A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots - Marcus Garvey

Permit me to start this contribution with a wise man who once said one of the most profound statements I’ve heard in a long while. He said that “History has a basis for further action.” He said this phrase during a routine office morning meetings in our company before we open the doors of our business to customers. Somehow those words just stuck in my head.

However, recent events in Nigeria call for reflective moment when juxtaposed with current happenings in Venezuela. The ongoing crisis in Venezuela is no longer new as it is news. The South American country was once the wealthiest in Latin America, but now it is literally in turmoil. Scenes from Venezuela are better imagined than experienced. President Nicolas Maduro faces a challenge from opposition leader Juan Guaido, who’s attracting more support internationally and from its military ranks as the crisis lingers on for now, with no end in sight.

In the build-up to the postponed February 16, Presidential and National Assembly elections, a PDP stalwart and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, had earlier threaten that should President Buhari rig the elections, the “Venezuelan treatment” will be meted out.

Sir, Nigerians know that when your likes begin to beat the drums of war while fanning the embers of religion and ethnic divisiveness, you will not be at the forefront of the protest you are calling for, either will any member of your family lead the charge.

It is unfortunate for Fani-Kayode to draw a parallel of the outcome of the elections to Venezuela as the elections have come and gone with a winner already declared by the electoral body.

Moving forward, it now behoves on all aggrieved aspirants to seek redress in the courts within the ambit of the countries election laws and not resort to protest or demonstrations they can’t control if at all hijacked by hoodlums.

Enough said a word is enough for the wise.


TAYO WROTE FROM LAGOS


cc. OAM4J, Mynd44

NOT TRUE. THE MICROPHONE WAS THERE. HE WAS ONLY SPEAKING TO THE AWARDEE, NOTING THAT THE MIKE WAS THERE TO DO ITS WORK. THE PHOTOGRAPHER TOOK THE PICTURE FROM AN ANGLE.

IN PUBLIC SPEAKING, THIS IS KING. YOU HAVE TO SPEAK TO UR PAPER.

MEANWHILE, LET NIGERIANS VOTE. LET THE VOTES COUNT

BUHARI APPEARS TO BE LEADING THOUGH

to escort the President out of the Presidential Villa into a waiting car, opening the door, then standing at attention and saluting when the President sits on the back seat.
[color=#990000][/color]

He neither opens nor closes the car door. That's d duty of the chief security officer who's an official of the secret police. He doesn't share that responsibility.

The CSO comes don't from the vehicle, ensures that d place is safe for his boss to alight before he opens the door. That's why he sits in front. It enables him to come down and go back to get d door for Bubu

Because ur grammar is disturbing

Nyanga de sleep, trouble come go wake am

deboysben:
The pain of atiku going to America is still strong in their vain
They did not expected it

It caught them unawares

the point is: avoiding foreign interference in our electoral exercise.

the votes should count

Should the US interfer in our elections?

Should they dictate how the exercise is correct conducted?

WHY NIGERIANS MUST BE WORRIED ABOUT ATIKU'S VISIT TO THE US – By Michael Franklin

Yesterday, the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar visited the United States, over a decade after he was blacklisted, watchlisted and barred from visiting the country due to alleged involvement in corruption. The ruling APC had used his inability to visit the US for campaign, with the intention of magnifying the moral burden that he bears.

However, in a swift suspicious manner, senior US officials made a u-turn, issued Atiku visa and arranged a meeting with the "Blacklisted corrupt politician”. Lodged him in a prestigious hotel owned by the President of the US. In the US, Atiku has already met with Chris Smith, the Speaker of congress.

Note that this visit is coming shortly after Smith held a public hearing on Nigeria's elections, where he lambasted Buhari over some purported challenges facing the country. The visit also comes after some International media platforms, foreign NGOs, Etc reeled out statistics in a bid to project the administration negatively.

Why is the US interested in Nigeria elections? Why are they attempting what they accused Russia of doing. By issuing visa to Atiku, four weeks to the elections, the US have attempted to take away his moral burden, purge him of his corruption allegations and make him marketable. They have tacitly endorsed him and may deploy machinery to assist him win the poll. They are all out to subvert the will of the Nigerian electorates.

Are the US interested in the sale of NNPC? Because Atiku promised to sell NNPC and the next day he's in the US. He promised to make his friends rich and business groups in the US are scampering to meet with him.
Only Nigerians can elect their leaders. Nigeria is a sovereign state and must not subjugate her independence.

INEC must resist pressure from foreign government to influence the outcome of the Presidential poll. I know Prof. Yakubu had severally met US officials in Washington, our hope is that the meeting was not for sinister purposes. Votes must count. Nigerians should be allowed to elect their leaders. Any form of foreign interference must be resisted by all well meaning Nigerians.

Michael Franklin; a retired diplomat wrote this piece from Maitama , Abuja.

Here to read comments. But i know PDP will say the APC is also corrupt and that there is insecurity in the country.

I trust APC warriors will shoot that down by saying the anti-corruption was is being better prosecuted as some politically exposed persons including a former Governors have been convicted. They will also say 17 LGAs have not been taken under them. They shall also say rails have been activated, roads are being constructed, power has improved and that Nigerians is attaining self sufficiency in food production.

kwantinu.

But wetin do Atiku no wan go America self? Make him go make this matter rest gan

helinues:
@ op stop contradicting yourself. Apc can never zone 2023 presidential to SE.

are u the party chairman?

This matter get as e be.

If i be Ibo, who i for vote for sef?

who can guarantee us Presidency quicker?


Still thinking...

Former spokesperson of the Department of States Security (DSS), Marilyn Ogar has joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Marilyn, who was dismissed by the DSS after the 2015 general election over alleged partisanship, attended the PDP Women Townhall Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by the Presidential Candidate of the Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his Vice Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus among other prominent women.
Speaking at the meeting, Ogar asked Atiku how he would address the issue of injustice when it comes to service.


“You Excellency Sir, I was Wondering how you’re going to address the issue of Injustice when it comes to service, because as a security personnel, loyalty to the system and to the government to ensure that Government runs properly is what every security personnel is supposed to do. At the end of the day, some of us were singled out and meted with gross injustice and up till today, the issue has not been handled or addressed in court, because we have been followed to the court rooms. I mean its God that is keeping some of us alive. I speak on behalf of all the other people who have suffered injustice in the police, in the Military and the DSS and other Security Agencies. “



Recall that the All Progressives Congress (APC) had accused her of attempting to compromise the outcome of the 2015 due to her overt partisan posture. The party's then National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed had advised the DSS to properly train Ogar and give her the necessary exposure so she can speak with knowledge and facts, instead of making baseless and incautious statements. His statement came after he was arrested in Osun during the governorship election.


”It is sad that a spokesperson for the DSS does not know there is no offence called ‘loitering’ under Nigerian laws. For her to now go on national television to say the APC’s National Publicity Secretary was arrested for ‘loitering’ in Osogbo on the eve of the state’s governorship election is the height of ignorance and constitutes a great embarrassment to DSS.


”It is even worse that the so-called spokesperson, ever so glib, would make a joke out of such a faux pas by an agency that is supposed to be non-partisan and highly professionalized. How on earth can any human being not be disoriented when 15 hooded gunmen arrest him/her and point their weapons at his/her head as they did to me on that night in Osogbo?


”How can a spokesperson for such a sensitive government agency not understand that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for freedom of movement? On what basis is Ms. Ogar questioning what the APC’s National Publicity Secretary was doing in Osun, when the same fellow has not questioned the presence of Musiliu Obanikoro, Chris Uba and the likes in the same state. or are those people from Osun State? ”

Was it not publicly announced that the APC was moving its headquarters to Osun to give support for Gov. Rauf Aregbesola? Why didn’t Ms. Ogar question the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan or Vice President Namadi Sambo in Osun when they came too, if she was been fair? It is sad that Ms. Ogar has turned herself to the spokesperson of the PDP by echoing what that party has said on the Osun election. This is unprofessional and irresponsible,” he added.


She had severally organized press conferences where she accused the APC of plotting to hack INEC's procured technologies for the elections in order to rig the election.


She further claimed that 21 hacking tutorial materials were recovered from the APC office. Her allegation was made after the DSS raided APC data office in Lagos. She had also accused the party of having foreigners, underage and security members as members. According to her


“The tutorial video focused on the following areas: How to become a hacker and steps to take to avoid detection in the process of hacking web services; Steps and procedures of system hacking, passwords cracking, decrypting, escalating access privileges and creating backdoors to servers. The video explains how to hack into the systems of media houses with the aim of broadcasting fake stories or headlines.


“We suspect that there was an elaborate and well-articulated plan to inflate the party’s membership data as well as hack into INEC’s voter registration database,” she had added.

https://vigil360.com.ng/politics/20-latest-news/11933-former-dss-spokesperson,-marilyn-ogar-joins-pdp,-speaks-at-women-town-hall-meeting.html

Isorite

Of the Greatest Malabite and Malabresses...


If know, respond

The Afonjas will never vote for Atiku.

They'll be like, he wants to spoil show for Osinbajo who is positioned to take over in 2023.

Igbos you are also eyeing that seat. They know Atiku's presidency would keep them away for another 8.

By then, these politicians would have faded. Mbano

Give and take, Buhari stand gidigba

ProBiafrans will kill you, but may not be able to controvert claims contained herein.

In one week Kanu is in a regin where Reno and Atiku are.

Few months to elections, he resurfaces, either to campaign for referendum or for FiDIFi

SE Govs rejected Obi and Atiku and Kanu becomes the joker.

Isokay

ABUJA METRO LINES

5 TUCANO FROM PAKISTAN

A Russian Mi-35M attack helicopter; the kind acquired by the Nigerian Air Force in 2017. Assisted THE MILITARY TO PUSH BACK BOKO BOYS

Kindly observe the following.

New table
Full crate of eggs
New stove
New frying pan
New cup
New apron and campaign cap
New pack of lipton
New everything. And then u ask yourself, why is his table different?

This was arranged for the camera

You mean he is transmitting for the Fi Dee Fi?

Let me coman be going before transfusion starts

Not against welfare for workers o

My worry however is that these boys will now start jumping up and down, collecting peoples girlfriends. That nonsense appeared to have stopped after Buhari entered. Reports were rampant on nairaland.


Come near my own gf and die

Cantonese:
Have you done your research properly? Is it not in the prayer of parents that children should do better than them in life? Parents leave legacies and expect their children to build on and extend their legacies. I believe that should be your wish brother. Remember that in the game of power there is no room for sentiments. Bukola Saraki was well tutored by his father and all he read, he practicalised. He rose up when it mattered and fought for that political power from his father and got it. He did not wait for the crumbs. Kwara state is does not belong to the Sarakis alone and he understood it early. He said it to his father clearly that Kwara state is not their sole property. That even gave the likes of Lai Mohammed to opportunity to boast in Kwara today. The rest now is history cause just as his father was a godfather he now is a godfather. Look at this: which of his sibblings did their father hand over power to? Which of his sibblings rose up to fight for power? Which of them has power? NONE! Today he is the most powerful politician in Kwara state. It is a eye opener for people who want to wait for small tashere from their parents always. Ok now look again. Have you heard him and his sibblings fighting over their inheritance from their father. Life is about change, handing over the baton and moving on. Thanks.

No father would pray for a dangerous overtaking, built on betrayal. No doubt, his father brought him to power, but becoming over ambitious and stabbing him on the back is like forcing your father to dance naked in the market square.

If he learned from his father, he should have understood the power of persuasion. his father used persuasion to sustain his reign. He should have used the same tactics to discourage the father from fielding his sister as his successor. Saraki was not against taking over his sister's place in the Senate, but he was against her taking over his place as the governor. What a double standard.

He betrayed Jonathan, today he is on his knees begging him for support.

Lets wait to see how developments unfold

Let me start by saying that I have worked for the Government for several years and have enjoyed few upward reviews in wages. I must also add that Nigerian workers at all levels deserve urgent review in their wages in view of the prevailing economic realities. However, it is my humble opinion that efforts by Organized Labour to tacitly coerce the Federal Government into hurriedly assembling a package for the workers would be counterproductive and ultimately lead to a calamitous end.

Recall that in February, 2011 after the National Assembly considered and passed New Minimum Wage Bill drafted by the tripartite Presidential Committee on National Minimum Wage, headed by Chief Justice Alfa Modibbo Belgore, former President Jonathan signed it into law.

Although the tortuous journey to N18, 000 had started in 2008 when Labour set up an internal committee to work out an appropriate minimum wage, Government at all levels reluctantly accepted the new figure few months to the general elections. This was primarily because the general election was around the corner and government played ball because they wanted to be reelected.

Months after the Bill was passed, and some of them were elected, they reneged on the agreement, claiming that their states were no longer viable to pay the minimum wage. Some even canvassed for wage autonomy, such that individual states can determine what they can pay to workers.

In February 2018, seven years after the current minimum wage was institutionalized, Labour lamented that 33 states owed workers months of salary arrears. Bobboi Kaigama of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) who made the disclosure was asked how the affected states would fare when the new minimum wage comes on stream. He merely called for the resignation of governors owing workers. Apart from the inability of states and Local Government to meet this obligation, the private sector also could not pay the agreed wage.

The question now is, would the states, local government and the private sector be able to pay the new minimum wage, if the Minister of Employment announces one today? For me, Dr. Chris Ngige has taken all these into consideration, hence his decision to meet with relevant stakeholders with a view to arriving at a mutually acceptable figure that would not throw up similar challenge. While Labour had since tabled and canvassed support for its proposal, the Minister knows how many state governments that are privately expressing anxiety. That may have informed his new move.

Labour probably believes, this is the time to gag politicians into doing its bidding. My fears are that these politicians, when pushed too hard may make unrealistic commitment. This could lead to issues of nonpayment of salaries from June 2019 after they must have secured their return to the various offices.

Labour should quickly see through this and support Ngige to reach realistic pact with stakeholders. The more they shy away from this consultation and dialogue, the more workers would wait in agony.


Copied from Emeka Jideofor's wall

@lalasticlala

Oshoko has fallen

Sai Baba

There are reports that some corps members, particularly those from the southern part of the country, serving in Abuja Orientation Camp, Kubwa, may embark on protest any moment from now over alleged ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at the Mammy market.

Some of the aggrieved corpers said the ban was enforced by the Camp Commandant and Coordinator.

currently, Corpers are restricted to Coke, Fanta and Malt.


Is this ideal? JOIN THE CONVERSATION.

NOW THAT OBASANJO HAS VISITED BAYELSA - WHAT NEXT?

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains a dominant political actor in Nigeria’s democracy, at least since 1999. From being the chief orchestra at Aso Rock Villa for eight uninterrupted years, to his smooth transition into a political godfather to late President Musa Yar’Adua and his successor, former President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigerians are now familiar with Obasanjo’s political antics and so cannot forget his shenanigans in a hurry.

In fact it is believed in some quarters that without Obasanjo’s vocal and outright opposition to former President Goodluck Jonathan, President Muhammadu Buhari might not have wonthe 2015 Presidential election.

But now that Obasanjo has once again written his “letter” of verdict against Buhari, Nigerians have woken up to the realisation that political horse-trading ahead of 2019 general elections has commenced inearnest.

Do you think there could be more to Obasanjo’s recent visit to Bayelsa,and his reconciliation with his erstwhile political godson, formerPresident Goodluck Jonathan?

What are your thoughts and opinions on this recent visit? Do you think Obasanjo should continue to dictate the political directionof Nigeria?

Frank Eze

The Obasanjo tornado has continued to reverberate through the very foundation of the nation’s political landscape. Obviously, the no holds barred approach of the former president is a clarion call on President Muhammadu Buhari to act quickly and address issues in his administration which are capable of becoming the Achilles heels to his possible re-election in 2019.

One of such areas is the alleged “cabalization” of his administration and the damaging effect it has had on public confidence and the perception of the international community. For instance, despite his rejection by the Senate and security reports indicting him of misdemeanour, fraud, lack of administrative and operational competence, Ibrahim Magu, who obviously belongs to a branch of the “cabal”, has continued to hold sway as Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an impetuous manner.

The hesitancy of Mr. President has created a major gulf between the executive and legislative arms of government – a development which is inimical to Mr. President’s political capital ahead of 2019 general elections. It is interesting that former President Obasanjo in his letter portrayed President Buhari as a man who disdains process, an attitude which indeed has become a weight to his administration.

It is therefore imperative on President Buhari to debunk such claim by reclaiming his relationship with the legislative arm of government. This he should do by re-visiting the recommendations of the Senate on the Acting Chairman of the EFCC. We all remember that in his 18-page letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obasanjo identified some “powerful” women in GEJ’s government who would become his downfall, and indeed they became.

Since Nigerians overwhelmingly elected President Buhari in 2015 and not Magu, Mr. President MUST NOT over protect individuals in his administration at the determent of his own political fortune in 2019. Already several nominations by the President are pending at the Senate as the upper legislative chamber continues to protest Mr. President’s inaction on Magu.

As the impact of Obasanjo’s letter continue to rage, a decisive action on the Senate recommendations on Magu’s removal would bring about desired reprieve for the administration at least in the interim. Indeed, the time for PMB to act is now.


Gabriel James
Writes from Asokoro, Abuja

A PETITION WRITTEN BY CONCERNED EFCC STAFF TO THE PRESIDENT ON DEVELOPMENTS AFFECTING THE COMMISSION JUST GOT LEAKED.

THE PETITION DETAILED ALLEGED ACTIVITIES OF THE ACTING CHAIRMAN, IBRAHIM MAGU WHICH HAVE BEEN NEGATIVELY IMPACTING ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE COMMISSION AS WELL AS THE OVERALL WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION.

THE LEAK IS COMING JUST TWO DAYS AFTER PASTOR TUNDE BAKARE ACCUSED PRESIDENT BUHARI AND MAGU OF WAGING INEFFECTIVE WAR AGAINST CORRUPTION.

funlord:


This source na wa!

In an interview with Vanguard.... YOU PROBABLY DID NOT READ.

LET ME NOT MARKET ANY BLOG, BUT IF U HAVE'NT HEARD, READ OR VISITED THE SITE, THEN U MUST BE NEW TO ONLINE MEDIA.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina has admitted that there is a cabal in the President Muhammadu Buhari administration stressing that no government can operate without it. In an interview with Vanguard, Adeshina said wherever you find two or more people, there is bound to be cabal.


According to him;


"There is no place that there is no cabal even in your home and cabal can be positive or negative. If it is negative, then that is where the issue comes in. Everywhere, even in companies you have them. In churches and mosques you have them. Wherever you have more than two or three people, you will find that there will be a cabal because two of them can get together and take a decision. So, cabal can be positive or negative.


What I know is that every government has its kitchen cabinet, people that the leader of the government will always consult and they will take decisions together. So beyond that I don’t know. If you’re trying to say that there is a group with some pernicious influence, unless you tell me their names and show me things they have done, I cannot say more than that."


On why the President is reluctant to deploy the military to Benue to confront Fulani herdsmen having deployed military to other regions to address security situation, Adeshina said;



"Some Nigerians are never short of criticisms. They will always criticise no matter what you do. As of yesterday, news came out that special units of the armed forces had gone into Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states. So why is that criticism still coming up? The president himself, when I engaged with him, told me that the easiest way to first tackle the matter is through the police because the police are in the 774 local governments of the country.


So, that’s the first step in tackling the problem and that was why he ordered the IG of police to go into Benue. So if the IG now needs further help, he will say so and other forces will join."

https://www.vigil360.com.ng/politics/22-trending-now/5939-there-is-cabal-in-the-presidency-%E2%80%93-femi-adeshina.html

TheAnimatorsHub:
the complexity of the nigerian government. we don't know who is for or against the country again

I suspect that the Pastor had huge expectation but is currently disappointed.

recall he was the President's running mate in 2011 or so.

Buhari has to listen to the voice of reason, sack Magu, look for a more competent man and give EFCC a new life. Nothing is happening in the anti-corruption war.

Cases are prosecuted shabbily. EFCC lawyers are being bribed to fumble in court, leaving rooms for defendants to exploit. case files are being leaked.

suspects are being coached on what to say in EFCC detention for pecuniary reasons. what do you expect.

the staff are not happy with Magu. Suspects are escaping from Lagos detention centre.

Their allowances are not being payed.

we go de ok