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PoliticsBoko Haram: Army Reinstates 2,500 Soldiers, 102 Officers by dont8(op): 12:51am On Aug 24, 2015
https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Colonel-Usman-360x225.jpg
Acting Director, Army Public Relations,
Col. Sani Usman



The Nigerian Army has recalled over 2,500 soldiers who were asked to withdraw from service for alleged offences committed under the counter- insurgency operations code named Operation Zaman Lafiya.

The review panel set up by the Army, which began sitting in Kaduna on August 17, has also screened and reinstated 102 officers, who were sentenced or facing prosecution in relation to the operations in the North-East.

The reinstated soldiers and officers, it was learnt, had commenced retraining at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontangora, Niger State.

The 2,500 soldiers were among the over 4,000 who responded to a memo from the Army authorities inviting soldiers for a review of recent disciplinary cases, which emanated from the counter terrorism operations.

The NA had said on August 1, 2015 that the service would constitute a panel to review all recent disciplinary cases in the service.

But the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, cautioned that the directive to review disciplinary cases should not be mistaken for a “total reinstatement of dismissed and deserter soldiers.”

Our correspondent learnt that more dismissed personnel of the Army might be brought back to the service as the screening panel would continue with the review of cases on Monday (today).

A source in the Nigerian Army, who confided in our correspondent, said, “The panel has cleared 2,500 soldiers who were dismissed from their units for minor offences alleged to have been committed under Operation Zaman Lafiya.

“The review panel also cleared 102 officers who were either asked to withdraw, dismissed or facing prosecution for various offences under the operation.”

The soldiers, who were said to have been conveyed out of the NDA, Kaduna, venue of the review panel, in luxury buses on Saturday are expected to undergo a short retraining exercise as part of the reintegration requirements into the service at the NATRAC, Kotangora.

After the retraining, the Army authorities would screen the affected personnel and re-activate their suspended bank accounts.

It was further learnt that the panel would also review the cases of 66 soldiers who were sentenced to death by firing squad.

The source, who spoke to one of our correspondents on Sunday, said that not all the dismissed soldiers who turned up in Kaduna were lucky to have regained their jobs.

Some of the soldiers, said to have been dismissed about 15 years ago for various offences, were asked to leave the venue of the review panel.

The soldiers were said to have been dismissed from the Army for various offences since the regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

It was learnt that majority of the affected soldiers were dismissed from the service for violating a law said to have forbidden the personnel of the Army from marrying foreigners.

When our correspondent contacted the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, he said that those asked to leave the venue of the review panel were not eligible for the review exercise.

Usman said that they were dismissed from the service for various offences about 15 years ago and were not part of those whose cases were meant for review.

Usman described them as “a group of mischief-makers who should have been arrested and prosecuted for disrupting the peace of the public.”

He said, “The alleged protesting soldiers were no longer soldiers for almost 15 years now.

“They were dismissed for various offences and therefore are not part of those whose disciplinary cases are being reviewed by the committee. Consequently, they are not eligible for the ongoing review.

“They are bunch of mischief makers that need to be arrested and prosecuted for constituting a nuisance to the public. Already the relevant security agencies have been alerted on their activities.”

On the issue of the recall of the officers and men of the Army, he said that he could not give the figure of those screened and cleared.

Usman said that the exercise was ongoing and that the panel was expected to submit its report to relevant authorities.

“This is an ongoing exercise; they want to ensure that justice is done. I cannot give you any figure, the authorities are waiting for the committee’s report; they will conclude sitting very soon,” he added.
http://www.punchng.com/news/boko-haram-army-reinstates-2500-soldiers-102-officers/
PoliticsRe: Mixed Race People Are Not Black by dont8(m): 9:40pm On Aug 23, 2015
PoliticsRe: If Tinubu Supports The Right Person, I’ll Support The Wrong Person — Adams by dont8(op): 2:29am On Aug 23, 2015
One of the unfortunate legacies of the past administration is on the loose again.

This outlaw still thinks he's relevant in the scheme of things in the South West.

I have a song for him though, satan be gone...
PoliticsIf Tinubu Supports The Right Person, I’ll Support The Wrong Person — Adams by dont8(op): 2:20am On Aug 23, 2015
https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Gani-Adams-360x360.jpg
Gani Adams

The National Coordinator of the Oo’dua Peoples Congress, Mr. Gani Adams, on Saturday, berated the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, for antagonising him politically, saying he would never support any candidate supported by the former Lagos State governor.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with SUNDAY PUNCH, Adams stated that his disagreement with Tinubu was beyond politics.

According to the OPC leader, Tinubu’s animosity towards him started in 2011.

He said, “We had some people who left our group because he was financing them to break it (OPC); they couldn’t break it, so they left. We continued to address the issue; even in the media, people were asking what I had with Tinubu, but they couldn’t find any reason. I decided that if I didn’t tell the whole world, my life and integrity would be at stake.

“That was one of the reasons that I decided that if Tinubu goes to A, I will go to B. Somebody who has been working to block my progress for the past seven years; if I support him to be in power, he will do worse. Even though he is supporting the right candidate, I will go for the wrong candidate.”


According to Adams, even within the leadership of the APC, some people were wondering why Tinubu would not leave him alone.

He said, “When I asked around, people told me what he was hammering on was ‘he (Adams) attacked us during the election.’ Did I use thugs to attack him? Is there any report in any police station that the OPC attacked the APC because of the Peoples Democratic Party?”

Adams said he had warned his members not to engage in any violent protests against any APC member prior to the March 28 presidential election. According to him, a day to the March 28 presidential, he had rained curses on his members openly on the Eledumare festival grounds in Ijora.

“I told them that anybody that would allow the APC to attack the OPC would not die well. I said, ‘Now, we are supporting Jonathan as our candidate. But that does not mean we are thugs of the PDP and that does not mean we are members of the PDP. Go to the polling booth, vote, and go back.’

“The late Gani Fawehinmi, stopped representing my group because of Tinubu. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo hates me with a passion because of Tinubu. The former National Vice Chairman, PDP, Bode George could not trust me because of Tinubu. The late former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, before he died, could not trust me because of Tinubu. At a point, Gbenga Daniel was sceptical about me because of Tinubu,” he said.
Cc: Lalasticlala

http://www.punchng.com/news/if-tinubu-supports-the-right-person-ill-support-the-wrong-person-adams/
BusinessRe: Towns Where Banks Don’t Open Except Customers See Armoured Tanks by dont8(op): 11:40pm On Aug 22, 2015
AyeeIdris:
A great thread being ruined by people who won't read but feel the need to comment...not nice

@Op, it's horrible that in 2015, we still experience such. Can't the banks hire their own security.....heavily armed professionals
Don't think they have the capacity to do that for now, we're talking of sophisticated armed robbers.
BusinessRe: Towns Where Banks Don’t Open Except Customers See Armoured Tanks by dont8(op): 9:51pm On Aug 22, 2015
The crumbling business activities

Those who claim to be the worst hit in the situation are business owners, who described their experience as painful. They said the irregular banking activities had negatively affected their businesses, noting that since there was no stable banking operation in the community; people would rather go to Sagamu to withdraw money and buy whatever they needed from there instead of carrying cash around.

When our correspondent made to enter a shop, where paints and some household items were being sold, the attendant, who, seemingly out of boredom, had slept off, suddenly sprang to life and jumped to his feet. To him, a customer had finally come, but he felt disappointed when our correspondent told him that the mission was just to make an enquiry.

Bayo Ajayi, as he later introduced himself, lamented that the banking situation had made business very dull. He said, “In fact, my boss is considering closing down this place, and he has stopped buying items, hoping we would be able to dispose our old stock, because the business is not moving again.

“He used to complain that he couldn’t be paying rent and salary out of no sales. We used to be two but he sacked my colleague about four months ago because he said he was no longer making money and could not be paying salary. So, it’s that bad.”

In another shop that is just a stone throw from the paint shop, a plumbing materials shop, manned by a young lady in her late 20s, the story was the same. Rachael, as she summarily introduced herself, said the bulk of her sales in recent times were little items that might not even be up to N2,000 in a day.

She said, “The spirit of Ijebu Ode has gone. Everything is now dull. This city has lost life. In the past, Ijebu Ode was the centre of commercial activities and people from all the neighbouring communities used to come here and buy things. But now, when people need to withdraw money to buy things, the banks will not be available, as long as there is no APC, even if there are 200,000 policemen. Apart from the fact that these ATMs are not reliable, when it comes to collecting huge sum of money, people don’t really want to use ATM because of the fear of being robbed. So, people now go to Sagamu for their transaction and they buy things from there, and that has affected us greatly.”

At the centre of the town, a foam seller, Mrs. Ojo Abike, wore a gloomy look as she welcomed our correspondent into her shop. Almost all the foams in the shop appeared dusty as if they had been there for a while. Abike wasted no time in calling on the governor of the state to help the community restore its glory.

“How can a community like this not have banks that are fully operational? Apart from the two FCMB branches that work from 9am to 4pm, others work only when there is APC and once it leaves, they shut their doors.

“As you can imagine, business has been very slow. I can’t even remember the last time I sold goods worth N20,000, and I have to pay rent and the salary of my workers. In the last one year, I have had to tell two of my workers to go because there was no need keeping them. So, it’s really a serious situation,” she said.

Once upon a vibrant community

As the second largest city in Ogun State, taking after Abeokuta, the state capital, Ijebu Ode used to be the trade centre of the entire area, until a few years ago when armed robbery incidents almost brought the commercial activities in the town to its knee. In fact, it’s on record that Ijebu Ode and its environs have the highest rate of bank robberies in the state, and not even the setting up of a local vigilance group could totally check the scourge.

The sad occurrence which has now metamorphosed into a rude awakening that the residents now battle with today, dates back to 2009 when armed robbers invaded some banks at the Folagbade area on the popular Ibadan Road, carting away millions of naira whilst wasting innocent lives.

After the incident, which forced most of the banks to close for several months, there have been series of attempts by these robbers to carry out robbery operations in the area again, putting the town under severe fear of attack. Hence, the commercial advantage that the town used to boast of is gradually eroding due to these attacks and the failed attempts.

Not even the neighbouring communities like Ijebu Igbo and Ago Iwoye have been spared of the attacks, as some robbers, said to be armed to the teeth, also invaded a bank in Ijebu Igbo in October 2009, killing the manager of the bank and a security man while carting away millions of naira.

Also, on October 26, 2010, about 20 armed robbers stormed Ijebu Ode with a rocket launcher and sophisticated weapons to rob some banks but the operation was foiled by policemen who were able to kill two of the robbers.

In 2011, several students were killed at Olabisi Onabanjo University when about 12 armed robbers attacked the banks within the school premises. The list of these attacks and the several attempts seem endless, which have considerably implanted serious fear in the banks, forcing them to either shut their doors or operate in a skeletal manner.

Some students of OOU who spoke to Saturday Punch said that in spite of the numerous banks in the town, there were times they had been stranded, pointing out that the ATMs that should have been an alternative, do not work all the time.

The evasive but affordable solution

As disturbing as the situation is for the residents of these troubled areas, they argue that the solution to the incessant armed robberies in the areas would be to increase the number of available APCs in the affected areas.

A security man in one of the banks noted that since the banks would not open unless they see an APC, the state government should make more APCs available and make sure they stay from 8am to 4pm so the banks can work fully.

“It is only during riot that you see them bringing out the APCs. The governor bought one for us before the election and the banking situation here improved, but since after the election, we didn’t see it again. It was alleged that he withdrew it because people in Ijebu Ode didn’t vote for him. That is not fair. Let him or the police authorities buy more APCs to secure the banks here and things will get better for us,” he said.

Police reacts

Meanwhile, a senior executive in Skye Bank, who spoke with our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, explained that the banks in Ijebu Ode had not been able to operate normally because of the spate of armed robberies in the axis in the past, adding that the banks would need more than promises by the police to be assured.

He said, “The robbery attacks in Ijebu Ode axis in the past was one too many and they happened in quick succession. So, that the banks only operate if there is APC in site is traceable to security.

“However, what will fasttrack normal operation by the banks is if the bankers’ council in the area can meet with the police authorities in the area and there is an assurance of a 24-hour security. Until then, I’m not sure any bank wants to take the risk.



Ekiti residents sing same song


While the residents of Ijebu Ode and its environs continue to lick their wounds, people in Oye-Ekiti and some other neighbouring towns in Ekiti State sure have similar story to tell. The only major bank in the community (with the other being a cash centre) may not need an APC before it operates, but since armed robbers ransacked the bank few years ago, it has had to limit its operations.

When our correspondent visited the communities to verify the claims by some residents that withdrawals from the bank serving them could take longer than imagined, it was a sorry situation. It also used to be a vibrant bank, until it was robbed sometime ago, forcing it to streamline its activities.

Because of the fear of robbers, it was learnt that the bank no longer take cash delivery either from its main branch in Ado-Ekiti or the Central Bank of Nigeria, as it sometimes relies on cash deposit from customers to pay those who want to withdraw. Thus, withdrawing a lump sum from the bank may be a problem.

On visiting the bank one Tuesday morning, around 9:45am, the long queue at the entrance was unsettling while the one at the ATM was also worrisome. It was a waiting game for all.

Even though the banking hall cries for expansion, our correspondent squeezed his way through the angry but patient customers to the cashier and sought to withdraw N200,000. The cashier, apparently dazed, knowing such money was not available at that moment, simply asked if it was an urgent withdrawal “because we don’t have up to that yet. So, if it’s urgent you can go to Ado, but if it’s not, you can wait till around 2pm.”

The cashier’s response underscores the situation in the bank, whereby customers who wish to make large withdrawals either exercise patience or go to the state capital, which is about 45 minutes drive.

On stepping out of the bank for some fresh air, there she was at a corner, looking very unsettled as she sat on the pavement at the entrance of the bank. Even though she had lectures to attend in school; Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Muinat Adewole, 28, had other pressing things in mind and going for lectures was the last thing on her mind at that time.

Adewole needed to withdraw N150,000 that she would deposit for the caesarean operation that was to be carried out on her sister at a nearby private hospital where she was waiting in the labour room. But on getting to the bank, having travelled from Iye-Ekiti in Ilejemeje Local Government for about 30 minutes, she was told there was no cash and that she should either wait or go to Ado.

Since the hospital did not have a POS terminal and all she had was a cheque and then again, the bank had no money at that time, she cried, apparently for the sake of her sister.

“The cashier told me that all I could get at that moment was N40,000 and that I would need to wait till around 1pm or I should go to Ado,” she said.

Confused and lost as to what to do, coupled with the fact that she had little cash left, she resorted to crying, hoping someone would either come into the bank to deposit a large sum or someone would help her with the transport fare to travel to Ado. At about 2:34pm, when she realised that waiting was not the way to go, and with the help of few sympathisers who helped her with a little cash, she left the premises for the state capital.

As Adewole would later tell our correspondent on the phone, even though she met a long queue at the bank, occasioned by travellers from other towns who had no option than to travel to the state capital for their transactions, she was able to make the payment.

She said, “When I was in the bus, I had to resort to prayers because one of the nurses in the hospital told me that they wouldn’t do anything until they saw the evidence of deposit. She told me they had done such before and it became a problem because the patient and her family failed to pay the money later.”

The bank, which used to be the last resort for people in the area, seems to have lost its sparkle since the armed robbery incident, in which large sums of money was reportedly carted away by the robbers. It was learnt that the bank was out of operation for some time after the incident.

An official of the bank who spoke to Saturday Punch on the condition of anonymity explained that the bank had to reduce its cash reserve to dissuade robbers from attacking it again.

He said, “We had to reduce our cash reserve since the time we were robbed in 2013 and one of the ways to do that was to reduce the cash we receive from Ado. Sometimes, we only use what we get from customers as deposits to pay those who are withdrawing. Of course, it was a tough decision, knowing that it would affect our operations, but it was necessary, otherwise we could have been robbed again. This is a very small branch, and it is just like a subsidiary of the one at Ado. So, people have to bear with us.”

Many banks forced into oblivion by armed robbers

Interestingly, there are many banks in the neighbouring communities of Oye-Ekiti, including a Spring Bank in the town itself, First Bank at Ikole-Ekiti, First Bank and FCMB in Ifaki-Ekiti. But then, some of them have reportedly been forced to either remain closed or risk being robbed. One of the banks had to relocate to the state capital, and when our correspondent visited the premises, there was a ‘To Let’ board on the gate already.

Notably, the First Bank in Ikole-Ekiti, which had been closed since it was robbed sometime in 2014, just reopened about five days ago. Before it was opened, people in the community were compelled to travel to the state capital for their banking operations because not even the new bank in the community could provide a robust alternative due to the endless queues.

Also at Ifaki-Ekiti, the First Bank has remained closed since it was robbed sometime ago. The bank was first robbed in 2012, but after the second robbery incident, the bank had refused to open its doors to customers. Hence, residents of the community also have to travel to the state capital to do any banking transaction.

Police react

Commenting on the situation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, DSP Albert Adeyemi, while responding to the issue of bank closure in the state over fears of armed robberies, dismissed the claim, saying there was adequate security in the state such that any bank that wanted to open for business could do so without any fear.

He added, “The state is secure. If the banks are not working, perhaps there are other issues they need to resolve, but definitely not because of insecurity or the fear of being robbed. So, banks should stop using insecurity as an excuse, because there is security in Ekiti State. When they are ready to open, they should inform us and we will post policemen there.”

Also, his Ogun State counterpart, Muyiwa Adejobi, pointed out that with the security arrangement the police had put in place in Ijebu axis, there should be nothing to worry about. He urged the banks to believe in the police and go about their normal duties.

He said, “I’m not aware that banks are not operating fully in that axis. All I know is that everything is well in Ijebu Ode because we have adequate security on ground there. There are three Armoured Personnel Carriers in Ijebu axis alone; one in each of Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Igbo and Ago Iwoye, and we have over 100 mobile policemen there.

“Also, the state commissioner of police has mandated the area commanders to have Bank Convoy Patrol, which comprises about seven patrol teams and each of the teams comprises seven armed-to-the-teeth men, who are on constant patrol in those three towns, mainly to protect banks.

“Even if the APC in Ijebu Ode is not enough, the distance from there to Ijebu Igbo is about 20 minutes and an APC could move as fast as 400km/h. So, that distance won’t take an APC more than 10 minutes.

“So, if with all those arrangement, banks still operate like that, maybe they have psychological projection. They just believe that there is no security without an APC, which is wrong. I think the bankers should just believe in the police and the security arrangement we have on ground that nothing will happen.”

Cc: Lalasticlala

http://www.punchng.com/feature/super-saturday-feature/towns-where-banks-dont-open-except-customers-see-armoured-tanks/
BusinessTowns Where Banks Don’t Open Except Customers See Armoured Tanks by dont8(op): 9:51pm On Aug 22, 2015
https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Customers-waiting-for-a-bank-to-open-after-the-arrival-of-an-armoured-personnel-carrier-360x270.jpg
Customers waiting for a bank to open after the
arrival of an armoured personnel carrier


She sat on one edge of the gutter that runs through the frontage of the bank, looking unsettled, whilst defying the scorching sun. The black nylon bag in her left hand seemed like a treasure that she needed to guard with her life, thus, she held tightly to it, occasionally placing it between her legs.

She needed to use the bank; deposit a large sum of money, which was the proceeds of her sales in her beer parlour the previous night, but the banks would not open that early, even at 10:00am. But in order not to spend the whole day on the queue, she needed to come early and sit around until 11am when the banks would open. It was the same experience at the frontage of most of the other banks within the premises.

On a brief enquiry why there were so many people standing outside, she said, “Banks don’t open early in Ijebu Ode o, unless they see Armoured Personnel Carrier. That is why we are here waiting for the policemen so the banks can open.”

At short intervals, Mrs. Akomolede Victoria, as she later introduced herself, kept checking her wristwatch, while the number of other customers arriving and waiting for the bank to open kept increasing.


https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/An-Armoured-Personnel-Carrier-parked-close-to-the-banks.jpg
An Armoured Personnel Carrier parked close
to the banks



While some stood in their twos and threes, lamenting what had become of the town in terms of commercial activities, some others who appeared indifferent, exchanged banter as a few others sought where they could relax until it was time. Time check was 10:30am.


Hawkers of food items and sellers of edible items in nearby shops took advantage of the crowd to make some money as they moved from one bank to the other with their wares.

As the morning slowly fades out into noontime, evidenced by the increasing human and vehicular movement and the early morning sun, the number of customers gathering in front of all the commercial banks on the popular Ibadan Road, which is about the commercial nerve centre of the ancient city of Ijebu Ode, kept increasing.

As the time inched closer to 11am, with about 10 minutes remaining, the customers, in their hundreds, hurriedly stood up and inched closer to the entrance of the banks, all set for the quick rush that was to take place thereafter. The siren that would signal the arrival of the armoured tank was all they were waiting for and it was what the banks also needed before they could open their doors to customers.

True to their expectation and the amazement of our correspondent, at 11:01am, the faint sound of siren heralded the arrival of the APC. It grew louder and became almost deafening as it moved around with fierce-looking, gun-brandishing policemen until it parked opposite the Zenith Bank, its usual parking spot, as our correspondent later found out.


https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Customers-waiting-at-the-entrance-of-a-bank-pending-the-arrival-of-armoured-personnel-carrier.jpg
Customers waiting at the entrance of a bank
pending the arrival of armoured personnel carrier



Spontaneously, the banks’ workers, who had resumed at 8am but had remained inside for fear of being robbed, rolled up their sleeves and prepared for the day’s work. They began opening their doors but the rush that followed was incredible!

To say the least, it was shocking to any visitor but a norm to other residents. Both the old and young threw caution to the wind as they made to join the queue at the entrance of the bank. The reason for the rush was simple; the banks would only operate for three hours and close at 2pm when the APC leaves the premises.

There were minor injuries but they didn’t seem bothered by that. All that mattered to them at that moment was to enter the bank and they did everything possible to achieve that.

As strange as it sounds, this is the reality of the helpless residents of Ijebu Ode in Ogun State, where banking activities only run from 11am to 2pm, and only if there is the armoured personnel carrier. It was gathered that in the absence of the APC, none of the 15 banks in the town would open, apart from the two branches of the First City Monument Bank in the town, which, it was learnt, had consistently operated within the normal working hours.

“There were times the banks will not even open at all, once they don’t see the APC and we would have no choice than to either use the automated teller machine, which rarely works, or we go to Sagamu,” a resident told Saturday PUNCH.

The crowded banking halls


When our correspondent entered one of the banks around 12pm, the banking hall was filled to capacity with queues. The crowd and the attendant long queues were simply unsettling, and the tellers, customer care officers, and other members of staff saddled with the responsibility of attending to people, were all red-faced due to the pressure from the teeming customers.

“Please be fast o, because it will soon be 2:00pm,” some customers occasionally reminded the workers, since the banks usually close around 2pm when the APC leaves the town.


https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Customers-besiege-one-of-the-banks-after-it-opened-for-operation.jpg
Customers besiege one of the banks after
it opened for operation



Across the counter, a cashier who, appeared to have lost touch with the need to smile to her customers, grudgingly answered a question posed by our correspondent on when they would close to customers since they didn’t open early enough. She answered, “Oga, we close by 2pm. These three hours is like working from 8am to 4pm or even more than that. You can see the crowd. Once the APC leaves, we shut the door and we will only attend to those that are already inside.”

In four other banks visited by our correspondent, the story was the same, and in some cases, people had to wait outside because the banking halls were full. Not even Ijebu Igbo that is about 20mins away could offer a robust alternative because there are just three banks in the community with one bank having two branches.

In fact, when our correspondent visited the community, there was also a stationed APC adjacent one of the banks in the town. Even at Ago Iwoye that is about 15minutes from Ijebu Igbo, not all the banks in the community are working, all because of the fear of armed robbers.

Some customers in Ijebu Ode who spoke to our correspondent lamented the difficulty they had been going through because of the skeletal mode of operation by the banks, saying it had been a tortuous experience. A civil servant, Mrs. Obafemi Esther, said she was already planning to move to a neighbouring town where banking operations would be relatively better.

She said, “You can imagine that I don’t have access to my salary anytime I wish to, because sometimes the queue in the bank could be tiring and they operate within a specified time. If not for the increased armed robbery incidents on the Sagamu Road, I would have been going to Sagamu for my banking activities, because even the ATMs are not reliable.”
RomanceRe: Between A Guy And A Girl, Who Will Easily Fall For Seduction? by dont8(m): 7:45pm On Aug 22, 2015
FamilyRe: Response To "My Children Will Not Suffer What I Suffered" Post by dont8(m):
Good points, I read the write-up of yesterday and I think both of you had a point depending on the angle you view it from and most especially the type of upbringing each individual had.

I understand that we should not over-pamper our kids but what's wrong with giving them a helping hand?
This is the point the other thread was trying to redress in the first place.
PoliticsRe: So, What Has Happened In 100 Days? by dont8(op): 7:42pm On Aug 21, 2015
donholy28:
Google is your friend... but I believe its better u don't promise than promise what u know u can't do
Did you just say what he cannot do?

Keep calm, it's even less than the 100 days for him to be assessed.
PoliticsRe: So, What Has Happened In 100 Days? by dont8(op):
donholy28:
He was the one claiming magician by promising all these…nobody forced him
Oh I didn't know, but I thought he has the mandate of Nigerians for four years and can you provide the link to where he promised $1 = #1?
PoliticsRe: So, What Has Happened In 100 Days? by dont8(op): 7:10am On Aug 21, 2015
donholy28:
That's the question we need to ask Buhari...all he said he will do,he hasn't done anyone.
Dollar is not equal to naira
Boko haram is still there
No jobs have been provided
No 5k a month to all youths
......now his puppets come and defend him
And in your dream you think he can achieve all you listed in just 100 days in office?

You must be a magician yourself to think of that, mind you he never promised to make Dollar equal to Naira in the first place so get your facts right.
PoliticsSo, What Has Happened In 100 Days? by dont8(op):
By: Azubuike Ishiekwene

It’s not exactly on the mark yet, but it would be on September 5. President Muhammadu Buhari will be 100 days in office and the question will be, what has he done for us lately? From what I hear, the president is not a huge fan of this 100 days business.

He is aware that he is expected to perform the biblical equivalent of feeding 180 million people with five loaves and two fish but I guess he is also uncomfortable with being taken hostage by popular milestones.

Yet, there are at least two reasons why he cannot escape it this time. One, since former US president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, tried to save America from the Great Depression with remarkable work done in his first 100 days in office, that record has become a common standard by which public officers are judged.

Two, shortly before the presidential election in March, a document, said to be Buhari’s 100 day covenant with voters, was widely circulated and taken to be, well, Buhari’s covenant. It has turned out that it is not.

The document, which covered nearly everything – from corruption to insecurity and the Niger Delta, and from agriculture to diversity and a promise to publicly declare his assets – was neither issued by Buhari nor signed by him.

But since it has taken nearly 100 days for this to come to light, a disclaimer would be even more embarrassing as we have seen with the assets issue.

So, he is stuck. A combination of history and accident compels us to ask the question, what has happened in 100 days?

If the spokesperson of the opposition PDP, Oliseh Metuh, were in the room, your guess is as good as mine what his response would be.

He would say it’s been a 100 days of witch-hunt, flip-flop and motion without movement. This response would be consistent with the excerpt from a popular online diary kept for former President Goodluck Jonathan by his supporters when he travelled briefly out of the country in July.

The diary, under the heading, “While you were away,” gave the ridiculous impression that the country was missing Jonathan so badly it was on the verge of collapse. While he was away, Boko Haram had seized half of the country. While he was away, Buhari bailed out some states despite complaining of an empty treasury. While he was away, Buhari launched a massive witch-hunt against those who served in the last administration.

It was pure Fayosespeak.

In the last 100 days, Buhari has dealt with a few issues rather awkwardly: the flip-flop on a few high level appointments; the delay in key appointments – for which the Barack Obama example was an incorrect reference, and the poor handling of the sharing of offices in his party, which has had a knock-on effect on pace and cohesion.

Yet, the while-you-were-away diary couldn’t have been for anyone who lived in the country in the last 16 years of the Peoples Democratic Party during which Jonathan was here as deputy governor, governor, vice president, acting president and president.

It would be dishonest to assess the last 100 days without taking into account what happened in the last 16 years under PDP, especially the five on Jonathan’s watch.

The former president came to power under very difficult circumstances and a number of the serious problems he inherited, including widespread kidnappings, decaying infrastructure and Boko Haram, predated him.

But the problems also presented opportunities.

His predecessor, Umaru Yar’Adua, had laid the foundation for peace in the Niger Delta, curtailing years of violence that had reduced oil production by nearly 50 percent; the power sector reform was confused but redeemable, as were the institutions charged with fighting corruption.

To top off his luck, crude oil prices remained at around $100 for four straight years. Confidence in the economy grew and the foreign reserves peaked at $46billion in 2013. Jonathan seized his spell of luck – or, more correctly, allowed his cronies to seize it – but not for lifting the burdens of the millions who voted him into office and the country that looked up to him for service.

Instead, he stretched his luck almost exclusively for a presidency of five and a half, comprising four women, some cowboys and the rest of us.

The result is that, by the time we were rid of him in May, he left behind a country robbed to a strand of hair and fighting for its very life.

It’s fair to argue that Buhari should – or ought to – have known what he was asking for. Why did he come to the party unprepared? This argument underestimates the shock, fear and desperate response of Jonathan’s government when it became clear that the administration was finally on its way out. In those final days, the modus operandi in everything, including the transition programme, became ‘whatever cannot be made difficult must be obfuscated’.

Still, some progress has been made in 100 days. Terror attacks have not abated significantly, but for the first time in years, we have in place a government that is serious and determined to win the war. That message is resonating with our soldiers in the frontlines and our neighbours and partners in the war.

Power supply has improved remarkably. On the day of Buhari’s inauguration, the total power generated in the country was 3,155 megawatts. It was 4,067.1 megawatts on Monday. And in-between both values a new peak generation of 4,545 megawatts was recorded on July 7. The improvements have more to do with a change in attitude than anything else.

Impunity is in regress, confidence is growing and thieves are running even when no one’s chasing them – yet. These may be small, small steps but a feeling of confidence, of knowing that there is someone in charge, is crucial to long-term success.

Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah has been getting the stick for reportedly saying that, for stepping down, Jonathan should get a free ride even if he and his friends stole all the money. That was a mistimed hyperbole.

Stealing was not just a small part of the 16 years of PDP; it was the overriding purpose of government, which reached its golden era in the last five years.

In contemplating the last 100 days, the point for me is not whether Buhari has done anything at all; it is that we have been saved the utterly disastrous prospect of another four years of Jonathan.

That is not just Buhari’s greatest achievement; it’s our collective redemption song.


Cc: Lalasticlala
PoliticsRe: "I Will Continue To Be Grateful To General Sani Abacha":Governor Fayose(Pics) by dont8(m): 9:05pm On Aug 20, 2015
bebene:
Ameen. but since he is dead his judgement is now with god.
You are right, good riddance to...
PoliticsRe: "I Will Continue To Be Grateful To General Sani Abacha":Governor Fayose(Pics) by dont8(m): 6:59pm On Aug 20, 2015
bebene:
yes there is good and bad part of every person he got this credit, may his sole continue to rest in perfect peace.Ameen
His evil far outweigh his good deeds.

Never again should we have such a person as a leader.
CelebritiesRe: The Amazing Story Of The Mcghees Sextuplets In Pictures (photos) by dont8(m): 6:49pm On Aug 20, 2015
First time I saw this picture way back, I thought it was photoshopped, now I know better.

Lovely children, God is really wonderful.
CelebritiesRe: Celebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op): 3:02pm On Aug 15, 2015
Honorable mention in Nollywood:

MIKE EZURUONYE & NONSO DIOBU

CHINEDU IKEDIEZE & OSITA IHEME

JUNIOR POPE & ZUBBY MICHAEL

YUL EDOCHIE & NONSO DIOBU
CultureRe: Drama At Ooni’s Palace: Wives, Children Barred From Ooni’s Burial by dont8(op): 2:56pm On Aug 15, 2015
mbhs139:
Osogbo is not a land, it is a town
I think a town can also be called a land.
PoliticsRe: Old Photo Of General Babangida, Lt. Col Dimka And Their Coursemates As Cadets by dont8(m): 6:35am On Aug 15, 2015
And one of them became devil evil genius undecided
CultureDrama At Ooni’s Palace: Wives, Children Barred From Ooni’s Burial by dont8(op):
The final burial rites of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, was performed on Friday, but his wives, children and family members were unable to pay their last respects as they were barred from the programme.



https://punch.cdn.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Late-Oba-Okunade-Sijuwade-360x225.jpgResidents at the entrance of Ile Oodua during the inter-religious farewell service
in honour of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, in Ile-Ife, Osun State… on Friday. Inset: Late Oba Okunade Sijuwade.



The final burial rites of the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, was performed on Friday, but his wives, children and family members were unable to pay their last respects as they were barred from the programme.

Some other people who had expected to see the body of the monarch lie in state were also disappointed as his remains were neither brought out for people to see nor was any casket displayed during the burial service.

The event was attended by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo (retd.), Gen. Alani Akinriande (retd.), Senator Babajide Omoworare, Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko and many other dignitaries and government representatives.

Traditional prayers were offered for the late monarch by Tadimole Awo Ilare, Chief Faloba. The event was conducted in less than three hours.

A source at the palace told one of our correspondents that no member of the royal family was allowed to see the remains of the monarch since he was brought back to the palace.


He said, “As we are holding this interdenominational service here, those concerned are performing their own rites inside the palace where the body is kept.

“You can see that the gates of the palace are locked and nobody is allowed to go inside. Nobody can see him again except those who will bury him.

“The wives and children were not even supposed to see his corpse at all but tradition was broken this time around because he (Sijuwade) died in London. But no family member can see him again. Those performing the rites are there now and they will complete it today (Friday). He will be buried in the middle of the night, but nobody will be there apart from those who will lower him into the grave.”

The source said those who saw the bodies of the previous Oonis were attacked by smallpox and did not survive the ailment.

A monarch in Osun State, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to one of our correspondents that traditional rulers of the town went to various shrines, including the Obalufon shrine in Ife to perform some rites for Sijuwade on Friday.

He said the traditional rulers later went into Ooni’s palace shortly before an interdenominational burial service for the king commenced on the palace premises.

The monarch said, “Nobody can see the Ooni, not even the US President, Barrack Obama. We are with him. It’s only the initiates who can see him. His wives and children cannot see him.”

During the service, the Preacher, Bishop of Ife Diocese of Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Oluranti Odubogun, said despite his riches, Oba Sijuwade died when it was God’s time to take him away.

The bishop, who was represented by the Very Rev. Olusola Akanbi, said the Ooni brought fame and popularity to his domain.

His said the monarch’s demise demonstrated that every mortal man would die no matter their status.

He said, “Baba has gone. He will stand before the King of Kings who will judge what he did while here on earth.

“Some persons have started jostling to succeed him now but we must all remember the judgement day when we will give account of all that we did on earth.

“I urge you to make today a memorable one and give your life to Christ. Jesus is the only way, accept him today.”

But as the interdenominational service was about to take off, there was a mild drama as worshippers of Oro cult in Ife, also called Isoro, stormed the venue and attempted to stop the service. The worshippers claimed that it was a sacrilege to hold an interdenominational service for the departed king. And as the service went on outside the palace, the traditional worshippers sang and danced inside the palace.

Women barred

Also, our correspondents learnt that as part of the palace tradition and custom, women are forbidden from entering the palace while traditional rites are being performed for a passing monarch.

As the interdenominational service was going on, sounds of gunshots suddenly rent the air, making some of those present at the service to scamper for safety.

A reliable source told Saturday PUNCH that more gunshots would be fired later in the day, as from 5.00 pm, adding that curfew to last for seven days would start by 4.00 pm on Friday.

One of the palace chiefs, Sooko Adelugba, told one of our correspondents that many parts of the town had already been deserted by residents who were eager to comply with the curfew as announced by the palace.

One of the initiates told one of our correspondents who had tried to interview him that it was an abomination to speak publicly of traditional rites offered for a departed Ooni.

His final resting place

Meanwhile, fresh facts have emerged as to why the monarch would be buried beside the immediate past Ooni, Oba Adesoji Aderemi.

It was gathered that the cemetery inside the palace, where other Oonis were buried, was full, which informed the decision to build a mausoleum inside the palace for Oba Aderemi.

The mausoleum is said to be located at the rear end of the palace.

A palace source said the final resting place of Sijuwade had been constructed in the mausoleum, adding that the cemetery inside the palace is called Ile Nla (mighty house).

Traditionalists clash with residents

The worshippers of Oro cult in Ife, also called ‘Isoro’, clashed with residents who were erecting tents for the interdenominational burial service at the frontage of Enuwa Palace.

A prominent chief in Ife, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the ‘Isoro’ descended on the people who erected the tents because they (initiates) wanted to observe a seven-day burial rites for the departed king.

The chief said, “The ‘Isoro’ saw the erection of tents for an interdenominational burial service as a sacrilege against custom and tradition.

“They descended on the people erecting the tents and flogged them heavily. They destroyed the tents and swore never to allow anybody do any interdenominational service at the palace.”

The chief revealed that the state government had to wade into the crisis before the service was allowed.

He said, “It took the intervention of officials of the state government, who appealed to the ‘Isoro’ to allow the people to hold the interdenominational service before the issue was resolved. If not for the intervention of the state government, the interdenominational service would not have been allowed.”

Meanwhile, Saturday PUNCH learnt that Sijuwade’s family members flew to see his body immediately after he transited in a highbrow hospital in England.

Investigation by Saturday PUNCH revealed that Sijuwade’s eldest son, Tokunbo, and some other family members flew to England immediately the monarch breathed his last to join the king’s three wives, Morisola, Ladun and Odunola – who were already there.

Morisola is the eldest wife, Ladun is the second wife and Odunola, who is the daughter of the immediate past Orangun of Ila, is the youngest wife.

It was learnt that the family members flew down to England to pay their last respect to the departed monarch.

The Araba of Osogbo land, Chief Yemi Elebuibon, who spoke with one of our correspondents on Friday, disclosed that the corpse of the Ooni belonged to Ile-Ife and not his family.

He said, “The traditional burial rites of the kings of Ile-Ife and Oyo are strictly complied with and they are comprehensive.

“When the Ooni dies, the body becomes that of the town. The ‘Isoro’ cult group will take over. The ‘Isoro’ initiates are the ones who worship the ‘Oro’ deity.

“It is the ‘Isoro’ people that would inform the various deities, who were worshipped and appeased when the Ooni was crowned, that he (the monarch) is no more.

“It’s a rite. Nothing must stop it.”

The Araba dispelled the belief that the heart of the late king would be fed to the next Ooni.

He said, “The eating of the heart of a departed King by an incoming one belonged to the past. It no longer exists. People still make this insinuation because many are barred from witnessing the burial of a king.

“What the incoming king will eat is the heart of an animal and not that of a human. Nobody would be buried with the Ooni. Nobody would be killed for any form of sacrifice.”

Elebuibon explained that animals are now used for the burial rites of Yoruba Obas because of modernisation, noting that Christianity and Islam also stopped the use of humans for sacrifice when God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac.

Let Sijuwade rest

As the guests who attended the interdenominational service departed, a man in white robe and a white cap appeared at the palace entrance and told some of the people around the gate to leave the vicinity of the palace and allow the monarch to rest.

He said, “The service is over, it is time for you all to start going. Leave the palace and let Sijuwade rest. You are warned to leave.”

Meanwhile, a cleric, Evangelist Toluwase Akeredolu, had disputed insinuations that Sijuwade, as a prominent monarch, was in the cult. Akeredolu had said that Oba Sijuwade died as a born-again Christian.

Akeredolu said this on July 29 after the transition of the monarch was announced by the media.

The cleric, an evangelist with the Christ Apostolic Church, said the monarch had few weeks before his transition, confessed all his sins to God after he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to him.

Akeredolu said he was privileged to have ministered to the monarch few weeks before his death.

He said, “Oba Sijuwade told the congregation at the last crusade we organised in Ile-Ife that he had forsaken sins and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal saviour. He confessed publicly that he would live the rest of his life to serve the Almighty God.

“During the revival, Oba Sijuwade said he had committed the rest of his lifetime to Christ, the saviour of all and had sung the popular song ‘All to Jesus, I surrender.’”

It will be recalled that the late monarch dropped the title of ‘Oluaye’ (owner of the universe) in 2010 in deference to the Almighty God.”
Cc: Lalasticlala

http://www.punchng.com/news/drama-at-oonis-palace-wives-children-barred-from-oonis-burial/
CelebritiesRe: Celebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op):
https://f.tqn.com/y/friendship/1/L/g/-/-/-/82571800.jpg
Brad Pitt and George Clooney have starred
in several movies together and share an interest
in activism.


* Brad Pitt and George Clooney: Pitt and Clooney are talented actors and have bonded over their devotion to social issues. Both men seem to have a down-to-earth attitude when it comes to their fame and fortune. Watching them together, as they were on-screen in Ocean's 11 (and its sequels), made us feel as if we were part of their bromance.


~ What we can learn: Friends can help inspire you to get involved. It's hard to ignore the issues in the world when your friend is actively working to make a difference. Check out these real life positive acts for ideas on start a kindness mission of your own. Doing so may help you bond with someone else that shares your passion.


Ijebabe and Dont8 They were lovers friends since 1920DC
cheesy


http://friendship.about.com/od/Friendship-In-Culture/tp/Celebrity-Friendships-And-What-We-Can-Learn-From-Them.htm?utm_source=zergnet&utm_medium=tcg&utm_campaign=zergnet-test-645418


Cc: Lalasticlala
CelebritiesRe: Celebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op):
https://f.tqn.com/y/friendship/1/L/f/-/-/-/2649436.jpg
Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor were thought of as an
odd pair of celebrity friends


* Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor: The friendship between the King of Pop and one of Hollywood's true icons struck many people as odd. But Jackson and Taylor both understood what it was like to be in the media spotlight from a young age, and this helped bond them together.

In the days following Taylor's death, Jackson's brother Tito acknowledged her friendship to Michael, saying, "Most memorable is her steadfast loyalty and unwavering friendship to my late brother Michael Jackson. Liz provided a sense of relief and comfort to my brother at various difficult times in his life, and I appreciate that, may she rest in peace."


~ What we can learn: Reach out to people and show them kindness. You may find a true blue pal you would have never otherwise connected with. Check out these random acts of kindness ideas for friends.
CelebritiesRe: Celebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op):
https://f.tqn.com/y/friendship/1/L/e/-/-/-/73865112.jpg
Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox became friends on the set
of their hit TV show



* Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox: In the friendship between Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox, life truly imitated art. They were cast as best pals on the show Friends and became BFFs in real life. Aniston is even godmother to Cox's daughter, Coco.


~ What we can learn: Work can be a great place to meet new friends so don't be afraid to get to know your coworkers.
CelebritiesRe: Celebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op):
https://f.tqn.com/y/friendship/1/L/c/-/-/-/98936358.jpg
Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King have kept their
friendship strong for three decades


*Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King : Oprah and Gayle King have been friends since their early 20s, so they have seen each other through relationships and career highs and lows. Oprah credits King with keeping her sane, and has continued to include Gayle in her success.


~ What we can learn: Don't leave your pals behind. Look at your friendships as the key ingredients in your growth as a person. As your life evolves, make sure to bring your friends up with you.
CelebritiesCelebrity Friendships And What We Can Learn From Them by dont8(op):
A Look at Famous Friends and How They Keep Their Friendships Strong



Why are celebrity friendships so fascinating? Many celebs have BFFs that have lasted several years, which is unusual by Hollywood standards. Here are five celebrity pairs of friends and what we can learn from each of them.



https://f.tqn.com/y/friendship/1/L/d/-/-/-/75662671.jpg
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been
friends since they were kids



*Ben Affleck and Matt Damon: Who could forget the moment Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Oscar for writing Good Will Hunting? They each took their moms to the awards show (which was so very cute) and it was hard to be cynical about two actors who wrote an excellent screenplay rather than complain about the lack of good parts available.

In addition to being best pals, Ben and Matt are one of our favorite celebrity bromances.

~ What we can learn: You don't need to compete with a friend. Even though Damon got the bigger part in Good Will Hunting, both his and Affleck's careers skyrocketed after winning their joint Oscar. They were (and are) best friends and this helped them collaborate to create a wonderful screenplay.



TravelRe: Photos From The Helicopter Crash In Lagos- Metronaija by dont8(m): 8:02pm On Aug 12, 2015
Realist2:
May be those one did not vote for Ambode.
That's insensitive of you, please amend your comment.
TravelRe: Photos From The Helicopter Crash In Lagos- Metronaija by dont8(m): 6:41pm On Aug 12, 2015
Heard three people died in the crash.

Rest in peace to the dead victims and quick recovery to the rescued ones.
PoliticsRe: Why I No Longer Support Buhari-NgeneUkwenu by dont8(m): 7:39pm On Aug 10, 2015
Caseless:
You scared me meh.
Same here, I thought the spirit of Barcanista has finally descended on her, thank God!
Nairaland GeneralPoverty Mentality Of Nigerians And The Ripple Effect by dont8(op): 1:54pm On Aug 09, 2015
By: Buwa Meldrick Memeh

It is true that when a man stays in the dark for too long, he begins to see clearly and this is the case with most Nigerians living in poverty. It is no news that 69 percent of Nigeria’s population leave in abject poverty but painfully a lot have accepted it as a way of life to the extent that they regard wealth as the prerogative of a selected few.

Take a look at the last election; I found it ludicrous seeing Nigerians struggle for face caps and T-shirts. Some political contestants shared tin-tomatoes, rice and other items but I must admit that these petty items successfully bought the conscience of some electorates. It is in this country politicians claim heroic status by customizing sachet toothpaste and with guts throw biscuits to people on the streets while they wave two fingers in the air from their open roof stretched cars and in excitement people fall over each other to pick biscuits from the floor. In appreciation, the people chant songs in local dialects to celebrate a man who has virtually done nothing for them but has temporarily solved their hunger problem.

Unemployed youths and other low income earners are not exempted as they would do anything to spread a false gospel of a thieving politician as long as they are compensated with data bundles and little cash to feed for the moment. It was just two weeks ago one of the popular internet warriors confessed to me that during the period of the election, he was given 5GB weekly and N20,000 each month he participated in responding to messages that will affect the credibility of his candidate.

Poverty is like a plague and its endless manifestation on our people gets so scary that one is forced to believe that the present economic reality is a deliberate attempt by the ruling class to sustain the gap between the poor and the rich for selfish motives.

How do you describe the Kaduna State Beggars Association who recently threatened to pull down the government of Gov. El-Rufai? It indeed goes a long way to show you the danger of poverty especially when a human being finds dignity in begging. How do you describe the large crowd that come out in protest when the EFCC arrest public officers? How do you describe the shameless display by the women who came out naked to protest the arrest of a former governor of Delta State in 2010 despite poverty ravaging the land? How do you describe the protest by some Igbo youths in Enugu to prevent the sack of Stella Oduah despite the miracle she performed with the huge amount spent on purchasing bullet proof vehicles or even the shameless Bayelsa youths warning the EFCC against prosecuting Sylva? In all of these, politicians enjoy the loot alone but when called for interrogation, they are quick to give as little as N500 each to the poor who carry placards with warnings in attempts to stop the EFCC from doing its job. The people are mentally imprisoned and the politicians capitalize on this fact by depriving them of basic necessities.

Last week there were fears over cholera outbreak in Udu Local Government of Delta State and with special thanks to God, our fears were allayed when the Delta state government debunked the claims but the reality on ground is the fact that despite the huge allocation received by Delta State, many communities do not have portable water. Residents of Udu Local Government fetch water to drink from the well while some go to the stream to get water to drink but these are the same people who come out to sing praises of their representatives and stage massive protests at any mention of probe. A probe is simply a thorough investigation into a matter and even though former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is an itsekiri man like me, I’ll be most delighted to see him probed. I have not accused him of anything but Nigerians must stop ethnic bigotry and demand for good governance.

As Nigerians we must ask ourselves, how has the government impacted on the common man on the street? Has the government made life easy for me by providing basic amenities like portable water, accessible roads and hospitals among others? Do I have value for the taxes I pay? If your answer to any of these questions is negative, your governor can be considered a failure. You will agree with me that it certainly calls for deliverance when youths lacking access to these basic amenities spit fire over social media in defense of the same governors or representatives who have stolen from common patrimony.

Let me use this opportunity to remind the bigots and the poor men used as touts during elections that these political thieves they defend fall sick and are flown abroad for immediate treatment. Let me also remind these bigots and poor men used as touts that the children of our public office holders attend Foreign Universities where the academic calendar is uninterrupted but the poor men can only see pictures of these foreign universities on blogs. Let me also remind them that the life in developed countries and life in Nigeria can be described as day and night. It is deliberate wickedness on the part of our leaders who tour developed countries and find it difficult to replicate what is seen abroad in Nigeria.
It is time to demand that children of public office holders school in Nigeria maybe then Nigerian Universities will get the needed attention from the government. It is also time to demand that public office holders receive treatment in Nigeria maybe then the government will focus on building a state of the art facility that will measure up with foreign standards and issues of striking medical workers will become history.
We must remind ourselves that the effect of bad leadership is not necessarily felt by the leader but the citizens and this explains the rising insecurity. Painfully that poor policeman who cannot fend for his family is given arms to protect the overfed politician. Painfully that poor policeman who resides in the barracks with dilapidated structures is made to beat up poor men in the name of protecting his Oga. We must remember that people who died in the last elections were all children of the poor.

You must remember that the peanut received from politicians will take care of a meal for a short period but the gains of good governance are everlasting and this explains why politicians will bid you farewell after the expiration of their tenure to relax in countries that are properly planned by sincere leaders.

As I open your eyes to the truth, kindly pray that the Former Petroleum Minister recovers fully and God should give her strength so that she can hurriedly come back home to account for her years in the Petroleum Ministry.
God bless Nigeria


Buwa Meldrick Memeh
Political Analyst and Social Commentator
Twitter: @buwamemeh
http://leadership.ng/editor-pick/poverty-mentality-of-nigerians-and-the-ripple-effect/[/i][/color]
SportsRe: Sunday Oliseh Meets With Victor Moses In London.....photo by dont8(m): 3:06pm On Aug 05, 2015
slap1:
Did Victor Moses play on Sunday? I didn't see him, I barely saw Hazard from Hector Bellerin's pocket. grin
He came in for Terry in second half, but like you said, he was also pocketed by Bellerin. cheesy
PoliticsRe: Stop The Celebration: The New NNPC MD Is From Delta Igbo And Not An Igboman by dont8(m): 11:58pm On Aug 04, 2015
Boss13:
This is nothing but pure stupidity that requires serious medication. The appointment of any individual does not profit or benefit his tribe, village, ethnic group or state of origin. It only benefits him, his family and friends, who also happen to be from other tribes. Can we stop this madness and rather criticize the president on serious matters
CelebritiesRe: Femi Kuti Takes His Son To His Grandparent's Grave Side In Abeokuta by dont8(m): 3:47pm On Aug 03, 2015
ubecharles:
. So you know these much you come dey pronounce pronoun pronounce
Yeah, he took the correction and was trying to correct the guy back which is good cos no one knows it all.

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