₦airaland Forum

@sd-6
You had that dream again yesterday - didn't you? You know, that one where the Yorubas pursue your ancestors.

Boooooo (Yorubas are coming): sd-6, or is it std, dashes into the bush with his heels touching the back of his head.

They have been touted as the first to receive western education yet their grammatical ineptitude has become an increasing cause for concern. Could it be that their education was nothing but quantitative? Or does their inability to express themselves derive from their inextricable link with their local language? Just curious,

chyz:
https://www.ibrahimbabangida.com/images/archive4.jpg

I like this pic too, this is way on point.

Nice picture isn't it? Now think about the millions of Nigerians who can never hope to put on costumes like these for a contended picture of the family BECAUSE OF THIS MAN'S ARROGANT POLICIES.

Give him another chance? You must have lost your head somewhere along the line!

Let all the misinformed people in our mist continue with vague criticisms. If they don’t really, the coast will too clear and it would seem we never crossed any hurdle before getting to our destination… Aso Rock 2011. Let them spend their whole time discussing irrelevancies while we spend just little of our time educating them. Jut little of our time. We will reserve the rest energy propagating the gospel according to IBB, Chapter Aso Rock, Verses qualitative education, good infrastructures, social amenities, strong and viable economy, and resuscitation of our industries, good governance; general growth and development.We shall never be deterred until we achieve our objective… [size=15pt]getting IBB into Aso Rock come 2011. That is our goal; that is our dream.[/size]

The real Jesus of Nazareth has a message for you - "You offsprings of vipers". "You say you see, yet you are blind." - Enough said.

Slaves always dream the dream of their masters - no dream of their own - if not you will see IBB as nightmare and refuse to sleep if you have an inkling he is going to get in your dream

Obviously those who prepared this at Sahara Reporters are too much into meeting their "sensational" news needs to be objective. What they ended up is a set of petty statements that cannot be taken seriously - not that everything they said is inaccurate.

Most importantly many of the recommendations they made to the student, are just as bad as what needs to be improved or cannot be done even in the next 4 years.

Still, it is useful and should be a regular feature of governance in Nigeria for the people to issue a report card to the government at all levels.

You are going to wrap yourself up with this line. So, IBB is not from the "core" North, but he is jumping in to fulfill the North's presidential turn. So, why can't you apply the same thing to Jonathan and the Ijaws. See the problem? Then what happens in 2015 when the "core" North says that was the Middle-Belter's turn, now it is our turn. You are going to tell me they won't say that. Hhhhmmmm ,  the same way IBB will [size=15pt]voluntarily [/size] not contest in 2015?

I don't know why you don't trust Yorubas, and I don't care to know - all I know is that everything I have heard so far as reasons are simplistic innuendos and half-truths that are worse than lies.

EzeUche22:
We already know where the North stand on the issue. They want power. And they can have power if they give the Igbo financial power. That is a deal we can make. Northerners always mean their word. They do not talk out of both sides of their mouth. When they say they are going to kill you, they mean it.

And IBB is not from the core north. He is actually from the middle belt.

You ask me why don't we Igbos trust Yorubas, you should know the answer to that. And the same goes for the Ijaw what they did to the Igbos during the Civil War and Abandoned property

Onlytruth:
This is NOT about June 12.
This is about Ndigbo occupying their rightful position in Nigeria. Since we lost the war, all manner of lies and cheating have been inflicted on us.
We are one of the biggest tribes in Nigeria. Why should we be so marginalized?
So, forget about June 12. We want our dues in Nigeria.

And that due is "one Igbo man to become president" - that should be easy to arrange, except that you are relying on the most UNRELIABLE person you can find for it.
For the umpteenth time - I'll rather have Duke, Jonathan, Ribadu, Fashola, Rufai, Okonjo-Ikweala in 2011 than a 1000 IBBs. These are the candidates that meet the minimum criteria for what is needed to solve the conundrum called Nigeria. Buhari - coupled with Duke, Okonjo-Ikweala or Fashola could do it too. For me it is the heart, knowing the meaning of EDUCATION, possessing good judgement, and capable of being held accountable. I could care less where you are from - it is really about a person that is not too big to be held accountable. IBB considers himself a god of some sort.

@chyz
You are in timeout now - to the corner with you

When I said "you" that was in reply to the statement "we will, " aka the 10s or less people claiming to represent the Igbos on NL. You might have been confused because there are actually two threads on this same issue, but I have treated both as one. [size=15pt]Next time just click on my username and then click on my recent posts to see where your confusion came from before jumping to conclusions.[/size]

chyz:
So Koruji and TewMuch are the same people.lol.[size=13pt]YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED[/size]. My statement was towards TewMuch. Everybody check out the below:

You are making a mistake - I am trying to tell you not to make it about June 12. I brought that up in a reply to Ezeuche who stated that Igbos trust IBB because he has always been good to them, but that they don't trust Jonathan. Another person said why should we hate IBB for what he did to Yoruba. Read the rest of the thread or the second topic that is discussing almost the exact same thing before you start making claims.

This is always the point - do what you want, but be ready for the consequences.

Onlytruth:
I am disappointed that folks like koruji and TewMuch thinks this is about Yoruba. Believe me Igbo man is not interested in Yoruba for the 2015 quest.
Remember it was not IBB that killed Yoruba leaders; it was Abacha!
The only crime IBB committed against the Yoruba was to annul the Abiola polls victory, but he has since made it up by ensuring that Yoruba controlled Nigeria for 8 years under Obasanjo.

So, believe me, this is not about some "vengeance" against the Yoruba. It is about Ndigbo getting what is their fair share of a collective patrimony. Even south south has controlled Nigeria's presidency more than Ndigbo. So, we are only thinking about how to better the lots of our people.
Remember that there is large number of Ndigbo still mad at Nigeria and will bring Nigeria down if this Igbo question continues.
If you love Nigeria, and want it to remain one, you better support the candidate that promises Igbo presidency in 2015.

Beaf:
People keep making the mistake of thinking 2011 is going to be one huge race with IBB, Atiku, Jonathan etc. It won't.
The Jonathan - IBB thing is strictly within PDP and Jonathan will come out victorious. Except IBB gets the PDP ticket (oil stops flowing and MEND pops up), the 2011 battle will be between Jonathan, Ribadu and Buhari, Kris Okotie etc.

@Beaf
I am inclined to believe you, but not quite sure about whether Jonathan will run yet - we should know by September.

One thing is sure, people keep underestimating the man. He has got the "shoe-pinching", rag-to-riches, yet erudite, background that would be needed to have a GREAT NIGERIAN PRESIDENT, and a good HEART. With a little more proactiveness - often a weakness of quiet people he can achieve things for Nigeria. He doesn't have to be perfect, but he is quite responsive to complaints.

All these other guys either fed on military power to propel themselves to limelight or followed the smell of their parents money - many of them (Ribadu, Duke) with a good heart, but missing the rag-to-riches part that stories cannot make you feel.

chyz:
Whether u like it or not if IBB sounds good to us and offers us the best interest he has our votes. And for your info IBB is Gwari and from Niger State. You must be a Ghanaian. 

And that is what I advised you to do, it is what you should do - but be ready for the consequences if you chose wrong. In my case,  I might simply follow him to Abuja to make sure we are examining his actions daily, hourly, and by the second, if need be. That's how much I believe IBB would bring complete ruination to Nigeria if by accident he gets elected. I will be more than happy to be wrong , but at this point the only thing I believe IBB would bring to Nigeria is ruination. Nothing is going to change that until I see him actually perform as a president - he doesn't even deserve the 2nd chance- too many futures are at stake!

And I guess you must be Gwari - did I say I don't know his state. I am not sure of his ethnicity, and thank you if you were correct, that is! There is an old rumor that IBB is actually from Ogbomoso. Not that I believed it, the way some people quickly put their teeth into the claim that OBJ is Igbo

@Onlytruth
If you followed some earlier reply to BigB1 - you would have noticed it is important to read IBB's word carefully - to realize its emptiness. That is especially important for the Igbos (sorry if this offends you here), but one statement from Pa Awolowo is one reason often cited for your, so-called "mistrust" of the Yorubas. In my own opinion, and you are free to disagree (and you will), the meaning given to Awolowo's words is not the same as what he said or meant. Why is that important?

The reason is you heard IBB say "it [size=15pt]would be my desire [/size] for power to shift to the South-east". Look carefully now at what he said - it would be his [size=15pt]desire[/size] is what he said. Then you need to go back and check his past statements against his actions. Look, I desire to have a billion Naira - but that doesn't mean I will have it! His words, like I said when you understand it is usually based on fallacy. What is the fallacy here? It is that it is possible for him to desire power in the Southeast in 2015, but not in 2011, as if PDP constitution is the Holy Bible - which even is being flouted with reckless abandon each and everyday - that cannot be changed to fulfill IBB's desire for the Southeast to have the presidency in [size=15pt]2011[/size]. Whoever is behind this scheme among the Igbos is just as lily livered as they want us to believe Jonathan is!

It is sad that you guys, I hope it is only some minority of Igbos, are allowing yourself to be separated from the herd by IBB. Otherwise, how else can you trust a man that created the entire imbroglio right from 1985-1999 just because you are reducing the issue to June 12 because it involves the Yorubas. June 12 was only the final act of a man whose megalomaniac dream was unexpectedly shut down - and it had nothing to do with Abiola or Yoruba. It was the Nigerian people that did it because expecting widespread rioting, fighting and looting the people unexpectedly conduct in the freest election even in Nigeria. The logical conclusion of that process would have shut IBB out of Aso Rock for life. If he cannot give Nigerians a good explanation for cacelling June 12 (after speding billions of Naira and leading Nigerians by the nose to the polls), on what basis are you trusting words he said over his shoulder to a pressman! This is what you need to be understood.

Sorry, I am not going to even debate how Igbo agitation can break the nation. I already told you what IBB's reply would be.

Onlytruth:
Believe me I've actually spent days thinking about the best options for Ndigbo.

No Northerner, I repeat, no Northerner will dare do things that can bring an end to Nigeria.

The whole North knows that is the turn of Ndigbo to produce the president. They understand it because we and them have actually fought a war. So they know us.

Jonathan on the other hand is not caring on as if he understands these issues. I bet you that a part of him tells him that Ijaw agitation is equal to Igbo agitation. Not to belittle any tribe, but Igbo agitation is capable of disintegrating Nigeria. I can't say that about Ijaw agitations.
So IBB understand these things, that is why he openly called for an Igbo president by 2015. He understands that Nigeria does not have a choice about that.
So, when he says that Nigeria needs to bring an end to the civil war, introduce state police and true federalism, he shows he understands Nigerian issues well.

I'm still waiting for other candidates (not just Jonathan) to make their positions known on these big national issues.

It would be insane for anyone to tell Igbos to act against their own interest. There are three things that you need to keep in mind:

1. Do you know what actually benefits you?
2. Can the one you are putting your hope in deliver?
3. Whether you like it or not your interests cannot stand alone? This is perhaps the most important. Nigeria is a perpetual prisoner's dillema story, unless we change that pattern each region will always lose. What benefit did Yar'adua's presidency bring the North?

chyz:
Its all about Igbo interest. I dont care whether it benefits another tribe or not.No more friends.We've tried that and fell woefully. At this point no decision is made but whoever offers the Igbos the best interest then they are THE MAN. It is almost september now and jonathan has not even said a word! Igbos are disappearing from the Public Eye in the FG and it makes no sense so IBB is at a better advantage to the Igbo at this moment.

Like I said this thing they are calling zoning is not North-Southeast or North-Igbo, it is North-South - and it is ultimately a ridiculous concept designed by those who are in the know to share Nigeria's loot among themselves. You need to sit down well in thought about all of this - ask yourself what the population of IBB's ethnic group is in the north? Yet, here you are claiming 30+million Igbos as basis for the presidency, and at the same time supporting him to be president.

EzeUche22:
We Igbos who have a population of 30+ million will not be kept away from power!

The Yoruba had their chance. It is the Igbos turn.

chyz:
Whether he is talking gibberish or not at least he is talking.we are not looking for sentiment based choice, we are looking for who benefits Igbo. If he doesnt leave after his 4 years is complete then that will spell the end of nigeria. that move would only help MASSOB's case in the international court for succession and he knows that quite well. GJ has done nothing at all for the people of nigeria. Name one thing I dare you.

Let me repeat this here for any Nigerian listening. The only way the next presidency will benefit Igbos, Yorubas, Hausas, Fulanis, Ijaws, Itsekiris, Efiks, Gwari, Nupe, etc is if we select the best of the lot that the parties end up with.

Don't get me wrong - if that happens to be, God-forbid, IBB you are welcome to it - but I can tell you that he will not only disappoint you, but the entire nation.

The president we need is not some cunning, selfish, power-hungry kleptocrat, but one who knows the meaning of EDUCATION first of all, and most important that the president is a coordinator, a guide and guard of our collective well-being. He must stop not just clear corruption, but the corrupt framework in which Nigeria runs itself. IBB is the epitome of our current corrupt framework - it is who he is and so expect nothing from him.

And IBB is the one you are trusting for that purpose - carry on!

EzeUche22:
We Igbos who have a population of 30+ million will not be kept away from power!

The Yoruba had their chance. It is the Igbos turn.

What kind of psychological make-up is that?

You listed Yoruba, Ijaws, but not the North as among the groups you don't trust.

Since you mentioned those you don't trust, could you tell us also those you trust or are the others all a shrug of the shoulder? - with reasons please. Please remind me again why you don't trust Yorubas or Ijaws.

EzeUche22:
He has always been a friend of the East. We don't trust the Ijaws due to people like Edwin Clarke. And you Yorubas, well that is self-explanatory.

But what wrong has IBB done an Igbo?

He did Yorubas wrong, but nothing happened to him. Why should we get angry with the man to what he did to Abiola?

Who is this we you guys are talking about that needs commitments? Why don't you tell Jonathan what commitments you need?

IBB will tell you anything to get to Aso Rock - that is all you need to know!

Oh yes, he is outspoken alright - talking gibberish!

What does docility have to do with it - what we need is someone with judgement based on thoughtfulness, as well as proactive.

You will hold IBB to account, as in tell him to get off the chair in 2015 if doesn't want to? - he will slaughter you (sorry for my harsh language)! Answer me one question - you think Atiku would have survived if he tried that s***t with IBB, as with OBJ?

OBJ still had international reputation to protect, despite his well-known brutishness as an old soldier, but IBB doesn't give a damn, unless he is really under duress - and you had better be well prepared!

Onlytruth:
The way I'm looking at this is not in terms of friends and enemies. I'm simply looking at the courage of convictions.

IBB was a very busy president in his days in office. Nigeria was very POOR then. Oil was selling for about $18 - $20 /barrel. Today, oil goes for at least $70/barrel, and Nigeria has tens of billions of dollars in reserves. IBB even created more agencies then than OBJ did in 8 years of oil boom.

Jonathan is too docile for Nigeria's presidency. Left alone, he would not rock the boats.

We need someone with the guts to rock the boat, and since IBB publicly committed to those things, we can use them to hold him to account.

Jonathan has not committed to anything, so how can we hold him?

How do we measure him?

We need public commitments from him if he needs our votes.

hatch#:
I doubt if IBB stands a chance even if he runs against my 2 year old daughter in 2011 elections.

If you know how IBB used to carry himself and watch his recent videos, you can tell that the man knows that age is not on his side. That stamina and proud demeanor that the bootlickers have stuck in their memory is gone - and he knows it.

Nigeria cannot afford another "captive" president - trust me that is what IBB would become. It is the cabal rearing its ugly head again - who did you think was behind Ribadu, Rufai and OBJ's travails under Yar'adua?

Whoever is the WE you are refering to - you have always had trust issues.

Check yourself - we don't trust Yoruba, we don't trust Ijaws, but you trust IBB - there is the joke of the day! The only reason you don't trust Jonathan is that you think once he takes the turn of the south, Igbos would not see the presidency till 2025 - as if Nigeria will continue with this mess beyond another 5 years if it is not fixed fast!

EzeUche22:
What is in it for us Igbo?
If IBB sings the right tune like Anioma and other issues and more investment in the southeast, the entire southeast will vote for him.
We do not trust Goodluck.

If you love yourself and your people[size=15pt] DON'T VOTE IBB IN 2011 [/size] - you cannot afford it.

Look at the bolded part below, and ask yourself if you understand its meaning. It is a BIG reason why we cannot allow IBB to be president again. The president we need has be able to respond to the people's push. IBB cannot be pushed, as you thankfully confirmed.

In your fantansy world he possess all the wisdom needed to move Nigeria forward - that was how he failed the last time too, but we cannot let him repeat it - there are too many lives at stake!

Big B1:
You go brother!
You hit the nail right on the head.
Plus IBB has too much to lose if things are not done accordingly, his neck is on the line. Trust me, he can not afford to fumble this time around.
He is only contesting to clean up the mess that has been lingering for many years. He has the courage, he is brave, he has military background, [size=15pt]he can not be pushed by anybody[/size], he has the experience, no governor in this country has the ball to mess with IBB.
He is fighting for his legency, we must never allow this opportunity to slip away.
Allow him to put it together.

@Ezeuche
Wonders shall never end. When they say power rotates between North and South - it is not between North and Southeast or North and Igbo - that is IBB's trickery. In 2015, if by some accident, IBB wins and actually let go of rulership, you will be at the short end of the stick. Why? The Yoruba, the Ijaw (here comes Jonathan), the Efik, etc will have their own candidates too. Guess what? IBB in 2015 would have been finally demystified - mark my words on that last statement, but you would have been taken for a ride.

I understand the calculation very well - but this is all based on a static Nigerian situation. It goes like this - IBB will be too old to do 2 terms, and if he has an Igbo VP that person would be the President-in-waiting. Go ask Atiku what became of that notion.

Watch your steps carefully with IBB. The enemy of your enemy is not your friend - it is IBB-style 419.

EzeUche22:
Of all the past leaders since the 1st Republic, IBB has always done the Igbos good.

I would even go as far to say that even Abacha, whose hatred for the Yorubas was well known did the Igbos good.

Jonathan, I do not trust him. Just because the Yoruba do like IBB does not mean we Igbos should follow them in their hatred.

Maybe Ojukwu is right about him.

Let him sing the right tune and the Igbo will vote for him in large numbers.

@Big B1
I pity you. I don't know how young you are, but you don't have to be that old to observe IBB's deeds in comparison to his expressions. Let me help you a bit here:
1. When you attempt to pick out the substantive aspects of IBB's statements you come out with a big [size=15pt]0[/size] most of the time. Just analyze the statement below and tell us what part of it is not some pie-in-sky (of no use to any hungry person).
2. When you look even closer you see that IBB's reasonings are most times fallacious - this kind of reasoning is good at disguising the truth, because to the average man, it sounds and looks better than actual truth.
3. Even when IBB says something useful - he doesn't mean it, he never does - unless it serves his own ends to fulfill the promise.

Big B1:

The work of Nigeria is not complete for as long as there is any one Nigerian who goes to bed on empty stomach.

The work is not complete for as long as our people remain divided by avoidable mutual suspicions, distrust and ancient fears. There is still work to be done for as long as our youth roam the streets without food with meal tickets that cannot buy a meal. We all have work to do for as long as factories we have lie in waste or idle, our utilities remain undependable and outsiders who wish us well are reluctant to invest in our economy.

We have a variety of ill-health afflictions, ignorance, and lack the ability to domesticate our environment for the service of our people. We are yet to benefit maximally from research and development, and from science and technology. Recent events have shown that we cannot take the unity of our country for granted. We see a new challenge in conquering new suspicions and demolishing the barriers of injustice and mutual distrust and antagonism. We must now replace clashes among faiths with faith in our nation. We must now

                                                   ---------- Ibrahim Babangida

Babangida: a leader you can count on.

Babangida: a leader you can[size=15pt]NOT[/size] count on.

And in your estimation the years of OBJ and the potential erudite group that would lead us under a Jonathan, Duke, Ribadu or El Rufai are to be preferred to a 2-bit general whose claim to fame is 8 years of lies and unconscionable events. Another 17 years was tacked on because his President-for-life ambition was coming to nought. Ah you people!

What is really bad about this post of yours is that under none of those potential candidates are the PEOPLE IN CHARGE. That tells me one thing. That is exactly what IBB is in it for - himself. However, you need to stop projecting your twisted view of democratic governance on other candidates!

FACT: A leader that has balls will solve our power supply problem in Nigeria in less than 2 years.

And who is this leader with balls you are talking about? It actually means that despite having served 8 years on the seat, IBB really has no clue how to solve Nigeria's power problem if he claims in can do it in 2 years. Wonders shall never end. You better go and ask him what he did about power over 8 years.

Big B1:
This statement basically means having balls to do the right things regardless of who needs to be stepped on for you to accomplish this goal.
Let me give you an example: At some point during Ribadu's time as the chairman of EFCC, he couldn't find anything wrong with folks like Adedibu (late), OBJ, Fani Kayode, Aborishade, Odeli, Tinubu, Akala, Iyabo Obasanjo and many others. He looked other way simply because he did not have the balls to investigate these people.
Today, we do not want this type of leadership in Nigeria, we want a true leader that has the capabilities to simply clean up the house with out any hesitation. A leader that has the stamina, experience and effective strategies to get things done quickly.

FACT: A leader that has balls will solve our power supply problem in Nigeria in less than 2 years.

Jonathan as our leader  = OBJ is in-charge
Ribadu as our leader =  OBJ, El Rufai and a few others are in-charge
Duke as our leader = All big names and celebrities in Nigeria are in-charge
IBB as our leader = IBB is in-charge

This has got be the lamest excuse for justifying the unjustifiable. There were so many reasons given in this article, including bringing Yar'adua into it (reminds you of the excuse to support the bloated independence anniversay celebrations budget ) instead of doing the right thing. The most ridiculous was this:

The government explained on November 25, 2009 that the decision to drop some of the eight aircraft followed the discovery that they had become too expensive to maintain due to old age. It said then that it had already booked slots for the purchase of two new aircraft in 2010, and another two in 2011 and 2012.

A couple of questions for President Jonathan:

1. Why did the President and his wife travel to Uganda in two different jets? Even if you travel with two jets don't you use one together, with the other in place for cases like this?
2. Could the jet have developed its mechanical problems while packed on a Saudi runway for more than 90 days?
3. How come the jets OBJ bought only about three years ago are no longer flight-worthy?
4. What is the entire fleet of presidential aircraft (planes and helicopters) in Nigeria?
5. Wasn't it the same 2010 budget that Jonathan sent back to the National Assembly to be reduced? Why was this N21 billion item not eligible for cuts? Couldn't you have reduced this to 1 for now, saving Nigerians at least N10 billion in these hard times?
6. Are we being told that 3 or more jets from the presidential fleet are no longer flight worthy and to be replaced - the entire response could not come up with any definite number of planes requiring replacement?
7. What is with all the pretension about who is responsible for the purchase decision? First, it was the airforce that recommended it and then the FEC approved Jonathan's memo - who is fooling who? Is this not the same FEC-type people that could not counter a virtually dead president? Why is Jonathan unwilling to accept responsibility, and even better do what is right - reduce the number of aircrafts?
8. Finally, what about YOUR PEOPLE? Who is responsible for their transportation needs as they daily suffer horrific accidents on dilapidated roads and vehicles? Did you know that even at $250K a piece $154 million would provide one farm tract for more than half of Nigeria's local governments?

In conclusion, sir, by these actions you are not inspiring confidence in anyone as the 2011 elections draw close. Democracy requires the government to be accountable to the people, not just the right for the people to have their opinions about what the government does or does not do. I hope you and the rest of those looking to become Nigeria's ruler realize this salient difference before you sign up for the job.

By Emma Anya
Friday, 20 Aug 2010
Punch

Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed force of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

President Goodluck Jonathan has advised those criticising his administration’s decision to acquire three aircraft to beef up the Presidential Air Fleet to be “constructive.”

Jonathan, in his first reaction to some Nigerians, political groups and civil society organisations that flayed the action, said his safety and the need to run the country efficiently ought to be considered first by them.

His comment titled, “The plane truth,” was posted on his twitter blog on Wednesday but sighted on Thursday by our correspondent.

Jonathan, who admitted that people were entitled to their opinions, said while the cost of the three jets might appear high, the price of good governance could not be quantified.

The blog reads in part, “The President of Nigeria, must be transported safely at all times. The cost may seem exorbitant now, but it would impossible to put a price tag on good governance and an efficiently run country; a promise that this administration is determined to deliver.

“Let us be constructive in our criticisms so that we do not inadvertently encumber the rebuilding of our nation.”

The Federal Executive Council had on August 11 approved $154m (about N23.07bn) for the purchase of two Falcon 7X and one Gulfstream G550 aircraft from Messrs Dessault Aviation of France and Messrs Gulfstream Aaerospace Corporation of the United States.

The first Falcon 7X aircraft is expected to arrive in Nigeria by the end of December, while the second is to be delivered in the second quarter of 2011. The Gulfstream G550 is also expected in the country by the second quarter of 2011.

The sum of N21bn was provided in the 2010 budget for the purchase of the three aircraft.

The Minister of Information and Communication, Prof. Dora Akunyili, had told journalists after FEC’s meeting in Abuja on August 11, that the council approved the purchase of the aircraft after considering a memo from Jonathan.

Although Akunyili did not disclose the number of aircraft in the PAF, information available indicates that the fleet comprised eight aircraft as at November 2009.

FEC had at the end of its November 25, 2009 meeting announced that the government had commenced a phased replacement of aircraft in the PAF.

The government explained on November 25, 2009 that the decision to drop some of the eight aircraft followed the discovery that they had become too expensive to maintain due to old age.

It said then that it had already booked slots for the purchase of two new aircraft in 2010, and another two in 2011 and 2012.

Dr. Mansur Muktar, who served as the Minister of Finance during the administration of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, had also told Nigerians that the new aircraft were not for the use of the President but for other principal officers of the government.

Muktar had said, “They are to be operated as a fleet and will be deployed appropriately to serve other purposes, especially serving principal officers of the Federal Government. This includes the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

Shortly after Akunyili announced the ordering of the three new aircraft, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, reaffirmed Muktar’s claim on who would use the jets.

He said, “Note that it is not the President’s plane that is being changed. It is some old aircraft on the fleet that are being replaced.

“The fleet services the entire apparatus of governance from the Executive, the Legislature and the judiciary as well as certain levels of the security services and more.”

But Jonathan’s comment on his twitter page indicated that he might also make use of the new aircraft.

He made reference to his experience last month in Kampala, Uganda, where his aircraft made an air return after developing a fault. He described the incident as “undignifying.”

The President’s comment reads, “A national daily on August 12, 2010 had the following headline: “Governance cost rises, N21bn for three presidential jets” and it was immediately apparent that some people were less than impressed or indeed pleased with this development.

“This necessitated a statement from Mr. Niboro explaining that the expenditure was for the replacement of old aircraft in the PAF.

“Do people have the right to be indignant at such expenditure given the general state of affairs in the country? People certainly have the right to their opinions; after all we live in a democracy.

“Perhaps some insight would help give a balanced perspective of the situation. Let’s look at the whys and hows that may have led to the decision to purchase the new planes:

“One, the President’s recent outing at the just concluded 15th African Union General Assembly meeting in Entebe, Uganda encountered a setback on the return leg of the trip as the President’s plane had technical difficulties and this led to an undignifying compulsory layover until the problem was resolved. It is moot to point out the risk to the President and his aides under this circumstance.

“Two, the expenditure is based on earlier recommendations of the Airforce who is charged with flying and maintaining the planes. Also, the expenditure had been approved in the 2010 budget.

“Three, after the trying months, this nation faced during absence from office of the late President Yar’Adua, it is essential that our President can resume his duties in Nigeria when he is required to and most certainly should not be prevented from doing so due to technical problems with his transportation (in this case a plane).

This claim is rather redundant on the surface, but it would be interesting to see what this actually means - population of youths, educational achievemnts, etc.

Using Ikengawo's figures and the 2006 population census here is a chart of Population Density & Per Capita Income - the numbers in the chart are population densities. The per capita numbers seem to in the range quoted for Nigeria. Anybody has an idea whether the population density figures are believable?

You are not disaggreeing with much of what I said either. However, there is a fine line between keeping an eye out because there are bad elements within a group of people, and using blanket "bigotry" methods, such as "We don't allow Nigerians in here". There was (and this is the point) "absolutely no other other reason to suspect this [size=15pt]particular person[/size] of any crime. They are basically saying if you are Nigerian, you must be criminal enough to be unwanted here - even if you happen to be the Doctor to their president.

Oba234:
first of all, Nigerians are not all discriminated against in south Africa. Just because there are a few incidences of discrimination doesn't mean the south african government hates Nigerians. Do you know that thousands if not millions of Nigerians in south african live there and nobody bothers them, but as soon as some nigerian experience some discrimination, it makes the news? They must love the place if they refuse to go back to nigeria. It's the truth that many nigerians in south africa are not there legally and many of them are in the drug business. It's unfortunate that the bad ones makes life difficult for the good ones, but it's the truth. A lot of nigerians in south africa are in some kind of shady business.  Secondly, you are taking what I said in the previous post a bit too literally. It was said in a jokingly kind of way. I didn't go out of my way to say I wasn't nigerian. Many of them just assume that I was an American because I came to south Africa with a group of Americans anyway and I have an American accent, so I didn't go out of my way to change their notion because they were right. I am nigerian american and it's not that big of a deal to me.  It depends on the situation. In some situation, I say I am an American and while talking to some locals, I told some of them I was Nigeria. It wasn't really that big of a deal for me. I do remember that I when I was in capetown, when I get into conversations with people,  I told some people that I was of nigerian nationality and none of them killed me o. Actually they didn't care, so now what?

No you got it wrong. At ~70, IBB is an orange whose juice is gone. The only thing left is for him to dry up and shrivel.

Big B1:
There is nothing left, but the best of the best of IBB; do not let us miss the great opportunity to bring our country back.

He has the experience because he has been there before = [size=15pt]He he, your wife can't get pregnant, but hey here is her previous abusive husband to the rescue. Great logic from IBB folks as always.[/size]

He has the unique wisdom because he's older ([size=15pt]Ageism, another disease that holds back Nigeria is the reason we must give IBB the presidency[/size]) and had a few years to clearly watch and understand what needs to be done[size=15pt]And all these years he was keeping it under wraps until Yar'adua dies? - great wisdom right there[/size], he has unique stamina [size=15pt]Yeah - the unique stamina of a 70 year old [/size] because he is still the most respected politician in Nigeria today[size=15pt] Speak for yourself and your buldging bank account[/size], he completely understands unity because he thinks broadly it's almost unbelievable[size=15pt]Wake up you are in a trance[/size], and more than anything else he has the uncompromising support of the group of the biggest fish in Nigeria[size=15pt]Now you are revealing your strategy, bit by bit - biggest fish, how about antelope?[/size]; hence, accomplishing his goals effectively and efficiently as our president is very much feasible.

In a few more months it will become more clearer to Nigerians in general that nobody else can quickly take us to the promise land like our one and only incredible IBB.[size=15pt]This does it for me - you are into IBB's religion of price is right. Listen, NOBODY is going to take Nigeria into the promised land, but Nigerians - we 'll start by making sure nobody sends us back the wrong way another several years like he did from 1985 - 1999[/size]

He is completely focused, committed and his skin is thicker than the skin of crocodile, therefore, haters can continue to cry till the moon shines, IBB will not stop till he is elected as the number 1 man of the Rep of Nigeria.[size=15pt]This is not about hating - this is about preserving whatever is left of the future of our childern, by making sure that this bloodsucker doesn't get his fangs into our necks one more time[/size]

egift:
@ youngmonie:
That's a great list , Oya can someone post that of GEJ and others make we compare. Abi?

Why don't you first list for us how many years Jonathan has ruled this country?

While you are it I need a list of the people that died under direct orders of IBB?

You will also need to get paper long enough to collect the signature of the millions of Nigerians whose vote IBB annulled without regard to their welfare

Don't forget to reach into the beyond, preferable with IBB in your company, to seek the forgiveness of Abiola and Vatsa.

We'll be waiting!

You either playing the ostrich or ignorant. Either way the overall question to you is what became of all of these programs, when you single-handedly threw the entire nation into turmoil. Let me tell you IBB's hope has always been that this turmoil will lead him back to Aso Rock. Think about it. What is a 70-year old looking to do for Nigeria that cannot be continued through his proteges? No, IBB has nobody's interest at heart other than his own. See some specifics below:

youngmonie:
The establishment of new Universities and Polytechnics ===> You mean by closing down universities and causing the nations university workforce to leave our shores enmass.
The movement of Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja ===> So what? OBJ started it. You don't build a capital city in one year
.The reorganization of the Nigeria Police into seven Zonal Operation Areas. ===> Again so what? The only things that change is which zone you get to lose your N50
The unemployment grant to States for agricultural programmes and vocational skills.
.Establishment of Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). ===> You mean the jamboree that had no head or no tail, and was designed to make him president for life
. A 46-member Panel to review the 1979 Constitution. . ===> The constitution was so good, Abacha/Abdusalami got rid of it
. The creation of Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Osun, Yobe and Taraba States and over 136 new Local .Government Areas with take off grants
Direct funding of Local Government Areas from the Federal Government to make them autonomous.  National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA).
. National Orientation Agency (NOA) formerly known as the ‘‘Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance Social Justice and Economic Recovery’’ (MAMSER). ===> You are shamelessly double-counting - Typical IBB style
. National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
.Federal Environment Protection Agency (FEPA).
. Lagos Third Mainland Bridge.
. Federal Urban Mass Transit programme. .
.The 1991 National Population Census (NPC).
. National Women Commission. . The Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DIFRRI).
. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
. National Housing Fund.
. Commission of the Onne Fertilizer Plant in Rivers State.
. The 260 million dollars Petrol Chemical Plant in Kaduna.
. NNPC Escravos- Lagos Gas Pipeline at Egbin,
. National Electoral Commission
. Elesa Eleme Refinery in River State.
Children Trust Fund.
. Resumed diplomatic relations with Israel
Central Bank Autonomy Decree, . Others were: NAFDAC; Ecomog; Reduction of import duties on newsprint, etc. I

This may not make sense to u , buh take a look at how this country is now compareds to what it was den, Ibbs regime was far better than dat of objs regimee, we din have all dis 9je delta issues, standard of living was much better den than now