Shocking: Half-Nigerian whose grandfather was a Nazi.....

Amon Leopold Goeth 

CC Insight

Jennifer Teege was shocked to discover her grandfather was the Nazi commandant of Plaszow concentration camp, Amon Leopold Goeth. 

Teege was born after her mother, Goeth's daughter, had a brief affair with a Nigerian student. She has just published a book, "Amon My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me." This is her story. 

Five years ago in northern Germany, in Hamburg, I was in the central library and I came across a book. It was wrapped in a red cover and for some reason I was immediately drawn to it.

The title, translated into English, was "I Have to Love My Father, Right?" and it had a small picture of a woman on the front who looked faintly familiar.

So I took the book and quickly went through it. There were a lot of photos and as I looked at the book I felt something was wrong.

At the end, the author summed up some details about the woman on the cover and her family, and I realized they were a perfect match with what I knew about my own biological family.

So at that point I understood that this was a book about my family history.

The woman in the picture was my mother, and her father was Amon Goeth, the commandant of Plaszow concentration camp near Krakow.

My mother had told me nothing, but I did not grow up with my mother - she gave me up as a very small child.

A few weeks after I was born I was put in a children's home where I sometimes saw my mother. Then I grew up in a foster family that adopted me when I was seven years old. So I saw my mother until the age of seven but after that we had no contact - except for once.

This was when I was in my 20s and she probably did not tell me anything at this point because she wanted to protect me - she thought it would be better if I did not know about my real past, about the truth, about my family, about my grandfather.

I was completely shocked when I found out - it was like the carpet was ripped from under my feet.

I couldn't do anything. I went home, I took the book with me, and at home I read it cover to cover. There were details about my mother, my grandmother and my grandfather, Amon Goeth.

I slowly started to understand the impact of what I had read. Growing up as an adopted child I did not know anything about my past, or only very very little. Then to be confronted with information like this was so overwhelming.

It was weeks, a month, until I really started to recover.

I think if I had known all of this when I was younger, it would have been easier because I would have had a chance to integrate it into my life. Getting the information so spontaneously, so out of the blue, it was almost impossible to make it fit in with my understanding of who I am.

It was very distressing to know that Amon Goeth and I are genetically linked. I feel part of it, but still there is a distance - which is a difference between me and my mother, because she grew up with her own mother (with my grandmother) and for her it was difficult to leave the past behind.

I have tried not to leave the past behind but put it in a place where it belongs, which means not to ignore it, but not to let it overshadow my life.

I am not a reflection of this part of my family story but I am still very connected to it. I try to find a way to integrate it into my life.

It is a story that is very unique and very unusual, and a story that has a deeper meaning. It is more about the universal question of how to deal with the weight of the past on the present - and it should show that it is possible to gain personal freedom from the past.

Source: BBC World Update

Politics as usual: President Obama blames GOP for government shutdown.....

CC Video Highlight

Nigeria: How far we've come at 53.....

President Goodluck Jonathan

CC Headliner

Exactly 53 years today, Nigeria gained independence from Britain thus "ending" 46 years of colonial rule. 

Nigeria was born on January 1, 1914, following the amalgamation of the then Southern and Northern Protectorates by Lord Fredrick Lugard.

The country owes its independence to the struggles of late nationalists such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, among others. These great men of vision spearheaded the movement for Nigeria's independence from the shackles of colonialism and imperialism.

Another prominent figure, the late Chief Anthony Enahoro moved the motion for Nigerian's independence on the floor of the House of Representatives. Though he had proposed independence for Nigeria in 1959, the Northern members of the House were opposed to the motion on the grounds that the North was not ready. The clause, stipulating a date for independence was later substituted with another clause: "As soon as possible."

Eventually, the country gained independence from colonial rule on October 1, 1960 after about 15 years of agitation for self-rule.

Nigeria started off as a federation with three regions: East, West and North, as the federating units and a parliamentary system of government. Today, it is a presidential democracy with 36 States in the existing structure of the democratic dispensation.

Blessed with an abundance of human and material resources, Nigeria showed so much promise at independence. It was taken for granted that within a few years, the country would become a global leader, both politically and economically. 

But that is one hope that has seemingly failed to materialize thus far. The country never truly took off before various crises started dogging its path soon after independence. And since independence, it has been a tortuous ride.

In its 53 years of existence since independence from Great Britain on October 1st, 1960, the nation has weathered nine military coups (including Abacha's palace coup that overthrew Sonekan's interim government), three alleged coups, countless assassinations of its leaders, individual personalities (human rights proponents) and key political figures, debilitating corruption (that has resulted in the loss of over $500 billion between 1966 and 2013) and an ever increasing general state of insecurity and lawlessness from the highest levels of government to various factional (ethnic) groups, ostensibly being used by corrupt regional leaders to advance their incendiary interests.  

As a norm, elections have been massively rigged by political groups, to the disconcerting dismay of both local and foreign observers, the Nigerian masses included. Furthermore, besides the absence of strong institutions, the country's lack of requisite infrastructure needed to engender positive development, has been an enduring problem.

It is therefore little wonder that many (including foreign interests) continue to view the nation as an underachieving edifice, what with its abundant natural and human resources, the latter resorting to exporting their technical and other unique abilities overseas, to the benefit of mostly western nations, including the United States.

While one needs to remain hopeful that somehow, the tide surely must turn in the right direction; the current political landscape remains a source of disturbing concern as Nigeria's current leadership has shown itself not only grossly inept at the most basic function of leadership, but also extremely bereft of innovative and industrious ideas, needed to move the nation and its over 170 million people forward.

Nigerians, from all works of life and all corners of the earth must therefore resolve (regardless of ethnic, religious and other politically created "differences") to truly stand up and be counted.

Failure to do so can only lead to the ultimate death of a promise and a future that seemed so glorious and definitive, just over half-a-century ago.

Sanusi Lamido's tenure as Central Bank Governor and monetary policy

CC Introspective

Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Executive Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will vacate his position as the chieftain of the country’s apex bank, within the next year. He showed no interest in asking for the renewal of his job when the first term elapses in 2014. 

Sanusi's policies have without doubt contributed to the macro-economic stability of Nigeria's economy. But his tenure has been a contentious one as some of his undertakings have not gone down well with the "establishment."

However, with the monetary tool at his disposal, he has managed to maintain a fairly stable monetary policy. By lowering inflation, Sanusi established and was able to maintain much-needed price stability. A reasonable price stability will of course be taken for what it is within the context of Nigeria’s reality; considering the economy is largely an import-oriented economy with oil still a major source of foreign exchange. 

When Sanusi came in, there was financial instability and liquidity crunch, which was  triggered by poor management especially within the banking system (much of which was over-laden with toxic debts). He was able to reform the failed banks and re-capitalized them.  Sanusi performed a delicate task of infusing capital into the banking sector without overheating the economy. 

Although he was successful with the fixing of the banks, the inflation rate was not immediately suppressed.

He promised to reduce inflation (a rather tall order in light of the pervading economic climate) but this was eventually accomplished with inflation rates ultimately at less than ten percent.

The tightening of monetary tools may have brought down the inflation rate, but the downside was the high interest rate that stood at over 12 percent. While high interest rates may be attractive to investors in the capital market, it is not conducive to sustainable economic growth as it tends to discourage borrowing and dampen over-all economic growth. 

In reality, with regard to an import-oriented and oil-based economy, the power of monetary policy may be limited and even unsustainable. The best possible paradigm is to get the monetary and fiscal policies to be at worst, complimentary. This is where the intervention of the executive and legislative branches becomes imperative. The complementary objective is to fashion out a pro-growth tax policy while building requisite infrastructure, in order to engender economic growth and achieve desired macro-economic stability. 

The answer to the economic problems may be found in the fiscal policy. The executive and law makers must work together to implement policies that help stimulate the economy and encourage investors to infuse capital into the economy. The tax policy that is favorable for investment and repatriation of capital are necessary to make the economy grow faster and maintain momentum. Lower taxes and meaningful regulations are also needed to help guard against economic regression.

Moderation in taxes and logical regulations with regard to fiscal policy may open the door to a steady and faster economic growth. The provision of durable infrastructure, especially electricity and security, also hold the key to sustainable economic growth.

Sanusi’s tenure was not all rosy; as some of his signature achievements including the introduction of Islamic banking were downright controversial. The opponents of Islamic banking argued that Nigeria's constitution is secular, hence the introduction of Islamic banking only serves to reinforce sectarian politics. But Sanusi stood his ground and judiciously defended the premise of Islamic banking in Nigeria.

Furthermore, Sanusi's support for the removal of fuel subsidies did not go down well with most Nigerians especially the large chunk of the country's poor who subsist on less than two dollars a day. The danger they perceived with the removal of the subsidies were confirmed when the removal was partially implemented. 

The prices of household products went up, transportation fares and prices of petroleum products went even further beyond the reach of the average Nigerian. Even inflation rates were briefly higher than anticipated and all these slowed down, if not muted  the full implementation of fuel subsidies removal. 

Sanusi will hope to leave behind a stable monetary policy although the work of macro-economic stability is beyond the limited function of the Central Bank Governor. When fiscal and monetary policy becomes complimentary, a more stable, successful and sustainable economy becomes the result.

The next few months of Sanusi's tenure as Central Bank Governor will ostensibly further solidify his legacy as he has always been his own person with a resolve and principled consistency never seen from someone in that position, however "controversial" some of his actions might be.

President Goodluck Jonathan misses his speaking slot at AU 50th Anniversary event.....

CC Video Insight

With over 50 African heads of states and other international dignitaries in attendance, a call went out for President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to address the special session of the African Union. 

You must have heard that President Goodluck Jonathan missed his speaking slot at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa. But do you know what the president was doing when he missed his slot? Dr. Damages brings you video clips of what "actually happened".....

Hint: Lighthearted Comedy

Oputa Panel Moment: Major Hamza al-Mustapha talks about the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola

CC Video Insight

Major Hamza al-Mustapha was cross examined at the Human Right Violation Investigation Commission (HRVIC) - Oputa Panel on the death of Chief MKO Abiola. He aggressively responded to the counsel. 

Major Hamza al-Mustapha was the Chief Security Officer of General Sani Abacha, military dictator from November 1993 to June 1998. After Abacha's death he was arrested and tried for murder and attempted murder.

Former IMF Chief and alleged "pimp" now head of investment firm.....

Disgraced Former IMF Chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn

CC Insight

Former IMF Chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, has been named head of an investment firm, marking another step in the business comeback of a man whose career and French Presidential hopes were ruined by a sex scandal.

The 64-year-old economist, who fronted IMF rescue of debt-crushed countries in his time at the helm, was forced to quit the Washington-based public lender in 2011, after a New York hotel maid accused him of sexual assault.

He has since settled a civil case instituted by the maid, after criminal charges were dropped, but now awaits trial in France over a separate affair– where he faces pimping charges over sex parties he attended.

He denies any wrongdoing.

In a statement published by his public relations aide, the man known to many as DSK said he had been appointed President of an investment firm with operations in finance centers  including Switzerland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Belgium, Israel and Romania.

It said that the firm, founded by French banker, Thierry Leyne, in 1994, will undergo a name change from the current Anatevka to LSK - Leyne, Strauss-Kahn and Partners (hopefully not pimping partners).

Strauss-Kahn will develop its investment banking and debt-restructuring activities.

Strauss-Kahn has used his IMF experience and reputation as a talented economist to rebuild a career in finance, as an adviser to the governments of Serbia and South Sudan, as well as Russian and Moroccan banks.

Kenyan Mall Stand-off: Israeli special forces join ranks with Kenyan counterparts as 59 dead and 200 wounded thus far.....

Kenyan Special Forces move in at the site of the attack

CC Breaking News

Israeli special forces have joined ranks with their Kenyan counterparts as both lay siege on the upscale Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya; scene of a deadly terrorist attack against non-Muslims on Saturday.

Kenya's president Uhuru Kenyatta has vowed that his government will hunt down and defeat the terrorists that carried out the attack.

Somali Islamist group, al-Shabab had vowed to carry out an attack in Nairobi in retaliation for Kenya's sending of troops into Somalia to fight Islamic insurgents in 2011.

According to reports from a senior security operative who spoke on condition of anonymity to CC, the approach is one where the Kenyan forces have been given the directive to take out the terrorists summarily, with minimal collateral damage.

More than any other East African country, with probably the exception of Ethiopia, Kenyan has taken a very aggressive disposition towards dealing with al-Shabab (with strong links to Al Qaeda) in East Africa.

This attack on innocent civilians will only serve to strengthen the resolve of the Kenyan government hunt down and destroy al-Shabab and its network in the region.

Shameful Exhibition: Nigeria's MPs come to blows.....

CC Video Insight

Not sure if this was what the "New PDP" had in mind. I am sure most, if not all Nigerians would rather have a new orientation rather than have these miscreants continue to bring the nation into disrepute.

Atiku Abubakar: The gift that just keeps on giving.....

Atiku Abubakar 

Editor-in-Chief

There is an old adage that states.... "when in doubt, stop digging." In the case of Nigeria's former Vice-President and perennial presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar, one has to conclude that he is either oblivious to that old adage or he is just downright deluded.

Coming on the heels of his latest exercise in prototypical self-aggrandizement with the "usual suspects", Atiku, while responding to criticism from those who are all-too-familiar with his antics, claims he bought a house for his mother when he was only 14 years old. 

Atiku asserted that contrary to widely held claims that his "wealth" was untowardly accumulated as head of the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as during his eight-year tenure as Vice-President; he had a history of genuine "business success."

The former Vice-President further stated that as a customs official, he "maintained one of the best records of returns to government" (whatever that means) and that after leaving the customs (fully loaded as one would imagine), he "used his knowledge and drive to build a very successful string of business ventures."

Ironically, Atiku would later go on twitter to clarify his position on the house he bought his mother at 14 years of age saying it was only a thatched mud bungalow, with two rooms, a kitchen and a bathroom at a cost of just £9 ($14.50), saved from his £3 ($4.81)/month earnings, from his vacation job.

How Nigeria and indeed Nigerians have continually been saddled with characters such as Atiku as leaders, remains an ongoing mystery. The issue here is not necessarily on the substance of Atiku's claim or claims, but on exactly why, rather than focus on germane issues that affect the everyday lives of Nigerians, most notably the provision of basic electricity, food and water, Atiku and his colleagues are much more concerned about their own political and personal survival, even at the expense of the very people they claim they are fighting for.

The real problem is that his narcissistic predisposition is not unlike that of his band of rogues and predatory urchins within the Nigerian political theater. It is all about them and will always be, regardless of how much devastation they have wrought, not only on the economic and social institutions of that great country, but also on the collective psyche of the Nigerian people, irrespective of ethnic nationality, religion or background.

Nigerians must resolve within themselves to rid our nation of these relentless parasites, who have absolutely no vision and lack even the most basic human decency and dignity, requisite of true leadership, in any civilized society.