₦airaland Forum

It seems like we have a lot of keyboard militants here. You guys need to cool down and understand how the world works. I'm no apologist for IBB, Obama or the US. USA is only trying to move fast as Nigeria is fast becoming a fertile ground for Al-Qaida, emergence of military government, civil war and/or worse. US has to move fast to protect its interest (oil, potential 120 million refuge problem that will destabilise West and Central Africa, Osama Bin Laden training ground, etc). They don’t have to wait until Nigeria becomes a post civil war Afghanistan, Somalia or Yugoslavia before they act. The consequences are just too dire to contemplate.

Since we didn't seem to know how to put our house in order (it took intervention of international governments before our senate and house decided to resolve Yaradua's absence), the US has made it there business to manage our house for us. How are they going to do that if not by contacting the guys with political clout in Nigeria. Talking about political clout in Nigeria, IBB will be in the top 3 (you know the other 2)! I guess the US is acting based on the intelligence from its spy agencies.

Who had a hand in the removal of Shagari? Who removed Buhari? Who annuled June 12? Who set the stage for the emergence of Abacha? Who had a hand in the emergence of Obasanjo (second coming)? Whose blessing was required for the selection of Yaradua? Which two people do you need to consult to resolve the opposition to Jonathan taking over?

Of course all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. It is wisdom to know that this is very true in all developing, underdeveloped and 'undeveloped' countries of the world.

Glad to know someone else understands whats going on besides googling CIA. . .

There is no plausible justification whatsoever for a suppose credible country like america to be dealing with a known fugitive like babangida in the interest of millions of civil nigerians.

Nigeria is slipping into the present state of oblivion because of people like IBB,so getting him to help solve the problems in anyway is like adding petrol to a house on fire instead of water.

However,in reality,america is of no use to nigeria,if we are living creatures that breathes and reasons,we should be able to solve our problems without involving america or any other so-called developed world,we should be dealing with america on our terms as a sovereign not them telling us what to do as if we are police dogs,mumus.

I agree, but this is what we wish, its not exactly what or where we are in Nigeria today. Lets pause for a minute, where is Yar Adua?
Is he not in some hospital in another country? Where was the so-called supplementary budget signed? In another man's country. All
I am saying is until we really get our acts together (at least even on the very basic things) we are just wasting time pointing fingers at
outsiders. Until our politics outgrows the influences of the likes of IBB and Obasanjo, they will continue to have the say they do today.


@Afam,

As per injecting the Chinese into the discussion, I believe that was in response to earlier comments that Nigeria need to handover its
oil to the Chinese as supposed to the likes of Chevron. My point was no matter who we are dealing with, they will always exploit the
foolishness of our leaders. For all we knock the Americans and for all their faults, they do have a better track record on human rights
than the Russians or the Chinese. US companies do try to reflect some of those values even outside the US (maybe not all the time).

Lord, Nigeria's educational system needs serious help!
Thats uncalled for, make your points known, you dont have to insult Nigerians, We know these Americans are not saints. But meeting with IBB is not a good example at all. Just like the french imposing rulers on Ivory coast and Gabon thereby putting these countries in strife. Obama should right now concentrate on bringing his country out of the dooldrums and please not manipulate Nigeria for selfish gains,because finally we are Human beings too,

And someone supporting Al-qaeda to bomb Americans is plain selfish, these people are innocent. If Bin Laden has a problem with the Bush family, He should take it up with them in the next family/company meeting, I do not suscribe to violence at all.

Granted IBB is not a saint, but if the US is seeking IBB's help in calming the hawks in the North so that Jonathan can govern, who
does that benefit? Doesn't that benefit Nigeria? We may not like IBB but the fact is he still holds a lot of sway in the country and
probably would have been the president today if was not stopped by Obasanjo in 2007.

The US president doesn't have the luxury of doing just one thing at a time. Making sure that Nigeria doesn't fall apart or a coup
does not occur is in the interest of US, hence Obama has to take some actions.

@shoot2kill
Yeah,those bastards called americans should  fxck off and leave us alone,are we not terrorist afterall.The real terrorist are the CIA ,there are more evil than evil itself,over the years US supported regime changed in parts of the world and some they initiated it themselves,or is it because of OIL.see the terrorist list,it can be called OPEC list because oil countries are the ones in US list.In the iraq inquiry going on in britian it was said that britian joined evil GW bush and they were after oil in iraq,idiots after losing 4000+ soldiers they still are there cus of oil they dont even care,
Now many people would disagree but US and Obama is no saint here,just because we are a small country,and US is the world leader(maybe china will be in 2020,2030 orbut by 2050 china will be-my GUESS), Infact,let jonathan not renew oil lincences to those chevron and give it off to chineese atleast they aint evil internationally at least
US and Obama leave us alone please,Why the HIDDEN interest in Babangida?Huh
No matter what,he aint coming back,honour Maryam well by this.
US just a self-righteous Nation, You see the hatred the world has for US?thats y niggas wanna blow the pokes.Instead of this war on terrorism they should change thir foreign policy and the war is won,

Lord,  Nigeria's educational system needs serious help!

I never said the US was a saint, in fact, I said they will act to protect their interest.  Nigerians are in for a shocker if
they somehow believe their long term interest will be better advanced by the Chinese.  The communist Chinese or
whatever it is they call their state now? As per your OPEC list, I am yet to read where US has invaded Saudi Arabia.

You know its easy for every one to point finger at the US because they are the world's biggest super-power in all
ramifications and gets to decide and throw their weight around (rightfully and sometimes wrongfully).  But can you
pause for a minute and imagine a world where Russia or China is the only biggest super-power? Do you guys think
they will play nice with every one? They won't have interests to secure or protect? Folks, get real because the only
reason this article is public is because this time around the US is interested in making sure that the power players in
Nigeria will rally behind Jonathan for the sake of the country.  If they want to do something sinister, you will not get
to read it in advance on ThisDay.

Lastly, I find it sad, but hilarious that folks in Nigeria now freely uses the word "niggas", another "fine" import from the
US some of you guys are really loving to hate. You guys have no idea how much influence the US has on your lives.

Hahaha you sound like you are the first person in your family to travel to the USA. See the way said you “American passport,suck on that” like your passport is a cure for AIDS. Am I supposed to be impressed because you have a US passport. Dude grow up the USA means nothing to me ,I have been travelling to Houston since I was 13yrs old and I am 30 years old now so don’t even go there. I have been to several countries but live in SA because there is less competition here and better opportunities for a BLACK MAN. My relatives in the USA are not even as successful as i am and they have been there for over 2 decades while i have only been in SA for 8 years.They work 8am to 5pm while i run my own business. I am not of one those people who get hyped about the USA. As far as I am concerned it is just another country. So you will sell your country for a mere passport and allow terrorists to invade it just because the terrorists gave you citizenship of their country? Go figure, who is the fool now? Do you think a Saudi Man can betray his own country for a passport?

You have just proven to us that you do not wish Nigeria well, you can go stuff your blue passport up your anus for all I care. Yes I am a keyboard commando, don’t worry about my combat capabilities. Worry about the fact that nemesis will soon wipe your adopted country off the face of the planet at the rate they are going. Nigeria is also GOD’s own country and knowing the way my people pray, Nigeria will be saved one day from your blood sucking US government.

I am not surprised my point was lost on you. In my very first comment I made no mention of whether I had a US visa or passport, just
stating the facts as I saw them regarding the reality of Nigerian politics and the US. I was insulted for being an "azz kisser" for America
because of the visa they gave me. All you seem to do is engage in name-calling, you never address any single issue. Do you have any
idea how stupid you sound?

In any case, here you are telling us how "successful" you are in South Africa and I guess I am supposed to be so impressed by your
"success". You have proceeded to tell me how you have been traveling to the US since you were 13 until you turned 30? Oh, and you
are a "business man". What do I care? I don't need your biography, this is just an internet forum! Christ!

Yes, I know Nigeria will be saved by the Chinese or whoever from the "blood sucking US government". Terrorists invading your country?
Are you for real? So from age 13 you were traveling to a terrorist country until you turned 30? Please take your medications or if you don't
have any see a doctor. Better yet, enroll in a good school in South Africa (there are none left in your country) because it appears you need
it (even though you are a very successful businessman). You are not rooted in reality.

Dude
Azz Kissers
Fxcking
Can't do jack

Can't get enough of US music videos or films?

@shoot2kill

No need to argue with fools, just keep talking. With all your experience and strong man talk I wonder why you haven't
given that bullet to IBB and co. Let me guess, you are another commander of the 21st Keyboardist Division, right?

Most of you have no clue how the real world works. You think China or Russia or any other country won't do the same?
Was it not the same CIA you are cursing that brought out millions like you to celebrate on the street when they helped
to "settle" the Abacha problem as alleged?

Oh by the way, its not the American visa I am protecting, its the American passport. Suck on that! And yes keep blaming
elements in the US government for causing most of the problems in Africa. I believe those same elements asked Yar Adua
not to write a simple damn letter to ensure a smooth transfer of power or it was those same elements that gave you the
Aaoodonkaa (sp).

@shoot2kill

I wonder want sort of screen name is that. . .

If I ask you who are the most 12 most powerful people/politician in Nigeria, I am sure you will list IBB among.
Granted that the US acts as every other country on earth (maybe with the exception of Nigeria) to protect their
interest, why wouldn't they want to meet with IBB considering the fact that the country has been tethering on
the edge for the past 3 months?

For the good of the country, don't you think IBB's clout is needed to keep the ruling elite class in the North calm
especially during this transition form Yar Adua to Jonathan? You and I may not like it, but this is the reality of power
politics in Nigeria today.

Lastly, lets consider this US interest you are talking about, if Nigeria blows up today, do you have any idea how
much the US will be forced to chip in for humanitarian/rescue causes?  I will give you an idea. Think of Haiti, and
you can be rest assured that the US will be spending far more money in Haiti now than they probably may have
spent in the past 20 years.

So before you start blowing off your mouth you need to understand that there is another side to that "interest".

Lastly, I will be careful with this your trash talk about supporting terrorists, don't think because you are hiding
behind a computer you can't be found out. The Secret Service, CIA, etc. have had their lapses, but I will bet my
money on them against any other similar groups in the world.  If you think they are that incompetent, try them
and you will see.

the oil in Iraq is no longer enough.now they want ours.

Of course - say anything to avoid discussing the real issue which is Nigeria's security situation especially
at the airport. And you guys wonder why no one outside take Nigeria seriously?

1. information sharing [like the one his father provided]. US need to get better with this. it is key. if the info was shared he would have been arrested at lagos, or detained for questioning at schipol. if you stop them from boarding the plane u may not need air marshals that much.

2. communication. for crying out loud there are WAY too many agencies in the US. 17 i believe, now here's the trip, they are so stuck up and conceited they would rather keep information than 'communicate it to a rival agency and they take the credit'.

3. profile on behaviour and not nationality, religion,ethnicity. remember when middle eastern people were seriously profiled after 9/11. now its nigerians, tomorrow it may be a german. my point is profile on behaviours and the US should HIRE immigration officers with a degree as a minimum. intelligent well paid people who have undergone intensive training on behavioural patterns. its a system than has worked in Israel by a famous airline there where all passengers are interviewed before boarding by professionals. it has worked to a great effect. an example of profiling on behaviour is this;

mutallab was flying to the US for a 2 week holiday and checked no bags in[only a small bag], paid in cash, and was reported by his dad. a well trained professional will connect the dots if the information is shared. hope this sheds a different perspective. im here to learn and respect everyone's views, even if i dont necessarily agree with them

On #1, you are right in this particular case, but then keep in mind that Mutallab is just one of potential many out there.

On #2, you may also be right, and I think they may be tweaking things to cover that gap. However, I am certain there
are dozens or hundreds of potential threats that were broken up that you and I may not have heard off.

On #3, I suspect they will use some more of everything. But its important to keep in mind that Israel is just the size of
New Jersey alone. The sheer amount of intelligence be gathered daily on potential threats can only be imagined.

my brother, what is wrong is wrong. Nigeria is a sovereign state and although huge cracks are evident in the socio-political system amongst other things, IT IS STILL A SOVEREIGN STATE. it is pertinent to note here that according to the US authorities the flight was from amsterdam NOT lagos and that is a fact. 2 flights were taken, one from lagos to schiphol, the other from schiphol to detroit. my point is there was nothing a US marshal could have done in the flight from lagos to amsterdam anyway[as the plan was to detonate the bomb on the final descent. why not install US marshalls on ALL direct flights to the US, if they are serious about the threat. only ARIK air currently fly directly to the US from naija, all other flights are connecting flights. what is wrong is wrong, even if it seems right.

I see your point, but I believe there are more direct flights from Nigeria other than Arik. I know Delta and Virgina Nigeria (I think they have a new
name now) flies direct.

I could be wrong, but I believe the issue with Amsterdam was because since the flight originated from Lagos, he was already in a protected zone
so to speak and wasn't subjected to more thorough screening as if he was entering the airport a new - like I said, I could be wrong. Lastly, people
maybe looking at this US marshal thing too narrowly, its another layer of defense or deterrence. It could simply be to discourage them from using
Lagos as a launching pad since the knowledge is out there that marshals are on the flight.

@ C-Bandit

I detest terrorism with the life in me but what you and your american cronies call terrorists, are freedom fighters to millions that are defending their country from occupation. US does not define what terrorism is. Anyone who detests US, automatically is called a terrorist, huh?

Haha!! You are happy that for every soldier killed, many more talibans are killed? Eh, let me tell you a little secret and do not tell anybody else: ''The enemy the US is facing is not afraid to die, the US soldiers are scared silly of death''.

You derive from that, whose victory is bigger. Lol.

There you go again. Please go back to the origin of the diary. You are the one that has been hopping all over the place, first with mention of
an Invisible American Army, something I did not say.  Next, you proceeded with Iraq and how US soldiers are either hiding behind their tails or returning in body bags. Now, you see the trash you just wrote above?  Yes, I know, the US is the enemy. Every bad thing that is wrong on
earth is the US fault.

Oh, as per your little secret, you take yourself too serious, you think that is news?  In spite for their love for death, any wonders why all of
them have not blown themselves up? How many children does Bin Laden have? How many has he sacrificed? How about the rest of them in
their chain of command? Why are they so hesitant to visit heaven? Please! Bottom line is that they prey on suckers and the weak minded.

Soldiers returning in body bags is not what i derive joy in but bitter reality. If the tool, called Iyke keeps promoting US might on these boards, i 'll keep reminding him of it's painful consequences which is ''soldiers returning in body bags''. Sorry for the bitter truth. Wars and invading other peoples' Homelands would never make you safe rather keep hurting you.

Don't let your blatant likeness of US remove you from the reality that US went from a country the whole world rallied behind on 9.11. to a country terrorizing every single nation on earth.

You think i wish US harm? Wait till you get over to europe. I just tell it as it is, hate it or love it, your choice.

We are talking about "US Air Marshals on Flights", not re-hashing the Iraq war or other US military adventures.  Lets be honest, by and large Nigeria has enjoyed a good diplomatic relationship with the US (I missed the part where US was terrorizing Nigeria according to you).  However, there was this Mutallab guy that went through MMA and all of a sudden the US realized that it really needs to re-assess things in Nigeria.  In all this, you blamed Ghana, then US, but not once did you blame Nigeria. A country that can not even treat its own president, how serious do you
want countries like the US to take them?

I already told you that i cannot take you seriously. Drones? Terrorists? Mutallabs? Your argument is too childish to me. T[b]he American Invincible Army is almost a myth as Superman and Santa Claus, used to decieve children like you[/b].

So strong a military that they are returning in body bags every month end and running away from Iraq with their tails in between their legs.

Oh, btw when are you joining the military oh patriotic one so that Talibans would use you as target practice, lol.

Delusional people much.

Who said anything about American army being invincible? I have stated specific military actions that the US is taking in places like Yemen
and Pakistan against the terrorists whom you seem to have some type of admiration for. My point is they will bring the heat wherever they
see a potentially risky situation or a country where there is a very shaky government.  

I can assure you, that your leaders will not move a finger if they bring forth a proposal to begin to target extremists in Nigeria with drones
because by then it will be clear to them that they can no longer control the situation. I know folks like you we make the usual gra gra, but
it won't change any thing. That is the real world.

I don't like wars, but I know its necessary sometimes.  By the way, for every US soldier that is returning in a body bag, you can rest assure
that the enemies body count is far greater. That is just what it is.

Oh, I will join the US military when you join the Nigerian Army. Not to worry, when that happens, I pray that they deploy me to Nigeria so
I can take you and your taliban loving friends out.  Now, that was a joke,  

Then, thanks for confirming my fears. Look at your ridiculous response ''i am glad to bend over and take it'' Sorry your type is irrelevant to this matter. Why don't you change your name to sean or something similarly silly like that, since you think Nigeria is none of your business. May woe betide your America and may it continue to keep suffering under fear, anxiety and economic downturns.

US drones will not enter Nigeria if that is your wish because that is an act of war and the Nigerian military would rather do a coup (which i 'll support) and fight off the invaders than sit and watch because no country does that.

Why are you on Nairaland anyway. Oh and about the citizenship, i got dual citizenship too but i stay loyal to my root because i actually have intellects unlike you and know evil when i see one, which is US.

You are tool.

America will lose (for sure) and Naija will survive.

NB: To bettes, what has Nigerians being in the US got to do with defending the Motherland? You people sef.

Hey, you learn something new every day. I never knew that Nigeria is a country immuned from economic downturns.

Like I said, you really have no idea how the bigger world works. See Pakistan, a country that has nuclear weapons?
Guess where most of the drone attacks are occurring? Why, because they made their country a fertile grounds for
terrorists. Same will happen to Nigeria (regardless of the noise you are making) if they remain complacent or turn a
blind eye to the Muttallabs.

Did you say Nigerian Army? What is that?

Why am I on Nairaland? The same reason you are here and to smack loud talking folks like you around, that's why!
The owner of the site can kill my account if he so chooses.

America will lose (for sure) and Naija will survive.

What the hell are you talking about? What are you smoking?

To mr. Iyke D or whatever you call yourself. You called me misinformed but turned around to sound like the most ignorant thing i 've ever heard. You are a tool period. I guess you are bending over and taking it from americans over there. Where is my outrage you ask? You got to be kiddin' me right? Nigeria has got ablsiolutely jack and nadda to do with what mutallab did. He just happened to be one.

For God's sake, he was at MMA for 40 minutes. You don't plan terrorism under 40 mins at an Airport. You plan it over a period of time and that is where Ghana and Yemen come it place.

So countries should be held responsible now for people transiting through their borders? Nigeria has zero to do with this. Any credible investigation starts with the suspects last place of abode not where he flew through. I guess you also believe Ghana has no airports from which suspected terrorists could take off from.

I 'll repeat myself. You are a tool. Do not spout nonsense if you don't know how things work.

Your name is Iyke and you are sounding like a true sell off. Where is your pride and sense of freedom. Staying in US is all you are interested in. Shame.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I am glad to bend over and take it after all I swore an oath to defend the constitution of the United States.  Dual nationalities can be conflicting at times, but in Nigeria's case, there is no contest - US wins hands down .

You know, unless he was the very last person to board the plane, I don't see how in the world he could have spent just 40 minutes to check in, go through security, and then still able to make an international flight.  If that indeed happen, do you still
wonder why Nigeria was thrown on to the "country of special interest" list?

You are the one who have no idea what you are talking about or understands how the bigger world works.  You mention Yemen, do you know how many targets US and the Yemenese government have struck since this event?  You are complaining about Nigeria being on the "country of interest" list, wait till drones start to hit targets in Nigeria and I will see what you have to say.  Do you think if the Mutallabs in Nigeria were left untouched they won't turn against the country someday?

You think you know better and the US don't have better things to do with their resources than trying to man every flight that is
inbound from Nigeria? Keep living in denial.

Does that mean they're taking Nigeria off that list or till we allow them access into our wive's bathrooms

They don't care about the wives' bedrooms, [b]as long [/b]as they are not being used plan any terrorist activities
against the US. I am sure most of you will be singing a different tune if in fact you were on Mutallab's plane that
was bound for Detroit.

@ Macroworld, you have shed a whole new light on this mess. God bless you.

1) CIA office is in Accra, Ghana.

2) Mutallab was in Ghana for 2 weeks, but apparently, that part of the story has vanished on major news networks and the important thing is that he was briefly at MMA, Lagos for 40 minutes.

3) Why was his fathers' concern not passed on?

4) Mutallab was helped by someone, to travel to the US without VISA. Since when can someone travel to US by just saying ''abeg im no get visa because im come from Sudan''?

5) Airlines don't sell one way tickets if you are not holding the passport of country of destination.

Connect the dots people. Someone needed to emphasis on the justification of war on terror and Nigeria is the perfect scapegoat.

While Mutallab seemed to like Islam, the guy did not look like a fanatic to me because he simply did not show any signs of fanatism.

America will lose and Nigeria will survive.

You seem to be mis-informed.  Think about it for a second, you are blaming US when in fact you should  be blaming Nigeria for
letting one of its citizens go through its airport with the intent of blowing up a plane to cause mass casualty in another country? Where is your outrage?  What has Ghana got to do with this when in fact the guy went through MMA? You see a pattern here, you blame US, and then Ghana, but Nigeria?

muahhahahahahahahahaa. Nigerians, say hi to your new masters. lol. hahahahahahha. the plan is coming into place. wasnt the first place the crotch bomber go to Ghana? Why arent they sending Marshals there? The United States is smart as hell, call as much attention to Nigeria's defenses as possible and all the Al Qaeda leadership is going to be having wet dreams about is how to 'break it'.  They will try and try to hit Nigeria just to show that the U.S security measures are seen as a failure. [/b]Then guess what? The U.S  views Nigeria as a security risk, moves its military in to protect the country, then 'voila', [b]Nigeria becomes a U.S protectorate or another Afghanistan or Iraq. Or maybe Somalia or Yemen. Oh boy, here goes the country called Nigeria.lol

There is no such thing as 100% security, and while Reid and Muttalab came very close, no one can deny that since 2001, no US jetliner have either being hijacked or blown up. That to me is evidence that the US government is doing something right.
The air marshal program was suspended pre-911, but was re-activated afterwards. In addition, after 911, the US ordered all cockpits locked, so the best the terrorist could hope for is to sneak some explosives into the plane.

But thanks to the slowpoke called Muttallab, newer security measures are being put in place. Fact is, Al Qaeda is constantly on the run and are being hit harder and faster than any successes they may have had against US targets in lmost 9 years. When was the last time Bin Laden and his number 2 made a video tape? Why? Because its getting very dangerous for them to do so.

Now, I do feel comfortable flying from Nigeria to the US knowing that air marshals are on board. I believe this may be part of the deal to getting Nigeria off the list eventually. Some people always wants to compare the way US reacted to the UK vs Nigeria, but lets be very honest, can we compare airport security in Nigeria to that of the UK?  This is just the reality.

Lastly, Nigeria made a big mistake by not accepting Africom. If we had smart and strategic leaders, they would have accepted it, but extract enough goodies for the country in the process.  Doesn't Saudi Arabia hold one of the US biggest bases, that same Saudi where the Nigeria leader has been living for almost 2 months? Are we any stronger or better than the Saudis? To the one shouting about CIA being in Ghana, they are in Nigeria too, but because of the foolishness of our leaders, Ghana will get something for it while they will be in Nigeria for free. Nigeria is a sorry country.

Why the rage, emotion and insults? The guy has only spoken the truth. MTN is a business operating to increase their stakeholder value and does not really care. They only care about where they can have low operating costs so that they can maximise their profits. That's the truth, and I don't see how this relates to someone being out of the country. Abi you don't know that many Nigerians abroad will do anything to come back home? (Well, as soon as the business environment is condusive)

Not sure where you got that from, there is a whole lot more other than a condusive business environment that is keeping
Nigerians abroad. You know the usual list, , ,

Does Wole Soyinka have to assume office to act? What in all that has been said do you understand to mean that the VP has to assume presidential power in order to serve the people who elected him on the same ticket as the president, to serve the people, as the VP? Is this sort of like, the story of the man who got 5 talents and decided to do nothing with it because someone had more, and he felt he needed more to accomplish anything at all? I really do not get why you keep asking that question. He is second in command, not zombie in command!

Is he not chairing the FEC meetings in Yar Adua's absence? What other specific actions you want him to take to
"serve the people" as empowered by the constitution or that doesn't count any more?

When it comes to running a country, especially a democratic entity, it does not matter WHO DID IT.

Common, I know you know better than that. It does matter who does what and who did what. Thats
precisely the reason Nigeria is in the mess its today, e.g. a governor acting as treasurer, accountant,
and auditor all at the same time. In any organization, the recipe for chaos (fraud) is lack of segregation
of duties.

Duke or Soyinka are correct voicing their concerns, as it is tended to apply pressure to Yar Adua, the
Katsina inner cabinet, and NASS. However, no matter how bad Jonathan wants it, he has to play along
because as hampered as he may be, he is still the "Government" in Yar Adua's absence, while Duke or
Soyinka are just private citizens.

All that comes after that BUT just goes to remind me of why I LOVE discussing politics with my American friends, rather than my Nigerian friends. What do I mean? I mean I love the way they do not believe it is their duty to PRODUCE/MANUFACTURE excuses for the politicians out here. Many have no problems jumping ship it they notice their boat is sinking (politicians they admire or hold high are shifting to the other end). I particular love the way they hold themselves and those around them to higher standards, even though deep down they know they may never achieve it all.

You admit that Jonathan SERVES the people but in the same BREATH come up with at least one EXCUSE for his continued inaction especially at a time when the country is rudderless, international relationships and strained and people are waiting to hear from our government on terror issue.

I will only say that May God be with you ooo!!!

Thanks for that, but you still haven't stated how Jonathan is supposed assume presidential powers to serve the people
without that same power being legally transmitted to him? I mean didn't you hear Yar Adua say in his few seconds interview that he will be returning to his duties "very soon"?

Of course, the country is rudderless and international relationships are being strained, but is that of Jonathan's making or that of the man that is desperately clinging to power even when his life is hanging on a thread with the tacit approval of the NASS?

We almost always attack the wrong target, that is what being Nigerian is all about today. US government
blacklists the country due to security concerns, we lash out at US and go as far as issuing an ultimatum.
President Obama left out Nigeria in his itinerary and people begin to reign insults at him. MTN joins a list of
companies relocating their head offices from Nigeria to Ghana and people are shouting revoke their license.
Its just so typical of Nigerians.

You guys can keep abusing everyone else, but not until the Nigerian leadership is made to be moderately
accountable, you need to pace yourselves because there will be a lot more of this coming. The simple truth
known to the world now (maybe except for some Nigerians) is that the country is gradually grinding to a halt.
QED.

I have one question for you, just one! I mean I know we can type lengthy paragraphs all the rest of 2010 and still come back to this one question, so I'll just give you possible options and if you would pick just one, it would do us all good . . . .

Who does Vice President of the Republic of Nigeria, Jonathan Goodluck, work for( Who SHOULD he answer to?)?

a) Yar adua and the Northern Cabal
b) Himself
c) The People of the Republic of Nigeria

The answer is C.

But please explain to me how Jonathan is supposed to swear in the CJ, sign the budget, act as commander in chief, etc. if the right steps (steps laid out by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) to transmit that authority to him are yet to be invoked? How does he do it, just scream
louder or become more defiant?

I am no legal mind, but it does appear to me that the constitution is clear on the respective roles
of the President and the VP. It also clearly states what actions to take before the VP can assume
the powers of the president. Those actions are yet to be taken and Jonathan has no real control
over those actions.

I am a bit at a loss here, people are blaming Jonathan for going about his business? Are we not forgetting that we are
dealing with a group of infantile leaders for whom the mere thought of ceding presidential powers for a week is the end
of the world?

As someone said earlier, was it not the same healthy Jonathan that was that was was being asked to resign several weeks
even when it was clear that Yar Adua was on life support? How do you reconcile that? And people think this same Jonathan
can just assume power without the blessings of the NASS, the northern cabal, or the near comatose Yar Adua?

I personally think Jonathan is in a dilemma here and is playing his cards right.  Its best for him to assume the office when its
clear to all that there was no way Yar Adua was returning. Reality needs to kick in to the northern cabal that the constitution
is superior to their wishes.

Someone mentioned Atiku' aggressiveness against OBJ earlier while forgetting to note that its the same Atiku mindset of gaining
power that is being confronted today. For the longest time, some people have being conditioned to think that power is theirs to
dictate. This has been the reason why even in the army a major from the North may think or act as if he outranks a brigadier from
the South. Sadly, this has been Nigeria's reality and some humility is in order.  

If we are prepared for the country to break up right now, then I see sense in urging Jonathan to "seize" power, though a lot of
people these days seems to think that may not be a bad thing after all - I can't say I disagree with them.

What a shame, UNproud to be a Nigerian

Hope the above was meant to be tongue in cheek because very frankly folks, what exactly is there to be
proud of in Nigeria today?
- Security?
- Education ?
- Health ?
- Roads & Bridges (Infrastructure) ?
- Governance ?
- Leadership
- Morality (whatever that is)?
- Water?
- Electricity?
- Commerce ?
- Industrialization ?
- Environmental Protection?
- Sports (soccer even on the decline)?

I mean where do you begin?

Some of you guys sound surprised?  Were you guys honestly thinking that the bunch of jokers and retards that
made up the Nigerian senate actually thought through their action before issuing the ultimatum?  I mean how do
you issue an ultimatum that you have no way of enforcing? What leverage does Nigeria have over US, just oil?
If it was just oil, please remember that Nigeria is not the only country producing oil in the world. US on the other
hand can bring real economic pains and more to Nigeria.

For the ultra-patriotic Nigerians who don't see any thing wrong with the action or the lack of action of the Nigeria
government, its time you accept Nigeria for what it is - a waste of a country. US is not the problem, they are simply
taking steps to protect their homeland.  The reason UK will never be added to "countries of interest" list is because
the US is fully aware of all the actions the UK government is taking to stop terrorists from boarding planes. The same
can not be said about Nigeria.  Nigeria can not be flirting with everything Islam and expect to be treating potential
jihadists with kid gloves or ignoring extremist activities in parts of the country.

This was the only way the US government can get Nigeria to wake up to its duties. The US is not saying everyone in
Nigeria is a terrorist, they are simply saying they have no faith in the security effort of the Nigerian government to
combat this threat as of now. Maybe when Yar Adua wakes up and initiates genuine steps to fight the fake and real
jihadists in the country, US will take Nigeria off the list.

Having said that, lets give the senate some credit, at least the ultimatum lasted up to 48 hours Na who wan die?

@Iyke-D, Mr Krugman is entitled to his opinions; there were hundreds like him during the Great Depression writing about how things were 'slowly' getting better, and then phase 2 hit and many like him committed suicide 'cause they lost everything in the crash. BTW, you get your news from the nytimes? You might be a day late and a dollar short.

@egan,
Of course, we are all entitled to our opinions. I may be wrong, you may be wrong, he may be wrong, but since I am not an economist,
I will bet my money on Krugman before I bet it on you, just saying,

If getting news from NY Times makes me a day late, can't be that bad - just a day! I am sorry I don't subscribe to the "US is so doomed
right now" scenario. As bad as it was at the beginning of the year, I am sure most economist will tell you that the economy is on a better
footing now than it was then.

I'm not surprised you're unable to see the severity of the situation the US is in; those stats you linked to are not current, very conservative estimates and it's still bad(fiscal year 08/09 ended in September), present stats are about 4-6 times worse, and much worse if you include unfunded liabilities such as Soc. Security and Medicare etc in the debt figures.

Get your head outta your backside; this isn't about positive thinking or wishful thinking. This is the reality the US faces. The country is bankrupt. [/b]2 tell-tale signs an empire is [b]about to implode: budget and trade deficits out of control, perpetual state of war.

On balance I have managed to be civil in my responses to you despite the fact that you couldn't help dropping or suggesting that you
know how to use the "F" word even when writing.  I produced the information you asked for and now I need to get my head outta my
backside?

Hmm, the country is bankrupt?  Really? I am no finance guru, but I didn't think people will be so free to lend money to someone they
know to be either bankrupt or about to go bankrupt.  Oh well, where is Prof. Krugman when you need him. Could it be that some of the
worsening numbers you are pointing out could be due to this:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/10/opinion/10krugman.html

@edoyad, what is the US's debt to GDP ratio? If you understand that you'll zip it.

@ezan,

Here goes:

http://www.finfacts.ie/irishfinancenews/article_1016894.shtml
or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt


Not sure I see the end of the US scenario there, just saying,

Beaf,

I am not sure how you can say China has more economic clout than the US, because if it is I find it hard to believe that they continue
to invest a chunk of their reserves in US dollars (about 60% or more of it)? Last time I checked countries all over the world are still buying the US Treasury bills, not Chinese Yuan - I think that alone says much for the state of world economy today. The US economy is by far the most advanced and transparent than that of the Chinese. While China is racing economically, any attempt to claim that they are at the same parity level right now as the US just doesn't hold up to the facts.

I agree with you on your point about number of patents, but that is only a part of the picture as China is still ways away from being the leader in innovative technology. One thing they have done well is to import technology from the US, but to become the leader you have to truly lead and innovate, not copy. China is largely where it is today because of the exodus of manufacturing jobs from the US by US companies, just as India carved a niche from business IT outsourcing from the US as well.

For those thinking or wishing that the collapse of the US is near, you need to think again because you have a lot of waiting to do.

The US-the nerve center of and for corruption-might seize to exist in another 5-10 yrs. They're doing everything to control drugs(cocaine etc) and oil. That's it foreign policy-plain and simple. The dollar is set to collapse, not sure exactly when this would happen. Obama is A SlowPoke and a puppet. What nerves! Kettle dey call pot black? Really scary and interesting times ahead, folks.

Please put down the drugs so you can make sense . . .

Nothing lasts forever. No empire last forever, however, you can rest assure that the US will continue to dominate the world in virtually all aspect of world affairs in the next few decades - militarily, economically, culturally, technologically, etc. Simply put, no other single country have some many things put together like the US.

China is an economic power house, but certainly still no where close to the US. The US is emerging from an economic storm now, the other big question is when will the bubble bust in China, its' economy can't continue to grow forever year in year out?

The US is indebted to China, but that also means they can wipe out China's savings overnight if they chose to by devaluing the dollar since it makes up the bulk of the Chinese foreign reserves. It is a catch-22 situation. China is being used to rebound the US economy and as things improve in the US, watch out for them to begin to re-assess the economic relationship between the two countries.

Unlike Nigeria, US have policy makers who are aware of this growing economic threat and working to re-calibrate it. When we are now substituting prayers for sound policies, its a downward spiral. Nigeria's president is on medical leave in another country. Her daughter is also in another country trying to have a baby, what do these events tells the world about Nigeria and its loss of any importance it once had?

It saddens me greatly that the country I was born into has the most useless government the universe has ever had the misfortune of witnessing!

Ha - be careful ooo, I don't think you are even allowed by "some" Nigerians to say that.  You know, since you don't live in Nigeria, you must shut up
and let them be the ones to criticize,

You know, they don't get it that what kills those in the Diaspora the most is seeing "what could have been" of their country, yet they watch the
country drift even more and more in the opposite direction. Imagine a satellite that is lost in space, oh, never mind that we have one lost some
where out there this moment.

Isn't it amazing that someone will consider $10 billion peanuts? Which other country will that come from but one where everything else works
backwards?