₦airaland Forum

First Class in Medicine from ABU is not an easy task.My Respect!
Modified: whether he is the best graduating student or graduated with 1st Class. All I know is that its not easy to graduate from ABU as the best student with the highest score.

Who exactly are the Fulani? Where did they come from? What is their story and what is their history? What is their purpose and what are their intentions for the rest of Nigeria?
Futa Jalon is an area made up of beautiful plateaus and breathtaking mountains which is situated in modern-day Guinea. It is a confluence that is known as the “bitter waters” and it is the location of the Vulture mountain where, up until today, thousands of vultures gather. It is also the source of no less than five major African rivers including our very own River Niger.

The people that live in that area are known as the Futa Jalons and it is from that ethnic stock that the Fulanis evolved. From there they migrated to other parts of West Africa and settled down in what was originally known as Sakkwato but what is now referred to as Sokoto in northern Nigeria.
The Fulanis were actually the product of a beautiful racial mix and generations of cross-breeding between the Arab-like and nomadic north African Berbers and Tuaregs on the one hand and the local black indigenous Fula population of Futa Jalon on the other.

That explains their unusually light complexion, their well-chiseled and refined visage, their height, their unusually slight frame, the soft texture of their hair and their essentially non-negroid features. If the truth be told, generally speaking, they are a physically attractive people. In terms of temperament they are proud, patient, calculating, subtle, courageous and they have very long memories.
They are capable of masking their thoughts and emotions very well but they will never forget a sleight. Most importantly, unlike most, they are capable of recognizing a common group cause and consequently they are in a better position to further the political and economic interests of their people more than any others. To the Fulani, what is most important is the interest of his people and their collective cause than anything else.

It is interesting to note that the Tutsis of Central and East Africa come from the same racial root as them and they share similar physical features and characteristics. They are also both essentially nomadic in nature and traditionally they both have an intense fascination and interest in cattle and cattle-rearing. As a matter of fact, the old-fashioned way of establishing a Fulani man’s wealth is to find out how many cows he owns. The more cows he owns the richer he is considered to be.
It was after their mass migration to our shores and after they successfully infiltrated the Hausa kingdom of Gobir that Sheik Usman Dan Fodio, the father of the Fulani Caliphate, unleashed his violent and very bloody jihad, established the various emirates and conquered much of what is now known as northern Nigeria in the name of his Islamic faith.


The interesting words from the most revered, prominent and powerful Fulani leader in the history of modern Nigeria. Sir Ahmadu Bello,the Saurduna of Sokoto:

“THE new nation called Nigeria should be an estate of our great grandfather Uthman Dan Fodio. We must ruthlessly prevent a change of power. We use the minorities in the North as willing tools and the South as a conquered territory and never allow them to rule over us and never allow them to have control over their future”- Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Saurdana of the Sokoto Caliphate and Premier of Northern Nigeria, Parrot Newspaper, 12th October, 1960, recalled by Tribune, 13th November, 2002.

http://sunnewsonline.com/the-sons-of-futa-jalon-1/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released Babachir Lawal, former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).
Lawal, who has been in EFCC custody since Wednesday, was released on bail on Friday evening.
President Muhammadu Buhari sacked him after he was indicted for sharp practices in issues involving internally displaced persons in the north-east.
He was accused of using his company Rholavision Engineering Ltd to corner a N200 million contract for the clearing of evasive plant species in Yobe.
His arrest happened barely 24 hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote a strongly-worded letter to Buhari, accusing him of condoning corrupt practices among his allies.
This prompted speculations that Lawal was detained because of Obasanjo’s letter.
But the EFCC denied such claim, saying it had nothing to do with Obasanjo’s letter and that both incidents were coincidental.
Sami Ammadin, acting spokesman of the commission, also said Lawal was assisting the commission in its investigation.

https://www.thecable.ng/breaking-efcc-releases-babachir-lawal

http://dailypost.ng/2018/01/26/breaking-efcc-releases-former-sgf-babachir-lawal/

Mynd44, pls make sure you research properly before you term a news false.
you closed this news on nairaland claiming its false. whereas its not.
https://www.nairaland.com/4306268/nigeria-most-dangerous-country-earth.
Is thisday news a fake news outlet?


Read again:
The United States is now declaring that Nigeria is the most dangerous country on earth to be a Christian.
United States House of Representatives has said that Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world. In this connection Christopher Smith Chairman of US House of Representatives’ Sub-committee on Africa, Global Health, Human Rights and International Organization made the statement after the former President Goodluck Jonathan made a presentation to the Sub-Committee on the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria.
Christopher Smith stated: “My subcommittee has broadly investigated the crises facing Christians in Nigeria today. My staff director, Greg Simpkins and I have made several visits to Nigeria, speaking with Christians and Muslim religious leaders across the country and visiting fire-bombed churches, such as in Jos.”
While making the declaration, he said: “Unfortunately, Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world and impunity for those responsible for the killing of Christians seem to be widespread.”
At the same time, sub-committee appreciated the efforts of former Nigerian President as he had established the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, stating: “Your timely concession after your electoral loss in 2015, demonstrates a commitment to democracy and the stability of your nation, which was acknowledged by current President Muhammadu Buhari.”
United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCRIF) in its annual report on Nigeria stated: “Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria continued to be troubling during the reporting period. While the Nigerian military successfully recaptured territory


https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/02/04/nigeria-cited-most-dangerous-place-for-christians-in-the-world-says-us-congress/

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, Nasarawa State chapter has berated former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his statement on the state of the nation.

Obasanjo, who lambasted President Muhammadu Buhari over his gross incompetent to superintend over the affairs of the country, had advised the president against seeking re-election in 2019.

Reacting, MACBAN urged Buhari to ignore the advice of the former President, stressing that Obasanjo was out to replace Buhari with his “cronies.”

Addressing journalists yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, State Chairman of MACBAN, Muhammed Hussaini said Obasanjo had always wanted to control a sitting president.

Hussaini noted that when the former president was unable to control Buhari, he opted to turn against him.

According to Hussaini, “Obasanjo wants to install one of his cronies to be the next President of Nigeria; someone he will be controlling from his bedroom.

“Obasanjo brought Jonathan alongside late President Umaru Yar’adua with the intention to remote-control them and after the demise of Yar’adua, Jonathan defied Obasanjo’s unnecessary interference in his government and he turned against him.”


http://dailypost.ng/2018/01/25/obasanjos-statement-miyetti-allah-reacts-reveals-ex-president-wants/

The House of Representatives has fixed the order in election to offices in the country, putting that of office of the President as last in any general elections.

This came as House considered and approved report of its Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters, on a Bill to further amend the Electoral Act of 2010 on Tuesday.

The House in the approval substituted the content of provisions of section 25 of the extant Act, to put the elections in the following order; National Assembly, State Assembly/ Governorship elections, and Presidential election.

INEC recently released timetable for the 2019 general elections, scheduling the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, 16th February, while the Governorship and State Assembly/Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council elections were fixed for Saturday, 2nd March 2019.

The House also  altered section 87(11a) of the extant Act, to outline sequence for the conduct of political parties’ primaries in the order of; (i) State House of Assembly, (ii), National Assembly, (iii) Governorship, and (iv) President, and continuing on (b) that dates for the primaries “shall not be earlier than 120 days and not later than 90 days before the date of elections to the offices.

It introduced a new section 143 has also been introduced to the Act, to give protection to office occupants whose elections may be nullified owing to the process of the primary election that brought them on board.

“Where the nomination of an elected candidate is nullified by the court and notice of appeal against the decision is given within the stipulated period for appeal, the elected candidate shall, not withstanding the contrary decision of the court remain in the office pending the determination of the appeal. If the court determines that the candidate was not validly nominated, the elected candidate, shall not withstanding the contrary decision of the court remain in office within the period an appeal may be filed; and shall not be sanctioned for the benefits he derived while in office pursuant to this section”, the new section 143 read.

There also provision that where a nominated candidate of a political party dies before, or withdraws from the race, his/her political party shall, within seven days, conduct a fresh primary to replace such a candidate.


https://www.channelstv.com/2018/01/23/2019-elections-reps-vote-to-amend-electoral-act/

The United States is now declaring that Nigeria is the most dangerous country on earth to be a Christian.

United States House of Representatives has said that Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world. In this connection Christopher Smith Chairman of US House of Representatives’ Sub-committee on Africa, Global Health, Human Rights and International Organization made the statement after the former President Goodluck Jonathan made a presentation to the Sub-Committee on the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria.

Christopher Smith stated: “My subcommittee has broadly investigated the crises facing Christians in Nigeria today. My staff director, Greg Simpkins and I have made several visits to Nigeria, speaking with Christians and Muslim religious leaders across the country and visiting fire-bombed churches, such as in Jos.”

While making the declaration, he said: “Unfortunately, Nigeria has been cited as the most dangerous place for Christians in the world and impunity for those responsible for the killing of Christians seem to be widespread.”

At the same time, sub-committee appreciated the efforts of former Nigerian President as he had established the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, stating: “Your timely concession after your electoral loss in 2015, demonstrates a commitment to democracy and the stability of your nation, which was acknowledged by current President Muhammadu Buhari.”

United States Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCRIF) in its annual report on Nigeria stated: “Religious freedom conditions in Nigeria continued to be troubling during the reporting period. While the Nigerian military successfully recaptured territory

ODIGIE-OYEGUN…IN A MATTER OF MONTHS, DITCHED HIS SPONSORS AND WAS SOON FOUND IN THE GROUP KNOWN AS ‘BUHARISTS’, WHOSE PURPOSE WAS TO WHITTLE DOWN THE INFLUENCE OF TINUBU AND MAKE HIM LESS RELEVANT IN THE PARTY


As Tinubu’s loyalists insist party chair must go
Oyegun’s home supporters vow to resist move.

As the ruling All Progressives Congress reads unsure regarding the date of its National Convention, some strong forces within the party have perfected plans to ease out the party Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, accusing him of playing Judas to those who put him there.
Competent sources within the party, who disclosed this to The Point at the weekend, said the immediate past governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, was now being seriously considered to take over as the next National Chairman of the APC.

Oshiomhole, sources said, had never wavered in his loyalty to “the caucus” that assisted his political career; “which is why he didn’t get a ministerial appointment last year, when his name was initially shortlisted for appointment in a light Federal cabinet
reshuffle.”

The APC was widely expected to hold its convention last year, but this did not happen, owing to what inside sources described as the determination of some aggrieved party stakeholders to get rid of the Odigie-Oyegun team and have his Central Working Committee dissolved.

However, the party is now under pressure to hold its convention any moment hence, as the four-year tenure of Odigie-Oyegun lapses on June 14, this year, with a clear indication that the APC convention must hold on that date or is held before it.
Whichever way, forces loyal to the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, are said to be all out to see that the Odigie-Oyegun team is dissolved, being one of the conditions reportedly put before President Muhammadu Buhari by the Tinubu team, as a way of reconciling aggrieved interests and moving the party forward.


ODIGIE-OYEGUN’S ‘MANY SINS’

A close aide to Tinubu, who craved anonymity, lamented over what he called the open play of Judas by those highly trusted by the APC leader, accusing Odigie-Oyegun of particularly giving Tinubu “a world-class shocker.”

He recalled, “Oyegun, being a former governor (of Edo State) and someone seen as decent and straight-forward, was put forward by the Tinubu team to checkmate the aspiration of Chief Tom Ikime, four years ago.
“In a matter of months, he ditched his sponsors and was soon found in the group of those known as ‘Buharists’, whose purpose was to whittle down the influence of Tinubu and make him less relevant in the party.

“And those to be found in this group then include Kayode Fayemi (Mines and Steel Development Minister), Babatunde Fashola (Works, Power and Housing Minister), Governor Ibikunle Amosun (of Ogun State) and Governor Nasir el-Rufai (of Kaduna State), among others.”

The source said Odigie-Oyegun had openly embarrassed Tinubu in his handling of the Kogi State governorship logjam, following the sudden death of the party’s candidate, Audu Abubakar, midway into the election.
While the Tinubu team favoured Abubakar’s running mate, James Faleke, to inherit the party’s victory at the poll, Odigie-Oyegun reportedly rooted for Yahaya Bello, the man who came second at the party’s primary election. Bello eventually became the governor.

Besides, the source said the Tinubu team was sorely embarrassed at what the party’s national chairman did during the governorship race in Ondo State, when he submitted the name of the present governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, to the Independent National Electoral Commission, at a time an in-house probe panel recommended the cancellation of the party’s
primary.
At the period, the then party National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, had openly berated Odigie-Oyegun, asking him to resign his position and subsequently warning that the party would eventually break up “with Oyegun’s divisive leadership style.”


HOW PARTY CHAIR RAN TO BUHARI

More sources within the party also revealed that the APC would have held its convention long before now but for the rancour bearing on the determination of certain highly influential party members to sack Odigie-Oyegun.

However, the party had, last year, made moves to hold a midterm non-elective convention; it was stymied, as the party national chairman had reportedly got wind of a plot by the party’s stakeholders, many of who are in its Board of Trustees, to pass a vote of no confidence on him and thus get him disgraced out of office.

He reportedly ran to President Buhari, who called aggrieved party leaders, who included Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande, a former party chairman, to a closed-door meeting, where they were said to have been urged to sheathe their swords, as the President himself would “do the needful.”

This, it was learnt, resulted in the subsequent public shows of camaraderie between Buhari and Tinubu, which even calibrated in Tinubu accompanying the President to international events.

However, while the rapprochement lasted, a reportedly worried President Buhari is believed not to be keen any longer about retaining Odigie-Oyegun as party chairman, due to what sources now describe as “possible backlash on his 2019 second term
aspiration.”

“The President is stranger to the extent of rancour and animosity in the party, as he is more interested in the place where the crowd of supporters is more in number and the influence is greater,” a party source, who pleaded not to be named, intoned.

On the embarrassing delay in holding the APC convention too, there seems to be a glimmer of hope that the party would soon convene it. Already, the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, and other less influential parties, have held theirs. Reacting to the touchy issue, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, said, though the delay (in holding the convention) might not look good, it was all in the interest of the
party.

Promising that the convention “will soon hold”, he, however, debunked speculations that the APC NWC had violated constitutional provisions by skipping what was considered a mandatory convention, last year. “We will hold our convention this year. We know the delay doesn’t look good on us, but it was in the best interest of our party,” he pleaded.

ODIGIE-OYEGUN, OSHIOMHOLE’S SUPPORTERS AT WAR

In Edo State, where Odigie-Oyegun hails from, party chieftains loyal to him and those in support of Oshiomhole are said to be at loggerheads, as what is considered as ensuing reign of mutual suspicion between the two politicians is now being localised.
Speaking with our correspondent, a die-hard supporter of Odigie-Oyegun, Hon. Soni Idahagbon, said, “All their evil plans to remove Oyegun will
surely fail.”

Idahagbon, a former chairman of the Agency Against Pipeline Vandalisation in Edo State, said he and others close to Odigie-Oyegun were “very much aware of moves by former Governor Oshiomhole to remove Oyegun as APC national chairman, and take over his job.”
He alleged that Oshiomhole had been sponsoring all sorts of protests against the APC national chairman, “of which we, his (Odigie-Oyegun’s) loyalists are fully aware.”

Idahagbon defended his principal against the accusation of divisive tendencies, saying the APC national chairman had always stood for the truth and that, “those who cut corners are not comfortable with him.”

He also sensed that it was an attempt by Oshiomhole’s Auchi ethnic stock to take the slot from the Benin people (often referred to as Binis). He said, “The Binis will stand out to protect him (Odigie-Oyegun) and the interest of the Bini race.”
“This is the Oshiomhole we, the Binis, stood for to succeed. With all his character, Pius Odubu, his deputy while as governor, played the mugun (the pliable) with him, just for him to sail through. Now, he is looking for our trouble; we will give to him when the time comes,” Idahagbon vowed.

But in a swift reaction, one of Oshiomhole’s close aides, Comrade John Akhigbe, sneered at the Odigie-Oyegun camp, saying the former was not after the latter’s job.
Akhigbe, a former Executive Director on Protocol Matters to Oshiomhole, said there was no truth in the allegation that Oshiomhole was sponsoring protests against Odigie-Oyegun with the goal of snatching his job.
Akhigbe said those behind the allegation were the ones sowing the seed of discord between Oshiomhole and Odigie-
Oyegun.

He said, “Oshiomhole has never told any of us, who are his followers, that he is interested in the national chairmanship of our party. These same people bearing the rumour now, are the people flying another rumour that Oshiomhole wants to contest for Senate.
“First, he is a citizen of Nigeria; he is free to contest for any position. But as for this moment, the Comrade (Oshiomhole) has not informed any one of us of his next move. All he told us is that, he is enjoying his private life now.”

http://www.thepointng.com/apc-chairmanship-oshiomhole-may-replace-odigie-oyegun/

1) Dan Alli (minister of defence),

2) Dambazzau (Internal affairs)

3) Lawal Daura (DSS),

4) Magu (EFCC),

5) Buratai (Army Chief),

6) Idris (Police IGP),

7) Abubakar (Nig. Intelligence Agency),

Malami (Attorney General),

9) Mongunu National Security Adviser).

10) Mohammadu Buhari (President)

11) ABBA Kyari (Buhari’s Chief of Staff

CDS and Chief of Naval staff are their messengers.

Association of Northern Family re-union of Nigeria

1) Dan Alli (minister of defence),

2) Dambazzau (Internal affairs)

3) Lawal Daura (DSS),

4) Magu (EFCC),

5) Buratai (Army Chief),

6) Idris (Police IGP),

7) Abubakar (Nig. Intelligence Agency),

Malami (Attorney General),

9) Mongunu National Security Adviser).

10) Mohammadu Buhari (President)

11) ABBA Kyari (Buhari’s Chief of Staff).

CDS and Chief of Naval staff are their messengers.

A Family re-union Meeting.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Kaduna Wing has called off the indefinite strike action embarked upon.
This was disclosed at an ongoing emergency meeting.
Details shortly

https://leadership.ng/2018/01/18/breaking-kaduna-nut-calls-off-strike/

WATCHING AND WAITING TILL THEY FINISH US ALL? No time bro!

He speaks like Prophet Elijah. Thank God we still have a man of God who will look into the eyes of a wicked king and speak the truth to him.

What do you consider as the chances of the President to get the mandate of Nigerians to continue in office after the general elections next year especially as reports indicate that he may have actually begun the move for a second term?

We are not against the President seeking re-election as a Nigerian like other Nigerians who meet the laid down rules and regulations and the constitutional provisions of who can contest for the highest position in the land. The President is free to re-contest. It is left for Nigerians to decide whether the President has met their aspirations based on what was on ground before he came in, what he has been able to add or change if you like, as he and his party promised. However, our point at AYF is the timing. Based on the situation in the country at this time, we think it is insensitive, and ill-timed for the President’s men to go to town clamouring for a second term, in the midst of suffering and killings here and there. That is our argument. Though the President himself has not said anything, it’s just his ministers, yet we know that if the President is not in tune, he would have called them to order. Many people rooting for him might be disenchanted due to the timing and that is some of the things we were trying to point out to the President and his handlers. If some of those attacking us on behalf of the President had looked critically at our submission, maybe they would have even thanked us for the good counsel. President Buhari has his support base across the country, the same way some people are not happy with him. So, it is left for those around him to know what to do, because if actually the President is serious about contesting, his people need to do a lot of work to convince the people how we got here and what he can do to take the country to the next level.
We are not working against the interest of the President. If you have been following our outings you will see that we have been consistent in our support for the President when the need arises. The same way we have been consistent when the need arises to tell the President the truth. It has always been our avowed commitment not to derail in pursuit of what will benefit the North, especially the youths and Nigerians in general. For example, when the President was ill and out of the country, in spite of attacks from all angles, we stood our ground in support of the fact that since the President had not broken any rules or constitutional provisions, those attacking him were not fair to him especially when an able Vice President was in charge and government activities were moving on smoothly. The truth of the matter is that in Nigeria, if the situation does not favour some people at a particular point in time, they shout blue murder. We are not against the President, but we are for the truth at all times.


Ahead of 2019, some names from the North have begun to feature in the media as possible replacement for Buhari. To what extent do you think that people like Atiku Abubakar, Sule Lamido, Kwankwaso, Makarfi and others, can give Buhari a run for his money if the President decides to run for a second term in office?

I believe this should be left for politicians and the political parties. As I said earlier, President Buhari has the right to re-contest. All those you have mentioned also have the right to contest. All of them have their individual followers. They should all present themselves to the electorate if they are interested. Nigerians will decide who they want. For Buhari, based on his performance, and for the others coming in, based on their antecedents and promises, antecedents because many of them have served before so Nigerians will be the ultimate judge.



Some two years after Buhari and the Federal Government said that the Boko Haram issue would become history, the insurgency in the North still persists. Why do you think this is so?

I think what opposition parties and even Nigerians should know is that when you are outside government, it is quite different from when you are actually saddled with the real work in government. It is general knowledge that fighting insurgency is different from the conventional war. So, I believe it is an oversight for anybody to give a timeline to an insurgency war. The truth must be told that the military has been doing a good job as the frequency and audacity of the attacks have really reduced. But it is not something that can be wiped off just like that. I believe government has been doing their best and they should intensify efforts so that the pockets of attacks we see here and there can also be curbed.
continue:

http://sunnewsonline.com/2019-were-under-pressure-to-support-buhari-gujungu-arewa-youth-leader/

Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Gujungu is National President of the Arewa Youth Forum (AYF), a foremost umbrella platform of youth groups, non-governmental organisations and community-based organisations from the 19 states in the North. The AYF President, in this interview with AGAJU MADUGBA in Katsina, says like the proverbial camel passing through the eye of the needle, President Muhammadu Buhari and his men may have a Herculean task in convincing Nigerians to give him another term in office come 2019.

From your press statement last weekend, you seem to insinuate that Nigerians are apparently dissatisfied with the Buhari administration. To what extent can you defend this position?

Let me say that it is not an insinuation, many Nigerians are actually dissatisfied with what is happening now. But if you are happy with the current situation in Nigeria, then we thank God. But the truth must be said, things are difficult for the ordinary Nigerians, the youth who make up my constituency are not finding things easy. There are no jobs, even some of the parents who work are not well paid. How do they take care of their wards? If you add that to the current fuel scarcity in the country and the attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians virtually all over the country, you will agree with me that I am not just insinuating. Truth is constant and that is what we at least owe those who look up to us to be their voice, those who look up to us to show them direction, as their leaders. However, I want to place it on record that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration cannot take all the blame for this current crisis in the land. This is a product of long years of mal-administration. Nigerians voted for the President because things were bad and they wanted him and actually saw him as someone who can effect that change, especially when he and his party, the All Progressives Congress(APC) campaigned on the mantra of change and the people really wanted things to change. More so, that majority of the people who believed in him see him as someone who can turn things around for the better. But today he has failed to wave the magic wand and that is what we are talking about. The President needs to change tactics and ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians, that is what we are talking about. Let it be known that we stood for this administration when it came in because we believed President Buhari has the capacity to deliver. But some people around him are not up and doing, but as you know, the buck stops on his table as the Commander-in-Chief. The Buhari I know, means well for the people, but we are at a stage where things need to be done and actions taken. For example, for how long can we continue with the killings all over the country? The President needs to act and now is the best time.


Coming from the same state with Buhari, are you not afraid of criticizing him considering that he still enjoys a large following in the North?

It is not that I am criticizing the Buhari administration. When you like him, you do that based on constructive criticism. What we are saying is that we cannot stop him from contesting in 2019, but he has to fix all these things you mentioned before talking about re-election. It is not a matter of carrying us along or not carrying us along. Our association was established in 2001 and we went through former president Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan and now Buhari. So, we are not a partisan organization and we do not believe in any party. We would keep on supporting Buhari just like the way the Asari Dokubo and co supported Jonathan. But they reduced Jonathan just like the Ijaw president. We feel that it is our responsibility to tell Buhari the truth. There are a lot of things that are going on and we have a lot of channels of getting information. But there are times that you have to say it publicly to get the attention of the government to deal with the problem. It is not basically criticism. Buhari is our brother; we worked for him. So, it is not as if I want anything.



Some people even insist that you have been offered money and that is why you are now criticizing Buhari?

In Nigeria, it is normal that when you criticize a government in power, you are tagged as having been offered money. We are an established organization. If you look at our profile, we have been carrying on with a lot of programmes even with the United States government. I do not see Atiku, Sule Lamido or any other person in the presidential race offering me money to buy me to criticize my brother. This is because if the presidency is coming back to the North, it is either Buhari or one of them. I do not think it is logical for me to collect money to criticize him. We can reach anybody. We are not a partisan organization.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to the claims by the presidency that
756 Nigerians were killed under his administration.
Jonathan in a statement issued by his media office to DAILY POST on Thursday, described the statement as mischievous and false.
He blasted the special adviser on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, Femi Adesina for trivalizing such heinous crime.

He further condoled with victims of Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa and Nasarawa states, over the recent spate of killings by Fulani herdsmen.
The statement reads “Former President Jonathan wishes to express his condolences to the government and people of Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Adamawa and Nasarawa states, over the recent spate of killings occasioned by herdsmen/farmers clashes.

“His heart bleeds for the sufferings of Nigerians and he calls on the authorities to do everything in their power to put an end to these needless killings.
“Having said that, let it be known that we find the statement by the Presidency stating that 756 Nigerians were killed by Fulani herdsmen in two years under the government of former President Jonathan as a mischievous assertion by a callous Presidential spokesman who thinks that death is something to be trivialized.

“For the avoidance of doubt, let it be known that the figure of 756 is wrong. But the issue is not that it is a false figure, the issue is that former President Jonathan was not inactive in the face of Fulani herdsmen killings during his Presidency.
“While in office, the former President knew that the capacity of the Nigerian police would be challenged by the sophistication of arms available to the herdsmen and so after he was elected President and sworn in on May 29, 2011, former President Jonathan summoned a National Security Council meeting and ordered that Fulani herdsmen attack must be decisively dealt with.

“In July 2012, the Plateau state government reported that herdsmen killings had reached a head in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area leading to tens of deaths of Nigerian citizens by Fulani herdsmen, many of whom were not even Nigerian citizens.
“Then President Jonathan, when briefed about the situation insisted that there would not be such impunity under his leadership and immediately ordered the army and the Air Force to go to the affected communities and fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book.

“The military immediately obeyed the then President’s orders and sent troops and helicopters to Barkin Ladi Local Government Area. They ordered all residents to leave their residence for temporary accommodation provided for them so they could conduct a joint air and ground operation to flush out the armed herdsmen who had been suspected of killing innocent Nigerians.

“The residents complied and the soldiers went in and not only did they clear the area, they made arrests which led to trials and convictions.
“We wish to remind Nigerians that when this episode was being carried out, it was precisely members of the opposition who later became the All Progressive Congress that heavily criticized then President Jonathan’s orders.

“In fact, a prominent member of the APC and now the Governor of Kaduna State and a known confidante of the President, Malam Nasir El-Rufai tweeted his now infamous tweet on the 15th of July 2012 threatening that “We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day no matter how long it takes.” (his exact words).
“So the question Nigerians need to ask instead of allowing themselves to be distracted by the statement from the Presidency is this: Are Nigerians now repaying the ‘loan’ that El-Rufai threatened to make Nigeria repay?

“If the then President was not active in decisively sending the military after herdsmen, why would El-Rufai have been so pained to have made such a statement? Let it be known that the former President views herdsmen who kill unprovoked and with the intention of advancing their own economic and other interests as terrorists, pure and simple. Not only did he treat them as terrorists, he also put the military on high alert to protect Nigerian lives.”

http://dailypost.ng/2018/01/12/goodluck-jonathan-speaks-756-nigerians-dying-watch/

First you forgot your own age.Then you appoint an 81 year old who drawls, who can barely walk and who wears clothes from the 1940's as our Ambassador to the U.S.A..And now you appoint a man who died one year ago, Sen. Francis Okposo, as Chairman of the Press Council.Your dementia has gone viral!

copied from:Olufemi Olu-Kayode Facebook page.

edudguy:
Simple na. Guy na everything I go teach you? Open your head, take out ur brain, wash it and put it back.

okay I now understand you're being sarcastic.
you're actually speaking from experience though and I believe that's how your parents do open your brain and wash the carcass in it,but your case defiled all known solution,your case is beyond redemption and repair.

Little wonder why your life revolves around three 'S' : Sleep, Stretch and Sleep Again. bro, poverty and penury is not far from your kind. infact ,it actually domiciled in you domain. I thought I was communicating with a sane fellow until I delve into your dp that's when I realise i was dealing with a lazy bigot that sleep all his life away. what a waste of a being, what a pity.

edudguy:
He is saying that we Nigerians are our greatest enemy. This government is clueless no doubt but we the ordinary Nigerians that ought to be better are not. We want to cheat ourselves at any slight opportunity. (This fuel scarcity is a perfect example of how greedy Nigerians are) We criticise the government about corruption but we are worse. Lol are you still confused? If yes, please go and wash your brain

How do I wash my brain? pls elucidate.

Zico5:
To say the truth we are our enemies in this country. That's is why things will never change, we love to put burden upon ourselves through selfishness. we always take undue advantage to the detriment of others. Government have their fault yes but we the masses are the major culprit. if Bovas can sell at 145 then we need to ask questions or take law into our hands against other marketers. Things will be better when we do the right thing the right way

"Government have their fault yes but we the masses are the major culprit". pls what are you trying to say here? I'm confuse!

because no one will come for you that's why you have the temerity to mention the Name which is above every other name in mundane things as this. this blasphemy. you know you can't use the name of other religion like this without a backlash.

You can't give what you don't have. How can a country of 180 million people entrust their destiny on a fellow who couldn't developed himself all his life. He joined the military due to quota system not on merit and after that he hasn't done anytime meaningful to improve himself. Please those who sold him on us should take him back to Katsina

Ever encounter a panhandler, and, motivated by kindness, hand over a dollar? Only to have the beggar berate you for not giving more? That’s the situation the United States finds itself in with the United Nations.
President Trump’s not-so-subtle threat to remember which nations voted to condemn his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was the ultimate case of speaking truth to power.
The largest – by far – donor to the United Nations, and a provider of foreign aid to dozens of other U.N. member states, America holds a unique, though decidedly not privileged position in the so-called world body.
Yet for decades, it has been stymied by its rivals (China and Russia), by rogue regimes (Iran), and by a U.N. leadership that views America as a source of demonic, not democratic values.


Well and good. But why, then, should the U.S. continue to ante up 22 percent of the U.N.’s budget, and fully 28 percent of its peacekeeping effort? When Ambassador Nikki Haley said the U.S. would be “taking names,” and Trump said “we’ll be watching,” liberal news outlets reacted as if a Mafia chieftain had just set the price for a kidnapping victim’s release.
Why the moral outrage? We know our friends. Guatemala, Honduras, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Togo joined the U.S. voting against the resolution of condemnation. Another 35 countries, including our closest neighbors, Mexico and Canada, as well as Argentina, Australia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Romania, abstained.
And now we know who cannot depend on. Egypt, to whom we provide $1.6 billion in aid each year, voted against the U.S. Turkey, which gets $155 million, went against us, with its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan boldly declaring, “What is the cradle of democracy doing? They are looking for people they can buy with their dollars.” Fine, Mr. President, fine.
Like a spoiled child who complains its allowance has not been paid on time, recipients of U.S. aid forget that those dollars are largesse, not earned income. News outlets like Sky News in the United Kingdom – which voted to condemn Trump’s move – had on-air apoplexy about the president’s statement.
Of course, the U.N. is a toothless, almost furless tiger. Its resolutions of outrage and disapproval count for precisely nothing. Trump is not the first president to speak aloud about the ingratitude of the U.N. He may, however, be the first to do something about it.

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/12/21/trump-puts-his-un-money-where-his-mouth-is.html

If you believe a man that said you're 5% and cannot treat you equal with other region will gladly hand over to you in 2023, you must be joking. Besides, the igbos don't need the Presidency but Restructuring and Resource control

When it comes to the release of funds to tackle the issues of environmental degradation and security in the Niger Delta , Various committee will be set up to look into it and ten years after a fun fair will be organized to begin the clean up which will never see the light of day.
This guys from the North think they're smart. Even after budgeting hundreds of billions of Naira yearly to fight insurgency in North East,as if that was not enough they created the North East Development Commission to rebuild their region which they destroy with their own hands - I wonder where the money will come from. And now they're asking for another $1 billion for the same north east. The last time I checked the so-called Northeast contributed nothing to this country. I don't blame them anyway but I blame the politicians from the Southsouth and Southeast

Instead of telling us who is the better candidate for 2019,I expect him to speak out against the massacre currently going on in is home state- Adamawa.

myboy2111:
1. Akwa Ibom – 504,000 barrels per day (1st)

2. Delta – 346,000 bpd (2nd)


3. Rivers – 344,000 bpd (3rd)

4. Bayelsa – 290,000 bpd (4th)

5. Ondo – 60,000 bpd (5th)

6. Lagos – 40,000 bpd (6th)

7. Edo – 33,000 bpd (7th)

8. Imo – 17, 000 bpd (8th)

9. Abia – 11,000 bpd (9th)

As at January 2017

Source : https://infoguidenigeria.com

I access the link: https://infoguidenigeria.com/ . There's nothing of such on the page. pls every one should verify the page. I don't understand what the OP is trying to achieve with this false information.

.

IN RESOURCE CONTROL I STAND

Deputy President of the Senate,Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, says restructuring Nigeria is inevitable for all-inclusive advantages it will confer on federating units and enhancement of national unity.

Ekweremadu stated this at a two-day Retreat by Southern Senators Forum in Calabar on Friday, and dismissed the fear in certain quarters that restructuring would cause the break-up of the country.

He explained that restructuring was not the same as exclusive resource control as the renewed and aggressive search for oil around the Lake Chad, Sokoto and Benue River Basins in recent times appeared to suggest.

According to him, whereas federating units will have more control over their resources in a restructured Nigeria, there would always be an Equalisation Fund to ensure that every region thrives above a reasonable threshold.“In fact, oil and gas is among the least strategic endowments of the nation today and in the years ahead. Oil is fast losing its import in the global economy.“Many of the heavy buyers are not only finding alternatives to oil, but are also setting deadlines for the phasing out of oil-powered engines and automobiles.“But, what else can cure our fixation on oil except a return to the original master plan – the quest for a return to the oldcovenant and original foundation laid by the country’sforefathers.“This quest is to revive the original master plan, removing those ugly and excess weights introduced by successive military regimes.“It is an admission that we cannot continue to do the same thing that has failed us for more than half a century and expect a different result.“

If you are driving to Abuja from Ibadan and you face Lagos, you can only end up in Badagry or the Atlantic,’’ he said.

The lawmaker pointed out that the subject of restructuring appeared to have had divided opinions.He recalled that Nigeria’s independence was delayed till 1960 to give room for more dialogue and ensure that no part of the country was left behind.He explained that it was wisdom of the founding father's that ensured that the current map of Nigeria was retained.

Ekweremadu said that there was no other viable option than restructuring if Nigeria must reap the blessings and promises of self-rule.According to him, it must be done in a way that every part of the country will have a true sense of belonging.
He urged Nigerians to embark on more responsible and patriotic public discourse and enlightenment to break down the meaning and processes of restructuring, saying that the fears inherent in restructuring needed to be addressed.“

I believe that the man from Zamfara is unlikely to stand against a return to true federalism if he is made to understand that such would allow the state to exploit the abundant gold and granite in the state.

“The woman from Kogi will not likely oppose restructuring if she understands how rich the state is in solid minerals such as coal, iron ore, ornamental stone, gemstone, limestone, feldspar, phosphate, mica, and granite.“And, how restructuring the country will give the state constitutional access to those mineral deposits could transform Kogi to one of the richest states in the country.“

The man from the North-East will not likely oppose decentralised policing if he understands that his family andbusiness will be better protected,’’ he said.

The deputy senate president said the Nigeria Police Force needed to be decentralised as a significant component of the envisaged restructuring exercise.

He said the rating of International Police Association and the Institute for Peace and Security of Nigeria Police as the worst police in the world called to mind the imperative of restructuring of the nation’s police.He pointed out that the rating had been the worst on all the measured parameters becausethe police had not been effectively decentralised.He said, “Nigeria is the only country in the world with a federal system of government but running a unitary system of policing.“

Again, it is not realistic to expect the North to easily give away the advantages the status quo confers on it.“Since revenues, appointments,projects, and other various opportunities are shared mainly on the basis of states and local governments, we will not realistically expect the region to give up the numerous states and local governments it currently enjoys.“

We will not expect the region to give up all these to embrace regionalism or creation of more states to strike a structural balance.“But, we stand better chances if we engage in good faith, responsible and respectful dialogue to make every section of the country to see the bigger picture.“Such healthy dialogues will also show that a man cannot enjoy his perceived advantages when his neighbours are angry since a man who feels unjustly treated will never be interested in peace.’’Ekweremadu said that restructuring could only be addressed by adopting a piecemeal approach rather than seeking to do everything or so much at a go.

According to him, as the people begin to reap the gains of gradual restructuring, they will drop their fears and crave for more.He said that if some Nigerians insisted on addressing all the issues at once, it would create the grounds for the suspicion that there was a hidden agenda.“

Interestingly, quite a number of prominent voices in the North have also thrown their weights behind the restructuring of the country. I am sure that many will join in due course.“We must leverage on the influence of those who are on the same page with us on the vexed matter.“This is having at the back of our mind a restructuring outcome that guarantees our indivisibility and promotes national integration.“A restructuring that will guarantee our unity and national integration must address the issue of power rotation among the constituent parts of the country.’’

He called for the devolution of powers to make the centre lessattractive as well as a single-term presidency that would rotate among the geographical zones.The legislator said that such may prove reassuring to ethnic groups and promote national unity and loyalty to the nation, while constituent parts would be reassured that power wouldcome at a given interval.

He commended the forum for raising the standard of ongoingnational debate on restructuring, adding that he was impressed by the aptness and auspiciousness of the theme of the retreat – National Unity and Restructuring.He said: “As we sit back to listen to the erudite minds heregathered, and as we share ideas, let patriotism and dedication to a better and greater Nigeria, rule.“Let us bear in mind that we cannot restructure without unity, and certainly that restructuring will better guarantee a united and prosperous Nigeria.“So, we should never fear to restructure and we should not restructure in fear.’’


https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/11/restructuring-nigeria-inevitable-ekweremadu/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C2537824711

IN RESOURCE CONTROL I STAND.