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 Politics › Re: How Saudi Medics Ignored Black Victims Of Hajj Stampede To Save The Whites by Dotng(op): 6:40am On Oct 01, 2015 |
PvtParts:Your submissions on Arab philosophy about Blacks has been quite informative. I appreciate your taking time to enlighten others on this thread. Humanity has had the problem of distortion of History and creation of myths to prove the dominance of one race or tribe over another. Arabs, Whites, Nazis etc. In Nigeria, three major ethnic groups fight over the same and lord it over the minority tribes. The Hausa Muslim has little regard for the Yoruba Muslim. The southern Christian considers himself superior to the northern Christian. These are all disception. Christ has set me free and I no longer regard any man after the flesh. I don't even care what your view about me is. I only feel sorry for those who are still in this bondage. 1 Like |
| Politics › How Saudi Medics Ignored Black Victims Of Hajj Stampede To Save The Whites by Dotng(op): 10:50pm On Sep 29, 2015*. Modified: 11:05pm On Sep 29, 2015 |
SURVIVOR: How Saudi medics ignored black victims of hajj stampede to save the whites One of the fortunate survivors of last week’s high-casualty hajj stampede has revealed that paramedics who came to rescue survivors were racially favoured“to whites over blacks”. An indigene of Osun state Nigeria, but based in Warri, Delta state, the survivor who spoke to TheCable, said he was stuck in the midst of dead bodies for more than two hours, but there was no help from paramedics, who “favoured whitesover blacks”. “I tried to escape, but it was impossible. I was stuck in the midst of many dead bodies; some people were climbing over me to find an escape. I struggled to get myself up to the waist level.“From my toe to my waistline, people were all over, I could not get up. I just sat up to avoid further stampede. Almost everyone around me was dead. “I was calling the Saudi police and paramedics on the scene to help me, they didn’trespond. I was stuck there for more than 2 hours; they were busy helping whites,with no response to my plea.“They left black people and were carrying whites; I begged them for a long time,but to no avail.” PAIN, TRAUMA, SURVIVAL Having been to Umrah (lesser hajj) four times, he was attending the main hajj forthe very first time and found it eventful.“One of the men at the scene of the incident was moving with his wife, but she was deeply involved in the stampede and had died just beside my legs, while he sustained injuries,” he said.“The man who was hit by the rude shock of his wife’s death said I should wake his wife up; we kept waking her together but she was dead. Her husband began crying and in his trauma, he bit her with his teeth. But she was gone. “The husband began beating me to wake his wife up, I was shocked. It almost resulted in a skirmish between us but I understood he was in deep shock andpitiable trauma.” While waiting for help, other pilgrims helped him and some others by pouring coldwater on them to prevent dehydration.He said: “One pilgrim threw his phone to me, so I could place a call to anybodywho could be of help. The phone fell on a dead body; I picked it up, but there wasno one to call. And I couldn’t have called Nigeria.” After hours without help, he eventually passed out but woke up to find himself at ahospital in Arafat.“As I woke up, I saw drip (intravenous fluid) on my body. I was fed and dressed up,well-treated at the hospital. I saw more than 80 people – including a Yorubawoman residing in Sokoto – at the hospital with various degrees of injuries.”A businessman in the oil industry, he was glad to have survived the unfortunateevent, especially as his worried son called him from the US after seeing a footageof him in the midst of many dead people. PROBES, AFRICANS AND COMPENSATIONS A lot has been said about Africans being the cause of the second worst tragedy inhajj stampede history, but nothing has been said about compensating families involved. Though President Muhammadu Buhari’s has said through Garba Shehu, hisspecial assistant on media and publicity, that “it is not within our powers toquestion the will of God”, the survivor wants the government to probe the issue.“I heard them say we Africans caused it, but that’s not true. The whites who facedus, because they said the Prince was coming their way, were the ones who causedthe tragedy.” “For Nigerians who died in the stampede, it’s only God who understands all. It’sleft for the Nigerian government to look into this. Iranians have been protestingdue to their mass death, over 100, but we don’t know Nigeria’s death toll yet.” On compensations, he said: “No talks on compensations yet. Just the crane accident victims have been said to get compensated”.As at Monday, it had been confirmed that at least 54 Nigerians were killed in thestampede, trailing behind Iran, which has lost over 140 citizens. https://www.thecable.ng/survivor-medics-ignored-black-victims-hajj-stampede-save-whites
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| Phones › Re: Tecno Is Going Premium And It Is Frightening. Here's Why by Dotng: 12:45pm On Sep 17, 2015 |
networkgenuis:Actually, they should be able to compete but that should be on a gradual basis. What they should work on first is to improve their specs. This days what most OEMs do is copy and paste with minimal adjustment. It's not all of them that invest heavily in R&  . Tecno is associated with inferior products. Most big brands started out this way but they changed public perception of their brand by improving their product significantly with each release. How do you expect people to like your brand when there is no commitment to OTA updates? My Zenfone 2 has been updated more than 4 times within the last two months. |
| Politics › Osinbajo Insulted By El Rufai, Walks Out On President Buhari by Dotng(op): 9:27am On Sep 17, 2015 |
Osinbajo Insulted By El Rufai, Walks Out On President Buhari By Ephraim Adiele | Associate Editor - Sep 16, 2015 President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (left) pictured at a campaign rally in 2015 All may not be well with the ‘ad-hoc’ cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari as fillers from the Presidency indicate an unhealthy power tussle between an elected member of the President’s cabinet, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and an unofficial one in the person of Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai. A few weeks back, our investigations reveal, the tension between Osinbanjo and El Rufai came to a head when Governor El Rufai insulted the Vice President in meeting in the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, and Osinbajo reacted by denouncing El Rufai and walking out of the meeting, which had President Buhari presiding. According to inside presidential sources, El-Rufai is widely regarded as the unofficial vice president in the Buhari administration. A top source within the Buhari government, who spoke with The Trent on condition of anonymity disclosed that “Buhari prefers to have a fellow Northerner as his right-hand man”. “He did so as military head of state and is uneasy with Osinbajo who is (Bola) Tinubu’s boy,” the source revealed. “As you know, if the position of veepee was appointed and not elected, Buhari would never have appointed a Southerner, a Christian for that matter to be his VP,” the source explained further. “The President, clearly, prefers and places more trust on El Rufai as far as matters of governance are concerned. El Rufai has played a key role in some of the President’s appointments. He nominated Amina Bala Zakari for appointment as Acting INEC Chairman forcing Buhari to go against Jega’s earlier decision and planted his chief of staff who is also the founder of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Hadiza Bala Usman inside President Buhari’s recently constituted Anti-Corruption Advisory Committee.” Further investigations reveal that the Kaduna Governor and other Northerners in Buhari’s kitchen cabinet have little regard for Vice President Osinbajo. Behind close doors, they dismiss him disdainfully as “Tinubu’s puppet”. Other sources in the Presidency confirmed to The Trent that had it not been for the Constitution which mandates the Vice President to be present in meetings of significance in the government, going by the aggressive push of the Northern bloc in the Presidency, Osinbajo would be left out of all high-power meetings, a scenario that happened twice in the first month of the new administration. Osinbajo Undermined The Trent had reported exclusively in June 2015 that Osinbajo was locked out of a high-powered security briefing on the orders of Buhari. In attendance was the then, National Security Advisor Sambo Dasuki and the top brass of the military led by the erstwhile Chief of Defence Staff, General Alex Badeh (Rtd). Following our report, there was a frantic effort by APC social media activists to push back with denials until Osinbajo was locked out of another security meeting, still on the orders of Buhari within a fortnight. A senior APC official in one of the South West states said, “You would recall that immediately Buhari was sworn in, he locked out Osinbajo from a security meeting. They tried to deny the news reports until it happened again in less than two weeks. The APC online propaganda engine was used to plant doubt in the minds of Nigerians, especially party faithfuls, that Osinbajo did not have to be at the President’s security briefings. Some even went as far as suggesting that since Osinbajo was a lawyer and as such, he did not have the wherewithal to process security information. “But that is balderdash! Jonathan and Sambo are not soldiers, they both attended security briefings together. Obama and Joe Biden are not soldiers, yet they both attend security briefings. Recall the famous photo of Obama and his security cabinet in the situation room directing and monitoring the operation that killed Osama Bin Laden? Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton were in the room. “It is sad what is happening to Osinbajo in this government. Buhari needs to be told this is a democracy and he could not win his way to Aso Rock without the South West,” the official concluded. Osinbajo vs El Rufai Our reporter also spoke with a top political activist in the All Progressive Congress (APC), who confirmed that there is a power tussle between the Kaduna governor and Osinbajo, but maintained that Osinbajo had the upper hand. “El Rufai is an intellectual rodent when placed side-by-side with Prof Osinbajo. He is always trying to prove that he knows more than the veepee, many times attempting to dismiss Osinbajo’s contribution before Buhari,” he revealed. “What people like El Rufai forget is that he is a product of a quota system that celebrates barely adequate people as champions, while Osinbajo emerged from a competitive academic environment. They are no match. El Rufai tries too hard.” Osinbajo Pushed To The Wall An informed source in the Presidency narrated a disturbing incident to our reporter, which happened a few weeks ago. He words: “So, it happened that in a meeting of Buhari’s kitchen cabinet in Aso Rock, Governor El Rufai in trying to disagree with Osinbajo’s contribution raised his voice and insulted the VP in the meeting. To everybody’s surprise, Osinbajo got upset, told El Rufai off and told the President, ‘I am an elected Vice President of this country, I will not sit here while an ordinary governor insults me in your presence. I deserve some respect.’ “Osinbajo, then, stormed out of the meeting angrily, leaving the President and others present stunned. “Still not done, El Rufai who was ruffled by the unexpected action of the veepee told President Buhari, ‘If he had respect for you, he would not have walked out on you.’ “Mr. President responded coldly and quietly as the scene unfolded, and was mute as Governor El Rufai tried to deflect blame for what happened. “When Buhari remained silent and said nothing after the childish outburst by El Rufai, everyone got the message that the meeting would not continue without Osinbajo. Some people excused themselves to go to Osinbajo to beg him to come back to the meeting. The Vice President, reportedly, told the peace-makers he would not return to the meeting unless El Rufai came and apologised to him. “El Rufai sat quietly after Buhari’s rebuff, feeling like an overzealous son whose father was displeased with. That was how the meeting ended. At some point, a visibly disappointed Buhari also stormed out of the room, leaving El Rufai with egg on his face. “All is not well in Buhari’s kitchen cabinet. El Rufai has been uninvited from Buhari’s meetings since that incident,” the source concluded. http://www.thetrentonline.com/osinbajo-el-rufai-clash-buharis-kitchen-cabinet-crumbles-details/ 4 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Governor Wike’s N200 Million Bribe Behind Firing Of Rivers Tribunal Chairman by Dotng(op): 3:17pm On Sep 12, 2015 |
Governor Nyesom Wike’s N200 Million Bribe Behind Firing Of Governorship Election Tribunal Chairman In Rivers State BY SAHARAREPORTERS, NEW YORKSEP 11, 2015 Justice Mu’azu Pindiga, chairman of the Rivers State governorship election tribunal, was removed after investigators from the Department of State Security (DSS) discovered that the judge had accepted a bribe of N200 million from Governor Nyesom Wike, the major defendant in an electoral case before the tribunal. Our sources within the DSS said their agents confronted the judge as well as the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, with evidence of the bribe. Justice Bulkachuwa then decided to remove the tribunal chairman. Justice Mohammed Ambrosa was then asked to replace the compromised Justice Pindiga, as the President of the Court of Appeal said there was no point swearing in a new judge. Two lawyers representing clients whose petitions were before the electoral tribunal told SaharaReporters that they welcomed the firing of Justice Pindiga. “Apart from the fact that he has been exposed for being corrupt, he has not demonstrated any knowledge of electoral matters,” one of the lawyers said. “I can tell you that a number of lawyers who have appeared before him have found him wanting when it comes to issues pertaining to the electoral laws of this country,” he added. Another lawyer echoed the sentiment. “We had protested to the President of Court of Appeal to replace the judge. He was a poor judge,” he said. After learning about the replacement of Justice Pindiga, Mr. Wike’s lawyers launched a feeble protest, criticizing the reconstitution of the tribunal. However, their protest was silenced when they were told that the governor’s bribe to the removed judge had been exposed. Governor Wike had made at least two attempts to see the Chief Justice of Nigeria to seek the CJN’s help to influence the outcome of the tribunal, but the nation’s top judge declined to meet with the governor, citing his fear of President Muhammadu Buhari. SaharaReporters learned that Mr. Wike’s lawyers facilitated the collection of the N200 million by the ousted tribunal chairman. Justice Bulkachuwa, who oversees the Court of Appeal, is mentioned in legal circles as a keen receiver of inducement in past electoral tribunal cases. http://saharareporters.com/2015/09/11/governor-nyesom-wike%E2%80%99s-n200-million-bribe-behind-firing-governorship-election-tribunal |
| Politics › Re: FG Recovers N55bn From Oil Swap Deal by Dotng: 5:04pm On Sep 07, 2015 |
MizMyColi:Would you apply your line of thought to the military or any system among mankind where discipline is the order of the day? For your information while it is important that people should be led by enabling them buy into a vision. Most movements on earth have succeeded primarily because people were forced to comply. They later saw the benefit and no longer needed to comply out of fear. That is why you have the carrot and the stick approach. 6 Likes |
| Phones › MTN Offers Subscribers Free Incoming Calls In 15 Countries by Dotng(op): 2:11pm On Sep 06, 2015 |
MTN Offers Subscribers Free Incoming Calls in 15 Countries 06 Sep 2015 By Festus Akanbi Subscribers on the MTN network can now enjoy free incoming calls and SMS while roaming in 15 countries across the world. The selected countries for the free incoming calls are: United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Netherlands and Belgium. Others are: Malaysia, South Africa, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kenya and Ghana. This service requires no registration as the customers’ MTN SIM automatically connects when they switch on their phones at any of the selected destinations; preferably they have phones and gadgets that allows roaming. To enjoy free incoming calls, MTN customers are expected to recharge with a minimum of N2,000 (cumulatively or as a single recharge) within the same calendar month of travel or spend N2000 or more the previous month before travel. Postpaid customers who have a credit limit of N2,000 and above will automatically enjoy the offer. While the new package will afford all subscribers on the MTN network an opportunity to enjoy free incoming calls and SMS in fifteen selected countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, subscribers will also be able to make calls for as low as N60 per minute whenever they are in these selected countries. Announcing the offer, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, said the offer is an affirmation of MTN’s leadership in innovative provisions that aptly satisfy the need of its subscribers anywhere across the globe. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/mtn-offers-subscribers-free-incoming-calls-in-15-countries/219460/ |
| Politics › Re: Buhari Cabinet: Govs Senators, Reps, Lose Power To Pick Nominees by Dotng: 12:14pm On Sep 06, 2015 |
criminalmindz:I believe it is because of posts like this that nairaland.com was created. Unfortunately, most of those that make comments on this forum lack the capacity to the progressive in their approach. Let us all think about solutions and leave immature posts that tend to be abusive, tribalistic and mundane. 2 Likes |
| Phones › How To Add More RAM To Your Android Device With A Microsd Card by Dotng(op): 9:38am On Sep 03, 2015 |
How to Add More RAM to Your Android Device with a MicroSD Card Written by Christian Cawley September 2, 2015 Your Android device most likely came with 16GB of storage, but it’s the RAM that really affects what you can do with it. Most high-end Android devices ship with 2GB or more of RAM, but some cheaper devices might have only 1GB of RAM or even 512MB in some cases. Unlike a PC, however, you can’t increase RAM. Or can you? Why Do You Need More RAM? The importance of additional RAM cannot be overstated. While more storage space gives you more photos, more MP3s, or more video clips, additional RAM helps the processor to work more quickly, thereby aiding in the playback (or even creation) of such files. For instance, some playback problems are erroneously blamed on a slow Internet connection, when in truth they could be speeded up with additional RAM, rather than faster wireless. Various tricks exist to increase usable RAM on your Android device by “cleaning up”. We’ll assume you’ve already tried them, and look here at how you can actually physically increase available RAM. RAM Swapping on Rooted Devices If your Android device is rooted you can increase the available RAM thanks to ROEHSOFT RAM Expander (SWAP) ($9.99/£6.99), which is compatible with rooted Android phones and tablets. Expensive, but if your device is rooted and you’re interested in this app, you can check compatibility with your device, using this swapfile checking app. Simply install, then run the app to find out if the ROEHSOFT RAM Expander (SWAP) is an app that can give you the results you want. Click Start RAMEXPANDER Test Here to get the results you need, then select the SD card you’re checking, and Click for result. With the “Congratulations” message displayed, you’re free to proceed and install the RAM Expander app. Install the RAM Expander With the message displayed, it’s time to purchase and install ROEHSOFT’s RAM Expander (SWAP) app. Once running, and with root permissions applied, select your language. You will then see a screen with a slider that can be adjusted depending upon how much RAM you want dedicated to the SWAP partition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1mhd1r3WEU If you’re not sure about this, simply tap Optimal Value for the app to make the decision for you. Before proceeding, ensure that Autorun is enabled (this is a radio button at the top of the display) and when you’re happy tap the Swap Activ button. With the RAM partition created on your device’s SD card, Android should now run with improved performance. Try out your favorite game, or try opening a bunch of apps all at once. What Else Is an SD Card Good For? MicroSD cards don’t only work to increase your RAM, though. For anyone, rooted or unrooted, you can use a microSD card to increase your storage capacity — meaning you can download more apps, more music, and more everything, On any device that is running out of space, the first step should be to insert a microSD card into the slot if your device has one. However, don’t just buy any old microSD card — spend a little extra on some storage that is more resilient, which will result in better reliability. Check the rating on box when buying a new microSD card – Class 4 minimum is recommended, but Class 10 is the best. You can use this storage to install apps and games on, and move apps and games to in order to increase space on the main device storage. Users running Android Lollipop can do this natively by opening Settings > Applications and using the Move to SD Card button on apps where this function is available. Of course, all this does is increase the available storage on your Android device, much like having a new HDD on your PC. But the SD card can be used as a secondary source of RAM, with the right tool. Has Performance Improved For You? If you’ve followed this tutorial from start to finish, you’ve increased your Android device’s storage space and RAM. Well done! With more RAM available for processing data, you’ll find the device is more useful and productive than ever before. Your remaining storage will of course remain useful, ready to save the fruits of your enhanced productivity. You’ll have a lot more space to save new photos, edited images, music created on your Android etc., or simply a few more documents. http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/add-ram-android-device-microsd-card/ |
| Politics › Re: Suicide Bomber Arrested In Bauchi While Trying To Blow Up Motor Park by Dotng: 8:55pm On Sep 02, 2015 |
ToyozzieTohBad:This is well articulated. Our perspective to national issues has been our problem. |
| Politics › Re: Probe: Jonathan Holds Meeting With Ex-ministers by Dotng: 8:01am On Aug 31, 2015 |
ORACLE1975:You are missing the point. Buhari has accorded Jonathan the respect he deserves as an ex-president. He is not interested in sending anyone to jail. That in itself is a distraction. All he is asking of Jonathan's cabinet is for them to return stolen funds. With the drop in oil revenue and a lot states not being able to pay their workers why should he look the other way when some individuals stole money that cannot be finished by their third generation. Besides, how can talk transparency and accountability with his own cabinet while the members of the previous cabinet are living larger than life. The two cannot coexist. 1 Like |
| Politics › Re: Uproar As Buhari Appoints SGF, Chief Of Staff, Others - Vanguard by Dotng: 10:41pm On Aug 28, 2015 |
efilefun:We need to remind ourselves of our history. |
| Family › Advice On Savings And Investments Plan For Children Education by Dotng(op): 5:32am On Aug 26, 2015 |
Experts in the house, I need your advice on how to have a savings account plan for children education. Which bank has a good structure for this? How is it operated? What other forms of investment can one engage in for this purpose? Thanks. |
| Politics › Adamawa Justifies Using FG’s Bailout On Bulletproof Vehicles Not Salaries by Dotng(op): 11:53am On Aug 24, 2015 |
Adamawa Justifies Using FG’s Bailout On Bulletproof Vehicles, clerics, But Not Workers Salary Arrears BY SANI TUKURAUG 24, 2015 The Government of Adamawa State has stated that contrary to public belief, the recent bailout funds given to states by the Federal Government from the dividends paid by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, was not meant for the payment of salaries and allowances owed civil servants. The Chief of Staff to Governor Mohammed Jibrilla, Abdulrahman Jimeta, said this in a Radio Gotel Programme monitored in Yola on August 12. He said the state received N3.8 billion as its share of what he called “largesse” from the NLNG dividends and after consultations decided to allocate the funds to areas the government considered more expedient. The position of the state contradicts the reasons given by governors of the 36 states of the federation who after various meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari requested for the bailout saying without it, states could not offset the back log of salaries owed civil servants. “I have explained on several occasions because we run an open government, that the money we received from the Federal Government is N3.9 Billion: N2.1 Billion for the state government, while local governments got N1.8 Billion. “This money is from the LNLG, it’s a bonus because it was not part of the budget or normal allocation for Adamawa state. It’s a simply a largesse that was shared to all the states,” Mr. Abba said. The official said he was aware that before the money was shared, President Muhammadu Buhari had asked the governors to let the money first go to the federation account, after which it would be shared to all tiers of government based on the formula used in the Federation Account Allocation Committee. “What President Buhari had wanted was for the money to be taken to the federation account to be shared the normal way funds are shared at the end of each month. “The governors, however, insisted that they all had serious problems in their states. The problem in Plateau is different from that of Adamawa, also the problem of Lagos is different from that of Kano for instance. “It was, therefore, on that basis that the money was shared. “The federal government never told any state what to do with its own share. Money was just given for states to go and solve their problems,” he said. Giving reasons why no amount was allocated for the payment of salaries and allowances owed civil servants – in some cases up to six months – in Adamawa, Mr. Abba said the state has a population of about 3.6 million people and that civil servants are not the only ones who have a right to such funds. “Of course, it is the right of civil servants to ask for their allowances and salaries, but if we had taken that money to pay civil servants, they would be happy. “But, contractors being owed by the state government would be angry because they have rendered all sorts of services such as supplies and constructions. The wish of those classes of people is that government use the windfall to pay them. “There are politicians who were in office during the administrations of governors Nyako, Boni Haruna and Fintiri, who are yet to be paid their severance allowances, including furniture, housing and transportation. Their wish is that the government uses this money to pay them part of their owed allowances. “Therefore, paying civil servants alone does not mean the problems of Adamawa State have been solved, rather, only civil servants would be happy, though they are the most important segment because they are the ones who work, but, everyone else also have a right on the government of Adamawa state,” he said. How we disbursed the money Mr. Abba said after receiving the money, the state government realized that there was the need for Governor Bindow to show the citizens of the state through the media what he has been able to achieve in his first 100 days in office. He also said Mr. Bindow met an empty treasury to the extent that the state government did not have money to pay for a full tank of petrol for any of its vehicles. “So, if we had taken that money to pay civil servants, it would be a good thing, but we would have spent 100 days in office without constructing a road, renovating a hospital or school, or anything to show the media because I know that you people would come and try to pass judgment. At times, you even go as far as naming best governors. “We then decided that the allocation to the 21 local governments should be utilized in such a way that it would affect all the people of the local governments. “The first thing we did was something that would help the average poor especially in this month of August, and that is to purchase fertilizers; 90 per cent of our people are farmers and a bag of fertilizer costs N8000 now. “It is a tradition that the government buys fertilizers each year from the state and local governments joint account. We therefore, decided to take N 1billion naira from the windfall to buy fertilizers. “The Ministry of Agriculture informed us that Adamawa State requires about 25000 metric tonnes of fertilizer. The total cost of the Fertilizers is actually N3.5 Billion. The N1 billion is the take off fund required for the supply,” he said. The official also said the state uses some of its funds to address its security challenges. Adamawa is one of the three states most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. Mr. Abba said Adamawa spends N45 to N50 million each month on its security outfit, “operation Tsaro,” which is run by the military. In the interview, he also admitted that the state government spent N200 million on clerics, traditional rulers and others, to pray for security. “Don’t forget that we also have ‘yan baka’, vigilante, traditional rulers, ward heads, pastors and imams who were all mobilized so that we would continue to have peace. We also do go to clerics for prayers, just as individuals approach clerics for prayers, government also do the same. “People go to their Imams and pastors for Prayers, the government do the same thing. So, because of the importance of security, we devoted N200 million into it,” he said. Mr. Abba added that the state government has realized that women in the state die from child birth due to lack of basic items. He said the government decided to order for 12,000 pieces what he called ‘maternity safety kits’ He said a contractor was mobilized to produce 12,000 bags from Dubai or China which would be stocked with items such as cotton wool, disinfectant, baby oil, towel, baby wear, birth injection, blade, soap and others. He said the maternity kit would be distributed to all the 21 local government areas in the state. He added that N100 million belonging to the 21 local governments was allocated for special projects in Yola, the state capital, as according to him, “the capital belongs to all the local governments”. As for the N2.1 billion belonging to the state government, Mr. Abba said the government mobilized some construction companies such as Triacta, Recon and Tec to carry out the construction of some major roads in the state capital. He mentioned over 17 road projects which were awarded to these companies at a total cost of over N10 billion. “All these projects cost over N10 billion and we don’t have any other money apart from the N2.5 billion. What we did is to give them some token amount as take off,” he said. Mr. Abba said the Yola International Hotel, which has been abandoned for nine years, also received attention from the APC administration. He said the contractor handling the project was invited and a fresh agreement was signed with him to complete the project in four months at the cost of N1.2 billion. He said N500 million was given to the contractor out of the windfall. “We gave him so much money because the remaining part of the job requires that he travels outside the country to purchase items such Chandeliers, Kitchen utensils, doors and windows, as well as the lifter,” he said. Bullet proof cars for governor Another expense undertaken by the Adamawa state government from the bailout funds is the purchase of two bullet-proof vehicles for Governor Mohammed Jibrilla at the cost of N95 million. “We were not selfish at all. Since our coming into office, we bought only two vehicles, which are bullet proof cars for the use of the governor. In fact, we collected the vehicles on loan until we now received this windfall which enables us to pay for them. “They are brand new vehicles and did not even cost up to a N100 million. We had to buy the vehicles for the governor because the ones bought by Bala Ngillari broke down while the governor was on his way to Mubi. They were also not bullet proof and were bought at over N200 million. “Before we paid the N95 million cost of the two vehicles, we took them to the Police in Abuja to be tested with guns. “If we were selfish, the SSG deserves three vehicles, Chief of Staff also deserves three, the deputy governor and his wives deserves vehicles, the governor’s wife deserves vehicles, so also all our lawmakers including the Speaker and other Principal officers. “But, we did not, we begged the lawmakers to be patient and give us time and allow us to first work for the masses who voted for us. The masses needed to be convinced that we have the intention of coming to their aid,” Mr. Abba said. The Chief of Staff, however, thanked civil servants in the state for their “understanding” even as he said the APC enjoys the support of workers in Adamawa. “As for workers, all we can do is to thank them. We had a good understanding, and I am sure most of them voted for APC that is why we even appointed the chairman of NLC in the state into our transition committee. We did that to enable the civil servants have an idea of what we are doing. “We honestly, do not expect the civil servants to be angry over this decision to expend this windfall the way we did. Adamawa had been trying in the area of payment of salaries; Plateau owes 8 months, Benue 10, but down here, it’s not all the civil servants that are being owed. “Don’t also forget that May salaries should have been paid before May 29th when we came on board. Civil servants were not paid before we assumed office and there was no money in the treasury to pay them. “We had to collect a loan of N1.4 billion from Zenith bank to pay the civil servants their salaries. If we had wanted to let them continue to suffer, we would have insisted that they should have been paid by the immediate past administration of Bala Ngillari and since he refused to pay, Bindow would have drawn the line and begin payment of salaries as from the month of June. “We know government is a continues process, but we also know that Governor Nyako stood his ground and refused to pay two months salaries and went away with it until Fintiri came, took pity on the civil servants and paid them,” he said. http://saharareporters.com/2015/08/24/adamawa-justifies-using-fg%E2%80%99s-bailout-bulletproof-vehicles-clerics-not-workers-salary |
| Politics › Tinubu/Fashola crisis deepens by Dotng(op): 9:45pm On Aug 15, 2015 |
Tinubu/Fashola crisis deepens APC leaders plan peace meeting Written by: Lanre Adewole - Lagos The crisis between two ex-governors of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Mr Babatunde Fashola deepened on Friday with reports that loyalists of both gladiators have drawn up battle plans, even as stakeholders in both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Lagos State are said to have waded in, calling for a truce. A former member of the Lagos State Executive Council who did not want to be named, told Saturday Tribune on Friday that “some elders are planning a peace meeting between the duo.” Investigations revealed that forces loyal to Tinubu felt incensed by the statement issued by Fashola on Thursday in which he insinuated that corruption allegations were being pinned on him by those opposed to his getting a federal appointment, a veiled reference to Tinubu and the incumbent governor, Akinwumi Ambode. “The coming days will be interesting,” an aide to a chieftain of the APC close to both leaders told Saturday Tribune on Friday. While the Tinubu camp is said to have vowed to fight on, “ to teach the former governor a lesson,” the Fashola side of the divide, according to a source, “is determined to ensure that his integrity is not tainted by those who are jealous of his ascendancy in the polity.” Both sides, however, on Friday refrained from taking direct shots at each other. Tinubu’s spokesman, Mr Sunday Dare told Saturday Tribune when contacted by phone on Friday afternoon that he had just arrived in the country and would need time to get briefings from his boss before reacting to the statement from Fashola while Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna did not answer repeated calls made to his telephone line. Dare later sent a text message at 6:30pm that he would call back soon. He did not. However, an aide of Ambode who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Saturday Tribune that it was too simplistic for anybody to think that the government, headed by Ambode, was behind the ongoing corruption charge campaign against former Governor Fashola in order to rubbish his record of achievements while in office for eight years. “Ambode is not interested in the smear campaign against Fashola, it is a non- issue. It is too simplistic to suggest that, it is left for people to find out who is doing this. I can tell you that government is not involved. It is not possible for government to have a hand in that. “The governor is a pragmatic person and ready to move on by restructuring the state,” the close source said. Fashola is currently in the eye of the storm as a group, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), has dragged him before the anti- graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), calling for his investigation on an alleged scam over a contract for the upgrade of his personal website at a cost of N78million. The former governor, has, however, set the record straight, declaring that the state government, through the procurement office, did not disclose the details of the website upgrade to include some other aspects making up the entire contracts sum. Fashola, who denied having children outside wedlock apart from the three he adopted following the DANA plane crash, also denied involvement in the National Assembly crisis, saying that he only landed in the country on the day of the crisis. This is as Saturday Tribune learnt that Fashola, who served for eight years as governor, might have incurred the wrath of a lot of people within the APC and outside it, some of who felt he was “too arrogant” and now wanted to take their own pound of flesh. Other sources said Tinubu is determined to block the chances of Fashola from becoming a minister in the yet- to- be formed cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari due to his alleged “new found independence.” This, according to a source, might have prompted Fashola to declare in his published statement that he was not looking for a job, stressing that “For those who still wish to remain in the mud, they should look in the mirror. For those who wish to throw mud at me, they should look at their own hands. As for me, I have moved on. My job is done,” even as he threw a broadside at his opponents that, “When you wrestle with a pig, the pig gets happy and you get dirty.” Another source even disclosed that “Tinubu’s supporters could even be the ones fighting back because of the perceived ill- treatment Tinubu suffered at the hands of Fashola while he was governor of the state.” http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/tinubufashola-crisis-deepens |
| Phones › Xiaomi Trolls Samsung With Redmi Note 2 Launch by Dotng(op): 7:00pm On Aug 13, 2015 |
Xiaomi Trolls Samsung With Redmi Note 2 Launch Chinese mobile making upstart Xiaomi is gunning to steal Samsung’s thunder by launching a pair of phablet smartphones on the same day Samsung is due to unbox phablet-sized updates to its Galaxy Note and Galaxy S6 Edge devices — with Samsung press events taking place later today in New York and London. So much for ‘quiet’ August tech launches… Specifically, Xiaomi has today announced the 799 RMB ($125) Redmi Note 2, and the 999 RMB ($155) Redmi Note 2 Prime. And with price-tags like those Samsung must be turning titanium gray at the prospect of Xiaomi taking its devices to the U.S. — something which has not happened yet, but which Xiaomi’s international VP (and ex-Googler) Hugo Barra has hinted it’s looking to do in the next year or two. International expansion is certainly a key priority for the company this year as it looks to hit ambitious sales targets. For now, Samsung has to contend with Xiaomi lording it over China’s mobile market — a kingpin position Samsung used to occupy. Analyst IDC pegged Xiaomi as the world’s third largest smartphone maker last fall — behind Samsung and Apple. The two new Xiaomi smartphones, which come in a range of pastel colors as well as black or white, will go on sale online starting in China on August 16. Here’s a quick rundown of the specs: The Redmi Note 2 comes with a 2.0GHz MediaTek (MTK) Helio X10 processor, 16GB storage and 2GB RAM. While the Redmi Note 2 Prime has a 2.2GHz chip, 32GB storage and 2GB RAM. Both have a 5.5-inch full-HD display, 13MP rear camera and 5MP front camera. There’s a 3060mAh removable battery apiece, and both also have a microSD card slot for memory expansion — features which Samsung used to offer as standard on its flagships but removed for its Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge handsets back in March, in favor of a sleeker-looking design (to better compete with the iPhone). Xiaomi is clearly looking to capitalize on this shift by continuing to give users the things Samsung has taken away. Also today Xiaomi unveiled an update to its Android skin, showing off the forthcoming MIUI 7 update, which it said will launch globally on August 19 — in another event taking place in New Delhi, India. It said the update brings improved performance and battery-saving tweaks, as well as expanding the personalization options available to users with “colorful themes”. There’s also a auto-organizing new face recognition feature in MIUI 7’s Gallery which identifies individuals in the user’s photo and groups images together — so you can presumably get a feed of every selfie you ever took. Which doesn’t sound at all scary… While Xiaomi often stands out for its highly price-competitive hardware, company co-founder and CEO Lei Jun emphasized its focus on software, noting that the MIUI R& team is now “750-strong”, and the interface has passed 150 million users in more than 156 countries and regions.Xiaomi added that its two new phablets will ship with MIUI 6, but will receive the new MIUI 7 update “at a later date”. In a final device announcement today, Xiaomi unveiled a new PCB smart router, called the Mi Wi-Fi nano, priced at RMB 79 (~$12). The company sells a pretty eclectic range of hardware these days, including an air purifier, various wearables, smart TVs, routers and Wi-Fi hotspots, as well as its range of smartphones and tablets. It’s not quite up there with Samsung’s massive electronic sprawl yet, but the ambition to dislodge the Korean giant’s grip on the consumer electronics market is clear. http://techcrunch.com/2015/08/13/first-to-the-august-phablet-launch-punch/
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| Science/Technology › Re: Beware!!! 5 Reasons You May Regret Spending On Solar Power!!! by Dotng: 1:29pm On Aug 13, 2015 |
geesampower: |
| Politics › Senate Orders Stoppage Of Fixed Electricity Charges, Estimated Billings by Dotng(op): 5:44pm On Aug 12, 2015 |
Senate orders stoppage of fixed electricity charges, estimated billings Written by: Taiwo Adisa, Abuja Senators, on Tuesday, accused electricity distribution companies of conspiring to rip Nigerians off despite epileptic power supply. The lawmakers, who adopted a motion moved by Senator Sam Egwu, said that the electricity companies had been unfair to Nigerians. The motion, entitled: "Unfair Trade Practice of Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria," also urged the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to protect Nigerians in line with the provisions of Section 74 (1)(b) of the Power Reform Act. The Senate, in adopting the motion, said that the NERC should immediately ensure the abolition of fixed charges being collected from electricity consumers across the country. The lawmakers also asked the electricity distribution companies to stop the practice of bulk metering of villages as well as estimated billing. Senator Egwu, speaking on the issue, said that NERC was established to, among others, license and regulate persons engaged in the generation, transmission, system operation distribution and trading of electricity. He said that the body was also empowered to ensure fairness for the consumers while also ensuring reasonable earnings for efficient services. He lamented that despite the regulatory activities of NERC, the distribution companies had continued to engage in arbitrary estimated billing which he said was not commensurate with energy consumed. He said: "The high tariff being charged by DISCOs does not make provision for payment of only electricity that is consumed even though bills are dished out without commensurate services being offered by the distribution companies." The senator expressed worries about the exploitative activities of the DISCOs, saying that the development could make life more difficult for Nigerians. "I am also concerned that even those that have the prepaid meters are being billed a fixed rate of about N700 a month irrespective of whether or not the person consumes electricity. "It is disturbing that by the avalanche of complaints by electricity consumers about the unwholesome practice of the DISCOs which fall short of standards established by NERC as well as global best practices, thereby failing in the discharge of their contractural obligations to Nigerian public." Senators who contributed to the debate condemned the exploitation of Nigerians by the DISCOs. Senators Danjuma Goje and Nelson Effiong advocated the review of the Power Reform Act to ease the burden of Nigerians. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, stated that Nigerians were not feeling the impact of the electricity firms. http://tribuneonlineng.com/senate-orders-stoppage-fixed-electricity-charges-estimated-billings 1 Like |
| Politics › Corruption Probe: Peace Committee Shocked In Meeting With President Buhari by Dotng(op): 8:27am On Aug 12, 2015 |
Corruption Probe: Peace Committee Shocked In Meeting With President Buhari Former military head of state Lieutenant General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) and other members of the National Peace Committee for the 2015 general elections were rattled by the stubborn posture and utterance of President Muhammadu Buhari during a meeting with him earlier today. Mr. Abubakar had led members of the so-called Peace Committee in yet another mission to plead with Mr. Buhari not to probe the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. However, several participants at today’s meeting told SaharaReporters that the president remained obstinate and made no secret of his determination to proceed with the probe. SaharaReporters learnt that today’s meeting was a stepped up version of previous failed attempts to sway Mr. Buhari from his determination to probe acts of corruption by officials of Mr. Jonathan’s administration. SaharaReporters had revealed that former Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku visited President Buhari to press the case for letting bygone be bygone shortly before the latter’s departure for an official visit to the US. Our sources had disclosed that Mr. Anyaoku had undertaken his mission to the president at the behest of Mr. Jonathan. During Mr. Buhari’s US visit, American officials handed him dossiers that detailed billion dollar thefts perpetrated by key officials of the Jonathan administration. Members of Mr. Buhari’s delegation during his US trip disclosed that the extent of the looting left the Nigerian president angry, and strengthened his determination to unearth the widespread embezzlement of Nigeria’s funds. Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, who was on the presidential delegation at a meeting with US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, later told Nigerians that US officials revealed that one of Mr. Jonathan’s ministers, whom he did not name, stole as much as $6 billion. Even though Mr. Oshiomhole did not disclose the name of the concerned minister, checks by SaharaReporters revealed that the rapacious former minister is Diezani Alison-Madueke who held the portfolio of Petroleum for most of Mr. Jonathan’s tenure. Ms. Alison-Madueke is currently in London. After Mr. Buhari’s return from the US, President Jonathan stepped up maneuvers to talk him into discontinuing the probe of his administration. A source close to the former president told SaharaReporters that Mr. Buhari’s pronouncements that his government would probe his predecessor had contributed to a major health crisis that beset former First Lady Patience Jonathan. “Madam [Mrs. Jonathan] has been suffering from serious depression,” according to the source. Ms. Alison-Madueke has also had a share of ill health apparently triggered by being the focus of global attention for symbolizing the pervasive corruption of the past administration. A source close to her in the UK stated that she collapsed in her posh apartment in London due to “exhaustion” and had to be hospitalized for two days. Last week, former President Jonathan reached out to former military head of state, Abdulsalam Abubakar, and urged him to arrange a one-on-one meeting with Mr. Buhari to discuss his concerns. President Buhari agreed to a secret meeting with the former president last Thursday in the dead of the night. A source familiar with the meeting told SaharaReporters that Mr. Jonathan appeared jittery at the meeting and was unable to articulate the case against probing his government. Instead, the former president reportedly asked mundane questions about how Buhari was coping with governing the country and offered to help in any way. The meeting was over in less than 30 minutes. Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was so incensed on hearing about Mr. Buhari’s meeting with Mr. Jonathan that he called at the Presidential Villa 24 hours later to meet with Mr. Buhari behind closed doors. A source at the Presidency revealed that Mr. Obasanjo, whose record of corruption as president was equally monumental, urged Mr. Buhari to send former President Jonathan to jail. Another source stated that Mr. Obasanjo volunteered to use his international contacts to help trace the funds stolen during Mr. Jonathan’s administration, adding that much of the funds were laundered through arms deals as well as shady oil sales and swaps. On learning of former President Obasanjo’s ominous mission to Aso Rock, Mr. Jonathan reportedly contacted General Abubakar (rtd) again, this time pleading with the retired general to intercede with Mr. Buhari. Today, Mr. Abubakar and fellow members of the National Peace Committee first met with President Buhari in a closed-door session before appearing before the media. A member of the committee revealed that their team first told President Buhari that they had come to discuss how to “wind up” and to check if there was a new national assignment they could undertake. The source also revealed that, even though the committee did not mention former President Jonathan by name during their interaction with Mr. Buhari, the committee members cautioned against leaving the impression that the government was targeting “anybody.” They also appealed to Mr. Buhari to tarry a little before deciding on probing anybody. A source at the Presidency stated that Mr. Buhari was well aware of the committee’s secret mission, hence his decision to speak forthrightly in response. Among the committee’s members is a controversial President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ayo Oritsejafor, a loyalist of Mr. Jonathan’s. His private jet was involved in an arms deal scandal after South African authorities discovered, and confiscated, $9.3 million in cash inside the aircraft. The Jonathan administration then stated that the funds were meant for the purchase of arms to prosecute the war against Islamist insurgents, Boko Haram. Officials of the Buhari administration disclosed that the Presidency had already identified and was investigating acts of corruption involving former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd) and former Petroleum Minister, Alison-Madueke. In addition, our sources said the new administration was pursuing leads about huge corrupt deals involving former First Lady, Patience Jonathan, former Attorney general, Mohammaed Bello Adoke, the Amnesty Office, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Capital Territory. In one instance, more than $1 million dollars in cash was found at the residence of Gordon Obuah, a former Chief Security Officer to Mr. Jonathan. “We are also looking at properties purchased in Ghana, Dubai, UK and US by various officials of the immediate past administration,” one source disclosed. He added that one of the biggest means of money laundering was the reckless purchase of private jets by former cohorts of Mr. Jonathan. At the end of the meeting yesterday, President Buhari made it clear to members of the committee that his government would soon commence trial of Nigerian treasury looters. http://saharareporters.com/2015/08/11/corruption-probe-peace-committee-shocked-meeting-president-buhari 47 Likes 4 Shares |
| Politics › Re: See President Mugabe's Luxurious Private Mansion (PHOTOS) by Dotng: 3:02am On Aug 12, 2015 |
Why will he want to step down as president after enjoying this opulence for so long. Zimbabweans struggle continues. |
| Christianity Etc › Churches Teaching Too Many Wrong Values by Dotng(op): 8:32pm On Aug 09, 2015 |
Churches teaching too many wrong values Nigerian-born Pastor Sunday Adelaja is the founder of Embassy of God Church, Kiev, Ukraine, the largest Pentecostal church in Europe. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the wrong concepts that churches in Nigeria are promoting. Excerpts: During your last visit to Nigeria, you were emphatic that the church was the major problem with the nation’s stunted growth. Do you still maintain that stance? I wish to state categorically that I am not talking about any particular ministry. There is nothing personal at all. I am not against any man of God or any denomination. I’m just pointing out what I believe is the truth about the situation in our country. I wish to appreciate all the men of God that have labored in our country. I think they did their best. I believe they taught us what they know. But we still have to admit that things were wrong and these things have to be corrected. What are some of these things? In my opinion, the leadership and the structure of the church in Nigeria are as guilty as the politicians. We Christians like to judge, condemn and point fingers at the politicians. In some cases some churches are worse and some of the practices in churches might be worse than what the politicians do. I am a strong believer in the fact that whatever is happening in any country, the number one cause of it is the damaged value system of that nation. I think we have a faulty and perverse value system in Nigeria. That is the root cause of all our problems, not just political leadership. The political leadership comes from our society. Our leaders are not been imported from Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau or from some exotic places like Fiji totally different from us. They are not bringing their strange fire to our camp. No!!! How do you mean? For us to have a corrupt value system as a nation and then be hoping to produce godly leaders is hypocrisy of the highest order. It doesn’t just happen! It would take a miracle to have such leaders, what would normally happen is that even when such leaders emerge they would be largely opposed. They would be criticised because what they are doing will not make sense to most of the citizens. Most of the people on the ground profess different value systems. The value systems the reformed leaders are bringing to our society would conflict with the ones that people are used to. The people would be condemning them. The conflict equals clashes. That means there would be controversies and disagreements. That is what happened when we had a quite disciplined, god- fearing, pious leader in Muhammadu Buhari in the ‘80s. He was overthrown and the people rejoiced because the discipline and order he was bringing to our people was totally strange to them. We are used to living the way we like to live. We are used to keeping our freedom, our liberty, our way of doing things. If we now have a god -fearing leader that wishes to develop the country, he would have to first alter the way we do things. Until we change, nothing changes. We didn’t want to change, so when Babangida who was more like us overthrew Buhari, we were happy. How does the church come in then? The truth is that our value system comes from our pulpit. Our value system comes from our religious beliefs. Our value system comes from our religious practices. Our value systems come from our educational system. In Nigeria, the authority of the religious institutions is much higher than the authority of the educational system. So, most of our value system is influenced by faith and religion. That is why I am saying it is the faulty and corrupt messages we have introduced to our pulpits that is responsible for producing corrupt practices in our society. Can you give examples of this? A pastor could say that somebody would be a millionaire before the end of the year. Whereas we are in November or December and there are 500 people in that auditorium. All of them will shout amen!!! Yet Pastors don’t correct them saying that no, you would not become a millionaire before the end of the year even if you shout amen for the whole day. The only person that would become a millionaire is the person that has worked for it. The only person that would become a millionaire is the person that has at least signed a contract. When pastors don’t clarify that, everybody begins to believe that some miracles would happen. So when such a member goes to his office and he sees an unsigned check, for a million dollars and nobody is claiming responsibility for it, he claims it. He believes that it is God that has provided for him. That is how corruption gets from the pulpit to the society. That particular member would claim that God has answered his Pastor’s prayer. He would boldly come to give testimony the following Sunday while the naïve and ignorant members would shout hallelujah! Meanwhile they too are expecting similar miracles and on and on. That is how the vicious circle of corruption from the pulpit to the whole country runs. But isn’t breakthrough real? Breakthrough is a word from breaking forth. Water, springs or streams break forth from under the ground. For it to break forth, it must have been forcing its way for ages or for years before it all of a sudden breaks through. The breakthrough that we see all of a sudden is as a result of hard work, invincible hard work. Yet we don’t emphasis the hard work aspect, we don’t emphasize the preparation aspect. We only emphasize the breakthrough. We think that those breakthroughs only come through prayers. That is another root of corruption. Everybody goes out of the church looking for a breakthrough. So any opportunity they see, even though they are not legal, which they didn’t labor for, they want to take advantage of. We are promoting through our preaching and teachings from our pulpits the culture of getting something for nothing. That means, I don’t need to do much but I can get something I can become rich. That way we are promoting corruption in the whole country. Instead of us to promote the culture of hard work before profit, we rather promote frivolity from our pulpits. So, all miracles have to be worked out? The rule of life is that you work hard for your results. You don’t wait for grace or favor to give you results without working for them. We don’t teach people in our churches that truth. If you don’t work for wealth even if you get that wealth through your parents, relatives or spouse, you are still a thief (Prov. 28:24). You are robbing the people who gave you that wealth. That is because somebody worked for what you are claiming. How can you just be going to church and claiming something for yourself? That is another faulty doctrine we have, that promotes corruption in the country. When you teach that people can claim anything, how can they claim when they are not qualified for it? How can they just claim simply because they have greed for it? We are promoting greed, we are promoting lust. There is no product without the process of production. We tell people they can get something by faith, to only believe. We tell them to just give offerings. We teach them about faith offering. We teach them about tithe and offering. Not that I don’t believe in tithe and offering but that is not the way of receiving wealth. It is the way of preventing curses from coming to your resources. For you to really have wealth, giving tithes and offerings are not enough. Tithes and offerings open up heaven to you. God doesn’t send money from heaven. You have to go to work and be involved in the process of production. It is only that way wealth and riches will come to you. Another problem we have in the nation that is contributed by the church is that we teach millions of people that they should expect miracles. Pastors teach about miracles without telling them the truth about the order of life. The way we are all supposed to live on a daily basis is not through miracles or by miracles. We are supposed to live by laws and principles that God has placed in the laws of nature, in the principles of life and order. Life depends on laws and rules. But we tell people about miracle, miracle, miracle. No matter what you talk to a Nigerian about, they will tell you about the fact that God will do it. We are asking God to do for us what he has asked us to do for ourselves. There is no way God can do for man, what man is supposed to do for himself. There is no way man can do for God what God can only do. Most of our prayers in Nigeria maybe about 80 percent are a waste of time. This is because we ask God to do for us what he has asked us to do for ourselves or we ask God to do for us what he has already done. Thanks to that deceptive teaching, our people expect miracles from morning till night. Our people are looking for miracles. So, any opportunity that presents itself godly or ungodly we take as God’s miracle or blessing. That is a major factor encouraging corruption in the land. In the real sense we don’t teach people that the possibility of miracle is not the order of the day. It is only two percent of our daily life that should depend on miracles from God. The order of life is the observation of God’s laws and order. Obedience to the laws of God and the society brings wealth and blessings. http://thenationonlineng.net/churches-teaching-too-many-wrong-values/ |
| Politics › Venezuelan Farmers Ordered To Hand Over Produce To State by Dotng(op): 10:41pm On Aug 08, 2015 |
Venezuelan farmers ordered to hand over produce to state By Harriet Alexander 6:32PM BST 21 Jul 2015 As Venezuela's food shortages worsen, the president of the country's Food Industry Chamber has said that authorities ordered producers of milk, pasta, oil, rice, sugar and flour to supply their products to the state stores Venezuela's embattled government has taken the drastic step of forcing food producers to sell their produce to the state, in a bid to counter the ever-worsening shortages. Farmers and manufacturers who produce milk, pasta, oil, rice, sugar and flour have been told to supply between 30 per cent and 100 per cent of their products to the state stores. Shortages, rationing and queues outside supermarkets have become a way of life for Venezuelans, as their isolated country battles against rigid currency controls and a shortage of US dollars – making it difficult for Venezuelans to find imported goods. Pablo Baraybar, president of the Venezuelan Food Industry Chamber, said that the order was illogical, and damaging to Venezuelan consumers. "Taking products from the supermarkets and shops to hand them over to the state network doesn't help in any way," he said. "And problems like speculating will only get worse, because the foods will be concentrated precisely in the areas where the resellers go. He pointed to statistics showing that two thirds of hoarders – or "bachaqueros", giant ants, as they are nicknamed in Venezuela – buy their goods from the three state-owned chains, to resell at a profit. "Consumers will be forced to spend more time in queues, given that the goods will be available in fewer stores." The state owns 7,245 stores, compared to more than 113,000 in private hands. Mr Baraybar said that many of the private shops were in densely-populated areas, meaning that people will now be forced to make longer journeys to the state stores. The Chamber has asked the government for a meeting to discuss the plan, which they say they were not informed of. "This does absolutely nothing to help with the shortages," he said, adding that the solution was for the government to increase national production. In March, Venezuelans were so worried about food shortages and dimininshing stocks of basic goods, fingerprint scanners were installed in supermarkets in an attempt to crack down on hoarding. Venezuela’s official rate of inflation hit 64 per cent last year – the highest in the world. The government hides the scale of shortages, but angry consumers regularly post photos of empty shelves on social media. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/venezuela/11754156/Venezuelan-farmers-ordered-to-hand-over-produce-to-state.html |
| Politics › Nigeria, A Potential World Super-power – Dubai Monarch by Dotng(op): 7:11am On Aug 08, 2015 |
Nigeria, a potential world super-power – Dubai monarch The Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has described Nigeria as the business hub of Africa and a potential world super-power.arab Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum king He made this remark at a recent meeting with the CEO of a Nigerian construction firm, Sujimoto Group, Sijibomi Ogundele, during the latter’s visit to Dubai. The forum was strategically designed to explore investment opportunities and exchange between Nigerian luxury real estate brand, Sujimoto Construction and top Emirati architectural firms. Speaking further, Shiekh Al Maktoum added, “Dubai is great, but Nigeria’s potential is beyond our imagination. Nigeria would be one of the greatest countries not only in Africa but also in the world with the right investments and infrastructural developments. Her economy is developing rapidly and her construction industries can match what obtains in many advanced countries.’’ On his part, Ogundele whose construction outfit is at the forefront of redefining and delivering high-value residential structures in Nigeria and major international cities said, “ The real-estate sector in Dubai inspires me a lot so I desire to transform the Nigerian building sector to match that of the UAE. “Our flagship buildings, ‘LorenzoBySujimoto’, are designed after outstanding UAE structures. We intend to achieve this by bridging the gap in the provision of exceptional luxury structures in Lagos, Nigeria, other parts of West and ultimately the UAE.” Sharing his vision for his country since he assumed leadership of the UAE in 2006, he said, “Failure is never an option. Dubai can never afford to settle for less. The fear of failure is my number one motivating factor. I wake up each day reminding myself that I would do everything to show the world that the UAE and Dubai in particular would never become followers but Leaders in all sectors of leadership. Sijibomi Ogundele concluded that with the right investments and infrastructural developments, Nigeria’s economy would develop rapidly and our construction industries would be able to match what obtains in many advanced countries. http://247nigerianewsupdate.co/nigeria-a-potential-world-super-power-dubai-monarch/ |
| Politics › Yobe Guber: How N15m Was Paid Into Rec’s Account In One Day by Dotng(op): 6:06am On Aug 07, 2015 |
Yobe guber: How N15m was paid into REC’s account in one day THE Yobe State governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja was, on Thursday, told how N15 million was allegedly paid into the account of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Yobe State, shortly before the April 11 gubernatorial election in the state. Two senior staff of two new generation banks confirmed the lodgement of N8 million and N7 million into the accounts on April 8. But Malam Yusuf Ali, counsel for the state governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, described the allegation as baseless, saying that the petitioner was only out to entertain the court. According to the witnesses, only N23,000 was in the account before the money was paid. Umar Alkali, the Operations Manager of the Damaturu branch of one of the banks, admitted some of the documents and bank statement of accounts and tellers used to pay the money. The REC and the aide-de-camp to Yobe State governor were joined as respondents in the petition. The acting branch manager of Damaturu of one of the banks, Bama-aji Kukawa, in his evidence, told the court that the money was paid into the account on April 8, three days to the governorship election. “The account was not opened in my branch, so, we had to ask for the scanned copy of the statement of account from the branch where it was opened, so as to be able to produce it in court. “N8 million was deposited into the account on April 8, 2015 and was withdrawn after it was paid into the account,” he said. Alkali, in his evidence before the court, said N7 million was paid into the account on the same day and he brought the bank statement and tellers to show that the money was paid into the account. Counsel for Alhaji Maina Waziri, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko, told the court that the ADC to the governor and the REC were joined in the petition because of the allegation of corruption involved. “The statement of account showed evidence of lodgement into the account. He initially had N23,000 in his account and all of a sudden, he withdrew N600,000 and transferred about N7 million. Waziri was challenging the victory of the governor at the tribunal. In his petition, he alleged irregularities and corruption. http://tribuneonlineng.com/yobe-guber-how-n15m-was-paid-rec%E2%80%99s-account-one-day |
| Politics › Ooni: Rites Of Passage For Oba Sijuade Ongoing – by Dotng(op): 8:03am On Aug 06, 2015 |
Ooni: Rites of passage for Oba Sijuade ongoing – Osogbo—The remains of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, were Wednesday said to be in Ile’gbo, the place where his coronation took place. According to an informed palace source, Ile ‘gbo, is located within Ile Oodua, as Ooni’s palace is called. An Ife traditional title holder, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “the body arrived the place and was received by members of Isoro Cult early this week. His words; ”His journey to the throne started from that place called Ile’gbo. That is where he was installed Ooni. That is also the place anyone that will succeed him will be installed. “The body is being preserved through traditional means. All the rites will be done while the body is kept there. But don’t expect formal announcement of his death in next two weeks. “It may take months depending on how fast the Isoro members are able to conclude the necessary rites. The body is there as I speak to you but non-Isoro member cannot see it. Even his family members can no longer see him,” he concluded. Meanwhile, family of Oba Sijuade were said to have parked their personal effects out of the palace. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/08/ooni-rites-of-passage-for-oba-sijuade-ongoing-source/ 1 Like |
| Politics › Akpabio Unhappy With A’ibom Gov Over US Trip by Dotng(op): 10:13am On Aug 05, 2015 |
Akpabio unhappy with A’Ibom gov over US trip The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, is not happy with the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for attending a summer convention in the United States organised by Akwa Ibom Indigenes abroad. A former aide of Akpabio , who does not want to be named, told our correspondent in Uyo, on Tuesday, that the former governor had advised Emmanuel not to embark on the journey because the trip was unnecessary, considering the cost it involved. He maintained that Akpabio had asked Emmanuel to avoid spending money on things that would not generate revenue for the state, but should focus on attracting investors into the state. According to him, since Emmanuel had assumed office as Akwa Ibom State governor, the Akwa Ibom people have not felt the impact of his administration. He noted that since Emmanuel took over from Akpabio as governor 66 days ago, the state has not witnessed any significant progress. He revealed that Emmanuel left Akwa Ibom with a delegation of over 60 persons. They would spend two weeks in the US. He added that Akpabio considered the trip unnecessary. He said it would not add value to Akwa Ibom people at home. The convener, Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Mr. Inibehe Effiong, said Emmanuel learnt his wasteful attitude from Akpabio. He added that few weeks ago, Emmanuel was spotted at the Ibom International Airport on a chartered jet. He said, “I can tell you, Emmanuel is very wasteful. The other day, he was seen at the Ibom International Airport on a chartered flight. Why has the governor chosen to go on a chartered flight when the economy of the country is wobbling? This does not make sense. “He (Emmanuel) learnt his wasteful attitude from his master, Senator Godswill Akpabio. The trip is a way of siphoning money from the state; it is purely based on self-interest. We hope the whole thing will soon be over. We don’t have a governor yet,” he said. But in a swift reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, who is also in the US, said Emmanuel was not only the governor of those that reside in Akwa Ibom State but a governor of the Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of where they live. He stated that the summer convention was an important occasion as it attracted many governors from the country. He noted that Emmanuel did not embark on the trip for selfish reasons, but to woo industrialists to the state. He said, “The Akwa Ibom State governor is the governor of all Akwa Ibom people wherever they may be in the world. He has a right to tell them his programmes for the state. “The summer convention is a very important occasion. Emmanuel is there to attract investors to the state. Many other governors in the Nigeria are also in the United States for the same reason.” http://www.punchng.com/politics/akpabio-unhappy-with-aibom-gov-over-us-trip/ 2 Likes 1 Share |
| Politics › Dickson,alamieyeseigha Ordered Out Of Jonathan's Meeting With PDP Board Of Trust by Dotng(op): 11:06am On Aug 03, 2015 |
Dickson,Alamieyeseigha Ordered Out of Jonathan's Meeting With PDP Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) o Sunday held an emergency meeting at the country home of former President Goodluck Jonathan in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, it wades into the crisis rocking the state chapter of the party. At the meeting, both the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson, and former governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, were ordered out of the venue by the party leadership. At the meeting which looked into the recommendations of the National Peace Committee for the state, the acting Chairman of the party’s BoT, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, called on all feuding members and stakeholders of the party in the state to close ranks, while also upturning the decision of the state chapter of the party to expel some prominent members from the party. President Jonathan was said to been scandalised by the action of the party at the state level, adding that the party cannot afford a major crisis less than five months to the governorship election. At the meeting which was held at the Jonathan country home amid tight security, some uninvited prominent persons, including those who had already defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), were walked out of the venue. THISDAY gathered that attendance was based strictly on membership of the board and on invitation. Those in attendance at the meeting included the BoT acting Chairman, Bello; the Secetary of the BoT, Senator Walid Jibril; the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu; Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh and Senator Stella Omu. While some loyalists of the expelled party leaders, including the embattled Chairman of the PDP in the state, Col. Sam Inokoba, claimed that the Chairman of the state reconciliation committee and first governor of the state, Alameiyeiseigha and other party members were barred from attending the meeting due to non-membership of the party BoT. However, Inokoba and Senator Emmanuel Paulker were allowed into the meeting. The state Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Godspower Keku, in a statement issued yesterday, confirmed the reconciliation of the party’s leadership by the BoT and that the decision to rescind the suspensions and expulsions, was taken on the request of Dickson, who is the leader of the party in the state. He said the decision was taken in the best interest of the party, especially with a crucial election around the corner. Keku, however, pointed out that the lifting of the suspensions was still subject to the ratification of the State Working Committee, which is expected to deliberate on it soon. “The party welcomed the pardoned members and enjoin the party at all levels to involve them in all activities of the party, giving them second chance to prove their loyalty. All members of the party are enjoined to re-double their efforts towards ensuring victory for the party in the forthcoming governorship poll.” The state PDP statement read: “The meeting, which was convened at the instance of President Jonathan also resolved to rescind the suspensions and expulsions placed on some members of the party, who have, despite the internal squabbles within its rank and file, remained in the PDP, unlike those, who defected to the opposition.” The state PDP Secretary, Keku, explained that the decision was taken in the best interest of the party, especially with a crucial election around the corner. He commended them for keeping faith with the PDP, despite the pressures to defect, like a number of others, who could not resist the temptation, despite having reaped bountifully from the PDP, since 1999. Some of those affected by the decision included Senators Paulker and Nimi Barigha Amange, Ayakeme Whiskey, Mrs. Marie Ebikake, Hon. Waripamowei Dudafa, Ebikitin Diongoli and Mrs. Remi Kuku, among others. http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pdp-board-of-trustees-holds-meeting-with-jonathan-in-otuoke/216425/ |
| Politics › Buhari Stopped Me From Stepping Aside — Gbajabiamila by Dotng(op): 12:22am On Aug 03, 2015 |
Buhari stopped me from stepping aside — Gbajabiamila AUGUST 2, 2015 : JOHN AMEH Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, in this interview tells JOHN AMEH about the leadership tussles and betrayals among the All Progressives Congress lawmakers in the House of Representatives The ‘war’ is over, it seems. How do you feel now? First of all, let me be honest with you. What happened in the last few days over the tussle for House leadership should never have been. But, unfortunately, there were a lot of vested interests. Politics was played in a way it should never have been played and to a point where the progress of the party and the country was almost sacrificed. But, we thank God that at the end of the day, we were able to allow wiser counsel to prevail. Members were able to sit down and for the larger interest of the party and the country, come to a resolution acceptable to everybody. Do you share the opinion of the All Progressives Congress’ National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, that though the crisis is over, the wounds will take a while to heal? I understand where the chairman was coming from. It is because the wound appeared to be very deep. When you have deep wounds, it will take a while to heal. But, somehow, I am a bit optimistic that even though the wounds were deep, we should get moving. Deep as those wounds may be, there is a resolve in the minds of members that we would overcome those wounds in a shorter time than the chairman or anyone else would have imagined. Speaker (Yakubu) Dogara and I have started talking; we apologised to each other and we had apologised to the whole nation. That move of apology goes a long way in dealing with whatever wounds that might have been prior to now. It is when you are not genuine or you do not understand where you have gone wrong that it becomes very difficult for you to begin to talk about coming together. Everybody has apologised and we realise that this thing should never have happened. Did you at a point think the former Consolidation Group or the Dogara group betrayed the APC? Did you feel betrayed too? I don’t want to reopen wounds. But, unfortunately, politics in Nigeria has accepted betrayal as part of its fabrics. That should not have been acceptable. Even in the best democracies, you do experience some betrayals, but not like we have here in Nigeria. I hope and pray that our politics will mature eventually to a point where people will stand on ideals and stand on principles and that there will be less of politics and other things that really shouldn’t matter. I don’t really want to go into that again. But, yes, there were betrayals, a lot of betrayals; perhaps even both ways. But, like I said, we have put all of it behind us now and the party is one. For me, a lot of these things did not really matter. At a time, the issue was framed that it was all about me, when really it wasn’t. A lot of members and a lot of us stood on principles on the side of the party. But, there came a time when unknown to many, I actually wrote to the President (Muhammadu Buhari), and the party ages ago and asked that they should allow me to remove myself from this (leadership crisis) and step aside for the good of the President, the progress of the party and the country. I thank God that the President actually refused. For me, I thank Mr. President for believing in me and believing in my capacity to pilot the affairs of the party at the National Assembly. Even the party and my members totally refused to let me step aside. We are here today and I hope that I will be able to discharge my responsibilities in line with the confidence reposed in me. Beyond the handshakes between you and Dogara before the cameras, what will the future relationship be like? Can you two work together? Prior to now, I never had any issues with the Speaker and I don’t think he had any issues with me. It was all healthy and there was mutual respect, prior to now. On my part, there are no issues. But if there were any on either side, we will both realise that it must be subsumed under for the greater good of the party and the country. That is the priority and that is the larger interest. Anything personal between the speaker and I will be dealt with to the extent that it will not be detrimental to the House, the party and the country. You are close to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. He has been alleged to have handpicked you to be the House Speaker and then House Leader, when the first one could not be realised. What exact roles did Tinubu play in all this? It is rather unfortunate that people had to bring an individual’s name into what ordinarily should not have been. At the risk of sounding immodest, I don’t think there is anybody that would have said without Tinubu, I did not deserve or merit the speakership in terms of even perhaps the traditional minority leadership to speakership. This should have been a traditional transition. On lifespan in the House, capacity and experience, whatever basis; my point is that if you remove Tinubu, would I have been put forward by the party? That is the question. Like I have said before, Tinubu was not even the one who pushed my candidature. My candidature was pushed by several other people, particularly the leaders of the party from the northern part of the country. They actually spoke to Tinubu and he had no reason to oppose it. Let me just say that my candidacy was pushed by practically every leader in the party. It had nothing to do with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. My candidacy was unopposed by all the leaders of the party. They all spoke with one voice on the issue of who should be the speaker. I would appreciate that Nigerians could be a little bit more objective or analytical rather than saying somebody imposed somebody. Are you saying that Tinubu never at some point insisted that you must be speaker or nobody else? I don’t know at what point. All I know is that he did not oppose my candidacy. And I don’t see any reason why he could have opposed it anyway. He did not oppose it and no other leader did. But, was the opposition against you not payback time for you? In 2011, you argued for the independence of the House. You mobilised the then Action Congress of Nigeria lawmakers from the South-West who voted against the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Mulikat Adeola-Akande. Why did you think things should have been different in your own case? It is good that this question came up. There is a lot of misconception out there and this might be an opportunity to clear it. Back in 2011, we were just coming out of the (Dimeji) Bankole era. That period was probably the worst period in terms of where we were as the institution of the House of Representatives. We were at our lowest ebb at the time and we were probably the least liked set of people in Nigeria at that time. Having been down, two candidates emerged — Aminu Tambuwal and Mulikat. I know them both. I had nothing against Mulikat. But, I felt that from where we were coming from as a House at that time, there was a place we needed to get to and I felt Tambuwal would be a lot better candidate to get us out of that situation. That tells a lot about me; that I am a very detribalised person. Yes, Mulikat was from the South-West like me and perhaps a lot of people in a myopic way would have thought, yes, since it was South-West, it must be South-West. But, the more important consideration was capacity. And I felt and we believed that Tambuwal was far ahead in terms of capacity to take the House out of the situation it was in. Therefore, my position was not based on, oh no, the PDP has done this, so it must be contrary. It was not politics at all; it was simply merit-based. I say boldly that I started the Tambuwal project for the reasons I just gave and pushed it to the point where he became the speaker. As a matter of fact, the party and the South-West had already endorsed Mulikat. At lot people even tried to blame Tinubu, that he did this or that. No, the South-West endorsed her. Tinubu did not know Tambuwal before then; I said no, he was the right person. I argued then that even if he was pursuing a South-West agenda, Tambuwal was a better candidate for the House than a South-West agenda. And I was proved right at the end of the day. Why is it that the same Tambuwal you supported on merit against the South-West did not reciprocate your action in the 8th House? Do you want me to be very honest with it? I don’t think that he recognised my qualities. I don’t want to go into all that again because it is now in the past. Do you agree with people who say the relationship between the two of you will not be cordial again? Let us see how that goes. I am not clairvoyant; I don’t see into the future but a lot of damage has been done. But, I will also say God’s will has been done. I will leave things the way they are. Will you recommend that the APC conducts shadow elections in the future in view of how the National Assembly crisis almost went overboard? On that question, let me go back to what we talked about Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier. The party decided they were going to zone this thing to the South-West and across board, there was no dissenting voice. There was no dissenting voice either in the National Working Committee, National Executive Council or wherever. Now, there were elements that, for whatever reasons, decided that was not good enough. They thought it was zoned to the South-West because of one person. To satisfy those elements, the party bent over backwards to say okay, you don’t want the party to dictate where this thing goes. Go and have your election in the true spirit of democracy, which we all talk about. And again, people have criticised that. I wonder how we talk about internal democracy; that we don’t want imposition and yet the party says go and elect your leaders and that is still opposed. Thus, both possibilities (zoning and shadow election) were done and both were opposed. On each occasion, I came out as the party’s candidate. I see nothing wrong with the shadow election. We did it for the presidential election; we did it for the governorship election and so many other elections. At the end of the day, after the primaries, one will still go and face the general electorate. That is how it has been done. If the party had spoken with one voice, there was no way the APC, with the overwhelming majority, would have lost the speakership election. But, again, it is behind us now. Why was the party reluctant to wield the big stick when it realised some members were bent on rocking the boat? They say hindsight is 20-20. Let me just say perhaps the party could have been stronger, rather than say the party was weak. It could have been a little bit firm. Has precedence not been set for impunity in the party, particularly looking at how some APC senators were alleged to have conspired with the PDP senators? Again, to me, that speaks of lack of discipline within party members. I am not sure a thorough research in politics anywhere will find our own type of democracy, where the ruling party will collude with the opposition to produce the result that was produced in the Senate. I think it is almost a first in history, unless everybody agreed to it and not that it was done in such an underhanded way. It is unfortunate. I think it was a mistake on the part of the members of the APC. Hopefully, the issue, one way or another, will be addressed. Whichever way, let the country move ahead. Do you think Senator Bukola Saraki possesses the needed qualities and deserves to be Senate President, and how do you view the role he played in the National Assembly crisis? I am not going to speak on whether Saraki has those qualities to be Senate President or not because I am not a senator. I was never in the chamber with him when he was a sitting member to assess his capacity. Assuming that he has those qualities, you cannot build something on nothing. The foundation is flawed fundamentally. If is true, I am not saying that it is true; but if it is true that the election was built on forged rules, or that members were disenfranchised; that certain people who were to stand for the election were not even there for whatever reasons, that election is fundamentally flawed. Why did you want to be the House Speaker? I thought it was a natural progression, first of all. But, the real question should have been why did your party want you to be the speaker? Why did your members want you to be the speaker? That question is better directed to them. Maybe there was something they felt this man that piloted the affairs of this party for eight to 12 years without blemish had. Maybe they thought he had the ability to continue in that line. I don’t know, I can’t answer that question. I just accepted the call of my party. That was what I did by contesting the speakership. You seem to have the ears of Mr. President. What exactly did he discuss with you and Dogara a few hours before principal officers were announced in the House? We held very simple, very straightforward meetings. At each of those meetings, basically, I discussed fully with Mr. President what exactly was going on. I asked that I be allowed in the greater interest of the party and of the President and of the country, to remove myself from what was going on. Again, like I said, the President was reluctant. I think he was reluctant because he believed in party supremacy. He also believed in me, which makes me feel a lot better. If your President believes in you it matters much. If he believes in you and a greater majority of your members in the House believe in you and Nigerians also believe in you, I think that gives me comfort in whatever happens. Much of our discussions remain privileged and private, but in a nutshell, it was more or less confidence-building on the part of Mr. President. Is it impossible for a lawmaker to make a difference without holding a privileged position in the chamber or why did you insist on being the House Leader? I have been in this House without holding any committee position and I did not even want it. In 2011, I was to be the deputy to Tambuwal, I said no. Then, Emeka Ihedioha came in. Without holding an office, I think I made my impact within and outside the House. Therefore, one doesn’t need to hold an office to do one’s work. I always tell my members when this issue of clamour for committees comes up that, it is the member who makes the committee, not the committee making the legislator. I believe that very seriously. Do you agree that the leadership tussle, which lasted for 49 days, was an unnecessary distraction and that all of you should refund the salaries and allowances you were paid during the period? The issue of money and the legislator is a very sensitive thing out there. No matter how you try to be objective, there is only one way that people are thinking. But, the 49 days that you talked about were not 49 days of holiday. They were days that plenary was suspended, but the speaker was here each day. There were meetings going on, he received people and members were working on one thing or the other. There were issues with accommodation; committee work was going on within whatever ad hoc committees that were set up. They were meeting and reviewing the House rules, reviewing the archaic laws that we have in Nigeria and others. It is a lot of work. It is wrong to say that we went on holiday. Most of us were here in Abuja doing whatever work we were doing and settling down. You are now the House leader. Violence in the House of Reps is not uncommon over the last 16 years. Will there be legislation against assault in the chamber? I disagree when you say there has been frequent fighting in the House. That is not the true picture. Maybe it happened two or three times. If in 10 years or more, something happens one or three times, then it is not frequent. But, I agree that one time is too many times. However, we will deal with it. We are nurturing our democracy and we will handle it with maturity. Politics will always come to play because all over the world, people are passionate about their politics. In the United States, you may not see fighting or throwing of chairs, but you may even see things that are worse. Their politics can be a lot dirtier. Even at the State of the Union Address, you see members of the opposition reach a point where they heckle the President and all sorts of things happen. But, for us, we will try as much as possible; we will do something about it. In what specific ways will lawmakers partner with the President to cut the cost of governance, beyond the rhetoric of giving him the necessary legislative backing? The cost of governance is something that cuts across. All arms of government and all facets of our lives are involved. The legislature should play its role by opening its books. I believe in accountability and transparency. It is after you open your books that you can determine whether this is too much or small. You can’t ask MDAs to open their books when you are not willing to open yours. Let Nigerians say ‘oh, your transportation is too much or too small.’ Do you think the pay package of lawmakers is too high? I work for the people of Nigeria. What I think does not matter because it is absolutely irrelevant. That will be my personal opinion. It is fashionable for everybody to jump at criticising lawmakers that their pay is too much. When you ask these people what the pay is, they will just stare back. Tell us, what is the pay? It is in public domain. My salary in the National Assembly every month is about N700, 000 to N800, 000. If you are talking about my running cost and my allowances, they are out there. It is more believable when an officer of the House gives the figure to Nigerians. What is the allowance? My running cost may be different from another member’s running cost. I cannot speak wholesale like that. Rather, let us publish; that this is how much that comes to every member and this is the breakdown. It is possible that if you give a balloon figure, everybody will say ‘oh my God, how can you guys earn so much?’ But, it is also possible that if you break it down item by item, people will now realise that you can’t be faulted in any of this. What you are doing is that you are refusing to tell Nigerians the bulk figure that you collect as allowance. I can tell Nigerians but I will not be badgered into it. Like I said, let us open books. There is also the law of privacy. You will not tell me how much you, (our correspondent) earn. It is constitutional and you are entitled to earn it. But, because this has come to this, I will be the first to tell the speaker, let us publish this thing. That way, it will not be me doing it in isolation. http://www.punchng.com/feature/interview/buhari-stopped-me-from-stepping-aside-gbajabiamila/ |
| Business › Re: What A Banker Did To Me Recently by Dotng: 3:27pm On Aug 02, 2015 |
Life is a seed. You choice of action should never be based on how people are but how you want your immediate world to be. The world is bad enough. I choose to be the change I want to see. 3 Likes |
| Phones › Re: How To Repair Damaged Or Corrupted Sd Card by Dotng: 9:57pm On Jul 30, 2015 |
afolabi1992:I hope it works. I have a problem with my SD card that is yet to be resolved. |
| Politics › On The N37 Billion Found In Nasarawa Farm by Dotng(op): 9:48pm On Jul 30, 2015 |
On The N37 Billion Found In Nasarawa Farm Yesterday, we reported that N37 billion Naira equivalent in USA dollars was allegedly recovered from a farm belonging to a former top government official under Goodluck Jonathan Administration. The farm is located in Nasarawa state. We can reliably inform Nigerians that indeed seven military Hilux trucks were witnessed leaving the farm in Nasarawa state and were heading to Abuja. We can also reveal that the owner of the farm is NOT necessarily a native of Nasarawa state. Many top government officials in Abuja own farms in Nasarawa sate. We will furnish you with more updates as we receive it. Nigerians must understand that with the emergence of his Excellency, President Muhammdu Buhari, as our head of state, those who dwell in grandeur theft with impunity during the tenure of Goodluck Jonathan are having immense difficulties finding where to hide their ill gotten loot. Hiding ill gotten money in local and foreign banks is no longer an option. Since assuming power, his Excellency has been relentlessly blocking all their exit routes. CUPS is reliably informed by a security source that the criminals are hiding money in all manners of places including the following: 1. Farms. 2. Overhead water tanks at home. 3. Granaries at home and at relatives’ homes in villages. 4. Trunk boxes. 5. Underground bunkers for storing Yams and Potatoes. 6. Irrigation farms and plots. 7. Old cars that are no longer in service. 8. Underground fuel tanks at disused petrol stations. 9. Ceilings inside houses. 10. Family garves. Besides the aforementioned, one other ingenious way that the criminals have been using to hide our stolen wealth is the use of converted houses. CUPS is reliably informed that some of the criminals have resorted to buying properties, and then converting some of the rooms into security cells. These rooms are then cleverly concealed with wardrobes. With the above discrete places in mind, we hope and pray that when our security and law enforcement agents arrest these criminal suspects, they should leave no stone unturned in finding where our stolen wealth are hidden. As for us here at CUPS, the task of fighting and exposing corruption continues relentlessly until our people are free. May God save Nigeria and Nigerians. Amen. Dr. Idris Ahmed. 27/7/2015. |
| Politics › Jonathan’s Aide Seizes $50m Belonging To Ex-first Lady Patience by Dotng(op): 10:09am On Jul 30, 2015 |
Jonathan’s Aide Seizes $50m Belonging to Ex-First Lady Patience How ex-Presidential aide betrayed Jonathan, wife The immediate past Special Assistant on Domestic Matters to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr. Waripamowei Dudafa, has stuck a deadly dagger in the spine of his godparents and benefactors, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, as he was seen bad-mouthing his former boss and his wife, describing them as “selfish and wicked”. The former aide, whom a source said was sited speaking to a mutual friend at Heathrow airport over the weekend, said in his bid to put down his former principals, he (Dudafa) did not hesitate to cast morality and decency to the winds to enact lethal deeds of treachery and deceit against the person of the former President and his wife, one couple that has been variously regarded as the architect and progenitor of his political and economic fortune. To the consternation of this mutual friend, the former aide chose to cast aspersion on his boss and benefactors because, according to him, they failed to live up to their promise of making him governor after all the ‘dirty’ jobs they made him do for them, he said. The source, said the mutual friend who later reported his encounter with another mutual friend, said the former domestic aide possess no moral or legal rights to perpetrate such treachery against the former first family who, he said was solely responsible for Dudafa’s political rise and relevance even against all odds. Meanwhile, unconfirmed report says the real reason behind the frosty relations between the former presidential domestic aide and his boss, particularly the former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has to do with the refusal by the former aide to return the sum of fifty million dollars in his possession belonging to the first lady. When the mutual friend confronted the former aide with the report of his alleged refusal to release the money in his possession, he (Dudafa) was quoted to have said: “The money was given to me to fund my governorship campaign. They specifically told me to use the money to fund my governorship campaign”. Source: elombah - See more at: http://newsrescue.com/jonathans-aide-seizes-50m-belonging-to-ex-first-lady-patience/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=NewsRescue#sthash.5txjCo4N.dpuf |
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