₦airaland Forum

Oga, i b like say u wan die young. Anyway u said it all when u said "If u survive the impeachment" because i bet u if u survive that one they will kill u.

We're all going to die sometime, right?  So why not die fighting for your people?
Bob Marley, Ken Sarowiwa, MLK, Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Murtala, etc, all dead, but their names still live on.  Why?  Because they stood for something while alive.

If you still don't get it

I don't get it?

"Christians" were killed in the north but not in the South.

"Muslims" were killed in the South but not in the North.

Yes, but one is a response to the other.

The riot in the south is justified.  It's a fight for survival.  The perpetrators in the north are nothing but troublemakers.

Only when they are brought to justice will our people learn that violence is not a viable alternative in the quest for equity and prosperity.

If your dormant government won't protect you, what are you supposed to do to protect yourself?  Just keep taking the unprovoked assaults?

violence is not a viable alternative in the quest for equity and prosperity.

When you're dealing with an enemy that has no value for your life, you have to resort to violence.  It's the only way, or you're gonna die, period.

Was it just for Russia to attack Nazi Germany?
Was it just for America to fight terrorists?
Was it just for America to bump off Hiroshima in response to Perl Harbour attack?
Was it just for the IRA to bomb England?
Was the French revolution justified?

Yes it was in all cases.

Sometimes, violence is your only weapon.  You'll learn that soon enough as you go through life.

Is everybody aware of the unprovoked riots happening in Nigeria now?

Is that the Nigeria you want people to return to, where a person's life is worth nothing at all?

You can't tell from looking at someone's face whether the person is a Christian or Muslim, but you can tell if he's Hausa or Igbo.

Most Hausas are muslims.
Most Igbos are christians.
Therefore, it's a close approximation that this is a riot about religion.

Besides, where is the proof that it's north vs south issue? However, proof abound that it's a religious issue.

It's a pity that you're rejoicing at an incedence as babaric as this.

I understand your sentiment.  But you clearly lack the ability to connect the dots into a whole thought.

This muslim rampage goes beyond Nigeria's borders.  It's an international incident.

During Bill Clinton, terrorist attacks on the US were rampant.  Since Bush took the fight to them, we haven't seen another attack in over 5 years.  What can you deduce from that lesson in relation to Nigeria?  If you want peace, you must quit being a pacifist.  Muslims don't understand diplomacy.

I still don't know what side you're on.

The whole confict is a reaction to mohammed's caricature. How is that not about religion?

http://www.localnewsleader.com/elytimes/stories/index.php?action=fullnews&id=146284

By DULUE MBACHU

LAGOS, Nigeria - Christian mobs rampaged through a southern Nigerian city Tuesday, burning mosques and killing several people in an outbreak of anti-Muslim violence that followed deadly protests against caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad over the weekend.

"The mosque at the main market has been burnt and I‘ve counted at least six dead bodies on the streets," Izzy Uzor, an Onitsha resident and businessman, told The Associated Press by telephone. "The whole town is in a frenzy and people are running in all directions."

Another Onitsha resident, Isotonu Achor, said one badly beaten Muslim man ran into his office from the streets to escape the violence.

Police and government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Saturday‘s protest over the cartoons of Prophet Muhammad in Maiduguri marked the first violent demonstrations over the issue in Nigeria. Police say at least 18 people, most of them Christians, died, and 30 churches were burned down. The Christian Association of Nigeria said at least 50 people were killed in the violence.

Islam widely holds that representations of Muhammad are banned for fear they could lead to idolatry.

How do they even know that those they killed were Christians? And who says those who published the Danish cartoons are Christians?

How do they know that the buildings burned down were churches?

I don't think you're asking the right questions buddy. Or at least, I fail to see the relevance of the questions.

The president swore to uphold the law when he took office.  Where is he in all this?

He should have deployed soldiers to any warring region to quell the riots, and protect the lives of innocent civilians.  If our country won't protect us in times of crises, do we really have a country?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/nigeria_sectarian_violence


This is good news.

I fail to understand why muslims are so quick at attacking christians over issues in the International community. Christians have been taken for granted year after year in this lawless country.

The latest killings over cartoons printed in faraway Denmark, proves that muslims care nothing for human lives. Can you just imagine getting up to go to work, and then having a mob descend on you and beat the living daylights out of you, just because you're a christian?

Muslims understand one thing, violence. If you don't stand up to them, they'd see you as weak, and therefore bully you any chance they get. That is why I'm in support of this retaliation by christians against them.  You have to send a message that no further violence would be tolerated.

Maybe in future they'd think twice before taking another christian life.

And mind you, i say muslims, not just fundamentalists, because I haven't heard any mainstream or moderate muslim come out publicly to condemn these barbaric acts taking place in the north.

1.

Having watched with sadness and dismay the recent development in some States in the Northern part of this Country where many Christian Churches and other property have been wantonly destroyed by some Islamic fundamentalists, the Christian Association of Nigeria is compelled to issue the following statements:


a. From all indications, it is very clear now that the sacrifices of the Christians in this country for peaceful co-existence with people of other faiths has been sadly misunderstood to be weakness.

b. We have for a long time now watched helplessly the killing, maiming and destruction of Christians and their property by Muslim fanatics and fundamentalists at the slightest or no provocation at all. We are not unaware of the fact that these religious extremists have the full backup and support of some influential Muslims who are yet to appreciate the value of peaceful co-existence.

c. That an incident in far away Denmark which does not claim to be representing Christianity could elicit such an unfortunate reaction here in Nigeria, leading to the destruction of Christian Churches, is not only embarrassing, but also disturbing and unfortunate.

d. It is no longer a hidden fact that a long standing agenda to make this Nigeria an Islamic nation is being surreptitiously pursued. The willingness of Muslim Youth to descend with violence on the innocent Christians from time to time is from all intents and purposes a design to actualize their dream.

2.

a. It is sad to note that all acts of hostility meted against Christians by Muslims in the past have remained unaddressed with nobody paying compensations or the culprits brought to justice.

b. We do appreciate the fact that at this stage of our national development, peace is absolutely necessary for realizing our dreams and aspirations. It is in view of this that Christians in Nigeria agreed to participate in the forthcoming National Census as sacrifice for the peace and progress of this nation, in spite of our protest over the non-inclusion of Religion and Ethnicity as necessary demographic data.

c. May we at this stage remind our Muslim brothers that they do not have the monopoly of violence in this nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us – Christians, Muslims and members of other faiths. No amount of intimidation can Change this time-honoured arrangement in this nation. C.A.N. may no longer be able to contain our restive youths should this ugly trend continue.

3.

a. We now demand that further destruction of Christian Churches and property in this nation be permanently put to an end.

b. All levels of Government in this country should take adequate steps to protect the lives and property of Christians everywhere in this land as no further destructions will be tolerated or ignored.

c. The Federal Government and those States where Christian Churches have been destroyed are hereby urged to take urgent steps at rebuilding those structures and paying adequate compensation while assuring Christians of adequate protection in this country. These governments should now show in practical terms that Nigeria belongs to all of us by going beyond mere promises of rebuilding destroyed Churches and property as in the past to actual reconstruction, which will help the victims to quickly put this unfortunate incident behind them. A stitch in time saves nine.

Signed

Most Revd. Peter J. Akinola (CON, DD.)
President, Christian Association of Nigeria



http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/41/00/acns4113.cfm

@olat

You raised a very important point, which is to discuss Nigeria's issues extensively. I'm sure that has been done time and time again. However, you added that bringing such discussions to the limelight might have some effect. Who really knows. It might just be ignored by our rulers, since any attempt at developing the country would invariably mean that they have to relinquish their embezzlement power.

There are people both at home and abroad with excellent ideas. Unfortunately, ideas never get past being just ideas.

However, can a delegate of overseas-based + home-based Nigerians make a difference if they contact the president? I don't mind being a part of that delegate.

@ayanfe

Good comments. I'm rather lost trying to make sense of it though.

When you say

your first job as a president should be to improve the internal market.

, what does that really mean? How do you improve a market without the cheap goods that people can afford to buy?

I'm sure you're correct, but I'm just not thinking at the same level as you. My plan is geared more toward the millions of people in the cities who purchase their food, rather than grow them.

There has to be more people in the cities than there are in the rural areas. So with the availability of cheap fertilizer, the price of food is bound to come down (otherwise, what exactly determines the cost of food today in Nigeria?). Couple that with solar powered food storage systems, and you have a well-fed population. If America doesn't grow anything for the next several decades, they have enough food in storage for the people. We need that safety net too.

What I would do as president,

First of all, I'd be somewhat of a dictator.  Not the Saddam, or Hitler type, but the do-goodder type.  Democracy may get a little democrazy at times under me.  If I manage to escape impeachment, a lot is going to change for the people.

Any laws that hinder progress have got to go. One such law is the current immunity for governors who commit crimes while in office.

No project has meaning, until a goal has been defined.  The goal of my presidency would be to create a better life for the people.

But what does "better life" mean?

To me it means balanced diet. 
Good schools for high calibre graduates. 
Low unemployment rate.
Affordable healthcare.
Personal security.
Freedom of expression.

Besides better life,
Religion will be de-emphaisized.  Religious people are generally not realistic people.  To them, prayer is the answer to everything.  To me, prayer should go hand in hand with a realistic quest for answers.  Get off your butt and do research.  Don't sit around expecting miracles.  We've been expecting miracles since 1960, but am yet to see one.

Contracts.
Policies regarding awarding of national contracts would be redefined.  No payments until a project has been fully completed.  Also, all costing must be within general standards.  No inflated contracts.  Bids would be approved based on the contractor's good track record.

Internet. 
The Internet is the wheel that keeps the world turning today.

Every building in the country must have a phone.  Just as it is in Russia.  I say Russia, because Russians live many people to a building, like we do in Nigeria.
Every building must have a computer/Internet connection.
Every Nigerian must have an email address.  The email service will pay for itself via advertising at the bottom of each mail sent, just as yahoo does.

Electricity. 
Solar power systems would be mass produced.  Anything public would be fully or partially solar powered, e.g. street lights, government buildings, etc.

Quality Education.
R& would be heavily funded.  The best students each year get to shake hands with the president, and awarded automatic scholarships - a reason to work harder as a student.  Hard work = better graduates.

Biochemistry/Agro departments would be funded to research ways of producing fertilizers from local raw materials.  Importation must be reduced to a bare minimum.  With the availability of fertilizer, food production becomes a cinch.  And with stable solar electricity, long term storage becomes easy.

Security.
Inland security would be boosted with a view toward encouraging tourism.  Tourism = more jobs for locals.  More jobs = more tax revenue for the govenment.

Running water.
Water purification using UV/IR rays would be researched.  That is cheaper than the current expensive and tedious method of chlorination.

Crime.
All state spending must be accounted for.  No more public stealing.  This may be easier said than done, but it's not impossible.

Surprise visits would be conducted on public officials.  Traps would be set through watchdogs, while at the same time avoiding entrapment.  Offenders would be made scapegoats.  With this kind of action, even thinking of taking a bribe would send a chill down your spine.

Bribe givers would equally be punished.  A system would be set up for public officials to randomly ask for bribes.  If you give a bribe, you'd be arrested, and your face plastered all over the newspapers the following day.

419 will be eradicated, and Nigeria's name cleared globally.  I'd personally write the script that tracks an email to its source.

Finance.
No system will work without solid computerised banks.  All banks must become computerized within 3 years.

Well, all of the above is well and good, but where is the money for all this going to come from?

1. Balance our trade deficit with other countries.
2. Plug all the loopholes, making it impossible for wanton embezzlement to occur.
3. Make prisoners work for the government while in jail.
4. Introduce fair income/business taxes.
5. Make better border laws, such that import/export activities become less restrictive.  The more money people make via such activities, the more taxes they pay.
6. Develop Tourism.  Tourisms brings in a lot of money.  Hotels become profitable.  Caterers, car rentals, airlines, trains, handcrafters, zoos, Internet cafes, etc, everybody benefits.  Some tourists may eventually become big investors in Nigeria.
7. Charge a toll for using certain highways.  That'd pay for maintenance.
8. Employ successful business people as government financial advisers.  Carry out periodic audits and fire those that aren't performing well.
etc.

None of this can work of course without having a national database that is accessible nationwide, just like a bank's ATM machine.  With easy access to such database, all of a person's records can be documented.  Your general record becomes your credential for doing anything.  For example, in America, your credit history is everything.  If you have bad credit, life is going to be very tough for you.  With databases, everything in the country becomes efficient, and rapidly implemented.

It seems to be a lot for a president to do within 4 to 8 years.  Yes, that's true, but as soon as you lay down the law as a no-nonesense leader, you would be surprised how quickly people shape up to fit their lifestyles to the status quo.

What is original about my ideas?  The short answer is, nothing at all.
So why isn't the government implementing them?  Huh, I wish I knew.

Although the above is for entertainment purposes only, since I'd never vie for a political office, it does show that our nation can be made better if we had true leadership.

So what would you do as president?

There certainly are parts of the constitution that need to be flushed down the toilet.  A good example is the immunity governors have from prosecution while in office.  A governor steals $10 million, but can't be prosecuted simply because he's in office.  Shouldn't the fact that he's a crook in office be a reason to yank him off the post?

@Amobi1

Focus your energy on fighting against corruption in Nigeria.  Don't waste energy campaigning for people to come home.  As long as corruption persists in government, you're always going to be a poor nation, no matter how many people return home.  If you disagree, then show me one nation as wealthy and as corrupt as Nigeria, that is doing great economically?

As far as having a database of Nigerians, you didn't explain why we don't need it.  Even Mexico as corrupt as it is, has a national registry of its citizens.

mochafella is one informed guy.  Read his message again if you didn't get his cause and effect analysis.

How is what you are saying related to the topic?

How can you not see how it's related to the topic?

@bettyboop

You seem to be suggesting that a lack of religious belief is wrong.

My suggestion to you is that you need to train your children to be free thinkers.  That way, they would have the power to research the pros and cons of what they see and hear before deciding on a path to follow.  That is the greatest gift you can give a child, instead of indocrination into embracing a particular religion.

If you tell people they have to be either christian or moslem, what about the other religions of the world?

For example, Buddhism is a religion that emphasizes good deeds and peaceful existence.  You're never supposed to have negative or destructive thoughts.  How is that religion worse than say Islam that riots over cartoons?

With all the vermin you're spewing about America, I wonder why you still live in that country.  Something must be good about America if you and your family all live there and are milking it dry.  How hypocritical.

Hiroshima-Nagasaki happened in 1945.  That was 60+ years ago.  Do you think America can do that today?  My answer is no.  Not because America doesn't have nuclear weapons anymore, but because the nation has changed.  So, my argument still stands that a nation like America that can melt down the world in a matter of hours, but doesn't do it, must be Godly.

Where would you rather live today, America or the middle east?  Why?  And what do you think would happen to you if the middle east acquires nuke capability?

About slavery in America, you're a hypocrite.

1. Why aren't you blaming your African ancestors who sold their children into slavery to begin with?  Without your greedy ancestors, slavery in America would never have occured.  They could have used juju to chase the whitemen away, but they didn't.
2. Let me remind you that it was the same America that abolished slavery, which they didn't have to.  Why didn't you comment on that?
3. Why are Afro-Americans still in America, if Nigeria/Africa is the place to be?  They do clearly know their roots.  Why don't they return to Africa?

They gave Saddam Hussem Nuclear gas to use againt Iran, just to be his friend (Oil), now he use it against his own country, or i can say refuse to get along with them they started crying.

We know that story.  Without a doubt, there are more classified documents that contain even more of such stories.  That notwithstanding, you still have much to fear from nuclear weapons in the hands of say Iran/Iraq, than in the hands of America.  So, in a way, America is a protector of the earth from murderous beasts.

There are many American policies that I disagree with myself.  It's far from flawless.  But, all in all, it's still a much better system than what you have in Nigeria.

Your argument seems to be that I should return to Nigeria and fix things.  How am I supposed to do that, unless you're prepared to elect me president, which I know would not happen?  There is no way I can effect change in Nigeria, when I'm surrounded by corruption that I cannot do anything about.

I would also like to set the record straight that America is a no-man's land.  You don't have to be black/white/yellow to be American.  You come in, and assimilate.  You make America your country, no matter your roots.

I didn't get an answer for the question about the 10 billion dollars that Nigerians send home each year to help people out, as well houses and business they build.  Don't be a hypocrite, answer that question. 

So if you blame Nigerians for staying in America, you're equally questioning why anybody lives in America at all.  The only true Americans are native Indians.  Anybody else should pack up and go home.

I also offered to help the nation build a database system.  Why didn't you answer that?

If you're going to be an objective analyst, you have to present the pros and cons, not just a one-sided view.

Ofcourse, i don't blame some of you guys, depending on the live styles your were liveing in Nigeria.

Most people around the world want to come to America.  It's got little to do with the lifestyle they were living back home.  In my opinion, the main reason people like America so much is because of the freedom that most countries don't have, not just economic reasons.  Many more people would aspire to be in America than in Islamic Saudi.  Yet, you can earn just as much money working in Saudi Arabia.  Did you ask yourself why?

And Finally, speaking about U.S help, thats make them Godly. Goshh!!!!!!!! Do some real research and see how Nigeria has overextended their power just to help African nation.

Name one natural disaster in Africa that Nigeria has overextended itself on.
I'm not talking about tribal wars, I said natural disasters. There's a big difference.

Does anybody know why the immunity law came to be?

It seems to me immunity is nothing more than carte blanc for governors to steal.  If a common criminal steals a N10,000 radio, he's jailed.  But if a governor steals N700 million naira, he has immunity.

The fact that the cases of corruption among governors is very rampant, should create a sense of urgency among our legislators of a need to remove this immunity crap.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha of Bayelsa https://nm.onlinenigeria.com/articlefiles/5388-aLAMS.jpg

Joshua Dariye of Plateau state https://www.plateaustategov.org/pics/gov_joshua_chibi_dariye.jpg

Don't you just want to vomit looking at these crooks?

There are so many things that Nigerians abroad can do for the nation without necessarily returning home.

I would like to see a full database of Nigerians, similar to social security # in America, or national insurance # in the UK.

Nigeria needs to be built from the ground up, not from the top down. Therefore, we must think of having certain things in place first, before true progress can occur. One of them is to have a complete database on every Nigerian.

I'm a computer programmer, and I would like to create such a database for Nigeria.

If you people insist that Nigerians abroad are the answer to the nation's development, let me hear back from you about the offer I just made above, telling me you're ready to move forward with the project.

Guys, whatever individual feelings you have toward Nigeria as a country. You are all right, You don’t have to go home if you think you are well placed, comfortable and happy where you are, because If you don’t have intention of contributing anything to Nigeria, my brother and sister you are better off in foreign land, because if go back the system will frustrate you, you will run back in no time.

What kind of an ignorant statement is this?

What do you mean Nigerians abroad aren't contributing anything to Nigeria?  What about the 10 billion dollars that get sent home each year to help family and friends? What about homes being built in Nigeria by Nigerians abroad. What about businesses being funded to provide employment for people at home?

Let me ask you a question,  Are you saying that if you're handed an American citizenship today, that you'd travel to America, and then return home after a while?  Although we don't have a way to prove or disprove whatever you say, I'm inclined to say you'd be lying if you say you'd return home.

There is zero benefit of people returning home.  The fact is, all of the ideas that people would have, would involve the government making substantial changes, such as spending our money on R&, rather than stealing it.  Can you sincerely tell me that your government would listen to such advice?

The media does there best to degrade people race. "In God we Trust"? Please, tell me one Godly thing about the U.S. of A.

America takes care of its people.  That is very Godly.  There is freedom of speech and religion in America.  That is Godly.  When there's a natural disaster anywhere, America is the first to help.  That is Godly.  America has weapons that can melt the world down in a matter of hours, but it doesn't use it.  That is Godly.  America, compared to say Nigeria, has a pure heart. 

That the problem with nigerians, i will pay taxes to a white men but not in my own land. How can a country build if the ones with international experiences doesn't want to share it with his folks.

It's ok to pay taxes to a land that provides you with things that your own country does not.  Besides, the taxes aren't in vain.  When you retire, they pay you monthly support until you die.  Does Nigeria do that?  If you're old in Nigeria, you're old.  Nobody cares.

You people have no concrete suggestions as to how people can develop the nation if they return home.  Until you've done that, you're merely barking up the wrong tree.

A computer network is two or more computers that can share information.

The smallest network is two computers that can exchange data, while the largest network is the Internet.

What is your reason for asking this broad question?

Do you like to read?  Use www.wikipedia.org, www.webopedia.com

Nigerians are still trudging along in the area of web development. And by web development, I mean web application programming. The real meat of the web is the backend. No matter what interface you present to the world, if your backend engine is weak, you have nothing.

I sometimes find it tough to classify myself as a Nigerian web developer, for the simple reason that I have resources that people in Nigeria can only dream of. For over a decade, I haven't experienced one power failure at work or at home. I have 5MB/1.5MB internet connection at work, and a 4MB/512k at home - all of which are permanent connections. On top of that, my city is working on providing a free city-wide wireless access. So that with your laptop, all you need is a wireless card to get online anywhere in the city.

With these kinds of resources, the height I attain in web programming is only limited by the effort I put in. I've created some of the most challenging web applications around, and I'm sure there are many like myself out there who work behind the scenes all across the globe. So in that regard, I'd say yes, there are Nigerians who are experts in the area of web programming.

The bottomline is, until we have a conducive atmosphere in Nigeria, our developers are always going to be playing catchup with the rest of the world. We have highly talented people in that country. If only the nation could make use of them by providing basic tools of the trade, we'd quickly become among the best in the world.

Good job. I'm sure your solution would help those in similar situation.

@Eastcoast

I quite agree with you.  Blacks in general live their lives on suppositions, dreams, and prayers to God.  The oyibos on the other hand carefully and painstakingly explore their way to a proof.

What we're seeing here goes beyond mere chit-chat.  It is a testimony to why our nation lags behind via our ingrained habits of sitting on the fence.  The very same people we're chatting with here are probably going to ascend to leadership positions one day.

Ikeman, you are indeed sounding like a broken record. You and I are on the same page, but you seem to think I'm against you in some way. No.

My point is that for people who do not live in Nigeria, and therefore cannot purchase your keyboard easily, my solution is the way to go. Why are you still arguing?

Infact I hear that ONYINBO no dey wash im plate well well; them go just carry tissue paper wipe am first them come sprinke water take rinse am. No be them bring baptism by sprinkling. Make them enter bush JO,

That is hilarious.

But no, handwashing of plates is your thing. Most homes now come with the following equipments standard: washing machine, dishwasher, and some come with a swimming pool/jacuzzi. Each of these require the same amount of water each time to operate?

If this keyboard was done by a white man, we no go dey blow grammar. We go just line up and say one oyinbo man don do Nigerian keyboard. Na IBM den dey call am. That is our orientation whether we believe it or not. I am even guilty of it sometimes.

It's ok to support your keyboard. I'm for innovation also. But people also need to be aware of other available options for achieving the same goal of special characters. Like I said, not everybody who needs the naira symbol lives in Nigeria, or can order your keyboard. In the absence of the special keyboard, we have to know how to create the symbol anyway.

Look into making the computer with the webcam a DMZ. It's hard to offer advice without knowing your specific squid congiuration.

When in public I know I'm not abusing the nasal passages of those around me

Oh, I didn't realise you take your daily bath because you have body odor. In that case, you do have a good reason for daily baths. However, some people are not involved in strenous activities that lead to sweating.

So really, my view is that washing daily should be natural for personal comfort, regardless of skin colour or condition.

If it's good for my family and myself, it must be good for the whole world. Wow!

No, the government can only act as a catalyst and nothing more. Government does not have all the money. The little money they have is tied up in a lot of under-funded projects like education, prison reforms, salaries for civil servants, national security, et cetera. The rest is in our hands, and all government has to do is get out of the way and let us, the entrepreneurs, do what we do best.

I don't know what planet you're living in, but most of your money is never well spent.

Plateau state governor is currently being investigated for stealing N700m. https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=7040.msg213342#msg213342

All in all, an estimated $400 billion has been stolen from you. http://www.malaysia-today.net/Blog-e/2005/06/nigerias-corruption-totals-400-billion.htm

Yet you say the government doesn't have the money? Are my eyes deceiving me, or am I really reading this from you?