₦airaland Forum

Danka7777:
Another free and knowledgeable Nigerian. Keep up the good work and continue to enlighten the misguided ones amongst us. Many Nigerians don't know how this world operate. There are forces and societies that control this world. All the wars and psuedo-wars you see: Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan and Libya are some examples.

PROUD-IGBO:
Considering the on-going palaver northern elements within and outside Gov't are causing at the moment, i think they need to forget the IG position for now until we get a handle on this thing. A bold and fearless Officer from the middle-belt or the south should be sought to fill any such vacancy.

Also, is it mandatory that we have to get a Nigerian for this position? I[b] suppose people will wheel out the 'national interest' argument against such a proposition. But i remember when they were searching for a new head of Scotland Yard in the UK last year: they even considered the former New York Chief Cop for the position. We could do a similar thing here, and look to maybe Ghana or even the UK for a tried and tested hand. This would help eliminate accusations of the IG being selective and favouring one region/ethnicity over another.[/b]

kingoflag:
Sambo that looks slower that that mumu GEJ, abi? Then hows Nigeria going to ever develop?

Ever since the January 1, 2012, decision of the federal government to remove subsidy form PMS, the nation has being upside down with range of angers and frustration against the decision of government to introduce such an obnoxious policy especially, at this time when there is growing insecurity and hopelessness in the country.

Since the announcement, the country has witness one week of strike actions by the joint actions of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and organized civil society. Interestingly, Nigerians responded with so much vigor and perseverance through protest and unfortunate violence and killings across the country. The reality is that, the protest is against an insensitive ruling elite and corruption embedded in the whole subsidy issue.

Within days, of such pronunciation by the Federal Government, Nigeria was tearing apart with wide protest due to general rise in transport fare and other basic amenities across the country. From North-Central, East, West, and the South East, South and West, Nigerians mobilized themselves against government policy and took to the streets, to protest this sudden unexpected increase in the price of PMS. No doubt, the protests of the people are against governmental insensitive, corruption and allege transfer of government inefficiency and courage to fight cabals responsible for all the mess in the oil industry. Nigerians were united against this obnoxious economic strangulation and impoverishment of the already impoverished people, in a country with vast wealth and opportunities.

However, the refusal of the government and to some large extend the good and spirited people of South East and South-South to join the strike underscore the hopeless and confusion scenario of Nigeria masses. I believe the refusal of governments of these regions to allow the people to protest, seriously violates their fundamental human rights as enshrine in Nigerian constitution. From available reports, the governors of these regions threatened, harassed and intimidated labour leaders and the people with mass arrests, violence and killing if they dear decide to protest openly. This to me is undemocratic, uncivilized and uncultured in the 21st century contemporary global reality. Remember it was Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state that arrested and locked up Labour leaders around August last year when they protested against his refusal to pay the minimum wage. The governors of these geopolitical zones must realize that, the people have the right to protest any government policy that is an anathema to their survival. The use of apparatus of the state to intimidate and mutilate the body and souls of the people, only postpones the evil day. I believe no weapon is invented to stop an idea whose time has come, period.

Looking at the conspiracy and deception within these regions, you realize that, these governors are not doing this because of any national interest, neither is it in the interests of their peoples but, purely selfish interest. The South East ruling elite unfortunately, are hanging up to the promise of President Goodluck Jonathan handing over power to them by 2015 as promised. So, no matter what, the ruling elite are ready to support the policies of government hook, line and sinker, even if it is against the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Doing this, they think, will build trust and support-base on the president; ironically, the entire region gave him over 98% imaginary votes in the last April Presidential elections. Building a premise on this political mathematics is not only misplaced, but, shows that the South East ruling elite have not yet understand and appreciate the dynamics and forces that shapes the Nigerian politics. The benevolence of man alone, no matter how powerful, cannot make any region to ascend to the seat of power, but, building bridges and communications along and among various nationalities are critical to any successful political success.

Secondly, the South East region has further widened the suspicions and mistrust of Nigerians against the region and their perceived motive of the zealousness and support to a drowning man. Could this be personal selfish motives or nationalistic; I think the former was more at play than the later. This is a collective national struggle that have unite the country for once against perceived insensitive government policy; so the South East, should have been the vanguard of this struggle of national rebirth. Anyway, someone whispered to me, the South East ruling elite never opposed government policy, because most of the elite are the beneficiary of government contracts; this I cannot proved, but, it sound rational to me.

For the South-South it is understandable, because the son of the soil is at the saddle of leadership position. So, whatever he does, good or bad, this prodigal son must be supported with the blood and tears of the Niger-Deltans. The governors of the region are not outdoing each other in their deception and wit but, the militants have to be called upon to offer service to protect the son of the soil against a united front from mostly Northern and Western regions, who have lost power and whose elite are going to be affected by the fuel subsidy removal. The rationality in the Niger-Delta is not only laughable, but, underscores the thinking faculties of the people and leaders of the region. It was surprising watching a young lady on a national television, arguing, that, it is their oil, and they have decided to remove subsidy from it and let the rest of us remove subsidy in our foods, cows, cocoa and other thing we supply them. This is really interesting and underscores the general feeling of resentments against the rest of us, the bad belly people who want to disgrace the son of the soil.

Unfortunately, when one measures the quality of life of the people from the region, it makes one wonder how gullible and stupid humans that God have perfected with reasoning ability could descend so low into an abyss of confusion and hopelessness as result of embedded prejudice and hatred. I think, the South West seriously put Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on a hot seat while in power and same can be attributed to the northern region. The Northern people were the most outspoken critic of the Late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua’s administration, till he breathes his last in this world of confusion. So, for someone to make such a blank accusation, only shows his lack of intellect and the inferiority complex embedded in him/her.

As for the people, they have their motives, but, to my mind, I believe the people seriously want to protest. I am in absolute solidarity with the mood of the nation, but, the fear of state violence and death made most people to abide by the prevailing reality in the state. I was in contact with my good friends from these tow regions, and confirmed my curiosity. I really pity these regions, because when the history of this nation is going to be narrated especially on the successes of Nigerians for the first time to confronts the unjust state, the South-East and South-South will be on the dustbin of shame for failing to rise when the nation beckon. I can only pity the Lilliputian ruling elite from these regions, because we can no long trust you with our votes and support, because we feel you don’t love this country any more. We stand shoulder to shoulder with patriots from these regions in different regions to protest against insensitive government policies, corruption and poverty in the midst of plenty.

I wonder how these regions, will finally look at Nigerians, when the peoples’ revolution finally forces the nation to revert to N65 per litre; will they continue to buy fuel at N140? Will they be stupid and shameless enough to enjoy the hardwork, determination, courage, perseverance, tears, sweat and blood of millions of Nigerians that fought for their freedom? Does the South-East, especially the elite think that by supporting fuel subsidy removal, it will draw them closer to their political dream of ruling the country? These and many questions continue to occupy my mind as I continue to reflect on this deception by the saboteurs from these two regions. I believe whatever be the outcome; the North and South-West have further show to the whole world who really cares about the unity and development of this country. I feel that is why God Almighty continue to give them victory and achievement against pretentious ruling elite. This is really a case of you for us or against us; neutrality is a crime.

KANO, Nigeria (Reuters) - Gunmen shot dead two Chadians in the remote northeast of Nigeria on Sunday, in a region where a radical Islamist sect has been blamed for almost daily violence in recent months.

"Two Chadians were killed by gunmen this morning in the outskirts of the state capital, we have taken their bodies to the mortuary," said Lawan Tanko, police chief in Yobe state.

Damaturu, the capital of Yobe, was the scene of fierce gunbattle between the military and Boko Haram on December 24, when more than 50 people were killed, mostly sect members.

President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in several regions in Nigeria on December 31, closing Nigeria's borders with Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

Boko Haram wants sharia law more widely applied across Nigeria, which is roughly split equally between Christians and Muslims.

honeynews:
[center]https://saharareporters.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/news-page-images-480-wide/page_images/news/2012/army_takeover.jpg[/center]


Source : http://www.gurusbase.com/politics/soldiers-flood-lagos-streets-as-jonathan-orders-to-forestall-occupynigeria-prot/msg13090/?topicseen#new


President Goodluck Jonathan has deployed hundreds of gun-wielding soldiers on the streets of Lagos in a desperate bid to forestall peaceful protests scheduled to continue today.

Through reports filed by citizen reporters affiliated with Saharareporters it was gathered that the armed soldiers have taken positions in such spots as Ikeja, Ikoyi, Surulere and Ojota as well as other spots where thousand of Nigerians have poured out in protest the government sharp increase in price of petrol. About 16 check points and barricades have been been mounted around the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota according to reports.

The deployment of soldiers comes on the heels of Mr. Jonathan's planned broadcast Monday morning in which he will announce the reduction of fuel prices to N97 a liter.

In the address, the text of which has already been published in full by Saharareporters, President Jonathan takes an unusually harsh tone towards the protesters.

In an interview moments ago, one of the leaders of the protest movement said that the protests have been held in peaceful atmosphere, but added that President Jonathan appears ready to use force against peace-loving Nigerians. They vowed to make an appearance at the venue today regardless of the presence of the soldiers. Seun Kuti, the son of Afrobeat maestro Fela Anikulapo-Kuti sent an sms to Saharareporters that he will be at the rally today.

A protest leader told SaharaReporters, "We want to make clear that President Jonathan would be held responsible for any casualty that results from his decision to unleash soldiers on unarmed and peaceful protesters who are merely demanding accountability and transparency from their leaders". He further noted that officers of the Nigerian police have so far killed about 20 protesters in different parts of the country, he vowed that Nigerians would never let the victims of police brutality die in vain"

Another protest leader expressed dismay and disappointment with the decision of trade union leaders to unilaterally call off street protests on account some purported security concerns.

He added that some of the in the movement had received speculations all week that the government was offering a variety of financial and other material inducement to labour leaders in order to compromise them.

He stated that, "it would be extremely hard for any compromised labour leader to hoodwink Nigerians who are now determined to seize the opportunity to question the greed as well as ineptitude other so-called leaders"

They also vowed to continue the strike action until a lasting resolution is reached by both parties “For the avoidance of any doubt, the indefinite strikes, rallies and protests continue nationwide from Monday 16th January, 2012”.

http://www.channelstv.com/global/news_details.php?nid=31037&cat=Local

jmaine:
I can't provide answers . .but you can go there to find out . . .whichever way it goes . .we might just end up having a curfew invoked if an unruly crowd persists . . .and during curfew hours . . . You know the drill when you violate it . .

Nuff said . . .

Evil Brain:
This just proves that the removal of subsidy was all about freeing more money for the greedy scumfucks in government to steal. Reducing the price to N97 means that we are subsidizing again. That means all of Sanusi and Okonjo-Iweala's arguments about new refineries and the economy are now moot.

If they really believed that removing subsidy was in the nation's long-term interest, they would have stood their ground. Now their are neither here nor there. We get all the so-called disadvantages of subsidy, as well as the inflation that a fuel price hike brings.

In any case, it doesn't matter because we are still on strike. When they are ready to do something about coruption and slash their recurrent budget by a reasonable amount, then we'll listen to them.

ogugua88:
For NLC to make this kind of agreement only confirms that they never represented the protesters accurately.

chillex8:
[size=16pt]We in the Labour Movement have done our duty to our country; we have made tremendous sacrifices
including loss of lives; we have carried out the mandate of the Nigerian people; we can do no more.[/size]
For the avoidance of any doubt, the indefinite strikes, rallies and protests continue nationwide
from Monday 16 th January, 2012.

jmaine:
Security building up at the Ojota Park  . . .No more Carnival fest cos the NLC has suspended public rally for security reasons . . .thread with caution fellas, as you occupy

With this move . . .It's unofficially over . . .

________________________________________________
Dear Compatriots,
1.    This is the second time in two weeks I will address you on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. In the last seven days, the nation has witnessed a disruption of economic activities.  Although, the economic imperatives for the policy have been well articulated by government, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) went ahead to declare a nationwide strike.

2.    There was also near-breakdown of law and order in certain parts of the country as a result of the activities of some persons or groups of persons who took advantage of the situation to further their narrow interests by engaging in acts of intimidation, harassment and outright subversion of the Nigerian state. I express my sympathy to those who were adversely affected by the protests.
3.    At the inception of the deregulation policy, Government had set up the Justice Alfa Belgore Committee to liaise with Labour and other stakeholders to address likely grey areas in the policy, but despite all our efforts, Labour refused the option of dialogue and also disobeyed a restraining order of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

4.    However, following the intervention of the Leadership of the National Assembly, and other well-meaning Nigerians, Labour accepted to meet with government, but this yielded no tangible result.


5.    It has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.

6.    Government appreciates that the implementation of the deregulation policy would cause initial hardships and commends Nigerians who have put forth suggestions and credible alternatives in this regard. Government also salutes Nigerians who by and large, conducted themselves peacefully while expressing their grievances. Let me assure you that government will continue to respect the people's right to express themselves within the confines of the law and in accordance with the dictates of our democratic space.

7.    Government will continue to pursue full deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector. However, given the hardships being suffered by Nigerians, and after due consideration and consultations with state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly, [size=20pt]government has approved the reduction of the pump price of petrol to N97 per litre. [/size]The Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) has been directed to ensure compliance with this new pump price.

8.    Government is working hard to reduce recurrent expenditure in line with current realities and to cut down on the cost of governance. In the meantime, government has commenced the implementation of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment projects: including the Federal Government- assisted mass transit programme which is already in place, and job creation for the youth.

9.     Furthermore, the legal and regulatory regime for the petroleum industry will be reviewed to address accountability issues and current lapses in the Industry. In this regard, the Petroleum Industry Bill will be given accelerated attention. The report of the forensic audit carried out on the NNPC is being studied with a view to implementing the recommendations and sanctioning proven acts of corruption in the industry.

10.                       Let me assure Nigerians that this administration is irrevocably committed to tackling corruption in the petroleum industry as well as other sectors of the economy. Consequently, all those found to have contributed one way or the other to the economic adversity of the country will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

11.                       My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.

12.                       Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility.  Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.

13.                       Nigeria belongs to all of us and we must collectively safeguard its unity.

14.                       Thank you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria