₦airaland Forum

Spirit1: I am ashamed of how we Nigerians are the very architects of our misfortunes. We seem to miss the point. Corruption, embezzlement of public funds and misuse of public office is a big problem in Nigeria. GEJ misused his power. Nobody is saying that he does not have the right to pardon anybody. What are we saying to politicians who have literally "raped" our country and destroyed the future of our Children? With GEJ’s action, we have given them a free ride and validated their conviction that our collective wealth belongs to them, to be used however they deem fit. For some of you writing here, you only need to talk to Nigerians above the age of 45 and ask then what life and education was like in this country when they were growing up. Compare that to where we are now, and you can see how we have mortgaged the future of our generations to come to sycophants and “kleptocrats”. I weep for Nigerians and our mentality.

Very true. Its's really unbelievable that some Nigerians believe pardoning Alams is ok. These politicians will continue to plunder the wealth and will never be punished. The U.S. govt is only helping with the fight against corruption.

[quote author=Wiz-Prince]THE HULABALU OVER PRESIDENTIAL PARDON GRANTED BY GEJ.

So many people were worried about GEJ'S Pardon - but why.

=> THEN YOU NEED TO SEE THE LIST OF PEOPLE PARDONED BY PRES. BILL CLINTON. Below

As President., Bill Clinton granted pardon & clemency to 456 people, thus commuting the sentences of those already convicted of crime & obviating a trial for those not yet convicted.

On 20th Jan, 2001, he pardoned 140 people in the final hours of his presidency. Some of those pardoned include:

1. Bob F. Griffin- 4mr speaker of the Missouri House of Reps who was serving 2yrs on bribery charges.

2. Anold Paul Prosperi- Florida Attoney convicted tax fraud.

3. Melvin J. Reynolds- Demo congressman frm Illinois convicted for bank fraud & obstruction of justice

4. Dorothy Rivers- Convicted for $1.2m theft.

5. Peter McDonald-Servin ­g 14yrs for fraud & racketeering.

In all of these, no International community heard or sanctioned anybody And yet The Same US didn't say anything when Bill Clinton did this. But When it happens in Nigeria, it is now a never-heard-of and having insults from some bloody sentimented people.

­ We must give GEJ the needed support to succeed and Nigeria will move forward.

Courtesy: https://m./188963351169695
The Social Voices Of Umeh Town - Delta State, Nigeria.[/quote]This is the level of thinking and political discourse in this country? Certainly the 20th century will pass us by and we'll remain forever in the dark ages.

IIIIxRoyalxIIII: Yes, more skilled than Both

Duncan Has never had Sheed's Range....Sheed can hit threes and has a more varied post game

DirK could never play interior defense as good as Sheed

Kg has Zero Post Game, no 3pt range and never had a serious go to move. His Post Game was always subpar for a "superstar"

As i said, based solely on skill set...Sheed was the Most Skilled Big Man of his Era

He could do everything, His mind was just ravaged and emotionally broken

As far as Ball Skill, I can name many things Duncan,KG,and Dirk Could not Do.

That is not the Case with Rasheed, Sheed could do everything, Which is why Larry Brown Got to the Finals Twice with Him.

A Young Prime Sheed with his talents and skills was Light Years Beyond Kg and Dirk.

Sheed's mind prevented him from being a great player and a hall of famer

He was never selfish enough to want it either. Another Flaw

Concur with all your points

[quote author=A-40]More skilled than KG,Dirk,Duncan? I don't think so! He was good but not a superstar! The 04 Pistons didn't have a superstar

Well the Heat stretch their streak to 26 and the Nuggets have also won 15 straight! The most compelling battle is the one for 8th seed out West. Lakers,Mavs,Jazz all in with a shout[/quote]Definitely much better than DIrk and Dincan. And at par or even slightly above KG. Go watch him in his Blazer days and you'll know dude was special. Does technicals made people focus more on his troubles than skills

Wtthout Sheed that Pistons team couldn't have won 2004

PapaBrowne: You think politicians drank 725,000 bottles of champagne and they still have the normalcy to steal your money!! No bro, they'll be dead drunk anytime they go to the vaults.
Its average citizens that do the drinking! Telecom and IT workers, Small business owners,Bankers,Oil & Gas owners and yes Recharge Card Sellers et al! I have friends who dont earn way too much but drink hewnnessey anytime thier team wins a march!on their birthdays!! Its cultural!! We love fly in this country and that helps us get high figures when it comes to crazy stuff like this!

No need to start rejoicing over this champagne story. Its's a misleading story and not even good news. So what if we import so much champagne?

Most of the guys may not even spend money raising their children but drink themselves to stupor every night.

[quote author=Red-Light]abi o.... Its not the fault of world bank but the fault of those that believe those rubbish stats[/quote]Even Nigeria's top statistician confirms poverty is still excruciatingly high in Nigeria

Dr Kale said that between 2004 and 2010, Nigeria’s poverty rate had moved from 54.4 per cent to 69 per cent involving 112,518,507 Nigerians, adding that although the country’s Gross Domestic Growth (GDP) had grown since then, it had little impact on the poverty situation

In some states poverty rate is about 77%

Cavs were up 27 in 3rd quarter and still lost to the Heat. Incredible. Too many butter puffs in the East. Frankly, those Cav palyers should be sent to the D league.

[quote author=A-40]This Nuggets team is a very dangerous one! The curious thing about it all is they don't have that quintessential "star" everybody just comes in to do work! Its really nice to see[/quote]True. sadly, no stars, no ring. They usually entertain us in regular season and flame out in playoffs. Maybe they can reach western finals this year

obowunmi: how you fit see hin toe with the cover shoe wey hin wear? you get laser vision?

He's not talking about her feet. It's that part of the body guys die for. Don't wanna spell it out

The C's still found a way to lose this one. Up double digits in fourth quarter and failed to close.

So who can cool down this Heat? Not any of the scrubs in the East for sure. And after last night the Heat officially own the Celtics. Yes KG didn't play but it was a winnable game all the same

El Presido: Result-oriented speech dwells on achievements:



Compare with this futuristic plan of action:



The difference is very clear. As per passion, that is what GEJ lacks while making speeches. He doesn't speak from his own mind. . .he merely reads what has been written. He can rarely motivate his audience to action.

When you have results to show the passion comes easily. But when you have no clue where to take the country, you ramble and ramble and put your audience to sleep

Rossikk: If he were to sent to prison today, the entire Creeks would explode in uproar, oil and gas supplies would plummet, and the Nigerian economy will tank.

OKupe made similar statement and I thought he smoked illicit drugs.

In that case, throw Alams in jail and let the cards fall wherever. Nigeria is too big for anyone talk less of a disgraced and corrupt man.

[quote author=A-40]Lol the West has been the stronger conference for eons now! The Warriors and Rockets are still vulnerable too. I dunno if the Lakers can get past San Antone or OKC in the playoffs but let's wait and see the race is still on


I checked Kobe's stats lately and its amazing the number of seasons he has played all 82 games! The guy is just a stubborn nigga! All these dunks,blocks,fast-breaks and highlight reels Kobe don do am pass! He's only 165 points away from Wilt Chamberlain for 4th highest scorer of all time and you expect he would pass him in the next 10 games at most! Don't know if he can catch Kareem but MJ is definitely catchable
I think the moment Kobe came out and guaranteed the Lakers would make the playoffs was the turning point! Their schedule also helped but they had to win still

By the way what do your Knicks do about Amare! Another surgery again? That guy na just scam! If he where in the NFL he woulda been cut!![/quote]Rather unfortunate. Few players come back from knee injury and continue playing in top form. Knicks have to release him next year via the amnesty clause to free cap space. Not sure the CBA rules on this. Bulls must have similar concern with Rose

Kincks are looking at another first round exit.

[quote author=A-40]Don't look now but the Lakers are tied for 8th seed

Kobe's numbers for 8 games prior to tonight's win
35.8 ppg 55.6 FG pct 6.9 assists 6.5 rebounds
Remember people this is his 17th year in the league
If this was Lebron you can trust L'ESPN to Lehype this ninja to death! Hahaha where's that ninja C2H50H Lebron hater #1[/quote]They may still get the 6th seed. Right now, its a four way race (Warriors, Rockets, Jazz & Lakers) for 6,7 & 8 seed. Always love the West.

Kobe is a fierce and competitive guy. And I bet he'll carry that team to the playoffs even with broken fingers and all. People forget the intangibles this guy brings every single night and focus on the highlight reels (dunks, blocks, fast break points etc) from Lebron.

[quote author=~Bluetooth]They claim china is manipulating their currency,they complained china is taking their jobs,they bitched about their products and now,they are lamenting about their foods yet china is the second largest economy in the world and working towards meeting up with the US.People open your eyes and get real.there is nothing wrong with china nor their technology.

They provide a good environment,under-value currency and government support for anybody to invest in their territory.the US is just bitching that most of her companies are relocating to china because of the enabling environment and thus,the negative campaign against them.A large chunk of US debt is owed to china[/quote]There's a lot wrong with Chinese products especially food. SARS outbreak in 2003 should be reminder for people importing food from China.

[quote author=Omo_Tier1]It is not a play of words! If you lack the understanding simple seek knowledge. An economy with a rating of 'AA' Negative or Stable means there is something not quite right with Her financial books. Investors take these warnings serious especially those who want short returns on their investment. UK's ratings being 'AA' and Stable with possible downgrade to Negative means investors will be concerned investing their money because here and for real those who live in London and elsewhere in UK will tell you the signs are all over with hundreds of shops closing their doors every quarter.[/quote]I see you've dropped the dubious comparison of Lagos vs. UK. Good! we're getting somewhere

I get it. short term investing in the U.K is not profitable. Still an investment manager with over $1 billion will put 90% in the UK. and 10% in Nigeria.

In the mid 90s the U.K was in a deep recession and bounced back by end of the decade. It's just the economic cycle. In 5/6 yrs time we may be singing a different tune

[quote author=Omo_Tier1]UK downgraded from AAA to AA WITH STABLE OUTLOOK and fitch warns it would downgrade it to NEGATIVE OUTLOOK if the budget does not address the deficit as expected. Lagos State revised 'AA' with POSITIVE OUTLOOK. So do you know understand which is 'RATED' higher [/quote]Continue with this play of words. Lagos ranking was in the context of Nigeria. No agency will ever compare a state to country.

[quote author=Omo_Tier1]Lagos State Gets ‘AA (nga)’ Ratings from Fitch

Fitch Ratings, renowned global rating agency, has revised the Outlook on Lagos states’ ‘National Long-term rating’ to Positive from Stable, and subsequently affirmed it at 'AA(nga)'.

The agency has simultaneously affirmed the Long-term foreign and local currency ratings at 'BB-' with Stable Outlooks, Short-term foreign currency rating at 'B' and the Long-term ratings of the N50billion and N57.5billion bonds, maturing in 2014 and 2017 at 'BB-' and 'AA(nga)'.

The agency issued a statement yesterday with several key indicators affirming the robust Lagos state management – (full text of statement).

Key Rating Drivers
The Outlook revision reflects the state's increasing sophistication in management reflected by improving transparency and debt management amid moves towards a balanced budget by 2015 from a peak deficit of 25% of revenues in 2012 according to preliminary figures, and a stable debt cover ratio by the current balance around three years.

A growing proportion of bond issues, with fixed repayment schedules, longer maturities and monthly provisions intothe debt reserves fund, are replacing the traditional concentration of short-term bank loans. Fitch views this as a sign of the state's improving debt management.

Together with budgets and quarterly performance reports, Fitch notes continual improvements in transparency and governance.

Fuelled by public and private investments, as well as an estimated population of about 20 million according to state officials, Lagos's diverse economy is the leading contributor to Nigerian GDP. Fitch expects the 10% growth in the local economy and the state's plans to widen the tax base and improve collection methods to boost local tax

receipts towardsN330billion by 2015, up from N200billion in 2012, edging towards 80% of annual revenues from 70% of income in the late 2000s.

Maintenance costs for infrastructure built and provision of social services such as health and education could add pressure to Lagos's budget.

However, Fitch expects the state's commitment to streamlining costs coupled with the maintenance of a steady employee headcount to contain their growth to about 10% per annum over 2013-2015. Rising energy prices meant costs grew by about 25% in 2012, and Fitch expects Lagos's operating expenses to rise to about N230bn by 2015 from N185billion in 2012.

Fitch expects capital spending to remain high at about N250 illion per year over the medium term, as the state continues to invest in transport, water, health, education and social protection.

Despite interest expenses rising towards NGN40bn by 2015, the state's self-financing ratio of investments will remain strong with the current balance funding about 75% of capital expenditure from an average 65% in 2010/12.

The state's debt will likely stabilise around NGN350bn by 2015, net of repayment provisions, with bonds representing about 50% of total debt from about 30% in 2009.

As Lagos stands out for its low dependence on federal allocation and high tax generation, the state was allowed to incur debt accounting for about 100% of revenues rather than the 50% limit stated by Nigerian borrowing guidelines for subnationals.

The debt service coverage ratio could likely remain at around 2.5x the operating balance offering additional comfort of debt service sustainability.
[size=18pt]Enjoy[/size][/quote]Think man. Does this tell you Lagos is rated above the U.K.?

U.K. was downgraded from top notch AAA to AA,

mikeansy: So you guys are talking about Credit rating then? which affects Lagos State's ability to borrow money from Internation agencies!

That surely is different from Fashola's claim that the economy of Lagos is rated above UK and Ghana.

In fact at the heat of the debate about America's debt ceiling the failure of Republicans and Democrats to reach a deal. America's credit rating was revised and Germany had better outlook than US. Is that enough to make the claim that Germany's economy is rated above the US?

I can understand the quest to try to understand what Fashola is trying to say or should have said. But the fact is that the Governor mispoke!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is exactly what we mean. He didn't understand the statement he made. Sadly, there aren't critical minded journalist present to seek further clarification. So this bogus statement will be accepted as fact by people and young 'uns

successcertain: You have just settled the whole case and no need to comment further, i applaud you for been sensitive and intelligent enough to reason deeply on what fashola is trying to make Nigerian understand ''if you wanna achieve achieve big and dont settle for less'' Nigeria are known to settle for less that is why they recieved little or nothing from the past elected leaders all because they are not encourage by the people to want to do something meaningful which further give corruption a upper hand in the society.

obviously it seem some people are imune to changes while some love to bring jealousy and tribal hatred over everything without thinking twice to consider if the argument and ranting is really worth it . But at the end of the day ''win or lose ''Is the answer.

Fashola argued that the yardstick for measuring good governance could only be done by those who know, adding that the economy of Lagos is now rated ahead of Ghana and the United Kingdom.

Nothing is settled. I believe Fashola is doing a great job but when he made this statement it left me scratching my head

How can he compare Lagos state to 2 countries (U.K. & Ghana)? Apples to apples is you compare Nigeria vs. UK. or Ghana

Which rating agency put out this number? Is this short or long term rating? Lagos (Nigeria) grew faster than the U.K in last 3 yrs. We know that! What Fashola said is disingenuous and confusing. Was this deliberately put out there or he simply did not understand the statement he made?

No need for hyperbolas just stick to the facts; verifiable facts. That's all.

All credit agencies rate the U.K. way above Nigeria (and Lagos too) That's a fact you can verify Unless otherweise, Fashola just put out a bulshyte stats to look good

Afam4eva: [b]Apart from Andre Iguodala who doesn't [/b]even identify as a Nigerian, others are not really prominent. I followed Emeka Okafors career from his days at Charlotte bobcats but his team never made it to the playoffs(i hope that's what it's called). Even now that he's in New orleans, i've not really seen his team.

What about Kelenna Azubuike? is he still there?

You even have to go back to "The Dream" and after that no Nigerian players has been relevant. Olowakande was picked #1 in 1998 draft yet he was a flop. Guess basketball is not a Naija thing

demmie1: I wonder how you guys misinterpret quotes. he did not say Lagos state economy is bigger, he said positive that means lagos state is expected to perform better than the mentioned countries. where UK is expected to grow at 5% Lagos is expected to grow at 7%. that's what positive outlook on economy means.

You're wrong. Financial ratings are not based on economic growth only but other factors

You don't want to appear like you making up stuff. Saying Lagos is rated above U.K looks like he's picking up stats from the air

Eko Ile: You are free to come up with all the analysis in the world to begrudge what he said which you have every right to do, the fact remains that the governor stated facts, facts that you can not dispute.

U.K. was just recently downgraded from Triple A just like S & P downgraded the U.S. Nevertheless, they are still attracting trillions of dollars investment yearly.

Fashola is sometimes prone to rhetorical flourishes and creates issues out of nothing. Key message: Lagos is building for the future and good for business. Period. Comparing risk ratings of U.K. and Lagos state is just crap.

Eko Ile: You are free to like or dislike his statement which is OK with me, but he stated facts, facts that you can not dispute.

Which agency rating is he talking about? Fitch, S & P rating are based on risk probability. What is the risk that an entity/govt will default on loan obligations. Tell me how Britain is more riskier to invest in than Lagos state

Eko Ile: He was talking about ratings which is a fact that you can not dispute.

Fashola is doing a superb job and no need make a dumb statement like this. So Lagos is rated above the City of London? Context matters when we say stuff.

Royal Roy: .
Its possible the car might be one of those with automatic locks....locks up once u slam the door & the poor kids didn't even know where to open the door not to talk of unlock it.

And the kids did not cry out? Surely, the kids will cry hoping somebody will hear them. And this SUV was parked on the street? Story doesn't piece together

Global Chairman, KPMG International, Mr. Michael Andrew, who was on his first visit to the country last week, told reporters in Lagos that Nigeria and the other countries among the MINTs have attracted increasing investment offers and enquiries through the services of KPMG, amongst others investment and financial advisories, with the view of taking advantage of the high rates of return on investment.

So this is what people are excited about? A bland statement designed to make his Naija hosts feel good.

No numbers or stats to prove anything; just speculation. What is the trend? Which sectors are they making offers or enquirers about? Nigeria has always been and will continue to be a potential market to invest, nobody doubts this. The only question is when will this POTENTIAL translate into real and sustainable investment?

Confidence in the Nigerian equity market is still very low due to transparency issues. So who are the investors waiting on the sidelines to pile on cash into the market?

Will an investment manager with over $500 billion in his portfolio be prepared to put just 5% in the Nigerian market?

Geez! It must be a slow news day if this is today’s top news

Yes, it's the stretch run with 6 weeks for the playoffs to start

The Lakers are slowly catching the Rockets for a playoff spot. IF they clinch 8th spot, meet the Spurs and IF Tony Parker remains injured they may just reach the 2nd round. And who knows somehow get to the West finals. And IF they win the West we may see a Heat vs. Lakers final. Yes, I know I'm getting ahead of myself and many IFs have to fall in to place for Lakers to even sniff the 2nd round

Meanwhile, the Heat have a stranglehold on the East and yesterday showed the world that nobody can touch them. BTW, where are the Celtics these days?

PointB: Besides, is there no Environmental Protection/Sanitation Agency in the state (Lagos)? What exactly is their job description?

Wouldn't they have been well served doing their own bit to keep the market and other environment clean. Why do Nigerians panders to tribalism in very basic things? Most of the clowns posting here are busy shouting 'Igbo!, Igbo!!' when common sense suggests that sanitation agency failed woefully to do their job. And what is being exposed here is the failure of Fashola Government to do it's duty. A government that pockets tax and shirks on it responsibility, is as bad could be. Why take out your failure on the citizen? Government have an ingenious way of blaming their failures on the citizen. Fashola's is one example of this type of government.

In closing Ladipo Market, the government has admitted that the agencies responsible for sanitation is lacking in ideas, and or tools to do what is necessary to do their jobs. Close one thousand markets if you like, without putting the necessary tools in place, the dirt will return as soon as the markets are open. Take a look at Oshodi and see what has become of the place. There is something fundamentally wrong in the way LASG government go about closing markets and demolishing buildings. Paucity of ideas is a common denominator in these plethora of Fashola's misadventure, he is losing it by the day!

That place looks like hell hole and must remain shut for the foreseeable future.

Yes, Fashola must investigate what went wrong with his environmental agency. We all know Nigerian govt agencies - Customs, Education, Health etc are a cesspit of corruption that never get shyte done. It's not unique to Lagos; we see this with all states and federal agencies.

That said, inaction by citizens is not an option. These traders should have ensured the place remained clean regardless of ineptitude of the Sanitation agency. Levy members, and let commissioner or governor know what they are doing to keep their environment clean. They didn't do that. In typical Nigerian fashion they conduct business their everyday and can’t be bothered to keep it clean and safe

Now they are paying the price and they must. This has nothing to do with tribalism

inufele2: If need be let the market be shut down permanently, especially if the site was not designated as a market in Lagos master plan. Relocation to another site where they can be monitored and where proper facilities is available is the best option.

It's the only way forward bro. And I hope this is Fashola's plan: Shut down the market permanently and relocate them. Then build office blocks or ultra modern markets to trade in non hazardous goods

EMMAUGOH: what have you ever done in your life to upgrade Lagos...u just keep talking and the real Man Keep Packing the Money and building and expanding your own state and you say Let them go back,ask your papa,he will never say such because he knows if it happen hunger will kill him and his children.Better shut up than talking what you dont know.small boy

So far your brothers have lost N300 billion, if you believe their lie. What do I care?

Instead of spewing rubbish here, better go and beg Fashola to have mercy on you. You miserable pricks

asha 80: you must be an elitist lol.there should be no more tokunbo spare parts in lagos indeed as if all cars in lagos are now mint.you must be living in a bubble if you think those spare dealers would be in lagos if there was no market for it in lagos and sw as a whole.go tell your numerous yellow taxes and buses that their parts can only be gotten from coscharis and co make i see how dem go survive lol

I say move them out of core Lagos Mainland to a bigger place. A spare parts market on such a scale should be out of town. Do you here anyone complain of Majidun?