₦airaland Forum

Rampaging ex-militants took to the streets in Benin City disrupting traffic on the Lagos/Benin express way
Written by Citizen Reporter-Aderemi Phillips
Monday, 22 March 2010 09:51




Movement was totally restricted as motorist and pedestrians were prevented from moving. Residents and motorist between Uselu and the University of Benin axis where at a standstill as the dare devil militants took over major junction from Uwasota, Federal Girls college road and Adolo junction. The militants armed with various dangerous weapons like Rods, Planks, and Bottles.

One of the militant took time to enlighten the frustrated onlookers that the protest was not against them but the federal government whom they accused of reneging on the Amnesty deal . He boasted that he and his colleagues are not paid after they have dropped their weapon to embrace the Amnesty of the Yar’Adua lead governments deal that put a stop to the restive region late last year. He lambasted the government whom he accused of abandoning them after they gave up violence to embrace peace. Promises that they are battle ready to go back to the creeks if the government don’t attend to their legitimate claim immediately.

Heavily armed Anti-Riot Policemen in squadrons took defensive positions to curb any escalation as the militants refused all entreaties to go back to their temporary camp on Federal road. The Police lead by an assistant Commissioner of Police called for reinforcement but watch helplessly as motorist and pedestrians watched helplessly as the militants held sway. The state Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomole’s convoy was forced to come and held for more than 30minutes before he got passage and they move towards the Ex-militant’s camp along the federal Girls college road. The incident has held the ancient city of Benin hostage for over six hours with the civil authorities unable to clear the rampaging ex-militants.

By 14:35pm, the situation was still charged movement in and out of the city was impossible. The police however did the seemingly impossible by clearing the road without any violence and with only two teargas canisters fired. They surprised onlookers who know them for incompetence, corruption, and constant harassment of the civil populace with some level of decorum and professionalism. They engaged the militants in dialogues and persuasion to clear out the roads after a show of power and even presence of the State’s commissioner of police and the highly respected formal national labour president now Governor of the ancient city Comrade Adams Oshiomole failed to disperse the restive youths.

Normalcy of movement in and out of Benin is now unhindered after over six and a half-hour hold-up.





Aderemi Phillips

Writes from the Faculty of Arts, University of Benin,

Benin City.


http://saharareporters.com/news/5599-rampaging-ex-militants-took-to-the-streets-in-benin-city-disrupting-traffic-on-the-lagosbenin-express-way.html

AjanleKoko:
Problem is, apart from Lagos, very little economic activity goes on in the entire South of Nigeria.
In fact, apart from Lagos, where else do you have that kind of food demand?
The rulers of most of the states (except Lagos!) are all PDP surrogates, stuck on the lucre of federal money, available to loot and share.
State governments need to invest in mechanised farming, create co-operatives to grow the domestic farming activity. But do they know or care? They're slaves of Abuja.

that is why the country needs to be restructured to 'force' the different regions to stop being slaves o abuja.

tboy1:
Play messi against Stoke & Hull defenders / Midfielders & im sure messi will walk out on Crutches
England defenders dont give you time to do all wat messi does . . . they will bring you down
Arsenal Vs Barcelona is nearly here

Does messi need time on the ball to do what he does

[quote author=invisible! link=topic=416706.msg5741254#msg5741254 date=1269247022]@igbo boy, but people are suffering without any hope, that's why I support a breakup.[/quote]Nna this your turn around na something else .Something serious must have happened to change your mindset

So inec chairman is now subject to zoning?

Well if thisn story is true expect more 'do or die' mentallity on the part of inec.

Jarus:
I think the guy tried, but the problem was just too complex for him. At least we saw his passion and efforts.

he should have resigned if the place was too complex for him.

i thought it is said that there is no oil in the south east  

Nigeria to report Ghaddafi to UN, AU
National News Mar 21, 2010 By Ben Agande

Abuja-The Federal Government is contemplating reporting the Libyan leader, Colonel Muamar Ghadaffi to the United Nations, UN, and the African Union, AU, over his recent statement that Nigeria be split into two along religious lines.

Mr. Ghadaffi was quoted as saying that the solution to the sectarian crises in Nigeria was dividing the country into two, the North for the Muslims and the South for Christians.

He said the problem was essentially caused by the colonial masters, Britain.

The Federal Government immediately recalled the Ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Isa Mohammed.

He is due to arrive Abuja today or tomorrow to brief officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the situation. He could not arrive earlier because of flight connections between the two countries.

There is no direct flight between Nigeria and Libya and the only flights are from either Morocco or Egypt where the Moroccan national airline and the Egyptian airline operate direct flight to Nigeria through the Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano.

One source told Sunday Vanguard that with the dissolution of the Executive Council of the Federation, EXCOF, the recalled ambassador is expected to brief the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who will in turn brief the acting president ‘as early as possible’ on the next line of action.

Sunday Vanguard however gathered that beyond the reaction of Nigeria through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which described the utterance of the Libyan leader as irresponsible, there is not likely to be a tougher stand on the matter.

“I think what is likely going to happen is that Nigeria will convey its strong objection to the Libyan government through the relevant channels and the utterance is not likely to cause any major obstacle between Nigeria and Libyan diplomatic relations. Africa is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s diplomatic policy and the Nigerian government is not likely going to cause any upstage,”a diplomatic source said in Abuja,adding:“the Libyan president is generally known in the diplomatic circle cantankerous and most of the time,, his utterances are best ignored but relevant government agencies have been directed to closely monitor the matter and see whether there is any likelihood of the Libyan government sponsoring some groups in Nigeria.”

It was gathered that Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan has indicated interest to report the Libyan president to the African Union and the United Nations ‘but this is dependent on the outcome of the consultation with the Ambassador’ a source said.

Several attempts to get the official reaction of the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the next line of action proved abortive as repeated calls to the spokesman of the ministry, Mr Ozo Nwobu were not answered.

Since his posting to Libya, Ambassador Isa Mohammed has been working behind the scene to free Nigerians held in Libyan prisons, a feat he has achieved in repatriating some Nigerians from the North African country.

Before his appointment as Nigeria’s ambassador to Libya, Alhaji Isa Mohammed was a resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission whose last posting was in Edo where he conducted the 2007 elections.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/03/21/nigeria-to-report-ghaddafi-to-un-au/

Senate President,Chief David Mark called Ghadaffi a mad man while the Arewa Consultative Forum,ACF,denounced his statement as reckless

Tadeus:
When are we going to stop decieving ourselves, if Nigeria should split, how many counrty do you think we can divide this great nation into? Think about it very well, because igbo will not stay yoruba, neither will hausa stay with yoruba e.t.c

What makes nigeria great?

9jaganja:
I have no idea why the op posted this but like every new nation, they struggle to get the the right shoe size. And stop making tribal references to your threads. The Yoruba politicians are not Yoruba leaders, they are Nigerian leaders get that? Na Yorubas vote Obasanjo? There you go. And keep Yorubas out of your business just got about yours. I'm just proud and happy I have a culture that respects others and elders.

My guy the poster is yoruba.

;d

babapupa come and explain what you wrote here.

honeric01:
Ok, here goes mine
I have indirectly paid my taxes for more than 9 years now (my business can't be taxed directly)
I couldn't cast my vote, though i registered but was never given a voter's card
I have been able to help people around me in my own little way (financially and socially)
I have advised fellow residence around where i live on how not to block drainage, damage government roads, tap phcn light illegally
I have also provided my own power, water, roads, security and other amenities while paying govt bills for such
I have corrected/advised people/friends/strangers on how not to fold their arms watching wrong things being done in their presence that would in any way damage the country the more.
I have also trained (still training) people on how to be self reliance.

These are the few things i have been able to do and hope to do more in the future


@asha80
I nor try?

Oya, what have you also done? (Remember to state the truth )

Bros i no dey naija but i dey send money back home to help my peeps You try sha however the issue is that the system is ffd up.Also at times our mentality na wahala

[quote author=invisible! link=topic=416524.msg5733404#msg5733404 date=1269117274]@ honeric, I have done a lot to make things better.

I have paid my taxes for 18 years.
I have cast my votes for those I think will better the nation, only to see them lose to those same criminals that have kept us in bondage.
I have set up businesses and employed people from all regions, housa, yoruba, Igbo, kogi/benue and edo.
I have adviced my councilor and he laughed in my face, telling me things can't be done that way.
I have provided my own power, water, roads, security and other amenities while paying govt bills for such.
I have written articles in my blog online and written to editors in dailies on how best to achieve results.

Now, what have you done to better our country, your turn now.[/quote]honeric1 ngwa

cap28

one question

is nigeria an independent nation or not?

[quote author=invisible! link=topic=416524.msg5732823#msg5732823 date=1269110946]@asha80, the jos killings, the sanusi witch hunt, the abdulmutallab, the senseless mallams of boko haram, the lack of skill from most nothern politicians and the fact that this nation seems too big for one man to govern. I don't agree we shall ever agree with these people.[/quote]Well i understand now however i have seen this thing for a long time now hence that argurement we had that time.

Shoot2Kill:
Dude can you hear yourself? Is this the joke section or the political section?

That is the problem with you Nigerians and Africans ,instead of you to sit up and fix your nation ,you are busy catching your fun.

By the time you have finished catching your fun ,what legacy will you leave behind for your kids?

The issue of Nigeria is a serious issue and there is nothing fun about it.

The poster made a sensible request but you Nigerians have yet again turned the thread into silly one. Go to other thread e.g American threads ( www.topix.com ) you will see how Americans are discussing issues that affect them seriously.

If you want to catch your fun, go to the joke section.

And for your information ,i am a very happy person but a serious minded one.

na naija mentality be that.catch fun while your house burns.

[quote author=invisible! link=topic=416524.msg5732749#msg5732749 date=1269110200]This nation is finished, it doesn't matter what the traditional ruler has to say, afterall he is paid from this same pot of corruption that is Nigeria. This is a failed state, has never functioned for 50 years and from all indications, we are sinking lower still. We need to divide, shikena![/quote]Bros why the change of mind

Sure, I wish too they did that but that is NO REASON why Obi should not have done it and cannot do it now.

First what the laws you feel Obi did not implement?

This happened, I believe in 2004; while Ngige was still governor, correct me if I am wrong please. I don’t see how a SECRETARIAT building constitutes BASIC for any government. 
During his 34 months as Governor, Ngige may not have re-built the government house, but I would say he did show, even after the fires, that government can exist without the buildings you are concerned about. If you agree, then we can say that the buildings were NOT basics for government. Though necessary, they are not to be considered BASICS for good governance.

Alright tell me what u think are the basics for good governance.

Obi simply built the sectretariate because as u said it is NECESSARY for smooth running of government and not having govrnment agencies in far flung villages.

Yes government can exist without buildings but government work has to be done in an organised manner and not in a chaotic way.

Yes it might not be the basics for good governance but an atmosphere where government work is smoothly carried out is needed which the previous goveors failed to do to provide for the  basics that i want u to list for me.

Does it really matter WHERE the roads were built? I thought we have established that he did build the roads. If you ask me, the man was there less than 2 years and we at least saw a start. I am not sure what the motive was behind the move and I cannot state for a fact that he did not do it for selfish reasons, considering he was fighting to stay governor during the same time.

How is 34 months less than 2 yrs  .As for his motives i will not look beyod his fall out with his godfather Chris Uba and the sudden feeling that he had to bring the public to his side thereby embarking on what most anambrarian wanted at that time ROADS.

Are all the roads in pristine condition? I am not able to get at information at this time but I can, at a later date, research this and get back to you with answers, but I do remember debating this a couple of months ago, actually when Soludo announced he would be running for governorship, and was presented details of this then. Like I said, I will hold on this until I can present you with info but I believe he did let some of the roads without maintenance.

If you are not sure of somethig please do not say it.If you are not sure then why did you state that

Many of the roads, by the way, where left to decay under the last Obi administration, and some had to be REBUILT as a result of that.

As per whether the roads are in pristine condition have u been there to know or are u relying on hear say?

Believe is different from reality.You of all people should know that.

Like I stated earlier, I am not concerned with where the Governor starts from as long as he starts something meaningful.

seems you have soft spot for ngige.

Kobojunkie:
@Asha80, when I say we had seriously good laws in the books long before Obi came in the picture, I mean all he had to do on the MOST part was look into implementation.

I wish Mbadinuju,Etiaba(during her short spell)and Ngige(apart from roads) did that.

He had something to work with; a lot of the basics were in place.

Did you watch the videos  posted?Yes burnt down government house,judiciary,schools closed down for up to a year and no secretariate as good as any basics you can imagine.

he did not have to worry about building some of the roads since Ngige took it upon himself to focus his attention on a lot of those during his short time as governor of Anambra. Many of the roads, by the way, where left to decay under the last Obi administration, and some had to be REBUILT as a result of that.

I hope you know that most of the roads Ngige built are within Idemili axis of the state while other parts were left to suffer.

Obi left Ngige built roads to decay?Do you have proof?And who told you that the roads have decayed? Name the Ngige roads that decayed that Obi rebuilt.

Now, I don’t have much detail on other issues Ngige tackled,

Because there is nothing to detail

If you confirm that Ngige spent time developing the much of the roads, how then can we not consider the state a developing state under Ngige?

like i said above Ngige concetrated on the dmili axis f the state where he incidentaly is from so i do not know how that equates to much.Only idemili parts for 3 yrs?What happened to onitsha,nnewi,awka towns let alone inter town and village roads.

Yes t was developing in chaos.

Kobojunkie:
It is no secret that we have a collection of 419ers and corrupt individuals out there campaigning or occupying one leadership position or another. And we do have a way of making sure such people do not get to run for office, however, I think it will be unfair, and dishonest of us to pretend the blame is on these corrupt individual. We live today a culture that continues to promote an environment that continues to enable the corrupt to thrive not just as citizens but as leaders. I think we need to be honest here in addressing these issues.

I disagree with your assertion that there was absolutely nothing on ground when Obi first came in. We had laws on the books that worked way before Obi came in. Ngige did a good job with some of the basics in his short time before Obi. Obi did not come in to a state that has absolutely nothing; he came into an already developing state and so he had so many of the basics to work with.


Anambra does not have to be among the states receiving 13% oil funds each month; the state already has access to funds from resources and taxes, in addition to allocations, which cannot be compared to what Katsina receives now and even during Yar adua’s time as governor of the state. From what I have been able to glean from some of the online resources, Anambra state generates about 4 billion each year and it gets about 50 Billion from the federal government. Source  http://www.fmf.gov.ng/FMF_Revenue_Alloc.aspx
Now this bit I agree with. We have a saying that “To whom much is given, much is expected!”. Is Obi producing? In order to best guage that, one would have to consider what he has been given and how much he has produced in his time as governor.


But your example above highlights the problem in Nigeria, which is we over celebrate mediocrity. Why should Gbenga Daniels viewpoint be UNIVERSAL standard here when the man himself? Why should an ikedi Ohakim loyalist be authority on what constitutes excellence? Why don’t we stick to the global mark and aim higher than we have in all cases, and even in our judgment of Obi’s government?

I am enjoying your arguement with Emperoh but i disagree with the bolded.Having laws on gound is different from reality.

Ngige development was all about road and nothing else.No plan just build roads.

Simple state secretriate where government is supposed to be run was non existent and government activitis were run from villages.

Anambra a developng state before Obi?More like a chaotic state.

[flash=400,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/O-oi5VZTNwY&feature=related[/flash]

[flash=400,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/0WDo8dfJHL8&feature=related[/flash]

[flash=400,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/EGvN1XKLzEM&feature=related[/flash]

londoner:
Gadaffi just doesn't get it does he? And some Nigerians have a short memory. Our problem has nothing to do with the country being unified. We all know inviduals from the political classes from every tribe and religion have banded together to see Nigeria ruined, THAT is the problem and it cuts across religion and tribe If it were not the case how come you see the same cankerworm eating into the states, where all are one tribe and religion?

If he is saying that because of Jos, is there not Lagos, which has almost all tribes and religions present and has done since independence, of the population bigger than some west Afican counties, yet there is no crisis, people live there together in relative harmony.

Gadaffi is talking like a village man who doesn't actually weigh up his opinion with evidence before he speaks. Everyone knows, this same Plateau state was one of the most peaceful places in the recent past even with all the same communites as there are today.
The man needs to shut his mouth and face his own citizens.

I hope you are aware of what the deep issues are with jos?

presido1:
Do you think before posting or you post b4 thinking. What serves who right. Remember he banned 26 eu countries from coming to Libya without blinkind an eye. If he can do that to EU i think its an insult to him to think of what he will do to Nigeria. He will just let one of his female house maids to decide what to do to Nigeria/Nigerians and communicate it to the world.