₦airaland Forum

Senator Ehigie Uzamere represents Edo South senatorial district on the platform of Action Congress of Nigeria. In this interview with Omololu Ogunmade, Uzamere defended the state pardon granted former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, amongst other issues. Excerpts:



What was your immediate reaction to the state pardon granted former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, by President Jonathan?
The pardon of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha is a welcome development. I have granted several interviews to journalists within and outside Abuja and I have no apology to say that the step that the president has taken is a right step in the right direction. Through the wisdom that God gave to him, he has put everything to rest from the day that Alamieyesegha was arrested.

Before we go further, let’s look at the foundation, how Alamieyeseigha was humiliated. By 2005, Alamieyeseigha was a sitting governor in this country. Now, Alamieyeseigha had gone to Germany for a procedure. He left Germany for London. As soon as he arrived into the airport, right from the aircraft, he was arrested, a sitting governor.

Irrespective of what Alamieyeseigha might have done, he was humiliated by British government in connivance with Nigerian government. Therefore, he was kept there. He left United Kingdom and came to Nigeria. Now, they said Alamieyeseigha escaped. How would Alamieyeseigha escape from the British Government? I believe that British government knows the truth and one day, they will tell us why they allowed Alamieyeseigha to leave.

You mean the British government aided his escape?
Yes. I believe so. I believe they knew the reason they allowed Alamieyeseigha to leave at that time because there is no how you can escape from Britain. And Alamieyeseigha at the appropriate time will tell us why the British government allowed him to leave.

Why do you think the British government must have aided his escape?
I wouldn’t know because at that time, I was also arrested by (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) EFCC in connection with Alamieyeseigha. So, I wouldn’t know what transpired between them. But from what we know about Britain in times of security, I believe that the British government knew the reason they allowed Alamieyeseigha to leave.

You said recently that you were arrested by EFCC. What did you do?
Yes, I was arrested by the Nuhu Ribadu-led EFCC in connection with Alamieyeseigha. He came back to Nigeria and was impeached by less than two-third of the majority of the members of the state House of Assembly. These crabs today, who are shouting in Nigeria that Alamieyeseigha does not deserve pardon, they don’t know the reason Alamieyeseigha was removed. He was removed by less than two-third of the membership as prescribed by the Nigerian constitution.

He was removed by the government of the time and the reason was simple. Alamieyeseigha was one of those who fought for 13 per cent derivation for oil producing states at the time. Alamieyeseigha at that time, took sides with the (former Vice President) Abubakar Atiku. These were the simple two reasons Alamieyeseigha was cut down.

Nigerians are not asking, why would less than two per cent remove a governor? Nigerians are not asking, why will a Nigerian be humiliated in foreign land all because of corruption? But these crabs are talking rubbish about Alamieyeseigha in the newspaper. They have not considered the real issues. Alamieyeseigha was sentenced. He opted for plea bargain. Alamieyeseigha has been remorseful. Alamieyeseigha has suffered for his people by defending 13 per cent derivation.

Are you now saying that the theft of several millions of dollars and pound sterling by DSP is a non-issue?
What did Alamieyeseigha do that governors of that time did not do? Why was Alamieyeseigha singled out? Another reason he was singled out was that he was the only one that did not have godfather among the governors? They used him as a guinea pig to teach other governors a lesson. So, we must learn to forgive. The president in his wisdom decided to forgive Alamieyeseigha in consultation with eminent Nigerians. He didn’t do it alone. The man went for plea bargain. His property was taken from him. His money was taken from him. He has nothing left. Why do you want the man to die in addition to all that?
Since the period that Alamieyeseigha was arrested, how many governors have been jailed? How many ministers have been invited by EFCC? So, you want to tell me that in the eight years within which Alamieyeseigha served and was arrested, all those in the federal government were all saints? Come on, Nigerians, let’s tell ourselves the truth. If we must fight corruption, it must start from our houses. We must search ourselves!

From your submission, it appears you are supporting corruption.
I don’t know what you mean by supporting corruption. I don’t award contracts.
But you are automatically saying that what the former governor should not have been queried by anyone at all.
Alamieyeseigha had entered into a plea bargain. And what that meant was that he committed the sins and he said ‘this is what I have’ and he gave it all out. What else do you want from the man? You must learn how to forgive.

As a member of the ACN, won’t your position contradict that of your party?
This is not a party issue as far as I’m concerned. This has to do with Nigerians. I’m not talking on behalf of my party. I don’t know the position of my party. My party has not called me to say that they don’t support the pardon of Alamieyeseigha. Maybe I will stand up to say what I’m saying. I stand up to be corrected and I have no apology to anybody. Whatever Alamieyeseigha might have done, the man has asked for mercy.

People criticise the pardon because they believe it would have adverse effect on the war against corruption?

Okay, since Alamieyeseigha was jailed and released, how many governors have been sent to prison? That is the question you have to ask yourself. You are saying that it will give room for corruption. Okay, since Alamieseigha has been convicted, how many governors have been convicted by the same EFCC?

But if you are saying many other corrupt people have gone scot-free and the only one that ought to serve as a deterrent should also be left off-the-hook; isn’t that contradictory?
What I’m saying is that a section of this country cannot hold us to ransom. We are all Nigerians and we are all equal stakeholders. Alamieyeseigha had been sentenced and the president in his wisdom granted him pardon after consultation with stakeholders. What I’m saying is since Alamieyeseigha’s conviction, how many former governors that do not enjoy immunity have been jailed? How many ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who award contracts have been jailed? So, why should it be only Alamieyeseigha?

But shouldn’t the same government that granted pardon be blamed for not prosecuting other corrupt officers?
That is at the discretion of the government. Let me tell you, when Alamieyeseigha came from Dubai, he went round the Creeks without guns and all the militants hailed him during the era of President Umaru Yar’Adua of blessed memory. Why will you wish away a man who asked for forgiveness? You can’t wish him away. He’s part of them and what will enjoy today, the 13 per cent derivation fund, Alamieyeseigha and some others assisted us to get it.

We must first of all recognise that we needed this 13 per cent fund at that time. And he said he would make the government of the time uncomfortable if it didn’t grant it and the president conceded. That was one of the reasons they punished the man. The man is alive. The man just came back from Germany and the man was arrested and Nigerians are shouting that the man should not be granted pardon.

Was it in the process of working with him that you were arrested?
No. I was arrested because I’m his friend. Most of his friends were arrested and so, I was arrested and that’s all. I was not prosecuted. I was not asked to go and testify. They just kept me inside the EFCC cell at that time and after sometime, they left us.

The fact that you are a not a member of the ruling party gives you a better platform to assess the war against corruption.
I cannot comment. I can only comment on my own state, Edo State. I can also comment on the development strides across the state. The Federal Government in its own wisdom has its different ways of fighting corruption, maybe the president has a better way and we pray that he succeeds.

What is your view on the merger of your party with some others with the intention of seizing power at the centre in 2015?
The question is not about seizing power. But the issue is let people of like-minds come together. You see, I’m not speaking on behalf of ACN. But as far as I’m concerned, I admire what my leaders are doing. People of like-minds in the political parties are coming together on a single platform to give good government to this country. It is not being formed to remove PDP. It is to give good government to this country.

But how can they provide good government if they don’t seize power?
Yes. But you see, we have seen what the PDP has done and we say let’s have a change. It is not a crime and the parties coming together will even make the party strong. The only way we can get to the next level in this country is to have two party structures. If we can’t do that, one party will rule you for 100 years. But if we have two parties, it will make the government to sit tight.

So, the coming together of the parties including my party is a welcome development and it is something that by the grace of God, will develop into a formidable party that will enable us to go into the poll and Nigerians will decide whether they want A or B. If you want A, it is okay. If you want B, it is fair enough.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/britain-aided-alamieyeseigha-s-pardon-says-senator-uzamere/146016/

jahjehova: As far as I can remember, no one has forced you to become a Christian (even though I'd earnestly crave U be one). FYI Christianity is a belief, a lifestyle - Christlike. I have NEVER seen a thread that says U must accept our belief. All I see are different threads springing up questioning the ethos of our BELIEF.

If studies serve me right, "we came here first" obnoxious attitude aint possible cos a Christian is so named after CHRIST.

And YES, our BELIEF says that only through Jesus can U access the true God. I guess all ur "other" sophisticated religions have their own different claims. Why does ours seem putrefying to U?

U all shout, there are no records of African ancestry in the bible, I laugh, perhaps U nid to do a search of scriptures. I'd lend U two keywords. Libya, Ethiopia. I see U seek Identification.

There is a wise saying - "the END justifies the MEANS". At death (or rapture) , one of two groups will be justified. You atheists/agnoists/non-Christians or We Christians.

I rest my case

As far as I can remember, no one has forced you to become a Christian (even though I'd earnestly crave U be one).

Nairaland is awash with Christian fanatics forcing us join them; threatening hell fire and brimstone if we refuse.

Christianity is a belief, a lifestyle - Christlike.

Just like other religions as well. Infact, there are religions that are an integral part of a society's culture. e.g Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism.

And YES, our BELIEF says that only through Jesus can U access the true God. I guess all ur "other" sophisticated religions have their own different claims. Why does ours seem putrefying to U?

Your claim that your BELIEF is superior to all others is what appears ridiculous. I'm glad you accept that there are other religions with different beliefs, all with varying claims. What gives you the right to assume yours is the only way to God? That is just plain ignorant and mischievous.

U all shout, there are no records of African ancestry in the bible, I laugh, perhaps U nid to do a search of scriptures. I'd lend U two keywords. Libya, Ethiopia. I see U seek Identification.

I don't know what you mean by saying I seek identification. If you mean having a sense of identity, I already have one. I'm not the one laying claims or association with a Jewish God who clearly says He is "the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" and who is fondly referred to as "the God of Israel". There are records of African nations having dealings with the children of Israel. Elementary geography shows Israel in close proximity with Libya and Egypt, so I don't see any big deal there.Other nations had trade links with Israel as well. So what point are you making? Africans have no claims to a god that's clearly Jewish. Simple and short. While the Jews were having a spiritual experience with their god, Africans (by this I mean the many nations scattered across Africa) also had their respective spiritual experiences with tribal deities. The Ibo ethnic group, where I hail from, have their own belief system, spiritual philosophy and religious literature. Why would I abandon that and lay claims to a Jewish god?

There is a wise saying - "the END justifies the MEANS". At death (or rapture) , one of two groups will be justified. You atheists/agnostist/non-Christians or We Christians.

See how quick you are to condemn the rest of the human race just because they don't share your beliefs. You already built a dividing wall between your ilk and the rest of the world. I'm glad I don't believe in such a petty god. Good luck to you on your journey to the Christian heaven. I hope you have fun with your Christian god. Other religious adherents will surely not miss your kind when they journey to their respective heavens.

Those who say they don't wanna test before marriage are expert waaankers. Wait, they will deny it. I know their type.

solomon111: And if GEJ should win the next election,i expect you to do the honourable thing.
MAKE SURE YOU HANG YOURSELF.

But GEJ won't win the election. What will you do? Hang yourself I suppose?

Like I always and will continue to say, religion breeds intolerance, hatred, misunderstanding and bigotry. It puts people on opposing sides, ready to kill each other at the slightest provocation. Religion has done Nigeria more harm than good. Wickedness, corruption, hatred, hypocrisy,intolerance and strife is rampant in a country where houses of worship dot every street.
A case where every religion claims to be the true one, means that God is not One and even if He is, then He's at a loss on how to defend His existence.

What I find really annoying is the arrogance and ignorance of these so called Christians. The argument that their religion is far superior to any other is what contributes to their myopia and reckless bigotry. Far more sophisticated religions which believed in one Creator existed thousands of years before Judaism and Islam. An example is Zoroastrianism, which originated in ancient Iran. This religion influenced many religions after it and it is an indisputable fact that Judaism and Islam had their foundations in the teachings of Zoroaster.
The Vedas is another religious literature that is highly sophisticated and organised for it's time. It's writings can be argued to be a moral compass for any man seeking to know the Truth.
What I am saying is, ignorant Christians should stop castigating other religions, while adopting an obnoxious "we-came-here-first" and "our way is the only way" attitude.
It bothers me how many Africans will latch on to a Jewish fabrication that makes no mention of their ancestors. I don't know why they don't ask themselves why God chose to reveal Himself to a particular race and neglect others. Didn't your African ancestors have a divine experience with this same God? Or was your race too inferior for Him?

ifyalways: This boys are being selfish with the ball.
Team Naija still.

I thought I was the only one who noticed.

These naija boys just dey play selfish football. adagba!

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State and his Kaduna State counterpart, Ramalan Yero, have kicked against the provision of host communities fund in the Petroleum Industry Bill.

They made their views known in separate presentations during the House of Representatives Ad hoc committee public hearing on the PIB, in Kaduna on Tuesday.

Kwankwaso said the sections dealing with the host communities fund, its purpose and entitlements should be removed.

He also warned members of the National Assembly from the state against “sell out” during the debates.

Kwankwaso said, “This time we will keep our eyes on them.

“The state government recommends that this committee and by extension, the National Assembly should expunge the following sections from the proposed Bill:Sections 116, 117 and 118 respectively.’’

The governor noted that the ownership of petroleum and gas resources were vested in the sovereign state of the Nigeria and not in any region.

He also spoke on oil exploration in the North, saying it was being deliberately sabotaged.

“We would like to state categorically that the issue of oil exploration in Northern Nigeria has been deliberately sabotaged,” he said.

Kwankwaso noted that this had contributed tremendously to the widening gap between the North and the South.

He called for a separate bill for the establishment of the National Exploration Agency as against its inclusion in the PIB.

The governor said that the major problem in the petroleum industry was corruption.

The Kaduna State Solicitor-General, Hajia Hauwa Dalhatu, representing Yero, described the host communities fund as controversial.

She said it would create another tier of government in the country.

Dalhatu called for the reduction in the power of the minister of petroleum resources provided in the bill to ensure transparency in the sector.

Meanwhile, Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has lauded the wisdom of the leadership of the House of Representatives in setting up its Ad-Hoc Committee to organise public hearing on the PIB.

Speaking when he received members of the committee for the South-East zone at the Government House, Enugu, Chime noted that the public hearing would help the House get the opinion of the people to enrich their knowledge and take decision on the matter.

http://www.punchng.com/news/pib-kwankwaso-yero-reject-host-communities-fund/

In the whole of Africa, one country stands out as the most religious. The same nation flaunts herself as the most corrupt country on the continent. We are still looking for a suitable theory that could juxtapose the two facets and probably establish a strong link between the two. Corruption has bred violence, vandalism, electoral malpractice, robbery, moral decadence and many other vices you can possibly think of.

In the midst of all this, government at the three tiers is seen to be entangled in a very romantic relationship with religion. In other words, religion takes a centre stage in almost every decision or policy the government intends to make. The saddest part for Nigeria is that it has two major religions, Islam and Christianity, and it strives so hard to please either of the two or both of them. Many individuals have used the weapon of religion to canvass power and wield influence over common citizens. Now, the bond between religion and government has become so strong, almost inextricably connected like some Siamese twins. Of all sentiments borne in Nigeria, religious sentiments appear to be the worst and most destructive. Little wonder, it characterised the imbalance of the 2011 presidential election and the violent killings thereafter, it also formed the basis for another form of militant insurgency especially in the Northern part of the country. In most of the pretentious dialogues, political and religious leaders would rise to claim that there is one ‘God’ or ‘god’ (I’m still confused about the god) However, an alien or atheist would quickly conclude that there is one violent, self-contradicting god in Nigeria or there are two gods battling for supremacy. Well, that would be for another day but the big question is, can we separate religion from governance and look at Nigeria as it really is? Yes, we can!

Already, religion, to me, has been over-pampered in this country. And if the adherents of these religions have the sincerity of purpose, most of the vices we contend with here would be fought from pulpits and prayer grounds. Instead, we observe with dismay as the same people who have ruined this nation are constantly being elevated to higher positions within the Christendom or Islam. I believe it’s high time we moved for the separation of religion from governance or at least an infinitesimal attention to religion.

I still can’t understand why government should be saddled with the cumbersome task of sponsoring pilgrims to the acclaimed “holy lands”. According to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s recent report on the 2012 pilgrimage, at least 16,000 Christians were sponsored to Israel. After presenting the report, the CAN president urged the government to do more. The report for Muslim pilgrims has yet to be presented. However, we can safely assume that more than 20,000 Muslim faithful were sponsored on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia. The barest minimum cost spent on each pilgrim is about N500,000. You will be dazed by the startling figures you will see by the time you finish punching the keypad of your calculator. Without any sentiments, permit me to say that huge resources are being wasted here. Besides, there is no ‘holyometer’ (pardon my coinage) to determine who are the most spiritually competent persons to visit the holy lands — if the lands are still holy — instead a political gauge is being used and most party faithful find themselves aboard planes heading for the Middle East each time.

The next is that government should find another use for the edifices erected in Aso Villa and state Government Houses as chaplaincies or mosques. The clerics employed in these Government House churches or mosques are simply recruited to endorse every decision of the government alone and not to view things from the common citizen’s perspective. I guess sycophants are doing enough of that already, as such it is needless to have a spiritual backup to perform such nefarious acts.

Our prayer as Nigerians is in the National Anthem and the National Pledge. On the contrary, most government officials are interested in long prayers and incantations at the beginning or end of meetings regarding national issues. The National Anthem and Pledge are usually downplayed at corporate gatherings; I wasn’t surprised when some ministerial nominees were unable to sing the first or second stanza of the anthem or recite the pledge. I believe a very meaningful prayer is contained in the National Anthem and Pledge, as such, calling on any Mallam or pastor to pray at such meetings is not so relevant.

Laws should be enacted to regulate or even abolish giving of gifts from the state coffers during religious holidays. You will be surprised how much the government spends annually to purchase gifts for some individuals in the name of Christmas, Sallah, Easter etc. Some even call it bonuses. Even if government desires to dole out gifts to the less privileged, it can do so at any other time and not wait until festive seasons.

On the whole, when we de-emphasise religiosity in our governance, we are invariably relegating religious sentiments and also giving Nigerians a chance to look truly Nigerian without any religious colouring while affirming the freedom of worship without infringing on others’ or being infringed upon.

•Yadok wrote in from Pankshin, Plateau State, via bizuumyadok@gmail.com

08060924445 (SMS only)

http://www.punchng.com/opinion/imperative-of-separating-religion-from-governance/

To me, big Nyansh, moderate bobby, reasonable facial beauty, good character = Beautiful

Until I see the Nyansh of this one...

FG Declines Lagos’ Request For Power Distribution Companies

Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Government has disclosed that the federal government has declined its offer to acquire power distribution companies namely Eko and Ikeja Power Distribution Companies situated in the state.

The state government also rejected the plans of the federal government to sell the National Theatre without offering it the right of first refusal in line with the extant legal provision.
The state government noted that if the federal government decides to sell the edifice, it would challenge the action in court.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, expressed the state’s disproval of the federal government’s decision on the power stations in an exclusive chat with THISDAY.

On the power distribution stations, the attorney-general explained that the state government had expressed interest out of anxiety and concern “to solve what we think was an eminently solvable problem.”

He added that lack of electricity “damages the Lagos economy more than any other state in Nigeria. However, we were not allowed to do so. Private companies were preferred. We are doing what we can by way of isolated power plants.”

Fielding questions on the planned sale of National Theatre, Ipaye said that the state government “is really not sure of the intentions of the federal government in this regard. However, we reiterate our readiness to take over, refurbish and use these heritage assets for their intended purposes.”

The attorney-general added that that the state government eminently “deserves of this opportunity. In a very real sense, we do have a stake in these monuments, having hosted the federal government as capital territory for so long and created the enabling environment for their establishment.”

“Apart from their being on Lagos soil, these monuments are an intimate part of the Lagos history and social scene. If anyone can be trusted to value and treasure them, it is the Lagos State Government.”

But he added that the state government “will no doubt consider the legal option if we are denied right of first refusal again. We feel very strongly about these monuments - for all the good reasons. In the meantime, we are focused on persuasion, hoping that the federal government will appreciate the obvious merit of our position.”

The comissioner clarified public debate that the proposal to extend tenure of the elected officials of the 57 local councils in the state had generated, noting that the proposal became necessary in order to put an end to public consternation and complaint over poor records of governance at the grassroots.

He explained that the elected official at the grassroots “spend the first year settling down, appreciating the demands of the office and generally orientating themselves. Let us assume that by the second year they have a fair grip and increasing efficiency, this is virtually lost by the third year.

“With elections approaching, they are heavily distracted. A lot of people have canvassed the harminisation of terms of office across the board, i.e., federal, state and local governments, so that we do not have what appears to be an unending political or electioneering season. In this light, we believe that the proposed amendment will make governments more efficient at the local level.

"If the amendment worthy of passage finally sails through as proposed, he said the serving political office holders at the local government level “will be at par with their colleagues at the state and federal levels.”

He stated that the councils’ elected officials would get a four-year term which, he said, was renewable once provided they “are reelected. After two terms, they will not be able to contest for the same position again.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Beks Dagogo-Jack, has attributed the reasons why the federal government has failed to so far to reach an agreement with members of the unions in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to selfishness.

Speaking Tuesday at the signing ceremony of the various transaction documents in the ongoing power sector reform exercise and privatisation of successor companies, Dagogo-Jack said government’s prolonged negotiations with PHCN labour unions as regards payment of severance benefits to the workers were not unconnected with influence from people who have over time benefited from the lack of reforms in the sector.

He told journalists at the side-lines of the ceremony which was conducted by President Goodluck Jonathan alongside Vice-President Namadi Sambo at the State House that the alleged interests have got potentials to upstage negotiations in the settlement process.

“First and foremost, the labour settlement process is captured in an understanding and in that there are core elements, whatever is not represented in that understanding and brought out today is a renegotiation and you don’t renegotiate in a signed contract; I don’t think it will survive in the public arena and not to talk about the law courts because there are so many adjudication points that could be kicked in if any party to a contract discovers a renegotiation.”

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-declines-lagos-request-for-power-distribution-companies/145811/

Okupe: APC Will Crumble And Disappear By 2014

Says power supply will stabilise by 2014

Our Correspondents
The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, Tuesday described the merger of opposition political parties on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a weak association that would crumble and disappear by 2014, a year to the general election.

Okupe, who paid a courtesy visit to THISDAY corporate office in Apapa, Lagos, dismissed the view that the merger would rout the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the next election, noting that the forces behind the merger are not serious-minded people capable of causing a major upset in national politics.

While hinging his prediction on the projection that the president's joker, which is stable electricity, would have been attained by 2014, Okupe noted that if stable power which is critical to the opposition would be punctured and rendered ineffective.

“Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Maj-Gen. Mohammadu Buhari are not serious-minded people; they are going round like people dancing in a market place. I expect that when you post an aggregate of people of that calibre, who want to run government, by now they must have a policy statement on power, agriculture and employment and not just talking about PDP leaving.

"Is it by mouth that they will run the nation? These are not serious-minded people. Can someone get your vote by using word of mouth that PDP should leave without a policy?
“Tinubu has ridden roughshod over the South-west. But Nigeria is bigger than that. This is their first time out in national politics; alright, and let me give you some bad news: the relevance that ACN has in Nigerian politics is that they are a Yoruba party. That is what makes them relevant in politics and by dropping that toga, the party is dead.

"They have just formed an abyss; a formless abyss that the Yoruba cannot key-into. The Yoruba have always been members of a regional organisation – Action Group (AG) , Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), etc. And in any case, what are the electoral credentials of ACN? How many states have they won that they are boasting?

“They won Lagos; they won Oyo and they are boasting. The others, they got through the courts, and the masquerade is now out. In terms of electoral victory, these people have nothing to show.

"We gave them Ogun State. It was a donation! Out of six states that they have, they got three through judicial judgments. They have not really tested their electoral prowess and they now want to jump to the national platform.

“This is a party that is consistently unable to produce a presidential candidate from within its rank and file, consistently. And even this forthcoming 2015 election, they are planning to recruit Tambuwal; they never have people in their party that can run for the presidency.

“What kind of political party is that and you are taking them seriously. It is a politically defective and weak organisation, and by coming to the national stage, the wind is going to blow them open. If they don’t crumble and disappear by 2014, don’t call me Okupe,” he said.

The presidential spokesman, who dissected the power reform programme, explained that the problem with the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) was the amount of money that was designated for the investment, adding that the money was not the type entrepreneurs in the country could aggregate.

“But when Jonathan came, five major problems bedevilled the power sector. One, there was low generation capacity. Two, was that the NIPPs, which required so much money, were abandoned. Three, even if they were working, they were located in places that were impossible for gas availability. Four, there was very poor transmission capacity and five, the indecisiveness involved in the privatisation exercise.

“In two years, Jonathan’s administration has solved four out of the five problems facing the power sector. Yes, we are not there yet but I can tell you the truth, because it will be difficult for ordinary people to know what is going on.

"The truth of the matter is that four of the challenges have been taken care of. The NIPPs – all of them are about 95 per cent complete and there is enough monitoring to ensure that this is done,” he said.

He pointed out the outstanding challenge was transmission capacity which is currently being addressed by the federal government.
Okupe, who also sought partnership with the media, admitted that the Jonathan administration needed help to survive.

“That is the truth. I am not hiding it. There is no government that has been more assaulted in this country. I have come to see if we can build a platform to help the country and this government.

"I am not saying that you should compromise your positions; I am just saying that you should give us the chance to clarify anything that you need to clarify.
“One of the reasons I am making this move is also to be able to go back to my principal and say these are the commitments that I have made and if we are going to succeed in this thing, I have to be allowed to fulfil these commitments,” he explained.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/okupe-apc-will-crumble-and-disappear-by-2014/145805/

Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Monday warned the Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, to stop undermining state laws.

Oshiomhole, at the inauguration of 14 newly elected local government chairmen in Benin, said government had the capacity and the will to contain Igbinedion’s excesses.

He also asked the state Independent Electoral Commission to tender unreserved apology to the people of the state for the lapses recorded in the local government election held on Saturday.

He said, “There is evidence that he (Igbinedion) has undermined the prosperity of the state for a very long time. Those who live in glass houses do not throw stones.

“I want to send a warning to Chief Igbinedion that he should take it easy; he has acquired a lot of government land that the people have not engaged him on. He walks as if he is above the law. He was a chief tax collector in this state, pocketing 25 to 30 per cent of every kobo that accrued while his son was the governor.

“I have not looked back because my mandate is to look forward. I want to put him on notice that if he continues with elderly rascality, I will bring him to justice.

“He must never ever underestimate the fact that I have the will and I have the capacity to deploy that will; if he crosses the law, he will be cut to size.

“Elders must teach the younger ones to behave responsibly.

The governor berated Igbinedion over his alleged conduct on election day on Saturday in Okada.

“You heard how he is using ITV in a very reckless manner, in clear breach of the NBC code. He reduced himself as a high chief, leaving where he is registered to vote and going all the way to Okada on a day movement was restricted across the state.

“He got to Okada and illegally used mobile policemen to walk on the street; going to the police station where sensitive election materials were kept in order to vandalise the sensitive electoral materials to ensure elections did not take place.

“If he misleads himself into believing that he has the birth right to continue to appropriate and privatise the resources of Edo State, he is living in a fool’s paradise.”

http://www.punchng.com/news/oshiomhole-warns-igbinedion-against-elderly-rascality/

musKeeto: It's easier to fool people than to convince them they've been fooled..

Time to stop looking to whatever God for our 'solution'... I'd rather we hold every man/woman/goodluck responsible for their actions be they men of God or God of men..

Well said musKeeto!

Haven't Nigerians been doing this then? You will think with all the churches and mosques, Nigeria will be a model for other nations to learn righteousness. I laugh in Buddhism.

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, William Kumuyi, has declared that the only antidote to the various challenges plaguing the world and Nigeria in particular is a closer relationship with God and a life devoted to his will.

He said this at the church’s fourth edition of the special miracle service held at its conference centre on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, a statement on Monday stated.

Kumuyi said, “While perilous times may not abate, a life dedicated to God has the capacity to weather the severest of storms. And those who are wise must seek to build bridges across to God rather than running helter-skelter looking for solution where there’s none.”

The cleric stated at the service tagged, ‘Night of Supernatural Deliverance’, that Christians had not only received redemption but had also been given restorative power to deliver the afflicted.

The General Superintendent, who spoke on restoring the falling foundation of the righteous, affirmed that no circumstance could defy the power of God.

Speaking to the gathering of over 150,000 participants, the cleric urged Christians to abandon the recourse to self management and instead find a willing partner in God in order to possess the capacity to fight and overcome the many challenges that they may face.

Kumuyi said people needed to be set free in order to serve God without obstructions which have the capacity to circumscribe the potential of anyone.

The event, which was transmitted through satellite to all locations of the church in the country, the continent of Africa and beyond, was also streamed live on the Internet.

http://www.punchng.com/news/nigerians-must-look-to-god-for-solution-kumuyi/

saintvc: chinese are just looking for ways to eliminate overpopulation

*falls from maggi cube*

By Muhammad Bello

Against the backdrop of a report by the United States that there is huge level of corruption in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan Monday reacted saying that the recent US appraisal of corruption in the country is skewed and unrealistic.

According to him, the level of graft, hitherto described by the US report as ‘massive’ is being overblown and does not reflect the spirited efforts being made by his administration to tackle the issue, saying “there are issues of corruption in this country but somehow it has been over amplified.”

More to follow...

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/corruption-jonathan-carpets-us-assessment-of-nigeria/145626/

There are at least two churches in every street in Nigeria. Churches everywhere, millions of bible-quoting, Tongue-speaking, prayer warrior Christians in the nation. Jesus said to them that they are the light of the world and salt of the earth. Yet, this same Gospel these millions believe and preach doesn't reflect on the state of the nation. Has the Gospel lost it's efficacy? How come these Christ followers don't have the power to affect their country positively? Greed, wickedness and hatred multiplies daily in the presence of these Christians! When they fall under the anointing, they stand to remain the same. The charade goes on.

dbride: Simple. Your spirit is subject to you, you have control over it. Majority of men are stubborn and rigid when it comes to releasing, freeing or letting loose their spirit and the Spirit of God does not struggle, and will never, with the spirit of man. Women generally are easier, they are quick to free their spirit especially when they have believed. Men struggle to believe anything they cannot touch with their five senses and this constitutes an obstacle to the Spirit of God.

Just when I thought I heard it all...

By SaharaReporters, New York
Kidnappers of Kehinde Bamigbetan, the Ejigbo local government chairman released him over night after collecting over N20 million in ransom. Mr. Bamigbetan was kidnapped a few meters from his home in Ejigbo on Monday night.

Family members said Mr. Bamigbetan in good health.


SOURCE: http://saharareporters.com/news-page/kidnappers-release-lagos-councilman

From UCHECHUKWU OLISAH, Warri

A 22-year-old man, Julius Aboy was yesterday sentenced to death for stealing N955, 600 by a Delta State High Court sitting in Warri. The trial judge, Justice Marshal Mukoro of High Court 1, who handed down the sentence told the convict that he is to die by hanging.

The convict was arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and armed robbery, offences punishable under Sections 6(b) and 1(2)(a) respectively of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap. RII Volume 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

In the first count, Julius Aboy and others now at large were reported to have on or about the 4th day of March, 2011 in Warri, conspired with others now at large to commit armed robbery.

In the second count, Julius Aboy and others now at large were also reported to have, on or about the 4th day of March, 2011 in Warri, robbed one Godwin Gwuene of N955, 600, while armed with a gun. The money was said to be Ususu contribution (savings), belonging to workers, serving as cleaners in a company in Warri.

The armed robbery gang, of which Aboy was allegedly a member, ran out of luck when an oncoming vehicle knocked down their getaway motorbike at the scene of the crime, leading to the arrest of the convict and killing of another member of the gang by an angry mob.

Justice Mukoro said the excuse of poverty, which the convict gave as reason of dropping out of school and venturing into crime was not tenable, as poverty was not a licence for criminality.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/cover/man-22-to-die-by-hanging-for-stealing-n955-600/

Willy7: RIP to the dead and speedy recovery to the injured.Its sure a tragic year for America.Other countries that are legalizing same sex marriage should also braze up for d consequence that comes with it.Sodom and gomorah was not a fairy tale afterall.God deliver us

The smell of horse manure is strong in this post.

[quote author=trix!]I find it hard to believe you are almost 40![/quote]Dey dere dey count person age make pant dey wear you.

Liberal2020: Apparently the shameless man in agbada standing smugly as though he knows God and God only knows him and communicates through him solely. Religion remains the biggest deception ever told to humanity. It has inflicted pain and deaths on humanity than any disaster...pls do your research on this before attacking me; gullible religious zealots who have no idea what they are worshiping.

May you live long and prosper!!!

Chris D'Elia on Drake.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAL_HP1yE_c

ade2008: Ive not been able to watch that video but one thing i know is that nothing is new in that. We have been seeing so many wierd things all around us more than what uve seen. its only GOD that can save us. There is nothing we can do, we are powerless. Even if u make people see reasons why we have to fight for our right some will use religion to counter u. Let us see it as our own fate and continue praying for this country .

The bold part makes me sick to my stomach. I feel like throwing up.

It's time we realize the Jewish and Arab gods are laughing hard at us. We have become an object of entertainment in heaven. Even Satan joins in the fun. If these gods ever gave Nigerians a brain, then they are wondering how come they fail to use it.

It is weaklings and superstitious dorks like ade2008 that deserve the suffering they receive in Nigeria. We live as slaves in our country and not as free borns. God will NOT save us. We will save ourselves when we realize we have the POWER to change things in our country.