₦airaland Forum

Shortest average height, by our definition, means the average adult height of a country's populace including both genders, and taken from large scale studies and surveys representative of national populations as a whole. In these countries listed, it is common to see an adult height that is shorter than the standard adult heights relative to global norms. Short stature has not been given a precise standard but, in developed countries, a man shorter than 5 feet, 4 inches and a woman shorter than 4 feet, 11 inches, are considered "short". However, in some European countries, where being tall is the norm, men shorter than 5 feet, 7 inches, and women shorter than 5 feet, 2 inches, are considered to be short in height. Below average height in children and young adults have their causes most often originating from malnutrition. In adults, causes can often be linked to medical conditions. Although shortness in height could also be linked with a person's genes or human growth hormone deficiency, cultural and environmental factors also play a major role in any given child's growth into adulthood.


10. Nigeria (5 feet, 3.75 inches)
Nigeria is also trying its best to improve its population's average height of 5 feet, 3.75 inches when including both genders. The Sahel region is worst hit by malnutrition, which accounts for the stunting of Nigerian children's growth. Figures show that about 1.1 million children are undernourished in the country, much of which is characterized by an arid environment. The UNICEF continues to monitor the situation in Nigeria, but sectarian violence, especially along the northern borders, has affected their efforts. Environmental factors like a lack of clean water and unsanitary conditions does not help either. Studies show that people taken to a safe and clean place, and fed the same nutrient-rich diet as their fellow natives, ultimately reach the natives' physical health and growth. That is a testament to the importance of hygiene and sanitation to good health and growth when all else is equal.

9. Iraq (5 feet, 3.25 inches)
Iraq has struggled in improving its population's average height of 5 feet, 3.25 inches when including both genders. A Norwegian research study showed that, since the war broke out with the US in 2003, malnutrition has increased to a high 7%, comparable to many sub-Saharan African countries. What was once a thriving nation has been reduced to a Third World country, with 400,000 children malnourished and thusly increasingly vulnerable to diseases. About 6.5 million Iraqis today are on food rations, and many of these rations are in turn exchanged for similarly much needed medicine. With ongoing civil war and domestic conflict, cultural norms have been all but neglected entirely, and so too have the normal environments that foster kinship and family ties. Children now weigh 11 pounds below norms, with many being bed-ridden with all kinds of intestinal maladies due to unsanitary living conditions.

8. Malaysia (5 feet, 2.75 inches)
Malaysia has seen the link between malnutrition and the average height of its population, which currently stands at 5 feet, 2.75 inches when including both genders. Statistics show that 12.5% of children in Malaysia are underweight, while 400,000 are stunted in height. These figures partly account for the stunted average height of Malaysian people in adulthood. Environmental factors, such as poor sanitation, diseases, a lack of clean water, proper housing, and food shortages, all contribute to the problem. Those hardest hit are the many families living well below the poverty line.

7. Vietnam (5 feet, 2.5 inches)
Vietnam has for several decades now been struggling to improve its population's average height of 5 feet, 2.5 inches when including both genders. Although the country has been making progress in that regard, malnutrition is still rampant. Demography is one of the factors that makes the problem difficult to eradicate ther, especially in isolated mountain communities. ChildFund in Vietnam has made small, yet significant, strides in helping by providing milk to these communities' children. Internal strife has certainly taken a toll on its population's health as well.

6. India (5 feet, 2.25 inches)
India has been taking steps in addressing issues that could improve its population's low average height, which is but 5 feet, 2.25 inches when including both genders. In India, cultural and environmental issues often affect its children's health, and in turn these can lead to malnutrition issues. The National Family Health study showed that 43.5% of Indian children are underweight, while 47.9% are stunted in stature. Despite the figures, many children survive in the country due to better health systems than in many other developing countries. Malnourished mothers are also commonly seen passing these conditions on to their predisposed children.

5. Peru (5 feet, 2 inches)
Peru also sees short statures in South America, with its adult population reaching 5 feet, 2 inches in average height when including both genders. In Peru, malnourished children most often come from the jungle and highland communities. Famine, disease, and cultural issues add to the problem. Poverty, food insecurity, and low agricultural productivity also affects the Peruvian malnutrition issue. The results of these often lead to stunting in growth, negative educational achievement, and low career productivity. Health services and school feeding programs are non-accessible to many, due to poverty and demography.

4. Sri Lanka (5 feet, 1.5 inches)
Sri Lanka has an adult population with an average height of 5 feet, 1.5 inches when including both genders. Adult height is mostly determined by good nutrition in childhood, and a recent nutritional study showed that children's nutritional health has not changed much for the better over the past 10 years. Other factors, such as childhood diseases, also contribute to the problem. Cultural and environmental factors also might be a cause of malnutrition, like poor nutrition due to traditional food sources and cuisine that lacks the right nutrients. Obesity can also result from the wrong food choices, all the while not supplying enough nutrients despite excess calories. The children of the rich in the country also have a malnutrition rate of 11.9%, and mothers themselves are often the deciding factor where a child's nutritional needs are concerned.

3. Philippines (5 feet, 1.5 inches)
The Philippines has severe malnutrition problems that has affected its general population's adult height, which is currently averaging only 5 feet, 1.5 inches when including both genders. The Department of Education recently released figures that show 1.8 million Filipino children are malnourished, and this could lead to abnormalities such as stunting and school drop-outs. Studies show that the problem is especially prevalent in the event early age pregnancies, where the mother is not fully physically equipped for childbirth and childcare. The result is that the likelihood of this situation being repeated in the next generation is high. Although feeding programs have been launched, funds are not adequate enough.

2. Indonesia (4 feet, 11.75 inches)
Indonesia's population includes some of Asia's shortest people, which stands at an average height of 4 feet, 11.75 inches when including both genders. This trend has become generational, as many children in Indonesia continue to be malnourished. Stunting is seen in many developing countries and reflected in the "normal" heights of their respective people, but research shows that children's growth is largely linked to good nutrition. Educational achievement and career success also depend on good food, and that, in turn, leads to a country's economic growth. The UNICEF is currently supporting a food program in Indonesia that would address the issue.

1. Bolivia (4 feet, 11.5 inches)
Bolivia has some of the shortest people in stature in the world, with its population's height averaging 4 feet, 11.5 inches tall when including both genders. The country is one of the poorest in South America, and one in three children under the age of five years are affected with chronic malnutrition, often leading to below average heights. Genetics and hormonal factors are also seen as culprits as well, with Bolivian girls being more affected than boys. Statistics on births from the City Hall of La Paz, Bolivia showed that 42% of babies had short height at birth as well. Canada, Belgium, and France have stepped in and created a food program to help alleviate the malnutrition in Bolivia.

God of the Rain is not happy with the APC

yanabasee:
The Confused and the most confused president in the whole world....

you should be ashamed of yourself for adding nothing valuable to your life.

it seems God is teaching christian communities here in nigeria on how to be smart next time when it comes to presidential election. Christian rejected their own "Goodluck" by paying into APC gallery of lies about this well coordinate program called "Boko Haram" by the muslim-northerners. Now is the time to pay the high price so that you will be wise forever

Shehu Garba tends to forget the central point of this visit to US Government "Killing of Christians Must Stop". You either accept that or reject it but you cant negotiate it

By Our Reporters UMUAHIA
— The Abia State Government yesterday extended the dusk-to-dawn curfew slammed on the township of Aba in wake of rising security
concenrns, just as it met with a broad spectrum of traditional rulers in the state. It plans more meetings with other stakeholders, especially market leaders. Nnamdi Kanu with South East governors in Enugu during a meeting. This development came as leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday, said he would not attend tomorrow’s meeting with South East Governors as he earlier agreed with them, citing alleged plots to assassinate him on his way to Enugu for the meeting. Also yesterday, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, called for calm, commending Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for imposing a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Aba township in the state. Sources told Vanguard in Enugu that the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi, who is on overseas tour had volunteered to drive straight from the airport to pick Kanu at his home in Umuahia to Enugu for the meeting, but Kanu declined the offer, saying he would not leave his home when it was surrounded by soldiers. On August 30, the governors met with Kanu alongside National Chairman of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN; Founder of Igbo Youths Movement, IYM and Secretary of Eastern Consultative Assembly, ECA, Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, among others, for about four hours, on the way forward over Biafra agitations. Tomorrow’s meeting is supposed to be the follow-up. Why I can’t attend the meeting – Kanu However, in a statement he signed personally, Kanu alleged plots by a detachment of soldiers in Enugu to kill him, adding that the atmosphere was not conducive for the meeting. The statement read in part: “Before now, prominent leaders and groups had insisted that I tow the line of peaceful dialogue and meet with the governors to find a lasting solution to our grievances. “I conceded to that request which led to the August 30, 2017 meeting with the South-East Governors Forum at the Government House in Enugu, in the company of the very eminent Professor Ben Nwabueze and Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko. “In view of the concerted effort by the oppressive Nigerian state to shatter the peace and tranquillity of the South-East and the rest of Biafraland through military intimidation, it has become necessary for me to clarify why, regrettably, I may not be able to attend Friday’s meeting with the South-East governors as earlier agreed, for three main reasons. “We are currently busy attending to our dead and injured from this latest round of unprovoked military onslaught against innocent civilians in our own land. All the casualties so far were shot by men of the Nigerian Army deployed to my house and those stationed along motor ways leading into Umuahia, my home town. “I have been reliably informed also, that a detachment of this same soldiers responsible for the murder of innocent unarmed IPOB family members have now been stationed near Enugu to ambush and assassinate me on my way to the meeting with the governors, on Friday. “On that same Friday the September 15, 2017, the leadership of IPOB through the instrumentality of the Directorate of State, DOS, head-quartered in Germany, will be meeting to vote on the viability or otherwise of continuing our struggle in this non-violent manner. There is urgent need to begin the process of defending ourselves in the face of relentless murderous attacks from the Nigerian state. “It is impossible to engage in any meaningful conversation with the governors in the midst of so much bloodshed, abductions and military siege to our town and villages. Accordingly, we will not engage in any meeting with anybody until the atmosphere is conducive and peaceful enough to allow for such.” Abia govt extends curfew till tomorrow, to meet market leaders, others today Meanwhile, the state government has extended the curfew in Aba to Friday, following yesterday’s clash between soldiers and IPOB members, who were on their way to Umuahia. The clash left some of them injured. Hell was let loose when reports of the incident broke, leading to skirmishes with the Hausa community. Addressing the Hausa community at the Aba Central mosque, Aba, Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, commended the efforts of the security agencies in maintaining law and order, noting that the city was calm and safe. “We have gone round Aba and found out that everywhere is calm. We commend the security agencies for their efforts. I plead with you to go back to your businesses without fear. I want to assure that the security agencies will continue to protect lives and property.“ He pledged the support of the state government for the protection of lives and property in the state and urged residents to return to their businesses. The deputy governor was accompanied by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade as well as the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, Major-General Adamu Baba Abubakar, who addressed the Hausa community. The Abia State Government has also summoned a meeting of market leaders and stakeholders over the tense security situation in the state, particularly in Umuahia and Aba. The meeting will hold today. Indeed, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu met with Abia monarchs on the issue, yesterday. South East Reps call for de-escalation of military operations Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives from the South-East geo-political zone have called for de-escalation of military operation in the zone, saying that any military operation that frightens, maims or leads to loss of lives of citizens and property is unjustifiable. A statement by the Deputy Minority Leader and Leader South-East Caucus, House of Representatives, Chukwuka Onyema, yesterday, called for caution in Abia State and the entire South-East zone. The legislators, however, expressed their support for the Seven-man Committee raised by the South East Governors’Forum to investigate the causes of the current conflict in Abia State. The statement reads in part: “While we appreciate the right to discharge core duties of the Nigeria Armed Forces as spelt out under Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), there is no gainsaying that internal military operations can only be conducted without doing violence to the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights of citizens. “To conduct operations that frighten, maim or lead to loss of lives of citizens and property, are clearly unjustifiable and an offence to our democracy and the rule of law. “We therefore call for a de-escalation of “internal military operations” in Abia State and the South East as a whole, while urging our brothers and sisters at home to remain civil and law abiding. “We wish to express our support for the reported setting up of a Seven -man Committee by the South East Governors to investigate the causes of the current conflict in Abia State.” Soldiers assault Vanguard ‘s driver Meantime, less than 24 hours after the invasion of the offices of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Umuahia, soldiers assaulted a Vanguard Newspapers driver conveying the day’s edition to Aba. The driver, Onyeisi Odor, now receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital, said he got to Bata junction, Factory Road, at 6.45am when he met some soldiers numbering over 20 who ordered him out and started beating him with sticks. According to him, “I got to Bata junction at 6.45pm and met a group of about 20 soldiers. Two of them pointed guns at me while another one ordered me out of the vehicle and lie on the ground. They started beating me with huge sticks, asking me if I was not aware that the Governor of Abia State declared a curfew. As they were beating me, one of them came and asked me to stand up and drive the vehicle back to where I came from; that I should go and report to the governor because he was the one who declared curfew. The beating was too severe; they hit my knees and body, I only managed to drive the vehicle.” Odor stated that his explanation that he had to deliver the newspapers on time attracted further beating and threats to destroy the copies and vehicle. He added that other motorists suffered same fate as they were severely beaten up and ordered to reverse, adding that they were only allowed to pass at about 7. 20am. Soldiers who mounted a roadblock at Bata junction ordered residents to raise their hands before passing through the area. Those who failed to comply with the order were frog marched and beaten up. When contacted, Army Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Major Oyegoke Gbadamasi, said he had no comment on the incident. Also, the Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army which oversees Aba, Col. Sagir Musa declined comments on the flogging of Odor by soldiers, saying that he would not not comment on what he did not see or witness. On the maltreatment of other residents, Musa denied that soldiers either manhandled or tortured innocent citizens in the area. His words: “There is no truth in the allegation. We have been going round Aba town and environs and I am yet to see or receive any complaint where our troops harassed or molested anyone. “The soldiers are indeed conducting themselves, though under difficult situation, yet within acceptable standards anywhere in the world. “Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement to all the troops on the exercise are clear and are being obeyed by the troops. So you should please, disregard such claims.” ACF calls for caution Disturbed by the worsening situation, the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has called for calm as it commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for imposing a dusk to dawn curfew in the state. In a statement in Kaduna yesterday, the publicity secretary of ACF, Mohammed Ibrahim Biu said IPOB supporters and other agitators for whatever reason should pursue their cause within the confines of the law. The statement reads: “The attention of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to the allegedly reported clashes between troops of the Nigerian Army while on Operation Python Dance11 and members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia State. ACF commends the prompt intervention of the Abia State Governor, Chief Okezie Ikpeazu,who has imposed a three day dusk to dawn curfew on Aba town in order to douse the tension and bring the situation under control. With the dusk to dawn curfew in place, the military and other security agencies should ensure that peace and harmony in the areas affected are not only restored but sustained. “ACF also commends the efforts of South East Governors Forum for setting up a Probe Committee to investigate the clash in order to unravel its remote causes and to proffer an enduring solution to such problems. Identified perpetrators of the crisis should be made to face the wrath of the law in order to serve as deterrent to others. In this regard, ACF urges the Governors of the South East and South South regions to take adequate and necessary steps to protect the lives and properties of the innocent and law abiding citizens living in their states. “ACF appeals to members of IPOB and other agitators for whatever cause to always pursue their concerns within the confines of the law and the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. “Furthermore, ACF wishes to praise the military for their professionalism in handling the security challenges and calls on the Federal Government to be firm and resolute in bring such situations under control in favor of peaceful coexistence needed for meaningful socioeconomic development. We therefore appeal for calm and urge citizens to appreciate the need to live in peace and harmony”. Nnamdi Kanu plotting to overthrow Buhari, split Nigeria –Arewa youths Meantime, Arewa youths, yesterday, accused Nnamdi Kanu and his group of plotting a violent overthrow of the government of Muhammadu Buhari and to weaken the North. Although the youths did not provide evidence, the allegations were contained in a statement signed by spokesman of the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman. The CNG noted the avalanche of turmoil occasioned by incessant violent agitations since President Buhari assumed power in 2015, alleging that they were aimed at making the country ungovernable and effecting a change of government by “whatever means and tactics.” The CNG also claimed that the attacks on Buhari and his government was part of a larger plot to cause an inter-regional crisis that could lead to general unrest. The CNG said: “The resurgence of separatist agitations, especially the violent brand by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its ilk in the South-East, represent a much wider conspiracy to divide Nigeria along ethnic and religious fault lines as well as achieve the balkanization of the North. “The current IPOB brand of agitation is a strategy employed to achieve the results that the coupists of the First Republic failed to realize, namely, increase the weight and relevance of the regions to the detriment and expense of the central government. “The agitations for separation and the cry for Biafra would become louder and the agitators, supported by their politicians, would become emboldened to act in more radical and violent manner thereby sparking retaliation in the North with subsequent attacks to be perpetrated against Northerners in the South-East. “In the event of such, the North would then be held up as the real culprit and the cause of the break-up of Nigeria,” CNG warned. But the group said it would not be provoked to retaliate against the antics of IPOB and its leader. Rather than join issues with IPOB, the coalition of youths plans to report the atrocities of the South East separatist group to the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to take necessary steps to deal with the pro-separatists. Police Sergeant killed, houses, cars burnt in Rivers – Rivers CP The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Zaki, yesterday, said that a Police Sergeant, Mr. Steven Daniel, lost his life in the rampage by suspected IPOB members, in Oyibo area of the state. Disclosing that 32 youths have been arrested over the incident, Zaki averred that the suspects burnt a police patrol van, several other cars and a house. The youths had on Tuesday, attacked the Hausa community in Oyigbo, Oyibo Local Government Area of the state and allegedly killed two persons said to be northerners and set a property ablaze. The youths regrouped yesterday morning and launched attack on a police station in the area, killed Daniel and destroyed several valuables. Briefing journalists yesterday in Port Harcourt, the police boss said that the youths had laid siege to commuters on Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway and residents of the area, adding that the action lacked justification. Zaki said: “The Command was awakened to yet another sad incident today (Wednesday) at about 0010hrs, where the same dare-devil IPOB members regrouped and launched a surprise attack on the Mobile Policemen stationed at Oyigbo junction, killing a Police Sergeant identified as Sgt. Steven Daniel attached to 19 PMF. “They also injured two others and set a patrol vehicle ablaze as a result of which a Sterling SMG Riffle belonging to the deceased Sgt. was taken by the hoodlums. They were however repelled by the Police, where about 9 of them were arrested, bringing the total number of suspects arrested to 32. They are helping us in Investigation and will be due in Court as soon as our Investigation is concluded.” The CP explained that the IPOB members had attacked a police van returning from training school, and made away with one AK 47 rifle, stressing that the police van was vandalised. Zaki said: “At about 1400hrs yesterday (Tuesday) members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) without lawful authority blocked the entire Aba/Port Harcourt Express way and attacked some residents. He said, “The said group, who had no justification for their action also attacked a Police van from Training School, Nonwa, enroute Port Harcourt International Airport and burnt the Police van to ashes. The driver, Inspr Emaikwu Ochochi was badly injured and is now on admission. “They also carted away one AK-47 riffle with sixty rounds of live ammunition, and one Berretta pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition. At the end of their rampage, many vehicles were damaged and stores burnt. “The timely response of the Police restored normalcy and brought the situation under control as I made adequate deployment to arrest the situation. The mob was dispersed with minimum force, thereby restoring law and order, at the end of which 23 IPOB members were arrested.” However, the police chief confirmed that police have restored normalcy in the area. Calm returns to Oyigbo, no mosque razed The Army has insisted that its men did not provoke Tuesday crisis in Oyigbo local government area. Spokesman, 6 Division of the Nigerian army, Colonel Aminu Ilyasu said it was unfortunate that some media houses did not verify their reports before going to press. Colonel Ilyasu said it was extremely disturbing that some media houses also reported that a mosque in the area was razed down during the incident, stressing that the mosque was intact. He appealed to the media to double-check their information before rushing to press, noting that misleading reports could further aggravate ugly situation like that of Tuesday. Chairman of the local government area, Mr. Sunday Chukwudi said peace had returned to the area, adding that law enforcement agents had moved in to guarantee safety of lives and properties. There was heavy presence of security men in the area. At some points pedestrians were seen raising their hands in surrendering positions as they walked passed the security men. Stop acts capable of causing tension, NHRC tells Army In a similar vein, the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday expressed concern over alleged invasion of parts of South East and South South geopolitical zones of the country by the Nigerian Military. The Commission warned security agencies, particularly the Military, “to desist from acts capable of causing tension, public disturbance, fear and sense of insecurity”. It cautioned the Nigerian Army to respect their rules of engagement, saying instead of heightening the fear of insecurity, it should “rather ensure the respect of the fundamental rights of all citizens”. Acting Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mrs. Oti Ovrawah, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, said the rights body was perturbed by media reports on allegations by IPOB and NUJ, Abia State chapter, that Nigerian Soldiers on Operation Python Dance II, attacked them, “amidst other claims of human rights violations”. The statement which was signed by head of media at the NHRC, Mrs. Fatima Mohammed, added: “Mrs. Ovrawah assures Nigerians that the Commission will collaborate with the Nigerian Police and other relevant authorities to ensure a timely and thorough investigation into the allegations with a view to ensuring that informed decisions are made and appropriate steps taken to have culprits punished and victims redressed in accordance with the law.” Goc 82 Div visits Aba, Umuahia, Isialangwa The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adamu Baba Abubakar, has visited Aba, Umuahia, Isialangwa in Abia State to interface with stakeholders today 13th September 2017.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/09/operation-python-dance-ii-kanu-calls-off-talks-south-east-governors/

Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party has dismissed reports of a brewing rift between former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson.

The Chairman of the party’s National Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, disclosed this while receiving the members of executive of the state chapter of the party in Abuja on Tuesday.

He said he arrived at this conclusion after his communication with both Jonathan and Dickson, adding that the alleged rift was the imagination of those he described as mischievous elements, who, he said, were out to create crisis for the party in Bayelsa State.

Makarfi, however, warned the leadership of the party in the state against dancing to the tune of mischief makers to avoid generating problems in the party.

He said, “Don’t allow yourselves to be fragmented by rumour. Your executive has been ratified by the convention and that is final. There is no need to pander to rumour of an impending sack of the exco.

“Immediately the rumour broke out, the former President called me to dismiss that rumour and he said there was no iota of truth in the said petition against the Bayesla executive.”

In his speech, the Chairman of the Bayelsa chapter of the PDP, Mr. Mose Cleopas, said Jonathan remained a respected leader.

He also said there was nothing to suggest that Jonathan, who is also a former governor of the state, was fomenting crisis in the party as being alleged.

He said, “The former President is a respected national leader and we have been holding him in high esteem in Bayelsa as our father.

“The governor is our leader in the state and the two of them have been relating well. There is no feud between Jonathan and Dickson. I can confirm. Some people are just envious of the peace in the Bayelsa PDP.”

There were media reports last week that some PDP stalwarts in Bayelsa State alleged that Jonathan was making moves to hijack the party in the state in order to win back the presidency in 2019.

The report further alleged that the ex-President was desperate to install the next governor in the state, senators and House of Representatives’ members from the state, in order to gain control at the centre.

In order to achieve his aims, the former President was alleged to have included Bayelsa State on the list of seven states whose state executive committees of the party were slated for dissolution by the caretaker committee.

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The reliance of the federal and state governments on borrowings to finance their activities is not ending soon as the two tiers of government have taken more loans in the past two years, EVEREST AMAEFULE writes

The Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 states of the federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory have borrowed N7.51tn in the last two years, statistics have revealed.

As of June 30, 2015, just a month after the present crop of leaders took over the leadership of the country, Nigeria’s total debt stood at N12.12tn.

However, as of June 2017, the nation’s total debt had climbed to N19.63tn, according to the latest debt statistics obtained from the Debt Management Office.

The debt stock data released by the DMO revealed that the total public debt stock (external and domestic debt stock of the Federal Government and sub-nationals) as of the end of June was N19.63tn (about $64.19bn at N305.9/$1), made up of external debt stock of N4.6tn (about $15.05bn) and domestic debt stock of N15.03tn (about $49.15bn).

The DMO said in a statement posted on its portal on Sunday, “The domestic debt stock of the Federal Government and sub-nationals accounted for 76.56 per cent of the total public debt stock, while their external debt stock accounted for 23.44 per cent.

“Furthermore, the total public debt stock increased by 2.5 per cent from N19.16tn (about $62.54bn) to N19.64tn (about $64.19bn), during the period under review.

“The total external public debt stock of the Federal Government and sub-nationals increased by 8.98 per cent from $13.81bn in March 2017 to $15.05bn in June 2017, while the domestic debt stock of the Federal Government and the sub-nationals increased by 0.67 per cent from N14.93tn in March 2017 to N15.03tn in June 2017.”

However, an analysis of the debt statistics from the May 29, 2015, when the current leaders took over the reins of power, to June 30, 2017, showed that the country’s total debt had risen from N12.12tn to N19.63tn.

This means that the country’s debt rose by N7.51tn or 61.96 per cent within a period of two years.

As of June 2015, the domestic debt of the Federal Government stood at N8.39tn. Detailed breakdown of the domestic component of the nation’s total debt as of June 30 was not available as of the time of going to press on Sunday.

However, the Federal Government’s domestic debt stood at N11.97tn, while the domestic debt component of the states stood at N2.96tn as of March 31, 2017.

The external debt balance of both the federal and state governments stood at $10.32bn as of June 2015 compared to the $15.05bn recorded as of the end of June this year. This means that within the period, the country’s external debt portfolio had risen by $4.73bn or 45.83 per cent.

The increasing proportion of the foreign debt component reflects a new debt management strategy released by the DMO recently. It also reflects a strategy to reduce high interest payment occasioned by much dependence of domestic debts.

According to the DMO, the country’s new debt management strategy entails balancing the sources of debt to ensure that more resources are borrowed from external sources where the interest rate is seen as lower than interest rates on borrowings from domestic sources.

The Debt Management Strategy 2016-2019 targets the rebalancing of the debt portfolio from its composition of 84:16 (domestic to foreign) to 60:40 by the end of December 2019 (domestic to foreign).

“It supports the use of more external finance for funding capital projects, in line with the focus of the present administration on speeding up infrastructural development in the country, by substituting the relatively expensive domestic borrowing in favour of cheaper external financing,” the DMO said.

Our correspondent reported that the Federal Government spent a total of N1.88tn on domestic debt servicing between 2014 and 2015.

With foreign debt now accounting for 23.44 per cent of the total indebtedness, the Federal Government may achieve the goal of increasing the proportion it to 40 per cent by 2019.

In line with this strategy, the Federal Government recently unveiled a plan to borrow $3bn from foreign sources to refinance some maturing local debts.

The DMO had said that refinancing Federal Government’s maturing $3bn local debts would not only crash the rate of domestic borrowing, but also allow some borrowing space to the private sector.

It stated that borrowing from foreign sources to refinance the local debts would also allow the government time to repay the loans when the economy must have fully recovered from recession and diversified.

The DMO said the move was informed by the lower dollar interest rates in the international capital market, adding that Nigeria was expected to borrow at a rate not higher than six per cent, while issuances of the NTBs in the domestic market were at rates as high as 18.53 per cent.

According to the office, external borrowing is cheaper by about 12 points and will result in substantial cost savings for the Federal Government in debt service costs.

The DMO had said, “Besides reducing the cost of borrowing, the $3bn is expected to be raised for a tenor of up to 15 years, which is very long compared to the maximum tenor of 364 days for NTBs.

“This move will effectively extend the tenor of the government’s debt portfolio. The longer tenor enables the government to repay at a time when the economy would be stronger and more diversified to meet the obligations.”

It added, “The reduction in the level of the FGN’s borrowing from the domestic market will result in a reduction in domestic interest rates and free up borrowing space in the economy, particularly for private sector borrowers.

“The $3bn from the refinancing will also represent an injection of foreign exchange into the economy, which will boost the country’s external reserves.”

The DMO said that the approval of the National Assembly would be obtained for the proposed refinancing before implementation in line with the Debt Management Office Act, 2003.

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My dad makes me feel uncomfortable?
My dad makes jokes to people outside of the family that make me feel uncomfortable. Like just today he joked with my brothers roommates whom we just met that he was going to tie me up, and torture me. Which is obviously not true but it make me feel like ****. And made me extremely embarrassed because who in their right mind says those things? Especially about their own daughter? Also he has told me previously that I'm sexy, which he insists isn't meant in a sexual way. But the word sexy means sexual! And I've told him that these things make me feel uncomfortable and that I'm embarrassed to introduce him to people, in fear that he'll make a joke like that. He doesn't listen, he just blames my mom for teaching me to hate him and continues to do it. What can I do? If anything?

nonsense match

Bad boyz and the gODS THAT Love them

is not yet late for others to join too. congrats, man.

follow the right way, my friend, not selective.

tell that to Buhari you idiot ASUU

now let us have equal right to fly outside the country for medical trip. all of us are human: lesson learned, buhari and apc never stop people going t outside for treATMENT

Community leader, three others remanded for burying policeman alive in Lagos
Posted By: Rukayat JIMOH On: August 19, 2017 In: News
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IN Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos yesterday ordered the remand of three men, who allegedly buried a policeman alive at Ebute Lekki community in Lagos.

The accused are Akeem Balogun, 51; Badiru Aroki, 66; and Shakiru Nasiru, 59.

Arraigned alongside the men was the Baale of Osoroko community in Ibeju-Lekki, near Lagos, Olusegun Oyiri, 61.

Their plea was not taken.

Magistrate A.O. Salawu, ordered that they should be kept at the Ikoyi Prisons, pending an advice from the Lagos State director of public prosecutions.

She adjourned to Aug. 31 for ruling on the bail application of the community leader while further hearing in the case of the three men was adjourned until Sept. 21.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, ASP. Fidelis Dike, told the court that the three men committed the crime on Nov. 29, 2016, at Osoroko community.

He alleged that the accused men abducted the policeman, Insp. Sunday Musa, while he was on patrol duty in the community.

The policeman was whisked to Ebute-Lekki, where his hands were tied behind his back, and then buried alive.

Musa’s corpse was later discovered and exhumed seven months after.

His completely decayed body was found together with his AK 47 rifle with two magazines and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions.

The items were recovered at the Baale’s house.

The offences contravene Sections 223 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

-the nation Newspaper
burying policeman alive

South South Group Opposes Restructuring
August 19, 2017
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By Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

South South Reawakening Group (SSRG), the intellectual and professional body of elites in the Niger Delta region yesterday aligned with the position of former President Olusegun Obasanjo that what the nation required now was the restructuring of the minds of Nigerians and not political restructuring.

The group maintained that Nigeria’s problem had nothing to do with restructuring but bad governance by the political leaders.

Convener of SSRG, Mr. Joseph Ambakederemo, at a breakfast media briefing titled “State of the nation: What are we restructuring?” organised by member of the group to mark his 56 years birthday in Warri, noted that those advocating for restructuring were doing so either for political gains or merely playing to the gallery since none had come out to say what shape or style it would take.

“Do we discard the presidential system of government for a ministerial system? Will it be total Balkanisation of the country with every state going its way? Or is it going to be regionalism? Does it just apply to the revenue sharing formula with fiscal federalism the main objective?” he asked.

Though contrary to the position of most civil society organisations and pressure groups in the Niger Delta including Chief Edwin Clark’s PANDEF clamouring for restructuring, SSRG maintained that there was no need for such except the need for restructuring of the minds of Nigerians and the leaders.
Thisday Newspaper, 19/08/2017

Mr. Ambakedwrwmo, who was flanked by other members of the group including Dr. Adebola Kiesha, Strategic Consultant and Messrs Tolbert Abidde, Lawrence Akpeti, said they did not see anything wrong with the structure of Nigeria now or in future.

“For us in SSRG, it is nothing but a wishful thinking and I want to assure Nigerians that in no distant time we shall hear of another lexicon that shall envelop us just as we have been drowned with the lexicon of restructuring.

“Again, in the SSRG, we ask, will this restructuring stop the cancerous corruption that has pervaded the entire Nigerian landscape? Is it the restructuring that will bring internal democratic norms into our political parties? Is it restructuring that will stop people burying money in septic tanks, farm lands, in overhead tanks, and in cemeteries?

“Is it restructuring that will stop budget padding? Is it restructuring that will stop our teachers from becoming traders and turning classrooms into a marketplace? Is it restructuring that will stop the legislative arm from appropriating to themselves jumbo emoluments they do not deserve?” he asked.

The SSRG leader said the group’s position is at variance with the clamour for the call to restructure the country adding “We see nothing wrong with the structure of Nigeria as it is today and in future, the problem with Nigeria is good governance and nothing more.

“Therefore our position is we have to restructure ourselves, our minds first before we talk of restructuring of the country. We have to do an introspection on how we live our lives, how we conduct ourselves, how we manage our affairs, how do we see Nigeria and where we want Nigeria to be. Anything short of that will certainly lead us nowhere no matter how we try,” he added.

“Our position in the SSRG: if we do not restructure our minds and our character whatever voyage of restructuring we embark upon nothing will change, therefore good governance is the thing that we need to make Nigeria great,” he ad

stupid nigerian police and if you are down with nigerian police you are stupid too. proudly arewa minority!

osinbanjo is gradually dying, northern mercenaries are taking over the affairs of the governmenrt

we christians in the north we stand with our brothers in igbos and the yoruba chirstians. curse causeless shall not come