Thursday, May 21, 2009

Interview Thursday: " I think if we gave a little more consideration to the other person, life would b emuch simpler" - Uzoma Okere

-->I am privileged to have a short interview with Ms. Uzoma Okere who shared her belief in justice and abetter Nigeria. She works with Jubaili Bros Engineering, a generator company in VI. .

Ms. Uzoma Okere was assaulted by of Admiral Arogundade and his naval escorts on the 3rd of November 2008 for not moving out of the road for them to pass while they were all in traffic. The case has since being in court.  

Uzoma Okere was a graduate of French from ABU Zaria. The 1st of three children and she is a lady that generally likes 2 mind her business. 
 
Can you briefly discribe your ordeal in the hands of Admiral Arogundade's boys and what actually happened?
I am sorry I may not be unable to give you a recount of the incidence because since the case is currently in court I wouldn't want to say anything that might jeorpardize the case in court.

How do you feel about the support you got from Nigerians both online and offline?
I am overwhelmed I never believed before now that people could rally in support of me just like that.
The case is presently in court, do you believe justice will be served?
I believe that justice will be served.

Rumour has it that they attempted settling you out of court, is this true?
I am unaware of any attempts to settle out of court.
 
How do you think we can stop extra judicial killings and maltreatment of the citizens from the hands of the armed officers?
I believe some day it would stop. It may not be today or tomorrow but it would be soon. People are more aware of their rights and people are more resolved to the right things so some day we would get there.

Can you tell us more about your support network since the incident?
I can't really speak about a "support networK" But I know now and again, the issue comes up in the media and this or that advocay group speaks on it.

How has this incident changed your life and your perception of things?
I look at Nigerian in new light. I realize that Nigerians can stand and would stand up for others in distress. I have also resolved to look out for others because I got to where I did with this case because others looked out for me.

What will Uzoma likes to change in the world?
I am not a revolutionary. But I think if we gave a little more consideration to the other person, life would be much simpler.

Thanks for your time.
You are welcome.

23 comments:

Ore said...

What a coup! I haven't heard from Ms. Okere since just after the incident last year, so it's good to know that she is still following the path to legal recourse.

Great work, ST!

bArOquE said...

yes, its Baroque, i'm back
Standtall, how you been?

i will live to see justice served in this case, i am glad, & i am sure i will definitely drink to it...great to hear that Uzoma is doing fine.

aloted said...

good to read from Uzoma...and i pray justice is served.

Thanks Standtall for bringing Uzoma to blogville

poeticallytinted said...

Wow! Standy you found her!

Glad to know the case hasn't fizzled out.

Uzoma, comes across to me as a guarded young lady, however, she made a simple but strong statement when she said:

"But I think if we gave a little more consideration to the other person, life would be much simpler."

thanks for caring Standy.

Tigeress said...

very nice standtall- very nice. I hope you'll get to interview her again once the case is closed- that way she'll be able to share more. :)

LusciousRon said...

Thank you for bringing her to us! I hope and pray justice will be served in her case. Good work.

.. said...

Good To hear from her..Another case of the abuse of power in the society we live in...
Hopefully,she would emerge triumphant...and get the Justice she deserves.

Afrobabe said...

Justice will definately be served for you sweetheart.....

Danny BaGucci said...

Wonderful...... Great to hear the young lady is doing fine.. Thanks for unearthing another gem!

Kafo said...

i don't know the full details of the sitatuion but hmmmm i'm happy that she is okay and not jaded about the whole situation, her hope for our nation is refreshing

LISA VAZQUEZ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hey StandTall!

I haven't been by in a long time!!

I had not heard of Okere's case.

Thank you for featuring her.

As you know, in the United States, police officers have been using electrocution (a hand-held taser gun) on anyone that they feel deserves it. The taser gun is legal and is often being used to electrocute "suspects" to death right on the scene.

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

Adaeze said...

Wow Standtall! you managed to find her! Good interview.

felix said...

Someday the Nigeria of our dreams will be achieved and whether you see it or not, the pudding is cooking, when the time is right it'll be served.

Writefreak said...

Standtall, thanks for interviewing Uzoma, i reallypray justice is served!

tobenna said...

A lot of us are monitoring this and will see it to a logical conclusion.
Well done Uzo. For daring to speak out.

Nigerian Drama Queen said...

Wow, I haven't heard about her case. Will have to google it. I checked out the link you recommeded..very interesting stuff! Unfortunately I'm not a lawyer yet and don't work for any legal organization. Will u be applying for it?

Vera Ezimora said...

Way to go, girl!!!!!!! You have done another fantabulous job. I'm glad Uzoma is still pursuing justice.

P.S. See, you didn't have to remind me to check your blog this time. I think I deserve a cookie (or a range rover sport). Don't you think? *smile*

flabby said...

wow- interesting!!

why have thou forgotten me?

The Activist said...

Thanks for your support for Uzoma everyone, according to her recent email to me " My last court session was two days ago (20th May). There was a ruling. D other party had been asking 2 cross examine me n all others related 2 d case n they wanted only admittance of "oral evidence" during d cross examining n dey wanted 4 d other forms of evidence 2 put aside. In plain english, dey were askin 4 d video clip 2 put aside while I was put on d witness stand"

And to this, I am sure judgement is about to be served.

@ NDQ: no, I am just starting my law degree this year. Got my admission and will start soon.

@ Vera: lol. thanks dear

Tairebabs said...

I watched the video on the internet last year. I was so pissed off with those soldiers particularly because my father used to be with the military and I realized those men were giving the bunch a bad name. Those men on the video were a total disgrace and should be dismissed from military service. I am glad to hear the case in court and hope and pray that justice will be served. That video was really so painful to watch and evidence was clear. There is no excuse for such treatment no matter what.

Kemmie said...

Hi ya,
Thanks for keeping in touch, dear! Love u to bits. Keep up the fabulous work here ;) K

Woomie O! said...

it's so good to know that this case wan't swept under the carpet. I saw the scene on TV and i was petrified. the stupid officers should pay thru their noses...bunch o' fools.

lesson learnt? it's vital to know your right.

Standtall, you rock!

My Passion, my focus, the change that I want to see in the world - is my propellent factor.

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