diaspora will be attending the conference. We encourage their Nigerian counterparts to come and be part of this history. We encourage NdiIgbo everywhere to make this profound sacrifice by attending this Pan Igbo Conference. There will be less grammar and more of substance. Those that support candidates that are non-Igbo are expected to make their cases and convince us that an Igbo person will not serve Nigeria better. It will be a charged atmosphere but well managed. Every participant shall have the same opportunity to air his or her views. If you have not received an invitation, you are cordially invited.
We in PNF USA use this annual event to also honor our women and, recognize them for the excellent services they render to the Igbo family and the society as a whole. The most resourceful, beautiful and smartest women in the world are Igbo. Women are very intractable part of the Igbo culture and, we don’t play with our women. The Women Gala Night takes place on the night of May 13, 2006 after a whole day’s work on the political front. It is a Mother's day affair and our motherhood goes beyond being married and/or having children. A whole line of entertainment will be in place from the 12th through the 13th of May. Ndi-Igbo will be well represented. Seriousness is our forte and, we hope that only those who understand this mind set can attend. We implore those that have caused and continue to cause havoc in Igbo land for a piece of 10 km contract or oil bloc to stay home and don’t bother. If we have to bargain, let us do from a point of strength and not weakness. We shall debunk the notion that Ndi-Igbo can always be bought with money.
Date: May 12, 13, 14, 2006