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 Politics › The Deceptions In 2016 Budget By Remi Oyeyemi by justurch(op): 10:15pm On Jan 21, 2016 |
IN an administration fighting against corruption, that is in need of diversification, President Muhammadu Buhari has presented a budget that would appropriate N29.7 billion to his Ministry of Agriculture in comparison to N115 billion to a “do nothing” National Assembly. Even when you add the planned appropriation for the Universal Basic Education (N77.1 billion) together with the Ministry of Agriculture (N29.1billion), the National Assembly still gulps about N15 billion more than them. What a priority!http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/2016/01/the-deceptions-in-2016-budget/ 96 Likes 21 Shares |
| Politics › Re: It’s Official! Former President Jonathan Joins Twitter, Tweets Via @gej_official by justurch(m): 11:24pm On Dec 03, 2015 |
GEJ, has touched a chord in the heart of Nigerians, by that single act of concession. He has my respect, always |
| Politics › President Buhari Plans Another Trip To South Africa by justurch(op): 9:00pm On Nov 29, 2015 |
Just saw this on my wall. I don't think PMB is listening to the cries of his people, Another Trip? How many states in Nigeria has he visited since he assumed office?
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| Politics › President Buhari's Travels Costs by justurch(op): 8:47pm On Nov 29, 2015 |
SaharaReporters has obtained information detailing the significant financial cost of trips undertaken by President Muhammadu Buhari and his entourage. The president’s trips since assuming office at the end of May, 2015 have now stretched to 14. As SaharaReporters reported two days ago, Mr. Buhari’s frequent foreign trips have drawn increasing criticism from politicians and pundits who question the wisdom of the trips at a time when several domestic crises, including a crushing fuel scarcity, incessant attacks by Boko Haram terrorists, and blackouts demand urgent and focused attention. According to financial information obtained by our investigators, an average two-day long presidential trip costs between $350K and $500K. For instance, during Mr. Buhari’s recent trip to Tehran, the capital of Iran, the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials was $105K. In addition, transportation costs stood at $45K, accommodation 200K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, with media coverage costing $10K. The breakdown for the forthcoming trip to Paris is as follows: the estacode for accompanying Presidency officials is $130K, transportation $55K, accommodation $270K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, media coverage $10K. The total cost for the trip is $495K In the course of our investigation, SaharaReporters found that President Buhari is scheduled to make an immediate trip to South Africa. In fact, the trip is planned to follow immediately from Mr. Buhari’s visit to Paris, France. The cost of the forthcoming South African trip is as follows: Estacode for accompanying Presidency officials $110K, transportation $35K, accommodation 220K, honorarium $10K, contingency 20K, and media coverage $10K, for a total of $405K A source at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) said they have a separate budget for fueling the planes as well as allowances for the presidential air fleet commander, pilots and the air stewards. The Office of the National Security Adviser funds those expenses. So, the costs uncovered by our investigators cover only personnel from Aso Rock Villa, aides, protocol officers, members of the press, security personnel, a cook, a luggage officer and a steward. The estacode did not reveal what President Buhari receives per night, as that expense is handled separately and secretly. In addition the Minister of Foreign Affairs and five members of his entourage who usually accompany President Buhari are not included in the costs as they get paid from the ministry's budget. SaharaReporters also discovered that the amounts for honorarium ($10K), contingency ($20K) and media coverage ($10K) are fixed for all trips. The State House Chief of Protocol handles honorarium and contingency while Femi Adesina, a senior assistant on media, handles $10K for “media coverage.” Critics have come down hard on President Buhari for engaging in international junkets at a time of rising disillusionment, with Nigeria mired in a crippling fuel scarcity, continuing violence by Boko Haram, and an economic downturn that has put pressures on banks and numerous businesses. Mr. Buhari has only visited four Nigerian states since coming to power. His much-anticipated visit to Lagos three days ago to launch anti-crime helicopter, boats and vehicles did not materialize, but led to a traffic meltdown. A Facebook posting by SaharaReporters calling President Buhari a “junketer-in-chief” was widely shared and elicited viral response on social media. Two sources at the Presidency told SaharaReporters that some of Mr. Buhari’s handlers were pressuring him to postpone his trip to South Africa in order to calm public anger. |
| Politics › Re: Tunde Bakare Worried That APC Govt Is Finding It Difficult To Bring "Change" by justurch(m): 8:03pm On Nov 29, 2015 |
CHAI!!!!! HOW DID WE FALL FOR THIS? WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SMARTER THAN THIS. NIGERIA WHY? 72 Likes 7 Shares |
| Politics › Re: A Third Party Memo To President Buhari-by Dele Momodu by justurch(op): 3:49pm On Nov 28, 2015 |
kurt09:who doesn't know dele Momodu? check www.thisdaylive/backpage |
| Politics › Change, The Tanzanian Way-dele Momodu by justurch(op): 3:16pm On Nov 28, 2015 |
CHANGE, THE TANZANIAN WAY-By Dele Momodu Before I’m accused of plagiarism, let me say quickly that I don’t know the author of this widely circulated story which was forwarded to me by WhatsApp. I found it too good to be true but worth sharing all the same. I pray our politicians would pick some patriotic inspiration from it: “(This is what is called change) UPDATES FROM TANZANIA POST ELECTION ACTIVITIES Last weekend they were opening parliament and there was a state dinner planned for all guests that was going to cost about 300m. President Magulufi cut the budget to 25m and ordered that the rest be taken to buy hospital beds for Muhimbili. They got 300 beds and mattresses and 600 bedsheets from that money. On 23rd Nov 2015 he announced that there will be no official ceremonies for Independence Day on 9th December, the money is to be used for more pressing issues and the day should instead be spent cleaning up our environment. On Saturday 21st Nov 2015 a group of 50 people were about to set off for a tour of commonwealth countries (don’t know for what) but President Magulufi cut that list down to 4 people, saving government 600m in tickets, accommodation and per diems. No more foreign travel, embassies will take care; if it’s necessary to go, special permission must be sought from him or Chief Secretary. No more 1st class and business class travel for all officials except President, Vice, and Prime Minister. No more workshops and seminars in expensive hotels when there are so many ministry board rooms available. President Magulufi asked how come engineers are given V8s when a pick-up is more suitable for their jobs. No more sitting allowances. How the hell are you paid allowance for a job which you have a monthly salary? That also applies to MP’s. President Magulufi has literally pressed the reset button; returning Tanzania to default factory settings, because that was the TZ Nyerere left us with. On the day after he was brought to power, in the morning as State House officials were showing him round he decided to take a walk to ministry of finance, told them to get their act together, asked why some employees weren’t in office (ever since then the traffic jam in mornings has become worse) and ordered TRA to scrap all tax exemptions, everyone must pay taxes especially the big guys President Magulufi went to Muhimbili Hospital unannounced and walked through the worst parts that they keep hiding from important visitors. He fired the director, fired the hospital board and ordered that all machines that weren’t working (so that people go to private hospitals owned by some doctors) to be repaired within 2 weeks otherwise he fires even the new director; the machines were repaired in 3 days Finally, last week when going to officially open parliament President Magulufi didn’t go by plane, drove the whole 600km from Dar to Dodoma. President Magulufi has reduced the size of the presidential convoy, even reduced the size of presidential delegation that travels with him President Magulufi chose a Prime Minister we haven’t heard of before, a guy with reputation for hard work and no corruption. All the big guys we expected could be PM have been let wondering what hit them. His motto is: Hapa Kazi Tu After President Magulufi visited ministry of finance and Muhimbii Hospital without announcing, it is said the ports, (most corrupt, delaying, thieving officials) were all of a sudden the most efficient place. No loads are missing, things are done quickly and that habit of forcing for a bribe so that your container is released is no more. Oh, they say when he was confirmed as winner people started congratulating him and wanting to bring gifts to his place he turned them back, saying he will receive all congrats over the phone, nobody should visit him. All individuals/firms that bought state companies that were privatized but haven’t done anything (20yrs later) are to either revive the industries immediately or hand them back to the government.” How I wish President Buhari and Vice-President Osinbajo will take some cue from this truly ‘change’ agent! 4 Likes |
| Politics › A Third Party Memo To President Buhari-by Dele Momodu by justurch(op): 3:09pm On Nov 28, 2015 |
Your Excellency, it’s been months since I wrote my desperate memo to you. I wish to thank you once more for reacting promptly and swiftly at that time and for giving me the honour and privilege of meeting you in your office. I remember presenting you a special compilation of my articles, especially the many admonitions to your immediate predecessor, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. After handing over the book to you, Sir, I promised to continue acting in my self-appointed capacity as Special Adviser because of the need to tell you what those very close to you might not be able to say. They might be afraid of you and your reaction. The truth is you are a plain and simple man imbued with a mission and a passion to save this great country but you cannot do it on your own. You can only do it if people close to you, who should be advising you, tell you as it is so that you can do that which you were elected to do. Sir, it is on the above basis that I’m back today for reasons some of which you probably know already from your own personal observations and readings. But before I go further, kindly permit me to set some records straight before some conspiracy specialists step forward to ascribe other people’s opinion to me. I shall clearly expose my personal views and state where I belong or stand for any avoidance of doubt. Everywhere I go people refer to me as Buhari’s man and ask “what’s your Baba doing ooo?”. I seriously have no problem with that. I’m proud that I joined so many other Nigerians as well as foreign friends in supporting a man of impeccable pedigree and solid integrity. No matter your view of President Muhammadu Buhari, one thing his bitterest enemies give to him is the fact that he is way above the level of most mortals in matters of uprightness. This is why many of us volunteered to scream your name to high heavens and we were ready to follow you to Golgotha. Many of your opponents have not gotten over the thrashing you gave them and would forever seek everything and anything to smear you with. It is therefore not surprising that there has been so much noise about what you’ve done or left undone. Whether they are right or wrong in their assessment, I feel it is right and proper to let you know what people are saying about you including your most ardent fans and supporters. Sir, please, let’s not dismiss them as mere rabble-rousers. A groundswell of public opinion can easily metamorphose into an ocean of disenchantment and cataclysmic confusion. In short, I believe your enemies are skilfully setting you up for failure in order to be able to taunt your supporters later by saying we “we told you so!” In this regard it is pertinent to always bear in mind the Yoruba saying ‘ehin kunle l’ota wa, ile ni a se ni ngbe’! Loosely translated it means “the enemy lurk outside in the backyard but your foe resides inside your house.” What is the matter this time? Many Nigerians are lamenting that the change you promised them is fast becoming a mirage. It is certainly not what they are seeing right now. They insist that your style and methodology appear too slow for a nation in dire straits and in need of urgent and miraculous deliverance. They are not happy that you are no longer the prudent man they used to know. They think you’ve already capitulated by frolicking with members of the bourgeois class and junketing around the world while Nigeria burns like Dante’s inferno. They are miffed that you are still keeping the Presidential fleet when you are supposed to have sold most of them off, if not all. They are worried that the mandate of four years they gave you is being unwittingly frittered away and before you know it all the goodwill you garnered would have evaporated and vamoosed. Time, they say, waits for no man! The economy and the free fall of the Naira have become worrisome. There are all manner of rumours that may make matters worse, if true, about the current state and status of our banks. Though the Central Bank of Nigeria has come out forcefully to dispel the dangerous rumours, they want you to unleash your economic master-plan as soon as possible, so that what was once a baseless rumour does not somehow become harsh reality. They are expecting a blue-print that would guarantee a farewell to poverty. On this I agree with the opinion that something drastic has to be conjured up to arrest this drift to perdition. Nothing amplifies this monumental tragedy than the debit card fiasco which stipulates that Nigerians cannot live in a civilised world by walking into any international hotel or shop of their choice and paying with their cards. This is terribly depressing. What this means in plain terms is that Nigerians must patronise the black market and run the risk of carrying cash recklessly whenever they travel abroad. It makes a mockery of the cashless society that the CBN has fought so hard to put in place and jeopardises your fight against corruption because government officials who travel abroad must of necessity carry large sums of cash if they are not to be embarrassed or even disgraced. Sir, the most important thing is that this is not healthy at all. The last thing your Government should be telling the world is that we are so broke that we are on our knees. The world laughs at us and treats us with derision because we have resources other than crude oil which should make us one of the richest in the world if we properly harness them. We must stop giving the impression that we are so impoverished when it is leadership, brigandage and a lack of focus that has failed us. The other matter that continues to embarrass Nigerians is the issue of Boko Haram. The matter is made worse by the fact that you are a retired army General who should know and have what it takes to drastically reduce if not exterminate the cankerworm. But rather the menace has exacerbated. It has snowballed into a seemingly unquenchable conflagration. I had argued repeatedly that the military alone cannot achieve this result. Intelligence seems to be the key word here. Also identifying and locating some of the cells and prominent sympathisers is crucial. Those who arrogantly and naively say that no form of negotiation should take place are very far from the theatre of war. They have probably not heard of a group called IRA, the Irish Republican Army, that terrorised Great Britain for God knows how many years. I and my directors at Ovation International were lucky to escape a massive explosion that shattered the peace and tranquillity of London Docklands when a bomb went off inside the South Quay light rail station which was next to our office at Beaufort Court. The battle of wits and the war of attrition had to be fought using the carrot and the stick approach. It was the carrot approach that eventually succeeded and the United Kingdom has now been rid of that hitherto interminable scourge for many years! The Boko Haram issue has defied every effort made so far and it is time to expand the options for the sake of our fellow citizens in the heart of this conundrum. When over 200 girls vanished into thin air, we were so sure they would return very soon but that has remained an illusion. This should tell us that this issue is not a joke and that we need to keep all windows open. Sir, Nigerians want to see government show a different approach and better compassion than what we had in the past. They are waiting to see how you will do this with minimum collateral damage. Sir, you have a herculean task ahead but it is not a mission impossible. Other nations are experiencing almost similar challenges and they are forging ahead. The first indicator to exhibit our seriousness is when we stop the business as usual syndrome and tighten the belts of government officials and politicians. If the idea is to continue along the path of profligacy then Nigeria is contagiously jinxed. The Republic of Tanzania has already taken the lead. I will publish a report that has already gone viral below this letter as a veritable example of what is possible. I wish you well as always Sir. |
| Politics › Re: APC Picks Yahaya Bello As Audu’s Replacement by justurch(op): 6:12am On Nov 28, 2015 |
Cc: Lalasticlala |
| Politics › APC Picks Yahaya Bello As Audu’s Replacement by justurch(op): 6:01am On Nov 28, 2015 |
SOURCE: THE NATION NEWSPAPER via SAHARA REPORTERS after extensive consultations, the All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday submitted the name of Yahaya Bello as the party’s new candidate for Kogi governorship supplementary poll. Bello replaces Prince Abubakar Audu, who died last weekend after leading the poll with 41,000. Yahaya Bello It was also learnt that the APC has retained Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as the party’s deputy governorship candidate. Mohammed Audu, the son of the late governorship candidate, was dumped by the party because the party felt that fielding him might vitiate the entire governorship poll in the state. But the people of Kogi West were mounting pressure on Faleke yesterday not to accept the nomination of Bello. Although they asked Faleke to withdraw from the race, the deputy governorship candidate was yet to make up his mind on the next step at press time. Investigation by our correspondent revealed that APC leaders, with the backing of some forces in the Presidency, opted for Bello because he came second in the party’s primaries behind Audu. It was also gathered that the APC leaders felt there was no way Mohammed Audu could be fielded as a compromise candidate since he was not a candidate in the primaries. A top source in APC said: “Our leaders met and after consultations reached a conclusion on the choice of Yahaya Bello from Kogi Central as the party’s governorship candidate to substitute the late Prince Abubakar Audu. “The leaders arrived at the conclusion because Bello was second to Audu at the validly conducted governorship primaries of the party. Instead of running into crisis with fresh primaries, the party opted to dust up the result of the previous one which was witnessed by INEC. “A letter, signed by the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on the choice of Bello has been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday.” Asked of other factors behind the choice of Bello, the top APC leader said: “Our leaders bought into the idea that Faleke is strange to the politics of the state, having had most of his political career in Lagos. They felt it is better for him to learn the ropes in the state before becoming a governor. “They also argued that the choice of Bello will ensure power shift in the state and since the Ebiras were behind Audu, it won’t be difficult to foster understanding between Kogi East and Kogi Central Senatorial Districts. “Do not forget that Kogi East had already produced the minister from the state. “Another important factor is that some of the 91 polling units where elections were cancelled are in Kogi Central, and it will be easier to mobilize the electorate in the district to get the required votes to defeat the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada. “There was also some conspiracy behind the refusal of the ticket for Faleke. Some presidency forces stamped their feet that he must not be allowed to step into Audu’s shoes because of internal power struggles in APC. “I won’t give you names but the forced were more powerful than Oyegun and other NWC members.” On the dumping of Mohammed Audu, the source said: “Our leaders were guided by Section 141 of the Electoral Act. If we choose him, the entire election will be voided. “The section says: ‘An election tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person a winner at an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all the stages of such election. “We love the Audus but we cannot take such a big risk. If Wada and PDP go to court, they will win against Mohammed Audu.” As press time, there was pressure on Faleke by the people of Kogi West to opt out of the race. A different source said: “There are many options open to Faleke but the people of Kogi West want him to withdraw from the race. If Yahaya Bello gets the ticket, he might be reduced to a dummy deputy governor. “Unless Faleke can fight his cause in court and claim his mandate, he will be frustrated as a deputy governor. If he quits, the party will have justification for bringing Mohammed Audu and Kogi West will be politically alienated.” |
| Politics › Re: Looted Funds: Fayose Attacks Buhari, Calls Him ‘liar’ by justurch(m): 6:45pm On Nov 26, 2015 |
am yet to understand why Fayose is the only PDP Governor that faces PMB squarely and bares his mind, his confidence intrigues me. |
| Jobs/Vacancies › Re: I Got A Job After 6month I Was Interviewed by justurch(m): 12:05pm On Nov 26, 2015 |
END TIME BLESSING. OK jokes apart. GO AND SUCCEED BRO. AFFLICTION SHALL NOT ARISE AGAIN IJN , AMEN |
| Business › Re: Fraudsters Dupe Traders By Buying With ‘Magic’ Money (pictured) by justurch(m): 11:56am On Nov 26, 2015 |
FORGET that gist, why doesnt it work in banks? |
| Politics › Jonathan Washes Hand Off Arms Procurement Scandal by justurch(op): 10:57am On Nov 20, 2015 |
Jonathan washes hand off arms procurement scandal-Premium Times Former President Goodluck Jonathan at a forum in Washington DC, Thursday, waded into the arms procurement scandal surrounding the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, saying his government never awarded any contract in the range of $2 billion dollars. “I did not award any $2 billion contract for procurement of weapons” Mr. Jonathan stated categorically querying, “Where did the money come from?” and repeating emphatically that “I did not award a contract of $2billion for procurement of weapons”. A presidential investigations committee into arms procurement under the administration of President Jonathan revealed in its interim report that it found extra-budgetary spending by the Jonathan administration to the tune of N643.8 billion and an additional $2.2 billion in the foreign currency component, all managed and supervised by Sambo Dasuki, a retired army colonel. Mr. Dasuki had said in a statement Wednesday that all contracts and accruing payments were made based on the approval of Mr. Jonathan, adding that due process and military procurement regulations were followed in all the transactions. “Nigerians should note that all the services generated the types of equipment needed, sourced suppliers most times and after consideration by the Office of the NSA, the President will approve application for payment,” said Mr. Dasuki. But Mr. Jonathan said he never awarded any $2billion arms contract, suggesting that the claims by the Buhari administration were false and unsubstantiated. Mr. Dasuki had also argued along that line. The former president was speaking at an event titled: “Presidential elections and democratic consolidation in Africa: Case studies on Nigeria and Tanzania”. The session was co-hosted by National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) with Mr. Jonathan as the sole speaker. Mr. Jonathan touched on the contract issue after he stated that he was aware of allegations of huge sums of money that were said to be missing from the Nigerian treasury, but he claimed that some of the figures mentioned are not believable. “Sometimes, I feel sad when people mention these figures,” he added. Speaking pointedly about his successor, President Jonathan said, “When the president (Buhari) paid official visit to the US, there were some figures that were mentioned that I don’t believe.” He drew attention to figures like the $150billion alleged to have been stolen in previous Nigerian administrations, but Mr. Jonathan scoffed at the probability of “$150 billion American money” being missing and “Americans will not know where it is,” adding that at any rate President Buhari did not accuse his administration. “He didn’t say my government, he said previous administrations… “$150 billion is not 150 billion Naira,” he stated, suggesting, “People play politics with very serious issues.” The former president was equally dismissive of people who alleged that the sum of $59.8 million was misappropriated within a 12-month period while he was in office. “In Nigeria, if you lose $59.8 million in a year, federal and state governments will not pay salaries,” he said, adding that there is no way Nigerian budget can accommodate such a loss without the country coming to a standstill. “Of course we brought international audit teams, forensic auditors and they didn’t see that,” he said. The former President said he does not want to join issues with the new government, “I wanted to keep away from the public for at least twelve months.” |
| Sports › Rivers Government Pledges $20,000 Per Goal Against Swaziland by justurch(op): 7:55pm On Nov 16, 2015 |
Rivers Government pledges $20,000 per goal against Swaziland-Premium Times The Super Eagles of Nigeria have no reason not to deliver in Tuesday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Senior National Team of Swaziland, nicknamed Sihlangu Somnikati, as they have been promised a handsome $20,000 for every goal scored in the crucial tie. The Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Kenneth Kobani, made the pledge to the Super Eagles on behalf of the state after attending their final training session on Monday. Mr. Kobani told the players that Governor Wike was away in Abuja but would be back to host the Eagles to a dinner hopefully after they would have qualified for the next stage of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. The Eagles fired blank in the reverse fixture in Lobamba last Friday but the Coach Sunday Oliseh-tutored side have now been told to wear their scoring boots for Tuesday’s second leg that will hold at the 40,000–capacity Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt. Interestingly, Swaziland team officials, especially the coach, Harries Bulunga, have been talking tough ahead of Tuesday’s game. Bulunga reiterated the position he held after the first leg in Lobamba on Friday, declaring that his team was aiming to record one of the biggest upsets in African football in recent years. “We held our own very well in the first leg and we will go for broke on Tuesday,” the coach declared. Already, FIFA has selected Namibian official, Jackson Pavaza, to handle the Nigeria, Swaziland tie. |
| Politics › Super Ministers And Other Stories, By Reuben Abati by justurch(op): 2:37pm On Nov 13, 2015 |
“Have you congratulated our new Ministers?”http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/11/super-ministers-and-other-stories-by-reuben-abati/ 23 Likes 5 Shares |
| Politics › Biafra-what Igbos Actually Need. by justurch(op): 12:36pm On Nov 13, 2015 |
I didn't want to delve into this Biafra issue, but if any body still thinks the Igbos FEEL marginalized, the person is either suffering from the side effect of a bad lobotomy attempt or he has been blind from birth.The dehumanization is obvious and can be seen in every sphere of our social existence in the country.I personally do not think violence is what we need right now, I am not just ready for chaos and destruction of what we have collectively built over the years especially for a people who had to start life from the scratch in 1970 with just 20 pounds each, but I honestly do not want Nigeria in its current structure.Something has to change.Do I really have to live in fear of being lynched in d north at the slightest provocation because I am Ibo and a christian?Do I have to spend the whole day on the road just to get from Owerri to Lagos due to unbearably bad road while other parts of country enjoy sound federal road networks?I have to come all d way to Lagos to ship in goods when a seaport can comfortably be sighted in Onitsha,I must be in Abuja or Lagos to get a visa to any where in the world, no functional international airport in the East(don't tell me about Enugu),Only the east has 5 states, some sides are talking of 7.Even in Lagos we are being threatened that we will end up in d lagoon if we don't cast our vote to specific persons, what is our crime in Lagos? they said we are boastful, if I have million dollar investments in Lagos, why will I not make noise? If can't can not love me, accept me, treat me like a human being and a Nigerian not as an unwanted Igbo man, why do you feel threatened when I sneeze?I believe in one Nigeria, but I demand a level play ground, unfortunately violence seems to be d only language Africans understand and respond to.Niger delta cried for ages, no body listened until they went to they creeks, then they got an exclusive ministry, NDDC,better resource control percentage and even a President.But the question is, Must it be by Violence ?I believe in one giant, great and fair NIGERIA. |
| Politics › Critiquing Buhari’s Ministerial Portfolio-premium Times by justurch(op): 8:00pm On Nov 12, 2015 |
By Jaafar Jaafar-Premium Times Nigeria Among those lined up for ministerial screening at the Senate in October, if there is a man I was proud of his becoming minister in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet was Adamu Adamu – being a senior professional colleague and very fine writer in whom I draw inspiration. I have shared my love for him on many occasions. But in saying the truth, I fail to see sense in elevating Adamu Adamu, a trained accountant, above a professor of Education as minister in charge of the Ministry of Education. Much as former President Goodluck Jonathan loved Barrister Nyosom Wike, he made him Minister of State for Education, below Professor Rukayyatu Ahmed Rufai – a professor of Education. That was fair. Even after sacking Professor Rufai, Jonathan still did not place Wike above Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in the ministry. Peeping through Adamu Adamu’s junior minister, Professor Anwuka’s CV, I found this dazzling pedigree: “He did his doctorate degree programme in General Curriculum, System Analysis and Social Studies at the University of Washington Seattle, USA in 1977. Prior to this, he did his Masters in Educational Administration and Planning at the University of Portland, Oregon, USA in 1975. At Fourah Bay, University of Serra Leone, (1974), he studied English Language and Literature and had Second Class (Hons) degree, Upper Division. Professor Anwuka had in August 2001, participated at the Commonwealth Vice-Chancellors Leadership Conference, Dundee Scotland UK.” According to his CV, “Professor Anthony Anwuka has worked as a Teaching Assistant, University of Washington, Seattle 1976-1977, Curriculum Resource Person/Instructor, Specialist Seattle Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (SOIC) 1977- 1978; Senior Lecturer, University of Maiduguri, 1983-1985; Reader, University of Maiduguri, 1986 1998; Curriculum Resource Person/Consultant, Nigerian National Teachers Institute, (NTI), Kaduna, 1983 -1986. “He acquired the prestigious rank of Professor of Education from former Imo State University, now Abia State University Uturu, 1989 –1993. He was one time Dean, Faculty of Education, Imo State University Owerri, 1993 – 1994 and also the Vice Chancellor of the University for 5-yrs.” I think producing Adamu Adamu’s CV here may not paint a good comparison. What I can simply say here is that Adamu is simply an Accountant and a journalist per excellence. Of this, I dare say elevating Adamu above this professor is archetypal of forcing a square peg into a round hole. I think President Buhari so far made some mistakes in cabinet appointments more than those of Jonathan. If I recall clearly, one of the issues that put Jonathan at loggerheads with some governors was appointing technocrats in favour of politicians nominated by governors. Quite rightly, Buhari has done a similar thing, though with even less technocratic texture in terms of his placements. Kayode Fayemi would have been the “round peg in a round hole” if he was posted to Ministry of Labour, just as James Ocholi or Babatunde Raji Fashola would have fit into the round hole of the Ministry of Justice. Let me reiterate here that Fashola and Ocholi are more experienced SANs than Malami. While swearing in the ministers yesterday, which is unarguably the seminal point of this administration in the last six months, President Buhari harped on two key issues “putting round pegs in round holes” and “avoiding the mistakes of the past”. “We are optimistic that bringing these set of ministers into the service of our country today, is a step in the right direction and timely move towards realising our positive goals for our country. “Since we assumed office in May, I had been mindful of the need to ensure that the appointment of new ministers translate into a ROUND PEGS IN ROUND HOLES while showing sensitivity to our diversity as a people and our various positions as groups of stakeholders of our country. (Emphasis added). “I have also been conscious of the need not to repeat such MISTAKES OF THE PAST where the right people were allocated the wrong portfolios which translated into their performing poorly to our collective detriment despite their obvious capability (emphasis added),” President Buhari said. Despite his being dilatory, mistaken by supporters as meticulousness, I must say that I didn’t see round pegs being put into round holes in many of the ministries, just as I see President Buhari “repeating mistakes of the past”. The merging of Ministries of Power and Works and Housing, in my view, may cause some operational glitch as they have very little correlation. It is like adding ewudu soup onto pizza, if you are “forced” to combine the two in one plate. They are all edible but there may be some strains while relating to them in your gut. Buhari should have left Ministry of Works independent of Ministry of Power, and then merged Ministry of Information and Ministry of Communication as obtained in the past to level the tally of the ministries he intended to have. The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing may be in dire straits as Fashola, a lawyer will be assisted by Baba Shehuri, a sociologist, as Minister of State. Technical issues regarding power/energy, design and construction needs an engineer. Jigawa nominee, Engineer Sulaiman Adamu, would have fit either as the main minister or minister of state if actually putting round pegs in round holes matters. The corollary of this decision is inefficient service delivery. Udoma Udo Udoma, being from Niger Delta would have made a good minister of Environment. He would have handled better the issues of Ogoni cleanup in Rivers State or oil spillage in Bayelsa State or gully erosion in Anambra State. But Baba, in his wisdom, thought otherwise. He believes Amina Mohammed, an aficionado in planning and connoisseur of development issues, could handle such issues better and speak the language and communicate well with pipeline vandals in the creek and the fiery environment right activists of the Niger Delta region. Well, to me Amina would have roundly fit into the Ministry of Planning and Budget hole, in view of her experience in development and planning issues at both local and international levels. Nigeria would have had a magnet that will attract UN’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the country. Again, Buhari should have appointed Heineken Lokpobiri from Bayelsa State to be Amina Mohammed’s deputy in the ministry, not Ibrahim Usman Jibril from Nasarawa State. If really there is a minister that fits into the Ministry of FCT hole, it is Usman Jibril, being a distinguished land administrator and expert in “orthophoto mapping, geographic information service and urban planning and urban renewal”. Kayode Fayemi’s posting is another misapplication of peg. President Buhari should have thanked God that among the people he considered for ministerial appointment, there was a labour unionist, who could speak the unionists’ language and be respected among the labour leaders. Buhari, in his queer wisdom, thought Chris Ngige could do better. The shoes of Ministry of Interior may pinch General Abdulrahman Dambazau a bit as that of the Ministry of Defense may have suited him comfortably. As someone who had a distinguished career in the military and reached its pinnacle, taking him to deal with paramilitary issues is, in my view, not the best decision. Even issues of Boko Haram terrorism, Dambazau will speak and negotiate issues of arm purchase and military aid with the West better than Dan’Ali. However, the president did not state where Culture and Tourism is merged into, as Solomon Dalong’s portfolio only indicates Ministry of Youths and Sports. I believe this will be sorted out later. Some ministers like Kemi Adesun, Audu Ogbeh, Lai Mohammed, Zainab Ahmed and a few others really fit into the hole they have been placed, while majority of others were only forced into holes for political expediencies or other reasons best known to the president. By and large, with a sense of sincerity, Buhari’s allocation of portfolios to his ministers may be what the Hausa term as “gamin gambiza” or what the Yoruba call “orisirisi” or what the Igbo call “nwonwo” – all outside the culinary semantics |
| Politics › Re: CCT- Nass Fights Back by justurch(op): 9:01pm On Nov 10, 2015 |
Demmocrats:kindly find attached, I still quoted the source for you, check the first sentence
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| Politics › CCT- Nass Fights Back by justurch(op): 8:53pm On Nov 10, 2015 |
Reps receive petition against CCT Chairman-PM News The petition was presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Army, Rep. Shawulu Kwewum (Taraba-PDP) on behalf of Anti-Corruption Network, a civil society organisation. Submitting the document, Kwewum alleged that former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Mohammed Adoke, had recommended that two persons were to be arrested and investigated for alleged corruption. He stated that in compliance with Adoke’s recommendation, one Ali Abdullahi was arrested and prosecuted but the other person, who is the current chairman of the CCT, was not. “The petitioner is now seeking the house to wade into the matter with a view to seeing that the second person, Danladi is immediately arrested. “He should be made to face the law in compliance with the recommendations of the former attorney-general of the federation and minister of justice,” he stated. According to the petition, part of the allegations levelled against the CCT chairman, include misappropriation of N1 million for his wedding and misappropriation of N4.2 million for external light bulbs. He was equally accused of fictitious contract for the supply of office furniture and fittings in the sum of N11.4 million, among other allegations. The Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, directed that the petition be laid before the house. Dogara ruled that the House Committee on Public Petition should take charge of the matter “for further legislative action |
| Crime › Watch Out For Bvn Fraudsters-my Story by justurch(op): 11:33pm On Nov 05, 2015 |
It happened to me last week Saturday (31-10-15) while on the ATM queue at GT BANK AUCHI, the guy didn't succeed, not because I was smart, but because God made sure I didn't have airtime on my phone that day. A nice looking and well dressed young man walked up to me as I was waiting for my turn on the ATM and begged me to allow him use my phone to make a call. I declined principally because I didn't have enough airtime on my phone that day. I was actually a bit bothered as to why such a well dressed guy couldn't afford even #20 to make a call at a phone boot, but I quickly discarded the thought, collected my money and left. I never took it to be anything till I saw the post below as someone shared it on Facebook, then I actually became grateful to God for that salvation, actually they just paid our October salary the previous day. Please read Please never you for any reason give out your phone to any person. It's noticed that fraudsters collect your phone type these characters *565*0# and your BVN will appear and they use it to withdraw from your account electronically. Notify your friends and relations. People have lost huge sum from this act. |
| Politics › Fayose Replies President Buhari-vanguard by justurch(op): 6:07pm On Nov 02, 2015 |
The statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, warning Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose to stop speaking on the running of the economy by the federal government has been described as a demonstration of military dictatorship mentality. Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Monday, said it was sad that the presidency could be warning a Nigerian, who is heading one of the country’s federating units on what to say and what not to say. Olayinka, who said he was sure that Garba Shehu must have spoken for himself, and not President Mohammadu Buhari, added that “Governor Fayose will continue to say the truth in interest Nigeria and its people because the Governor is not one of those that will go underground because of political persecution.” He maintained that the country’s economy was in serious recession, adding that; “the president himself attested to this when he said that the country was broke and this has also been corroborated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group financial report, indicating that the corporation incurred a total loss of N120.07bn in the months of August and September. “JP Morgan is also removing Nigeria from its Emerging Market Bond Index, a move analysts say would have far reaching implications for the country’s dwindling economy as investors could move their funds to competing countries, resulting in higher lending rates. “It is therefore a sad reminder of the military era that in a democracy, under a federation in which all federating units enjoy some degree of autonomy, the Presidency is warning a State Governor on what to say and what not to say. “Top functionaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including State Governors criticised the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, the Presidency did not go about warning them. “Certainly, these people working with the President need to be purged of Acquired Immune Military Dictatorship Syndrome (AIMDS), even as they must be told that Governor Fayose won’t stop speaking his mind and exposing their hypocrisy in the overall interest of Nigeria and its people.” Speaking further, the governor’s aide said “Nigerians are desirous of the change promised by the APC led federal government, but as it stands, no clear direction yet. “Rather than engage credible Nigerians to help in the revive of the ailing economy, what we have seen from the APC Presidency is appointment of their cronies and political robbers as well as harassment of perceived political opponents with anti corruption agencies and men of the Department of State Security.” He said it was not in the interest of the President for his aides to take on Governor Fayose, adding that; “leaving issues and attacking Fayose is like hitting ones head on the rock.” 1 Like |
| Politics › Okorocha Puts Imo In Chains- Shaka Momodu.thisday Newspaper by justurch(op): 9:44pm On Oct 31, 2015 |
There is this man with a deceptive appearance from the South-east, Imo State to be precise, who pretends he has what it takes to be the president of Nigeria. In his convoluted and banal imagination, he believes he is the best thing to have come out of the South-east. His snow-white teeth and seductive smile were put to good use in the 2011 governorship election which he won. He won not necessarily because he was the best of a bad lot, but more because the people got carried away with the freshness of his candidacy and maybe his charming smile. I dare say his pledge or should I say - message that he would fix Imo didn’t quite resonate with the voters as much as his cheerful beaming face. In the process, the people either glossed over his shortcomings, or forgot to interrogate his background, acclaimed business successes and his spectacular failure as a presidential aspirant. When the people fail to look deep beneath the veil of make-believe; when they allow momentary emotion and media hysteria to becloud their sense of judgment; when they see the truth and embrace well packaged falsehood; they usually pay a price - and for Rochas Okorocha’s Imo, it has been a huge one. Owelle Okorocha’s first term appears to have been a curse rather than a blessing. His re-election means the people of Imo State will have to endure another four harrowing years of the same non-performance, wastefulness and the elevation of the merry-go-round of inanities to statecraft - which the man with snow-white teeth has come to personify. Before now, he could even pretend some deference to the people. Unfortunately for them, he is now emboldened to be more reckless and wasteful than ever before since he feels he is no longer eligible to seek another term in office as governor and as such, he is no longer beholden to the people. That is the nature of politics in this part of the world – politicians appear to prefer to be remembered for their vain indulgences to enduring legacies of peace and economic growth that usher in prosperity for the greatest number. And it is precisely why Nigeria is languishing at the very bottom of the development ladder vis-a-vis other nations. In a rather outlandish move that has confounded many, the governor has embarked on a futile and wasteful exercise of running adverts on Cable News Network (CNN) presumably to showcase the economic potential of his state. A state that is staring bankruptcy in the face; a state that cannot pay workers’ salaries; a state that lacks basic infrastructure is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to advertise on CNN? To advertise what? Owerri, the capital of Imo State is in a sorry state, with no good roads, no public water supply, and no standard health infrastructure. The problems are further compounded by poor sanitary conditions. These harsh realities provide a cautionary tale for any foreign investor. Now, if I may ask, is this the place Okorocha is wasting taxpayers’ money on frivolous foreign trips calling on foreigners to come and invest in? Is it not an irony that a governor who is showcasing the potential of the state he superintends to the global community — a state which has been in the doldrums for many years — cannot harness the very same potential he chest-thumps to revive the state, and create an atmosphere conducive to foreign investments to complement the efforts of his government? Anyone who has been to Owerri recently would find it hard to reconcile the promises he made in 2011 and the revenues that have accrued to the state’s coffers, with what is on ground. It is a tragedy of unimaginable proportions that instead of moving the state forward, Okorocha has engaged the reverse gear. How can one explain that five months after his re-election, Owelle is yet to constitute the state executive council? He has become an absentee governor practically leaving the day to day running of the state in the hands of his relatives. How can a leader be so unmindful of the precarious financial situation of his state to the extent he flew a 100-man delegation to Turkey to showcase business and investment opportunities in his state less than a year after he first flew a similar number to the same country for the same reason? And the binge was at the taxpayer’s great expense. One is tempted to call for a psychiatric examination of the governor because clearly, something is wrong with a chief executive who wouldn’t construct roads, and who begs for a bailout to pay workers’ salaries – only to go on a wild spending binge abroad with scarce foreign exchange in the name of attracting foreign investors to his state. It is almost unbelievable the level of decay and rot that confronts anyone who visits Owerri. The roads passing right in front of the Government House gate, leading to the State Police Command and the Department of State Security (DSS) front gates are impassable. Likewise all the roads within the Works Layout (Madonna Schools, FMC to Okigwe road, Police Command to Alvan Nursery School, IMSU roundabout to Works Layout). Chukwma Nwoha road, Ihechuwa street, World Bank road, Egbeada Housing road, Orji road, Nwafor street leading to Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s residence, Trance Egbu road, Amakohia roundabout, Okigwe road roundabout and many more within the metropolis and beyond are in such bad condition that you are left wondering whether there is governance in the state or a vacuum has yet to be filled. But unfortunately, there is a governor who is wasting taxpayers’ money chasing imaginary foreign investors. The people of Imo State should ask Okorocha about the state of the roads he drove on in Turkey, and he should make a comparison with what obtains in Imo. I am sure his Turkish hosts must have been stunned beyond belief at the size of the so-called delegation, beginning from the embassy right here in Nigeria, which must have had a Herculean task, processing visas for 100 people in one fell swoop. I am sure they must have shaken their heads several times in pity for this nation, wondering what drives the black man, especially Nigerian leaders. I would imagine they were greeted with jeers and snide remarks as a result of the sheer waste of resources in pursuit of the illusive foreign investors. I would think they advised Okorocha to rehabilitate the state’s infrastructure, and that investors would come either from Turkey or elsewhere, when the environment is conducive. When I read the governor’s media aide, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo’s statement, gleefully announcing the trip in September, I could feel some zest and a conniving immodesty in it. He was even exhorting the people to pray for the entourage, saying the trip which was in line with the ‘Industry, Industry, Industry; Factory, Factory, Factory; Job, Job, Job’ policy of the governor’s second tenure would lead to a replication of similar policy of free education in the state. The tragic irony of the state’s financial situation was not lost on me and I dare say others, who have watched with horror and trepidation, the state’s dramatic slide into bankruptcy. According to Onwuemeodo: “The Rescue Mission Government in the state wishes to inform the general public that more than 100 indigenes of the state have left for Turkey on industrial trip at the instance of the Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the government. Those on the trip are mainly industrialists who are indigenes of the state, and few other personalities including selected media practitioners and businessmen. The industrialists who constitute the bulk of the contingent are men and women whose vocations have been in various aspects of industrialisation including agro-based ventures.” Is it not an irony that after four years in the saddle, the strap-line of his second term in office is “Rescue Mission Government”? But what is very clear to all right thinking people of good faith, except to Okorocha and a few of his aides is that, the people of Imo State actually need an urgent rescue mission from both his strangulating firm grip on the state’s finances and his poor leadership. I will not be surprised if in the next few months we start seeing goods bearing labels such as Made-in-Turkey/Imo launched in a lavish ceremony as evidence of the dividends of Okorocha’s Turkish odyssey. Just like his recent trip to the United States of America yielded massive billboards of himself shaking hands with President Barack Obama and positioned at strategic locations all over the state capital. If I may ask, what was the rationale behind such a raw display of inanity? Not for nothing I called for a psychiatric examination of some of our governors. This is a man who still nurses the ambition to govern Nigeria someday. May God forbid! It is noteworthy that Okorocha embarked on this second trip just weeks after collecting the state’s bailout of about N26 billion from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This is a state that still owes workers several months’ salary arrears. The pensioners are also being owed up to 29 months of their pension while their gratuities have been unpaid for years. Okorocha recently applied to be allowed to borrow another N20 billion from the banks. It is a shame that Okorocha has largely succeeded in “changing” the fortunes of Imo people from bad to worse. Former Governor Ikedia Ohakim left Imo in very bad shape no doubt, but it appears Okorocha is eager to outdo and outclass Ohakim in his morbid delinquency and mismanagement of public resources. It appears campaign promises mean nothing. After an election has been won, the darkest part of our human instincts - peculiar to our race more so, to Nigerian leaders suddenly and inexplicably kick in, propelling their wild propensity for vain pursuits and self-glorification of their vanities. This is because it is only in Nigeria that money meant for the construction of roads, provision of safe water, and building of hospitals is stolen and diverted into private pursuits without consequences - typified by Babatunde Fashola’s N78.3 million personal website upgrade with taxpayers’ money. It is only in Nigeria that a public officer brazenly mismanages public money and runs to court to procure immunity from pliant Judges, who have desecrated the temple of justice, and turned it into a casino centre - from being called to account. Recall the Peter Odili and Rabiu Kwakwanso’s infamous court injunctions from being arrested or prosecuted. It has lately become the trend in political circles for crooks who tragically have mastered the art of stealing, wining and having the last laugh over society. They even scoff at our moral outrage by putting themselves forward for public office with the now familiar refrain, “all the accusations are mere allegations”, irrespective of how self-evident and weighty the alleged crimes are. As Imo State continues to bleed under the Owelle’s chains of misery wrapped firmly around its neck and the abyss within shouting distance, Okorocha continues to thank his luck and swelling fortune at the expense of his people. |
| Business › Find Out How To Check Your Bank Verification Number (bvn) Before The Deadline by justurch(op): 1:57pm On Oct 25, 2015 |
A Useful Tip To Recall Your Bank Verification Number (BVN): To know your BVN, dial *565*0# on the GSM line you used in registering the BVN and wait for some seconds....lo, your BVN will appear. If this experiment does not yield this result for you, you are advised to quickly visit your bank for a fresh registration. Lest the October 2015 deadline for BVN compliance catch you on the wrong foot. And Do Please Remember to share this with others. |
| Christianity Etc › Re: The Nonsense Of Spiritual Husbands, Wives And Children: Do They Exist? by justurch(m): 11:07am On Oct 25, 2015 |
the only thing that the so called spiritual husbands and wives do is to have sex with u abi? why won't they wash ur clothes, take u to shopping and do other stuffs that spouses do. our problem is our mindset. fill ur mind with all these rubbish videos and pictures around today and tell me y u won't have spiritual spouses. did u also have a dream where they paid or u paid their bride price. change ur mindset and some nonsense will naturally leave u alone 4 Likes 2 Shares |
| Politics › Re: Don't Go To Sleep Hoping That Buhari Will Solve All Your Problems - Bishop Kukah by justurch(m): 6:39pm On Oct 20, 2015 |
for discerning minds, some APC bigots will twist the story now, just wait for their comments |
| Politics › Re: Breaking; Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kanu Arrested by justurch(m): 10:37am On Oct 18, 2015 |
OZAOEKPE:EMALE! |
| TV/Movies › Re: Watch More Comedy Skits By A Nairalander by justurch(m): 10:27pm On Oct 10, 2015 |
to say that I laughed is an understatement, tears streamed as I laughed uncontrollably, your works are tight. I watched them, all of them. KEEP IT UP BRO. 1 Like 2 Shares |
| Politics › Re: Chelsea Sack Manager, Jose Mourinho by justurch(m): 10:27am On Oct 04, 2015 |
chukkiephil:lies |
| Politics › Re: Chelsea Sack Manager, Jose Mourinho by justurch(m): 10:27am On Oct 04, 2015 |
U will do well as an APC member.
when a lie detector lies |
| Christianity Etc › Re: Pope US Visit Proves Nigerian Pastors Wrong!!! by justurch(m): 10:05am On Oct 04, 2015 |
paris10:IGNORANCE SPEAKING |
