₦airaland Forum

@Evil Brain said:

Besides nobody is threatening to force us to do anything. All they are saying is if we don't behave, then they'll take their aid money somewhere else, which is a perfectly legitimate position.

It is this kind of codescending attitude towards African countries that I am talking about. There is no need for such arrogance. Now that the Nigerian Government has called their bluff lets wait and see what they will do. I can asure you that no aid will be withdrawn. It all political posturing. You think they provide aid that does not advance their interest? If you research a liitle bit about the politics of aid to developing countries, you will understand why I said no aid will be removed for this purpose.  At the end, all they would have done is to create a more hostile environment for gay people in Nigeria. As I said before there are a lot of ways to support the advancement of  the rights of gays in a country like Nigeria other than cheap political propaganda: Quietly support existing local rights groups; use influential nigerians to sensitize people and lobby against the bill.

And I dont think that most people in US and Britian really care whether their government stop giving aid to nigeria on this issue (If they have their way no aid will be given to any country any way). There are a lot of bigots in the us and britain as well. Some are being won over. Nigeria needs time to do same. Threats wont do it.

@Evil Brain,
My point is that if Foreign Government starts interfering, it will (just as it has) galvanize cynics and and the conservatives to uphold their support for the legislation. No government wants to be told what to do in his own country. If they had stayed out of the matter, it probably would have been easier for moderates to criticize the bill.

No one tells America or Britain what to do. Why should it be different with Nigeria? As I mentioned before, Nigeria will get to the point when we don't care what people sexual orientation is in the future. But we are not there yet. The US and Britain think they are helping the Gay advocacy, they are not. They should stay out of it. If they want to help, let them quietly support on the ground civil liberties organizations instead of trying to score cheap political points.

I do not agree with the criminalization of homosexuality, but I do not also agree with the interference by foreign government on how we should run our countries. Look, its only a matter of time before homosexuality becomes acceptable every where including Nigeria. Do I support it, no. Do I care, no. If you think homosexuality is wrong, I think the sensible thing is to preach to them to repent instead of sending them to jail.

The religious leaders should accept that they have failed. How do you convert someone if you send them to jail?

@cap28,
I don't need handout from my government. It is foolhardy to compare what happened in Libya to what happened in Odi. Living in squalid condition is not the same thing as being bombarded by jet fighters in your own country. Like I said Qaddafi did some good in the over 40yrs that he ruled but that does not give him the right to massacre his people. If you are so in love with him you should have gone to fight for him.

I don't understand all this love for Gadafi by Nairalanders. What is wrong with us? So because Gadafi gives handout to Libya people he is now God and should be justfied in their massacre. Who owns the resources that we are are talking about? is not the Libyan people? Look, I don't Like NATO or the arrogance of the west, but there are times when people cry for help and someone has to step up to help them.

People keep talking about how Gadafi is good, and simply forget all the atrocities he commited towards his own people. Nigeria has its problems, but tell me how many leader has ruled beyond ten yrs in nigeria and survive? This man was in power for over 40 yrs. His people cannot even dare to mention his name in public, he was going to transfer power to his son to contnue the same domination. So you think a people that toletrated this for 42 yrs is not justified to say enough is enough? what is wrong with Nigerias? is it suffering that is making think like this?

Nigerians will never tolerate the things that we are asking the libyans to endure forever. I personally would prefer if african leaders were able to stand up to gadafi and force him out, but the reality is they are all idiots. Gadafi was given a long chance to stop killing his people before the west stepped in. He would still have been there if he wasnt greedy and heartless. Before you blame the west or NATO, ask yoursevlves, if you were in the position of the libyan people in bengazi who were about to be exterminated by gadafi and his children wont you be happy to have someone stop them?

The libyans will kill themselves just like nigerians are killing themeselves now. It doesnt matter, because they will find a way to live together after all is settled. Gadafi did a lot of good in libya but he has no right to treat his people like that.

What most people care about here is for this players to go and play under whatever circumstance. People forger that these people are human being with families and friends who woulld love for them not to die for the sake of playing for Nigeria. What is so hard about chartering a direct flight for a national team? I

If these NFF Executives are going for one of their jamborees would they not have chartered a direct fligh with the best comfort possible. I know we want to see these players play and win but don't forget that they eed to stay alive to continue to play. Moreover millions of pound have been investede on them by their clubs.

I don't understand why are people are complaining about the statement. They say they don't need collab. It doesnt mean they would do collab. I think they are trying to say they don't need collab to do well in the industry. And I agree with them.

There is nothing wrong with collab if if your interstet (money and reputation will be enhanced). When Nigerian artist do collab, which market are they trying to reach? I don't think any Nigerian artist will do well in the US just because they do collab. The target Market is still Nigeria and other african countries.

So P Square don't need to do collab with anyone to do well in Nigeria and other African countries as it is right now. Inffact the American artists need them. Again it does not mean they won't do it if its beneficial to them. Its all business and posturing!

Not that it matters, but GEJ's use of the English language is very surprising for a PhD holder. Perhaps his words are not being transcribed properly.

On the topic, I believe he will do well, but Nigerians are alloed to assess him anytime they want. It just depends on what the assessment is based upon. A government that will deliver is recgnizable from the policy steps they take. So far he seems to be on the right direction. Lets just hope he doesn't get swallowed by the same system he hopes to control.

@Evil Brain,
You seem like a perfect testatment to what you are accusing the majority if Nigerians of.

I don't believe  in witchcraft, but just because someone else does does not mean they are dumb. Come to think of it the only reason I don't believe witchcraft is because it cannot be empically verified. But What evidence do you have to prove the inexistence of witchcraft?

Make your opinion known and stop calling majority of Nigerians Dumb. Its actually a dumb thing to do!

I have witnessed someone confessed before in Nigeria of doing horrible thing including killing her own child. I had my doubt then but I was still afraid of her. Today, I can say I possess a little understanding of how some people can claim to do things they didn't do or claim to see thing that are not there.

I honestly can't say if witches exist or not, but I have always wondered how a a ten yrs old girl can actually possess the power to kill her parents, cause natural disasters, and cause great sicknesses to befall her siblings. I believe God will not allow any human being to have that kind of power. It just doesn't make sense.

The last time I argued with a group of classmates in high school that there is nothing like witch craft, I ended being 'pressed' that night. Could it be that there was a witch among those I was arguing with? Or is it just my mind playing tricks on me?

I though this discussion was going well until people started insulting themselves because of another man's wahaLA. What is it with us and our need to denigrate ourselves.

I honestly think this is how things should be done in a democracy. If you feel aggrieved by the action of another, no matter how highly placed that individual is, should be able to seek redress in the courts of law. I wish more people will take these kinds of action rather than engaging in unwholesome public spectacle.

General IBB, Please use this song to celebrate as you mark your birthday.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKI1D2BS6Y8

For those asking about what IBB  achieved watch this and learn.

This music was made when Babangida's achievements were still fresh in the minds of Nigerians.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKI1D2BS6Y8

this is overgeneralization. I have received many gifts from Nigerian girlfriends in the past.

This is one of the most robust discussion I have ever seen here on NL except for maybe one response. Look, everyone that has commented has a valid point. Beaf is absolutely right in his submission. And so is koruji. That is why we require a compromise- six months may be too short to earn the same right as an indigine. Perhaps we can make it three years or even five years. The important point is that there should be a way for someone who has resided and contributed to a state to have the same opportunities as everone else in the state. It just make sense.

As for the timing, I dont see any thing wrong with having these discussions now. If not now, then when? These are some of the policies that can strengten our federalsim and dilute on tribal affilitaions. If i as a benin man, i know that if I work hard in sokoto, i can one day rise to be anything I want, i will makesure sokoto prospers and I will feel more aligned with my brothers and sisters who are the original indigenes.

Those criticising these policies have a point but the benefits of these kinds of policies usually come after many years. It is not immediate.  If a lot of nigerians can go to countires like the united states and canada to be citizens and qualify to take up important positions why can such people qualify to take up important political positions in other states of their own country?

@omodapso:
When issues relating to Christianity and Islam come to the fore in the Nigerian polity, there can never be a consensus. Every member of both divide would think his opinion is the best even if said in ignorance. It is human nature to disagree, but calling people names because of our differences is not only uncivil but an act of mediocrity in itself. If you can't tolerate, then you are not fit to live among good thinking people.
Many people are religion blind that their sense of reasoning has been badly damaged, smh! Afterall, Yoruba will say "Orun lo mo eni ma la" It is only Heaven that determines who will be saved" Tolerance is what we should always aspire.

I couldn't have said it better. Some people just thrive in baseless and unproductive insult dueling. If you are going to put forward an argument, let it be rational and devoid of name-calling. We should be better than these so-called politicians and leaders that publicly fight each other.

@1025
what do u expect from Nigerians who have lost every single trust on their rulers and suspect them on every single move?

I respect your argument. I also think like every other Nigerian your issue is with trust in the government and not really about 6 yr term. Come to think of it if the Government is doing well, I trust Nigerians we will be happy to keep it for life.

However, Just as it is impossible to trust a government that has not really done much, it is also not nice to condemn a government plan that has not even been introduced. Bills are introduced everyday and are discussed. That is how a democracy work. Lets look at issues on their own merit. Just because a government has not delivered in one area does not mean they cannot deliver in another area. I will like to see this bill discussed. May be with input from Nigerians and positive amendment we can come up with something acceptable. If not, so be it!

I agree with those that say this discussion maybe happening a little too soon. However, I think a bill is only a proposal. If Nigerians don't want it, it will be defeated. There is no need to insult the president about the idea. And every idea deserves to be considered. Just because you don't like an idea does not mean we should not look at it.

Moreover, what is wrong in stating that an idea is not originally yours. This is the problem with Nigerians we always think we are too smart to accept others' idea even though such ideas are superior to ours. I think GEJ did the honorable thing by accepting a suggestion from (whoever/wherever) and pushing it for it's merit. There is no cowardice in doing so. He is only saying he is not the only who believes in the idea of a 6yrs single term. Tell me what is dumb about that?

There is nothing wrong about being passionate about your opinion, but I detest the way we insult others we don't agree with.

@okada_man, name a country that is as complex as Nigeria that names a cabinet with 24hrs. Let's not just argue for argument sake. I expect a lot more from NL respondents with the sources of information at their disposal. There are people here I think say things because that is all they know. I respect that. My problem is with some supposed intelligent NLers who throws objectivity to the winds whenever they hear GEJ or OBJ.

Look, I don't know if what GEJ is proposing is going to help us, but I believe we cant keep doing the same thing the same way and expect the same result. Something has to change - election cycle and elected officials tenureship, state police, different revenue distribution formula etc. there is nothing wrong with discussing these issues. This is democracy, messy and, at the end productive.

flyboy zee wrote:


And come to think of it, I use to like this Yayale Ahmed guy. He used to strike me as smart, genuine and legit and was also one of those who championed the handing-over of power to GEJ, I was fooled not knowing that he was tired of acting as a Defacto President (May be na because dem no de pay am like Presido na im make d thing tire am quick). Cry not, My Beloved Country and In God We Trust.

This does mean that it was Yayale's fault. It was Yaradua's decision. It is still possible that Mr Ahmed helped GED to the position. Politics is very complex.


@Nagoma

What you said is what I have thought all along. Maybe we just have to critically examined at those times.





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@islamrules,

I am afraid I am beginning to agree with your statement below:

No drone attack is required. Jonathan knows about it. He knows those behind them. He is only afraid of them.

Last year, a shipment of bombs from Iran going to the North was intercepted in Lagos. The SSS claimed, they have the suspects, facilitators for the shipment in custody. Where are those people ? Where is the case?

Our government should stop deceiving us. They know who they are. Are they claiming these boko aram are invincible and invisible?

The whole show is just political. Jonathan is not innocent. He may not be behind it but, he knows where its coming from. Shikenah

Nigerians na wa for some people o! After we will start complaining how the world doesn't like us. The poster came here with the hope of learning something about Nigerian culture and using that knowledge positively for marriage, and what many of us could offer is insult, stereotype, childishness. Why don't we ever respect our self?

Sarah, you are a brave woman for being able to follow all these posts. And don't ever get intimidated by anyone's opinion. My only advice to you is that whenever you seek information from an online forum, you must sieve through the rubbish to get to the useful information.

@Maasoap
And they should bear it in mind that that sect is more stubborn than them, and battle/war is not about superior firearms alone but also your dedication to your course.

It looks like you have a lot of admiration for this Boko Haram capability with that statement. Anyway, as I said before no be only them sabi fight guerilla warfare. You should know that Boko Haram have sponsors that will soon be identified. Otherwise how do they get the sophisticated bombing equipment they are using? If I were a smart militant and I want to fight  a group like Boko Haram, I will anonymously target their sponsors, and poof! Boko will be gone like that. Cut of their help and they will be helpless. I know its easier said than done, but its possible. However, this is bad idea for Nigeria.

All these militants are fighting for their now cause, lets not paint any of them with a saintly brush.

I think say this matter no concern Niger Delta militants. They should stay out of this fight and not drag the rest of the south into this mess. I know we are already in,  but they should not complicate issues. They are not helping Jonathan by doing this. They are actually making it difficult for him to act.

I hate to say this, but this Boko Haram issue might end up bringing UP the solution that Nigeria needs. Leaders of the North are all afraid now. At least all leaders should be thinking about the oppression that have subjected their people to since independence. I wish they could only target the corrupt leaders ( be they from the north or from the south) and not the innocent Nigerians that they are killing to push their agenda. In a twisted way, maybe something good can come out of this.

The truth is that no be only Boko Haram sabi fight guerilla warfare o. Let's just pray that other militants don't adopt their tactics. That means Nigeria will disintegrate into tiny factions.

Comment from @Rhino.5dm
Do you know what we do when sent for peace keeping? We kill, plunder our enemy ra.ped their women and drink their beer

Why is it always impossible for you to say something sensible?.  So this what you want to happen in your own country?

Well, just so you know majority of our soldiers are disciplined when sent for peace keeping. Killing, plundering  and Desecrating the people we are supposed to protect is not peace keeping.

Comment by @Henry
how is having men like nwaogbo going to solve the problem in borno he doesn't understand the region his voice to the situation in the region will not be more improtant than the elders, calling elders supporters of anyone because they are against military (nwaogbo's ignorant command) presence in maiduguri, the elders know better than the military and jonathan military should not be an option, it did not work in 2009 and it will not work today, he should not tell us that they know who they kill, they killed a 13 year old boy recently, anyone who dies in a line of fire is a terrorist? even developed countries like america do not leave civilians unharmed so he should not lie to us, mtschew

Good question! But you should have asked this question when Military Commanders of Northern extractions were leading the demolition of southern states.

Must we bring bring tribalism and regional sentiments into every discussion? Its unfortunate that the people on this forum are supposed to be some of the most aware of issues, yet the comments from many of us just go that Nigeria is in deep trouble. We have not learnt anything from history.

@Pennywise,
If you are not stup.id, you would have known that I used the term "apologizing" in the same context/way that you used the word "apologist". Who is the Sec School boyish here now? double ode.

As @Maasoap intelligently asked you. Do you want to the government commit genocide because Boko Haram that is probably represented by a very few people?

How does  the military having intelligence wing and reconnaissance means they must already have the intelligence to fish out a faceless guerrilla group? Do you see you ignorant you sound?

I don't hear the lawmaker apologising for Boko Haram. He said we need proper intelligence to fight them because of their tactics instead of using tanks and machines guns to shoot at anything (as i assume people are clamoring for here).

How do you fight people you cannot yet identify with machine guns and military tanks? We need a strategy to identify them and their sponsors and then deal with them according to the law of the land.

Who cares?

Boko is political weapon like MEND, but with a different Ideology. Not that that matter now anyway. What is important now is to find out why BOKO is killing innocent Nigerians and how we can make them stop.

@Pennywise
you have no idea what you are talking about!

Alh harem,
I agree with you on the statement above.

The late Sadauna of sokoto will be turning in his grave. I commiserate will all our northern brothers and sisters suffering right now in the hand of these hoodlums.