₦airaland Forum

nairavsdollars:
Temidayo Akinsuyi, Lagos



https://www.independent.ng/boko-haram-can-invite-el-rufai-to-their-agm-odumakin/

this Odumakin is agwero from which motopark abegi?

Igbochief001:
Is the white man trust worthy ? ...is the Chinese trust worthy? Russians ? ...u need a bit of aggressiveness to grow really ...most Africans lack this except maybe igbos

The rules is meant to keep the weak man down ...there is no rule in this world ...it's a dog eat dog world

No country achieved growth without doing something bad .. except the few small country with large resources ...it's a matter of time they would soon drop too

see one of them here, this country was basterdise by Igbos with no apology, they are the one that started money ritual through killing their father or any of the family member, they started the 419 game, they started the yahoo stuff, they take the large chunk in prostitution may be competing with Edo, I can go endless. they have succeeded in afflicting other ethnic group with this bad character. may God save this country.

Obj has always been a comedian, I wonder why people are taking him serious. Anyway, it is part of what he thinks will keep him in the limelight of politics. But he set the standards for our present predicament since 1999.

One of the biggest flaws of people is pretending to be blind to their own mistakes, but do not pretend to be deaf towards the mistakes of others. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is almost taking up the career of a government critic with his numerous reprimanding letters online forgetting that he may have laid the foundation for the present socio-economic, political and security realities.

The former President may not be able to boast of a fabulous 8 years reign because his regime actually looted the country dry and set it on a sordid path that successive administrations have battled to obliterate. A vivid example is the over $16bn his administration budgeted for power that could not be accounted for. Had the funds been utilized, the days of epileptic power supply would have been over and small and medium enterprises along with the manufacturing industry would have flourished.

Patriotism and political maturity ideally requires that leaders and stakeholders like Obasanjo offers political and economic solutions and advise on issues bordering the country. Equally, there should be support to government's economic objectives towards goal achievement through constructive and positive declarations instead of grumbling at every slight provocation.

As an elder states man and a former Head of State/ President, his recent habit of resorting to online media criticism against governments that he ordinarily has unrestricted access to, tells a lot about his person. It clearly shows how thirsty he is for power and attention. No one would believe that a man who spent three years as a military Head of State, and eight years as a democratic President with nothing to show for will still have the conscience to raise his voice on successive governments that are trying to clean up his mess.
The heart of Obsanjo's criticism is mostly centered on insecurity, but can his regime really boast of doing enough to curb insecurity? The Boko Haram evolved in the North, the OPC was notorious in the South-West, the Militants in the South-South (Niger-Delta), and Kidnapping and armed robbery was alarmingly high in the South East. Rather it was successive administrations that made giants strides in the fight against vices.

Talking about the corruption of anti-graft agencies, Obasanjo deserves the credit for establishing EFCC and ICPC. However, it remained a known fact that these agencies were solely established as private security guard dogs with an adjusted mandate of hunting down perceived political opponents. He exploited these anti-graft agencies to harass, arrest and torture opposition leaders.

Mr Obasanjo prides himself as a farmer but could not develop the agric sector to achieve the most talked about diversification, hence the country's continued dependence on oil. His major pre-occupation in this regard was pumping funds to stabilise his personal farm in Ota, as well as building a library in his name using donations from government and public office holders. This he did to the detriment of the National Library which was left to rotten by his administration.

There is also the issue of his flirtatious life style which led to his son Gbenga, divorcing his wife of six years after his father (Obasanjo) was accused of having sexual affair with her. A young girl, Faith Olusegun Obasanjo also came up online claiming to be one of the numerous offspring conceived by one of the numerous concubines of Obasanjo. Of utmost concern is the revelation the twenty-one year old made by claiming that Obasanjo gave her a whopping sum of $1m to set up herself.

Another sore point is his utterances on Fulanization/Islamisation which is regrettably aimed at sowing discord among fellow countrymen. He complains about nepotism, but it was under his watch that his daughter Iyabo served as a Commissioner of Health and subsequently Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly. At the Senate, Obasanjo lobbied for her to emerge as the Chairman Senate Committee on Health. She was later investigated by the EFCC over funds stolen from the Ministry.

With all these should OBJ still be regarded as a serious person that can attack other people's sense of morality?

Successive governments may still be striving on putting Nigeria on the right path, yet it obvious the present administration has made tremendous impact in the last 5 years reign despite inheriting backlog of problems including struggling economy, insecurity, dearth of railway, epileptic power supply, plummeted oil price, low employment rate. At present the situation is gradually improving, with significant gains still being made amidst the battle against global pandemic of COVID-19.

Today, there is the trader moni scheme to assist small and medium scale enterprises, school feeding program to attract and sustain children in the schools, the N-Power to empower the unemployed, as well as those in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and workers are being adequately remunerated with new welfare packages introduced.

The present administration has also shown commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty within the next 10 years with the Alliance for Poverty Eradication (APE) programme which will cover all states in the nation.

A lot has been achieved in the fight against insurgency; the economy is out of recession, railways are been revamped with cargoes being transported from one region to the other. The fight against corruption is been acknowledged and applauded locally and internationally, and leakages that hitherto encouraged looting of government’s funds are being plugged, and a new minimum wage with a significant upwardly reviewed to address issues relating to workers' welfare has been signed and implemented.

According to Adlai E. Stevenson, a hypocrite is the kind of politician who would cut down a redwood tree, then mount the stump and make a speech for conservations. Obasanjo needs to eschew his bitterness and rancour on those that have succeeded his administration whose only crime is to clean the mess he left. He should be constructive in his criticism and always remember that as a former military Head of State and a civilian president, the gates of the Presidency is always open for inputs and advice from elder Statesmen.

Nigeria will not seize to amaze me, how are the corrupt individuals finding their way of sponsoring one to head anti corruption in the land. God save my country.

! Man character comes under scrutiny since saraki days. But just as usual we are in a country where everything is possible.

When you think you have seen it all. Bagam!! Another bese will just show up. I was just wondering why Mr president will continue working with someone that have been denied approval for five years.

Magu: The Double Face of a Corrupt Anti-Corruption Czar

Ever since my enlistment into EFCC, I have never witnessed the level of unprecedented incompetency, selfishness, greed, and corruption in the Commission as we are seeing under the leadership of Ibrahim Magu. When Magu was appointed by President Muhammad Buhari, there were high hopes and expectations within the agency that he would be a complete upgrade from his predecessor, Ibrahim Lamorde. Little did we know that the Commission was in for a rude shock.

As someone who studied forensic accounting outside the country, I returned home to join the agency not only out of the need to be employed but from a burning desire and passion to contribute to the progress of the Nigerian nation through a robust fight against graft. Despite the initial challenges I encountered earlier at the Commission, I was beginning to settle in and was a little excited about what lies ahead, when there was a change of guard at the Commission. And so far, it has been a slide down the hill rather than up it.

My chairman has so far displayed the opposite of that which he has been mandated to check. He has exhibited extreme character flaws and his tenure has been marked by gross incompetence and inefficiency in leading the anti-corruption war. It is therefore not surprising to many in the know that his confirmation was opposed by many and why he has remained in acting capacity after five years.

Mr. Magu has bungled most of the high profile corruption cases the commission has prosecuted both locally and internationally. So bad is the situation that many criminals and fraudsters have been let off the hook for lack of diligent prosecution or insufficient evidence. His tenure has been characterized by media trial rather than actual prosecutorial success and most of the criminals he was mandated to prosecute are now lounging in different parts of the country and world.

My worry lies not only on the incompetence of the Chairman but on the public ridicule he brings to the Commission. The commission has lost its place and has become a shadow of itself. Chairman is now publicly seen aiding the escape of wanted persons for a price. The agency is now perceived as weak, inefficient, and corrupt.

International criminals like Invictus Obi, Mompha, and Hushppupi to mention a few were all reported to the commission and were let go before their eventual arrest by foreign security agencies. Despite intelligence from International Police (INTERPOL), Magu failed to act on to arrest these fraudsters when they visited the commission, mainly because of what happened behind closed doors. For example, Mompha who was flagged by the Interpol and initially arrested by the Commission was let go and is now lounging in Banana Island, Lagos.

This development among other failings of Mr. Magu has led to a break off of cooperation by foreign security services like the FBI, to collaborate with the Commission in extraditing wanted Economic and Financial criminals to face trial in Nigeria.

Not many Nigerians are aware that Mompha’s bail was secured with a well-furnished apartment acquired for Ibrahim Magu in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is therefore not surprising that many Nigerians are insisting that the recently arrested international fraudster, Ramoni Igbalodely Abbas aka Hushpuppi should not be released to the agency as they are concerned that his case too, would go the way of others.
Aside from international fraudsters, our corrupt politicians are roaming the streets freely despite damning evidence against most of them. Those the Commission had attempted to try have been set free by the court due to lack of diligent prosecution.

At this point, I am convinced beyond doubt that unless and until a new change of guard is witnessed in the Commission, the fight against corruption in the country would remain a joke. Already, the Commission under Mr. Magu has rolled decades of achievements. To allow him to continue to preside over such a critical agency would be a disservice to the country. To save the face of Nigeria from such ignominy, the President should act and LET MAGU GO!

This professor is too old to be appointed na, though Mr president is his mate maybe if I guess correctly, but in my bandit opinion, I hate mediocre. If you have a better idea on how to govern well, give it to the president and let him make use of them. Not all of us can win election at once. But in Nigeria we have this attitude of if am not the president let me be on the attacking side.

Anyway, for those who failed out with president Buhari and have pitched tent with the opposition, shame on them. Nigeria is not their investment, some people for the whole of there lifetime have never own any business except to be in the government and have become billinaire through such. These category of people should leave Nigeria alone.

This professor is too old to be appointed na, though Mr president is his mate maybe if I guess correctly, but in my bandit opinion, I hate mediocre. If you have a better idea on how to govern well, give it to the president and let him make use of them. Not all of us can win election at once. But in Nigeria we have this attitude of if am not the president let me be on the attacking side.

IS PROF. ANGO ABDULLAHI TURNING THE NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM INTO A GATHERING OF FAILED AND ANGRY POLITICIANS?

It is unfortunate, the travesty that has become of the Nigerian Elders Forum (NEF) under the leadership of AngoAbdullahi. At inception, the NEF was composed of eminent members of the Northern elite. Its voice was seen as a strong voice of reason from the region and advocates of nationalism. It is therefore regrettable that such a noble organization has allowed its platform to be used by failed and bitter politicians to ventilate their frustration.

Since the inauguration of the present leadership of the NEF in February 2018, the body has constituted itself into the mouth-piece of the opposition. The decision of the Abdullahi-led NEF to deviate from its advisory role ultimately led to the factionalization of the body. This was brought to fore by a former Board of Trustee member, late AbubakarTsav, who clearly dissociated the NEF from some uncharitable statements made by Prof.Abdullahi and his cohorts.

Ahead of the 2019 general election, Prof.Abdullahi-led team had gone to town calling on voters to reject President Muhammadu Buhari’s bids for a second term in office. Having failed in their bid to stop the re-election of President Buhari, Abdullahi recruited more partners and like minds in the person of Hakeem Baba Ahmed and Usman Bugage, to further his attacks on the government. This was immediately announced via a press statement in which they claimed that the administration has failed in its responsibility to Nigerians.
Ever since the group has been relentless in its attack through unfair criticism of the government. The zeal with which the NEF has pursued this agenda points to the fact that these men are driven by personal grudge and vendetta against the person of President Buhari, rather than by patriotism or genuine concern for the people. This is not difficult to see for any discerning mind.

First, Abdullahi is known for making reckless statements that serve his ego. For example, despite the current successes recorded in the fight against corruption by the Buhari-led government, he believes that the only way the government can prove its success so far is for the prisons to be overflowing with inmates and convicts of corruption. Such archaic reasoning should make anyone listening to him have a second thought.
Secondly, many Nigerians are not unaware of the failed ambition of Hakeem Baba Ahmed to clinch the position the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or Chief of Staff (CoS) to the President. His failure to secure either of these perceived powerful positions of authority invariably pushed him to turn against the President.

It is therefore visible to the blind and audible to the deaf that these men are simply fighting a personal war under the umbrella of the NEF.

It is for this reason that Nigerians should be wary of their latest attacks on government under the guise of insecurity. World over, issues of security are not devoid of politics. Insecurity calls for a united front against a common enemy which are the criminals, the terrorists, and the bandits. It is, therefore, condemnable for anyone to seek to score cheap political points from the death of innocent citizens in the hands of terrorists or armed groups.

The NEF must take steps to redeem its image by ridding itself of this gang of failed and angry politicians who have taken over its space. The forum must reform and take its place as an advisory body and partner with the government in nation-building. On their part, the Abdullahi led group should do the honorable thing and come out as a political group, rather than hiding under the cover and protection of the NEF.
Nigerians are wiser and can no longer be deceived by selfish men seeking to use them to further their personal ambition. WE ARE WISER!![i][/i]

I think we have enough reasons now to allow the third tier of the government to function that is the local government. It is the closest government to grassroots. Some selfish politicians have made it look like their fathers farmland where they can take what they want. Untill we are ready for peace before we shall see one.

The Nigerian security self is underpaid. Imagine a security officer that put his life on the line cannot feed his family with his take-home pay. Peace is far from what we are thinking except the leaders are able to tell themselves the bitter truth.

Though the ungoverned spaces are much in the north, I think it would be good if the mandate of the Civil Defense should be reviewed to include concentrating them in the village rather than struggling mandate with the police in major cities.

Although the Emirate council pays the District heads and Dakaci's, but Mai anguwa's role have continued to be a voluntery service. I think it's time for government to include them into the payroll even if it is salary of level four local government staff. It is a trying time for them too. They have served for so long.

“Uniformity...creates a void, and Nature abhors a vacuum.”― Henri-FrédéricAmiel, The Private Journal of Henri Frederic Amiel

The recent wave of wanton killings by bandits and other armed groups in the North-central and North West of the country, particularly Katsina and Zamfara States has attracted widespread attention in the media and other well-meaning people from different parts of the country. The string of attacks somewhat seems to have defied several security operations and local peace negotiations even as the attacks are yet to abate.

The large expanse of bare land and under governed spaces pervade most northern states, to give some perspective to it, Katsina State is seven times larger than Lagos, it is bigger than Ekiti, Lagos and Osun States combine. So under governed spaces is not an entirely new concept, it has been applied to solve age-long problems namely the lack of effective government presence in parts or places within its territory. Under governed space is a direct reflection of the inability of the state to effectively perform its minimal statutory functions: the exercise of monopoly on the use of force; full territorial control; and provision of basic social services.

These spaces are marked predominantly with the absence or limited provision of security in parts that are vulnerable to occupation by criminal elements. These ungoverned spaces occur in national, state, and local government levels, but the land is mostly covered by the local government.
The kinds of attacks recorded in the North West are not novel but they have always been nipped in the bud through community vigilance and information sharing from the communities to aid in curbing the menace of banditry and sundry crimes.

The role the traditional institutions play in maintaining law and order in their various domains cannot be overemphasized. Some traditional leaders have been accused of working in tandem with the bandits or other armed groups against the interest of their people in particular and the country in general.

The traditional leaders are more in tune with the grassroots and the local populace. For instance, in the north, we have, the ‘mai anguwas’, the district heads, and other levels of calibrated local leadership, which one of their core mandates is maintaining peace and security within their various domains, a task in which they have failed miserably well in the circumstance. The fact that some traditional leaders have been found complicit in exacerbating the security, some are beneficiaries of the system.

For instance, as the case was in Zamfara State, where some traditional rulers were recently deposed, the Emir of Maru and Kanoma district head for allegedly being part of armed banditry in their respective domains as such they were stripped from their positions after due investigation by a committee set up by the state government. Suffice to say, the role traditional leaders play in a society like ours is multifaceted as the prerogative of protecting lives and property of people in their various domains lies with the traditional leaders as first-line contacts of the people.
The third tier of government must be alive to its responsibility at the grassroots level.

Like it is said nature abhors a vacuum. Our traditional institutions should work in sync with security agencies and governments at all levels to curb criminality across the country, a clear nexus exists between the provision of security by all constituent communities and the information voluntarily provided by the local populace through the traditional leaders. All hands must be on deck to nip these threats in the bud.


Abubakar Maryam writes from Funtua, Katsina State.[b][/b]

one bad thing that has always been a problem with Nigeria is playing a double standard. opposition over the years have been criticizing successive administration but without an alternative solution. I love opposition because they make the government be on their feet. but if you criticize an idea, provide a better alternative way of achieving the same.

anyway, na inhouse fight among northerners, though there is a clear threat to lives of the people in the region, when compared to previous years there were successes and suddenly upsurge in the spate of killing.

Mishaya:
AGAIN! THE UNENDING HOSTILE POSTURING OF THE NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM AGAINST PRESIDENT BUHARI



The sustained hostile posturing of the now disreputable Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has come to the fore again with the recent harsh and unjust criticism of President Buhari’s handling of the long established security challenges bedevilling the country. Again in its usual manner the NEF is playing to the gallery like the proverbial ostrich, the NEF has buried its head in the sand claiming to be oblivious of their role in further worsening the situation in the North rather than provide genuine solution to the challenges they highlighted.

Be that as it may, the Federal Government has put in place measures and is consistently implementing comprehensive security strategies with a view to overcoming the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation. Some of the strategies on ground include but not limited to, the expansion of the National Command and Control Centre to 19 states of the federation, resuscitation of the National Public Security Communication System and commencement of the implementation of the Community Policing Strategy etc.

Firstly, Prof. Ango Abdullahi, the self-acclaimed convener of the NEF, whom the Presidency responded to his criticism with some scathing acidic words of themselves highlighting Prof. Ango’s-led NEF in its antipathy against President Buhari, and its preference for another candidate which could not stop the president’s re-election in 2019. The NEF has failed to realise President Buhari’s good intentions and his commitment to the Nigerian project as well as securing all lives and property across the country as his constitutional mandate states.

Secondly, in enumerating the challenges faced by the country, the NEF, is to say the least, is only playing the ostrich as I have earlier noted. However, the NEF needs to bring out workable solutions to nation building, peace initiative and strategies that will have the buy-in of the northern populace in addressing the security challenges of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, rising numbers of out-of-school children, sedentary farmers and nomadic herdsmen clashes etc in the north.

Thirdly, the likes of Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who was in the forefront of NEF’s vituperation against the President was a seasoned technocrat with vast experience in governance and administration. Following his retirement by the then Yar’adua’s administration, he sought political relevance by lobbying for political appointment in the advent of President Buhari’s administration in 2015. In the aftermath of failing to clinch any position, he later aligned with Atiku Abubakar in the run up to the 2019 elections. Suffice to note that disparaging the President instead of joining hands towards nation building is simply not statesmanlike. For Prof. Ango, there is no better response that what he was rightly referred to as an irritant and featherweight by the Presidency.

To build this nation is a task we all must strive towards irrespective of tribe, religion, ethnic affiliation, political orientation and beliefs.

Isa Umar writes from Zaria, Kaduna State.

, na wao for this professor ango abi wetin dem they call this old ABU VC . the man be like a one man squad for this his Northern Elders Forum. abi house how una take see ham?

Hkatago:
As mixed reactions continue to trail the decision of the federal government to ease lockdown measures against COVID-19 pandemic, it has become imperative to point out a few concerns thus reminding the good people of Nigeria that any decision taken by government is both to protect lives and also preserve livelihoods. In particular, the ongoing decision which was carefully and meticulously reviewed with the best intentions to ease the suffering of Nigerians puts the government alive to its responsibilities. The FG has made it clear and have addressed if not all aspects surrounding the lockdown lifting in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states, which it stressed will be phased, thereby leaving no room for ambiguity yet some Nigerians and groups opt to make pronouncements implicating the government.

A particular case is that of the broadcast made by the Spokesman of The Nigerian opposition coalition under the umbrella of "Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) on May 3, Mr Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, wherein some phony claims and accusations where made against the government. The spokesperson, while calling on the government to rescind its decision said relaxing the lockdown in the affected areas would translate to exposing the members of the public to danger and abandoning them to their fates more so that health workers were already raising the alarm over lack of adequate medical equipment including a shortage of bed spaces and isolation centers to manage the cases at hand.

Mr Ugochinyere on behalf of CUPP said Nigeria is one of the countries with the least testing capabilities, this claim may not be true because as of April, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centers have been operational across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand.

The Government has also explained they are reviewing laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests that can be performed including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

Based on federal government's recommendation State Governors activated State-level Emergency Operation Centre’s, established new treatment centres and ensured the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

The group in their response also raised alarm of looming total outbreak of the deadly pandemic in the country based on emerging reports from the States of the Federation and Abuja. Such alarm will amount to a prophecy of doom, moreover, facts have proven that the measures emplaced thus far have yielded positive against projections and anticipations.

Mr Ugochinyere further mentioned that the appropriate step for the government was addressing the issue of the complaints of the health workers by mass acquiring modern equipment, stock the isolation centre’s, provide super palliatives to the citizens and then shut down the entire contents as being witnessed around the world in a concerted effort to curtail the further spread of the deadly pandemic. He should be reminded that over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment has been distributed to all the states and more training are being arranged.

The group also pointed out that the relaxation of the lockdown orders would lead to lawlessness and rubbished the little signs of progress already recorded as it would be impossible to enforce the protocols of the pandemic.

This may not be true as security agencies have risen to the challenge of imposing the necessary measures including restriction of movement of non essential staff and persons across states and within, enforcing mandatory use of face mask, mobile courts are being run against lockdown defaulters specifically in Abuja etc.

We need the support and cooperation of all if we must beat this disaster. The Government is doing its best as it continues to adopt and adapt new global realities put out on a daily basis to best suit the current local realities.

Nigeria is one of the country around the world with poor record of data base of its citizens. Though the government tried to take palliative to every corner in the country, but lack of the comprehensive record of citizens have worked against it. Anyway the easy was a welcome development so that hunger will not kill those the palliative could not reach their end.

9jaCritic90:
Many a time we are always in a haste to conclude and personalize issues possibly because of ignorance or deliberate mischief. We will all agree that the Coronavirus is a global pandemic that has brought all socio-economic and political activities around the globe to a halt as it is facing the worst global economic decline ever experienced. The situation is not different in Nigeria where there have been challenges including loss of lives, jobs, as well as hunger and starvation.

We often make reference to other countries when it is rosy including clamour for the adoption of some of their policies, laws and so on but have failed to emulate them in areas that really matter, especially in these trying times. Most political leaders, members of the opposition parties and other unscrupulous individuals will always want to exert pressure on the government by exploiting a sensitive situation like the global pandemic for pecuniary reasons.
They have accused the government of neglecting its people by keeping mute on the ongoing distribution of palliatives and welfare packages, as well as infrastructural developments in the health sector aimed at containing the spread of the disease. These new selfish activisms and agitations are tailored towards 2023 general elections despite the growing concerns over the spread of this virus.
As political leaders from different divides and ideals, one would expect them to put aside politics and pre-existing bitterness and rancour to consider the global challenge as a common enemy which requires concerted and unified effort to defeat it by using their platforms and political structure to intensify sensitization in a bid to enlighten their supporters and followers on the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, they choose this critical time to wage a fruitless war with the government.

It is unavoidably true that the administration is fighting the pandemic with limited funds and resources in areas such as insufficient testing kits, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), amidst prevailing Illiteracy, poverty, and the dwindling status of the Nigerian economy. However, the government is putting efforts in place to mitigate these challenges by sustaining public sensitization.
An earlier four-week lockdown was equally imposed in some selected States, as well as and the introduction of the compulsory use of face mask in public places, among other measures only to be criticized by the opposition. The lockdown which has since been eased following a review of the current economic situation of the country and these same misguided activists on the payroll of politicians have equally condemned it unconstructively.

The actions of these selfish individuals backed by selfish politicians since the outbreak of the disease in the country highlight a deliberate ploy for mischief which requires well-meaning citizens to stop patronizing their machinations which is not benefiting to the COVID-19 global concern.
God bless Nigeria!

How o wish, there is school for learning activism in Nigeria or the world. Simply because you want recognition you want to pull down everything along the way for all people. Receive brain abegi...

kayez:
FTC

Dedication will come later ���

Some of the so called activist may be require a brain transplant. How on earth can you be attacking a government that is trying to fix things for the masses

9jaCritic90:
Many a time we are always in a haste to conclude and personalize issues possibly because of ignorance or deliberate mischief. We will all agree that the Coronavirus is a global pandemic that has brought all socio-economic and political activities around the globe to a halt as it is facing the worst global economic decline ever experienced. The situation is not different in Nigeria where there have been challenges including loss of lives, jobs, as well as hunger and starvation.

We often make reference to other countries when it is rosy including clamour for the adoption of some of their policies, laws and so on but have failed to emulate them in areas that really matter, especially in these trying times. Most political leaders, members of the opposition parties and other unscrupulous individuals will always want to exert pressure on the government by exploiting a sensitive situation like the global pandemic for pecuniary reasons.
They have accused the government of neglecting its people by keeping mute on the ongoing distribution of palliatives and welfare packages, as well as infrastructural developments in the health sector aimed at containing the spread of the disease. These new selfish activisms and agitations are tailored towards 2023 general elections despite the growing concerns over the spread of this virus.
As political leaders from different divides and ideals, one would expect them to put aside politics and pre-existing bitterness and rancour to consider the global challenge as a common enemy which requires concerted and unified effort to defeat it by using their platforms and political structure to intensify sensitization in a bid to enlighten their supporters and followers on the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, they choose this critical time to wage a fruitless war with the government.

It is unavoidably true that the administration is fighting the pandemic with limited funds and resources in areas such as insufficient testing kits, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), amidst prevailing Illiteracy, poverty, and the dwindling status of the Nigerian economy. However, the government is putting efforts in place to mitigate these challenges by sustaining public sensitization.
An earlier four-week lockdown was equally imposed in some selected States, as well as and the introduction of the compulsory use of face mask in public places, among other measures only to be criticized by the opposition. The lockdown which has since been eased following a review of the current economic situation of the country and these same misguided activists on the payroll of politicians have equally condemned it unconstructively.

The actions of these selfish individuals backed by selfish politicians since the outbreak of the disease in the country highlight a deliberate ploy for mischief which requires well-meaning citizens to stop patronizing their machinations which is not benefiting to the COVID-19 global concern.
God bless Nigeria!

Attacks from things that does not matter has always been the way of opposition in Nigeria, instead to rally round the government, they chose to wage war to the detriment of the same citizen they claim to speak for. It's a pity. Some people need to study how opposition around the world play their game

With almost two hundred million people, Nigeria has recorded nearly 3000 cases of COVID-19 and hundreds deaths. COVID-19 situation in Nigeria does not seem like slowing down anytime soon and this is not because of people filling the streets. The reason for the surge in number is attributable to more testing being conducted.

At the early stage of the outbreak when the lock-down was advised, Nigeria had barely conducted 2000 tests mainly on persons with travel history to effected countries. Therefore the lock-down became necessary to curtail community transmission as well as assist with contact tracing. It provided some opportunity for the front-line health workers to reach identified contact persons and carry out tests. So far, the country has avoided the projected sixteen thousand (16,000) to barely 4,000 cases by the end of April.

In every decision, there are pros and cons. While the lock-down slowed down the spread of the virus, it has also adversely affected the economy and livelihood of the people. Since the outbreak, crude oil, which is the country’s major source of revenue, has crashed to level not seen in decades, forcing a review of the 2020 budget.

Aside government, the most affected are small businesses, short-term contractors and daily workers. These sets of people are so peculiar that in order to meet their basic needs, they must as a matter of necessity go out daily. This lock-down has therefore hampered their livelihood that if it is sustained, many could starve or resort to crime for survival.

On this, we do not need experts to tell us as we have already seen a spike in crime rate within the last 28 days of lock-down. Government has already initiated policies that are aimed at addressing the challenges of the pandemic. The government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is arranging fiscal stimulus package worth one hundred and fifty billion naira (N150) credit facility to households, small and medium enterprises and those most affected by the pandemic.

These interventions are expected to ameliorate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on the citizens. It is therefore in line with its desire to ensure that the citizens are not subjected to undue hardship that the federal government, on the advice of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) decided to ease the lock-down, decided on a gradual easing of the lock-down.

However at a point that the whole world is uniting against a common enemy, the Nigerian opposition has chosen to play politics. Rather than see the pandemic as a threat to our collective national existence, the same group that claimed that the lock-down would lead to starvation are here again condemning the government for easing the restriction. It is obvious that the opposition in Nigeria simply criticizes for the sake of being heard and not necessary to provide reason.

If other countries with much higher numbers of the Covid-19 cases are eager to get their economy going again, there is no reason Nigerian with all its peculiar economic challenges brought about by the crash in oil prices should sit back. While the country is pulling all strings to contain the spread of the disease, we must all out asides partisan politics and join hands to get the economy going again.

In the present situation, there is no easy way out. We either continue to lock-down the country then slide into recession, or we ease the restriction and hope that the citizens can exhibit a greater sense of responsibility by following appropriate prevention protocols. However, the first action is definitely not an option. No government can fold its hands and watch its economy run aground when it can actually take steps to prevent it. Countries like Germany, Italy, Spain and England with over a hundred thousand cases respectively, have all started easing their lock-down. As a matter of fact, they are all expected to resume their football leagues in the next few weeks.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call. We must all assist the government by adhering to the safety procedures laid down. The joy and pride of Nigeria remains her people. Our hope is that this pandemic will end soon and that the economy is able to recover quickly.

PicLtd:
Shout it till your ewedu gobbling windpipe burst.It changes nothing..

Ohamadike reigneth!

MAZI Nnamdi Kanu even Don die, Shikina what she big deal

Bola146:
Is this information real Or i don't understand

What is not real about death. Is Nnamdi Kanu immortal?

Demtoks:
RIP to the Deceased

.. MAZI Nnamdi Kanu, finally has given up. This coronavirus is bad o.. Anyway, RIP

9jaCritic90:
Negative reactions have trailed the decision by the Federal Government to accept the offer of assistance from the Chinese Medical Team in the ongoing fight against coronavirus in Nigeria. At the forefront of this skewed and one-sided antagonism was the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). The group described the government’s decision as ill-timed and inappropriate.

In a quest to sway public opinion and curry sentiment, the NMA further claimed that the spike in the number of cases recorded in Italy including fatality rate occurred shortly after the arrival of a similar medical team from China. Furthermore, the group described the move as embarrassing and spiteful to Nigerian health workers who have been working tirelessly to curb the spread of COVID- 19 in the country.

Admittedly, the efforts of Nigerian health workers in the prevention, containment and treatment of the virus cannot be wished away. They have demonstrated professionalism and commitment, the kind the nation had rarely witnessed.
While their efforts deserve national commendation, it is said that the cardinal ground for vehemently kicking against the arrival of the Chinese is the fact that they do not want to share their glory when all this is over. Obviously, the group would never admit this.

As a medical practitioner, I know the antics of the group, but this isn’t time to do that. National health emergency of this dimension requires the deployment of ALL AVAILABLE RESOURCES FOR THE CONTAINMENT OF THE CHALLENGE. COVID-19 ought to be regarded as a common enemy which can only be defeated with solidarity and cooperation.

For those afraid that the presence of China could worsen the situation, they are yet to see the economic importance of the nation to China. China has more to gain by ensuring that Nigeria gets back on its feet as soon as possible. Aside from the fact that Nigeria is currently has a robust balance of trade with China, the economic war between China and the US has made Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, one other most beautiful global bride. Everyone wants Nigeria as an ally.

Life is gradually returning to normal in China with special reference to Wuhan city, the epicentre of this pandemic. China is opening up its factories after the lockdown and needs to start exporting its products as soon as possible to recover from the setback. They also need Nigeria to be back to normal so that business can begin to take place between both countries.

NMA was quick to make reference to the situation in Italy but failed to look at other countries like USA, Spain and United Kingdom which have recorded more cases even and deaths without the intervention of the Chinese. The NMA failed to recall how it directed its members to embark on industrial action just a day after the first index case was recorded in Lagos without considering the implications of such action when the nation needed it most.

Already, the Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire (Dr.) has explained that the Chinese Medical team is not coming to take over the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria as widely claimed by several media houses, but rather they are here to share their experience and offer advice on measures used in containing the disease in their country. These measures have evidently worked, like Wuhan, the epicentre of the pandemic has reopened after ten (10) weeks of lockdown.

Research, knowledge and experience sharing in medical practice, just like every other field of human endeavour is a global phenomenon aimed at improving efficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages it. Some world powers lobby for it. It brings about innovation, especially in a globalized world. This shows that Nigeria has a lot to learn from China.

Thankfully, the government has received and isolated the Medical team to ensure they are safe, in accordance with international best practice. The next issue is for the NMA and other affiliate health groups to give them all the necessary assistance. Where necessary we must learn from their experience and allow them to learn from ours too. We must allow for knowledge interplay.

Nigerians are becoming increasingly worried over the spread of this pandemic which has occasioned socio-economic uncertainties. We need our lives back. We must go back to work. If the Chinese would assist us in recovering quicker, we should cooperate with them. The welfare and general wellbeing of Nigerian are paramount, especially at this critical time.
COVID-19 must be defeated in Nigeria, whatever it takes.

Our problem in Nigeria is that we have politicised everything, Nigerian government owe Chinese a huge amount of money running in billions, when Chinese rock the boat on Nigeria, where is the hope for them to recover their money back. Your debtor has to remain alive to pay you back your money. However, the NMA has been looking for an opportunity to get back on government, when this idea came up, they joined the band wagon of spreading conspiracy theories. May God deliver Nigerian people from the pandemic.

Hkatago:
The media has been awash with reports of offensive against Boko Haram terrorists by Chadian Army, led by President of Chad Idris Deby. According to Sahara Reporters, Chad, with the help of the Israeli intelligence had mapped out the entire Lake Chad region containing both natural and artificial islands for the operation, which is already yielding positive results. The report claimed that the battle at Kelkoua, bank of the Lake Chad, saw the killing of many Boko Haram terrorists, as well as the discovery and destruction of bunkers hiding key commanders.

The onslaught by the Chadian troops have triggered widespread criticism of Nigerian Army, by the Nigerian public, most of whom have begun to sing praises of Chad. Interestingly, Nigerians tend to downplay or out rightly ignore the effect of these harsh criticisms on Nigerian troops who have consistently shown gallantry even in the face of adversity. A Military defending our territorial sovereignty on numerous fronts, against terrorist, insurgents bandits, Sea Pirates, Kidnappers, militants, etc.

It must be stated that as far as counter-terrorism campaign is concerned in West Africa, the Nigerian military has consistently shown professionalism and unrelenting spirit, attracting global recognition and respect in process. This is even with the US and UK blocking the sale of arms to Nigeria for the prosecution of the Anti-Boko Haram campaign. Despite these constraints, the Nigerian military has shown so much resilience in the fight against terrorists, severally decimating the terrorist sect.

In recognition of their gallantry, the Nigerian Army recently rewarded thirty-seven (37) officers and soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD), involved in the ongoing counter insurgency campaign in the North-east. According to The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the 37 officers and soldiers were identified by the military authorities to be deserving of the meritorious awards, having distinguished themselves on the battle field, for outstanding gallantry; professionalism, profound commitment, exemplary conduct and other sterling qualities in the face of the adversary.

Regardless of several campaigns against the Nigerian military, one cannot deny that the Troops have recorded significant victory over Boko Haram. While most Nigerians revel in the theatrics of Chadian Troops, it is best we don’t forget that our Nigerian Troops have limited the operational reach of Boko Haram to a few States in the North East. That is quite commendable when you consider that Boko haram hitherto operated unrestrained across the country with bomb going off all over Abuja, Kano, Kaduna and other states. All they need is our support and encouragement, as countrymen.

Indeed, the military is winning the war against this terrorist group. We must therefore support them by recognizing their sacrifice in keeping us safe. The men and women of the Nigerian Military are also mothers and fathers; brothers and sister; uncles and aunts; friends and lovers. They are not robots or inanimate machines that have no emotions or feelings. The Nigerian military are the only ones standing between us and a group of misguided crazy sect ready to destroy everything we hold dear. Supporting them is not an option, it is our patriotic duty.

We Nigerians tend to forget things quickly. When Boko Haram were taking over territory at will in Nigeria, the same Chadian president refused to confront the Boko Haram allegedly by a directive from their pay master even after receiving $20million dollars from president Jonathan. Now that the table have turned as the Boko Haram boys slaughter 92 of his men in one swoop, he pretends to be a serious person now. Our military are awesome. We owe them everything

Dreal1247:
I don't really know but each time I see this man, I sense failure and hypocrisy. I don't know if it is the same with any other person.

na hate rate dey worry you.

msmon:
https://punchng.com/covid-19-were-suspending-services-for-now-sex-workers/?amp=1

the next thing now, Igbo people will say they are being maginalised. mteewww, when they are already in charge of olosho business.