₦airaland Forum

Last week, the US government was so miffed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s pardon of several big-name Nigerian convicts – among them former Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha – that its embassy in Nigeria issued a sharp rebuke. In a tweet, US diplomats in Abuja said they were “deeply disappointed” by Mr. Jonathan’s action. The tweet continued: “We see this as a setback in the fight against corruption.” 

 

The reaction was a rather startling, if refreshing, breach of diplomatic convention. But its premise was also fundamentally misconceived.

 

Forget about “deep disappointment.” Nobody who has observed the Jonathan administration from the moment of its conception should even be disappointed, period. The government acted altogether in character in pardoning Mr. Alamieyeseigha. It can be said, in fact, that President Jonathan did the job he was “elected” to do – pure and simple.

 

For me, the truly baffling thing about the US tweet was the presupposition that Mr. Jonathan was ever engaged in a “fight against corruption.” Flowing from that profound misperception was the claim that the granting of official clemency to Mr. Alamieyeseigha represented “a setback” in that ostensible fight. The US government got it wrong – dead wrong.  

 

Let’s be clear. Mr. Jonathan’s administration has never been in the business of fighting corruption. Yes, it often invokes the rhetoric of combating corruption. But truly fighting? No! Does Corruption dabble in the business of fighting Corruption? There’s no real moral or ethical difference between Mr. Alamieyeseigha and those who presumed to forgive him for pocketing millions of dollars of public funds. The two parties here, forgiver and forgiven, belong within the same conclave of iniquity. The Jonathan administration reeks of corruption. Since occupying the throne in Aso Rock, this particular government has accumulated a dossier of scandals – from questionable, smelly deals in the oil sector to the hiring of political operatives notorious for their stinky pasts. 

 

The Nigerian president has been characterized in some quarters as confused and clueless. It’s an unfair – and patently false – charge. Mr. Jonathan is as clear-eyed about his mission as any of his predecessors. And one thing he understands clearly is that he was not put in Aso Rock to fight corruption. He was put in there to pretend that there’s a “fight.” That fight, he understands, can be waged only with speeches, whilst maintaining a conspicuous respect for the rights and privileges of Nigeria’s who’s who in the corruption industry. 

 

Former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta must be regretting the day he fled to Dubai as Jonathan’s security agents hounded him in the creeks of the Niger Delta. Discovered in his Dubai hideout by the ever-alert Interpol, Mr. Ibori was extradited to the UK where he stood trial for money laundering and received a 13-year jail sentence. The British were able to strike the fear of the law in an Ibori who, in Nigeria, swaggered his way to acquittal on more than 100 counts of corruption and money laundering! In the UK where it’s harder to buy judges, Mr. Ibori ate the humble pie, pleading guilty to avert a more damaging trial. 

 

Had he given thought to the matter, Mr. Ibori would have stayed back in Nigeria. Indeed, he should have handed himself to officers of Mr. Jonathan’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The worst prospect would have been his arraignment. He would then have been able to send a delegation of “elders” and “royal fathers” to go and see Mr. Jonathan on his behalf. The peace-building missionaries would have assured the president of ex-Governor Ibori’s “total loyalty” and implored him to regard the errant governor as his “political son.” That would have been the end of the matter! Or, not quite: Mr. Ibori might have landed a choice contract or two – or some juicy appointment, to use a favorite Nigerian adjective. 

 

President Jonathan has a senior special adviser on ethics on his payroll. Yet, anybody who longs to take a measure of the president’s ethical funds has only to look at the shining star of Tony Anenih in the Jonathan firmament. In the last three months, the Presidency appointed Mr. Anenih to chair the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority and then elevated the selfsame Anenih to the post of chairman of the ruling party’s Board of Trustees. 

 

That Mr. Jonathan saw fit to bestow the two posts on Mr. Anenih speaks volumes – about the two men. It says that Mr. Jonathan “knows” what he’s doing, and in particular that he knows how to prepare for and win the 2015 presidential (s)election. In Nigeria’s political circles, Mr. Anenih is called the “Leader” and “Mr. Fix-it.” Yet, the man was a woeful failure at his most prominent past assignment as Nigeria’s Works Minister. Under his watch, Nigerian roads remained dismal, even though N300 billion had been budgeted for his ministry.

 

Mr. Anenih’s accolades credit the man’s foxiness, especially his expertise in turning sure losers into certain winners (or vice versa). During the Obasanjo days, Mr. Anenih was the first to announce to the world that there was no vacancy in Aso Rock – before the PDP ran away with wangled landslides. Summoned to Mr. Jonathan’s side as the 2015 polls draw closer, Nigerians must now take seriously a recent warning from Kema Chikwe that Mr. Jonathan was already virtually re-(s)elected. 

 

A friend of mine jokingly derided Mr. Anenih as “chairman of the PDP’s board of the tired.” But the matter is too serious to be consigned to a joke. At bottom, the Jonathan-Anenih coziness reveals something about the president’s vision of where Nigeria is – and where it should be headed. It is a terrifying vision and prospect. It’s also consistent with the president’s temperament, outlook and unimpressive record. 

 

Not since former President Olusegun Obasanjo personally oversaw the petroleum industry has there been more apprehension about corruption – the absence of transparency – in the sector. Yet, Mr. Jonathan’s body language betrays a man at peace with monumental corruption. For sure, he has never contemplated acting to address the documentation of sleaze in the oil sector. 

 

Mr. Jonathan has not disappointed me precisely because he has lived up – or down – to my expectations of his presidency. The forces that conspired to enthrone him were not looking for a sure-footed, determined and nimble crusader against corruption. They wanted a certified protector of the interests of the corrupt, in fact a veritable fertilizer of corruption. He has fit the billing and served the mission.

 

Former EFCC chairman Nuhu Ribadu was quoted in the New York Times as deploring the pardon granted Mr. Alamieyeseigha. And then he said, “Corruption is our main problem in Nigeria. We don’t need this kind of negative signal. This is a tragedy.” Well, President Jonathan would disagree. For him, corruption is not Nigeria’s main problem: it is Nigeria’s main opportunity. And the clemency to the Alamieyeseighas, seen by Mr. Ribadu as a negative sign and tragedy, may well be Mr. Jonathan’s assurance to the “selectors” of Nigeria’s president that he is ever dead set against rocking the boat. 

 

Memo to the US government: Mr. Jonathan is doing his job. A central requirement of that job is to NOT fight corruption.

I agree that Mr President goofed over that decision...but may I also tell America that the aid they give Nigeria never gets to the poor population.someone like me really don't care about the severance of the aid.

Madness is the only known sickness with no symptoms. if you dont believe me...ask my oga at the top

These people are just giving NollyWOOD another script for 2013 blockburster> watch out for the movie.
if you doubt me..ask my oga at the top...dats all

So 22 matured men with bear bear on their chest will chase a plastic round the field for 90 minutes and someone will end this good life for the sake of that..Olomaje..Tufiakwa

i'd love to be here with my wife.

Why is it that most world crisis is always emanating from the NORTH. Northern Nigeri, Northern Sudan, Northern Egypt, Northern Somalia.Haba

I keep wondering why most sports administrators have this seat tight mentality.I remember Samaranch, former FIFA president..he was almos dieing when he left there.Sepp Blatter is there now building an evil cartel that crushes anything that challenge his office.Isa Hayatou from Small Cameroon has been ruling Africa for decades now.I also remember that it took corruption charges to remove Amos Adamu from Nigerian football.

What is it about the seat tight spirit among football administrators?

http:///b5GQcBIjNR

An article was written to Sister magazine by a Caucasian woman who requested a response from black men. I'm so glad she got what she asked for (and more) !!!

Dear Jamie: I'm sorry but I would like to challenge some of your Black male readers. I am a White female who is engaged to a Black male-good-looking, educated and loving. I just don't understand a lot of Black female's attitudes about our relationship. My man decided he wanted me because the pickings amongst Black women were slim to none. As he said they were either too fat, too loud, too mean, too argumentative, too needy, too materialistic or carrying too much excess baggage. Before I became engaged, whenever I went out I was constantly approached by Black men, willing to wine and dine me and give me the world. If Black women are so up in arms about us being with their men, why don't they look at themselves and make some changes. I am tired of the dirty looks I get and snide remarks when we're out in public. I would like to hear from some Black men about why we are so appealing and coveted by them. Bryant Gumbel just left his wife of 26 years for one of us Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, the model Tyson Beckford, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Kofi Anan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Don Cornelius, Berry Gordy, Billy Blanks, Larry Fishburne, Wesley Snipes... I could go on and on. But, right now, I'm a little angry and that is why I wrote this so hurriedly. Don't be mad with us White women because so many of your men want us. Get your acts together and learn from us and we may lead you to treat your men better. If I'm wrong, Black men, let me know. Disgusted White Girl, Somewhere in VA RESPONSE

Dear Jamie: I would like to respond to the letter written by A Disgusted White Girl. Let me start by saying that I am a 28-year old black man. I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management. I have a good job at a major corporation and have recently purchased a house. So, I consider myself to be among the ranks of successful black men. I will not use my precious time to slander white people. I just want to set the record straight of why black men date white women. Back in the day, one of the biggest reasons why black men dated white women was because they were considered easy. The black girls in my neighborhood were raised in the church. They were very strict about when they lost their virginity and who they lost it to. Because of our impatience to wait, brothers would look for someone who would give it up easy without too much hassle. So, they turned to the white girls. Nowadays, in my opinion, a lot of brothers date white women because they are docile and easy to control. A lot of black men, because of insecurities, fears, and overall weaknesses, have become intimidated by the strength of our black women. We are afraid that our woman will be more successful than us, make more money than us, drive nicer cars and own bigger houses.

Because of this fear, many black men look for a more docile woman. Someone we can control. I have talked to numerous black men and they continuously comment on how easy it is to control and walk over their white women. I just want to set the record straight. I want A Disgusted White Girl to know that not all successful black men date white women. Brothers like Ahmad Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Morris Chestnut, Will Smith, Blair Underwood, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Rock all married strong black women And, to flip the script, there are numerous white men, in and out of the spot light, who openly or secretly desire black women over white women. Ted Danson, Robert DeNiro, and David Bowie to name a few. I just don't want a disgusted white girl to be misinformed Stop thinking that because you are white that you are some type of goddess. Remember, when black Egyptian Queens like Hatsepshut and Nitorcris were ruling Dynasties and armies of men in Egypt, you were over in the caves of Europe eating raw meat and beating each other over the head with clubs.

Read your history! It was the black woman that taught you how to cook and season your food. It was the black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was black women who were bosom feeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the black woman that had to endure watching their fathers, husbands, and children beaten, killed, and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being black and being a woman. And, through all this, Still They Rise! It is because of the black women's strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that I could> never> date anyone except my black Queen. It is not just the outer beauty that captivates and draws me to them. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that I love them. Their inner beauty is what I find most appealing about black women. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in, and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why I have fallen in love with black women. I honestly believe that your anger is geared more toward jealousy and envy more so than snotty looks. If this were not so, then why do you continuously go to tanning salons to darken your skin? If you are so proud to be white, then why don't you just be happy with your pale skin? Why do you continue to inject your lips, hips, and bosoms with unnatural and dangerous substances so you can look fuller and more voluptuous? I think that your anger is really a result of you wanting to have what the black woman has.

BOTTOM LINE: If I were looking for a docile woman, someone I can walk over and control, I would give you a call. But, unfortunately, I am looking for a Virtuous Woman. Someone that can be a good wife and mother to my children. Someone who can be my best friend and understands my struggles. I am looking for a soul mate. I am looking for a sister and; unfortunately, you do not and CANNOT fit the bill. No offense taken, none given. Signed, Black Royalty

I celebrate women today

An article was written to Sister magazine by a Caucasian woman who requested a response from black men. I'm so glad she got what she asked for (and more) !!!

Dear Jamie: I'm sorry but I would like to challenge some of your Black male readers. I am a White female who is engaged to a Black male-good-looking, educated and loving. I just don't understand a lot of Black female's attitudes about our relationship. My man decided he wanted me because the pickings amongst Black women were slim to none. As he said they were either too fat, too loud, too mean, too argumentative, too needy, too materialistic or carrying too much excess baggage. Before I became engaged, whenever I went out I was constantly approached by Black men, willing to wine and dine me and give me the world. If Black women are so up in arms about us being with their men, why don't they look at themselves and make some changes. I am tired of the dirty looks I get and snide remarks when we're out in public. I would like to hear from some Black men about why we are so appealing and coveted by them. Bryant Gumbel just left his wife of 26 years for one of us Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, the model Tyson Beckford, Montell Williams, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Harry Belafonte, Sydney Poitier, Kofi Anan, Cuba Gooding Jr., Don Cornelius, Berry Gordy, Billy Blanks, Larry Fishburne, Wesley Snipes... I could go on and on. But, right now, I'm a little angry and that is why I wrote this so hurriedly. Don't be mad with us White women because so many of your men want us. Get your acts together and learn from us and we may lead you to treat your men better. If I'm wrong, Black men, let me know. Disgusted White Girl, Somewhere in VA RESPONSE

Dear Jamie: I would like to respond to the letter written by A Disgusted White Girl. Let me start by saying that I am a 28-year old black man. I graduated from one of the most prestigious universities in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management. I have a good job at a major corporation and have recently purchased a house. So, I consider myself to be among the ranks of successful black men. I will not use my precious time to slander white people. I just want to set the record straight of why black men date white women. Back in the day, one of the biggest reasons why black men dated white women was because they were considered easy. The black girls in my neighborhood were raised in the church. They were very strict about when they lost their virginity and who they lost it to. Because of our impatience to wait, brothers would look for someone who would give it up easy without too much hassle. So, they turned to the white girls. Nowadays, in my opinion, a lot of brothers date white women because they are docile and easy to control. A lot of black men, because of insecurities, fears, and overall weaknesses, have become intimidated by the strength of our black women. We are afraid that our woman will be more successful than us, make more money than us, drive nicer cars and own bigger houses.

Because of this fear, many black men look for a more docile woman. Someone we can control. I have talked to numerous black men and they continuously comment on how easy it is to control and walk over their white women. I just want to set the record straight. I want A Disgusted White Girl to know that not all successful black men date white women. Brothers like Ahmad Rashad, Denzel Washington, Michael Jordan, Morris Chestnut, Will Smith, Blair Underwood, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chris Rock all married strong black women And, to flip the script, there are numerous white men, in and out of the spot light, who openly or secretly desire black women over white women. Ted Danson, Robert DeNiro, and David Bowie to name a few. I just don't want a disgusted white girl to be misinformed Stop thinking that because you are white that you are some type of goddess. Remember, when black Egyptian Queens like Hatsepshut and Nitorcris were ruling Dynasties and armies of men in Egypt, you were over in the caves of Europe eating raw meat and beating each other over the head with clubs.

Read your history! It was the black woman that taught you how to cook and season your food. It was the black woman that taught you how to raise your children. It was black women who were breast feeding and raising your babies during slavery. It is the black woman that had to endure watching their fathers, husbands, and children beaten, killed, and thrown in jail. Black women were born with two strikes against them: being black and being a woman. And, through all this, Still They Rise! It is because of the black women's strength, elegance, power, love and beauty that I could> never> date anyone except my black Queen. It is not just the outer beauty that captivates and draws me to them. It is not the fact that they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and shades that I love them. Their inner beauty is what I find most appealing about black women. Their strong spirit, loving and nurturing souls, their integrity, their ability to overcome great obstacles, their willingness to stand for what they believe in, and their determination to succeed and reach their highest potential while enduring great pain and suffering is why I have fallen in love with black women. I honestly believe that your anger is geared more toward jealousy and envy more so than snotty looks. If this were not so, then why do you continuously go to tanning salons to darken your skin? If you are so proud to be white, then why don't you just be happy with your pale skin? Why do you continue to inject your lips, hips, and breasts with unnatural and dangerous substances so you can look fuller and more voluptuous? I think that your anger is really a result of you wanting to have what the black woman has.

BOTTOM LINE: If I were looking for a docile woman, someone I can walk over and control, I would give you a call. But, unfortunately, I am looking for a Virtuous Woman. Someone that can be a good wife and mother to my children. Someone who can be my best friend and understands my struggles. I am looking for a soul mate. I am looking for a sister and; unfortunately, you do not and CANNOT fit the bill. No offense taken, none given. Signed, Black Royalty

Share your experience with White ladies

Goshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...i opened cos i dint know what that meant.

SHADOW WALKER (Part 1)

They woke up early in the morning as always..it was the role of Daddy to lead morning devotions but he was no where close to his usual seating position.I could hear the children screaming Daddy where are you as mummy broke the news that Daddy is not in this house.so where is he? asked the last Born Joel.Let's wait until the dawn dear..am sure he has rushed out for something urgent, responded Mummy.By 10am Daddy was still not back..mommy had broken the news to neigbours and the village head. people were gathering in clusters.sympathisers, well wishers, mockers and gossippers alike.The village head had dispatched the youths to all corners in search of the man.

By 6pm, approaching was an elderly man with a walking stick.The look on his face was that of a man with a bad news..but they were willing to hear it anyway.after all, no hint of daddy since morning. he happens to be a seer everyone knows.

Have you seen my husband? Asked Liel the wife, I hate to break this news but I saw a wind, followed by fire hovering round your house at night.then came a golden Chariot behind your house. the ridders were dressed in white and gold apparel..they beckoned on your husband to come out, he did.They took him into the chariot and he asked, what have I done?and they answered him, you are too Holy to leave here..come home.He requested to bid his family good bye but they refused promising him that they will comfort them. I saw your husband's name written in gold on the chariot as it disappeared.I am here to comfort you for Enoch your husband is not here.The Lord has taken him.Genesis 5:24.
The One whose Shadow many abide took...(this is my picture of the departure of Enoch whom God took alive.Follow me on Twitter and watch out for more stories coming soon.

The OP is verrrrrry high on something very cheap and its not good for health.

So ur village head has founded a new party called agpa and you want us to vote.

Why una won make I vomit this garri wey I dey chop na.why am I dis addicted to Nairaland? Haba

hmmmmmmm

We were not expecting them to do otherwise...

....The PDP Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur is 80years old, the new Chairman of the Board of Trustees Chief Tony Anenih is 80years old and the Youth Leader in his late 50s or is it 60s? Such is the faith of the Party in the Youth and in the morrow we so desire. I am troubled and worried stiff that a Party that prides itself as the largest Party in Africa does not believe in succession, for them old soldiers or is old looters never die; for them governance is and remains a cult circuit and a theatre of the mundane, the inane and the profane; for them killing hopes, dreams and aspiration is a hubby little wonder WS called them a nest of killers; for them this slide down the precipice is nothing to worry about; and to them corruption is not a problem so long as it is turn by turn. Unfortunately the passion and the zeal to do right and challenge this rot appears a very heavy burden to the opposition. Tragically the Civil Society is so impoverished and impecunious they can only bark and not bite. The cross is certainly heavier now than ever but we must bear it. We must challenge this era and salvage for posterity a boisterous and prosperous morrow. We must say of this rot ENOUGH IS ENOUGH and mobilise against this madness. Countrymen we must rise to the call of the NOW and weave a new moral margin for this nation. We must create a paradigm shift and deal the death knell on this circus of looting and thieving. May God grant us the courage to walk the path we must walk for redemption.

complete gentleman....the man no like wahala at all. Happy birthday as you approach the finish line.

Golden days of Nigeria

Sicozone: Mr man Find something better to do with your time,if u feel so bored,Go and sleep!!!

Have you finished your medication. Cos i have a higher dose...must you comment...

Following the merger of ACN, CPC, ANPP and a faction of APGA into APC, The People’s democratic Party (PDP) has decided to merge with INEC and CBN.

why on earth did i spend the 30 seconds of my life that i may never regain opening this rubbish

for me this is not an achievement. Enact death penalty for any form of corruption and we shall take you serious. Corruption gave birth to terrorism in Nigeria.For now, dont insult our intelligence.We know the root cause.

Whats on my mind now is so unprintable. I can only laugh in parenthesis.they know what they are doing.

there is really a generation of Nigerians that need to go for this country to progress.

Did he trek to singapore or travelled through our airport.
The last time I checked we have security officials everywhere. So how did he escape.

If this is about fulling ur life dream of making front page stop it ooh.

taharqa: @OP, did you pen this yrself? I thought this was a beautiful and incisive write-up. Kudos....

visit ma blog: http://www.dolapoajala..com/

Sunday, February 10, 2013 is one day Nigerians the world over wouldn’t forget in a hurry, it was one night which had Nigerians holding their breath for over 90 minutes as we all anxiously watched to see what the eventual outcome of the final match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso would be. And after a gripping 94 minutes, Nigeria emerged as the Champion at the African Cup of Nations beating Burkina Faso 1-0, it was a moment of joyous ecstasy for every Nigerian born of a woman.

For 19 years, the Super Eagles of Nigeria had wobbled, wasted and writhed through the AFCON with no wins, perpetually breaking the heart of Nigerians and other foreigners who loved the Nigerian team, in fact the Super Eagles were unofficially renamed Super Chickens since for almost two decades we couldn’t fly.

This narrative changed as the Super Eagles wrenched victory against all odds, enmeshing Nigerians and Super Eagle lovers in extravagant jubilation, in fact millions of Nigeria began muting the idea of the Federal Government declaring Monday a public holiday to celebrate the victory properly (Trust Nigerians we love to celebrate). Well! That didn’t happen, the Federal Government couldn’t afford to cancel a full business day for celebration.

However thousands of Nigerians did put aside all business consideration on Tuesday morning as they thronged to the Nnamdi Asikwe International Airport to welcome the Super Eagles who arrived later that evening. The Airport was crowded with people from all walks of life ( Students, Artisans Businessmen, Government functionaries, Toddlers etc), many of them wearing the Super Eagles jersey, others waving the Nigerian flag, no one seemed to be in a hurry to go anywhere, all patiently waited for Super Eagles to touch down, during the wait all sorts of banters were traded on certain football personalities like Eboe of Ivory Coast who had boasted his team would take us down in the quarter finals and Bance of Burkina Faso who was hailed for “his very good looks” and “alluring hair style”. The waiting period soon became an outdoor comedy fiesta. At about 3:20pm the Eagles touched down to the thunderous applaud of eager fans, everything in the airport simply shut down under the tsunami of applause for the Super Eagles.

Word quickly spread that the Eagles had arrived and multitudes of Nigerians living close to the airport began trooping in to catch a glimpse of the Super Eagles. In minutes all adjoining roads to the airport was blocked due to traffic jam even though security operatives tried their best to clear the road in real time. The outpourings of people were beyond the crowd control skills of the operatives and as the Eagles finally made it out of the Airport, Nigerians who lived along the airport took to the streets, clutching flags in one hand and video cameras in the other.

All the Bus-stops, side-walks and pedestrian bridges along the Airport road brimmed with people and as the Super Eagles passed by every stop, the earth shook under the thunderous shouts and songs of jubilation for the Eagles. Even Policemen and other security operatives joined in the jubilation frenzy as many of them were busy using their phone cameras to capture the Super Eagles.

Abuja is one city whose residents are usually very lukewarm and cold especially when it comes to receiving important guests, in fact to convince residents to come out for any event or public show, one often had to rent them. But Tuesday’s crowd wasn’t rented for no one could possibly pay off such a mammoth crowd, it was a real crowd and the atmosphere and feeling was just surreal.

All my life I have never seen the kind of undivided energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie amongst Nigerians. Never! The roads were so jammed that it took the Eagles and others in the procession 3 hours to get to the main town from the Airport, under normal circumstances the journey from the airport to the town just 25 minutes. Any foreigner who visited Nigeria for the first time and was in Abuja to witness yesterday’s show of love would have a hard time believing that sectarian violence had gnawed ominously at the soul of this nation just months ago.

It then occurred to me that this potential energy of love and unity displayed yesterday could be quickly converted to the kinetic energy of peace and development.

To this end I suggest that President Goodluck Jonathan and his aides put up and organize a 1 week Peace tour with the Super Eagles across major Northern cities of Nigeria.

The President must use the euphoria of the Super Eagles victory that has united all and sundry to weave a peace narrative that endures. For a long time President Jonathan has been pilloried for not visiting the Northern States that have been ravaged by sectarian violence, this is his golden opportunity to do so and he must not let it pass by.

He must use the touching story of Victor Moses (whose parents were gruesomely murdered by Muslim extremists in Kaduna in 2002 when he was only 11, and who despite the terrible scars inflicted on him still played alongside Ahmed Musa and other Muslim players with patriotic zeal) to drive home the need and possibility of peaceful coexistence and tolerance.

The President and selected players like Ahmed Musa and Victor Moses must speak with passion unabated and in doing so they might just end up winning the hearts and minds of the North.

I hope he informed his boys. If he did that ,let him proceed NFF is confused.