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Politics › Re: Nigerians Reaction After Election On The South West by Demdem(m): 8:36am On Jun 09, 2011
Femi Adeoya says: I understand South estW did not feature in the "first 4" leaders in Nigeria, and so what? What benefit did Obasanjo's 8-year rule bring to the average Yoruba man let alone for his kinsmen in Ogun State? What did Dimeji Bankole achieve in his 4 years as SW Speaker for the Yoruba man? If a Hausa man or Niger Delta will deliver results to the people of Nigeria, I go with it. Enough of these entire ethnic cards playing!

My response too.
NYSC › Re: Five NYSC Members Kidnapped In Ikwerre LGA Of Rivers State by Demdem(m): 8:15am On Jun 09, 2011
Our president seems to be incompetent. He should be impeached.
Politics › Re: Breaking News: Bombs Go Off In Multiple Locations In Maiduguri by Demdem(m): 7:55am On Jun 09, 2011
oladayo042:
Because some governors have come out publicly to say the title "Chief Security Officer" is just an appelation with no effect. The centralized security system is also not helping matters. Abuja is just too powerful. People are not here blaming Jonathan for lack of potable water in Maiduguri, this is NATIONAL SECURITY.
and the most useless.
Politics › Re: Breaking News: Bombs Go Off In Multiple Locations In Maiduguri by Demdem(m): 8:08am On Jun 08, 2011
kpogede77:
This are all happening because of Jonathan Presidency, they are being sponsored, they also bought the password of MEND and they are using it to operate. By the time we share this country the blast will stop. I know the evil genius might just be playing every body like draft. Musiwa foresaw that there will be war in Nigeria but some fools and suspected Boko Haram operatives in this forum are trying to derail the process.
Chai shocked shocked shocked see analysis. Goodluck to u
Business › Re: Pump Price Reduction: Buhari Vs Jonathan by Demdem(m): 7:44am On Jun 06, 2011
Gboliwe:
Its okay if you insult me, you wont be going out of character. Insulting people and making boring blind,lame, deaf,dumb and long arguements are what i've found out you are knownt to do best.
I'll be shocked if you end up without doing either.
I bought kerosene N98 yesterday though not without a crowd. Its an improvement from last week when I bought 135L.
We are progressing
grin grin at the bolded.
The truth is kerosene isnt readily available and that explains the high cost though there are also several factors. dont be deceived by what that vanguard paper fed you with. Here in Rumuodara PH it varies between N120 and N180 per bottle.
Bottom line is till date, Nigerians are still paying so much for just a liter of kero.
Politics › Re: Babangida Aliyu: Thank God Buhari Lost The Election by Demdem(m): 5:04pm On Jun 02, 2011
I would have thout that even if all others didnt read the article before they comment, at least the poster will spare us such embarrasement
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Paul Scholes Retires: by Demdem(m): 4:34pm On Jun 02, 2011
kobikwelu:
are u kidding mehuh? then i doff my hat to him,
he has really won my admiration!!!


That i cant bet my balls on oooo. I thought of Giggs likewise and my hands fell flat after the twitter revelation.

@demdem
wot was the twitter revelation about??
Ryan Giggs has been named as the footballer at the centre of a media gagging order after a Liberal Democrat MP used parliamentary privilege to flout an injunction.

John Hemming, the MP for Birmingham Yardley, was rebuked by Commons speaker John Bercow after using a question to attorney general Dominic Grieve to name the Manchester United midfielder.

Hemming made the intervention after Grieve announced that David Cameron had requested a joint committee of peers and MPs investigate the use of gagging orders. It came amid warnings from one influential Conservative MP that the actions of thousands of people posting details on Twitter of individuals involved in superinjunctions risked making the law "look an backside".

To the condemnation of some of his colleagues, Hemming, who has been campaigning on the issue, exercised parliamentary privilege to identify the star at the centre of the injunction just minutes after the high court refused to lift a ban on naming the sportsman, who is said to have had a relationship with Imogen Thomas, the former Big Brother contestant.

"With about 75,000 people having named Ryan Giggs on Twitter, it's obviously impractical to imprison them all," Hemming said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/may/23/ryan-giggs-named-footballer-injunction-row
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga) › Re: Paul Scholes Retires: by Demdem(m): 4:09pm On Jun 01, 2011
Welder:
One of the greatest midfielders of our time retires. He lived an exemplary life both on and off the field. He will be missed sorely
That i cant bet my balls on oooo. I thought of Giggs likewise and my hands fell flat after the twitter revelation.
Politics › Re: "Nigeria To Become A World Leading Economy Under Jonathan" Jeffrey Sachs by Demdem(m): 7:33am On Jun 01, 2011
[quote author=musiwa. link=topic=679828.msg8431153#msg8431153 date=1306908057]Jeffrey Sachs , have never been to Nigeria before. Nigeria is not becoming anything . he does not know anything about nigeria.

I am going to put my money to this.


Is Jeffrey Sachs ready to dance nake infront of new york stock exchange.


Well we are talking of the lifes of millions. Now. did Jeffrey Sachs and united nation secretary see , the bombing all over nigeria in the last 24 hours. that is what is going to happen under jonathan more bombing. if you know the history of nigeria.


Jeffrey Sachs should look at this video. this is what they will do to Jonathan if you know nigeria history if they keep nigeria one, they have to break it up, It is a mad society. you have seen bombing in the last 24 hrs, that is what will happen under jonathan Goodluck. Jeffrey Sachs knows nothing about nigeria. they need to break it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ol7EgxFx3o[/quote]we have heard things like this before from well-known economist for ages and see where we are till date. Apology to economists but i have stopped believing them. My philosophy now is i will only believe when i see.
Business › Re: Pump Price Reduction: Buhari Vs Jonathan by Demdem(m): 7:12am On Jun 01, 2011
Beaf:
And when in all the years of your existence did you see anything of significance in Nigeria? Or maybe you consider steady decay due to decades of foolishness to be progress. grin grin grin Of cos, a lot of significant things has happened in Nigeria since independence contrary to your beliefs about me but i insist that for the past year till date since this your remarkable fisherman has been in power, nothing significant has occurred, hopefully this will chnge after today. grin grin grin

We have a pack of fools claiming falsely (as usual) that Buhari built the refineries just to beef up his lacklustre, totally useless and criminal hijack of the Nigerian state at gunpoint. What significant thing did the beast do, other than murder innocent people? A feat he has repeated with the wanton murder of Middle Belters, Southerners and Christians with the help of his almajiri armies; all because he lost the last elections.

What is Buhari's lifetime achievement? Aside from promoting sharia, locking up journalists, 53 suitcases of dosh, killing people and recruiting child voters? None?

Abeg let us hear word jare! Nigeria has moved on from you sad losers and your red-eyed king.
I can see that you have suddenly woken up from your slumber you this GEJ apologist. Where in my post did you read where i made mentioned of Buhari? Let this man enjoy his retirement and let him be. its obvious you have serious issues with that name, anyway, its allowed. i wount start highligting all those things you asked because they have been well thrashed on this forum severally so if you are trully interested the search engine will be of great help for you

Its good to know that kerosene price has suddenly gone down in price (though yet to independently verify). How sustainable this will be is a matter of time.
Politics › Re: Boko Haram Assassinates Younger Brother To The Shehu Of Borno by Demdem(m): 6:53am On Jun 01, 2011
md4real:
huuuuush, foolish? that was harsh. first my apology. on a mobile bolt browser, so small and noticed just the comment. lesson learnt.
I'm sorry likewise. That was harsh i agree.
The govt should simply wake up to her reponsibility and be proactive and stop all these menace. Only God knows what those intelligent security guys are doing. angry
Politics › Re: Boko Haram Assassinates Younger Brother To The Shehu Of Borno by Demdem(m): 6:08pm On May 31, 2011
md4real:
you must be naturally dumb. so buhari is now respomsible for boko haram? how do u reason?
Fo*lish man. read between the lines and my signature and you will get my drift. Dont be in a hurry to comment. NL lesson 001
Politics › Re: Boko Haram Assassinates Younger Brother To The Shehu Of Borno by Demdem(m): 5:48pm On May 31, 2011
Why on earth is Buhari causing all these mess now  huh huh huh
Come to think of it, when will GEJ call these guys to the round table for discussion or wont he also grant them amnesty. Hopefully when he stabilizes in office after more than a yr.

Simply unfortunate.
Politics › Re: I Don’t Respond To Foolishness, Oritsejafor Replies Buhari by Demdem(m): 7:37am On May 31, 2011
kpogede77:
LULUOSA OR WHATEVER your PSEUDO NAME IS, this is for u Epkpe Buruku, let me start by saying, Buhari is not only a fool but he is as mad as d alimajiris he instigated to kill our people. As for u who exhibited so much hatred for PAPA AYO and the south-south people, God will punish u and your family, any amount of money derived from the crude oil in AYO's village that is used to develop your town shall be a course upon your generation yet unborn. u said d alimajiris who killed youths coppers should be compensated also, that is the thinking of the average Hausa fulani man. They think in one direction like zombi. GO AWAY AND FORM your ISLAMIC REPUBLIC, LEAVE US ALONE TO ENJOY OUR GOD GIVEN OIL. IT THIS WICKEDNESS THAT MADE GOD TO CURSE your LAND INTO DESERT WITHOUT OIL. AS FOR BAKARE, HE HAS A DATE WITH POSTERITY
Now if i regard Ayo to be a very foolish man now, some idiots will jump on me. How many heads does he have that his fellow man doesnt have? Its obvious that kpogede77 hasnt read this thread fully, i doubt you have, you shouldnt be spliting out this thrash and if trully you have and these gabage still came out from you, then, you are on your own.
Politics › Re: Four-year Term Short, Says Jonathan by Demdem(m): 5:23pm On May 27, 2011
Support someone that has categorically told us that he cant acheive anything within 4yrs. Wonders shall never end.
Politics › Re: Four-year Term Short, Says Jonathan by Demdem(m): 4:56pm On May 27, 2011
^^^^ Shame on u. below is the best response for the gabbage you just spew

duno:
Quote from: kbdrim on Today at 01:37:22 PM
[Stop peddling rumours,he said many peole have said 4years is not enough to transform a country like nigeria,and he also believed it. Besides,do u have a problem if he decides to run.stop him if u can.]

4 years may not be enough to transform the whole country but it sure is enough to make A CHANGE !. However our dear president said it is not enough to make ANY change - we have cause to fear for this country.
Politics › Re: Four-year Term Short, Says Jonathan by Demdem(m): 4:29pm On May 27, 2011
I voted for GEJ and not PDP - Una see ur life now.

But come to think of it, must this chap talk? Senseless stuffs comes out from his mouth than any other thing.
Business › Re: Pump Price Reduction: Buhari Vs Jonathan by Demdem(m): 8:36am On May 27, 2011
Imagine i discussing with some1 yesterday about the state of affairs in this country and him telling me that i should be patient that GEJ hasnt started his tenure. I went mad with this fellow. I made him to understand that this chap has been there for more than a year now and i honestly cant pinpoint any thing of significance.
Honestly, i am not surprised. We warned Nigerians however Nigerians thought otherwise. we all should brace up for more failures from this govt. This is not the first time.
The fisherman failed at the state level (when he was a governor) so why do we all think this fisherman will suceed at the national level?
Business › Re: Lagos State Plans 114MW Power Plant: Fashola Does It Again by Demdem(m): 4:30pm On May 26, 2011
^^^^^^ Five tablets ke shocked shocked shocked shocked. U wan kill am
Nairaland General › Re: Hi Enyojo! by Demdem(m): 8:55am On May 26, 2011
1luvkipsus:
Sorry, I didn't mean to be 'irresponsible', but I will like to speak with 'Enyojo ' so that we discuss some pressing state and national issues. No harms intended pls. She can call me on 08065224596.
I smell trouble here, Enyojo be very careful and dont reveal ursef. Its risky, this guy could be SSS.
come to think of it, why would a die-hard GEJ supporter want to discuss national issues with a die-hard GEJ opponent huh huh huh
Ok i'm taking this too far, i admit.
Politics › Re: Gej Bribes Youths At Youth Lunch by Demdem(m): 8:52am On May 26, 2011
I'm not interested in the messenger but the message. My question is the story true and i guess it is becos none of the aforementioned person in the article has come out to deny it 9at least yet).
Shame on you again GEJ.
Politics › Re: I Don’t Respond To Foolishness, Oritsejafor Replies Buhari by Demdem(m): 8:23am On May 26, 2011
SPIDER90:
Problem with some of responders here is that they are not used to Christian leaders airing their view on topical national issues under the guise of tolerance. Should they watch their members being slaughtered as sacrifice for national unity?.
CAN president has committed no crime in condemning incessant killing(of Nigerians) in the north and those responsible for it (the basket mouths)should be arrested. Simple.
Actually very few of them has been truthfully airing their views on topical national issues and fewer even went to an extent to get involve in politics. That should be encouraged however some religious freaks will think otherwise.
CAN president has the right to condemn injustice whenever he sees it and it isnt a crime. However he crossed the line when he started giving names of peeps alleged to be involved without backing it up with facts. If he was so sure of himself, why hasnt he taken these so called culprits to court? That wouldnt be out of place. He holds a sensitive position and one would expect a person like him to know that at least.

Kinikini:
There are times when logic desert men and goodness is mistaken for evil. That GEJ won does not indicate he is better than Buhari, only the biggest spender won.

Buhari and GEJ are politicians but when CAN president becomes a politician, then peril awaits the country and Rwanda and Somalia are examples. Men in position like CAN President should desist from making such utterances coming form Oritsejafor. It is actually immature and indefensible. I know a former CAN President tactly avoided commenting on Oritsejafor's utterances. Has Oritsejafor thought of what he will look like if GEJ performs woefully?
Posterity will jugde all men. I only hope when the reward for the conduct of us all comes, we will be honest to accept it.
Exactly, that REAL Man of God is Onyeakan or so (the recent past past President). Those are men with wisdom and understanding. Matured men that understands the times and not bufoons we presently have parading themselves as M.O.G. Mag God Purnish them all.
Politics › Re: I Don’t Respond To Foolishness, Oritsejafor Replies Buhari by Demdem(m): 8:07am On May 26, 2011
joecrack:
obviously u are even dumber to even have an iota of respite for that beast called buhari,i dont know where you live but i loss relatives in the last mayhem,dont let the 'i am no currupt,honest man' syndrome decieve you,buhari is a bigot,an islamist,a fundamentalist,a southern nigeria hater,and i'm loving it daily with the simple thought he will never be president,nigeria and nigerians would never allow people like that rule us again.

Because you lost relatives, does does not mean you should now start thinking from your anus as you are presnetly doing? My friend, i'm based here for now in PH (though immaterial to the topic of discussion) myself has lost distant cousins up north some time ago ok. i still hold the govt of the day responsible for their death for her imcompetence in providing security for them and the same can be said of what happened recently. A responsible govt should be proactive and not only reactive. This govt has failed miserably in this regard and should be held accountable. You opened that your wide mouth casting aspersion on Buhari without any evidence and you have serious issues with peeps that do the same for your so called M.O.G. Shame on u



Ofcourse after planning and making good his genocide,he has returned to his abode in daura or kd untouched,simply because people like you are so naive,daft,cowardly to look the man in the face and call his bluff,no he has so cast a spell on you,and when a fearless servant of God stands up to him,you begin to open your gutter spitin sh.it

Na u get your mouth, even if you say he committed murder its allowed. Dumb GEJ knows better than you and thats why he hasnt been committed to prison for all these attrocities you claimed he has committed. I just dont open wide my mouth and talk jargons out of sentiments whatsoever, if i see raw evidence that shows me that Buhari is directly involve u will be surprise that i will be the first person to crucify him. That is the differnce between me and u. Continue to lick the backside of your jerry curl so called man of God who has already been compromised. Nonsense.
There are phases in a man's life and i am happy that Buhari has gotten to his retirement phase no doubt.
Politics › Re: Youth Lunch With Jonathan Turns Into Another Bribe-Fest by Demdem(m): 5:51pm On May 25, 2011
http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/youth-lunch-jonathan-turns-another-bribe-fest

I voted for GEJ and not PDP - se una see now ehhhhhh. angry angry angry

Speechless.
Politics › Re: Jonathan's Inauguration To Gulp N5 Billion, Church Service N63 Million by Demdem(m): 5:44pm On May 25, 2011
^^^^ Dont be deceived , all that has never worked in this country and it wont start now since the status quo is ongoing. The same thing they told us when we were hosting international sporting events in recent past. They told us that Nigeria will benefit and huge sum will come in, up till now they are still working on the reports of these event because the account is not yet balanced.
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-675082.0.html
Politics › Re: I Don’t Respond To Foolishness, Oritsejafor Replies Buhari by Demdem(m): 5:09pm On May 25, 2011
vislabraye:
@cold, It depends on the religion you're talking about.

A lot Xtians and innocent people were killed, houses and Churches were torched. Why shouldn't Ayo say something about it.

Those people who did it were doing it in the name of religion. I wonder why Bakare is silent. Let him speak, at least he should act as a peace broker between warring parties.
Bakare was never silent. He has since spoken out denoucing the violence physically and also their spokesman.
Politics › Re: I Don’t Respond To Foolishness, Oritsejafor Replies Buhari by Demdem(m): 5:05pm On May 25, 2011
joecrack:
@demdem
may God forgive you for having the audacity to call a man of God foolish.obviously you are the one who is foolish if u think buhari had no hand in this,hardly before elections commenced he was on air telling the whole world ballot papers and boxes were been flown even without evidences,during his campaigns,he told his supporters to lynch anyone found rigging,as if we a banana rep with no laws,imagine the kind of comments coming from someone who wants to be president.
How could illiterates with barely nothing organised themselves within 24hrs with deadly weapons to terrorise people,hw was it that spontaneous that it happened in so many states at the same time,ask yourself,there was a grand plan and the general gave the marching order.
What idiots like you have refused to understand is that these guys are first and foremost Humans before being tagged M.O.G. they have the characteristics of humans also and they arent super heros and neither will they be christ. so actually, it isnt out of place if Ayo suddenly goes insane for few minutes or so. I still insist that it was very foolish decision of his to regard another foolish.

O yes, buhari wanted peeps to protect their votes and he didnt hide his disgust for election riggers that has been having a free day without being caught and prosecuted all these while. If those statements made by his lieutenants were strong enough to ascribe the violence that were perpetrated to him is left for the court of law to decide and not for Ayo to be yarning dust. The government has all the details and i wonder what is stopping them to act till now. The best he would have said by virtue of his position is to call on govt to fish out all instigators and prosecute them but he was giving names. Nairalanders giving names is acceptable and allowed but not CAN or PFN president. Honestly, that is a daft move.

From your insinuation above, buhari gave his marching orders to his army (almajiris) to forment trouble right? you are likewise dumb to insinuate such. Like father (G.O. )like son. Even GEJ in his dumb state wont even think likewise and that explains why Buhari is still at home enjoying his retirement in daura till date.
Politics › Re: Freedom Of Information Bill Passed, Sent To President For Approval! by Demdem(m): 4:38pm On May 25, 2011
Beaf:
This is funny sir! GEJ pushed the bill through parliament, so why wouldn't he sign it?
The next bill we await is the PIB. . . Fingers crossed. wink

Good things are coming!
Sir, how did he do this since you seems to be privy to this. i strongly believe the bill simply went through all parliamentary stages without any governmental external pressure.
Politics › Re: Jonathan's Inauguration To Gulp N5 Billion, Church Service N63 Million by Demdem(m): 8:50am On May 25, 2011
Johndoe100:
Well we are from the SS, for us it's historic. If you don't like it go hug a transformer.

@demdem
You are just confused, we are celebrating, if you and sahara reporters like cry rivers of tears, we will celebrate before we get down to business.

BAD BELLE - NA WE WIN NA WE WIN O !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are most likely a spendtrift in your real life no doubt. No one is asking you not  to celebrate but at what cost, we are only asking your man to be truthfull and accountable, This he hasn't. Is that too much to ask ?
Politics › Re: GEJ Inauguration To Gulp 5 Billion Naira! by Demdem(m): 8:31am On May 25, 2011
SR Speaks: We Challenge The Jonathan Government To Tell Us: "What Is The Full Cost Of Jonathan’s Presidential Inauguration?"
On May 22, we published a report that the federal government was set to squander an incredible N5 billion (about $32 million) on next Sunday’s inauguration of Mr. Goodluck Jonathan as president.

Our story was penned in the best interests of Nigeria. As evidence of this commitment, we are taking issue with yesterday’s announcement, by Mr. Yayale Ahmed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who also chairs the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC), that the event will consume N1 billion.

Now, N1billion is no small change. N1 billion, properly and responsibly deployed, can change the fortunes of several communities and institutions in Nigeria. There is tremendous constructive power, therefore, in N1 billion.

If that were all that the government budgeted for the inauguration, it should raise concerns. An inauguration, in the end, is neither the government nor governance: it is an oath-taking ceremony in which photos are taken and speeches may be made. It is a dignified ceremony, but does not have to be an obscenely expensive one.

But information available to SaharaReporters reveals that the federal government will spend about N5 billion on what is essentially a few minutes of formality.

The SGF told the press: "N830 million is the cost of the 2011 presidential inauguration ceremonies. The initial budget was N1.3 billion and was later reduced to N830 million. However, it may reach N1 billion at the end of the day and I will want you, as journalists, to follow it up for proper auditing and accountability."

SaharaReporters, which was not invited to yesterday’s event, is not that presumptuous to believe that yesterday’s press briefing was in response to its original story. But we do know that the federal government is not in the habit of briefing the press about events of this nature especially when it had previously used the Nigerian Tribune to reveal that it had planned to spend N500 million on the event a week before.

Perhaps, then, a new day of accountability has dawned. If that is the case, we suggest that in order to demonstrate its commitment to full disclosure, the government publish the full budget for the inauguration.

In our original story, we wrote as follows: “Presidency sources told SaharaReporters that apart from the series of committees set up by the Office of the SGF, the president's office and that of the First Lady also have their different budgetary expenses for the event.”

The SGF did not contradict this. In the interest of Nigeria, we urge him to disclose the budgets for those “offices,” along with that of the PIC.

In our view, Nigerians deserve to know what is being spent on security, such as the brand new bullet proof vehicles being bought for heads of state and governments and other dignitaries who are invited to the event. The SGF said about 40 heads of state were invited, and it is correct to assume that preparations have been made for all of them even though they may not all attend. We believe that Nigerians deserve to know the cost of new bomb-detection equipment, as well as the expenditure on the Israeli and American security experts and their crew that are being flown in.

Mr. Yayale told the press yesterday that the ministerial sub-committees set up for the inauguration include venues; utilities and souvenirs; football match; musical/cultural festival and fireworks; security; publicity; presidential speeches; swearing-in; accommodation; protocol and airport reception; and finance.

Still left out are the exorbitant expenditures for a flower-filled church service whose bill to the taxpayer will approach a hefty N63 million. How much more will go for the Islamic prayer service planned for Friday? The SGF must disclose that amount as well.

The SGF also confirmed, as we indicated in our original story, that the inauguration will last one week, and include a presidential special session with the youth in Lagos; dinner for Corporate Nigeria, also in Lagos; an exhibition and unveiling of the President's portrait at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre; and the First Lady's banquet for women.

With due respect, we object strongly to this approach. An inauguration is simply an induction into office, the formal transfer of power to an individual; it need not be a costly long-running festival nor a series of open-ended events organized into convoluted books and chapters. This is particularly important in an administration which ought to be conscious of the need to demonstrate credibility, accountability and THRIFT from the first moment. We do not see a portrait, for instance - more appropriate to royalty - has become a critical inauguration item. In fact the First Lady’s planned lavish banquet sets a worrying tone. The President, once empowered, ought to be stepping into the challenge of his job, not stepping out for photo ops in his party attire.

Finally, we wish to remind the Jonathan administration that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognize an office of the First Lady. A “First Lady” is not elected because her husband has been elected. The “First Lady” is simply a social and unofficial title which needs no budget, no structures, no duties, and no pay.

http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/sr-speaks-we-challenge-jonathan-government-tell-us-what-full-cost-jonathan%E2%80%99s-presidential-
Politics › Re: Jonathan's Inauguration To Gulp N5 Billion, Church Service N63 Million by Demdem(m): 8:30am On May 25, 2011
SR Speaks: We Challenge The Jonathan Government To Tell Us: "What Is The Full Cost Of Jonathan’s Presidential Inauguration?"

On May 22, we published a report that the federal government was set to squander an incredible N5 billion (about $32 million) on next Sunday’s inauguration of Mr. Goodluck Jonathan as president.

Our story was penned in the best interests of Nigeria. As evidence of this commitment, we are taking issue with yesterday’s announcement, by Mr. Yayale Ahmed, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who also chairs the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC), that the event will consume N1 billion.

Now, N1billion is no small change.  N1 billion, properly and responsibly deployed, can change the fortunes of several communities and institutions in Nigeria. There is tremendous constructive power, therefore, in N1 billion.

If that were all that the government budgeted for the inauguration, it should raise concerns. An inauguration, in the end, is neither the government nor governance: it is an oath-taking ceremony in which photos are taken and speeches may be made. It is a dignified ceremony, but does not have to be an obscenely expensive one.

But information available to SaharaReporters reveals that the federal government will spend about N5 billion on what is essentially a few minutes of formality.

The SGF told the press: "N830 million is the cost of the 2011 presidential inauguration ceremonies. The initial budget was N1.3 billion and was later reduced to N830 million. However, it may reach N1 billion at the end of the day and I will want you, as journalists, to follow it up for proper auditing and accountability."

SaharaReporters, which was not invited to yesterday’s event, is not that presumptuous to believe that yesterday’s press briefing was in response to its original story.  But we do know that the federal government is not in the habit of briefing the press about events of this nature especially when it had previously used the Nigerian Tribune to reveal that it had planned to spend N500 million on the event a week before.

Perhaps, then, a new day of accountability has dawned.  If that is the case, we suggest that in order to demonstrate its commitment to full disclosure, the government publish the full budget for the inauguration.

In our original story, we wrote as follows: “Presidency sources told SaharaReporters that apart from the series of committees set up by the Office of the SGF, the president's office and that of the First Lady also have their different budgetary expenses for the event.”

The SGF did not contradict this. In the interest of Nigeria, we urge him to disclose the budgets for those “offices,” along with that of the PIC.

In our view, Nigerians deserve to know what is being spent on security, such as the brand new bullet proof vehicles being bought for heads of state and governments and other dignitaries who are invited to the event. The SGF said about 40 heads of state were invited, and it is correct to assume that preparations have been made for all of them even though they may not all attend. We believe that Nigerians deserve to know the cost of new bomb-detection equipment, as well as the expenditure on the Israeli and American security experts and their crew that are being flown in.


Mr. Yayale told the press yesterday that the ministerial sub-committees set up for the inauguration include venues; utilities and souvenirs; football match; musical/cultural festival and fireworks; security; publicity; presidential speeches; swearing-in; accommodation; protocol and airport reception; and finance.

Still left out are the exorbitant expenditures for a flower-filled church service whose bill to the taxpayer will approach a hefty N63 million. How much more will go for the Islamic prayer service planned for Friday? The SGF must disclose that amount as well.

The SGF also confirmed, as we indicated in our original story, that the inauguration will last one week, and include a presidential special session with the youth in Lagos; dinner for Corporate Nigeria, also in Lagos; an exhibition and unveiling of the President's portrait at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre; and the First Lady's banquet for women.

With due respect, we object strongly to this approach.  An inauguration is simply an induction into office, the formal transfer of power to an individual; it need not be a costly long-running festival nor a series of open-ended events organized into convoluted books and chapters. This is particularly important in an administration which ought to be conscious of the need to demonstrate credibility, accountability and THRIFT from the first moment.  We do not see  a portrait, for instance - more appropriate to royalty - has become a critical inauguration item.  In fact the First Lady’s planned lavish banquet sets a worrying tone. The President, once empowered, ought to be stepping into the challenge of his job, not stepping out for photo ops in his party attire.

Finally, we wish to remind the Jonathan administration that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognize an office of the First Lady.  A “First Lady” is not elected because her husband has been elected.  The “First Lady” is simply a social and unofficial title which needs no budget, no structures, no duties, and no pay.

http://www.saharareporters.com/news-page/sr-speaks-we-challenge-jonathan-government-tell-us-what-full-cost-jonathan%E2%80%99s-presidential-

Yayale, up to u,
Politics › Re: Freedom Of Information Bill Passed, Sent To President For Approval! by Demdem(m): 8:06am On May 25, 2011
Beaf:
Fresh Air!!! cool
This is a good development no doubt however rejoice not yet Beaf. its not GEJ initiative in the first instance and he is yet to accent to the bill also.
However, i will like to know the full content of this bill itself. Can anyone help out? I simply dont trust these house guys. They are rogues in my books.

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