₦airaland Forum

AlpineSnow:
Haha. Don't know where Yaba is. I'm kenyan. But I'm in the states now.

Here are some of the works that made me so familiar with Nigeria:

- Nnamdi Azikiwe's Autobiography
- Some works by soyinka (I've only read snippets of Soyinka coz he's too smart for me)
- "The Nigeria Civil war" by John st Jorre.
- A host of works by Achebe.
- Multitude of short stories by Nigerian authors.
- I've read three books by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- " Sunset in Biafra" which is a criticism of Biafra by Elechi Amadi who I think was an Efik man or something.
- A host of historical vignettes on Nigeria.
- "My Command" which is Obasanjo's autobiography of the civil war with a focus on his role as commander.

Essentially, I've read a lot about Nigeria and know quite a bit about it. And I just discovered nairaland last week.

I believe you as I believe in the power of letters in good books. They make great minds of those who read. When they make surreal views as yours many often take them for fake, not knowing they are a repository of knowledge and that great minds are winged to fly all over the world to places he never trod.

Tranquill:
How can any intelligent person compare lenght of roads to flight distance which is by air? Fashola is just being senseless here.

You made a rational statement. What the presidency meant isn't a single stretch of 25,000km road but the sum total or aggregate of roads constructed in the country. However, people shouldn't form the habit of taking whatever politicians from any party dish out hook,line and sinker as if electorate don't reason at all.

tunery004:
Yoruba's are well mannered and very passionate abt their culture, even wit d influx of foreign religion we will never lose our identity. We are bounded and closely knitted to one another and our spirituality are so deep. We seek for knowledge dats why we have all religions in our land. We don't shut out any new thing but explore it witout forgetting our roots

You can tell the cultural quality and genius of any nation(tribe) or people from their language or communication skills. The wisdom in Yoruba language when closely observed is so deep: it speaks volume about them and it's so deeply ingrained in the minds of an average omoluabi wherever he goes. It is the same trademark exhibited by their ilks in the diasporah. The Yoruba mores: greetings, camaraderie, oratory, panegyrics, Ifa recitation, Ewi chants (some of which their christians have well incorporated in praise to God), their words of wisdom and proverbs,etc., are quite unique. So proud to share a trait with these blessed blends of an African nation.

Djicemob:
I was actually laughing when i read their senseless comments.I guess some people are paid to hate anything with the name jonathan in it.Jonathan might send one of these guys a billion dollar check and without confirmation,they would run off to the street tongue lashing jonathan for sending them a death threat.

Your observation is shared bro. Imagine the quality of are youths.

Kingso23:
http://www.punchng.com/news/ogun-fulani-herdsmen-rape-kill-mother-of-three/

Just unfortunate...How do you rationalize an agrarian and a herdsman cohabit without conflict? The only solution is for herdsmen to embrace change! Herdsmen from anywhere or 'tribe' in the country should embrace modern animal husbandry as against the age long tradition of herding cattle. For how long will they continue in this business that Nigerian youths cannot do as paid jobs with certificates as it's done in other climes with modern methods. We're no where in world ranking in beef production or dairy products...in Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe that have embraced modern methods are doing far better.

gbl01:
I understand all your responses to everybody have to be insults when they dont reason in sync with your thoughts. I apologize for quoting you. I was only trying to give my own opinion. Thank you and have a nice day!

People are entitled to their opinion (even if contrary to your own ideas) and its never right to insult them for their line of thought.

Civility is a trait found in great minds in liberal quantity. God bless you bro.

all4naija:
TheEconomist is very biased! Nothing would make me read a partisan magazine like that, ever!

The publication is part of the ploy of the international community and unsuspecting local collaborators to make sure current government or development strides aimed at Nigeria's economic independence/ industrial development is checked. The current govt/GEJ must go for them to achieve their ulterior motives.

Why would certain individuals be made so rich and powerful than the state with oil blocks in a country where poverty ravages the majority because proceeds or wealth of the nations are trapped in few hands? Black man mentality!!!

peckhamboi:
I am 100% in support of this move by Buhari.


The Chairman, Board of trustees of NEDG is also the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority, Mr. Sola Omole

You only need to watch a little bit of NTA recently to know their level of bias and partisanism


APC are not attending your useless debate if it can't be organised by a neutral body.


Sai Buhari

Lagos State Governorship debate was to hold at LTV 8 yesterday. It was postponed but the major highlight is that Jimi Agbaje was prepared to attend.

ogb5:
TY Danjuma? I remember that guy, the one who was tasked to protect Aguiyi Ironsi but turned around and killed him. The guy who got a gift of an oil block from Abacha free of charge and sold it for 500 million US dollars.

When did Danjuma become patriotic?

The oil belongs to all Nigerians but not the million dollar proceeds from 'his' oil block. This is a typical way some hide under one Nigeria, making 'patriotic' calls shrouded in selfishness and gullible supporter are ready to die for them like the current political craze for votes.

clevvermind:
let him go and explain how he forged the result in court. we would see how literate he is in court. buhari the scammer.

The General truly wrote the required exams having gone to school, no doubt. But the simple truth is why he lied in the affidavit that his required certificate is with the military when it wasn't as the military proved. On this note the lawyer has a valid point. But diehard supporters can't see reasons 'cos of sentiments.

Matthewbriggs:
Moreover Irrespective of his shortcomings I make bold to say that GEJ would be more effective in fighting corruption more than APC's Buhari. I say this for the following reasons.

1. The reaction of the opposition to the Freedom of information bill : In 2014 Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, SAN was dragged before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos over alleged failure to release information and documents relating to spending in public schools in the state. - See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/01/foi-lagos-gov-court-spending-education-lagos/#sthash.K6t9MF8C.dpuf

A judge of the Court of Appeal, C.C. Nweze, has criticised the Lagos State Government for arguing against the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, insisting that the action of the government was not only misconceived, but also not in accordance with the provisions of law.
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/06/appeal-court-judge-carpets-lagos-position-foi-act/

The most effective way of fighting corruption is transparency and accountability, It is more powerful that sending corrupt people to jail. I am surprise that an APC dominated state ... that tells me they mean business when it comes to fighting corruption refused to implement or domesticate the local version of this bill.
A corrupt free man or government fears no accusations.

In 2014, A government audit of 57 local councils in Lagos State has indicted eight, accusing their officials of squandering at least N224 million of public funds on a range of questionable expenditure and unimplemented contracts. ( http://www.premiumtimesng.com/investigationspecial-reports/169586-exclusive-audit-exposes-massive-corruption-in-lagos-local-councils-indicts-officials-for-squandering-millions.html )

This is an ordinary audit report what happens if Lagosians have more accesses to information on how APC is really running Lagos.

Who would you prefer, A man who allows you to see his dirty laundry to a man who hides his dirty laundry for him to make you think his clean.

2. Buhari credentials makes me question his ability to attack corruption: Buhari unlike GEJ has been able to communicate clearly his stance in regards to corruption. He has been able to sell to Nigerians the image of a Nigerian leader who did not enrich himself in office. What he has not been able to sell to me is his ability to tackle corruption especially in the complex democratic terrain as Nigeria. I say this because intention and Results are two different things and Military and democracy are two different terrains.

Buhari had the Intention of saving Nigerian from corruption in 1985 alas if you look at the results critically, It is clear he failed woeful in the battle against corruption due to his poor strategy.

I say this in this context ... Buhari pursed a prosecution strategy where he jailed corrupt people, he never cared whose ox his gold or where you are located he would come after you. Yes he gave Nigerians the drama they wanted and the kind of news they wanted to hear... he disgraced top corrupt politicians in power but did that really have any concrete effect in the fight against corruption. The answer is a big NO.

You do not fight it by locking people in Kirikiri and closing down their businesses, case in point is that 30years later these same set of corrupt people he jailed are roaming free and doing more havoc than ever. In fact under his nose high level corruption took place.
Unlike Goodluck he did not leave any lasting legacy or build structures that would outlive him.

He's approach towards corruption is a strong pointer to the fact that he has no clear understanding of how to fight corruption. A very serious pointer is his stance towards freedom of speech.

The most powerful and effective way of tackling corruption is transparency ... A leader giving citizens the power and freedom to ask the government questions and hold her accountable is more effective that throwing 600 people in prison for corruption. Good-luck has done the opposite he signed the FOI bill.

Secondly buhari has no intimate experience of the intricacies of democracy. He would therefore be highly restricted in his fight against corruption. This is not 1985 where the presidents word is final. You can't just throw corrupt people in jail, you have to go through the courts and arm of government not under your control.

Good luck Ebele Jonathan may tnot be perfect. But he is the best thing that has ever happened to Nigeria. I would chose a man whose approach to solving corruption has been centered on building systems, checks and balances that makes it harder for corruption to take place. Than a man who thinks jailing corrupt people is the most efficient way of solving corruption.

Moreover feel free to engage me based on the above. Tomorrow I would be writing about Insecurity stay tuned.

.

Quite rationale. A complete departure from the usual cock and bull story of band wagons.

Weah96:
Mouth action is a commandment from God. Remember, it is better to give than receive.

Blasphemy! Don't get the scriptures twisted the same way religious terrorists justify their acts. Please leave Baba God out of a conduct born out of our human unnatural affection and tendencies.

AgentOfAllah:
You're wrong! George Bush justified one of the greatest tragedies of modern history in the name of his god in the name of his god . Yet he invaded the middle east purely for political reasons. The crusaders of yesteryears, remember them? They also committed their crimes in the name of their lord. The Buddhists of Myanmar, they murder Muslims in the name of their religion.

The Crusades? People should research why the Crusaders were at war. Besides we've past the dark ages of 1090s to about 1100 Crusades. This is 21st Century where religious strife of any kind cannot be justified. And what has innocent folks of Nigeria in black Africa got to do with that in modern day?

sameera025:
Hello everyone, I just wanted to share my story and invite Christians who have reservations about Islam to post their questions about the religion here so that we can all understand each other more and hopefully as I result I will be able to change the opinions of those of you who look at our religion in such a negative light.

I am a northern Muslim who was born and raised in the United States. Growing up I was always ashamed of being a Muslim because Islam was hated and considered as weird in the society. As a young child I badly wanted to be a Christian because it seemed easier and cooler. My friends didn't know I was a Muslim because I hid that side of myself. I didn't cover my hair, I dressed as my friends did, I wouldn't pray like I was meant to. I didn't get why it was so important to do all those things. I believed that if anything, practicing my religion would just make me unpopular in school and a bully target.
I recall an incident when I was about 6 years old and a friend of mine found an Islamic book in my room. We rummaged through the pages and made fun of the Arabic words, the names we considered to be funny and it was because we were so young and didn't understand it all.
I moved to Nigeria as a teenager and it was here that I felt comfortable being a Muslim. Being around so many other Muslims and Christians who were accepting of the religion made me feel comfortable in practicing Islam. I began covering up, and when I did I felt the importance of it. As a woman, when you cover up you feel as sense of protection. You don't obsess as much about your looks because your body is concealed. No obsessing over how your hair looks, getting attachments all that pressure because no one can see it. I began to pray daily and at doing so I became a happier person. I felt a closeness towards God and a sense of protection and guidance.
I'm ashamed at how I as a child I was embarrassed of my religion. At this point in life I couldn't be more proud to be a muslim. It's still tough being a Muslim in the world today and I know that won't go away soon. But one thing I need you all to understand is the Islam I and a majority of other Muslims practice do not agree with boko Haram and other terrorist groups and their beliefs, the killings, the hatred. We are appalled by their acts even more than Christians are. The fact that they do such heinous acts in the name of our religion which clearly condemns against such.
The more things seem to escalate with terrorism in the country and around the world, the more I observe how Christians are turning against Islam and how southerners seem to distinguish themselves from the "northerners". It breaks my heart because when I moved here Christians were soo accepting of me, the religion. I got the treatment and acceptance from Nigerian Christians more than I could have ever imagined receiving so In America.
I don't choose my friends based on religion or tribe. I love all Nigerians alike. I wish a lot more people could feel the same way too.
Anyways I've gone on for too long. I just wanted to share my story in the hopes that I can shed Islam in another light. I know it is a religion that is misunderstood. If you have any questions please ask, I would love to have peaceful discussions and start a little campaign to get Muslims and Christians across the country to work together and love each other again.

Nice piece you've got. The truth is good and bad people cut across both religions. We Christians believe Muslims, custodians of Islam, have a lot to do in clearing up misconceptions others rightly abhor. Terrorism for instance is largely viewed to be carried out by Muslims but not that others, Christians alike, don't do same. The difference is just that the bad eggs among Muslims chant God's name as they terrorize....This is one major aspect Islam needs to eradicate. Another is the plight of outsiders practicing other religions in countries of Middle East where it is often enshrined in the law not to openly disclose you worship other gods (It's illegal). Though, the West may ridicule you in most cases, you have a right to practice your religion legally.

temitemi1:
To HELL with his soul!!!

He must have discovered the truth about the '72 babes'. He's been conned and brainwashed by heartless men less interested about the 72 and who wouldn't send their own children on such errand.

Godwinsilas:
Well i have picked some thing from what he said and i guess he made some sense also.

He made a very VALID point very few can discern.

siraj1402:
Allah is great indeed.

I'll accept your take and believe in Allah the day 'Islamic' countries will learn tolerance of the 'Christian Western countries' who will not only allow Islam be in their 'Christian' land without qualms. The same can't be said of any minority religions in Islamic 'counties' even when they're natives (Egyptian Coptic Christian cases). You dare not profess christianity openly in most of these countries. I'm yet to be convinced about 'religion of peace'...

mentorandfriend:
Professor Yemi Osinbanjo is just too intelligent. See his plans for a united Nigeria below. He said this in a town hall meeting in Edo State yesterday.
We will Initiate policies to ensure that Nigerians are free to live and work in any part of the country by removing state of origin, tribe, ethnic and religious affiliations and replace those with state of residence.
# VoteChange # ChangeIsHere.
https://m.facebook.com/professoryemiosinbajo/photos/a.633188840124819.1073741828.633018823475154/650232135087156/?type=1&refid=7&_ft_=qid.6102061708931026650%3Amf_story_key.-6003990864071861656&__tn__=%2As

A discerning mind should know where this will lead. We're not pleased nor favored due to the mistake of Lugard now the political evil is to be nailed. It'll only brew more troubles: regions seeking self determination will be restive, no region is ready for such assimilation, or going to alter historical traditions her people will never mix up, etc. The pains will outweigh the gains. The status quo should be left.

olusolaj:
Every bad things just dey associate with this old papa called buhari.

Of course every negative thing is leaving Goodluck to pitch tents where they belong.

datguru:
Association of Political Con-men (APC)






Big time fraud

A Pure Corruption from the camp of saints?

Ikengawo:
While Israel has offered us weapons, experts and assistance in tackling Boko Haram, even at the caution of the US..the arab world's relation to the issue is possible sponsorship. The Libyans have sold the weapons they're using to kill themselves to terrorists in Mali and Nigeria, showered on them by the ignorance of the United States. The Saudis have blocked Nigerian flights from entering their airspace once we started buying weapons from Pakistan (should be noted that Pakistanis are not Arabs). Now the want to make noise because Nigeria recognizes Israel and not Palestine.

While there are arabs and their lackeys in Africa killing and enslaving black africans every day they want us to stand in adversity to one of the only nations that has offered Nigeria assistance in these trying times.

Let Palestine offer us assistance and help before we can do the same. As it stands we'll work with those that work with us, not against.

Nice one bro. The issue should not even based on religious sentiments as Israel is a Jewish nation; Judaism is their national religion. Other religions, Christianity and Islam inclusive, are nothing to the jews.

dbranchconsults:
to really be sincere, a true yoruba man will never support a man like buhari. yoruba will lose the grip as soon as this man enters and he will witchhunt many of them................share your opinion if you think otherwise

We follow no one, we have choices and we're liberal minded. Recent political e-noise - Shenanigans - do not in any way indicate where the ballot sways. With or without the REST we can hold our own in the WEST.

aumeehn:
good
let dem keep on supporting jonaTAN

Quite pathetic that people we call fellow citizen could descend this low because of the loathsome politics as played in this country by political parties and by those bandwagons mouthing change of recent, shrouded in selfish ethnocentric interests.

idumuose:
As usual the jan.jaweedian attacking the messenger instead of the message.What is Buhari doing with all the money accruing to him?

If you are his wife,won't you ask him questions?

Nwanyi ajadu,I can see that the prophecy tomakint made about will surely come to pass.

It's rare to find liberal minded apologists that will see the rationale in that piece. That's the version of politics we folks play in Nigeria.

[quote author=morefire post=27170328]haba how can you say he is not worth up to 10m naira

what happened to the missing 2.8billion usd oil money when he was PTDF chairman

ibeg jooooh the only Nigeria Ex head of state that didnt steal much might be Ernest Sonekan cos his regin was very short

plus even his yearly allowance as a past head of state is way more than 30M a year now you say he is worth only 10m

Exactly bro. As if the old man couldn't pick the candidate form of N27 Million with his net worth. Just to score a mere political point though.

tosin2013:
I agree to a large extent on your point. but wait spain for example, was originally made of heathen worshippers before the coming of xtianity just like the anglosaxons, the romans and others, but they all accepted xtianity and it became the official religion just like islam and xtianity are the official religion in Nigeria today
so who originally owns spain, the heathens?, the romans?, the moors?

the deeper you dig you realize that way of life of a people is a reflection of what they believe in at that period in time
it is pointless whether they originated the idea or received it from another source.

as at today, muslims are rising in influence worldwide and their rights, long neglected, are being restored one at a time


Thanks

I like your take. I do tell folks that religion is no one's tradition and it should never be. The two religions met tradition in Nigeria and in fact everywhere they're practiced today: every nooks and crannies of this world. It is self evident that anywhere religion has assumed the place of tradition, religious strife and intolerance is inevitable. The reason SouthWest of Nigeria enjoys relative peace is because tradition retains its appeal: there palaces are not pro christian or muslim setup,while adherents of these two religions wouldn't shortchange Ceaser for the pastors or sheiks and these folks are not less of a Christian or Muslim to any of their counterparts in the world. In fact they're the most religious tolerant folks. They duly give what belongs to Ceaser what belongs to him without qualms and worship their gods like Jesus proffered. I rest my case.

tosin2013:
Islam only indigenous to Arab Land?? you obviously a comedian islam has bee in kanem bornu for roughly 1200years!!! #fact

islam was the official religion in spain by 700AD, the worlds first university was built by the muslims in morocco by 900AD{I hope you know that morrocans are berbers not arabs } you are obviously not a good student of history.

we all know Christianity came from Nazareth and Bethlehem, but wont it be classical to say the VATICAN is not indigenous to xtianity where it has been for almost 1600years!!! Vatican is more xtian than Jerusalem today!

I have already told you Hijab is used in every muslim street, district, city and nation. Pre Islamic arabs never used hijab!!#fact

Of course Spain was formerly Islamic. In fact ruled for about 600 years by the moors of Morocco who invaded the Iberian peninsula, I.e., Spain and Portugal. But the truth is that this countries were predominantly Catholics before the Jihadists came to subjugate them. Not until 1492 that things changed for the Spaniards and Portuguese who took back their lands and heritage from the invaders back to christianity. However, vestiges of arabic heritage are still visible in the Iberian peninsula, especially in Andalusia, Southern Spain closest to Morocco: Africa.

superstar1:
lost in.his own voice.

Bro stop wasting your precious time. They made plain what they crave . This isn't a problem if we're majorly muslims but we aren't. How I wish their (our) black totality isn't loathsome to the arabs unlike the way some of us carry their religion and culture with such devotion and zeal. There are religious schools of various faiths any christian or muslim zealots can go and operate anyhow but not in a non religious government school that is not pro christian or muslim or whatever.

AustineE1: This people are on a mission to wipe the christian community of north-east Nigeria!as soon as they enter any christian community,they run Amok and kill everything on site....we all know the systematic Islamic motivated elimination agenda going on in the North,2015 will come and pass!!!we are taking note and we beg all christians in North East to be steadfast in prayers and should nt allow ill feelings and despair take over their sense of reasoning,there is light at the end of the tunnel,they will surely live to praise the lord in the land of the living!We down south,north central and all well meaning Nigerians shares in their pains and are mounting pressure on the authourity to eliminate this political-religious monster.

It's also a ploy calculated at decimation of electorates that will be voting for a particular candidate in the 2015 Presidential election. That's why they are particularly interested in the systemic killings shrouded in terrorism.

To save the rest simply means indigenous cultures should be made to take their rightful place against following foreign cultures hook line and sinker. This also extend to the way we embrace the major religions introduced to us and condemning some of our excellent God given ways of life. We can never be better than those we copy or promote how God wanted them while we neglect the way we're meant to be.

Empiree: So sad you christian folks feel so unsecured. I can see your deceptive defenses in your posts after you have being gradually exposed. Cant you be objective for a second?. Let's just assume this incident happened to involve a Muslim leader, 2 Nigerian Muslim men and a Saudi or Iranian man. What exactly you Christians would say?. Pls I want to hear?. You dont even see anything wrong with a leader of entire Nigerian Christians' jet smuggling $9.3m?. Not even a crime? haba! All you people could do is bring unnecessary and unrelated defenses or excuses to play down your evil?.

Muslims dont even accuse all Christians in this case. If Nigeria has a genuine justice system, Mr. Ayo should be under heavy investigation and interrogation by now. The 3 culprits should be under arrest by now with enhanced interrogation. And Israel should be questioning her lone citizen in this case. This is how it should be NOT rubbish defenses you guys putting up there. Clearly, you Nigerians dont want a developed Nigeria. You are covering up for suspected fraudsters, money launderer, potential crime for terrorism. You dont even consider all these rather you backing up this man just for being Christian.

Allah said in the Qur'an that (rough interpretation) "Allah(God) does not change condition of a people unless people change what is in themselves".In other word, you screaming about govt this, govt that and yet you defending suspected criminal who called himself pastor and leader of Christian Association of Nigeria. Definitely, you folks should not expect God's mercy.

Israel is not a Christian nation; they're Jews in Israel. Judaism is their religion there sir. They don't even believe in Jesus of the Christians. Pls research.