₦airaland Forum

In my estimation,one of the greatest Nigerians of all time.

Am not surprised that the Lagos state Commandant of NCDSC finished from UNILAG no wonder Jonah wanted it changed to MAULAG!!!

Meanwhile, while we continue to have good laughs, I only blame Mr. Sunday for being enthusiastic about what he doesn't know. His Facebook info page says he graduated from UniLag in '84.

http://www.facebook.com/obafaiye.shemsunday

kiyosaki1: Lawless people just like your kinsman pardon your thieving father Alamesia.So just because you are allowed to taste power briefly,the power is now intoxicating you people,just try it and the whole of SS will turn to another Somalia.You are warn

If GEJ get liver, he should invite his #OgaAtTheTop, #Alams, on his next state visit to the United Kingdom.

At what point will some of these apologists stop?
One guy starts lecturing me on the constitutional provisions on the President's prerogative of mercy.. abeg.. I tell you say I no know wetin dey there? Because US constitution allow Obama to press nuclear button now, why im no dey press amto show N. Korea? My friend, the constitution doesn't anticipate that you will have an irresponsible leader who will reckless apply the provisions of the constitution when they are not expedient... see the Logic?
Another one talk say sebi Awolowo and Ojukwu were recipients of State pardon, so why not Alams... my question would then be why not Anini and Oyenusi? As if the context of the "crimes" commited by Awolowo and Ojukwu can be equated with those of Alams... Alams is a common criminal, who was acting solely for self, had no cause he was fighting for when he was stealing... nothing either of these men (Awolowo or Ojukwu) did or were alleged to have done were unilateral and only in the interests of their pockets... See the difference?
Another one sef come talk say as we talk say as we talk say giving Alams pardon means we are encouraging corruption; then giving Diya, Fadipe and Yar'adua pardon is like encouraging coup plotting... what twisted logic? Coups are not in fashion any longer, whereas corruption is still a festering sore in Nigeria....See the difference?
The ridiculist continues.....

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State on Thursday rose in stout defence of his controversial wedding gifts to hip pop musician, Tuface Idibia, saying the gesture was to reward the musician’s wife for standing by her husband in the face of difficulties.

The governor had come under heavy criticism after he, on Friday, announced a gift of two brand new Toyota Prado SUVs to Tuface and his wife. He also reportedly promised to bankroll an all-expense paid trip for 29 delegates from the state to attend the white wedding of the couple fixed for Dubai, the United Arab Emirate on March 23.

Besides, he also hosted a lavish state dinner in honour of the couples and promised to rehabilitate the Eket-Ibeno Road ahead of the child dedication of Tuface and Annie.

But in a statement by his commissioner for information, Aniekan Umana, on Wednesday, Mr. Akpabio said he only approved a car, and not two, for the couple. He also said he only promised to sponsor 20, and not 29, wedding guests to Dubai for the couple’s white wedding.

The statement reads, “Following spurious and false speculations in the social media concerning the wedding gift by Governor Godswill Akpabio to Mrs. Annie Innocent Idibia, née Macaulay, I wish to state as follows:

“That the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Chief Godswill Akpabio, donated ONE Prado jeep to Mrs. Annie Innocent Idibia, nee Macaulay a daughter of Akwa Ibom State and renowned artist during her traditional marriage at Eket.

“That the State Governor as a token of support for the couple promised to fund the travelin expenses (economy return tickets) for ONLY TWENTY relatives of Mrs. Annie Idibia Macaulay to Dubai, where the couple have chosen to wed.

“That looking carefully at the surrounding events in perspective, Mrs. Annie Idibia, nee Macaulay is a daughter of Akwa Ibom State and the gift of a Prado SUV from her governor is only a gesture of love and goodwill. Her resolve to stand by her husband on his journey right from his days of youthful beginnings to stardom even in the face of challenges was commendable and a true attribute of the Akwa Ibom women.

“That It is however unbecoming that mischief makers and enemies of progress have decided to inflame the social media with incongruous reports that the State Government is sponsoring an

entourage of party supporters to the wedding in Dubai, when in fact the Government is only sponsoring the travel expenses of twenty of her family members at an estimated cost of roughly Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) only.

“I wish to therefore urge members of the public to discountenance the misrepresentations made out of a well intentioned act of the governor.”

A self-serving ego trip

The governor had come under a hailstone of condemnation after the donations, and it is unclear whether anyone is impressed by his explanation.

In our earlier story on this matter, many Nigerians believe the gifts were ridiculous.

“This is absolute rubbish”, an apparently angry Mary Udom said. “These (Tuface and wife) are no poor people. I don’t see why Akpabio is doing such a thing. If it were an ordinary man’s wedding, he (Akpabio) won’t even send a gift, talkless of giving cars.”

For Obo Effanga, Governance Manager, Action Aid Nigeria, the governor’s action is embarrassing, as it defeats the purpose for good governance, particularly in the allocation of resources.

“This is very embarrassing indeed! If governance is about being in a position to take decisions in the interest of the people of the state, when a governor allocates public resources to individuals because of their closeness to him, how does this enhance that purpose and the interest of the ordinary citizens in the state, on whose behalf the governor claimed he was making the donation?,” Mr Effanga said.

“This amount could have been enough to do something more useful to the society. It could buy several volumes of books for University of Uyo that has been crying of funding challenges. That amount could sponsor a lot drugs that could be dispensed to citizens free,” he added.

Spokesman for the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, Rotimi Fashakin, said it is such profligate and reckless spending of available resources at their disposal by governors from the Niger Delta region that has made the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, to suffer a long delay at the National Assembly till today.

According to Mr. Fashakin, if it were his personal resources, Mr. Akpabio would not do what he did, but having realised that Akwa Ibom earns a lot, based on 13 percent derivation, he could afford to spend on anything that catches his fancies.

He said, “This type of financial recklessness from governors of oil rich states is another reason militating against the passage of the PIB. The 10 per cent being proposed for the host communities is seen as superfluous if this type of unimaginable imprudence becomes second nature for some of these governors. This type of anti-people expenditure is only symptomatic of a leader that emerged through the subversion of the people’s will and desire.”

For Tope Fasua, an Abuja-based public affairs commentator, such behaviours are clearly as a result of lack of vision by our leaders.

“The Bible says the people perish for lack of vision and knowledge. Akpabio lacks vision, because he is on an ego trip. He thinks he has arrived. But, the truth is that despite the huge oil money that goes to the state every month, the rate of poverty still affects 80 per cent of the population.

“Nobody is thinking about the fact that the price of oil could crash. That is what economists call the tragic choice in Akpabio’s behaviour. All that would unravel soon.”

For Mr. Effanga, a donation of the funds to the University of Uyo would have gone a long way in relieving the university l of its funding constraint, which Vice Chancellor Comfort Ekpo, told the visiting Senate Committee on Education last week is affecting the development of the institution.

“If the amount to be spent on the ego trip to Dubai were to be invested in the provision of books to school libraries, medical facilities in hospitals or boreholes to communities in the state, including the musician’s new wife’s village, many citizens would derive more utilitarian value from the expenditure,” the activist noted.

A profligate governor

Mr. Akpabio is one of Nigeria’s most profligate governors, spending his state funds as if they were his personal wealth.

He is known to move around with huge cash taken from the state coffers, recklessly distributing them to whoever captures his fancy.

http://premiumtimesng.com/news/124667-extravagant-gov-akpabio-defends-controversial-wedding-gifts-to-tuface-wife.html

Alfred James Petroleum, granted OPL 302 for ten years on June 26, 1991 has as directors Adewunmi Sijuade, Goke Sijuade, Adedeji Sijuade, Olayinka Sijuade, Adeyemi Osiyemi and Femisola Awosika with A. O. Adeyinka as chairman. Solgas Nigeria Limited, granted OPL 226 for five years on February 27, 1991 has as directors Oscar P. Udoji, P.E Udoji, E.E. Nwosu with J.O. Udoji as chairman. NorthEast Petroleum, granted OPL 215, 840 and 902 on October 21, 1991 for ten years has as directors Kommer Complex Limited, Nwokema, Ngozi Mbu, Abubakar Jubril and Ashiru B. Aliu, A. Ayankoya with Saleh Jambo as chairman.

Optimum Petroleum granted OPL 310 for ten years on February 3, 1992 has as directors R.D. Adelu, Yusuf N’jie and O.A. Aremu with Ibrahim Bunu as chairman. Sunlink Petroleum, granted OPL 238 for five years and OPL 311 for ten years both on January 21, 1993 has as directors Olaniyi Olumide, Hayford Alile, Samuel Bolarinde, Richard Adelu, Martin Olisa, John Brunner and Emmanuel Ojei. Express Petroleum, granted OPL 108 and 227 for 20 years on November 1, 1995, has as directors Ahmadu Rufai Dantata, Tajudeen Dantata, Dalhatu Gwarzo, Lawan Omar with Aminu Alhassan Dantata as chairman. Dubri Oil Co. Nig Ltd, granted OPL 96 for 20 years on August 6, 1987 has as directors B.N. Itsueli, C.A Itsueli, O.O. Itsueli, A.E. Ihuegbu with U.J Itsueli as chairman.

Amni International Petroleum, granted OPL 112 and 117 for 20 years on February 2, 1998 and August 2, 1999 respectively, has as directors E.C. Edozien, Tunde Afolabi with Sani Bello as chairman. Atlas Petroleum International Nigeria Limited, granted OPL 109 for 20 years on May 25, 1996 has as directors Umaru Ndanusa, Ikechukwu Joseph, Mohammadu Murtala with Arthur Eze as chairman. Consolidated Oil, granted OPL 103 on June 2, 1993 for 20 years and OPL 458 and 136 for five years in 1998 and 2006 respectively, has as directors O. Adenuga and Ebi Omatsola with Mike Adenuga as chairman. Oriental Energy Resources granted OPL 115 for 20 years on May 5, 1999, has as directors Usman Danburan, Jubrilla Mohammed Indimi with the senior Mohammed Indimi as chairman.

Cavendish Petroleum Nigeria Limited granted OPL 110 for 20 years on August 7, 1996, has as director Gambo Gubio with Mai Deribe as chairman. Allied Energy Resources Nigeria Limited granted OPL 120 and 121 on February 27, 2001 has Mickey Lawal as a director with Kase Lawal as chairman. Peak Petr granted OPL 122 on May 17, 2001 for 20 years, has as directors Adekunle Olumide, W. Bolaji, Florence D. Oluokun and Ayodeji Oluokun with M. A. Oluokun as chairman. Summit Oil Nigeria Limited granted OPL 205 and 206 on September 2, 1990 for 20 years, has as directors L.K.O Abiola and Radio Communications Nig Ltd with M.K.O Abiola as chairman. Crownwell Petr Limited granted OPL 305 and 306 in August 1993 for 10 years has S. K Adejumo as director with Sagir Kumashi as chairman. Famfa Oil Limited granted OPL 216 (OML 127) for ten years in August 1993 has as director Folorunsho Alakija with Modupe Alakija as chairman.

MoniPulo ganted OPL 114, 239, 234 and 231 for 20 years in 1999, 2008, 2008 and 2007 respectively has as Director F.A. Agama with O. B. Lulu-Briggs as chairman. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company, granted OPL 113 for 20 years on June 11, 1998, has as directors S. T. Folawiyo, T.B Folawiyo with W. I. Folawiyo as chairman. Zebbra Energy Limited granted OPL 248 for 20 years on April 4, 2004 has as directors S.A. Okolo, Boni Madubunyi, Zimako O. Zimako with A.B.C. Orijako as chairman. Oil and Gas Limited granted OPL 249 and 140 for 10 years on May 5, 2003 and 2006 respectively has as director M.O Idrisu with Reggie Uduhim as chairman.

Continental Oil and Gas Limited granted OPL 59 for 30 years on June 6, 1998, has as directors Agbolade Paddy, Subair Shefiu with Mike Adenuga as chairman. Emerald Energy Resources Limited granted OML 141 on August 10, 2001 for five years has as directors J.O Amaefule, P. L. Caldwell, A.C Uzoigwe, Amos NUR, C. N. Chieri, Femi Akingbe, F. A, Njoku with Emmanuel Egbogah as chairman. OrantoPetr Limited granted OPL 320 March 2002 for 10 years has Arthur Eze as chairman. Dajo Oil Limited granted OPL 320 for 20 years on March 23, 2004, has as directors R.B. Domingo, M.O Domingo, UR. Domingo with Domingo Obande as chairman. Malabu, granted OPL 245 has Dan Etete as chairman. Orient Energy granted OPL 915 and 916 has N. Nwawka as director and Emeka Anyaoku as chairman. Sahara Energy Exploration granted OPL 284, 228 and 332 in 2005 and 2006 has Buba Lawal, Cole Tonye and Odunsi Ade as directors. Enageed Resources Limited granted OPL 274 in 2007 has Buba Lawal, Cole Tonye and Odunsi Ade as directors.

Seplat granted OPL 4, 38and 41 in 2010 with ABC Orjiako and Austin Avuru as directors. Ekcrest E &P Limited was granted OPL 40 in 2012 with Emeka Offor as chairman. First Hydrocarbon was granted OPL 26 in 2011 with O. A. Azazi as chairman. Neconde was granted OPL 42 in 2011 with Amesi Azudialu, John Umeh and Nnnena Obiejesi as directors. Niger Delta Western was granted OPL 34 in 2012 with Olayiwola Fatona, David Richards, P.O. Balogun and T. Omisore as directors. Newcross Petroleum granted OPL 276 with Prince Sijuade and Bolaji Ogundare as directors. Transcorp granted OPL 281 in 2011 with Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola, Funso Lawal, Jacob Ajekigbe, Tony Ezenna, Ndi Onyiuke Okereke, Fola Adeola and Nicholas Okoye as directors. Starcrest, Cross River Energy and NPDC granted OPL 242 in 2011 with Emeka Offor and Chris Garuba as directors. Starcrest granted OPL 291 with Emeka Offor, Gidado Idris and Yzoni Yaw as directors. South Atlantic (SAPETRO) granted OPL 246 (130) for 20 years on February 22, 1998 has Miguel Guerrero, Joy Ikiebe and Guerrrero as directors with T.Y. Danjuma as chairman.

OANDO granted OPL 278/236 in 2005and 2006 has Magoro, J. A Tinubu, O. Boyo, M.O Osunsanya, O. Adeyemo, O. Akpata, Oba Gbadebo, A. Peppe and Appiah Korang as directors. Ashbert granted OPL 325 has Albert Esiri and Ifeoma Esiri as directors.

Oil World granted OPL 241 in 2007 has Gbenga Olawepo, Adekunle Akintola, Ibukun Olawepo and Rachael Akintola as directors. Pan Ocean granted OPL 98/275 in 1976 and 2007 has F. A Fadeyi, M.D. Yusuf and S.D Adebiyi as directors. Cleanwater Consortium granted OPL 289 in 2007 with Arumeni-Ikhide Joseph, Okey Nzenwa and Abu Ibrahim as directors. Afren Global Energy Resources granted OPL 907/917 I 2005and 2008 with Rilwan Lukman, Osmah Shahenshah, Evert Jan Mulder, Peter Bingham, Guy Pass, Bet Cooper, Constantine and Egbert Imomoh as directors. Centrica/CCC/All Bright Consortium granted OPL 276 and 283 in 2005 and 2006 has Jake Mirica and John Sheers as directors.

Gas Transmission and Power Limited granted OPL 905 in 2005 has Ahmed Joda, Babangida Hassan Katsina, Makoji Aduku and Abubakar Joda as directors. Global Energy Company Limited granted OPL 135 in 2005 and 2010 has S.A Onabiyi, M.A Koshoni, T.T Anyasho and J.N Obiago as directors. New Nigeria Development Company granted OPL 733, 809, 810 and 722 has Northern States Governors as directors. Tenoil Petroleum Energy Services Limited granted OPL 2008 in 2007 has Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Femi Otedola, Jacob Ajekigbe, Tony Ezenna, Ndi Okereke Onyiuke, Fola Adela, Funso Lawal and Nicholas Okoye as directors with Tony Elumelu as chairman.

Before I throw in a few words on the foregoing, it is important to reveal also who the License Shareholders in our Marginal fields are: Niger Delta company was granted the Ogbele field (OML 54) in 1999 with Aret Adams, Uduimo Itsueli, Sammy Olagbaju, David Richard, Udi Ibru and Fatona Layi as shareholders. Prime Petroleum Limited and Suffolk Petroleum Limited (in ratio 51/49) have Asaramaroru field (OML 11) granted in 2003 with MacPepple Henry, Macpepple Joy, Macpepple Emmanuel, Macpepple Elfrida and Macpepple Victoria as shareholders. Oriental Energy has Owok field (OML 67) granted in 2006 with Alhaji Indimi and Usman Danburran as shareholders. The same company also has Ebok field awarded in 2007. Universal Energy has Stubb Creek field (OML 13/14) with Amana Nkoyo, Mianaekere Nelson, Abubakar Hayatu, Mboho Emmanuel, Ekpo Akpan, Inyang Etim (Akwa Ibom govt) awarded in 2003.

Uerafric Energy Limited has Dawes Island field (OML 54), granted in 2003 with Onoh Anthony, Onoh Christiana, Onoh Ngozi, George Udoekong and Nwauche Erastus as shareholders. Pillar Oil Limited has Umusati/Igbuku field (OMOL 56) since 2003 with Onosode G. O., Fadahunsi O., Amakiri J. Hassan-Katsina Usman, Tonwe Basife, Obaseki Godwin, Akpoyomare Ambrose, Fisher Abayomi, Anaekwena Anthony, Avuru Spencer, Onosode Spencer and Hassan-Katsina Babangida as shareholders. Bayelsa Oil Company Limited has Atala field (OML 46) with Bayelsa Government, Brigidi David, Alamieyesheiga Anitonbrapa, Ifimain Ekine, Jonathan Selereipre, Enddeley Francis, Chitwetelu Chris, Williams E. J and Aliyu Abubakar as shareholders. Movideo E & P has Ekeh field (OML 88) with Idau Sadiq, Jacobs Kayode, Enahoro Victor, Mohammed Aishatu, Tuggar Yusuf, Okwuaive Iyabo, and Sadare Roymand as shareholders.

Bicta Energy has Ogedeh field (OML 90) with Adesemowo G. A, Bashir MM, Onumodu Soye, Akinro C. A, Malherbe T and Umejei T as shareholders. Guarantee Petroleum and Owena Oil and Gas have Ororo field, (OML 95) in ratio 55/45 with Rufus Giwa, Ayodele Johnson, Fayose Abiodun, Unuigbe Odion, Omobomi Samuel, Rotimi Luyi, Adefarati Tunde, Duyie Korede, Ojo Segun, Ogedengbe Dele, Aidi Abass, Adegbonmire Wunmi, Amoye Mofiso, Ebiseni Sola, Oladunni Solomon, Agoi-George Segun, Akinruntan F.E, Hassan AlGazali, Eburajolo Victor and S.A Ajayi as shareholders. Platform Petroleum Limited has Egboma field (OML 38) with Edmund Daukoru, Avuru Austin, Amachi Moshe, Adegoke Oluwafeyisola, Addo-Bayero Nasir and Ewendu Chidi as shareholders.

Sogenal Limited has Akepo field (OML 90) with Funso Lawal, Joda Abubakar, Harriman Hope, Odu Bunmi, Edohoeket Samuel, Yahaya Mohammed, Dada Nicholas and Yelllowe Kenneth as shareholders. Chorus Energy has Amoji field (OML 56) with Akerele Chris, Mamman Samaila, Ihetu G. S. Braide Kombo, Banks Nigel, Clubb James, Uhuegbulem Ben and Baba Gana Abba as shareholders. Millennium Oil and Gas has Oza field (OML 11) with Alli Chris, Maseli John, Karra Sastry, Shama Yogi, Igweze Emeka and Bashir Farouk as shareholders. Brittania U-Nigeria has Ajapa field (OML 90) with Ifejika Uju, Ifejika Emmanuel, Omu Paul, Otiji Igwe, Ikpeme Ita, Cardoso Tokie, Okonkwo Annie, Inua Mogaji, Mbanefo Louis, Ombu AVM, Horsfall A. K, Ukpong Uche, Ogoro Emomena, Ifejika E.I., Umar Alhaji and Ikpele A. O.

Network E & P has Qua Ibo field (OML 13) with Ajose Adeogun Ladi, Adesomoju Akin, Alex-Duduyemi Oyekunle, Adewusi Adebowale, Ifode Yeletide, Gusau Ismaila Musa, John Etop and Olagbede Olufemi as shareholders. Waltersmith Petroman and Morris Petroleum have Ibigwe field (OML 16) in ratio 70/30 with Isa Abdulrasak, Saleh Danjuma, Utomvie Nyingi, Ita Princess, Okoli Ndubuisi, Kakpovie Anthony, Okpala Eugene, Idrisu Mammudu, Idrisu Lawal, Isokrari Ombo, Nzeakor Nick, Abdulsalami Abdul and Nwabudo Ignatius as shareholders. Midwesterm Oil and Gas and Suntrust Oil Company have the Umsadege field (OML 56) in ratio 70/30 with Igbokwe Ken, Afejuku Anthony, Daultry Akpeki, Sagoe Kweku-Mensah, Gambo Lawan, Oshevire William, Mordi Sylvanus, Maidoh Daniel, Fatayi-Williams Babatunde, Mohammed Waziri, Emerhor Otega, Dublin-Green Winston, Mohammed Abubakar, Oduah Stella, Okafor Ugo and Baba-Ahmed Mouftah as directors.

Independent Energy Limited has Ofa field (OML 30) with Ikelionwu Emeka, Ohunmwangho Steve, Yar’Adua Murtala, Okudu Anthony, Bello Shamsudeen, Obaoye Michael and Monanuma Said as shareholders. Del Sigma has KE field (OML 55) with Amachree Sokeiprim, Ungbuku K.D., Bakut J.I and Chaff Kabiru as shareholders. Associated Oil and Gas and Dansaki Petroleum Unlimited have Tom Shot Bank field (OML 14) in ratio 51/49 with Machunga Laraba, Gwadah Bitrus, Balat Isaiah, Uzor Azuka, Ibok Udo, Uzoechi Isaac, Kadiri Samuel, Afolabi Aderenle and Aina Yinka as shareholders. Frontier Oil Limited has Uquo field (OML 13) with Dada Thomas, Lolomari Odoliyi, Kolade Victor, Yisa Solomon, Nwasikeobi, Alechenu Emmanuel and Bello Falalu as shareholders.

Energia Limited and Oando Production and Development Limited have Ebendo/Obodeti field (OML 56) in ratio 55/45 with Horsfall A. U, Aribeana Stephen, Shawley Coker, Bello Lawal, Ene Emeka, Afolabi Ade, Coker Sam, Esiri Albert, Dibiaezue Ifeoma, Hammed Charles, Macgregor Olushola and OANDO as shareholders. Goland Petroleum Development Company has Oriri field (OML 88) with Kingsley Ngelale, Mogaji Gambo, Slako Johnson and Anthony Dotimi as shareholders. Excel Exploration and Production has Eremor field (OML 46) with Abiodun Awosika as shareholder. Sahara Energy and African Oil and Gas Limited have Tsekelewu field (OML 40) in ratio 70/30 with Baba Lawal, Cole Tonye, Odunsi Ade, Adeniji Titi, Akinla Ladipo, Bentley John, Ciroma Musa, Odili Obi F. and Du-Frayer Trevor as shareholders. Green Energy International Limited has Otakikpo field with A. A. Olojede as shareholder while All Grace Energy granted Ubima field (OML 46) has Adeola Adenikinju and Sola Alabi as shareholders.

It is noteworthy that some players register different companies for different acreages, sometimes also with different sets of shareholders. But in terms of operations, it stands to reason that some of these licenses may have expired, been cancelled or are even never operated at all. Also, it is obvious that some of the listed shareholders of these companies are now deceased. Beside all these, that someone is chairman of a company doesn’t make him the biggest shareholder. The case of AMNI credited to former Kano military governor of Kano State, Col. Sani Bello (rtd), is a case in point. “The fact that I am the chairman does not mean I own AMNI. I don’t even have up to 20 percent in the company”, he said.


Now, before anybody accuses me of leaving out some big players let us not forget Atiku Abubakar, whose stakes in INTELs rake in substantial returns for him; Jide Omokore’s multimillion Dollar Atlantic Energy’s “Strategic Alliance Agreement” and Phillip Iheanacho’s Seven Energy etc. These fall within a different category of those who may not be direct field owners yet make stupendous money from the sector.

“Oil acreage ownership in Nigeria does not have ethnic colouration.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/of-nigeria-s-oil-barons-and-pib/142089/

The man on the hot seat

What is NSCDC Website?

There is no way WHITE smoke can produce a BLACk Pope! ....just being naughty and cynical...lol

Saw this and had to re-post...so funny!!!

Barca:: Super team. Man U:: Super manager. Madrid:: Super players. Man city:: Super squad. Chelsea:: Super owner. Arsenal:: Supermarket.

(Wishing all Arsenal fans all the luck in the world tonight, by the way...hope you guys can somehow pull off an impossible comeback

[quote author=Resistor ]There is nothing wrong in granting state pardon to people who were either wrongfully convicted or seen to have shown genuine remorse for their crime.[/quote]Anyone who thinks the issue here is about legality must be sick in the brain.If your clueless-in-chief occupying Aso Villa likes, let him go and wake Judas from the grave and grant him presidential pardon. That is his prerogative! But the crux of the matter here is........show me your benefactor and I don't need to TB Joshua, to tell you who you are!

One day, a cardinal will break ranks and write a book about what actually happens at the Conclave.

Where is Uncle Ruben now? Let's hear his comment this time around.That was the Reuben of old,the now the "transformed" Abati seems to have lost his conscience.

IF DSP Alamiyeseigha, the embattled Governor of Bayelsa state knows what is good for him, he should call his lawyers and advisers and draft a sober, apologetic letter of resignation, and give up the fight. He has lost whatever moral ground he may have occupied before now, the conspiracy theory that was contrived around his travails has been watered down. If he receives any support from any quarters at this moment, such support ought to be taken with a pinch of salt: all because Alami himself has chosen to ruin his chances, destroy his own moral base if he ever had any, by conducting himself in a manner that is unbecoming of a leader and a gentleman. By running away from England under the cover of the night, away from the British judiciary which was probing him on charges of money laundering, by taking evasive action from the law and communicating with his feet, Alamiyeseigha, a man who until now was known and addressed as His Excellency, has shown himself to be a dishonourable fellow, unfit to rule, unfit to sit among men and women of honour and integrity, unfit to preach to the people that he leads about ideals and values...

The drama that he has organised around his return as a fugitive from England is so comical that it merely shows him in worse light. He has managed to entertain Nigerians with the mystery of his escape from London, his smart salute before a guard of (dis)honour and the histrionics that he has put up in the last few days, but all he has done in reality is to raise questions and concerns about the quality of leadership in Nigeria, about the Ijaw nation and the values of its people, and the future of Bayelsa state. I am told that he acted out of desperation: what desperation could that possibly be? Is it desperation borne out of guilt? Or desperation borne out of simple criminality? Alami has told his audience that nobody should pity him, because he is merely paying the price for leadership.

What leadership? He did not explain. Faced with a charge of money laundering in British courts, Alamiyeseigha, and his sponsored agents had argued ad nauseam that he Alamiyeseigha being an important man in Nigeria, leader of a "sovereign state within a federal system" was entitled to immunity within the purview of Section 308 of the Nigerian Constitution, which in their reckoning, is transportable across boundaries, and that by arresting Alami for being in possession of an odious amount of foreign currency, the British was just acting illegally and as a neo-colonial entity. This was a futile argument as the British courts determined that Alami had a case to answer. He was remanded in prison, and later granted bail with conditions, while his case continued to be heard in court. This is the same process which Alamiyeseigha truncated by running away from England. He was required not to travel near any English port. But he did. He jumped bail and escaped. It has been said that he left England as a drag queen, dressed as a pregnant woman using forged documents. He insists that his escape is "an act of God".

All told, by conducting himself after the fashion of a common felon, Alamiyeseigha has brought the people of Bayelsa state and all Ijaws to great ridicule. If he was so supremely sure of his innocence in the matter, he should have stayed back in London to prove his innocence. If he had won victory through due process, he would have been a great hero and his points about conspiracy and the President of Nigeria not liking his face would have deserved more than a closer attention. But to jump bail, subvert the judicial process, only to show up in Yenagoa like a thief in the night, and then turn himself into a major means of measuring the moral fibre of the Nigerian society, Alami suffers a defeat in what he may think is a victory over the British and Aso Villa. When he showed up in Yenagoa, he was celebrated by a group of uninformed youths who insisted on identifying him as a hero. But what we are dealing with is what J P Clark another Ijaw man, has described as "the hero as a villain". This particular hero, anti-hero in fact, has a character flaw which in spite of him confirms his guilt, and the emptiness of his strivings. Leaders are supposed to be men of honour who are socially aware and imbued with a strong sense of ideals and values. In Nigeria, there is so much dissonance in leadership. Alamiyeseigha has proven to be a master of dissonance. He has brought great embarrassment to the Ijaw people, who in their reaction to his travails have shown an ambiguity that is most unimpressive. Nigeria's stature has also been further diminished.

It does not matter what Alamiyeseigha says, he cannot remain as Governor of Bayelsa state while he remains a prisoner of his own guilt, not knowing whether he would be abducted by the British or not. He cannot attend meetings of the Council of State, as a fugitive who is on the wanted list in Britain. He cannot remain as Governor when his tomorrow is in so much doubt. He has sounded so far as a man who is ready to drag down the whole of Bayelsa state with him if he must. Since his mysterious return, he has been exploiting the emotions of all Ijaws and using blackmail as a shield; his agents have been trying to prove his innocence. The pity is that Alami has not been charged to any court in Nigeria. Here, if he so wishes he can steal all the money in the Bayesla treasury. If the people of Bayelsa are okay with that, so be it. But Alami has a case to answer in Britain. He is being accused of violating the laws of England. If he has anything to say, let him go and do so in the courts of England not on the streets of Yenagoa.

As for those persons who have been packaging Alami as a victim and who have been mouthing the asinine line: "If Ijaw man thief Ijaw money, wetin concern Tony Blair inside", may the good Lord forgive them for they do not know what they are saying. All Ijaw must feel embarrassed for this is a difficult moment for them as a nation. They are being blackmailed emotionally to defend not a principled fighter, not a spirit of Ijawland, but an Ijaw leader who danced naked in a foreign land. The questions that would be asked are: what do Ijaws stand for? Where is the ancient and modern glory of the Ijaw nation? These are difficult questions. Alami must save his own people the embarrassment by stepping aside. Let him return to England and act like a honourable man. He has ridiculed the lawyers that he employed to argue his case, and not surprisingly, his lead counsel is so embarrassed, he has refused to comment on this resort to self-help. He has also jeopardised the integrity of his sureties: they will lose money and face if they cannot produce the accused person in their care.

But where were the British? Alamiyeseigha's escape is a bad comment on British security. Alami has demystified the British and across Nigeria, questions are already being raised about the integrity of the British security network. Did the British collect bribe like Nigerian policemen? Did they work out a deal with Alami to embarrass the Nigerian government? If there is such a deal, what are the details? What is certain is that more Nigerians have lost respect for Britain in the last few days. How could the British who prevented the "exportation" of Umaru Dikko from Britain now allow Alami to escape? Is this the cynicism of the British at work or the opportunism of free enterprise capitalism? Whatever it is, the British have been relieved of the political burden of prosecuting a leader of Nigeria's oil rich Niger Delta in their courts. The Federal Government nearly ruined the case by showing an over-anxious interest in the trial: now Obasanjo has to clean up the shit in his backyard and deal with the Alami mess.

One of the points made by the embattled Governor on his return is that he has proven the "Nigerianness" in him. This may have been a slip of the tongue, but it is the truth. For indeed, there is an Alami in every Nigerian leader. We are a country of desperadoes to such an extent that when we criticise Alami and sound holier than thou particularly the sanctimonious crowd in the PDP and Aso Villa, what we are actually criticising is an aspect of our lives which has now been exposed due to a twist of fate in a foreign land. What has Alami done? One, he showed up in England with sums of money whose source he could not explain when he was asked to do so. How many big men in Nigeria can confidently explain the source of their wealth? You could be as poor as a church rat in January and become a multibillionaire in March, nobody will ask any questions. Because Nigerians love miracles, they will attribute the sudden change of fortune to a miracle made possible by a certain pastor's intervention.

Two, Alami told the British that he is entitled to immunity. This is typical Nigerian-speak. In our country, every big man is free to do as he wishes. He is above the laws of the land and there have been celebrated cases of persons conducting themselves as if they were the law itself. Three, when Alami became convinced that the judgment of the British court may not favour him, he fled. This is also quite Nigerian. It is the standard practice around here that public persons do not respect the courts of the land. Not even the ruling Peoples Democratic Party or the President. We live in a country where individuals can overrule a court of law, as the PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Ali once did in the Anambra/Ngige case and as President Obasanjo, the Ebora of Aso Villa, has always done. Alamiyeseigha simply transported these "Nigerian" attributes to England, and placed them on display.

It is perhaps why he is being lionized in Bayelsa as the "conqueror of the British Empire". The Nigerians who have also been defending him and placing the blame at the doorsteps of President Obasanjo are also being Nigerian. They have asked: why is Alami being persecuted when other Governors commit the same offence and they pass through London all the time? In other words, Nigerians are no longer shocked by any kind of malfeasance. If someone commits a crime, we are not moved by the nature of his crime, instead we rationalise it: he should be declared innocent because he is not the only person who commits that kind of offence, he has been caught only because he is unlucky or he is being persecuted. And thus, what we are faced with is a country without moral boundaries. But thank God for a few voices of reason who in the face of blackmail, intimidation and violence still insist on the truth. The members of the Bayelsa House of Assembly are not saints themselves; it is true that they are being pushed by Abuja, but if they succeed in removing Alamiyeseigha, they would have done Nigeria a favour: they would save us from the British who may be playing games out of self-interest.

For His Excellency, the Executive Fugitive of Bayelsa state, it is over. Resign now, get on a boat across the border, and run...

http://www.anticorruptionleague.org/forums/viewtopic.php?p=54&sid=f61d808adb9dccac8034cd778eb9515d

I received with nostalgia and disbelieve the news of grant of pardon to Mr. Diepriye Alamaseigha among some other Nigerians Including some that are dead by President Goodluck Jonathan. I wish to condemn said pardon to Alamaseigha and the tactics of Mr. President in using some living and dead notable Nigerians as a cover up and camouflage to grant someone that he once described as his "godfather" and "benefactor" an undeserved pardon.

Nigerians will recall that while others in the list were sentenced and jailed by Military Tribunal where rule of law was not observed for offences that were alleged to be a "set up", Alamaisiegha was convicted for clear case of corruption by a competent court of Law where he had the opportunity to defend himself through 6 Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

The action of Mr. President in granting pardon to his godfather, mentor and benefactor is not propelled by nationalism or good conscience but ethnic parochialism and jingoism, hence the absence of a name like Tafa Balogun, the former Police IG and a fellow corruption convict like the "Generalizimo of Ijaw Nation" from that list. This phantom pardon has further demonstrated that President Jonathan is only paying leap service to the issue of fighting corruption in Nigeria and should not be taken serious henceforth. In this era when it is very difficult to put on trial and convict anyone for corruption due to the cumbersomeness of our legal system, it is very unfortunate that our President who made fighting of corruption as part of his campaign manifestos has committed "official jail break" by this singular act of pardon to a man convicted of stealing Bayelsa State dry! It is a calculated step
of clearing way for President's God father to go to the Senate in 2015.

Let it be known to the whole world that Council of State have no power to grant pardon but it is the exclusive power of the President to be done with (mere) consultation with the Council of State under Section 175(1-3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended in 2011 and that was exactly what happened this afternoon. This is definitely not from Council of State but a sole action of Mr. President with mere consultation with Council of State as the Council made up of Nigerians of high integrity would not have granted this kind of pardon ordinarily and simpliciter!

Let us all rise up to defend our country as we have no other place to go. Let us condemn this pardon of Alamaisiegha in totality. We must put an end to corruption now!

Here is my quick TRIBUTE to a man many may hate but anyone who identifies with the struggle of humanity against class oppression, power oppression and any other forms of oppression of man to man or nation to nation should salute a man like Hugo Chavez. No one has ever fought for his people against external aggression like Hugo did in his time. Venezuela will forever miss the spirit of Chavez, a man with a big heart and a big mouth but a bigger spirit.
Oppression is evil, no matter where it comes from.

You fought for what you believe and is a common believe against any form of international dictatorship. George Bush will miss you so greatly too. Bye and good night.

Mega University: hmm...President Jonathan promised to establish mega universities across the country that will accommodate minimum of 200,000 at a go...he made this promise during the convocation ceremony at ABU...hmm...President Jonathan with his vague promises?...what does Mega university stands for? Why couldn't this government grow up for a minute and with all seriousness address our national challenges: education, health, social housing, etc? We need governance and NOT rhetoric pronouncements that will amount to nothing.

Pastor Adeboye marks his 71st Birthday today....HBD....LL&P

The Fear of APC is the Beginning of Cluelessness.
"One day, the president may jump into the Lagoon to display his swimming skills just because one APC governor challenged him to a swim bath contest".

By knowledge shall the just be delivered.They that know their God shall be strong and do exploit.Then they that don't know their God shall be weak and exploited!

The problem with many is that they can't live with a Barca of less than 100%...too high expectation and when it falls to 80%, they think it's the end of the Catalans.

1. FLIRTONATE-N: It reduces vision whenever a pretty girl passes by {Only God knows what will happen when you take overdose}

2. SHOPHOFOBEX: Makes men eager to take wives for shopping every week and wait patiently at the paying counter.

3. ANIVERSIA: Triggers memories for birthdays and anniversaries.

4. SPORTOBLIND-X: Reacts with optic nerve to prevent men from recognizing the word "SUPERSPORTS" on TV.

5. WORKOCETAMOL: Generates an insatiable desire in men to do household chores {washing dishes, doing laundry, pounding yam etc} #For una mind sha.

LADIES, PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW !!

I am aware that many of us were fed with stories of pregnancies trapped in women for 3 years by witches and wizards. Perhaps I expected too much by assuming we have outgrown such stories. It seems my assumption is incorrect. Now, a foetus is said to be at term after completing 37 weeks in the uterus of its mother. Some are born before this 37 weeks. These are the premature babies(provided they have attained the age of viability - this varies depending on how sophisticated Neonatal care is in that society. Age of viability in America and Britain is 24 completed weeks of gestation. Someone once mentioned that it is about 20 weeks in Australia(I'm not sure). Age of viability in Nigeria is 28 weeks. These premature babies stand a good chance of survival with proper neonatal care. As there are babies who 'make haste' to leave the womb - the premature ones I just talked about - so are there those who stay beyond their due date. The longer they remain in the womb, the higher the risks of placenta insufficiency (that effectively starves them of nutrients and oxygen), infections and demise. This risks get considerably high by 4 weeks post-date such that even the most optimistic obstetrician would induce labour or deliver the baby by Caesarian section. So, when a clown comes around to tell us she was pregnant for 25 months. We have every right to get angry for attempting to insult our sensibilities. Before even the 11th month, the foetus would have died, become macerated, and caused grave complications like overwhelming sepsis, diseminated intravascular coagulopathy etc in the mother. Without serious intervention, even the mother would be no more. Don't swallow all I have said cos I am no authority in this field. Verify with the aim of finding faults. I am a learner too. But certain things are stupid even to an apprentice.

If you describe Mrs Oluwakemi Adeoye as the Biblical Deborah, you won’t be mistaken. She told TAIWO OLANREWAJU how she got a revelation and the names of her baby three days after marriage but did not see the manifestation until 14 years after.

Oluwakemi was born into a Baptist family and is very conversant with the word of God. Maybe her greatest assets are that she truly believes in God.

Fortunately also, her husband, Gbenga, belongs to the same Baptist denomination. She and her spouse are from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Their positions in their various families, however, before coming together in holy matrimony on Saturday, April 3rd 1999, seemed to add to the pressure of the need to have children soon after marriage.

Mrs Adeoye is the third of five children, but the first daughter while her husband, Mr Olugbenga Adeoye, is the first of six children and the only son. His five sisters are happily married and blessed with children.

Being a child that was brought up strictly with Christian doctrines, Mrs Adeoye, a graduate of the University of Jos, knew that she would have a baby, more so as God, according to her, had revealed to her in a vision that she would have a baby and gave her the names of the baby on April 6th, 1999, three days after her wedding.

Having met when Oluwakemi was in Form Four, and Gbenga in the polytechnic and had courted for 15 years, both understood each other and did not take the issue of not having a baby immediately after marriage too seriously.

It was not until the fifth year that they considered it a challenge and decided to seek medical and spiritual assistance. They were invited to churches for prayers. Their parents, especially Pa and Ma Adeoye, invited them to meet with pastors who ministered in their church, especially during special programmes. For a while, Mrs Adeoye attended deliverance programme of a church at Aremo area of Ibadan and was also invited by a colleague at work to attend God’s Voice Ministry programmes at Alakia area of Ibadan.

Her words: “I went to God’s Voice Ministry in September 2010 and I had menstruated that month. So, the woman in charge said I should wait till I see my menstruation in October to enable her to know my ovulation period. Alas! My menstruation refused to come that October.

“I visited big hospitals, mission hospitals and privately owned hospitals in Ibadan and they all said I was not pregnant. I had urine and blood tests including scan tests but they all turned out negative,” she revealed.

In December, however, Madam Evangelist Oluwasola, asked her to have a special test in her laboratory wherein the red blood cells were separated from the white blood cells, and that was it – the result revealed that she was pregnant. But by January 15th, 2011, she started bleeding and when she prayed, God told her that nobody could query Him and that the issue was long concluded, she would have a child.

By May 2011, she had bought all her baby things although she did not know the sex of the baby because God did not show her, so she bought unisex materials. She was becoming fatter but her tummy was not too big. By July 2011, she had contractions, felt the baby’s movement but the hospitals declared that there was no baby in her tummy. In fact, a particular doctor told her that her fatness was obesity cum menopausal sign.
She sought spiritual assistance when she wrote Pastor Enoch Adeboye in September 2011 and he replied her through a SMS that she would soon share her testimony.

Mrs Adeoye became an object of ridicule when the baby refused to come in spite of the change in her physique but she was not bothered. By January 2012, she contemplated having a surgery to bring the baby out. She prayed and God gave her the go-ahead, warning her, however, that the doctors would be reluctant to carry out the surgery as there was no scan or test result to back the surgery. And so it was.

But as from March 2012, she had her menstruation regularly. Friends invited him and his wife to visit America, get some medication from India, consider remarrying or adopting a baby, but in it all, he was not led to take to any of the options because he believed they had not exploited all options.

His parents were constantly falling sick and he knew it was because of the issue. So, he advised them to put all their hope in God to behold the miracle as he was certain that God would bless them with children.

Mrs Adeoye menstruated till January 2013 and vomited everyday in January till she had the baby on January 15th in the night at the mission house.
“The delivery, though painful, was simple. I was not in labour for too long before I had the baby, may be three to five minutes and the baby came, a girl. And we christened her Emmanuela, Opelope-Jesu, Ite-Oluwa-kii-si Adeoye,” the new mother stated.

Mrs Adeoye, who noted that there was no rancour between her and her husband or her in-laws throughout their challenging period, urged all Christians to put their hope in God, adding “Whether you win or whether you lose, God is God. No matter how good or bad your situation, it will not change the fact that God is God. You cannot push God and He has no second in command. So, why not put your trust in Him?”Fmi

http://247nigerianewsupdate.com/miracle-working-god-woman-delivered-of-25-months-pregnancy/

A barrage of petitions have flooded the Senate over the academic and working experience claimed by the chairman of the Pension Reforms Task Team (PRTT), Alhaji Abdulrasheed Maina.

Maina, who is believed to have escaped from the country to avoid arrest and prosecution over alleged mismanagement of N469 billion of pension fund, is alleged to have presented unsubstantiated certificates and maneuvered his way for promotion without passing through due process in accordance with laid-down civil service rules.

This is coming on the heels of rising public anxiety over the outcome of a disciplinary measure being taken against him by the Head of Service for failure to honour several invitations by the Senate. President Goodluck Jonathan last week directed the Head of Service to commence disciplinary action against Maina for abscondment.

A source close to the Senate Committee on Establishment told our correspondent that allegations of certificate racket against Maina have flooded the committee following President Jonathan’s directive.

It was gathered that some of the petitions questioned the eligibility of Maina’s present rank as deputy director in the federal civil service since he was not among the 103 of the 185 candidates that met the criteria of the promotion interview they sat for based on available vacancies.

It was also gathered that the signature of the officer that signed the letters of promotion for the 103 officers is different from the one that signed Maina’s letter.

The petitioners raised questions about Maina’s successive promotions which they said were manipulated, just as they alleged that his certificates and the schools he claimed to have attended within and outside are not the same with the qualifications issued by the institutions.

One of the petitions stated; “Besides, his progression is unduly hasty. Maina’s letter with Ref. No. FCO6243/S.1/Vol. XXVI/692 was signed on 14th March 2011, whereas the genuine letters were dated 18th October 2011 with Ref. No. FC6243/S.I/Vol. XXII/067.”

It was also gathered that Maina transferred his service from the National Teachers Institute (NTI), Kaduna, where he was said to be a Higher Executive Officer on GL 08 to the mainstream federal service in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the federation in the Federal Ministry of Inter-Government Affairs and Special Duties as a Chief Administrative Officer on Grade Level 14.

The petitioners also wondered how it was possible to transfer someone from an executive to administrative cadre and from a mere Grade Level 08 to Grade Level 14 and therefore urged the Senate to investigate the transfer letter.

The petitioners argued that the transfer followed an application dated February 25, 2004 by Hassan Saleh on behalf of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, PSO in the OHCSF, adding that claims made by Maina of degrees and credentials said to have been obtained have been found to be false.

“Paragraph 2 of the letter reads: Maina holds a Higher Diploma (Local Govt.), a Masters degree in Information Technology and another Masters degree in Information Administration from Kentucky University, USA”.

However, upon investigation, the certificate he obtained dated 10th December, 2001 from Kentucky State University reads: “The Faculty and the Board of Regents confer upon Abdulrasheed A. Maina the degree (sic) of Master of Public Administration Management Information Systems International Administration and Development in recognition of the satisfactory fulfillment of the requirements pertaining to this (sic) degree”.

But in his resume, Mina claimed to have a Masters degree in Public Administration with specialisation in Management Information Systems (Information Technology) and International Development and Administration just as it was gathered that the two Masters degrees from the Kentucky State University were said to have been obtained in 2011.

The petitioners alleged, “This is not feasible and needs to be investigated. Maina has consistently claimed that he obtained Higher National Diploma in Local Govt. Admin and Finance from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1987 whereas the certificate is a Higher Diploma in Local Government issued upon completion of a one-year full-time course at the university’s Institute of Administration. In any case, since ABU is not a polytechnic, it is not known to issue Higher National Diploma (HND).”

Similarly, questions are also being raised over Maina’s claim that he obtained a letter from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with reference number NYSC/CMD/FCE/A3/Vol. 11, dated February 14, 2002 and captioned “Clearance from Participation in the NYSC Scheme”.

The petitioners insisted that the basis and authenticity of the letter as at the time it was obtained is suspicious, especially as there was no evidence that he possessed a qualification which made him eligible to undergo the NYSC scheme at the time.

“The NYSC usually issues certificates of exemption from service and not clearance as claimed in Maina’s credentials. It is inconceivable that someone with such a shady background lacking in solid evidence of expertise or practical experience in pension administration anywhere except during his brief stint at the Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension Office (CIPPO) would now claim to have the expertise to advise government on the management of pensions.”

The petitioners urged the Senate to take necessary steps to probe the alleged inconsistencies and the false claims in Maina’s certificates “in order to serve as a deterrent to others.”

Because Maina has gone underground, it was not possible for Blueprint to reach him yesterday for his reaction to these allegations.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Mohammed D. Abubakar, yesterday revealed that Maina sneaked through his office back door when a police team went for his arrest.

Abubakar explained that the police could not declare Maina wanted because the force had not communicated officially with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to really establish whether or not he had sneaked out of the country.

The police chief, who stated this when he appeared before the Senate Joint Committee on Police and Intelligence, said upon a tip-off that Maina was in office, a police team went there but before they could fill the required forms to see him, the pension fund boss escaped.

He said his men at the Abuja airport did not report on his exit.

Defending the security cover given Maina, the IGP explained that it was granted on request when Maina said his life was under threat in the course of the assignment.

He said it was in acknowledgement of this that he was provided with four policemen drawn from the FCT command, who were detailed to provide security for him only in the office and not out of office.

http://blueprintng.com/2013/02/questions-over-mainas-certs/

WAY back in the early 80s, a Military Administrator (MILAD) was said to have gone on an impromptu inspection of schools in the state. On getting to a secondary school, he made to test the knowledge of the students by asking a Form 3 student to tell him who wrote Things Fall Apart. To his utter shock and disbelief, the boy went on his knees, burst into tears and started protesting his innocence. The obviously horrified chap swore that he never did and never would write such a dangerous piece of material.

Totally surprised and at the same time angry, the MILAD simply abandoned the boy and stormed into the Principal’s office, where he now met what could pass for a disaster. The Principal started apologising profusely on behalf of the staff and students of the school and pledged to immediately fish out the author of the offensive document and punish him thoroughly. He admitted that his students were fond of writing such irresponsible scripts. At this point, the astonished MILAD flew into a rage, walked out on the ignorant Principal and zoomed straight to the Ministry of Education, where he accosted the commissioner.

“Your Excellency, Sir, let me start by apologising for the embarrassment the people of the state must have caused you. It is not unusual for such petitions to be written by some disgruntled elements, unhappy about not getting contracts from your Excellency Sir. I will set up a panel to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the writing of Things Fall Apart. I cannot remember what the MILAD did or said to the Commissioner but I was told the guy was so furious-and justifiably so-that he declined dinner at home. And this was how the wife, Her Excellency, The First Lady, got involved.

After lamenting her husband’s stubbornness (because he declined her request to bring in a Pastor to pray for them for seven days and seven nights, when they first arrived the state!), she started praying and speaking in tongues. To her, Things Fall Apart must be the most obnoxious petition ever written against a MILAD. She pleaded with her husband to join her in seven days of dry fasting to stop the masterminds of the wicked petition in their evil tracks. The MILAD was so totally embarrassed by his wife’s shining ignorance that he went to bed angry and hungry. He did not forget, however, to ask the CPS (Chief Press Secretary) to call in the media for a Press Conference the next morning.

Dressed in military camouflage, apparently to underline his anger, he launched into a tirade with the cameramen snapping away. Said he: “It is very embarrassing, to say the very least, that a Form 3 student does not know who wrote Things Fall Apart! To add insult to injury, the Principal does not know neither does the Commissioner. But I think the last straw is that my darling wife started praying and binding and speaking in tongues over petition writers who she believes must have written Things Fall Apart. I am totally shocked that in a state like this, with over 600 professors, nobody can tell me who wrote Things Fall Apart, a masterpiece, written over 30 years ago by William Shakespeare!”

THE Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, at the weekend, upheld the March 12, 2007, Justice Lateefat Okunnu’s ruling of the Lagos High Court, granting Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), the power to regulate tax administration in the country.

The ruling was sequel to an appeal by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), challenging the verdict of the lower court, which granted the mandate of tax administration in the country to CITN.

Briefing newsmen of the ruling in Lagos, the President, CITN, John Jegede explained that CITN had approached the Lagos High Court in 2005 in the case of CITN (Claimant) vs. ICAN (Defendant) to determine whether by virtue of the Acts establishing ICAN and CITN, the then Claimant was not the only body vested with power to regulate the taxation profession in Nigeria and whether members of ICAN who had not registered with CITN can practice taxation or hold themselves out as tax practitioners in Nigeria.

Jegede said the Justice Okunnu`s rulling had in 2007, among others declared that: that taxation was legally recognised in Nigeria as a profession separate and distinct from the accountancy profession; that the Claimant was vested with power to regulate and control the practice of taxation in all its ramifications to the exclusion of the Defendant and any other professional body or institute in Nigeria; that it was illegal for any member of the Defendant who is not a member of the Claimant to practise, or hold him out as practising, as a tax administrator or tax practitioner for, or in expectation of, a reward in Nigeria.

According to Jegede, other declaration in that sequence includes; that it was unlawful for the Defendant to forestall or impede the Claimant’s efforts to regulate tax practice and that an order of perpetual injunction was made restraining members of the Defendant who are not members of the Claimant from practising, representing, or holding themselves out as tax administrators or practitioners in violation of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria Act No. 76 of 1992, Cap. C10 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Not satisfied with the decision of Okunnu, J., the CITN boss said ICAN filed an appeal in Appeal No. CA/L/673/07 at the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division and that the appeal was decided on Friday, February 15, 2013.

He said the Court of Appeal in its judgment upheld the 1st, 2nd and 5th reliefs granted by the court, while setting aside the 3rd and 4th reliefs earlier granted in favour of CITN.

“We are happy with the outcome of the appeal as the Court of Appeal has restated: That taxation is a separate and distinct profession from accountancy in Nigeria.

“That CITN is the only professional body vested with power to regulate and control taxation in all its ramifications to the exclusion of ICAN and any other professional body in Nigeria.

“That only members of CITN can present or hold out themselves as tax practitioners and administrators”, he stated.

Jegede, who used the occasion to solicit for improved tax administration in Nigeria, said that, “despite the outcome of this judgment, CITN will continue to maintain its cordial relationship with ICAN. CITN hopes that these sister institutes would leverage on this cordial relationship to the benefit their members.”

http://ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=113768:court-upholds-citns-mandate-to-regulate-tax-&catid=31:business&Itemid=562

Pioneer Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has said there is a “huge integrity deficiency” in former Federal Capital Territory minister, Nasir El-Rufai’s book, The Accidental Public Servant.

In an interview with an Abuja-based newspaper, Blueprint, Ribadu explained that el-Rufai was wrong to have written about the EFCC in his book because the former minister was never a member of staff of the commission and knew nothing about its operations.

Admitting that he had yet to read the book, Ribadu also stated that el-Rufai did not tell him he was writing a book and never interviewed him about what he wanted to write.

He said, “So, I am quite surprised on how you can quote a person that you have not interviewed. I think the ethics of writing is that you quote somebody with authority and that you can stand by that.

“I have not fully read the book but I have seen a couple of things coming out of it including the excerpts from the media. The most important thing I will say about it is that Nasiru did not tell me he was writing the book, not to talk of showing me the script. Nasiru never interviewed me for his book.

“There is a huge integrity deficiency bordering on ethics if you can quote somebody without first having to record him and you have proof of that. He didn’t consult me, he didn’t give me anything to look at and therefore just like you and all Nigerians, I was quite surprised to see him quoting me directly in the book.”

Ribadu added, “Nasiru was not a staff of the EFCC. I wonder how he could report about the work of the EFCC when he was never part of it, just as I will not talk of the FCT when he was minister. He didn’t know of the works of the EFCC and he couldn’t have known. He was not privy to all the things that we were doing there.

“He did not also show me what he was writing because, as I said earlier, even if you discussed something with someone before, when you are putting it into a book, it is only proper for you to validate it and crosscheck with him. Even if he agrees or disagrees, at least it makes sense. This is especially when the person is close to you because that would be an opportunity for the person to correct you.”

http://www.punchng.com/news/theres-huge-integrity-deficiency-in-el-rufais-book-ribadu/

Some people deserve to die. Some people are so stupid and do things that entitle them to instant erasure from this world. Their death may even be a blessing to mankind in that it stops the dilution of the gene pool.

Thus, there are times when particular conducts allow you to feel little sympathy for people. These are things you can blame poverty for — poverty of common sense, that is! And, if anyone was that stupid…

Don’t play with electricity

I should be so dead. I have had two instances when I should have died. And, it would have been well deserved. Only last month, I decided to remove a slice of bread from the toaster, using a knife. The knife touched the elements and short-circuited the whole house. The electricity could have burnt my socks off! A similar thing happened to a patient of mine who played with electricity. He is also lucky to be alive, but, only just. His brain and spinal cord was so fried he needs help to feed.

Don’t play with fire

A man decides to pour petrol into the generator. But, because he couldn’t see well, he asked his son to bring light. ‘No problem, daddy.’ The son went to get the candle so dad could see where to pour the petrol. Well, the daddy, the mummy, the son and baby girl all ended up in the hospital with severe burns. Unfortunately, all ended up dead as well within a few days.

Going to sleep with the candle light still on, in a room without ventilation and being careless around petrol are tried and tested ways to die.

Chasing after petrol in broken down petrol tankers and stealing oil from pipes are also not due to ignorance or poverty. These are stupid ways to die and should not happen anymore in our community.

Don’t play with water

A man decided to jump out of the boat into the river for fun. This was not a dare and he was not drunk. He just thought ‘what the heck,’ I can do this. Turns out the river was quite deep, with a strong fast flowing undercurrent. I think they are still looking for his body.

Similarly, please endeavour to cover boreholes and deep holes (even manholes on the streets!) as they are death traps. Only an irresponsible government, person or company will leave deep holes unprotected and without adequate warning signs for the unwary. If, with adequate protection and warning signs, someone still ventures where angels fail to thread, well…

Don’t mix driving with other stuff

Okay, the second episode happened many, many years ago, but I have never forgotten it. It was a great night at a party in Abeokuta. Then, a friend called and requested to be picked up.

Yes, I offered to go and get him even though I had been drinking alcohol. Alcohol and driving do not mix and we are both lucky to be alive today. Let me just say it again: Do not drink and drive, and if you were that stupid…

Similarly, do not use your mobile phone while driving. This is really important, as many have gone to the great beyond ignoring this simple message.

Do not read text messages or attempt to send texts while driving. It is suicidal. It is a dumb thing to do, no matter how smart you might think you are and no matter how many times you have gotten away with it. You only need one chance to die.

Don’t waste time with cancer

Breast cancer is common in Nigeria. It can affect anybody with breasts, including men. Ignoring a lump in your breast is therefore dumb. And going to the herbalist, traditional healer or your local chemist is even more stupid. They cannot help you.

Cancer cannot be treated or cured by people who sell cures for ‘staphylococcus’ in buses and on the streets. You might as well buy rat poison. It works just as well.

This goes for all cancers. Cancer kills and kills faster if ignored. Your best bet is a good hospital with the required specialists and the facility to manage cancer. You need urgent diagnosis and the right advice. Do not stop until you meet someone sensible and who you can trust with your life.

Finally, on HIV/AIDS

Dr. Peter Ebeigbe recently published results of his study into the ‘knowledge and use of contraceptives by rural in-school adolescents in Delta State.’

In the article, Ebeigbe noted that about 65 per cent had had sex at age 15. But, perhaps more worrying is that only 31 per cent (31 in 100) used a condom consistently, 39 per cent practised coitus interruptus (in which the man withdraws prior to ejaculation), while 25 per cent relied on ‘washing the private parts’ to prevent pregnancies and diseases! Washing!

In this day and age of HIV, hepatitis B, C, gonorrhoea, etc., etc., if you were still that stupid…

http://www.punchng.com/healthwise/dumb-ways-to-die/

The Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola blew a whooping $500,000 on “appearance fee ‘for American reality television personality, Kim Kardashian.

Pointblanknews.com learnt that the extra budgetary largese excludes first class tickets for she and her crew, accomodation, logistics, security etc.

Despite staying less than a day in the city of Lagos the pregnant star was paid a reported $500,000 for her fleeting visit, angering some commentators and citizens of the state.

Kim’s visit to Nigeria unfortunately coincided with the kidnapping of seven foreigners, including one Briton, by armed men in the north of the country. An Islamist group later claimed responsibility.

The mother-to-be, married to rap star Kanye West, was in Lagos to ‘co-host’ the Love Like A Movie event with African R’n’B crooner Darey Art-Alade, for which tickets cost N100,000, or $640.

But according to local reports Kim stayed at the event for 45 minutes, making a 45-second statement on the microphone.

Independent Nigerian TV station Channels Television reported: ‘There were disappointments after Kim Kardashian came on stage for only 40 seconds.’

The channel posted pictures of the smiling star wearing a black leather dress, posing alongside the performers including 2Face, Waje, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mo’Eazy and Zaina.

Guardian blogger Jeremy Weate described how Kim’s visit was an example of the country’s economic elite ‘blowing its money on bling puffery while most of the country suffers’.

He wrote: ‘Ms Kardashian appeared, said, “Hey Naija” and vamoosed. The rumour was that she’d been paid 500,000 Benjamins for the honour of mixing with the petro-class.’

Commentators in the country made reference to Kim’s infamous sex tape as they queried why a woman of dubious ‘moral rating’ should be in the country at all.

This Day newspaper’s Eddy Odivwri wrote: ‘Many families are not exactly comfortable with her lifestyle, as she hardly cuts the image of a role model to a generation in need of a moral dress up.’

‘Kim was criticised for her brief marriage to Kris Humphries, with Charles Mgbolu for AllAfrica writing: ‘It is uncertain how much Kim is loved in Nigeria as she fell sour to a lot of her fans after her divorce with former hubby Kris Humphries in a marriage that lasted barely 72 days.’

And it wasn’t just in Nigeria that eyebrows were raised, with Ghana based site GhanaCelebrities.com writing: ‘My questions is; what is wrong with us Africans?

‘When did Kim Kardashian become so good at hosting that she has to be paid thousands of dollars and be brought to Nigeria to handle a concert?’

Kim seemed oblivious to the controversy, however, as she left on an Air France flight.

Looking tired she was later pictured arriving in Los Angeles, her bump hidden beneath a simple white shirt which she teamed with black trousers.

But she did manage a smile for the cameras, perhaps glad to be home.

The 32-year-old tweeted: ‘Just landed back home! 20 hrs of flying. No big deal.’

With agency report from Daily mail

http://pointblanknews.com/pbn/exclusive/gov-fashola-wastes-500000-on-kim-kardashians-40-seconds-appearance/