₦airaland Forum

^
Beautiful analysis!

[size=14pt]Zoning: You’re joking, ACF tells Nwodo[/size]
Special Reports Jul 10, 2010
By Emeka Mamah, Kaduna,

AS the frenzy in the nation’s political circles continues to heighten by the day following the controversy generated by the zoning of political offices in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), all is set for the North to hold its Northern Politicians’ Summit in Kaduna on July 15, where, according to the organizers, a final decision will be taken on whether or not to support President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2011 presidential race.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Mr. Anthony Sani has also reacted to the statement credited to the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo to the effect that the party’s zoning in the party was dumped in 1999 saying the PDP National Chairman does not constitute all the organs of the PDP and therefore should not comment on such matters without proper consultations with other organs of the party.

Other groups such as the Northern Elders’ Political Forum-led by the former Inspection General of Police, Alhaji M.D Yusuf, on the one hand, had recently stormed the meeting of the Nothern Governors Forum with the position that the presidency should remain in the North until 2015.

The team included, a former Senate President, Dr. Iyorcha Ayu, former Governor of old Kaduna state and chieftain of the Action Congress(AC), Alhaji Lawal Kaita, former Special Adviser to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Agriculture, Professor Ango Abdullahi,  former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and close friend of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida and Air Vice Marshal Hamza Abdullahi (rtd).

Ayu who briefed reporters after meeting with the governors said, “the governors of the 19 northern states are our governors and they are meeting here to discuss issues that affect the development of the North as a whole and we are here as members of the political elders’ delegation led by Alhaji M.D Yusuf. We are here to talk to our governors on the future political development of the region and the issue of the presidency in particular and we have come to intimate them on the reasons and arguments on why we think the presidency of the country for the next four years should still remain in the North.

Our arguments are simple and we have made them clear when we met in Abuja a few weeks ago.

It is only fair that after President Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency which was facilitated by the North for eight years, the Northern part of the country should not be cheated just because our son, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua died.

We believe that the North should produce the next president after which it will then go back to the South.
It is for the unity and stability of this country and if that is truncated, it will affect zoning arrangement in the states where zoning also take place.

We are not against our southern counterparts and in fact, we believe that the rotation will serve our southern counterparts better and we believe that any key person from the southern part of the country who is interested in running for the presidency should please wait till 2015 and we believe that he will be given that support.

“But if at the end of the day, our wish is not taken, it is a democracy and we cannot compel anybody and we made it clear to the governors that this is our position. It is position for unity and stability of this nation.”

On the other hand, another group led by Presidential Adviser (Special Duties), Senator Isaiah Balat said, Jonathan should jettison the PDP zoning arrangement and contest the next election. Professor Jerry Gana, pioneer PDP National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Solomon Lar and his successor in office, Chief Barnabars Gimade as well as the former Governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu among others, were in the team. Sources at the meeting hinted that the conflicting positions of the groups had polarized the NGF meeting forcing the Chairman who is also the Governor of Niger state, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, to adjourn the meeting.

Lar  who spoke on behalf of the group also explained to reporters that, “we came to discuss issues that are going on in Nigeria and we are trying to find a solution to the problems that are trying to crop up in the polity and we have discussed and had a wonderful and fruitful discussion with their Excellencies (governors).

We believe that a solution to the problem will soon be found and Nigeria will take its rightful place among the countries of the world.”

In fact, since the debate began, various other groups and individuals have come from the North, each canvassing its opinion on the matter with the Middle Belt Dialogue Group (MBDG) vowing to align itself with what it described as  all positive forces in the country to support President Goodluck Jonathan if he decides to contest the 2011 election.

Apparently reacting to the outcome of an earlier meeting by some Northern Elders, the MBDG said it does not believe in the concept of one North.”

Led by a former PDP National Legal Adviser, Mr. Mark Jacob, the MBDG argued that, “the recent call for northern unity to confront President Jonathan and in essence threaten him out of the 2011 contest by the so called northern leaders that converged in Abuja is not just hollow but an expression by a collection of selfish persons whose claim to leadership is neither divine nor democratic.

“The ailing northern political class has gone into frenzy, issuing threats, organizing meetings and grand standing, all to frighten a minority from staking for federal power.

We in the Middle Belt Dialogue Group observe with every seriousness that the very concept of a political north is fraudulent as recent events have exposed it for the lie it is.

The political north as long as it has existed has promoted the exclusive political and economic interest of the north west of Nigeria while the Christians in the North have only been used as donkeys only good for carrying the political burden of the region.

This explains why the so called northern leaders protested against appointments of service chiefs from southern Kaduna in the Obasanjo regime, they protested the appointment of Gen.TY Danjuma as chairman of the Presidential Advisory committee; they resisted the emergence of a Christian governor in Kaduna state; they sponsored the ethno-religious crisis against Christian communities of the north particularly in Zangon kataf, Tafawa Balewa and recently in Plateau state. Does this North include the Bachama, Jukun, Bajju, Idoma, etc who have their churches in Kano, Sokoto, Zamafara, Katsina and Borno regularly  razed to the ground under the watchful eyes of government officials?
Or is this not the north which refused to support a northern Christian to be Abiola’s running mate?

Is it not the same northern leaders who hold it as a principle that the minorities within the north should never hold any serious political offices?

We in the Middle Belt Dialogue are committed to the ideals projected by President Goodluck Jonathan which include the conduct of credible elections in 2011, and we will align with all positive forces in the country to support him (or any other determined Nigerian for that matter who is committed to good governance) if he makes up his mind to contest the 2011 elections.

It is necessary to state that no Nigerian in these modern times should be intimidated or blackmailed from aspiring for any political position simply by virtue of his place of origin or circumstances of his birth.”

What used to be referred as the monolithic North may have been disintegrated following several ethno-religious conflicts in the area in recent years. The gulf appears to have further widened among the various peoples of the North following the death last May of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua which engendered the elevation of former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan to the position of President.

Going by the PDP zoning formula, the North ought to retain the Presidency from 2007 to 2015 as Yar’Adua was expected to serve for two terms, all other things being equal.

However, there are indications that Jonathan who is from the South may breach the zoning arrangement in the party and run in the 2011 election with the Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, as his running mate. The development further polarized the North especially along religious and ethnic considerations with the battle line apparently drawn between those who refer themselves as coming from the core North and the Christian dominated people of the Middle Belt.

Late Minister of Special Duties, Alhaji Wada Nas, had elevated the theory of core North and those in the periphery when he criticized the appointment of some military officers from the North Central zone as service chiefs by former President Olusegun Obasanjo pointing out that they were not from the “core North.” Before the former Minister’s statement on the issue, there had been a groundswell of anger in the North by those from the Middle Belt who believe that they are discriminated against by the Hausa/Fulani in the North.

The problems generated by the zoning system however, reached a crescendo on Wednesday, June 30, when the 19 Northern governors under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) converged in Kaduna, the political nerve centre of the North, to discuss the contentious issue. As early as 10 am the previous Tuesday, a flurry of activities had started with the arrival of advance parties of the governors and other top politicians from various parts of the country who are either opposed to the zoning policy or in support of Jonathan’s continued stay in power beyond 2011.

On the day of the meeting proper, at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the two main opposing groups invaded the NGF’s meeting to canvass their divergent positions before the Forum. From all indications, it did not matter to the groups that some of the governors are not in the PDP. In fact, prior to 2007 when the late Yar’Adua was elected, the PDP controlled only three of the core northern states namely, Kaduna, Kano and Katsina as the other states in the area were under the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). They include Jigawa, Kebbi, Zamfara, Yobe, Sokoto and Borno, among others.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/07/10/zoning-you%E2%80%99re-joking-acf-tells-nwodo/

Its all over the news that McLaren have dumped the blown diffuser overnight. . .
Its just a few, short hours now, so we'll surely know.

dayokanu:
^^ Chemical castration ke? What happened to hammer, or grinding stone? Put his balls on concrete and smash it

Chei! You bad o! In short, I promote you to commissioner of Police!

Chinese contractors are currently digging around Warri and Bayelsa to move them to Benin Republic under the leadership of [size=14pt]becomerich[/size].
The engineers estimate that they will conclude digging up off Warri in 7 days and then have it loaded on a trailer for transportation enroute Seme border, whithin 9 days flat.
All residents have been advised to tie their children very tightly to the trailer to secure them for the journey. No goats and chickens will be allowed on the journey, the same goes for any pikin (only fresh "kids" will go).

The digging of Bayelsa is an ongoing problem because of the quarrel between Timepre and his deputies. However, there have been many tears exchanged across the border with Rivers state, because once Bayelsa is in Benin Republic, the Chinese contracators will start dragging Kano and Yobe southward to make North majority and give them 70% of the oil.

Below is a picture of Chinese people digging up Warri.

The poor psychiatrist has been drinking too much sepe!
Many are unstable, but 70%? Abeg, somebody sack dat yeye doctor jare!

We need to introduce chemical castration into the country. Give a guy like that a few tablets and "johnny" dies for good.

Horus:
Yes they exist. The Illuminati works for itself. It has no concern for any particular race, creed, movement, or nationality. It has Anglo-Saxons, Teutons, Slavs, Latins, Mongolians, Eskimos, Semites, etc. They hold the belief that it is up to man to solve his own crisis without the help of God. This appears to be the Republican party's point of view. There are nine masters called “The Round Table of the Nine.” The Illuminati may be in control here on Earth, but they are mere pawns in the game for the Luciferians. The Illuminati have nurtured a child, Satan's son, who was born on 6 June 1966 at the Dakota House on 72nd Street in New York to the Rothschild/Kennedy families. The Pope was present at the birth and performed satanic necromantic ceremonies. The child was raised by former U.S. president Richard Nixon and now lives in Belgium, where it is hooked up bodily to a computer called `The Beast 3M' or `3666.'"

Damn!
. . .And the 3666 computer controls the World economy and Al-Qaeda.
Bros chill na!

Webber believes McLaren are sandbagging http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=48796
I sort of came to a similar conclusion from the number of times Lewis set the fastest sector times, only to run off of the track. Nobody went off as many times as Lewis, yet he is loudly proclaiming that the car is a step foward. Hmmmm!

I would easily vote for Ribadu. He is da man!
The one thing against his candidacy, is that the timing couldn't be more wrong. I believe he should support a Jonathan presidency now, so that the vultures in the North that drove him into exile can be thoroughly defeated first, otherwise he will crash into a very hard rock. I think he should wait a bit.

Nigerians have low self esteem, not low IQ.

Low self esteem (or inferiority complex) has the following verbal symptoms;
[list]
[li]"I can buy you and your family!"[/li]
[li]"Do you know who I am?"[/li]
[li]"I will discipline you!"[/li]
[/list]

Low self esteem (or inferiority complex or identity crisis) has the following physical expressions;
[list]
[li]You name your child something ridiculous like "Longinus" and call yourself "Van Iyke"[/li]
[li]You go abroad as Ibitemi Olorumbe and come back as David Hill[/li]
[li]You prefer egusi made in Japan, to what is availabe from your village[/li]
[li]As a musician, you prefer to sing in "patois", even though you have never been to Jamaica and are not Jamaican[/li]
[/list]

A person with low self esteem will always come out worse in an intelligence test than a self confident person, who is satisfied with their identity.

Testing today. . .
After all the hype about McLarens blown diffuser, it was Red Bull that showed their Jabulani in both practice sessions. Ferrari, too seemed pretty quick as well.

Jenson Button is a little girls doll.

@skoten

An idea would be to pass blocks (or all, depending on size) of your input data as a pre concatinated string, convert into a char array, iterate, convert to in and sum. You could polish what I given below;

Sample Input

00000001
10000002
20000003

Becomes "000000011000000220000003"

You can convert the code below into a method.

//===================================Code follows
int TotalSum = 0;
String str = "000000011000000220000003";
char[] charArray = str.toCharArray();       
for (char c : charArray)
{
      TotalSum = TotalSum + Integer.parseInt(c);
}

netghost:
@BEEF, its obivious u like engaging in flame wars, just give the user what he needs to know about PHP and let the rest burn

@Donpuzo, am sure u got better things to do than engaging BEEF in any argument, the dude does not listen  ("A PIECE OF ADVICE"

I just reply in kind to anybody that thinks there is gain in unwarranted rudeness.

I have advised the poster already to learn something else first and I stick by it. It will teach the necessary discipline for a fruitful carreer. The very same advise would go to anyone who wants to learn a scripting or interpreted language as their code grounding. That is just a one way street to frustration and wasted years.

I learnt other languages before picking up the simpler ones and that experience has made it possible to pick up languages like PHP and be immediately productive; in fact, I published my first PHP website in under a week after first looking at it. It wasn't because I am smart or any such thing, its kust that I already had a very proper grounding that allows me to move from language to language quite easily. It is that same sort of experience I am recommending to the OP.

Donpuzo:
@pc guru, Hey, wats up bro

Look, i tire for this small boys ohh, Them think PHP na baby, [size=14pt]if i show you socket programming code wth PHP[/size], you guys will run (Not excluding myself).

PHP is not a kid language, it's one of the most Celebrated language!

@Netghost, i kind of agree with that opinion that Facebook may use JSP, cause i have a way of coding JSP and it will come with the extension .php, it may just be a trick to avoid hackers knowing the true technology!

And just to send a note to you, i don't intend to have a BEEF with a S.T.U.P.ee.D person, who once said he also has decided to relegate Javascript!

Many of this guys take issues with languages without caring to know anyfin abt them,

Give respect to every programmer, even if he uses ColdFusion to achieve a solution, it is better than none!

Iya Donpuzo, keep the strong drink from that child!!!

Do you realise that, because of clowns like you that think, "oh, I've got some cellotape and cardboard, just the right stuff to build my doors and windows with", [size=14pt]that PHP accounted for between 28% and 43% of all software security vulnerabilities Worldwide in the past 5 years[/size]?
PHP for socket programming! What a bloody joker!
http://www.coelho.net/php_cve.html
http://web.nvd.nist.gov/view/vuln/detail?vulnId=CVE-2009-3557

Interpreted languages like PHP, VBScript and JavaScript, set the bar so low all sorts of script kiddies hop aboard and start start churning out dangerous ideas and dangerous code. Guess why PHP accounts for such a disproportionate percentage of vulnerabilities?. . . Its the kiddies. They think because they can type, 'echo "Hello Word";' that they are the new code hero's. Sad.
Big toys are for big boys who have the right tools. Socket programming is a big toy and the right tools are strict, type safe languages. Even JavaScript can forge along with sockets, but does common sense say anyone should do such things?

Donpuzo:
No Offense but BEAF is very S.T.U.P.ee.D,

@POSTER. PHP is about the best technology for developing rapid web based applications, facebook, and a great number of sites use it.

The[b] I.D.E.I.OT called Beaf[/b], I wonder when Java became a strong force in web applications, for the records, i am Java Programmer, and also learnt JSP for web based application development, but i can tell you without fear, PHP is more better than JSP in web application development!

You'll be sooooooo shocked to find that I'm your dad!!!!!!!!

Donpuzo:
Bross, listen to what you yourself are saying. step by step they say the game goes,

Do you think i don't know how efficient Java can be with robust systems, more-so, it allows proper modeling using Model II Architecture for development.

I swear by the great grand father, if one does not start with a smaller technology like ASP or PHP, JSP,and the whole servlet stuff, will remain a mystery to him or her,

I have been there, while people learn things. I even remember when someone as S.T.U.P.ee.D, as BEEF called TOMCAT a language that should be dreaded,

Never knew when a server became a language!

Don't tell lies my friend, its not good for your health. I challenge you to post a link to the bolded or accept the toga of a lier.
All dis small small pikin dem sef!
. . .You've learnt PHP and now think you're a god? Na wa o! Only children would compare Java and PHP, or other equivalent rubbish for kids like classic ASP (VBScript).

^
Any COBOL?

FIFA said this morning that they will continue to deal with that goat, Lulu even after Aug 28. They must have dropped that stupid idea by now if Nigeria is going to rescind the ban.
Nigeria must restructure our football as we like without interference from those corrupt, sit tight thugs at FIFA.

naijaking1:
The article clearly indicts the self-appointed defenders of "northern interest" on N/L, and they know themselves.

Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, a former commissioner in Sokoto? How could anybody who could barely write English become a commissioner in Sokoto of a places? The home of othman dan Fodio, of the Sarduana, and of our beloved Shehu Shagari?
Next, he will come to Abuja seeking to become a minister, or some other federal appointment all in the name of northern interest, when he could barely write a grammatically correct piece of article to express his opinion.

I picked on the quality of his writting, because he epitomizes mediocrity, and subversion of merit, otherwise, he could never have either passed a GCE or WEAC exam. Despite his convoluted views about Nigeria, he represents the opinion of many uneducated, half-educated, or down right retrogressive people in his so-called "northern Nigeria".

I wouldn't even mind his diction in the least, if only he could even just bumble through some sort of plan to lift the North out areas where they are at a stack disadvantage compared to the rest of the country; such as health, poverty, education and religious tolerance. In a show of shame that proves the old North has no caring for their kith (talkless of the rest of the country), the ex-commissioners words were about acquiring raw power as an end in itself; no purpose.

Dahiru Yusuf Yabo: With the loss in political power by the by the north, it has become so vulnerable like a helpless orphaned teen. The challenges bedeviling the north today both within the region and in the Nigerian state, are so enormous that the future looks bleak as we march aimlessly into wilderness.

In the face of the real issues facing the average Northern woman and child, and sundry individual; the above is thoroughly disgraceful. It is the more reason why the old North must give way to the new North. People like that should be swept away by the tides of change. We need men of the new North, the Umars, Ribadu's and El-Rufai's; not the boneheads that think power as an end is their birthright, but those who will serve both the country and the North.

xterra2:
No but i GUESS beaf hates the North simply because they dont want Jonathan to be president Next year
As we know he is GEJ best fan here so obviously he dislikes the north this is common sense
And beaf please for you to defend someone like this YOU MUST know either know him or members of his family to which you are friends so please kindly tell us the relationship btwenn you and jonathan or you send me a pricate message and i promise i wont tell anyone, [size=14pt]if you notice there is a certain politician i always defend bcus i know memebers of his family[/size]

Case closed. IBB.

naijaking1:
Beaf
I beg don't allow them to derail your nice thread by diverting attention away from this insidious article.
Instead of commenting on your person, your personality, your shoes, pants, toothpaste, whatever----let them talk about the article.
They wouldn't talk about the article because it indicts them, 100%. Instead, these two will talk about how you pharted while posting and reading the article. Don't be deceived.

Fact.

olabukola:
What am trying to let you know is that North is not our problem, we create problems for ourselves where their are none, if you can be truthful to yourself, Zoning or rotational presidency was a Brain child of a southerner, the north did not initiate, they only agreed on the proposal. Now we southerners are looking for problem by saying the pdp agreement should not be biding cuz a Southerner is the incumbent. No politician in Nigeria mean well for Nigeria, they are only politicians for one reason and you know that. If GJ mean well for Nigeria he should reform our electoral system and the way we appoint the election umpire. How can NFF chose the referee to officiate a match between super eagles and bafana bafana or black stars. Its unthinkable dude. God put him their to put things in other and step down not cling on power. It will do nobody any good. If zoning is being abolished in PDP why replacing ogbulafr with nwodo or whatever. Ibo man to ibo man. It shows that he is in support of zoning as far as any other post is concerned. Zoning is not good we all know but why must he oppose it after benefitting from it. He should have opposed it from ab-nition that is how a principled man should behave. He is the president today cuz of zoning, he was the vp cuz of zoning now zoning is not good cuz i have achived all. I wonder why you  are in support of Nwodo's appointment as pdp chairman when he is as guilty as ogbulafor as far as looting is concerned. We can't move forward with this kinda politics.

You are totally wrong with your assumptions on the origins of zoning. These are the words of the first ever PDP chairman, Dr Solomon Lar;

[quote author=Dr Solomon Lar (first PDP chairman)]Tracing the origin of zoning in the PDP, which he chaired at the time, Chief said: "In 1998/1999, there was a request from the South, particularly the South-West. It was not only a request but a threat that they won the June 12 1993 election but it was annulled by the North. So, they were not happy and were not interested to participate in the political arrangement. You know, at that time we were trying to restore democracy from the military, and if we allowed any problem to come our way that may be the end of the restoration of democracy. So, we have to think of a way out, and we allowed a powershift, this time to the South, particularly the South-West."

He explained that the the annulment of the June 12 1993 election and the death of the winner, Chief MKO Abiola, led the South-west to have deep suspicion of the North, and this forced the PDP to allow power shift to the region.

"To cut the story we gave Chief Obasanjo the ticket at Jos presidential primaries. There were some Northerners who wanted to contest but we pleaded with them; please, don't disturb this zoning arrangement. We will, this time, give it to the South. I remember that my bosom friend, late Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi, wanted to contest.

"The North wronged one part and the country was on the verge of collapse and we said we will not sit down and watch; we could do anything. So, in the second tenure of Obasanjo we were still hoping on the zoning but it wasn't too strict because, at that time some people from the North also ran, I remember that Abubakar Rimi ran as a candidate.

"Engr.Barnabas Gemade also contested from the North as against the Southern candidate but principally those of us in the leadership supported the zoning at that time".[/quote]http://allafrica.com/stories/201007050285.html
The above should leave you in no doubt about the origins and reasons for zoning, it isn't hearsay. Zoning was always a temporary thing; it has in fact never been documented or signed according to Solomon Lar (see same article referenced above).

As to the bolded part of your post claiming that I am in support of Nwodo; where did you get that? It really doesn't help to pluck things from thin air and it leaves the unfairly accused party feeling insulted; but lets keep our truce.

^
No sweat, I can chill and debate issues with you, if you will be reasonable. The other day, you accused me of desliking Yoruba people (you really have form). But, isn't it strange to you that the people in my profile pic are Fulani and Yoruba? You need to sit back sometimes.

Every living thing today, knows that zoning is the number political issue in Nigeria and the chief proponents of zoning are folk from the old North. They have threatened even their kith and kin who want to break away from the domination mantra (eg El-Rufai and Ribadu who were forced into exile by their old North brothers). So what is it that says a politics section poster called Beaf should avoid the politics of the day? And post what, by the way?

Attack the topic or agree with it or extend it, but leave it there. We can be civil.

^
You are talking rubbish. I am free to say what I like and refuse to be regulated by a dimwit like yourself. Its flattering to know though, that there are some jobless folk searching through NL for every word Beaf posts.

Where are id!ots like you when I post stuff in defense of Northern interests, e.g. this one? https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=473190.msg6326648#msg6326648

Have you also checked the pics in my profile?

You are just a fool looking for a place to exercise your foolishness. Be gone!

netotse:
that wont be possible in nigeria, dont know if it's possible outside nigeria sef, it'll require running seperate distribution networks. . .financially that doesn't make sense!

It happens the World over and it surely doesn't need separate distribution networks. All power suppliers will rent the alluminum and copper lines that bring power to the home, all they have to do for customers is supply power.

olabukola:
^^^^ You can ramble however you want it won't stop me stating what i observed. Soon you will start using map.

Yes o! It will be the map of your brain.

olabukola:
You are gradually sliding to the ranks of mekus, becomerich and Sefago/bkbaby99. Why must all your post be against north.

Hm! Nairaland Police and thread invigilator! Na wa!

Clown, you are sooooooooo smart!!!
Did you not notice that the article was written by, "Dahiru Yusuf Yabo, a former commissioner in Sokoto State?" Did you also not notice that the writer of the article can be reached at dyyabo@yahoo.com? Please send any personal comp[laints there.
My name is not Dahiru and I have never been a Sokoto State commissioner.

The above aside, do you really understand the phrase, "freedom of speech"? I re-emphasise, the old North is Nigeria's biggest problem, its your headache if you cannot muster an intelligent counter argument.