Waoh!!! This is saddening ! When will Nigerians learn..... It is one's life first

Some days ago, there were reports about 9ice claiming he has moved on from his reported marriage crash but stated that he would not remarry.

Days after the report, Toni Payne took to twitter to disclose what her focus is; raising her only child from her marriage with singer.

In her words; “being a single mom is hard, I have taken it in stride. My focus isn’t the challenges, but raising a child who is proud to have been raised by me.”

Both 9ice and his estranged wife, Toni Payne have been separated from each other for over a year now. Though it had been reported in some sections of the media that there is an imminent comeback between them, but that has not yet manifested. The duo produced a child, Zion from their marriage.

http://news.naij.com/7223.html

Former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and 69 others are to appear on Monday before a panel of inquiry set up by Governor Rauf Aregbesola over contract awards during Oyinlola’s tenure.

Oyinlola
The chairman of the panel, Prof. Femi Odekunle, told newsmen on Thursday in Osogbo that the panel had concluded preliminary work and would sit from September 3 to September 14.
The panel is to probe major financial transactions and contracts awarded by the state government from May 2003 to November 2010.
Aregbesola had on 18 June inaugurated a six-man commission of inquiry to investigate contracts awarded by the former governor’s administration.
Odekunle said the public sitting would hold from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the the state High Court at Okefia in Osogbo.
Members of the panel include Mr. Kole Adeyemo, Dr Obi Daramola, Mr Akin Akintayo, Mr Soji Olowolafe, with Mr Kelani Adesina as secretary.
Odekunle said the exercise was not for witch-hunt but to seek clarifications on how public funds for major contracts were used.

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2012/08/31/contracts-oyinlola-faces-probe/#comments

Fresh facts have emerged on how some corrupt officials in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and some Oil Marketing and Trading (OM&T) companies defraud the Federal Government through the fuel subsidy scheme, THISDAY has learnt.

The Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Presidential Committee that verified subsidy claims had identified the use of dead or decommissioned vessels by fuel importers as a major infraction through which some marketers defrauded the government.

THISDAY has however gathered from sources on the committee that there were five other fraudulent ways used by importers to short-change the government.

One of such ways, it was learnt, was through product round tripping or double dipping, which involves the importation of products to fulfil supply contracts to NNPC.

Investigation revealed that after the presentation of documents to NNPC as evidence, the products were diverted by corrupt officials of the corporation to another vessel by ship-to-ship transfer.

“A fresh bill of lading is generated, new Form ‘M’ established and the same product is supplied to Nigeria a second time under the petroleum subsidy scheme.  The products which have already been paid for by NNPC are then used to claim subsidy from the government.

Effectively double dipping into the nation’s pocket,” explained one of the sources familiar with the deal.

The second fraudulent means of defrauding the scheme is by what is known in industry parlance as Onshore Tank Back-Loading.

By this, genuine importation of products actually takes place and the product is discharged into onshore tanks in Nigeria.

However, after the discharge, the vessel berths at the jetty and the product is loaded back onto the vessel and exported out of the country where it is sold by the importers to recoup their initial funds outlay.

The original documents are later presented to the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and subsidy is claimed for products that were not sold in the country.

There is also land order smuggling where genuine importation of products also takes place but the product is trucked across a land border for sale outside Nigeria at near international market price.

The shipping documents, it was learnt, are then used to claim subsidy for products that were not sold in the country.

Some NNPC officials and private marketers are also allegedly involved in what is called bills for collection round tripping, which is very commonly used along with fake vessels declaration. 

A source, familiar with the deal, explained to THISDAY that the importer would claim that they have access to foreign credit facilities or their own foreign currency resources to finance their importation. 

“The fake vessel is declared on the Form ‘M’ and bill of lading containing false vessel information is generated. The documents are presented to PPPRA and subsidy is collected for products that were never imported into Nigeria. The subsidy profit is then used to remit scarce foreign exchange out of Nigeria,” he said.

Another major fraud popularly referred to as “Rice and Beans,” is perpetrated using the kerosene subsidy scam. 

It was gathered that due to the excessive profit made on kerosene imports, importers of kerosene illegally mix the kerosene with diesel, popularly called “Rice and Beans” to create adulterated diesel at a much lower cost than the landing cost of unadulterated diesel. The adulterated diesel is then sold at slightly below diesel market price.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/revealed-how-nnpc-marketers-defraud-subsidy-scheme/123694/

OBJ should intensify peace talk with BH and stakeholders in northern Nigeria ... Though he has done such in the past, further peace deliberations could help

American embassy, Abuja

American embassy, Abuja
The U.S. embassy in Abuja says 40, 000 visa applications have been processed this year.
The United States has listed Nigeria, Brazil and China as priority nations on its visa application following a surge in consular demands, Patty Neary, a consular officer, said on Wednesday.
Mrs. Neary told newsmen in Abuja, at the U.S. embassy weekly briefing that more than 40,000 visa applications had so far been processed in Nigeria this year.
She said that the figure represents an 11 per cent increase over the 2011 fiscal year.
Mrs. Neary said 75 per cent of the applications were for tourist visas, while 25 per cent were for student, business and official visas. She said that a majority of the applicants were granted visas.
Boycott touts
The consular officer warned applicants against patronising touts and expressed the embassy’s commitment to continue to provide consular services to Nigerians, and reduce the wait time.
“You do not need to go through anybody to help you with visa application,” she said. “By doing it personally, you will aid us to push away touts; you should make your own appointment and fill out the forms yourself.”
The American official further said that each individual was “responsible for everything” in their application.
According to her, aside the 160 dollars payment for tourist visa, no extra money is charged.
Mrs. Neary advised applicants to plan ahead while preparing for a trip, in view of the six months wait time to process a visa.
She also urged students to apply 120 days before the beginning of their studies.
“Our goal is that every qualified student visa applicant is able to begin his or her programme of study on time,” she said.
The embassy offers consular services from its Abuja and Lagos offices, while plans to establish an office in Kano is still being planned.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/98210-dont-patronise-touts-u-s-embassy-advises-visa-applicants.html

Mixed reactions have trailed the harmonisation of bride prices in various communities in Imo by the traditional parliament recently inaugurated by Governor Rochas Okorocha.
Some residents who spoke with reporters in separate interviews expressed the belief that the move is timely and important. Others were, however, of the view that the resolution would not be in the interest of members of the community and as such might not see the light of the day.
Those in favour of the harmonisation reasoned that many young persons, especially the females, stay single longer than they would like to before getting married because of high bride price and other exigencies involved in traditional and church weddings.
Conversely, those against the idea said that traditional rulers lack the powers to determine bride prices since they neither make any contributions, nor play any part in the upbringing of the brides.
Emma Eke, a businessman, described the resolution as a move in the right direction, adding that a lot of youth have stayed unmarried because of the high cost of marriage.
He said that any amount fixed by the traditional rulers would be acceptable as long as intending couples are happy at the end of the day.
“A lot of our youth today are not married while some marry very late because there is no money for them to pay the bride price. They prefer to impregnate the girls to make it easier for them.
“If the bride price is harmonised and reduced to a reasonable extent, it will help the young girls and boys to marry on time. When a woman delays in marriage, sometimes pregnancy becomes difficult,” he said.
Ifeanyi Okere, a civil servant in one of the ministries, pointed out that the issue is not necessarily about the amount paid for bride price but about empowering the youth.
According to him, if the teeming undergraduates are gainfully employed, they could save and pay any amount accepted as bride price by parents or the communities.
“The issue here is not the amount charged as bride price but that the youths have no source of livelihood. If the government can provide them with meaningful employment, even if the pride price is N1 million, they will pay,” he said.
Also speaking, Iheoma Adaku, who represents Ahiazu Constituency in the Imo House of Assembly, said what is required of the communities is compromise. She said that the traditional rulers have to compare the amount charged by each community and make a reduction where necessary to arrive at a compromise.
“What we really need is a compromise by bringing down the bride price in communities where the bride price is high. It should be a little to the right and a little to the left,” she said.
A title holder in one of the communities, Kelvin Ekeji, explained that bride price in Igbo land is determined by kindred and not the exclusive preserve of any traditional ruler.
“It is not up to the traditional rulers to determine what each community should collect as bride price. In Igbo land each family or kindred determines how much they will collect as bride price.
“It is not a government issue. It is not for the government to determine or set out any amount for bride price,’’ Mr. Ekeji said.
He said that a one-time governor of the state made it N30 and that the people asked him to start with his daughter, adding that it never worked.
“So I don’t think it is proper for the traditional rulers or the government to set out a bride price for communities in the state. When you conduct an opinion poll, you will find out that many people will not accept it,” Mr. Ekeji said.
Felicia Nwalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, observed that the Igbo people cling so much to their tradition and culture that it is usually difficult to break the norm.
According to her, it would be one thing for the traditional rulers to make the law and another for the people to comply.
“They may not go far. It is an issue of tradition and culture and every community has one guiding them. If it is to reduce the amount where the price is very high it will be better rather than make it uniform for all the communities.
“It may generate negative reactions and communal clashes, especially in communities where there is no rapport between the people and their traditional rulers.
“I am not ruling out the possibility of it succeeding, but it may not be realised 100 per cent in communities with such problems,” she said.
Mrs. Nwalu noted that while some families are not bothered about how much is paid as bride price for their daughters, others depend on it for their upkeep, adding that some others prefer to make it a secret affair with their in-laws.
She said that rather than make laws that would bring problems in communities, the traditional rulers should pass motions to encourage morality among young people in the communities.
The traditional parliament had on August 16 passed a motion on the harmonisation of pride price in communities in the state.
The motion tagged “Motion on the Harmonisation of the Marriage Institution in Imo,” was sponsored by Duru Okwudor of Njaba Local Government Area, along with other traditional rulers.
Mr. Okwudor identified the high pride price and difficulties experienced by couples in organising traditional and church marriages as some of the reasons for sponsoring the motion.
http://premiumtimesng.com/news/98215-mixed-reactions-to-standard-bride-price-for-imo-women.html

National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, on Wednesday warned that there could be violence in the country during the 2015 general elections.

According to him, this is based on the volatile situation in the country.

The NSA however said the violence would come “with a different angle”, calling on security agencies to avoid post-election violence in the country.

Dasuki said this at the opening of a two-day workshop with the theme ‘Security Challenges of Election Management: Matters Arising from 2011 and Participating in 2015’, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission and the Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung Foundation.

The retired army Colonel said, “The competition among politicians may be more intense in 2015; so more tension should be expected. Nigeria can get anything right when there is the determination and political will on the part of critical stakeholders to achieve success. No two elections are the same; 2015 is likely to bring new challenges.

“There could be possible violence but with a different angle to it, not only post-election but before and during, because of the prevailing security situation, unless the security situations get better before then.

“There are likely to be challenges, however well- prepared a country may be, especially in the provision of election security. The unexpected could happen; a good example was the post-election violence, (in 2011), which was not expected, especially in context and magnitude.

“Thorough preparation and coordination of information, strategies and operations among various security agencies would always be necessary for successful conduct of elections. The security agencies, INEC, politicians and the general populace must harmonise their views, be on the same page, as in the case of the 2011 general elections.

“The election must be free, fair and credible so that Nigeria could get out of a long cycle of disputed and not so credible elections. This was the message drummed into everyone’s ears before the elections.”

Dasuki added that if security agencies could “bring to bear, the same level of commitment, dedication, rehearsals, preparedness, coordination, motivation and attitude to succeed, which Iam confident they would”, there may not be much problems.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, said a good security arrangement was important for any democratic success.

The IG listed the security challenges facing the country to include the menace of Boko Haram in the North- East; the Niger Delta crisis; kidnapping and armed robbery in the South-East; and ethno-religious/political crisis in Plateau State.
http://www.punchng.com/news/nsa-predicts-violence-in-2015-elections/

Action Congress of Nigeria has accused the Bayelsa State House of Assembly of attempting to frustrate investigations into the alleged mismanagement of N78m they got from the state government for  their trip to South Africa.

The Speaker of the House, Mr. Kombowei Benson, and 23 lawmakers  are allegedly  battling  to clear their names after claims  that they frittered the said amount under false pretences that they attended the 43rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association  in South Africa between June 29 and July 8.

The ACN on Tuesday criticised the  six-week recess embarked upon by the House, claiming that it was aimed at frustrating the probe into the scam.

The ACN spoke against the backdrop of reports that efforts of the Police Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, to investigate the alleged  fraud had been stalled by the long vacation.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Christopher Abarowei,  told our correspondent in Yenagoa that it was wrong of the House to go on recess at a time it was faced with the allegation.

The allegation was first made public through a petition addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, by a civil society group, Transparency and Good Governance Coalition.

Benson and other lawmakers were said to have written to Governor Seriake Dickson requesting  N78m to enable them to attend the conference.

Having received the request dated May 7, 2012,  Dickson was said to have approved the money on June 28 on condition that it must be used for the conference.

The Transparency and Good Governance Coalition’s  petition read in part, “Unknown to Bayelsans, on Tuesday, the  Speaker and other members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly allegedly never attended the conference but  simply allegedly converted the fund for their personal use.

“While the conference,  which started on the 29th of June was underway, the   Speaker and members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly were reportedly and allegedly engaged in a frolic of their own in Nigeria until the 7th of July 2012.”

But spokesman for the Speaker, Mr. Piriye Jonathan, denied the allegation, insisting that the lawmakers attended the programme.

Our correspondent learnt that having received the petition, the police commenced investigations into the allegation.

It was learnt that the SFU invited the lawmakers to its office in Lagos on Wednesday (today) as part of its investigations.

But there were indications that the lawmakers had feigned ignorance of the invitation,  claiming that they were on recess.

Meanwhile, Jonathan, in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, said he was not aware that  the Speaker  had been invited by SFU.

The ACN, however, said, “We are surprised that the House will embark on a long vacation at this critical moment when it is being investigated by the SFU of the police over a petition written by Transparency and Good Governance Coalition on N78m scam.”
http://www.punchng.com/news/bayelsa-assembly-running-away-from-n78m-scam-acn/

Battle of the Titans? Or do we call it Generals war? Season1

Denial Of Licence To 3 Airlines: Oduah Pursuing Sectional Agenda, Says Rep

The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives and leader of the ANPP caucus, Hon. Suleiman Kawu, has condemned the denial of commercial permission to three airlines by the Ministry of Aviation, accusing the minister, Stella Oduah, of pursuing ‘a sectional agenda’.

The lawmaker, who made this accusation in a press statement yesterday, also called on President Goodluck Jonathan to call the minister to order in order not to portray his administration as a tribalistic one. The affected airlines are Etihad, Turkish and Emirates.

“On our part in the House of Representatives we will not allow this kind of thing to continue and we will deploy whatever powers we have to stop her.

“Most of the tension in the country now cannot be unconnected with the actions or inactions of those occupying government positions in Nigeria as certain sections of the country are consistently marginalised and left out in projects, appointments and other developmental issues. It now behoves on Mr. President to do the right thing by disassociating himself from those of his appointees, such as Stella Oduah who are all out to disunite Nigerians.”

Kawu noted that the affected airlines had consistently applied for permission to operate in Abuja airport but had been refused for the last one year.

“There is no justification for her action except that she is a tribalist, and no amount of grammar can explain her refusal to grant them the much need permit because they have enough passengers coming to Abuja,” he said.

http://www.leadership.ng/nga/articles/33666/2012/08/29/denial_licence_3_airlines_oduah_pursuing_sectional_agenda_says_rep.html

Akume...majority leadership behind my ordeal

If you ever thought that the controversy trailing the alleged plot to unseat Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, had subsided; dust so far raised had elicited even more concerns. In this report, Dele Ogbodo, writes that the whatever becomes of the issue will be determined in the first week of September when the lawmakers reconvene


I ntrigues of the last few weeks had unveiled, albeit in a different fashion, some character traits of the Senate being the upper chamber of the National Assembly. It was the alleged plot to unseat Senator George Akume as Senate Minority Leader. Akume who is at the centre of the alleged impeachment storm, had said he was aware of all the permutations from those he called, traducers in the chambers to unseat him. But leaders of the majority had also said Akume is only crying wolf.


The alleged plot to unseat  the senator from Benue North-west, had first filtered into the news room when the lawmakers were gearing up for their annual recess end of July, thus bringing to an end, its first session in the seventh Senate.


Reliable sources told THISDAY that majority of the Senators in the minority parties had the feeling ab initio that Akume was ill-prepared to lead a strong opposition based on his previous record in the sixth Senate. There were also the ill-feelings about his performance in the first session of seventh session as they were said not to be happy with the way and manner; the minority leader discharged his duties. They rather called him a mere rubber stamp, not worthy of providing the needed opposition in the chamber.


He was said to have the penchant of coming late to meetings, in addition to his lackadaisical attitude at plenary. Majority of the Senators, it was gathered, were only waiting for an opportunity to vent their displeasure at the rudderless leadership Akume had provided for the opposition parties in the chamber. The last straw was said to be during the valedictory service held for the late Senator GyangDantong where Akume was said not to have comported himself very well such that denied senators of minority parties the opportunity to speak at the occasion.


Although, there had been various theories on where the plot had emanated, observers believe that even members of his own “political family” were not averse to the move because of the embarrassment he was believed to have caused them. Yet, this had been mired in cloudy intrigues.


Obviously not taking chances, Akume is said to have taken advantage of their long recess to reach out to key actors. Besides, consulting on way forward, he was said to have solicited for a soft landing in the event that the issue took a different turn when members reconvene next week.


This is why rather than relocate to his base in Benue state or travel abroad like some of his colleagues had done, Akume had decided to hang around Abuja where he is presently working to smoothen the rough edges. Thus, basking in the euphoria, he said: “I can confidently tell you that I’m in touch with members of the opposition parties as even my party.” 


But while Akume is yet to identify those allegedly behind the plot, he had pointed accusing fingers at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), even though he had declined to mention names.  “Everybody is aware of what is going on, the majority leader is using a few people in the majority leadership, fortunately the party has spoken- that they have absolute confidence in Senator George Akume, not only that, Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) too has said the same.”


However, Senate leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, reacting to reports credited to Akume on the development dissociated the senate leader from his travails. In a statement entitled: “We’re not involved in alleged plot against Akume”, he said: Akume has not denied this widely reported statement as credited to him that the Senate Majority Leadership is behind the alleged plot to remove him as Minority Leader of the Senate.


“The Senate Majority Leadership is not aware of any plot to remove the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, from office except what has been published in the newspapers by him as well as his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). We also wish to emphasize that the workings of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, do not place the emergence or removal of a Senate Minority Leader within the powers of the Senate Majority Leadership.”


In the same vein, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, also came out in stout defence of the majority party in the alleged plot. Mark called on Akume and ACN to refrain from name calling, requesting the leadership hierarchy of the party to put it in order.


Mark, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Kola Ologbodiyan, described the allegation as crude and shocking, adding that as a Senator elected on the platform of the majority party in the Senate of PDP, he does not attend the meetings of the minority parties:  “I am not a member of the minority parties. I do not attend the meetings of the minority parties. How then do I get involved in the plot to remove the minority leader?


“Election or nomination of officers of the party in the national assembly is the exclusive preserve of the political parties, how then would a non-party member get involved? The ACN or its megaphone, Lai Mohammed, should do something more positive and progressive rather than the consistent mudslinging and lies to mislead Nigerians,” he said.


Although, the drama is expected to end soon when the senate reconvenes sometime next week, there are those who strongly believe the removal plot was hatched within the ACN to accord Akume some relevance, whether or not it was of positive or negative consequence. That he had been docile is said to have constituted concerns even for the ACN leadership, but they had been lost as to how best to handle it. Besides, that the choice of principal officers is an exclusive prerogative of the parties also nullifies the argument that the plot was orchestrated by the opposition. Akume, observers insist, can only be removed by his party.


However, beyond the distraction of the last few weeks, observers advised that the ACN leadership should work on their representative with a view to giving the minority parties the required leadership within the senate formation as presently constituted.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/a-battle-to-head-the-minority/123484/

For now, I think it is the best thing to do............let's stem the tide of insecurity

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-General Azubike Ihejirika, Monday said the only panacea to the current insecurity challenges in the country was for the civil populace, military and other security agencies to foster good relationship.

Ihejirika disclosed this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the opening of the maiden edition of Nigerian Education (NAEC) Corps Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commission Officers Week in Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin.

He said it was based on this that Nigerian Army established the Department of Civil Military Affairs to create the good rappour as well as tackle the problems of insecurity in the country.

Ihejirika, who was represented by the Brigade Commander, 22 Armoured Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Saidu Bello, said: “As one of the major security, the Nigerian army recognises the importance of security in the country. Thus, the establishment of the Department of Civil-Military Affairs to spearhead the promotion of cordial relationship between the Nigerian army and the civil populace is apt.”

According to him, “Let me at this juncture remind us all on the current security challenges in the country, which require collective and extra efforts. I therefore want to specifically urge the participants to use the knowledge they will acquire at this training programme to be more security conscious.”

He said: “You should continue to be extra vigilant and mindful of all happenings around you. You should be cautious of your utterances especially when discussing with others, and report any suspicious activities to your superiors.”

He, however, added that the training “is a new beginning towards strengthening military professionalism in the NAEC.”

Earlier, the Commander NAEC, Major-General Musa Banjiram, had said the current security challenges in the country called for professionalism in the Nigerian army.

The commander said: “The need to achieve professionalism in the Nigerian army necessitated the renewed emphasis on training. This is has become more apparent taking into consideration the security challenges confronting the nation.”

He said: “This type of training will therefore enhance our operational efficiency to grapple with current challenges.
The objectives of this training week therefore are to refresh the participants on NAEC’s responsibilities in support of my vision to ‘reposition NAEC for the excellent performance of its statutory roles.’

Another objective is to equip the participants with NAEC strategies to meet the COAS vision to ‘transform the NA into a force better able to meet contemporary challenges.”

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/how-to-address-security-challenges-by-army-chief/123379/

What looks like an open heaven occurred in Olla in Omala Local Government Area of kogi state, as a man who claimed  to be Prophet of God said that God has revealed to him the iniqiuty of the  western world is responsible for occurrences of Boko-Haram, tsunamis and other disasters that has befallen  Nigeria and the rest of world.

Prophet Gabriel Edino who spoke to journalists in Olla recently explained that God revealed to him that during the King Caesar Augustus reign, the English men entered into covenant with Water Goddess to use a spiritual ink for printing of currencies  and the devil instructed them as part of the agreement that the money should be printed in a paper form.

He said  the money could have any symbol or inscription but the other part of the paper should be left blank for only the devil’s use when he will be willing to withdraw its money back towards the End time.

According to him,the devil’s intention was that, towards the End time money would be used in buying human beings while 666 will be written by the devil at the back reserved for him.

He said,when money was changed from iron to paper in 1972 they obey the instruction of the devil but during the subsequent changing and printing of currencies by nations of world including Nigeria,the covenant was violated,the space was no more reserved.

Provoked by this act,the devil started pushing people into using money to buy human being through hired killings,rituals and kidnapping.

The Prophet who is also the General Overseer of the Healing Grace Prayer Ministry in Olla said Boko-Haram in particular is a product of the breakdown agreement between the Western power and the lucifer.

He said the solution to the carnage is for the western power to apologise to the Lucifer in other to return peace to the entire world.
http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/08/27/prophet-alleges-western-powers-behind-boko-haram-kidnapping-nigeria/

CANT HELP PONDERING AND WONDERING AT D CONTENT!!! PLS YOUR COMMENTS

I am strongly of the of the opinion that there is no mr perfect anywhere, however the politics of bring it down we practice in Nigeria is not helping matters at all. Nobody we rebuild Nigeria for us, it is our own country, foreigners and aliens can't help us salvage it, hence it is how will lay our Nigeria, we lie on it.

This is a thought provoking submission.......as a nation, we must work together to fight against all forces that want to disintegrate our nation.

THE Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), the umbrella body for all Yoruba sons and daughters, has moved against possible incursion of the dreaded Boko Haram sect into the South-West region of the country.

Rising from its general meeting, on Thursday, at the Efunyela Hall, in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, the forum bemoaned the state of insecurity across the country in general and Yorubaland in particular.

The meeting, in a seven-paragraph communique jointly signed by its coordinators, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and Senator Femi Okurounmu, noted that efforts should be put in place to ensure that the zone was not caught unawares.

"The meeting examined seriously the security situation in Yorubaland, the possibility of Boko Haram incursion into the zone and took proactive steps to ensure the zone is not caught unprepared," the communique stated.

The meeting also promised to find means of bringing prominent sons and daughters of the Yoruba nation, who have not identified with the mission of the forum to the fold.

The meeting, held under the leadership of the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief (Mrs) HID Awolowo, had in attendance, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu (retd); deputy governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Alli Onanusi; former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande; former deputy governor, Lagos State, Chief (Mrs) Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele and former Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladipo Afolabi.

Others are, former judge of the Court of Hague, Prince Bola Ajibola; former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; former Minister of Health, Professor Adenike Grange; Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Anisulowo and traditional rulers from Osun State,  among others.

The meeting also endorsed and ratified the report on the visit of the forum's delegation to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while the draft constitution of the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly was distributed to members.

The communique reads in part: "The meeting was convened primarily to report on the visit of the forum's delegation from South-South and the South-East and where they jointly set up the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly.

"The meeting unanimously endorsed the report of the Uyo meeting and ratified the decision of the meeting.

"The draft constitution of the Southern Nigeria People's Assembly was distributed to members for detailed study and comments , along with the earlier distributed draft of the contribution of the Yoruba Unity Forum. These constitutions will be ratified at the future meetings after accommodating the various submissions and comments on them."

Earlier in a welcome address, the convener, Chief (Mrs) Awolowo, stressed that the unity of the Yoruba nation was necessary for the progress and development of the race in all spheres, adding that the security of the zone is a joint responsibility.

“Without mincing words, the insecurity in the nation horrifies an average Nigerian. When you go in and out of your home, it is apprehension about widespread insecurity that ceases your heart.

“A lot of bombings go on unabated in the northern part of the country and we pray it will not get to the South-West here. This is why we called this meeting. The Yoruba must unite against this terrible trend of insecurity. It is a collective responsibility,” she said.

Just as deliberations on the spreading activities of the Boko Haram sect began, a cleric in attendance, Reverend (Dr) Justus Latunji, intimated the gathering to what he said was a revelation from God that the deadly sect had perfected plans to strike in the South-West in October.

The cleric charged the six governors in the region to beef up security in their states, while urging the residents and the people of the region to pray fervently to avert the spread of the bombings and killings to the region.

However, the national coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Chief Gani Adams, who attended the meeting, allayed the fear of Boko Haram striking in the region.

“This is a public gathering and we do not want to reveal our strategies here. But we can assure you that the South-West is impregnable for Boko Haram. Those of you who are elders will recall that the Yoruba people, in history, were never overrun in any battle. OPC is battle-ready for Boko Haram.

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/lead-stories/46481-boko-haram-yoruba-move-against-incursion-of-sect-into-swest-swest-impregnable-for-terrorists-gani-adams-

Gulak Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr. Ahmed Gulak yesterday admonished the former president, chief Olusegun Obasanjo to stop distracting Jonathan by dabbling into his political future in stead of putting all hands on deck in delivering his electoral promises to Nigerians with him.

His statement came shortly against the backdrop of feelers in political circles that OBJ as he’s fondly called has ‘anointed’ Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers states as President and Vice President in 2015 presidential elections.
Gulak said, “If it is true that Obasanjo is fronting Lamido and Amaechi for 2015, I assume it is not true, I would say that he has his own right. But the question is in what capacity would he do that?

“Is it as the father of the nation or the President of Nigeria or what? First, Obasanjo is not the president of Nigeria and secondly, although he is one of our leaders, nobody has arrogated the monopoly of anointing candidates to him.

“Having said that, if it is true that Obasanjo has done what has been credited to him, then it is safe to say that he is not fair to this country and I believe that what this country needs to do is to deliver on the promises made to the electorate in 2011″.

“Obasanjo was part of the system from 1976 to 1979 and then from 1999 to 2007. Obasanjo should play the role of a father-figure, to advise and not to keep on pock- nosing into the affairs of the nation by choosing people who should run and who should not.

“He had played his role, everybody gave him their support. One good turn deserves another. It is therefore incumbent on him to support President Goodluck Jonathan to deliver on his electoral promises to the people and not to distract the system by stirring the political waters unnecessarily.

“When we reach the bridge we shall cross it. But we are only in 2012, just one year after the last election. Are we therefore telling Nigerians that everything is just about election? Why are we relegating to the background our promises to the nation?” Gulak queried angrily.

Speaking further, Gulak noted that elders said to be opposed to the re-election of President Jonathan in 2015 as prescribed by law, Gulak described the call as the ‘greatest joke of the century’, saying that nobody had the right to stop the President from contesting if he decides to do so in 2015.

He said: “President Jonathan has that constitutional right and nobody can abridge it; it is left for him to decide whether to contest or not. But no individual, group or institution can take away that right if we agree we are running a constitutional and democratic government.

“It is his right to run or not. No individual or group has the right to warn President Jonathan not to aspire to lead the nation as provided by the law of the land. You can’t ask him not to pick the party’s nomination form.

“Nobody can intimidate President Goodluck Jonathan; absolutely nobody because by the grace of God, he is the president of Nigeria. The fact that the man is simple, humble and does not abuse executive powers like some of our past leaders does not mean that he is weak,” he declared.
On former FCT Minister, Malam Nasir el-Rufai and former parliamentarian, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, for recently asking Jonathan to honourably resign over his inability to solve the nation’s rising security challenges, saying that they were not fit to speak for the north.

Dailypost gathered that since the news of Lamido’s endorsement broke over the week, there was wild jubilation in all 27 LGs of the state.
Meanwhile Obasanjo has, however, refuted working towards installing anyone in the next polls, saying he has been pre-occupied with more pressing national issues such as security, poverty, malaria, polio and infant and maternal mortality, to have time for politics.

Also, Governor Amaechi had also debunked he was running with Lamido, while some northern groups had received the news of Lamido’s choice with ecstasy.

http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/08/23/you-distraction-jonathan-gulak-lambasts-obasanjo/

In order to save the country from its present security challenges arising from terrorists’ activities, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), yesterday, said it had received orders from the Federal Government to take over the nation’s air borders patrol as additional responsibility.

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Mohammed Diko Umar, made the disclosure in Abuja while declaring open a two-day retreat for Air Force commanders and directors across the country. Umar, who expressed regrets that the internal security problems of the country had reached the level of military involvement, said they were ever prepared to take up any additional duties assigned to them by government to save the situation from deteriorating.

He disclosed that the Air Force had the competence and facilities to handle the assignment, stressing that only additional support and instruction were needed to enhance the commencement of their operations.

“We are ready to carry out any tasks the nation wants us to do, all we require now is directives and we will commence operations,” the CAS stated. Stressing that air border patrol was not part of NAF’s primary responsibilities, Umar said the need to cede the duty to NAF became obvious following the outright inability of the agency saddled with the duties to effectively execute it to the nation’s security advantage.

He stated that NAF would maximise the opportunity to tackle the security problems in the country. He said they were still awaiting formal handover of the assets and liabilities of the air border patrol to the NAF by the agencies concerned to enhance its commencement of operations.

Speaking on the retreat, the CAS said the assignment became imperative following the needs to review their operations to effectively tackle insecurity in the country. He stressed on the needs for commanding officers and directors to live up to their responsibilities as the present security challenges in the country left no rooms for errors

http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/08/23/terrorism-threat-naf-takes-air-border-patrol/

The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers late on Wednesday said it had put hold the nationwide strike the union members scheduled to commence on Thursday (today).

The President of the union, Mr. Achese Igwe, who made the announcement saaid the ongoing strike in Abuja would however continue.

The latest development came on the heels of an intervention by the Senate Committee on Petroleum (Downstream) in the ongoing face-off between NUPENG and the Federal Government over the non-payment of subsidy claims to oil marketers.

NUPENG had on Monday threatened to embark on a nationwide strike on Thursday (today) if the government refused to pay subsidy claims of marketers.

The union had on Thursday last week started an industrial action in the Federal Capital Territory. The strike has led to fuel scarcity in the FCT.

The Chairman of the senate committee on Petroleum (Downstream), Senator Magnus Abe, told one of our correspondents on Wednesday that the committee had met with NUPENG and the Ministry of Finance on the matter with a view to finding a way out of the problem.

Explaining the Senate’s intervention, Abe said, “I have just finished speaking with the NUPENG President and it is clear there is no need for any strike. What is happening is a misunderstanding and we are trying to reach out so that we can find a solution to the problem.”

According to him, the committee has also reached out to the Ministry of Finance and “the information was that 25 marketers have been paid their claims on subsidy.”

“The Ministry of Finance has promised to pay all legitimate claims and the minister said that 25 companies had been paid. We have requested all the documents containing the list of the companies paid and what was paid so that we can clear the misunderstanding,” Abe said.

He also noted that the committee would not support any strike action by NUPENG as it would not address the problems facing the industry and Nigeria at the moment.

On whether the strike was a ploy to promote the call for total removal of subsidy, Abe said, “The issue of subsidy removal, I think there is a consensus that subsidy will go, but when and how is the issue.

“I think there is no reason why anybody should use that to bring further hardship on Nigerians. The problem I think is a misunderstanding between NUPENG and the Ministry of Finance.”

Incidentally, Abe is chairing a Joint Committee of the Senate, which has carried out an investigation into the subsidy regime in the country but the committee has yet to submit its report to the Senate.

But the Peoples Democratic Party on Wednesday described the NUPENG’s threat as unpatriotic.

The PDP in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, accused the union of sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the petroleum industry.

The statement reads, “The PDP expressed dismay over the decision by the NUPENG to embark on a nationwide strike over the non–payment of subsidy claims to the oil marketers, accusing the union of sabotaging the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure transparency and accountability in the petroleum industry.

“The party also called on all Nigerians to give their tacit support to the Federal Government against a tiny cabal of oil marketers and their political collaborators who are bent on frustrating government good intentions and pave the way for the continued cornering of our commonwealth.

“The decision by NUPENG to embark on a nationwide strike over the decision by the Federal Government to stick to unimpeded transparency in the payment of subsidy claims is unpatriotic and barefaced insensitivity to the outcry of Nigerians over the rot in the oil industry as well as a clear inclination to use the pivotal position of the union to promote actions that are inimical to our economy.”

The party said that no sensible government would allow a policy in a vital economic sector to be dictated by those who don’t have the interest of the nation at heart.

It vowed that the PDP-led Federal Government would never relent in fighting for the interest of the people, adding that Nigerians were greater than oil marketers and the bargain of NUPENG must not be allowed to appropriate the interests of the generality of the people who bore the brunt of shady transactions in the petroleum subsidy management.

The party asked NUPENG to tell Nigerians whose interest it was fighting whether it was that of the indicted oil marketers or that of the people of Nigeria.

It also asked the union to say whether it was going on strike on the premise of genuine national interest or on the promptings of the indicted oil cabal.

The party further asked, “Has NUPENG suddenly become a puppet whose string is being pulled by some economic saboteurs?

“Why is it that the union who was in the vanguard of calls for sanity in the subsidy regime is now standing against government’s decision to ensure that transparency is taken to the letter? Is NUPENG running with the hare and chasing with the hound?”

http://www.punchng.com/news/nupeng-puts-nationwide-strike-on-hold/

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has withdrawn its threat to go on strike today in order to dialogue with the federal government at a meeting in Abuja today.

The union, which met with a federal government delegation behind closed doors in Lagos yesterday agreed to reconvene in Abuja to continue negotiations to resolve the dispute over non-payment of subsidy arrears to some fuel marketers.

But the situation in Abuja remains unchanged as the strike embarked upon by NUPENG is biting hard and no filling station was selling fuel to motorists yesterday.

President of the union, Comrade Achese Igwe, told media in a telephone interview yesterday, that NUPENG is willing to dialogue with the government and the outcome of today’s meeting will determine whether the union would go ahead with its nationwide strike.

He said, “We will attend the meeting and the interest of the masses will be considered first in our decisions. The interest of the masses has always been our concern whenever we want to take any action.”

NUPENG had earlier signified its intention to begin a nationwide strike today if the Federal Government failed to remit subsidy money to some fuel marketers.

TUC dissociates from NUPENG strike

Meanwhile, the President of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Peter Esele, has condemned the proposed strike by NUPENG.

Esele, a former president of PENGASSAN had condemned what he called a baseless strike by NUPENG and disassociated the TUC from the strike.

Describing NUPENG’s conduct as disgraceful, the TUC President called on the government not to bow to the cheap blackmail by fraudulent oil marketers who he claimed are bent on milking the nation dry.

He further urged the federal government not to hesitate to take every measure to punish the culprits, saying there was the need to ensure that indicted oil marketers pay every kobo back to the government.

http://www.naijapundit.com/news/nupeng-sees-reason-with-fg-suspends-nationwide-strike

Rumor mongering!!!!

Let all and sundry come together to finding a lasting solutions to this calamity called Boko haram so that Nigerians can heave a sigh of relief

It now appears that the nation has missed the real import of the joint statement released two weeks ago by former Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida. In the period since the statement was released, it has been subjected to a deserving torrent of analyses, critical reviews, condemnations and commendations, which is to be expected. After all, this was a joint statement from two of the prime architects of the state of our current political framework, in a context which strongly argues that the present administration is more a victim of our inherited limitations than their designers. Neither President Jonathan nor his legion of spokespersons have even bothered to respond to the statement which draws attention to serious threats to the security of the nation, and widespread doubts over its ability to survive them. But we have heard thundering repudiations against calls for the President to resign, or even, the most laughable of all, against alleged calls by a Muslim group that he becomes a Muslim or face unending violent challenge.

The statement by two former Presidents who are walking encyclopedias on crisis management and mismanagement was a warning that the nation is tottering on the brink, and citizens need to step back and chart a course away from a future which promises nothing but pain and privation. The statement said nothing about the administration’s role in the perilous state of our security situation, a political environment which progressively polarizes the nation, and an economic management style which breeds unprecedented waste and corruption. Perhaps the two elders felt it was not their place to join the bandwagon of critics which President Jonathan seems to expand by the day. Or perhaps they have offered all the advise they can in private, and have decided to absolve themselves of blame for watching the nation burn and disintegrate in silence. So they turn on citizens, victims of a very weak leadership, and appeal to them to raise their levels of patriotism and commitment to the future of the nation.

Alhaji Ahmed Joda also raised his voice, but he went further to make specific demands on President Jonathan. In addition to convening a Constituent Assembly to knock together another constitution which will more appropriately reflect the concerns and challenges of contemporary realities, he asks Jonathan to fight corruption, eliminate waste, improve the quality of governance, address security issues more vigorously, improve the electoral process before 2015, and renounce any intention to run as President again.

Alhaji Joda acknowledges that President Jonathan’s administration has a major role to play in the manner our current challenges are resolved; and his person and political ambition are central to the resolution of these challenges in the long term. Again, the administration has not uttered a word, not even the customary condemnation of criticisms, in response to Alhaji Joda’s reinforcement of the two former leaders’ plea. Instead, it is digging in on a now familiar strategy of ignoring problems, or informing the nation that they do not exist; and if they do, they were created by past administrations, or are products of a northern-based insurgency; or are well on their way to being solved.

It is now imperative that the nation reassesses its approach to the many limitations of this administration. Critics of the administration need to re-evaluate their strategies, and in particular, ask whether criticisms alone can influence the way President Jonathan governs this nation. The simple truth is that the Jonathan administration is being swamped by the challenges it faces, and its capacity to deal with them is woefully inadequate. An attitude which suggests to him that he is doing well, but is not being appreciated by millions of citizens will reinforce a mindset which encourages more of the same. Similarly, critics who think pointing at massive deficits in competence, integrity and vision will be sufficient to raise the bar, or create a critical mass of hostility and resistance in the country are just as much a liability as the administration is to Nigerians.

What the nation needs is a strong push from politicians, civil society, professional groups, organized labour and youth to create a massive momentum towards real change, which will assist this administration with ideas, strategies, options and support to address the most critical of its weaknesses. Instead of accusing Jonathan of indifference towards a nation gradually falling apart, a political summit should be convened by elder statesmen, active and retired politicians, academia and civil society to attempt to rebuild bridges which have been crumbling since 2009. The summit should address the manifest challenges from the effects of JASLIWAJ (Boko Haram) phenomenon, the perilous state of the political economy of much of the north, the incipient challenges to the unity of the country from the south-south, and the issues relating to the clamour for a Constitutional Conference. Former Heads of State and other elders can spearhead this. It will be in the interest of President Jonathan and his administration and his party to work with and in the summit. If he chooses to ignore it, it should still go ahead, and let Nigerians know what it sees and advises.

Instead of accusing Jonathan of being clueless regarding the JASLIWAJ (Boko Haram) insurgency, the Muslim leadership should engage itself in a search over what could possibly have bred this insurgency; what its place is in mainstream Islamic doctrines; and what needs to be done to engage it by Muslims, non-Muslims and the Nigerians State. This challenge can be taken up by a few respected ulama, leaders and groups, but it must have sufficient scope and integrity to guide the Muslim community and the Nigerian state adequately in terms of how to relate to it.

Instead of locking ourselves up against resurging kidnapping, violent crimes, bombs and bullets, our senior retired heads of police and other security agencies should put heads together to examine the basic weaknesses of our law and order institutions. Retired members of the judiciary should examine why our judicial system is too weak to contain massive assaults on its integrity. We need expert and experienced hands to tell us how to re-invent our police, and provide answers to the many questions we ask over federal and state police, and the near-irrelevance of the police as a tool against disorder and crime. Retired Chief Justices can initiate this on their own. If the administration wants to be part of it, fine. If not, let them tell Nigerians what they think is wrong, and what can be done about it.

Instead of lamenting the theft of our nation by pervasive and politically-entrenched corruption, civil society, labour, professional groups and other patriotic citizens should work under a C.S.O umbrella to examine the reasons why corruption has enten so deeply into our value systems and institutions, and what steps the administration should take to begin to roll it back. If the administration wants to be part of this very important work, fine. If not, Nigerians should be told what, in specific terms, needs to be done to deal with current cases of corruption being investigated or being prosecuted, what needs to be done to dilute the intimate linkages between politics and corruption, and what needs to be done in the long term to reduce it to the barest minimum.

Instead of lamenting the sorry state of our economy, its poor management and the possibility that we will be up to our necks in debt once again, economic and business interests should facilitate a thorough soul-search for what is wrong with the way we manage our economy. We need answers to the impact of the size of government on the economy; to our perennial failure to execute our budgets as planned; to the persistence of an enclave economy which is dangerously vulnerable to external stimuli; to decaying and inadequate infrastructure which cannot support a growing economy; and to the search for vision and discipline in pursuit of long-term economic goals.

Our political parties should raise a think tank to identify the weaknesses of our electoral system, and how it can be plugged. Other Nigerians with insights, expertise or experience, as well as C.S.Os and professional groups should be involved in providing a blueprint for a thorough overhaul of our electoral system between now and 2015.
It will be very dangerous to continue to leave the problems of Nigeria on the doorsteps of this administration. The administration is likely to continue to open the door, see the problems, and walk back in locking the door, and preferring to believe it did not see what it saw. It is time for patriots, leaders and those who know about our problems to step up. This is not a favour to President Jonathan, and it should not matter that he may choose to ignore outcomes of some of these activities. This is a service to the fatherland, and there may be no other opportunities to salvage our nation. Those who are content with opportunistic and sterile opposition lose the opportunity to insist that identified viable and practical options must be pursued by the administration. A groundswell of demand for purposeful and strong leadership, strategies and options will provide the necessary pressure for the President to act more decisively.

President Jonathan needs help to govern. Those who love this nation should help him with ideas, suggestions and inputs. The best guarantee that this nation can survive its short term challenges lies in strengthening Jonathan’s capacity to deal with them. We have no future as a united, secure and prosperous nation unless we fix our current challenges. President Jonathan is one of them. He must not be isolated and merely bombarded with criticisms so long as he is leading us. Those who want him to go in 2015 may consider the thought that it will be easier for him not to run again in 2015 if he makes a fairly good job of his current mandate, than if he messes it up. Rulers who mess up big time tend to want to stay on forever, lest they are called to account.

Supposing you are the President of this country at the moment what would you have done differently from what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing now? IBB opens up

Many are of the opinion that he is Machiavellian in character. Others referred to him as the “evil genius”. Some dubbed him  “Maradona” for dribbling the country for eight years. But certain facts cannot be taken away from him. General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, fondly called IBB by his friends and foe alike, is one of the leaders whose influence shaped the future of Nigeria. As he turns 71 today, the country he molded for eight years is still tottering tat 51 years old.

His coming to power in 1985 marked the beginning of an era — an era which kick-started the building of a modern-day Nigeria, an era marked by various experimentation  – social engineering, economic reformation, political reinvention and cultural re-engineering of the Nigerian society. His era witnessed the establishment of institutions, introduction of mass mobilization mechanisms and societal re-orientation on a scale never witnessed before in the country.

Recently at his hil top mansion in Minna, Niger State, the seasoned politician was asked. Supposing he’s the President of this country at the moment what would he have done differently from what President Goodluck Jonathan is doing now that is in control as regards the issues of internal insurgency by the Boko Haram sect? And he said. “I think you should understand that President Jonathan, Babangida, Shagari, Obasanjo, Buhari, or anybody that we ran a new or developing country.

What we are going through now, other countries went through that, but through perseverance, hard work and ability to dialogue, these countries had gone and past over their problems. So, I think I am sensible enough to know that because you are a developing country, as long as we are ready to learn from our mistakes, we will get there.

I am talking about developing countries, we make mistakes. We went through a civil war and I don’t believe we will likely go again into a civil war despite the drums that has been beaten. But I am not sure and neither am I sure that you the younger generations would like to go to war that we went through. So, we learn as the mistakes are being committed when we went to war and we are not likely going to war again.”

http://dailypost.com.ng/2012/08/18/if-president-nigeria-done-differently-jonathan-ibb/

Govt should do something decisive about the so called cabal and few evil rich men who got their unholy wealth by mortgaging the future of Nigerians and Nigeria, for the betterment and good of all

A spokesman of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani has denied speculations that he had died.

Over the last twenty-four hours, SaharaReporters had been inundated with inquiries by readers who said they had heard that Mr. Nnamani, a medical doctor, had died. But when SaharaReporters contacted Igbonekwu Ogazimorah, a Commissioner for Information under the Nnamani administration, the former governor’s aide issued a statement denying the rumors.

The text of Mr. Ogazimorah’s statement is below:

 

Here is stating that there is no truth whatsoever in the claim by some people that former governor of Enugu State, Chimaroke Nnamani, is dead or gripped with any terminal illness. Yes, Nnamani undertook a successful open heart surgery two months ago and has been recuperating. He personally spoke to me twice yesterday and over seven times today, Friday, August 17. In high spirits, Chimaroke Nnamani requested me to tell his followers that he considers it a privilege to be among the very few who had the opportunity of reading their obituaries while alive. Friends and well wishers are advised to ignore the rumor as Nnamani is alive and well, though currently staying out of Nigeria because of the surgery.

http://saharareporters.com/news-page/former-governor-chimaroke-nnamani-not-dead

Waoh! This is really messy, el rufai is in no way a saint that he tries to portray. This is a big shit indeed

Haba na only dis mallam, he no get any other job.....too much talk , no action, trying to seek relevance

aikuda:

You see that's my point- that is what we should do: talk about how to make it better. But you and I know from reading the treads that that is not what is happening! Ridiculing yourselves before the world is not the same as discussing contsructively how to make it better. Not that we can control what people say online, but if people realize that these kinds of forum is the only window through which many people see Nigeria, maybe they would be more constructive in their opinions. when the only thing that outsiders learn about your country is curruption and violence, why should they come here and invest in your country? Don't gloss over our problems, but dont forget to also mention the nice things about Nigeria. Sometimes the way the treads read it sound as if nothing is working in Nigeria- and that not true at all. In this day and age the imgage of a country is very well tied to its economy. That my point!

I quite key into ur line of thought, indeed every nation in the world has its ups and downs that are peculiar to it, however ours maybe, we need to work together and see how best we can bring back the lost glory of our country and stop making a mockery of ourselves. If we don't know, we are NIGERIA

Apaparipa o! FGN and Nigerians beware, see the face of the Boko Haram consultant eeeeee