₦airaland Forum

Ileke-IdI:
It's an ekiti saying. Means "What do we have here"?

I didnt know, but now I do. lol

So what is the reply to "ke ti re" in Ekiti & translation.

Ileke-IdI:
Ke ti re!!! Cool, nice

Great "Ke ti re"? Is that an Ondo greeting - think I know what it means, but not quite sure.
Sorry, username was designed purposefully, but you actually know I am Yoruba, though you might not realize it .

May his soul rest in peace - a man that was passionate about his profession.

Yep, Yoruba ni mi

koruji:
Ileke-Idi, you are something else  . Not the "Oyan" , but a different intonation O[\]-yan[/] .

It was a long article and so we may have different, perhaps equally valid interpretations, but it seems clear that Okah never did any of the dirty work.

Correct they are all criminals, but what is new? What do we call government officials that put our money in Swiss accounts - they simply give the perfect excuse to any and all criminals who can pick up a weapon.

Ibime:
No sir, its obvious from this article that Okah was the shot caller cos all the militants mentioned, Fara, Tompolo etc acted under the direction of Okah.

Secondly, I do have some respect for Dokubo despite his obvious inconsistencies, however in this article he claims that Okah crossed him so many times, yet he recurrently went back to have dealings with Okah. How does he explain that? Finally, you can see how he assigns Fara and Ateke etc the tag of criminals and lowlifes, yet today he is dining with them releasing statements such as "we don't allow kidnappers and counter-revolutionaries in our midst" when just a year ago he was labelling them as such. The truth is that Asaris position changes like the wind. He barely knows his own mind. He may well be right that Okah is a lowlife conniving double-crosser, but that would also make him one by association. Expect Okah and Dokubo to paint each other in the harshest light possible. Such is power struggle. Stalin and Trotsky would always paint each other as lowlifes and plot to assasinate each other even whilst fighting for the same cause.

The whole thing leaves a sorry taste in the mouth, and after reading this, I have to disavow my support for such unco-ordinated armed struggle which has lost its focus.

Ileke-Idi, you are something else  . Not the "Oyan" , but a different intonation O[\]-yan[/] .

Ileke-IdI:
There's a dam named "Oyan"?

Must be dayokanu's favorite spot.

Your summary was good until you got to that part about Okah being the leader of MEND. You must have missed the fact that MEND was formed by Dokuri. Henry Okah, rightly or wrongly, comes through in this article as a double-crosser, a traitor. He had ambitions, did not trust Asari, who is Kalabari rather than Ijaw, but he couldn't get into the creeks. He preferred to roll with the high and mighty as the ultimate arms dealer - selling guns to both sides of the fight!

This article impressed on me that Nigerian Security is an oxymoron. Given how freely these guys moved and acted, I shudder to think about what foreign intelligence agencies are getting away with in Nigeria. Our security agencies are blind as a bat. This is what happens to a nation with oil on its brain.

Ibime:
Asari denounced the likes of Ateke as barefaced criminals, whilst castigating the likes of Fara and Tompolo in this article a year ago, but now dines with them calling Tompolo the leader of MEND.

This is an explosive article which reveals the blurred lines between criminality, armed struggle and factionalism. Whether the article contains some embellishment or not, no one knows. One thing is clear from this though, namely that Okah was the overriding shot-caller and undisputed leader of MEND. Asari had control of NDPVF, and JRC was an umbrella organisation to bring these two factions together to speak as one. GEJs proclamation that Okah is not MEND falls flat in light of this article from last year.

I am definitely insinuating something. However, what you suggested is because YOU thought of only that possibility based on my statements.

There are other, perhaps similar, possibilities - but like I said I DON'T KNOW and I AM NOT SAYING HE IS INVOLVED IN ANYTHING.

slap1:
^But you're insinuating he has a hand in it hence his decision to stay away. I think we should focus on the principal characters, GEJ and Okah, for now. Bear in mind that I'm pro-GEJ, before you start getting ideas.

The A is for Azikwe.

Some people think the guy just appended that to his name, and may soon add Balewa and Awolowo to it too . don't know if it is true though.

Ileke-IdI:
I just like how "JEGA" rolls off my tongue.

What does it stand for? Jonathan Ebele Goodluck A(?).

@slap1. Go to one corner and slap yourself as you seem to like
I DID NOT SAY ANYTHING OF THE SORT - so it seems, sir, that you are the one running away with your imagination.

He gave a reason already, and I don't buy it, but it is not as untenable as the one you are assisting him with. Did he have to walk to Abuja or something? When it looked like he might be able to easily kick-out Jonathan he was not lacking in attending meetings with him, but now that the man is proving unamenable to subtle and open threats IBB has another story.

IBB will not be left alone - and I hope we find he was involved and gets to go to jail - until he leaves us to clean up the mess he created since he has been planning and executing coups in this country! I will not be surprised if he is involved, but I DON'T KNOW and I AM NOT SAYING HE IS INVOLVED.

slap1:
I'm anti-IBB but don't you think your imagination is running well ahead of you? IBB didn't attend for reasons best known to him. Didn't they say he has a bad leg or something? He could have used that as an excuse. Again, if he masterminded the blast, it wouldn't have stopped him from coming because he would have known where and when the bombs would go off. Let's leave the man to nurse his dying leg and beam the light of our curiosity on GEJ and Henry Okah.

At least you accept that both are so far inconsistent in their stories - I don' know how you are measuring inconsistency now. Nigeria is a strange country, so don't rule out fifth or fiftieth columnists Let's all give this some time, unless you of course have chosen your side.

On the other hand, you have to admit that GEJ is a man of incredible luck or coincidences. There is no way anyone can arrange his rise to rulership. Even IBB had to stand behind a long queue assisting with coup after coup before he saw a chance - only to be shamed out of office. All GEJ had was 8 years to reach Aso Rock. Then he went out and chose someone to conduct elections and the mans last name turned out be the ancronym for GEJ's full name. I am not given to superstition, but you have to admit there are things we can't explain about the man just yet.

ayinba1:
Fifth column ko, fiftieth column ni!

The fact is GEJ is a lying opportunist. We still await the final findings of the investigations. Okah has so far been more consistent than Mr GEJ- JEGA/

Dede1:
Is there any constitutional provision that mandated every former Heads of State or Presidents of Nigeria, death or alive, must attend the yearly celebration of Nigeria’s independence?
Does the constitution of Nigeria not grant IBB inalienable right to do as he wishes under the law including shunning the invitation to attend extravagant 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence?

No, there is no such constitutional provision, but a man of his stature must surely have a good reason for staying away from celebrating Nigeria's independence - it was surely not the extravagance of the occasion!

he he he - even in the U.S. they break into e-mail accounts and loot campaign offices at night. Women have accused black men of despoil, falsely - complete with self-inflicted face wounds, just to turn the tide against a candidate. They have carried guns to presidential rallies, et cetera, et cetera.

There is something about politics that turn people into mad dogs, but your warning is duly noted, in any case

Dede1:
Anybody who cites the political maturation in USA with the political insanity found in Nigeria could face culpable criminal indictment punishable by death. So contributors you are thereby warned.

Exactly, TewMuch.

Which one is likely to be seen as suggesting you are being paid by political enemies of GEJ? Saying that someone told you they were going to pin the bombings on the northern element or mentioning the name of that person. In my opinion, the former is more divisive and he has already damned the devil and said it. Only when asked to present evidence he began hiding the name, even after he was called a liar.

I hope Falana knows to stay away from Balyesa politics or he will have himself to blame when he gets caught in the middle.

TewMuch:
This guy keeps beating around the bush. Is he afraid of mentioning names? I really dont understand what his point is. Mention names and stop pointing fingers if you are sure of what you are saying. Tired of hearing this empty barrel talk. He has nothing to say in my opinion and is just using diversionary tactics to remain relevant. Say what you need to say or forever shut up Okah the terrorist.

I would advise we all to hold judgement over this for a little longer.

There was a faction of MEND, a significant faction, that accepted the amnesty - GEJ probably considers these ones the true MEND. We all remember that Yar'adua's last war in the creeks was against Tompolo or whatever his name. It was after that battle that the amnesty program began to be implemented - which eventually led to Okah's release. Tompolo accepted the amnesty and has come out to say they were not responsible for the bombings.

There was a faction of MEND that destroyed or nearly destroyed GEJ's home in Balyesa during the elections. It is likely the same faction that bombed the reconciliation meeting by the region's governors earlier this year. Once Okah got out of jail he made clear that he was not accepting the amnesty. During the recent incident he has claimed that there are thousands of fighters still in the creeks, with even more sophisticated weapons than before the amnesty. It this is true it means that Okah has gone back to his gun-running business.

Thus, the only thing that seems clear is that there are many political and MEND factions in Bayelsa, and they are playing their deadly state politics out on the national scene. Unfortunately, their individual ambition is playing into the hands of the devil himself, who is actively encouraging it - that is the only reason he chose Dokpesi to be his campaign chair. Yesterday, Dokpesi accepted that some of those held over the bombings sent him text messages over balances to be paid them - but it was about a campaign office, not the bombing. In the same press conference he also accused GEJ of refusing to pay him N6 billion balance from the Under-17 championships coverage - and that the initial sum has risen to N19 billion . Is this all about money afterall?

IBB tried to divide the southwest in the same way until those romancing him were called to quick order - but he is still at work. He has successfully shattered South-East cohesion by dangling 2015 presidency like a piece of raw meat in front of a dog. We all know he will change the story or make a new one, if he ever gets into Aso Rock.

We have the northern political establishment issuing threats of mayhem to GEJ. Such boldface belligerence means that you cannot rule out a role for their fifth column in all of these.

Just saying that there is more than meets the eye here - hasty commentary on one side or the other will get us all in trouble, as GEJ is finding out - though I am not saying that you have taken sides

Ileke-IdI:
Exactly, I'm actually glad that Okah was not in Nigeria from the period of the bomb.
He'd have been rotting in jail right now, without hearing his side of the coin, with more "fake" evidence shoved down his throat.
Kai, what happened to democracy in Nigeria? Everything is going down hill.

Just because people dont want to vote for GEJ need to understand that the choice is not only between "IBB or GEJ".

.

There is no glaring truth here yet. Only vested interests would see any glaring truth in what we have heard so far.

Your statements about the Aaron team actually puts the blame for the bombing on the faction of MEND that did not accept the amnesty program. That would be the team still loyal to Okah, right?

Why did IBB stay away from Nigeria's 50th anniversary celebrations? Please tell us the real reason if you happen to know, not the excuse of its extravagance that he gave us publicly - it doesn't hold any water.

Abagworo:
The truth remains glaring but people have refused to see it until we are plunged into a full scale war.FG is pumping money into the account of ex-militants and has blatantly refused to continue with the negotiations initiated by Yar'Adua's administration through the Aaron team.I personally expect the bombings to continue until FG resumes negotiations with MEND.

This list is complete gibberish.

@ayinba1
Even you must admit there are so many links what you suggested below that are unlikely to be connected for someone sitting in a prison in SA. 3-way calling and reading text messages to someone in prison are unlikely to be that easy to arrange. Plus, anytime Okah talks to anybody they get pulled into his web of suspects, so except for family and media people would be wary to get involved. He also promised to speak with BBC & CNN. We are still waiting.

ayinba1:
@Babasoty
There is something called 3 way calling-
Okay, just a possibility if Okah really could not make the call.
Okah's man places a call to Okah, put's him on hold, then calls Al- jazeerah and links them up. I was not there and I am not saying that this is what happened but it could very well easily have been.
Here in the US, we watch documentaries of prisoners speaking on the phone ALL THE TIME.
So let us stop flagging this phone call while in prison as it is a non issue.
Secondly, some keep asking how he received text messages while in Prison. The fact that you are a prisoner does not make your cell phone to be cut off from the Network carrier that you subscribe to.
SO yes, it is possible to receive text messages on your phone WHILE YOU ARE IN PRISON ( even DEAD for that matter). All you need is to read it once you have access to the phone ORRRRRR Have your wife read your MISSED CALLS and TEXT MESSAGES to you once you talk to your wife.
To discount the above, the discounter would have to prove that they have been in possession of OKAH's phone from the first time that he was arrested and NO ONE updated him on the calls and texts he had waiting on the phone.
Please, I welcome your very intelligent arguments!

Kobojunkie:
You know what  . . . if putting me on one side is what you must do . . . . go right ahead. . . I really am not going to get into this with you anymore. I have already stated what I see from where I sit on this and if that is too hard for you to grasp, it's understandable!

Well, that is the way your defense of Okah sounds to me. Sorry, if don't like it, but you have no choice on how I see what you say. It is understandable if you don't see it that way. No need to cal me names. Agreed? 

I do want to know what the inconsistencies you continue to mention as that is part of why I love to debate cases?  And please do not repeat the same old rubbish arguments that many of those who failed to read and assimilate the interview messages continue to repeat.

He said GEJ's aid told him to pin the bombing on northerners, but he did not provide us with a name: Inconsistency - Do you think someone who would say the foregoing would hold back on the name, time and place, especially if he could use it to get out of jail as in this case?

He also claimed he has a text message: Inconsistency - When reminded he would not a cell phone under lock and key, he said the text was saved to another cellphone - does that not sound ridiculous to you? It does to me, though it is possible, it remains an inconsistency. Since he claimed SA is a civilized country, all he has to do is have his lawyer enter the text message into evidence. Also, when his phone was seized better believe that everything on was downloaded as evidence. So, I say let's all wait until everything comes out, instead of taking one side or the other - knowing that there are inconsistencies on all sides at this point.

@Kobojunkie
I do not speak for anyone else. And between you, Evil Brain and me you two are the only ones choosing the side of someone whose known job is gun-running.

His statements contained inconsistencies, just like those emanating from the presidency - but you took it on yourself to defend his inconsistencies. And yes, the presidency called on him to name whoever called him. And, no they did not call him on the phone - they called on him same way he has been releasing all these statements that you hang on to - through the press.

Kobojunkie:
Thank you for elaborating for those who are too close minded to see that we are once again about to let the truth get away from us in our quick bids to pick sides in this.  That seems all we are good for in that country. Rumors and lies --- we seem to value that more than truth unfortunately.

You would be right in a more democratic and egalitarian society. Also, in such a society the amount of threats and ultimatum being issued to the president by this same people would have gotten them arrested!

damas11111:
The call for his impeachment is unnecessary but actions like this will help him to think before speaking out on certain issues especially those that bother on national security. Honestly his statement less than 24 hours after the incidence was very uncalled for. In a more democratic society, he is sur to lose the forth-coming election to the opposition. What a naive president! I-D-I-O-T.

I can't wait! Let's split this contraption up already.

As if the country is governable as it is! Foolish people!

Faeb:
[size=14pt]Group Wants Kaita Tried For Treason[/size]
Author: Date: Oct 8th, 2010.

The Jonathan Sambo Campaign Organisation has called for the trial of an associate of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, for treason over his recent statement that the North will make the country ungovernable for President Goodluck Jonathan if he is able to get the presidential ticket of Peoples Democratic Party and was victorious in the 2011 elections.

The second republic politician also said the North will also not accept the emergence of any candidate from any other part of the country in a recent interview.

But in a press release signed by Sully Abu yesterday, the Jonathan Campaign Organisation said the comments by Kaita is treasonable.

The campaign group therefore called on the security agencies to take appropriate action.

“The point must be made that those promising to make the country ungovernable for President Jonathan, as Alhaji Lawal Kaita openly boasted recently, must also be ready to keep a date with the law.

“We are after all a country governed by laws, and the laws of treason are very clear in this regard.

. . .

“But this time, Nigerians can not be fooled. Our people remain eternally vigilant, and we call on the security agencies not to hesitate to charge anyone found culpable with the relevant laws of the land.”

http://pmnewsnigeria.com/2010/10/08/group-wants-kaita-tried-for-treason/

@Evil Brain
No doubt there is a lack of clarity on what really happened here, as my statement implied. The problem is someone defending obvious inconsistencies in Okah's statements as if they KNEW what happened. You started out admitting that both sides of this issue are lacking in credibility, but then you went on to say that WE KNOW things that we really don't know - see the bolded part of your message below. While Okah was in prison under OBJ, did his gun-running stop? Who knows?

What we know about Okah was that after his release he went on to say that he will "continue the fight" - that is not what someone whose only job was supplying arms say when the warriors are planning to end the war.

The only fact that we know is that United States & U.K. intelligence provided information on this - and you can be sure they pointed some fingers. Untill that evidence becomes wholly public, understandably not so at this point, we must assume that each side has hidden information in what they are saying - inconsistencies may help us know when someone is telling outright lies, but we cannot be entirely sure for now.

Evil Brain:
The truth is that Okah has just as much credibility as the ex-militants Jonathan is openly fraternizing with. He was an arms dealer and a member of MEND but he accepted the Government's amnesty just like Asari and co. so that's all in the past.

The only reason why everybody is blaming him for the bomb blast is because Jonathan's camp says he was responsible. As far as I know they haven't presented a shred of evidence linking him to the bombings. And if the events of the last few days (the Dokpesi text saga and Jonathan exonerating MEND) shows us anything it's that the Nigerian authorities are neither credible nor competent. Okah himself keeps insisting he had nothing to do with it.

Also, what little information we have about Okah suggests that he is a very unlikely culprit. We know he's been in South Africa for months and couldn't have planted the bombs without local help. We know that while he was involved with MEND he was mainly a supplier and was hardly involved with the operations (fighting and sabotage) side. We know that he had very few men under him then and probably none now.

And thanks to Al Jazeera we now know that there's a faction of MEND still active in the creeks. These guys have accepted responsibility for the explosions and have never claimed any relationship with Okah. I'd really like to know what the logic is behind the government ignoring the most obvious suspects and chasing after some guy in far-away SA who is so clearly out of touch with the angry Niger Delta youths that are MEND's main constituency. To assume that all the ex-militants in Nigeria are now born-again and thus above suspicion is beyond stup!d.

If Jonathan really wants to catch the bombers, he should start by asking his friends Tompolo, BoyLoaf and company who they think is responsible. He should ask them about their former strategies and where they were getting their money and weapons. She should ask them who among them is yet to lay down arms. I wouldn't be surprised if all or most of them had some guns and explosives stashed away

Then maybe he should try asking Al Jazeera for directions to the MEND camp they visited on September 29th. I'm sure they'll be glad to help.

egift:
The bold part is where the problem lies: primary is yet to be conducted you claim he has won. That is why we all believe that when he becomes an aspirant too, he will claim he have won before the election is conducted.

What about IBB telling us before he even officially declared that he has won the Presidency already?

And you don't see what is wrong in comparing [size=14pt]Mandela's life-long heroic struggle, his honorable but brief presidency and complete devotion to public service[/size]

to

the [size=14pt]inept, corrupt and animalisitc behavior of IBB yesterday, today and tomorrow[/size].

One (Mandela) will die a globally acclaimed hero, the other (IBB) a globally despised despot.

Kay 17:
Mandela was 20yrs when he was elected president of SA.

Typical, Kobojunkie. You are obviously carrying the bag for Okah. Simple as ABC.

Kobojunkie:
Please stick to analyzing the post and not trying to read my mind, or injecting your delusions into it -- you are doing a terrible job there. sigh!

First, whether we like it or not, and I hate it too, unless the other parties pull off a miracle between now and 2011, the PDP candidate WILL MOST LIKELY WIN - sorry to say.

Second, if you know the his character, [size=14pt]IBB's objective is to win the war before it begins by eliminating those that have a good chance of kicking his butt from the competition.[/size]. This was the whole essence of his rigmarole from 1986-1993! The fair chance that I refer to in this setting is just that - don't tell Jonathan, like IBB recently did, that HE CANNOT CONTEST and DON'T MAKE IT A GANG UP ON THE SOUTH-SOUTH whether within the PDP or nationally.

jabbok:
Are you advocating for a credible election or a fair chance? C'mmon 87 Billion Naira has been appropriated to INEC and you are preaching about "a fair chance". Zoning to me is a PDP thing and everybody is arguing as if a final PDP candidate will inevitably be "elected" in 2011. Haven't the election been rigged already?

“His action will spell doom for himself and the nation. Only prayer can avert the crisis that Jonathan’s ambition will plunge this nation into.

Prophet Ayodele is a liar

“Many will see this message as a doom  prophecy. I am not bothered about it. I am only saying what God asked me to tell the nation.

It [size=15pt]IS [/size] a message of doom, not that anybody is making it so.

“I can tell you today, I can stand anywhere in the world to call myself a prophet of God. I can tell you that about 80 per cent of my prophesies had come to pass, not 100 per cent.

Mumu prophet. It is called the laws of probability, and we need to see your statistical analysis that produced 80%. If you don't know,  Prophet Ayodele, you are either suggesting that God lies to you 20% of the time, the devil steps in to talk to you 20% of the time or you make it up as you go, at least 20% of the time. Stop parading yourself as the man of God and admit you are engaging in the laws of probability aka the astrology, ancient Ifa Oracle or the like

@Kobojunkie
While the truth of this matter is yet to be clear, you do realize you are defending the honor of a gun runner. Right?

Kobojunkie:
I can see how a fellow Nigerian will find this one had to deal with. We are too used to taking sides on issues that we find it almost impossible to remove ourselves(not make it about our person and our view) and see things the way they really are. CORRECTION:
a) There is NO REPORT OF CALL BEING MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO DATE to Okah IN PRISON to open up on any names. That is YOUR ASSUMPTION there you are confusing with reality.
The only people we know from reports to today who have spoken to Okah since after this interview are a) his lawyer b) aljazeera c) his wife. Claiming Government called him in Jail to demand he names the one who called him is a stretch, don't you think? And you are the one likely injecting that without even thinking of how absurd that would be at this time.
b) If you have ever really been charged for any crime, your lawyer, if a good one, would likely advice you to play your aces right. Why are you harping on this? Why not spend more time to demand the government RIGHT THERE IN NIGERIA investigates it's office, if it is 100% that the call did not come from a close aide? The same government is all too willing to probe the spending of money it allocated/shared for the independence spending, what about an investigation into the allegations made against close aides? Imagine if someone had linked the white house to the Oklahoma bombing. Don't you think the white house would be tearing apart the president's close aides to ensure the allegations are false?
Now, I know we are speaking of Nigeria here and so no to expect any miracles, but seriously, I think you need to remove yourself from this so you start asking the right questions rather than attacking a man you are not even sure is guilty of the crimes leveled against him in this case. Why is your government dismissing this and offering nothing factual to support their dismissal of the allegations?a) His life and probably his freedom? What sort of question is thisYou are not making any sense at all, you know that? You have already condemned the man without even a fragment of evidence presented you that he is even involved in anyway, and you think you are on the right path and those who ask questions are someone irrational?

Anywho, I see this is getting nowhere for both of us. It is alright that you believe he is guilty of this. I will chose to wait to see the "truth" comes out on this and how it all fits in the end.

This is what happens to people who sink their teeth into something that is not even well-defined for selfish reasons.

If GEJ gets elected in 2011, is he serving the South East's tenure, you ask? Similar question to you: [size=14pt]if IBB, your puppet master, gets elected in 2011 is he serving the Northwest slot?[/size] Both questions are silly since the defenders of zoning cannot even tell you where it says who goes next.

Equity and justice in this case require that all regions of this country give the South-South [size=14pt]a fair chance, without incorrigible attempts to muzzle them out[/size]. I am not from the Niger Delta, but [size=14pt]Nigeria will pay with its existence if salt is added to injury on this region by not giving it a fair chance in 2011[/size], especially when the alternatives are corrupt and inept people that seem to claim a birthright to rulership. It is not really difficult to see if you have just in your heart, since most of you are "religious", serve a just God. Even if it were ever so clearly written, as you and IBB would have us believe, natural justice demands that you put aside the inadequate laws of men to serve a higher purpose. A few words enough for the wise.

Since IBB thrives on the ignorance of his supporters, forgetting that there are millions of Nigerians that can see him behind his one finger, for your own education - IBB already knows this- read below an excerpt from an excellent analysis of this zoning nonsense.

Written by Ayo Turton Tuesday, 28 September 2010 17:47
This controversy has been going on for too long and has indeed overshadowed the necessary questions that the electorates should be asking at this time concerning good governance and accountability. The issue therefore calls for  a legal appraisal of both the letters and the spirit of the Constitution vis a vis their presidential candidateship.

According to the notorious Section 7 (2) (c) of the PDP Constitution in pertinent part…, ”in pursuant of the principles of equity, justice and fairness the party shall adhere to the policy of rotation and zoning of party and public elective offices and it shall be enforced by the appropriate executive committee at all levels” it stated in the preamble that:

“to create socio-political conditions conducive to national peace and unity by ensuring fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, to conform with the principles of power shift and power sharing by rotating key political offices among the diverse peoples of our country and evolving powers equitably between the federal, state and local governments in the spirit of federalism”

The letters and the spirit of this Constitution clearly stated that the party shall adhere to the principles of rotation and zoning in pursuit of “the principles of equity, justice and fairness”

It is trite and a common understanding generally among Nigerians that there are six zones in Nigeria, namely, the North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East and the South-South. The question begging for an answer right now is where in the PDP Constitution did it state that the principles of equity, justice and fairness shall only be available to the incongruous concept of North /South dichotomy?

Where is the recognition of only two zones for purposes of elections and to ensure equity, justice and fairness stated in PDP Constitution when it is clear that there are six zones in the country? Where in the PDP Constitution did it state that the zoning will go to one zone in the North and then one zone in the South, then back to another zone in the North and so on? What is there in PDP Constitution that seeks to ensure equal participation of the minorities of the North and the minorities of the South? Shouldn’t the principles of equity, justice and fairness be extended to the minority zones? If there was a “gentleman agreement” can such agreement supersede the letters of the Constitution?

What is unequivocal in the letters and also unmistakable in the spirit of PDP Constitution is that zoning is not for the sake of North/South dichotomy but for equity, fairness and justice.

egift:
Right on spot   Until Ndi Igbo have their share, yes to Zoning!

[size=16pt]I ask again - If GEJ get elected 2011, is he serving the South East's tenure?[/size]

Stop parading the "Azikwe, Ebele" factor it will get you nothing. President Jonathan is an opportunist. He lied about zoning.

By the way how far with the trial of the suspects on both sides of the Jos crisis.
[size=14pt]Swift, adequate and just consequence, including execution, is crucial to stopping these recurrent cycle of violence[/size].
Palliatives are good, but they only work for so long.

paddy_lo:
[size=14pt]Plateau is now peaceful, says Jonathan[/size]

October 9, 2010

[size=14pt]President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed happiness that peace has at last returned to Jos, Plateau State after sectarian crises that rocked the state recently.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang, at his palace in the Plateau State capital, Friday, the President said "the last time I visited, the whole place was on fire, but today things are different."[/size]

Plateau State in the last few years experienced recurrent ethno-religious crisis resulting in damage to properties and loss of lives.

The President thanked the Gbong Gwom and other traditional rulers for their role in ensuring that peace and tranquility returned to city and appealed to the people of the state to maintain the peace, as there "can be no development and social activities without peace and stability."

He also said the crises might stain the reputation of Plateau state, which is noted for peace and pleaded that the "last crisis should be the last."

The President was in Plateau to commission projects which showed a different Plateau.

Break from the past

The city, though quiet in some places, was agog with excitement at the news of the President's visit, as a peaceful crowd lined up on the side of the road amidst tight security.

Mr. Jonathan, who promised that the peace committee prepared by a committee led by Solomon Lar would be considered and government action made known, also commended the government and people of the state for the warm reception.

The Gbong Gwom Jos expressed the joy of the people in welcoming the President and thanked him for showing "keen interest in what is happening in Plateau State with the setting up of the Lar Committee."

He called on Nigerians to join hands with Mr Jonathan to move Nigeria forward, while urging "politicians not to consider the game of politics as war because power comes from God."

The President used the first of his two-day working visit to commission several state government roads and bridges as well as one agricultural project and a federal government road.

The governors of Bauchi, Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi also came to welcome the President.

Glad to hear it.

Still, knowing that we just incidents in Abuja & Bauchi I would not rest on my oars even for a second.