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The Reasons Africans In America, Inc. Is Involved In Organizing Press Briefing For Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige - The Governor Of Anambra State, Nigeria

Our organizations has developed interest in Anambra State and has kept an eagle eye in the area for few reasons:

Many African children who fall victim to human trafficking have identified Anambra as their state of origin. One of our clients here in New York came from a small town called Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Some of the perpetrators of human trafficking also come from the state.

Three years ago, investigation led us to Nnobi. Anambra State at that time was at verge of collapse. Law and order had broken down; armed robbers with military/police assault weapons were roaming the state in broad daylight, practically on the face of the police

During the visit, children were observed roaming the street during school hours. Schools were closed for over two years because teachers were not paid, schools walls and roofs were falling down, parents could not afford private schools because civil servants and pensioners were not paid for over a year. Life was miserable for the children and families. There were lots and lots of armed robberies. The state had a lot of problem and no one seemed to know what it was.

However, with information coming out following the abduction of this governor - information that the secret cult of Nigerian President comprising international felons and thugs in law enforcement uniforms were holding the state and its treasury hostage and that upon becoming the governor effective May 29th 2003, Dr. Chris N. Ngige resisted their pressure to continue looting the treasury. It was then that one begins to see why Anambra State like most African states is in such state of disrepair and why parents are giving away their children.

For his resistance, he was kidnapped in a terrorist style operation arranged by the brother-in-law of Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and other cronies one of who was a reported international felon wanted in US and Italy, and the chief of police. The kidnappers physically assaulted the governor, locked him in a toilet and forced him to sign a resignation letter and video taped his forced resignation speech while gun was pointed at his head. The abductors also made a ransom demand 3 billion Naira (over $23.6 million US dollars). The governor’s life was saved when a quick thinking local community Chief contacted the Nigerian Vice-President and the press and smuggled a cell phone to the governor while in captivity. The Nigerian press aired the governor’s brief statement identifying his location and naming his abductors.

It was then that one begins to see why Anambra State like most sates in Africa is in such state of disrepair and why parents are giving away the children for better life somewhere else.

It was our hope that the governor will speak out against the abuse of victims of children trafficking. This would have brought more awareness and publicity to the issues.

We were disappointed that the governor bowed to pressure from the Anambra community in New York area, including human trafficking associates, and reneged on his commitment.