, until there is a breakup or re-organisation of this entity called Nigeria.

Nigeria as presently organised will remain a failure. The Niger Delta problem is only a symptom of the deeper malaise that plagues the system.

@chxta
Indeed you are living in the third rock from the sun. So much so that you have been blinded by the sun's radiance and you cannot see the things that are plainly laid out before your eyes.

I can assure you that your generation will not pass away before the Delta arises from the position that it is today to the great and enviable position that it is destined to attain. Its sons and daughters will be sought after in every corner of the world for positive reasons. Its bickering and oppressive neighbours will behold the splendour and grace with which its affairs are conducted.

You are therefore at liberty, in the present deispensation, to blame whoever you want for its troubles.

However, I insist that the Delta is not looking for handouts, allocations, pity, sympathy, trouble, projects etc from any body or group of people. Rather it is seeking, justifiably so, to empower its sons and daughters by taking an absolute control of its resources, liabilities, fears, joys, pride, future and consequently, charting a prosperous future for its present and future generations.

@buchio7

In education:
1. I know of some young men that have a two year scholarship and are presently in canada under the states sponsorship (under a scheme funded by the state, guaranteed by elf and aided by the canadian government) There should be at least 70 of them there now. the program is ending in a few months. The Federal government has even hijacked it and is trying to use its quota mentality to send some people there.
2. Each year, about a hundred Akwa Ibomites are awarded postgraduate scholarships to Russian and some scandinavian universities.
3. As at march this year the shortlist of those to be sponsored  for masters through PHD programs abroad (so that they can serve as pioneer lecturers in the new University of Technology) was being compiled. I know some of those that passed the screening. They should be on their way to start up in the lst quarter of this year.
In terms of development of middle/high level manpower, its certain that the state has not had it better since the days of the Ibibio State Union old.

Can they do better? sure. Are there more things that can be done? yes.

In Health
They built at least five new general hospitals, with the best being at Okobo, within the seven year period.

Infrastructures
a. Roads
starting at Uyo - the Atiku Abubakar Avenue, Nsikak Eduok (1 and 2). All the roads within ewet housing, thereby opening up the new sprawling Osong- Ama area that is developing at lightening pace. Land even goes for 4 million and above there. Uncountable number of roads linking the major roads of Oron, Aka, Ikot ekpene, Abak and Nwaniba.

For the first time i could drive 90% of the town  on tarred roads.

In abak the town ship roads have been sorted.

this is despite the fact that about 70% of the contracts were awarded twice because the former Deputy Governor fed fat on them. A case in point is the set of four new parks and the adjoining roads and facilities that had to be rebuit from scratch. they have now been completed (I saw one of them earlier in the month when i was there).

The new road linking far flung places like Itu Mbonuso that has reduced commuting time to 20 mins from Ikot Ekpene.

The new Eket road, that Oron traffic has been diverted through. The road goes from Nung Udoe to Ikot ubo in Ubium.  (even if i add all the roads that has been done by the lagos state governor, it is not up to that road alone in length)

The new Abak road that has been completed. They were planting flowers when I passed through there earlier in the month.

Could they have done better? yes.
a. They failed (sort of) when they decided to award the first set of road contracts to indigenes only, and a few of them could not perform very well . But of course it created a new class of high performing and financially capable business men who  are going on to succeed in other businesses.
b. They failed when the contracts for 2 of the major roads were not awarded to world class companies, that is Nwaniba and Oron road.

b. Electricity
1.Sure you are not aware that as a precursor to solving the electricity problem, the state government had changed most of the power transmission lines in the state to standard guages without which power cannot be distributed effectively.
2. The state was the first to start the power plant syndrome but it was blocked by the feds because the president had hinged his own success on the overhaul and eventual success of nepa. Of course, he failed and had to turn to the idea of the power plant that Akwa Ibom had already started (which he had blocked). So after the lifting of that blockade, the state restarted its power plant which is about 60% complete. Today the same president is pushing for power plants every where including his village.
3. That decision is justified as the Akwa Ibom plant has the most reliable gas supply when compared to all the other ones that have been proposed. Even when the feds were signing a contract with GE for the gas-turbines in the niger delta states, they did not include that of akwa ibom. A tacit acknolodgement that the plant was way ahead in terms of feasibility and commitments

In the midst of these, do not forget that for more than two years, the feds did not give Akwa Ibom its due allocation because of the onshore/offshore nonsense. In fact the allocation for the state was even reduced as the feds insisted that they had to withdraw all the monies given to the state before the enforcement of the onshore/offshore dichotomy decision.

Investments
Its investment in econet has done more than you can imagine in that state. Long before most states had mobile telecoms coverge, all the networks were in Akwa Ibom and competing. Today, apart from lagos and abuja, no other state has a better level mobile telecom service coverage. There is network service in every local government.
Today the state has sold off that investment, reaping more than 300%,  nd is investing all of it in an airport/aircraft maintenance hub. Tall dreams you may say, but when I went to the construction managment office for the airport, I could not help but see that its realisation is just a matter of time.

In addition it has fully built up a beautiful resort and accompanying water-side 5 star hotel (Ibom meriedien) and golf course at Nwaniba near Uyo.

Despite these things, I think that they could have done better. Also there exists some level of corruption and "man-know-man". There are lots of things that could have happened if resources were employed in some better ways. However, I insist that since the days of Esuene as the governor of old cross river state, those guys in that part of the world have not had it so good.

I therefore maintain, that I do not see the rationale behind that label of non-performance placed on Attah or Akwa Ibom.

If what I have known and observed in depth thoughout about  twenty-two of the thirty six states is anything to go by, then Attah has a place among the most visionary and best performing governors.

Certainly, the highest paying company in Nigeria (for entry level) is not an oil company.

Look elsewhere.

@buchio7
Can you give me some more info on Attah?,

Facts before me and some personal visit to Akwa Ibom indicates something much more positive than what you say about him. Can you justify your position?

I still await someone that will substantiate this 'looting' label that has been placed on Attah of Akwa Ibom.

All information available to me including personal visits point in the opposite direction.

I dare to say that few have made the strides that can be attributabe to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.

@Ashiwaju
Your excuses for the failure of the Lagos state government were expected and are well taken. They clearly reflect the fact that all that lagos State Government has given its people is large consignments of EXCUSES AND EXCUSES.

For your information, the presentation of excuses in place of concrete achievements  = failure Great men speak by their actions and not excuses.

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

You would have done us a great disservice if you are one of those Lagos resident, arm chair, 'analysts' who believe that the whole world revolves around Lagos and whatever nonsense the governor dishes out to them is the best. It is folly of the highest order to make claims that you cannot sustain.[/b]

This wasn't a question, its a statement.

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

Could you please rephrase your Q? I don't seem to understand, be a little more precise!Please explain what you mean by "whatever Nonsense the Gov dishes out" Okay! I ll be waiting

It means that little things excite little minds and they (little minds) end up trumpeting it as if the whole world has been conquered. Like the Ikotun road that was re-built while many governors have done better. You will continue to make lots of noise until you see or visit the 2 Bomadi bridges built by Delta state government.
Is Ikotun road a good thing?, yes. But is it the best that can be offered? - NO. You need ten Ikotun roads to get one of those delta bridges. Yet I consider that the Delta state governor has failed in spite of there bridges. Then how can Lagos be termed anything close 'a success' when it has done far less.? No way it has failed

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

Lagos remains a state in limbo on every front when it has thecapacity to be the catalyst of Nigeria's growth.

Thanks to PDP and its goons for making it unsuccessful i.e if its not "successful"!

Another excuse for being a failure

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

More than anything else the omissions hurt more than the mistakes (which may be human afterall).
Lagos with its population
1.  Still has its one rickety and grossly underfunded polytechnic, college of education and university. - Seven years is enough to totally overhaul at least one of these institutions up to model status.

Do You mind to know what the fees in these afformentioned institutions are? till Lately? Do you mind to know d problem of all State institution in Nigeria?. . .simple Low funding, Does that answer your Q and if the Federal Govt. allocates just 6% of the Fed Govt budget to Education in Nigeria, What magic would you expect a man like tinubu to do? See the Federal Instutions aswell and see how acheic all the Structures are! How many times has the ASSU Gone on strike this year? is it still the fault of Tinubu? You seem to attach the irrellevants just to suit your arguement and you know what? its allowed! Dig more, Go to the Niger Delta and Tell us the Problems there are Courtesy of Tinubu's Admin. Damn

Ask me again because I know.
Delta State which I reckon to be a failure has started one brand new polytechnic. It even has school on boats for some reiverine communities
Cross river has converted its polytectnic to a university of technology
Akwa Ibom has started a brand new university of tech. Indeed it is sending about a hundred of the starting faculty on fully paid scholarship abroad to some scandinavian countries.

What has Lagos done?Ashiwaju, what has Lagos done?

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

3. Does not need to spend as much as cross river is spending on tinapa before it can bring the whole of west africa to shop within its boundaries
Lagos , Oh Lagos.

You ll need to visit the new palm shopping Centre at Lekki or better still the Silver Bid Galeria to know that the whole world can still shop in Lagos and how come you have just because,Galaxy and NTA Ibadan as the only TV station in ibadan? Have you ever wondered how Awful their presentation are? The programs and the concept? Isnt that a sign that you should get more concerned with what happens in your environment than condemning a man who has done nothing but his best to see things work?

Then you do not have any inkling on the what the tinapa project is all about if you can compare it with the faciltities that you are mentioning. Even with the best of intentions, these private establishments cannot go far because of the kind of environment that Tinubu has foisted on us. Look at Ahmadu Bello Road on which Silverbird is located. Look at the lekki areaand all its attendant problems that Tinubu has pretended not to see except to give excuses.

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

If a man has 7years to positively enhance the lives of over 10 million of Nigeria's 130million population and he plays with it like, Bola Tinubu, has done then no man worth his salt should defend him.

You see why i say Ignorance is a disease? I beg your pardon! Tinubu is the Executive Governor of LAgos State and not the GCFR of Nigeria. Lagos Went 100 feet beneath the surface before tinubu's Admin, Lagos is one of the oldest and a city once tammed as the most Dangerous city in the world before tinubu's Era. Please no 7 years would make it all happen. . . I ll repeat Tinubu is not a magician but an Executive Gov, a man just like you and Nigerians in General has failed to see anyone with a true success, you always look for excuses why you think this or that person is a failure rather than see what you could contribute to make things work.

Open your eyes wide and read the statement well. Your answer leaves much to be desired. You are excusing this man who has squandered the collective wealth of Lagos people - it is most ridiculous. You heart must be hardened if you don not weep at the sight of Lagos primary schools or the public water lines(wherever they exist) that run though gutters.

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

N:B you are yet to answer my Q about the Adedibu's,the LAdoja, the Azeem and how a dissmissed officer called Akala, became the Govenor of your state? I ll still be waiting anyway and i ll cease to respond to any post from you, if you aint answering that Q. Okay

For your threat, I retract the answer that I had written already.  Did I tell you that your presentation does not deserve my time?, oh yes it does not

Ashiwaju link=topic=14962.msg485400#msg485400 othedate=1152626656:

Thanks 4 your time 

Sure! you will not even find another opportunity to thank me again

Be careful who you defend, it has a way of revealing your own standards and values.

Time and time again, retarded heads have used population as the reason for their failure. Unknown to them, it is the very reason why they should succeed. Because growth and success lies in harnessing the creative powers of the populace for the common good.

The greatest failure of The Lagos state administration led by Ahmed Tinubu is the inability(or lack of wisdom and foresight) to harness its best of resources (population) for the development the state. Indeed a bad workman will always blame his tools.

It is clear beyond all reasonable doubt that the Lagos State Government has been an avoidable failure throughout BOLA Tinubu's stay in office.

@Ashiwaju,
We are still waiting for you to bring up facts on the man you claim is one of the best.

You would have done us a great disservice if you are one of those Lagos resident, arm chair, 'analysts' who believe that the whole world revolves around Lagos and whatever nonsense the governor dishes out to them is the best. It is follyof the highest order to make claims that you cannot sustain.

You obviously need to know a bit more.
Lagos remains a state in limbo on every front when it has thecapacity to be the catalyst of Nigeria's growth.
More than anything else the ommisions hurt more than the mistakes (which may be human afterall).
Lagos with its population
1.  Still has its one rickety and grossly underfunded polytechnic, college of education and university. - Seven years is enough to totally overhaul at least one of these institutions up to model status.
2. Does not have any good referral hospital. That is why South African hospitals are booming. What is happening to the LASUTH?
3. Does not need to spend as much as cross river is spending on tinapa before it can bring the whole of west africa to shop within its boundaries
Lagos , Oh Lagos.

If a man has 7years to positively enhance the lives of over 10 million of Nigeria's 130million population and he plays with it like, Bola Tinubu, has done then no man worth his salt should defend him.

Rather than do what he swore (using the koran), he even ended up funding a faction of the AD including hosting his own faction's national convention among other 'unbecoming' actions.

Based on his ommisions and the possibilities that have been within his grasp, which he failed  to take, during the last 7years, this man must be the greatest of failures among the Governors.

@ Ashiwaju
Oyo state is a failure on every index. Its case does not merit an analysis since the blind, deaf and even the insane can discern that we are under a siege.

Therefore, it would be most unwise to try to divert attention to Oyo State. In addition, no one is claiming that the Oyo state governor has performed.

The issue is Lagos, Lagos, Lagos.

To give you some more fodder for what ever you wish to come up with, you would need to be to reminded that on Victoria Island;
1. Adeola Odeku would remain a sham if not for Globacom
2. Adetokunbo Ademola would remain a nightmare if it were not for Eko Hotel and all the other companies on the street
3. Zenith bank is currently reconstructing the Ajose Adeogun

And to give you an idea of the school system, no Lagos state Government owned school has won any national secondary/primary school competition (science, sports, arts etc) throughout this administration. The educational system is an apology.

Lagos is one place where it is easy to impress people, but Bola Ahmed is everything but a performer.
I therefore insist that[b]he (Ashiwaju Bola Tinubu) and his Lagos administration are one of the worst state administrations of the last 7years[/b]

Please can you expantiate on Attah as a looter?

On face value, I strongly disagree with your submission

@Ashiwaju
Lagos is Nigeria's commercial capital and you cannot be more of a Lagosian (or even half as passionate) than I am. I was born in the baby factory in Lagos and I have more than one connection with the big slum in addition to the amount of time that I spend there (almost daily).

Where are the roads. If you decided to take all the roads that he has done and lay them end to end, you will be amazed at how a man has wasted 7years building less than 200kms of road.
At the end of the day, all the talk of PSP refuse collection is in the trash-can because Lagos refuse collection is back to its worst days.

There is no reliable public water supply in any part of the big slum. The electricity that he staked his reputation on, is at its lowest ebb - 7years after - just like that of his big brother in Aso rock.

As the father of area-boys, its little wonder that they have gotten established in the big slum in addition to making advances into hitherto un-thought-of areas like Ikeja GRA, Lekki, etc . The area fathers are so rich that they have houses every where.

It is unthinkable that someone will promote Lagos state governor as anything close to the best in Nigeria. Ask any one that comes into Nigeria through the International Airport. The stark lawlessness that stares you in the face beginning at airport road is enough to make a man puke.

Yet this is the state that has the largest internally generated revenue
1. most of the oil companies, 80% of marine companies all the telecom companies, all the banks, all the insurance companies and uncountable small businesses have Lagos as their registered office and pay most of their taxes to Lagos.
2. It has increased property, land and even some form of industrial taxes within this administration.
3. No other state in Nigeria has the level of property investments that is witnessed in Lagos, especially in the lekki area.

All that we get is the sham that is called a government in Alausa that is full of promises but lacking in action

1. The long promised fourth mainland bridge that never came
2. Lekki infrastructure that it is doing nothing about except to do land grab and encourage area fathers like the one in Ajah.
3. What impact has the enron barges had on electricity? absolutely none.

Its latest export is to send its commissioner of works to contest for Osun state's government.

Without any doubt, Lagos state government is one of the worst performing.

@ ashiwaju
for some reasons best known to you, you have tried to defend the chief of thugs and alaye boys (Mr Tinubu) and even presented him as the best governor.

I put it to you that you are wrong and totally wrong at that.

Tinubu remains one of the worst governors that lagos state has ever produced. In a place like Lagos where its so easy to impress people(the press is headquartered there) and where there is enough excuse to fail, your man Tinubu could have done well if he had any iota of forward thinking.

I challenge you to bring out the best of his achievements and I will use that to prove to you that your guy is a failure.

otokx:

can they withstand the firepower of france?

YES THEY CAN. Have more questions?

People must allowed to become what they want to be.

Having 'dispatched' all 'issues' related to this topic, Do we take it that it is generally agreed that Christians are not in conflict neither does the Bible contradict itself.?

I stand up to be counted as one that strongly believes that the Bible does not contradict itself neither are Christians in conflict

Where do you stand?

We meet on YIM, I have already sent an invite to you to your messenger, I'm waiting.

my2cents:

Coming from Akwa Ibom State(AKS), I am going to give Obj the benefit of doubt and say it is the states. AKS gets billions monthly thanks to oil revenues but what does it have to show for it?

If you ask this question, it can be concluded, without doubt, that you have not been to your state in a 'quadrillion' years.

I was there during the following periods
a. 20years ago
b. 10years ago
c. 4years ago
d. last year and early this year.

Having travelled to or stayed in all of  Nigeria's geopolitical regions, I put it to you that your state is one of the very few that is blessed and has lots to show for its funds / resources in the past 4years.

Are you in your people's Ibom forum, both online and maybe physically in Atlanta?

We can talk one on one if you seek proofs.

Oh yea, there is a lot of 'sanity'.

Someone(the originator of this thread) decided to leave his 'holy' book and use the Bible to authenticate what he worships.

We state very clearly that the
1. Bible does not mention his prophet, directly or indirectly.
2. His quotations are at best a display of gross ignorance.
3. If his 'holy' book cannot be relied upon to authenticate his prophet, then alluding to the Bible is the first step at undermining whatever he believes.
4. Many events, men and ideas have been prophesied in the Bible, however, God in his wisdom did not consider the prophet being canvassed important enough to be included in the Bible.

@Afeni
I'm sorry that I have to send this on a public thread for want of a direct communication with you.
Thank you for deciding to read. All your posts (not just on this thread) have positively improved.

However, never forget that having begun, the greatest harm you can do to yourself is to drop it later.

Peace

Though on the loosing side (West Ham) of the FA cup final, the young midfielder, Benayoun toward shoulder above Gerard in his workrate and co-ordination.

Therefore in terms of actual midfield co-ordination (not goals for now) some players can certainly do better.

hmmmmmm, need 'anyone' say more?

Then Afeni, please join them, this is a free world. The sooner you and your family , kiths/kins, village, community, state etc move over there the better for us all. That way, the number of mouths that we have to feed, cloth, train and receive insult from will be fewer. I wish you God-speed.

Accusing the Niger Delta or its inhabitants/custodians of the tribalism in Nigeria must be one of the worst misplacement of aggression in recent times.

I will try in the following brief to put these things in their proper perspective

Tribalism in Nigeria:
It is on record that a Niger Deltan (Chief Enahoro) moved the motion for Nigeria's independence, at a time when the north stated in clear terms that they did not want to be part of the emerging Nigeria.
It is on record that some of the animosity that blew open during the  the civil war was a tribalistic move in the western parliament that ensured that Azikiwe lost the premiership of the western region despite  'winning' because he was not a Yoruba man. A Niger Deltan had to be relieved of the same post , in the East, so that the returning Azikiwe could be the Premier.
It is on record that just before and during the civil war, some Niger Delta towns and villages had their names changes and properties re-assigned by occupying powers. The seccession project failed ONLY, AND ONLY  because the Niger Delta was uncomfortable with it at that material time and even volunteered and actually fought on the Nigerian( FederalGovernment )side.
It is on record that since the end of the Civil was in 1970, the Larger Nigeria has survived on the resources derived from the Niger Delta. Since then, at least 93% of foreign exchange earnings and >80 of GDP has been from the resources of the Niger Delta
[b[b]]It is on record [/b] that despite these contributions to the independence, molding, sustenance and financing of the Nigerian project, the Niger Delta and its citizens are the most impoverished, bastardized, raped, oppressed, cheated, insulted and traumatized segment of the Geo-polity.[/b]
It is on record that before 1993 (and the subsequent killing of Ken Wiwa) and even thereafter to this present day Nigeria has had inhibited access to all of the Delta's resources .

Who then is tribalistic? Which section of Nigeria has suffered more to ensure Nigeria continued existence?
Why must the Children of men whose parents (and themselves too) have been fed, trained and kept alive by the continued deprivation/rape/pauperisation of the Delta (and its inhabitants) insist  that this state of affairs should remain? Are these not the real tribalists?

All informed minds know that the Delta, is more diverse in tribal and ethnic composition than any other part of Nigeria. The Delta therefore does not have the ability to carry out and ethnic agenda neither does it intend to do so. Rather, it is the ethnic agenda of all that accuse the deltans of  tribalism to ensure that the stealing, looting, oppresion,pauperisation and rape of the Niger Delta reamins ongoing for their own benefit. they know for sure that they would have been  like their kiths and kins in Niger Republic/Benin Republic etc if they were not in the same geopolitical entity with the Niger Delta, which they have raped (for so long) for their profit. Next time you hear someone point an accusing finger at the Niger Delta alleging tribalism, then note his face because he is the tribalist.

@Afeni,
you are certainly light years away from reality. Read up, visit around and get some life.

I am from the Niger Delta, and I sure do not sound like whatever you have in your stereotyped view.

Sorry, you need to bring yourself up to speed before we can discuss. If all you know is what you have stated, then you are doing yourself a great dis-service by coming into the public arena to show your lack of information and exposure.

In this day and age, you can only blame yourself for staying un-informed or without knowledge.

To be candid, you sound more of a man that is willingly ignorant. Please desist from stating these wrong conclusions of yours.

I therefore maintain that your views and conclusions on issues that have to do with the Niger Delta are baseless, uninformed and at best tribalistic. They are therefore wrong, totally wrong and wholly unacceptable.

Thank you (@Afeni)  for the "fast, sharp and conclusive" investigation that you have conducted on the killers of the US guy.  Even the Nigerian Government has not been able to pinpoint any of the killers of the numerous, high profile,  murders that has taken place in the land for the last 7 years.
Fortunately, Nothing can be more wrong than your conclusion.

For your information, there has been lots of internal squabbles within Baker Hughes Nigeria,  and some people have even been sacked in the recent past. This is in addition to the problems it had (along with halliburton) in the case of tax evasion and bribery in Nigeria, Angola and Indonesia. The bribery charges  prompted its investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commision since 2002.

please read the following and re-post your comments
1. http://www.bakerhughes.com/investor/information/pdf/2005/2005_10K_Part_I.pdf - page 15
2. http://www.misleader.org/pdf/specialreport1_bandofbrothers.pdf -  page 7, among others.

If you still maintain your view, then I challenge you to answer the following questions
1. What are the deals (bribery inclusive) that have been carried out by the victim's employers.
2. What is the role of this man in these deals?

For sure, the same Nigerian Police that has not been able to trace the killers of the country's serving Minister of Justice under their very nose will be very glad to join you in your conceited conclusion