His Excellency
President/Commander-In-Chief
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Presidential Villa, Aso Rock
Abuja, Nigeria

Your Excellency,

We are solicitors to Chief Charles Okereke , a Nigerian National living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, United States of America here-in-after referred to as “our client” and it is on his behalf and instructions that we petition you.

In the year 2003, the African Union Commission organized three prestigious and honourable competitions for the best symbols of the African Union as follows: The best Anthem, the best flag and the best logo. The authors of the best three entries in each category (Anthem, flag and logo) were to be presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government to finally select AU official symbols and for recognition and award of prices of US$7,000.00 for 1st position, US$5,000.00 for 2nd position and US$3,000.00 for 3rd position in each of the three categories.

All three competitions were open to nationals of AU member states who, as a candidate, may submit entries for one or more of the three categories. Our client entered for the competition and submitted his Anthem composition: “God Bless Africa” to the commission of the African Union. Enclosed is your complimentary “God Bless Africa” CD.

On 23/9/2004, Alpha Oumar Konare , Chairperson of African Union Commission wrote to notify our client that the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government voted his Anthem Composition third in the Anthem category. Copy of said letter is enclosed for your perusal. He also expressed gratitude for our clients dedication for Africa and congratulated him for being among the winners of this prestigious and honourable competition.

However, the truth is as contained in the petition of our client which is enclosed for your perusal. Although the rules say that “No recourse shall be entertained about the outcome of the pre-selection, deliberations and the final choice, it did not say that the committee in charge of the competition is free to violate the rules and procedure.”

A winning by a clear violation and breach of the rules can be challenged for the purpose of announcing the rightful winner but a winning by due process is unassailable . The 1st and 2nd alleged winners did not duly enter for the competition as required by the rules. The 2nd alleged winner is one of the judges of the preselection and is, therefore, prohibited by the rules of natural justice from being a judge in his own cause. The 1st and 2nd alleged winners' compositions were not publicly played back for assessment by the judges. Our clients composition was the only composition voted upon by the judges. The public also voted on-line in support. If the winners had being presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, only our client would have been presented. Therefore, he came first in the competition.

Your Excellency, Sir, it is an honour to Nigeria that her National composed the African Union Anthem. Nigeria's hard earned honour must not be diverted to another member state. This public deception at a continental level must not be allowed to stand. May I, therefore, urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to ensure that the 1st price position is restored to its rightful winner- Mr. Charles Okereke of Nigeria so that the honour is properly credited to Nigeria.

Thanks and God bless you, Sir.

Yours very faithfully,
PP: MADONNA CHAMBERS

Signed

BARRISTER LEO AMANFO
(Head of Chambers)