₦airaland Forum

I'm interested



Send me ur account details

http://www.informationng.com/2013/11/will-the-igbo-ever-rule-nigeria.html


The Igbo, one of Nigeria’s three major ethnic groups, are an important power bloc in the nation’s political equation. Yet, the Igbo nation has strangely failed to make its influence count politically as the major ethnic groups schemed to dominate political power at the centre since the country’s return to democratic rule in the Fourth Republic.

But the root of the South-East political stagnation dates back to the first decade of Nigeria’s post-independence history. A look at the political trajectory of the Igbo will reveal how one of Nigeria’s largest and significant ethnic groups has slipped from the commanding height of political dominance it once occupied to the margins of power. After a stint at the top echelons of power in the First and Second Republics with Nnamdi Azikiwe and Alex Ekwueme occupying prime positions, the Igbo, who also had completely dominated post-independence civil service, have had their political influence reduced significantly.

The political decline of the Igbo nation has been attributed to a number of factors including the dynamics of politics of that era. They Igbo elite have also been blamed for pursing narrow self-interest rather than the common good of the entire Igbo nation.

The military coup that terminated the government of Tafawa Balewa government triggered a chain of bloody events. The military putsch believed to have been hatched and executed by a predominantly revolutionary Igbo officers led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu revealed that the ethnic group also dominated the military institution that emerged when the British left. But the coup, which wiped out many of the leading politicians of that era, triggered a chain of events that threatened to consume the nation. The Igbo, of course, became the target of widespread suspicion as other ethnic groups perceive them as having an agenda to dominate political power.

The fear of Igbo dominance was further heightened when viewed against the backdrop of the first coup. The Northern political class who had felt that they were the main target soon began to plot revenge. The result was a mass hysteria of Igbo paranoia that resonated well beyond independence culminating in the civil war. The resultant bloody counter coup of July 1966 instigated by the aggrieved Northern political class and executed by Northern military officers was to avenge the killings of politicians from the region. The major casualty of the counter coup was the head of state. Maj.-Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi, an Igbo.

Within the period, the Igbo, who had been a powerful force at independence, soon began to suffer politically. The Northern pogrom of 1966 and the subsequent civil war completed the violent struggle for power by the major ethnic groups with the North playing a major role in seeing to the political capitulation of the Igbo nation. Needless to say that the period after civil war was a difficult one for the Igbo. The civil war took a heavy toll that a once leading ethnic group had been reduced to just fighting for its survival. After the war, the half-hearted attempt to re-integrate the Igbo back into economic and political mainstream did little to bring back its lost glory.

But several years after the events of hate and violence-filled decade, the Igbo have fought back, through sheer resilience, to regain what they have lost economically. But how have they fared politically decades after? What is particularly responsible for the near stagnation of the Igbo politically in the Fourth Republic? Will the Igbo gain presidential power anytime soon? These questions are germane when we consider that the last time the group attained notable political position was in the Second Republic when Ekwueme became a deputy to President Shehu Shagari. Now, more than three decades after the demise of the Second Republic and 14 years into the Fourth, the Igbo nation still trails other major ethnic groups politically. Not even have they been found worthy to occupy the position of vice-president.

This is even noteworthy when one considers that smaller ethnic groups have sought and attained more political relevance. The emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s first minority president, just shows how the Igbo have lost the game. At the beginning of the Fourth Republic, power went to the Yoruba ethnic group. This was to pacify the South-West zone for the annulment of the June 12 election won by the late M.K.O. Abiola. After Obasanjo’s two terms, the Igbo agitation to rule the country was soon truncated. Many at the time blamed the Igbo elite for failing to speak with one voice and present a common front. The cacophony of Igbo aspirants who could not agree to rally round a fine candidate like Ekwueme soon saw their agitation dashed. Obasanjo completed his second term and handed over to the North.

Not only have the Igbo not been able to gain presidential power, they have also not been considered for the vice-presidency since 1999. In 1999, Obasanjo picked Abubakar Atiku. In 2007, the late Umaru Yar’Adua picked an Ijaw vice-president in Jonathan, now President. Once again, they were not considered even for the vice-presidential slot when Jonathan became the president in 2011. Jonathan picked a Northerner in Namadi Sambo. Now, in the race for 2015, the Igbo are not in reckoning again.

The Igbo elite are, yet again, beginning to speak with discordant tunes in the race for 2015. Why won’t they take advantage of their position as a major ethnic group to negotiate for the president or vice-president slot from the leading parties? Is politics not a game of numbers anymore? Are the Igbo not an important voting bloc again? President Jonathan may run for another term in 2015. Will any of the parties present an Igbo as a presidential candidate or as deputy in 2015? Will they stake a claim for the presidency in 2015 or will they take the back seat as usual? Already, there have been discordant tunes among the region’s political elite. While some are clamouring for another term for Jonathan, feeble voices are making a case for an Igbo president in 2015.

The questions I have often asked are: While can’t the Igbo speak with one voice? Why is it always easy for the Igbo elite to kow-tow to other ethnic groups like they have done in the past and now? There is no doubt that the Igbo deserve to occupy a prime place in the presidency in the next dispensation. For me, in the race for 2015, the Igbo are the beautiful bride and the coming months offer them the best chance to stake a claim for a position that is long overdue for them to occupy. The political parties must also by now have realised how important this voting bloc is to their chances in the next election. Now is the time for the Igbo to push for and realign with any political platform that offers a realistic path to the presidency. But Ndigbo or their political class would be naïve to think that they would be served the presidency on a platter, not in 2015, 2019 or beyond. There goes the Igbo dilemma. Will the Igbo ever rule Nigeria? This is one question they have to collectively find an answer to?

http://www.naijaurban.com/shocking-flying-wizard-crash-landed-kasoa/


A man believed to be in his 70s, who claimed to.be a wizard, was on Wednesday found on the banks of the Okrudu River at Kaimebre, a settlement near the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region..

The man, who gave his name as Charles Atta, looked frail, pale and bore protruding breasts like that of a teenage girl.

His body was smeared with mud from the bank of the river where he was found by two brothers, Liberty Obeng and Innocent Obeng, who claimed they found the strange man crying for help.

The two brothers told Daily Guide reporters that the self-acclaimed wizard confessed to them that he was in the company of colleagues, including a medical doctor and were flying to Cape Coast for a meeting when he was forced down.

According to him, they were flying over a church where an all-night vigil was being held when he crash- landed at Servant Kings International School.

“When we as ked him where he was coming from, Atta told us that he was from Akuapem Akropong but was flying to Cape Coast to attend a meeting for witches and wizards,” he said.

Charles also confessed that the two puffy protrusions on his chest were breasts taken from his 16-year- old granddaughter and that he normally borrowed them for his night activities.

The two brothers said they were initially confused and bewildered by the weird sight of the man, and not knowing what to do him took him to Pink FM, a local radio station at Kasoa for help.

When the strange announcement was made on radio, hundreds of people besieged the premises of the radio station to see the suspected wizard.

Upon hearing the news, the Kasoa District Police dispatched a number of police personnel to the station to save the victim from being lynched.

Superintendent Samuel Tabril Punobyin told the paper that the police did not investigate spiritual matters and that the suspected wiz-ard could therefore not be charged.

He said the police would look for the family erf the man and hand him over to them. Charles Atta is still in the custody .of the Kasoa Police.

http://www.informationng.com/2013/11/7-ways-to-score-a-second-date.html


Nothing is more tedious than an endless string of first dates that lead to nowhere. If you keep hearing, “I’ll call you,” but your phone doesn’t ring…it’s time to take your dating game to the next level!

To make it past the first encounter, four things needs to happen. I call them the 4 C’s: Connection, Chemistry, Compatibility, and Curiosity. They go together like this. When you create an emotional connection, you spark a deeper physical chemistry, which gives him time to assess whether there is any personality compatibility, and when there is, he’s naturally curious and can’t wait to see you again.
So here are some ways to ignite that “gotta see you” attitude on your next date.

1. Exude Interest
Nothing shuts a guy down faster than not being able to tell if you are interested in him. So show your interest with the three magic words, “Tell me more,” while making friendly eye contact, and touching him lightly on the hand or shoulder.

2. Be Captivating
But you can’t just be interested; you also have to be interesting. A great way to captivate his interest is to be unlike every other girl he’s had a first date with. To stand out, arm yourself with some fascinating questions he’s not used to hearing on the first date. This will create engaging conversation that makes you both seem compelling.

3. Have an Opinion
Oh sure, guys like a girl who’s easy going and friendly, but they also want to know you have a back bone and will stand up for what you believe and won’t put up with any crap from him either. Confidence (not aggressiveness or arrogance) is sexy. So, whether he’s asking about what restaurant, which movie, or your political standing, avoid the “Whatever you like” trap. State your honest opinion and allow him to meet your needs too.

4. Radiate Passion
Day to day life can be a little mind-numbing, so when you come along and excitedly share something meaningful that you are passionate about, you’ll light up and create a sense of aliveness between you. So don’t be shy, share what matters most to you and why. Then ask him what he’s most passionate about too. The extra energy this generates will create magnetic attraction.

5. Convey Graciousness
Talk isn’t all that matters. He’s watching your every move to see who you really are. And what he really wants to a partner who is great to come home to after a stressful day. So show him how supportive and friendly you are by being thoughtful and sweet to everyone around you, including wait staff, passersby, or others you interact with.

6. Go with the Flow
Life can be enough of a drag without a partner who is all doom and gloom. While it’s obvious to keep the negativity out of your words, you also need to show him that you can take things in stride. So when things don’t go perfectly smoothly (the table service sucks, the movie is sold out, it rains on your mini-golf), he’ll be impressed when you’re the first one to say, “That’s ok, no worries. I’m having a great time with you anyway.”

7. Make the Ending Easy
Guys can get a little gun shy after being repeatedly rejected, so if you want to see him again, make it easy for him. Look him in the eye, smile radiantly, touch him gently, and say, “I had a great time tonight. I love how smart, thoughtful, and funny you are (or whatever is true).” By opening the door for him, you’ll make it easy for him to ask you out for a second date.

By stepping into your radiant, captivating, and passionate self on every date, you’ll invite more guys to notice what a great catch you really are – leading to more and better, second dates!

#JOKE: AKPOS IN THE ARMY #GOBE
Adewale Lagos | November 23, 2013 | Jokes | 6 Comments


Akpos Joining The Army.

Officer: We need you in the
army.

Akpos: I’ll join but on three
conditions.

Officer: Ok. what are the conditions?

Akpos: My first condition is that I’ll not wear the uniform
because it is too hard.

Officer: Ok. What is the second
condition?

Akpos: I’ll not do the parade and other training under the
sun because it will be too hot,
I’ll only do it under the shed or some kind of shadow cover.

Officer: Ok. What is your third
condition?

Akpos: And my last and most
important condition is that during the time of war, I’ll go on leave.

Today the President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, celebrates his 56th birthday.

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), and President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was born to a Niger Delta family of canoe makers on November 20, 1957. He graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, where he studied Zoology and proceeded with his Master's and Ph.D degrees in Hydrobiology and Fisheries Biology, and Zoology respectively at the same University. In between, he had completed a mandatory one year of National Youth Service in Iresi, Osun State. Jonathan is married to Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, and the have two children.
Before becoming taking the main post in Nigeria, he served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor of Bayelsa State and Vice-President. Jonathan was sworn-in on May, 6, 2010 as President. He is the 14th Head of State.
photo
But what do you get for the most influential man in Nigeria?

1. Football lessons

2. A cool hat

3. A trully funny joke

4. A more energetic song

Or even his own band

5. A German dictionary

6. His own hammer?.

7. More bow ties

8. A little bit of love

9. A cool t-shirt

10. And a cheer!

Happy birthday, Mr. President!!!


Click to see photos
http://m.naij.com/news/52445.html

The design for the 1st of a series of new stadiums built for Qatar’s 2022 world cup hosted tournament has been released…and urm, it looks like a v**ina. Hehe. This is actually a virtual rendering of the fully air conditioned 40,000-capacity Al-Wakrah stadium which will be completed by 2018.

The architects are a little embarrassed that their design looks kinda like a v**ina. They said the multi-billion dollar stadium is designed to resemble the sails of a dhow boat which is traditionally used for pearl fishing by Qataris…and not a v**ina!


http://www.informationng.com/2013/11/photo-the-vgina-stadium-design-for-qatars-world-cup-purpose-built-stadium-looks-like-a-female-private-part.html

The Federal Government’s Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment-Programme (SURE-P) has approved the sum of N15 billion for the payment of allowances to 50,000 unemployed graduates expected to be employed under the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS) of the programme.

Head of Operations of GIS, Mr. Akubo Adegbe, disclosed this at the weekend during a sensitization workshop for firms in Niger State, adding that each of the successful graduates would earn a monthly stipend of N25,000 under the programme. According to him, the graduates would be attached to available firms, non-governmental organizations and some selected government agencies for a one year internship in the state. He said the scheme is aimed at availing participants with requisite experience in their various disciplines preparatory to securing jobs.

“The interns are expected to acquire professional skills, training and work experience to be able to improve on their chances for job-placement opportunities”.

The Federal Government will be responsible for paying a monthly stipend to them while participating institutions will be expected to provide adequate opportunities for training and mentoring, he said.

He said the scheme is meant to enhance the employability of unemployed graduates in the 36 states of the federation through the proposed internship programmes in public and private sectors.

In her remarks, a Minna based legal practitioner, Mrs. Vera Ndanusa enjoined SURE-P not to allow fraudulent people to hijack the programme for selfish interests.


http://toknowfirst.com/sure-p-to-pay-50000-unemployed-graduates-n25000-monthly-fg/

I saw this on my friend Black berry DP, and he wrote on his status “Tallest man in Lagos…Agoro”

Kaduna – A 30-year-old housewife, Balaraba Tanimu of Hayin Tudun Wada, Kaduna, has dragged her husband, Sani Abubakar, to Magajin Gari Sharia Court II, accusing him of starving her for eight months.

Tanimu told the court on Monday that the accused was not feeding her and their five children throughout the period on the excuse that life was very difficult for him.
The complainant said that she and the children had been suffering from hunger and deprivation because the accused had failed to discharge his responsibilities.

According to her, Abubakar has also abandoned her and the children since he married another wife, making her parents to shoulder the responsibility of taking care of them.
Tanimu also told the court that the accused was indebted to her to the tune of N60,000 and prayed the court to recover the money for her.
The complainant prayed the court to dissolve the marriage since Abubakar cannot meet the demands of basic family responsibilities.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He told the court that the complainant was just jealous of his new wife, saying that she had given him no peace since he married another wife.
“She reported me to her parents and the father advised me not to worry over her attitude because she is just jealous,’’ he said.
Abubakar denied collecting money from her, saying it was his mother-in-law that gave him N30,000 credit to repair his taxi cab.

The wife, however, insisted that the N60,000 was the money he asked her to spend over time in feeding the family, as well as money spent on purchasing clothes for the children during the last Sallah.

The accused told the court not to dissolve the marriage as he still loves his wife.
The Presiding Officer, Khadi Ibrahim Mohammed, asked both parties to come with their parents in the next sitting for testimony.
Mohammed adjourned the case to Nov. 27 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)


http://247nigerianewsupdate.com/wife-drags-husband-to-court-over-alleged-starvation/

End time trailers


Our nija sef, 99% of ghastly accidents dat occur on our high ways r caused by this reckless trailer drivers.

May God never forgive dis drivers.



May the souls of the departed rest in peace....

I can't believe dis

Another aba women riot of 1920's

Some market women who said they were disenfranchised by INEC during Saturday’s gubernatorial election came to protest at INEC office at Awka yesterday during collation of election results.



http://www.brimtime.com/2013/11/market-women-roll-on-floor-in-protest.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Brimtime+(Brimtime.com)&m=1