₦airaland Forum

United States President, Donald Trump has set his sights on a new opponent- the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) which Nigeria is a member of.

Oil price surged to its highest level in three-and-a-half years following OPEC major player, Saudi Arabia’s expression of its desire to see oil price reach $80 per barrel and plans to list part of its huge national oil company, Saudi Aramco. It is not yet clear where the IPO for the company will hold. There was also news of a drop in US stockpiles of oil indicating increased demand helping to push prices up.

The price of oil surged to $74.74 per barrel for London Brent and $69.56 for New York crude on Thursday.

President Trump is not pleased with this and took to Twitter on Friday tweeting:

“Looks like OPEC is at it again. With record amounts of Oil all over the place, including the fully loaded ships at sea, Oil prices are artificially Very High! No good and will not be accepted!”

It is unclear what Trump plans to do about the increasing price of oil. However, for a country like Nigeria which relies heavily on oil, a drop in the price as advocated by the United States President would have a negative effect on its revenue.

President Buhari is scheduled to visit the White House for a meeting with Trump on April 30, and it will be interesting to see if oil is part of the agenda. It definitely should be at this point.

Source: Donald Trump Set to Battle Nigeria and OPEC

bdsm:

The son of Justice Omo-Agege that sentenced notorious Lawrence Anini to death! Governor Okowa must be shitting in his dirty pants by now becos Apc must take over Delta!

Interesting. He must know the law inside-out then.

Officers.

Their names would be helpful.

This man is becoming what Yoruba call "Egungun eja" (fish bone) in the throat of the senate Saraki caucus.

Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is in the news again after invaders which the Senate accuses him of sponsoring broke into the red chamber on Wednesday and took away the mace which was found on Thursday morning close to the Abuja city gate.

The senator was taken away by the police on Wednesday who later released him without charge. Now, the senator has started a new social media campaign which is #IStandWithOmo-Agege and he is calling for an end to “legislative impunity”.

To buttress his point, he posted this quote from Edmund Burke on Twitter:

“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”

We wonder how the current conflict between Senator Omo-Agege and the Senate which has suspended him will end.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/see-senator-omo-agege-done/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Every man should have at least one good suit. The first thing to do before you drop what could be hundreds or thousands of dollars on a well-made suit is to consider what you need the suit for.

Whether it’s a crucial job interview, a nightlife odyssey with old friends or the day you bid farewell to bachelorhood forever, looking good instills confidence. And Jumia Nigeria, the online shop you can trust, is on hand to share a few tips:

Pinstriped Suit or Professional suit

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This one’s our pick for the fashionable entrepreneur, an uptight banker or an employee who knows his style. A pin-striped suit is similar to a linen one, darker than the stripe one and should be worn with a shirt and matching tie. This suit is perfect for a business meeting or anything to do with the word ‘professional’. We also believe that your dress code in the office influences the power you have over your colleagues/employees. A pinstriped suit will ensure that this influence is at its highest.

Dinner Jacket

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The dinner jacket, commonly known as a tuxedo, is perfect for a sophisticated evening meal or meeting her parents for dinner for the very first time. This means that a dinner jacket creates a lasting impression if you want to look charismatic, stylish and classy, cultured and refined. Tuxedos can be avoided for business meetings but at the same time can be a great option for a business party.

Velvet Jacket

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A well-cut, good quality velvet jacket is versatile and can be worn elegantly for many occasions. But mainly, it’s perfect for a night out at a posh club or dinner and drinks with your friends. It is comfortable to wear and gives you a sharp look. Wear your velvet jacket with dark jeans for contrasting, dressy and stylish attire.

Vintage Suits

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A vintage suit is a traditional three-piece suit comprising of trousers, vest and a jacket made up of the same two fabrics namely polyester and wool. This can be worn in a retro-classic style for business outings or can be played around with colours and styles for a young look. Each suit can be worn in four universal styles: The Italian suits that are the most famous; the American style which is more youthful and fun; the British style places emphasis on elegance, class and sophistication; and the Mandarin style which reflects its oriental culture.

Source: Trendy Suits for Men About To Make A Bold Move

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Ankara is one of the favourite clothing materials for millions of Nigerians and can be said to be one fashion trend that will never go out of style. It is known all over the world for its irresistible bubbly colours and vibrant designs. However, bad Ankara fabric can spoil your whole look, so Jumia Nigeria, the online shop you can trust, gives you the most effective ways to spot good Ankara material!

Cotton

These days you can see the beautiful Ankara prints on all kinds of fabrics. Ankara clothes made of silk, jersey, satin, denim, and other materials are not at all rare. However, while these alternative fabrics can look great, the only way to get genuine Ankara is to look for 100% cotton.

Resistance

Ankara fabric with a high quality paint job displays excellent resistance. Unlike low quality materials, good Ankara won’t be scratched or damaged from accidental abrasive movements. You can test it by lightly scratching the fabric with your nail or a coin to see whether there’s a mark.

Water

While patterned Ankara seems like a very dense fabric, it’s actually pure cotton, which is why it needs to display the qualities of cotton – namely, being able to instantly absorb water and dry equally fast. Submerge your Ankara fabric into water to check its quality!

Plain weave

Ankara material is famously durable, and the main reason for its durability is the plain weave. Plain weave is believed to be one of the toughest fabric types in the world. If you want your new Ankara outfit to last you for years, look for a plain weave as a sign of quality.

Strength

Thanks to the use of plain weave and the nature of cotton thread. Ankara fabric is famously very strong. It’s widely used not only in sewing clothes, but also in creating accessories like handbags and shoes – thanks to its ability to withstand extensive wear without tearing.

Soft touch

Despite all of its strength and resilience, Ankara material is one of the softest ones to touch. Perhaps, the easiest way to tell if you’re looking at high quality Ankara fabric is to simply touch it. You can do this test in just a few seconds! Give the Ankara fabric you plan to buy a pat. If the material is smooth and soft, can be easily crumpled and quickly restores its shape, it means that the Ankara you’re holding in your hands is top quality material and will be great to work with and wear!

Source: 5 Ways to Detect Quality Ankara

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Today's happening doesn't prevent the Senate from continuing to carry out its functions as seen today. The basic premise of your post is lost.

Confusion in Senate as it Resumes Sitting while Looking for Stolen Mace http://www.opinions.ng/confusion-senate-resumes-sitting-stolen-mace/

budaatum:
And that's what you should have said in the beginning, though better still is to ignore them.

Personally, I sympathise with homophobic people, and I understand their fear. Homosexuality is contagious, as one person cannot be gay by oneself. The homophobics fear is that if homosexuals freely walk the street, they might infect the homophobic just by contact, and one day, after years of other gender poking they suddenly find they are bent over for same gender poking!

It is unfortunate however that their fear, that homosexuality is contagious, is groundless, but this wouldn't be the first time people fear that what others do condemns them too. Some 'believing in gods' people fear that if non-believers are allowed to dwell amongst them, their gods might burn everyone or turn everyone into salt!

Fear ko, common sense ni. Next thing will be to sleep with animals abi?

It is about morality and raising yourself beyond animals that do practically whatever they like without careful consideration. Even animals show intelligence and ability to analyze issues.

The fact that there is a possibility to dance naked in the market place doesn't mean you should.

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Serial entrepreneur and founder of Nairabet, Akin Alabi has decided to join politics fully by running for office.

He made the announcement on his personal blog writing:

“I have decided to run for office in 2019. I am considering contesting for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives. I am from Egbeda Local Government in Oyo state which means my Federal Constituency is Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Intra party activities have begun. About 10 of us have signified interest within the APC already. We will all jostle for the ticket at the primaries in a few months time.”

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Considering the role money plays in Nigerian politics, he might have a chance. Alternatively, he may also learn that sometimes money by itself is not enough to win in politics.

source: Nairabet Founder, Akin Alabi Running for House of Representatives

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

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Money Mistake 1

Never borrow money that accrues interest to start a business (except if you are paying for it through your salary); only borrow to grow your business. This is because business takes a long time to gain ground and begin making profit, yet most loans repayments have to be made within a month of taking the loan or even earlier. Therefore, never borrow money to start a business expecting that the business will generate income to pay back the borrowed money plus the interest.

Money Mistake 2

Never spend money you haven’t received. Don’t even promise someone money based on a promise you have from someone else. If someone tells you: “Ezra, come to my office tomorrow at 9am and pick N3,000″don’t go out to buy items on credit based on this promise, with the hope that you will pay off your creditor when the promised money comes; it may not come as promised and this will leave you in problems with your creditors.

Money Mistakes 3

If you want to save, whenever you receive money, don’t start spending hoping that you’ll save what remains. Normally what remains is zero because as long as money to spend is available, the numerous things you can spend it on are also available. And things to spend on even incite their ‘relatives’ so that you spend even more than you had planned. When money to spend is not available, we naturally find a way of doing without it. That’s why I’ve learnt to save in an INVESTMENT ACCOUNT. Once I send money there I assume I no longer have it. Before you spend any money, put your savings aside then spend what is left after saving.

Money Mistake 4

When you get an opportunity to meet a very wealthy person, never ask for money. Ask for ideas on how to make money. They may even choose to give you money on their own after seeing that your ideas are great, but let getting money from them never be your objective.

Money Mistake 5

Keeping your seed instead of planting it. Many people stop at saving. It’s very, very difficult to save and have all you need to maintain your lifestyle especially after retirement. When you save, your savings are seed; plant it. When you just keep the seed (saving money) some seeds begin to die (eaten by inflation and the like). That’s why I recommend that you read about the different types of investment vehicles you can use to grow your savings. I am not necessarily talking about putting the money in a business, because you can easily lose money in business. I am talking about putting it in an investment.

Money Mistake 6

Never lend someone money you are not willing to lose. By the time you lend someone money, be contented in your heart that should the person fail to pay, you will not die. You should not even lose that person’s friendship if they fail to repay the money you lent them. If you feel the person might fail to pay you and this will not affect your relationship with them, then lend them money. If their failure to pay would make you hate this person’s entire clan, please advise the person to go to the bank.

Money Mistake 7

Never append your signature to guarantee someone on a financial matter if you are not willing or able to pay the money on their behalf. Do I have to explain that one? No, it’s self-explanatory.

Money Mistake 8

Avoid keeping money you don’t intend to use in the short-term within easy reach. For instance, don’t walk with N10,000 in your pocket when all you plan to do in a day costs N2,000. Like I mentioned in Money Mistake 3, there are always expenses available to gobble any money that is within reach, so if you don’t want to lose it, put it away in a safe place.

Money Mistake 9

Avoid keeping money in inappropriate places e.g. in socks, under the pillow, in a pit, in the sitting room, in the bra, in a travel bag that you will place somewhere in a bus … impulse buying is a devil that will keep you busy!

Money Mistake 10

Spending money on an item that you can do without (at least for the time being). These days when I pick money from my pocket or wallet, before paying for something I ask myself: What would happen if I didn’t buy this? If I find I can live with the consequences of not having that thing, I smile and walk away.

Money Mistake 11

Paying an amount for something that’s not the minimum you can get that same value for. In other words, if you are at Spar and you pay N15,000 for a shoe that you can get at N3,000 at Rumuokoro, that’s a money mistake except for those who have achieved financial freedom.

Money Mistake 12

Wanting to be the savior of the world by helping everyone in financial need. My sister, my brother, you are not Angel. If you find it so hard to say no to a financial demand, you may think you are practising generosity when in actual sense you are committing (financial) suicide. We are not learning to be miserable here; we are learning to live within the boundaries of reality.

Money Mistake 13

Consistently spending all you earn or more than you earn. It’s like having a drum where you have an inlet that’s smaller than the outlet. It will never get full. And should the inlet ever reduce significantly the drum will run dry. If you do it the other way round and the inlet is bigger, it will get full and even overflow. Hence, we have to always ensure we are widening the inlet while narrowing the outlet – all the time. Your side hustle comes in handy!

Money Mistake 14

Thinking about short-term only and forgetting about long-term or thinking about the long-term and forgetting about the short-term. For instance, Lydia was told that there’s money in land. She saved money over a long period of time and bought 30 acres of land. Now she has the land but she is always broke. She is always complaining. She’s disgruntled and she doesn’t seem to see herself earning from the land in the near future. Now, let’s ask ourselves: Having 30 acres of land and no money to feed your family or take a child to hospital, is that wealth or poverty? I think Lydia only looked at long-term needs and forgot that she has short-term needs that require money. What of those who find they are one paycheck away from salary? Are they thinking about the long-term needs?Let’s take stock of our finances. How many mistakes are you guilty of?

Do you now feel better-equipped to do better with these tips? Enjoy the journey , savers!

Share this knowledge with your family and friends!

source: 14 Mistakes You Should not Make with Money

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

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You don’t have to add salt to your food to eat too much of it – around 75% of the salt we eat is already in everyday foods such as bread, breakfast cereal and ready meals. So, eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure. Follow these tips, shared by Jumia Food, Nigeria’s no 1 food ordering platform, to cut the salt in your food and reduce your salt intake.

Avoid salt-shaker

In some restaurants, you will find salt shakers on every table. So, if you need more salt in your food, you can simply make use of the salt-shaker. So, don’t use salt at the table. Salty food is an acquired taste and after a few weeks of not salting your food, you will get used to the natural flavours of food and not miss the extra salt.

Read labels

Check the nutrition facts labels on foods to determine which options have the least salt. Products labelled salt-free, sodium-free, very low sodium or low sodium are good options.

Limit processed foods

While most foods naturally contain small amounts of salt, the majority of the salt consumed by some people are from processed foods. Salt adds flavour and helps preserve processed foods so they stay fresh for longer. Purchasing less processed foods will help you limit your salt consumption.

Make special requests

When ordering your food, request that the restaurant add little or no salt and that any sauces or dressings be served on the side since these often contain high amounts of salt. Then you can use just a small amount on your food for taste.

Consume more whole foods

Cooking using whole fresh or frozen foods limits the salt since you can avoid adding salt and the only sodium present is that naturally found in the food, which is typically very small. Brown rice and baked potatoes are good examples of whole foods.

Source: Tips To Reduce The Amount of Salt In Your Food

cc: lalasticalala mynd44

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By Aroms Aigbehi

If you have as much information as I have you could be having insomnia. – That is a sleeping problem.

I once walked into a flat in Nigeria and saw thousands of forms with USDA and Gates Foundation written on top. I took one of the form and went through it. It was a detailed questionnaire to research and educate women in the rural area for the use of birth control. The goal was for a team of Nigerians to take the form and go to villages all over the country to get it filled out through one-on-one interviews. Each form per villager. After they filled out the form, they were to give them birth control and education and some free malaria medication.

But, in that flat I saw some young men and women filling out all the forms themselves with fake names. Each person was doing like 2000 forms. The Nigerians have arranged to do it this way because they don’t see the use of going from village to village and wasting their time; as if they had something better to do in the first place.
The head of the team shared the Malaria medicine and sold them to the Chemist. I had a long conversation with them but I won’t bore you with that. This is also how “Not for Resale” Malaria medicine from the World Health Organisation ends up in the pharmacist for N1,500 in Nigeria.

That was on the lowest scale in Nigeria. On the highest scale. I have seen projects worth Billions of USD brought by foreign entities. Water projects, Electricity projects and hospital projects. These projects doesn’t cost the country one Naira. But our people will demand 10% payment from the foreign party before they will let them into the country to carry out the project. Can you imagine 10% of 1 billion USD. That is a bribe of $100 million to get the privilege to provide you water. It is like a sick person demanding 10% bribe from a doctor to be treated for life threatening disease.
That is what a black man is asking someone to pay him to have the privilege to help his people. Obviously, in 100% of all cases the white people will refuse and that project will stop. There are hundreds of such projects in project cemetery in Africa.

So who shall we blame now? British, Americans, Chinese or just white people. Make your pick. As for me, I will blame the Africans for mass stupidity.By Aroms Aigbehi

If you have as much information as I have you could be having insomnia. – That is a sleeping problem.

I once walked into a flat in Nigeria and saw thousands of forms with USDA and Gates Foundation written on top. I took one of the form and went through it. It was a detailed questionnaire to research and educate women in the rural area for the use of birth control. The goal was for a team of Nigerians to take the form and go to villages all over the country to get it filled out through one-on-one interviews. Each form per villager. After they filled out the form, they were to give them birth control and education and some free malaria medication.

But, in that flat I saw some young men and women filling out all the forms themselves with fake names. Each person was doing like 2000 forms. The Nigerians have arranged to do it this way because they don’t see the use of going from village to village and wasting their time; as if they had something better to do in the first place.
The head of the team shared the Malaria medicine and sold them to the Chemist. I had a long conversation with them but I won’t bore you with that. This is also how “Not for Resale” Malaria medicine from the World Health Organisation ends up in the pharmacist for N1,500 in Nigeria.

That was on the lowest scale in Nigeria. On the highest scale. I have seen projects worth Billions of USD brought by foreign entities. Water projects, Electricity projects and hospital projects. These projects doesn’t cost the country one Naira. But our people will demand 10% payment from the foreign party before they will let them into the country to carry out the project. Can you imagine 10% of 1 billion USD. That is a bribe of $100 million to get the privilege to provide you water. It is like a sick person demanding 10% bribe from a doctor to be treated for life threatening disease.
That is what a black man is asking someone to pay him to have the privilege to help his people. Obviously, in 100% of all cases the white people will refuse and that project will stop. There are hundreds of such projects in project cemetery in Africa.

So who shall we blame now? British, Americans, Chinese or just white people. Make your pick. As for me, I will blame the Africans for mass stupidity.

Source: How Africans are Underdeveloping Africa

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

Obainoneandonly:
can we as a people unite to fight this ....my answer is no.religious and ethnic bigotry won't allow us.take nairaland as a case study... d Igbos and yorubas are at each odas neck on any thread, even if its not related to ethnicity. for me I don't think we are ripe for that...we are years away from dat

Yeah.

By Kurtis Adigba

We, Nigerians, Christians, Muslims, or adherents of other religions, members of the PDP, APC, SDP, and others, or non-aligned, Hausas, Ibos, Yorubas, Ijaws, Jukuns, Idomas, Tivs, Kanuris, and others, agree that Corruption, is bad. Is this okay?

We also agree that for us to build a country of our collective dreams and aspirations, a country that will promote inclusive prosperity, and guarantee all a fair shake and shot playing by the same rules, we must fight and kill Corruption. Is this correct?

We are unanimous that corruption, in every and any form, breeds inequality, inefficiency, promotes mediocrity, and devalues our moral and ethical codes.
What we disagree on majorly, is how the fight on corruption, should be conducted. Many are of the views that only members of the opposition are being targeted in the war. They argued that for the fight to be credible, real, and seen to be impartial, all people alleged to be corrupt should be arrested and put on trial at the same time. This position, lacks merit on several grounds.

1. It is based on the erroneous assumption that the crimes were committed at the same time. The crimes, were committed at different times, and over a long period of time. It is practically impossible to investigate all at the same time and prosecute all that are involved at the same time.

2. It is a recipe for no action against corruption at all. Is it right to say that until we can arrest and prosecute all armed robbers, we shouldn’t arrest anyone for armed robberies? Should we release the arrested Offa Robbers until we can arrest every other robbers?

3. The fact that the members of the opposition, were in power for 16 years meant that they more than any others, had the opportunity, time, and access to corruptly enrich themselves more than others. Trials for corruption is not national cake that should be distributing on Zonal basis. It’s based on evidence, not suspicion. And,

4. That once a member of the PDP, who is alleged to be corrupt leaves the party, and joins the APC, all his or her sins, are forgiven, and the person becomes a saint. Whilst this a popular sentiment, there are no evidence to support this claim. All the people facing trials for corruption in the PDP before joining the APC, are still facing trials. The truth of the matter is: all outstanding trials for corruption are moving at snail speed. The only exceptions are the trials of some Judges accused of corruption. The politicians and their lawyers are skillful in delaying these trials.

Friends, for us to move forward, we must unite in rejecting corruption, and stop making excuses for it. No one on trial for corruption stole for his or her party, community, religion, or ethnic group. They stole for themselves and their families. They are ruthless, wicked, and evil minded. They are responsible for the poverty and misery in the country. When next they tell you that they are victims of a witch hunt, ask them” if you are a witch, what is wrong with hunting you down”?

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/nigerians-fight-corruption/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

isalegan2:
Because the president is The Most High God, right? Se Eledumare ni?

Funny post.

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Nollywood actress Ibinabo Fibresima is entering politics formally with a shot at the office of Local Government Chairman for Okrika Local Government in Rivers state. It will be interesting to see if she has the connections to see her overcome other contenders for the position within the PDP.

The way local government elections are held in Nigeria, it is likely that any PDP candidate in Rivers state which the party controls is likely to win.

What do you think of her chances?

Source: See Popular Actress Ibinabo Fibresima’s Campaign Poster

A Buhari man in the Southeast.

This is the evidence http://www.opinions.ng/see-president-buhari-ebonyi-state/

You should not have even let him know you saw him.

raphok1:
Op, you should have also told us they came second to the last.

Classic case of an ignorant person trying to be smart. So, where would you place countries that did not win any medal? No. 1?

By Kurtis Adigba

I get messages and questions from some people from time to time, asking: ”why do you support an old man for the presidency of the country when we have younger people running for the same office?

I read your posts all the time and I know you like President Obama, but how come you are not supporting the younger candidates?”

Great questions?

First of all, the problem with leadership in our country, is not about age but character and values. We have had both young and old leaders in this country with almost the same outcomes. How old was Tafewa Balewa, when he became Prime Minister of Nigeria? At what age did Gowon, Obasanjo, Buhari, and Babangida, became Heads of State, or presidents? How old was President Jonathan when he became president in 2010? He was 53 years old. Was Jonathan an old man at 53?

Gowon, Obasanjo, Buhari, and Babangida, were in their early or late 30’s, or 40’s when they took over the leadership of the country. And don’t tell me some were not elected, it doesn’t matter! How you get to power is not so much as relevant as what you do, or did with it. Many former military leaders had transformed their countries.

The constant reference to Barack Obama, is not accurate. Obama, before he entered politics, was an active organizer. In that capacity, or role, he came face to face with the pains, poverty, anxieties, and deprivations with some people had had to daily live with. He got to know what the government and authorities should be doing but not doing, he thought about solutions to these problems, and made mental notes about what he will do if he ever had the opportunity to lead the country. This was what drove Obama into seeking political office- the desire to make a difference and change the realities of the people through politics.

Obama, was elected as a State Senator in Illinois, and later, as the Junior Senator from the state to the US Senate. As a Senator, he sponsored and co- sponsored so many consequential bills. He was outstanding even for a junior congressman. That was why many of his senior colleagues urged him to run for the presidency of America. The charge against Obama by his opponents was that he had no experience in the executive branch. It wasn’t that he had no experience in government or governance. Macron, the French President, is another example. He was the Minister of Finance of France before he became president. He had some experience!

Now, back home, apart from George Moghalu, professor and former Deputy-Governor of CBN, who else is out campaigning that you think can govern the country now? Remember, I will chose from what is available and not from some mythical options!

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/i-supporting-old-man-president-nigeria/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

Today is 14th April, a date that might not immediately mean much to you but on this day 4 years ago 276 girls were abducted by Boko Haram from Government Secondary School Chibok. 112 remain missing and the federal government of Nigeria has promised to do all it can to ensure their safe return.

However, Ahmad Salkida, a journalist renowned for his almost exclusive access to the terrorist group.

He made a lot of revelations in a thread of tweets which we will replicate next:

“Tomorrow, I will be tweeting rare insights on the rest of the #ChibokGirls in captivity. How many are alive and the need for the parents to know the truth, no matter how unpleasant the revelation is.

“1/ Four years ago, a middle ranking BH commander led dozens of fighters in search of food and other supplies in the remote town of Chibok, like an afterthought, they saw a chance to abduct school girls in GSS Chibok, the girls at the time were preparing for their exams.

“2/ The dozens of BH fighters faced no opposition during the abductn, as they struggled to convey their captives to the forest of Alagarno, the insurgent’s first war capital, which they named Timbuktu. It was in Timbuktu that they organised most of the horror we experience today.

“3/ Some of the girls were lucky to have escaped on their way to Timbuktu that night, because there were fewer fighters to hold more than 200 girls. At the beginning, the group didn’t know what to do with the girls, at least, not in the first one month of their captivity.

“4/ However, what many people did not know was that two weeks into the abduction, the Jonathan administration was already in touch with me for the peaceful release of the girls. By the way, I was in self-exile after pressure from the same Govt..

“5/ I took an excuse where I was doing a menial job in the UAE (but still reporting the insurgency), to see the president, which was facilitated by Aliyu Gebi and Labaran Maku. By the 3rd of May, I was already on my way from Abuja to Madagali, Marwa and finally to a BH camp.

“6/ I got a proof of life for the president and another for the media in case I didn’t get back. The demands of BH then were simple, they wanted detained members taken to Damaturu and they will move the girls to Buniyardi for swap somewhere in between. There was no word on ransom

“7/ I was provided with full military bad words frm Abj to Damaturu, Govt was supposed to make sure that 70 detainees were ready on my arrival in Damaturu to meet 30 there. The rest of the negotiating team was in Abj making sure the prisoners were on a plane before my arrival…

“8/ On arrival in Damaturu, the military commander there was not briefed about my work. He was merely told to expect a VIP? At that time, the girls have been moved by BH, but there was no prisoners for exchange and I got a call from the former CDS to abort the operation.

“9/ The president later said before me that he did not call off the swap. There was a credible window, but zero Will to rescue the girls. BH were angry. I returned to the UAE to continue my hustle, but received invitatns not only by the former administratn, but the current govt.

“10/ 4 out of 5 process that I was involved in, we came close to a swap deal, but Govt in most instances did not provide the platform I presented with the required expertise. And whenever Govt dragged its feet, Shekau will shift the goal post.

“11/ I continued my reporting on the crisis, often critical of govt & BH, with both sides raising concerns. For me, I am a reporter before anything else, many officials consider me as somebody who was too independent minded for a process that needs to be shrouded in secrecy.

“12/ Govt began to look for alternatives to conclude what I’ve started & my former couriers stepped in as the primary ‘negotiators.’ It was a break for me bcz it is no longer negotiations, but mere transaction. Another reason was my insistence that the process must be domesticated

“13/ I was a prickle in the flesh of our leadrs wt my counter claims of official narratives. A day after I exclusivly released a video of the girls, something I’v done in the past, I was declared wanted by same military tht provided me wt bad words, military aircraft for assignmnts

“14/ I was amazed to learn later that the terms that saw the release of some of the girls was unfavourable than what I presented, but as my friend will say, even if we come up with a cure for cancer, the war economy and elites would rather die than accept a cure from a talaka.

“15/ Today, my painstaking investigations on the #Chibokschoolgirls revealed that just a handful of the 113 #ChibokGirls are alive. Many of the girls have died as a result of cross fires and bombardments of the security forces that no doubt were intent on rescuing them.

“16/ I regret to state here that only 15 out of the 113 #Chibokgirls are alive today, based on my investigations in the last 3 months and we have already seen some of them in a video, which I exclusively obtained and was published on SR website.

“17/ What is the status of the remaining 15 girls as far as negotiations are concerned? My investigations also revealed that, they are no longer under the control of #AbubakarShekau. According to sources, they are now ‘married’ and only their ‘husbands’ can decide their fates.

“18/ If they are divorced or the men are killed that is when Shekau’s decision takes precedence, and in this instance, since the girls have been indoctrinated, their leader has no right to negotiate for their release, no matter the ransom offered, reliable multiple sources said.

“19/ It will be unbearable to share the names of the 15 that are alive here, this is the responsibility of Govt. When I was involved I regularly provided proof of life. Govt must demand that to prove me wrong or stop negotiating for many of the girls that don’t exists… 1f622 Revealed: How Remaining Chibok Girls May Never Return

“20/ The secrecy around the condition of the #ChibokGirls and most recent #DapchiGirls debacle by those involved is the reason people like me are out of the picture. The fact remains that under the present circumstances there is NO room for peace settlement.

“21/ The way out for these girls, is a military rescue or negotiate wt individual captors to release their ‘wives’ in return for some kind of deal, but this will mean death to these fighters bcz the terror group now sees the girls as part of their own and must be protected.

“22/ How comes there is little or no information about the girls and both the parents and campaigners are in the dark? Because, Govt resist independent reporting of the crisis, most of the reports are choreographed & Nigerians are also not ready to hear the truth or stand by it.

“23/ Reporting the #LakeChadCrisis is not just a job for me, Borno is my home, this crisis has affected me too. I’v invested 13yrs of my 18yrs journalism career to follow this story in a way no reporter or researcher has done, hence my knowledge of this crisis can’t be dismissed.

“24/ I’v risked my life and that of my family in the past and even now, not only to tell the story, but to play the role of a mediator and fact finder. But as soon as the FG found alternatives, my sacrifices got an official ridicule and I am being hounded.

“25/ I hold no other intention of doing this than the need to stir a debate to demand more insights and bring closure to the parents. The nation must not fail you from rescuing your daughters and also fail to tell you the truth.

“26/ My heartfelt condolences to the parents of the near 100 that have perished or have not returned home and apparently not with their captors. But you must always remember that your daughters were stronger than the rest of us that couldn’t do more to avert this catastrophe.”

These are huge revelations and it will be interesting to see how the federal government and other parties like former President, Goodluck Jonathan react to the allegations.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/revealed-remaining-chibok-girls-may-never-return/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

LadyAimy:
Thank you Lord! First good news from that country since Mugabe left

Zambian

What you should know about this new ‘Disease’ – Money Hoarding Disorder http://www.opinions.ng/know-new-disease-money-hoarding-disorder/

What is the dream of many pilots in relation to their parents that have supported their education to become the highly-regarded, respected and might-we-add well-paid professionals they have become?

It is usually flying their parents in a plane.

This dream was fulfilled for Kalenga Kamwendo, a 23-year-old Zambian pilot who took to twitter to express his delight. He tweeted:

"A dream realised, I’ve FINALLY flown my parents, great day! 1f64f-1f3fe 23-year-old Zambian Pilot Fulfills Dream of Flying Parents1f64f-1f3fe 23-year-old Zambian Pilot Fulfills Dream of Flying Parents"

Well, we join Kalenga and his parents in the celebrations, congratulations to the Kamwendo family.

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/zambian-pilot-fulfills-dream-flying-parents/

The pan-Igbo socio cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has defended Chief Ike Ekweremadu, Deputy Senate President on allegations of corruption. The Federal Government (FG) has commenced the process of confiscating some of Ekweremadu’s property abroad. It is also about to charge the lawmaker before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for alleged false asset declaration. In the same vein, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described FG’s move as political vendetta.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) strongly condemns a political culture which turns the blind eye at the vices of people of our ethnic, religious or political group.

Instead of allowing law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies to diligently carry out their legitimate duties, Nigerians have formed the habit of whipping up primordial sentiments. Ethnic groups, religious bodies and members of his political party ignore the real issues on ground and make ridiculous claims.

In the case at hand, Ohaneze allegedly complains that Igbo sons are being singled out. This is far from being the case. 23 names are on the second list, for example. How many of them are Igbo? Is Adesola Amosun an Igbo man? Are Babangida Aliyu, Jonah Jang, Rasheed Ladoja from the South East? Are Omokore and Aluko Igbo names? What will happen if the Yoruba, Hausa and other ethnic groups make the same allegation?

MURIC appeals to Nigerians to avoid jumping to emotional conclusions. We should learn to critically assess the facts of any allegation. But above all, we should allow the courts to be the last arbiters. A political culture which readily (and laughably) extenuates offences committed by people of our ethnic background, religion or political party is capable of leading Nigeria to perdition.

How can we, in good conscience, celebrate thieves and morally barren people? How can we complain of bad governance yet we sympathise with looters? Are we so hypocritical that we cannot face the truth? We are the cause of all the bad things we accuse our leaders of if we cannot allow the government to punish evil doers. We will never be able to stop corruption. It will be evil ad infinitum. It means we are finished as a people.

It is high time we learnt from countries doing well. Alberto Fujimori, a 79-year old former President of Peru, was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for corruption during his time in office. Park Geun-hye, a former President of South Korea, was last Friday (6th April 2018) sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of abuse of power, coercion and corrupt practices. Thailand’s former Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who was ousted in 2014, was sentenced to five years in prison over a rice subsidy case. A former senior legislator in northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province bagged 14 years imprisonment for accepting bribes. So why should Nigeria be different?

Corruption is being reduced in other climes by punishing corrupt leaders but in Nigeria we are being tied down by tribal, religious and political sentiments. Militants always start blowing up oil installations the moment the government makes any move to make ex-President Jonathan or his wife accountable. Who did this to Nigeria?

In our summary, we charge Nigerians to be ready to confront facts. We should leave people facing corruption charges to prove their innocence in the court of law. We urge FG to ignore sentiments being expressed over investigations of false assets and other forms of graft. Unless cases involving corrupt practices are pursued to logical conclusions, the problem of infrastructural deficiency will linger for a very long time.

Professor Ishaq Akintola,
Director,
Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC)

Source: http://www.opinions.ng/stop-defending-looters/

cc: Lalasticlala, Mynd44

https://www.opinions.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/unnamed1.jpg

Many of us now live our lives online. To do this, we make use of computers or a portable laptop. However, if you are careless with your it, your online activities may become an open-secret that anyone can indiscriminately access. Hence, it is key for you to protect your computer. Jumia, the online shop you can trust shares five secure computing hacks.

Choose strong passwords

Strong passwords use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Create a unique password for each account and use LastPass to manage all of your passwords so that you do not forget them.

Back up on a regular basis

Scheduling routine backups can protect you from unexpected attacks. This will forestall you recover all your data in case anything happens to your computer.

Control access to your machine

Don’t leave your computer in an unsecured, public area, especially if you’re logged on. The physical security of your machine is just as important as its technical security.

Use email safely

Be wary of attachments, links, and unsolicited emails that come from people you don’t know, or which seem phishy. Additionally, avoid unsafe free downloads.

Use secure connections.

When connected to the internet, your data can be vulnerable while in transit from one page to another. Hence, use secure file transfer options to stop others from intercepting your data.

Update your software

It is risky to use your computer when the software is outdated. You are simply making it easier for smooth illegitimate entry to your system. So, always check and update your software.

Source: Top Five Safe Computing Tips

cc: lalasticlala