₦airaland Forum

seunmsg:
The right decision considering the current circumstances. Like i have always said, the federal public service is not the private sector where the CEO can do as they like. The public service is governed by laws, rules, regulations and over one thousand extant circulars. People without public service knowledge who gets appointed as ministers and heads of agencies must be extremely careful and very cooperative with the civil servants they meet on ground or else, they will run into trouble quickly.

I like Betta Edu and really wished this did not happen to her but the serious violations observed from those approvals and the fraudulent intention behind the diversion of over N500m to a private account are too much to be ignored. I hope other newly appointed political office holders would learn from her mistake. Learn the rules before approving anything. When in doubt, seek and take the advice of the more experienced civil servants. If Betty had listened to the wise counsel of the Accountant General, she won't be in this mess.

But there are reports that she was trailed by credible allegations of financial impropriety (read stealing) as a commissioner in Cross River. So why do you like her and why did President Tinubu appoint her?

safarigirl:
Happy New Year Guys!

In a bid to be a bit more consistent with my writing this New Year, hopefully, I'll be doing a lot more reviews of Nigerian movies on this site, and I will also be adding TV Series where I can.

Most of my reviews may be of productions that have made it to Streaming services, as opposed to those with Cinema debut, mostly because fewer people will have access to Cinema productions, and I do enjoy feedback from people who have watched a production (A Tribe Called Judah might be the exception, let me know if y'all think I should review it before it makes it to streaming)

Anyway, let me not bore with plenty chat. Without further ado, I'm opening with the EbonyLife and Netflix Production, War: Wrath and Revenge, a continuation of the highly successful Sons of The Caliphate.

Now, if you haven't watched Sons of The Caliphate, you may choose to revert to it before watching this, however, you may also watch this as a Standalone, and you'd still get the gist of it.

This was released on the 28th of December on Netflix and is a 6-part Mini series, each Episode is 30-minutes long except the Finale, which is about 42-minutes long.

So, let's get into this production.


Title: War: Wrath and Revenge
Production: TV Series
Cast:
Rahama Sadau
Mofe Duncan
Yakubu Mohammed
Ifeanyi Kalu
Theresa Edem-Isemin
Bikiya Graham-Douglas
Patrick Doyle
Ayoola Ayolola
Uzee Usman
Executive Producer: Mo Abudu
Screenplay: Karachi Atiya, Adze Ugah
Creator/Director: Dimbo Atiya.
Run Time: 192 minutes (6 Episodes)

Plot:
The quest for power continues in the state of Kowa, as Nuhu Bula goes up against incumbent Governor Sanusi, in an upcoming election. Various interests at play lead to the uncovering of conspiracies and resurrection of old foes.


Review:

Now, I must say, the trailer of this series alone was quite mouthwatering and promising in its own right. I've found something of a new interest in seeking out Nollywood stories told outside the Lagos hegemony, so, this production kept to that requirement for me. The exploration of the Northern political scene (and perhaps Nigeria at large) using a fictional state is quite refreshing. We see the depiction of a Northern elite jostling for power with strategic alignments and decisions.

As regards the story itself, it is well told. Each of the characters is fleshed out in such a way that you can see them being actual power players in the political scene; we have the guy with good intentions, albeit poor guidance, his very ambitious wife who doesn't quite share his naivety, a power hungry incumbent willing to do whatever to remain in office, the upstanding police officer whose attempts to do right is often sabotaged by higher ups, the old friend with a vendetta after surviving a betrayal, and then the seemingly pious friend with no desire for political explorations, who is, in fact, the puppet master pulling the strings unseen.

Each character is believable, but even moreso, beyond the believable nature of the characters, the actors who play these roles fully embody their characters. Rahama Sadau, Mofe Duncan, Yakubu Mohammed and Patrick Doyle reprise their roles from Sons of The Caliphate as Binta Kutigi-Bula, Nuhu Bula, Dikko Loko and General Umar Loko. Rahama Sadau puts in a glorious shift in that role, she manifests the ambitious wife of Nuhu Bula, willing to cross lines her innocent husband is never fully aware of. Binta is ruthless in her quest for power and every word, every inflection and every gesture from Rahama in that role, fully signifies this. It is perhaps, one of her best performances, if not her best. She becomes the villain you find yourself rooting for, or even more, wanting to be. She oozes the sort of power you imagine a woman should possess to be a power house. Of the main characters, we see the introduction of a new, but formidable character in Buba Koda, played by Ifeanyi Kalu. Buba is your quintessential Northern elite, a member of the royal family poised to be Emir after the unexpected death of Khalifa. He's also a loverboy of sorts, courting his girlfriend, Alicia Kama, who he's eager to make his Mrs. You get the feeling Buba is the new Khalifa, however, the lengths of his quest for power are not immediately obvious.

Which brings me to another positive part of this series; the writing. Honestly, writing is something I am very particular about in productions. Not just with the story structure and plotline, but particularly with the dialogue. A story is as good as its dialogue and the dialogue in War: Wrath and Revenge is very very good. This is most obvious in the scene Binta confronts Nuhu with his infidelity, and then goes on to reveal to him that she was responsible for the plane crash that led to the death of Khalifa. The acting is top-notch, but the writing is absolutely thrilling itself. The infusion of Hausa in conversations is also commendable. To be honest, there may have been scenes that called for more Hausa than English, but I can't say if that failure is more on the writers or the actors inability to perhaps speak as fluently...but that's a different kettle of tea, I'd rather not digress.

Now, another thing I like is the wardrobe. See, the outfits each of the actors wore was giving Northern high fashion. Binta Bula's wardrobe is the stuff of dreams, each outfit is very much modest, but still very stylish, Alicia Kama also has an admirable collection of corporate wears, I'm not as versed as I'd like to be as regards Arewa male fashion, however, I have seen a good number of more attuned persons who have praise for the style on Nuhu Bula and Buba Koda, there is particular admiration for Buba's caps. Personally, the tailoring of the outfits caught my eye the most. I look out for fabric quality and tailoring a lot, and the tailoring of Nuhu Bula and Buba Koda's clothes are impeccable.

The setting is also very good, like I said, it's set in a fictional state, but the actual shoot is done in Abuja I believe. We see the affluence associated with the Northern elite where necessary, and simplicity where necessary.

The cinematography is nice. Once again, great angles. I particularly liked how the approach of certain characters are captured from behind them, so, we see everything ahead of them. It was my favourite part of the cinematography. Effects were good, the shooting scenes did not look ridiculous. Even when a character was shot pointblank in the head, it was well done.

Now that we're done with the positives, a few issues observed, starting with the writing. As earlier stated, Nuhu should have used more Hausa in certain scenes, Pandita Agu as Alima, Nuhu's mistress, spoke more Hausa than Mofe as Nuhu in the entire production. There's a scene Nuhu Bula is addressing the people of a small village, and he uses English, which wouldn't apply in reality. Like I said, this may not be so much a failure from the writer's end, than an accommodation of the actor's limitations with the language. Furthermore, while well done, certain scenes just look like overkill eg. Why is Boston Bobby Brown, who is simply contracted to investigate an air crash, suddenly doubling as a detective, and martial arts blackbelt holder with a thirst for justice? Really, what is his business in all of this, aside his seeming infatuation with the beautiful Alicia Kama? He went to lengths he really shouldn't have bothered with if we're being real. Just close your investigation and go. Secondly, once again, sticking to reality, there is no way on election day, that any media house will give you airtime to reveal some grand conspiracy about the Governorship aspirant and some other high profile personalities. It's another case of from where to where? And in today's Nigeria, such revelations won't have the impact that we see it have in the final scene. The outline of events in the final episode are quite iffy to be honest, not enough to significantly impact how good the story is in general, because the plot twist is still too good, but if you're particular about story seamlessness, it may grind your gears a bit, but if you're out for a good watch, you'll be fine.

In all things, bear in mind that creatives do not necessarily have to stick to what obtains in reality. They can spice up their fictional society despite inspiration from reality.

Now, to my favourite scene in this series. Aside Binta's confrontation of her cheating husband, my favourite scene has to be where Buba rescues Alicia from an irate mob, and reads his cousin the Riot Act. Ladies and Gentlemen, that's what an Alpha Male looks like, that's the sort of masculine energy that is appreciated.

My favourite performances are Rahama Sadau as Binta Bula, Ifeanyi Kalu as Buba Koda, Patrick Doyle as Umar Loko, and Daniel Okosun as Sambisa, Governor Sanusi's henchman. I really enjoyed Okosun's portrayal of the character, it was quite authentic.

Overall, this series is a really good watch, and I look forward to the second season.


Rating: 7.8/10

Binge or Bin: Binge.

So, have you seen this series? If yes, what are your thoughts?

If Rahama Sadau is in it, I'll watch it.

Nazgul:
When she's old enough to bath herself.

This is the answer.

Krismas:
Who sponsored Abdumalek Rigi and his Terrorist Jandallah group in Iran? America and Israel! Who sponsored Alqaeda in Libya against Gaddafi? America! Who sponsored ISIS and salafists in Syria against Assad? America again! Infact it was in Syria, Obama tried to create GOOD TERRORIST concept. Meaning, no matter how atrocious your acts might be, provided it’s geared at removing Assad, then you are justified!
Who sponsored Salafists called northern alliance against Taliban in Afghanistan? America yet again! Who sponsor Neo nazis such as AZOV battalion against Putin in Ukraine? Who else?
It’s wot America always does. They are the GREATEST TERRORIST ALIVE

O dear!

Holiness2100:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0Mt8GiLQY0?si=qVwNv3jvPpQFtieG


https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/33649-ISIS-claims-responsibility-for-attack-in-Kerman,-Iran

Anyone with half a brain knew it was ISIS. Had their fingerprints all over it. Iranian leaders saying it was the US or Israel were either brain-dead or being mischievous.

mrpablo:
Make sense. If Nigerians won't abuse the privilege

Of course, it'll be abused. Do you even have a competent police force to keep track of guns using forensic analysis?

MatrixReloaded:
Them go mess this man up oh. Intimidation drinking bottle water and feeling funky. U will climb down ur high table and meet with the same people in nearest future.
Soldiers can risk there life to end your life. Be am exemplary leader. Even in China, bikes are allowed in major cities.

But it says they were plying one-way.

Freshtruth:
The aide get mind o whole Okoya

Me sef taya. He didn't know RO or what?

HonNL:
SOURCE

We need them Russophiles and Putinistas on this thread to clap for him.

Beremx:
25-yr-old Ubulu Uku King Returns Home After Years studying Abroad amidst jubilation

Onyemaechi, Onwordi Ibori Ubulu, others said Obi Home Coming is a blessing

The 25 years old Obi of Ubulu Uku kingdom Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze has returned home after studying abroad .

The Obi was received at the Asaba International Airport on Thursday by thousands of his people who stormed the airport with jubilation to receive him .

The Commissioner for Technical Education Hon Joan Onyemaechi , Senior Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization to the Delta State Governor Hon James Onwordi Endurance known as Ibori Ubulu among others described the Obi home coming as a blessing to Ubulu Uku kingdom.

They noted that the celebration of the Obi is as a result of the love the people has for him considering how impactful he has been to the kingdom .

The obi while applauding the people of ubulu uku for the tremendous support said he will always protect the interest of the kingdom.

He also thanked the immediate past governor of Delta State Sen Ifeanyi Okowa and the current governor Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the support over the years .

Obi Chukwuka Noah Akaeze was crowned king of Ubulu-Uku kingdom and was giving staff of Office by the Delta State state government at the age of 18 in 2016.

Thereafter he traveled abroad to continue his education being a lover of education.

Eight years later, he has returned back to rule his people .

He was just 18 when his father the late king became a victim of murder in 2016.

Ubulu-Uku is located in Aniocha South Local Government area of Delta State

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/25-yr-old-ubulu-uku-king-returns-home-after-studying-abroad-amidst-jubilation/amp/

Four people carrying eben! This one do pass Oba of Benin.

DesChyko:
Who remembers the Chichidodo bird referenced in one literature from yesteryears?

The bird that likes maggot but hates faeces when it is in faeces that maggots grow best? 😁

Ayi Kwei Amah–The Beautiful Ones Are Not Yet Born. Correlation, sir/ma?

Nbote:
Why will u want to cook food with oil processed from red oil??

That is the key word. People are harming themselves. GROUNDNUT oil indeed!

GenderMix:
Dear Family,

I have been having this back and forth debate with my wife regarding cooking soup with groundnut oil as against red oil but she is on the negative. I had cooked Egusi soup with groundnut oil and it taste really nice. I had also done same with okra sea food and its really nice. The reason why I want to do away with red oil is because I have been advised on my cholesterol level and the odour from palm (red) oil doesn't sit well with me these days.

I want to serve my visitors Egusi soup prepared with groundnut oil but she's declined because she's not sure how it will be received....lol

Does anyone have experiences with cooking soups with only groundnut oil and how does it taste. okra, bitterleaf, oha, vegetable, edikaikong, egusi, etc

Someone is giving you BAD advice. For health-conscious people, there are only three oils for cooking:
1. Coconut oil
2. Olive oil
3. Palm oil

Vegetable oils (the one you're calling "groundnut oil" ) go through production processes that make them very very unhealthy. Everything they've told you about cholesterol is wrong. I can't go into it in detail now, but read up.

You can eat butter and ghee too, but RUN from margarine!

Yemike:
My life have been stagnant for like 4-5 years now. I work in a factory and I also sow clothes.
I've not been able to spend money on myself or to pursue my dream as a result of family responsibilities.
I'm a drop out of FUOYE and I'll so much love to go back to school but the plan has been failing for 2 years now.

I've obtained a part time form from Adekunle Ajasin University Ibadan campus last month hoping to start the new session next year but my problem now is that I have a brother that just finished HND 1, his rent has expired and he'll pay his school fees this January.
I paid his rent and school fees for HND 1 and he has notified me for HND 2.
My fear now is that time us running out for me (I'm 27yrs now) as I sincerely wanted to go back to school but I can't sponsor myself and two siblings.

Should I wait for another year or everybody should carry his cross?

I can relate. Trust me, I've been there. Fact is, if you leave your brother in the lurch, it may weigh on your mind for a long time. But, then, you know your circumstances and relationships better than anyone. So think well about it and good luck whatever you decide.

Morbeta11:
https://punchng.com/constabulary-tarnishing-police-image-needs-separate-uniform-arase/

So our police have an image. Good to know.

mariahAngel:
Let Ogbolo go and sit down!

If others dey drag position, that one too go join? As par...

This is hate speech!

Balablue64:
You see that oha with goat meat it goes well with fufu or even igbo garri.
Anytime we kill goat in the village it's always oha season my grandma will prepare it with cold hardrock fufu, ha i missed village food.
I still had it after i traveled to the village last year.

Oha is goated. I love it. The challenge is finding someone who really knows how to prepare it.

Please flush that efo riro down the toilet thank you.

Are you unokay or you're just a bigot?

vanbonattel:
This man is sharing Abuja rice in Rivers state, northerners won't like this.

This is the structure. Probably using from the loot he stashed over 8 years and the one he's been able to squeeze from Fubara.

Ireportlive:



Amala over Akpu anytime any day
Congratulations Portable
The guy is an excellent boxer

Portable was busy at the gym training, Charles was making skit dressed like a lady.. the result was very clear

Congratulations to Charles also, he made millions tonight, and God saved him the refree cancelled round 4


.

Lol. Where was it shown? Where can one still watch it?

Totilopussylick:


Beggars gathered in numbers Infront of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Ikoyi residence not Nigerians

Oh, they're Nigerians alright.

Dogalmighty17:
She played ping pong with her mouth and ended up still saying nothing.

Everything she said makes sense.

Wisdomkosi:
Check Out Six Churches That Don’t Celebrate Christmas And Reasons

5- RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS AKA QUAKERS.
This church believes that ” every day is a holy day”, so there is no need to single out just one day to celebrate.

Source: https://9newsng.com/check-out-six-churches-that-dont-celebrate-christmas-and-reasons/

I sure agree with this one. I don't really understand special days.

Totilopussylick:


Ignorance is a disease.

The man committed suicide going by the video.

While this is a terrible idea, it ordinarily shouldn't kill. He must've had some serious underlying condition.

lexy2014:
that is not what I asked you:

1. who is the "one" that is saying?

2. who is the person that failed to understand what "they're saying" and who are the "they" that are saying?

3. what are the "verifiable facts and reasons"?

4. if "high ONE-WAY TRAFFIC means there will be many EMPTY SEATS on the return flight", will the passengers charged to cover for the empty seats sit on all the empty seats or is there any special benefit they will get for being overcharged because there are empty seats on the plane?

Bolded would only be a sensible question if you're being forced to travel. The airline has to cover its cost and those empty seats on the return flight are costs associated with flying YOU - they're happening because the airline made extra flights available to accommodate you, so you help pay for them. This is a sound business practice worldwide.

Socrates would have comprehended the response to what you asked, but I doubt you will. Ciao.

lexy2014:
who is the "one" that is saying?

who is the person that failed to understand what "they're saying" and who are the "they" that are saying?

what are the "verifiable facts and reasons"?

if "high ONE-WAY TRAFFIC means there will be many EMPTY SEATS on the return flight", will the passengers charged to cover for the empty seats sit on all the empty seats or is there any special benefit they will get for being overcharged because there are empty seats on the plane?

So the airline should absorb the loss from the empty seats and go out of business because Mr Lexy needed to do Christmas in his village?

Bolded would only be a sensible question if you're being forced to travel. The airline has to cover its cost and those empty seats on the return flight are costs associated with flying YOU - they're happening because the airline made extra flights available to accommodate you, so you help pay for them. This is a sound business practice worldwide.

Anyway, since you're the one always forming Socrates here with your questions (apt and inapt), it was good playing your game back at you.

lexy2014:
not sure they have made sense. its always difficult defending stupid things

Can one say they didn't make sense even though it's the person that failed to understand what they're saying?
Is it stupid if it's based verifiable facts and reasons?
Since high ONE-WAY TRAFFIC means there will be many EMPTY SEATS on the return flight, is it senseless for them to charge more on the going flights to cover the empty return seats?

Donwilson88:
Yet we can’t say we are proud of you!
You embraced corruption and taught others

That's his legacy. Brilliantly summarised.

naptu2:
At the end of every year the Lagos State Government is always bombarded with complaints by people that are suffering because of Quilox Night Club's parties. The nightclub building is soundproof, but they always have a 24, 36 or 58 hour party that is held outside and the noise is a big problem to residents of the area.

Worse still, guests often park their cars right in the middle of Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, which is one of the major roads on Victoria Island. I experienced the traffic jam in 2017 or 2018. In fact, guests were walking nonchalantly on the road and I almost hit one of them.

Quilox has been shut many times since 2019 because of this and their guests' cars have been towed by LASTMA, but it seems another problem is brewing this year.


Lagos State Environmental Update @moe_lagos

People are trooping into a NIGHTclub at 7AM? Nigerians must be wondering "which baba cut soap for the owner".

chokekachy:
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/653722-exclusive-alison-madueke-speaks-on-alleged-interview-about-return-to-nigeria-zamfara-governor.html?fbclid=IwAR0zEqvIHcZfZnHnSc_Fq9l7AJOvEG17ci-yN33AUyCifMB6XqcMc4Pw2Tg

Previous Thread:
https://www.nairaland.com/7947368/im-dying-cancer-allow-me

Sounded fake though. The things she said. Still, she made a mistake running away from Nigeria. All she had to do was budget N1-3b for bribery and she'd be home free. If these people'd rather leave Nigeria where they'd go free to a place where sacred cows are turned into corned beef, Nigeria must be hell.

Shellsploit:
Shorite ikeja following next!!!
Imagine paying 1 billion yearly
Hiw much come be there profit after tax?



Haba

They pay $1bn yearly? I know Lagos State is greedy but I find this hard to believe.

politicoNG:
Omoyele Sowore

Of course!

AqualinaXYZ:
Ransome won’t be free oo




Just so you know

It's probably safer than the roads though.