Pataki you beat me to Joshua 1:8. It is trully an amazing scripture.

Another one i like is Psalm 1: 1- 3 (sorry i had to use the amplified version to bring out the talk inside)

   1[a]BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.

    2But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.(A)

    3And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].(B)

@ Analytical, Remain blessed my brother, this is a good idea.

You know it is sad that Nigerians don't understand their leaders. I recalled this debate while reading punchonline and couldnt help but post after not being on nairaland for a while.

The report states that govt has soft pedalled its position on AFRICOM, in my opinion this has been the position from the beginning, i invite debosky, Mckren and the other "objective" and extremely intelligent and enlightened folks to attempt to spin this.

I eagerly wait for the responses and while at that can the author please amend the title.

http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art200805282131648

Nigeria backpedals on Africom
By Oluwole Josiah, Abuja
Published: Wednesday, 28 May 2008
The Federal Government may have reconsidered its stand on the United States Africa Command, known as Africom, as it has accepted most of the proposals in the policy.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, said the US policy had been around for a long time.

He noted that Nigeria rejected a situation in the past when the US military made incursions into parts of Africa without seeking the consent of African countries.

He described the situation as Africom 1, adding that the practice of unwarranted incursions by US military formations was a thing of the past.

On Nigeria‘s new position, Maduekwe said the proposal was examined by Nigeria and it was found suitable for her survival as a nation.

He said it was not wise for Nigeria to maintain a ”cold war” posture by exhibiting the old communist anti-west stance.

He said the Africom proposal would be beneficial to both Nigeria and the US interests in handling the issue of terrorism and the building of the capacities of African soldiers.

He said, ”The Africom 2 is one that will continue to exist for US cooperation with African militaries in the area of training, logistics and equipment support. It is the Africom that will see our officers going to the US War College and that had existed for many decades, but now if they have been admitting five of them, they can now admit 20 of them because there is a new understanding.

”This Africom 2 is that which will avail us satellite governance to enable us enhance our own capacity for nipping terrorist attacks. Terrorist attacks know no boundary and if there is terrorist attack in Nigeria it can literally cripple our economy because we still have a fragile economy.

”So, if there is a level of infrastructure available somewhere, it does not have to be in America, it could be any other country. But now the Americans have offered what they have been offering us but they have said ‘let us make it more administrative tidy‘ rather than getting this support from Europe.”

On Nigeria‘s bid for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council, Maduekwe said the country was better positioned to get it.

babycool:

This is to cordialy invite you to a conference in Abuja called The Abuja higher life conference, its a conference featuring Pastor Chris of Christ Embassy Church and other powerful men of God.

@ babycool please who were the other men of God present ?

@ I-man, i wished i had a lot of time to engage you am so busy i cant even read all comments, i removed my comments cos i really cant keep up with the debate hopefully end next week i shld have the time.

You are wrong no one has committed to numbers and a definate timetable thats the difference you can see you dont know the details. Thats what Bush threathened to veto when he asked senate to approve more funds he and the likes of Hillary insist there should be no numbers and definate time table for withdrawal. She talks of withdrawal but no commitments, you uses the clause right time.

Has all the war stopped nuclear proliferation and captured Al-queda, and you are here talking up side down, when Libya decided to stop being a rogue state what happened to the Lockabie bombing issue, Oloku I-man, you know only one way and another way to you is rubbish becos its not war.

Iran, Syaria and the likes definately know the whereabouts of the top echoleon of Al-queda and can give then up with the right incentives, war solves nothing today what do we have Saddam is out but iraq is unstable what a success story.

This thread is moving so fast.

@ I-man seems events has overtaken your questn, anyway congrats to Hillary but the battle has just started for both camps, it would be an interesting race.

@ I-man so what does Hillary staand for. Please spare me the details on all this substance and issue talk. do you know what Hillary stands for, go to his website and read his manifesto on all issues, i have helped you copy the link. I have read it and he has very good positions especially on the environment, foreign polich and healthcare.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Please enlighten yourself before making blind comments, there is substance in his policies. In addition he talks of hope and change in a time of stress. You can have your bias but please don't make unfounded statements, if you want to, lets take it issue by issue, i support Obama more because of what he has to offer as laid down in his manifesto.

I really don't know what you are all about on Hillary Clinton, experience does not always do a better job, it gets the job doen the old way, the way we are used to, theres little room for innovation in experience.

donnie:

The same grace and annointing i see in Pastor Chris, i also see in them. You sound as though they are some occultic group or something.

Anyways, i recognize your sincere show of concern, and i really appreciate that. . . unlike some people.

@ donnie, far from it, i didnt mean to infer any occultic meaning i would amend the post b4 it leads to sometin else. Perhaps you should ask the original composition of CEC, those are the 7 members and who actually started BLW?

@ Jesoul, am sorry but your analysis is so warped.

First, if you believe in experience thats good but making a conclusion based on the action of 1 governor is such a fallacy definately hasty generalization. Whats the comparison you use African American, untested and unexperienced, from a poor background etc.

So becos Deval Patrick missed the mark every other young African American in that category will miss it compared to saying every Nigerian is a thief or a 419.

I dont live in America but the Obama train is that of hope, hearing his speech i can feel it, if i were in America i would definately volunteer, he has the ability to inspire people, thats why its the young thats picking the message quickly, America needs to change its stance on a lot of issues and OBAMA is the only voice close to what is required.

donnie:

Pastor Chris recived a very definite call and vision from God in 1981: to take the divine presence of god to the nations of the world and since then, he has carried that vision and ran with it with so much passion. Now that presence is evident every where we go. Its in out books, our tapes. Signs and wonders occur all over the world by just coming in contact with any anything from our ministry because they are annointed, they carry that presence.

Pastor Chris was born into Assemblies of God church. When he started out his ministry he did not have in mind to establish a church. All he wanted was to carry the message around the world. The church is a result ot the vision. This is the reason many don't understand our ministry. They are astonished at the results we get, it isn't our own making. These are the signs that should accompany the vision.

By the way, Pastor Chris went into school in his first year, he joined the christian organization there but was made to undersatand that he couldn't continue there. At one time, he told the leader of the fellowship he wanted to organize a seminar and "how long have you been here?" came his response. then when he replied, "that is not enough time to know what happening around here" came the final response. he was however allowed to go on ahead apart from the chrsitian group.

Brotherly i don't understand how you can say that he didnt have in mind to establish a church. You are being drawn into the arguement you seem to avoid, church is a people called out of darkness into his marvelous light not a denomination. Yes we have denominations, but the Christ Embassy (church) does not belong to Pastor Chris.

Am just joking though i understand your point but on a serious note are you sure you know much about BLW. Please do your research well, ask old members about the early CEC 7 members and Pastor Anita's role in setting up the fellowship. You have a lot to learn.

I will not join issues on Pastor Chris whether he is or not authentic, i know he is, i have no doubt in my spirit, he is called of God. Some of us got born again on campus in Believers Love World so we know, but still that doesn't cloud our judgement.

Donnie why is it that the same God that called Pastor Chris into ministry, why can't he call others into ministry as well, wheres the confusion, or is it a monopoly.

My greatest concern as many of us that knew BLW when Camp meeting was still held at (UNIBEN, ASCON, Stadium, Redeem Camp) is the association with TB.Joshua, it burns our heart and several other issues coming out these days but this would not be the right avenue to discuss it, the fact we are christains does not mean we shouldnt talk to each other.

@ Bankole you beat me to it, so EFCC is now the election tribunal? Intelectual depth? Zero

Somone raise a thread resently on the lack of intellectual depth of our leaders, What a tragedy to a Nation the followers are way worse off. Our president is a PhD holder, and yet we cant identify any uniqueness and intellectual depth in anything he does, he lacks charisma, dull in approach and very undecisive.

In the middle of a 4 year tenure, you ask someone to go on study leave? what a tragedy that the mantra of his govt is Due Process and Rule of Law, what other hypocricy can be greater?

babasin:

lovely.
why blame Nigerian if the WESTERNERS GREED and their system allowed them to be 'double-duped' by Nigerians??

Why blame the armed robber and other criminals. Are you aware of "local" 419.

Quote me out of context. Mr. Rule of law am not surprised, The point from my statement is were the responsibility lies and where the bulk should stop, not that the receipt of looted funds is not a crime.

The West has established Anti Money laundering laws against receipt of looted funds, the same west are more serious and committed in stopping this crime than our Chief law officer and his friends. Who is then the hypcrite?

Again i reiterate the hypocricy theory doesnt hold because it is first our responsibility to protect our system and punish criminals to deter others.

Can someone please disprove Afam's point using Stats. His claim is simple.

Afam:

@debosky,

Please, kindly list the wrong premises one at a time so that we stop going round in circles.

One per line would do.

Scam emails based on location - Nigeria as a country is not notorious.

Scam emails based on nationality - Nigerians are definitely in the minority.

These are the foundations of my positions.

The only person thus far that has attempted is debosky but am not too clear on his server point ie are you suggesting  that since the mails sent from Nigerians are routed through email servers located abraod hence when capturing the stats on the origin of the 419 mails, it wont be linked to Nigeria. Debosky please be a bit clearer on the statement in bold below, am i right as per my summary?

debosky:

@ Afam

once again your premise is wrong because if all Nigerian traffic is routed through email servers in foreign lands, then it is of no importance where the servers are located. Emails are anonymous for the most parts and the server hosts do not have a duty to screen mails being sent out by account owners, so that in no way helps your line of reasoning.

@ texazzpete, the fact that the public cybercafes are full with scammers does not suggest much, in the developed world internet connectivity is affordable and available so the scammers can operate from the comfort of their homes.

@ Afam can you help us iwth the source of the stats in your write up.

Nigerians are notorious for financial crimes that i can state particulary in UK, online scams and identity theft (shopping and obtaining credit using another persons details) are masterminded by Nigerians.

This has nothing to do with western bashing Nigerians can be very fraudulent, travel abroad and you will see that, the singling out of Nigeria by the West is based on the fact that our system hitherto couldnt punnish offenders and retrieve the loot from them as we show we are serious the image would change gradually.

The hypocricy theory also doesnt hold, if our system allows our funds to be looted and sent abroad easily why should the London banks reject it.

Even on Nairaland here some people don't see anything wrong in what Ibori and his likes have done rather the problem is Ribadu and he must be stopped. Once we do that we will show the world we are just a bunch of jokers.

mrpataki:


Europe today has some of the best designs of cathedrals in the world, built by those who had a ''passion'' for God many years back, but alas, today most of them have turned to museums and archealogical masterpiece where tourist travel from all over the world to take pictures. From Germany to Belgium to France to Netherlands to UK. All over.

Taking this statement alone, you have totally wrecked your arguement. The men you claim that built the auditoriums had a passion for God, but today it is being converted to museums. Do you think this men in their graves are happy?

ziddy:

Iyabo herself acknowlegded the fact that there was conflict of interest, yet she went ahead with the business albeit under a different name. She's not a honest person.

Of course, she and her friends definately knew what they were doing they never thot the deal will go bad. The intent is clear, it was to gain using her position as commissioner and the presidents daughter, but you just wait and see how the rule of law will be used to play this out.

@ babasin all you have stated is your opinion which in this case really should be considered dodgy.

The issue is quite clear don't attempt to cloud it, legally has she done anything wrong like say impersonication etc. What law has she broken. Seun asked you to provide the penal code/constitution you havnt done that.

Please do your research and when or if you find something (because i suspect they knew exactly what they were doing .i.e not breaking the law) inform the house, not with this your ill informed arguement.

babasin:


if she does not want to be associated with company, you get your lawyer or someone else to represent your interest.

Awofisayo is also associate of OBJ who got all illegal hospital contract that was recently cancelled by yaradua

They are all fraudsters.

Agreed that getting a representative is the neater option and we have greed to thank for that if not we would not know of this, but the question is did she break the law?

And your insinuations of illegal and fraudsters is laughable, MR. rule of law.

babasin:

the excuse she gave already nailed her, we don't need to wait for any law court.

Oh really so you are now the person to determine that her excuse has nailed her, I hope you also read that the excuse was tenable at the arbitration panel See the quote below from the link "Even the arbitration panel in Paris, on which a judge of the high court of England sat, agreed that legally, there was nothing wrong in that".

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=98504

Read it for yourself. You read one part and didnt bother to read her defense, what Mr. Rule of Law you really her. It is clear your rule of law stand was nothing in real terms but similar to the AG subjective and protective.

I hope its gettting clear to the blind that the advocates of this so called rule of law in Nigeria know close to nothing of what they are talking about.

@ seun thank you, i have just showed him where the defence is that legally it wasnt wrong.

Mr. Babasin aka Mr. rule of law what other inconsistency can you portray.

Has she been declared guilty by a competent law court, but you have called her a thief. Following your rule of law and due process, you have no business making such statements.

Yes we all have issues with OBJ and want to see him indicted but your contradicting principles is just alarming.

@ Mckren, while i understand your point on the supposed lenient political judgements, but Advance Fee Fraud and Money Laundering i believe are two seperate offences and covered by different penal codes, so making a conclusion of inconisistency prima facie is wrong.

Your point is noted and really we wait for verdicts from the current cases ie Ibori, Fayose. Pertaining to Alams, he has a criminal record, that might not be such a big thing in today's Nigeria, you just wait the way we are evolving such things will definately count, at least he cant via for any public office in Nigeria.

Heres the quote from Yar Adua himself.

“We have discussed on security issues, security within Nigeria, the Niger Delta, the Gulf of Guinea and peace and security on the African continent. We shall partner AFRICOM to assist not only Nigeria but also the African continent to actualise its peace and security initiatives. It is an initiative to have standby forces in each of the regional economic groupings in Africa,” said the President.

Yar Adua exact words, We shall partner on AFRICOM, if you guys are defining AFRICOM as Nigeria's hitherto position thats unture, nigeria was against the idea of AFRICOM. I wont attempt to argue that i know what Yar Adua said i wasnt there and not in his mind but using AFRICOM is misleading.

We can choose to define AFRICOM the way we want, theres clearly a power imbalance, for Nigeria views to be heard and understood in international circles we need to clear so its not misinterpreted. For my friend that quoted Puttin, he was clear when he visited the white house, diplomacy is not lieing but stating your position succinctly.

We wait and see.

Odili and co would have their day in court none has been given any clean bill, they have questions to answer. Investigations are ongoing, as debosky said you pick your battles, especially when fighting powerful individuals like Ibori. At least no one can say Ibori's case is that of witch hunting as he is close to Yar Adua and several current governors.

The idea of doing nothing is what we are against, everyone can't be caught and prosecuted at the same time. It took a lot to get to where we are, we need to support the process to accelerate it.

The rationale is that as long as we have the institution EFCC in place, govt in govt out, theres no hiding place. OBJ is not president today, when Yar Adua leave who says case files can't be open.

@ debosky thanks for your input, good points raised.

I agree that the current Oluwole was long overdue for demolition, but relocating traders should be priority first before demolition. Again maybe a total removal of all those structures from the lagos Island would ease up space, help the traffic flow and several other advantages. I am not insisting that they remain there as you said a govt considers a lot, what am calling for is a proper cost effective structure when they are relocated not a shanty market so we dont end up just moving a problem form one location to another, as long as the maintanance scheme is in place, its possible to sustain this cost effective structures.

You know the multibillion complexes are better suited for virgin areas, leads to higher multiplier effect, cos you can develop along side schools, homes etc, totally new towns.

We are all watching, my earnest prayer is that the govt gets it right,i really want them to, we all would be happy for a better and safer lagos island, you know let get things right for a change, we are tired of all this bad implementation issues just becos someone refused to think the process/project through at times one cant help but insinuate that its planned to be implemented wrongly.

debosky:

well said Ono

but please note - Delta has the largest allocation ever in its history in Ibori's time, is the development commensurate with the funds received?

even if he did a lot, With the amount he got, Delta ought to be much better.

Gbam you have said it all, compared with the funds he had he did nothing. We wait and see, i sincerely just hope EFCC can prove their case, a statement needs to be made to deter the current governors.

@ ono but does that mean he's innocent, in your heart do you think he embezzeled govt fund or not?

I just read that NANS (which is supposed to be the umbrella body of Nigerian students) is calling for Ibori's release. I am really scared for my country.

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua yesterday at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States (US) stated that Nigeria would partner the US/AFRI-CA Command (AFRICOM) on security on the continent.
The Council of States of which the President is Chairman, recently voiced opposition to the command.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who is part of the President’s delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.
But at a press briefing at the Oval Office, with President George W. Bush in attendance, Yar’Adua made known his new position.
“We have discussed on security issues, security within Nigeria, the Niger Delta, the Gulf of Guinea and peace and security on the African continent. We shall partner  AFRICOM to assist not only Nigeria but also the African continent to actualise its peace and security initiatives. It is an initiative to have standby forces in each of the regional economic groupings in Africa,” said the President.
The President did not give details of the discussion on AFRICOM, such as whether Nigeria will be used as the Command’s base, an issue that has emerged contentious in recent times.
But his support at the White House was a clear departure from the leaning of his administration on the issue.
Nigeria’s acceptance of the command is capable of influencing other African countries.
The President said the “friendship and understanding” of the US government is important to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s friendship with the US, according to him, would help the country transform itself from an “underdeveloped nation” to a free market economy.
He noted that issues of democracy and the rule of law, HIV/Aids, malaria, education were discussed during his meeting with Bush.
The US is committed to assisting Nigeria uphold democracy and build a vibrant economy, he remarked.
Yar’Adua restated his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and a society free of corruption.
He told the audience that he briefed Bush on Nigeria’s effort towards a credible electoral process and the principles of equity and justice.
These principles, he argued, would be the basis for building a free society.
“I am highly honoured and privileged to be here. I will never forget this moment in my life. I have briefed Mr. President on the situation in Nigeria and our efforts to anchor democracy on the rule of law, to have a credible electoral process and to ensure that the principles of justice, equity will guide the conduct of affairs in Nigeria.
“Transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption and Mr President has expressed his support to assist Nigeria to ensure that we continue to uphold democracy and the rule of law, zero tolerance on corruption and the development of a free market economy through economic reforms,” he said.
He said further:“This will set the principles upon which we build a free society, capable of growing an economy that will cater for the development and needs of the people of Nigeria. In this great effort we are making, we find great friendship and assistance from the government and people of the United States. We are very grateful for this expression of support.
Bush had lofty words for President Yar’Adua.
“Mr President, I am impressed by your commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept of the rule of law and your efforts on transparency. Congratulations on being a strong leader.
“We also talked about social justice issues and the issue of education. The President is committed to compulsory education throughout the country. I admire that and we want to help him,” he stated.
The US President said it was in his country’s national interest to assist Nigeria from a security and moral perspective.
On HIV/Aids, he acknowledged that Yar’Adua, during their discussions, showed that he was committed to helping Nigerian families affected by way of making anti-retroviral drugs available.
“We are proud you’re here, I welcome you, thank you for your time and your heart,” Bush said.
Ahead of the Yar’Adua, Bush meeting, a US senator, Russ Feingold, had written to Bush emphasising the need for “demonstrable progress in critical government reforms.”
The senator who stated that he is closely following developments in Nigeria wanted Bush to take advantage of the White House visit of Yar'Adua to emphasise the need for demonstrable progress on critical governance reforms.
“To consolidate the hard-earned political and economic gains made under the Obasanjo administration, President Yar'Adua must commit to a complete overhaul of Nigeria's democratic institutions- including, but not limited to, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That also means demonstrating movement towards making Nigeria's political and economic systems more transparent and accountable to its citizens,” he wrote.
Recalling that Yar'Adua came into office pledging zero tolerance for corruption, he argued that there had been little movement on some of the key corruption cases that would indicate he is serious about upholding this pledge.


@ Mckren what are you talking about, Nigeria was opposed to the whole idea, the word used there is new position, please read and stop the misinformation. This is a clear departure from the position of the govt, a clear tactical U turn.

Keep laughing in igbo , but open your eyes "Our people say even when we cry or laugh lets open our eyes". take your own advise and read, dont misinform people.

@ debosky

debosky:

Let me expound. . .The compensation process has begun, and land/funds set aside for such a purpose. Each and every inhabitant/property owner may not have received his/her portion, but adequate provision has been made. This is not a case of unplanned movement hatched overnight without planning.

Okay agreed the compensation process has began, but my question is when should the demolition commence is it at began or completed stage. A sincere and serious govt would complete the process announce it, if possible publish the beneficiaries of relocation for all to see. Yes it might not be unplanned but it is definately a wrong implementation of a good idea.

Secondly you raised certain issues but dont you think we run the risk of still excluding the same set of people. Agreed in this case the inhabitants must not occupy the new shops since as you put it this might be a prime location. But my question is this why cant they inhabit it, why must they be always be excluded, do we want to continue this division, a clear difference of shanty markets and expensive markets eg Oshodi/Shoprite.

My opinion is that what you suggest would seek to continue the process that should be changed. We have a delicate process on hand, a system where there is no confidence in the govt. We need to create an environment of empowerment and a sense of belonging to the development of the nation in the minds of the so called miscreants, they must have a stake, if not its them against us leading to armed robbery, political thugs and all sorts. We do not wish to isolate them. Agreed they might not be able to afford the sophisticated shops, but why keep building multibillion complexes. Why cant there be cost effective alternatives in the so called prime areas.

Abinitio building street markets with the same target clientele would expand shanties, street markets can exist but there should be ways of managing and coordinating this, the crime rate in those places would still be high if not careful, doesnt that immediately tell us that we will have this same Oluwole problem again in the new street market.

@ debosky i am for change, but please this has nothing to do with resisting change, Nigerians are all for change just talk to the average ibo man he will tell you he will go anywhere just give him a secured shop to sell his goods.

The cries of the massess comes up because the government is not alive to its responsibilities, this people have a right to be heard and heard fairly not just trivalised away as cries of the masses.

hello tetede, was that to me or debosky, i assume debosky.

I laugh in spanish. America this America that.

Our own president has agreed to the military base in Africa. That effectively ends this debate. As they say "THATS ALL"

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=97939
http://www.punchng.com/Articl.aspx?theartic=Art2007121413285793

debosky:

The picture you have placed is a subject of contention between the Federal Government and the LASG, LASG wants it demolished and the land reverting to Lagos, but the FG is fighting this. Please get yourself informed before making unsubstantiated claims.

The original owners of property in Oluwole have been compensated, so I don't know what you're talking about

and you're mentioning Yaba and Oshodi. . .will the government tackle each and every single problem at the same instant? CBD Lagos used to be the heart of the city, now that has shifted into V/I-Lekki axis, its time to bring back order and sanity to the heart of Lagos.

The 'masses' can trade at other locations, Downtown areas around the world are the most expensive locations to own shops, I don't see why Lagos should be different.

For the 'masses' I guess one benefit is if you go to school and finish with a good degree, you now have to worry less about some criminals in Oluwole forging a certificate for some other dude to take your place

Urban renewal is needed on Lagos Island, this is part of the painful but necessary process to achieving that.

Please can you expand on that statement. The original owners have been compensated, in addition please provide evidence to show that, you just might be right, but the dailes stated the opposite, that they have not be relocated as promised by the govt.

I am thinking and you can help, from a developmental perspective as a government should i be interested only in the land owners but on ensuring that there is an affordable means of commerce in this case shop outlets that is affordable key word affordable, to ensure a certain income bracket (low income) can afford. As a govt can i put a scheme in place to empower this people and offer them the opportunity to pay over a time period as they make sales etc.

Does this arguement really have to do with the owners of the land compensated or that there should be affordable shops.

@ seun001, good point, why can't the people be given that alternative. Why must policy always be against the market man/woman as if they are not human beings and have no rights. You want to build a complex, provide for them in the complex, charge them what is needed to maintain it to standard and see if the people wont protect it.

Your last statement is so true, the local govt is always charging tenement rate or whatever they call it, that is a form of taxation, what has the tenement rate being used for? The citizens of oluwole have a right to demand what their tenement rate or developmental levy has been used for.

No one is abinitio anti govt why should we be, but we are calling for responsible and accountable actions from the govt. If you collect money from the people you owe it to them to tell them what it is used for and if you want to demolish where they are for whatever reason, you owe it to them to provide an alternative.

@ mrpataki, if am sounding intelligent (coming from someone addressing issues) to you then please be objective and give way to a superior arguement compared to your spoon feeding.

I also didnt suggest you said the govt was functional, am opposed to your view of a lazy citizenry, waiting to be spoonfed, thats untrue and again seems you have issues on civic duties and responsibilities, thats a given, we need not touch on that. I could enlighten you some more if you want. . My civic duties can not and doesn't include maintaining roads, my tax provides for that.Geezzz

Just to recap what i said above and in providing an obvious answer, salary earners of respectable companies pay tax, the shops on the streets, market men/women pay tenement rates and several levies, theres Company income tax, VAT, its not only PAYE thats considered taxation. Please the tax base is wide.

I think i should ask, do you mrpataki pay tax, as you think people don't pay tax, a lot of us do and its a lot.

mrpataki:

@ Buluti,
The basic function of a responsible government is to provide its citizenry the basic amenities of life which include, food water, shelter, good road, good job opportunities etc. It is the duty of the citizenry to ensure it is rightly maintained and used in the proper channel.

You are here talking about tax. How many Nigerians pay tax? It is easy for Nigerians to incorporate the Western civilization into daily issues of the country, failing to realise that the main problem is with the citizenry itself.

Now we are getting somewhere, where has the government provided the basic amenities you mentioned, shelter, good roads, job opportunities, where

It can not be the duty of the citizens to maintain infrastructures, it may be the duty of the citizens to ensure they are used properly and not vandalised, but in maintanace the govt has that duty, either it decides to do it directly or indirectly it is the duty of the appropriate tier of govt to maintain, eg roads how can the citizen maintain roads?

My reference to tax, should be revenue, be it tax or income form crude oil or whatever source, theres revenue accruing to govt, what is it been used for. And talking about tax, salary earners pay tax, the FIRS is constatntly expanding its tax base, so we can/should start talking about how our taxes are utilised.

What is the money spent on?