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Emperoh's Posts

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AutosRe: IAAI Bids: Let's Help You Get The Best! by Emperoh(op): 10:34pm On Jun 19, 2011
Car is up for sale in 9 days time.
Though above average yearly mileage, this unit is still a good buy
You can decide to sort out body work here as it is not much but for a standard work,
We can help you put this unit in order and make it what it should be!

We are expecting your calls!!

AutosIAAI Bids: Let's Help You Get The Best! by Emperoh(op): 6:10pm On Jun 19, 2011
This thread is a commercial extension of this insight; https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-693208.0.html
I have chosen to open up this thread and offer my services to those interested in acquiring accidented cars
But rebuild them and get them re-certified in America before shipping. We have done series of this business in the past and our cars can be tagged brand save for the mileage covered.

What is to be done:
At the turn of each day, i will do my best to post pictures of some accidented car on IAAI site.
Popular drives in Nigeria like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes, Audi, Volkswagen, Ford etc will all be presented with an estimate of purchase, trucking and fixing costs. Users interested in further information can send a personal enquiry to us and we can take it on from there. Any transaction this thread generates shall be made public from purchase to delivery.

Disclaimer:
Estimates are likely prices it will take to close a deal. We will not be responsible for under-over estimates and won't be held liable. What we will give are just guides. Buyers will also be given chance to follow trends step by step.

We shall with development, modify this business process to suit changes and developments.
Agreements are by mutual understanding but should their be need for a binding legal agreement, we will not hesitate to come up with something mutually agreeable to both parties.

It is our desire to conduct this business in the most transparent process possible.

[size=18pt]To Start With, Here is a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder[/size]


Vehicle Attributes

VIN :5N1AR18U15C750354
VIN Status :OK
Vehicle Type :Automobile
Body Style :WAGON 4 DOOR
Vehicle Class :Sport Utility
Series :LE/SE/XE
Exterior Color :SILVER
Interior Color :
Engine :4.0L V6 FI DOHC 24V F4
Country of Origin :UNITED STATES
Fuel Type :Gasoline
Cylinders :6 Cyl.
Transmission :5 speed automatic
Drive Line Type :RWD
Check Digit :1
ACV:$18,261.00
Key:PRESENT
Start Code:CAR STARTS
Odometer:114002
Odometer Status:ACTUAL
Loss Type:COLLISION
Primary Damage:RIGHT SIDE
Secondary Damage:
Restraint System:Dual Air Bags Front, Head, And Side/active Belts W/automatic Passenger Sensor
Air Bags:4
Driver Airbag:INTACT
Passenger Airbag:INTACT
Left Side Airbag:INTACT
Right Side Airbag:DEPLOYED

[color=#006600]Cost Estimate


Purchase from Auction - Between $8k - $9k (not too sure
Auction and Buyers fees - $650
Trucking to Body Shop - $650 - $800(not too sure
Repair - (to be estimated later)
Shipping to Lagos - $1400
Clearing - N400k

Exchange rate as at last Friday - N158 - $1

Will upload pics later. Finding it hard to convert pics from jpeg to jpg allowed by the site
Better still, send your email addy for detailed pictures[/color]

Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 11:12pm On Jun 18, 2011
bfire:
@Poster;

Many people don't understand that most of the cars that are salvaged are not totally useless and as such, they become obsessed with "detailed cars" thinking that they are clean cars.

My brother/oga had several times on this same NL pointed out why so "clean", clean titled cars inclusive, may not be that great - there are accidents which are not documented - majority of Nigerians buy into this. I also remembered when he pointed to a dealer on this forum who drew an over exaggerated pictures of a roll over car. There are millions of salvaged cars in North America and they are approved to be driven.

There was a time he bought a car that had a bullet pass through it and was titled irrepairable; just because the bullet chattered the glass; i mean a very expensive high-end car. Most of the cars i've sold here were shown with the auction pictures and some novice thinks they are not clean just because there were not detailed as yet when i attached the pictures.

The bottom line is that one owner or multiple owners clean carfax history are not cheap as most Nigerians wants; i like it when not expensive but have quality, too.

Simply put, test drive whatever you wanna buy on the local market. As the poster put it, there are good bodyman and there are butcher-bodyman in Nigeria. Same apply to America.

If you want to pre-order do so. If you can't risk your money, please buy "Nigeria cleared tokunbo".
Bfire;
Nice one. Unfortunately, it is that desire to get the best at the lowest price that puts some buyers in trouble.
That is not to say that there are some dealers who deliberately set out to deceive. But being sometimes unrealistic in wants sets us up for the least we bargained for. There are good car; i mean, Clean title, one owner carfax but will they pay the price being quoted?

They can answer for themselves. If you want to buy in Nigeria, be realistic and ensure that the car's condition is disclosed to you in details. That way, you know how to bargain and what to look out for when using the car.
I still need buyers insights!!! Need to know how they take their decisions most times!!
Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 11:03pm On Jun 18, 2011
Sicherheit:
Informative write up!
Thank you.

To All - Can we have more writes ups and presentations like these? There is nothing wrong with buying and selling but it will be good to also have informative discussions.
Please don't take offense.
Thanks so much. This is why i get put off coming to the auto section.
But i will strive to engender constructive and helpful discussions while selling at the same time.
Business needs to add value for it to make meaning.


[quote author=inspired_m link=topic=693208.msg8545186#msg8545186 date=1308431074]Emperoh

I Admire Constructive Nigerians Like Yourself

Keep the Flag Flying, Sky is the Limit.
[/quote]Chairman; Association of Nairaland Dealers!!!
Good to have you around. Your integrity still sets the pace. Keep it up!
There is a need to bring up value laden discussions to make this a balanced thread. You were among the pioneer members of this section on Nairaland. Then it was sane and advert were bereft of the inconsistencies that we find today. However, it is an open market. Everyone is invited to compete. Pls do well to contribute your ideas as well. It will help the buyer to make a better choice.


eros:
Emperoh,

What year is the Honda Odyssey and how much will it go for? A client needs one and we might strike a deal with the right price.

Please send me more pics and details @ emee30384@yahoo.com

Will call you real soon.
Eros, i do be verrrrryyyyyy willing to have something tidied up!
You've got mail!!



EuroMeko:
I lived in a suburb of Dallas for 3 years so I recognized the architecture, and temp license plates.

I learned something else from you, that there's a 15 year rule.

How is the sports bike market?
A very free market, not limited with the age thing.
But buyers are enthusiasts. As it applies to the classic cars. However, i have seen some parked
in lots for sale, so i will enquire and find out what it is like.
Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 8:48pm On Jun 18, 2011
EuroMeko:
That Suzuki looks like it's in Texas.
You are very correct. How did you know? Observe closely, most of my cars leave from the same location
It is currently in Nigeria though and i am still getting accolades from the cleanliness.

As for the classics you asked about, i can't say what the market is like but i know that collectors of such
items are not much. There is one like this that is parked at a lot in from the Teslim Balogun stadium in Lagos
has been there for almost a year.

Another thing you will consider is the customs clearance. Remember that cars allowed in are just 15 years
Though somehow, older cars are passed through. But you will have to get across to special clients to be able to get these cars down Don't ship to keep them in normal car lots and hope that someone comes along to buy.
The regular issues with present day cars are almost not applicable to this spare parts inclusive!!

Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 8:06pm On Jun 18, 2011
This Suzuki gave me so much trouble in terms of spare parts and cost.
I spent more than enough time tidying this car because of its rarity in USA
But thanks to an understanding client, it ended well. She is currently cruising her car!

I will stop here. I will post more picture as i respond to comments!!

Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 8:00pm On Jun 18, 2011
More pictures.
Euro,
i will get back to you please.

Car TalkRe: Pre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 7:51pm On Jun 18, 2011
Continued from post above.

I have heard someone saying that it doesn't matter. Surely if cars with frame damages are not your concern. I will not matter if reversed or tampered odometer are not your concern. Panel beaten cars and terrible chassis battered cars are not an issue. Of course there are those who are so lucky to get those with minimal damage but how really do you differentiate one from the other? It is not rocket science that given our sort of economy, social and political climate, the cheapest rather than quality is what reigns. These guys buy these cars from IAAI, ship them as it is to Nigeria but with parts to be replaced. But the extent of hitting and ramming that the panel beater subject the car to leaves much to be desired. Don't get me wrong, some get it right, while some don't and the later are in the majority. It will be belated to run on this issue over and over again, but here are a few more things i think.

It is up to the buyer to decide what he wants, but bear in mind that these category of cars do exist. It is now left for you to decide which is what you want. Quality cars or Low Price. If you put your concentration on the odometer as your bargaining strategy, pls run a carfax check to be sure you are not going away with a tampered odometer. I was once a victim though as a seller. This is what happened. Before i got into this business, my brother ships from US to be sold in Nigeria which he sells thru a very popular dealer in Agidingbi Ikeja. The mileage i got to see on one of the cars he brought -a 2001 4Runner- when i went to 'market' it was 14k+ but guess what, i got a client who ran a carfax and found out that 100k miles grew legs when the car got into Nigeria. It nearly dented my image here cos this was where i got the client from. I questioned the dealer's boy why they did such, and he told me that this is what the buyers look out for hence, they give them what they want.

I couldn't argue further despite my efforts at preaching sincerity in business. But i realized that the more we desire cheap articles, the more we are short changed and given the terrible ones in the pretext of a quality stuff at a cheap price. I haven't done a research but i can vouch for you that 70% percent of 'tokunbo' cars for sale in Nigeria are 'accidented' or with tampered odometer or even both. These are the things, buyers you have to look out for when buying your cars locally.

Another angle which the Berger dealers do is smuggling from Cotonou without duty. Pls do not attempt to drive that car down the east or any other part of Nigeria except Lagos yourself unless you are a force person. Pls pay them to ferry it down for you. I can assure you, if you do not heed my warning, the likelihood of that car being impounded by customs on the highway is very very high!! But this is a case for another day.

What is the crux of this long epistle? There are good cars and there are cars. The great ones, the not so great ones and the down right terrible ones. Your best bet in getting what you want remains USA unless you want to go through hustle of screening from one car lot to the other. (I don't know how many people who have that time) Again, i can never discourage anyone from buying locally, but shine your eyes! If you are not so ready to spend to get a good car in Nigeria, you may pre-order. If you choose to pre-order, try to see what is being bought for you. Do your independent survey and research to know what is being bought. If it is salvage, demand to know what type. Flood, Hail, Crash, unknown damage like IAAI will put it. But insist on seeing the picture. I will also encourage those who buy accidented to fix it in USA. It will be costly but i can assure you, with the right body shop, your car will turn out like BRAND NEW! I am not exaggerating. I will post some pics for you to see.

Hence, there are three types of cars. Clean titled one owner carfax, accidented but fixed in US(my preferred), accidented but fixed in Nigeria (possibly with tampered odometer). If it's too good to be true, please look well before you commit your funds.

Comments, questions and other angles to my opinions are welcome. Criticisms? Constructive please.
We still remain here to serve you better.

Car TalkPre-order Or Nigerian Buy; Which Is Better? A Dealer's Insight! by Emperoh(op): 11:54pm On Jun 17, 2011
I decided to set up this thread to provide more insight to some of our buyers on the indices to consider
before taking a purchase decision. It is also a fall out of my own mistakes in pricing and convincing buyers.
I have learnt quite a lot and taught myself how to let go and help buyers in the process.
That is why lately, i dwell on first of all advising a buyer than grabbing a deal.
Other dealers inputs are welcome.

I started this business by accident but particularly fueled by my love for cars. A cousin in Swiss started shipping in
some low end cars through Cotonou and my decision to help him sell some eventually pushed me to start my own USA pre-order runs. It has been fun and eye opening as well. While at the same time, enriched my pockets in a decent measure.

But how i got into this business is not my raison d'etre. I just wish to seek other dealers insight and also gauge consumer insight into various reasons why they take a decision to purchase a car from America or in Nigeria.
Various buyers have accused me of parading expensive cars whereas that, being the source of most cars, purchasing from USA should be way cheaper than what is in Nigeria. Truth be told, that used to be my pricing strategy until the exchange rate spiraled out of control. From N118 - $1 to presently, N158 -$1 and then the influx of salvage cars from America; this one hit me most, i have lost count how many deals if have lost because of this and i am yet to device a fool proof strategy to bargain with clients in the face of these stiff oppositions.

In truth, the amount of 'tokunbo' cars in Lagos is alarming. I even wonder how i manage to make the sales i do most times in the face of such availability. The auto market is a buyers market. But i do love to inform buyers of something. Cars, are not cheap and the cheap ones have a story or two behind it. Therefore, i do love to educate you on the three main categories of used "tokunbo" cars in the market, Or would i say purchase options.

Number one on the list is your "clean title one user carfax" vehicle. This is every buyers dream but really, how cheap are they? They are not cheap. I will give you an instance. A 2003 Honda Accord with average mileage, one user and no accident history will cost you at least N1.8m but i sure have seen some going for N1.5m or N1.6m. Why is it so? This type of vehicle is a hot cake. Americans even look out for them and as they say, good soup na money make am. It also gives u peace of mind. But their pricing will put you off. You can hardly find this sort of car in Nigeria. Hardly!! The business man in us will tell u the gospel truth. The successful strategy in car dealing is pricing hence you have cut your cost and maximize as much profit in the sale. There are other categories that fall in this bracket but may never be as clean or 'neat as this one. Two or three user Carfax but with no accidents, those with minor but fixed accidents and re-certified by Carfax etc. These ones can come in a little cheaper but not as cheap as the other two categories.

Number two is the accidented but fixed in America cars: this is my business line and i will give you guys pictorial illustrations. I also use myself as an example for this category as this is what i deal on. Assuming you don't have the money for number one above but want something with the quality of number one, this is your best bet. But bear in mind, the cost implications is not that cheap. Reason: Labour is very expensive in USA. It costs about $1000.00 to fix a body work and bake a car in US. But what comes out as end product can be termed brand new anywhere anytime. How does this work; i go to the salvage auction and bid. Notable ones include Copart, IAA etc. If i win the bid, i truck to my body shop and do the necessary repairs. The final product gives me joy but i can assure you it is not your best bet if you are conscious of price. But it is better than number one above in terms inf pricing. However everything has to be to standards and even get re-certified before coming to Nigeria. This is my best bet but not for a buyer who wants it cheapest.

Option three is the buyers choice. But do they really know the quality of cars they are sold? I know most of them don't know about cars but i can give them a clue. Go to Berger or container discharging terminal at Tincan Wharf or National filling station and see what i am saying. I was there last saturday and i couldn't believe what we bring, fix and give to Nigerians to buy

To be continued
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Manchester United Fan Thread: In Fergie We Trust! by Emperoh(m): 1:56pm On Jun 17, 2011
These fixtures are looking dodgy to me.
Liverpool, Man Citeh, Everton all back to back

then in February, Arsenal, Stoke, Chelsea, Liverpool!
What tha hell is that? Can't we be given breathing spaces?

Anyway, Monsieur Ferguson has better buckle up asap.
We need to get running, these dudes are out to knock the air off us.
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Manchester United Fan Thread: In Fergie We Trust! by Emperoh(m): 12:10pm On Jun 16, 2011
RuuDie:
Loan or permanent deal ~ I hope it is a permanent move oh!

Where is that useless Obertan sef, when is he going to be offloaded too!?

angry angry
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/13790838.stm

So sad it's a loan move. Coogar still believe in the guy.
Don't blame who calls him fantasy footie manager. lol!

Surprisingly folks, this is a CQ recommendation. I wonder what happened?
Anyway, they don't always get it right.
Obertan should be next while we flog Gibson.
PoliticsRe: Bomb Blast At Police Force Headquarters In Abuja? by Emperoh(m): 11:44am On Jun 16, 2011
Someone is even suggesting that another one went off in Aso Rock minutes after the force HQ?
No be naija again? ANything is possible!
PoliticsRe: The Verdict By Olusegun Adeniyi Is Back: Days Of The Cabal 1 by Emperoh(op): 8:48am On Jun 16, 2011
Ok guys, The episode continues as promised.
As for the back and forth arguments, we agree that every of our notions are subjective and down right to personal perceptions. We didn't know more than the media gave us(not in all cases though), most of our arguments were based on logical deductions and permutations as well. So, it is only the 'cabals' and those around it who knew exactly what went wrong. As for Dora and Segun, they were public office holders and will eternally attract condemnation regardless of which side they took. Who says doing it the way the public wants is better? All the same, doing what they did wasn't even better but what can one say.

Let's read Part II and continue the argument. That's what makes Nairaland and life tick.
Divergent and even downright controversial views!!!



Given that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua showed me much affection and trust, it was natural that I would feel for him at his most trying moments, especially during the crisis that followed his last trip to Saudi Arabia. At that critical period, there was no doubt in my mind that the correct thing to do was to send a letter of notification to the National Assembly so that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan could assume the presidency in acting capacity as specified by the Constitution. I did all I possibly could to make those who were in a position to influence such decision see reason but I failed.

With this situation, towards the end of 2009, I began to weigh all my options. By then also, there were people calling on me to resign from government. I can categorise them into two: the first comprised my friends and well wishers who argued that I couldn’t possibly justify being spokesman to a president with whom Nigerians had lost contact. I agreed with the position of this group but nonetheless felt that it was better for me to wait for the arrival of the president before taking any such decision.

I had my reason: At that point, I had nothing to lose by resigning since I had my exit plan already mapped out but the question I asked myself was: how would Yar’Adua feel whenever he recovered and he heard that I had jumped ship just because he was sick? He definitely didn’t deserve that from me. Incidentally, there was a second group that also wanted me to resign but was not thinking of my interest or for that matter that of the nation. By that period, there were already cold calculations towards the recently concluded 2011 general elections and different politicians were making their projections. Owing to the strategic position I held, there were those who felt that a public announcement of my resignation would weaken Yar’Adua’s hold on power and they wanted to use me to achieve that end.

By going into public service, I was under no illusion that everybody would like the choices I would make but at every point in the course of my stewardship, I tried to stay true to the values I espoused as a commentator on public affairs. Did I make mistakes? Yes I did. But my decision at every point was based on the evaluation of the information I had and what I considered to be the best approach in the circumstance I found myself at the time. It is possible that others might react differently given the same situation but I made my choices and I take responsibility for them. Quite naturally, the illness of Yar’Adua and the power struggle it unwittingly fuelled led to all manner of speculations, the most ludicrous of which was the myth of a cabal that had hijacked power in Aso Rock and for which I was fronting.

While I never placed much premium on the “cabal” theory, a conversation on the day Architect Namadi Sambo was sworn-in as VP put the issue in its real perspective. As Governor of Kaduna State, anytime Sambo came to the villa, he always visited my office after seeing his childhood friend, then State Chief of Protocol (SCOP), Ambassador Ghali Umar and with that we became quite close. So when he was nominated to the position of VP, I decided to visit him the moment it was confirmed by the National Assembly. I met him at his new Akinola Aguda official residence but as I made to leave, he requested that I witness his inauguration. I joined the vehicle of Mr Isaiah Balat, (erstwhile Minister of State for Works and Housing under President Olusegun Obasanjo) where there were other important personalities. On the way to the villa, Balat asked: “Segun, this Cabal thing, were you really a member?”

Before I could respond, Mr. Nasir el-Rufai (the big masquerade behind the Save Nigeria Group which played a prominent role in the media and civil society campaign that eventually culminated in the National Assembly making Jonathan the acting president) interjected: “There was no cabal, we created the myth to neutralise Turai”(could this be true?.


While Balat and other people in the vehicle appeared shocked, I was not. The former FCT Minister explained how the idea of ‘cabal’ came into being as well as his understanding of the role played by former First Lady, Hajia Turai Yar’Adua and the different people whose names were frequently mentioned as being members. El-Rufai was right only to the extent that the myth of a ‘cabal’ capturing power at a time Jonathan was effectively in charge was mere propaganda. The fact is that whatever may be her faults, Mrs Yar’Adua never interfered with government as being reported by a section of the media, she simply prevented people from seeing her husband. But the presence in the villa of a president Nigerians were not exactly sure as to whether he was dead or alive indeed engendered a situation in which the federal government had broken into several ‘cabals’ of vested interests all desperate either to retain their powers and privileges under a Yar’Adua they could not see; or to seize control under the presidency of Jonathan whose legendary ‘good luck’ (derived from his first name) some ministers made song and dance about within the Federal Executive Council. It was a terrible period for the nation. It was also a most difficult period for me.

The account of the unfortunate health saga of President Yar’Adua, including how he was brought back to the country from Saudi Arabia under the cover of darkness, will be told but it is convenient for my critics to ignore the fact that between November 23, 2009 when he travelled to Saudi Arabia and his controversial return 93 days later, I spoke only five times. The first, to announce on the day he travelled that he was going on medicals; the second, four days later, to say that diagnosis revealed he had pericarditis (which I had a challenge pronouncing); the third, to say on January 10, 2010 from Angola (where I had gone to watch the Cup of Nations) that the president was not dead as a reaction to the rumour fuelled by a story in NEXT; the fourth, to announce on February 24, 2010 that he was back to the country (where then acting President Jonathan was addressed as VP: explanation will come another day) and the fifth, 24 hours later, to clarify that Jonathan remained acting president!

It is usually the lot of people like me who had the privilege of reporting events and analyzing same to be exposed to cynicism whenever we cross the line but I remain indebted to the late Yar’Adua for giving me the opportunity to experience governance at the highest level in my country. The job that I did is basically media work, dealing with the same constituency and I have no doubt been enriched by the privilege of seeing both sides of the coin. The late Mr. Tony Snow, Spokesman for President George W. Bush (whom I met in the White House on his last day in office in the course of the International Visitors Program for which I was invited by the US State Department in July 2007) had written shortly after taking the job “for somebody like me who's been a pundit for many years, you become part of something that's very rare, ”

By the end of 2009, however, it was glaring the health of the president had become an issue that would not go away. I therefore came to the inescapable conclusion that I had to leave government. But mindful of several factors, including ethnicity and religion, I resolved I would have to do it with tact. I recall that when I was appointed, there were some people from the Northern part of the country who felt that Yar’Adua had not made a wise political choice. The argument was that his predecessor, President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Yorubaman and Christian, picked three kinsmen of his (and of the same faith) in succession and so by the same logic, Yar’Adua ought to have picked a Hausa Fulani Muslim. At a period ethnicity and religion had crept into the issue of his illness, I didn’t want to give those who criticized my appointment an opportunity to say “we warned him”. He didn’t deserve that from me. But I had my plan.

Through the help of my friend, the Consul General of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Guo Kun, I had secured a very generous Chinese scholarship for a special one-year MPA programme at Beijing University that included going to China with my family. My plan therefore was that whenever the president came back, I would inform him that I had secured admission which would then mean I could disengage from government. That way, there would be no question of disloyalty as the reason for my resignation would be clear. But the circumstances of his arrival back to the country in late February did not make such discussion possible. So, I kept things to myself.

Even though it was a very difficult period for me, I just could not abandon my boss at his hour of trial, especially when I knew the state he was in as one of the very few people granted access to see him. Incidentally, even his Katsina loyalists whose names were touted in the media as ‘cabal’ members never saw Yar’Adua from the time he was in Saudi Arabia to when he died at the villa but I did. I recall having a conference call with THISDAY Editors who told me to resign until I confirmed to them I had seen the president. I also explained my exit plan to them given my Beijing University admission.

By a stroke of fortune, however, on April 14, 2010, a friend sent me an internet link to the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, the largest international research center within Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Without bothering to examine the requirements, I simply applied and sent my resume to the program director, Dr. Kathleen Molony. Less than an hour later, I got a response from her. She wrote that application had closed two months earlier on February 25 and participants had been taken. She however added that given that she found my application quite compelling, she would discuss it with the selection board to see if they could make exceptions to accommodate me. That began an exchange of correspondences with Harvard University and on May 4, 2010, I finally got the offer of appointment. Choosing between Beijing and Harvard was not an easy decision given my desire for my children to speak Mandarin but they preferred going to US. By 5pm the next day I was with acting President Jonathan to show him the letter from Harvard and to submit my letter of resignation from government. He was evidently happy for me and I must have spent about 30 minutes with him as we reviewed the state of the nation. Less than four hours later, President Yar’Adua died.

The Tightrope

Sege, Just finished reading you online. Welcome back on the beat. I had read the bit published today in the introduction to your book, but it was fun reading it all over again. And "Simply Overwhelmed" is thoughtfully phrased. Note however, that your readers will be eager to see what note you will strike in the days ahead, and particularly, the government will be rather anxious to see whether you will support them or become their critic. The Verdict is at that moment in its public career when it may be faced with the challenge of "walking the tightrope". Wishing you all the best as you forge ahead.

Last week Thursday, I received the foregoing mail from Dr Reuben Abati, who was in Portugal for the African Development Bank (ADB) annual conference as moderator of their seminar on Innovation Hubs and Growth in Africa. Abati is one of the three persons who read the first draft of my coming book on the Yar’Adua Years even though the aspect published last week – an account of how I joined government – has been removed from the draft. I, however, understand his concerns about the ‘tightrope’ I would have to work given that I can claim to be an ‘indigene’ of the Jonathan administration. While I will remain fair and balanced on the issues I will deal with, the temperament of this column will change for two reasons. One, there is a Yoruba adage which says that to whom you can whisper, there is no need to shout. Two, participation in government has broadened my horizon.  The good side to it is that I have also acquired the leverage to provide better insight into issues on this page so the character of the column will remain essentially the same. That I promise. Having now concluded with how I joined government and how I left, my book will supply the details of what happened in-between. The adjournment of this ‘court’ is hereby lifted. The Verdict is back!
PoliticsRe: Polo Park In Enugu - Updates by Emperoh(m): 3:15pm On Jun 15, 2011
I took a look round this project when i was in Enugu in May.
God knows some of us will run back to Enugu with the business this project portends.
Big ups to Chime and his admin for properly utilising this space which was lost to joints and business centres
I can remember going on the merry go rounds as a kid but all those are gone now.

Big ups to the govt for making use of this space well. It wasn't sold to them money bags
For residential or business purposes!!!
CareerRe: Tayo Aderinokun, GTBank CEO, Passes On by Emperoh(m): 11:09pm On Jun 14, 2011
This is really painful!!!!
One of the finest bankers this country can boast of.
Humble and down to earth

I had an encounter once with him and i haven't stop admiring him
I was at GTBank HQ sometime in November 2008 to collect my form for medicals
and somehow ran into him int he staff canteen eating just like any other member of staff.
I couldn't believe i was seeing the CEO of such a bank in the staff canteen. To be sure, i went closer to
see his security details, but saw none.

May his soul rest in peace
AutosRe: 2001 Mazda Tribute ES ** Settled ** Pre-ordered By Piedpiper Of NL by Emperoh(m): 6:19pm On Jun 14, 2011
This one of the downsides of sharing a container.
You are practically at the mercy of the principal. . . .hope it ends well ooh!!
AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 9:56am On Jun 14, 2011
More of the Odyssey!!!

[size=28pt]COMING SOON!!!!!!!
2006 Honda RIDGELINE!!![/size]

You can't afford not to be involved!!!

European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Manchester United Fan Thread: In Fergie We Trust! by Emperoh(m): 9:01am On Jun 14, 2011
TKB

Still waiting for your sms ooh!!!
RomanceRe: What Do You Do When You Love Someone Who Doesn't Love You? by Emperoh(m): 1:08pm On Jun 12, 2011
Currently in a situ like this at the moment.
It used o be great and very exciting being together. And then, suddenly, things started to change.
I tried to make things work, but then, u could that her natural actions reek of 'get off me'.
I have made up my mind to move on but hey, it ain't that easy especially when u guys were so close. enjoyed lots of things together, her family was like yours as well and then she stays close by as well.

I have decided to get busy with other things and get my mind occupied.
All the same, it is not a good place to be. If able -of course u haven't any option- move on. Life is worth more than one person's love.
PropertiesRe: Building Of A 5 Bedroom Executive Duplex In Enugu by Emperoh(m): 6:09pm On Jun 10, 2011
spyder880:
This house is not inside Enugu town my friend but near Enugu. I will soon start another one inside town. Good to know you also grew up in Enugu, I was an area kid in Coal Camp. Land costs are high in Enugu but its to be expected, the whole Igbo people likes to maintain a prescence in Enugu, Soludo, Uba brothers, JJ Okocha, Orji Kalu, Sam Egwu, and all other Ibo big wigs have many properties in Enugu. Thats what pushes these prices up.
Ok, good to know.
Idaw River was it for me or more attractive, Achara Layout.
Any trip for Coal Camp was to buy spare parts or see a relative that lived upper Kano Street.
Was fun then though a bit rough. I really look forward to my visits to Enugu these days.
Though a bit more crowded these days but still gives me the required peace of mind from the Lagos hustle and bustle. Pls keep the flag flying.

My father's best friend is a renowned builder and i was always with him when our house was under construction
SO i will bookmark your page and stick in when i can to make my own little contribution or observations.
Kudos man!!
PropertiesRe: Building Of A 5 Bedroom Executive Duplex In Enugu by Emperoh(m): 9:59am On Jun 10, 2011
Spyder,
Wel doone. Is this Trans Ekulu New GRA?

Would love to know what part is this and how much the property is going for now.
I understand land in Enugu is now something worse than astronomical?
What could be the reason? grew up in Enugu and my parents still live ther with my younger ones.
So this is of extreme importance to me.
Car TalkRe: Car Servicing Interval (Engine Oil) by Emperoh(m): 9:49am On Jun 10, 2011
I hope you guys are aware that changing your engine oil and filter is not just servicing.
Other parts need to be looked at. depending on whattime and mileage as indicated by the manufacturer.
Issues like timing belt change, chassis lubrication, tire rotation, fuel and water filter change etc. are also part of servicing.

Maybe the auto technicians int he house can come forward with what need to be changed and at what time
AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 10:36pm On Jun 09, 2011
Those who have dealt with us know the import of integrity.
What we give you will surpass the bargain. . . . you will feel like paying more! cool cool
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Manchester United Fan Thread: In Fergie We Trust! by Emperoh(m): 3:38pm On Jun 09, 2011
tkb417:
LOL. . . old things have passed away bro

tkb is now a new creature

i go holla
Are my eyes deceiving me or what?
If this is true, then i have hope of becoming a Rev fr.

Pally inbox your didgits, dudes taken their phone.

Yáll arguing over Fergie's signing, i have learnt to just watch. he has most times proven me wrong.
European Football (EPL, UEFA, La Liga)Re: Manchester United Fan Thread: In Fergie We Trust! by Emperoh(m): 3:36pm On Jun 09, 2011
tkb417:
LOL. . . old things have passed away bro

tkb is now a new creature

i go holla
I can believe what i am seeing!!! shocked shocked shocked
shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked shocked
AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 11:50am On Jun 09, 2011
Bump!!
PoliticsThe Verdict By Olusegun Adeniyi Is Back: Days Of The Cabal 1 by Emperoh(op): 11:28am On Jun 09, 2011
Landers, i do love the controversy that this story will bring up.
maybe it''s time for Adeniyi to give us his own side of the story. Pls read on!!!


The Verdict According To Olusegun Adeniyi. Email, olusegunadeniyi@thisdayonline.com


On the night of December 16, 2006, I got a call from Alhaji Aliko Dangote who sought to know whether I was in Abuja. When I answered in the affirmative, he requested that I joined him and a few other people he would not name at the residence of Senator Andy Uba, then a Senior Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo. This was on the day the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was holding its National Convention to pick the presidential candidate for the April 2007 general elections.

When I arrived at Uba’s residence, I met Dangote and Uba as well as four others: then EFCC Chairman, Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori; his Kwara State counterpart, Dr Bukola Saraki; and Zenon Oil Chairman, Mr. Femi Otedola. Since my arrival did not change the tone of discussion, it was easy for me to keep abreast of what the issue was: then Rivers State governor, Dr. Peter Odili, had been selected by President Olusegun Obasanjo as running mate to his anointed PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Odili’s name had even been written into the acceptance speech to be read by Yar’Adua after what would have been no more than a hollow ritual at the Eagle Square. The essence of the gathering was to stop Odili from becoming Yar’Adua’s running mate on grounds of alleged corruption.

When I asked why I was invited to the meeting, they said they had an “exclusive story” for THISDAY which would highlight allegations of corruption against Odili but with a caveat: it had to be published in next morning’s edition of the newspaper. The evidence was to be supplied by Ribadu who held a file containing the documents. While I considered the proposition somewhat ridiculous, I also wondered how a THISDAY publication could affect the decision to make Odili the running mate. It was then they explained what was going on.

Earlier that day, they had held a meeting with Obasanjo about their misgivings on the choice of Odili but he had dismissed the allegations against the Rivers State governor whom he insisted would be Yar’Adua’s running mate. What they therefore resolved was that since the primaries was likely to run till next morning, and given that THISDAY comes out early in Abuja by virtue of simultaneous printing, if the newspaper ran the story and Obasanjo’s attention was drawn to it, he would have no choice but to stop Odili from being Yar’Adua’s running mate.

Knowing what I was expected to do, I pointed out why it could not be done. First, I explained that what was being asked of me was not journalism but politics because there was no way I could publish such a story without getting Odili’s response which, given the circumstances of that night, was impossible. I also explained that my powers as editor of THISDAY were highly exaggerated in that even if I had all the facts, including Odili’s response, such a politically sensitive story could not go without the approval of my chairman and editor-in-chief, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, who I noted was a friend to all of them gathered in the room. I told Dangote to call Obaigbena and he did. They took turns to speak with Obaigbena who afterwards sent me a text message asking me to call him after leaving the meeting. When I did, he was displeased that I could bring him into such a discussion when, as editor, I should know the right thing to do.

Meanwhile, I advised the gathering it was better Ribadu confronted Obasanjo with the allegations against Odili. They all laughed, saying that was what they had spent all day doing. They were obviously very frustrated. Eventually it was agreed that Ribadu should make a last ditch effort so he called Obasanjo’s ADC, Col. Chris Jemitola, that he needed to see the president urgently and alone. Within five minutes, the ADC got back to Ribadu that the president would meet him at a secure location within the Eagle Square. Armed with what all of them at the meeting described as a ‘bombshell’ from the diplomatic mission of a Western country in Nigeria, it was Ribadu who got Obasanjo to knock Odili’s name out of Yar’Adua’s speech and ultimately from the ticket. A few months later, President Yar’Adua himself would confirm most of what I already knew when he recounted the dramatic story of how Odili lost out as his running mate. But from his tone, by wielding such enormous political powers, Ribadu’s days in office as EFCC Chairman were clearly numbered.

Back to the meeting in Uba’s house that fateful December 2006 night: Out of curiousity, I asked them who they had in mind as a likely replacement for Odili in the event that their plan succeeded. Two names came up in an instant: Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Lt. General Andrew Azazi. It was easy to rationalize Jonathan’s choice being at that time the governor of Bayelsa State ; but Azazi was not a politician. He was at that period the Chief of Army Staff. Why Azazi, I quipped and someone responded: He is Ijaw. From the discussion, it was evident they had explored all options and had already taken certain decisions. If the idea was to pick a running mate from Niger Delta, I asked, “why not Donald Duke?”

Andy Uba responded: “That is one name Baba (President Obasanjo) does not want to hear.” Having always assumed that Obasanjo and then Cross River State Governor were very close, this was shocking to me, but coming from Uba I couldn’t doubt it. I also sought to know what Yar’Adua felt about the choice of Odili and why he couldn’t tell Obasanjo about his misgivings if he had any. It was Andy Uba again who responded: “Yar’Adua tell baba he doesn’t want Odili?”, he asked laughing.

This was very worrying for me. The impression I got from the interactions was that we were going to have a puppet president who would not only be manipulated to power but would be at the mercy of his scheming predecessor as well. It was therefore quite natural that the events of that night would resonate in my mind on April 24, 2007 when, a few days after the presidential election, my guardian and then Communications Minister, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, called that he had been contacted to approach me to be spokesman to Yar’Adua. He said he had 24 hours to report back whether I was interested or not. It didn’t take me that long to turn down the offer.

Apart from the fact that public office held no attraction for me as I was enjoying my job as THISDAY editor and commentator on public affairs, I also had my doubts about whether Yar’Adua, given the circumstances of his accession, would ever find his own voice. I found out much later that after Yar’Adua had decided he wanted me to be his spokesman, it was Dr. Aliyu Modibbo who suggested that the offer be made through my guardian who was his colleague in the Obasanjo cabinet. Modibbo, who had for long been a big brother, later invited me to Abuja to see whether he could persuade me to change my mind but when he realized my resolve on the matter, he asked that I nominate some credible senior journalists and I actually suggested some names. But as it turned out, that was not the end of the story.

At the instance of Obaigbena, I spent three days in Katsina in the first week of May 2007 observing and chatting with president-elect Yar’Adua for a cover story that I would later write for a THISDAY special edition. But at that period, I no longer thought about the offer, which I assumed must have been made to someone else. Incidentally, Yar’Adua also did not broach the issue throughout my encounter with him in Katsina. Unknown to me, however, Obaigbena, who initially expressed anger that attempts were made to “poach” his editor without his clearance, had been discussing with Yar’Adua and had given a condition on which he would make me accept the offer: only if the office was elevated to cabinet rank in which case I would be a Special Adviser and not Senior Special Assistant as my predecessors were. I had no inkling about all these until much later.

When Yar’Adua therefore assumed office on May 29, 2007 without announcing a spokesman, I assumed that he was still searching until the afternoon of May 30 – a day after inauguration – when I got a call from Obaigbena who was in Abuja . He began with a preamble that bordered on how he would never do anything against my interest and that if what he was going to tell me was not good for me, he would not have ventured. Even though he had always related to me more like a brother than a boss, and I was considered one of his favourite editors, I found his sermon somewhat unusual before he now added: “The president still wants you to be his spokesman and I told him that the editor of THISDAY cannot accept any job that is not of cabinet level. He has agreed to elevate the office to Special Adviser on Communication and I have accepted the offer on your behalf. Now wait for the president.”

Before I could say anything, Obaigbena had given the phone to Yar’Adua who also pleaded with me to see the offer as a call to national service. Although I was a bit dumbfounded, I knew at that point that my resistance was over. I said: “Mr. President, at this point, it is no longer a request, it is a command.”
•To be concluded next week.


Simply Overwhelmed

I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill since my return to THISDAY and this page was announced on Monday. But I am not naïve. There are also many people out there who feel a sense of betrayal, either that I joined government at all or that I didn’t conform to expectations at a certain period. That I also understand. As I told some of my friends during those crazy ‘cabal’ days, if I was still writing this column and some other person were in the position I held, I would be highly critical of an Olusegun Adeniyi. But then I would not have all the facts. For me, the last one year at Harvard has been a period for serious reflection about my country and amidst my other commitments, I managed to complete a book on the Yar’Adua Years, half of which is on his illness and death. It should be out hopefully within the next three months.

One thing I will say for now is that all factors considered, I served a very good man. Notwithstanding his health challenge, which unfortunately was evident from his first day in office, President Yar’Adua also initiated some fundamental policies which will stand Nigeria well, if they are not subverted. Already, there are disturbing signals that his greatest legacy, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), might have been hijacked by some vested interests in the oil and gas industry. On a personal note, I will always cherish Yar’Adua’s memory. Always!
AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 9:40pm On Jun 08, 2011
Without making a boast of this, this car will surpass your imaginations.
I have done it before and we will do it again.

VIN:5FNRL38795B047991

Call me now to confirm your interest and make a deposit
We can also draw up a legally binding document. . . .all Nairaland Censored!!

08052421556

AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 6:01am On Jun 07, 2011
whytemahon:
I like the civic , can it go for 1.5m ? email me at bill_maricruz@yahoo.com
No sir, you can however come over and see the vehicle, then we can negotiate!!
Call the numbers above for a good deal!!
AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 8:45pm On Jun 06, 2011
More cool cool

Aren't we just awesome in what we do?
Car is ready! cool cool

AutosRe: Beautiful Things Don't Finish But Beautiful Cars Do: Check My Cars Out! by Emperoh(op): 5:15pm On Jun 06, 2011
Still Up for Grabs!
Take advantage of this rare offer. . .for families who desire class and panache.
Savour the distinct design and comfort offered by this state of the art Honda Odyssey
PhonesRe: Should Any Sensible Person Be On The MTN Network? by Emperoh(m): 3:41pm On Jun 05, 2011
I load my line just for sms and then calls to my magic number lines.
The other calls i do with my glo line.

Again, i just got to discover their BIS is whack!!!

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