He
lives and works in the
United
States
but his presence is very much felt at home, especially in his home state,
Anambra. Prince Jimmy Asiegbu founded the Nigerian Policy Institute (NPI)
fashioned after the United States Policy Institute to serve as a think tank
for ideas between citizens in the Diaspora and the government.
An illustration of the NPI’s contribution to policy issues in the country
can be gleaned from its reaction regarding the high cost of cement and other
building materials early 2007. The U.S-based institute 
representing
all Nigerians for Good Government Policies in a letter to the presidency had
noted that the review of the current cement policies will effectively address
the problem of high cost of housing and also tremendously help in moving our
economy forward.
The NPI which Asiegbu heads defines itself as centre for all Nigerians in
Diaspora and at home, as well as Americans and other nationalities who
advocate for good government policies and their strict implementation as they
affect
Nigeria
and the international communities.
It awards itself the self mandate of a think tank group that evaluates current
and future government policies and makes suggestions/recommendations where
necessary for the benefit of the country and the leaders. “We believe in the
saying that good public policies are sound politics. Equally we believe
strongly that good public policies are a vehicle to achieving good governance
and that the implementation of good policies leads to a good, disciplined,
transparent, progressive, less-corrupt and happy society.” NPI states in its
introductory statement.
Asiegbu’s group is a non profit, non partisan entity whose sole objective is
to assist the federal, state, local governments and their agencies in making
good public policies and to see to it that these policies are made without
severe and adverse effects to any group of Nigerians, ethnicity or zone.
It boasts of having in its membership men and women of great ideas,
professionals from various fields and distinguished intellectuals of great
intelligence. It also functions by getting information and feedback from the
grassroot and leaders of diverse organisations both in Nigerian and in the
Diaspora.
Asiegbu, on his NPI website, claims that his group accepts requests from all
quarters to review pending government policies and legislation, and renders
its suggestions or recommendations before the policies are implemented, or
enacted into law. “Our services extend to government programme reviews,
policy making, proposals, et cetera. Our other objectives focuses on speaking
out for the less fortunate, the poor, the needy, the oppressed and the silent
majority,” he stated.
Asiegbu, a graduate of the
University
of
Louisiana
,
Lafayette
,
US
and also a former president of Anambra State Association in US (ASA-USA),
often zeros in on his state in his activities. During his tenure as the ASA-USA
leader, he brought a medical team that donated drugs and equipment worth over
$250,000 (about 35 million naira) to his home state.
Asiegbu was concerned that preventable and curable diseases were causing the
demise of his people in the state. It was with this in mind that he encouraged
ASA-USA to embark on the medical mission to “deliver free medical services
to the citizens of the state.” The project was in the pipeline for a couple
of years, but the absence of peace in the state made it difficult for the plan
to be executed. “That was why the association advocated for peace in the
state and now that peace has returned, we are ready to move in to help our
people" Asiegbu said at the time.
The medical team spent 10-hour days in three major towns in the state
providing free medical services. The towns included
Onitsha
,
Awka and Ekwulobia. According to Asiegbu, public announcements were made in
the state, urging citizens to go out and take advantage of the services. The
US
medical team were joined by medical professionals living in the state to
ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Speaking of its origins, Asiegbu disclosed that “the idea of ASA-USA started
in April 2001 in response to the cries for help from people back home due to
the sordid state of affairs prevalent in
Anambra
State
,
primarily emanating from corruption and mismanagement by politicians and
political forces.” After extensive consultations with people in the
US
,
this idea officially became a reality during a face to face meeting of Anambra
sons and daughters from all parts of the
US
held in
Dallas
on
October
25, 2001
.
At that meeting, it was resolved that ASA-USA will be a non-profit,
non-partisan association that is fully dedicated to the transformation of
Anambra State by promoting and ensuring good political governance.
To this end, the association engaged in various activities, including the
release of a number of press releases in
Nigeria
to news media organizations, held public protests and demonstrations, and
organized conferences and conventions with political leaders of Anambra. “So
far, we have done substantially well as those in leadership positions are
listening,” he stated.
At the national level, Asiegbu’s NPI has assessed President Umaru Musa
Yar’Adua’s administration. It once applauded the president’s
administration on the policies he has pursued since coming to office with
particular emphasis on his belief in the rule of law, lending his ears to the
cries and sufferings of the masses, and being open to good and progressive
suggestions. In a communique after one of its general meetings in the
US
the group threw its weight behind the president’s crusade and dedication to
ensure that the maintenance of the rule of law takes precedence in his
administration.
It is also pleased with the president’s pronouncements and actions taken so
far especially in his anti-corruption crusade, commitment to due process, and
his endorsement for the removal of the immunity clause that provides cover to
executive public office holders.
Even the private sector does not escape the studious eye of the NPI. Recently,
it warned banks in the country over illegal charges. The think tank said this
could have a multiple effect on the economy and the common man.
NPI made this observation based on complaints it said it received both from
Nigerians and foreigners over alleged illegal charges by Nigerian banks.
This, NPI said, is contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria
Act on banking and lending policies, adding that these illegal charges run
into billions of Naira.
The group then dispatched a letter to the presidency and copied the
appropriate ministries in the country including
CBN
,
insisting that illegal charges mainly on overdrawn balances are in violation
of the
CBN
Act and laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “What we have found so far,
and what we have read from the media and our contacts, is very damaging to the
banking industry and calls for serious penalties to be imposed on the banks
that take advantage of unsuspecting and poor Nigerians who have trusted them
in their mutual transactions,” Asiegbu had warned.
Asiegbu, who is married with four children, remains focused on assisting the
government of Nigeria at all levels in formulating and implementing good,
progressive, people-oriented, non-divisive and non discriminatory economic,
social, political and cultural policies that will move the people and
country forward. He has largely been able to deliver these goals using his
innate leadership qualities.
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