LMAO....

Hey! Where are all my buddies?!?!? ^_^

This is beyond AWESOME!!!!

There are quite a few applications out there that let you download the flash video from youtube, googlevids, etc.

I think orbit downloader will grab flash from the web. Adobe had an application that played flash videos but i don't know if it is still available.

I just wanted to get some Continental perspectives on this article.

http://www.motherjones.com/print/21606


Blackwater's New Frontier: Their Own Private Africa
By Bruce Falconer and Daniel Schulman | Mon March 2, 2009 6:59 PM PST

"You give me money, I don't care who you are." It was late October, and Zimbabwe's defense attaché, a soft-spoken, thick-shouldered lieutenant colonel, was explaining his country's freewheeling approach to business in the banquet room of the Liaison hotel on Capitol Hill. Mingling around him were representatives from some of the world's best-known private security and military contracting firms, gathered to explore their prospects in the industry's next frontier: Africa. None betrayed any eagerness to do business with Robert Mugabe, notwithstanding assurances from the beaming attaché that Zimbabwe—"the second-largest economy in southern Africa"—remains strong despite 231 million percent annual inflation. But there were plenty of other avenues to explore, including a recent shake-up in the US military's command structure that seemed to promise new demand for firms like Blackwater (which recently changed its name to Xe), Triple Canopy, and DynCorp.

The guests, dressed in business attire and the odd military uniform, were gathered for the annual summit of the International Peace Operations Association (IPOA), a trade group. Industry reps had traveled from as far as Dubai and Malta to discuss this year's topic—the Pentagon's newly established US Africa Command, or AFRICOM—and to browse booths hawking everything from armored vehicles to high-risk insurance. Arrayed on a table in the back were piles of corporate literature, complete with pictures of Third World children and Western contractors delivering aid, a popular industry meme. Among the big-ticket attractions was a keynote address from William E. "Kip" Ward, the four-star general in charge of AFRICOM.

The event drew record attendance, and industry veterans were not surprised. "Everybody's always been interested in Africa," Chris Taylor, a former Blackwater executive and now a vice president at Ohio-based Mission Essential Personnel, explained over drinks in the hotel bar. "It represents a huge opportunity for business."

Africa is no stranger to armed security contractors; the industry in its modern incarnation was born when mercenary firms like Executive Outcomes and Sandline International fought for embattled African governments during the 1990s, allegedly in exchange for diamond and oil concessions. Since then, security contractors have gained broader acceptance. But serious concerns remain about the role they might play in their old stomping grounds.

"There is a crying, desperate need for some of the services that these people provide," said Alex Yearsley, the head of special projects at Global Witness, a London-based human rights group. "There's no question they can do it. It's a question of when you're going to have a questionable regime hiring these people to kick out indigenous communities or [gain access to] mining areas. That's when it gets problematic."

To companies seeking entrée to the continent, the military's new Africa command could provide a key foothold. To pursue its mission of security, diplomacy, and development, AFRICOM's outreach and partnership director, Paul Saxton, told a packed audience at the conference, the command plans to enlist the help of the private sector. "We're reaching out."

Reliance on contractors, though, could add to the controversy already engulfing AFRICOM, especially the fears that the military's forays into development work could blur the line between aid workers and soldiers or hired guns. Taylor, the former Blackwater executive, downplayed such concerns. AFRICOM, he says, will likely train "partner nations" to provide a secure environment for humanitarian projects. "It doesn't mean that a bunch of dudes with guns are going to show up with bags of rice."

Perhaps not, but critics have also accused the Pentagon of using africom as a fig leaf for broader geopolitical objectives; they view the command as little more than a strategic maneuver to counter China's pursuit of Africa's natural resources. "I want to see it succeed," said the security director of a well-known NGO who is nonetheless wary of AFRICOM's mission. "I want to see development that is focused on empowerment, not as some tactic for US interests. That's not development. That's manipulation."

Africans, too, have greeted the Pentagon's plans with suspicion. As US officials toured the continent in search of a location for the new command's headquarters, they met with so much opposition that they eventually decided to operate from Germany for the time being. This frosty reception should have come as no surprise, Eeben Barlow, the former South African soldier who founded Executive Outcomes, commented on his blog in November. "Looking at, US administrations' record in Africa, it is one long script of betrayal, destabilisation, political blackmail and even worse." African nations, he noted, "remain extremely reluctant and wary to allow the wolf to guard their sheep."

But AFRICOM's start-up problems have not dampened the enthusiasm of Barlow's cohorts in the security industry. They also see opportunities in other federal initiatives—such as a massive, and little-known, State Department contract, the Africa Peacekeeping Program. Worth some $1 billion over five years, it covers work in countries including Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, everything from logistics support and construction to training and advising African troops, flying aerial surveillance missions, and improving coastal security. Triple Canopy and Blackwater are said to be among those that submitted proposals.

At the IPOA conference, we spoke with two Blackwater representatives, who during that morning's panel discussion had taken seats beside AFRICOM's Paul Saxton. With Somali pirates' seizure of a Ukrainian ship carrying 33 battle tanks fresh in the news, they told us, the company saw opportunity in the area of "maritime security." In mid-October, Blackwater had announced that its 183-foot, helipad-equipped ship, the McArthur, was standing by to assist shipping companies in the area. (After being contacted by at least 70 shipping and insurance firms interested in its anti-piracy services, Blackwater in December held three days of meetings in London with prospective clients.) But the core of Blackwater's ambition in Africa is to transition away from the high-profile "personal protection" work that has brought it so much opprobrium in Iraq and Afghanistan; to that end, its representatives told us, it has opened an office in Nairobi, Kenya, the better to go after opportunities to train African military and security forces.

If the sheer number of companies represented at the ipoa conference is any indication, Blackwater's envoys will run into plenty of their competitors—and that makes some observers uneasy. "You start bringing these people on the scene, they come in as trainers, but at the drop of a hat they can be other things," said the ngo security director. "They have skills, they have something to bring, but it's a double-edged sword, and it depends on which edge is being presented."

This link no matter works. Have another one up soon!

Hey Larry, thanks for posting this.

Does anybody know anything about their electronic platform or any firm that is doing electronic clearing.

Also, has anybody heard any talk about possible team-ups between the ASCE and 1)any other Continental exchanges and 2)any of the major exchanges around the world?

Does anybody know of any major Continental firms that offer reports, analysis, and industry data for the products on this exchange?

Lastly, is this a speculators market or is there some significant hedging taking place by local farmers and producers?

Wow. I have always been interested in Malaysia, but this evidence takes things to a whole new level. There is absolutely no reason why progress of this type can not take place all over the Continent.

Period.


Thanks for the Photos, friend. They say seeing is believing.

Yes, We do!!!!



I'll just have to have this conversation with myself then I reckon.

No, if I told everybody that I was now a Currency Broker and offering managed accounts for 5000N, then this topic would stretch out for four pages!!!

Too deep? I guess i'll drift away then. . . .


. . .

bump

uspry1,

You should listen to LIB Radio at www.libradio.com. There you would find a number of folks (diasporeans and continentals alike) who are interested in the same subject matter as you and just as committed to action . I would like to communicate further with you on this subject matter. Shoot me an email.

Nkonim.

I am still trying to get a grasp on making politics work for the people. The question seems to come down to


1) "how do you empower everyday moral people with resources to solve their problems in a collective manner?"

and

2) "how do you hold leaders, trusted to act in the best interests of their constituants/the people, accountable when they sqaunder/outright steal the funds of the people?"

That seems to be the question facing Africans no matter where they are born or reside. . .

What is your take on the River state, bruh? Do you know of any folks who are fighting to make things better and at the sme time you feel that they will do change the old ways of corruption when they get in?

Do all our leaders just need to be rich so they have no desire for public funds when they are elected and/or appointed?

Or do we just need to start warming the tar, baggin the feathers and preparing the gallows?

Of late, the adage "that is the way of politics" is becoming a tired excuse. Truely it is gettin go the point where these gatekeepers as just as bad as the oppressors, if not worse! Action is what we need, but of what course? It seems as though that merely voting seems, to some, to be a free liscense for all types of foolishness.

For instance. Chocolate sales in america. You go to ANY store, and there are more kinds of choclate candy by the register that you can shake a stick at.

Should not there be an exchange that handles things like cocoa, palm oil (which is in damn near every choc bar you can find , i just learned that!) on the Continent that controls the prices of such commodities so our farmers and economies can benefit? When i was a child 15 years ago i use to be able to get 5 choco bars for a 1$, then it was 4 for a $, then 3 for a $, and i looked the other night and a candy bar was 69 cents. Truly, with inflation, it is imperative that we began to at least control the prices of our commodities (we should be refining, too) with our own exchange.

I mean isn't that logical? The shear wealth that comes form the Continent. . . falling between our fingers like grains of sand.

Damn.

Check ou the history of the Chicago Merchantile Exchange http://www.cme.com/about/ins/caag/history2801.html

It's time to make our move too. Hell, the Tokyo Exchange crashed last year, their system was so old. Now they most likey have the most advanced exchange IT infastructure around. . .

Brief Summery about the CME http://www.cme.com/about/ins/caag/

"Innovation has always been the soul of CME. Throughout its history, CME has repeatedly embraced change and led both our Exchange and the futures industry with one pioneering idea after another. To a greater extent, the power of innovation has proven its ability to transform business, influence the direction of civilization and alter its reality for the better." http://www.cme.com/about/ins/cfi/cfioverview9596.html

I know we have some smart guys but why don't we seem to be making the right moves? Am we not ambitious enough?

Do we need a Continental Exchange system? You think that the Diaspora should have a hand in helping develop a Continental commodities exchange system? How would such a huge enterprise be free from corruption and be held accountable?

The things that plague me. . .

Aint that a damn shame. . . Good for him. Rat Bastid.

Another question to ask is what role would voter fraud play in this election. Could it be a problem in the demo primary?

I don't know. So sad to have to ask that question. . .

Ndipe:

I doubt if Obama would clinch the Democratic nomination. Competing with Hilary Clinton whose husband, in the first place is still riding on the crest of popularity, years after leaving office, will be a boost to Hilary. Aside that, her decision to stay with her husband during the Lewinsky's hoopla only endeared her to some of the women folk in the country. Though I wont be voting for her, because of her earlier denials of seeking the presidency, I think Hilary Clinton is poised to receive the nod from the Democratic party. Winning the presidency itself could be challenging. She will be running against Guilani (sp?), who could be capitalizing on his exemplary role in NY during the Sept. 11 crisis. Lest you forget, America, despite its advancement in social culture and influence in the economic world is inhabited by some people whose mindset are still stuck in the past about the role of women in the society.

Yeah, william is riding, but i don't think folks really see a connection tween the two. She has created her own legacy now and that is what people associate her with. And that is out of respect I think. I don't think she want to be popularly associated with him. she would rather be seen as independent of him.

Also, I really don't think folks want guilani in office. yeah he put on a show during 911 (what did he really do?) but to associate him with the CIC spot would actually, in many ways be worse thatn bush. I am sure the man is compantant. . . (notice the pause) and decently, halfway sophisticated. . . (criket: "chirp chirp" but i don't thing he'll get in on a war or crisis ticket. Americans are sick of war and crisis and now they are beginning to understand that the folks in power are just not cutting it. now mccain and juiliena may work. war hero and "business/crisis" guy may work for repubs but i don't think the two of them will solve anything but the slowed down pruduction of both smart bombs and tac nukes and the lack of a draft. . . read that again. Maybe if they bash bush and cheney. . , That might get them in.

Check how clinton is going to the khazars tellin them it is time to talk to Iran, syria, HEZBELLOH AND HAMAS. Good lord! One, she is courting the "jewish" (if that is how you describe them, interchange with ashkanazi and zionnists) While, it may or may not get her their vote, (although excellent initiative on her part, she clearly understands where the hard money comes from) she is already creating the democratic theme of dialogue and Obama can cleary match that. Can the repubs?

Dems got it. . . and I am beginning to not see how they can do it without each other. . .barring extream catastrophe that has me in Iran toting an M-4 and running around the desert in MOPP-4. I should probably be thinking about getting into the navy or airforce or canada (^_^)

dough:

Well, to me i think the issue of black folks being used up by whites is about to repeat itself. The same way they (white folks) supported the 2 Michaels (Michael Tyson and Michael Jackson) and burn 'em up in the middle of the race is 'bout to happen to Obama. I just feel pity for him. If he fail to dance to their tune at the end of the day, i bet he'll end up in jail or probably be fraustrated to killing himself. I just hope he knows what he's doing.

Just what i think, don't hold me for it.

I don't know, let's remember that sharpton is positioning himself to be a nuisence. If he looks and sees that Obama is faltering halfway or being made to falter, he may jump in and scare the hell out of everyone. Obama or Sharpton. . . ? OBAMA SAVE US will be the collective cry of america. I really don't think Obama is so stupid as to be manipulated as you descibe. I think his upbring may have made him a wee bit ( okay, ALOT) shaper than either the two you described. Those guys are light weight punks, nobodies, compared to obama. Sad, but true.

JosBoy4Lif:

This Election is Hilary Clintons to Lose. Obama will not win the primaries. America is not ready for it yet.

Again, i don't know. . . americans are at their wits end. IRAQ, AFGHAN, war on terror, faltering economy. Let's look at why it will be either clinton, obama, or mccain. the first thing against mccain is that he represents the kind of thinking that got us into this mess to begin, war, fighting, no dialouge etc, etc. This may be how the public sees him.
clinton, of course, will have to woman's touch of "let's talk it out, we are all in this house together", very matronly. Americans need that right now. Look for the signs and you will see it. Obama has the "Let's try something new, we can't do any worse" or the "we have to try something radical to prevent disaster!". The Dems have this election, aslong as there is no war with iran. that will put the repub vet in the runnings (wartime experience, which kerry would have won on but too many filps) but it may also casue clark to jump in on the dems side, depending on the timing.

Again, that thing about H O P E appeals to many, many americans. Only the most parasitical elements of our society are not concerned about our future and solvency as a nation. From Wall Street to MLK Ave, everyone can see the warning signs that mostly economy related actually (and let's remeber shit was going downhill BEFORE 911). Let's remember the how massively the young black moved last election (all the good it did. . .), presidential also. It is about time for that to kick off too and with Obama in the running, we can expect it to be intense. Also ask who the mexicans will be voting for? Clinton? or Obama?

sharetroll:

Hello. . . .David Stern and the NBA front office. They used him as a beneficiery for marketing, and to boost ratings.

and let's also remeber how he never really took a stance on anything (not wanting to jepordize nike endoresements?). All he really did the whole car lot thing Micheal Jordan Nissan.

Anther thing to remember folks is that there is A L O T of entrenched hate towards Hillery. I mean, A L O T of yts DO NOT like her AT ALL. I don't know all the reasons but I think that if it came dawn to the wires, more folks would go for the "black" before before they go fo the "woman". And remember, we have to look at closely at Obama's blackness: He is not really american black to yts. He is seen as "safer". Continentals are always favored over blacks born here. Why? Simple: Less Baggage and guilt for the yts to deal with. Then, throm in his mom was white, and from kansas?! Hillary has nothing on the guy but experisnce, and that might be nullified if her history of working across the aisle is weak. So really, when you address the technicalities of the issue, even if he is elected, we all may consider it a victory, but it really won't be a black american victory totally, but rather a victory for all Africans, All Biracials (which will get him a very strong following in the U.K also) and the Idea of American Diveristy/Melting Pot, Land of Dreams, which is big pluses in the global arena. The guy could rally change the Face of Western Civilization, literally. I wish he would really put that madrassa subject in his rifle and use it to get the minority vote. That is very good for foriegn policy too.

Let's remember that world opinoin of the United Snakes, oops, I mean SnaKKKes, damn, I mean States is at an all time low. A move to put barrack in the role of CIC would do, man I can't even describe the wonders for how the world sees us. A matter of fact, it may be so powerful that it nullifies the legitimate complants of American Blacks for ten years of so. "what are you talking racism? We have a black president?"

Also, Alot of folks have seem to locked themselves in the box of thinking he is only capable of being a vice president to clinton. Let me drop this scenario: Yeah, he is inexperienced, but what if his VP was a total BEAST like cheney? Can you say Hillery as VP, total attack dog? Think about it. . . Cheney himself said that that was his role to bush; both advisor and attack dog. She may do well in that role, becasue most folks see her as too shrewd, cold and calculating to feel comfortable with her in the lead.

To close, let's remember that a preisdent in and of himself does't have to be all that spectacular. It's the cabinent that makes the administration. In many ways, the CIC is only a figurehead. Now this is also true when you consider all the other elements tha actually have major influence on the administrations. I really don't think that the yts will dangle him around (nowehere near as much as bush2 is dangled by his daddy Beezlebub, and the Carlyle Group) if he blances his cabinent out exceedingly well. For instance, 2000-2004 bush and the repubs had, for all intents and purposes, a dreamteam cabinent. Cheney, the Devil; Powell, the moral Authority; Rice, the legitimizer, and Rumfield, the super "Patriot". Also, let's rememeber Tenet, the "see, we even kept some of clinton's leftovers, us repubs aint that bad. . .". Obama could easily craft a dream team that easily overcompensates for his "lack of experience" (more on that below), as I said IF he comes out of the Demo prims on top, you better believe he is going to get a real vet as his VP. If he chooses hillery, what can she say, No? Unlikely. Then she would be slated up to contend for the 2016 elections. I mean, whats her rush? She already had a child. Both Albright and Mier were "crones", so to speak, when they gained supreme leadership.

As part of that dream team, lets not forget wesley Clark as possible sec of Defense. What if powell comes back on board as Sec of State, to redeem himself? Hey, it could happen. It's a long way to the prims and the 5th house seems to slicing and dicing everyone that comes on the scene after clinton, obama, edwards and that other guy.

Weeeeellllll, enough ranting.

Dblock, i got to ask man, i'm nothing but 26 and i remember hearing of how excellent naijas schools were but what happened? do you know? One thing i learned in stdying the United snakes is that when a broad ting/wide scale ting happens, it is often becasue of one little order or mission that got accomplised. the ket is finding out who give the orders. . .

Chyy:

Please for God's sake, this whites do they have two heads?
Sure they don't, we taught them what they know, what is Bush without Rice, if he can let him retrench her, no i hate it when people especially blacks think the whites are better. Better in what, see am a female engineer, how many white girls read, they wear pants and bra and run the catwalk. I believe if the Americans what a total turn around and improvement in their economy, OBAMA IS IT.

That is very true. Another thing to realize is just how diverse his family. This guy could become the new face of the melting, the Next All American Guy. Family member from several different cultures making him not only a simple of diversity (hack, vomit) but he also married a black american which connects him to the plight and hope of disadvanged people in the country. This guy might take it.

slimnike:

I do not think there will be a black president for America atleast for the now. Because Senator Barak Obama is already being called a terrorist by the white folks there in America.

There is no way the media, whether liberal or conservative, can make that really stick as the campaign progresses. The terminology as your using it is silly. Do you mean terrorist or the other vague term: islamist? Even if he did go to a madrasah (spelling), then that would obviously asset now, if he can meanuvear around the fact that he accepted "christ" not long ago. He could be the poster child for tolerance and understanding and cultural tolerance to Indonesia. Such a move would defianetely be advantageous to both the US (major pacified in war on terror:Indonesia), indonesian business types and moderates, and the bastids who invaded the Dreaming Land (australians for you dimwits).

But i don't see how they can attack obama while he is the darling. unless he is just stupid and timid which a lot og black politicans here are.

A huge amoun t of the world's commodities originate on the Continent, however I doubt that the people see even 5% of that wealth.

I know that most of the countries have their own exchanges, but what of the exchanges based on the economic regions like ECOWAS? Has anybody begun to think this far in the future yet?

Mariory

what state do you live in? do you consider yourself middle class? why is this funny? I don't even live in Nigeria and this makes angry. This is one HELLUVA mess that is going the have to be fixed when my peer group begans to take power both here in the diapora and the Continent.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070131/ap_on_bi_ge/nyse_tokyo

By JOE BEL BRUNO, AP Business Writer 16 minutes ago

NEW YORK - The
New York Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange announced an alliance Wednesday that extends the NYSE's global reach and could lead to an eventual combination of the world's two largest financial markets.
ADVERTISEMENT

The broad, non-exclusive agreement announced by NYSE Chief Executive John Thain and TSE President Taizo Nishimuro allows the two stock markets to cooperate on joint developments such as financial products, mutual listings and technology.

The deal comes amid a backdrop of mass consolidation between domestic and global exchanges, highlighted by the NYSE's transformation into the first trans-Atlantic market with its recent acquisition of Paris-based exchange operator Euronext NV. The NYSE Group Inc., which is competing fiercely with the Nasdaq Stock Market Inc., just weeks ago announced that it had led a team of investors to buy a 20 percent stake in India's largest financial market, the Mumbai-based National Stock Exchange.

The agreement with the TSE gives the New York exchange an entree into the Pacific. It is also a first step toward a possible merger or acquisition between the two exchanges when the TSE becomes a public company in 2009.

Thain made it clear during the news conference that the two companies planned some form of combination in the future, saying, "We're also setting the stage for a potential capital linkage."

The two exchanges did not offer any details of what form that would take, but Nishimuro said in prepared remarks, "I strongly believe that this agreement will be a good starting point for a much stronger tie-up with the NYSE and will contribute to the benefit of various market participants of our respective markets."

Under the terms of the agreement, NYSE Group and the TSE will establish working groups to discuss such things as infrastructure, technology and trading issues, as well as market data products and regulation and governance of listed companies. They also will examine ways to enable companies who are listed on only one exchange to have better access to investors from the other.

The agreement between the two exchanges was hammered out not only by two of their respective nation's most visible business leaders, but between two close allies and friends. Thain and TSE President Taizo Nishimuro have maintained a friendship after they met in 2001 during U.S.-Japan business talks.

Thain and Nishimuro met several times over the past few weeks, including at the
World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and at a meeting of exchange leaders held in Paris. Both also spoke before the Japan Society in New York on Tuesday, but neither confirmed completion of a cooperation agreement.

The Tokyo exchange is in the midst of demutuilization, much like the NYSE did before it went public last year, and would not be able to have any cross shareholdings with the NYSE until that is complete.

One obstacle both exchanges face is symmetry between the regulatory bodies that govern them, Thain and Nishimuro both said Tuesday. In addition, companies based in Japan and in the U.S. have different regulatory standards to guarantee they are safe and liquid.

Nishimuro said there would have to be "harmony" between them, a process that could take a number of years. Last week, the U.S. and European stock market regulators inked an agreement to join forces considering NYSE's takeover of Euronext's five regional exchanges.

The chief executives of both exchanges will talk at least once a quarter to review progress on the agreement, and may exchange some personnel if necessary, the companies said.

The NYSE is on a global expansion campaign, having acquired Euronext and announcing the National Stock Exchange deal earlier this month. The NYSE has said it intends to make similar deals around the world.

Covering three major time zones has become a priority for the NYSE, which is now in the midst of planning its integration with Euronext. Meanwhile, rival Nasdaq Stock Market Inc. is still pursuing a hostile takeover of the London Stock Exchange and has already expressed interest in striking a deal in Asia.

In Tokyo, leaders of Japan's biggest exchange also are feeling pressure as rivals in Hong Kong and Singapore might also begin to expand. The Asian exchanges have fielded some of the world's best stock performers last year.

The NYSE's stock was up 31 cents at $101.06 Wednesday morning, while the Nasdaq was down a penny at $33.47.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070131/ap_on_re_af/nigeria_corruption

By KATHARINE HOURELD, Associated Press Writer 20 minutes ago

LAGOS, Nigeria - A human rights group said Wednesday its study of one of Nigeria's oil-producing states found that officials squandered or stole public money, some hospitals required patients to bring their own beds, and schools were running out of chalk.
ADVERTISEMENT

New York-based Human Rights Watch made the allegations after studying government finances in the state of Rivers — one of six oil-producing states in Nigeria, Africa's biggest oil producer.

"Many state and local officials in Rivers have squandered or stolen public money that could have gone toward providing vital health and education services," said Peter Takirambudde, Africa director at Human Rights Watch.

The Rivers governor's office rejected allegations of wrongdoing, saying government audits had not turned up any problems.

Out of a 2006 budget of $1.3 billion, the governor's office handed out more than $90,000 a day in unspecified "contributions" and budgeted $10 million for the year for "entertainment and hospitality , gifts and souvenirs," the Human Rights Watch report said.

Also on the shopping list was a private jet to replace a helicopter purchased the previous year, the group said. Most Nigerians don't have access to clean water or electricity.

The office of Gov. Peter Odili also budgeted roughly $65,000 per day for travel. Human Rights Watch didn't say how many officials were in the state office.

Mila Ofobirika, a Rivers state official, called the report a "farce."

"The report does not reflect the reality on the ground" and government audits showed no theft, he said. "We have nothing to fear because we have put our house in order."

Under Nigeria's federal system, the central government disperses money to officials in the country's 36 states, who are responsible for providing basic services. Rivers is one of six states in the southern Niger Delta region where crude oil is pumped.

The report, by researcher Chris Albin-Lackey, said that politicians in Rivers have a record of "shocking and disastrous failure" in their delivery of basic services like primary health care and education.

Researchers found that Rivers health clinics often required patients to bring their own beds and medicines and only one of the 15 schools surveyed had textbooks. Most schools were running out of chalk, and wrote on bare cement walls.

"State and local budgets have expanded dramatically in recent years, but mismanagement and theft has left basic health and education services in a terrible state of decay," Takirambudde said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the report said that some local politicians were banking annual salaries of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Officials hid public documents and government officials in one local area required colleagues to swear secrecy oaths before "juju" — the popular name for black magic — shrines.

With a population of 140 million, oil-rich Nigeria is Africa's most populous nation and, at least on paper, one of its richest. Local governments have had their budgets increased by up to fourfold in the last eight years by a windfall generated by high oil prices.

But most Nigerians say they've seen little improvement in their lives.

President Olusegun Obasanjo has promised to crack down on corruption and several top state officials have been investigated, but the opposition says those probes are politically motivated. General elections are scheduled for April and competition for the lucrative state government positions is heating up.

LadyT:

I hope they never get one. Once you get a balck person there eveyone will be waiting from he/she to fail.

Lord. . . grow up anytime now, Brit. I have yet to hear Blacks from anywhere say "I hope the Blacks in the UK never get a PM." Gosh, I was really taken aback by that. Oh well, remind me to mail your IHOH card. That's Internation House of Haters for the uninitiated. STOP HATIN'! As far as "everyone" else goes, waiting for us to fail (Oh no! ) there is an interesting trend that occured with several fortune 100 companies that ran into major trouble. When Shit get bad, they hire a black ceo. Every time that has happened, not only where the major problems solved but the company made a stellar comeback. Interesting and rather curious. Well, not really.

LadyT:

Black people have too much bad press and they don't do much to dispel the bad press.

Um, are you Black?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. . .

Even better: Are you working to dispel the "bad press"?

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. . .

LadyT:

You will either get a black presido who is a whitemans puppet or you'll get a black presido who wants to wipe out whites in America.

I certainly agree with the former although I don't think Obama is the kind of political creature that will allow himself to be comprimised and, subsequently, controlled. However, as "CEO" (used loosely, of course) of the U.S.A., there are a number of forces that he will find himself beholden too. This is the case will all democratic leaders.

As far as the latter goes, "a black presido who wants to wipe out whites in America". . . Well, anybody who makes it that far and actually attains the presidentcy. . . let's just say I'll feel sorry for the whites (^_^). Realisticly however, that will probably never be the case, even after a long line of Black Presidents. Most folks who want to "wipe out whites in America" are not 1) smart enough to create capacity that goes in hand with the intent, 2) politically astute enough to garner the neccesary support the attain a mayorship, nevermind the Presidentcy, and 3) develope the nessecary alliancies with other races in the country to create a majority body that can shift power from the whites.

Also, let's realize that America is a business and the government is the biggest business. You don't get to the top unless you have major business behind you and right now, that is not even a reality for the total Black Politic, nevermind the "kill yt" portion of it.

Sooooo. . . yes, I'm back in Politics. . . Holla!