Sam_Ikenna:
You hit the nail at the head. However, dont join folks that intentionally want to twist the "greed" I was refering to. The point is "greed" can serve different purposes - it can lead a criminally minded person to kill while a go-getter uses his to mine minerals in Mars.

I dont subcribe to this " mindless greed" (cut-throat capitalism) that Wall Street and GOP preaches, they want poor folks to pay for high cost of health inssurance with $9/hr work at Walmart. However, I dont want to live in a utopian socialist country where citizens become laid-back and then make their FG their only God.

The reason I said you hit the nail on the head is because you realized we're culturally different, hence can function well in different economic settings. Each reagion can choose how much of mixed economy they want should we go your route of regionalism. Its this route that sensible people have been clamoring since eons. The earlier we head that way the better, we cant all be crammed into this one-size-fits-all economy/political nonsense.

That's what I've been preaching to MsDarkSkin.. We need regional government to grow - but we will still be brothers..... I love all Nigerian tribes, but we all need to be in control of our destiny, and stop hold each other back... We can still have Nigeria, but we need something similar to the UK, or China... Same Identity but different regions..

@egift, kobo, and divideus...till the president points out the problem, u have no right to twist his words. Like i said earliar, the ques shud be, wat problem is the man talking about? Is it really a problem? How can we solve it?...and not castigating him. @kobo, yes, the president is not yet ready for an SNC due to reasons known best to him, dat doesnt mean we dont want it. BTW...do u know there's a diff bw military NC and democratic SNC? U cant compare both... respect ideas from others, and stop being sentimental. dis is a forum and not political battle ground. U dint answer my previous ques, instead u kept repeating ur post. This arguement is going nowhere...

tete7000:
You definitively quoted the President out of context. It is either you did it deliberately out of mischief or your understanding of english is poor. What the President was saying is simply that a journey that started so well in 1914 has gone somewhere awry and we need to find out where and he was not wrong. Chikena

First of all, what context? A Funeral wake? Secondly, Stop lying to yourself ON BEHALF of politicians you are supposed wield power over.

tete7000:
You definitively quoted the President out of context. It is either you did it deliberately out of mischief or your understanding of english is poor. What the President was saying is simply that a journey that started so well in 1914 has gone somewhere awry and we need to find out where and he was not wrong. Chikena

So, here are the exact quote, tell us it does not attribute the present challenges of the nation to the amalgamation of North and South?

According to the President, something must have gone wrong along the line from 1914 when the Southern and Northern Protectorate amalgamated till date, stressing that the problem of Nigeria did not start today.

“When the Priest was speaking, I started asking myself – what must have gone wrong from 1914 that the Northern and Southern parts of the country were amalgamated? They were under colonial rule since 1960 when we started governing ourselves. From 1960 to date it is about 50 years.

DivideUs:

bro u get energy o, unlike you i don't get paid for dis, I'm out! enjoy ya victory oh you didn't convince anyone sorry

Lol! Go home and sin no more!

ezer: @egift, kobo, and divideus...till the president points out the problem, u have no right to twist his words. Like i said earliar, the ques shud be, wat problem is the man talking about? Is it really a problem? How can we solve it?...and not castigating him. @kobo, yes, the president is not yet ready for an SNC due to reasons known best to him, dat doesnt mean we dont want it. BTW...do u know there's a diff bw military NC and democratic SNC? U cant compare both... respect ideas from others, and stop being sentimental. dis is a forum and not political battle ground. U dint answer my previous ques, instead u kept repeating ur post. This arguement is going nowhere...

Why are you lying to yourself, not me(because I cannot see how you could seriously think you can do that here)?

I at least applaud those who have out-rightly acknowledged to this point that the President did make the statement as quoted, whether they agree with it or not. You, on the other hand are still trying to wiggle around what was said and I want to know why you are lying to yourself. Why are you caught in this game of moving the goal-post all over? What do you gain?

The President has said there is no need for SNC, and he set up a committee to instead hear your concerns and then see if an amendment needs to be made. Here you are twisting that as well to mean he is not ready for SNC. Na when im come slap you before you know to take him at his own words?


[url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/%E2%80%98no-need-sovereign-national-conference%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-jonathan]‘No need for Sovereign National Conference’ – Jonathan --- FEBRUARY 16, 2012[/url]

[size=13pt]President Goodluck Jonathan, on Wednesday, foreclosed the idea of convening a Sovereign National Conference, stating that the Presidential Committee(SNC) on Outstanding Constitutional Issues, headed by Justice Alfa Belgore, was set up to handle defects in the current 1999 Constitution.[/size]

Jonathan, while speaking to elders from the South-South and South-West geo-political zones, at the State House, said the Committee was set up to bring up areas of national consensus from the 2006 National Political Reform Conference for the National Assembly’s consideration towards effecting constitutional amendments.

Kai!!! This is what I call mental slavery . . . this need to re-write/re-word/re-phrase what is said to mean something entirely different. And all this is done suppposedly on behalf of politicians who are not even concerned about the well-being of Nigerians, let alone the future of the various people.

Kobojunkie:


First of all, what context? A Funeral wake? Secondly, Stop lying to yourself ON BEHALF of politicians you are supposed wield power over.

When people like you talk, you talk as if the political system is made up of leaders alone. It is however made up of followership and the leadership. Both need to be up and doing for a country to move forward. One thing I have come to realise is that in Nigeria we all get the kind of leadership we deserve. I ask you a question: How many Nigerians in their individual workplace stand for what is right? How many of us are not corrupt? we cant be shouting about our leaders when we followers refuse to do the right thing. I am not a politician, neither do I have any as my relative but I believe if we stand up for truth in our individual capacity, we will route our corrupt politician out of power. It is our undoing that is supporting them in power. Take it or leave it. It is the truth. Nigerians are full of hypocrisy.

shymmex:

You still don't get it do you?? Black but we have PECULIAR problems.. We can solve Yoruba's problem, but using the Zulu's solution - despite being on the same continent.. Can we use Somalia or South Africa as a case study - to solve Nigeria's problem?? HELL NAH!!

YOU don't get it.
I never mentioned other African nations. But what I did say was:

REMEMBER: Africa technically does not exist, as our ancestors separated based on linguistic and cultural similarities thus formed tribes. Colonization is what made (makes) us share a common goal : obtaining and maintaining freedom. That included (still does) western blacks.

So in a nut shell the common goal for all African/black people is to govern ourselves and have equal rights and justice. I don't care where you are from, WE ALL want the right to live and be free. Since you mentioned it, heck yeah! Somalia can TEACH Nigeria a lesson as Somalia IS a failed state. God FORBID it's lack of infrastructure is repeated in Nigeria. The sweeping up of issues under the rug and the fight for certain tribes to gain power is what crippled that nation.

*modified*

But what I AM SAYING AS FAR AS THIS TOPIC IS CONCERNED, NIGERIANS HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE ILLS AND CRACKS IN THEIR NATION'S FOUNDATION, SOLVE THEM AND RISE. I said that from the beginning and frankly, I don't see how that calls for you to insult and disrespect me because I am not African. That was very LOW and shameful of you.

I uplift my race everyday by leading a good life, and knowing what it's a to be a BLACK MAN in this wicked world... Heck, I volunteer every week to help disadvantage youths in my community; leading them on the right path; and teaching them about how lucky they're to be black and what our ancestors achieved... And basically, how we can achieved the same thing, if we stopped leading destructive lifestyles...

God bless you for doing that. But he should punish you for being a damn hypocrite.

But I can deny my country - my country needs to fix its problem before thinking about African unity... Once we fix that, and become a 'superpower' - then, we can think about other Africans, and African unity...

To a certain extent I agree with you there.

I'm done with you for now... I have a peng proper JA chic (not JAfrican like you) coming to link me....

I'll have to focus on her for now, and leave you to your pseudo-history, and myopic thought process...

Adios!!

Mschew.

tete7000:

When people like you talk, you talk as if the political system is made up of leaders alone. It is however made up of followership and the leadership. Both need to be up and doing for a country to move forward. One thing I have come to realise is that in Nigeria we all get the kind of leadership we deserve. I ask you a question: How many Nigerians in their individual workplace stand for what is right? How many of us are not corrupt? we cant be shouting about our leaders when we followers refuse to do the right thing. I am not a politician, neither do I have any as my relative but I believe if we stand up for truth in our individual capacity, we will route our corrupt politician out of power. It is our undoing that is supporting them in power. Take it or leave it. It is the truth. Nigerians are full of hypocrisy.

Oh! Come on now . . . All of the above na jargon . . . simple question asked here,and I did throw in a suggestion as well.

Kobojunkie:
First of all, what context? A Funeral wake? Secondly, Stop lying to yourself ON BEHALF of politicians you are supposed wield power over.

Stick to topic, and making your points, whatever they are, please!

shymmex:

That's what I've been preaching to MsDarkSkin.. We need regional government to grow - but we will still be brothers..... I love all Nigerian tribes, but we all need to be in control of our destiny, and stop hold each other back... We can still have Nigeria, but we need something similar to the UK, or China... Same Identity but different regions..

Nah. The reason WHY Europe and Asia are on top is BECAUSE they see the power of national unity and what an impact it can have if they allow their nations to grow stronger. This is NOT to say that the citizens of their countries are ALL happy. Not by any means. There are still tribes in Europe and Asia but the difference is they realize their common goal and shoot for it. "Lets focus on what we DO agree on and go from there" as opposed to our people who stick on what we do differently and fight to remain separated.

*modified*

MsDarkSkin:
I am not angry at you. I am just not playing your game.
Since you wanted to make it personal...

You are part Igbo but are on NL pretending like Igbos are the worst thing to happen to the nation.
That is what I am against. HYPOCRISY. Not against Yoruba (as Yoruba ppl have not done a damn thing to me) nor Igbos.

Why can't you keep it real and say "I am a product of Yoruba AND Igbo" if all Igbos and Yoruba hated each other, I WOULD NOT BE HERE"? You say I am picking sides, but unless you are speaking for the betterment of ALL Nigerians, regardless of tribe then I don't want to indulge in your conversations.

What game ? I am not laying any game here. Mzdarkskin I must confuse you are a bit biased and you that right ?

Being any ethnic group does not stop you or anyone from speaking the truth.

ezer: @egift, kobo, and divideus...till the president points out the problem, u have no right to twist his words. Like i said earliar, the ques shud be, wat problem is the man talking about? Is it really a problem? How can we solve it?...and not castigating him. @kobo, yes, the president is not yet ready for an SNC due to reasons known best to him, dat doesnt mean we dont want it. BTW...do u know there's a diff bw military NC and democratic SNC? U cant compare both... respect ideas from others, and stop being sentimental. dis is a forum and not political battle ground. U dint answer my previous ques, instead u kept repeating ur post. This arguement is going nowhere...

Two items in your comment:
1. On the quote: Read the actual text below to tell us he is not saying the amalgamation is contributing to today's challenges (remember this was said at a burial ceremony - not a meeting on Strategy or "transformation".

According to the President, something must have gone wrong along the line from 1914 when the Southern and Northern Protectorate amalgamated till date, stressing that the problem of Nigeria did not start today.

“When the Priest was speaking, I started asking myself – what must have gone wrong from 1914 that the Northern and Southern parts of the country were amalgamated? They were under colonial rule since 1960 when we started governing ourselves. From 1960 to date it is about 50 years.

2. Jonathan is against SNC. Also agreement at SNC will be binding even on the President.

DivideUs:

bro u get energy o, unlike you i don't get paid for dis, I'm out! enjoy ya victory oh you didn't convince anyone sorry

DivideUs, I read the page you linked ( http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/opinion/sunday/friedman-pass-the-books-hold-the-oil.html?_r=1) and its great. I mean its not like we didnt know the message before but reading it helps to reinforce the truth.

Nigerian leaders are washed-up, old, senile, serial-thieves. They dont believe in any thing that removes oil from the equation. In some sense, I dont blame them that much because the teachers in their school days only talked about management, manage this manage that - no one talked about creation of wealth. Now we're stuck with people who cant think outside the easy oil money.

On the other hand, the reason I currently blame them to a large extent is because they refused to accept the backseat, they refused to quit the scene, they still think they're relevant to the future of youths who want to probe the moon and stars - youths who're mastering and following electrons as they tunnel through barriers, youths who're dying to create machines that dont like the sight of oil. Unfortunately, these youths need the right environment to think, plan, and excel but the usual old-washed up politicians that only know three things - oil, ethicity, and religion wont let that environment come to fruition. Shame!

Does it mean Jonathan does not make the National Pledge his daily reading? If he does such treason should not have proceeded from him.

I pledge to Nigeria my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honor and glory,
So help me God.

Anyone around him should call him to order. Such carelessness is unacceptable.

alj harem:

What game ? I am not laying any game here. Mzdarkskin I must confuse you are a bit biased and you that right ?

Being any ethnic group does not stop you or anyone from speaking the truth.

Please explain.

quote author=Kobojunkie]

Why are you lying to yourself, not me(because I cannot see how you could seriously think you can do that here)?

I at least applaud those who have out-rightly acknowledged to this point that the President did make the statement as quoted, whether they agree with it or not. You, on the other hand are still trying to wiggle around what was said and I want to know why you are lying to yourself. Why are you caught in this game of moving the goal-post all over? What do you gain?

The President has said there is no need for SNC, and he set up a committee to instead hear your concerns and then see if an amendment needs to be made. Here you are twisting that as well to mean he is not ready for SNC. Na when im come slap you before you know to take him at his own words?


[url=http://dailytimes.com.ng/article/%E2%80%98no-need-sovereign-national-conference%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-jonathan]‘No need for Sovereign National Conference’ – Jonathan --- FEBRUARY 16, 2012[/url]



Kai!!! This is what I call mental slavery . . . this need to re-write/re-word/re-phrase what is said to mean something entirely different. And all this is done suppposedly on behalf of politicians who are not even concerned about the well-being of Nigerians, let alone the future of the various people. [/quote] am not doing anything for anybody. I only support anything that would change Nigeria for the better. My view here is, lets examine the problem GEJ meant rather than castigate him. He did not say the amalgamation was the problem. BTW...keep ur comments on the low side, no insults...

ezer: am not doing anything for anybody. I only support anything that would change Nigeria for the better. My view here is, lets examine the problem GEJ meant rather than castigate him. He did not say the amalgamation was the problem. BTW...keep ur comments on the low side, no insults...

Let me run with this for a minute. So you say you support anything that would change Nigeria for the better. In this case, what is that?
Examine what problem? What did Goodluck Jonathan say the problem is? What is it that you think we are castigating him for? What do you believe he actually did, or said(whether you believe it right or wrong is a whole 'nother question)that we are castigating him for here? I would really like for you to be upfront about what it is you believe this problem he spotted, is.

Given the fact that he is also against SNC, where do you get this notion that he is preparing for it, even after he announced that he instead set up a committee that does not recognize SNC but will simply addresses what ever issue any group brings forth?

On Comments, I am not insulting you. I am simply expressing how I feel in general about the Nigerian situation and the level of critical thought spews forth when discussing even the most basic with my fellow Nigerians. Sometimes it makes my skin crawl that in the year 2012, the level of respect the majority have for themselves as humans, as Nigerians and as citizens of this planet remains as low as one can remember.

MsDarkSkin:

Please explain.

I actually like your comments but in such conversations you are always quick to pick the side of the east. Not that it is bad but it makes me wonder that if you are not Nigerian how do you know the right and wrong political decision or "who's" side you are on. It does not make sense. Although not that I am good politically speaking or know the right decisions to make if I were a politician but I try to balance things up a bit and so do many other posters here (except from the tribalist). I hope you see what I mean

HE SHOULD BE EXECUTED.

alj harem:

I actually like your comments but in such conversations you are always quick to pick the side of the east. Not that it is bad but it makes me wonder that if you are not Nigerian how do you know the right and wrong political decision or "who's" side you are on. It does not make sense. Although not that I am good politically speaking or know the right decisions to make if I were a politician but I try to balance things up a bit and so do many other posters here (except from the tribalist). I hope you see what I mean

What has "East" got to do with all her engagement with Shymmex . . . . . .you are trying to polarize this thread to the tribal banter level . . .

jmaine:

What has "East" got to do with all her engagement with Shymmex . . . . . .you are trying to polarize this thread to the tribal banter level . . .

No not at all, this is a totally different issue. Moreover there is no polarising in this

her and shymexx have their own issue to sort out

ismhab: HE SHOULD BE EXECUTED.

executed

LOL make una no kill me here Na you wey wan kill presido make SSS no catch u o!!!

See hypocrites that call themselves Nigerians! The other time when colonel Ghadaffi of blessed memory suggested the separation of Nigeria into Northern Muslims and Southern Christians, these same people rained curses and abusive words on him. Now our retarden is saying the same thing now. Why didn't he say this before he became our president instead of lamentation. He should quit if he can't our problem instead of useless excuse.

maasoap: See hypocrites that call themselves Nigerians! The other time when colonel Ghadaffi of blessed memory suggested the separation of Nigeria into Northern Muslims and Southern Christians, these same people rained curses and abusive words on him. Now our retarden is saying the same thing now. Why didn't he say this before he became our president instead of lamentation. He should quit if he can't our problem instead of useless excuse.

Mind explaining yourself[b] based[/b] on the original article !!!

OOOOO PORKY AND JBOY I'M BACK. DID YOU MISS ME? OF COURSE YOU DID. I MISSED YOU TOO SO VERY MUCH.

Reality beckons!!! Nigerian should learn how †̥ let truth sink in. The president just spilled the truth we already know but ain't willing †̥ live with and some peeps are hear saying he shouldn't have. Pls tell me who else should? And whose voice will the people want †̥ hear?

As far as north is part of Nigeria, I'm one for division, we are way †̥ divided †̥ be united.

alj harem:

I actually like your comments but in such conversations you are always quick to pick the side of the east. Not that it is bad but it makes me wonder that if you are not Nigerian how do you know the right and wrong political decision or "who's" side you are on. It does not make sense. Although not that I am good politically speaking or know the right decisions to make if I were a politician but I try to balance things up a bit and so do many other posters here (except from the tribalist). I hope you see what I mean

Its funny how you want to reduce the topic to "east," especially to a foreigner who is gracious enough to want to learn about us.
I pity you.

To understand the severity of Jonathan's crime, lets revisit colonel Ghadaffi's comment

Gadaffi Again, Calls For Nigeria’s Split : Along Ethnic Lines

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has intensified his call for the division of Nigeria. This time, however, he is calling for the country to be broken up into several states along ethnic lines like the former Yugoslavia, a shift from his earlier suggestion that the country should be split along religious lines.

The Libyan leader’s latest comments are likely to worsen a diplomatic row with Nigeria, as his proposal earlier this month that country be split into two countries formed from the Muslim north and mainly Christian south led to the recall of the Ambassador to Libya by the Federal Government.

https://www.nairaland.com/421600/gadaffi-again-calls-nigeria-split

Nigeria Recalls Ambassador From Libya Over Gaddafi’s Statement

The Nigerian ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Aliu Mohammed, has been recalled over the provoking statement of Libyan president Muamar Gaddafi. This is made known from a statement released from the ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Gaddafi had on Tuesday called for the balkanisation of Nigeria against the backdrop of violence that rocked Jos, Plateau State, last week.

The Libyan leader reportedly said one of the best ways of resolving the incessant ethno-religious crises in Nigeria is for the country to go the way of Pakistan and India that separated and resolved their religious crises once and for all.

Gaddafi’s inciting statement has been condemned by many including Nigerian Senate President David Mark, who called the former AU chairman a mad man for advocating splitting of Nigeria

https://www.nairaland.com/415567/nigeria-recalls-ambassador-libya-over

Gaddafi Is Mad – Senate Presdent

The Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi incurred the ire of senators yesterday over comments credited to him that Nigeria should split into two as a panacea to incessant bloodshed in some parts of the country.

Fuming with anger, the Senate President, David Mark said it was only an insane man that would make such a comment, describing the Libyan president as a man whose word should not be taken seriously.

https://www.nairaland.com/415076/gaddafi-mad-senate-presdent

And all of a sudden it is now acceptable for Jonathan to question our Union (even as a seating President), wooow!

Beaf:

Its funny how you want to reduce the topic to "east," especially to a foreigner who is gracious enough to want to learn about us.
I pity you.

Is there a particular reason why you are so re-tarded in your comments? Or is it because your mum never showed you love when you were a kid? Now you lash out at everything meaningful such as right thinking Nigerians who wish to exercise their freedom of speech and speak when required? Why did you have to sell your conscience for 30 pieces of silver Porky? was it really worth it?

egift the liar and dramatist.

Gej may be right, but since he knows that this country have a lot of problem,how many have he corrected as the president of this country. does it mean that he is inccapable of solving them?.because,I believe that, it is his duty to resolve those problems.

egift: To understand the severity of Jonathan's crime, lets revisit colonel Ghadaffi's comment

Gadaffi Again, Calls For Nigeria’s Split : Along Ethnic Lines

https://www.nairaland.com/421600/gadaffi-again-calls-nigeria-split

Nigeria Recalls Ambassador From Libya Over Gaddafi’s Statement

https://www.nairaland.com/415567/nigeria-recalls-ambassador-libya-over

Gaddafi Is Mad – Senate Presdent

https://www.nairaland.com/415076/gaddafi-mad-senate-presdent

And all of a sudden it is now acceptable for Jonathan to question our Union (even as a seating President), wooow!

You keep doing a shoddy job rushing to reply a post . .Please make another attempt . .

maasoap: See hypocrites that call themselves Nigerians! The other time when colonel Ghadaffi of blessed memory suggested the separation of Nigeria into Northern Muslims and Southern Christians, these same people rained curses and abusive words on him. Now our retarden is saying the same thing now. Why didn't he say this before he became our president instead of lamentation. He should quit if he can't our problem instead of useless excuse.

Mind explaining yourself[b] based[/b] on the original article !!!