₦airaland Forum

PDP don scatter

Press Release

The attention of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to assertions made in the media by the former Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff that clandestine visits were made to a key figure of the APC. In addition, he alleged that the Chairman and Secretary have a pact to reserve the Presidential ticket of the PDP to the said APC Kingpin.

The public is kindly reminded to recall that it was barely two weeks ago the former Chairman alleged that Senator Ahmed Makarfi is only pursuing his Presidential ambition and not concerned about the job given the Committee by the National Convention. Now, he has changed the story.

The public is also kindly reminded that one of the problems that led to the removal of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was attempting to convert himself from a 3 months Chairman to not only a substantive Chairman but the Party’s Presidential Candidate for 2019. He went further to start offering running mate position to different individuals.

It is also a fact that as soon as Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was appointed as Chairman, many founding members of the Party left it.

On the other hand, as soon as the National Caretaker Committee was appointed, people started retracing their steps back to the Party.

For avoidance of doubt, any high profile visits/meeting to/with the Committee or by the Committee are always reported to key leaders of the PDP. Therefore, there is nothing for Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to disclose.

The Committee is willing to receive any individual or group irrespective of their political dispositions. We are also prepared to visit anybody willing to receive us as long as it is in the interest of our great Party and country to do so.

The Committee will continue to work day and night to build followership for the Party during our short period of stay.

Finally, the Committee still wishes to renew its call to Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to embrace dialogue leading to peaceful resolution of the situation at hand.

Signed:

Prince Dayo Adeyeye
Member, PDP National Caretaker Committee

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/pdp-national-caretaker-committee.html

Have y’all seen this shameful image of two Nigerian policemen publicly fighting on road side? The cause of the fight isn’t known but according to facebook user Chijioke Onwuachu, the fight was cause by differences of 20Naira.


What do you think?I still have doubt if the incident really happened in Port Harcourt as the Facebook user claimed.

Thunder fire poverty!

Okey Bakassi, popular Comedian/MC pictured during his days at Rivers State University of Science & Technology.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/throwback-photo-okey-bakassi-during.html

Read more http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/sahara-reporters-and-campaign-of.html

SAHARA REPORTERS AND CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY AGAIINST THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to another round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and his family by some unscrupulous elements as contained in Sahara Reporters story titled “Revealed: Buhari's Chief Of Army Staff, General Buratai, Wives Own Dubai Property”, alleging that Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Tukur Buratai, and his two wives are joint owners of a Dubai property that was paid for in one transaction posted on the website, this evening.

It is important to know that these baseless allegations were not new. In March this year, some groups of individuals under the aegis of “Concerned Citizens”, tried same smear campaign to their disappoinment, it could not fly, because it is not true.

You will recall early this week, there was similar campaign of calumny by yet another online news medium, The Cable, in which among other things, it alleged that wounded in action Nigerian Army personnel were abandoned by the Army, government and the nation which is not true.

Therefore, the latest round of smear campaign by Sahara Reporters is one of the series of campaigns of calumny by these faceless individuals to malign the Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army. Yet, typical of blackmailers and mischief makers despite failures, they did not give up, hence they now found a willing accomplice reputed for muckraking like the Sahara Reporters. The online news medium this evening uploaded another campaign of calumny allegedly based on a petition by obviously fake and non-existent group it described as “Concerned Soldiers and Officers From the North East”.

The allegations contained in the Sahara Reporters write up are baseless and not correct. It is a fact that the Buratai family have two properties in Dubai that were paid for instamentally through personal savings three years ago. This, along with other personal assets have consistently been declared by General Buratai in his Assets Declaration Form as Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Commander and as Chief of Army Staff.

It is pertinent to state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any account with Skye Bank as alleged, let alone making deposits in the imaginary bank account to the tune of the amount stated in the write up. Similarly, he has not been involved in any form of shady or dishonest transaction, not to talk of “contract scam”.

In addition, General Buratai was never near either Defence Headquarters or Army Headquarters in 2013. It is pertinent to also note that he was never a Director of procurement in Army Headquarters as alleged. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian Army never had a Directorate of Procurement till when he established one last year when he became Chief of Army Staff.

In a bid to rubbish the hard earned reputation and good name of the Chief of Army Staff, these blackmailers will stop at nothing hence all these kinds of mudslinging.

It is really worrisome that some people could condescend so low to fabricate baseless allegation against the Chief of Army Staff for reasons that could best be described as mischievous. It is equally worrisome that Sahara Reporters could lend space for this obvious mischief. We really do not believe that it is because the price is right.

Consequently, the public and indeed all well meaning persons should disregard this round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff and similar ones because they are baseless and unfounded.

For the unscrupulous elements and their cohorts, these campaigns would prod the Nigerian Army and indeed the Chief of Army Staff to continue to serve the nation diligently and with utmost zeal.

You are kindly requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations




https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=874575829321410&id=354312648014400&refid=17&_ft_=top_level_post_id.874575829321410%3Atl_objid.874575829321410%3Athid.354312648014400%3A306061129499414%3A2%3A0%3A1467356399%3A2073343132637131546&__tn__=%2As

Somebody dey vex ooo!Haba!Oga wan show his ex-wife say him get women for quantum.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/28-year-old-arab-man-marries-4-wives-at.html

cc; Lalasticlala,mynd44

A Honda Accord with registration number GWA 55CL  from Abuja  was involved in a fatal accident before Kaduna toll gate on Thursday June 23, killing the 4 occupants at the spot. The driver was allegedly on a high speed when the accident occured.  Very graphic photos below...viewers discretion..

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/graphic-photos-4-die-in-fatal-accident.html

Read more http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/president-buhari-in-farewell-audience.html

President Buhari in Farewell Audience with Outgoing Ambassadors in Statehouse on 23rd June 2016

President Buhari received H. E. Mr M. Anthonio Garcia Blanco, the outgoing ambassador of the United Mexican States to Nigeria and H. E. Mr Rolf Ree, the outgoing ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Nigeria in Statehouse on 23rd June 2016

Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama, Mr Rodrigo Alvarez Tenorio and Mr Alejandro Vazquez Martinez were present at the event.

Speaking the event,President Buhari said...

Nigeria and Norway, a major fish exporting country, will work together to deepen their agricultural cooperation, particularly on fish farming and fisheries development.
Speaking at a farewell audience with the outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, Ambassador Rolf Ree, President Buhari said his administration will continue to promote agriculture as an alternative revenue earner for the country.
The President welcomed the humanitarian aid provided by Norway and some European Union member countries in support of Internally Displaced Persons in the country.
He reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to explore opportunities to ensure the rehabilitation and safe return of affected persons to their communities.
The President, who also received the outgoing Ambassador of Mexico, Mr Anthonio Garcia Blanco, commended the cordial relations between both countries in the forty years of their diplomatic relations.
The President congratulated both envoys for a successful completion of their tour of duty to Nigeria and wished them well in their future endeavours.
In his remarks, the Norwegian ambassador praised the Buhari administration for the clean-up of Ogoniland and other oil impacted communities in the Niger-Delta.
Also speaking, the Mexican ambassador underscored the historic and economic similarities between Nigeria and Mexico, stressing the need for deeper and more productive ties between both countries.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/president-buhari-in-farewell-audience.html

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Read more http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/handing-taking-over-ceremony-between.html

Above are photos from the handing & taking over ceremony between out-going Inspector General of Police Dr. Solomon E. Arase fdc, NPM (rtd), and the newly appointed Ag. Inspector General of Police Ibrahim K. Idris, Mni, Psc, at the IGP’s Conference Hall. Force Headquarters Abuja, on 22nd June, 2016.

Speaking at Nigeria Police Force Headquaters,Abuja on June,22nd,2016,Ibrahim Kpotun Idris said.....


It is with great pleasure and sense of responsibility I address you this morning as the new Ag. Inspector General of Police of our beloved great country. I want to thank Almighty Allah for this day and want to show my utmost thanks and appreciation to the President, Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Police Council, President Muhammad Buhari, GCON, for having the trust and confidence in me and for appointing me to this exalted position. I promise not to fail this nation in our quest to make the citizens of this Country safer and also to ensure that our nation remained united and peaceful. I want to use this opportunity to inform you of our policy direction in the management of our Police Force from this day.
The Nigeria Police Force will henceforth be guided by the international core values of policing with integrity, ensuring that the rule of law prevails in our actions and activities, and to strictly respect diversity, courage, compassion and professionalism. The Nigeria Police also would operate within the principles of Democratic Policing which is an institution that is responsive, respresentive and accountable to its citizens at all times.
The Nigeria Police Force will henceforth, have as its main focus, integrity and accountability as its cardinal operational principle in all its actions and will be decisive on any of its personnel that deviate from its core values.
In order to establish and maintain high standard of behaviour in our official conduct and to eliminate impunity and ensure transparency in the application of the above core values, we will ensure that the following activities will be carried out immediately by this administration: -

1. Responsive Police Institution: - It will be against work ethics henceforth for any Police Commander at any Command level to treat complaints with levity, and complaint received from members of the public must be treated within shorted possible time to the satisfaction of the complainant. This is in line with one of the principles of democratic policing which states that a democratic police institution must be responsive to the yearnings of the community.

2. Transparency and Accountability in the Management of Police cooperative and Police insurance schemes:-
The management of Police Cooperative and insurance schemes which are investments made by the members of the force will henceforth be made more transparent and accountable to the generality of the police personnel, especially the ranks and file who constitute the largest contributors. A lot can be achieved in our efforts to enhance the welfare of the police personnel through genuine utilization of these two investments. The accounts of these institutions bodies will be made more transparent and accountable to the entire members of the force, and contributors will have more say in the running of these accounts and on how their investments will be utilized on daily basis.

3. Strengthening of the Police X-Squads Units to fight corruption amongst civil servants: - In our effort to give a boost to the current administration’s war on corruption, the Police management will strengthen the police x-squad units in the Police Commands with the deployment of thoroughly vetted, selfless and patriotic officers to tackle corruption and abuse of office within the police organization and amongst the Federal, States and local government levels. The personnel deployed to this anti-corruption unit will be supported with incentives to make them more effective in the discharge of their duties.

4. Cheap and Affordable Housing for Ranks and File:- This administration will leave no stone unturned to look into the issue of provision of cheap and affordable accommodation for the police ranks and file to own individually.

5. Availability of Police Uniforms and accoutrement:- Making uniforms and accoutrement available for members of Ranks and File will be a priority of this administration. Henceforth, appearance of every police officer will be taken seriously.

6. Payment of Salaries:- Prompt and timely payment of salaries of serving personnel will a cardinal objective to be vigorously pursued by this administration. I promise that we will ensure that the police are not at disadvantaged position compared to other Security Agencies in terms of salaries and other entitlements.

7. Establishment of Forensic Laboratories in the six geopolitical zones in the country: - In order to enhance the investigative capacity of the Nigeria Police, concerted effort will be made to establish at least one police forensic laboratory in each of the six geopolitical zones of the country. This will boost the capacity of the police to effectively and efficiently investigate and prosecute crime within the organization.

8. Establishment of Joint Operation Centres in States Police Commands:- Coordination with other security agencies is very critical at this period of security challenges in the country. Therefore, there shall be established in every Police Command headquarters a joint operation center for effective coordination and synergy with other security agencies to adequately respond to major crises 24/7. This will bring our daily operations closer and will build more trust and confidence amongst us.

9. Establishment of Criminal Database in all Police Divisions Nationwide:- Effective criminal database in police divisions will enhance the police capacity for effective investigation of criminal cases in Nigeria. This administration will establish database in all Police divisions in the country.

10. Reorganization and Restructuring of Special Anti-Robbery Squads:- Violent criminality is gradually taking over our streets, neighborhoods and communities. In order to address these ugly challenges, the Special Anti-Robbery Squads in the State Commands will be restructured, reorganized and made more robust to reverse these ugly trends in our communities. The personnel deployed to these squads will be trained, retrained and motivated accordingly to perform their duties.

11. Reorganization and Restructuring of Police Special Units (PMF AND CTU);- The time has come for the Nigeria Police to play more active role in the unity and stability of this great country. This can only be achieved through the reorganization and restructuring of the Special Police Units of Mobile Force and Counter Terrorism Units. This administration will vigorously pursue the reorganization and restructuring of these Units so as to make them more professional and organized. The following will be vigorously pursued:

11.1 Deployment of Special Units:- Hence forth, deployment of special unit’s personnel to individual businessmen and private companies must be critically reviewed, these units are established to tackle serious security challenges in the country such as riots, terrorisms, and counter insurgency operations. Their deployment will be focused on the locations where we experience the challenges

11.2 Capacity Building: - Efforts will be vigorously pursued to provide capacity to these special units in form of professional training on human rights, use of force, operational deployment procedures and other subjects that are applicable to their duties.

11.3 Housing of Police Special Units in Barracks:- Concerted effort will equally be pursued to ensure the provision of barracks to house all personnel of Police Special Units such as PMF and CTU. This will be a major focus of this administration. This will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of these units. Housing them in the barracks will enable quick mobilization and will also enhance their cohesiveness as a police striking force.

12. Posting Of Female Officers in Command Positions in States ;- One of the Principles of Democratic policing is a police institution that is responsive, representative and accountable to its citizens. Therefore, because the female population in Nigeria accounts for about fifty percent of the population of this country, emphasis will be in place for the posting of female police officers in command positions. This will boost the morale of female Police officers.

13. Establishment of Eminent Persons Forums in the States of the Federation: - As part of Community policing strategies to tackle ethnic and religious upheavals that have bedeviled several parts of the country,

the Nigeria Police in collaboration with States shall establish Eminent Person’s/ Stakeholders’ forum in every Police Command to help in mediation in to security challenges. The Forum will be composed of retired civil servants, Religious leaders, retired senior security officers and traditional/community leaders. They will assist in mediation and social controls during security challenges in any part of the country. This forum shall meet periodically and reports forwarded to the police headquarters for necessary action. I therefore solicit the support of our elder Statesmen in our various communities to consider this look at this as their contribution to the general peace and stability of the country.

Finally, I wish to call on every citizen of this great country to support and cooperate with the police to make Nigeria safer and more united. As we are all aware, the security of our communities is the responsibility of all of us, I seek the support of every citizen to give the Nigeria Police Force maximum cooperation to ensure that this country shall continue to be more united and prosperous.
Once again I want to thank Mr. President for the confidence and promised to effectively discharge this onerous responsibility.
May Almighty Allah continue to bless this great country and guide the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Long live Nigeria Police Force. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria. Thank you and God bless.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/handing-taking-over-ceremony-between.html

Read more. http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/ojb-jezreels-second-wife-june-ama.html

OJB Jezreel’s wife June Ama shared a touching tribute on Facebook this morning as she makes her peace with his death.


She wrote:

With a grateful heart to GOD…with praises on my lips…and thanks in my heart i thank God for the life of my Husband Babatunde Okungbowa aka OJB JEZREEL. You sang and said so much about the day you would leave this world,u had no fear of death or pain, all u held onto was your love for God,ur love for your children…its a love that kept you breathing day and night, u never lost your faith in the Lord. you died a believer u died a true Christian…so i cry tears of joy for you,joy that the pain that made days horrible..the pain that made nights a torture are over. LET NO MAN TAKE GOD’S GLORY FOR YOUR LIFE…every day u lived was by the GRACE AND MERCY OF GOD,not by money,not by drugs,not by doctors,as no one could explain how your survived all the attacks and several health issues that came your way.your beautiful story will be told darling,your pure heart and endless love will see us thru losing you my love. Thank you my love for giving me the best years i have ever known,3 amazing sons that radiate your love and all u taught them..its been hard baby…it hurts baby..we want u back but your sons said ”my daddy is in heaven mummy don’t cry” daddy is no longer in pain so mummy pls don’t cry”. i draw strength from knowing you made heaven,your sons kiss me so much and tell me they love me everyday so i will stand strong with a fragile heart. OJB ur alive everyday in the home we shared in our hearts and WE WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND ALWAYS. OUR LOVE CAN NEVER END….go with God.

She also posted some photos of the late producer on her page.See the photos above

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/ojb-jezreels-second-wife-june-ama.html



As shared by Federal Ministry of Information on social media.....

The Nigerian Senate has summoned nine airline operators over the alleged misappropriation of the five hundred billion naira intervention fund released by the Federal Government in 2011.

Chairman of the Senate committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma announced this on Monday during the opening of a two day investigative public hearing on the disbursement and utilization of intervention fund earmarked for the power and 

Aviation sectors by the previous administration.

“Please, be rest assured that if any part of the funds has been corruptly applied we shall get to the roots of it and ensure that the culprits no matter who they are, are brought to justice. In this respect, we shall do all within our powers to determine whether the funds were judiciously applied by all the affected airlines or individuals.”   

The airline operators are, “Arik Airlines Ltd, Dana Airlines Ltd, Aero Helicopters, Kabo Air Ltd, & Caverton Helicopters. Others include Oveland Airways Ltd, First Nation Airways Ltd, Odenegene Air Shuttle Services Ltd, & Chanchangi Airlines.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria had revealed that the N500 billion was approved as intervention funds for the Aviation industry, Power, as well as small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs).

The apex bank also noted that the sum of N120 billion was disbursed to the benefiting airline operators at 7% interest rate and repayment period of 15 years.

Nigeria’s Aviation Minister of state, Senator Hadi Sirika later informed the lawmakers that neither the Ministry nor its agencies had a record of such disbursement executed during the period under review.

“But what is unbelievable even to us in the ministry is that those monies we have heard here in the public hearing were transferred to private accounts, to acquire banks and houses in other countries but they were not meant for those purposes or for the purpose they were meant for.

And what is even more baffling to me is that those banks that supervised such transactions knew that those monies were not used for the original intent as appropriated.”     

The 2 day investigative public hearing which ends on Tuesday is organized by the Senate joint committee on Aviation and Anti Corruption.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/senate-summons-nine-airline-operators.html

Exactly

Although the nation may be passing through difficult times, the Buhari presidency will ensure that the Nigerian people benefit from the resources of the nation.

This indication was given today by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, during a courtesy visit by the Australian Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary, African Branch, Mr. Mathew Neuhaus who was accompanied by the country's High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann.

"It is a difficult time, but we think it is an excellent opportunity to do right by the people so that our people are able to get the benefit of the nation's resources," says Prof Osinbajo while noting the steps the presidency is making in the areas of security, governance, anti-corruption and the economy.

For instance, he said there has been a liberalization of the oil and gas' downstream sector and that the flexible foreign exchange policy just recently put in place would encourage foreign investment adding that "we are looking forward to the benefits of the new foreign exchange policy."

Commending the Australian government for its "excellent support," in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast, the Vice President observed that while significant progress had been recorded in militarily downgrading Boko Haram, the other challenge now is overcoming the ideology that motivates terrorist activities.

According to him, "we have already dealt with Boko Haram militarily, we now have to deal with the ideology (of terror) and this is something that the entire world has to also deal with. The terrorists basically reject any engagement, simply preaching hate and murder. it is a new kind of threat, the ideology and motivation is what we-the global community- have to find a way to deal with."

Speaking earlier, Mr. Neuhaus, who had earlier served as his country's High Commissioner in Nigeria congratulated the Buhari administration observing that the presidency is "off to a good start."

He also praised the steps that have been taken so far by the administration,some of which he said have not been "easy," adding that Australia looks forward to doing more with the government and working "very closely with Nigeria." In particular he mentioned closer relationship in mining and investment, and also cooperating at the Commonwealth and the United Nations.

Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant-Media & Publicity
In the Office of the Vice President
June 21, 2016

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/current-difficult-times-opportunity-to.html

Above are copies of the documents released by Fayose via his aide Lere Olayinka to show US Court judgement linking Buhari’s wife, Aisha with the Halliburton Scam.

According to a Trezzy Blog reader @Kingsley who sent the photos,angry mob yesterday set suspected robber ablaze in Effurun, Delta State.

Read what he sent below.....

'the suspected robber had gone to rob Federal University of Petroleum Resources students together with two others but was caught while others escaped.He was set ablaze by angry mob'

NB: The information contained is as sent by a Trezzy Blog reader

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/suspected-robber-set-ablaze-in-effurun.html

A Twitter user Bar Baric has thanked Gov Ambode after he repaired a very bad spot on Addo road.He wrote....

'I'm a witness. We complained about that very bad spot last night. Today it was fixed! @tundeleye @AkinwunmiAmbode'

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/twitter-user-thanks-gov-ambode-for.html

Poverty, Nigeria’s albatross
— 18th June 2016

By Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON)

I have tied the performance of our democracy to the econo­my because the two complement each other and determine the overall progress of any nation. Poverty has posed one of the fiercest problems facing developing countries of the world. Unfortunately, Nigeria despite its huge oil deposits and natural endowments is still categorised as a developing nation.

Some of the countries grouped with Nigeria in this cat­egory include India, Seychelles, Mauritius, Angola, etc. this appellation has haunted Nigeria like a plague. What on earth would make Nigeria remain under this category when it has everything to make it compete at the global theatre? Even India has no reason to be categorised as a developing nation going by the huge success it has recorded in technological advancement and agriculture.

I was watching a programme on CNN early this week, which centred on the progress the country has made in tech­nology and internet, and marvelled how they were able to manage their diversities and endowments to achieve global recognition. This has left me very disconsolate, wondering why we had allowed many opportunities to be great elude us.

According to the United Nations backed Millennium De­velopment Goals (MDGs) it was expected that poverty in Africa would be halved by the year 2015. Now 2015 had come and gone, and we are still where we were when the proposal was first made some time in 2012. Incidentally, by early 2014, there were clear indications that Nigeria might not be able to attain this global set goal at the stipulated time, and this portended great danger for Nigeria.

The real danger in our inability to achieve this target lays in the fact that it would have grave repercussions on our fledgling democracy.

What I am saying in essence is that strong economy and tranquil political environment promote sustainable demo­cratic system. Almost all the poor countries of the world are engulfed in one conflict or another. India, the largest democ­racy in the world, despite its huge technological impact glob­ally, is still enmeshed in constant political conflict and ethnic insurrection. This is why the Casmir region has remained a largely volatile zone. The consequence of this development is that India has remained in the woods and lacked the mus­cle to grow into a global economic octopus.

It will not amount to overstatement if I should refer to In­dia as the biggest discovery in the area of computer engi­neering and appreciation. India and China are two countries that have posed a huge threat to the U.S. economy, because of the rapid growth in the GDPs and Per Capita Income.

Other Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Taiwan, Indone­sia, Singapore and Japan, have shot into global prominence by their creativity and survivalist tendencies. Japan, from time, has excelled in electronics and electrical, assuming a recognisable place in global economy. The Asian economy has grown with such rapidity never ever experienced on the face of the earth. It has challenged the United States and Eu­rope to go back to the drawing table.

Large quantities of goods that are imported into the United States come from Asia, especially China. This is so because labour in Asia is cheaper and easily accessible. The cost of production of goods and services in the United States are quite exorbitant, making many companies turn to Asia for respite. The way things are going, it may come to a time when the Asian economy will dwarf the United States’ and Europe’s. The recent global financial instability is a pointer to what is to come.

East Timor is a small country but with rich resources enough to draw global attention. The influence of China on the small island nation is quite visible. From the report I read some time ago, East Timor is gradually growing into a very influential country because of its rich natural resources. Even though a sizeable population of its people are poor there are great prospects that all that will soon change as their leaders are working round the clock to use what they have to get what they lack.

What about Brazil? With a population of 48 million peo­ple more than Nigeria’s population of 140 Brazil has made remarkable impact on the global economy. Today, Brazil produces rich exportable agricultural crops such as oranges, bananas, grapes, rice, etc. The amazing thing about Brazil is that it has managed to sustain its large population and main­tained a relatively stable economic and political environ­ment at the same time. On the whole, Brazil is a case study in resilience and sturdiness.

Brazil may be facing a minor political logjam with the temporal exit of its President; however there are prospects that it will grow out of the problem very soon. Already the country is gearing up to play host to the next Olympics in spite of the threat of the Zika virus. There is no doubt that the economy of Brazil will receive a huge boost after the global sports tournament.

Seychelles, Burkina Faso, Mauritius, and even Angola have already shown capacity of meeting the UN MDGs within the stipulated time. Looking at these countries holisti­cally none can compete with Nigeria in terms of population and resources. Except Angola that has rich oil reserves the other countries are like fries when compared with Nigeria. But how they have been able to attain the global heights they have achieved so far remains a puzzle.

From available records these countries have demonstrated unusual knack for excellence despite their relatively low population and limited natural resources. However, it can be said that the ability of the countries to get to where they are at present can be attributed to their uncommon commitment to national vision and democratic ethos. The patriotism and zeal to advance have combined to elevate them economi­cally and politically.

According to the World Bank, these four countries have a better and more agreeable environment to do business than any other part of Africa. Is this not surprising?

South Africa is a well-known case of indomitability and ruggedness. Despite a long period of apartheid rule South Africa has grown into a giant in Africa, particularly in tech­nology. That the country was selected to play host to the 2010 World Cup was an indicator. Another puzzling fact is the swiftness with which it fixed the required infrastructure for the global football extravaganza.

In any case, South Africa demonstrated to the world an unusual ability to be a global leader by the example it set some years ago with the resignation of Thabo Mbeki as their president. What Mbeki did has continued to challenge leaders in Africa to divest selfish, parochial interests from the common good. It has set a very high standard which our leaders, especially those in the West African sub-region, must copy unrelentingly.

North African countries, especially Egypt, have shot them­selves into global limelight with their disciplined, stable and focused leadership. There was a time countries in the area, such as Tunisia and Algeria, were threatened by cacophonous political turmoil precipitated by ethnic cleavages and extrem­ist inclinations of some persons. But today there is relative peace in North Africa. Libya is another country that had demonstrated a strong will to rewrite its chequered history until the death of Muammar Gadaffi. Before his death the country had transformed remarkably from a pariah state into a highly sought-after friend by the United States and its close allies. Apart from restoring diplomatic relations with Libya the U.S. has shown a deep commitment to invest hugely in its economy. It had been anticipated that Libya would outgrow United Arab Emirate and Kuwait in beauty and elegance in infrastructural development.

Those were the expectations before the U.S. swooped on the country and killed Gadaffi. Today, Libya is completely embroiled in internecine wars with ISIS and other terror groups exacerbating the situation.

It is amazing that relatively unknown countries in the West-African sub-Region such as Ghana and Burkina Faso are doing very well, while Nigeria is barely surviving. Libe­ria, which is recovering steadily from long years of ethnic in­surgency, is making dogged efforts to reinvent itself in global economy. Interestingly, several rich companies are migrating to Liberia to invest in their steel industry, banking and manu­facturing. It will not be long before Liberia regains its place of pride in Africa.

Ghana is worthy of special mention here because some 31 years ago many of its citizens took refuge in Nigeria as a re­sult of the poor conditions of life in that country at the time. How Ghana got to that abysmal level remains a puzzle. I re­member when Ghana ranked as the world’s largest producer of cocoa. How it also lost this strategic position is what their economic planners should try to unravel.

But I am impressed with the way Ghana recovered and within a very short time surpassed all expectations. Today, many Nigerians and Nigerian companies are falling over one another to do business in that tiny country. Another area of interest to Nigeria is Ghana’s educational sector. Ghana boasts of reputable universities and colleges that are globally recognized. Again, the rate of infrastructural development in the country is quite impressive, and this makes life better and attractive to foreign investors.

I am compelled to reach the sad and unfortunate conclu­sion that Nigeria is not doing enough to join the league of developed countries and remove the derogatory toga of a poor nation it wears at the moment. We have everything to achieve this goal. Probably what we lack is the will to do so. This is why we, as a people, must summon courage and take our destiny into our hands.

There is no doubt that the United Kingdom that colonised Nigeria is perturbed by the turn of events in its once advanc­ing colony.

Why has life turned a nightmare for many Nigerians, espe­cially the poor and disadvantaged, in spite of the huge finan­cial resources that spew from oil daily, not minding the recent bombings in the Niger Delta? The 2008 National Budget was predicated on less than 50 dollars per barrel, but today oil sells at below US$50. What did we do with the proceeds from oil when the price was between 100 and 150 dollars a barrel? Instead of getting richer Nigerians revelled in poverty and neglect.

The level of poverty in Nigeria is amazing. Many citizens feed from the dustbins. Only a few of us can feed and clothe well. Where will Nigeria be when the present hullabaloo has died down? What will remain of the economy, which is al­ready in distress?

I am worried that the cost of transportation and prices of staple food have skyrocketed. Take for instance, a bag of rice. It sells for as much as N20,000 as opposed to the less than N10,000 many paid for it less than three months ago. From where then will help come?

There is no way we can attain our national goals with this kind of orientation and attitude to governance. President Mu­hammadu Buhari and his economic team must do something extraordinary to arrest the current drift before anarchy sets in.

I wish to state unequivocally that our leaders owe us a duty to govern with the fear of God and unequalled altruism. There is no way we can make progress as a nation without killing the morbid acquisitive tendencies in us. It is pitiable that the major reason many of our people seek political offices is to see what they can grab. Only a negligible percentage seeks political offices for the good of the majority. Too bad!

Judged side by side with its contemporaries Nigeria is lag­ging behind in many areas of development. May be another lesson for our leaders?

Something in me tells me that unless something drastic is done to arrest the drift Nigeria will one day disappear from the face of this earth. I do not want to sound alarmist. As far as I am concerned, I am only stating a fact which stares all of us in the face. What reason do we have to remain a poor nation when countries that shared this inglorious appellation with Nigeria some 43 years ago have grown into richly indus­trialized and prosperous nations? From all indications these countries attained greatness through sheer hard work, resil­ience and visionary leadership.

No matter what anybody may say Nigeria has no justifica­tion to be where it is at present on the global map.

The problem with Nigeria is that we have not had a sustain­able democratic polity. Since independence, it has been one military coup after another with little to show for it. The lack of true and committed leadership has robbed Nigeria of its deserved advancement and growth in every facet of life.

I pray that very soon Nigeria will get out of the woods and assume its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/poverty-nigerias-albatross-orji-uzor.html

Read more http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/ooni-of-ifes-wife-olori-wuraola.html

Benin socialite cum monarch’s wife, Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi was honoured yesterday in Maryland.The Queen got Outstanding personality award at the Emerging Women Conference that held at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Prince George’s County yesterday.
cc; Lalasticlala,mynd44
Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/ooni-of-ifes-wife-olori-wuraola.html

Uche Jombo-Rodriguez and her son Matthew look so cute on the cover of the latest edition of Motherhood In-Style Magazine.

The edition also talks about “Signs to Know Your CHild is Sexually Active and “How to Get Rid of Belly Fat”

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/its-uche-jombo-rodriguez-and-her-son.html

Late former Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi's son was at the Glass House yesterday to sign the condolence register in honor of his late dad.Keshi Jnr arrived Nigeria yesterday from USA.

#RIPStephenKeshi#


Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/stephen-keshis-son-signs-condolence.html



Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today Tuesday June 14th stormed the Lagos residences of former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, taking away cars and other valuables.

The two homes raided were the former minister’s private residence at Park View Estate in Ikoyi and the house near Banana Island, also in Ikoyi where his two sons, Jide and Gbolahan live with their families.





The antigraft agents took along with them vehicles, wristwatches and other personal effects of the former minister and his sons, who are all in the United States.

Obanikoro’s media aide, Jonathan Eze, released a statement detailing what transpired. The statement reads

“Officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday in their characteristic Gestapo like manner invaded Senator Obanikoro’s houses in Ikoyi with unnecessary intimidation and harassment of occupants who are majorly innocent kids, teenagers, his wife and daughter in-laws not without carting away cars, wristwatches and other valuables. This is against the backdrop of the fact that the anti- graft agency has never invited him nor his sons for questioning beyond the tirades and allegations they have been propagating using the media spaces. We are using this medium to draw attention of all Nigerians to yet another infringement on the fundamental and inalienable rights of the Obanikoro family. Lovers of freedom should not wait until our democracy is put at irreversible damage. The list of human rights violations and political persecution has reached an alarming rate. We see this as an affront and a further show of shame and ignominy of this present administration hell bent in politically persecuting its perceived opponents in other to stoop them and rubbish their hard earned reputation of untainted public services. To our chagrin, the vehicles driven away were cars and trucks bought since 2006 and thereabouts when Senator Obanikoro served as an Ambassador in Ghana among others which obviously had no bearing with the purported investigation they are supposedly carrying out.

We condemn in strong terms the brigandage and the idea of Inflicting trauma on innocent dependants and violating their privacies without recourse to the rule of Law. Senator Obanikoro has consulted with his Lawyers and are prepared to meet them in court to stop this intrusions and persecution,”.

Spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwajeren, confirmed the raid of Obanikoro's home. He said

"I can tell you that no one was harassed in the course of the search and that it is part of ongoing investigation on the man. Our operatives who went there conducted their affairs in best practices and took some vehicles away. I cannot immediately give inventory on the things that were carted away but that will be made known in due time. I do not think we need any permission from the man to do our job. Full details will be disclosed when we get there,” he said.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/efcc-raids-musiliu-obanikoros-homes-in.html

RIP

Baby Aisha Mustapha,baby born with the heart outside chest wall is dead.She died in the early hours of the day.Disclosing the news,Zahra Buhari said....

'Early hours of today, the baby with ecotopia cordis (exposed heart) passed on.May her soul rest in peace. Ameen'.

Gov. H.E Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam yesterday promised to  foot the N2.5 million bill urgently needed to undertake surgical operation on her.

Source: http://www.trezzyblog.com/2016/06/baby-born-with-heart-outside-chest-wall.html