₦airaland Forum

The Igbo corps member who shocked Nigerians by converting to a Muslim was serving as a Batch C corp member in Konshisha LGA Benue State when he made the conversion to fulfill his Buhari vow. Chukwuma has however come out to claim he’s been getting a lot of death threats. He has decided to tell Nigerians why he converted. Read the letter below:

Dear Nigerians,

WHY I JOINED ISLAM

My name is Chukwuma Austin Dike. My Islamic name is Mohammed Mustapha. I’m from Mbaitoli Local Government, in Imo state, a graduate of political science from University of Nigeria Nsukka and I am presently serving the nation Nigeria in Konshisha local government in Benue state.

The truth is that I have always loved Islam as a kid in the 80’s in Dakata kano I played most times in the masjid (Mosque). I grew up loving the masjid not until my secondary school days when I left kano. To me is like a reunion but to those who saw the headlines, some said that I am dancing the macabre dance of religious cross carpeting, some said Buhari is my God but I say ALLAH IS MY GOD. I join Islam based on CONVICTION and I don’t care about anybody’s interpretation; one with God is in the majority.

The vow: there is no controversy at all among those who knew me before May 29 except they decided to lie. I made the vow three times. Firstly, at wanunne camp in Benue state before some Muslim corpers in November 2014. Secondly, early December in my house before my family members and thirdly before the staff of the school I was teaching Government (my PPA) in February this year. Funny enough everybody thought I was joking.

What was my vow: Some Muslim brothers during a political argument told me last year authoritatively that Allah has given Buhari victory, no matter how hard the then president tries he will not win. I was flabbergasted! Then I vowed if Buhari wins this forth coming election, I will believe that ALLAH IS THE GREATEST and I will convert to Islam and serve ALLAH as my God. The vow was made before God and man.Thanks to ALLAH that I kept my vow. On the issue of election and general politics Nigerians from the age of 18 and above, if u did not experience anything on the day of the presidential election and May 29 Handover, you are either immature or living a care free life.

On my view on Muhammad Buhari today, I rather advise Him to retain the principal of federal character and totally reject the political theory of winner takes it all; it is not healthy for our modern democracy and the political culture of Nigeria. Corruption is a canker worm; it’s like a virus eating Nigeria from the inside it must be treated like Ebola.

Having said this Mr President I solicit for general amnesty to all corrupt officers that will return his or her looted fund; because if amnesty can be granted to killing, it can also be granted to corruption. Furthermore, as you intensify your fight against corruption also include tribalism and religious intolerance.

YSC should not be scraped but the allawee should be increased and at least the sum of 200,000 naira should be given to each graduating NYSC member to start a small scale business. This measure to me will reduce unemployment, because already at the camp most corpers had skills acquisition training. May almighty ALLAH grant you Mr President the wisdom to rule Nigeria, by the special grace of ALLAH we shall meet in Aljanah.

As a Muslim I have received a lot of death and excommunication threats but in all I thank Almighty Allah for honoring me with Islam, my life and destiny is in the hand of ALLAH. SALAM.

– Chukwuma Mohammed Mustapha Dike

Recall that the victory of Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential poll, brought about different people who decided to honour him by walking. The first who walked from Lagos to Abuja to honour the president was Suleiman Hashimu. Meanwhile, Mohammed Shehu, presidential assistant, has asked youths to adopt prayers instead of trekking as a way of showing solidarity to Muhammadu Buhari.

Dear wicked Boko Haram,

I am writing this letter to you on why you should stop killing people. One of the reasons why you should stop killing people is because they will become too many people who will want to be killing. You cannot just stop. You kidnapped Chibok girls for over a year and you kidnapped another and kept them in Sambisa forest, Borno and you have been always killing.

I have a message for you if you don’t stop. The everlasting arms of God will slap you. You will mistakenly bomb your own camp in the night and your flesh and bones into hashes. Hear the word of Lord.

Yours Angrily,

Sope

Una go suffer

They are coming to join so that they can truncate our plans for better Nigeria.

Details Of How Bristow Helicopter Crashed In Lagos ..Names And Pictures Of Victims

admin⁠ | ⁠August 13, 2015⁠ | ⁠No Comments⁠



Four passengers died yesterday when a Bristow Helicopters chopper plunged into the Lagos Lagoon.

On board were 12 people, including two crew members.

Six others, who were injured, were rescued from the scene of the crash, which was still being combed late yesterday for the two missing persons.

The chopper, marked 5N – BDG – 760540, was flying from an oil rig between Ondo and Lagos states, with contractors of a dredging company, Indigo, who were returning to base.

The incident occurred at about 3:10pm at Oworonsoki.

Eyewitnesses said they saw the chopper spinning before nose-diving 900 metres from the shore.

The victims, The Nation gathered, had spent two weeks on the rig and were coming back for their two-week break, as it is the practice.

One person walked out of the crash without assistance. He was taken to the hospital on a motorcycle. The others had fractured limbs.

According to dredgers on Alonge Street, where the chopper nose-dived, the six persons rescued alive included a man who allegedly walked out of the crashed chopper, had serious injuries and was in pains.

They alleged that the co-pilot, who was among those rescued, had broken limbs and held his back, gasping for air.

The dredgers told The Nation of their efforts at rescuing the passengers before emergency agencies arrived at the scene about 45 minutes later.

Ihindu, who alleged that his divers and equipment were deployed immediately the incident occurred, said one of the rescued passengers told them there were 14 people on board, including a woman.

He said all those rescued were male, identifying them as Solomon Ude, Joshua Emekanma, Chukwudi Onah, Dolu Ebiejuara, Iniala Paimi and Onoriode Ojiete.

Recounting how the chopper came down, Ihindu said it was very fast, adding that they had noticed it flying very low.

According to him, the chopper nose-dived into the lagoon.

He said local divers recovered eight persons-seven injured and one dead- who were handed over to the police for further action.

Corroborating his story, a woman who identified herself as Ibirounke said: “We were here working when it happened. The helicopter was flying towards this direction at low height. But, suddenly it started spinning and turned on the opposite direction before going underwater

“Our men saved all those who were alive. We rescued eight people from this side and of the eight, one died. Seven others survived though they had serious injuries and some have drunk water.

“On the other side, three other bodies were recovered, making four dead. Some of the victims who could talk told us that they work for Indigo Dredging.”

When The Nation visited the scene, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, the General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Michael Akindele; Southwest Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Onimode Bamdele, Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, personnel from the Nigerian Navy, NSCDC, NAMA, AIB, among others were on ground.

Shoes, bags, life-jackets and other personal effects of the victims recovered from the wrecked aircraft were seen within the premises of a neearby police station.

A crowd gathered last night outside the Oworonsoki police station.

In a joint situation report by LASEMA, NEMA and Fire Service, Akindele said two of the injured persons were at Afolabi Hospital. Four others were receiving treatment at the Gbagada General Hospital.

He said the bodies of the dead had been deposited at the Mainland General Hospital mortuary, adding that the rescuers could neither state the airline, nor the exact number of those onboard.

He said: “We were told that there were 12 people on board. But unless we see the manifest, we cannot confirm for sure. Right now, we are working with the alleged figure and so, are looking for two more people allegedly missing.

“At the moment, we cannot give you names of victims or the details of the aircraft because our primary concern is to save lives.

“We are deploying equipment at the moment to enable us work here all through the night until the missing persons are recovered.

“Those injured are responding to treatment at the various hospitals and we cannot be asking them questions now because they are in pains,” Akindele said.

Giving details of the crash, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) said in statement through its Commissioner, Dr Felix Abali “Twelve persons were believed to be on board. There were casualties and survivors. It was a Bristow Helicopters’ chopper on approach to landing in Lagos.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also confirmed the helicopter crash.

A statement signed by NCAA’s spokesman Fan Ndubuoke reads : “A Bristow Helicopter, with registration number 5N – BDG – 760540 en route from one of the nation’s oil rigs has crashed at Oworonshoki in Lagos (yesterday).

“The Helicopter scheduled to arrive Lagos 15.35pm had 12 (twelve) souls on board, including the crew.However,the number of casualties is yet to be determined.

“At present, officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Police are at the site providing rescue operation for the victims.

“While this is ongoing, further details will be communicated as appropriate.”

Lagos State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, commiserated with the victims of the crash last night.

Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said the government dispatched its emergency team to the site upon hearing of the accident, adding that top officials of the government were at the site on the directive of the governor for first-hand information.

The deputy governor was also at the Gbagada General Hospital, where four of the survivors were being treated. She sympathised with the the injured passengers and assured them that they would have the best of medical care.

She told reporters after the visit that two survivors were taken to a private hospital around the site of the crash for first aid attention, noting that they would be moved to the government hospital once their condition stabilises.

“We have four of the survivors at the Gbagada General Hospital while two others are at a private hospital, Afolabi Medical Centre, where they are being attended to as a sort of first aid, pending when their condition improves and they will be transferred to the General Hospital also,” the deputy governor said.



President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero.
The termination of Alhaji Bayero’s appointment is with immediate effect. This was contained in a statement by the president’s spokesman Femi Adesina.
According to the statement,”Ado Bayero is to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his possession to Mr. Habibu Abdullahi who has been reinstated as Managing Director of the NPA



RIP

Sales of forms date has been  extended to AUGUST 31st.
http://www.unilag.edu.ng/newsdetails.php?NewsID=2255

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee against corruption. The committee is headed by Professor Itse Sagay, a prominent professor of law and civil rights activist.

According to a statement by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the committee's brief is to advise the present administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria's criminal justice system.

Other members of the committee which is also expected to develop comprehensive interventions for achieving recommended reforms are: Professor Femi Odekunle, Dr. (Mrs) Benedicta Daudu, Professor E. Alemika, Professor Sadiq Radda, Hadiza Bala Usman and Professor Bolaji Owasanoye.

In support of the Federal Government’s efforts, an Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund has been established by three international development partners namely the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation.

The $5 million fund is to assist implementation of key components of the action plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee.

The fund will be managed by Trust Africa, an international development Civil Society Organisation with programme presence in more than 25 African countries.

Sports

DARING OR CRAZY: Former Abia State Governor Enters Race For FIFA Presidency

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This is almost feeling like a dream and a crazy one at that, but reports reaching us are pointing to the fact that it is actually true. Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has signified his interest in running for president. Old gist, I can almost hear you say. Yes, except that the ‘presidency’ this time is not that of the most populated black nation on earth, but of the world football’s governing body, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Yes you heard me right! OUK is set to vie for the presidency of FIFA.

According to the report, the Nigerian Pillar of Sports intends pop up as a surprise choice to replace outgoing President Sepp Blatter as FIFA president even though the source stated further that the business mogul’s mind is not still completely made up

“Nothing is official for now but I can confirm that CAF is already talking to the ex-governor to see if he would give the FIFA presidency a shot,” the source hinted.

Following the recent scandals that rocked the world football’s governing body, its current president, Mr. Sepp Blatter, decided to quit the office just days after winning elections for a fifth term in office. FIFA had also announced February 26, 2016 as the new date for the presidential elections. So, if OUK goes ahead with this ambition, he will be pitting his weight against more favorable candidates such as  Michel Platini, UEFA president and French football legend, Prince Ali, who lost to Sepp Blatter in the last elections and others. Sports analysts believe Mr. Platini is in poll position to clinch the crown after being urged by four of the six FIFA confederations to run for the office.

Although his exploits with Enyimba F.C. of Aba who he ensured broke the jinx to lift the CAF Champions League back-to-back during his time as governor is laudable, analysts believe that OUK does not have what it takes to earn the needed votes on the world football stage. Besides, he has been quiet as far as sports is concerned since his 2-term as governor elapsed.

Escalation of the murderous activities of Boko Haram insurgents after the assumption of President Muhammadu Buhari as president is significant because firstly, it put paid to some insinuations or lies told by the past administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about its origin and funding. Before the election, Boko Haram was said to be the North’s sponsored rebellion to destroy former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government. Two, Buhari was said to be the sponsor of the organisation. This was in spite of the attempt by the terrorists to kill the Buhari in a bomb blast targeted at his convoy in Kaduna. Buhari was saved by the whisker. In actual fact, the insurgency was said to be the fulfillment of the alleged threat by Buhari that if he lost the 2011 presidential election, he would make the country ungovernable. The presidency under Jonathan and the PDP made the above the kernel of their campaign during the 2015 election.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Boko Haram insurgency has constituted a threat to the security of this nation. Its activities since debuting some few years ago has resulted in the death of thousands of Nigerians, and the destruction of properties, including the United Nations (UN) office, in Abuja. Besides, the economy of North Eastern Nigeria has been paralysed.  The abduction of about 200 female students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, without any trace till today, has remained a mystery and a slap on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

In actual fact, Nigerian security forces have proved equal to the task, particularly towards the tail end of the immediate past administration. The insurgents were flushed out from their hideout in Sambisa forest, and its arsenals destroyed or seized by the Nigerian military. Since then, the terrorists’ audacity to invade communities has reduced considerably.

Nevertheless, in recent times, particularly since the debut of the Buhari government, activities of the organisation have been renewed with vigour. The menace of Boko-Haram has become more worrisome because of the escalation in suicide bombings, as this deadly mission defies military assault.  The organisation targeted innocent Nigerians and the bombings are becoming prevalent and intractable. The incessant and sporadic nature of the suicide bombings have caught the security forces napping, and called to question the possibility of using force to end the insurgency.

Meanwhile, opinions differ on whether the Federal Government should engage in dialogue with the insurgents or not. Many are of the opinion that the sect should be dealt with decisively and mercilessly in order to pay them back in their own coin. The fact that the grievances of the sect, upon which it unleashed a reign of terror on Nigerians, were spurious and antisocial, tilted the opinion of many against the dialogue option.

However, what makes dialogue with the sect imperative is that in spite of the gallant efforts of Nigerian security forces to destroy the sect, it is being emboldened in its operation. The fact that it is carrying out its suicide bombings unhindered with heavy casualties trailing each attack makes dialogue imperative. From reports from the dailies, more than 400 Nigerians have been killed in the last two months or there about. Furthermore, the menace has become a drain pipe for taxpayers’ money and the earlier the insurgency is nipped in the bud, the better for the nation’s ailing economy. Third, our compatriots in the North East are at the mercy of the sect. Life has become nightmarish for the people because no one knows when the next bomb will explode. Last but not the least is the image of the nation. It is remarkable that Nigerian military has distinguished themselves in United Nations-led and regional peace keeping endeavours worldwide, but its inability to put an end to the insurgency may cast doubt on its pedigree. 

In view of the above, I think the best option for the Buhari-led government is to dialogue with the sect in order to end carnage so that peace can return to the country. It is a fact that the sect has committed heinous crimes, not only against this nation, but against humanity, yet we cannot exonerate our government. President Buhari has a lot to do in this regard. He has treaded the path before and should be able to know how best to handle the situation. I am delighted to read in the dailies, the news credited to the president that his government may dialogue with the sect, but not from a weak position. This is a welcome development. This means that the president, as the father of the nation, is not comfortable with the suffering of Nigerians, particularly those in the affected areas.

There is no doubt that opposition may arise to the dialogue option, but Buhari, being a victim of the dreaded sect, should know how the shoe pinches. The government should put the machinery in motion to identify the leaders of the sect for dialogue to begin in earnest. An adage says “if one uses the right hand to reprimand a child, one should use the left hand to draw him closer.”

Unilag ni mo lo

According to Sahara Reporters, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde, has turned in his resignation letter to President Muhammad Buhari



The report says Dikko wishes to leave the job on August 18 although he still has 2 years to the end of his tenure.

It is understood that President Buhari had earlier turned down the resignation letter, asking Mr. Dikko to give him time to study the Customs and its operations, but that he has now accepted the resignation.

Issokay

Omo ale jati jati

See gbege

I graduated in 2014 with a first class degree in business studies. I am 22 and working as a sales assistant in a clothing store. It was meant to be a part-time job for extra income while studying, however, it feels like I am going to be stuck here forever.

I am looking for office roles, in particular admin roles or those to do with HR. I’ve been applying to jobs since I graduated – I either get no response or, once in a blue moon, I get an interview, but it doesn’t end well. Most places I have applied to say I am an introvert and they prefer someone who is more confident in communicating. Or they say I lack work experience.

What I don’t get is how am I able to get work experience when no one gives me a chance? Every job requires some sort of work experience, even internships and entry level jobs. I’ve been to local recruitment agencies, handed them my CV, but it’s been three months and still no reply. I am getting more demotivated and desperate, please can you give me some advice.

Mr Seni Saraki, the son of the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been announced as the new Chairman of the Ilorin based Nigeria National League side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC).

A statement by the club’s spokesman Jimoh Bashir said the decision to effect the change was taken after a meeting with the new Chairman and the General Manager of the club, Alloy Chukwuemeka in Lagos over the weekend.

ollowing the development, the Senate President remains the Proprietor of the Club, while Mr Seni Saraki assumes duty as the Chairman, with the incumbent General Manager Alloy Chukwuemeka retaining his position.

ABS FC is a privately owned football franchise in the NNL, and is owned by Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial district in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

The outfit was introduced into the footballing market to empower the youth, and give them the opportunity to exhibit their God given talents.

The platform was also introduced to add value to the development of the round leather game.

The statement added that the new Chairman, Mr Seni Saraki has assured that necessary incentives and expertise would be provided to make the club a more professional side in line with the vision of establishing the club.

He assured the players and officials of better deals, while he also pledged that their welfare would be accorded the required priority to allow them deliver their best to club.

He charged them to be focused, disciplined and work towards getting a promotion ticket at the end of the on-going season.

The new Club helmsman is expected to address the players, officials, coaches and supporters in Ilorin on assumption of duty soon.

The change in leadership was to give the club maximum and required attention it needed, especially as it plans to return to the Premier Lague.

funmilade4real:
http://www.today.ng/money/08105968-nigerias-foreign-reserves-rise-to-31-5-billion/

For the first time

Waoh!

Seun o se modupe ooo

Nigeria’s foreign reserves rose 0.2 per cent month-to-date to $31.5 billion as at last week, representing a $200 million increase from the July record, which was put at $31.3 billion.

The increase was expected given the increased efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce speculative attacks on the local unit, according to Ayodeji Eboh, the Head of Afrinvest Securities Limited.

“CBN continues to dismiss calls to devalue the naira. We expect that the pressure in the parallel market may soften as the foreign exchange market remains closely watched by the apex bank,” he said.

The naira, however, traded flat at N199.10/$ week-on-week at the interbank foreign exchange market, while amount of dollars sold remained reasonably below level of demand despite autonomous sales by oil companies.

CBN’s intervention in the interbank market at N197/$ pushed the week-on-week performance to stability in the segment, with its support for the action of deposit money banks to reject dollar deposits from customers into their domiciliary accounts.

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“This was in a bid to stop illicit financial flows in the Nigerian Banking system and reduce the level of dollarization of the economy, with the underlying notice that banks had large volumes of foreign currency in their vaults,” Eboh added.



However, volatility was prevalent in the parallel market last week as the local unit closed at N210/$ on Monday, depreciated to N228/$ on Tuesday, but rebounded to N215.00/$ on Wednesday on account of the $80 million dollar sale made by CBN to Bureau de Change operators which boosted liquidity and eased the pressure.

The gains were pared on Thursday as the local unit depreciated to N224/$ in the parallel market, but did not come as a shock given the rise in quantity supplied, which prepared a platform for increased speculative activities.

Generally, the naira appreciated 44 basis points week-to-date to close the week at N224/$.

Toto Dicke

Network yi kan ja mi ku le sha

Ok



I don hear

Ok ooo

Igbin dey sweet well

Nice one

Oya na

Iike seriously fp today. Oya make we celebrate na coz...

Space bookers sha

We dont want Mikel ooo
Haruna should be invited too