@otitoloju: thanks.... but note that NNPC owns 55% of SPDC, Shell 25% while Elf and Agip share the remaining 20%. I guess you are mistaking this for the LNG where NNPC has 49%, Shell 30% wile the rest is shared btw Agip and Elf.
I should know 'cos I'm part of the team that runs the business.

@Ono- More grease to your 'elbows'In my earlier posts , I had canvassed for clear cut, decisive action by all well meaning souls in this country. No effort should be spared at driving out the current imposters. Stealing and raping the Niger Delta is only one of their stock-in-trade. If we remain quiet, they will sell us alive(if they have not done so already).

The other reason for the lethargy is that.... we have not 'seen' what the loan money was used for ..( except being stolen) neither have we felt, in any real way, the effect of the money we have now.
Also, no one trusts that the government in power will use the freed resources for the benefit of the people.

What next should be done?....
1.Hunt down every one that stole these loans and its derivatives.
2.Get the current government, by whatever means, to account for all monies that it has received since 1999
3.Restructure Nigeria into a form that will allow for real (people centred) growth. The current structure is aimed at underdeveloping all its constituents.

@otitoloju : Nigeria owns 60% in all the JV's except shell where it owns 55%. That comes to about 57.5% and not 51%.

What are the cash-call requirements? It is the same money from the Niger Delta that is re-invested...as cashcall. So what meanest thou?
Apart from bonga that just started producing ( around sept 05) about 25kbpd... no other 'deep water' is producing.

In all... we are still awaiting the computation of what Ogun State or all the other states apart from those exempted by Ono are contibuting to the National Coffers.

Your 'understanding' of this and similar issues in this forum is appreciated. However, it is important to take note of what has been written by Ono.
The problems are not happening in the 'oilfields'.... these are people's villages, farmlands, fishing grounds and burial places. Infact these are our inheritance.

Why must others..(the larger Nigeria, US etc) be the ones to manage, control or exploit them for us. Are we managing, controlling or exploiting their inheritance for them? This is the fundamental question. Niger Deltans are not stupid.

It hurts when 'lesser' mortals who do not even know how to keep their village clean... insist that they are the 'experts' in managing our lives for us. This we will resist and overcome...sooner than later.

@Chief Kismat....
we are still waiting for all your references/explanation of Muhammed being in the Bible. We need to look at them one by one. The living one (Peace be from Him) will enlighten us.

Again.... it shows where the interest lies....in the OIL
What happens (or has been happening) to the human beings created in God's image does not matter to you.

I infer from your comments that -
All the dehumanisation and killings that the Delta has suffered over the decades occasioned by Nigeria's insistence on living off their blood is nothing, neither is it in the stone age.
All the rape, military boys impregnating any and every village girl, occupation and torture is not in the stone age.
All the looting and stealing of the Delta's resources to develop other parts of the country,
without having a commensurate investment in the Delta is not unjust and should be continued.


But, may it be known to you that...
the money that pays teachers and lecturers in the primary, secondary and tertiary intitutions in the west is obtained by keeping the Niger Delta in the Stone age.
The money that is used to subsidise fuel, design and construct road, build schools, pay civil servants, build and run television and radio stations etc in the west in obtained by ensuring that the Delta remains in the stone age.
The money that is used to pay bursary and give scholarships, pump public water, pay the police and the military is gotten by oppressing the Deltans.
The Money that is used to sponsor 'liberation' in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone is amassed by oppressing the Delta and keeping it under bondage.
The money whose stealing looting is the source of complaints is obtained by coercion, thuggery and keeping the delta in the stone age.
The money/power that they are struggling ( and even killing themselves) to control in Ibadan is obtained and sustained by killing, sacking communities and committing arson in the Niger Delta.

Sanity, to you, must be the continued enforcement of these barbaric, lopsided, unjust, immoral basis of co-existence.

May there arise a generation that will not make the mistakes of our fathers who died on the negotiating tables without obtaining and keeping any inheritance for us. May our Children be born into a society where we control our resources and destiny.

The 'president' of a country of 130 million stood in front of a 'murder mastermind'..... and begged him to embrace peace, loyalty etc etc.

The excuse?.... Ibadan has always been like that, Adedibu is a 'strong' man, Baba Adedibu wants to be recognised etc etc.

It may be called 'Presidential protection in Awka and Ibadan' or whatever name. But, certainly a day of reckoning will come.

It only shows the stuff that the president is made of and goes to prove that wonders will never cease to happen.

May there arise a generation of men, women and children that will not condone this kind of arrant nonsense.
May the babies born in our hospitals be strong in mind and spirit to resist immoral leaders.
May our young men have clear eyes and zeal to pursue and overcome ungodly, self serving presidents who value money more than human life.
May our old men and women curse those that plead with bold and daring 'murder masterminds'.

Yes....
Their cohorts and supporters are also here.
Last week their uni-formed arrowheads called MOPOL shot and killed an innocent villager at Onne - about 40km from the site of the dynamited pipeline.
May God deliver our lands and waters from these from imposters.

@jakumo:... when there is no oil to negotiate... then the prayer is answered.
The parasites will have to look for better means (other than victimisation and dehumanising treatment) to feather their nests.

Never forget that... In the history of conflicts, foreigners have never conquered the inhabitants of a swamp or rainforest.

Those that do not know the real terrorists... should perform their due diligence and maybe ask their counterparts in nothern sudan.

As usual, the people that lost their lives is not an issue... it is the oil that will stop flowing. The communities that were razed down is not a problem.... it is the oil that flows from their land.

Of all the people welcomed in the homeland, oppresors and their cohorts are not among them. Those that wear the shoe know where it pinches.

Bemoaning the imminent and "slow disintegration" is only the begining. We hope that the oil that has been the source of most of the Niger Delta's problems would indeed stop flowing.
Then security pact, enslavement, pollution, rape, murder, torture, occupation, discrimination etc etc will follow suit. Maybe third term agenda, thugery and the dis-integration of the monster called PDP will join them in the same grave.

If Nigeria was so brilliant as claimed by many, it would have found a way of ensuring that it doesn't depend on the Niger Delta's blood for 95% of its foreign exchange. Long live the homeland.

From all indications, facts and reality....Nigeria is an unviable state..... without the Homeland (Niger Delta) and the Igbo states.

yes...ooooo

pendelite:

I received this in my e-mail earlier today. Please find one lie in it and I will bring the foreign investors personally.

He is looking for any one lie in the report.

You may need to see some other views on this minister and his master.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2004/mar/15/national-mar15-%20001.htm

For sure they need a sign a pact with the American Air Regulatory Agency. The American airforce is also on hand to sign a safety pact when they are ready. After-all, that is how it works.

On the other hand, the issues that have been raised on this thread are playing themselves out with the latest crises. Immediately after this 'mourning' period, you can be sure that his sycophants will resume their praise singing duties. What a shame.

The Niger Delta that they are selling to the themselves will hook their throats sooner than later.

yes it would be wrong... because we have tried it for forty years and yet we have retrogressed. It is criminal to allow oneself to be killed by the evil that killed our parents.

If they are afraid of agreeing to discuss and alter (as required) the basis of unity, then what will happen at the implementation thereof.
Only foolishness and ignorance of our antecedents will make us to toe the line 'forgetting our difference'.

On the other hand, it is obvious to every discerning mind that we have failed to agree on a common course. that is why a we havenot been able to agree on getting at a basic thing like the constitution that reflects everybody's views.

omon:

@Owo, you are getting it all wrong! No body is saying Nigeria is a haven already and so we must celebrate and congratulate OBJ. No! we are yet to get to the promised and we must strive to get there....
The Igbos are very resourceful people and the Ijaws are well endowed. Turn that into some form of synergy and see how much you will grow. That is geniune freedom. The fustration and poverty in the land is what is driving these youths to support the so called freedom fighter. Give the Igbos their land and sovereignity and they will still remain poor until they seek economic empowerement.

@Omon, the resourcefulness is what makes them to suceed where-ever they go. Indeed every tribe in this God-forsaken place is blessed with human resources.
But there is frustration.... as you have mentioned and much more. The same guy who is made to look like a fool here goes to another environment and becomes a superstar. What is the reason? The system is not designed for growth and development.
Therefore, having tried the same method at removing the causes if this syndrome, there must be a change in tactics.

If Togo can survive with less than what Edo state alone can muster.... then let us go our separate ways. Must God come down to prove to us that this union is meant for the under-development of each unit? As long as this parasitic 'marriage' exists... so long will we remain an unfulfilled people.

What we must go on to discuss are 1. how to organise the separation, 2. whether a very loose federation will not meet our needs and help each consituent member to become what they want to be.3. how each unit, confederate or sovereign member can be of assistance to the other 4. what to do with shared infrastructure.

My dear Ono.... the word real in your post need not be within apostrophes.

The owners, REAL owners, authentic owners, bonafide owners, certified owners etc are being persecuted daily while impostors and their cohorts smile with their ill-gotten loot.

It won't be long and the slave will be brought down from the horse back while the owner of the horse back will sit where he rightfully belongs.

When men 'outsource' the 'security' (actually oppresion, killing, hunting, exploitation etc) of communities that they do not own.... then you can imagine what next they will do.

We are not looking for what to eat.... that is what your brother the musician thinks (I see that you agree with him) ... we are looking for a great, prosperous and fulfiling future for our Children. They will not forgive us if we bequeath such squalor and utter deprivation (as we currently have) to them.
....

Chief Kismat.... It would be good if you took some time out to digest the following explanation that I prepared for you. It may do you some good.

Deut 18 is a brief summary of Jehovah’s inheritance plan for the Levites and also a declaration of the ultimate purpose of their work as ministers.

The first twelve verses describe, briefly the inheritance (and some undo-ables) while the next ten describe the purpose or ultimate consummation of their duties.

In describing the purpose of their work, the following are highlighted.
1. (vs15-16) A prophet will be raised up from among them (the Levites/Israelites… to which they must hear… this being a fulfillment of their earlier desire.
2. (vs18-19)A description of when (Exodus 20: 19) and how he (Moses) heard the message delivered in vs. 15 & 16.
3. The consequences of false prophecies and how they and such ‘prophets’ should be treated (vs 20 – 22).

The old covenant (of which a good portion of the first five books belong) is described as having a ‘shadow’ (Heb 10:1) of the new covenant through Jesus.

The statement in verses 15 and 18 are direct references to Jesus (The Prophet, King, Priest and above all, Lord) –(All Peace be from Him)

As prophet he speaks the words of the Father - Jehovah…Heb 1:1-2 (God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets,
hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds,)
…John 12: 49 (For I have not spoken of Myself; but the Father who sent Me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak.)

The similarity of prophets in the whole scripture of truth is ‘never’ based on physical attributes like marriage (the WORD declares that there is no marriage in heaven), height, colour or the like. Rather, they are based on similarity of message… as in prophet A is similar to be if they convey similar or comparable messages. In this understanding, you have erred (It should be so since you do not read the WORD for the life in it).

Therefore;
As Moses was used to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, even so does Jesus deliver His people from the bondage/death of their sins into eternal life.(Matt 1: 21, Rom 6:23)

As Moses led the people to God even so is Jesus ‘…the way, the truth, and the life..”John 14:6

As the Father prepared Canaan for the people that Moses led even so is heaven being prepared for those that are being led by Jesus. (John 14: 1-3)

The 'whole' of this forum and all its posts would not be enough if all the similarities were to be written.

Many that can be described as great leaders of men have lived and died in this world ... and they remain buried in their graves and tombs. Many have always sought to measure and compare themselves to Jesus.
However, having read through Muhammad's life and history and the Quran (over and over again), I can say categorically that there have been so many men that have closer similarities to Jesus than Mohammad. Certainly, these people would be the next in line if that scripture wasn't referring to Jesus (But thank God its very specific).

You can look for another way of authenticating your prophet.... but certainly this scripture and the word of truth will not help you.

Barring a few exceptions...the poor knowledge of 'eastern' nigeria (and Nigeria in general) by most Westerners has always been embarrassing.

Who are Ibos? Who are Efiks/Ibibios? Are they the same or what? Can a Nigerian be asking the difference between an Obong and Eze-Ndigbo?

For the purpose of information...
The Eastern part of Nigeria has 9 states... abia, akwa ibom,anambra, bayelsa, cross river, ebonyi, enugu, imo, rivers.

5 of these are Igbo speaking while the rest are not. In fact the rest make up a core of the current south-south region (with delta and edo as the other south -south states).
Unity in the former eastern region was/is not the kind of xenophobic type that was achieved in the west. It was/is based on principles of 'fairness'.
The first Biafra struggle was won and lost due to a 'perceived breach' or 'breach' of this principle.

Efiks/Ibibios occupy most of Akwa Ibom and Cross River. They neither understand nor speak Ibo. Classifying them as Igbos is like telling a Katsina man that he is Yoruba. Same goes for a Kalabari, Ogoni, or Bonny man.
These languages are not dialects of Igbo nor are the cultures tributaries of the Igbo culture.

The Obong is the traditional ruler of the Efiks, while an Eze Ndi-Igbo of Xyz is the head of Igbos in Xyz location.

These moves, as reported, are obviously untrue and at best political as Igbos have been in Calabar since the slave trade era without any 'insurrection'.

The current Biafra case is out to show 'Nigeria' that it is a land without a soul. It does not have any link with this case. 'Westerners' and 'Easterners' have diametrically opposed views of unity... one of them should not be made to look superior.

Seun, Thank you(?)

There are two sides(and no middle ground).... Oppressors/colonisers and the oppressed/victims...
It is obvious which side of the divide you belong or stand.

Seun:

You need to remember that the dangers in the Niger Delta are not from the deprived citizens alone. You also have the armed militia groups that steal crude oil to finance their operations (that is how Dokubo started), the armed sea pirates that hijack commercial ships carrying oil or other valuable commodities so they can reap the profit

Those groups like to encourage strife in the region and recruit members by provoking anti-nationalistic sentiments.

Without holding brief for anyone, these statements are very inflamatory...

You have labelled a man (Dokubo) who has not been convicted by a 'Proper' court of law as a thief. If you do not know those that steal crude oil?... Do not make these insinuations. Have you worked in the swamp of the Niger delta before? Do you know what it takes to have a meal in the creeks? Do you know how crude oil smells?. Have you fisshed in smelly, oil-polluted rivers before?
Would you stand such accusations being brought on you?

When a whole vessel filled with stolen crude dissapeared from the naval base... How many Niger Deltans were fingered in the case? what was the state of origin of those convicted etc?

Is the word 'pirate' a Nigerian Term?..... Can pirates 'survive' in Nigeria without the active connivance of Naval/military personnel? Is it only the Niger Delta that has a border with the ocean?

My dear... leave your arm chair, newspaper information stuff and get onto the field... then you'll see more than your eyes/mind can fathom.

That a man can go ahead and agree that another country should 'protect' a part of 'his constituency' for him... after he has fully miltarised the region, impoverished it, is sucking its land and creeks dry, denied the people their due funds etc... is the height of provocation and hatred.

Add together all the people that have died due to riots or civil unrest in the Niger Delta and compare that to those that have died due to religious violence in the north... then you will know where the Americans should be invited to 'secure'.

And there you are.... saying it is right.
Then, you must have been an Abacha apologist when he started hounding NADECO members into hiding? You must have been an 'assitant to Daniel Kanu' when he was recruiting 2 million souls for Abacha, his master. You must have been very happy to see the murder of Alfred rewane and the likes because they called a government in power..evil

Yesterday, it was the westerners turn... because a northerner was in power
Today it is the Niger Delta's turn.... because a westerner is the president.
Tomorrow....?? You can make your deductions

A government that cannot guarantee the saftey of lives and property within its jurisdiction.... is not worth its salt.

So sad....God help us

There is always a strong temptation to react to the insinuations and false prejudices expressed on many posts here.

Who abducted the Governor of Anambra State and whose court held that it was right?
Who burnt down government house, radio station and ministries in Awka and who said that its a 'family matter'?Is the arson-contractor not a member of pdp board today?
Whose soldiers burnt down thousands of houses and killed thousands in Odi(Bayelsa) and Zaki Ibiam (Benue) and has refused to charge those responsible?
Who sent tanks and military machinery to intimidate the people of Yenegoa, finally shutting down their only radio station when it has done nothing for the people?...That town is not yet on the National electricity grid.

Can any Igbo-man/woman/child/infant at home, abroad, dead or alive burn down Zik's house? The person who does not know the perpetrators must be living in Planet Pluto.

Will this be the first time that the Nigerian Police Force (Note that it is not an ordinary police .... it is a force) ....have shot and killed innocent Nigerians? Who committed the recent Apo 6 murders and countless accidental discharges that have killed many? How many people are killed during world trade conferences (like the ones in Seattle and Cancun) where there are tens of thousand of protesters who are sometimes violent.

For the purpose of information, there were no peaceful protests in Yenegoa.... there were hired placard carriers who numbered slightly above hundred. Who does not know those that hired them?

This thread was not about the modus-operandi of MASSOB and the likes. However, only the deaf, willingly ignorant and those living in safe havens (which others fought to establish) do not know that the first creed of MASSOB is that it will accomplish its aims by non-violent means. Igbos in Lagos also locked up their shops.....were they threatened too?

For the records, let it known that ; The demands/struggles/fights that you fail to make today.... are the things that you and your children will NOT enjoy tomorrow.

Who ever is applauding the current government with all its antics/failures and 'crimes', certainly, has not come to terms with the reality.

The elephants are already scheming, looting, killing and consequently denying us of our heritage. We 'the grasses' are just trying to protest against the decimation/annihilation that stares us in the face daily.

Good talk....hope alternate views will be as enlightening.....

No place like paradise.....
C-come
A-and
L-live
A-and
B-be
A-at
R-rest

This city is really living up to its billing.....
I'll be there soon, hope I don't miss much

If Dokubo is Mr Niger Delta..... then Olabode George is Mr. South West, Mr Afolabi (of $242million national ID card scam) is Mr. Core south west and Mr. Tafa Balogun is Mr. Beautiful South West.

If dialog and diplomacy are the 'only way forward' then we should have gone about our normal business after June 12.

Apologetic souls and those that keep quiet in the face of obvious oppression and injustice cause the greatest ruin on earth.


If the current Government's 'corruption fight' is enough then Abacha's fight against banks and financial crime (through the failed banks tribunal)was "aided by God". Abacha had more results, jailed more offenders and recovered more money.

The reasons given by past military adventurists is the very same reason this militocratic cum genrontocratic leader is presenting for remaining in power... yet you buy it hook line and sinker.

All over the world, Governments that are aware that their societies are not dumb and cowardly always think twice before they act(or fail to act).

This is not a group/state/regional issue... it is what affects men daily. We have every right to expect to live like the best in the world. We will insist on it until we leave planet earth. You are free to wallow or accept the current level of mediocritic performance at your own risk.

I'm still looking for the connection....after reading those verses....

Moreso....Jesus said Luke 24 :38
'....for a spirit does not have flesh and bones ....'
Did Mohammad live on earth with flesh and blood? and yet is the holy spirit that doesn't have flesh and blood?

According to John 14: 17... the world (its inhabitants) cannot see the Holy Spirit...
Was Mohammed seen by human beings in this world...? How then is he the spirit?

Did you really read these passages before dishing them out?
In any there is no passage like I Corinthians 12 : 45

Is the Bible complex? absolutely NO... Is it difficult to interprete? absolutely NO...
It is the most straightforward book that I've read all my life.....''If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given him."James 1:5

Be wise... this is a public fora... crosscheck your references well.

For forty five years.... WE have allowed ourselves to be divided and ruled.
For forty five years.... WE have agreed to see how well a government performs based on the ethnicity of the leader at the material time
For forty five years.... WE have allowed our neighbors, friends, friend's father, uncle, cousin, brother, relation, village person etc to loot our common-wealth without raising an eyebrow.
For forty five years.... WE have refused to see that the road we are being led through is leading to hell on earth.
For forty five years we have allowed men who have never passed through the four walls of a university to bastardize whatever we call university education. thereby mortgaging the future of our yet un-born children.

If shutting down Nigeria in order to chase the current irresponsible leaders out of Government is war-mongering.... then, may we have more of it.

We agreed to be hired by Abacha .... while the Ukrainians chased out their corrupt leaders.

We agreed to keep quiet over the 300bn given to the ministry of works (in the first three years of this administration) for which we have not seen any project while the Georgians chased out the well respected Edward Shevardnadze due to non-performance.

We agreed to allow Bola Ige die without a trace of his killers while the Brits and American have showed us the pictures, names and every data of those that killed their fellow country-men.

May un-cowardly men rise up in our land. May we have women who will refuse to be appeased by the gods of human annihilation and decimation. May our children and grand Children rise and demand for their rights and inheritance from whoever is at the helm of affairs.