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Anthony Obi Ogbo

Historic HISD’s $4.4 billion bond – what is County Judge Hidalgo up to?

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7 months ago

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has sparked controversy within her Democratic Party circle by publicly endorsing the contentious $4.4 billion Houston ISD bond less than two weeks before the upcoming election. In a recent social media post, Hidalgo revealed that a recent tour of an HISD school facility had shed light on the urgent need for additional funding, despite the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) recent takeover of the district.

The bond, which is divided into two separate propositions, has faced significant backlash in recent months. Surprisingly, both Harris County Republicans and Democrats have united in opposition to the bond, citing concerns about potential mismanagement by the current leadership.

However, Hidalgo’s stance is rooted in her firsthand observations during the school tour. She raised the alarm at the inadequate conditions she witnessed, such as a mere fence separating the exterior from six classrooms, a musty smell emanating from the library due to a damaged HVAC system, and using mobile units from 1990 that were only designed to last 10 years. Additionally, she noted that the narrow walkways and lack of proper canopies made it difficult for students and staff during inclement weather, and classrooms’ heating and cooling systems were insufficient. Indeed, Hidalgo’s decision to support the bond is based on her commitment to addressing the pressing needs of HISD students and staff, as highlighted by her eye-opening visit to the school facility.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bond Proposal, let’s break it down: The proposal consists of two parts – Proposition A and Proposition B. Proposition A aims to enhance the district’s buildings and facilities. If approved, HISD will have the opportunity to borrow $3.96 billion for crucial repairs and upgrades. On the other hand, Proposition B focuses on enhancing technology in HISD schools, with a proposed borrowing of $440 million to modernize technology across all schools.

The Bond Proposal currently under consideration is undeniably significant, representing the first time in 12 years that HISD has sought funding for improvements. If approved, it would also become the largest bond in the history of the state of Texas. Major supporters of the bond, such as the Houston Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and Children at Risk, have valid concerns. They are particularly focused on the challenges faced by students in deteriorating school facilities.

However, there might be a glaring oversight in their assessment – the ability of HISD’s current leadership to effectively manage this initiative.  Since assuming the role of Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District in June of 2023, Mike Miles has consistently been making headlines, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Despite his responsibilities in organizing, leading, directing, policy-making, and execution, Miles has failed to pass every test required to excel in his position. He has consistently struggled to lead this school district. Teachers are feeling distressed and uncertain about their roles, parents are worried about their children’s future, and students are losing interest in their education. The situation at HISD is dire, and it is clear that a change in leadership may be necessary to restore trust and stability within the district.

It is not surprising that former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other local leaders who oppose the bond have expressed concerns regarding this proposal. They criticized Miles and his administration for not seeking sufficient input in developing the bond proposal. Bishop James Dixon, who heads the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter, also criticized the lack of transparency in the bond proposal process. The Harris County Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to oppose it.  Their party Chair Mike Doyle suggested that the funds should be in the hands of an elected representative, not Miles.

These criticisms underscore the critical need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to allocating public funds. Superintendent Miles failed to actively engage all stakeholders, including community members and organizations, to ensure that the needs and priorities of the people were adequately addressed. The opposition ultimately stems from a lack of trust. Many believe that Miles cannot be trusted to responsibly manage billions in taxpayer money.

In less than two weeks, voters will see HISD’s bond divided into two items on their ballots, one totaling approximately $4 billion and the other around $400 million. Voters must carefully consider the implications of passing such a large bond, especially when there are concerns about the leadership within HISD. Judge Hidalgo and other supporters of this bond must move beyond their emotions. It is widely recognized that HISD is facing challenges and requires assistance. Ultimately, the success of this bond will depend on not just the amount of funding allocated, but also on the ability of HISD’s leadership to effectively implement and oversee its use.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

Biafra: A Scarred Past, A Tense Present

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3 months ago

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February 18, 2025

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“For those who casually talk of war or fantasize about forcing the Igbo to flee again, it’s crucial to understand one thing: the dynamics of conflict have changed.”  —Dr. Emeaba Emeaba

Naïveté is a condition of trusting too easily, of believing the world to be simple and fair, of taking things at face value. This was the state of the Igbo people in Nigeria before the tragedy of Biafra. The Igbo were industrious traders and sojourners who engaged with the world earnestly, often assuming others shared their sincerity. But their aggressive individualism and entrepreneurial spirit irritated many, planting seeds of resentment in a fragile national fabric.

The tipping point came with a failed coup in 1966. The coup’s leaders were largely of Igbo extraction, and some prominent Hausa-Fulani politicians were killed. When the coup was suppressed by the then-Igbo army commander, Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, who assumed national leadership, suspicion turned to hostility. It didn’t matter that the Igbo were not collectively complicit; perceptions of ethnic dominance fueled violent reprisals. Across Nigeria, Igbo civilians—men, women, and children—were slaughtered, maimed, and driven from their homes. Their crime? Sharing the same ethnicity as some of the coup plotters.

Faced with relentless persecution, the Igbo fled to Eastern Nigeria, seeking refuge under the protection of their military governor, Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu. The clamor for safety and dignity led to a call for secession, birthing the short-lived Republic of Biafra. However, the Nigerian government responded with war, branding the secession as rebellion. What followed was a campaign of destruction: mass killings, starvation as a weapon of war, and the obliteration of civilian populations under the pretense of maintaining national unity.
By the war’s end in 1970, millions of lives had been lost. The Igbo were stripped of their properties, political positions, and dignity. Biafra’s failure was not due to a lack of resolve but to an underestimation of the lengths to which the Nigerian state and its foreign backers would go. The Igbo assumed they were fighting soldiers; they did not anticipate a war on civilians, where tanks and air raids rained terror upon villages.

Since then, the Igbo have returned to Nigeria, grinding their teeth but channeling their energies into rebuilding their lives through commerce and ingenuity. Yet, the scars of Biafra linger. The Igbo homeland remains heavily policed and militarized, with even minor disturbances treated as national security threats. Meanwhile, some factions in Nigeria invoke the war in their rhetoric, threatening violence and deriding the Igbo as occupying an area that is a “tiny dot” in Nigeria These are not merely words—they are provocations that ignore the lessons of history.
For those who casually talk of war or fantasize about forcing the Igbo to flee again, it’s crucial to understand one thing: the dynamics of conflict have changed. The Igbo have learned from Biafra. They are no longer confined to a “dot” but are everywhere, contributing to Nigeria’s economy and building homes far from their ancestral lands. They will not retreat to be cornered and crushed again.

And war itself has evolved. It is no longer fought with soldiers who can be dispatched to distant territories while leaders issue commands from comfortable enclaves. Drones and modern weaponry have democratized destruction. In today’s world, no region can claim immunity from the fires they set elsewhere—ask Russia, in their flirtations with Ukraine.
So, let this be a warning: watch your words and actions. The fires of Biafra burned too hot, and the ashes are still smoldering. Those who continue to stoke these embers risk starting an inferno that no one—not even the instigators—will be able to extinguish.
Let us learn from the past and choose dialogue, empathy, and unity over divisiveness. Nigeria cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of its history.
_______

♦Publisher of the Drum Magazine, Dr. Emeaba Emeaba is an author and entrepreneur based in Nigeria and the United States 

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

What is wrong with Houston’s Mayor, John Whitmire?

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7 months ago

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October 24, 2024

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The ongoing feud between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the city’s chief financial officer, Controller Chris Hollins, is escalating into a distracting political spectacle.

During a heated press conference last week, Whitmire accused Hollins of engaging in pay-to-play by seeking sponsorships for a local annual investor conference. Whitmire’s main concern is that Hollins openly sought sponsorships reaching up to $100,000, with top sponsors being promised access to a private dinner with him, as stated in a document on the city’s website. Whitmire announced that he had launched an ethics investigation into the matter.

The ongoing feud between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the city’s chief financial officer, Controller Chris Hollins, is escalating into a distracting political spectacle.

During a heated press conference last week, Whitmire accused Hollins of engaging in pay-to-play by seeking sponsorships for a local annual investor conference. Whitmire’s main concern is that Hollins openly sought sponsorships reaching up to $100,000, with top sponsors being promised access to a private dinner with him, as stated in a document on the city’s website. Whitmire announced that he had launched an ethics investigation into the matter.

In response, Hollins swiftly retaliated by submitting a memo to the City of Houston’s Office of Inspector General and the Houston City Council Ethics Committee, requesting that the investigation be expanded to include fundraising practices for the Mayor’s State of the City event. Hollins defended his actions by explaining that he utilized the same fundraising model for the Investor Conference that the Mayor had used for the State of the City event. The key difference is that the Mayor controls the proceeds from the State of the City, while proceeds from the Investor Conference are directed to a non-profit donor-advised fund, where an independent body has exclusive spending authority.

The two men have publicly disagreed over the city’s finances, but the latest drama marked a new level of animosity. Earlier this year, for instance, the duo clashed over Whitmire’s proposed $1.5 billion settlement with the firefighter’s union. Tensions escalated when Hollins halted the process and raised additional questions about the agreement. Hollins also argued that the Mayor did not provide him with enough time to assess the financial impact the contract would have on the city’s finances. In response, Whitmire, who played a significant role in negotiating the settlement, emphasized the need for swift approval to prevent any potential legal challenges that could result in the city being liable for a larger sum than agreed upon.

However, this recent clash with Hollins is just the tip of the iceberg. Since taking office as Houston’s mayor, Whitmire has frequently made headlines for his conflicts with other public officials, many of whom are fellow members of his Democratic Party.

Do you remember the Whitmire versus Hidalgo drama? Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo supported the late Sheila Jackson Lee, Whitmire’s rival in a contentious mayoral race. Since Whitmire won and took office, his attitude towards Hidalgo and others who supported Jackson Lee has been quite vindictive. Whitmire has made it nearly impossible to meet with Hidalgo in person, even during major weather events that have hit Houston.

The officials had held separate briefings due to this ongoing discord. On May 16, they held their first joint news conference after an unexpected windstorm ravaged Houston. The exchange was disgraceful and awkward, with both even squabbling over who should speak at the podium. Whitmire remarked, “I’m glad I made the approval list,” to which Hidalgo responded, “Mayor, this is a disaster. Now is not the time.”

That was not the end of it. A month later, Whitmire stirred controversy with a derogatory comment on Hidalgo’s Facebook page regarding her bridal shower. Hidalgo had posted photos from the event, including one with her fiancé David James. Commenting from his official Facebook page, Whitmire wrote, “Wonderful. He sure looks like a nerd.” Whitmire’s comment generated awkward headlines and distractions from important policy matters for another week.

It is concerning that Whitmire has consistently found himself embroiled in controversies, yet appears unfazed by the backlash. In June, he sparked yet another contentious moment by stating to a news outlet that residents of Gulfton in Houston are predominantly undocumented immigrants seeking basic services and may not be welcomed in the Galleria. This comment prompted numerous local organizations to unite in signing and sending a letter demanding an apology for remarks they deemed highly offensive.

One significant concern with electing individuals of advanced age or nearing retirement to key political positions is that they often realize they have no long-term career to safeguard. This can ultimately result in a lack of decorum within the decision-making process, as these individuals prioritize their own agendas over the needs of those they are meant to serve.  In the long run, this shortsighted approach can have detrimental effects on the overall stability and prosperity of the constituency.

The approach taken by Mayor John Whitmire aligns well with the above analogy. At 75 years old, he has essentially reached the conclusion of his illustrious political career. Yet as his ongoing political dramas continue to captivate public attention, one cannot help but question his capacity to organize people. His behavior has become a major topic in the media, diverting attention from his official duties and raising concerns about his ability to work effectively with officials who would not agree with him. Ultimately, it is up to Whitmire to address these issues.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Anthony Obi Ogbo

Kim Ogg – Disgruntled Witch Prowls for a Pound of Flesh

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7 months ago

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October 22, 2024

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“Sore loser vengefully continues to navigate the murky waters of Harris County politics“ —Anthony Ogbo

In politics, wonders never cease. Just when you think you have seen it all, a new trend, scandal, or controversy emerges to shake up the terrain. Thus, politics remains an unpredictable strange environment where alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and power dynamics constantly evolve.  Where am I going with this?

The U.S. Senate race between Republican Senator Ted Cruz and Democratic challenger Congressman Colin Allred is heating up in the final moments of the campaign. Cruz is up for re-election for the first time since narrowly winning a hard-fought challenge against Democrat Beto O’Rourke six years ago. But last month, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, a prominent Democrat, made headlines for endorsing Cruz in his re-election campaign. Ogg’s support for Cruz was further highlighted in a recent advertisement airing in various regions of Texas, urging widespread backing for the senator.

In the advertisement, Ogg expressed her endorsement of Cruz, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing the challenges facing Texans. She stressed the need to ensure the safety of the state, mentioning Cruz’s proposed legislation to keep violent illegal immigrants in custody until their trial. Ogg further stated that she was voting for Cruz because of his commitment to keeping Texans safe.

Ogg, it may be recalled, was shamelessly unseated by Sean Teare, a former prosecutor in her own office.  Teare had the backing of a group of Harris County Democratic Party precinct chairs unhappy with Ogg for inadequately representing party values. So, it was no surprise to those closely following Texas politics that she made those awful but strategic political decisions.

Since the Democrats rejected her reelection bid during the Party’s primary race in March, she has undergone a significantly bizarre political transformation, totally distancing herself from her Party and aligning more closely with conservative values. She completely changed her stance on various policy issues, including adopting tough-on-crime policies to gain favor with supposedly her former Republican adversaries.

Late last year, the ongoing feud between Ogg and her Party reached a boiling. The County Democrats voted 129 to 61 to admonish her for how she was doing her job. Party members accused her of weaponizing her office and falling out of step with Democratic values. The party created a resolution of admonishment that listed more than a dozen abuses but mainly accused her of abusing her power to pursue vendettas against political opponents.

Known for her vindictive conduct, Ogg has used her position to target political opponents with burdensome court cases, effectively punishing them for daring to challenge her authority. In a revealing interview with the Houston Chronicle in mid-September, a county court-at-law judge disclosed that he had cautioned his colleagues against crossing Ogg, stating, “If you anger her, you could find yourself facing a grand jury and potential indictment.”

In 2022, Ogg made headlines by indicting three former staffers of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a progressive leader overseeing the local Commissioners Court, for allegedly directing $11 million in COVID-19 vaccine outreach funds to a politically connected vendor. The case has since stalled, with Hidalgo vehemently denying the accusations and no trial date set.

Ogg’s journey to becoming district attorney has been marked by controversy. Initially a Republican, she switched parties in 2016 and campaigned as a Democrat, pledging to reform the flawed cash bail system, decriminalize drug offenses, and establish a fairer justice system that does not oppress the less fortunate. However, Ogg’s stewardship began to raise eyebrows, as she accepted substantial campaign contributions from the local bail bond industry while accusing progressives of attempting to defund her department.

In a further display of her contentious approach, Ogg sought to have a self-proclaimed democratic socialist judge ousted from his position due to his outspoken criticism of the criminal justice system and reluctance to agree to plea bargains that often result in the unjust incarceration of low-income individuals. Additionally, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, Ogg declared her intention to prosecute individuals who violate Republican Governor Greg Abbott’s stringent ban on abortion on a case-by-case basis, aligning herself with one of the most restrictive abortion policies in the nation.

In no uncertain terms, Ogg remains a disgruntled witch in the current electoral season, vindictively prowling for a pound of flesh.  Her latest shift in political ideology remains an unpredictable omen. Some speculate that she may be positioning herself to run as a Republican candidate in the upcoming elections while others believe she is simply trying to distance herself from the party that just turned her away.

Regardless of her motives, one thing is clear: Kim Ogg’s actions have left a trail of confusion and distrust among both her supporters and critics. Her willingness to flip-flop on key issues and align herself with different political parties only adds to the skepticism surrounding her true intentions. As this sore loser vengefully continues to navigate the murky waters of Harris County politics, one can only wonder what other surprises she has in store for the future.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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