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Former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu demoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), SSS Visits Kuru to Arrest Him.

Last View on Wed 6th August, 2008
Last Modified on Tue 05th August, 2008 1:40:53 pm
Author: Posted by Admin Sahara
Saharareporters, New York

Updates:
A team of men of the State Security Service (SSS) visited the NIPSS today to effect the arrest of Nuhu Ribadu, an SSS source told Saharareporters that the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS) is personally handling Nuhu Ribadu's case. The team visited the office of the acting DG of NIPSS today to announce their presence and mission, it is unknown if Rubadu has been arrested as at the time of publishing this report.

Former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu demoted ,
Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu, has been demoted down two ranks by the Nigeria Police force, his principal employer.

The former EFCC chairman, who became an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) two years ago, is being demoted by the police authorities because of his arrest and detention of James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State. Although facing prosecution for corruption, Ibori has grown increasingly influential with the government of Umaru Yar’Adua. Only last Friday, for instance, Yar’Adua appointed David Edevbie, Ibori’s former finance commissioner, as his Principal Secretary. It is also known that the Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro, was sponsored to leadership of the Force by Ibori.

Saharareporters had reported that plans were afoot to demote Ribadu and withdraw him from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) where he has been a student since February this year when he was controversially removed as the EFCC chairman.

Nuhu Ribadu has since disappeared from public view, but reliable sources told Saharareporters that two powerful politicians, Ibori and Bukola Saraki, never lost sight of him. They have worked with the Inspector General of Police and Yar'adua, who sources said, held Ribadu responsible for a series of media attacks on the illegitimacy of his government. With his demotion, analysts say Ribadu may be in for a prolonged season of humiliation, ridicule and endangerment.

Nigeria is the biggest loser in this case, and guess what Nigerian leadership is the biggest joke and Yaradua is the Chief Idiot! I knew this from the time he bribed his way into winning at the Election Tribunal.

Ribadu has done a whole lot more than the bunch of idiots in a lifetime and if I may advise him: finish the course he is doing and resign immediately. He doesn't need a Police job to feed himself or his family, haba! Like the norm, another truly smart and bright Nigerian mind has been denied making useful contribution to Nigeria, you can be sure he would do well as a private lawyer or international appointments with the UN or any of its organs.

And to the death, Nigeria is bent on going with Yaradua's idiotic 7-'pain-in-the-ass' agenda! Indeed Nigeria would be nowhere to be found even in the comity of the most useless nations by 2020 - courtesy of Nigerian leadership!

I have a great name that will be permanent for this company: FLIP FLOP (NIGERIA) UNLIMITED

At least, next time they change name, we would never be surprised and have it as news!

Nigeria, can Nigeria be saved? Okay, I was just reading Naija news as usual and I came across this report, don't know if it has been published in the local newspapers or aired on TV/Radio. By the way, I thought I read somewhere Obadanjo said we should ask GOD about POWER or something??

Please read and comment. The link is on the Saharareporter's website at: http://www.saharareporters.com/www/news/detail/?id=680.

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EXCLUSIVE POWER PROBE REPORT: OBASANJO, IMOKE, AGAGU, MAKOJU, EMEKA OFFOR'S CHROME CONSORTIUM, ARUMEMI-JOHNSON'S, ROCKSON INT. AND OTHERS, INDICTED IN POWER SECTOR PROBE REPORT

Last View on Fri 1st August, 2008
Last Modified on Fri 01st August, 2008 1:04:54 pm
Author: Posted by Admin Sahara
Saharareporters, New York

The House of Representatives’ committee probing power projects has recommended that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be called to account for the $16 billion worth of recklessness in the power sector during his tenure of office, and that the EFCC and ICPC should investigate him.

The report of the House Committee exclusively obtained by Saharareporters describes Senator Liyel Imoke, the former Minister of Power and Steel, as the principal author of the executive waiver of “Due Process”.  It holds him liable to account for over-costing of projects and subverting the reform process of the government by willful non-compliance with the spirit and letter of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005.  The Committee recommended that he be thoroughly investigated by the EFCC and ICPC.

Saharareporters can also report that 17 figures of interest were recommended for investigation and/or discipline, the most prominent of whom are:

Alhaji Abdulhamid Ahmed, former Minister of State Energy, for his patently and willful manipulation of due process, flagrant abuse of due process, gross abuse of financial procedures in the award of contracts and payments, especially during the last weeks of the Obasanjo administration.  The Committee recommends that if found culpable, Alhaji Ahmed should banned from holding public office for the next 10 years and if he is already holding any, he should be recalled and the appointment canceled.

Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Minister of Power and Steel: During his tenure in 2002, the Committee found that numerous contracts were awarded, including huge contracts to some unregistered companies.

Engr. Joseph Makoju, former MD of PHCN and currently Special Adviser to the President on Electric Power, for gross incompetence in the management of PHCN, the sector reforms and the NIPP.  The Committee recommends that he should be investigated by EFCC and ICPC and if found culpable, he should be banned from holding public office for the next 10 years and if he is already holding any, he should be recalled and the appointment cancelled.


Similarly, the Committee indicted 16 companies with the consistent recommendation that they be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.”

It would be recalled that for weeks, Saharareporters has reported on moves by powerful forces within the government to abort the release of the report.  With the release of the report, focus now shifts to the EFCC and the ICPC.

The full text of the report/recommendations is as follows:

Persons recommended for investigation by the appropriate agencies

The following persons are recommended for investigation by the appropriate agencies for their roles in subversion of Government Policy on Due Process which gave rise to project over-scoping, project cost inflation, Awarding one contract two times and general lack of performance in the power sector in spite of huge expenditures made.

The barefaced looting of the National treasury through the NIPP and PHCN and other projects greatly diminished national capacity to provide electric power leading to wholesale decline in productive business activities and erosion of competitiveness of Nigeria products in the world market. Furthermore, it negatively affected the psyche of citizens. It was a cruel deprivation at the highest possible level, of the class, which George Moody-Stuart (1994) characterized as “grand corruption”, a phenomenon of developing countries “usually involving senior officials and politicians”

Grand corruption constitutes a crime beyond mere theft dealt with in the Penal Codes/Acts. Its devastating impact derogate from the standard of living and quality of life. It is an economic crime against humanity, depriving citizens of the wherewithal for the good life. It has caused Nigeria of all classes, students, market women, craftsman, small scale enterprises and industrialists not only financial loss but also inestimable mental and physical suffering.

Notable individuals in this category are:

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, former President and C-in-C
In view of the enormity of issues entailed in the findings above, it is recommended that former President Olusegun Obasanjo should be called to account for the recklessness in power sector during his time.

The Committee recommends that EFCC and ICPC should investigate him.


Senator Liyel Imoke, former Minister of Power and Steel

Senator Imoke is also liable to account for over costing of projects and subverting the reform process of the government by willful non-compliance with the spirit and letter of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, especially as regards the transition from the initial holding company PHCN to the successor companies, thereby stifling the transitional institutional bodies required to facilitate the emergence of a viable electricity market; abuse of due process in respect of payments under the NIPP projects through the use of Presidential Anticipatory Approvals to tele-guide award of contracts to pre-determined entities, with the BMPIU being relegated to the role of providing retroactive certification thereafter; willful manipulation of tender processes of PHCN and NIPP.

Senator Liyel Imoke is the principal author executive of waiver of “Due Process”. In addition to the facts laid bare in this investigation as outlined in this report, the Committee recommends that EFCC and ICPC should thoroughly investigate him.

Alhaji Abdulhamid Ahmed, former Minister of State Energy, for his patently and willful manipulation of due process, flagrant abuse of due process, gross abuse of financial procedures in the award of contracts and payments, especially during the last weeks of the Obasanjo administration, exemplified by initiation of requests to the President, and procurement of presidential approvals for huge and questionable payments in respect of Papalanto Phase II, Omotosho Phase II, Geregu Phase II, Alaoji Phases II, Mambilla Packages 1,  Zungeru Hydro, Omoku Expansion, Gbarain-Ubie Expansion and Egbema Expansion (9 additional GE Frame 9 turbines to Rockson International) without due process compliance for contract award and certification for payment.

The Committee recommends that he should be investigated by EFCC and ICPC and if found culpable, banned from holding public office for the next 10 years and if he is already holding any, he should be recalled and the appointment canceled.

Dr. Olusegun Agagu, former Minister of Power and Steel

The committee found that during the tenure of Dr. Olusegun Agagu as Minister of Power and Steel, numerous contracts were awarded. Relying on a letter from the Corporate Affairs Commission at the time of Agagu’s tenure as Minister in 2002, the Committee found that some unregistered companies were awarded huge contracts. In his testimony, he said that it was not his duty to verify the legal status of companies that were awarded contracts by the Ministry of Power and Steel under his watch. Consequently, there is a prima facie evidence that Agagu awarded contracts without due process.

Up till the time of this report, all efforts to get the owners of the companies to appear in person before the Committee proved abortive. Rather, the Committee received some documents containing reports that the companies were registered. The true identity of the owners remained unresolved.

Recommendation

In view of the huge amounts involved, the Committee recommends that EFCC and ICPC should investigate the allegations with a view to prosecuting anyone found culpable.

Engr. Joseph Makoju, former MD of PHCN and currently Special Adviser to the President on Electric Power, for gross incompetence in the management of PHCN, the sector reforms and the NIPP.

The Committee recommends that he should be investigated by EFCC and ICPC and if found culpable, he should be banned from holding public office for the next 10 years and if he is already holding any, he should be recalled and the appointment cancelled.

Engr. G.O.P Osakue, CEO TCN, for presiding over and directing the manipulation of tenders, abuse of due process, and the deliberate over-scoping of transmission projects; incompetence and gross dereliction of duty in respect of management of transmission contracts awarded since 2001, all of which remain uncompleted to date in spite of payments exceeding 80% of contract costs having been made to the respective contractors; incompetence and gross dereliction of duty in the repeated award of contracts to contractors that have failed consistently on previous uncompleted and abandoned projects.

The Committee recommends that he should be investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge amounts, which he paid to people who ought not to have been paid. He should be redeployed to another position pending the conclusion of investigations.

Engr. (Dr.) C.E Ifesie, Head Transmission TCN and Project Manager (Transmission) NIPP, for his complicity in deliberate over-scoping of transmission lines projects in PHCN and NIPP, and duplication of projects within PHCN as well as between PHCN and NIPP (2nd Benin – Onitsha 330kV Single-circuit Transmission Line; 3rd Benin – Onitsha 330kV Single-circuit Transmission Line); incompetence and gross dereliction of duty in respect of management of transmission contracts awarded since Y2002, all of which remain uncompleted to date in spite of payments exceeding 80% of contract costs having been made to the respective contractors; incompetence and gross dereliction of duty in the  repeated award of contracts to contractors that have failed consistently on previous uncompleted and abandoned projects (ABB, Charnel Engineering, Chris-Ejike, Pivot Engineering); abuse of office in award of contracts to himself through relatives and proxies (Soltek, Union Allied Engineering).

The Committee recommends that he should be investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Engr. Mike Ezeudenna, AGM (Lines), TCN, for masterminding the deliberate over-scoping of transmission lines projects in PHNC and NIPP, manipulation of tender evaluation processes, duplication of projects within PHCN as well as between PHCN and NIPP (2nd Benin – Onitsha 330kV Single-circuit Transmission Line; 3rd Benin – Onitsha 330kV Single-circuit Transmission Line), gross abuse of due process.

The Committee recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Engr. C.N.O Nwachukwu, Chairman Technical Committee and General Project Manager (NIPP) for gross negligence and incompetence in the conceptual development of NIPP projects evidenced by the comprehensively dismal failure in managing the NIPP program, and particularly for deliberate manipulation and abuse of due process in the procurement of due process certification for contract award in respect of NIPP Gas EPC Lot 3: extremely poor professional judgment in recommending the award of 3Nos. Power station EPC (Gbarain-Ubie, Omoku and Egbema) contracts to Rockson Engineering without regard to the contractor’s lack of capacity to execute these contracts alongside the Alaoji Phase I and II projects; incompetence, unprofessional conduct in recommending the expansion of scope for Egbema, Gbarain-Ubie and Omoku power plants and award of same to Rockson Engineering, mindful of the contractor’s lack of capacity to successfully execute these projects.

He told the Committee that he knew various project sites but during the on-the-spot assessment tour, the Committee found that he never visited the sites.

The Committee recommends his immediate retirement.

The Committee also recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to arraigning him for fraudulent management of NIPP projects.

Mr. J.A. Olotu, Managing Director, NDPHC/NIPP for gross incompetence, abuse of due process in the 1000% overpricing of NIPP distribution projects, which happened under his watch from October 2006.

The Committee recommends that he should be relieved of his post.

The Committee also recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to prosecuting him for involvement in huge fraudulent manipulations on NIPP distribution and other projects.

Engr. I. Onuoha, Deputy Chairman, Technical Committee, for gross negligence and incompetence in general project management and comprehensively dismal failure in managing the supervision of projects under the NIPP program.

The Committee recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Engr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, Project Manager Distribution, NIPP, for his ignoble role in presiding over the 1000% overpricing of NIPP distribution contracts.

The Committee recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Engr. Tope Onadipe, Project Manager Gas, NIPP for his role in the abuse of due process, fraudulent procurement of BMPIU contract award certifications, revocation of contracts and misleading the Federal Executive Council to procure ratification of award of contract to Messrs. IOEC/Kaztec Consortium in respect NIPP Gas EPC Lot 3.

The Committee recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Mr. J.C.W Balami, Head Finance NIPP and AGM Finance PHCN, for presiding over the violation of financial guidelines resulting in overpayments to contractors on NIPP projects, especially with respect to milestone payments against measured works.

The Committee recommends that he should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Engr. Ayodele

As GM, Technical Services, Engr. Ayodele failed to ensure that the scoping of work on contracts was realistic and that costing was properly done.

Consequently, he contributed to the huge financial loss suffered by the Federal Government on account of over-scoped contracts.

He also failed to bring his professional competence to bear in monitoring PHCN Distribution Projects across the country where most of the CEOs related directly with him in channeling technical jobs in the zones.

Recommendation:

The Committee recommends that Engr. Ayodele be deployed to the Ministry of Energy (Power) or one of the Discos, given serious warning for the above lapses and enjoined to put the interest of the nation first in the performance of his professional duties.

Engr. Sam Gekpe, MD/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

In spite of opening offices in various parts of the country, the REA under Dr. Gekpe’s watch failed to ascertain actual projects thereby causing duplication in award of contracts. The Committee found instances of REA projects awarded by the Federal Government already taken over and executed by State Governments while others were awarded by both State and Federal Governments, making the projects as dual awards for the same projects thereby leading to financial loss for the country.

It was equally noted that some contractors have not even been to project sites after collecting mobilization fees while others merely erected poles, abandoned the projects and never returned to site.

In all of the above, there was no evidence of strong action taken by the Director-General of REA to protect the interest of government.

The Committee recommends that Engr. Gekpe should be redeployed and the EFCC and ICPC should thoroughly investigate the entire REA, finances, particularly duplicated contracts and the role of its MD/CEO. Engr. Sam Gekpe.

Mr. P.M. Chigbo

The Committee found that he was responsible for duplication of figures, later found to be typographical errors, in the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Recommendation:

The Committee recommends that Mr. Chigbo should be more careful in computation to avoid re-occurrence of such mistakes.

Mr. S.S. Hayatu

The Committee found that he was responsible for duplication of figures, later found to be typographical errors, in the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN.

Recommendation:

The Committee recommends that Mr. Hayatu should be more careful in computation to avoid re-occurrence of such mistakes.

Companies recommended for investigation by appropriate agencies

The companies in this category include:

Rockson Engineering/Rockson International (Owned Arumemi-Johnson -ARIK Airline boss) for incompetence, lack of execution capacity and poor performance on Alaoji I, Omoku, Egbema and Gbarain-ubie powers stations and complicity in unreasonably high contract sums claimed for projects.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Pivot Engineering for extremely poor performance on Alaoji – Umuahia 132kV DC transmission line awarded to it since May 2001; non-completion of substantial aspects of the Owerri – Ahoada – Yenagoa 132kV DC transmission line awarded to it since Y2000.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Marubeni (WA) and Marubeni International for very poor performance in respect of LOT 1 (Calabar), LOT 4 (Sapele) and LOT 6 (Eyaen.Ihovbor) power stations projects, and complicity in the violation of financial procedures by obtaining and/or receiving payments in respect of construction activities not yet performed to the tune of 100% in respect of the same projects.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Lahmeyer International for generalized project management failure in respect of the NIPP project, complicity in tender manipulation, negligence or complicity in over-scoping as well as overpricing of NIPP projects, abuse of due process certification of invoices for payments for works not yet done by contractor (e.g., Marubeni).

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

The World Bank has already blacklisted the Company. Nigerian Government should henceforth blacklist it.

ABB Powerlines for failure of contracts in respect of 2nd Benin – Onitsha 330kV transmission line project and Katampe – Kukwaba (National Stadium) 132kV transmission line project.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts, and blacklisted.

Energo Nigeria Ltd for complicity in the over-scoping of NIPP Lot 3 Transmission project, and acquiescence in accepting underserved payments totaling over N13 billion, and for non-diligent prosecution after receiving payments representing about 100% of what the actual project cost should be for the actual scope, 167 kilometers, instead of the contracted 240 kilometers.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Chrome Consortium Energy  (Emeka Offor's Company) for gross incompetence, non-diligent contracts, prosecution and non-performance on all projects awarded to it since 2001, especially Gombe –Yola-Jalingo 330kV SC transmission line awarded to it since May 2001.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts and blacklisted.

IOEC/Kaztec Consortium for complicity in abuse of due process and procurement of control award for NIPP Gas EPC Lot 3.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Cartlark International for complicity in the over-scoping of NIPP Lot 4 Transmission project, and acquiescence in accepting payments totaling over N4 billion

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

KEC/News Engineering for non-performance and lack of diligent prosecution of contract for Gombe – Damaturu –Maiduguri 330kV transmission Line project

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Hoquado Nigeria Ltd
This company received payment sums in excess of $ 10 million since March 2006 and refused to carry out its contract on the excuse that the community landowners claimed compensation of N 18 million when interest it earned on the $ 10 million it received would be about  $ 2 million (N240 million).

The company displayed disgusting lack of diligence in prosecuting its contracts and was apparently enjoying the excuse so as to collect more money and receive interest on dollar payments while ignoring] to perform the contract thereby leading to worsening of the power problems in Nigeria.

The Committee recommends that this company should be thoroughly investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge and underserved financial gains it made at the expense of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria.

Santon Energy for failure to execute contract for Umuahia – Mbalano 132kV Trx Line.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Union Allied Engineering for failure to execute three substation contracts awarded to it since 2001 contracts.

The Committee advice that the company be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulently received on power project contracts. The relationship between this company and Engr. (Dr.) E.C. Ifesie should also be investigated by EFCC and ICPC.

Mogabs

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Atlantic Engineering for failure to execute contract for Mbalano – Okigwe 132kV transmission line awarded to it since 2001.

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

Harlesden Engineering (Owned by Senator Ikechukwu Obiora-Anambra South Senatorial District)

The Committee recommends that the company should be further investigated by EFCC and ICPC with a view to recovering huge sums fraudulent received on power project contracts.

CyberG your point is valid but u and i know it will not work in Nigeria. Maybe we have a pathological problem in corruption. Give a state power 2 run its affairs and u will see the story of animal farm. They will oppress their people with militants and pay the military 2 b quiet. Working out the solution 4 Nigeria is possible but it may not b in our time.

otokx i love your spirit. Do me a favour. Go out 2day and ask anyone u see on the street, if they would accumulate illegal wealth if given the opportunity. You will be amazed how deep our corruption is. Even if they say they will not, their family will b disappointed with them. No doubt Nigeria will get better but not in our time

It is the kind of thinking suggested by drnonye that has destroyed Nigeria and will forever hold us as a people down forever! What is the rationale behind the thinking that ", Nigeria will get better but not in our time, "? I am unable to find the most extreme adjectives to describe this kind of "gutter-type" thinking! So, if the elders who the young ones ought to look-up to fail so miserably, and now "we" (this generation) also admit that Nigeria will not be good in our time, what magic will make it better in several generations from now? Haven't you ever considered that the progressive countries of the world derive inspiration from their "founding fathers" or their leaders and now, each new generation does its beat by improving on the legacy of their fathers??

Now, it seems that there's almost no limit to the advancement and developments of these countries, and whatever things they do, it might take a long time, but they achieve it! The "it is NOT POSSIBLE" kind of thinking that you suggested has no place here, so any wonder why Nigeria WILL NEVER PROGRESS for as long as we think this way? I am aware that a major percentage of Nigerians think this way, hence, we can never catchup with  any progressive country of the world in even the most basic things! What a shame!

My poser: would you as a man run your personal life or your own family in a way that you have never seen any progressive changes till you are almost 50 years and you refuse to make no changes? In fact, make radical changes and try another persons point of view? So, when Nigeria is stuck in the dark ages without making any changes, ever wonder why there's a multitude of problems in Nigeria? I have lived in Nigeria and traveled quite extensively within that country so I know what is Nigeria is like right now. I was home for my vacation barely a month ago and I can tell you that Nigeria will make NO progress with your kind of thinking.

Only if Nigeria will have ONE true leader who can inspire us (Nigerians) to dream and believe in ourselves again, a leader who has true vision and the political will to make changes, not an IDIOT that keeps mouthing a meaningless and useless 7-point agenda, a leader who is not consumed by greed and lustful desires for filthy lucre, a leader who puts the people first and who rekindles the patriotic zeal of his people, a leader who not only leads but himself "sits" on the shoulders of past successful world leaders and hence can see even much farther, a leader who pours all of himself and all our resources into the system to create the kind of robust systems that runs efficiently giving equal opportunity to all, a leader that builds young leaders at all levels who will be more than capable to take the baton of leadership and run much faster and more efficiently than he could in his lifetime, a leader that encourages fair and healthy competition within Nigeria: state-to-state, local-government-to-local government, company-to-company, school-to-school, person-to-person will succeed in creating a Nigeria that can become truly competitive with other countries in Africa and the world. That will be the TRUE father of a MODERN Nigeria. Until then, let us "upgrade" our thinking because Nigeria would never rise with base, mediocre, defeatist and IMPOSSIBILITY mentality with which it seems to have been afflicted.

Interesting, I find that in Naija, things are usually different! I can not imagine any job interviewee who thinks it is a "No no" to send a "Thank you" note! This shows courtesy and that you are really interested in the position while appreciating the time of your interviewers. But the value system in Naija is just a different kettle of fish, so this is just my own two cents!

I am sure in a lot of developed and progressive countries, it is the norm. In close interview situations, the extra gesture of writing a "thank you" email while buttressing your stong points at the interview is always a plus. I am certain HR and Recruitment Managers who are current with global trends will immediately recognize that you are in touch with global practices. However, remember to keep it short, to the point, formal and sweet. Do not try to "Nigerianize" the letter by begging, being suggestive or appearing desperate. This would surely hurt you than help you. Google for sample letters to help and give you ideas and do not copy exactly from any site! Some other person may be doing the same, so it would appear that both of you are still copying long after school! OMG!

Now to the one who wrote "please don't do that. i can only advice u get on your knees and tell THE ONE who holds d hearts of kings. He is able to control their hearts in your favour,", you need not spiritualize everything. Pray, that is good but remember God also has placed authorities on earth, maybe good or bad! But you will still have to answer to them at your interview and when you get the job. Write a "Thank you" letter by all means, be professional. If you must, write one to God too and then relax! I wish you all the best!

Boy, everyone wants to work in a bank in Nigeria? If not, it is Oil or Telecom! Nobody actually using some brains to design, build and create something to be sold in all other nations of the world and for once set up Nigeria as a true country with VALUE - not just buying and selling all fuelled by corruption! Where is the money being banked coming from when there is no development in infrastructure, education, health and other sectors? Who will treat all the bankers when the fall sick or we will all just go abroad like that BONEHEADED president and the useless leaders?

I was in Nigeria recently, all my friends who studied anything are all in the banks now! Engineers, doctors, pharmacists all straight to the bank, what a calamity of a country! But am I not glad not to have to see all this things in Nigeria everyday? You bet I am! I wish Nigeria will emphasize and focus the right things to build that country and stop making all of us look like fools who cannot have no brains!

NB: In case you cannot see the positive criticism of my rant, please look more clearly and you would see it. Where I am, I am doing so well: making close to N1,000,000.00 per month and developing myself very fast, as fast as I choose to go! Live a quality of life anyone in Abuja or Lekki can only dream off, less than 30 yrs old, graduated from OAU just a few years ago! NIGERIA MAKES MY HEART BLEED AND ITS SO FRUSTRATING!

Yaradua, generally Nigerian Leadership, is the most stupid thing that ever happened in this whole world, quote me!! There's no proof of any sense in the black man, what a shame?

Way forward, let Yaradua get some clue by following the constitution: let each state be truly independent and pay taxes to the Federal Government. Let each state in Nigeria generate their own power, provide their own security, draw a master plan for their states, provide their own water supply, provide social welfare and security for their people, build and maintain their own roads, develop their own infrastructure and COMPETE with each other and create trade and business opportunities among other states. This is the ONLY true way to develop Nigeria and forget that stupid VISION 2020 deception he is mouthing like a retarded lunatic.

Anything less than this is a waste of time and resources. Each state in Nigeria is capable to develop and sustain itself. This way, no one gets free handouts of money from Oil producing areas while some do nothing, contribute nothing but steal the country blind! Until this is done, SHAME ON YARADUA, SHAME ON NIGERIAN LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS, SHAME ON NIGERIANS WHO CANNOT SEE THE TRUTH AND ACT ON IT IN GOOD FAITH.

For people defending Yaradua that he has only been there for a year, I PITY you! Wake up and smell the coffe, would you? For your information, the roads repaired, bridges being built and infrastructure that has been maintained in Edmonton (my residence) has exceeded the whole thing Yaradua may have done in his whole 1 year+. In fact, more than all the ones Obasanjo did in 8 years in quality and quantity!

In case you don't know, that is just one city in a province (analogous to state in Nigeria). Can you imagine how much is going on within the province and the whole country (Canada) within a year?? Yet Nigerians like to defend the ridiculous and 'undefendable' saying it's not Yaradua's fault and it has only been one year? Someone show me what he has done in the one year, please!

In conclusion, a whole president went to Germany to get the healthcare he couldn't even provide for Nigerians and himself! He paid millions of dollars not naira! Nigerians may not know but the MOST useless, homeless, jobless, poor, (fill in the gap) German has exactly the same health privileges Yaradua just used Nigerian money to pay for! Here in Canada, with my $44 per month, I will get treated with the best treatment money can buy in any hospital I choose to go. With my extended health coverage, 80% of all my medical bills are automatically paid off for almost any kind of illness which I don't have any! Here is the icing, by January 2009, all my health premiums are automatically paid by the government and I will NO LONGER pay any health insurance premium in this province. I get the best health care money can buy in Canada for my troubles! (LOL). This is what Yaradua has gone, is going and will still go and pay a gazillion dollars for and Nigerians are dying from common sicknesses? Yet, Nigerian's see nothing wrong with the 'good' man?? PITY, PITY, PITY!!

Nonsense! Waste of bomb and money! You think it is just a N1 affair to make bomb? They will save it for more useful bombings while they can make you guys blog your hearts away and give the Okiro idiots dem something to talk about.

BTW, if they wan waste their time and money, we would make it more worthwhile instead of just wasting the bomb. Yaradua's convoy, Goodluck, Obasanjo, IBB, Annenih, All past ministers, all past presidents, in fact everyone that has come remotely close to Federal or State governance should be bombed into extinction. That go help teach una a lesson make you develop that country and stop stealing and wasting that country.

This is just irritating and ridiculous! What has the government done about improving roads, security and other infrastructure in so so many years? NOTHING. Otherwise, we shouldn't be in this hell-hole called Nigeria now.

Guess what? Yaradua and co-thieves will shout, make long speeches of emptiness, flags fly at half-mast, "mourning", display all kinds of crocodile tears and gimmicks, bury the soldiers with "honors", and all the cosmetics that come with every tragedy! However, the roads will NEVER be fixed, hospitals and healthcare will NEVER be improved, security situation will NEVER see any improvement, basic infrastructure like power and water resources to aid good medicare will NEVER get a boost or improve and NIGERIA will keep tumbling down the abyss and before you know it, another plane drops from the sky, disappears mysteriously, another major vehicle accident and several hundreds that happen in Nigeria daily while Yaradua does NOTHING other than make speeches of vision 2020 and go to Germany for the next headache! OMG, I pity Nigeria.

Until Yaradua himself and all the thieves get into an accident on the same day and all get burnt to death with their family, nothing will change. We will keep hearing all the old strories that has never meant anything or changed anything. WHAT A SUPER-STUPID AND DUMB COUNTRY AND CURSED LEADERS?