There is palpable tension in the land. Hunger on rampage, marauding herdsmen on the prowl, economy in recession, business gasping for breath , our dear Naira on a free fall. And it could get worse if we keep fanning the embers of ethnic and religious feud.


Few weeks ago, the US secretary of state, John Kerry visited Nigeria to offer support for Nigeria’s war on terrorism. His visit to the Sultan of Sokoto and meeting with the governors of the Northern States was a cause for concern for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some socio-political commentators from the South of Nigeria. They accused John Kerry of bias in his selection; stating that he favoured the North and Muslims over the South and Christians.


Question is, should this really be a cause for concern? The American government much to the disappointment of some Northern governors did not offer any goodies but rather advised Nigeria not to use strong arm tactics in dealing with boko-haram and other extremist groups disturbing the peace and stability of the country.
The CAN should focus on purging their members of the primitive pursuit of material wealth and help to extol virtues enunciated by Christ. The leading light of CAN have enough resources in their fold to lead their members out of poverty and ignorance. No, they would rather buy private Jets, choice properties around the globe. The leaders of CAN have done more harm to the body of Christ than John Kerry or America.


Enter Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg and his decision to put Hausa language software on his website. One would think this is his prerogative. Not so. According to eminent historian, politician, social activist, lawyer, two-time minister, former presidential spokesman, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), this decision is part of centuries old grand scheme by the Western World imperialist governments and their agents to promote Northern Nigeria over Southern Nigeria.


Reno Omokiri, former presidential aid on new media, dared to disagree. The exchange began on a lighter mood, but as Reno Omokiri was insistent on holding on to his views, he soon stirred the Pharaoh’s fury. Then the expletives followed.
Kudos to Reno Omokiri, he exited the stage with grace. FFK acted like he had some old score to settle with Reno Omokiri and was looking for the slightest slip to pounce. Reno Omokiri did not provide the slip, yet FFK pounced.
The problem with Nigeria is not with the commoners on the street; it is the leaders in the church, the mosque, the presidential and state villas, the National & State Assemblies and the elites like, FFK.


I am from the Niger-Delta. I sat in the sand at Maiduguri Market to eat Suya and bread with Hausa-Fulanis and was very much at home when in their midst. Many Nigerians share similar tales of cordial and convivial existence with people from different parts of the country. Our leaders and elites know this much but would rather sing discordant tunes to promote their parochial interest. They preach unity and promote religious and ethnic schism at different times to serve their interest.


If our leaders at every level do their best always in the interest of the country;If our religious leaders tend their flock instead of exploiting them, if our elites serve their communities instead of self, Nigeria would not be on this cross road at this time. If we spend more time to wrought justice and fairness, we would spend less time to preach peace. Let us all spend more time to look inward at what we can do, and where we can make amend to better our society, and less time on stalking our perceived opponents!

Peace be upon you;

This often gets overlooked, yet paying attention to what you put in your body can have a tremendous effect on your physical wellbeing and your ability to release stress

Your body is a gift from God and should be treated with respect and care. It does not deserve to be destroyed through the food you eat. It can be difficult to resist temptation when it comes to food, but to feel good physically and mentally, a healthy body is essential. No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach.

May Almighty God abound us with his mercy and grace to excel in His course.

Have a great week ahead

K. Taiwo

Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/08/29/week-30-diet/

Peace be upon you;

This often gets overlooked, yet paying attention to what you put in your body can have a tremendous effect on your physical wellbeing and your ability to release stress

Your body is a gift from God and should be treated with respect and care. It does not deserve to be destroyed through the food you eat. It can be difficult to resist temptation when it comes to food, but to feel good physically and mentally, a healthy body is essential. No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach.

May Almighty God abound us with his mercy and grace to excel in His course.

Have a great week ahead

Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/08/29/week-30-diet/

Peace be upon you;

Humility and gratitude are the next milestone along the path to forgiveness. Here, it becomes necessary to move the focus away from the person who harmed you, focusing on yourself and any harm you may have inflicted upon others.

No one is perfect; at some point, whether inadvertently or not, most of us have caused another person some type of hurt. Given that we are not faultless.

You have been in need of forgiveness at some point, remembering these times in your life can help you to develop compassion for the one who caused you pain.

Please as part of admonition, he who gives thanks to God does so to his own good, and one who disbelieves (let him realise that) God is independent, most praise worthy,.

May Almighty abound us with His mercy and grace to excel in His course



K. Taiwo


Culled From - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/08/24/humility-and-gratitude/

Wenger never seems to find the right players anymore. Mane went to Liverpool, Sissoko will soon be snatched. They are good players and they don’t cost 100 million Pounds. Problem with Wenger is that he has a PhD in obstinacy. Wenger will not budge even when the obvious is right under his nose.

In the last three seasons, Arsenal has been denied major trophies because they lacked that extra push, leadership, signing, ( remember Luis Suarez?) to propel and keep them at the top. A little flexibility will help Wenger.

The EPL is an unforgiving league, without quality signings, Arsenal will struggle and the few quality players will depart next season in search of trophies. Then Wenger will correctly be remembered not as the Invincible but as Specialist In Failure- one who specializes in conjuring defeat from the brink of success.


Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/08/24/an-ode-for-arsene-and-arsenal/

HOW WE GOT HERE
I read Reuben Abati’s piece—In This Same Country—with mixed feelings. First was a deep sense of nostalgia of what used to be; then anger, and lastly depression. I will explain.
As someone who grew up In Ikorodu in the mid-1970s, I could connect with Abati’s narrative of a country that held so much promise at independence. Though we were very poor, the government of the day provided a platform that ensured we were not robbed of our dignity. There was access to quality education at all levels. In Methodist Primary school, as in other public schools at the time, there was no school fee and there were free note books. There was opportunity to nurture talents in different spheres of life: sports, the arts, sciences amongst others as the schools had facilities for all.
The only difference between us and children of the rich such as those that attended Benson Nursery and Primary School at Haruna – Ikorodu, was that their uniforms were newer, neater and they were generally more robust. I should also quickly add that they had more toys to amuse them, like the swings (jangrova) which were proudly displayed in the open. But that didn’t really matter, for as the Yoruba say, Emi je eko, iwo mu tea, omi naa ni (I take cold pap, you drink tea—they are both liquid).
Public hospitals and transport were also accessible and affordable. Life was secure and fun. In the evenings, after school, we took turns to play the part of driver and passengers in our landlord’s abandoned Datsun car. The interior as I remember was more comfortable than most of today’s tokunbo cars.
When, How and Why Did the Slide Begin?
As to the when, I would say it began in the early 1980’s, in the days of President Shehu Shagari when we first heard the expression, “austerity measure”. Then it continued under General Muhammadu Buhari in 1984, when austerity measure was replaced with “essential commodities” and further under General Ibrahim Babangida in 1985; “structural adjustment programme” was the new lexicon. Since then, it has been downhill.
For the how, I would say it began like a cancerous cyst. It started slowly, localised, but because it remained unchecked, unattended to, often receiving lip service or wrong prescription, it reached maturity stage in the early 1990s, releasing its deadly poison into the body polity, leaving people and country reeling and pale. The only group immune to the deadly effect thus far are the uncaring, and fake doctors—the elite, masquerading as leaders.
The why is a combination and culmination of factors. Many selfish, self-inflicted. Systematic greed, avarice. Hear the first coup plotters and their reason for dismantling the First Republic on 15th January, 1966: “Our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10%....” Today, occupants of government offices administer state resources like their personal estate with little or no place for checks and balances as obtained in the past and in progressive societies.
Squandermania and Poor Vision. Our former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon was once touted as saying that “the problem with Nigeria is not money but how to spend it”. This was in the middle of the oil boom. Truth is, a visionary government with laudable multiple projects across the country would have been fully stretched, leaving very little to spare for the big parties for which Nigeria was world famous.
It would be interesting to find out how much accrued to government in the 9 years of General Yakubu Gowon’s reign and how much was deployed for infrastructural growth; how much was spent on/lost on/to entertainment, cement armanda.
It is pertinent to note that when our revered General made those comments, the only route to the Mid-Western and Eastern parts of Nigeria was through the snaky contraception that included the deadly mountain at Oke-Eriya [modern day Agric Bus Stop] that claimed many lorries and lives. (Yes, vehicles were few at the time. I remember how we would sit by the roadside and write down plate numbers that were similar!) A visionary leader would have envisaged the soon to come increase in the number of cars and constructed roads to accommodate them. The odd/even number regime that happened later in Lagos would have thus been avoided. The poor vision of those days is the forerunner of today’s chaotic society.
Insensitivity of the Elite to the Plight of their Followers. There was a joke in the public domain in the days of austerity measures when a minister, in response to a reporter’s account of suffering and hunger experienced by the people, asked if the reporter had seen anyone looking in the dustbin for food. A song by Tunji Oyelana & His Benders with the support of Prof. Wole Soyinka, titled I Love My Country aptly captured the realities of the time.
Emergence of Sophisticated Models by which Political Office Holders Acquire State Assets and Resources. This began subtly in the 1970’s, when the incoming civilian regime was too grateful to the departing military regime to ask questions about missing assets and funds. It continued unabated and with increasing tempo under subsequent military regimes. It has reached an all-time high under the present civilian dispensation, with the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan regime topping the list. This method has accounted largely for the sudden emergence of some billionaire business moguls in our society.
Emergence of Prosperity Religious Preachers. In the 1970s and early 1980s, the church was an austere environment where sinners came to be purged of their sins and renewed by the Word of God. The congregation mirrored the early Christians in Antioch, sharing with and supporting one another. Many of our elite today were mentored by reverend fathers and missionaries who sacrificed better climes in Europe to serve humanity. My sister and I were beneficiaries of such care and love by a lowly woman, shunned for her faith by her family but valued by the congregation.
All that changed with the proliferation of Pentecostal churches which began in the 1980s. The emphasis was on the number of followership and not quality. Splinter groups from existing denominations were rife. The leading light of this brand mirrored the American prosperity churches. They offered quick fix solutions to every problem under the sun. Magic was clothed in the garb of miracle. Poverty of the pocket as portrayed by Lazarus was considered a reproach and members did everything to meet the expectations of the General Overseer (GO) who in turn rewarded the “dutiful, successful” servants with seats on the front row.
Destruction of State Institutions and Enthronement of Individuals. The different models of transfer of state assets by the men in power ensure uncommon wealth for their close allies and associates. This select group, in a bid to advance their cause, and with the support of their backers in power, proceeded to weaken state institutions: police, railway, education, health etc.
Lack of Government Will to Check Galloping Corruption. Safe for the present government, previous government paid lip service to the fight against corruption. This was largely so because at all levels, government was compromised and complicit; and as it is written in the Holy Book, ‘when a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong’. Little wonder then that large scale looting of state resources has become the norm rather than the exception.
Rat Race: The worship of material wealth irrespective of source by both the secular and religious societies has instilled in our elite a culture of primitive, primordial and pervasive pursuit of wealth. Religious rulers consciously attempt to outpace one another in the race to claim the title of ‘the richest pastor in Nigeria’ even in the midst of perniciously poor members. The visible symptoms of this sickness are the compulsive urge for land grabbing, property acquisition (luxury objects) and overpriced educational institutions.
The politicians and military officers are way ahead in the race. In their nocturnal gathering they boast of their prized assets scattered around the globe and poke fun at Forbes’ list of the world’s richest persons.
The Emergence of State Sponsored Criminal Gangs. These groups range from militants (South South), almajaris (North), jihadists (North), secessionists (South East), ethnic militias (South West), Yahoo boys etc .
It is important to note that 419 as a slang for the crime of Obtaining by Trick (OBT) crept into our national lexicon in the late 1980s/early 1990s. The leading lights of this gang were men who walked the corridors of state power. Today, this gang has grown into an industry of its own – the cybercrime industry. Our law enforcement agents, rather than deal decisively with the group, are happy to fleece and support the group.
The other group was propped up by desperate politicians to rig elections, crush oppositions, protect their principals and generally do the bidding of their paymaster. Like bush torched in the harmattan, such groups have since gone out of the control of their initiators, branching into deadly and dastardly ventures such as terrorism and kidnapping.
Celebration of Mediocrity: Many years ago, I wrote a test at the Goethe Institut and scored 87%. Imbued with my Nigerian mentality, I was over – joyed until an Italian lady sitting beside me asked: ‘What happened to the 13%?” Today, from schools to work place and different spheres of life we celebrate 40%.
Scrapyard Syndrome. For many years, our elite, leading lights, high chiefs, elder statesmen, national icons etc., for lack of faith in the country and an inverted sense of patriotism, strip the country of its resources to build their empires abroad.
Which Way Nigeria?
Many like this writer have gone past anger into depression about our dear fatherland. There is a palpable feeling of resignation among the followership. Is there hope of rescuing the country from the hordes of scavengers that have sunk their teeth into her vital organs? The answer is ‘Yes’.
Any meaningful rescue mission will best be spearheaded by the elite; political/national/religious leaders, and not occupants or holders of offices, for as Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili rightly pointed out, “leaders are those who offer sacrifice that others may thrive.” Political / national/ religious office occupants or holders however do not care if they lord it over dead communities/congregation.
The present federal government headed by President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB) is reason for cautious optimism. Though far from perfect, no one can deny that there is a departure from the impunities of the immediate past. It should be conceded that there is public outcry from the excruciating hardship occasioned by the wantonness of the past, and the hit and miss economic policies of the present administration, but the more stringent voices are those whose juicy pie have been snatched by PMB in his bid to save the country.
The PMB government would do well to purge and reform the law enforcement organs and the judiciary. The war against corruption should be deepened to make the citizenry buy into and own it.
The persistent cry for diversification of the economy by the federal and state governments should be pursued and implemented with the same zeal and vigour that our elite deployed in looting our resources. The multiplier effect of this endeavour would in time trickle down to create succour for all. Agriculture and solid mineral resources have potential to propel Nigeria out of her current woes.
Information Technology and Nigerian Youths. Our youths are generally IT savvy and can spend long hours every day surfing the internet. However, the energy and intellect is mostly channelled towards criminal activities. It is plausible that given an enabling environment, and proper reorientation, Nigerian youths can achieve great feats and improve our trade balance.
National Orientation and Citizenship Education. An aggressive national orientation programme aimed at inculcating values such as astuteness, honesty and patriotism should be vigorously pursued. Rights and obligations of citizens should be well enunciated in all our different languages. Reading culture should also be revived and encouraged in all our schools.
Sport as a Veritable Tool for Development of the Mind and Body. It is also a means of alleviating poverty. Government would do well to revive and encourage our youths to take to sport. Presently, Nigeria is going to the Rio Olympics as a participant not a contestant. In the 1980s and 1990s this was not the case, as we had contestants competing for medals on all fronts. An articulate and workable policy should be formulated and implemented to ensure talents are scouted, nurtured and monitored through the ranks – grass roots to international scene. Many lives which may have been sold to terrorism, kidnapping and cybercrimes can be gained.
The Demise of the Failed Elite. The class of elite that enjoyed the best this country had to offer, but who, out of greed, poverty of thought and insipid callousness bequeathed to their followership a failed state, is on the wane – thanks to death. Away with the usual cry of ‘Nigeria has lost a national leader’ that trails such passage. The truth is Nigeria is better off with the demise of each one of such elite. Their children, weaned and shepherded through the best institutions abroad, are not as entrenched as their fathers in the sadistic trade of pillage.
Bright Sparks in the Midst of Gloom. Through our over fifty decades of failure as a country, there has been some bright sparks in government, unfortunately many were short lived. Under the present civilian dispensation, states like Lagos, Ogun (strictly under the present governor) and a few others have had leaders as governors – ready to lead from the front to improve their state. We as followers would do well to use the bright sparks to challenge the indolent ones to wake up to their responsibilities. Also, we should be more committed as followers to probe, interact and evaluate elective office seekers to ascertain the veracity, plausibility and relevance of their programmes and promises.
Critical Thinking. Our religions groups have fed off brainwashing the masses. Religion, as they say, is the opium of the masses but a religion that extols material wealth above righteous living should be questioned. The new age pastors that enjoy all the dainty luxuries of Arabia and ask their impoverished followers to shout ‘heaven on earth’ must be questioned by the same followers; for as Benjamin Franklin said ‘if everyone is thinking alike then no one is thinking’. We must continue to ask questions that will help provide answers to free us from slavery and servitude.
Nigerians are known to be resilient and hardworking. If we have survived all the hardship heaped on us, imagine what we would do with quality leadership. That leadership may just be around the corner to get us out of here.
source:http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/07/24/how-we-got-here/

Peace be upon you;

We can define adjustability as taking into account the needs of others beside one’s own. In this world, success comet the way of one who is able to see both sides of a picture, to look at matters from another’s point of view as well as from his own.

Those who only know what they want, and go all out to achieve it irrespective of other’s needs, will find their path through life strewn with obstacles and pitfalls, and it will be little wonder if they come to grief.

Please as part of admonition, he who follows guidance does so for his own benefit, and he who goes astray does so to his own loss. No one shall bear another’s burden.

May Almighty God abound us with his mercy and grace to excel in his course.

Have a blessed and great week

K. Taiwo


Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/07/18/week-25-need-for-flexibility/

Senator Dino Melaye’s account of what transpired between the feuding duo makes for interesting reading. As the Yoruba rightly say ‘Ika lo ma ro ejo, Ika ko lo ma da. On this premise, let us attempt an analysis of what happened in the hallowed chamber using our distinguished Senator Dino Melaye’s account.
Sen Melaye while addressing the Senate Press Corps said
‘… all I did was to pacify my colleagues and ask that the case in court be withdrawn because already, there is a resolution in the Senate that the rules of the Senate were not forged, and since there was a resolution of the Senate that the rules of the Senate were not forged. I said all those who have gone to court should go and withdraw their names from court and if at the end of the day they refuse to withdraw their names from the court we should penalise them by suspending them.I said that ’’
Senator Melaye said all he did was to ‘pacify’ his colleagues and yet he was quick to add that if they refused to do his bidding ‘we should penalise them by suspending them’ A threat? That is offensive. As Sen. Melaye rightly said action begets reaction; perhaps his wrong choice of words was the fuel that caused the fire.
Since our distinguished Senator Dino Melaye swore on his honour as a Christian, he may do well to read Proverb 16:24: ‘kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.’
However, our distinguished Senator Dino Melaye says ‘ But I did not use any insolent, abusive, degrading or manner less language. So, there was no reaction from any of our colleagues as regard my presentation.’
Really? Yet there has been outrage and reactions from within and outside. And Senator Oluremi Tinubu who reacted was not a colleague? Perhaps others choose not to react because they were mindful of Senator Melaye’s Christian book, the Bible , which states in Proverbs 9:8 ‘ So don’t bother correcting mockers , they will only hate you. But correct the wise and they will love you.’
Speaking further, Sen. Melaye said he did not mention any name when he spoke on the floor of the senate. Did he need to mention names before the concerned would know he was referring to them?
Again, he said several senators spoke after him, but he failed to mention what these other senator said as response to his ‘pacification.’
Then Senator Oluremi Tinubu started speaking :
(1) she mentioned Sen. Melaye’s name. That is not a crime
(2) said she was being harassed by Senator Melaye. She must have reason
(3) she asked why Sen. Melaye would come here and be threatening senators. She was correctly referring the threat of suspension.
Distinguished Sen. Dino Melaye was very calm and bore these irritations like the gentle man & father that he is.
And without further provocation, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu said:
‘this thug must be tamed.’ Something is missing from the narrative. What did Sen. Melaye say or do to elicit this reaction?
And because Sen. Melaye is not a coward he said she was very stupid. She in turn called him a dog. And all hell was let loose.
Senator Dino Melaye could do with some advice, especially as he has ambition to be president and C in C someday. He would do well to unravel and master these three words: wisdom, insight and understanding. All three words point towards skills needed to navigate life’s difficulties and be a successful leader.
The often abused device of pandering to ethnic sentiments ‘I will continue to uphold the culture, the tradition, the values of Koji West Senatorial district’ will not buy him any favours.
Our dear and distinguished Senator Dino Melaye is best served to walk with the wise and become wise, he may choose to associate with fools and get in more troubles.
SOURCE:http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/07/16/sen-remi-tinubu-vs-dino-melaye/

Peace be upon you;

The truth is that with the discovery of God, a new personality grows, which is reflected in every action. Religion becomes inseparable from the person it has entered.

The full force of his faith is borne out by his every word and action. They are outward expression of the deep faith that has saturated his inner soul.

Please, as part of admonition, O God! Make me one of those who are pleased with doing something good and who seek your forgiveness as soon as they do wrong.

May Almighty God abound us with his mercy and grace to excel his course.


Culled from- http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/07/12/week-24-discovery-of-god/

10:1. A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother

10:4. Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich

10:5. A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace

10:10. People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproach promotes peace

10:19. Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut

10:22. The blessings of the lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it

10:26. Lazy people irritate their employers, like vinegar to the teeth or smoke to the eye



culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/06/20/wise-sayings-food-for-thought-proverbs-10/

Peace be upon you; this cleanses the heart with the water of tears and the fire of regret which burns in the heart and with the feeling of humility and tears in the eyes.

This is the first step of those who seek a path to God; it is the capital of those who are successful, and the key to correcting those who have gone astray. The one, who repents, prays to God and beseeches him weeping.

When others relax, he does not, when others are still, his fear does not rest and the longing of his heart never ceases. He prepares himself to be a winner tomorrow and to shed his worldly load so that he may pass quickly over the bridge of hell.

Please, as part of admonition, think positively when things get bad on one day, for that may be the prelude to another day, filled with joy and happiness. May Almighty God abound us with his mercy and grace to excel in his course

K. Taiwo

Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/06/20/repentance/

Peace be upon you; Man is confronted in this world with two kind of states, gaining and losing sometimes. Both these conditions are in the nature of tests.

Therefore, whatever man receives in this world in the form of wealth or in other form are all tests of one kind or another. These have no value in themselves; they are a means to another end. That is, man should make use of these things in such a way that in the times to come, in the eternal world, they may become the means of his salvation.

Please, as part of admonition, true wealth does not consist in possessing abundant resources, but in having a contented heart.

May almighty God abound us with His grace and mercy to excel in his course

K.Taiwo

Culled from - http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/06/16/week-21-the-test-paper/

Peace be upon you; one who whenever he speaks utters falsehood is sullying his inner personality. Purity of soul does not develop within him. He becomes more and more immersed in evil. The best utterance to God Almighty is that of the truth. The trader who is truthful and trustworthy will be raised on doomsday along with the men of truth and they will earn his paradise.

Please, as part of admonition, do not confound the truth by mixing it up with falsehood and do not knowingly conceal the truth.

May Almighty God abound us with His mercy and the grace to excel in his course.

K. Taiwo

Culled From- http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/06/16/week-22-speaking-the-truth/

If Nigerians were to elect their president today, President Muhammadu Buhari would be voted out! There is palpable angst and frustration in the land. Galloping inflation has rendered near meaningless the meagre income of millions of many Nigerians, from mere existence in the days of GEJ, many have been pushed precariously to the edge of the cliff. They are barely hanging on as they stare down the gloomy bottomless pit below.

There are many others that have begun the dreaded free fall. They have been pushed beyond limit of endurance and are tired of hanging on. But would the PMB government provide cushion to soften their fall? The people don’t think so! They feel they have been conned by the CHANGE mantra. Tired of the GEJ government which was tagged clueless and corrupt, these people came out in their hundreds of thousands to vote for CHANGE. And CHANGE they got!

The new government would make everything new. Nigeria would become an Eldorado where food, light, good roads, security etc. is aplenty for so little. Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) would be sold for #40 and all in no time! The PMB government was touted to possess a magic wand that would transform Nigeria overnight! Even our brothers and sisters from the South-South and South-East zones that had consistently resisted change queued to collect their share of the windfall.

Alas, one year after, it has been wailing and gnashing of teeth! No food, no light, no good roads, even Calabar that is touted to be the safest city in Nigeria is no longer safe! As if that was not enough, the price of an essential commodity like petrol has since doubled. Today, many of our people in the South-West, like Israelites stuck in the wilderness, reminiscence over their time in ‘Egypt’. Those from the South-South and South-West are wailing: Bring back our corruption!

But would PMB despite the daunting challenges, like Moses be able to lead Nigeria to the Promised Land? Many learned Nigerians think so. I am persuaded to continue to keep the faith in PMB’s government. The refusal by Nigerians to join the strike action called by a faction of the Nigerian Labour Congress is a pointer to the support the PMB government continue to enjoy amongst the populace. The government would do well to build on such support

Many well-meaning Nigerians believe and rightly so that our present predicament and pain are caused by a combination of factors – some inherited(empty treasury) , caused by mindless looting by successive government, others foisted (crash in the price of crude oil and non-diversification of the economy, crash of the naira, drop/low oil production/revenue due to the activities of Niger – Delta scavengers, blackout /loss of production/revenue in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sector due to non-availability of gas occasioned by newly reorganised Niger Delta scavengers. Yet a few are natural, e.g. Tomatoes, Ebola.

Nevertheless, Nigerians expect PMB to provide answers to these diverse problems. Not too long ago, under GEJ, Nigeria had two parallel governments. One had its capital in Sambisa forest and the other in Aso Rock, and there was fear that the lords of the Sambisa forest would soon attack and annex Lagos! Who could stop them? Our once gallant armed forces emasculated and de-robed over the years by serial high level corruption had been reduced to a rag- tag army. Mutiny was rife. Morale was low. But the lords of Aso Rock partied and merried, sharing dollars in quantum in every direction. They woke up from their slumber only a few weeks to the rescheduled presidential election. It was too late.

Today, Sambisa forest is being reclaimed by Aso Rock under PMB. Our pride in our armed forces is being restored. Our monies and other assets stashed away in different vaults within our land and across different countries are being returned. Our penchant for impunity as a way of life is being jettisoned. These are steps in the right direction.

In the coming months, the PMB government would be expected to implement laudable programmes enunciated in the 2016 budget. Investment in agriculture, solid minerals exploration, road projects, Calabar rail project, increased power generation etc.

The PMB government may have made a few mistakes, this is only human, but no one can deny that this government is committed to providing purposeful leadership as it has left no one in doubt that there is a new sheriff in town! And it would no longer be business as usual. Though this change is coming with some pain, as patriotic Nigerians, we should continue to support and criticise government constructively to help bring back our country!

culled from http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/06/02/change-bring-backour-corruption/

Thank you all for your comments. I would appreciate it if we can communicate our views on issues without giving it an ethnic hue.

I respect every tribe in this our great country. Each one has its uniqueness. The Yorubas are liberal and accomodating. The Igbos are hardworking and invective. I would rather focus on their strength.

Regarding the issue in discuss, the points to consider are:

1)Would an igbo woman with triplets beg for alms in Igboland before her kits abd kin, considering this is alien to Igbo culture? Forget the Lagos choir singers!

2) Is this woman the true mother of the triplets?

Please objective comments without ethnic jabs are welcome.

cc: modath, jaybee3

Over the years, the beautiful city of Calabar is considered one of the safest places in Africa. Renowned for its wild, harmless, cosy night life, Calabar is a safe haven for fun seekers. Not anymore.

Recently, there have been frequent incidents of crime involving tricycles and cabs in the city. The master minds target ATM users, shop owners, and newly paid factory workers. Their modus operandi is to isolate their targets, ambush same in a cab or tricycle and dispose them of their valuables. The entire operation takes few minutes.

Ema Obong (not real name) is a shop owner on the ever busy Mariam road. After close of work, she went to the ATM to pick up money to settle some bills at home. Unknown to her, those shadowy creatures were on her trail. They soon flanked her on either side at the back of the cab. No need to ask if the driver was a member of the gang!

They dispossessed her of all valuables- money, phones and all. But that was just the beginning of her ordeal! As the cab zoomed off, they pushed her down unto the road. There was heavy downpour, so she was literarily swept away unto the boulders on the road. She had deep cuts all over her body. Thanks to a good Samaritan who got her to the hospital and paid her bills.

Almost a year after the horrible incident, one could touch her pain as she recounted her tale.

Abiodun is a young engineering trainee. He used an ATM at stadium road to settle fare for a trip with Cross Country. Supposing he had larger sum on him, some urchins trailed him to Etagbor junction, forcefully ejected him from a tricycle and dispossessed him of the paltry sum left on him. After the operation, the perpetrators and tricycle vanished.

There is need for more vigilance on the part of law abiding citizens, especially in public places. When you can, please move in groups. Except you have good security cover, avoid late night outing. Avoid situations where you can be rammed into the middle of a cab. Sit as a single passenger in front of the cab and be prepared. When and if you can afford it, take a drop.

The law enforcement agencies need to do more in policing black spots, identifying and apprehending these shadowy gangs.

It is our collective duty to make Calabar safe again.

Source: http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/05/11/one-chance-in-calabar/

I was on a trip from Calabar to Ibadan on the road. Travelling from North – West filling station through Odopkani –Itu river – Isiala Oboro to Owerri is a daunting and energy sapping experience. The entire stretch reeks of abdication of responsibility. A few palatial buildings along the road summed up the story of our recent struggles – an overpowering display of wealth by a few in the midst of grinding poverty.

At Owerri, in the heart of Igboland, opposite the government house, I saw a curious sight. As we were trapped in traffic, I saw a plum looking woman with a set of triplets – all boys, begging for alms by the road side!

I tossed a five hundred naira note to the kid.As the woman ran to pick it up; I could see she is a young lady, devoid of the tell-tale signs of the vicissitudes of life. She looked a sharp contrast to the three scraggy kids roasting in the sun.

It is the type of scene one would expect to see in Lagos Island, but this is Igboland. The Igbos are proud, hardworking people. They would rather die than beg for alms.

So, who is this lady and what is she doing with the kids?

Source: http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/05/11/ever-seen-an-igbo-begging-for-alms/

A while ago, I had cause to call the attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable condition of the Mfamasing-Idundu road.(https://www.nairaland.com/3005087/mfamasing-idundun-road-awaiting-change-agenda)

As the signing of the 2016 budget dragged on, and justice to this road delayed, UniCem Plant Manager, Thierry Terriere came to the rescue of thousands of road users.

The road has been resurfaced, compacted and filled with granite. Gone are the gaping holes and gullies! Travel on this road is no longer the torture it used to be; at least for the time being.

The rain is here again and the work on the road is not finished. Left as it is, the granite will soon be washed away by heavy incessant rain prevalent in Calabar and its environs. To consolidate on the gains made so far, I urge the Plant Manager to go a step further by completing the good work he has began by applying a permanent, lasting finish to the compacted granite in the form of coal tar or cement with drainage on the side for good effect.

There are other companies like Dansa and Dangote sited along this road. Though these are yet to commence full operations, I urge them to join hands with UniCem (Member of Lafarge Africa) as part of their CSR programme to help make travelling on this road a better experience.

To UniCem I say: thank you for helping to build better cities!

Source: http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/05/10/unicem-palnt-manager-comes-to-the-rescue-of-mfamasing-idundu-road/

seun,lalaticala, OAM4J, Mynd44

Today, as it occurred last year, restive youth from host communities along Mfamasing-Idundun road turned back road users, mostly UniCem staff in the early hours of this morning. Their gross: UniCem should fix the road. This is angst misdirected.
For some years now, the Mfamasing-Idundun road like a festering sore in the scrotum has been a source of great pain to all stakeholders. From the farmer who takes his/her goods to Calabar, to the trader, from the artisan to the contractor/supplier rendering different services to the United Cement Company(UniCem), from UniCem staff to children, students, taxi drivers, soldiers at Akansuko e.t.c., everyone has scares to show.

For many years, this road like Ore-Ondo-Ife road, Akure-Ilesha road and many similar roads across Nigeria, was narrow, windy, pot-hole ridden but fairly motorable. It was not ideal but manageable as Nigerians have become adept managers. Then our former President, Jonathan Goodluck decided to ‘transform’ the road into a dual carriage way. According to the locals, the contract was awarded to an in-law of the former governor of Cross River State Liyel Imoke. As it common in our chime, the contractor subcontracted the job to a Chinese construction firm minus a big chunk of their mobilization fee.
So the Chinese construction company, promptly evacuated the best part of the road(from the by-pass to the bridge ), and would have gone beyond the bridge but for the youths in the community who insisted they complete work on the evacuated portion. So the Chinese departed leaving behind 3 feet deep graves across the stretch where there used to be coal tar
Today a trip from the bypass to the bridge, a distance of less than 10km would take about 45minites, that is if your vehicle survives it. The cost is mounting for all concerned. For the motorist, the cost of repair, turn around time per trip and physical toll. For passengers, exorbitant fares, wear and tear from bumps, time and emotional disorder. For UniCem as a corporate entity, safety and security issues(contractors have been attacked on this portion of the road at night), higher vechicle maintenance cost ,increasing cost of yearly palliative measures ,loss of production hours occasioned by unrest from youths of host communities. All these in a country with 80% unemployed youths and President Muhamad Buhari(PMB) affirming that “one of the focal points of this administration is job creation. Job creation will help in the achievement of other objectives of the government such as poverty reduction.”
Well said sir. UniCem is a tax-paying corporate citizen,providing jobs for hundreds of thousands of Nigerian youths. The company deserves an enabling environment to thrive, the least of which is good road. Roads like this do not match the ‘change agenda.’

Government should support UniCem and all road users who depend on this road for their livelihood. Like PMB said, insecurity cannot be divorced from unemployment as an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
Here is calling on our super minister,Raji Babatunde Fashola, to please bring his midas touch to bear on this road and other similar roads across Nigeria.Sir, you changed Ijora, Oshodi,Mile 12-Ikorodu etc and made Lagos a first place of call for Nigerians and others. Mfamasing road require ‘change’ agenda where ‘transformation’ agenda has failed.

Source:http://www.hoch-zeitgericht.com/2016/03/22/mfamasing-idundun-road-awaiting-change-agenda/

Cc: seun, Mynd44, OAM4J, lalasticlala