₦airaland Forum

jpphilips:
At least I understand this one isn't of those.

You think it isn't one of those? If it's a guaranteed investment for the future, why wasn't anything about it brought to the knowledge of the masses before Ibe Kachikwu's letter?
We're talking about 26billion USD here man and that's Nigeria's money.

jpphilips:
Thats because you do not understand that the contract are not procurement contracts but mostly guaranteed future investments.

You just do not understand yet that Nigeria is being scammed.

I once read and I agree that the cruelest form of tyranny is that perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice. As of today, Nigeria as a country is not far fetched from the same situation. Sadly, on a general note, we have not been able to lead ourselves well after a very long time.
Sometimes, I'm forced to think that fate designed the scheme of things to be the way they are so that we Nigerians will experience first hand, what we thought we would have missed. If we had missed the chance of having the man currently at the helm of affairs in 2015, some of us would have thought that we had missed a golden opportunity. The opportunity came and is still running but there's nothing golden about it. Tyranny in its entirety is cruel, but I must go on to state that under the watch of our supposed Messiah, most Nigerians have experienced cruel tyranny.
For a man who knows not what to do to improve the state of the nation in any facet yet still enjoys cult-like followership baffles me. I've come to understand that there are two categories of people who still follow this perceived Messiah perhaps with the hope that one day, the supposed change that was and is being preached will come. Words should be backed with actions but one of the two categories of people who know this have deliberately shielded their eyes from seeing the truth.
On one hand of the Messiah's followers are people who really do not know how a lot of things work. These people do not understand that their Messiah and associates are ever ready to dish out lies to the populace and blame past leaders even for their own failures. It is not out of place to describe these ones as sheepish followers or ignorant ones. They are really spellbound and to an extent should be avoided.
On the other hand, there are people who know how a lot of things work and understand what is going on but pride won't let them denounce their followership. Pride as a result of whatever they could be benefiting or as a result of so much bragging they've done in time past. This category of people could be living without their conscience.
The most important thing for a Messiah should be saving a people from anguish and penury. And for a political Messiah, it should improvement in the polity and economy of his territory, better security, relative peace along ethno-religious lines, right to freedom, good living for his people, development in power, health and agricultural sectors and so on.
A good opposition will make democracy very beautiful, but for a man who is ever ready to oppress and suppress or even crush individuals, ethnic groups, organizations and anything that does not see things with him in the same light; has not done anything to improve the situation of things within the territory he governs, that man is nothing close to a Messiah.

agbangam:
Nigeria can never be finished. $26B is not missing, u guys are just misquoting Kachukwu and I really do not know what you guys are gaining from such lies.
He only said dat he was not carried along wen d contracts were being given out. Nah wa o, u guys hate for PMB is becoming worrisome cos u pple are ready to go to any extent just to pull him down and funny enough it is Christian brethrens dat are peddling d lies. May God have mercy on us all.

So if the money was available why would Kachikwu complain? Aside not carrying Kachikwu along, didn't you read the part where it was said that the amount was awarded in contracts?

feelgoods:
Nigeria is finished. He is seeking for another 5.5 billion loan.

Yet they claim to have recovered more than 3trillion Naira from TSA.

Let me start by saying that Alhaji Aliko Dangote's refinery which will have alongside it the largest petrochemical plant in West Africa when completed is worth about $12billion. That's a lot of investment from one man. It will directly improve Nigeria's economy in any angle we look at it from.
Allegations were made by Dr Ibe Kachikwu that about $26billion has been awarded in contracts illegally by the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC). Nigeria as a country has never had a budget up to that amount in a year, yet such amount has been awarded in contracts within a year. Our President who also doubles as the Minister of Petroleum resources and his crony Mr Baru who is the GMD of NNPC are from regions that have not contributed as much as 10litres of oil to support the economy of Nigeria since oil is the main driver of Nigeria's economy.
If Nigeria was a saner society than it is today, positions related to petroleum resources, whether elected or appointed would be an exclusive right of the people of the Delta. But, the good people of the Delta hardly complain about all these. As a matter of fact, most people from the Niger Delta are interested in the relative peace of the region.
As at today, Dr Ibe Kachikwu is taking the fall and people are forgetting that it is a whooping $26billion we're talking about here. There are crude oil refineries in Rivers, Delta and Kaduna states which should take good care of the country's needs as a matter of fact, but today, we're still importing refined crude oil products. Maybe we should have given Alhaji Dangote that $26billion to build us two good refineries and perhaps keep the balance as an appreciation for his work. That amount is allocated to projects that the entire masses know nothing about? Where's the fairness and transparency in that?
The kind of followership that Buhari enjoys is cult-like, where he is seen as infallible. It is on record that he misappropriated $2.4billion sometime ago which is equivalent to about $1trillion of today. Again, another $500million was lost under him and all these monies are related to petroleum. So you see, the man is just obsessed with oil. Apart from the claim to fight corruption, diversification of the economy was another song on the mouth of the current FG's lips during the pre-election campaigns. And two years later, our President still maintains his lust after oil and that's why economy diversification seems impossible under the Buhari led Government.
Unlike his supporters see him, the man Buhari is not infallible. He is full of errors, division, hate, has many faults and in reality he is weak. No matter how good his cronies might want to make the picture of today's Nigeria look, that man isn't taking Nigeria anywhere good.

Desyner:
Good point. Let me add to it.
Restructuring will not come without resistance, the elite - Obas, Emirs, Igwes, Ezes, Top public office holders, civil workforce and every rent-seeker who is benefiting from the current structure will violently resist it.

You are right! That's why those who clamour for restructuring have to do so with more energy.

Almost a century before I was born, the man Lord Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern protectorates. For whatever purpose it was then, I cannot tell. But, I believe the different tribes and regions lived in peace and progressed according to their own pace.
As at today, I have heard politicians say "Nigeria's unity is non negotiable but I ask, is there any form of unity in Nigeria? If there is unity in Nigeria, I have come to understand that it is not out of love but because of oil. Anybody who keeps saying Nigeria's unity is non negotiable is an enemy of the people. With the way things are going, I think it is high time we renegotiated everything. People should decide what they want in a country and not the Government. Government cannot create a country, rather it is people that create Governments.
Maybe our fathers promoted unity out of good intentions or whatever reasons they had then. But, as at today, the system has failed and a round table renegotiation can go a long way in curbing many challenges especially in the south. The present day Government dominated by Northerners seem not to be interested in any form of negations or attempting to hold the country together in one piece.
Today, the North is the real Nigeria while the South is just "others". It is so because it is the North that decides almost everything in Nigeria. Nigeria cannot be restructured because the North is yet to accept restructuring. Oil contributes to more than 85 percent of the present day Nigeria income, which is found mainly in the south, the income generated from oil sales is shared indiscriminately and most Southerners do not have issues with that. With the way the system is today, there is a high level of imbalance and injustice.
If the current system cannot be restructured, then people should be allowed to go their separate ways. People should be in charge of their resources. When people make demands, they have a right to be listened to by the Government in charge and if their demands are not feasible, a negotiation can take place and an agreement can be reached. It is very wrong to unleash the military on a people for making demands. Like Rev. Father Felix Uche Akam rightly wrote, Biafra agitation resurfaced after the war ended 50 years ago because Army can never bring peace; only justice does. Also, the Yorubas have spearheaded the campaign for restructuring, I hope a military operation isn't unleashed on them as well.
If we have to wait for the North to accept restructuring before the country can be restructured then there's a high level of imbalance. The country is not united since we're in a situation where critical decisions are for the North alone to make.

greatnaija01:
if people got richer today than yesterday then people would feel safer cos technology has made provisions for safety against all odds.
trackers, cameras, spy tech etc have all been incorporated to make life better safe.

The problem is the mindset of people. The situation seems like the more the days go, the more evil engulfs the world. People will still use technology against technology. If there was no computer, we won't have cyber crimes. So the problem is not everyone being rich or technological improvement. The issue is with us, humans.

Do you feel safer today than you felt yesterday?

While I was much younger, I remember that the night was almost the same as the day. As kids, we played our pranks at nights many a time. We would play on the sand even in the dark of the night. There was no fence around the compound yet we would spread our mats on the floor outside, doze off and get inside whenever we woke up without fear. There was a feeling of safety and security.
As days ran into weeks, weeks into months and months into years, I (and I believe many people around me) started loosing this feeling of safety gradually, which is very pronounced even today. The loss of this feeling is as a result of events happening; evil activities (robbery, kidnapping and every other form of terror/violence). The number of people who perpetrate evil is steadily on the increase, stories flying around are always scary therefore the gradual loss of the safety feeling is a natural reaction.
On one hand, soldiers are built to take orders and fight wars but we aren't really at war. And in those times when they brought the war to us, it is pure chaos(I wonder if chaos can be pure). The thought of that alone further reduces one's confident feeling of being safe.
Who does feel safe? Is it the world beaters who may have made a deal with the devil and probably traded their liberty for safety? In the end they lose both!
The world is getting less safe with each passing day and it seems improving the situation is bigger than man.

GMBuhari:
And your papa mama uncle brother na immortal? Big mumu

Obviously you didn't get proper training.

Uganda's minister of Health wore a hijab, boarded a motorcycle(okada) and went to a particular hospital to witness first hand the corruption allegations she has been hearing. She actually got all she wanted to get and now, the culprits have been arrested and will be prosecuted according to their law. There was no media trial or anything of the sort. That was a superb strategy employed by the minister in fighting corruption.
A true democratic system is supposed to have the characteristic of "innocent until proven guilty". But, here in Nigeria, we only see media trials and people put in jail for a long time even when nothing has been heard about their case. Yet, people who have concrete evidence pointing at them as offenders walk about freely. Some even occupy juicy positions in Government. How then can they fight corruption?
Of course, it shouldn't be unexpected that corruption will fight back, but in the case of Nigeria, we have a set of persons who cannot stand to resist corrupt practices when they come knocking yet they claim to fight corruption.

I was never totally in support of secession but with each passing day, I'm forced to see reasons with this people (nd'igbo). I rather clamoured for restructuring, which the IPOB leader also said that would be one reason that will end their agitation.
The current Federal Government neither hid Its disdain nor pretend to not hate Ibos. Look at the six security chiefs, there's no Ibo man among them yet Nigeria has six geopolitical zones. Other appointments have been made and they've been sidelined but that didn't bother them. They were only interested in their Biafra struggle.
What baffles me is how the Nigerian Military has suddenly labelled IPOB members as terrorists. It is on record that World powers have labelled Fulani herdsmen as the world's fourth deadliest terrorist group, but our FG deliberately refused to name them a terrorist group. Also, after the episode of the clash between the Army and Shi'ites, the Shi'ites were also named a terrorist group. So literally, anyone whom our Federal Government hates becomes a terrorist... This is not in line with World standard practices.
I maintain that whatever the situation is in the South East as at today, the Nigerian Federal Government is responsible. That region was peaceful until the Army stepped in.

Let's look at it from this dimension:
Most people who live within and around Aba may want to leave the area cos of the chaos taking place. A few to Ebonyi and maybe Enugu but most of the people leaving Abia will land in Rivers and Imo states. We all know the crime situation in these two states is alarming. Now, when the populace of Rivers and Imo have been increased, I think crime rate will also increase correspondingly.
In trying to solve what should not have been a problem, our FG might end up creating more problems.
What's your take?

muller101:
I wonder why we just dump coal. That's another source of power generation.

Coal is not a clean/green source of energy. The idea of Sustainable development don't permit the use of coal for power generation.

nairavsdollars:
Jobless folks

Even some who have jobs got involved in the walk.
Are you a child of hate?

More photos

Photos

About a week ago, there was a walk for president Muhammadu Buhari on the streets of Port Harcourt. The turn up was good, some of Buhari's supporters felt that was the best thing that ever happened in Rivers state this year. Apart from the so much noise that was made to show love and support for President Buhari, there was no other fuss, the whole thing went well.
Then, just about a week later, a walk was also done for H. E. Nyesom Wike by indigent and resident citizens to show their love and support for Him. The first responders were APC/Buhari's supporters who never see anything good about Rivers State since H. E. Wike became governor. After condemning the walk for the governor, they also went on to say all sorts of things against the Rivers State Government Chief. Yet they will always be the first to scream "hate speech" the moment you state the obvious failures of the current FG.
Well, na only them know wetin dey scratch them for body.

05/09/2017

The event of this day was first launched by the United Nations (UN) in 2012. Firstly, in remembrance of Mother Teresa who died on the 5th day of September, 1997. While alive, she was well known for her charitable works around the world; secondly, the event was also created to recognize, encourage and support individuals, firms, charitable organizations who have shown love to the world through various deeds and in their respective capacities.
Some believe that Charity is love in action. This is a call for us all to show love again to mankind in our various capacities, even in the least possible way. You must not have it all, but at some points, there's always something you can give. Are you shying away because you think you don't have anything to give or because you think you won't be appreciated enough if you show kindness? That shouldn't matter, stretch forth your hands, help others whenever you get a chance. What goes around comes around; even the high and mighty would need help at some point in certain situations.
On this special day, my heart goes out to everyone who have done everything within their might to make the world a better place by giving. The likes of Nelson Mandela who fought for freedom for His people, Muammar Gaddafi who never let any African that came to Libya to sleep on the streets, scientists and researchers who are constantly in search of new solutions or means of solving mankind's problems, Environmentalists who work hard to ensure the safety of people and their environment. What you give is what you get and maybe even more.
This day is celebrated with the aim of highlighting the importance of education and giving. Love is life, adopt the religion of love and kindness and do what is good. In the end, life should be about love.
HAPPY CHARITY DAY TO THE WORLD!

Corrections, contributions and questions are also welcomed....

Mods, there are people who only get stuck on the front page..... If it's worth it, you can move it to the front page for all to see.
Viewers and silent readers and the few who commented, thank you. I feel honored sharing this piece.

#20. I Refuse To Forgive

Firstly, I must confess that forgiving a person who has really wronged you is not easy at all. But, forgiveness is one thing that you must learn to dish out to people who have erred against you at all times.
You think they must pay for what they took from you even when in your heart of hearts you know it wasn't meant to be yours? Let it go! Letting go is hard, but not as hard as holding onto something that isn't truly yours or that cannot be yours. They have done you a huge favor in the process.
Grudges cast a great deal of weight on your mind but when you forgive, that weight is removed and you feel at peace. Do not always wait for people to ask before you forgive. Do not forget that the measure you give is the measure you receive; the more easily and readily you are willing to forgive, in like manner will you also be forgiven because definitely, you must step on toes at some points.
When your mind is clear of the excess weights in form of grudges, you feel lighter and you are more fit to face great challenges. Keeping grudges is so much burden already so let it go. Love your neighbor like you love yourself (it is still possible). Practice the tradition of kindness and forgive even those who hurt you. With less weight, you can more easily climb the ladder to achieving your dreams.
Grudges are too small to stand between you and your dreams. Greatness is within you!
cheers.

Sorry good ladies and gentlemen for the delay. I had completed it on my facebook page since the 20th of August. I thought I had done the same here....
Here's the last one.

#19. I Refuse To Cry

Sometimes, just let the tears drop freely from your eyes. Unlike what most people think, crying at some point is not a symbol of weakness. It is not a taboo to cry if at a point the burden seems too much to bear or if you are faced with a negative situation.
Always holding up things inside and not letting them out is very unhealthy for the mind and to some extent the body. It is not a symbol of strength all the time if you always bottle up. Now, if your mind is not stable as a result of a lot of things being bottled up in it, how far do you think you can go with such type of mind?
Pull yourself together when you find yourself in a devastating situation but that doesn't mean you shouldn't cry; yet, do not cry like one who who is without hope. Rather, let each tear inspire you, give you a new hope and remind you that even though the past may have been rough, there's a bigger and better dream waiting to be achieved.
Know that the tears clear your eyes, clears your head and with clear eyes and head, you can more readily define a good path to walk on towards achieving your dreams.

GMBuhari:
Two options lagoon or rope

That's all you have to say?
I hope you haven't lost sight of the fact that tomorrow is yours?

One would have thought that our president's address which was aired at 7am on the 21st day of August, 2017 would make many of us forget our breakfast, probably from the joy that would have been derived from the way His speech could have addressed many of Nigeria's problems. An address that was celebrated days before it was to be made. After spending more than one hundred(100) days in the UK at the expense of Nigeria's economy, He comes to make a less than ten minutes address without addressing key issues bothering the Nigerian state as of today.
Our President is back and that is good, but, what exactly are you celebrating? There's alot of questions He should have answered in His address without anyone asking but since it isn't so, then we should ask.
Make no mistake, I'm happy too that at least the president has recovered significantly. Ill health is not something I can wish my enemies, I wish our president good health but then, for a man who doesn't want to leave everything else and take care of of His health, that's got me wondering.

Sorry for the delay.... I'm here to finish it up now.

#18. My Heart Has Been Broken Too Many Times To Take Much Risks

Everyone gets a heartbreak at some point in their lives, you are not alone on this one. Funny enough, those who are supposed to be like a shield around you are the ones who eventually break your heart and that is much more devastating than a lot of things.
Maybe there is a place where you had eyes on and desired to be there, or some good people you wanted to be with, your dream job or an opportunity you saw as yours but just when you went for them, you were rejected; It is indeed heartbreaking. Your struggle is part of your story, being rejected from something you often want could mean that you are being directed to something you need. People and situations can break your heart but don't let them break you.
Take risks! But, do not take it if it is not necessary. Do not let previous heartbreaks determine your life, you have the power to heal.
Though it is not as easy as it may sound, yet I see no choice better than you rising from your heartbreaks, learning your lessons and forging ahead. Heartbreaks come and they will always go so, stick to your dreams, take risks only when necessary, succeed and then, achieve what you wish to achieve.

#17. They Care About Me But Just Too Busy To Keep Their Promises

In properly assessing the situations from whence this kind of thought arises, you may be wrong or right. In this case, it is like a two way street.
Though there are people who genuinely care about you in this life, others do not. But in all honesty, someone who cares about you should always make out time for you and a means of keeping up with their promises to you. Know also that sometimes, situations beyond their control can prevent them from fulfilling their promises at the time.
But, when things do not happen the way you thought it would, do not let it change your life entirely. Always have another plan, and maybe another. In as much as you need people with their helping hand sometimes, do not let that be your only option all the time. Be ready to take every opportunity just as they come.
There are people who genuinely care about you. They may have failed or disappointed you sometimes but remember they're not perfect just like you're not. Most times, these people are meant to be part of your story, do not jump into conclusions and put them aside yet.
If others failed you, do not fail yourself.

TWENTY TINY THOUGHTS CRUSHING YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS

#16. One Little Lie Couldn't Hurt

As far as the east is from the west, that is how far you should keep yourself away from lies. One little lie may be insignificant today but tomorrow...? It may be the cause of your downfall.
Why tell a lie when the truth can set you free? As impossible as it may seem at some points to not tell a lie, the choice of presenting the truth or sticking with a lie is yours to make. The thought can come at any time, you oblige and decide to tell the little lie just that one time. Most times, it may happen that you would have to tell another lie to cover up the previous one. It goes on that way and you eventually realize that you are caught up in a web of lies; once you've been caught in that web, you get to lose so much, so much more than words can describe.
A lie today can prevent you from laying hands on something big tomorrow... Now imagine the big thing to be all you had ever dreamed of and worked towards achieving. A little lie can create distrust; you are most likely to get something big and good easily from others when they trust you.
Listen to your conscience, keep your name clean. If you think the lie was necessary to tell at that point, it is not too late to come clean. Do not forget that the truth will always surface, therefore always stand for the truth!
Your dream is much bigger than one little lie.

TWENTY TINY THOUGHTS CRUSHING YOUR BIGGEST DREAMS

#15. I Can Break My Promise Just This Once

Promises? Don't ever break them. Rather than break promises, don't make them. In breaking promises, you could earn a bad name and you don't need a bad name if you must ascend towards your dream.
Make sure you don't make promises when you're angry, excited, sad, depressed or in a hurry. Make sure to make a promise when you're most normal. Also, learn to make promises of things within your power and means, if it is not within your means then don't make any promise; you haven't broken any law if conditions don't permit you to make a promise at any point.
A promise is meant to be kept. It is evil to break promises even for once. It creates a negative impression about you. Know that even if you succeeded in keeping ninety-nine promises but failed in keeping one, somehow, people will forget and that one could be used against you (such is life).
Therefore, be on the safe side, keep a clean record by discarding the thought of breaking promises even for once. If you break a promise once, you would break another again and the streak continues. Once you earn a bad name through breaking of promises, the path to achieving your dream is altered. Eventually, people stop believing anything you say and may lose total interest in anything you have to offer even if you wanted to offer sincerely.
Your dream is too important to be cut short by one little promise not kept. So, rather than break promises, do not make them.