₦airaland Forum

Sept 28

I heard on radio this afternoon that BRF opened the Falomo link bridge today.

That should bring some relief around the Law School area.

Picture shows status of work on the bridge as at Sept 16

Continued from

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-367311.800.html#msg9235459

I heard him talking about regulating it. Not quite sure what he meant.

playmode:
Zuma's initial support for gadaffi is also a great move and not suprising.Gadaffi contributed more than anyone else on the African continent to the freedom of South Africa.Fidel Castro and Gadaffi matter most to the people of South Africa more than anyone else.Have you forgotten that fidel actually sent his soldiers to come and fight the Apartheid Government? You people talk about freedom ,do you know that Gadaffi single handedly freed Africa from telecommunications slavery? If not for gadaffi ,companies like Glo may not exist today.How quick you forget those who have done great deeds in order to please the imperialists.

How quickly have the South Africans forgotten all that Nigeria did for SA during the apartheid era? If not for Nigeria's foreign policy of making Africa the centre piece where will a lot of African countries who today disparage Nigeria be?

playmode:
Leave South Africa alone and focus on your country where the shxt has hit the fan.Has jonathan not made horrible blunders himself? Jonathan is  an obama slave with no common sense or mind of his own.That is why up till date the west are still polluting his home  region of Niger delta.

Would you rather Jonathan was a slave of the Chinese like you present Zuma to be?

Desmond Tutu attacks South African government over Dalai Lama ban

Furious archbishop warns ruling ANC to 'watch out' after Tibetan spiritual leader is denied visa to attend birthday party


Archbishop Desmond Tutu, visibly shaking with anger, compared the South African government unfavourably with the apartheid regime and threatened to pray for the downfall of the African National Congress (ANC) yesterday after the Dalai Lama said he was forced to pull out of Tutu's 80th birthday celebrations because he had not been granted an entry visa.

"Our government is worse than the apartheid government because at least you would expect it with the apartheid government," Tutu told a press conference in Cape Town. "Our government we expect to be sensitive to the sentiments of our constitution."


In a tirade that stunned South African journalists, he went on: "Let the ANC know they have a large majority. Well, Mubarak had a large majority, Gaddafi had a large majority. I am warning you: watch out. Watch out.

"Our government – representing me! – says it will not support Tibetans being viciously oppressed by China. You, president Zuma and your government, do not represent me. I am warning you, as I warned the [pro-apartheid] nationalists, one day we will pray for the defeat of the ANC government."


Tutu had invited his fellow Nobel peace laureate to deliver a lecture to mark his milestone birthday in Cape Town on Friday. Officials from the archbishop emeritus's office started the visa application processin June but met a series of bureaucratic delays.

On Tuesday the Dalai Lama's office finally gave up on the application for the 76-year-old. "His holiness was to depart for South Africa on 6 October, but visas have not been granted yet," a spokesperson for the office said. "We are, therefore, now convinced that, for whatever reason or reasons, the South African government finds it inconvenient to issue a visa to … the Dalai Lama."

Tutu said he was still struggling to make sense of what had happened. "I have to say I can't believe it, I really can't believe it," he exclaimed. "Wake me up and tell me this is actually happening here. It's quite unbelievable. The discourtesy they have shown to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama!

"The Dalai Lama, anywhere in the world, they have problems finding a venue that can contain the people who want him. He goes to New York and Central Park is overflowing. The discourtesy is mindblowing."


Asked if he felt the Tibetan spiritual leader had in effect been banned from the country, Tutu replied: "To all intents and purposes, yes. This is the Dalai Lama. Incredible.

"Many, many people are appalled in many parts of the world, especially people who supported us during the struggle. They are weeping and saying, 'South Africa? It can't be.'"


Tutu's daughter, Mpho, said the government's actions had not matched "what we dreamed we would be, who we hoped we would become as a country and as a people". Clearly overcome with emotion, she added: "It is with great sadness that we sit here."

A candlelit vigil outside the South African parliament in Cape Town on Monday drew about 250 people demanding the Tibetan spiritual leader be allowed into the country. There was bitter disappointment on Tuesday morning when it was announced that the eight-day trip had been called off. Civil rights activists blamed the government.

Ela Gandhi, who planned to present the Dalai Lama with a peace prize in the name of her grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, said: "I'm very disappointed. We were looking forward to him coming and to presenting the award. I really feel the whole situation has been handled so badly. It's discourteous for a person of his stature to be told to wait for so long. For a person of peace to be treated like this is wrong."


She added: "Everybody thinks this is because of pressure from China. It's very sad another country is allowed to dictate terms to our government. It's going back to apartheid times. I am ashamed of my own country."


South African foreign ministry officials have consistently denied accusations they have been bowing to pressure from Beijing. Asked for his reaction to the Dalai Lama's decision, a spokesman, Clayson Monyela, said: "We don't have a reaction. He's cancelled his trip and that's it. We have not said no. We've not refused him a visa; the visa was still being processed. It's only on 20 September that he submitted his full paperwork. In some countries a visa can take two months. I don't know why people are criticising the government."



The Dalai Lama visited South Africa in 1996, meeting Nelson Mandela, but was prevented from attending a Nobel laureates' conference in the country two years ago, when the government said his visit would distract from World Cup preparations. At the time, Tutu called the decision disgraceful, and accused the authorities of bowing to pressure from China.

South Africa's official opposition has added its voice to the criticism of the stalled visa.

Stevens Mokgalapa, shadow deputy foreign minister for the Democratic Alliance, said: "The inescapable conclusion is that the South African government has predictably strung the Dalai Lama along to make it impossible for him to plan his trip. That way it could avoid making a decision that would either upset the Chinese or upset millions of peace-loving South Africans and citizens around the globe.

"But by delaying [the visa decision] the government made its choice: it allowed China to dictate foreign policy. This is a sad day for those of us who believe in a sovereign foreign policy based on ubuntu [a humanist philosophy] and human rights. It is not acceptable that the government has allowed a breach of this sovereignty by bowing to pressure from a foreign power."


While the Dalai Lama is excluded, other leading international activists will join three days of birthday events. The U2 singer Bono is expected to speak at the launch of a biography, Tutu: The Authorised Portrait, in Cape Town on Thursday.

Bono has also reportedly been invited to join former the US president Jimmy Carter, the former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, and the British businessman Richard Branson at a picnic at a vineyard on Friday. A public church commemoration will be held earlier that day.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/04/tutu-attacks-anc-dalai-lama-visa/print

Desmond Tutu attacks South African government over Dalai Lama ban

Furious archbishop warns ruling ANC to 'watch out' after Tibetan spiritual leader is denied visa to attend birthday party


Archbishop Desmond Tutu, visibly shaking with anger, compared the South African government unfavourably with the apartheid regime and threatened to pray for the downfall of the African National Congress (ANC) yesterday after the Dalai Lama said he was forced to pull out of Tutu's 80th birthday celebrations because he had not been granted an entry visa.

"Our government is worse than the apartheid government because at least you would expect it with the apartheid government," Tutu told a press conference in Cape Town. "Our government we expect to be sensitive to the sentiments of our constitution."


In a tirade that stunned South African journalists, he went on: "Let the ANC know they have a large majority. Well, Mubarak had a large majority, Gaddafi had a large majority. I am warning you: watch out. Watch out.

"Our government – representing me! – says it will not support Tibetans being viciously oppressed by China. You, president Zuma and your government, do not represent me. I am warning you, as I warned the [pro-apartheid] nationalists, one day we will pray for the defeat of the ANC government."


Tutu had invited his fellow Nobel peace laureate to deliver a lecture to mark his milestone birthday in Cape Town on Friday. Officials from the archbishop emeritus's office started the visa application processin June but met a series of bureaucratic delays.

On Tuesday the Dalai Lama's office finally gave up on the application for the 76-year-old. "His holiness was to depart for South Africa on 6 October, but visas have not been granted yet," a spokesperson for the office said. "We are, therefore, now convinced that, for whatever reason or reasons, the South African government finds it inconvenient to issue a visa to … the Dalai Lama."

Tutu said he was still struggling to make sense of what had happened. "I have to say I can't believe it, I really can't believe it," he exclaimed. "Wake me up and tell me this is actually happening here. It's quite unbelievable. The discourtesy they have shown to the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama!

"The Dalai Lama, anywhere in the world, they have problems finding a venue that can contain the people who want him. He goes to New York and Central Park is overflowing. The discourtesy is mindblowing."


Asked if he felt the Tibetan spiritual leader had in effect been banned from the country, Tutu replied: "To all intents and purposes, yes. This is the Dalai Lama. Incredible.

"Many, many people are appalled in many parts of the world, especially people who supported us during the struggle. They are weeping and saying, 'South Africa? It can't be.'"


Tutu's daughter, Mpho, said the government's actions had not matched "what we dreamed we would be, who we hoped we would become as a country and as a people". Clearly overcome with emotion, she added: "It is with great sadness that we sit here."

A candlelit vigil outside the South African parliament in Cape Town on Monday drew about 250 people demanding the Tibetan spiritual leader be allowed into the country. There was bitter disappointment on Tuesday morning when it was announced that the eight-day trip had been called off. Civil rights activists blamed the government.

Ela Gandhi, who planned to present the Dalai Lama with a peace prize in the name of her grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, said: "I'm very disappointed. We were looking forward to him coming and to presenting the award. I really feel the whole situation has been handled so badly. It's discourteous for a person of his stature to be told to wait for so long. For a person of peace to be treated like this is wrong."


She added: "Everybody thinks this is because of pressure from China. It's very sad another country is allowed to dictate terms to our government. It's going back to apartheid times. I am ashamed of my own country."


South African foreign ministry officials have consistently denied accusations they have been bowing to pressure from Beijing. Asked for his reaction to the Dalai Lama's decision, a spokesman, Clayson Monyela, said: "We don't have a reaction. He's cancelled his trip and that's it. We have not said no. We've not refused him a visa; the visa was still being processed. It's only on 20 September that he submitted his full paperwork. In some countries a visa can take two months. I don't know why people are criticising the government."



The Dalai Lama visited South Africa in 1996, meeting Nelson Mandela, but was prevented from attending a Nobel laureates' conference in the country two years ago, when the government said his visit would distract from World Cup preparations. At the time, Tutu called the decision disgraceful, and accused the authorities of bowing to pressure from China.

South Africa's official opposition has added its voice to the criticism of the stalled visa.

Stevens Mokgalapa, shadow deputy foreign minister for the Democratic Alliance, said: "The inescapable conclusion is that the South African government has predictably strung the Dalai Lama along to make it impossible for him to plan his trip. That way it could avoid making a decision that would either upset the Chinese or upset millions of peace-loving South Africans and citizens around the globe.

"But by delaying [the visa decision] the government made its choice: it allowed China to dictate foreign policy. This is a sad day for those of us who believe in a sovereign foreign policy based on ubuntu [a humanist philosophy] and human rights. It is not acceptable that the government has allowed a breach of this sovereignty by bowing to pressure from a foreign power."


While the Dalai Lama is excluded, other leading international activists will join three days of birthday events. The U2 singer Bono is expected to speak at the launch of a biography, Tutu: The Authorised Portrait, in Cape Town on Thursday.

Bono has also reportedly been invited to join former the US president Jimmy Carter, the former UN secretary general Kofi Annan, and the British businessman Richard Branson at a picnic at a vineyard on Friday. A public church commemoration will be held earlier that day.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/04/tutu-attacks-anc-dalai-lama-visa/print

The SA govt has always been clueless in foreign policy matters.

Check out their response to the Ivorian,Egyptian, Libyan, Burma (Myanmar) and Zimbabwe crises.

https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-639186.0.html#msg8058368

Mar 24th 2011 | JOHANNESBURG | from the print edition

South Africa's foreign policy
All over the place

South Africa is joining the BRICs without much straw

“WE SAY no to the killing of civilians!” Jacob Zuma, South Africa’s president, thundered on March 21st. “No to the foreign occupation of Libya or any other sovereign state!” The crowd, mainly supporters of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), roared back its approval. Theirs, after all, was the country of human rights, a beacon to the world, as their first black president, Nelson Mandela, had proclaimed. Just four days earlier, however, South Africa had voted for the UN Security Council resolution calling for “all necessary measures” to be taken to protect Libyan civilians under threat, including the imposition of a no-fly zone. Did Mr Zuma believe this could be done without recourse to force? He is not that naive.

These days South Africa’s foreign policy swings back and forth. Under Thabo Mbeki, Mr Zuma’s globe-trotting predecessor, it seemed to have an overarching aim, at least on paper: the promotion of an “African renaissance”, even if that meant ignoring the human-rights violations of some of South Africa’s allies. But now, as Mr Zuma flits ever more energetically around the world, charming everyone as he always does, it is hard to find a pattern to his policies. “None of it makes any real sense,” says Tom Wheeler, a former South African ambassador and now a research fellow with the South African Institute of International Affairs: “There’s no substance, no coherence.”

In fact, South Africa often appears to be pursuing two contradictory sets of values. At one moment, Mr Zuma is upholding the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference dear to despots around the world. At the next, he insists that his “primary objective” is to contribute to the ideals of democracy, human rights and justice. The result is a mishmash of unpredictable responses to apparently similar situations in different countries.

In the face of the recent uprising in Egypt, for example, Mr Zuma joined the international chorus demanding the resignation of Hosni Mubarak, the president. But in the face of dreadful factional violence and impending civil war in Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa sat on the fence for months, refusing to accept Alassane Ouattara’s internationally recognised victory in November’s presidential elections until earlier this month, when it endorsed the call of the peace and security committee of the African Union (AU) for the defeated incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, to step down. In Swaziland, Africa’s last absolute monarchy, right on South Africa’s doorstep, Mr Zuma remains obdurately silent over the violation of civil rights and the suppression of pro-democracy protests, yet recently recalled his ambassador to Israel after Israeli commandos stopped a flotilla of pro-Palestinian campaigners from reaching Gaza, killing nine Turks on board.

The same contradiction is seen in South Africa’s handling of Myanmar and Zimbabwe. In Myanmar Mr Zuma did not hesitate to condemn November’s rigged elections and call for the release of the opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi. Yet he refrains from peeping a word of public criticism of Zimbabwe’s ageing dictator, Robert Mugabe, despite a string of rigged and robbed elections, killings, torture and other state-sponsored violence. Last October South Africa appeared to change its studied neutrality on Iran’s nuclear plans, voting for UN sanctions on Iran, only to claim that it had actually intended to vote against the measure. And when the jailed Chinese dissident, Liu Xiaobo, was awarded the Nobel peace prize in December, South Africa was one of the few countries to refuse to congratulate him.

Next month South Africa is due to be formally inducted into membership of the BRICs, a club of regional power brokers embracing Brazil, Russia, India and China, which have recently shown a desire to use their combined size and economic might—together they account for 40% of the world’s population—to counter the West’s global dominion. They also want to reform such institutions as the UN Security Council and the World Bank.

Will South Africa—its GDP, population and land mass all dwarfed by the BRIC giants—find itself obliged to align its foreign policy more with its new peers, notably Russia and China? Perhaps not, judging by its recent vote in favour of the Libyan no-fly zone. The other BRICS (with a capital S), as the enlarged group will be known, all abstained. Perhaps, after Mr Zuma’s latest exclamation, South Africa will again claim it had really meant to vote against the resolution.

http://www.economist.com/node/18447027

Occupy Wall Street gains cities; NYC student walkouts planned

Dan Watson | October 4, 2011
Editor-in-Chief


Two weeks after fewer than a dozen college students sparked a mass demonstration in New York City's Zuccotti Park, protests continued to ignite in new cities across America on Tuesday as Occupy Wall Street entered its 18th day.

On Monday, New York protesters dressed as zombies and ambled past the New York Stock exchange, continuing to denounce Wall Street's spread across the U.S. Over the wekend, more than 700 people were arrested at a demonstration on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Despite its nebulous objectives, the protests have spread from coast to coast, including Los Angeles, where protesters have said they will camp out at City Hall for at least a week.

Tomorrow in New York, a national student walkout is planned to protest "unforgivable student debt and soaring tuition rates."

At night, a union march to the site of the protest is planned for 1:30 p.m. The march is supported by the United Federation of Teachers, 32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, Workers United and Transport Workers, PSC-CUNY United NY, the Strong Economy for All Coalition, the Working Families Party, Vocal-NY, New York Communities for Change, Community Voices Heard and Alliance for Quality.

Here's the news from Occupy movements across America,



From Occupy Chicago, where protests reached the 13th day, the Huffington Post reports:



"Chicago police have asked Occupy Chicago demonstrators to move their belongings off the street outside the Federal Reserve Bank at 231 N. LaSalle St., as NBC 5 reported Tuesday. A dozen protesters remained outside the bank, while other organizers planned to spread their occupation to other areas of the city -- "phase two" of the demonstration, as its Twitter feed described Tuesday."



From Occupy DC, where participants have gathered in McPherson Square.



According to the Washington Post:

"Occupy DC has no defined policy agenda or demands. But when asked why they showed up, many participants could agree on one thing: corporations have too much influence over the political system."

From Occupy Boston, according to the Beacon Hill Patch:

"Sure, some may say the crowds in Dewey Square aren’t that big and this is just a movement for the purpose of belonging to a movement. Or some may echo the feelings of a comment a jogger yelled as he ran by the Rose Kennedy Greenway yesterday, saying, “get a job,” -- insinuating that protesters are just lazy hippies causing trouble for no reason."



From Occupy Philadelphia, where plans are still in the works for protests.



According to Newsworks:

"Tonight "Occupy Philadelphia" is meeting to hammer out plans. Jon Laing, with the group "Occupy Philadelphia" said there are a few possible occupation sites, including Rittenhouse Square, Love Park, Ben Franklin Parkway, and City Hall."



From Occupy Maine, where dozens of people protested downtown in Monument Square, Portland.
From Occupy Portland, where police were encouraging a permit for the event planned Thursday.
From Occupy Syracuse, where the group in Perseverance Park will hold a general assembly on Tuesday night.
From Occupy St. Louis, where about a half-dozens stood outside the Federal Reserve Bank on Monday.
From Occupy Wall Street efforts that might reach the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis, according to the Star Tribune.
From the Occupy Wall Street protest in Santa Barbara, where protesters were set to meet today at De la Guerra Plaza. According to KCET.

"It seems the Gordon Gekko Legacy holds steadfast & true in Santa Barbara where the unfortunate beg for change in the shadows of multi-million dollar estates. Apparently Greed IS good here, as it seems to have won in straight sets. "Occupy Santa Barbara" can't even seem to occupy an entire lawn."

Even Canada is getting in the act, with protests scheduled for Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver.

http://www.neontommy.com/news/2011/10/occupy-wall-street-gains-cities-nyc-student-walkouts-planned

It took me all of one hour from just before Abraham Adesanya Estate to Ajah today - 8:16a.m. to 9:17 a.m.

I guess it would have been worse earlier in the day.

Ileke, which one are you referring to now

Prophet Beaf, what your crystal ball tell us about Oshiomole and Soyinka?

And 2015?

Cockroaches are pests but VIPs.

LOL

Reminds me of WAEC Biology question:

What is the economic importance of cockroach?

Those were dem days.

LOL

@wesley80, then I have to agree with BRF that our best days are ahead:

Governor Fashola reiterated that this are very challenging times for leaders at all levels simply because many economies are not lending itself to the many solutions that are being proffered to tackle current challenges.

“The expectations of our people on many front is that things will happen quickly than we are able to deal with them as leaders. However, the best days still lie ahead of us and we must understand that people would always be what they will be-impatient and critical”.

And who is kunle omosun?

Interesting times.

First, Oshiomole asking Jonathan to ignore criticsm

Then Fashola telling the Brits that the central government has done something about security in the country.

And now WS saying the criticsm of the FG's recognition of the Libyan rebels is time-worn political platitude?

Someone tell me I am dreaming or is it in the spirit of the independence anniversary?

Well said werepeLeri.

And you got my point too.

Fashola said this? Waoh!

Governor Fashola reiterated that this are very challenging times for leaders at all levels simply because many economies are not lending itself to the many solutions that are being proffered to tackle current challenges.

“The expectations of our people on many front is that things will happen quickly than we are able to deal with them as leaders. However, the best days still lie ahead of us and we must understand that people would always be what they will be-impatient and critical”.

Governor Fashola who also spoke on the issue of security challenges in Nigeria said the government at the centre has taken measures to reposition law enforcement agencies as well as strengthen the nation’s borders.

Yes.

If only people would not criticise just for the sake of criticising, what a better world this would be!

^

Lagosians weak?

Later you guys will be complaining about omo onile and settler/natives issues.

Case in point: Jos (hausa as settlers) and some Igbo claiming to have highest population in Lagos!

Sunday, October 2, 2011  ⁠ ⁠

By Jethro Ibileke

October 2, 2011 03:15PM

Nigerians have been urged to place the Nigerian project ahead of partisan politics by giving President Goodluck Jonathan the much needed support and confidence he needs to enable him realize his developmental programmes for the good of the country.

Edo state governor, Adams Oshiomhole who made this plea noted that the severe criticism that trail President Jonathan's 100 days in office was uncalled for, just as he recalled that such criticisms were also the hallmark of his first hundred days in office as governor of Edo State.

Oshiomhole who spoke in an interview with newsmen after an interactive session with Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)'s Secretary General/Treasurer, Yusuff Hassan in Benin City, however urged President Jonathan not to despair with such criticisms.

He observed that the President belongs to one of those few political office holders that were elected on what can be described as a "per Nigeria mandate," where people voted across primordial and political sentiments.

"We do need to give him the confidence that we are with him and that he has the mandate to rule and should have the courage to make a different. That is what he need right now. I do not subscribe to those who think that because he hasn't solved all the problems in his 100 days that he hadn't started well.

"I think that given the diversity of the country and under the political environment he has to preside, he ought to be more sympathetic in our evaluations of the realities on grounds. I manage a state that is just one out of the thirty-six in the federation and in my first one year in office my thought was that I didn't even know what I was doing.

"But I needed time to do the thinking, to appreciate the issues, to sort out my priorities, organize my cash flow and the people to get started. But, today three years down the road people are beginning to appreciate that it is better to do the thinking before the action rather than the action before the thinking.

"I believe the president deserve more sympathy in terms of re-organizing and repositioning the system. The more support he has the greater confidence he is likely to feel to be able to make the kind of difficult decision that are necessary at that level to repositioning Nigeria," Oshiomhole stated.

In-spite of the barrages of criticism, the governor called on Jonathan not to give up on the systemic challenges confronting the country, especially security and infrastructure, employment, adding that every nation has one challenge or the other to grapple with.

Commenting on the security challenges that have tested the strength of all security agencies in Nigeria, Governor Oshiomhole noted that Nigeria is far safer than some other countries in the world.

Nonetheless, he added that in spite of the problems of poor infrastructure, insecurity, unemployment and other sectors of government, the unity of the country alone is worth celebrating.

It was however observed that the 51st Independence Anniversary celebration in Edo State was devoid of the usual funfairs, match pass parade by security operatives and students. Not even an official government statement to commemorate the independence celebration was made available to the press

I wonder what IBB whose late wife, Maryam, was from Delta state will have so say about all this.

Moderator, please send this to the frontpage.

More people should be involved in "dealing" with this wicked tenant who is bringing the noble profession into disrepute.

He is abusing the priviledges of his calling!

I pity the poor woman and pray that God, the ultimate judge will hear her case and grant her victory very soon.

Can you believe that the tenant is bringing irrelevant legal technicalities to frustrate the case? And people say landlords should not resort to self help?

This case is a classic case of what some landlords go through in the hands of the tenants who are nothing but devourers.

All those who have been hailing the new tenancy law in Lagos should educate us on how that law would have come to the poor widow's rescue if this had happened in Lagos.

Michelle Obama shops at Washington-area Target

WASHINGTON (AP) — Attention Target shoppers: You could have been standing in line with Michelle Obama.

The first lady, hard to recognize in a baseball cap and sunglasses, shopped Thursday at a Target Corp. store in Alexandria, Va., just outside Washington.

Casually dressed Secret Service agents arrived about a half-hour before Mrs. Obama, who walked in through the main entrance with an assistant. She spent 30 to 40 minutes shopping, pushing her own cart. She apparently was recognized only by the cashier who rang up her purchases.

Since coming to the White House, Mrs. Obama has lamented missing out on what she calls "normal stuff," like Target runs.

She isn't the first first lady to try to go out unrecognized. Hillary Rodham Clinton went for walks wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses, too.

http://news.yahoo.com/michelle-obama-shops-washington-area-target-220828092.html

My Apologies, President Jonathan
Posted: September 27, 2011 - 11:15
Posted by siteadmin


Columnist: Correct Me If I Am Right By Rudolf Okonkwo

Dear President Jonathan,

I’m ashamed of myself. I want to apologize for my heartless abuse of your meek and gentle self. Please accept my sincere apologies.

I did not mean any harm. If I had known that you were as fragile as an egg, I would have been massaging your tiny ego instead of throwing darts to strengthen your muscles.

Just like you, Mr. President, I want to move Nigeria forward. I want to do it in a gentleman’s way - without shedding any sweat. But I have seen that Nigeria is such a heavy load that anyone involved in that venture must be ready to perspire.

Despite the impression I must have given over the years as a professional critic, I am a thoughtful man. I know it must be hard being the president of a dysfunctional country like Nigeria. But I did not know it was this hard. And surely, you did not have the slightest idea how hard it would be when you allowed your name on the ballot.

At a non-denominational service to mark Nigeria ’s 51st Independence Day, you lashed out at me and other critics of yours. I truly deserve it. But your frustrations drew no sympathy in me.

As a member, in good standing, of the National Association of Armchair Critics (Home and Abroad), I want to respond to you.

It wasn’t my intention to be abusive. I wanted to use sweet words to present my thoughts. But it hasn’t been easy. And that is for the simple fact that the Nigerian political space that you head is so rude to me. Everyday, your people insult me. They dish out foul acts. When they speak, obnoxious words come out of their mouths. Your people exert cruelty on me and on ordinary folks like me. The vicious disregard of our feelings makes it hard for me to be loving and kind.

I do pity you, Mr. President. But I cannot sugarcoat things because I’m livid that you haven’t declared your assets yet - and this, in and of itself, is a form of abuse to me and my humanity.

Often, I hear you and your friends in high places say that you don’t mind constructive criticism. You ask that we proffer solutions when we criticize. Well, I thought by pointing out the problems we have invariably made the solution obvious. Must we spell it all out?

We say that we are outraged that 469 people in Nigeria ’s National Assembly get paid over N150 million (about $1million) each every year. That’s about $500 million in total. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that?

We say that we are mad that the Nigerian government spent $3.2 billion of our money to build Delta Steel Co, that is over N480 billion without factoring in inflation. Later, the same steel company got sold to a company that is a front for Obasanjo for mere $120 million, ie N7.5 billion. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that?

We say that we are fuming because Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim bought NICON, valued at N50 billion for N1.05 billion. He used equity in the company to borrow N41 billion from Union Bank PLC. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that?

We say that we are furious because Theophilus Danjuma made $4.5 billion when he sold to a Chinese corporation 45% share of a company he build around the two oil blocks Gen. Sani Abacha “dashed” him. He said that after paying taxes and taking care of all he could think of, he had $500 million left. To avoid having his children fight over too much money after he’s dead, he used $100 million to set up a Foundation. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that?

We say we are incensed that governors across Nigeria cart away hundreds of millions of naira each month as security vote. They commit crimes and hide under immunity. They leave office and live above the law. What does that say to you? Do you need from us a solution on that?

Forget about them-others. What about you? Why haven’t you declared your assets? How much do you get as security vote? Even if you are so helpless about stopping others, why can’t you live by example?

We are enraged. We feel the violence you and your people exert on us right inside our hearts. And all you want us to do is to stop abusing you. Forget you!

In your swipe at us, you essentially said that while we were busy hating you at home, world leaders were busy extolling you abroad.

“President Obama commended me,” you said, like a teenager asked out on a date by a cheerleader. Eeyaah!

Maybe I should tell you that President Obama commended me too? And I never met him. I have a letter written and signed by Obama to prove it. In the letter, Obama called me his friend. He even sends me emails every Friday. So what is the big deal?

I noticed that Obama’s commendation wasn’t all that when I discovered that it doesn’t mean a thing to my children. And frankly, I am more interested in what my children think about me than what Obama thinks about me.

Also, I saw the picture of you taking instructions from Hilary Clinton. Her pose was not that of someone commending. It was more of someone commanding. And your pose wasn’t that of a lion or a Pharaoh or an army general. Yours was that of a school boy taking instructions from the headmistress.

You said that you can change Nigeria without being a Nebuchadnezzar. Well, so you know, we don’t care what you are or what you want to become. All that we care about is to see the changes. No need talking. Just show us the change.

Let the critics be critics. Let you, the president, be president. That’s all that we want. You must not use us, the critics, as an excuse for your failure. And we, the critics, must not use your tears as an excuse to quit our job.

As far as I can see, nobody asked you to rule with impunity. All that you are asked is to show some audacity. If you don’t have it in you, just convince us that there is sanity in our polity. Is that too much to ask for?

You don’t have to be the King of Syria to change the lives of Nigerians.

Whatever pact you have with God, that is between you and your God. What we, the critics, think is the reason why you are there is more important than what you think is the reason why God placed you there.

Just in case you have forgotten, you are there to serve us. You said you wanted to do so. And by every means possible, you got yourself there. Now that you’re there, do what presidents are supposed to do.

Gear up and guide the nation. Don’t sit there and grumble.

God does not use grumbling men to change a society. Passionate men who pledged their honor, their fortunes and their lives grab the horn and turn their society around.

Only the dead do not have forces bent on frustrating them. A market woman has forces benst on tearing her ten kobo bag. So get over yourself. Get over the excuses. Get over the self-pity. Give us results. Inspire us. Nothing you say will make the forces against you to pull back. The more you look like a pussy, the more they push you around.

We have heard that one about ‘moving the nation forward.” We have even felt the movement. The only problem is that when we look around, outside of Abuja and your friends in high places, we notice that we are actually moving backward and not forward.

But listen, it doesn’t matter what we think. If you are sure you are moving the nation forward, by all means, don’t worry about what we say. Keep on moving. Majority of the people will notice it eventually.

You don’t want to waste your energy dealing with your enemies. You’re the president, for Christ sake. If all you see are Goliaths everywhere, you are looking at the wrong effigies.

And mind you, Mr. President, I know David - you are not David. Maybe you’re kind of confused. While you are searching for the forehead of GoliathDavid, remember that you’re exposing your forehead too.

Maybe in your days as an intellectual, you did not have to do literature review and thesis proposal where you critic old arguments and advanced a new ones. Critics have to do that on a daily basis.

If God is your pilot, I say, good luck to you. But God is not Nigeria ’s pilot. Don’t embarrass God that way. Your PDP is Nigeria ’s pilot. So the sooner you get that into your head, the better.

If you have no plans, no amount of prayers will lead you to your destination. And if you have no destination, no God can guide you there.

I don’t know about others, but I am not praying for you and all your friends who waste the resources of that country, living large in Abuja while ordinary men and women perish for nothing.

I am praying for that breadwinner who will die tomorrow night when the bus he is travelling in collides with an abandoned trailer left in the middle of Lagos-Ibadan road. I am praying for the women and children who will die in a fire tomorrow night because there is no fire truck anywhere in their local government. I am praying for that pregnant woman who will die in labor tonight because the doctor has no tools to perform surgery. I am praying for the trader whose business will come to an end because ill-educated and unemployed youths will set his goods on fire tomorrow. I am praying for the girl who will be rape tomorrow by men who have copied the impunity of our national life which you and your friends advertize.

Let Pastor Enoch Adeboye pray for you. Let Pastor Chris Oyakhilome mediate for you. Let Evangelist Helen Akpabio transfigure for you. Let T.B. Joshua splash you with Holy Water. Let David Oyedepo knock you into a winner. All I know is that, “vanity is vanity.” What use is a conscience that is deeply asleep?

Oh, by the way, Happy Independence Day, Mr. President. I hope you’ve received the card President Obama sent you. I’ve got mine here.

I’m your most humble subject,


Rudolf Ogoo Okonkwo

http://saharareporters.com/column/my-apologies-president-jonathan

Congrats Enyojo!

May God continue to bless your family!

enyojo:
He is any party he feels it is right for him.
Methinks we as a nation has evolved from party politics to personality politics!

Abeg leave matter for Mathias. Iya ikoko, Don't start another debate on this thread.

And Mods, please suspend anyone who tries to pollute this "jolly" thread with those their funny arguments!

Mariory:
Why was this thread moved?

Beats me too!