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 Politics / Re: CAN’s Campaign Of Calumny On The Shorlisted Justices Of The Court Of Appeal by omoalaro: 1:40pm On Mar 30, 2021 |
galaxy2020: So 50 Christians and 20 Muslims is still not balanced. Na wao. |
| Politics / Re: CAN’s Campaign Of Calumny On The Shorlisted Justices Of The Court Of Appeal by omoalaro: 3:18am On Mar 30, 2021 |
tit: Even, despite the "flooding" the statistics still showed the imbalance. Let CAN refute or disclaim the statistics and publish their own. Always shouting "Islamization" when what is going on is "Christenization". 1 Like |
| Politics / CAN’s Campaign Of Calumny On The Shorlisted Justices Of The Court Of Appeal by omoalaro: 2:56am On Mar 30, 2021 |
*CAN’S CAMPAIGN OF CALUMNY ON THE SHORLISTED JUSTICES OF THE COURT OF APPEAL* The attention of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has been drawn to the insinuations and vituperations that trailed the shortlisting of 20 Justices-designate by the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). It would be noted that except it is compelled to do so, the Council has often resisted joining issues with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as a matter of principle. This is because CAN has proved, times without number, its morbid hatred for Islam and Muslims, its remarkable capacity for destructive mischief, its dexterous use of scurrilous propaganda and its predilection for always being economical with the truth as part of the sinister strategy of heating up the polity anytime a Muslim is at the helm of affairs. It would be recalled that not too long ago, the Council was forced to expose the marginalisation of Muslims in the successive Boards of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) after CAN made one of its wild and mendacious allegations of Christian marginalisation. It is actually a wicked strategy and unholy tactics to accuse Muslims of marginalisation though Muslims are the ones being deliberately and systemically marginalised by Christians, who continue to consolidate on the colonial agenda of emasculating Muslims. However, NSCIA would not allow the serial falsehood of CAN and its propensity for character assassination of people on the basis of their religious identity to stand because truth is irrefragable. To wit, the intransigence of CAN is playing out again in the deliberate distortion of the issues surrounding the shortlisted 20 Justices-designate. The grouse of CAN, as amplified by some hagiographers masquerading as opinion leaders, is that 13 of the 20 recently shortlisted Justices are from the North and are Muslims. Though the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, on her honour stated unequivocally that the procedure of the appointment followed “due and usual process” and that the recommendation “was done without any preference for tribe, creed or association”, mischief makers, ethnic jingoists and religious bigots resorted to blackmail. In venting their spleen against the development, CAN especially and its apologists choose to ignore the fact that Muslims are a minority in the religious composition of the Court of Appeal. In a statement filled with bile and bigotry, the so-called religious body expressed its “feelings of sadness, disgust and anger at the insensitivity demonstrated by the FJSC in compiling the list. It seems undeniable that the recklessness displayed by the FJSC suggests a steady and gradual descend (sic) to (sic) a process of Islamising the Judiciary of Nigeria.” The unassailable truth is that Justices of the Court of Appeal (JCAs) are 70 but the North with 19 States has 34 while the South with 17 States has 36. The South thus has more JCAs than the North. Meanwhile, out of the 36 JCAs from the South West (where Muslims are a majority), South East and South South (in both of which Muslims have considerable indigenous populations), all the JCAs are Christians except for Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru of Lagos state and Justice Mistura Bolaji-Yusuf of Oyo state. But in the three geo-political zones of the North where Muslims are predominant, there are 34 JCAs out of which 15 are Christians. In other words, the North East has 4 Muslim JCAs and 7 Christians, the North Central has 6 Muslim JCAs and 7 Christians while the North West has 9 Muslim JCAs and 1 Christian JCA. Of the 36 from the South, only 2 are Muslims. *The names and details of the Justices are as follows:* *NORTH EAST* 14. A. M. Talba Adamawa North East Muslim 15. Hussein Mukhtar Bauchi North East Muslim 16. Haruna S.Tsammani Bauchi North East Christian 17. Bitrus G.Sanga Bauchi North East Christian 18. A. G. Mshelia Borno North East Christian 19. Ibrahim S. Bdliya Borno North East Christian 20. Hamma Barka Gombe North East Christian 21. Y. B. Nimpar Gombe North East Christian 22. Mohammed Danjuma Taraba North East Christian 23. I. A. Andenyangtso Taraba North East Christian 24 Mohammed Mustapha Borno North East Muslim *Total North East: 8 Christians, 3 Muslims* *NORTH WEST* 25. Ali Abubakar Gumel Jigawa North West Muslim 26. Muhammed L. Shuaibu Jigawa North West Muslim 27. Abubakar Dati Yahaya Kaduna North West Muslim 28. James S. Abiriyi Kaduna North West Christian 29. T. Y. Hassan Kano North West Muslim 30. A. M. Bayero Kano North West Muslim 31. Abubakar Sadiq Umar Kebbi North West Muslim 32. Jamilu Y. Tukur Katsina North West Muslim 33. A. M. Lamido Sokoto North West Muslim 34. B. B. Aliyu Zamfara North West Muslim *Total North West: 1 Christian, 9 Muslims* *SOUTH EAST* 35 Raphael C. Agbo Enugu South East Christian 36 U.I Ndukwe- Anyanwu Anambra South East Christian 37 Chidi N. Uwa Abia South East Christian 38 C. E. Nwosu-Iheme Imo South East Christian 39 T.N Orji-Abadua Imo South East Christian 40 Obande F. Ogbuinya Ebonyi South East Christian 41 Uchechukwu Onyemanam Ebonyi South East Christian 42 Onyekachi A. Otisi Abia South East Christian 43 C.I. Jombo-Ofo Abia South East Christian 44 Paul O. Elechi Ebonyi South East Christian 45 Ugochukwu A. Ogakwu Enugu South East Christian *Total South East: 11 Christians, 0 Muslim* *SOUTH-SOUTH* 46 Ignatius I. Agube Cross River South South Christian 47 Rita N. Pemi Delta South South Christian 48 Ita George Mbaba Akwa Ibom South South Christian 49 Moore A. A. Adumein Bayelsa South South Christian 50 O.O. Daniel-Kalio Rivers South South Christian 51 Fatima O. Akinbami Edo South South Christian 52 Biobele A. Georgewill Rivers South South Christian 53 Frederick O. Oho Delta South South Christian 54 Joseph E. Ekanem Akwa Ibom South South Christian 55 Abimbola O. Obaseki-Adejumo Edo South South Christian 56 Boloukuromo M. Ugo Bayelsa South South Christian 57 Ebiowei Tobi Delta South South Christian *Total South South: 12 Christians, 0 Muslim* 58 Jimi O. Bada Osun South West Christian 59 Oyebisi F. Omoleye Ekiti South West Christian 60 Mojeed A. Owoade Oyo South West Christian 61 A. O. Lokolo-Sodipe Ogun South West Christian 62 Isaiah O. Akeju Ekiti South West Christian 63 Tunde O. Awotoye Osun South West Christian 64 Habeeb A. O. Abiru Lagos South West Muslim 65 Peter O. Ige Oyo South West Christian 66 O. A. Adefope- Okojie Ogun South West Christian 67 Mistura O. Bolaji- Oyo South West Muslim 68 E. O. Williams- Dawudu Lagos South West Christian 69 Joseph O. Oyewole Osun South West Christian 70 Gabriel O. Kolawole Osun South West Christian *Total South West: 11 Christians, 2 Muslims* *Subtotal (Southern States): 34 Christians, 2 Muslims* *Subtotal (Northern States plus FCT): 16 Christians, 18 Muslims* *Grand Total of all JCAs: 50 Christians (71.4%), 20 Muslims (28.6%)* However, the three geopolitical zones of the South have only two Muslim JCAs while the three geopolitical zones of the North have 15 Christian JCAs! Who is wickedly intolerant? The cacophony of Christian marginalisation that constitutes the sing-song of CAN is a blatant lie, a deliberate distortion and a devilish strategy of shedding crocodile tears or crying while flogging Muslims with bare-faced oppression and systemic repression in Nigeria. Though religion preaches love, honesty, sincerity, tolerance, good neighbourliness and kindness, among other virtues, CAN has succeeded in creating a Nigerian version of Christianity which is anchored on morbid hatred, undisguised dishonesty, caustic insincerity, religious intolerance, perennial hostility and outright wickedness. If CAN has its way, it would annihilate Muslims from Nigeria but one billion CANs of calumny unleashed against us cannot extinguish the light of Islam here and elsewhere, even if they try it! This is the same strategy underpinning the needless hubbub over hijab in Kwara state and elsewhere. It is given that the right to hijab is constitutionally guaranteed. However, to CAN, constitutionality does not matter where intolerance festers and it has resorted to toe the path of violence. Section 38, Subsection 1 of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended in 2011) states categorically thus: *Every person shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion*… *(either alone or in community with others, and in public and or in private) to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching practice and observance;*............ *NSCIA* |
| Politics / Re: Hijab: 10 Kwara Schools To Remain Shut For Safety Reasons by omoalaro: 8:48am On Mar 08, 2021 |
In 1974, the Military Government ordered the takeover of private school in Nigeria. The then military Governor of Kwara state Col. David Bamigboye complied and took over private schools including mission schools. Part of what is creating the confusion today is that in Kwara state unlike in other states in Northern Nigeria, the names of the schools were not changed. In Kaduna, Queens of Apostles College became Queen Amina College, St John's became Rimi College, St Paul's became Kufena College, the Muslim owned Sheikh Shabah college became Sardauna Memorial College, etc... Christian associations in Kwara State took the Kwara State Government to court about five year ago to get the schools returned to them. They lost the case to the State government at the High Court and the Court of Appeal. The court also ruled that it is the legal right of Muslim girls to wear hijab to government owned schools. Bishop Smith was one of the schools that were taken over by government. 11 Likes 4 Shares |
| Politics / Hijab: 10 Kwara Schools To Remain Shut For Safety Reasons by omoalaro: 7:23am On Mar 08, 2021 |
Breaking News https://twitter.com/followKWSG/status/1368806071075233793?s=19 1 Like
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| Education / Re: Kwara Approves Wearing Of Hijab In Public Schools by omoalaro: 4:30am On Feb 26, 2021 |
Nwodosis: *_Hijāb_* *Controversy* *In* *Ten* *Schools* *In* *Ilorin* On the 19th February 2021, the Kwara State government ordered the closure of ten schools formerly owned by some Christian bodies. The schools were taken over by the government in 1974. The government, however, allowed them to continue to bear their Christian names, while the government has been responsible for the running cost and maintenance of the schools. The ten public schools were ordered closed by the government to prevent the breakdown of law and order following the refusal of the former owners of the schools to allow Muslim teachers and students of the schools use _hijāb_ within the premises of the schools. It will be recalled that there had been _hijāb_ controversy in Kwara State since 2012, following the attempt of the former owners of the schools to have full control over the schools that had been taken over by the State government. They demanded that the schools should be returned to them. Consequently the government was sued by the Christian bodies at an Ilorin high court but the Kwara Muslim Community applied to be joined in the suit on behalf of the Muslim students who are not allowed to use _hijāb_ in the schools. The State government won the case on the 17th of May 2016. The judgment was appealed and the Christians lost again in September 2019. It is remarkable to note that the Appeal Court ruled that the appellants lacked the right to make Christianity the only standard in the schools. It also said that "the refusal of the schools to allow the use of _hijāb_ is discriminatory as it is a practice in tune with the Constitution. " The Court of Appeal judgment of September 2019 has not been challenged by the Christians at the Supreme Court. Consequently Muslim students and staff went to their schools with _hijāb_ but they were sent out by the schools' principals and the heads of the Christian bodies which owned the schools before they were taken over by the government in 1974. One expects these Christian bodies who were dissatisfied with the judgement of the Court of Appeal to proceed to the Supreme Court. Instead they took law into their hands, which is a flagrant disobedience to the judgement of the Court of Appeal. The leaders of the Christian bodies and the principals of the schools should be tried for contempt of court. Interestingly, Britain that brought Christianity into Nigeria has allowed wearing of the _hijāb_ in her schools since 1980s. The Nigerian Christian bodies want to be more Catholic than the Pope. Toby Howarth, the Bishop of Bradford, in the Diocese of Leeds, of the Church of England supports the wearing of the _hijāb_ by primary school girls. He says: "This is a matter of religious identity, not sexualization, and the British policy should be not to make a big deal of it, but simply say that you have to wear the right colour that goes with the school uniform" ( _The_ _Sunday_ _Times_ , 03 September 2017) A _Sunday_ _Times_ survey also reveals that thousands of state primary schools allow girls to wear the _hijāb_ as part of approved school uniform in UK. Incidentally the country has allowed a Muslim woman, in person of Raffia Arshad, who wears _hijāb_ to become a judge. Ilorin is generally known as a Muslim town. It has been an Emirate since 1823. Muslims are officially in majority. Sharia Court system operates in Kwara State adjudicating over Muslim matters. No non - Muslim has been forced to appear in the court. Christians established schools to convert Muslim students to their religion. They deny Muslims the practice of Islam in an Islamic town with an Emir and great scholars of Islam. The government in its wisdom took over the schools to protect the interest of all, while it has been financing the running of the schools with taxpayers' money, majority of who are Muslims, and yet the Christians continue to oppress the Muslims by not allowing the Muslims to practise their religion. Do the Christians expect the Muslims to fold their hands and watch their children converted to Christianity before their eyes? That is not possible. Christians attend Muslim schools in the state. They are not forced to wear _hijāb_ in the Muslim schools. Ironically the Bible enjoins Christian females to cover their head (1 Timothy 2:9-10 & 1 Corinthians 11: 4-7). Catholic Rev. Sisters and Mothers obey the biblical injunction. Mary, the mother of Jesus wore _hijāb_ . The artistic impression of Mary as displayed by Christians confirms that. If some Christians now jettison biblical teaching and celebrate nudity, immorality, indecent mode of dressing, Muslims will never do that. They obey the . teachings of the Qur'an on the female mode of dressing (Q33:59 & 24:31). Muslims must note that the Christians want to make Muslims emulate their disobedience to God. Muslims have been warned by Allah against the antics of the Christians (Q2:120). Let's be on our guard and stand firmly by the ethos of Islamic mode of dressing. Kwara State government should solve this lingering problem once and for all. The government should exercise full control over all the schools that it has taken over. They are public schools. They should be seen as such. No religious body should have any control over the schools. The schools should cease to bear the names that reflect any religious body. They no longer belong to any religious body. That was done in other northern states in 1974. Principals and Vice Principals should no longer be appointed by the former owners of the schools. Loyalty and allegiance of the Principals and the Vice Principals will always belong to whoever appoints them because whoever pays the piper dictates the tune. The government should appoint them as they appoint other teachers to demonstrate that it is the owner of the schools, and that the schools are not jointly owned by the government and anyone, or partially owned with anyone else. Every Nigerian has been guaranteed religious freedom by Section 38(1) of the Constitution. Everyone must therefore be allowed to enjoy that freedom wherever he or she may be in Nigeria. _Jumu'atun_ _Mubārakah_ Prof Yasir Anjola Quadri 14th Rajab, 1442 / 26th February 2021 34 Likes 5 Shares |
| Education / Kwara Approves Wearing Of Hijab In Public Schools by omoalaro: 4:01am On Feb 26, 2021 |
*Position of Kwara State Government on the Hijaab Question in Public Schools* https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4308171699211277&id=376152472413239 14 Likes 3 Shares
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| Religion / Re: Apostle Suleman: COVID-19 Comment On Private Jets Slipped From My Mouth by omoalaro: 7:54pm On Feb 25, 2021 |
This Pastor is a professional liar. He lies with incredible ease. |
| Politics / Re: VIDEO: Lagos Motorist Knocks Police Officer Into Canal by omoalaro: 7:42pm On Feb 25, 2021 |
VaselineCrew: Thanks, I was having issues uploading the video. |
| Politics / VIDEO: Lagos Motorist Knocks Police Officer Into Canal by omoalaro: 6:57pm On Feb 25, 2021 |
A motorist on Thursday knocked down a police officer off a bridge into a canal while trying to escape arrest in Lagos State. The incident happened around the army resettlement centre in the Oshodi area of the state. The driver of the Toyota Highlander was being apprehended by police officers and officials of Lagos Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) for driving against traffic an offence popularly referred to as one way. Officials of LASTMA confirmed to Channels Television that the policeman broke his arm as a result of the incident and that he is now hospitalised. The driver has been arrested. The video of the incident has generated reactions on social media with the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Akosile condemning the action of the driver. https://www.channelstv.com/2021/02/25/video-lagos-motorist-knocks-police-officer-into-canal/amp/?__twitter_impression=true |
| Religion / Apostle Suleman: COVID-19 Comment On Private Jets Slipped From My Mouth by omoalaro: 8:30pm On Feb 24, 2021 |
Apostle Johnson Suleman is the General Overseer of the Omega Fire Ministries International. The Nigerian preacher, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has publicly apologized for the statement he uttered in a viral video a couple of days ago. He stated that his statement was an error; at the time, he bragged that COVID-19 should not end because he was prospering and has been able to buy his third private jet. In a video that went viral last week, Suleman while preaching at a church programme recanted his statement. Here is what the preacher said two Sundays ago in his church service; “In COVID (pandemic) I bought a jet; the third one. I have three. ”I was praying for COVID-19 not to end because I was resting. ”While people were complaining. My wife asked, ‘Can life be this sweet?’ Am I talking to somebody here?”a His statement raised eyebrows and also drew criticisms from Nigerians who condemned him for being excited about the pandemic that had crippled the economic lives of many, including the people who attend his church. Reacting to the criticism, the clergyman while preaching in his church on Sunday, February 21, said the video of him making the statement was edited by a fellow pastor who is an enemy of his. Here is what he said; “There’s a video that is trending about me. It was posted by a pastor against me.” He continued; “It was a programme I had in Abuja and I was trying to explain something about COVID-19. When they told me that I prayed for COVID-19 not to end, I said ‘me? I didn’t say that.” Thereafter, Apostle Suleman went on to claim that the statement slipped from his mouth and it was also not intentional. He continued; “When they brought the video, I discovered it slipped out of my mouth.” “There’s no pastor that will pray for COVID not to end. It doesn’t make sense. ”I was talking about what happens around COVID, how families were staying together, how families united, how some people even made money during that process. That was what I was trying to buttress and it slipped out of my mouth. I could not have prayed for COVID not to end. No pastor would do that. But he (the pastor) took that mistake, edited some part and blew it,” he said. Further, Apostle went on to make comments about his three private jets. The clergyman added that those who are angry that he bought a third private jet will just die. “If you are angry I mentioned three jets, you go just die. That’s the truth,” he said. Watch the video in link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Db0tNR4JiI https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLqykxzlOK4/?igshid=1khinbq03xrmt 5 Likes 1 Share
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| Politics / Re: 20 Generals May Go As Buhari Replaces Buratai, Service Chiefs by omoalaro: 9:50am On Jan 27, 2021 |
juman: To an average igbo man, he is not igbo enough. They have this victim mentality and look at everything from the tribal prism. |
| Politics / Re: What Did Igbos Do To Buhari? - Reno Omokri Asks by omoalaro: 9:32am On Jan 27, 2021 |
adadike: He is not igbo enough. He must come from south east to be accepted. 17 Likes 3 Shares |
| Religion / Re: Dear Pastor, Look Well Before You Predict 2021 – Peju Akande by omoalaro: 3:00am On Jan 02, 2021 |
Kobojunkiee: No be me talk am. Read it yourself. http://saharareporters.com/2020/12/31/prophecies-missed-mark-2020 |
| Religion / Re: Dear Pastor, Look Well Before You Predict 2021 – Peju Akande by omoalaro: 11:01pm On Dec 31, 2020 |
"Death of an Ex-President: Thus says the Lord of hosts. An ex-President will die and his death will shake people and make them afraid; write it down today. If this does not happen, I am not God anymore," the prophet said. No Nigerian ex-president died in the year 2020. |
| Religion / Re: Dear Pastor, Look Well Before You Predict 2021 – Peju Akande by omoalaro: 8:28pm On Dec 31, 2020 |
In a few hours from now, LIARS from the pit of hell will bombard us with their fake prophesies claiming to have seen God or heard from Him. They still have followers who still believe in the rubbish they spew. |
| Religion / Dear Pastor, Look Well Before You Predict 2021 – Peju Akande by omoalaro: 9:58pm On Dec 29, 2020 |
Dear Pastor, look well before you predict 2021 – Peju Akande Nobody saw 2020 coming, for a year so fraught with much, no pastor, no prophet, no imam, no prophetess no one who has any claim to foreseeing what the future holds or who has a claim to ‘hearing’ from God saw 2020 coming…not by a long shot! Not even the so-called Nostradamus, please! But we are human after all. So, let’s not go too hard on our men of God. Maybe God just wanted to show us all He doesn’t have to share all His knowledge with man. Therefore, He kept 2020 hidden. He gave our pastors/prophets/imam, visions for everything but the real 2020 deal…They all missed it, all without exception! And I won’t name names of famous pastors who see into New Years who didn’t see jack! Who knows, maybe God figured some people would profit insanely from it…Some people did, though, but anyway, 2020 happened and the world is still reeling. 2020 is still with us and millions of people worldwide just want this year out and gone for good! Millions worldwide have lost loved ones, lost their sources of income and lost their homes. Their lives may never be the same again so to think that no pastor saw the pandemic; big and global as it turned out. No prophetess or pastor predicted the lockdown. No ‘man/woman of God’ caught a whiff of the millions of deaths from coronavirus…None saw the strange infection that grounded economies worldwide and paralyzed social interactions. Coronavirus became a word we all knew at once; it became an infection we all fought as one. I mused over the fact that, what if, when in December 2019 when Wuhan broke into our consciousness; some ‘smart’ prophet had caught the ‘revelation’ and began to prep us against 2020, saying; “Prepare, the world is going to experience a pandemic like in the time of Moses and the 10 plagues. Wash yourselves, stay indoors, there will be darkness all over the world. There would be shutdowns like we have never known before…” If such a pastor/imam, whoever, had also correctly predicted #EndSARS and Trump’s loss, world leaders and politicians would be thronging his church/mosque/ holy abode by now. Though we may have laughed at such a prophesy but as it has now come to pass; even I would be waving my bible at him/her, proclaiming him/her as someone who hears/sees from God. Indeed, there would have been a statue for him in Imo (oh sorry, Okorocha no longer governs the state). Okay, we would have built a shrine for such a pastor. We would be bowing and prostrating to such a one, we would have deified such a one… But God loves a good joke. He blinded all “future tellers”. He gave them radio silence on 2020. So, all predictors of our collective future didn’t even hear 2020 coming until it slapped us in the face! But we forgive the pastors who didn’t see 2020 to warn us about the year. We forgive those who said they saw but didn’t. It’s okay, we all miss it sometimes. Many of our pastors rallied round to help their congregations with food and sustenance during the lean lockdown months. We applaud men and women of faith and character who; despite it all provided much needed supplies to people in need in their communities. These are the people we want to hear from come 2021. These are voices we want to cheer in the new year. So, as we approach the period when vigils are held to usher in the New Year; when people who see visions and dream dreams begin to foresee and foretell, may I suggest; dear pastor/pastoress/imam, prophetess, prophet, please, if you must see visons, please see the real thing or forever hold your peace. Don’t try to predict a year like the one you missed. If you haven’t seen anything, stay quiet on that topic and just pray for a good year, we pray thee! |
| Politics / Re: Glass Half Empty Or Half Full – Nigeria! by omoalaro: 8:57am On Dec 09, 2020 |
1. Importing Fuel from Niger |
| Politics / Re: Glass Half Empty Or Half Full – Nigeria! by omoalaro: 4:20am On Dec 09, 2020 |
what tends to sell or trend is bad news and little is said of aspects progressing |
| Politics / Re: Glass Half Empty Or Half Full – Nigeria! by omoalaro: 5:43pm On Dec 07, 2020 |
"Many Nigerians discuss country’s issues with a non-positive disposition (glass half-empty) as if country is veering towards, ‘doomsday’". True but sad. |
| Politics / Re: Glass Half Empty Or Half Full – Nigeria! by omoalaro: 7:29pm On Dec 06, 2020 |
This is the exact story of Nigeria, where everyone jumps at the bad news and forget we're making progress in other areas. |
| Politics / Glass Half Empty Or Half Full – Nigeria! by omoalaro: 4:52pm On Dec 06, 2020 |
Babs Omotowa-Former MD/CEO NLNG and Vice President with Shell International wrote ������ Glass Half Empty or Half Full – Nigeria! Many Nigerians discuss country’s issues with a non-positive disposition (glass half-empty) as if country is veering towards, ‘doomsday’. It reminds me of a book titled “Fact Fullness“ by Prof Hans Roslin, that describes “Ten reasons we are wrong about the world – and why things are better than you think”. This is partly because what tends to sell or trend is bad news and little is said of aspects progressing and as such leads to biases. Let me share some simple examples, and why I encourage a “glass half full” view. 1. Importing Fuel from Niger Sad, we have been importing fuel for over a decade. Our refineries have hardly produced in recent and are in a state of disrepair. It is an example of why government should stay out of businesses. In addition, Yar’Adua's reversal of $750m sale of two refineries to investors in 2007, was a mistake, else those refineries would likely be producing, and FG would not need to waste N100bln/year. However, one of the biggest refineries in the world is being built by Dangote. On completion in 2021/2, it will supply fuel across Nigeria and export. In addition, 10 modular refineries are being built in South-South/South East, with some to be commissioned 2020/21 Thus, rather than be distracted with “glass half empty’ imports from Niger and elsewhere, bigger picture is “glass half full” that soon new refineries will end decades of imports, and we will export soon. 2. Rail to Niger Many are exasperated with rail project to Niger republic and view as ‘Fulani agenda’ or misplaced use of Nigeria’s scarce resources. However, 90% of the rail or 1,000km from Lagos-Kano-Katsina, is for Nigerians, to transport people and goods /farm produce, using cheaper, safer, convenient mode to benefit economy & create jobs. The Katsina to Maradi (Niger republic) is a 9% extension (95km) and is economic benefit to Nigeria. Niger, being land-locked, gets its imports (~CFA500bn/year) through Cotonou (Benin Republic). Rail extension, will enable Lagos port become attractive for Niger Republic to import through, giving Nigeria custom duty revenues and income from rail transportation. Taking “glass half-empty” view of rail extension as ethnic agenda, misses big picture and the “glass half-full” view of the economic benefits to Nigeria of the rail line and the short extension. 3. No 24-hrs Electricity Our low power supply (<5,000MW) has meant frequent power cuts. This is sad and is despite failed promises by many Power Ministers to fix this debilitating problem over the years. However, the behemoth (PHCN/NEPA) has given way to private distribution companies now able to provide 24-hrs electricity where “willing seller willing buyer” (e.g. Magodo). FGN has progressed with Germany and Siemens, an “Electrification Roadmap”. Phase 1 ‘quick-wins’ to improve supply to 7,000MW; Phase 2 ‘debottlenecking’ to 11,000MW, Phase 3 ‘expansion’ to 25,000MW include the 3,000MW Mambila hydro power project. The power cuts are indeed a “glass half-empty” situation but the progress with commercialisation of sector, some locations now enjoying 24-hrs electricity and work ongoing with credible power house (Siemens) with detailed plan is “glass half full”, as efforts more likely to lead soon to a better place. 4. Corruption in this government Many point to allegations against Babachir (Ex FGN Secretary), Akpabio (NDDC) Tinubu (Alba-Beta), Magu (EFCC) and other Ministers/Officials, as sign of corruption in this government. These are going through the courts and it is indeed correct that the full extent of corruption in a government may only be fully unearthed, when a new government comes to power. However, on big picture, institutional actions by this FGN e.g. Treasury Single Account has improved revenue transparency from previous thousands of accounts, and has significantly reduced the past widespread corruption in MDAs e.g. billions of dollars of NLNG dividends that previously were paid to secret accounts are now being paid to Federation account. In addition, BVN implementation has exposed hidden accounts of officials and now easier to track. Thus, whilst corruption is not eliminated (no country has), and our Transparency Perception index not yet improved, but concrete steps have reduced previous large-scale theft and is “glass half-full”. 5. Insecurity everywhere Boko Haram’s onslaught in North East since 2014 kidnap of Chibok girls, many sadly still in captivity; armed banditry and kidnapping especially in middle belt and north, seem to defy security agencies. Whilst one reads less of herdsmen-farmer clashes and Niger Delta militants, but sense of insecurity is difficult to view from any other angle than glass half-empty. Security forces must step up on this, as security is paramount for the well-being of citizens and also for the growth of the economy. 6. Unemployment and poverty everywhere Unemployment of 27% is high and UN/FGN report 100-million in poverty. These are impacted by low investments by foreign/local investors, due business environment, poor infrastructure and an average growth rate of economy lower than population growth rate of 3%. There is also erosion of living standards of millions of middle class, affected by stoppage of free-flow of government money in past administration and Naira devaluation from official rate of N75 to $1 in 2000 to N380, with its crippling effects on appetite for foreign goods, travels and other expenses. On poor, the targeted interventions by Government e.g. 10-million school children being fed daily; 6-million vulnerable being paid N5k monthly and TraderMoni loans of N10k to N100k to 2-million petty traders, are an unprecedented focus on alleviating the condition of the poor. On unemployment, opportunities are emerging e.g. Dangote refinery expected to employ hundreds of thousands. Progress on ease of doing business and incentivising agriculture/agro-processing have potential to create employment. Nigeria needs to generate millions of jobs annually, and as such the FGN needs to do more, not to increase government workers, but to improve enabling environment so foreign/local investors can build more manufacturing/service industries to create jobs. The entertainment and digital industry also portend opportunities for citizens to use their talents to create value as demonstrated by 2 young 2006 Babcock university graduates, who set up an online pay medium (Playstack) in 2016 and grew it, and were acquired for $200m by Stripe of Ireland. One can view current challenges as 'glass half-empty', or view progress and opportunities to create value in today’s world , as “glass half-full”. 7. Nigeria going through another recession Many Nigerians describe the 3.6% decline in Nigeria’s GDP in the third quarter and worst recession in 33-years. negatively, and that it is the 2nd recession during this government, with the first in 2016. Whilst recession is bad, but current recession is global with UK going through the worst recession in 300-years, USA the worst in 245-years, and world going through the worst since 1945. The impact of coronavirus is major reason and worsened by the oil price crash from $65 in 2019 to $20 in April and which was partly responsible for 2016 recession crashing to $30 in January 2016 Nigeria economy is expected to be out of the recession latest first quarter 2021. Thus, whilst some view as 'glass half empty', situation globally highlights that such negative view is not realistic. 8. What do we forget? What is sometimes forgotten in 'glass half empty' perception are things that have become non issues. - Telephoning – we have moved from 0.5% population phone penetration in 1990s to 90%. The days of having to que at NITEL office to make a call, are gone. Citizens in villages can now speak to relatives internationally. Computing and digital capacities including social media have been enabled. Telephoning is nearly “glass-full”. - Banking – electronic banking is now a norm and transactions are now done online without need to go into banking halls, and cash withdrawals via ATMs. Long queues that extended beyond bank halls is now gone and so also need to withdraw large cash to buy goods or when travelling, and with armed robbers attack homes and on roads. Banking is now more a “glass-full” - Fuel queues – people now drive into filling stations and have forgotten long queues for days and people sleeping in car to buy fuel. Forgotten are the buying of fuel at ‘black market’ and sale of adulterated fuel causing vehicles to ‘knock-engine’. Forgotten is people storing fuel in jerry cans at home, leading to home fires. Fuel supply is more “glass-half-full”. - Accountability – many people now insult the president without any fatal consequences. Two decades ago, with ‘Decree 4’ and military dictators, such criticisms were (near) fatal (Kudirat and Ibru) and people jailed/died on trumped up charges (MKO, Obasanjo, Yar’Adua). Whilst we await outcome of Judicial panel on SARS/ Lekki, we generally now have more freedom of speech and experienced the fastest acceptance by a FGN of citizen’s demand (to End SARS). We are not where we should be but are moving towards 'glass half-full'. Make no mistake, I am not saying Nigeria is where it needs to be. Far from it. However, considering where we are coming from, we should put in context progress made and ongoing in our discourse. There is no magic-wand that can be waved and progress will be step by step. We must remember that the life span of a country is different from the life span of an individual. Roslin summarises as “problem is we don’t know what we don’t know, and our views are informed by unconscious and predictable biases. It turns out the world, for all its imperfections, is in a much better state than we think. It doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns. But when we worry on everything all the time instead of embracing a worldview based on facts, we can lose our ability to focus….” The “glass half empty” bias drives negative energy and distracts from the important discussions. Being armed with facts will give more “glass half full” view and ensure critical thinking to enable more value co-create discussions on what more needs to be done to move forward and faster, rather than non-positive doomsday. |
| Politics / Re: Yemi Osinbajo And The 2023 Race by omoalaro: 11:36pm On Dec 05, 2020 |
gidgiddy: We are here talking about APC ticket not PDP. PDP MUST give their ticket to the south east but you cannot expect the APC to waste their ticket to a place where they are so hated, despised and have no support. |
| Politics / Re: Nigeria In Big Trouble As IPOB Takes This Bold Step PHOTOS by omoalaro: 2:25pm On Nov 02, 2020 |
loopman: Did you not see that they're struggling to drag the North into it? One idio.t was saying on another thread that the north instructed Wike with a promise to make him a vice president. Stu.pid people everywhere according to Kanu. |
| Politics / Re: Zone 2023 Nigerian Presidential Ticket To Igbo - Senator Obi by omoalaro: 5:14am On Oct 07, 2020 |
Afamed: Bookmarked |
| Politics / Re: Sarki Abba Didn't Test Positive For COVID-19 - Bashir Ahmad Counters Sahara Rep by omoalaro: 9:37am On Sep 02, 2020 |
fruqy: Are you sure? They hardly apologise. |
| Politics / Re: Presidency Applauds Self On Q2 NBS Figures by omoalaro: 4:39am On Aug 27, 2020 |
We actually did better than most countries.
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| Politics / Re: Festus Keyamo Drops The Mother Of All Bombs by omoalaro: 5:02pm On Aug 25, 2020 |
Hoppeyemmy22: Bookmarked |
| Politics / Re: Digital ID: NIN Sold My National ID To Hausa Man by omoalaro: 1:53pm On Aug 16, 2020 |
Asapchris: Is Eri Precious also an Hausa man? because I don't understand why the op will imput ethnic or religious motives to a mistake made by an agency of government except that such a person is filled with ethnic and religious hatred. |
| Politics / Re: Aftermath Of Edo Assembly Complex Invasion By Hoodlums (Photos) by omoalaro: 6:48pm On Aug 08, 2020 |
postdigger: Hoodlums did not do it. It is the contractor employed by Gov. Obaseki to RENOVATE the house of assembly that did it. |
| Politics / Re: THISDAY: Real Ownership Of Indigenous Oil Blocks Revealed By Segun Adeniyi by omoalaro: 7:35am On Jul 25, 2020 |
PremierGuy: Yes, you can apply for an oil mining license. There are 57 marginal oil field licences currently on offer right now. |
| Politics / Re: FG Releases N162.5bn SUKUK Funds For Federal Road Projects by omoalaro: 7:08am On Jul 25, 2020 |
AK481: Are you aware that the south east land mass is just about 28,000 square kilometers? Same land mass with Kogi state. South east alone was allocated 5 road which is more than any other region if land mass is considered. Going by your thinking, Kogi state should also be allocated 5 roads. |
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